Bank of America Upgrades Popular Inc. with Strong Upside Potential
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 03 2026
0mins
Should l Buy BPOP?
Source: CNBC
- Rating Upgrade: Bank of America upgraded Popular Inc. from hold to buy, with analyst Brandon Berman raising the price target from $141 to $156, indicating a 14% upside from Monday's close, reflecting a positive outlook on the stock's future performance.
- Stock Performance: At the start of 2026, Popular Inc.'s shares have surged 13%, with over a 40% gain in the past 12 months; despite trading near a 52-week high, analysts believe there is still room for further appreciation, showcasing market confidence in its growth potential.
- Credit Quality Improvement: With a recovery in economic activity, management expects an improvement in net charge-offs in 2026, driven by better loan portfolio composition and tighter underwriting standards in consumer loans, which will further enhance the company's financial health.
- Earnings Forecast Increase: The analyst raised the 2026 EPS estimate by 3% to $14.53, driven by better-than-expected net interest margin expansion in Q4 2025, while Popular's 2.1% dividend yield and 4% annual percentage yield on CDs attract income-focused investors.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy BPOP?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on BPOP
Wall Street analysts forecast BPOP stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 130.020
Low
135.00
Averages
143.00
High
160.00
Current: 130.020
Low
135.00
Averages
143.00
High
160.00
About BPOP
Popular, Inc. (Popular) is a financial holding company. The Company operates in two segments: Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR), which includes its Puerto Rico business, and Banco Popular North America (BPNA), which includes its the United States mainland business. The Company has operations in Puerto Rico, the United States and the Caribbean. The Company's BPPR segment provides retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through its banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, as well as auto and equipment leasing and financing, investment banking, broker-dealer and insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. The Company's BPNA segment consists of Popular North America, Inc. (PNA) functioning as the holding company for its operations in the United States. It also operates PNA's subsidiary, E-LOAN, Inc. The banking operations of BPNA in the United States mainland are based in New York, Florida and New Jersey, conducted under the name of Popular Community Bank.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Three Potential Stocks to Boost Investment Returns
- Outstanding Performance of Nova: Nova (NVMI) has achieved a remarkable 406% return over the past five years, with an annual revenue growth rate of 30.4%, indicating strong market share in semiconductor manufacturing quality control systems, which is expected to continue driving its stock price upward.
- Strong Growth of Abercrombie & Fitch: Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) has seen an average same-store sales growth of 10% over the past two years, with a gross margin of 62.8% and an impressive 481% annual earnings per share growth, making its current stock price of $88.23 and a P/E ratio of 8.3 attractive for investors.
- Robust Growth of Popular: Popular (BPOP) has increased its net interest margin by 44.3 basis points over the last two years, leading to a 22.1% annual growth in earnings per share, while its tangible book value per share has grown by 16.9% annually, showcasing a strong balance sheet with a current stock price of $129.98 and a P/B ratio of 1.3.
- High-Quality Stock Recommendations: These companies not only excel in the market but also demonstrate sustained revenue growth and free cash flow, allowing investors to explore more potential stocks through in-depth research reports to seize future investment opportunities.
See More
Popular, Inc. Director Sells Shares in Open Market
- Transaction Overview: Alejandro M Sanchez, Director of Popular, Inc., sold 1,451 shares of common stock on February 26, 2026, for approximately $204,000, indicating a liquidity need following the company's strong performance.
- Shareholding Impact: This transaction reduced Sanchez's direct holdings from 4,865 shares to 3,414 shares, affecting 29.83% of his direct ownership, reflecting his sensitivity to market dynamics.
- Market Context: The sale occurred with Popular shares priced around $140.85, amid a one-year total return of 45.95%, suggesting that the company's robust performance has provided significant returns for shareholders.
- Financial Performance Highlights: In 2025, Popular reported a GAAP net income of approximately $833.1 million, a 36.5% increase from $614.2 million in 2024, with both loans and deposits growing, showcasing the company's solid financial foundation and future growth potential.
See More
Analysis of KRE Stock's 52-Week Highs and Lows
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: KRE's stock has a 52-week low of $47.06 and a high of $74.08, with the latest trade at $62.85, indicating significant price volatility that may influence investor buying decisions.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the current stock price to the 200-day moving average can provide investors with valuable insights for technical analysis, aiding in market trend assessment and potential buy or sell timing.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade similarly to stocks, where investors are buying and selling 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on investor demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding for ETFs helps identify those experiencing notable inflows or outflows, where new unit creation necessitates purchasing underlying assets, while unit destruction involves selling them, potentially affecting individual stocks within the ETF.
See More
Popular, Inc. Declares Monthly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Announcement: Popular, Inc. has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.132813 per share on its 6.375% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Trust Preferred Securities Distribution: The company will also distribute $0.127604 per security on its 6.125% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities, payable on April 1, 2026, to holders of record as of March 15, 2026, enhancing its attractiveness in the capital markets.
- Market Position: As the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico by both assets and deposits, Popular, Inc. ranks among the top 50 U.S. bank holding companies, demonstrating its strong competitive position in the market.
- Diverse Services: Through its principal subsidiary Banco Popular, the company offers retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services, while also providing a range of financial services in the mainland U.S. and British Virgin Islands, thereby expanding its market reach and customer base.
See More
Popular, Inc. to Attend RBC Financial Conference
- Conference Participation: Popular, Inc. announced its participation in the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 10, 2026, where CEO Javier D. Ferrer will speak at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, highlighting the company's leadership in the financial sector.
- Live Webcast: The conference will feature a live audio webcast accessible through Popular, Inc.'s Investor Relations website, allowing investors to stay updated and access a replay post-event, thereby enhancing engagement with stakeholders.
- Company Background: Popular, Inc. is the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico by assets and deposits, and ranks among the top 50 U.S. bank holding companies, underscoring its significance and influence in the financial market.
- Service Range: The company provides retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services through its principal subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, and extends its services in the mainland U.S. through Popular Bank, thereby broadening its market reach.
See More
Popular (BPOP) Declares $0.75 Quarterly Dividend in Line with Previous
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: Popular has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 2.13% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing in more income-focused investors.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on April 1, with a record date of March 18 and an ex-dividend date also on March 18, ensuring eligible shareholders receive their payouts promptly.
- Financial Performance Overview: In Q4 2025, Popular reported a GAAP EPS of $3.53, beating expectations by $0.49, although revenue of $823.84 million fell short by $1.73 million, demonstrating the company's resilience in profitability.
See More
Three Potential Stocks to Boost Investment Returns
- Outstanding Performance of Nova: Nova (NVMI) has achieved a remarkable 406% return over the past five years, with an annual revenue growth rate of 30.4%, indicating strong market share in semiconductor manufacturing quality control systems, which is expected to continue driving its stock price upward.
- Strong Growth of Abercrombie & Fitch: Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) has seen an average same-store sales growth of 10% over the past two years, with a gross margin of 62.8% and an impressive 481% annual earnings per share growth, making its current stock price of $88.23 and a P/E ratio of 8.3 attractive for investors.
- Robust Growth of Popular: Popular (BPOP) has increased its net interest margin by 44.3 basis points over the last two years, leading to a 22.1% annual growth in earnings per share, while its tangible book value per share has grown by 16.9% annually, showcasing a strong balance sheet with a current stock price of $129.98 and a P/B ratio of 1.3.
- High-Quality Stock Recommendations: These companies not only excel in the market but also demonstrate sustained revenue growth and free cash flow, allowing investors to explore more potential stocks through in-depth research reports to seize future investment opportunities.
See More
Popular, Inc. Director Sells Shares in Open Market
- Transaction Overview: Alejandro M Sanchez, Director of Popular, Inc., sold 1,451 shares of common stock on February 26, 2026, for approximately $204,000, indicating a liquidity need following the company's strong performance.
- Shareholding Impact: This transaction reduced Sanchez's direct holdings from 4,865 shares to 3,414 shares, affecting 29.83% of his direct ownership, reflecting his sensitivity to market dynamics.
- Market Context: The sale occurred with Popular shares priced around $140.85, amid a one-year total return of 45.95%, suggesting that the company's robust performance has provided significant returns for shareholders.
- Financial Performance Highlights: In 2025, Popular reported a GAAP net income of approximately $833.1 million, a 36.5% increase from $614.2 million in 2024, with both loans and deposits growing, showcasing the company's solid financial foundation and future growth potential.
See More
Analysis of KRE Stock's 52-Week Highs and Lows
- Price Fluctuation Analysis: KRE's stock has a 52-week low of $47.06 and a high of $74.08, with the latest trade at $62.85, indicating significant price volatility that may influence investor buying decisions.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the current stock price to the 200-day moving average can provide investors with valuable insights for technical analysis, aiding in market trend assessment and potential buy or sell timing.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trade similarly to stocks, where investors are buying and selling 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on investor demand, impacting liquidity and market performance.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding for ETFs helps identify those experiencing notable inflows or outflows, where new unit creation necessitates purchasing underlying assets, while unit destruction involves selling them, potentially affecting individual stocks within the ETF.
See More
Popular, Inc. Declares Monthly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Announcement: Popular, Inc. has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.132813 per share on its 6.375% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Trust Preferred Securities Distribution: The company will also distribute $0.127604 per security on its 6.125% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities, payable on April 1, 2026, to holders of record as of March 15, 2026, enhancing its attractiveness in the capital markets.
- Market Position: As the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico by both assets and deposits, Popular, Inc. ranks among the top 50 U.S. bank holding companies, demonstrating its strong competitive position in the market.
- Diverse Services: Through its principal subsidiary Banco Popular, the company offers retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services, while also providing a range of financial services in the mainland U.S. and British Virgin Islands, thereby expanding its market reach and customer base.
See More
Popular, Inc. to Attend RBC Financial Conference
- Conference Participation: Popular, Inc. announced its participation in the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 10, 2026, where CEO Javier D. Ferrer will speak at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, highlighting the company's leadership in the financial sector.
- Live Webcast: The conference will feature a live audio webcast accessible through Popular, Inc.'s Investor Relations website, allowing investors to stay updated and access a replay post-event, thereby enhancing engagement with stakeholders.
- Company Background: Popular, Inc. is the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico by assets and deposits, and ranks among the top 50 U.S. bank holding companies, underscoring its significance and influence in the financial market.
- Service Range: The company provides retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services through its principal subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, and extends its services in the mainland U.S. through Popular Bank, thereby broadening its market reach.
See More
Popular (BPOP) Declares $0.75 Quarterly Dividend in Line with Previous
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: Popular has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 2.13% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing in more income-focused investors.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on April 1, with a record date of March 18 and an ex-dividend date also on March 18, ensuring eligible shareholders receive their payouts promptly.
- Financial Performance Overview: In Q4 2025, Popular reported a GAAP EPS of $3.53, beating expectations by $0.49, although revenue of $823.84 million fell short by $1.73 million, demonstrating the company's resilience in profitability.
See More
