Analyst Ratings February 23, 2026

Keefe Bruyette & Woods Affirms Outperform on MVB Financial; Cites Strong Revenue Momentum

Analyst keeps $30 price target as revenue growth accelerates despite higher expenses and credit clean-up

By Derek Hwang MVBF
Keefe Bruyette & Woods Affirms Outperform on MVB Financial; Cites Strong Revenue Momentum
MVBF

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated an Outperform rating on MVB Financial (MVBF) and maintained a $30.00 price target, highlighting a last-quarter annualized revenue growth rate of 24% driven by payments revenue gains, robust loan growth and an improved net interest margin. The firm raised revenue forecasts but lowered EPS estimates to reflect elevated expenses and credit remediation. Other company developments include a quarterly dividend declaration, a subordinated note redemption, and board leadership changes.

Key Points

  • Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated an Outperform rating on MVB Financial and kept a $30.00 price target.
  • Revenue expanded 24% annualized last quarter, driven by payments revenue growth, strong loan growth and a higher net interest margin.
  • Company actions include a $0.17 quarterly dividend payable March 15, 2026, and a plan to redeem $40 million in subordinated notes effective March 1, 2026.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods has reconfirmed an Outperform rating on MVB Financial (NASDAQ: MVBF), keeping a $30.00 price target on the shares. The firm pointed to sustained top-line momentum as the primary rationale behind the call.

On an annualized basis for the most recent quarter, MVB Financial reported revenue growth of 24%. The analyst attributed that gain to a combination of expanded payments revenue, solid loan growth and a wider net interest margin. These drivers underpinned the broker's decision to increase its revenue projections for the company.

Despite those revenue gains, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods noted that elevated operating expenses and ongoing credit clean-up have tempered the company's overall earnings performance. As a result, the firm trimmed its earnings-per-share estimates even as it lifted revenue forecasts. This move reflects a trade-off between stronger top-line trends and near-term pressure on profitability.

The analyst also observed a pattern among peers: four analysts have recently reduced their earnings estimates for the coming period, according to InvestingPro data. That broader downward revision trend aligns with the adjustments made to MVB Financial's EPS outlook.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods flagged several potential upside catalysts for the company. These include progress in the fintech client pipeline, continued loan growth, and possible cost reductions from the adoption of artificial intelligence through 2027. Such factors were identified as areas that could lift results if they materialize as expected.

On valuation metrics, the stock trades at approximately 1.1 times tangible book value and carries a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.44. The brokerage highlighted an attractive PEG ratio of 0.39, suggesting value relative to growth expectations. However, InvestingPro analysis indicates the shares may be slightly overvalued at current levels.

MVB Financial continues to return cash to shareholders. The company maintains a 2.4% dividend yield supported by a 19-year streak of dividend payments. In a recent corporate action, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, matching the prior quarter. That dividend is payable on March 15, 2026, to holders of record as of March 1, 2026.

Additional financial and governance activity was disclosed. MVB Financial intends to redeem $40 million of subordinated notes at 100% of principal plus accrued interest, with the redemption to take effect March 1, 2026. In board leadership changes, Dr. Kelly R. Nelson was appointed Chairman of the Board, succeeding the retiring W. Marston "Marty" Becker. Adam Famularo has also been added to the board. Dr. Nelson, a director since 2004, previously chaired the Board Risk and Compliance Committee.

Together, the rating reaffirmation, valuation context and the company's recent dividend, debt and governance actions illustrate a mix of operational momentum and near-term cost pressures. These items form the basis of the analyst's current view and the market positioning of MVB Financial.

Risks

  • Elevated operating expenses and credit clean-up have reduced near-term earnings, prompting analysts to lower EPS forecasts - impacting banking and financial services earnings outlooks.
  • InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be slightly overvalued at current levels despite attractive growth metrics - affecting valuation considerations for investors in regional banks and financial stocks.
  • Broader analyst earnings revisions (four analysts recently lowered estimates) introduce uncertainty around consensus profit expectations for the upcoming period, with implications for investor sentiment in the financial sector.

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