Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corp. (HWC) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $1.49, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny, with a year-over-year increase of 6.4% in the bottom line, driven by higher non-interest income and net interest income (NII) despite rising expenses and provisions [1][8]. Financial Performance - Net income for the fourth quarter was $125.6 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the prior-year quarter, surpassing the estimate of $121.4 million [2]. - Total revenues for the quarter reached $389.3 million, consistent with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and grew 6.7% year over year. For the full year 2025, revenues increased by 4.8% to $1.52 billion, also in line with estimates [3]. - NII on a tax-equivalent basis rose 3% year over year to $284.7 million, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.48%, expanding by 7 basis points [3]. Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Non-interest income totaled $107.1 million, up 17.5% year over year, driven by increases across all components, exceeding the projected $99.7 million [4]. - Total non-interest expenses increased by 7.7% to $217.9 million, slightly above the estimate of $215.6 million, leading to an efficiency ratio increase to 54.93% from 54.46% in the previous year [4]. Loans and Deposits - As of December 31, 2025, total loans amounted to $24 billion, a 1.5% increase from the prior quarter, while total deposits rose by 2.2% to $29.3 billion [5]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $13.1 million, up 10.4% from the prior-year quarter, with net charge-offs (annualized) at 0.22% of average total loans, an increase of 2 basis points [6]. Capital and Profitability Ratios - The Tier 1 leverage ratio decreased to 11.17% from 11.29% year-over-year, and the common equity Tier 1 ratio fell to 13.66% from 14.14% [9]. - Return on average assets improved to 1.41% from 1.40% in the previous year, while return on average common equity declined to 11.28% from 11.74% [9]. Share Repurchase - In the reported quarter, HWC repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price of $57.62 per share [10]. Strategic Outlook - The company's strategic expansion initiatives and strong loan balance are expected to support ongoing top-line growth, while challenges include weakening asset quality, elevated expenses, and subdued mortgage income [11].

Core Insights - KeyCorp's fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations were 41 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents, reflecting a 7.9% increase from the prior-year quarter [1][9] - Despite better-than-expected results, KeyCorp's shares fell over 2% in early trading due to bearish market trends and a significant rise in provisions [1] Financial Performance - The quarterly results were bolstered by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, alongside an increase in average loans and deposits [2] - Total revenues for the fourth quarter reached $2 billion, a 12.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.94 billion [4] - For the full year 2025, total revenues were $7.51 billion, up 16.4% from the previous year, also exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.43 billion [4] Income and Expenses - NII on a taxable-equivalent basis rose 15.3% year over year to $1.22 billion, with the net interest margin expanding 41 basis points to 2.82% [5] - Adjusted non-interest income increased by 8.3% to $782 million, driven by higher investment banking and corporate services income [6] - Non-interest expenses rose nearly 1% to $1.24 billion, with adjusted expenses increasing 2.4% to $1.26 billion [6] Loan and Deposit Growth - Average total loans were $106.32 billion, showing a slight increase from the previous quarter, while average total deposits were $150.71 billion, also up marginally [7] Credit Quality - Provisions for credit losses surged to $108 million from $39 million in the prior-year quarter, impacting investor sentiment despite solid earnings [8][9] - Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total loans decreased by 4 basis points year over year to 0.39%, and non-performing assets as a percentage of the portfolio declined by 15 basis points to 0.59% [10] Capital Ratios - KeyCorp's tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 8.4% as of December 31, 2025, up from 7% in the same period of 2024 [11] - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.4%, down from 13.7%, while the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio decreased to 11.7% from 11.9% [11] Share Repurchases - During the reported quarter, KeyCorp repurchased shares worth $200 million [12] Strategic Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from decent loan balances, balance sheet repositioning efforts, and stabilizing funding costs, although weak asset quality remains a concern [13]

Core Outlook - Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) projects total net interest income (NII) of $50 billion for 2026, indicating a strong growth momentum following the lifting of its $1.95 trillion asset cap in June 2025 [1][7] - The expected rise in markets-related NII is anticipated to reach $2 billion by 2026, reflecting management's ability to leverage a favorable operating environment [1][7] NII Growth Drivers - The bank has achieved a four-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% in net interest income through 2025, driven by consistent loan expansion, disciplined deposit pricing, and active balance sheet management [5] - The removal of the asset cap allows Wells Fargo to compete more aggressively for loan and deposit growth, with expected mid-single-digit growth in average loans and deposits by Q4 2026 [6][9] - Stabilized funding costs due to Federal Reserve rate cuts are expected to support NII growth [6] Operational Efficiency - Wells Fargo is streamlining operations, investing in technology, and eliminating inefficiencies from past regulatory issues, which is expected to keep operating expenses well-controlled [8] - Lower operational costs will enhance the profitability of balance sheet growth, ensuring that rising NII translates into higher earnings and returns for shareholders [8][9] Peer Comparison - Bank of America (BAC) anticipates a 5-7% year-over-year increase in NII for 2026, following a 7.2% growth in 2025, supported by a favorable rate environment and technological efficiency [11] - Citigroup projects a 5-6% increase in NII for 2026, building on an 11% rise in 2025, with a stable interest rate environment aiding its outlook [12] Price Performance and Valuation - Wells Fargo shares have increased by 17.1% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 30.3% [13] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.46X, below the industry average of 14.83X [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WFC's earnings implies year-over-year increases of 12.3% for 2026 and 11.9% for 2027, with upward revisions in estimates over the past week [18]

Core Insights - Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) is set to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on January 20, after market close [1] - The company's third-quarter 2025 earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by increased revenues, growth in customer accounts, and a rise in Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) [1] Financial Performance Expectations - For the upcoming quarter, IBKR is expected to see solid growth in both top and bottom lines, attributed to significant market volatility and increased client activity [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $1.49 billion, indicating a 4.3% year-over-year growth [2] - The earnings estimate for the fourth quarter has been revised upward by 6.1% to 52 cents per share, reflecting a 2% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] Estimate Revision Trend - Current earnings estimates for Q4 2025 stand at 0.52, with a slight increase from previous estimates of 0.49 a week ago and 0.50 a month ago [4] - The company has a history of earnings surprises, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 7.98% [4][6] Key Q4 Estimates - Client activity and market volatility are expected to remain strong in Q4, influenced by factors such as the longest U.S. government shutdown, a decline in consumer sentiment, and easing monetary policy [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for commission revenues is $536 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 12.6% [6] - Net interest income (NII) is projected to be $821.6 million, indicating a 1.8% rise from the prior-year quarter, despite recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [7] Cost and Investment Outlook - Total operating expenses are anticipated to be elevated as IBKR invests in enhancing platform capabilities, product innovation, customer support, and regulatory compliance [8] Earnings Prediction Model - The quantitative model indicates uncertainty in predicting whether IBKR will beat earnings estimates, as it lacks a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better [9] - Currently, the company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10] Price Performance - In Q4, IBKR's stock performance was disappointing, underperforming compared to the industry and peers such as Charles Schwab and Tradeweb [11]

Core Insights - The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK) is expected to report fourth-quarter and 2025 results on January 13, with anticipated year-over-year increases in revenues and earnings [1][9]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, BK's earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by increased fee revenues and net interest income (NII), along with a provision benefit [2]. - The consensus estimate for fourth-quarter earnings is $1.97 per share, reflecting a 14.5% increase from the previous year [3]. - The 2025 earnings estimate is $7.40 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 22.7% [4]. Revenue Estimates - The consensus estimate for total investment services fees is $2.61 billion, suggesting a 7.1% increase from the previous year [5]. - Financing-related fees are estimated at $56 million, indicating a 5.7% year-over-year rise [5]. - Total fees and other revenues are projected at $3.85 billion, reflecting a 5.3% increase from the prior year [7]. Net Interest Income (NII) - The consensus estimate for NII is $1.27 billion, indicating a 6.5% year-over-year rise, supported by robust loan growth and stable funding costs despite recent interest rate cuts [10]. - Management expects fourth-quarter 2025 NII to remain flat sequentially, with full-year NII projected to rise 12% year-over-year [10]. Expense Outlook - Overall expenses are expected to increase due to inflationary pressures and technology upgrades, with fourth-quarter non-interest expenses estimated at $3.34 billion, suggesting a marginal year-over-year decline [11]. - For 2025, expenses are expected to rise 3% from $12.5 billion in 2024, driven by higher revenue-related expenses and continued investments [12]. Earnings Surprise Potential - BNY Mellon has a strong earnings surprise history, with an average beat of 9.1% over the last four quarters [3]. - The Earnings ESP for BNY Mellon is +1.25%, indicating a high likelihood of beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate [13]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [14].

Core Viewpoint - Zions Bancorporation's recent earnings report shows a positive trend in adjusted earnings per share and net interest income, despite challenges in loan balances and rising expenses [3][5][8]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 were $1.54, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40, and reflecting a 12.4% increase year-over-year [3]. - Net revenues reached $861 million, up 8.7% year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $845.5 million [5]. - Net interest income (NII) was $672 million, an increase of 8.4%, attributed to lower funding costs and a favorable mix in interest-earning assets [5]. - Non-interest income rose 9.9% to $189 million, driven by increases in most components except capital markets fees [6]. Expenses and Efficiency - Adjusted non-interest expenses increased by 4.2% to $520 million, with an adjusted efficiency ratio of 59.6%, down from 62.5% in the prior year, indicating improved profitability [7]. - The company recorded net loan and lease charge-offs of $56 million, significantly up from $3 million in the prior-year quarter, with provisions for credit losses rising to $49 million [9]. Credit Quality and Capital Ratios - The ratio of non-performing assets to loans and leases decreased by 8 basis points year-over-year to 0.54% [9]. - As of September 30, 2025, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.8%, and the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.3%, both showing improvement from the previous year [10]. Outlook - Management anticipates a marginal year-over-year increase in period-end loan balances, driven by commercial loans, while expecting a decline in commercial real estate classified balances [12]. - NII is projected to see moderate growth, supported by earning asset remix and loan and deposit growth [13]. - Customer-related non-interest income is expected to rise moderately due to increased customer activity and new client acquisition [14]. - Adjusted non-interest expenses are forecasted to increase moderately, influenced by technology costs and marketing expenses [15]. Market Reaction and Estimates - Since the earnings release, there has been a 7.4% upward trend in consensus estimates for the stock [16]. - Zions has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [18].

Core Insights - UMB Financial Corp. (UMBF) reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share of $2.70, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.48 and up from $2.25 in the same quarter last year [1][10] Financial Performance - The company achieved net income (GAAP basis) of $180.4 million, a significant increase of 64.5% year over year [3] - Quarterly revenues (FTE) reached $686.7 million, a surge of 66.4% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2% [4] - Net interest income (NII) on an FTE basis was $483.4 million, a jump of 90.3% from the prior-year quarter, with a net interest margin of 3.04%, up 58 basis points year over year [4] - Non-interest income was $203.3 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 28.1, primarily driven by trust and securities processing, and service charges on deposit accounts [5] - Non-interest expenses totaled $419.3 million, up 66.1% year over year, including $35.6 million in acquisition-related and non-recurring costs [5] Efficiency and Capital Ratios - The efficiency ratio improved to 58.1%, down from 61.7% in the prior-year quarter, indicating increased profitability [6] - As of September 30, 2025, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.3%, slightly up from 11.2% a year ago, while the Tier 1 leverage ratio decreased to 8.3% from 8.6% [11] Loan and Deposit Growth - Average loans and leases as of September 30, 2025, were $37.1 billion, up 2% sequentially, and average deposits increased 2% year over year to $56.7 billion [7] Credit Quality Concerns - The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.20%, up from 0.14% in the prior-year quarter, with total non-accrual and restructured loans rising to $131.9 million from $19.3 million [8] - The provision for credit losses was $22.5 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $18 million in the prior-year quarter [8] Dividend Announcement - The company announced a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share, marking a 7.5% increase from the prior quarter and the 23rd increase in the past 20 years [13] Overall Assessment - UMB Financial's robust third-quarter results were driven by strong NII and non-interest income growth, alongside improving margins, with the Heartland Financial acquisition contributing to loan and deposit growth [14]

Core Insights - M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted net operating earnings per share of $4.87, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.40 and up from $4.08 in the same quarter last year [1][9] Financial Performance - Net income available to common shareholders was $754 million, reflecting an 11.8% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - Quarterly revenues reached $2.51 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.44 billion and representing a 7.7% year-over-year increase [3] - Net interest income (NII) rose 2% year over year to $1.76 billion, slightly below the estimate of $1.77 billion [3] - Total non-interest income was $752 million, up 24.1% year over year, driven by increases across almost all components [3] Expenses and Efficiency - Total non-interest expenses increased by 4.6% year over year to $1.36 billion, attributed to higher salaries, employee benefits, and operational costs [4] - The efficiency ratio improved to 53.6%, down from 55.0% in the year-earlier quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [4] Loan and Deposit Trends - Total loans amounted to $136.9 billion as of September 30, 2025, showing slight growth from the previous quarter [5] - Total deposits decreased marginally to $163.4 billion on a sequential basis [5] Credit Quality - Net charge-offs increased by 21.6% to $146 million compared to the prior-year quarter [6] - The provision for credit losses was $125 million, up 4.1% from the year-ago quarter [6] - Non-performing assets declined by 21.1% year over year to $1.55 billion [6] Capital Position - The estimated Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was 10.99%, down from 11.54% as of third-quarter 2024 [10] - Tangible equity per share increased to $115.31 from $107.97 in the third quarter of 2024 [10] - Return on average tangible assets and average tangible common shareholder equity improved to 1.56% and 17.13%, respectively [10] Share Repurchase - M&T Bank repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock for $193.46 million in the third quarter of 2025 [11] Future Outlook - Sustained growth in both NII and non-interest income is expected to support M&T Bank's organic growth, alongside steady loan growth and improving asset quality [12]

Core Insights - Synovus Financial Corp. reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $1.46, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.36 and up from $1.23 a year ago, driven by strong growth in net interest income and non-interest revenues, alongside a decrease in provisions for credit losses [1][8] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the quarter were $611.1 million, reflecting an 8.2% increase year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1% [3] - Net interest income rose 8% year-over-year to $474.7 million, with the net interest margin expanding by 4 basis points to 3.41% due to lower deposit costs and higher loan yields [3] - Non-interest revenues increased by 13% year-over-year to $140.7 million, attributed to higher core banking fees, wealth management income, and capital markets income [4] - Non-interest expenses were $348.7 million, up 11% year-over-year, primarily due to merger-related expenses of $23.8 million [4] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of September 30, 2025, total loans amounted to $43.8 billion, showing a slight increase from the previous quarter, while total core deposits were $44.9 billion, reflecting a slight decline [5] Credit Quality - Non-performing loans decreased by 33% year-over-year to $209.3 million, and total non-performing assets fell by 26% to $231.7 million [6] - Provisions for credit losses were $21.7 million, down 7% year-over-year, with net charge-offs decreasing by 43.7% to $15.2 million [6] Capital Ratios and Profitability - As of September 30, 2025, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.34%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 14.07%, both improved from the previous year [7] - Adjusted return on average assets increased to 1.42% from 1.26% year-over-year, while adjusted return on average common equity rose to 15.78% from 15.02% [9] Merger Update - Synovus expects its pending merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals [10] - The company anticipates a pro-forma Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 10.1% at the merger close, reflecting a favorable rate environment and strong capital generation in Q3 2025 [11] Overall Assessment - The company demonstrated strong third-quarter performance, exceeding earnings expectations due to robust net interest income and higher non-interest revenues, with improving loan growth and credit quality supporting profitability [12]

Core Insights - BankUnited, Inc. (BKU) reported second-quarter 2025 earnings of 91 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 79 cents and up from 72 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][10] - The results were driven by growth in net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, alongside a decline in provisions for credit losses [1][10] - Total net revenues increased by 9.5% year over year to $273.9 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $265.6 million [3][10] Financial Performance - Net income for the quarter was $68.8 million, reflecting a 28% increase from the year-ago quarter, compared to an estimate of $58.2 million [2] - NII reached $246.1 million, an 8.9% growth, with net interest margin (NIM) expanding by 21 basis points to 2.93% [3] - Non-interest income rose 15% to $27.8 million, driven by increased deposit service charges and fees [4] Expense and Asset Management - Non-interest expenses increased by 4.2% to $164.3 million, attributed to higher employee compensation and technology costs [5] - Total loans were $23.9 billion, a slight decrease from the prior quarter, while total deposits rose by 2.1% to $28.6 billion [6] Credit Quality and Capital Ratios - Provisions for credit losses were $15.7 million, down 19.7% from the prior-year quarter [7] - The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.27%, up 35 basis points year over year, and the non-performing assets ratio increased to 1.08% [7] - Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio improved to 12.2%, up from 11.6%, and the total risk-based capital ratio rose to 14.3% from 13.6% [8] Market Position and Outlook - BankUnited's strategy to grow fee income and low-cost deposits, along with relatively higher interest rates, is expected to support revenue growth [11] - The company faces challenges from rising expenses and significant exposure to commercial real estate and residential loans [11]