We have reiterated our Neutral recommendation on
M&T Bank Corp.
(
MTB
), based on its better-than-expected second quarter 2012 results,
strategic acquisitions and its preferred stock sale by the
Treasury.
Solid Second Quarter Performance
M&T's second quarter 2012 operating earnings of $1.82 per share
were well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.68 and
surpassed the prior-quarter earnings of $1.59 per share. The
results were aided by increased net interest and non-interest
income as well as lower operating expenses. Moreover, mortgage
banking revenues posted a decent rise in the quarter.
Recent Acquisition Deal
M&T has agreed to takeover
Hudson City Bancorp Inc.
(
HCBK
) in a cash and stock deal worth $3.7 billion, based on M&T's
closing stock price on August 24. The bank deal, announced on
August 27 and the largest this year, would lead to an expansion of
M&T Bank's franchise in eastern U.S. and make it the company
with the fourth largest deposit share in New Jersey. The deal
awaits regulatory and shareholders' approval.
Including M&T Bank's existing branches, the 135 additional
branch offices from Hudson City, sited at New Jersey, New York and
Connecticut, would lead to a combined network of 870 branches
ranging from Connecticut to Virginia with little overlap. We expect
the deal to be a strategic fit for M&T. It is projected to add
to the company's earnings per share and capital ratios immediately.
As a matter of fact, following the financial crisis, the market
witnessed a surge in the number of distressed banks ready to be
taken over by their stronger counterparts and M&T capitalized
on such opportunities. It has been making strategic acquisitions in
an endeavor to augment its business.
In 2011, M&T completed the acquisition of Wilmington Trust,
which provided it with a leading deposit market share in Delaware.
Moreover, in the past, the purchases of Provident and Bradford in
May 2009 in the Mid-Atlantic region have proved worthy, both in
terms of customer base and profitability. We believe such
opportunistic acquisitions poise M&T well for growth in the
future.
Treasury Stake Sale
Moreover, in mid-August, the U.S. Treasury announced a public
offering of the preferred stock worth $381.5 million that it holds
in M&T. The move came as part of its efforts to unwind its
bailout program. Public investors will now be able to hold the
stock.
Notably, compared to a number of its Wall Street counterparts, the
company made a slow exit from the TARP as it has been quite
hesitant in raising capital through common stock offerings. An exit
from TARP is considered a positive move for M&T as it would
free the company from significant government interventions, pay
restrictions and allow financial flexibility. However, the
prolonged period for making dividend payment has somewhat muted
investors' enthusiasm.
In Conclusion
With a robust business model and strategic acquisitions, the
company is well poised for future growth. The company boasts of a
solid financial and credit performance even in the midst of a dull
economic environment.
Yet, a protracted economic recovery, regulatory issues and low
interest rates remain the headwinds for M&T. Moreover, elevated
levels of trust preferred securities in its capital and exposure to
risky assets add to its woes.
Nevertheless, efforts to build up its capital levels and a growing
core deposit, will uphold it in the long run. As such, the
risk-reward profile for M&T seems balanced and therefore our
Neutral recommendation remains in place.
The shares of M&T Bank Corp., however, retain a Zacks #2 Rank,
which translates into a short-term Buy rating.
HUDSON CITY BCP (HCBK): Free Stock Analysis
Report
M&T BANK CORP (MTB): Free Stock Analysis
Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment
Research