First Hawaiian Inc.’s stock was a big hit among institutional investors nearly four weeks ago when it was priced at $23 — the high end of its marketed range — the day before it began trading.
Ten analysts initiated coverage on the stock Monday and, while they mostly remained bullish on the company, offered mixed ratings on the stock. They issued the equivalent of three “buy” ratings and seven “hold” ratings for First Hawaiian Bank’s parent. Their one-year price targets ranged from $26 to $29.
Laurie Havener Hunsicker of Compass Point Research also issued a “buy” rating Wednesday.
First Hawaiian’s shares closed down 8 cents at $26.49 Monday on volume of 739,811 shares, which was below the daily average of 1.1 million. Since closing up $1.25 at $24.25 on its first day of trading, Aug. 4, the stock has gradually been moving upward with a closing high of $26.75 Thursday and an intra-day high of $27.13 Friday.
Credit Suisse analyst Jill Shea was one of the most bullish on the stock, giving it an “outperform” rating and a 12-month target price of $29.
“Upside will be driven by continued strong execution (and) steady growth in loans (as the state) provides for a healthy and steady economic backdrop,” Shea wrote. “First Hawaiian benefits from its attractive market and strong economic backdrop, which helps support steady asset growth and a consistent earnings stream. Combined with strong capital ratios, (that) should lead to strong returns to shareholders over time.”
Analyst Ryan Nash of primary underwriter Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a “neutral” rating and a $27 price target because of the bank’s high valuation. He said the bank’s leading market share in Hawaii will drive mid-single-digit loan growth and the ability to outperform on credit and deposit pricing through the economic cycle. He said that First Hawaiian should be in the focus list of long-term investors due to its 3 percent dividend yield and excess capital, which could increase earnings by 20 percent over time.
UBS’ David Eads initiated coverage with a “neutral” rating and a $28 price target. Eads expects First Hawaiian to report essentially flat earnings in 2017 and only 3 percent growth in 2018.
“The high-performing operating story has allowed FHB to earn a premium valuation, but at this point we see few catalysts for further multiple expansion (an increase in the price-earnings ratio),” he wrote.
First Hawaiian said in its IPO regulatory filing that its first dividend will be 20 cents a share. That dividend likely will be declared in October, when the bank is expected to announce its third-quarter earnings.