IBOC International Bancshares Corporation

Shares of BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF) crafted a new 52-week high, touching $65.84 at the end of the trading session on May 17. The closing price of this leading financial services provider represents a solid year-to-date return of 19.8%. The trading volume for the session was 25,802 shares.

Despite hitting its 52-week high, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has plenty of upside left, given its strong estimate revisions over the last 30 days and expected long-term earnings growth of 9.0%.

Growth Drivers

Impressive first-quarter 2013 results – including an earnings surprise of 8.5% and negative provision for credit losses – as well as a strong capital position were the primary growth drivers for BOK Financial.

On Apr 30, BOK Financial reported first-quarter earnings of $1.28 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10 cents. Moreover, results came above the prior-quarter earnings of $1.21. Reduced operating expenses, reflecting disciplined expense management, aided the better-than-expected results. Additionally, reduced net charge-offs and strong capital ratios were the tailwinds.

Moreover, BOK Financial has now delivered positive earnings surprises in 3 of the last 4 quarters with an average beat of 9.0%.

Estimate Revisions Show Potency

Over the last 30 days, all 7 estimates for 2013 have been revised upward for BOK Financial, lifting the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.4% to $4.87 per share. For 2014 as well, all 7 estimates moved north, helping the Zacks Consensus Estimate advance 2.6% to $4.80 per share.

Other Southwest banks that are worth considering include International Bancshares Corporation (IBOC) and Southside Bancshares Inc. (SBSI), both with a Zacks Rank #2 while Metrocorp Bancshares Inc. (MCBI) carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

 
BOK FINL CORP (BOKF): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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SOUTHSIDE BANCS (SBSI): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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