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Investing.com - Stephens downgraded Regions Financial (NYSE:RF) from Overweight to Equal Weight on Tuesday, while also lowering its price target to $27.00 from $30.00. The bank, currently trading at a P/E ratio of 11.5 and valued at $21.9 billion, has shown strong dividend consistency with 22 years of maintained payments.
The downgrade comes as investor conversations have shifted heavily toward merger and acquisition activity rather than fundamental performance metrics among Super Regional banks, according to Stephens. According to InvestingPro data, the bank maintains a GOOD overall financial health score, with particularly strong profitability metrics.
The firm noted that banks with strong currencies and perceived buyer status may offer less upside potential until the current bank M&A window closes, particularly among larger institutions.
Regions Financial’s valuation at 1.9x tangible book value supports its status as an independent entity and potential acquirer, factors that contributed to the rating change.
Stephens also cited concerns about emerging competition for Regions’ low-cost deposit base in specific Southeast markets as an additional factor in its downgrade decision.
In other recent news, Regions Financial reported strong second-quarter results, with operating earnings per share of $0.60, surpassing consensus estimates by 7%. The bank achieved a return on tangible common equity of 19% and maintained an efficiency ratio of 56% for the quarter. Following these results, Stephens raised its price target for Regions Financial to $29.00, maintaining an Overweight rating. In addition, Truist Securities increased its price target to $27.00, citing a positive outlook on net interest income while keeping a Hold rating. DA Davidson also reiterated its Buy rating and included Regions Financial in its Best-of-Breed Bison product, highlighting the company’s long-term strengths. Meanwhile, Barclays maintained its Underweight rating with a price target of $27.00, noting the strong economic environment. In related developments, Regions Bank announced a reduction in its prime lending rate to 7.25%, effective September 18, 2025. This adjustment impacts various consumer and commercial loan products.
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