GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: IBCP), the holding company of Independent Bank, a Michigan-based community bank, announced that its Board of Directors authorized a 2026 share repurchase plan on December 16, 2025. Under the terms of the 2026 share repurchase plan, the Company is authorized to buy back up to 1,100,000 shares, representing approximately 5% of its common stock. The 2026 share repurchase plan is authorized to last through December 31, ...

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]

Core Viewpoint - ABN AMRO has agreed to acquire NIBC Bank from Blackstone for approximately €960 million ($1.11 billion), aiming to enhance its retail banking operations and market position in the Netherlands [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is valued at about €960 million ($1.11 billion) and reflects 0.85 times NIBC's book value based on shareholders' equity at closing, subject to final adjustments [1]. - The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and consultations [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The deal will expand ABN AMRO's client base by adding approximately 325,000 savings clients, 200,000 mortgage clients, and 175 corporate clients [4]. - ABN AMRO anticipates the acquisition will increase profitability, targeting a return on invested capital of around 18% by 2029 [4]. Group 3: Future Strategy - The acquisition aligns with ABN AMRO's new strategy focused on profitable growth, optimizing capital allocation, and resizing its cost base, which will be detailed at the Capital Markets Day on November 25, 2025 [5]. - The purchase will enhance ABN AMRO's presence in the Dutch, German, and Belgian savings markets and broaden its mortgage and corporate lending capabilities in Northwest Europe [5]. Group 4: Brand and Operational Changes - ABN AMRO plans to maintain its core mortgage brands, ABN AMRO and Florius, while discontinuing the Moneyou brand, potentially integrating NIBC's mortgage label into its offerings [6]. - The bank intends to legally merge ABN AMRO Hypotheken Groep into ABN AMRO Bank to improve operational efficiency [6].

Core Viewpoint - ABN AMRO Bank N.V. has reached an agreement to acquire NIBC Bank from Blackstone, aiming to enhance its retail banking scale and strengthen its position in the Dutch market [1][3]. Company Overview - NIBC Bank, established in 1945, is a Dutch-focused entrepreneurial bank specializing in mortgage lending, savings products, commercial real estate, and digital infrastructure lending, serving approximately 325,000 savings clients, 200,000 mortgage clients, and 175 corporate clients [2]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is seen as a unique opportunity to bolster ABN AMRO's position in the Dutch retail market and contribute to profitable growth, aligning with the bank's new strategy focused on profitable growth, cost optimization, and capital allocation [3]. - The transaction is expected to enhance ABN AMRO's profitability, with an anticipated return on invested capital of around 18% by 2029, and is projected to have a positive impact on the bank's CET1 ratio of approximately 70 basis points at closing [3][4]. Operational Changes - Following the acquisition, ABN AMRO plans to focus on its core mortgage brands, ABN AMRO and Florius, while discontinuing the Moneyou brand, allowing for the potential inclusion of NIBC's mortgage label [5]. - The acquisition will also increase ABN AMRO's scale in the Dutch, German, and Belgian savings markets, with potential synergies being explored through a combination with its investment offering at BUX [6]. Transaction Details - The acquisition price is estimated at around EUR 960 million, based on 0.85 times the book value of NIBC's shareholders' equity as of the closing date, and is subject to regulatory approvals and works councils consultation processes [3][4].

Core Insights - The Bank of Charles Town has officially rebranded as Potomac Bank, reflecting over 154 years of history and growth in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia [1][3] - The name Potomac Bank symbolizes the connection among the diverse communities served, united by the Potomac River, which has influenced the region's geography and prosperity [2] - The rebranding aligns with the bank's holding company, Potomac Bancshares, which was named in anticipation of this growth [3] Company Overview - Potomac Bank has been serving its communities since 1871 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. [5] - The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial banking, consumer banking, trust and wealth services, investment services, and mortgage lending [5] - The new tagline "Community Takes Root Here" emphasizes the bank's commitment to supporting local communities and economies [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. earned $172.7 million, or $2.67 per share, representing a 19.2% increase from $144.8 million, or $2.24 per share, in the same quarter last year [4] - Return on average assets and average common equity were 1.32% and 16.72%, respectively, compared to 1.16% and 15.48% in Q3 last year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits increased to $42.1 billion, up 3.3% from $40.7 billion in Q3 last year, while average loans grew to $21.5 billion, a 6.8% increase from $20.1 billion in Q2 last year [5] - Consumer checking households grew by 5.4% year over year, marking the strongest quarter in new checking household growth since the post-Silicon Valley flight to safety [6] - The overall consumer real estate loan portfolio reached $3.5 billion, growing by $547 million year over year, or 18.7% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end commercial loans grew by 5.1% year over year, with energy loans up 17% and C&I loans up 6.8% [7] - New commercial relationships reached 3,082 year to date, setting the pace for the largest number of new relationships in a year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth through strategic expansion, which has generated positive results, with expansion deposits and loans standing at $2.9 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively [5] - Expansion locations contributed $0.09 of EPS accretion, with Houston 1.0 generating $0.14 per share [12] - The company is optimistic about its strategy and believes it is well-positioned to succeed in competitive markets [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increasing competition in the market but expressed confidence in their ability to compete effectively [29] - The company expects net interest income growth for the full year to fall in the range of 7% to 8%, with an anticipated improvement in net interest margin of about 12 to 15 basis points [18] - Credit quality remains strong, with non-performing assets declining to $47 million from $64 million last quarter [9] Other Important Information - The company utilized $69.3 million of its $150 million approved share repurchase plan to buy back approximately 549,000 shares [20] - The effective tax rate expectation for full year 2025 remains unchanged at 16% to 17% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on NIM with Fed cuts coming - Management indicated that while Fed cuts may impact NIM, they expect it to remain relatively stable due to backbook repricing and upcoming maturities [24] Question: Expense growth moderation - Management is focused on reducing expense growth from high single digits to mid-single digits, but specific guidance for 2026 is not yet available [25] Question: Competitive pressures in the market - Management acknowledged increased competition but remains confident in their ability to compete effectively, citing a strong pipeline and customer relationships [28][30] Question: Capital generation and buyback strategy - Management clarified that stock buybacks do not indicate a lack of optimism for growth; rather, they are utilizing excess capital to benefit shareholders [43][44] Question: Loan growth trends and competition - Management noted that while competition exists, they expect to continue growing despite headwinds from commercial real estate paydowns [65][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lending has grown 4.4% since year-end to £388 billion, consistent with an annual growth rate of over 4% over the past six years [3][4] - Income increased to £12.1 billion, up 12.5% compared to the first nine months of the previous year [5][7] - Operating profit reached £5.8 billion, with attributable profit of £4.1 billion, and return on tangible equity at 19.5% [7][8] - Earnings per share grew 32.4% year-on-year, and TNAV per share increased 14.6% to 362 pence [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mortgage lending rose by over £5 billion for the first nine months, supported by new offers for first-time buyers and family-backed mortgages [4] - Unsecured lending grew by £2.9 billion, or 17.3%, with successful integration of Sainsbury's customers [4] - Commercial and institutional lending increased by £7.9 billion, or 5.5%, particularly in infrastructure and sustainable finance [4][5] - Deposits grew 0.8% to £435 billion, balancing volume with value in a competitive market [5][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer activity remains high, reflecting strong economic conditions with low unemployment and wage growth above inflation [3] - Assets under management and administration increased by 14.5% to £56 billion, contributing to non-interest income growth [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on disciplined growth, bank-wide simplification, and effective balance sheet and risk management [3][7] - A new share buyback of £750 million was announced, with 50% already executed [8] - The company aims to support large-scale infrastructure programs and has committed £7.6 billion towards its 2030 Climate and Transition Finance target of £200 billion [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic environment, expecting continued growth despite inflation above the Bank of England's target [3] - Full-year guidance for income has been revised to around £16.3 billion, with returns expected to exceed 18% [7][10] - The company anticipates one further base rate cut this year, reaching a terminal rate of 3.75% by year-end [11] Other Important Information - The cost-income ratio improved by five percentage points to 47.8%, with operating expenses up 2.5% to £5.9 billion [7][12] - The CET1 ratio ended the third quarter at 14.2%, up 60 basis points from the previous quarter [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Deposit momentum and non-interest income drivers - Management noted a £3.5 billion increase in deposits year-to-date, with varying trends across business lines [20] - Non-interest income showed strong momentum, particularly in cards, payments, and capital markets [23] Question: Cost growth expectations - Management reiterated cost guidance for the year, emphasizing ongoing simplification efforts [31][32] Question: Capital and CRD4 impact - Limited CRD4 impact was noted in the quarter, with expectations for more material effects in Q4 [35] Question: Loan growth sustainability - Management expressed confidence in maintaining above-market loan growth, particularly in commercial and institutional sectors [61] Question: CET1 ratio target and deferred tax assets - Management indicated ongoing discussions regarding CET1 targets, with expectations for reduced capital requirements under Basel 3.1 [83][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lending has grown 4.4% since year-end to GBP 388 billion, consistent with an annual growth rate of over 4% over the past six years [3][4] - Income increased to GBP 12.1 billion, a 12.5% rise compared to the first nine months of the previous year [5][6] - Operating profit reached GBP 5.8 billion, with attributable profit at GBP 4.1 billion, resulting in a return on tangible equity of 19.5% [6][7] - Earnings per share grew 32.4% year-on-year, and TNAV per share increased 14.6% to 362 pence [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mortgage lending rose by over GBP 5 billion for the first nine months, supported by new offers for first-time buyers and family-backed mortgages [4] - Unsecured lending grew by GBP 2.9 billion, or 17.3%, aided by the integration of Sainsbury's customers [4] - Commercial and institutional lending increased by GBP 7.9 billion, or 5.5%, particularly in infrastructure and sustainable finance [4][5] - Non-interest income grew due to higher fees from payments, cards, and strong performance in currencies and capital markets [5][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by 0.8% to GBP 435 billion, reflecting a balance between volume and value in a competitive market [5][11] - Assets under management and administration grew 14.5% to GBP 56 billion, indicating increased customer investment activity [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined growth, bank-wide simplification, and effective balance sheet and risk management [3][6] - A new share buyback of GBP 750 million was announced, with 50% already executed [7] - The company aims to support large-scale infrastructure programs and has committed GBP 7.6 billion towards its 2030 Group Climate and Transition Finance target of GBP 200 billion [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite inflation above the Bank of England's target, the economy is growing with low unemployment and high levels of savings [3] - The company expects one further base rate cut this year, with rates projected to reach 3.75% by year-end [10] - Full-year income guidance has been revised to around GBP 16.3 billion, with returns expected to exceed 18% [6][10] Other Important Information - The cost-income ratio improved by five percentage points to 47.8%, with operating expenses up 2.5% to GBP 5.9 billion [6][12] - The CET1 ratio ended the third quarter at 14.2%, up 60 basis points from the previous quarter [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Deposit momentum and non-interest income drivers - Management discussed that deposits are up around GBP 3.5 billion year-to-date, with different trends across business lines, and highlighted strong momentum in non-interest income driven by cards, payments, and capital markets [19][22] Question: Cost growth expectations and capital management - Management reiterated cost guidance for the year, emphasizing ongoing simplification efforts and the potential for continued cost management [30][34] Question: Loan growth sustainability and income drivers - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth above market levels, with a strong track record and favorable conditions in commercial lending [60][72] Question: CET1 ratio target and deferred tax assets - Management indicated that the CET1 ratio target will be reviewed in February, with expectations for continued capital generation and a slight decrease in deferred tax asset utilization in the coming years [81][83]

Core Viewpoint - Simmons First National Corporation (SFNC) is expected to report an increase in third-quarter 2025 earnings and revenues compared to the same quarter last year, driven by higher net interest income and improved lending activity, despite lower non-interest income impacting overall results [1][9]. Earnings Performance - SFNC has a solid earnings surprise history, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 1.44% [2]. Factors Influencing Q3 Earnings - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut of 25 basis points to 4.00-4.25% is likely to have stabilized funding and deposit costs, supporting growth in net interest income (NII) for SFNC [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NII is projected at $184.9 million, reflecting a 7.7% increase from the previous quarter [4]. Non-Interest Revenues - Mortgage rates have declined significantly during the third quarter, leading to decent refinancing activity and origination volumes, which is expected to boost SFNC's mortgage income [5]. - The consensus estimate for mortgage lending income is $1.8 million, indicating a 3.6% increase from the prior quarter [6]. - Wealth management fees are estimated at $38.2 million, a rise of 16.5% from the previous quarter, while debit and credit card fees are projected at $34.3 billion, reflecting a 4.3% increase [6]. - Total non-interest income is estimated at $176.8 billion, showing a marginal increase from the prior quarter [7]. Asset Quality - SFNC is expected to maintain a modest reserve for potential delinquent loans, particularly in light of anticipated interest rate cuts and the impact of tariffs on inflation [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for non-performing assets is $160.3 million, indicating a 3.9% decrease from the previous quarter [9]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus estimate for third-quarter earnings is 48 cents per share, representing a 29.7% increase from the year-ago figure, while revenues are expected to reach $228.9 million, a 30.9% rise from the same period last year [11].

Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo is set to release its third-quarter 2025 earnings on October 14, with analysts estimating an EPS of $1.54 and projected revenue of approximately $21.1 billion, reflecting a 4% year-over-year revenue increase [1][6]. Revenue and Income Projections - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show a 4% increase in revenues compared to the previous year, supported by a projected net interest income (NII) of $12.03 billion, marking a 2.9% year-over-year rise [2][6]. - Non-interest income is anticipated to grow by 4.5% year-over-year, driven by higher fees and robust investment banking gains [3][6]. Financial Metrics - The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 12.52, and the price-to-sales ratio stands at about 2.09, reflecting the market's valuation of its earnings and revenue [4]. - The enterprise value to sales ratio is around 3.47, providing insight into the company's overall valuation relative to its sales [4]. - The debt-to-equity ratio is about 2.01, indicating financial leverage, while the current ratio is relatively low at 0.25, suggesting potential liquidity concerns [5]. Earnings Yield and Management Discussion - The earnings yield is approximately 7.99%, indicating the return generated from earnings [5]. - The management's discussion during the earnings call will be crucial in assessing the sustainability of any immediate price changes and future earnings projections [5].