LCNB Corp. Announces 2026 First-Quarter DividendFeb 18, 2026 4:48 PM Eastern Standard Time# LCNB Corp. Announces 2026 First-Quarter DividendShare---LEBANON, Ohio--([BUSINESS WIRE])--LCNB Corp. (Nasdaq: LCNB) today announced that the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per common share. The common stock cash dividend will have a record date of March 2, 2026, and is payable to shareholders on March 16, 2026.About LCNB Corp.LCNB Corp. is a financial holding company headquartered in L ...

Core Insights - Napean Trading & Investment sold 449,981 shares of Chime Financial for approximately $9.56 million, reducing its stake significantly from 1.8% to 0.06% of assets under management [2][6][9] Company Overview - Chime Financial operates as a leading U.S. fintech platform with a market capitalization of $7.38 billion and a revenue of $2.07 billion for the trailing twelve months [4][6] - The company reported a net income loss of $984.77 million for the trailing twelve months [4] Financial Performance - As of February 13, 2026, Chime's shares were priced at $19.69, down approximately 27% from the $27 IPO price in June [6][11] - The company experienced a 29% year-over-year revenue increase to $543.5 million in the third quarter, with active members rising 21% to 9.1 million [10] - Purchase volume increased by 15% to $32.3 billion, and adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $28.8 million, although the net loss for the quarter was $54.7 million [10] Business Model - Chime offers mobile-first, fee-free banking services targeting consumers earning under $100,000 annually, focusing on underserved retail banking customers [7][8] - Revenue is primarily generated through interchange fees from debit card transactions, leveraging partnerships with FDIC-insured banks [7] Strategic Positioning - The reduction in Chime's stake by Napean Trading indicates a shift in focus towards higher concentration investments like Robinhood and Navan, suggesting a more selective approach to fintech exposure [9]

Core Viewpoint - Oportun is set to release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 on February 26, 2026, after market close [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - Oportun will host a conference call and earnings webcast on February 26, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm PT to discuss the financial results [2]. - A live webcast will be available on Oportun's investor relations website, with a replay accessible for one year [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Oportun is a mission-driven financial services company focused on helping members achieve their financial goals through intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting [3]. - Since its inception, Oportun has provided over $21.3 billion in responsible and affordable credit and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees [3]. - On average, Oportun has helped its members set aside more than $1,800 annually [3].

Company Overview - Chime Financial has a revenue of $2.07 billion and a net income of -$984.77 million, with a market capitalization of $9.32 billion as of January 29, priced at $26.22 [4]. - The company operates a technology-driven platform providing fee-free banking services, targeting underbanked populations through partnerships with FDIC-insured banks [6][9]. Recent Developments - Ashton Thomas Private Wealth disclosed a new position in Chime Financial, acquiring 5.13 million shares valued at $129.1 million, representing 3.1% of the fund's 13F reportable assets [1][2][3]. - Chime's revenue increased by 29% year over year to $544 million, with active members rising by 21% to 9.1 million, and adjusted EBITDA turning to a $29 million profit [10]. Strategic Insights - Chime's business model focuses on interchange-driven revenue, which is scalable and resilient in the evolving fintech landscape [6]. - The company has raised its full-year guidance and announced a $200 million share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its future performance [12].

Core Insights - Home Bancorp reported a fourth quarter net income of $11.4 million, or $1.46 per share, marking a 21% year-over-year increase and a record full-year net income of $46 million, or $5.87 per share, which is 29% higher than 2024 earnings per share [3][4] Loan Growth and Pipeline - Loans grew by $38 million in the fourth quarter at a 6% annualized rate, with management expecting mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026 due to a building loan pipeline and slowing paydowns [1][6] Net Interest Income and Margin - Net interest income remained stable, decreasing by $58,000 from the previous quarter, while the net interest margin (NIM) dipped 4 basis points to 4.06% [2][3] - Management anticipates NIM to expand to about 4.10–4.15% in 2026, supported by cash flows from loans and investment securities [6][12] Deposit Growth - Deposits increased by 7%, or $192 million, reducing reliance on wholesale funding and allowing the bank to cut Federal Home Loan Bank advances by $173 million [6][7] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits rose by $3 million in the fourth quarter and $40 million for the year, contributing to the overall deposit growth [8] Credit Quality - Credit quality remains healthy with low net charge-offs of approximately 3 basis points, although nonperforming assets rose to $36.1 million, or 1.03% of total assets, primarily due to two downgraded relationships [5][14][15] Texas Expansion - Home Bancorp's Texas franchise has grown loans at a 15% annual rate since entering the market, now accounting for 20% of the company's loan portfolio [17][18] Noninterest Income and Expenses - Noninterest income for the fourth quarter was $4 million, slightly above expectations, while noninterest expense rose by $515,000 to $23 million [22][23] Shareholder Returns - The company increased its quarterly dividend per share by 55% to $0.31 and repurchased 17% of its shares, maintaining robust capital ratios [24]

Loan Production and Growth - The company reported robust overall loan growth, with $374 million in new loans originated for the full year, which is 79% higher than the prior year [1][6] - In the fourth quarter, total loan originations were $141 million, including $106 million funded, with over 90% of that in commercial loans [2][6] - The loan pipeline is approximately 30% larger than a year ago, with expectations for consistent mid-single-digit production in 2026 [6][7] Financial Performance - The company experienced a GAAP net loss of $39.5 million in the fourth quarter due to a $69 million loss from a securities portfolio repositioning, but non-GAAP net income was $9.4 million [3][5][15] - Core earnings and net interest margin improved, with net interest margin reaching 3.42% in December, reflecting a 30 basis point expansion [4][16][17] - Non-interest income remained consistent with the prior quarter, while non-interest expense increased slightly [18] Credit Quality and Management - Classified loans decreased by 35% to 1.5% of total loans, and non-accrual loans fell to 1.3% [4][20] - The allowance for credit losses stood at 1.42% of total loans, with a minor provision for credit losses recorded in the fourth quarter [22] Deposit Dynamics - Total deposits increased in the fourth quarter, driven by higher balances from long-term clients and new relationships, with a total deposit cost of 1.17% [8][9] - The bank opened nearly 1,000 accounts during the period, with about 45% being new to the bank, contributing to a growing deposit base [11] Capital Actions and Future Outlook - The company plans to target a mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026, with potential for better performance depending on payoffs [7] - Management expects approximately $0.40 of EPS accretion and about a 25-basis-point lift in net interest margin over the next 12 months following capital replenishment [5][13]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong buy rankings and positive momentum characteristics for investors to consider on January 22nd Group 1: Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (BBVA) - BBVA is engaged in a variety of banking and financial activities in Spain and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BBVA's current year earnings has increased by 0.5% over the last 60 days [1] - BBVA's shares have gained 27.9% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.5% [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Metropolitan Bank Holding (MCB) - MCB is a chartered commercial bank providing various financial services and has a Zacks Rank of 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MCB's current year earnings has increased by 7% over the last 60 days [3] - MCB's shares have gained 20.8% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.5% [4] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [4] Group 3: Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) - PAA is a master limited partnership involved in the transportation and marketing of crude oil and natural gas in the U.S. and Canada, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PAA's current year earnings has increased by 4.8% over the last 60 days [5] - PAA's shares have gained 18.4% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.5% [6] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [6]

Core Viewpoint - Oportun Financial Corporation announced the resignation of CEO Raul Vazquez, effective no later than April 3, 2026, and initiated a search for his successor while providing preliminary financial results for Q4 and full year 2025 [1][2][4]. Leadership Transition - The Board of Directors has decided that it is an appropriate time for a leadership transition, and a search for a new CEO is underway with the assistance of a nationally recognized executive search firm [2]. - Raul Vazquez has been with Oportun for nearly 14 years, during which he led the company through significant growth, including its IPO and expansion into a national financial services provider [3]. Financial Performance - Preliminary unaudited results for Q4 2025 indicate expected Total Revenue between $246 million and $248 million, surpassing guidance of $241 million to $246 million [4]. - The Annualized Net Charge-Off Rate is projected at 12.3%, slightly better than the guidance of 12.45% [4]. - For the full year 2025, Total Revenue is expected to be between $955 million and $957 million, exceeding the guidance of $950 million to $955 million [5]. - Net Income for Q4 2025 is anticipated to be between $1 million and $3 million, while for the full year, it is projected to be between $23 million and $25 million [5]. Adjusted Financial Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 is expected to be between $40 million and $42 million, significantly higher than the guidance of $31 million to $37 million [4]. - Adjusted Net Income for Q4 2025 is projected to be between $11 million and $13 million, aligning with the full year estimate of $63 million to $65 million [5]. - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 is expected to range from $0.23 to $0.27, while for the full year, it is projected to be between $1.32 and $1.36 [5]. Company Overview - Oportun is a mission-driven financial services company that has provided over $21.3 billion in affordable credit and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees [8]. - The company aims to empower its members with intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities to help them build a better financial future [8].

Core Viewpoint - Metropolitan Bank demonstrated strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2025, with notable growth in net interest margin, net interest income, deposits, and loans, setting a solid foundation for future progress in 2026 and beyond [5] Financial Performance - Deposits increased by $304 million in the fourth quarter, approximately 4.3%, with a significant portion of indexed deposits expected to reprice following a rate change [1] - The bank reported a net interest margin of 4.1%, up 22 basis points from the previous quarter, attributed to balance sheet growth and easing rates [2] - Net interest income for the fourth quarter was $85.3 million, reflecting over a 10% increase from the linked quarter and nearly 20% year-over-year [7] Loan and Deposit Growth - The loan book remained flat in the fourth quarter due to elevated prepayments of about $317 million, exceeding the previous three-quarter run rate by approximately $150 million [3] - The bank expanded its loan portfolio by approximately $775 million in 2025, representing nearly 13% growth, with total loan originations around $1.9 billion [4] Strategic Initiatives - Management eliminated wholesale funding of $450 million during 2025, indicating a shift towards more stable deposit funding [6] - The bank plans to open two new branches in Florida in the first half of 2026, enhancing its presence in key markets [17] Future Outlook - For 2026, the bank anticipates loan growth of about $800 million, or roughly 12%, funded entirely through deposits, with a modest expansion in net interest margin expected [13] - The company aims for a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) approaching 16% by the fourth quarter of 2026 [14] Expense Management - Non-interest expense totaled $44.4 million, down $1.4 million from the prior quarter, with specific reductions in compensation and professional fees [10][15] - Operating expense guidance for 2026 is set between $189 million and $191 million, accounting for various unique items [14] Asset Quality and Capital - Asset quality remains stable with no significant negative trends across loan segments, and the bank is cautiously optimistic about resolving specific workouts by the end of the current quarter [11][12]

Core Insights - Mercantile Bank reported a fourth-quarter 2025 net income of $22.8 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, an increase from $19.6 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, with full-year net income reaching $88.8 million, or $5.47 per diluted share, compared to $79.6 million, or $4.93 per diluted share, in 2024 [1][6] Financial Performance - The bank's fourth-quarter net interest margin (NIM) remained stable at approximately 3.43%, despite a decrease in the 90-day average SOFR rate by 68 basis points over the last five quarters [8][9] - Average loans increased to $4.63 billion, up $62 million year-over-year, while average deposits rose by $302 million to $4.83 billion, resulting in a net surplus of funds of $240 million [11] - The allowance for credit losses stood at 1.21% of total loans, with very low non-performing loans (NPLs) averaging 12 basis points over the last six years [12] Acquisition Impact - The acquisition of Eastern Michigan Bank, completed on December 31, 2025, is expected to enhance liquidity and deposits, and improve NIM through higher-yielding acquired securities [3][7] - Early integration efforts have been described as positive, with management indicating that Eastern's balance sheet is already influencing consolidated metrics such as liquidity and margin [2][4] 2026 Outlook - The bank is targeting 5-7% annualized loan growth for 2026, with expectations of NIM improvement due to the Eastern acquisition, while also anticipating higher non-interest expenses related to expansion and digital conversion [5][15] - The effective tax rate for 2026 is projected at 17%, incorporating continued tax credit benefits [18] Capital and Shareholder Returns - Mercantile ended 2025 with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.8%, while Eastern Michigan Bank's ratio was 15.3%, both exceeding "well-capitalized" thresholds [19] - The company did not repurchase shares in 2025, with $6.8 million remaining under its current repurchase plan, and management's appetite for buybacks has increased [20]