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On Wednesday, Baird analyst David George upgraded Truist Financial shares, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:TFC), from Neutral to Outperform, while also raising the price target to $52.00 from the previous $48.00. Currently trading at $43.76, the stock shows potential upside according to InvestingPro analysis, which indicates the shares are undervalued. The upgraded rating and increased price target reflect a positive outlook on the bank’s financial position and market valuation, supported by 7 analysts recently revising their earnings expectations upward.
George noted that Truist Financial is trading at a market capital to assets ratio of approximately 10.8%, which is a 16% discount to its post-crisis median. Additionally, the bank’s trading at roughly 1.45 times its tangible book value (TBV), excluding other comprehensive income (OCI), represents a 25% discount to its post-crisis median and about 15% below the large-cap median. This valuation suggests that the stock is currently undervalued compared to historical levels and its peers. InvestingPro data reinforces this view, with the stock maintaining an impressive 53-year streak of dividend payments and currently offering a 4.75% yield. For deeper insights into Truist’s valuation metrics and comprehensive analysis, investors can access the detailed Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
The analyst highlighted that, given the consensus on the next twelve months’ earnings outlook and current tangible common equity (TCE) levels, Truist should trade closer to approximately 1.45 times TBV, excluding OCI, and around 1.75 times TBV including current OCI marks. Truist’s approximately 11.5% common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio, versus the long-term target of around 10%, indicates the bank has significant capital flexibility. This strong capital position should enable the bank to fund loan growth while still executing buybacks near $500 million per quarter. InvestingPro analysis shows positive momentum with a 23.89% price return over the past year, and analysts expect both sales and net income growth in the current year.
George added that Truist’s excess capital, which reflects around 11% of its current market capitalization of $57.12 billion, positions the bank well for future opportunities. He believes that further securities repositioning is unlikely following the sale of Truist Insurance Holdings (TIH), but the bank could take action if a reasonable opportunity presents itself.
The analyst concluded that the excess capital would allow Truist to take advantage of eventual improvements in loan demand and to play more "offense" with respect to growth, particularly in higher risk-weighted assets (RWA) businesses like trading.
In other recent news, Truist Financial has reported a strong quarter with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.91, surpassing the forecast of $0.88. The company also exceeded revenue expectations, reaching $5.11 billion compared to the anticipated $5.04 billion. Analysts from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), Stephens, and Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James have responded positively to these results, each raising their price targets for Truist Financial. KBW increased its target to $57, Stephens to $57, and Raymond James to $53, all maintaining favorable ratings on the stock.
The analysts highlighted Truist Financial’s robust performance, particularly noting growth in net interest income and a significant increase in investment banking revenue. Despite a slight decline in capital ratios and a drop in tangible book value, the company’s strong capital position and efficient expense management have bolstered confidence among investors and analysts alike. Truist Financial’s management has outlined opportunities for future growth, including fee-based services and geographic expansion.
Additionally, the bank’s strategic initiatives and disciplined expense management are expected to drive profitable growth and operating leverage in the coming years. Analysts at Stephens noted the positive outlook for 2025, suggesting that Truist Financial is moving past legacy merger issues and is well-positioned for future success. Overall, these developments signal a positive trajectory for Truist Financial, with strong support from the analyst community.
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