Barclays upgrades First Interstate Bancsystems stock to Equalweight on improved credit outlook

Published 08/07/2025, 08:36
Barclays upgrades First Interstate Bancsystems stock to Equalweight on improved credit outlook

Investing.com - Barclays (LON:BARC) upgraded First Interstate Bancsystems (NASDAQ:FIBK) from Underweight to Equalweight on Tuesday, raising its price target to $32.00 from $28.00. The bank, which maintains a solid 6.12% dividend yield and has paid dividends for 16 consecutive years, currently receives a "GOOD" overall financial health score from InvestingPro.

The upgrade comes approximately nine months after Barclays had downgraded the stock in October 2024, following the announcement of a new CEO. At that time, the firm had expressed concerns that new management would take a more conservative approach to credit and deal more aggressively with problem loans that had increased after the Great Western transaction integration.

Barclays noted that its earlier prediction proved accurate, as First Interstate took elevated charge-offs and rebuilt reserves over the subsequent six months. The firm now believes the bank stands on "surer footing with stable credit" moving forward.

The research firm expects First Interstate’s net charge-offs to align with management’s guidance of 20-30 basis points in losses. Barclays indicated that FIBK shares currently trade at a modest premium to peers on price-to-earnings ratio and a slight discount on tangible book value.

With profitability just below peers and no significant expectations for deal activity as either a buyer or seller, Barclays concluded that First Interstate shares are now fairly valued at current levels.

In other recent news, First Interstate BancSystem Inc. reported its Q1 2025 earnings, revealing a shortfall in both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue compared to analyst expectations. The company posted an EPS of $0.49, missing the forecasted $0.55, while revenue came in at $247 million against a projected $253.5 million. Despite these challenges, analysts at DA Davidson maintained a Buy rating, citing confidence in the bank’s potential for improved credit quality and organic growth. Piper Sandler also reaffirmed its Overweight rating with a $38.00 price target, highlighting potential growth in net interest income and the positive impact of strategic initiatives under new CEO Jim Reuter. Additionally, First Interstate BancSystem announced the appointment of David P. Della Camera as its new CFO, following a planned succession strategy. The company also plans to redeem $100 million of subordinated notes by August 2025, as stated in a recent SEC filing. These developments reflect the bank’s ongoing strategic adjustments and efforts to enhance its financial performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.