First Commonwealth Financial Q2 adjusted EPS beats estimates, net interest margin rises

Overview

• U.S. regional bank's Q2 adjusted EPS income beats analyst expectations

• Net interest margin rose yr/yr and sequentially as noninterest expense declined from prior quarter

• On July 28, company authorized additional $75 mln share repurchase program

Outlook

• Company says strong capital position and diversified revenue streams support long-term outlook

• Company notes economic environment remains dynamic

Result Drivers

• NET INTEREST MARGIN EXPANSION - Co said margin rose due to lower deposit costs and improved deposit mix, along with higher yields on loans and securities

• NONINTEREST INCOME GAINS - Higher noninterest income driven by gains on early debt redemption, increased BOLI income, and higher card-related interchange income

• LOWER NONINTEREST EXPENSES - Decrease in expenses mainly from lower equipment, occupancy, and FDIC insurance costs

Company press release: ID:nGNX31t6CR

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 4 "strong buy" or "buy", 2 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the banks peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for First Commonwealth Financial Corp is $21.00, about 1.7% above its July 28 closing price of $21.37

• The stock recently traded at 11 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 10 three months ago

Reuters Recommended Reads

• July 28 - Trustmark Q2 net earnings rises on higher net interest income

• July 27 - HBT Financial Q2 adjusted EPS beats on CNB acquisition; raises dividend

• July 27 - Principal Financial profit rises on higher premiums, strength in retirement business

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(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)