Core Insights - SouthState Corp.'s (SSB) organic growth is primarily driven by steady expansion in lending activities, a diversified fee-income base, and proactive balance-sheet management, with revenues experiencing an 18.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2025 [1][11] Revenue and Income Growth - The company's loans have shown a CAGR of 14.7% during the same period, significantly boosted by the Independent Bank acquisition, which has contributed to higher net interest income (NII) [2] - NII has increased at a CAGR of 22.7% over the last five years, supported by securities restructuring and favorable deposit pricing [2][11] - Non-interest income has also grown, with a CAGR of 4% over the past five years, driven by mortgage banking and wealth management segments [4] Future Growth Outlook - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts are expected to create a more favorable lending environment, supporting SSB's loan growth and NII growth [3] - SSB anticipates average interest-earning assets to be between $61 billion and $62 billion in 2026, with a net interest margin (NIM) projected at 3.80-3.90% [6] - Loan growth is expected to be in the mid to upper-single-digit range in 2026, supported by a strong pipeline [6] Sales Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SSB's revenue in 2026 is $2.75 billion, with a projected growth of 2.7% in 2026 and 7.4% in 2027 [8] Competitive Landscape - Webster Financial (WBS) is also experiencing solid organic growth, with NII growing at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, supported by recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [15] - BOK Financial (BOKF) has shown continuous growth, with total loans witnessing a CAGR of 4.3% from 2018 to 2025, and NII growing at a CAGR of 2.4% [17]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank released its sixth Corporate Stewardship Report, emphasizing its commitment to community, colleagues, corporate stewardship, and environmental sustainability [1] Commitment to Community - Provided $9.3 million in down payment assistance to 506 customers [1] - Invested $348 million in economic development and affordable housing projects [1] - Extended $792 million in community development loans [1] - Recorded 22,900 employee volunteer hours with 1,300 different organizations [1] - Made $2.57 billion in CRA-eligible loans [1] Commitment to Colleagues - Continued the ReMARKable Leader program, with 78 team members graduated, contributing to the company [1] - Provided $197,000 in financial assistance to 101 team members through The Sunshine Fund [1] Commitment to Corporate Stewardship - Continued the "Infoship" program to expose college students to diverse careers in banking [1] - Maintained a diverse workforce with 13.43% Black or African American and 9.72% Hispanic/Latino team members [1] - Sixty percent of the Board has CEO-level experience, and 27% have senior executive experience at financial institutions [1] Commitment to Environmental Resourcefulness - 48% of all statements distributed as eStatements, leading to reduced environmental impact [1] - Saved 30.1 acres of forest, reduced solid waste by 90,100 pounds, saved 1.13 million pounds of CO2 emissions, and saved 1.7 million gallons of water [1]

Financial Overview - As of December 31, 2025, SouthState Bank Corporation had approximately $67.2 billion in assets, $48.6 billion in loans, and $55.1 billion in deposits[17]. - The market capitalization of SouthState Bank Corporation was approximately $9.3 billion as of December 31, 2025[17]. - The deposit portfolio was comprised of 24% noninterest-bearing deposits and 76% interest-bearing deposits as of December 31, 2025[27]. Loan Portfolio Composition - The loan portfolio consisted of 58% commercial real estate loans ($28.0 billion), 21% residential real estate loans ($10.5 billion), 19% commercial and industrial loans ($9.2 billion), and 2% other consumer loans ($1.0 billion)[21][22][23][24]. - As of December 31, 2025, total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land were 35.2% of the Bank's total Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for credit losses[98]. - Total reported loans secured by multifamily and non-farm nonresidential properties were 271.8% of the Bank's total Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for credit losses[98]. Employee and Workforce Management - As of December 31, 2025, the company had 6,190 full-time employees, an increase from 4,986 in 2024, with a voluntary turnover rate of 11.82% for all team members[46]. - The company hired 1,786 team members during fiscal year 2025, with 96.98% of employees located in its eight-state branch footprint[46]. - Approximately 25.7% of employees work effectively from remote locations, supported by flexible work options[54]. Regulatory Environment - The company is subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state law, affecting its business operations and earnings[58]. - The Bank is subject to limitations on loans to affiliates, with individual loans capped at 10% of the Bank's capital and surplus, and total transactions limited to 20%[67]. - The company must maintain compliance with capital requirements set by federal banking agencies, which may require higher capital levels based on size and risk profile[84]. Capital and Liquidity Management - The required CET1 risk-based capital ratio is 4.5%, with a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, necessitating a minimum CET1 capital ratio of 7% to avoid restrictions on capital distributions[87]. - As of December 31, 2025, the Company's Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.26%, significantly above the minimum requirement of 4%[92]. - The company may need to raise additional capital in the future to meet regulatory requirements, but there is no assurance that such capital will be available on acceptable terms[168]. Strategic Growth and Mergers - The company aims to grow organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions, focusing on institutions that enhance its footprint and market diversification[34]. - The Independent Merger, completed on January 1, 2025, is expected to yield synergies such as enhanced revenues and cost savings, but its success depends on effective integration[132]. - Future expansion strategies may include mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on organic growth and acquiring culturally similar financial institutions[205]. Risk Management - The company must manage credit risk effectively, as any failure could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations[160]. - The company faces operational risks, including fraud and errors, which could lead to financial losses and reputational harm[177]. - The anticipated benefits from strategic initiatives may not be fully realized, potentially affecting future profitability[135]. Technology and Innovation - The company plans to implement an AI strategy to enhance operational efficiency and reduce bias, alongside expanding digital banking capabilities[135]. - The company continues to invest significantly in information technology and cybersecurity systems, including cloud-based applications, to enhance functionality and security, improve operating efficiency, and streamline client experience[190]. - The adoption of artificial intelligence tools is expected to enhance efficiency, but it also introduces risks related to errors and compliance with regulations[151]. Economic and Market Conditions - Inflation remains a concern, with the rate for 2025 exceeding the Federal Reserve's 2% target, potentially impacting profitability and consumer purchasing power[141]. - The cost of funds may increase due to competitive pressures and economic conditions, affecting profitability and liquidity[143]. - The mortgage line of business is sensitive to interest rate changes, with a substantial decrease in mortgage volume as interest rates increased, potentially impacting profitability targets[172]. Corporate Social Responsibility - The Corporate Social Responsibility Report for 2025 highlights the company's commitment to environmental and corporate stewardship initiatives[56]. - The company has committed to building a diverse workforce and enhancing corporate stewardship through various initiatives and councils established over the past five years[47]. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy - The company is subject to extensive data privacy and cybersecurity regulations, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity program[114]. - Cybersecurity risks have increased significantly, with potential exposure to cyber-attacks and information security breaches that could adversely affect business operations and reputation[196]. - The company experienced a cybersecurity incident in February 2024, leading to a pending class action lawsuit, although no material losses have been reported to date[203].

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Bank Corporation (SSB) is recognized as one of the top bank stocks to consider for investment in 2026, with a positive outlook from UBS following strong Q4 2025 results [1][2]. Financial Performance - SSB reported a significant net income growth of 71.8% year-over-year (YoY) in Q4 2025, reaching $247.7 million, up from $144.2 million [3]. - Diluted earnings per share increased by 31.6% YoY to $2.46, compared to $1.87 in the previous year [3]. - Return on average assets improved by 24 basis points YoY to 1.47%, while return on common equity rose by 178 basis points YoY to 10.90% [3]. Revenue Drivers - The strong earnings growth was primarily fueled by a 57.2% YoY increase in net interest income (NII), totaling $581.1 million, up from $369.8 million [4]. - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded by 38 basis points YoY to 3.86%, with average earning asset yields improving by 46 basis points YoY to 5.62% [4]. Asset Growth - Earning assets grew by 41.5% YoY to $59.9 billion, with a notable 43.0% expansion in the loan book, increasing from $33.8 billion to $48.4 billion [5]. - This growth in earning assets was primarily funded by a $17.1 billion YoY increase in deposits, rising from $38.1 billion to $55.1 billion [5]. Asset Quality - Asset quality remained stable, with a slight increase in the net charge-off ratio to 0.09% YoY, while the allowance for credit loss percentage improved to 1.20% [6]. - Provisions for credit losses grew modestly by 3.6% YoY to $6.6 million [6]. Shareholder Actions - The board of directors approved a new stock purchase plan, allowing the repurchase of 5.56 million common shares, approximately 5.6% of the company's weighted average common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025 [7].

Core Insights - SouthState Bank has been awarded the second highest number of awards in the U.S. for Middle Market and Small Business Banking by Crisil Coalition Greenwich, with a total of 29 awards, an increase of six from the previous year, indicating strong client relationships and commitment to high-quality financial solutions [1][1][1] Group 1: Awards and Recognition - SouthState Bank received 16 awards in the Middle Market Banking category, which includes businesses with annual revenue between $10-500 million, tying for the highest number of awards in this segment [1][1][1] - The bank's accolades in Middle Market Banking include categories such as Overall Satisfaction, Cash Management Satisfaction, and Customer Service, highlighting its strong performance in client experience [1][1][1] - In the Small Business Banking category, defined as companies with annual revenue between $1-10 million, SouthState earned 13 awards, marking it as a leader in this area as well [1][1][1] Group 2: Company Growth and Strategy - SouthState Bank's expansion into Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee has allowed it to serve more businesses, emphasizing its focus on customer experience while growing its footprint [1][1][1] - Since 2016, SouthState has accumulated a total of 111 Coalition Greenwich awards, showcasing its ongoing commitment to exceptional commercial banking services [1][1][1] Group 3: Evaluation Process - The 2026 awards were determined by evaluating over 500 banks and interviewing thousands of executives from small and middle-market firms, measuring institutions across various qualitative metrics [1][1][1]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is recognized as one of the best affordable long-term stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1][3] - Analyst Russell Gunther from Stephens maintained an Overweight rating on SouthState and raised the price target to $120 from $110, citing a core pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) of $323.5 million, which exceeded consensus estimates by 1.5% or $0.03 per share [1][2] - The bank's net interest income grew by 2.7% quarter over quarter, and the core net interest margin increased by two basis points to 3.86%, both above consensus estimates [2] Financial Performance - SouthState's PPNR performance was supported by stronger net interest income and correspondent banking/capital markets fees, although higher expenses partially offset this effect [1] - The 2026 PPNR estimate for SouthState was raised by 1.5% due to differentiated fee income momentum [2] - Raymond James also raised its price target on SouthState shares to $120 from $115, maintaining a Strong Buy rating, as the bank's December-ending quarter results were well ahead of expectations [2] Company Overview - SouthState Bank Corporation is a regional financial services company headquartered in Florida, providing consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth management solutions to over 1.5 million customers across the Southeast and beyond [2]

Core Insights - A shift in institutional capital is reshaping global equity allocations, with a softening demand for North America-focused hedge fund strategies and increased capital flow towards Europe and Asia [1][2] Hedge Fund Trends - Wealthy investors in the US and Asia are canceling plans to allocate to US hedge funds, driven by concerns over US trade policy uncertainty, dollar volatility, and concentration risk in mega-cap technology stocks [2] - Hedge funds are upgrading their outlook for value-oriented stock selection strategies, with firms like Man Group expressing positive sentiment towards Long-Biased Equity Long/Short and Market Neutral Equity Long/Short strategies [3] Stock Performance and Valuation - Low-valuation shares outperformed higher-multiple peers, with a 15% advance during the last six months of 2025, indicating a persistent value tilt if economic momentum holds [4] - The article highlights affordable, value stocks that institutions are increasingly investing in, suggesting a trend towards value-oriented investments [5] Methodology for Stock Selection - The selection of the 10 Best Affordable Long Term Stocks was based on companies trading at forward price-to-earnings ratios below 15, with five-year revenue and earnings growth rates of at least 15%, and market capitalizations above $2 billion [6] Company Highlights - **Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO)**: - Hedge fund holders: 26, Forward P/E: 8.12 - Positive outlook due to robust gold prices and progress on the Skouries copper-gold project, with a cash balance exceeding $1 billion [8][10] - Anticipated significant production increases and strong cash generation by 2027 [10] - **SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB)**: - Hedge fund holders: 32, Forward P/E: 11.35 - Strong core pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) performance exceeding consensus estimates, driven by net interest income growth [12][13] - Revenue growth of 39.42% over the past twelve months, with analysts raising price targets based on strong quarterly results [14]

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) has declared a quarterly dividend of 60 cents per share, marking a significant return to its shareholders with a record date set for February [1] Group 1 - The dividend amount of 60 cents represents a direct benefit to shareholders, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value [1]

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Bank (NYSE: SSB) is positioned for growth following the successful integration of Independent Financial, with a price target of $126 set by Barclays indicating a potential increase of 25.76% from its current price of $100.19 [1][5]. Group 1: Acquisition and Integration - The acquisition of Independent Financial in 2025 has significantly expanded SouthState Bank's presence into Texas and Colorado, enhancing growth prospects [2][5]. - CEO John Corbett stated that the integration risk is now behind the company, marking 2025 as a successful year post-acquisition [2]. - Mark Thompson led the integration process, which has been recognized as crucial in improving the company's risk profile and positioning it for continued organic growth and revenue generation [3]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Position - Despite a slight decrease of 0.37% in stock price, closing at $100.19, SouthState Bank remains a significant player in the financial sector with a market capitalization of approximately $10.07 billion [4]. - The stock price fluctuated between $99.68 and $105.25 during the day, reflecting market volatility, with a yearly high of $109.64 and a low of $77.74 [4].

Core Insights - SouthState Bank reported strong financial performance in Q4 2025, with pre-provision net revenue (PP&R) of $323 million and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, contributing to a full-year PP&R of $1.27 billion and EPS of $9.50 for 2025 [2][5] Financial Performance - Loans and deposits grew at an annualized rate of 8% during the quarter, with cash and Fed Funds Sold levels increasing by nearly $500 million [1] - Excluding merger costs, 2025 EPS increased by over 30%, and tangible book value per share rose at a double-digit rate [3] - The company achieved record quarterly production of $3.9 billion in Q4, a 16% increase from Q3, with a loan pipeline of approximately $5 billion at year-end [11][12] Integration and Growth - The integration of Independent Financial, which expanded SouthState into Texas and Colorado, was characterized as "well-choreographed," with management noting reduced risk profile and positive momentum heading into 2026 [4][5] - Texas and Colorado markets produced $888 million in loans in Q4, a 15% increase from Q3, with full-year production in these markets up 10% compared to 2024 [13] Capital Management - The company was more aggressive with share repurchases in Q4, buying back 2 million shares at an average price of $90.65, and authorized an additional 5 million shares for repurchase [15][16] - The total payout ratio for the quarter was just shy of 100%, though management indicated this level is not expected to be sustained long term [16] Expense Management - Non-interest expenses rose due to performance-driven incentives and increased marketing and business development spending, but the efficiency ratio remained below 50% [6][9] - Management expects non-interest expenses to rise about 4% in 2026 from the 2025 base of $1.407 billion, reflecting inflationary pressures and growth initiatives [9] Outlook - The company anticipates net interest margin (NIM) to remain stable in the range of 3.80% to 3.90% for 2026, with average interest-earning assets expected to be between $61 billion and $62 billion [7][8] - Management forecasts loan accretion income of $125 million for 2026 and a deposit beta assumption of 27% to support loan growth [8]