Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the year, with major indexes giving up most of their gains recently [1][2] - Economic uncertainty, including higher inflation and borrowing rates, along with geopolitical tensions, has contributed to this volatility [2][4] - The S&P 500 dropped 1.23% to 6,798.40 points, entering negative territory for the year, while the Dow and Nasdaq also saw declines of 1.2% and 1.6% respectively [5] Economic Indicators - Job openings in December totaled 6.54 million, a decrease of 386,000 from November, marking the lowest level since September 2020 [6] - Jobless claims rose to 231,000 for the last week of January, up 22,000 from the previous week, exceeding the consensus estimate of 212,000 [7] - U.S. companies announced 108,435 layoffs in January, the highest total for that month since the global financial crisis [7] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in January after a total reduction of 75 basis points last year, facing challenges from high inflation [8] Dividend-Paying Stocks - Investors are advised to consider dividend-paying stocks as a means to protect capital during market volatility [2] - The New York Times Company (NYT) announced a dividend of $0.23 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.06% and a payout ratio of 30% of earnings [10][12] - Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) declared a dividend of $0.29 per share, yielding 1.81% with a payout ratio of 40% of earnings [14][12] - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ) announced a dividend of $0.20 per share, yielding 0.60% with a payout ratio of 12% of earnings [16][12]

JERICHO, N.Y., Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESQ) (the "Company"), the financial holding company for Esquire Bank, National Association ("Esquire Bank" or the "Bank"), today announced an increase to its regular quarterly dividend by 14% to $0.20 per share of common stock, payable on March 2, 2026, to each stockholder of record on February 13, 2026. "Our dividend increase reflects the strength of our balance sheet and confidence in Esquire's long-term outlook," said ...

We recently compiled a list of the 9 High Growth Small Cap Stocks That Are Profitable. The sixth stock on our list of high growth stocks is Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. TheFly reported on January 23 that Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised its price target for ESQ to $85 from $80 while maintaining a Market Perform rating. The firm noted that the company’s core net interest income came in broadly in line with expectations. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Lift Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ) Target After In- ...

分组1 - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. reported quarterly earnings of $1.55 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.56 per share, but showing an increase from $1.37 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -0.32% [1] - The company posted revenues of $39.4 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.27%, compared to year-ago revenues of $33.06 million, and has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $1.49 on revenues of $38.1 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $6.25 on revenues of $159.48 million [7] 分组2 - Esquire Financial shares have increased by approximately 7.5% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.4% [3] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Northeast is currently in the top 33% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8] - Another company in the same industry, MainStreet Bank, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.49 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +508.3%, with revenues expected to be $18.76 million, up 11.3% from the year-ago quarter [9]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 increased 14.6% to $13.5 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, compared to $11.8 million, or $1.37 per diluted share in Q4 2024[1]. - For the full year 2025, net income rose 16.4% to $50.8 million, or $5.87 per diluted share, compared to $43.7 million, or $5.14 per diluted share in 2024[14]. - Total revenue for 2025 increased by $21.7 million, or 17.4%, to $146.6 million compared to 2024[1]. - Noninterest income for Q4 2025 was stable at $6.1 million, representing 16% of total revenue, with payment processing income at $5.1 million[6]. - Noninterest income totaled $25.1 million, consistent with 2024, while payment processing income decreased by $660 thousand to $20.2 million[17]. - Net interest income rose to $121,481,000 in 2025, compared to $99,929,000 in 2024, reflecting an increase of about 21.5%[37]. Asset and Loan Growth - Average loans grew $122.9 million, or 31.8% annualized, to $1.66 billion on a linked quarter basis, with total loans increasing $361.4 million, or 25.9%, for the full year 2025[1]. - Total assets increased by $473.2 million, or 25.0%, to $2.37 billion, driven by a $361.4 million, or 25.9%, growth in loans[23]. - Loans held for investment rose to $1,758,427 thousand, an increase of 13.63% from $1,546,980 thousand in the previous quarter[33]. - Average balance of loans held for investment grew to $1,511,997,000 in 2025, up from $1,258,914,000 in 2024, an increase of approximately 19.9%[37]. Deposit Growth - Core deposits increased by $428.7 million, or 26.3%, to $2.06 billion for the full year 2025[1]. - Total deposits reached $2.06 billion as of December 31, 2025, a $420.8 million, or 25.6%, increase from 2024[25]. - Total deposits reached $2,063,007 thousand, an increase of 9.76% from $1,879,440 thousand in the previous quarter[33]. - Average balance of savings, NOW, and money market deposits rose to $1,231,143,000 in 2025 from $945,899,000 in 2024, an increase of approximately 30.2%[37]. Efficiency and Expenses - The efficiency ratio for Q4 2025 was 48.4%, compared to 47.5% in Q4 2024, indicating continued investment in growth and client service[12]. - Noninterest expense increased by $10.4 million, or 17.1%, to $71.2 million, primarily due to higher employee compensation and benefits, which rose by $4.5 million, or 11.8%[18]. - The efficiency ratio was 48.6% for the year ended December 31, 2025, slightly improved from 48.7% in 2024[19]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 48.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to 48.9% in the previous quarter, indicating better cost management[35]. Tax and Provision for Credit Losses - The effective tax rate for Q4 2025 was 22.8%, down from 25.0% in the prior year quarter, due to discrete tax benefits related to share-based compensation[13]. - The provision for credit losses was $2.9 million for Q4 2025, a $1.2 million increase from Q4 2024, reflecting significant loan growth[9]. - The provision for credit losses was $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, a $5.0 million increase from 2024, with an allowance to loans ratio of 1.37% compared to 1.50% in 2024[16]. - The provision for credit losses increased to $2,900 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1,750 thousand in the previous quarter, indicating a rise of 65.71%[35]. Capital and Equity - Stockholders' equity increased by $52.5 million to $289.6 million, primarily due to net increases in retained earnings[28]. - The bank remains well above regulatory "Well Capitalized" standards[29]. - Stockholders' equity increased to $261,822,000 in 2025 from $216,743,000 in 2024, representing a growth of about 20.8%[37]. Interest Margin and Rates - Net interest margin was resilient at 6.05% for Q4 2025 and 6.02% for the full year 2025, despite declines in short-term market interest rates[1]. - Average yield on total interest earning assets improved to 6.91% in 2025 from 6.88% in 2024[37]. - Net interest margin slightly decreased to 6.02% in 2025 from 6.06% in 2024[37]. Other Financial Metrics - Cash dividends paid per common share remained stable at $0.175 for both the current and previous quarters[35]. - Off-balance sheet sweep funds totaled approximately $736.6 million, with $449.0 million, or 61.0%, available to be swept on balance sheet[26]. - Total interest earning assets reached $2,018,146,000 in 2025, up from $1,648,433,000 in 2024, marking a growth of approximately 22.5%[37].

Core Insights - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. reported significant growth in commercial loans and deposits, positioning the company for continued success in 2026 [1] - The company maintains a strong capital foundation, with CET1 and TCE/TA ratios of 14.18% and 12.24%, respectively, well above regulatory standards [2][28] - Esquire Bank focuses on serving the litigation and payments markets with tailored tech-enabled financial solutions [2][3] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, net income was $13.5 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, up from $11.8 million, or $1.37 per diluted share in Q4 2024, representing a 14.6% increase [4][6] - Net interest income increased by $6.4 million, or 23.8%, to $33.3 million, driven by a 19.7% growth in average interest-earning assets [5][14] - The full year 2025 net income rose 16.4% to $50.8 million, despite increases in provisions for credit losses and noninterest expenses [6][13] Loan and Deposit Growth - Average loans increased by $340.0 million, or 25.8%, to $1.66 billion, with litigation-related loan growth accounting for $320.3 million, or 42.1% [5][14] - Total deposits reached $2.06 billion, a $420.8 million, or 25.6% increase from 2024, driven by litigation-related escrow deposits and commercial demand deposits [23][24] - Core deposits grew by $428.7 million, or 26.3%, compared to 2024, reflecting the company's focus on full-service commercial banking relationships [6][24] Noninterest Income and Expenses - Noninterest income for Q4 2025 was stable at $6.1 million, with payment processing income consistent with the prior year [9][16] - Noninterest expenses increased by $3.4 million, or 21.5%, to $19.1 million, primarily due to higher employee compensation and benefits, data processing, and occupancy costs [10][17] - The efficiency ratio for Q4 2025 was 48.4%, slightly higher than 47.5% in 2024, reflecting ongoing investments in growth and client service [11][19] Asset Quality and Credit Metrics - The allowance for credit losses was $24.0 million, or 1.37% of total loans, with nonperforming loans totaling $8.6 million, representing 0.36% of total assets [21][23] - The provision for credit losses for the year was $9.7 million, a $5.0 million increase from 2024, driven by significant loan growth [15][21] - The company believes its allowance for credit losses is adequate based on current credit risk evaluations [8][15] Market Position and Strategy - Esquire Bank has been recognized as a top-performing small-cap bank, being named to the Piper Sandler 2025 Bank & Thrift Sm-All Stars [6][29] - The company continues to invest in technology and client experience to enhance its service offerings and support future growth [3][10] - Esquire's strategy focuses on developing full-service commercial banking relationships rather than competing on interest rates [24][25]

Ensuring our Clients and Our Institution Succeed Boldly Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (Financial Holding Company for Esquire Bank, N.A.) 4Q & Full Year 2025 Investor Presentation Listed as ESQ Forward Looking Disclosure This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not historical fact and express management's current expectations, forecasts of future events or long-term goals and, by their nature, are subject to ass ...

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Core Insights - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. has been recognized as one of the top-performing small-cap banks in the country by Piper Sandler, being named to the 2025 Bank & Thrift Sm-All Stars list [1][2]. Group 1: Recognition and Performance - Esquire is one of only 24 institutions out of 316 publicly traded banks and thrifts to achieve elite status based on growth, profitability, credit quality, and balance sheet strength [2]. - The recognition marks Esquire's third appearance on the Sm-All Stars list, placing it among the top 10% of publicly held institutions with market capitalizations between $50 million and $2.5 billion [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Jericho, New York, with additional branch offices in Los Angeles, California, and an administrative office in Boca Raton, Florida [4]. - The company's subsidiary, Esquire Bank, provides full-service commercial banking tailored to the litigation industry and small businesses, as well as commercial and retail customers in the New York metropolitan area [4].

Core Viewpoint - Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors adjusting their valuations based on these estimates [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value for a stock, prompting institutional investors to buy or sell, thus affecting stock prices [4]. Company Performance Indicators - Esquire Financial is projected to earn $5.88 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, showing no year-over-year change [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Esquire Financial has increased by 4.8%, indicating a positive revision trend [8]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Esquire Financial to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].