Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE:HOMB) has received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from seven research firms covering the stock, according to data from MarketBeat Ratings. The consensus reflects a balance of opinions, with three analysts recommending a hold, three suggesting a buy, and one issuing a strong buy rating. The average twelve-month price target is currently set at $32.60.
Research firms have recently updated their ratings on Home BancShares. On January 16, Piper Sandler reaffirmed an “overweight” rating with a price target increased to $35.00, up from a previous $34.00. Meanwhile, Zacks Research elevated the company’s rating from “hold” to “strong buy” on January 19. Contrastingly, Wall Street Zen lowered its rating from “hold” to “sell” shortly after. In other updates, Royal Bank of Canada set a price objective of $31.00 on January 12, and Weiss Ratings maintained a “buy (B-)” rating as of December 29.
Recent Financial Performance and Dividend Announcement
Home BancShares reported its quarterly earnings on January 14, revealing earnings per share (EPS) of $0.60, which matched analysts’ expectations. Revenue for the quarter reached $282.09 million, surpassing forecasts of $272.48 million. This figure represents a 9.2% increase compared to the same quarter last year, where the company earned $0.50 per share. Analysts predict an EPS of 2.19 for the current fiscal year.
The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, set to be paid on March 4. Shareholders of record on February 11 will receive this dividend, which equates to an annualized yield of 2.9% and a dividend payout ratio of 34.85%.
Insider Transactions and Institutional Investor Activity
In recent insider trading activity, Director Donna Townsell sold 5,563 shares of the company’s stock on January 28 at an average price of $28.38, totaling approximately $157,877.94. Following this transaction, Townsell holds 218,460 shares valued at around $6,199,894.80, marking a 2.48% decrease in her position. This transaction has been disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Institutional investors have also been active with their positions in Home BancShares. Notable changes include Binnacle Investments Inc. increasing its stake by 76.7% in the second quarter, bringing its total to 1,329 shares valued at $38,000. Other institutional investors have also made recent acquisitions, including First Horizon Corp, which purchased shares worth about $43,000, and Torren Management LLC, acquiring a stake valued at approximately $49,000. Collectively, institutional investors hold 67.31% of the company’s stock.
Home BancShares, based in Conway, Arkansas, operates primarily through its subsidiary, Home Bank, National Association. Founded in March 1999, the bank provides a range of banking services, including deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, and wealth management solutions. Its offerings cater to individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, and public entities, encompassing essential financial products and various lending options.
As investors and analysts continue to monitor Home BancShares, the company’s financial health and strategic decisions will play a crucial role in shaping its future performance in the market.
