Core Insights - QCR reported its strongest quarter of 2025 in Q4, achieving record full-year results driven by net interest margin expansion, loan and deposit growth, and capital markets revenue linked to its low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) platform [5][7] Financial Performance - Net interest income increased by $4 million in Q4, representing a 22% annualized increase, and rose by $23 million for the year, up 10% [2] - Adjusted net income reached a record $37 million in Q4, or $2.21 per diluted share, and $130 million for the full year, or $7.64 per diluted share [4][7] - Non-interest income totaled $39 million in Q4, primarily driven by $25 million in capital markets revenue, with total capital markets revenue for 2025 reaching $65 million, exceeding initial guidance [9] Margin and Loan Growth - Net interest margin expanded by 6 basis points sequentially, with management guiding for an additional 3 to 7 basis points of core margin expansion in Q1 2026 [2][8] - Total loans grew by $304 million in Q4, up 17% annualized, with traditional loan portfolio growth of $92 million in the quarter, up 8% annualized [15] Deposit and Funding - Total core deposits increased by $64 million in Q4, up 4% annualized, while average deposit balances rose by $237 million, up 13% annualized [16] - The company noted a 34% reduction in higher-cost broker deposits, improving the deposit mix with higher non-interest-bearing balances [16] Capital Markets and LIHTC - Capital markets revenue in Q4 was $25 million, with guidance raised to $55 million to $70 million for the next four quarters [6][10] - QCR sold $285 million of LIHTC construction loans, targeting a $300 million to $350 million Freddie Mac securitization in H1 2026 [11][12] Wealth Management - Wealth management revenue was $5 million in Q4, up 4% sequentially, with a full-year increase of $2 million, or 11% [14] Credit Quality - Total criticized loans declined by $5 million in Q4 and $20 million for the full year, reaching the lowest level since June 2022, with criticized loans at 1.94% of total loans [19] Shareholder Returns - QCR repurchased about 163,000 shares in Q4 for $13 million, returning nearly $22 million to shareholders through repurchases for the full year [20]

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment Group 1: Company Earnings Estimates - Capital One Financial Corporation (COF) has seen a 14.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - QCR Holdings, Inc. (QCRH) has experienced an 8.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - TriNet Group, Inc. (TNET) has reported an 8.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - MongoDB, Inc. (MDB) has seen a significant 27% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Omnicell, Inc. (OMCL) has experienced a 13.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks are highlighted with strong value characteristics and a buy rank, indicating potential investment opportunities for investors as of December 16 Group 1: Capital One Financial Corporation (COF) - Capital One has a Zacks Rank of 1, indicating strong performance potential [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 14.3% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 12.06, significantly lower than the S&P 500's P/E of 25.06 [1] - Capital One possesses a Value Score of A, reflecting its strong value characteristics [1] Group 2: Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC) - Phibro has a Zacks Rank of 1, suggesting strong investment potential [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 9.1% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 14.53, which is lower than the industry average of 44.70 [2] - Phibro also possesses a Value Score of A, indicating strong value characteristics [2] Group 3: QCR Holdings, Inc. (QCRH) - QCR Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 1, indicating strong performance potential [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 8.2% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.74, lower than the S&P 500's P/E of 25.06 [3] - QCR Holdings possesses a Value Score of B, reflecting its value characteristics [3]

Core Insights - Traditional Bank has selected Jack Henry to enhance its technology framework, improve employee and customer experiences, and support future growth [1][3] - Traditional Bank, founded in 1902, has grown to operate 19 branches with total assets of $2.4 billion, focusing on organic growth and community needs [2] Company Transition - Traditional Bank is moving from an in-house IT environment to Jack Henry's hosted core processing platform, allowing IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives like AI and digital innovation [3] - The transition aims to minimize errors and streamline processes through automation, enabling frontline staff to dedicate more time to customer interactions [3] Strategic Alignment - The decision to partner with Jack Henry was influenced by their open ecosystem and integration capabilities with over 950 API-integrated fintechs, which is essential for Traditional Bank's operations [4] - Traditional Bank's leadership emphasized the importance of a technology provider that is forward-looking and capable of supporting unique initiatives without creating obstacles [4] Industry Context - Jack Henry is recognized as a financial technology company that fosters connections between financial institutions and their clients, offering a collaborative ecosystem for innovation [4] - The company has been providing technology solutions for nearly 50 years, empowering approximately 7,400 clients to innovate and compete effectively in the evolving financial landscape [4]

Core Insights - Small-cap stocks offer opportunities for savvy investors due to limited Wall Street coverage, but they also carry increased downside risk compared to larger competitors [1] Group 1: Small-Cap Stocks to Avoid - Dave & Buster's (PLAY) has a market cap of $458.6 million and operates a chain of arcades providing immersive entertainment experiences [3] - The stock is currently trading at $13.45 per share, with a forward P/E ratio of 11.4x, indicating potential caution for investors [5] Group 2: Small-Cap Stocks to Watch - QCR Holdings (QCRH) has a market cap of $1.28 billion and operates four community banks in Iowa and Missouri, offering commercial and consumer banking services [6] - The stock price of QCR Holdings is $76.28, with a forward P/B ratio of 1.1x, suggesting it may be a good time to consider an investment [8] Group 3: Frost Bank Overview - Frost Bank (CFR) has a market cap of $7.91 billion and has faced challenges such as lagging same-store sales and cash-burning tendencies, raising concerns about sustainable shareholder value [9] - The bank's productivity and efficiency ratios are expected to improve next year, with annual earnings per share growth of 14.6% over the last five years, indicating strong profitability [10] - Cullen/Frost Bankers, founded in 1868, provides a range of financial services including commercial and consumer banking, wealth management, and insurance [11]

Core Insights - QCR Holdings, Inc. has selected Jack Henry to modernize its technology infrastructure and standardize operations across its four subsidiary banks, aiming for a data-driven growth strategy [1][3]. Company Overview - QCR Holdings, Inc. is a $9 billion financial services company with four community-focused banks operating in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, providing commercial, retail, and wealth management services [2]. Technology Transition - QCR Holdings is transitioning all four banks to Jack Henry's modern core processing platform, which will enhance technology foundations while maintaining each bank's autonomy [3]. - The integration of products like Enterprise Workflow and Synergy is expected to streamline operations and improve efficiency [3]. Strategic Alignment - The partnership with Jack Henry is seen as crucial for enhancing client and employee experiences, improving efficiency, and reducing costs while preserving the banks' independence [4]. - Jack Henry's Data Hub will provide real-time data access and facilitate efficient system integrations, supporting QCR Holdings' growth plans [4]. Future Growth Potential - QCR Holdings aims for sustainable growth beyond its near-term goal of $10 billion in assets, with Jack Henry's technology aligning with its future innovation strategy [4]. - The focus is on enhancing client relationships while maintaining the personal service that characterizes their community banking approach [4].

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for July 24, and a positive surprise in key numbers could lead to a stock price increase, while a miss may result in a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $0.62 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +19.2%, with revenues expected to reach $362.81 million, up 11.5% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analysts' assessments [4]. - For Associated Banc-Corp, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +0.81% and a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting a likely earnings beat [12]. Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Associated Banc-Corp had an earnings surprise of +3.51%, reporting $0.59 per share against an expectation of $0.57 [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Industry Comparison - QCR Holdings (QCRH), another player in the Zacks Banks - Midwest industry, is expected to report earnings of $1.63 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of -5.8%, with revenues projected at $84.65 million, down 2.8% [18]. - QCR Holdings has an Earnings ESP of +2.45% but carries a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), complicating predictions for an earnings beat [19].

Group 1 - Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) reported quarterly earnings of $1.14 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02 per share, and showing an increase from $1.07 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +11.76% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $445.76 million for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.58%, compared to $414.49 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Commerce has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates [2] Group 2 - The stock has added approximately 1.6% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 6.2%, indicating underperformance relative to the broader market [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.01 on revenues of $430.55 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.08 on revenues of $1.72 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Midwest is in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for the industry [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net income and adjusted net income of $26 million, with reported earnings per diluted share at $1.52 and $1.53 on an adjusted basis [7][29] - The adjusted net interest margin (NIM) on a tax-equivalent basis increased by one basis point compared to the previous quarter [7][31] - Non-interest income for the first quarter was $17 million, including $7 million from capital markets revenue [10][34] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 1%, down from 9% in the prior quarter [53] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business generated $5 million in revenue for Q1, reflecting a 14% annualized increase from the prior quarter [35][36] - Non-interest expenses decreased by $7 million or 13% to $47 million, well below the guidance range of $52 to $55 million [13][37] - Total loans held for investment grew by $39 million or 2% annualized, with loan growth funded by a robust expansion in core deposits of $332 million [40][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposit growth was robust at 20% annualized, enhancing liquidity and reducing reliance on wholesale funding [10][43] - The company experienced strong deposit betas, actively managing deposit costs as the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates [32][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the growth potential of its wealth management business, expecting continued long-term growth fueled by strategic investments [12][36] - The long-term securitization strategy supports the ongoing success of the LIHTC business and drives substantial capital market revenue [42][110] - The company aims to maintain a CET1 ratio above 10% while optimizing the mix and quality of its capital as it grows [52][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term resilience of markets and the financial health of clients despite macroeconomic uncertainties [16][23] - The company suspended its full-year loan growth guidance due to heightened uncertainty, providing a revised guidance of 4% to 6% for Q2 2025 [9][61] - Management noted that the LIHTC lending business is beginning to normalize as clients adjust to the current environment [11][82] Other Important Information - The company’s allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans held for investment stood at 1.32% at the end of Q1 [15][48] - The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio increased by 15 basis points to 9.70% at quarter-end, driven by strong earnings [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and guidance reconciliation - Management acknowledged modest loan growth in Q1 due to elevated payoffs but expressed confidence in achieving 4% to 6% growth in Q2 [61][62] Question: Provision for credit losses expectations - Management indicated that a lower provision is likely if loan growth remains muted, aligning with the lower guidance [63][64] Question: Fixed-rate loans repricing cadence - Management confirmed success in rolling up rates on new fundings, with a weighted average rate of 7.21% for the quarter [66][67] Question: Expectations for non-capital markets revenue - Management expects non-interest income to grow at 6% or better, with strong performance in wealth management [76][77] Question: LIHTC business and project timing - Management noted that uncertainty in Washington had previously slowed LIHTC projects, but activity is starting to pick up again [100][101] Question: Securitization plans and timing - Management indicated that the timing of the next securitization will depend on the pace of LIHTC growth, with a potential large securitization planned [110][112] Question: Credit quality and tariff exposure - Management conducted a credit analysis and identified minimal high-risk exposure related to tariffs, with most clients having shifted imports away from China [126][130]

Core Insights - QCR Holdings reported a revenue of $76.88 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a decrease of 5.7% year-over-year and falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $86.85 million by 11.48% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $1.53, slightly down from $1.59 in the same quarter last year, but above the consensus estimate of $1.52, resulting in a surprise of +0.66% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - The Efficiency Ratio (Non-GAAP) was reported at 60.5%, higher than the three-analyst average estimate of 57.5% [4] - The Net Interest Margin (GAAP) stood at 3%, below the average estimate of 3.2% based on three analysts [4] - Total earning assets averaged $8.24 billion, slightly below the two-analyst average estimate of $8.31 billion [4] - Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans/leases were 0.1%, better than the average estimate of 0.2% [4] - Total noninterest income was $16.89 million, significantly lower than the $26 million average estimate [4] - Net Interest Income was reported at $59.99 million, compared to the average estimate of $60.84 million [4] - Capital markets revenue was $6.52 million, falling short of the $14.13 million estimated by two analysts [4] - Deposit service fees were $2.18 million, slightly below the average estimate of $2.22 million [4] - Gains on sales of residential real estate loans were $0.30 million, compared to the $0.65 million estimated [4] - Net interest income - tax equivalent (non-GAAP) was $69.50 million, below the two-analyst average estimate of $70.91 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of QCR Holdings have returned -10.8%, compared to a -8.9% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]