Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG) is one of the 10 best banking stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On January 23, Kevin Heal from Argus increased the firm’s price target on Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG) from $60 to $72. The analyst maintained his Buy rating on the shares, with an upside potential in the mid-teens. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) Positioned to Capitalize on Structural Catalysts Argus shared its revision following the company’s stronger-than-expected fourth-q ...

The Federal Reserve’s top banking cop told the US Senate on Thursday that she’s looking to unveil retooled bank regulations before the end of March, with a focus on boosting mortgage lending. Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Michelle Bowman, testifying before the Senate Banking Committee, said the central bank has arrived at a consensus with other regulators on Basel III, a regulatory framework for banks developed in response to the financial crisis. Bowman said it will include a retooling of capital require ...

This regional financial firm delivers banking, lending, and wealth management services across nine states with a diversified portfolio.Mendon Capital Advisors Corp initiated a new stake in Central Bancompany (CBC 0.24%), buying 200,601 shares—an estimated $4.73 million trade, per the February 18, 2026, SEC filing.What happenedAccording to an SEC filing dated February 18, 2026, Mendon Capital Advisors Corp reported a new position in Central Bancompany, purchasing 200,601 shares. The quarter-end position valu ...

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank Corporation reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, with net income growth and improved key financial metrics, indicating a solid operational foundation and positive outlook for 2026 [1][2]. Financial Performance - Fourth quarter 2025 net income was $18.6 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.87 per diluted share in the same period last year [1]. - For the year ended December 31, 2025, net income reached $68.5 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, up from $66.8 million, or $3.16 per diluted share in 2024 [1]. - The company achieved a 13.3% increase in tangible book value over the past year [2]. Operating Results - Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $46.4 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 8.2%, from the previous year [3]. - The net interest margin improved to 3.62% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 3.45% in the same quarter of the previous year [3][4]. - Average interest-earning assets were $5.16 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $5.01 billion in the year-ago quarter [3]. Loan and Deposit Growth - The company reported net loan growth of $78.0 million, or 7.4% annualized, from September 30, 2025 [4]. - Total deposits increased by $57.1 million, or 4.8% annualized, from September 30, 2025 [4]. - Loans, excluding loans held for sale, totaled $4.28 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $4.04 billion at December 31, 2024 [15]. Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $12.0 million, down from $19.1 million in the same quarter of 2024, primarily due to variances in mortgage banking revenues [7]. - Non-interest expenses totaled $36.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, a decrease from $37.0 million in the year-ago period [10]. Asset Quality - Total non-performing loans were $23.1 million at December 31, 2025, with a ratio of non-performing loans to total portfolio loans at 0.54% [12]. - The provision for credit losses was $6.1 million for the full year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $4.5 million in 2024 [5][12]. Capital and Liquidity - Total assets were $5.51 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $167.6 million from December 31, 2024 [15]. - Total shareholders' equity was $503.0 million at December 31, 2025, representing 9.14% of total assets [17]. - The company remains significantly above "well capitalized" for regulatory purposes with strong capital ratios [18]. Share Repurchase Plan - The Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase plan for 2026, allowing the purchase of up to 1,100,000 shares, approximately 5% of outstanding common stock [20].

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank Corporation announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share, reflecting a 7.7% increase, marking the thirteenth consecutive annual increase in dividend payments [1][2]. Company Overview - Independent Bank Corporation is a Michigan-based bank holding company with total assets of approximately $5.5 billion [2]. - The company operates through a state-chartered bank subsidiary, providing a full range of financial services including commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments, and insurance services [2]. - Founded in 1864 as First National Bank of Ionia, the company has a branch network across Michigan's Lower Peninsula [2]. Dividend Information - The declared dividend is payable on February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 3, 2026 [1]. - The increase in the dividend is attributed to the company's consistent long-term performance, robust capital position, and optimistic outlook for the future [2].

Core Viewpoint - Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Morris State Bancshares have announced a strategic partnership, creating a unified holding company named Vallant Financial, Inc., which reflects their commitment to community banking since 1934 [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Pinnacle Financial Corporation is a $2.2 billion asset bank holding company based in Elberton, Georgia, with operations in 17 counties [4]. - Morris State Bancshares, with $1.5 billion in assets, is headquartered in Dublin, Georgia, and has been recognized as one of the Best-In-State Banks 2025 by Forbes [5]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership Details - The new brand, Vallant, symbolizes courage, strength, and resilience, aligning with the values both companies uphold in their communities [2]. - The merger aims to enhance customer access, resources, services, and career opportunities while adding value for shareholders and the communities served [3]. Group 3: Leadership Statements - Jackson McConnell, CEO of Pinnacle, expressed excitement about the new chapter and the dynamic community banking structure that will benefit customers [2]. - Spence Mullis, Chairman and CEO of Morris, emphasized that the name change signifies a shared purpose to serve Georgia and the Southeast as a premier community banking partner [3].

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank Corporation is set to release its fourth quarter results for 2025 on January 22, 2026, at 8:00 am ET, with a conference call scheduled for 11:00 am ET on the same day to discuss the results [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Independent Bank Corporation is a Michigan-based bank holding company with total assets of approximately $5.5 billion [3]. - The company operates a branch network across Michigan's Lower Peninsula through its state-chartered bank subsidiary, Independent Bank, which offers a full range of financial services including commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments, insurance, and title services [3]. - Founded in 1864 as First National Bank of Ionia, the company is committed to providing exceptional personal service and value to its customers, stockholders, and the communities it serves [3]. Group 2: Upcoming Events - The fourth quarter results will be available on the company's website in the "News" section of the "Investor Relations" area [1]. - Investors and analysts can access the conference call by registering through a provided link, which will give them a phone number and access code [2]. - A replay of the conference call webcast will be available until January 22, 2027 [2].

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank Corporation has appointed Michael G. Wooldridge to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in corporate governance, securities, and mergers & acquisitions to the organization [1][3]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Michael G. Wooldridge was previously a partner at the Varnum law firm, focusing on corporate governance, securities, and mergers & acquisitions [1]. - Wooldridge has led numerous public equity and debt offerings for financial services and manufacturing companies, and he regularly advises on executive compensation and corporate structure [1]. - His educational background includes a J.D. from Cornell University Law School and a B.A. from Alma College [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Independent Bank Corporation is a Michigan-based bank holding company with total assets of approximately $5.5 billion [4]. - The company operates a branch network across Michigan's Lower Peninsula through its state-chartered bank subsidiary, Independent Bank, which offers a full range of financial services [4]. - Independent Bank Corporation is committed to providing exceptional personal service and value to its customers, stockholders, and the communities it serves [4]. Group 3: Leadership Comments - William B. Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank Corporation, expressed excitement about Wooldridge's appointment, highlighting his governance and M&A experience [3]. - Wooldridge acknowledged the bank's long history of providing value to shareholders and supporting local communities [3]. Group 4: Honors and Recognition - Wooldridge has received several honors, including being listed in Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law since 2005 and Mergers & Acquisitions Law since 2024 [2]. - He was recognized as a BTI Client Service All Star in 2012 and has been included in Grand Rapids Magazine's Top Lawyers for Corporate Law since 2019 [2]. - Wooldridge was inducted into the West Michigan Dealmaker Hall of Fame in 2024 [2].

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank Corporation has authorized a share repurchase plan for 2026, allowing the buyback of up to 1,100,000 shares, which is approximately 5% of its common stock [1]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Plan - The 2026 share repurchase plan is set to last through December 31, 2026, and will primarily be executed through open market transactions, although other methods may be considered [2]. - The timing and amount of share repurchases will depend on various factors, including securities law restrictions, trading price, regulatory requirements, alternative capital uses, and the company's financial performance [2]. - The company has no obligation to repurchase a specific amount of stock, and the plan can be modified or suspended at its discretion [2]. Group 2: Previous Share Repurchase Activity - The 2025 share repurchase plan will expire on December 31, 2025, with 407,113 shares repurchased at an aggregate cost of $12.4 million as of December 16, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Independent Bank Corporation, a Michigan-based bank holding company, has total assets of approximately $5.5 billion and operates a branch network across Michigan's Lower Peninsula [4]. - The company provides a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments, insurance, and title services [4].

Core Viewpoint - Independent Bank is positioned as a more favorable investment compared to Peoples Bancorp based on various financial metrics and analyst recommendations [11] Profitability - Independent Bank has a net margin of 21.25%, return on equity of 14.76%, and return on assets of 1.28% - Peoples Bancorp has a net margin of 16.57%, return on equity of 9.45%, and return on assets of 1.15% [2] Institutional and Insider Ownership - 79.4% of Independent Bank shares are owned by institutional investors, while 60.7% of Peoples Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors - Company insiders own 5.7% of Independent Bank shares compared to 3.4% for Peoples Bancorp [3] Valuation and Earnings - Independent Bank's gross revenue is $222.04 million with a price/sales ratio of 2.93, net income of $66.79 million, earnings per share (EPS) of $3.26, and a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.65 - Peoples Bancorp has gross revenue of $447.86 million with a price/sales ratio of 2.34, net income of $117.21 million, EPS of $2.86, and a P/E ratio of 10.28 - Independent Bank is trading at a lower P/E ratio, indicating it is more affordable [5][6] Analyst Recommendations - Independent Bank has a consensus target price of $36.00, suggesting a potential upside of 14.43%, while Peoples Bancorp has a target price of $33.13 with a potential upside of 12.63% - Analysts rate Independent Bank more favorably due to its higher potential upside [8] Dividends - Independent Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.04 per share with a dividend yield of 3.3%, distributing 31.9% of its earnings as dividends - Peoples Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $1.64 per share with a dividend yield of 5.6%, distributing 57.3% of its earnings as dividends - Both companies have a history of increasing dividends, with Independent Bank increasing for 11 consecutive years and Peoples Bancorp for 10 consecutive years [9] Volatility & Risk - Independent Bank has a beta of 0.86, indicating it is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500 - Peoples Bancorp has a beta of 0.7, indicating it is 30% less volatile than the S&P 500 [10]