UPDATE: D.A. Davidson Reiterates Neutral Rating, Raises PT on Bank of Hawaii Corporation Following Q2'13 EPS Report

In a report published Tuesday, D.A. Davidson analyst Jeff Rulis reiterated a Neutral rating on Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE: BOH), and raised the price target from $55.00 to $57.00.In the report, D.A. Davidson noted, “Bank of Hawaii reported Q2'13 EPS of $0.85 versus our estimate of $0.83, which also matched the consensus estimate. Upside from our estimate was tied to lower than expected operating expenses, a lower tax rate and slightly higher fee income. Loan growth and NIM compression were moderate and in line with our forecast. NIM contracted 5bp to 2.77%, roughly in line with our model. Management expressed optimism on margins given recent interest rate trends. Specifically, a more positive securities reinvestment experience, less premium amortization drag and possible loan balance stabilization were keys cited for margin assistance. Non interest income of $48.0 million was slightly up from last quarter and exceeded our estimate. Mortgage banking revenue fell sequentially and management pointed to further revenue decline from this line item, an impact somewhat mitigated by positives elsewhere (NIM, mortgage portfolio advantages).”Bank of Hawaii Corporation closed on Monday at $55.42.