Wells Fargo Lifts BankUnited (BKU) Target Ahead of Expected 2026 Earnings Recovery

Core Insights - BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU) is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks to invest in for January [1] - Wells Fargo has raised its price target for BankUnited to $50 from $42, maintaining an Overweight rating, anticipating a recovery in earnings by 2026 [2] - The company reported a net income of $71.9 million, or $0.95 per share, with a net interest margin increase to 3.00% from 2.93% in the previous quarter [3] Financial Performance - For the first nine months of the year, BankUnited's earnings reached $199.1 million, reflecting a 22% year-over-year increase [3] - The bank's deposits remained largely flat, while funding costs decreased [3] - The tangible book value increased by 8% year-over-year to $39.27 per share, with a CET1 ratio of 12.5% at the end of the quarter, indicating strong capital strength [4] Business Model and Market Position - BankUnited operates as a regional banking institution with a significant presence in Florida and the New York metropolitan area [5] - The company focuses on a diversified loan portfolio and a solid deposit base to support stable earnings and maintain competitiveness among regional peers [5]