Regional Banks

Rodman & Renshaw reiterated its Market Outperform rating on Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE: WAL). At the same time, the rating agency reduced its price target on the company's stock from $9 to $8.50. On Friday, WAL added 4.56% to its value to finish the day at $7.33.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-investment arm of the World Bank Group, will invest USD 1 million in Advans Cote d'Ivoire, a member of the Advans SA group of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The equity investment will be used to finance the growth of Advans Cote d'Ivoire...

Compass Point Research & Trading maintained its M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) Neutral rating and increased its M&T Bank price target from $85 to $92 in a research report published today. In the report, Compass Point states, "We continue to view MTB as one of the best managed banks in our...

Wunderlich Securities reiterated its Hancock Holding (NASDAQ: HBHC) Buy rating and $42 price target in a research report published today. In the report, Wunderlich Securities states, "We are of the opinion that investors are significantly underestimating the potential for margin compression in...

According to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ: ABCB), EPS estimates are revised. KBW has increased their EPS estimates from $0.05 to $0.24 (2011) and from $0.70 to $0.72 (2012). MP rating and PT remain the same. Ameris Bancorp closed yesterday at $10.30.

According to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Taylor Capital Group (NASDAQ: TAYC), PT is revised. KBW reports a decrease in Taylor Capital's PT from $8 to $7, but keeps the Underperform rating the same. Taylor Capital Group closed yesterday at $8.36.

According to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB), Earnings are revised. KBW reported higher EPS estimates of $1.19 for 2011 and $1.40 for 2012. MP rating is set to Outperform and PT is set to $16. Fifth Third closed yesterday at $12.76.

According to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, BB&T (NYSE: BBT), EPS estimates are revised. KBW announced increased EPS estimates, now set at $1.72 for 2011 and $2.35 for 2012. KBW maintaines their MP rating and PT of $30. BB&T closed yesterday at $26.29.

J.P. Morgan has published a report on BB&T (NYSE: BBT) Corporation after 2Q results. In the report, J.P. Morgan wrote, "BBT reported moderate 2Q EPS of $0.44, a penny above both our estimate and consensus. 2Q was marked by higher net interest margin, strong growth in insurance brokerage fees,...

KBW is out with its report today on Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ: HBAN), maintaining Market Perform. In a note to clients, KBW writes, "HBAN reported a 2Q11 operating EPS of $0.16 per share, comparing favorably to both our and consensus estimate. Relative to our estimate, the beat was driven by...

KBW is out with its report today on Umpqua Holdings (NASDAQ: UMPQ), maintaining Market Perform. In a note to clients, KBW writes, "We are placing operating EPS at $0.13 which excludes securities gains partly offset by a nominal amount of charges. Results reflected core margin expansion (+17 bps to...

ISI reiterated its Hold rating on SunTrust Banks (NYSE: STI). At the moment, the rating agency has a price target of $25 placed on the company's stock. On Thursday, STI closed the day at $25.71. Its shares added 1.05% to their value in today's pre-market trading to stand around $26.

KBW is out with its report today on Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC), reiterating Underperform. In a note to clients, KBW writes, "Associated reported 2Q11 operating EPS of $0.20 per share, which was above our estimate. Results included $0.11/share of reserve release versus our expectation for...

KBW is out with its report today on City National (NYSE: CYN), maintaining Market Perform. In a note to clients, KBW writes, "CYN Beat with better NII, driven by 8% Q/Q annualized loan growth and increased leverage, as well as second consecutive quarter with a $0 provision. While core results were...

KBW reiterated its Market Perform rating on Bancorp Rhode Island (NASDAQ: BARI). At the same time, the rating agency left its price target on the company's stock unchanged at $42. On Thursday, BARI closed the day at $45.