US stock futures steady after Wall St soars on dovish Powell; Nvidia earnings due
On Tuesday, Piper Sandler's analysts adjusted the price target for Washington Federal (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:WAFD) stock, reducing it to $31.00 from the previous $37.00, while retaining a Neutral stance on the company.
The analysts' reassessment follows Washington Federal's strategic exit from the Single-Family Residential (SFR) lending and a less than satisfactory Net Interest Margin (NIM).
The analysts noted the company's shift towards a commercial focus, which has led to anticipations of lower Net Interest Income (NII) and NIM, as well as an increase in Loan Loss Provisions (LLPs).
However, these factors are partially balanced by an improved Non-Interest Expense (NIE). The new price target is based on a 10.5 times multiple of the estimated 2026 earnings per share (EPS), a decrease from the previous 11.5 times multiple.
This adjustment reflects the current lower market multiples and positions the company at a discount compared to its peers, who are on average valued at 11.5 times.
The analysts have also revised the earnings forecasts for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The estimated EPS has been lowered to $2.48 for 2025 and $2.95 for 2026, down from the prior estimates of $2.84 and $3.20, respectively.
The analysts underscored the company's ongoing transition and the necessity for it to demonstrate its potential, referring to it as a "Show Me Story." This term indicates that investors are waiting for Washington Federal to prove its ability to succeed following its strategic changes.
Washington Federal's strategic decision to exit the SFR lending and focus more on commercial lending is part of its efforts to transform its balance sheet, which has traditionally resembled that of a thrift.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.