Group 1 - Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) and Cadence Bank (CADE) have received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for their proposed merger, with The Huntington National Bank as the surviving entity [1] - All necessary regulatory approvals for the Huntington-Cadence transaction have been obtained, paving the way for the merger [1] - The merger is anticipated to close on February 1, 2026, contingent upon shareholder approvals and the fulfillment or waiver of customary closing conditions outlined in the merger agreement [1]

Core Insights - Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN) has received regulatory approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to proceed with its merger of Cadence Bank (CADE), with the transaction expected to close on February 1, 2026, pending shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions [1][10] Financial Details - The merger is structured as a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $7.4 billion, where HBAN will issue 2.475 shares of common stock for each outstanding share of CADE common stock [2][10] - The deal is anticipated to be 10% accretive to Huntington's earnings per share, although it is projected to be modestly dilutive to regulatory capital at closing and 7% dilutive to tangible book value per share, with the dilution expected to be recovered within three years [3] Strategic Rationale - The merger will add over 390 Cadence branches, positioning the combined bank as the fifth-largest by deposit market share in Dallas and Houston, and eighth statewide in Texas [4] - Huntington is expected to enter the top 10 banks by deposits in Alabama and Arkansas, enhancing its competitive positioning in these growing regions [4] Geographic Expansion - The acquisition significantly broadens Huntington's geographic reach beyond its Midwest base, allowing it to operate across 21 states and maintain a presence in 12 of the 25 largest U.S. metropolitan areas [5][10] Inorganic Growth Strategy - Huntington has been expanding its footprint through a series of acquisitions, including the planned acquisition of advisory and trading units from Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, which will enhance its advisory and capital markets capabilities [6] - Previous acquisitions, such as Veritex Holdings, Capstone Partners, and the merger with TCF Financial, have also contributed to Huntington's growth and operational efficiency [7][8][9] Market Performance - Over the past six months, shares of Huntington have increased by 10.2%, outperforming the industry growth of 7.9% [11]

Core Insights - Cadence Bank donated a total of $150,000 to seven nonprofit organizations as part of its annual Cadence Cares Holiday Program, with the funds allocated based on customer votes [2][3][5] - The program, now in its fourth year, engaged 11,729 voters across a nine-state area, focusing on organizations that support low-to-moderate-income families and communities [3][5] - Over the past four years, Cadence Bank has contributed a total of $600,000 through this initiative, highlighting its commitment to community support [5] Donation Breakdown - The specific donations to the nonprofit organizations include: - Boys & Girls Clubs of America – $23,000 - Dispensary of Hope – $25,000 - DreamSpring – $13,000 - Feeding America – $28,000 - Rebuilding Together – $15,000 - Salvation Army – $29,000 - USA Cares – $17,000 [7] Company Overview - Cadence Bank is a regional bank with assets totaling $53 billion, operating over 390 locations primarily in the South and Texas, offering a range of banking and financial services [6] - The bank has received accolades for being one of the best employers and best banks in America, reflecting its strong reputation in the industry [6]

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and Cadence Bank have received all necessary regulatory approvals for their merger, which is set to close on February 1, 2026, pending shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions [2]. Company Overview Huntington Bancshares Incorporated - Huntington is a regional bank holding company with assets totaling $223 billion, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It offers a wide range of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management services [3]. - The company operates over 1,000 branches across 14 states, serving consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, and municipalities [3]. Cadence Bank - Cadence Bank is a regional bank with assets of $53 billion, operating more than 390 locations primarily in the South and Texas. It provides comprehensive banking, investment, trust, and mortgage services [4]. - The bank has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers and as one of America's Best Banks for 2025 by Forbes [4].

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares is set to reduce its workforce at Cadence Bank following its $7.4 billion acquisition, which aims to enhance its footprint in a region identified as one of the three most attractive U.S. markets for growth [1] Company Summary - Huntington Bancshares is acquiring Cadence Bank for $7.4 billion, indicating a strategic move to expand its operations [1] - The acquisition is part of Huntington's strategy to strengthen its presence in key markets, particularly in Texas [1] Industry Summary - The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation trends within the banking industry, as institutions seek to enhance their market positions and operational efficiencies [1] - The focus on Texas as a growth market highlights the competitive landscape in the banking sector, where regional strengths are increasingly prioritized [1]

Group 1 - The law office of Brodsky & Smith is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of Cadence Bank for possible breaches of fiduciary duty related to its sale to Huntington Bancshares in an all-stock deal valued at $7.4 billion [1][2] - The transaction involves Huntington issuing 2.475 shares of common stock for each outstanding share of Cadence Bank, implying a value of $39.77 per Cadence share based on Huntington's closing price of $16.07 as of October 24, 2025 [1] - The investigation focuses on whether the Cadence Bank Board conducted a fair process and whether the deal consideration provides fair value to shareholders [2]

Core Insights - Cadence Bank has been recognized as one of American Banker's 2025 Best Banks to Work For, ranking 74th nationwide, highlighting its commitment to creating a positive workplace for employees [1][2]. Group 1: Recognition and Rankings - The recognition reflects the dedication, integrity, and collaboration of Cadence Bank's employees, emphasizing that when employees thrive, customers and communities benefit [2]. - The ranking process involved a two-step evaluation: 25% based on workplace policies and practices, and 75% based on anonymous employee surveys assessing workplace experiences [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Cadence Bank is a regional bank with assets totaling $53 billion, operating over 390 locations across the South and Texas, offering a range of banking and financial services [4]. - The bank has received multiple accolades, including recognition as one of the nation's best employers by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report, and as one of America's Best Banks by Forbes in 2025 [4].

Core Insights - The article compiles significant research calls from Wall Street that are influencing market movements [1] Upgrades Summary - Argus upgraded Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $27, citing potential bidding wars that could increase offers [2] - H.C. Wainwright upgraded Core Scientific (CORZ) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $25, anticipating that the proposed takeover by CoreWeave (CRWV) will not pass the shareholder vote [2] - UBS upgraded Upwork (UPWK) to Buy from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $21, expecting a return to positive services volume growth in the next two quarters due to improved web traffic and a shift towards higher-value services [2] - RBC Capital upgraded Cadence Bank (CADE) to Outperform from Sector Perform with a new price target of $47, increased from $43, aligning with Huntington (HBAN) following their merger announcement [2] - BofA upgraded RB Global (RBA) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $120, believing the risk-reward profile has become more favorable after a recent share price pullback [2]

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the fairness of the proposed sale of Cadence Bank to Huntington Bancshares Incorporated for Cadence shareholders, focusing on whether the transaction terms are equitable [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation aims to determine if Cadence and its board violated federal securities laws or breached fiduciary duties by not securing the best possible consideration for shareholders [3]. - The proposed transaction involves Huntington issuing 2.475 shares of common stock for each outstanding share of Cadence common stock [1]. Group 2: Potential Actions - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other benefits related to the proposed transaction [4]. - The firm operates on a contingent fee basis, meaning shareholders would not incur out-of-pocket legal fees or expenses [4].

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares is acquiring Cadence Bank for $7.4 billion in an all-stock deal, marking a significant move in the regional banking sector [1][4][6] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will provide Cadence investors with 2.475 shares of Huntington stock for each share they own, valuing Cadence shares at $39.77, which is a 9% premium over its previous closing price [3] - The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [3] Group 2: Strategic Significance - This acquisition will enhance Huntington's presence in key markets, particularly in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, making it the largest bank in Mississippi and a top 10 bank in Alabama and Arkansas by deposits [4][5] - Following the merger, Huntington will operate in 21 states and cover 12 of the top 25 metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S., indicating a substantial expansion of its market footprint [5] Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, shares of Cadence Bank rose approximately 3%, while Huntington's shares fell by 4% [1][6] - Year-to-date, Cadence Bank shares have increased by 10%, whereas Huntington Bancshares shares have decreased by 4% [6]