On Monday, Piper Sandler, a financial services firm, updated its outlook on Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ:ABCB) shares, raising the price target to $57 from $55 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock.
The revision followed Ameris Bancorp's recent quarterly performance, which was bolstered by a robust mortgage sector. The net interest income (NII) reported was nearly in line with Piper Sandler's predictions, showcasing a solid net interest margin (NIM) of 3.51%.
The management of Ameris Bancorp has reiterated guidance for mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits, and the company's NIM is expected to stay relatively stable in relation to interest rates. Piper Sandler's forward estimates for Ameris Bancorp remain largely unchanged post-quarter, as the firm adopts a conservative stance on the future of the mortgage industry.
The financial services firm highlights that Ameris Bancorp is well-capitalized, with a tangible common equity (TCE) ratio of 9.7%. The company is expected to continue its selective approach in operations. The new price target of $57 is approximately 12 times Piper Sandler's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimate. This update reflects a shift in the price target methodology, now based on the 2025 EPS estimate rather than the 2024 figure.
Piper Sandler's stance indicates confidence in Ameris Bancorp's financial stability and its ability to navigate the market while maintaining a conservative mortgage outlook. The Overweight rating suggests that the firm believes the stock could outperform the average total return of the stocks in the analyst's coverage universe over the next 12 to 18 months.
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