Raymond James Downgrades Webster Financial Amid Santander Acquisition Reactions

Raymond James has downgraded Webster Financial (WBS) stock rating to 'Market Perform' from 'Outperform'. This decision follows a series of similar downgrades from other prominent financial institutions, including Barclays, UBS, TD Cowen, and RBC, all occurring in early February 2026. The collective downgrades coincide with ongoing market reactions to Santander's reported $12.2 billion acquisition of Webster Financial. Analysts appear to be re-evaluating the stock's outlook and valuation in light of the impending acquisition. This trend suggests a revised, potentially less optimistic, perspective on the company's future performance, signaling a notable shift for investors.