Bofa Reinstates Coverage of Bank of Ireland Group, AIB Group

10:11 AM EDT, 07/16/2025 (MT Newswires) -- BofA Global Research reinstated its coverage of Bank of Ireland Group (BIRG.IR) and AIB Group (A5G.IR) as Irish banks provide an "attractive" investment proposition. "Irish banks are more rate sensitive, given (i) term deposits represent a relatively small proportion of total deposits (ii) low pass-through on interest-bearing deposits on the way up. This means they will benefit more from a steepening yield curve environment. We expect NII to return to growth in 2026e, with strong loan growth," according to the Tuesday note. "Our PBT forecasts are c.6% above consensus, driven by higher NII as we assume 2% rates." Both stocks were rated buy, with the price objectives set at 14.60 euros for Bank of Ireland and 8.30 euros for AIB.