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Cyprus Surpasses EU Average With 42.9% Profit Share in 2024, Eurostat Data Shows

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 5, 2025

Overview of Profit Share Trends

Eurostat’s recent data underscores a robust performance by Cyprus’ non-financial corporations, with a profit share of 42.9% in 2024 — notably above the European Union average of 40.1%. The profit share, representing the proportion of value added that remunerates capital rather than labor, has shown marked fluctuations over the past two decades across the EU.

Long-Term Trend Analysis

Historically, the profit share in the EU reached 40.4% in 2004 and peaked at 42.1% in 2007 before experiencing a steep decline, bottoming out at 39.5% in 2012. Although there was a modest recovery from 2020’s 40.2% to 42.1% in 2021, subsequent years saw a gradual decrease to 41.9% in 2022, 41.7% in 2023, and a sharper drop to 40.1% in 2024.

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Country-Specific Performance

Among the EU member states, Cyprus has sustained its competitive edge. In contrast, Ireland remains at the forefront with an impressive 74.9% profit share, largely driven by its wealth of foreign-owned multinationals operating capital-intensive sectors. Malta follows with a profit share of 56.4%, and Slovakia records 48.9%. Conversely, France (32.2%), Slovenia (33.4%), and Portugal (34.5%) show significantly lower figures, highlighting diverse national capital-labor dynamics.

Implications For Investors And Policymakers

This nuanced picture of profit shares across the European landscape provides critical insights for investors and policymakers alike. With Cyprus outperforming the regional average, stakeholders can infer the potential for resilient capital returns despite broader economic fluctuations. Such analyses assist in evaluating the balance between wages and capital remuneration, which remains pivotal in contemporary economic policy debates.

Conclusion

As Europe continues to navigate economic uncertainties, fluctuations in profit shares will likely persist. Cyprus’ leading position signals attractive investment dynamics, while the overall decline within the EU calls for informed policy measures. For further insights, visit Eurostat.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.