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On Tuesday, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained their Market Perform rating on FB Financial (NYSE:FBK), with a steady price target of $58.00. The firm’s analyst, Catherine Mealor, highlighted the recent acquisition of SSBK by FB Financial as a strategic and financially sensible move that enhances FBK’s presence in Alabama and Georgia.
The acquisition is expected to increase FB Financial’s assets from $13 billion to $16 billion. With a current market capitalization of $2.16 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.27, FB Financial has demonstrated solid financial performance. Mealor noted the transaction’s potential for a 12% increase in earnings per share (EPS) and a modest tangible book value (TBV) dilution of 4%, with an earn-back period of less than two years. The analyst expressed confidence in FB Financial’s history of successful acquisitions and anticipated this latest addition to be equally successful.
The deal is set to expand FB Financial’s scale, particularly in the Huntsville and Birmingham markets, and will mark the company’s entry into Atlanta, Columbus (WA:CLC), and Auburn. InvestingPro data reveals that 4 analysts have revised their earnings upward for the upcoming period, suggesting growing confidence in the company’s prospects. The cultural fit and size of the deal, accounting for 18% of pro forma assets, were also mentioned as positive factors. Mealor projected that by 2026, FB Financial’s EPS would be approximately $4.30, suggesting that the shares are currently trading at 1.7 times pro forma TBV and 10.8 times pro forma 2026 EPS. Get access to over 12 more exclusive InvestingPro Tips and comprehensive financial analysis with a subscription to InvestingPro.
FB Financial’s strategic move is seen as part of its growth strategy in the Alabama and Georgia markets, areas the company has been targeting for expansion. With a dividend yield of 1.64% and strong returns over the past five years, the acquisition is expected to contribute to the company’s long-term growth and market presence in these regions.
In other recent news, FB Financial Corporation reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.85, surpassing the forecast of $0.84. The company posted revenue of $130.38 million, slightly below the anticipated $131.14 million. Net interest income increased to $108.4 million, up from the previous quarter and the same period last year. In a strategic move, Southern States Bancshares announced a merger with FB Financial, expected to close by late 2025, valued at approximately $381 million. This merger is anticipated to enhance FB Financial’s market presence in key growth areas.
Piper Sandler upgraded FB Financial’s stock rating to Overweight, citing the company’s robust growth potential and strategic initiatives. The analyst highlighted improvements in operational efficiency and a solid credit position as contributing factors. Additionally, FB Financial announced a 12% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.19 per share, reflecting its financial health and commitment to shareholder value. These developments underscore FB Financial’s ongoing growth and strategic positioning in the market.
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