3 Savings & Loan Industry Stocks to Buy on Solid Industry Prospects

Core Insights - The Zacks Savings and Loan industry is benefiting from an improving lending environment due to recent Federal Reserve rate cuts, which are expected to stabilize funding costs and enhance net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) [1][4]. Industry Overview - The Zacks Savings and Loan industry comprises specialized U.S. banks focused on residential mortgage finance, offering various loan products and funding mortgages with FDIC-insured savings [3]. - The industry has seen a shift in regulations, allowing institutions to invest more flexibly, which can enhance their lending capabilities [3]. Trends and Developments - Lower interest rates are anticipated to boost loan demand, with the Federal Reserve cutting rates by 50 basis points this year and a further 100 basis points expected in 2024 [4]. - Recent declines in mortgage rates are improving purchase originations and refinancing activities, which is likely to increase borrower confidence [5]. - The industry is undergoing digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness, despite initial cost increases [6][7]. Asset Quality and Performance - Declining interest rates are helping borrowers maintain timely payments, potentially reducing the need for large reserves against defaults [7]. - However, a slight increase in non-performing loans is expected, with some credit quality metrics remaining elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels [8]. Market Position and Valuation - The Zacks Savings and Loan industry ranks 96 among over 243 Zacks industries, placing it in the top 40% and indicating solid near-term prospects [9][10]. - The industry's current-year earnings estimate has increased by 43.2% over the past year, reflecting growing analyst confidence [11]. - The industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Finance sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 12.2% over the past year [13]. Valuation Metrics - The industry has a trailing 12-month price-to-tangible book (P/TB) ratio of 1.97X, below the five-year median of 2.13X, indicating a discount compared to the broader market [17][19]. - The Zacks Finance sector's P/TB ratio stands at 5.93X, further highlighting the relative valuation attractiveness of the savings and loan industry [19]. Company Highlights - Northpointe Bancshares Inc. (NPB): Focused on mortgage lending, with a 6.8% sequential growth in gross loans in Q3 2025. The bank's total deposits increased by $295.6 million, indicating strong funding stability [20][21][22]. NPB has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) with earnings estimates indicating growth of 19.7% and 24.4% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [24]. - West Bancorporation (WTBA): A community bank emphasizing stable funding sources and digital banking enhancements. Total loans increased by 1.4% in Q3 2025, with NII rising around 25% year-over-year [27][28]. WTBA holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with earnings estimates showing increases of 43.7% and 17.7% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [30]. - Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. (CZWI): Focuses on organic growth and acquisitions, with a strategy to improve its loan portfolio and deposit mix. As of Q3 2025, non-performing assets were 0.96% of total assets, slightly up from the previous year [33][35]. CZWI has a Zacks Rank 2 with earnings estimates indicating growth of 2.2% and 26.8% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [36].