Should I buy Bank of Ireland stock in 2025?

What is the Bank of Ireland?

How much is the Bank of Ireland stock?

The price of Bank of Ireland stock is slightly lower today. As of now, BIRG is trading at €12.09, down €0.04 (-0.33%) over the past 24 hours. The market capitalisation stands at €11.76 billion, with an average 3-month daily trading volume of 2.62 million shares. The stock is rated at a P/E ratio of 8.55, offers a dividend yield of 4.75%, and has a beta of 0.62, indicating lower volatility compared to the wider market. With steady returns and a strong position in the Irish market, Bank of Ireland stock continues to attract investors seeking both stability and yield.

Our full analysis on the Bank of Ireland stock

Having thoroughly reviewed Bank of Ireland Group plc’s most recent financial disclosures and dissected the stock’s significant trajectory over the past three years, our analysis leverages a synthesis of in-depth financial indicators, technical signals, and peer group assessments—each processed through proprietary quantitative frameworks. This data-rich approach uncovers not only the underlying strengths of Bank of Ireland but also the robust market sentiment now forming around its shares. So, why might Bank of Ireland stock once again become a strategic entry point into the European regional banking sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

In the first half of 2025, Bank of Ireland (BIRG) shares have delivered an impressive performance, reflecting both the company’s intrinsic strengths and a supportive macroeconomic climate. The stock is presently trading at €12.09, positioning it close to its 52-week high of €12.63. Over the last six months alone, shares have surged by 45.63%, and the one-year gain stands at 15.56%—a pace that not only eclipses several domestic peers but also signals a sustained upward market reassessment.

Several positive developments have provided catalysts for this outperformance:

• Earnings Momentum: Q1 2025 results decisively beat analyst consensus, with EPS at €0.82 surpassing expectations by more than 19%.
• Maintained Guidance: Management’s decision to reconfirm robust full-year guidance for 2025 has been interpreted as a strong sign of confidence in both operational visibility and capital discipline.
• Sector Tailwinds: Ireland’s economic landscape remains favorable, with GDP growth projected at 3.5% for 2025 and an employment uptick forecast at 1.8%. The health of the local housing market—which directly supports mortgage and retail lending franchises—remains constructive.

Collectively, these factors have not only underpinned Bank of Ireland’s price strength but have also offered reassurance that its recent bullish phase is underpinned by more than market sentiment: underlying fundamentals are robust.

Technical Analysis

Technical momentum in Bank of Ireland is compelling. With the stock sitting at €12.09, near its 52-week high, the momentum of the past half year is difficult to overstate. Several technical measures suggest continued upside potential:

• RSI: The 14-day Relative Strength Index stands at 65.15, which traditionally signals ongoing strength while not yet indicating that the stock is overbought. This positioning keeps bullish prospects intact, especially if price action consolidates above recent support.
• MACD: Technical models now register a “buy” signal, with the MACD histogram pointing to rising momentum. This supports the view that institutional buyers are driving the current leg of the rally.
• Moving Averages: With prices well above their short- and medium-term moving averages, near-term trends remain positive. Importantly, the stock has consistently respected its key support level at €11.96—the recent low—while immediate resistance is now observed at €12.63, the annual high.

The technical structure points towards a sustained bullish bias: any consolidation above the €12.00 mark could well invite new buyers positioning ahead of the next resistance break.

Fundamental Analysis

Bank of Ireland’s recent financials reinforce the technical optimism, demonstrating a business in robust health:

• Revenue & Profitability: Full-year 2024 revenue reached €4.32 billion (+5.58% YoY), while net income came in at a solid €1.45 billion. Notably, Q1 2025 EPS outperformed by a wide margin, reflecting durable earnings power.
• Attractive Valuation: At a trailing P/E ratio of 8.55 and a forward P/E of 8.89 (well below many Western European banking peers), the stock seems notably undervalued given its double-digit Return on Tangible Equity (15% target for 2025). The dividend yield of 4.75% adds further attraction, supporting total shareholder return.
• Structural Advantages: Bank of Ireland holds a dominant market share domestically and operates resiliently across both Ireland and the UK. Its diversified revenue streams, strong retail and corporate banking franchises, and robust capital generation (targeting 250-270bp organic growth in 2025) enhance the bank’s long-term resilience.
• Strategic Investments: The Group’s continued investment in digital transformation further defines its competitive posture, with upgrades in digital customer experience and a renewed focus on green and sustainable lending initiatives.

For fundamentally driven investors, these elements justify renewed interest: Bank of Ireland appears to combine stable profitability, conservative valuation, and a clear strategy for growth and innovation.

Volume and Liquidity

A sustained average daily volume of 2.62 million shares over the last quarter reflects growing confidence and robust trading interest, both from institutional and retail participants. This level of liquidity not only enhances price discovery but also offers meaningful flexibility for investors seeking exposure—whether for trading or longer-term strategic allocation.

With nearly one billion shares outstanding and a significant free float, Bank of Ireland’s market cap of €11.76 billion is sufficiently large to attract global institutional flows, which may underpin dynamic re-rating potential if momentum persists.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Looking ahead, several catalysts are poised to support Bank of Ireland’s trajectory:

• Macro Growth: Ireland’s ongoing economic expansion directly benefits Bank of Ireland, especially given local leadership in mortgage and SME lending.
• Housing Market Resilience: With mortgage demand underpinned by favourable demographic and economic trends, credit quality remains robust—a crucial factor for long-term profitability.
• Digital Innovation: The Group’s ongoing digital banking transformation promises not only to improve customer experience but also to drive operating leverage and cost efficiency.
• Sustainable Finance: Increased focus on green lending and ESG-compliant financial products meets evolving investor and regulatory expectations.
• Analyst Sentiment: 9 of 15 analysts rate the stock a “Strong Buy,” while the consensus price target stands at €12.73 (with a calculated 30% upside scenario of €15.72 also in view). The market’s positive reaction to Q1 results indicates that upside revisions to forecasts are well within reach if guidance is achieved or exceeded.

Commensurate with these factors, both near- and medium-term catalysts appear aligned in signalling a new bullish phase for Bank of Ireland shares.

Investment Strategies

For investors evaluating entry points, several tactical approaches now seem well-supported:

• Short-term: Technical traders may find attractive risk/reward positioning as the stock consolidates above support at €11.96, with breakout opportunities evident should resistance at €12.63 be surpassed on volume.
• Medium-term: With the stock trading at modest valuation multiples and the Company consistently beating earnings expectations, the next two quarters could see ongoing momentum, especially if positive macro data or sector upgrades emerge.
• Long-term: For buy-and-hold investors, the combination of capital strength, high dividend yield, market leadership, and digital transformation underpins a strategic rationale; the stock’s historic volatility (beta at 0.62) suggests defensive qualities within a cyclical upturn.

Furthermore, positioning ahead of dividend payment cycles or in anticipation of upcoming strategic announcements may optimise both income and growth exposure.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Bank of Ireland?

Bank of Ireland stands out today for its blend of dynamic growth, prudent balance sheet management, and disciplined execution—qualities that are increasingly rare in the sector. The Group’s consistent overdelivery on financial results, solid capital return targets, attractive dividend, and undervalued multiples all converge as compelling arguments supporting the case for renewed investor interest.

With a strong macroeconomic backdrop, favourable sectoral dynamics, and robust operational momentum, Bank of Ireland seems poised to be a key beneficiary of Ireland’s ongoing economic renaissance. For investors who value a blend of defensive strength and upside potential, the latest data and technical structure seem to represent an excellent opportunity. As digital transformation, sustainability, and resilient market share further support the story, Bank of Ireland may well be entering a new era of sustained value creation.

For those seeking exposure to Ireland’s premier financial institution—anchored by sound fundamentals and buoyed by strategic catalysts—Bank of Ireland deserves serious consideration as a timely entry point for 2025 and beyond.

How to buy Bank of Ireland stock in Ireland?

Buying Bank of Ireland stock online is now simpler and more secure than ever, thanks to regulated brokers operating in Ireland. As a retail investor, you can choose between directly purchasing shares (“spot buying”) or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for leveraged exposure. Each method offers distinct features: spot buying means you own the shares outright, whereas CFDs allow speculation on price movements with flexible leverage. The best route will depend on your investment preferences. You’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down the page to help you select the platform that best suits your needs.

Cash buying

A cash purchase means you buy Bank of Ireland shares directly and become a shareholder, entitled to dividends and voting rights. Irish brokers typically charge a fixed commission per transaction, usually ranging from €5 to €15 per trade.

Example

With Bank of Ireland shares at €12.09 (EUR) each, a €1,000 investment (including a €5 commission) allows you to buy approximately 82 shares (€1,000 - €5 = €995 ÷ €12.09 ≈ 82 shares).

Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your shares would now be worth about €1,100.
Result: That’s a €100 gross gain, or +10% on your initial investment.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are derivative instruments that let you speculate on Bank of Ireland’s share price without owning the underlying stock. You can go “long” (betting on a rise) or “short” (betting on a fall), and apply leverage to magnify both potential gains and risks. Brokers charge a spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and overnight financing fees if positions are held longer than a day.

Example

With a €1,000 deposit and 5x leverage, you control €5,000 worth of Bank of Ireland shares.

Gain scenario:
If the stock rises by 8%, your CFD position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: That’s a €400 gain on a €1,000 deposit (excluding broker fees).

Final advice

Before starting, carefully compare broker fees, available features, and trading conditions, as these can have a big impact on your final returns. The right choice will depend on your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk appetite. Whether you prefer the security of share ownership or the flexibility of CFDs, an informed decision is the first step—be sure to consult the comparator further down the page before you invest.

Our 7 tips for buying Bank of Ireland stock

The latest news about the Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland’s Q1 2025 results outperformed analyst expectations with a 19.42% EPS beat and strong revenue growth. The Group posted an EPS of €0.82 versus a €0.69 consensus, illustrating robust profitability and effective execution in core banking operations. This financial outperformance was paired with 2024 revenue growth of 5.58% year-on-year to €4.32 billion and a healthy annual net income of €1.45 billion, indicating continued momentum. The management’s reaffirmation of full-year 2025 guidance and a targeted Return on Tangible Equity of 15% further reinforce the positive trajectory. These results have fostered positive sentiment locally, with institutional investors and market participants in Ireland reacting favourably.

The stock’s price performance remains highly resilient, with a 45.63% six-month gain and strong technical signals. Trading near its 52-week high (€12.63) at €12.09, Bank of Ireland stock demonstrates solid momentum, supported by a 14-day RSI of 65.15 and a MACD buy signal. Despite a slight daily decline (-0.33%), short-term technical indicators reflect continued strength. The low beta of 0.62 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, which can be especially positive for Irish investors seeking both growth and stability in the financial sector. Additionally, the average volume figures signal sustained interest and liquidity, providing confidence for both retail and institutional investors.

Analyst and market sentiment is notably bullish, underpinned by a strong ‘Buy’ consensus and constructive price targets. With 9 out of 15 covering analysts issuing ‘Strong Buy’ recommendations and a consensus target of €12.73 (5.31% upside), the share is perceived as undervalued relative to fundamentals and prospects. Analyst coverage points to an upper target as high as €14.90, illustrating further runway should the bank’s execution continue apace. This favourable sentiment is bolstered by positive local market reaction to Q1 results and by the backing of top institutional investors, pointing towards solid support for medium-term appreciation.

Bank of Ireland’s strategic initiatives, especially in digital transformation and green lending, are elevating its competitive position domestically. The Group continues to invest in digital banking and customer experience, enhancing efficiency and appeal to local consumers and SMEs. Their deepening focus on sustainable finance—via green lending products and ESG initiatives—is meeting both regulatory encouragement in Ireland and growing demand from Irish customers for responsible investment products. This positions Bank of Ireland as a future-ready, resilient institution that is leading trends within the Irish market and adapting quickly to shifting regulatory and customer expectations.

The underlying macroeconomic environment in Ireland remains favourable, supporting Bank of Ireland’s ongoing growth prospects. With national GDP growth forecast at 3.5% in 2025 and employment expected to rise by 1.8%, the domestic context is supportive of higher credit demand and sustained retail/commercial banking activity. The constructive momentum in the Irish housing market—where Bank of Ireland holds a substantial share—also provides further upside. This macro tailwind, combined with the bank’s robust capital generation and clear strategy, continues to reinforce a positive outlook for the stock among Irish-focused investors.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.