DA Davidson, on Thursday, adjusted its outlook on Simmons First National (NASDAQ: SFNC), raising the bank's price target to $22.50 from the previous $20.00 while keeping a Neutral stance on the stock.
The firm's analysis followed Simmons First National's recent financial results, which met expectations, featuring a slight increase in net interest margin (NIM), quarter-over-quarter growth in net interest income, and controlled operating expenses.
The firm predicts further modest NIM growth in the third quarter, as deposit costs are expected to stabilize and fixed-rate assets may continue to reprice at higher rates. This forecast is based on the bank's performance and current economic indicators that suggest deposit costs are nearing their peak.
In addition to the NIM outlook, DA Davidson analyst anticipates that Simmons First National might engage in an additional bond transaction to enhance future earnings. The financial maneuver is viewed as a more probable strategy for the bank to utilize its capital compared to other options such as stock buybacks or mergers and acquisitions in the near to medium term.
Meanwhile, Simmons First National Corporation reported an increase in its net interest margin (NIM) during the second quarter. The growth was driven by favorable asset repricing and deposit stability, trends that the company expects to continue.
Stephens, a financial services firm, raised its price target for the bank from $21.00 to $23.00, maintaining an Equal Weight rating. This adjustment comes after the bank's earnings per share and pre-provision net revenue for the second quarter surpassed expectations.
Moreover, the bank's executives pointed out the success of the Better Bank Initiative in reducing headcount and enhancing bank efficiency. Simmons First National also continues to focus on disciplined expense management, with ongoing initiatives to cut costs and improve operational efficiency. The bank is working to decrease wholesale funding and drive growth in core customer accounts.
InvestingPro Insights
Simmons First National (NASDAQ:SFNC) has demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns, as evidenced by its impressive record of raising dividends for 12 consecutive years and maintaining dividend payments for over half a century. These achievements highlight the bank's financial stability and dedication to delivering consistent shareholder value. Investors may find the current dividend yield of 3.98% particularly attractive, especially in the context of the bank's long history of dividend reliability.
In terms of stock performance, Simmons First National has been trading near its 52-week high, with a price that is 96.74% of this peak. This could indicate market confidence in the bank's prospects. Moreover, the strong returns over the last one and three months, at 26.42% and 19.72% respectively, reflect positive investor sentiment and the potential for continued momentum. However, potential investors should be mindful of the bank's weak gross profit margins, which could impact future profitability.
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