On Monday, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods made a significant adjustment to the financial outlook for Synovus (NYSE:SNV) Financial Corp (NYSE:SNV) shares, reducing the price target to $38.00 from the previous $46.00. The firm maintained a Market Perform rating on the stock, indicating a neutral stance on its performance expectations.
The revision comes as Synovus faces net interest income (NII) headwinds, prompting a more conservative revenue growth forecast for 2024 at the lower end of the spectrum, with an anticipated decrease of 3%. In response to these challenges, earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2024 and 2025 have been adjusted downward by 9% and 7%, respectively, to $3.70 and $4.30.
Despite these headwinds, the analyst noted some positive aspects in Synovus' outlook. The second half of 2024 is expected to show improvement in net interest margin (NIM), growth, pre-provision net revenue (PPNR), and credit. Encouragement was found in the company's higher fees, controlled expenses, and the potential for improved capital ratios stemming from a project focused on risk-weighted assets (RWA).
Nevertheless, the anticipated momentum for Synovus is less robust than previously expected. The analyst suggests that a more compelling trajectory in profitability and greater certainty regarding credit are necessary before considering a more positive rating. Consequently, the price target has been adjusted to reflect these updated expectations.
InvestingPro Insights
In light of the recent analysis by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods on Synovus Financial Corp (NYSE:SNV), real-time data from InvestingPro further contextualizes the bank's financial situation. With a market capitalization of $5.09 billion and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio that stands at 11.58 based on the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, Synovus shows a valuation that may appeal to value-oriented investors. The company's solid dividend history is underscored by its remarkable track record of maintaining dividend payments for 51 consecutive years, boasting a current dividend yield of 4.35%.
InvestingPro Tips indicate that while Synovus has seen its gross profit margins weaken, analysts remain optimistic about its profitability for the year, with a notable price uptick of 39.72% over the past six months. These insights suggest that despite facing near-term revenue growth challenges, with a -12.67% change in the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, the company's stock may still hold potential for dividend-seeking investors. Additionally, Synovus remains profitable over the last twelve months, which may provide some reassurance amidst the downward revisions in earnings projections.
For those looking to delve deeper into Synovus' financials, InvestingPro offers further tips and metrics to assess the company's performance and potential investment value. To explore these additional insights, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/SNV and remember to use the coupon code PRONEWS24 for an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription. With more tips available on InvestingPro, investors can gain a comprehensive understanding of Synovus' financial health and make more informed decisions.
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