Jefferies starts M&T Bank coverage with Buy, sets $225 target

Published 20/05/2025, 22:16
Jefferies starts M&T Bank coverage with Buy, sets $225 target

On Tuesday, Jefferies, a global investment banking firm, initiated coverage on shares of M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB), assigning a Buy rating and establishing a price target of $225.00. The endorsement from Jefferies reflects confidence in M&T Bank’s financial stability and growth prospects.

The firm’s analyst, David Chiaverini, highlighted the bank’s robust balance sheet and strong capital levels, which stand out among its peers. Chiaverini also pointed to M&T Bank’s consistent credit quality performance during previous economic downturns as a foundation for the positive outlook.

Jefferies anticipates that M&T Bank will achieve above-average earnings per share (EPS) growth and return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) in the fiscal year 2025 and the years to follow. This forecast is underpinned by the bank’s conservative yet effective business model, which Jefferies believes justifies a higher valuation multiple compared to its regional peers.

M&T Bank has reported a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for loans and deposits of 0.6% and 2.0%, respectively, through the first quarter of 2025. These figures are set against a backdrop of a regional peer group CAGR of 0.2% for loans and 2.1% for deposits, showcasing M&T Bank’s solid performance in these key areas.

The initiation of coverage by Jefferies with a Buy rating and a significant price target suggests a positive outlook for M&T Bank’s stock, as the bank continues to navigate the financial landscape with its conservative approach and focus on growth.

In other recent news, M&T Bank reported first-quarter earnings for 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) of $3.32, slightly below both Piper Sandler’s estimate of $3.35 and the consensus estimate of $3.40. The bank’s earnings were affected by a shortfall in fee income, attributed to the absence of a Bayview distribution. Despite this, M&T Bank’s management expects fee income to remain at the higher end of their projected range. Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) upgraded M&T Bank’s stock rating from Hold to Buy, citing the bank’s strong capital position, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11.5%. RBC Capital Markets and Piper Sandler both adjusted their price targets for M&T Bank to $200 and $210, respectively, while maintaining positive ratings on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods also revised their price target to $200, noting a solid quarter despite some financial shortfalls. DA Davidson lowered its price target to $189, reflecting a revised outlook on net interest income due to anticipated lower average loan and deposit levels. These developments reflect a mix of cautious optimism and strategic adjustments from analysts regarding M&T Bank’s financial outlook.

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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