Should I buy FBD Holdings stock in 2025?

What is FBD Holdings?

How much is the FBD Holdings stock?

The price of FBD Holdings stock is stable this week. The current share price stands at €12.95, showing no change over the last 24 hours and a slight weekly decrease of 0.38%.

With a market capitalization ranging from approximately €469 to €532 million, the average three-month trading volume remains steady (latest values not specified).

FBD Holdings features a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 7.03 and an impressive dividend yield of 7.69%, while the stock's beta is a low 0.44, indicating limited volatility.

For Irish investors, this combination of solid dividend returns and defensive stability could appeal to those seeking moderate risk exposure.

Our full analysis on the FBD Holdings stock

We have carefully scrutinised the latest financial results and multi-year performance of FBD Holdings PLC, merging fundamental indicators, technical signals, market trends, and competitive positioning through our proprietary algorithms. Now trading on Euronext Dublin with a reputation as one of Ireland's leading insurance groups, FBD Holdings has weathered sectoral fluctuations with notable financial resilience and dividend strength. So, why might FBD Holdings again represent a strategic entry point into the financial sector for discerning investors in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

FBD Holdings has demonstrated solid share price stability amidst a challenging global insurance landscape. As of 30 May 2025, the share is quoted at €12.95, essentially flat intraday and over the past year (-0.38%), but up +3.60% over six months. This measured upward drift suggests underlying accumulation and reflects the stock’s low beta (0.44), ensuring defensive allure for investors seeking diversification.

• 2024 insurance revenue reached €441 million, a healthy increase of 10% over the previous year, underscoring successful premium growth and strong client retention.
• A special dividend of €1.00 per share, approved in August 2024 and distributed with robust solvency (204% post-dividend), demonstrates dynamism in capital management and a shareholder-friendly approach.
• Positive investment returns contributed €45 million in 2024, reflecting prudent portfolio management during a volatile macro context.

Ireland’s macro environment continues to favour domestic insurers. The Irish economy persists among the top Eurozone performers, supporting disposable incomes and business activity. Regulatory stability, robust demand for farming and business insurance, and the sector’s defensive characteristics further elevate the appeal of quality local players like FBD Holdings.

Technical Analysis

Technical signals point towards a strengthening structure for FBD Holdings at current levels. The share has maintained a sideways-to-slightly-upward trajectory since Q4 2024, consolidating in a tight range between €12.40 and €13.20:

• RSI (Relative Strength Index) is in neutral territory (typically in the 40–55 range recently), ruling out overbought conditions and indicating potential for further upside without risk of imminent correction.
• MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) has been signalling a mild bullish crossover since March 2025, with histogram bars suggesting modest yet persistent upward momentum.
• Key moving averages — the 50-day MA is above the 200-day MA, a classic bullish signal (the “golden cross”) reinforcing long-term positive sentiment.
• Support levels can be identified near €12.40 (short-term) and €11.80 (medium-term). A confirmed bounce from these regions would signal renewed buying conviction.

The current technical configuration, coupled with solid volume (see below), points to favourable short- and medium-term prospects for capital appreciation.

Fundamental Analysis

FBD Holdings’ 2024 fundamentals remain deeply attractive:

• Top-line momentum: Revenue advanced 10% year-on-year to €441 million, outpacing sector averages and confirming both premium pricing power and organic expansion.
• Profitability: While pre-tax profit dipped 5.3% to €77 million and ROE eased modestly to 14%, these figures remain robust within the sector and continue to underpin generous shareholder distributions.
• Exceptional dividend yield: With a current yield of 7.7%–15.2% (including specials), FBD ranks among the most generous payers not only in Ireland but also across European insurance equities.
• Attractive valuation: The stock now trades at a price/earnings ratio (PER) of 7.0, well below both historical averages and peer benchmarks in Western Europe, supporting a compelling case for multiple expansion as sentiment improves.
• Market leadership: FBD secures a leading position within Ireland’s property and casualty insurance market, especially the agricultural segment, and leverages a strong, trusted brand with deep rural roots—structural strengths not easily replicated by competitors.

Moreover, despite operational margin pressure (combined ratio rose to 85% from 80.9% in 2023), FBD’s solvency ratio of 204% illustrates a fortress balance sheet, reducing regulatory or liquidity risk and allowing strategic flexibility.

Volume and Liquidity

A further reason for confidence lies in the consistently healthy trading volume and solid liquidity:

• Average daily volume has been robust relative to free float, sustaining market confidence among both institutional and retail investors.
• The free float is conducive to dynamic price discovery and advantageous for those seeking to enter or scale positions without excess slippage—a notable consideration in the relatively less liquid Euronext Dublin market.

This liquidity profile, combined with a moderate number of shares in issue (approx. 35.9 million), augurs well for valuation rerating, especially given the likelihood of additional buying interest as the investment case gains traction.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several clear bullish catalysts are in play for FBD Holdings into 2025:

• Revenue growth appears set to continue, as FBD deepens its focus on its core customer base in the agricultural, SME, and personal insurance segments.
• Potential for further special dividends or increased regular distributions, given the company’s strong solvency, positive cash generation, and conservative capital policy.
• ESG progress positions FBD as a sustainability leader. As a signatory to the Principles for Sustainable Insurance and an active participant in insurance innovation, the group is poised to benefit from regulatory tailwinds and a heightened market focus on sustainable finance.
• Positive investment returns: FBD’s investment strategy remains conservative yet opportunistic, achieving a 4% return even in a low-yield environment. This resilience provides valuable earnings support and allows scope for future dividend enhancement.
• Sector consolidation: Any movement towards insurance market consolidation in Ireland, or heightened regulatory rewards for well-capitalised players, could unlock additional value.
• Macro backdrop: Strong Irish GDP growth and a dynamic rural economy continue to drive demand for personal and business lines, while Ireland’s stable and transparent regulatory regime underpins sector profitability.

Investment Strategies

Given these dynamics, FBD Holdings seems well-positioned across the investment horizon:

• Short-term traders might focus on technical bounces from the €12.40–€12.50 region, especially around upcoming dividend dates (ex-dividend 2 May 2025, payment 26 June 2025), and anticipate renewed demand as yield-seeking buyers rotate in.
• Medium-term investors can capitalise on the stock’s current consolidation, securing attractive entry while awaiting potential fresh catalysts—such as enhanced dividend guidance or further outperformance of insurance premiums. The stock’s defensive profile protects capital during volatility, while maintaining upside optionality.
• Long-term holders enjoy a compelling combination of steady dividend flows, sector leadership, high solvency, and the prospect of valuation improvement as relative underperformance addresses. The current PER of 7.0 suggests substantial scope for capital gains, especially if profitability metrics revert towards previous peaks or operational efficiency is restored.

These strategies are underpinned by valuation metrics that point to FBD trading at a discount—not only to its own historical averages, but also to European insurance peers—despite maintaining superior solvency and dividend credentials.

Is it the Right Time to Buy FBD Holdings?

Summing up, FBD Holdings brings together an unusually attractive combination for investors seeking both income and defensive growth:

• High, sustainable dividend yield—7.7% to 15.2%—at a time when yield is scarce.
• A resilient balance sheet, world-class solvency (204%), and consistent cash generation.
• Strategic leadership in a growing, profitable, and defensible market niche.
• Technical and fundamental indicators both suggest a favourable entry point with low volatility and supportive price structure.
• Macro and sector trends remain constructive, with several catalysts for renewed multiple expansion.

While operational margins dipped in 2024, the group’s top-line momentum, prudent management, and consistent capital returns offer compelling grounds for renewed interest. All things considered, FBD Holdings seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking dependable income, capital preservation, and measured growth in the Irish financial sector.

With its unique balance of stability, yield, and sector leadership, FBD Holdings may be entering a new bullish phase—one that deserves serious attention from investors ready to capitalise on the next chapter of the Irish insurance story.

How to buy FBD Holdings stock in Ireland?

Buying shares of FBD Holdings online is both straightforward and secure for investors in Ireland, thanks to the presence of reputable regulated brokers. You have two main options: making a traditional cash purchase (owning the shares outright), or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allow you to speculate on FBD Holdings’ price movements without physically holding the shares. Both approaches can be initiated easily online, often requiring just a few documents for account verification. To help you choose the right platform, you’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down this page.

Cash Buying

A cash purchase means you buy real FBD Holdings shares in your name on the stock exchange (Euronext Dublin). With this method, you become a direct shareholder, eligible to receive dividends and voting rights. Irish brokers typically charge a flat commission per order, ranging from around €5 to €15.

Example

If the FBD Holdings share price is €12.95, with a €1,000 investment (about $1,085 at current exchange rates) and a €5 (c. $5.43) brokerage fee, you could purchase approximately 76 shares (€1,000 - €5 = €995; €995 / €12.95 ≈ 76 shares).

• Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your holding is worth €1,095 ($1,188).
  Result: +€100 gross gain (+10%), excluding any taxes or fees.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading involves speculating on the price movement of FBD Holdings shares without owning the underlying asset. CFDs are offered by brokers who charge a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price), and a daily overnight financing fee if you keep the position open beyond one day. This method allows for leverage, amplifying both gains and losses.

Example

With a $1,000 (about €920) deposit and 5x leverage, you control $5,000 (€4,600) worth of FBD Holdings CFDs.

• Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 8%, you achieve a return of 8% × 5 = 40%.
  Result: +$400 (about +€368) on your $1,000 investment, before deducting spread and financing costs.

Final Advice

Before investing in FBD Holdings, take the time to carefully compare brokers’ commission structures, currency conversion fees, and trading terms. The best option will depend on your financial goals and whether you prefer direct share ownership or leveraged CFD trading. You’ll find a comprehensive broker comparison table just below to help you make an informed and confident choice.

Our 7 tips for buying FBD Holdings stock

The latest news about FBD Holdings

FBD Holdings maintains stable share price and outperforms over six months despite short-term pressure. During the last week leading up to May 30, 2025, the FBD Holdings stock traded at €12.95, showing a minimal weekly drop of just 0.38%, while over the past six months, the stock advanced by a solid 3.60%. The share exhibits low volatility (beta of 0.44) and maintains a robust market capitalization between €469 and €532 million. For Irish investors, this stability is notable considering sector headwinds and signals resilience in a market where FBD remains a key insurance provider.

Financial 2024 results confirm strong revenue growth and sound profitability, consolidating FBD's leadership in Irish general insurance. In its annual report for 2024, published in March 2025, FBD reported insurance revenues of €441 million, which marks a significant increase of 10% over the previous year. While pre-tax profit saw a slight decrease of 5.3% to €77 million, the combined operating ratio remained healthy at 85%, and return on equity held at 14%. This positive revenue trend consolidates FBD's top position in the Irish property and casualty market, especially within the agriculture and SME segments, underlining its local relevance.

FBD demonstrates robust capital strength with a post-dividend solvency ratio of 204% and maintains attractive dividend yields. The company's ongoing financial stability is further highlighted by its high solvency coverage ratio of 204% following dividend distribution, which exceeds regulatory requirements and industry norms. Irish investors benefit from an impressive dividend yield, currently ranging from 7.69% up to 15.15%, with a confirmed payment date of June 26, 2025. This strength is reinforced by the approval of a 100c special dividend per share and continues to position FBD as a compelling choice for income-focused portfolios in the Irish market.

Successful AGM and continued focus on strategic market leadership promote positive sentiment and operational momentum. FBD’s Annual General Meeting, held on May 8, 2025, was completed with all resolutions passed and strong shareholder endorsement. The company has reaffirmed its core focus on Irish insurance markets, leveraging its dominant position and ongoing commitment to reinsurance and sustainable business practices. This ensures operational continuity and signals ongoing confidence from both management and institutional investors, reinforcing stability for domestic clients and policyholders.

FBD's positive investment return, low leverage, and sustainable practices reinforce its long-term defensive profile. Despite a minor dip in profitability, FBD achieved a positive investment return of 4% (€45 million) for 2024 and reported stable net asset value per share. With 99.2% of its income sourced from core insurance activities and recognized participation in responsible investment initiatives, FBD continues to show prudent risk management, low leverage, and an ongoing commitment to ESG principles––features valued highly by Irish investors seeking steady and defensible exposure to the local financial sector.

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.