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Truist Earnings Path Uncertain Amid Leadership Changes, Rate Hike Prospects, UBS Says in Downgrade

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Truist Earnings Path Uncertain Amid Leadership Changes, Rate Hike Prospects, UBS Says in Downgrade

Truist Financial's (TFC) upcoming leadership changes and the growing prospects of a Federal Reserve rate hike have introduced fresh uncertainty to the financial service company's earnings potential in the near term, UBS Securities said Tuesday.

The brokerage downgraded its rating on the Truist stock to neutral from buy and reduced its price target to $55 from $58.

Last month, the company said Michael Lyons will become its chief executive, effective Sept. 1, replacing Bill Rogers, who will assume the executive chair role.

"While (Truist's) shares have lagged peers this year, the recently announced CEO change and the prospect of rate hikes in the forward curve cloud near-term visibility on the leadership roster, talent retention, near-term (earnings-per-share) power, and recently introduced medium-term targets," UBS analyst Erika Najarian said in a note to clients Tuesday. "Until Mr. Lyons firms his leadership line-up, (Truist) could be vulnerable to talent turnover."

The prospects of the Fed tightening its monetary policy this year have increased amid growing inflationary concerns recently.

UBS lowered its EPS outlook for Truist to $4.50 from $4.60 for 2026 and to $5 from $5.15 for next year.

"While valuation is undemanding, we think (Truist) may be a value trap, as the market awaits the potential for revisions on leadership, strategy, and financial targets on the back of a new outsider CEO appointment," Najarian said. "Even if these first moves are executed well, it will likely take time for financial results to reflect these changes."

Earlier this month, Morgan Stanley downgraded its ratings on the stocks of Truist and Prosperity Bancshares (PB), saying the companies are bracing for a more intense competition for deposits in the medium term, which could hurt their earnings.

Price: $51.51, Change: $+0.09, Percent Change: +0.18%

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