Raymond James downgrades OceanFirst on Flushing Financial acquisition

OceanFirst Financial

31/12/2025 13:26

** Raymond James downgrades regional lender OceanFirst Financial OCFC.O to "market perform" from "strong buy" following its planned acquisition of smaller rival Flushing Financial FFIC.O

** OCFC stock slipped 6.7% on Tuesday after the bank unveiled the acquisition and a $225 million capital infusion

** Brokerage says acquisition significantly slows OCFC's shift to a commercial and industrial loans lender, which was the primary catalyst for its prior rating

** Deal lessens likelihood of OCFC being a seller in the intermediate term, while stock warrants issued with the acquisition-related capital raise will also be an incremental headwind to share appreciation, Raymond James says

** Three of six brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and three "hold"; median PT $22 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, OCFC stock up 1% YTD

 (Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru)

 ((ArasuKannagi.Basil@thomsonreuters.com;))