Piper Sandler Adjusts Price Target for First Foundation (NASDAQ:FFWM) Stock

Piper Sandler, an investment research firm, has revised its expectations for the stock price of First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ:FFWM). In a recent note to investors dated February 5, 2025, the firm lowered its target price from $7.00 to $6.00. Currently, Piper Sandler maintains a "neutral" rating on First Foundation’s stock, indicating that they have a cautious outlook on its short-term performance. The new price target suggests a potential upside of 17.35% from FFWM's present trading price.

Additionally, StockNews.com has also adjusted its stance on First Foundation stock. As of November 7, 2024, they downgraded their rating from "hold" to "sell." Presently, among analysts, one has assigned a "sell" rating, four have issued a "hold" rating, and one analyst has provided a "buy" rating. As per MarketBeat data, the overall consensus rating for First Foundation stands at "Hold," with an average target price of $6.75.

Stock Performance and Metrics

On the trading day following Piper Sandler's announcement, shares of First Foundation rose 1.7%, opening at $5.11. Financially, the company maintains a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.04. The debt-to-equity ratio is reported at 1.80. Over the past fifty days, the stock has averaged $6.57 and has a 200-day moving average of $6.77. Market capitalization for First Foundation is currently at $421.11 million, with a PE ratio of -3.82 and a beta of 1.36. The stock has seen a low of $4.66 and a high of $8.88 within the past year.

Investor Activity

Recent changes in the ownership of FFWM stock have involved several upper-tier investors. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd entered a new position in First Foundation during the third quarter, acquiring shares worth approximately $72,000. HighTower Advisors LLC made a similar move, purchasing shares valued around $87,000. Additionally, Creative Planning boosted its stake by 35.8%, acquiring 4,336 more shares, bringing their total to 16,463 shares valued at $103,000. Other institutional investors, such as Intech Investment Management LLC and Hollencrest Capital Management, have also increased their holdings in First Foundation significantly.

Overview of First Foundation

First Foundation Inc. operates through its subsidiaries and offers a variety of financial services, including banking, investment advisory, wealth management, and trust services for individuals and businesses in the U.S. The company is divided into two main operational segments: Banking and Wealth Management. Its services include various deposit products such as personal savings and checking accounts, alongside a series of loan offerings including residential and commercial real estate loans, term loans, and consumer loans.

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