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On Thursday, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Chris O’Connell reaffirmed an Outperform rating on Metropolitan Bank Holding (NYSE:MCB) with a steady price target of $85.00. O’Connell’s endorsement comes in the wake of Metropolitan Bank’s announcement of a new $50 million share repurchase program. This initiative is the first of its kind for the bank since its public offering in 2017.
Metropolitan Bank’s decision to authorize the share buyback, which notably does not have an expiration date, is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the company’s value, particularly after recent declines in the market. The repurchase plan is expected to be a significant boon for the stock, with the bank’s shares currently trading at just 82% of tangible book value (TBV) and at 7 times and 6 times projected earnings for 2025 and 2026, respectively. InvestingPro analysis shows the stock is currently undervalued, with a P/E ratio of 8.85 and a P/B ratio of 0.81, suggesting potential upside opportunity. For detailed valuation insights and more ProTips, visit the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
The buyback, if executed in full, could potentially increase earnings per share (EPS) by over 8% compared to O’Connell’s 2025 earnings estimate. The announcement represents a strategic shift for the bank that is expected to resonate positively with investors, especially considering the current market conditions where the stock is trading below TBV.
O’Connell’s continued support for Metropolitan Bank is based on the potential upside the buyback program presents. The analyst’s comments suggest a belief that the bank’s latest move will be welcomed by shareholders who have weathered the recent market downturn, and it underscores the stock’s attractiveness at its current valuation.
In other recent news, Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. reported impressive financial results for Q4 2024, surpassing Wall Street expectations. The company achieved an earnings per share of $1.88, significantly higher than the forecasted $1.49, and reported revenue of $71 million, exceeding the anticipated $67.46 million. This strong performance highlights the bank’s operational efficiency and strategic initiatives. Additionally, Metropolitan Bank has announced a $50 million stock buyback plan, reflecting its confidence in long-term growth and financial stability. The buyback will be executed intermittently on the open market, with no set expiration date.
The bank’s strategic focus includes a successful exit from its Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) business and a shift towards technology integration. Analysts have noted Metropolitan Bank’s robust net interest income and margin outlook, with projections for a net interest margin of 3.7% to 3.75% for 2025. The bank also anticipates loan growth between 9% and 11% and a core Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) of 13% by Q4 2025. Furthermore, non-interest income is expected to exceed $10.5 million in 2024.
These developments underscore Metropolitan Bank’s strong competitive position and strategic focus on technology-driven operations and relationship-based lending. The company’s recent achievements and strategic initiatives are being closely monitored by investors and analysts alike.
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