Huntington Bancshares CEO on the deal to acquire Cadence Bank: It's a transformational step for us

Core Insights - Huntington Bank is targeting approximately $365 million in pre-tax cost synergies from its integration with Cadence Bank, aiming for a 30% reduction in non-interest expenses by 2027 [2][3] - The integration process is described as well-mapped and highly confident, with no branch closures planned, indicating a transformational opportunity for the combined entity [3][4] - The acquisition of Cadence, alongside the recent acquisition of Veritex, positions Huntington Bank strongly in Texas, where it aims to capture significant market share [5][8] Company Strategy - The integration of Cadence and Veritex is expected to enhance Huntington Bank's footprint in Texas, specifically in Dallas and Houston, where it will rank fifth in market share [8][9] - The company is focused on organic growth, having achieved record growth in the third quarter and maintaining optimism for continued growth into the next year [7][9] - Huntington Bank is already the number one SBA lender in Texas, with $5 billion in loans, and aims to leverage this position for further economic growth [13][14] Industry Outlook - The current administration is seen as constructive for business generation, suggesting a potential increase in mergers and acquisitions within the banking industry, though not expected to lead to a flood of activity [10][11] - The appeal of expanding in Texas is attributed to significant population migration and economic growth, positioning Huntington Bank favorably in a rapidly growing market [12][13]