GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: IBCP) reported fourth quarter 2025 net income of $18.6 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, versus net income of $18.5 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported net income of $68.5 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared to net income of $66.8 million, or $3.16 per diluted share, in 2024. Highlights for the fourth quarter of 2025 i ...

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].

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 19, 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 has appointed Michael G. Wooldridge to the boards of the Corporation and the Bank. Mr. Wooldridge was formerly a partner with the Varnum law firm where he concentrated on corporate governance, securities, and mergers & acquisitions, representing publicly traded clients on governance and securities c ...

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]

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]