Stephens raised its price target for Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:DCOM) to $36.00, up from the previous $33.00, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock this past Friday. The bank’s shares, currently valued at $33.87, are nearing their 52-week peak of $34.85 and are seen as modestly undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value assessments.
The firm underscored Dime Community’s strong showing in the fourth quarter, highlighted by earnings per share (EPS) surpassing expectations, along with a 10 basis point increase in net interest margin. Quarterly deposit growth reached an impressive 6.5%, with demand deposit accounts expanding by 7.6%. These factors contributed to a trailing twelve-month EPS of $2.36, with forecasts projecting EPS growth to $3.45 by fiscal year 2026.
Dime Community Bancshares’ loan-to-deposit ratio currently stands at 84%, and Stephens anticipates continued improvement in net interest margins through 2027. The analyst firm expects a reduction in loan runoff related to commercial real estate and multi-family portfolios, which should drive stronger loan growth in the latter half of 2026.
Looking ahead, Stephens estimates annual net interest income growth rates of 14% to 15% in both 2026 and 2027. The firm also emphasized the importance of monitoring cash levels, which now represent 15% of the bank’s assets.
Despite these encouraging indicators, Stephens noted several areas of concern. The bank's projected return on assets (ROA) for 2026 and 2027 is 0.97% and 1.16%, respectively, trailing peer averages of 1.21% and 1.26%. Additionally, the firm pointed out Dime Community’s relatively high exposure to commercial real estate and rent-regulated multi-family housing as potential risk factors.
Further boosting confidence in the bank’s financial position, Dime Community Bancshares recently reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings that outperformed Wall Street expectations. The company posted EPS of $0.79, beating the estimated $0.71 and marking an 11.27% positive surprise. Total revenues hit a record $124 million, underscoring robust financial health.
Complementing Stephens’ outlook, DA Davidson also raised its price target on Dime Community Bancshares to $39 from $37, maintaining a Buy rating. Citing a "strong quarter," the firm highlighted solid net interest margin expansion and growth in excess cash as critical drivers behind their revised valuation.
Collectively, these developments indicate positive momentum for Dime Community Bancshares despite competitive profitability challenges and concentrated sector exposures.