We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Northrim, First Foundation, Bancorp and First Financial
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL –January 15, 2019 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM - Free Report) , First Foundation Inc. (FFWM - Free Report) , The Bancorp, Inc. (TBBK - Free Report) and First Financial Corp. (THFF - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
4 Top Bank Stocks to Buy Ahead of Q4 Earnings
Banks’ fourth-quarter earnings outlook is about to get messy with the darkening of the global economic outlook. However, we shouldn’t forget that trading revenues will get a boost from the recent volatility in the equity markets. US government shutdown also won’t be much of a pain for banks, while NIMs are expected to benefit from higher short-term rates and tax cuts will boost profit growth.
Let’s focus on banks that are likely to make the most of the fourth-quarter earnings season. Such banks are positioned to report upbeat earnings results, which will eventually lead to an uptick in share price.
Heightened Volatility to Boost Trading Revenues
Solid employment numbers and holiday retail sales do give us a feeling that the U.S. economy is in sound shape. But, trade tensions with China and a government shutdown have spurred erratic price swings in the global equity markets. Such fears threaten to weigh on the U.S. economy. Banks profits, thus, may suffer, as business houses refrain from borrowing when the economy is in doldrums.
Optimists, then again, argue that high volatility in the equity markets do lead to more trading revenues, and more commissions/spread income for the banks. Thus, heightened volatility may well boost trading revenues when big banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley start reporting earnings for the final three months of 2018 this week.
Shutdown Woes Not Too Grave
The U.S. government shutdown is now headed for an unprecedented fourth week. And that is certainly not good news for banks. After all, 800,000 federal employees aren’t getting paid, leaving several of them unable to pay mortgages and other liabilities.
However, the shutdown only began in mid-December. So, much of its adverse impact won’t weigh on banks’ fourth-quarter earnings reports. Having said that, investors should certainly look at the guidance on how banks deal with defaults if shutdown lingers.
NIMs Expected to Improve
Market pundits, by the way, are expecting faster loan growth in the fourth quarter compared to earlier quarters, according to Federal Reserve data. Commercial and industrial loans, in particular, are forecasted to lead the pack.
Net interest margins (NIMs) are expected to improve on higher short-term rates, while net interest income (NII) is forecasted to be boosted by an increase in loan growth. UBS analysts led by Saul Martinez recently said that “overall, we expect accelerating loan growth versus recent quarters, stable to slightly higher NIMs, low single digit quarter on quarter NII growth and stable credit quality.”
Tax Reforms to Help Banks’ Earnings
Since 2017, the tax overhaul has been a boon for banks. The reduction in corporate tax rates to 21% from 35% helped banks’ bottom line grow significantly. In fact, banking behemoths collectively reaped a more than $9 billion from the tax cut policy during the first nine months of 2018, per analysis by the Wall Street Journal.
JP Morgan, above all, had an effective tax rate of 20.4% in the first nine months of last year, less than 26.9% for the same period in the previous year. That saved the financial services company more than $2 billion and helped its nine-month earnings grow more than 25%, instead of 15% growth without the tax savings.
And Wall Street analysts do believe that fourth-quarter results will mark the last period in which the new tax reform will help boost earnings growth.
4 Bank Stocks to Buy Heading Into Q4 Earnings
The aforesaid factors will surely help banks stay afloat this earnings season. For the Finance sector, to which the Major Banks industry is the biggest earnings contributor, total fourth-quarter earnings are expected to grow 18.6% from the same period last year on 3.5% higher revenues. This would follow 31.8% earnings growth in the preceding quarter on 5.1% higher revenues.
This calls for investing in four banks, which are expected to report a significant uptick in fourth-quarter earnings. These stocks have a positive earnings surprise and are more likely to positively surprise in the future. These stocks also flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Northrim Bank that provides commercial banking products and services to businesses and professionals in Alaska. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 3.5% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 16.3%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Feb 4.
First Foundation Inc.provides financial services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in the United States. It operates in two segments, Banking; and Investment Management and Wealth Planning. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 6.6% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 3.7%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Jan 30. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Bancorp, Inc.operates as the financial holding company for The Bancorp Bank that provides banking products and services in the United States. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 2.6% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 2.8%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Jan 24.
First Financial Corp.offers commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending services. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 1.1% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 12.6%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Feb 5.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6% and +67.1%.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Northrim, First Foundation, Bancorp and First Financial
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL –January 15, 2019 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM - Free Report) , First Foundation Inc. (FFWM - Free Report) , The Bancorp, Inc. (TBBK - Free Report) and First Financial Corp. (THFF - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:
4 Top Bank Stocks to Buy Ahead of Q4 Earnings
Banks’ fourth-quarter earnings outlook is about to get messy with the darkening of the global economic outlook. However, we shouldn’t forget that trading revenues will get a boost from the recent volatility in the equity markets. US government shutdown also won’t be much of a pain for banks, while NIMs are expected to benefit from higher short-term rates and tax cuts will boost profit growth.
Let’s focus on banks that are likely to make the most of the fourth-quarter earnings season. Such banks are positioned to report upbeat earnings results, which will eventually lead to an uptick in share price.
Heightened Volatility to Boost Trading Revenues
Solid employment numbers and holiday retail sales do give us a feeling that the U.S. economy is in sound shape. But, trade tensions with China and a government shutdown have spurred erratic price swings in the global equity markets. Such fears threaten to weigh on the U.S. economy. Banks profits, thus, may suffer, as business houses refrain from borrowing when the economy is in doldrums.
Optimists, then again, argue that high volatility in the equity markets do lead to more trading revenues, and more commissions/spread income for the banks. Thus, heightened volatility may well boost trading revenues when big banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley start reporting earnings for the final three months of 2018 this week.
Shutdown Woes Not Too Grave
The U.S. government shutdown is now headed for an unprecedented fourth week. And that is certainly not good news for banks. After all, 800,000 federal employees aren’t getting paid, leaving several of them unable to pay mortgages and other liabilities.
However, the shutdown only began in mid-December. So, much of its adverse impact won’t weigh on banks’ fourth-quarter earnings reports. Having said that, investors should certainly look at the guidance on how banks deal with defaults if shutdown lingers.
NIMs Expected to Improve
Market pundits, by the way, are expecting faster loan growth in the fourth quarter compared to earlier quarters, according to Federal Reserve data. Commercial and industrial loans, in particular, are forecasted to lead the pack.
Net interest margins (NIMs) are expected to improve on higher short-term rates, while net interest income (NII) is forecasted to be boosted by an increase in loan growth. UBS analysts led by Saul Martinez recently said that “overall, we expect accelerating loan growth versus recent quarters, stable to slightly higher NIMs, low single digit quarter on quarter NII growth and stable credit quality.”
Tax Reforms to Help Banks’ Earnings
Since 2017, the tax overhaul has been a boon for banks. The reduction in corporate tax rates to 21% from 35% helped banks’ bottom line grow significantly. In fact, banking behemoths collectively reaped a more than $9 billion from the tax cut policy during the first nine months of 2018, per analysis by the Wall Street Journal.
JP Morgan, above all, had an effective tax rate of 20.4% in the first nine months of last year, less than 26.9% for the same period in the previous year. That saved the financial services company more than $2 billion and helped its nine-month earnings grow more than 25%, instead of 15% growth without the tax savings.
And Wall Street analysts do believe that fourth-quarter results will mark the last period in which the new tax reform will help boost earnings growth.
4 Bank Stocks to Buy Heading Into Q4 Earnings
The aforesaid factors will surely help banks stay afloat this earnings season. For the Finance sector, to which the Major Banks industry is the biggest earnings contributor, total fourth-quarter earnings are expected to grow 18.6% from the same period last year on 3.5% higher revenues. This would follow 31.8% earnings growth in the preceding quarter on 5.1% higher revenues.
This calls for investing in four banks, which are expected to report a significant uptick in fourth-quarter earnings. These stocks have a positive earnings surprise and are more likely to positively surprise in the future. These stocks also flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Northrim Bank that provides commercial banking products and services to businesses and professionals in Alaska. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 3.5% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 16.3%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Feb 4.
First Foundation Inc.provides financial services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in the United States. It operates in two segments, Banking; and Investment Management and Wealth Planning. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 6.6% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 3.7%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Jan 30. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Bancorp, Inc.operates as the financial holding company for The Bancorp Bank that provides banking products and services in the United States. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 2.6% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 2.8%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Jan 24.
First Financial Corp.offers commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending services. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 1.1% in the past 90 days. It has an average positive earnings surprise of 12.6%. The company is expected to report earnings results for the quarter ending December 2018 on Feb 5.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6% and +67.1%.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
See Them Free>>
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
http://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.