South Plains Financial (SPFI) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.T ...

Core Viewpoint - South Plains Financial (SPFI) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a notable increase in earnings estimates for the second quarter [1]. Financial Metrics - South Plains Financial has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.42, significantly lower than the S&P average of 22.67, indicating strong value characteristics [2]. - The company has experienced a 10.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its second quarter earnings over the last 60 days [1].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ______ to ______ Commission File Number: 001-38895 South Plains Financial, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdict ...

South Plains Financial (SPFI) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.The upward trend in estimate revisions for this company reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate rev ...

Core Viewpoint - South Plains Financial (SPFI) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook driven by rising earnings estimates [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which significantly influences stock price movements [2][5]. - An increase in earnings estimates correlates strongly with near-term stock price increases, as institutional investors adjust their valuations based on these estimates [5][6]. Recent Performance of South Plains Financial - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, South Plains Financial is expected to earn $3.14 per share, reflecting a 7.5% increase from the previous year [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for South Plains Financial has risen by 10%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [9]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of South Plains Financial to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].

Shares of South Plains Financial (SPFI) have gained 1.9% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $33.72, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $42.75 indicates a potential upside of 26.8%.The average comprises four short-term price targets ranging from a low of $39 to a high of $45, with a standard deviation of $2.63. While the lowest estimate ind ...

SLM (SLM) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 01:16 AM ET Company Participants Kate deLacy - Senior Director, Head of Investor RelationsJonathan Witter - CEO & DirectorPete Graham - EVP & CFOJeffrey Adelson - Executive DirectorNathaniel Richam-Odoi - Equity Research AssociateJohn Hecht - Managing DirectorMark Devries - Director Conference Call Participants Terry Ma - Senior Equity Research AnalystMoshe Orenbuch - Managing Director & Senior AnalystMichael Kaye - Equity Research AnalystRichard Shane - Stock ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.72, down from $0.96 in the linked quarter, with a $0.14 per share after-tax differential in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment [26] - Net interest income remained unchanged at $38.5 million, while the net interest margin increased to 3.81% from 3.75% in the linked quarter, primarily due to a decline in the cost of deposits [27] - Deposits increased by $171.6 million to $3.79 billion, with the cost of deposits decreasing to 219 basis points from 229 basis points in the linked quarter [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $20.8 million or 2.7% annualized to $3.08 billion, with growth in commercial owner-occupied real estate loans and commercial goods and services loans [16] - The indirect auto loan portfolio grew by $7 million to $243 million, with a decline in 30-plus days past due loans to 41 basis points from 47 basis points in the fourth quarter [21] - Non-interest income decreased to $10.6 million from $13.3 million in the linked quarter, primarily due to a decrease in mortgage banking revenues [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio in major metropolitan markets decreased by $18 million to $1.04 billion, with higher levels of scheduled and early payments on loans exceeding new loan production [18] - The company reported strong loan growth in the Permian market, achieving the strongest loan growth in a single quarter since entering the market in 2019 [20] - The company anticipates loan growth to trend towards the lower end of the low- to mid-single-digit range for the full year 2025 due to economic uncertainty [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on organic growth while selectively adding to its team across major metropolitan and rural markets [10] - A $15 million stock repurchase program was authorized, with $8.3 million spent to repurchase 250,000 shares in the first quarter, indicating a strategy to balance buybacks with liquidity for growth [13] - The company is positioning itself to capitalize on opportunities during economic downturns, emphasizing the importance of credit quality and customer relationships [14][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to perform well through economic downturns, citing strong credit quality and a solid capital position [9][96] - The company is cautious about the economic outlook but believes Texas's pro-business environment will support growth above the broader U.S. economy [9] - Management expects to continue hiring experienced lenders to enhance the team's capabilities and support growth [10][96] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment ratio was 1.40%, with a recorded provision for credit losses of $420,000 in the first quarter [29] - Non-interest expense increased to $33.0 million from $29.9 million in the linked quarter, with expectations that this level will be a good run rate for the remainder of the year [30] - Tangible book value per share increased to $26.05 from $25.40, driven by net income after dividends and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: On deposit costs and potential for further reduction - Management indicated that while they have made significant progress in reducing deposit costs, there is still room for further reductions, particularly in exception pricing [37][40] Question: Loan yield stability and margin expansion - Management noted that while the loan yield has been stable, further expansion of the net interest margin may be limited, but they remain optimistic about maintaining current levels [41][46] Question: Elevated loan payoffs and their impact - Management acknowledged that payoffs were approximately $10 million higher in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, but they are comfortable with the anticipated payoffs as production remains strong [50][52] Question: Current hiring landscape and mortgage hiring outlook - Management stated they are actively hiring but are selective, particularly in the mortgage sector, as they prepare for a potential housing recovery [59][63] Question: Concentration of loan portfolio in energy and growth - The energy concentration in the loan portfolio is around 4%, primarily driven by energy service businesses, with management noting growth in this area [78][82]

For the quarter ended March 2025, South Plains Financial (SPFI) reported revenue of $49.15 million, up 5.1% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.72, compared to $0.64 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $48.55 million, representing a surprise of +1.24%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +10.77%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.65.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with W ...

Group 1: Earnings Performance - South Plains Financial (SPFI) reported quarterly earnings of $0.72 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.65 per share, and up from $0.64 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 10.77% [1] - The company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates in all four of the last quarters [2] - The revenue for the quarter ended March 2025 was $49.15 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.24%, and up from $46.78 million year-over-year [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - South Plains Financial shares have declined about 5% since the beginning of the year, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 8.6% [3] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the earnings outlook [4][6] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.69 on revenues of $51.2 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.85 on revenues of $204.3 million [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Banks - Southeast industry, to which South Plains Financial belongs, is currently ranked in the top 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact stock performance [5]