Citi raises BankUnited target to $44, keeps neutral rating

Published 23/01/2025, 11:54
Citi raises BankUnited target to $44, keeps neutral rating

The analyst also mentioned that BankUnited's expense base is on an upward trajectory, which could limit the growth in pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) in consecutive quarters. However, he suggested that if loan growth begins to materialize, PPNR could increase beyond his current estimates. According to InvestingPro data, the bank maintains a "FAIR" overall financial health score of 2.26 out of 5, with particularly strong momentum scores.Gerlinger's revised price target reflects a heightened confidence in the bank's net interest income (NII) and potential for future earnings improvement. Despite the price target hike, Citi's stance remains cautious due to the current risk/reward balance at BankUnited's existing valuation, as implied by the maintained Neutral rating. The stock currently trades at a P/E ratio of 13.03, with analysts projecting profitability for the coming year.

The analyst also mentioned that BankUnited's expense base is on an upward trajectory, which could limit the growth in pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) in consecutive quarters. However, he suggested that if loan growth begins to materialize, PPNR could increase beyond his current estimates. According to InvestingPro data, the bank maintains a "FAIR" overall financial health score of 2.26 out of 5, with particularly strong momentum scores.Gerlinger's revised price target reflects a heightened confidence in the bank's net interest income (NII) and potential for future earnings improvement. Despite the price target hike, Citi's stance remains cautious due to the current risk/reward balance at BankUnited's existing valuation, as implied by the maintained Neutral rating. The stock currently trades at a P/E ratio of 13.03, with analysts projecting profitability for the coming year.

The analyst also mentioned that BankUnited's expense base is on an upward trajectory, which could limit the growth in pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) in consecutive quarters. However, he suggested that if loan growth begins to materialize, PPNR could increase beyond his current estimates.

Gerlinger's revised price target reflects a heightened confidence in the bank's net interest income (NII) and potential for future earnings improvement. Despite the price target hike, Citi's stance remains cautious due to the current risk/reward balance at BankUnited's existing valuation, as implied by the maintained Neutral rating.

In other recent news, BankUnited Inc (NYSE:BKU). reported strong Q3 results, surpassing estimates with a net income of $61.5 million, or $0.81 per share. This is an increase from the previous quarters, and the company's net interest margin (NIM) also saw a year-over-year rise of 9% to 2.78%. In addition to these financial highlights, BankUnited announced strategic hires and projected an 11.7% growth in net interest income and over 8% in non-broker deposits.

However, the company experienced slower than expected loan growth, particularly in commercial and industrial lending, and a decrease in deposits from the title business. Despite these challenges, BankUnited's tangible common equity to total assets ratio improved to 7.6% and the tangible book value per share increased to $36.52.

These recent developments represent a consistent growth trajectory for BankUnited, as noted by CEO Raj Singh. The company expects strong growth in noninterest-bearing deposits in the first half of the next year and anticipates mid-single-digit growth in net interest income for the full year. These projections indicate a positive outlook for the company, despite some bearish trends.

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

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