Piper Sandler keeps Neutral ratings on WaFd and First Financial Bankshares

what happened

According to TradingView, Piper Sandler kept its Neutral rating on WaFd shares with a $31 price target. That implies a gain of about 6.3% from the October 16 close of $29.15. The bank's net interest margin held steady at 2.81%, and management expects a modest expansion in the coming quarters. However, end-of-period loans fell 19% quarter over quarter after substantial loan sales, and active loan growth fell short of management's guidance.

For First Financial Bankshares, the analysts also kept a Neutral rating, with a $33 price target. That suggests roughly 8.3% upside from the October 16 close of $30.47. The bank posted 9.1% loan growth in the third quarter, and its margin edged up to 3.91% on higher asset yields and lower borrowing costs. Earnings per share growth is expected to be modest given limited balance sheet expansion.

why it matters

For investors in regional banks, the note signals caution: both stocks are rated neutral, and their next moves will depend on margins and lending pace. Ratings like these mainly affect sentiment around individual shares rather than the sector as a whole.

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