Core Insights - SouthState (SSB) reported a revenue of $686.87 million for the quarter ended December 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 52.5% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.03% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $2.47, compared to $1.93 a year ago, representing a surprise of 7.47% over the consensus estimate of $2.30 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Interest Margin (Non-Tax Equivalent) was 3.9%, surpassing the average estimate of 3.8% [4] - Efficiency Ratio stood at 49.7%, better than the average estimate of 52% [4] - Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans (annualized) were 0.1%, matching the average estimate [4] - Average Balance of Total interest-earning assets was $59.87 billion, exceeding the estimated $59.41 billion [4] - Total nonperforming assets were reported at $311.27 million, lower than the estimated $320.36 million [4] - Total Noninterest Income reached $105.75 million, above the average estimate of $93.3 million [4] - Net interest income (tax equivalent, Non-GAAP) was $581.92 million, compared to the estimate of $575.69 million [4] - Net Interest Income was $581.12 million, exceeding the average estimate of $571.68 million [4] - Mortgage banking income was $5.16 million, higher than the estimated $4.67 million [4] - Fees on deposit accounts totaled $41.95 million, slightly below the estimate of $42.79 million [4] - Trust and investment services income was $14.68 million, compared to the average estimate of $14.27 million [4] - Total correspondent banking and capital market income was $27.47 million, significantly higher than the estimated $19.08 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of SouthState have returned +4.5% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Financial Performance - Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.46, an increase of 32% year over year; adjusted diluted EPS of $2.47, an increase of 28% year over year[3] - Net income for the fourth quarter reached $247.7 million, with adjusted net income of $248.2 million[3] - The company reported net income of $247,722 thousand in Q4 2025, up from $246,641 thousand in Q3 2025[20] - Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for the twelve months ended June 30, 2025, was $964,011,000, an increase from $553,079,000 in the previous year[22] - The company reported a total net income (GAAP) of $247,722,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $89,080,000 in the previous quarter, marking a significant increase[22] Asset and Deposit Growth - Loans increased by $931 million, or 8%, and deposits increased by $1.1 billion, or 8%, with an ending loan to deposit ratio of 88%[3] - Total assets increased to $67.2 billion as of December 31, 2025, from $46.4 billion a year earlier[7] - Loans, net, reached $48.0 billion in Q4 2025, up from $33.4 billion in Q4 2024[7] - Total deposits rose to $55.1 billion in Q4 2025, compared to $38.1 billion in Q4 2024[7] - Total Loans increased to $48,598,527 thousand as of December 31, 2025, up from $47,667,911 thousand in the previous quarter[11] - Total Deposits reached $55,145,797 thousand, reflecting an increase from $54,073,269 thousand in the prior quarter[13] Income and Expense Metrics - Net interest income totaled $581 million, a decrease of $19 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter[3] - Noninterest income was $105.8 million, up $7 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to increases in correspondent banking and capital markets income[3] - Total Noninterest Expense for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was $364,855 thousand, an increase from $372,342 thousand in the prior quarter[10] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) for Q4 2025 was $322,672 thousand, compared to $347,330 thousand in Q3 2025, a decrease of 7.1%[20] Capital and Equity - Tangible book value per share increased by 10% year over year to $56.27[3] - Return on average common equity was 10.9%, and return on average tangible common equity was 19.1%[3] - The company reported a strong capital position with a tangible common equity ratio of 8.8%[3] - Tier 1 common equity ratio was 11.4% in Q4 2025, down from 12.6% in Q4 2024[6] - Total shareholders' equity reached $9.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared to $5.9 billion a year earlier[7] Efficiency and Ratios - Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent) improved to 49.65% in Q4 2025 from 60.97% in Q4 2024[6] - Dividend payout ratio decreased to 24.23% in Q4 2025 from 28.82% in Q4 2024[6] - Adjusted return on average common equity (annualized) for Q4 2025 was 10.92%, compared to 9.41% in Q4 2024[6] - Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) for the quarter was 49.56%[23] Dividends and Stock Repurchase - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share, payable on February 13, 2026[3] - The board authorized a new stock repurchase plan for up to 5.56 million shares, replacing the previous authorization[3] Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements - SouthState warns that forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, which could lead to actual results differing materially from anticipated results[27] - The company highlights risks related to economic volatility, including potential higher rates and excessive loan losses, which could impact profitability[27] - SouthState identifies interest rate risk as a significant factor affecting earnings, particularly from its correspondent and mortgage divisions[27] - The company notes potential liquidity risks that could impact its ability to meet obligations when due[27] - SouthState acknowledges the impact of increasing digitization in the banking industry, which may affect its operations and customer base[27] - The company is aware of reputational risks arising from negative public opinion and the effects of social media on market perceptions[27] - SouthState highlights the potential for catastrophic events, such as natural disasters or public health crises, to disrupt economic activity and financial markets[27] Conference Call and Future Outlook - The company will host a conference call on January 23, 2026, to discuss its fourth quarter results[17] - The company anticipates continued growth in the financial services industry and expects to maintain its strategic initiatives[26] - Forward-looking statements indicate management's expectations for future performance based on current economic conditions[26]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank Corporation reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, with a 30% increase in earnings per share and an 8% annualized growth in loans and deposits [1][4]. Financial Performance - Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.46, a 32% increase year over year; adjusted diluted EPS of $2.47, up 28% year over year [4]. - Net income reached $247.7 million; adjusted net income was $248.2 million [4]. - Return on average common equity was 10.9%; return on average tangible common equity was 19.1% [4][7]. - Return on average assets (ROAA) was 1.47%; adjusted ROAA was 1.48% [4][7]. - Net interest income totaled $581 million, a decrease of $19 million or 3% compared to the prior quarter [4][5]. - Noninterest income was $105.8 million, an increase of $7 million from the previous quarter [4][5]. Balance Sheet Highlights - Total assets amounted to $67.2 billion, with total loans net of allowance for credit losses at $48.0 billion [9]. - Total deposits increased by $1.1 billion, or 8%, to $55.1 billion [4][9]. - The ending loan-to-deposit ratio was 88% [4]. - Book value per share was $91.38, and tangible book value per share was $56.27, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase [4][7]. Capital Management - The company repurchased 2 million shares during the quarter and authorized a new share repurchase plan of 5.56 million shares [1][4]. - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share, payable on February 13, 2026 [4][7]. - Strong capital position with tangible common equity ratio of 8.8% and total risk-based capital ratio of 13.8% [4][7]. Operational Efficiency - The efficiency ratio was reported at 50%, indicating effective cost management [4][7]. - Net interest margin (NIM) was 3.85% on a non-tax equivalent basis [4][10]. Future Outlook - The CEO expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory heading into 2026, citing a full pipeline of opportunities [1].

Core Insights - SouthState is enhancing its revenue generation by hiring 32 experienced producers across key markets, indicating a strong commitment to market share expansion and sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Focus - The new hires are seen as a significant investment in the company's future, aimed at executing strategic priorities such as driving growth in commercial, mortgage, and wealth management sectors while maintaining disciplined risk management [2]. - The expertise of the new producers positions SouthState to capitalize on opportunities in high-growth regions, ultimately delivering long-term value for shareholders [2]. Group 2: Key Hires - Notable new hires include Greg Atkinson, who has 15 years of experience in commercial banking, and D Baron, a mortgage sales manager with over 20 years of experience [2][3]. - Other significant hires include Jamie Coleman, with over 30 years in middle-market growth, and Jacob Egly, who brings 25 years of mortgage experience [4][5]. - The team also includes experienced professionals like Albino Hernandez, who has a diverse banking background, and Angela Holliday, who has led financial advisors and managed operations in investment firms [6][8]. Group 3: Market Expansion - The new hires are strategically placed in various regions, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, to enhance SouthState's presence and service offerings in these markets [3][4][5][6][8]. - The company aims to strengthen its commercial banking division, particularly in high-growth areas, by leveraging the extensive experience of its new team members [2][3]. Group 4: Company Overview - SouthState Corporation, headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, provides a range of financial services including consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth management solutions to over 1.5 million customers across multiple states [21].

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Corporation (SSB) is positioned for strong financial performance with significant projected growth in earnings and revenue, despite facing some liquidity challenges. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) is expected to increase by 19.2% to $2.30, indicating strong financial performance [2][6] - Projected revenue growth of 48% to approximately $667.7 million, showcasing the company's expanding market presence [3][6] Valuation Metrics - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 14.11, reflecting the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings [4][6] - The earnings yield stands at 7.09%, offering a return on investment based on the company's earnings [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio is 0.14, indicating a conservative use of debt and a strong capital structure [4][6] Liquidity Concerns - SSB faces potential liquidity challenges, as indicated by its low current ratio of 0.016, which may raise concerns about the company's ability to meet short-term obligations [5] - Despite liquidity concerns, the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is 24.04, suggesting a solid valuation in relation to its cash flow from operations [5]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast that SouthState (SSB) will report quarterly earnings of $2.30 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 19.2%, with anticipated revenues of $666.64 million, marking a 48% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.4% higher over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Revisions to earnings estimates are significant indicators for predicting investor actions regarding the stock, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price performance [3]. Key Financial Metrics - Analysts estimate 'Net Interest Margin (Non-Tax Equivalent)' to reach 3.8%, up from 3.5% in the same quarter last year [5]. - The 'Efficiency Ratio' is projected to be 52.0%, compared to 55.7% a year ago [5]. - The estimated 'Average Balance - Total interest-earning assets' is $59.41 billion, up from $42.30 billion in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Total nonperforming assets' are expected to reach $320.36 million, compared to $213.35 million a year ago [6]. - 'Total nonperforming loans (non-acquired & acquired)' are projected at $308.17 million, up from $210.59 million last year [7]. - 'Total Noninterest Income' is expected to be $93.30 million, compared to $80.55 million in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Net interest income, tax equivalent (Non-GAAP)' is estimated at $575.69 million, up from $370.33 million a year ago [8]. - 'Net Interest Income' is projected at $571.68 million, compared to $369.78 million last year [8]. - 'Mortgage banking income' is expected to be $4.67 million, slightly down from $4.78 million last year [8]. - 'Fees on deposit accounts' are estimated to reach $42.79 million, compared to $35.12 million last year [9]. - 'Trust and investment services income' is projected at $14.27 million, up from $12.41 million a year ago [9]. - The consensus estimate for 'Total correspondent banking and capital market income' stands at $19.08 million, compared to $13.56 million last year [10]. Market Performance - Over the past month, shares of SouthState have returned +1.7%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +2% [10]. - SouthState currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential outperformance in the near future [10].

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is recognized as a leading financial institution in the U.S., offering a wide range of banking services and competing effectively in the industry [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Raymond James reaffirmed a "Strong Buy" rating for SouthState Bank and increased its price target from $110 to $115, aligning with a "Moderate Buy" consensus from sixteen research firms [2] - The average one-year price target for SouthState Bank is approximately $115, with Barclays adjusting its target from $125 to $122 while maintaining an "overweight" rating [3] - National Bankshares has set a target price of $127 for SouthState Bank, reflecting strong confidence in its future performance [3] Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Metrics - The current stock price for SSB is $97.12, showing an increase of 1.64% or $1.57, with a trading range today between $95.13 and $97.16 [4] - Over the past year, SSB has experienced a high of $109.64 and a low of $77.74, indicating market volatility [4] - SouthState Bank has a market capitalization of approximately $9.76 billion and a trading volume of 454,916 shares on the NYSE, demonstrating its robust financial standing [5] - Cowen has initiated coverage on SouthState Bank with a "buy" rating, further supporting a positive outlook for the stock [5]

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Bank Corporation will release its fourth quarter 2025 earnings results on January 22, 2026, after market close [1] Group 1: Earnings Release Information - The earnings results will be accessible on SouthState's website under the Investor Relations section [1] - A conference call to discuss the fourth quarter results is scheduled for January 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (ET) [2] - Investors can participate in the conference call by dialing specific toll-free numbers based on their location [2] Group 2: Conference Call Details - The host of the conference call will be Will Matthews, CFO of SouthState [2] - The conference ID number for the call is 4200408 [2] - Pre-registration for the conference call is available through a designated link [2] Group 3: Webcast Information - A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed via SouthState's website [3] - An audio replay of the webcast is expected to be available by the evening of January 23, 2026 [3]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank has received multiple national honors for banking excellence and workplace culture, highlighting its commitment to customer service and employee satisfaction [1][2][3][4][5]. Awards and Recognitions - SouthState Bank was named one of the Best Banks of 2025-26 by Money, recognized for its outstanding financial products, customer service, and overall banking experience, evaluated among over 275 banks and credit unions [2]. - The bank was awarded "Best Companies to Work For" in the Finance and Insurance category and in the South by U.S. News and World Report, acknowledging its positive workplace culture [3]. - Financial Technology Report ranked SouthState fifth on its Top 25 Digital Banking Companies of 2025 list, recognizing its technological contributions and commitment to modernizing banking systems [4]. - American Banker included SouthState in its 2025 "Best Banks to Work For" list, which highlights banks that excel in creating supportive workplace environments [5]. Company Overview - SouthState Bank Corporation, headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, provides a range of financial services including consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth management solutions to over 1.5 million customers across several states [6].

Core Insights - Investors in SouthState Bank Corporation (SSB) should monitor stock movements due to high implied volatility in the options market, particularly the Dec. 19, 2025 $35 Call option [1] Company Overview - SouthState Bank is currently rated as Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) within the Banks – Southeast industry, which ranks in the top 7% of the Zacks Industry Rank [3] - Over the last 60 days, four analysts have raised their earnings estimates for the current quarter, resulting in an increase of the Zacks Consensus Estimate from $2.23 per share to $2.29 [3] Market Sentiment - The high implied volatility suggests that options traders anticipate significant movement in SouthState Bank shares, potentially indicating an upcoming event that could lead to a major price change [2][4] - Options traders often seek to sell premium on options with high implied volatility, aiming to benefit from the decay of the option's value if the underlying stock does not move as much as expected [4]