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On Thursday, Piper Sandler increased the price target for UMB Financial (NASDAQ:UMBF) shares to $143, up from $142, while retaining an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm’s analyst highlighted the company’s robust fourth-quarter performance and the potential for additional gains following the acquisition of Heartland Financial (NASDAQ:HTLF). With a current market capitalization of $5.98 billion, UMB Financial has demonstrated strong profitability, as confirmed by InvestingPro data showing positive earnings over the last twelve months.
The analyst expressed confidence in UMB Financial’s prospects, citing the company’s superior pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) growth outlook in the current interest rate environment. The expected completion of the HTLF deal is seen as a catalyst for sustained profitability, thanks to the scale it brings, a conservative cost savings target of 27.5%, and the inclusion of HTLF’s high-quality, relatively lower-cost deposit base.
The firm also foresees continued favorable credit metrics post-acquisition, which adds to the positive outlook for UMB Financial. Currently trading at a P/E ratio of 13.53x, the stock appears to be trading below its InvestingPro Fair Value, suggesting potential upside opportunity. The analyst also suggested that a roughly $3 quarterly EPS run-rate in the second half of 2026 is achievable for UMB Financial, supported by the company’s GOOD Financial Health Score of 2.76 out of 5.
UMB Financial’s stock performance has been noteworthy, with a 26% increase over the last twelve months, outpacing the SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE). This growth is partly attributed to the company’s strong financial results and strategic initiatives, including the impending acquisition of HTLF.
The acquisition process is progressing as planned, and its completion is anticipated to enhance UMB Financial’s profitability through increased scale and cost efficiencies. The addition of HTLF’s deposit base is expected to further strengthen UMB Financial’s position in the market.
Investors and market watchers will likely keep a close eye on UMB Financial as it integrates HTLF and strives to meet the performance targets outlined by analysts. The revised price target reflects a modest increase but underscores the analyst’s confidence in the company’s trajectory and financial strategy.
In other recent news, UMB Financial has shown robust financial results in the third quarter of 2024, with GAAP earnings of $109.6 million, or $2.23 per share, and operating earnings of $2.25 per share. This strong performance was primarily driven by a record loan production of $1.4 billion and nearly 10% annualized loan growth. The company has also announced its plans to acquire Heartland Financial, with the deal expected to be finalized in early 2025.
Analysts have given mixed reviews on UMB Financial’s stock, with Keefe Bruyette reiterating its Outperform rating, RBC Capital assigning a Sector Perform rating, and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiating coverage with an Overweight rating. These ratings reflect the company’s strong growth history, clean credit quality, and the anticipated benefits from its proposed merger with Heartland Financial.
In addition, UMB Financial is expected to maintain strong loan growth and fee income, with management foreseeing double-digit organic loan growth in 2025 and approximately $9.5 billion in organic deposit growth, driven by institutional and commercial clients. These recent developments highlight UMB Financial’s strong market positioning and growth strategy as it prepares to complete the acquisition of Heartland Financial.
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