Core Viewpoint - Lithia Motors, Inc. is a significant player in the U.S. automotive retail industry, offering a wide range of services and maintaining a strong online presence [1] Price Target and Analyst Sentiment - The consensus price target for Lithia Motors has fluctuated, with the current average at $374, down from $414.5 last quarter and $390.17 a year ago, indicating changing analyst sentiment [2] - Wells Fargo has set a price target of $350, reflecting confidence in the company's growth potential despite the recent decrease in the average price target [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Lithia Motors reported a 5% increase in revenue and a 17% rise in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) [4] - The company executed share buybacks amounting to 5.1% of its shares at an average price of $312, indicating a shift towards a more mature capital strategy [4] Stock Performance - Lithia Motors' stock has declined by 11.5% since the last earnings report 30 days ago, yet the price target set by Wells Fargo remains at $350, suggesting potential long-term confidence in the company's performance [5]

Quick Read Webster Financial (WBS) earned $1.59 EPS in Q4. The 27.1% payout ratio and 4.70x FCF coverage indicate strong dividend safety. Webster has frozen its dividend at $0.40 quarterly since 2019 despite strong capacity. Management prioritizes buybacks and organic growth over dividend increases. Webster repurchased 10.9M shares in 2025 while maintaining an 11.2% CET1 ratio above its 11% target. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retir ...

Core Viewpoint - Bank7 executives expressed optimism regarding the company's performance in loan growth, loan fee income, and organic deposit growth for the fourth quarter and full-year 2025, achieved without loosening underwriting standards [4][7]. Loan Growth and Payoffs - The company anticipates approximately $25 million in payoffs per month and requires $35 million to $45 million in new fundings monthly to sustain growth [2][3]. - Payoff activity was described as "accelerated" throughout 2025, with fourth-quarter payoffs being lighter than earlier in the year, but expected to rebound in the first quarter [2][4]. Asset Quality and Underwriting - Management emphasized that strong underwriting discipline has supported asset quality, which is reportedly at its best level ever [4]. - The company did not feel the need to significantly increase provisioning despite strong balance sheet growth [4]. Capital Strategy - Bank7 is focusing on capital build and optionality rather than share repurchases, remaining selective in M&A and avoiding deals that do not meet pricing or asset-quality standards [5][13]. - The company evaluated multiple M&A opportunities but chose to walk away from all, emphasizing discipline around asset quality [15]. Net Interest Margin (NIM) - The net interest margin has compressed modestly after rate cuts, with a starting reference of approximately 4.45%, potentially drifting toward historical lows around 4.35% [6][9]. - Management noted that the recent rate cuts have not significantly impacted deposit betas, indicating a tougher deposit environment [12]. Deposit Competition - The cost of funds decreased to about 2.40% in the fourth quarter, influenced by balance sheet growth and new deposits [11]. - Depositors have become more rate-aware, leading to a decline in non-interest-bearing balances as customers opt for higher-rate options [12]. Oil and Gas Revenue - Contributions from oil and gas-related items are expected to decline gradually over the next three to four years, characterized as immaterial for the bank overall [16][17]. Financial Overview - Core expenses were reported at approximately $9.1 million, with an additional $1 million related to oil and gas [19].