Company Overview - Pinnacle Financial (PNFP) is based in Nashville and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 0.73% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.50 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.08%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.03% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.35% [3] Dividend Performance - Pinnacle Financial's annualized dividend of $2.00 represents a significant increase of 108.3% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend three times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.56% [4] - The current payout ratio is 11%, indicating that the company pays out 11% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pinnacle Financial's earnings in 2026 is projected at $10.22 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 22.10% from the previous year [5] - The company is viewed as a strong dividend play, particularly appealing to income investors due to its solid earnings growth prospects [6]

Core Viewpoint - Popular's recent earnings report shows strong performance with adjusted earnings per share surpassing estimates, driven by growth in net interest income and fee income, despite challenges from lower deposit balances and higher operating expenses [2][3]. Financial Performance - Q4 2025 adjusted earnings per share reached $3.40, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.02, and up from $2.51 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $823.8 million, a 9.1% increase year-over-year, and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $814.9 million [4]. - For the full year 2025, adjusted earnings per share were $12.18, beating the consensus estimate of $11.81, and reflecting a 35% increase from the previous year [3]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income (NII) for Q4 2025 was $657.6 million, an 11.3% increase year-over-year, with net interest margin expanding to 3.61% [4]. - Non-interest income rose 1% to $166.3 million, driven by service charges and trading gains [5]. - Total operating expenses increased by 1.2% to $473.2 million, primarily due to higher personnel and processing costs [5]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Total loans held-in-portfolio increased by 1.6% sequentially to $38.5 billion, while total deposits decreased slightly to $66.2 billion [6]. Credit Quality - A provision for credit losses of $71.4 million was recorded, up 3.3% year-over-year, with non-performing assets increasing by 32.5% to $540.8 million [7]. Capital Ratios - As of December 31, 2025, the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.72%, down from 16.03% a year ago [8]. Share Repurchase - The company repurchased 1.25 million shares of common stock for $147.8 million during the reported quarter [9]. Future Outlook - For 2026, total loans are expected to grow by 3-4%, with NII projected to increase by 5-7% year-over-year [10]. - Non-interest income is anticipated to remain in the range of $160–$165 million per quarter [10]. - Total GAAP operating expenses are projected to rise approximately 3% year-over-year [11]. Estimate Revisions - There has been a 7.79% upward trend in estimates revisions over the past month, indicating positive sentiment [12]. VGM Scores - Popular has a subpar Growth Score of D, a Momentum Score of C, and a Value Score of B, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of C [13]. Industry Comparison - Popular belongs to the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, with peer SouthState reporting a significant revenue increase of 52.5% year-over-year [15].

Company Overview - First National Corp. (FXNC) is located in Strasburg and operates within the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 5.51% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.17 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.55% [3] - This yield is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.03% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.37% [3] - The annualized dividend of $0.68 represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, FXNC has increased its dividend four times, averaging an annual increase of 7.70% [4] - The current payout ratio is 32%, indicating that 32% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share (EPS) is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FXNC's earnings in 2026 is projected at $2.30 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 8.49% [5] Investment Considerations - FXNC is considered a strong dividend investment opportunity, particularly appealing to income investors [6] - The stock holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a stable investment outlook [6]

Company Overview - United Bankshares (UBSI) is based in Charleston and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 10.94% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.38 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.57%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.03% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.37% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of United Bankshares is $1.52, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend two times on a year-over-year basis, with an average annual increase of 1.39% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 46%, indicating that the company pays out 46% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share in 2026 is $3.54, with an expected increase of 8.26% from the previous year [5] - The company is anticipated to experience earnings expansion this fiscal year, which will influence future dividend growth [5] Investment Appeal - UBSI is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its attractive dividend yield and strong Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6] - The company is viewed as a solid dividend option, particularly in contrast to high-growth businesses or tech start-ups that typically do not offer dividends [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney's recent earnings report shows a positive trend in earnings and revenues, driven by increases in non-interest income and net interest income, despite facing higher expenses and provisions [2][4][5]. Financial Performance - Q4 2025 earnings per share were $1.49, beating estimates by a penny and reflecting a 6.4% increase year-over-year [2]. - Net income for Q4 2025 was $125.6 million, up 2.9% from the prior-year quarter, while full-year earnings were $5.67 per share, growing 7.4% from the previous year [3]. - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $389.3 million, a 6.7% year-over-year increase, and for the full year, revenues reached $1.52 billion, up 4.8% [4]. Income Sources - Net interest income (NII) for Q4 2025 was $284.7 million, a 3% increase year-over-year, with a net interest margin of 3.48%, expanding by 7 basis points [4]. - Non-interest income totaled $107.1 million, up 17.5%, driven by increases across all components [5]. Expenses and Efficiency - Total non-interest expenses increased by 7.7% to $217.9 million, leading to an efficiency ratio of 54.93%, up from 54.46% in the prior-year quarter [5]. - Adjusted non-interest expenses are expected to rise 5-6% from 2025, influenced by organic growth initiatives and the Sabal Trust acquisition [13]. Loans and Deposits - Total loans as of December 31, 2025, were $24 billion, up 1.5% from the prior quarter, while total deposits were $29.3 billion, rising 2.2% sequentially [6]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $13.1 million, up 10.4% from the prior-year quarter, with net charge-offs at 0.22% of average total loans, an increase of 2 basis points [7]. Capital Ratios - As of December 31, 2025, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 11.17%, down from 11.29% a year ago, and the common equity Tier 1 ratio was 13.66%, down from 14.14% [9]. Share Repurchase - In the reported quarter, Hancock Whitney repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price of $57.62 per share [10]. 2026 Outlook - Management expects loans to increase mid-single-digits year-over-year and deposits to rise in the low single-digit range [11]. - NII is projected to grow 5-6% year-over-year, with modest NIM expansion anticipated [12]. - The bond portfolio restructuring is expected to support NII growth by $24 million and earnings by 23 cents per share annually [14]. Strategic Objectives - By Q4 2028, management aims for an adjusted return on assets of at least 1.50% and an efficiency ratio of 55% or lower [15]. Market Position - Hancock Whitney is part of the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, with a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [19].

Core Viewpoint - Hilltop Holdings (HTH) has shown strong stock performance, with a 13.3% increase over the past month and a 16.9% rise since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Finance sector and the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry [1] Financial Performance - Hilltop Holdings has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of $0.69 against a consensus estimate of $0.46 in its last earnings report [2] - For the current fiscal year, the company is projected to earn $2.16 per share on revenues of $1.27 billion, reflecting an 18.18% decrease in EPS and a 1.31% decrease in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts an EPS of $2.39 per share on revenues of $1.33 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of 10.8% in EPS and 4.8% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Hilltop Holdings trades at 18.4 times the current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is above the peer industry average of 11.4 times [7] - On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock trades at 19.4 times compared to the peer group's average of 12.7 times, positioning it favorably for value investors [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - The stock holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to rising earnings estimates, making it a suitable choice for investors looking for strong performance [8] - Hilltop Holdings has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of D, and a Momentum Score of B, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] Industry Comparison - Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (TCBX) is a notable peer with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value Score of B, indicating a competitive position within the industry [9] - TCBX is expected to post earnings of $4.00 per share on revenues of $249.2 million for the current fiscal year, having beaten consensus estimates by 13.33% last quarter [10] - The Banks - Southeast industry is performing well, ranking in the top 22% of all industries, suggesting favorable conditions for both HTH and TCBX [11]

Company Overview - First National Corp. (FXNC) is located in Strasburg and operates within the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price increase of 13.31% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.17 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.38%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.12% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3] - The annualized dividend of $0.68 represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, First National Corp. has raised its dividend four times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.70% [4] - The current payout ratio is 32%, indicating that the company distributes 32% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share in 2026 is projected at $2.30, reflecting a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 8.49% [5] Investment Considerations - First National Corp. is considered a strong dividend investment opportunity, particularly appealing to income investors [6] - The stock holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a stable investment outlook [6]

Company Overview - United Bankshares (UBSI) is based in Charleston and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 18.54% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.38 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.34%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.12% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.34% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of United Bankshares is $1.52, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend two times on a year-over-year basis, with an average annual increase of 1.39% [4] - The current payout ratio stands at 46%, indicating that the company pays out 46% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in 2026 is projected at $3.54 per share, with an expected earnings growth of 8.26% compared to the previous year [5] - The company is anticipated to experience earnings expansion in the current fiscal year [5] Investment Appeal - United Bankshares is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]

Company Performance - Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (TCBX) has seen a stock increase of 9.9% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $43.74 [1] - Year-to-date, TCBX has gained 12.2%, outperforming the Zacks Finance sector's 0.5% gain and the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry's 9.5% return [1] Earnings and Revenue Expectations - The company has a strong record of positive earnings surprises, not missing earnings consensus estimates in the last four quarters [2] - For the current fiscal year, TCBX is expected to post earnings of $4 per share on revenues of $249.2 million, reflecting a 5.54% change in EPS and a 19.31% change in revenues [3] - For the next fiscal year, earnings are projected to be $4.56 per share on revenues of $277.15 million, indicating year-over-year changes of 14% and 11.22%, respectively [3] Valuation Metrics - TCBX currently trades at 10.7X current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 11.3X [7] - On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock trades at 14.4X compared to the peer group's average of 12.8X, suggesting it is not in the top tier from a value perspective [7] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - TCBX holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) due to a solid earnings estimate revision trend [8] - The company has a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of F, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] Industry Comparison - The Banks - Southeast industry is in the top 16% of all industries, indicating favorable conditions for TCBX and its peers [12] - Origin Bancorp, Inc. (OBK), a peer, has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has shown strong earnings performance, beating consensus estimates by 7.95% [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - Popular (BPOP) has shown strong stock performance, with a 9.6% increase over the past month and a 13.6% gain since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Finance sector and the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry [1] Company Performance - Popular has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of $3.38 against a consensus estimate of $3.02 in its last earnings report [2] - The stock has reached a new 52-week high of $145.34, raising questions about its future performance and valuation metrics [1][3] Valuation Metrics - Popular's current trading metrics include a P/E ratio of 9.9X for the current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 11.2X, and a trailing cash flow basis P/E of 22.3X compared to the peer average of 12.6X [6] - The stock has a PEG ratio of 0.88, positioning it favorably among value investors [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Popular holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) due to a positive earnings estimate revision trend, indicating potential for further stock price appreciation [7] - The stock has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of D, and a Momentum Score of A, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [5][7] Industry Comparison - The Banks - Southeast industry is performing well, ranking in the top 16% of all industries, providing a favorable environment for both Popular and its peers [10] - Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH), a competitor, has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has also shown strong earnings performance, beating consensus estimates by 50% [8][9]