KB Financial Group headquarters (Photo = KB Financial Group)

 

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] KB Financial Group reported record first-quarter earnings and announced a large-scale treasury share cancellation to enhance shareholder value.

The group posted net profit of KRW 1.89 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, up 11.5% year-on-year and marking the highest quarterly performance on record. Growth was driven by an expansion in net interest margin (NIM) and improved profitability in non-banking businesses amid strong capital markets.

Net interest income rose 2.2% to KRW 3.33 trillion, supported by deposit growth and lower funding costs, while group NIM improved to 1.99%. Non-interest income surged 27.8% to a record KRW 1.65 trillion, with the non-banking segment accounting for 43% of total profits.

Key capital ratios remained stable, with the CET1 ratio at 13.63% and the BIS capital adequacy ratio at 15.75%. Return on equity (ROE) improved to 13.94%.

Among subsidiaries, KB Kookmin Bank posted net profit of KRW 1.10 trillion, while KB Securities saw earnings jump 93.3%. KB Kookmin Card also reported solid growth, while insurance units recorded declines.

Separately, KB Financial’s board approved the cancellation of all treasury shares held—14.26 million shares worth approximately KRW 2.3 trillion—marking the largest single cancellation in the industry. The company also approved an additional KRW 600 billion share buyback and cancellation, along with a quarterly cash dividend of KRW 1,143 per share.

 

 

 

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