LAS VEGAS, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Bancorp, Inc. (OTC: BCBC) (“Bitcoin Bancorp” or the “Company”), a diversified digital asset infrastructure and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) development company and holder of foundational U.S. patents related to Bitcoin ATMs, today announced that it has been designated as a successful bidder for certain key assets of Bitcoin Depot Inc. and its affiliated debtors in Chapter 11 proceedings pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Under multiple agreements with Bitcoin Depot, Bitcoin Bancorp is acquiring assets that include approximately 2,446 Bitcoin ATM kiosks, associated floorspace agreements, parts inventory, intellectual property, trademarks, patents, the BitcoinDepot.com domain name and other related digital assets. The transactions were approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Section 363 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code, under which the court-approved sales provide for acquired assets to be transferred free and clear of interests in such property, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Sale Order(s).
Certain portions of the transactions have already closed, and Bitcoin Bancorp is in the process of taking possession of acquired assets pursuant to the Court’s Sale Orders. Final closings remain subject to customary closing conditions. The Company currently expects the remaining closings to be completed during the upcoming quarter and expects the acquired assets to be reflected in future Company reports.
Bitcoin Depot, founded in 2016, developed into one of North America’s largest Bitcoin ATM operators and among the largest globally. According to Bitcoin Depot Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, Bitcoin Depot operated approximately 9,700 owned and leased kiosks across 48 U.S. states, 10 Canadian provinces and six Australian states, in addition to its BDCheckout product at approximately 16,300 retail locations. From its inception in July 2016 through December 31, 2025, Bitcoin Depot reported completing more than 4.0 million user transactions representing approximately $3.4 billion in total transaction value.
Bitcoin Bancorp believes the acquired assets could accelerate the expansion of its Bitcoin ATM infrastructure while adding technology, intellectual property and digital brand assets that complement its existing portfolio. The acquired intellectual property is expected to complement Bitcoin Bancorp’s subsidiary’s existing U.S. patents, identified as US9135787B1 and US10332205B1, while the BitcoinDepot.com domain and related digital properties would expand the Company’s online presence and customer reach.
The addition of 2,446 kiosks and related agreements could also provide Bitcoin Bancorp with a more capital-efficient path to expanding its physical infrastructure than deploying an equivalent footprint entirely through organic development. The Company believes this approach could shorten the time required to expand its network while reducing the capital and operational resources that would otherwise be required to build comparable infrastructure from the ground up.
“These transactions represent an important inflection point for Bitcoin Bancorp,” said Eric Noveshen, Executive Vice-President of Bitcoin Bancorp. “Acquiring established Bitcoin ATM infrastructure, intellectual property and digital assets through the bankruptcy process could materially accelerate our business strategy compared with building an equivalent platform entirely through organic expansion. We believe this provides Bitcoin Bancorp with an opportunity to shorten the company’s developmental timeline, the ability to deploy capital more efficiently and strengthen both the scale of the physical network and digital presence as we integrate these assets.”
Bitcoin Bancorp expects the acquired assets, once integrated, to support broader geographic access to Bitcoin ATM services, additional infrastructure for cash-to-Bitcoin transactions, technology and operational improvements, and longer-term product development connecting physical retail infrastructure with digital asset services. The Company intends to maintain its focus on compliant, transparent and user-friendly access to Bitcoin and other digital assets.
While the broader Bitcoin ATM and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve amid increasing regulatory oversight and industry consolidation, Bitcoin Bancorp continues to believe that those conditions may create opportunities for operators with infrastructure, intellectual property, compliance capabilities and efficient cost structures. The Company intends to continue evaluating opportunities that support scalable Bitcoin ATM infrastructure and complimentary business opportunities while maintaining its focus on regulatory adherence and shareholder value.
About Bitcoin Bancorp, Inc.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bitcoin Bancorp, Inc. (OTC: BCBC) is a diversified digital asset infrastructure and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) company focused on expanding secure retail access to cryptocurrency and next-generation financial services through licensed Bitcoin ATM networks, blockchain technologies, and Web 3.0–enabled platforms. As previously announced, Bitcoin Bancorp, through its wholly owned subsidiary First Bitcoin Capital LLC, owns and exclusively licenses foundational intellectual property related to Bitcoin ATMs, including U.S. Patent Nos. US9135787B1 and US10332205B1. Bitcoin Bancorp owns Bitcoin ATMs that are operated by licensed third-party operators within the jurisdictions in which they reside, forming a growing network of compliant retail access points for digital assets across convenience-store and retail environments. Bitcoin Bancorp is committed to advancing blockchain-enabled financial infrastructure through secure technology platforms, strategic retail partnerships, and responsible operating standards. Bitcoin Bancorp is not licensed as a bank in the United States and does not provide custody or banking services.
Shareholders, potential investors, and others should note that we announce material events and material financial information to our shareholders and the public using our website and the social media addresses listed below, as well as in our OTC Markets’ disclosures, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. We also use social media to communicate with our email subscribers and the public about Bitcoin Bancorp, services, and other related information. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage shareholders, the media, and others interested in Bitcoin Bancorp to review the information we post on Bitcoin Bancorp’s social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time.
For investor and general information, please email [email protected]
Join our newsletter and view our Blog at: https://bitcoinbancorp.com/blog/
Follow us at: Website:https://www.BitcoinBancorp.com/X (f/k/a Twitter):@BCBC_stockReddit:https://www.reddit.com/r/BULT/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BulletBlockchainInc/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bitcoin_bancorp/#LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bitcoin-bancorp-inc/Medium:https://medium.com/@bitcoinbancorp Find investor and general information at: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/BCBC/overview
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release, and these views could change at some point in the future. However, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “belief,” “envision,” “expects,” “expect,” “intend,” “plans,” “plan,” to be uncertain and forward-looking.
RESTON, Va. & BERRYVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #businessbanking--John Marshall Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: JMSB) (“John Marshall” or the “Company”), the parent company of John Marshall Bank, and Eagle Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: EFSI) (“EFSI”), the parent company of Bank of Clarke, today jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement that will bring together two of Virginia's most respected community banking franchises. Under the terms of the agreement, at closing, EFSI will merge with and into.
Few regional banks had a year as dramatic as Merchants Bancorp NASDAQ: MBIN and still managed to keep a Buy rating from analysts. The parent of Merchants Bank of Indiana has swung from a credit scare in mid-2025 to a shareholder investigation in the spring of 2026. Even so, the stock has kept climbing.
Investors interested in a growth bank stock that’s not a typical bank stock might find Merchants to be what they’re looking for.
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Merchants’ Specialized Model Sets It ApartMerchants Bancorp Today
MBIN
Merchants Bancorp
$52.68 +0.08 (+0.15%)
As of 09/4/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
$30.37▼
$56.870.84%
10.58
$51.50
Merchants Bancorp is far from a typical community bank. It operates three distinct businesses: multifamily and healthcare mortgage banking; mortgage warehousing that funds other lenders' loans; and a traditional commercial and consumer banking unit.
This diversified model, built since the company's 1990 founding as a mortgage banking company and its 2017 initial public offering, has made it one of the largest originators of government-sponsored multi-family and healthcare mortgages in the country. It also explains why its earnings can swing sharply from one quarter to the next as credit provisions and loan volumes shift.
Lower Credit Costs Drive the Earnings ReboundThe most recent numbers give an example. On July 28, Merchants Bancorp reported second-quarter net income of $78.3 million, more than double the $38 million earned a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share came in at $1.48, up 147% from a year earlier and blowing past Wall Street's consensus estimate of $1.22 per share.
Revenue of $182.2 million also topped the $179 million analysts had modeled. Net interest income rose to $136.5 million from $128.7 million a year earlier, a gain of about 6%.
Much of the surge in earnings came from its credit side, not just volume. Merchants slashed its provision for credit losses to $9.2 million in the quarter, 83% lower than a year earlier. The year-ago set-aside came as 2025 reflected weaker appraised values on multi-family properties and a borrower mortgage-fraud investigation that crushed second-quarter 2025 results.
Growth has also been a factor. Total assets hit a record $21.2 billion at quarter-end, up from $19.1 billion a year earlier and $20.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Deposits climbed to $14.25 billion from $12.7 billion a year ago.
Tangible book value per share rose to $39.93 from $35.42 a year earlier, and credit metrics improved sequentially. Criticized loans, or those being watched for possible problems, fell to $444.7 million from $505.5 million, and nonperforming loans dropped to $205.6 million from $247.5 million in the first quarter.
Credit and Deposit Issues Have Fueled TurmoilDespite the current positive picture, Merchants has not avoided some turmoil.
In the second quarter of 2025, Merchants Bancorp reported a sharp surge in credit provisions. That hit to earnings came as it recorded substantial loan charge-offs tied directly to mortgage fraud investigations involving specific borrowers.
Adjustments were also heavily driven by estimated market value declines on multi-family real estate properties after the bank received new, lower appraisals. The stock declined nearly 9% on the news.
Further, law firms announced earlier this year that they were investigating the company after Merchants disclosed in this year’s first-quarter results that brokered deposits, a key funding source, had fallen nearly 50% year-over-year. They claim that this action came at odds with earlier management commentary about strong deposit growth. Shares fell more than 9% in late April to about $45 on the disclosure.
Shares Rally as Earnings RecoverThat history, however, has barely slowed the stock price. Shares in Merchants are up more than 54% this year and 63.5% over the past 12 months.
Wall Street also expects diluted earnings of $5.58 per share for full-year 2026 and $5.99 for 2027. That would represent a sharp recovery from 2025, when full-year net income fell 32% to $218.8 million and diluted earnings per share dropped 40% to $3.78, largely because of the credit-provision spike.
66th Percentile
Buy
2.2% Downside
Bearish
Moderate
1.29 Selling Shares
7.35%
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Return on equity has softened as capital has grown faster than profit, but management has kept rewarding shareholders. The board raised the quarterly common dividend 10% to 11 cents per share in February 2026, marking the eighth consecutive year of dividend increases.
A $100 million share-repurchase authorization approved in January 2026 also gives management room to buy back up to roughly 6% of shares outstanding through the end of 2027.
Wall Street's take has been only slightly mixed, with an overall rating of Buy. Of the five analysts tracking the stock, three rate the company a Buy, one a Strong Buy, and one a Hold.
The consensus 12-month price target is near $51.50, while the stock has recently traded slightly above that level. The highest 12-month target is $64 per share, while the lowest is $42.
Recovery Potential Still Comes With RisksOverall, this regional bank, which is much more than a regional bank, looks like a classic high-beta recovery story. Credit costs are normalizing, earnings are beating estimates, and the stock is responding.
A lingering risk is the unresolved shareholder investigations tied to deposit disclosures. Merchants also has a business model that leans heavily on specialized multi-family and mortgage-warehouse lending.
With that understood, investors could be in for a positive ride. But that does not necessarily mean the ride will be smooth.
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WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bancorp Bank, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBBK), today announced the next phase of its ongoing efforts to align its business priorities, operating model, and resources with Apex 2030, its long-term strategic plan. The Bancorp is restructuring its Small Business Lending business line (“SBL”) and intends to discontinue retail and wholesale new originations by the end of 2026, while continuing to responsibly manage and serve.
MUNSTER, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp” or “Finward”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that on September 4, 2026 the Board of Directors of Finward declared a dividend of $0.12 per share on Finward's common stock payable on September 25, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 18, 2026.About Finward BancorpFinward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartere.
ABSECON, N.J., Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Absecon Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTC, trading as ASCN), the bank holding company of First National Bank of Absecon, an Atlantic County New Jersey based community bank, announced today that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $1.05 per share, payable on September 29, 2026 to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2026.
The First National Bank of Absecon, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Absecon, New Jersey, has a long history of serving the community since its establishment in 1916. The company is a community bank focused on providing deposit and loan products to retail customers and to small and mid-sized businesses from its primary market area in Atlantic County, New Jersey, and secondary markets consisting of portions of Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Ocean Counties. Deposits at The First National Bank of Absecon are insured up to the legal maximum amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Dividend distributions are processed by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Agent”).
Contact:C. Eric Gaupp, Vice Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer 106 New Jersey Avenue PO Box 324 Absecon, NJ 08201 Office: 609-641-6300 email: [email protected]
ANN ARBOR, MI / ACCESS Newswire / September 3, 2026 / University Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQB:UNIB or "UNIB") announced that it had an unaudited net income attributable to University Bancorp, Inc. common stock shareholders in 2Q2026 of $2,350,713, $0.45 per share on average shares outstanding of 5,169,518 for the second quarter of 2026, compared to an unaudited net loss of $2,015,771, $0.39 per share on average shares outstanding of 5,169,518 for 2Q2025. On a fully diluted basis, net income per share in 2Q2026 was $0.36. There were no dilutive instruments outstanding in 2Q2025.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net income was $11,255,597, $2.18 per share on average shares outstanding of 5,169,518 for the period, compared to $1,784,600, $0.35 per share on average shares outstanding of 5,169,518 for the six months ended June 30, 2025. On a fully diluted basis, net income per share in 1H2026 was $1.74. There were no dilutive instruments outstanding in 1H2025.
Shareholders' equity attributable to University Bancorp, Inc. common stock shareholders was $109,844,993 or $21.25 per share, based on shares outstanding at June 30, 2026, of 5,169,518, and $20.80 per share, on a fully diluted basis, based on 6,481,854 fully diluted shares outstanding.
Return on equity (ROE) at University Bancorp in 2Q2026 annualized was 12.3%, despite mortgage originations nationwide continuing to be at 30-year lows with respect to units originated. The annualized ROE for the TTM ended June 30, 2026, was 19.9% on initial shareholders' equity of $93,132,755 at June 30, 2025."
Year to date earnings in 2026 were assisted by two major factors, partially offset by one factor, that had an overall net positive impact of $5,839,445 before taxes as follows:
Mortgage Servicing Rights Valuation adjustment - With the rise in long-term mortgage interest rates during the year, the valuation of our MSRs increased $4.2M and $1.1M at 2Q2026 and 1Q2026, respectively.
Mortgage Origination Pipeline Valuation adjustment - The fair market value of the hedged mortgage origination pipeline rose as the value of locked loans rose over the prior quarter by $431,338 and $366,797 at 2Q2026 and 1Q2026, respectively.
Allowance for Loan Losses adjustment - The Allowance for Loan Losses increased from the prior quarter by $157,343 and $32,205 at 2Q2026 and 1Q2026, respectively.
Overall, our business development efforts and growth continue. For example, during 2Q2026:
On April 1, 2026, we closed on the acquisition of a faith-based mortgage company competitor to UIF, American Finance House Lariba, and the acquisition was successfully integrated into our faith-based subsidiary, UIF. UIF is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Bank.
On July 1, 2026, UNIB acquired 100% of Greater Pacific Bancshares and Bank of Whittier, NA. for a purchase price of $37.2 million of which 48% was paid in cash and the remainder paid in Notes. This acquisition provides many opportunities for expanded ability to provide faith-based financing (home, commercial real estate, vehicle) and deposits (FDIC-insured time, savings, checking and tax advantaged IRA deposit accounts). UNIB anticipates that the transaction will be accretive to earnings per share over time, and with the residential servicing transferred to Midwest Loan Services, a division of University Bank, currently targeted for November 1st, we anticipate achieving significant economies of scale. The key financial terms of the transaction are available at this link: https://www.university-bank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/press-189-Supplement.pdf.
Faith-based deposits have grown to $208.3 million at June 30, 2026, and include a new product that enables the automatic sweep of idle balances in customer accounts at brokerage firms into and out of our faith-based deposit products, which is accelerating deposit growth.
University Bank is now licensed for conventional mortgage lending and home equity lending in all 50 states. After completing the rollout of our 1st Mortgage HELOC program in all 47 states where we intend to introduce the product, volumes are accelerating. We are now working on rolling out a fixed home equity second mortgage lending program tied to an industry standard credit box in 47 states, with the loans being sold to the secondary market and subserviced by our Midwest Loan Services division.
At June 30, 2026, cash & equity investment securities at UNIB, available to meet working capital needs and to support investment opportunities at UNIB were $56.1 million. UNIB also has available a $12.5 million line of credit with a balance due of $0 at June 30, 2026.
A portion of UNIB's working capital, $34.8 million (at market value), has been invested in a portfolio of publicly traded investments concentrated in four large investments. The four largest investments at June 30, 2026, were:
Currency Exchange International (Symbol CURN), a company that specializes in foreign exchange, of which we now own 762,339 shares, 12.93% of the currently outstanding shares of common stock, at an average cost of $13.38 per share.
Pulsar Helium (Symbol PSRHF), of which we now own 10,444,811 shares, 4.87% of the currently outstanding shares of common stock, at an average cost of $0.602 per share.
A $5,000,000 investment in Silver, via futures contracts, at a cost of $61.45 per ounce. In addition to this core position, we recently booked a $750,000 profit on the sale of a $2,000,000 leveraged position long a Silver ETF when Silver was $71 per ounce.
A portfolio of put options on the following indices: S&P500, KRE (S&P 500 Banks) & XLF (S&P 500 Banks, Shadow Banks, Insurance Companies & REITs), and one large regional bank. UNIB's put option portfolio was worth $2.7 million at June 30, 2026.
Other Key statistics as of June 30, 2026:
1-year annual revenue growth*,
13.74
%
10-year annual average revenue growth*
22.83
%
TTM Revenue%
$
143,276,935
1 Year ROE
11.30
%
10 Year Average ROE
24.51
%
LLR/NPAs>90 days
53.93
%
Debt to equity ratio,
24.2
%
Current Ratio,#
5.51
Efficiency Ratio, %+
85.20
%
Average Assets, University Bank
$
959,827,000
Loans Held for Sale, fair value,
$
94,597,933
NPAs >90 days
$
4,445,116
TTM ROA %
1.63
%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio %
10.40
%
NPAs/Assets %
0.36
%
Texas Ratio %
8.40
%
NIM %
4.12
%
NCOs/Loans %
0.01
%
Trailing 12 Months P-E Ratio x
6.3
Price/Book Value Ratio x
106.3
%
%Does not include the TTM revenue from Bank of Whittier, N.A., acquired on 7/1/2026.
#Parent company only current assets divided by 12-month projected cash expenses.
+Calculated as: (non-interest expense/ (net interest income + non-interest income)).
xBased on last sale of $22.02 per share.
Excluding $546,658 of goodwill & other intangibles related to the acquisition of Ann Arbor Insurance Center, net tangible shareholders' equity attributable to University Bancorp, Inc. common stock shareholders was $109,298,335 or $21.14 per share (and $134,298,355 or $20.72 on a fully diluted basis) at June 30, 2026. Please note that we view the current market values of our insurance agency as being substantially in excess of their carrying value including this goodwill.
Shareholders and investors are encouraged to refer to the financial information including the investor presentations, audited financial statements, strategic plan and prior press releases, available on our investor relations web page at: http://www.university-bank.com/bancorp/.
A detailed income statement, balance sheet and other financial information for UNIB and University Bank as of June 30, 2026, will be available here: https://www.university-bank.com/bancorp-financial-statements/.
University Bank's FDIC Quarterly Call Report, with substantial additional information including loan origination, loan investment composition, delinquency ratios and Tier 1 Capital ratios for June 30, 2026, is available here: https://cdr.ffiec.gov/public/ManageFacsimiles.aspx
About UNIB
Ann Arbor-based University Bancorp is a Federal Reserve regulated financial holding company that owns:
100% of University Bank, a bank based in Ann Arbor, Michigan;
100% of Bank of Whittier, N.A., a faith-based bank based in Whittier, California;
100% of Crescent Assurance, PCC, a captive insurance company licensed in Washington DC; and
100% of Hyrex Servicing, a master mortgage servicing firm, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
University Bank together with its Michigan-based subsidiaries holds and manages a total of over $36 billion in financial assets for over 185,000 customers, and our 544 employees make us the 5th largest bank based in Michigan. University Bank is an FDIC-insured, locally owned and managed community bank, and meets the financial needs of its community through its quality, creative and innovative services. Founded in 1890, University Bank® is the 15th oldest bank headquartered in Michigan. We are proud to have been selected as the "Community Bankers of the Year" by American Banker magazine and as the recipient of the American Bankers Association's Community Bank Award. University Bank is a Member FDIC. The members of University Bank's corporate family, ranked by their size of revenues are:
UIF, a faith-based banking firm based in Southfield, MI;
University Lending Group, a retail residential mortgage originator based in Clinton Township, MI;
Midwest Loan Services, a residential mortgage subservicer based in Houghton, MI;
Community Banking, based in Ann Arbor, MI, which provides traditional community banking services and wealth management;
Ann Arbor Insurance Centre, an independent insurance agency based in Ann Arbor, MI.
Mortgage Warehouse Lending, a mortgage warehouse lender based in Southfield, MI.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future growth in assets, future profitability, efficiencies and economies of scale from the merger, the sustainability of past results, future products, valuations, economic, market or industry conditions, and other expectations and/or goals. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services, interest rates and fees for services, or the operations of companies that we invest in. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any information or forward-looking statement.
Contact: Stephen Lange Ranzini, President and CEO
Phone: 734-741-5858, Ext. 9226
Email: [email protected]
Equity Bancshares NYSE: EQBK has agreed to merge with Lincoln Bancorp, the parent company of Lincoln Savings Bank, in a transaction valued at approximately $123 million that would expand Equity’s footprint in Iowa.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions, with Lincoln Savings Bank slated to convert to Equity Bank’s systems in the second quarter of 2027. Equity said the combined company is projected to have about $9.1 billion in assets, $6.7 billion in loans and $7.7 billion in deposits after reducing excess liquidity.
Lincoln Savings Bank operates 16 branches across central and northeast Iowa and had $1.7 billion in assets, according to Equity Bank CEO Rick Sems. The acquisition would add locations in Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and surrounding Cedar Valley communities to Equity’s existing presence across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Arkansas.
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Transaction Terms and Financial Outlook Lincoln shareholders are expected to receive approximately 1.89 million shares of Equity stock and $29.5 million in cash. Equity put the consideration at about 1.05 times Lincoln’s tangible book value. Following the merger, Equity shareholders are projected to own approximately 91.6% of the combined company, while Lincoln shareholders would own 8.4%.
Equity CFO Chris Navratil said the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share by approximately 5.1% in 2027, 7.5% in 2028 and 10.1% in 2029. The company estimated tangible book value dilution at closing of 3.8%, with an earn-back period of roughly 2.6 years.
The company has modeled cost savings equal to 30% of Lincoln’s consolidated non-interest expense. Those savings are expected to be realized at 50% in 2027, 75% in 2028 and fully thereafter. Equity estimated pretax transaction expenses of about $23.7 million.
Navratil said Equity expects a “modest step backward” in margin and return on assets as Lincoln is incorporated in 2027, followed by a normalization in 2028 and expansion in 2029. He attributed the increasing accretion forecast primarily to the timing of cost-savings realization.
Iowa Expansion and Local Operations Chairman and CEO Brad Elliott described Iowa as a long-standing growth priority for Equity. He said the acquired markets fit Equity’s mix of rural and metropolitan banking operations, while providing opportunities for long-term organic growth.
“This transaction is not about changing Lincoln’s model,” Elliott said. “It is about building on it.”
Equity said it intends to retain all Lincoln branches, maintain local leadership and preserve local decision-making. Doug Anderson and Mike Cisney will continue leading the Iowa markets, Elliott said.
Lincoln Chair Sally Hollis said the company sought a partner that could provide additional resources, technology and scale while preserving its community banking culture. Lincoln Savings Bank was founded in 1902 and has grown into one of Iowa’s largest private community banks, she said.
Lincoln Savings Bank CEO Sean Willett said the combination is expected to offer customers broader product and service access, create additional career opportunities for employees and provide further support for communities.
Credit Review and Growth Plans Equity said its due diligence included a review of approximately 70% of Lincoln’s total loans, 78% of its commercial portfolio and all classified, non-performing and watch credits. The company modeled an $18 million gross credit mark, equal to 1.5% of gross loans, and a $27.8 million loan interest-rate discount, equal to 2.3%.
Elliott said Lincoln had previously identified certain credits and had been working through them for the past two to three years. He said Equity believes those credits have been appropriately marked and expressed confidence that they can be resolved before or after closing.
In response to analyst questions, Elliott said Lincoln had reset its portfolio roughly three years ago by reducing certain types of lending and rebuilding its origination platform. He said the bank had returned to a building phase in recent quarters.
Sems said Lincoln’s loan portfolio is similar to Equity’s and includes a tax-credit business that Equity plans to retain. Elliott added that the portfolio is granular rather than concentrated in large relationships, which he said aligns with Equity’s approach.
Equity expects to manage Lincoln’s deposit mix gradually, rather than making broad pricing changes immediately after closing. Sems said the process typically takes about two years, with attention directed first to higher-cost deposits and individual customer relationships.
Capital Position and Path Toward $10 Billion Equity projected pro forma capital ratios of 10.6% for common equity tier 1 capital, 13.4% for total risk-based capital, 9.0% for leverage and 8.6% for tangible common equity to tangible assets. Navratil said the ratios would remain above regulatory and internal thresholds.
The combined company’s projected $9.1 billion asset base would place Equity closer to the $10 billion threshold. Elliott said the company has spent several years building its risk-management infrastructure and believes it is prepared to cross that level if the appropriate opportunity arises.
Navratil estimated that the interchange-related impact of surpassing $10 billion in assets could be between $7 million and $13 million. He said Equity estimates it would need roughly $400 million to $900 million in additional assets, depending on profitability assumptions, to offset that effect.
About Equity Bancshares (NYSE:EQBK)Equity Bancshares, Inc is the bank holding company for Equity Bank, a regional financial services provider headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. As a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker EQBK, Equity Bancshares operates a network of branches and lending offices across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado. Its geographic footprint spans both urban and rural markets, reflecting a focus on supporting small businesses, agricultural enterprises and individual consumers throughout the Midwest.
The company's core business activities encompass a full spectrum of commercial and consumer banking services.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #EquityBankUSA--Equity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: EQBK), (“Equity,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”), the Wichita-based holding company of Equity Bank, along with Lincoln Bancorp (“Lincoln”), the parent company of Lincoln Savings Bank, headquartered in Reinbeck, Iowa, announced today they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Lincoln to merge with and into Equity, adding 16 locations to Equity's franchise. This transaction builds upon Equity's Iowa presence, providing.
FISHERS, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Internet Bancorp (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: INBK), the parent company of First Internet Bank (the “Bank”), announced today that it will participate in the Oppenheimer Fintech Leaders Conference, scheduled for September 15, 2026, at the Thompson Central Park Hotel in New York City. Attending the conference are members of the executive management team: Nicole Lorch, President and COO; and Ken Lovik, Executive Vice President and CFO, who will also participate in.
STURGIS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2026 / Sturgis Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:STBI) (the "Company"), the holding company of Sturgis Bank & Trust Company (the "Bank"), today announced the completion of an offering (the "Offering") of $25.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.0% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due September 15, 2036 (the "Notes") in a private placement to various qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors. The price for the Notes was 100% of the principal amount of the Notes. The Notes are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including repayment of approximately $17.9 million of existing indebtedness of the Company and a downstream of capital to the Bank.
Interest on the Notes will accrue at a rate equal to (i) 7.0% per annum from the original issue date to, but excluding, September 15, 2031, payable semi-annually in arrears, and (ii) a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate, which is expected to be the Three-Month Term SOFR (as defined in the Notes), plus a spread of 286 basis points from and including September 15, 2031 until maturity, payable quarterly in arrears. Beginning on September 15, 2031 through maturity, the Notes may be redeemed, at the Company's option, on any scheduled interest payment date. Any redemption will be at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Brean Capital, LLC served as financial advisor to the Company and acted as the sole placement agent for the Offering, and was represented by Amundsen Davis LLC as legal counsel. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP served as the Company's legal counsel in the Offering.
About Sturgis Bancorp, Inc. and Sturgis Bank & Trust Company
Sturgis Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for the Bank, and the Bank's subsidiaries: Oakleaf Financial Services, Inc., Ayres-Oak Insurance Services, and Oak Title Services, LLC. The Bank provides a full array of trust, commercial and consumer banking services from banking offices in Sturgis, Bangor, Battle Creek, Bronson, Centreville, Climax, Colon, Marshall, Niles, Portage, South Haven, St. Joseph, Three Rivers and White Pigeon, Michigan. Oakleaf Financial Services offers a complete range of investment and financial-advisory services. Ayres-Oak Insurance Services offers various competitive commercial and consumer insurance products. Oak Title Services offers commercial and consumer title insurance.
The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be reoffered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security, nor shall there be any sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes is not a deposit and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency or fund.
Contacts
Jason J. Hyska, Chief Executive Officer
Brian P. Hoggatt, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(269) 651-9345
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
$50.20▼
$81.6512.34
$71.17
The Bancorp, Inc. NASDAQ: TBBK has spent the past two years working to live down a credibility crisis, and its latest quarter suggests it is largely succeeding.
The company hit a rough patch in early 2024 when a short seller questioned its financial results.
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A year later, The Bancorp announced an accounting restatement tied to its real estate bridge lending book.
But the stock has since clawed its way back, and analysts have maintained a positive outlook.
With a moderate upside to its shares and consumer spending still going strong, investors now need to ask how much further this bank has to grow.
Powering Fintech Behind the ScenesEven though The Bancorp is a bank, it has no branches and no household brand name. Instead, it operates behind the scenes as one of the country's largest "banking-as-a-service" sponsors.
The company holds deposits and issues cards so fintech apps can act like banks without becoming one, such as for Chime NASDAQ: CHYM, PayPal NASDAQ: PYPL and Cash App from Block NYSE: XYZ. In fact, the company this year was listed as the top issuer of prepaid cards and the sixth-largest issuer of debit cards in the United States.
Fintech Growth Drives Stronger EarningsThe Bancorp is now working to confirm that the issues of the past two years are well behind it. The second quarter gave the bulls plenty to work with. Bancorp reported diluted earnings per share of $1.45, up 14.2% from $1.27 a year earlier and comfortably ahead of the $1.36 Wall Street had modeled.
Consolidated net income came in at $60.7 million, return on equity hit 34.7%, up from 28.4% in the year-ago quarter. The efficiency ratio, a measure of how much it costs the bank to generate a dollar of revenue, held relatively steady at a lean 41%. The bank also posted a return on assets of an impressively high 2.51% for the quarter.
Growth is coming squarely from the fintech side of the business. Gross dollar volume moving across Bancorp's partner programs rose 22.5% year-over-year to $53.45 billion, and total fintech fee income climbed to $40.9 million from $35.6 million. Fintech loans now amount to $901.5 million, up from $680.5 million a year earlier.
Shares Rebound From Recent WeaknessThese numbers were a positive signal for a bank that has had a rocky journey the past couple of years. Although the stock is down roughly 4% since the start of the year, it has gained more than 18% in just the past three months. That is still a far cry from its 52-week high of $81.65 per share, achieved before issuing disappointing earnings for last year’s third quarter.
The Bancorp, Inc. (TBBK) Price Chart for Wednesday, September, 2, 2026
The company was also hit with difficult news in recent years. In March 2024, short seller Culper Research accused Bancorp of understating losses in its real estate bridge lending portfolio and holding reserves it called grossly inadequate.
A year later, the company disclosed that investors could no longer rely on its 2022 through 2024 financial statements because of accounting issues tied to consumer fintech loan losses, triggering a securities class action lawsuit that remains pending.
Credit Concerns Continue to EaseThe latest report, however, showed that the story that scared investors most in 2024 has flipped in Bancorp's favor. Total criticized loans, or those being watched for potential problems, fell to $146.7 million from $305.2 million a year earlier. In particular, the real estate bridge loans at the center of the earlier controversy dropped $169.6 million from the second quarter of 2025.
At the same time, management raised full-year 2026 earnings guidance to a range of $5.95 to $6.05 per share and reiterated 2027 guidance of $8.10 to $8.30.
Buybacks Return Capital to ShareholdersIn addition, though the company does not pay a dividend, management has said it intends to keep returning close to 100% of net income to shareholders through buybacks, another way to boost per-share growth.
Bancorp repurchased $50 million of stock in the second quarter, representing about 2% of outstanding shares. It has bought back $403.6 million worth of shares since mid-2025, shrinking its share count to about 41 million.
Analysts See More Upside AheadWall Street today is generally optimistic. Seven brokerages now cover the stock with a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target near $71.17, implying an upside of abaout 10%.
Overall, four analysts rate the stock a Buy, one has it listed as a Strong Buy, and two suggest a Hold. The highest 12-month target price is $88 per share, while the lowest is $57. Several analysts have raised their targets in recent weeks, citing improving credit trends and fintech growth, while others have reiterated their Outperform or Buy recommendations.
Strong Fundamentals Come With RisksTaken as a whole, Bancorp's fundamentals stand on their own. The bank has double-digit earnings growth, accelerating fintech fee income, criticized loans down by more than half, and management raising guidance. A shrinking share count also benefits investors.
The risk, however, is that much of that good news is already reflected in the stock's trading. Bancorp also depends heavily on a small number of large fintech partners for deposits and fees, and losing even one, or seeing a partner pursue its own banking charter, could dent results quickly.
Investors comfortable with volatility might look to The Bancorp for its growth and buyback story. The company appears to be moving in the right direction, but the question is whether that direction will include more bumps on the way.
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First Financial Bancorp presents an attractive risk/reward profile, combining strong profitability, a robust 3.98% net interest margin, and disciplined loan growth. FFBC trades at a discounted 10.4x P/E and 1.15x P/B, below sector medians, despite high operational efficiency and a record $83.9 million adjusted net income in Q2 2026. Acquisitions, including BankFinancial and the upcoming $208 million Finward Bancorp deal, are expected to drive further loan growth and cost synergies.
The First Bancorp remains a soft ‘buy' as fundamentals and margins improve, despite a 30.6% share price rally since March. FNLC's net interest margin rose to 2.88%, and net profits increased to $9.6 million, supported by lower deposit costs and strong asset growth. Valuation is reasonable at a 10.8x P/E, with asset quality and returns (ROA 1.18%, ROE 12.89%) offsetting less attractive price-to-book metrics.
HARRISBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (Mid Penn) (NASDAQ: MPB), headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregory B. Braca to its Board of Directors, effective September 16, 2026. As the former president and chief executive officer of TD Bank, one of the 10 largest banks in the United States with over $400 billion in assets, Braca led the strategic direction and operational oversight of the U.S. retail, commercial, and specialty bank.
RENO, Nev., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plumas Bancorp (Nasdaq: PLBC), the parent company of Plumas Bank, today announced the release of its 2026 Corporate Citizenship Report, an in-depth look at the company's approach to community banking, workforce development, governance, client service, innovation and community investment. Titled "Building a Legacy," the publication reflects the company's 45-year history of creating long-term value for shareholders, clients, employees and the communities it serves.
"Strong community banks create value by investing in people, supporting local businesses and helping communities thrive," said Andrew J. Ryback, president and chief executive officer of Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank. "This report highlights the investments and relationships that have helped Plumas Bank grow while remaining true to the principles that differentiate community banking."
The publication highlights several areas that support the company's long-term strategy and competitive position, including:
Continued investments in treasury management, digital banking capabilities and lending process enhancements designed to improve client experience and support business growth.Expansion of services and infrastructure supporting a growing client base while preserving local market leadership and relationship-focused banking.Ongoing investments in employee development, leadership training and succession planning initiatives that help strengthen the next generation of community banking leaders.Strong governance, enterprise risk management and cybersecurity programs designed to safeguard client information, maintain operational resilience and protect shareholder value.Community development, financial literacy and Community Reinvestment Act activities that help expand financial opportunity throughout the company's service footprint. The publication also explores the company's evolution over four and a half decades, including its expansion into new markets, growth to more than $2 billion in assets, acquisition and integration of Cornerstone Community Bank, and continued recognition among the nation's top-performing community banks.
The full 2026 Corporate Citizenship Report is available on the company's Investor Relations website at Plumas Bancorp Investor Relations.
About Plumas Bancorp and Plumas Bank
Plumas Bancorp is the bank holding company for Plumas Bank, a locally managed, full-service community bank founded in 1980. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Plumas Bancorp trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol PLBC. Plumas Bank operates 19 branches serving communities throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada and maintains nationwide Preferred Lender status with the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information about Plumas Bank, visit plumasbank.com.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Aug. 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Coast Community Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTCQX: WCCB), the parent company of West Coast Community Bank, today announced that it has filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to register its common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
The filing of the Registration Statement follows the Company’s application to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”).
Filing the Form 10 marks an important milestone for the Company. Upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which will provide shareholders with enhanced disclosures about the Company that it believes will increase transparency. The Company also believes the proposed SEC registration and uplisting from the OTCQX Best Market to Nasdaq will increase visibility within the investment community and improve access to capital and liquidity for shareholders.
The Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the SEC. The Registration Statement will become effective following the formal conclusion of the SEC's review. An effective Registration Statement is a required step of the Nasdaq uplisting process. The Company’s common stock will continue to trade on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol "WCCB" until the Company is able to uplist to Nasdaq.
ABOUT WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANK AND WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANCORP
Founded in 2004, West Coast Community Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of West Coast Community Bancorp, a bank holding company. The Bank is a top-rated, locally operated and full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, Calif. with branches in Aptos, Capitola, King City, Monterey, Salinas, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. West Coast Community Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The Bank also is an SBA Preferred Lending Partner. As a full-service bank, West Coast Community Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, asset-based lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, West Coast Community Bank supports regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local nonprofit organizations. Visit www.wccb.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 and uplisting of the Company’s common stock to the Nasdaq Capital Market and the potential benefits of such registration and listing. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “predicts,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, the absence of these words does not mean the statements are not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, market conditions, the Company’s ability to secure effectiveness of the Form 10 and satisfy, or continue to satisfy, Nasdaq listing requirements and successfully uplist to Nasdaq, regulatory developments, economic conditions, interest rate changes, and competitive pressures and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those discussed in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10. Any anticipated benefits of the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to the Nasdaq Capital Market are subject to market conditions and other factors outside of the Company’s control and no assurance can be given as to the effect that the uplisting may have on the price or trading volume of its common stock or on the liquidity of an investment in its common stock. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. West Coast Community Bancorp undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Krista Snelling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Cecilia Situ, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer [email protected]
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 13, 2026, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: EMYB) (the “Company”) filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026, a copy of which can be found at https://investors.embassybank.com/sec-filings/documents/default.aspx.
Highlights of the filing, which includes consolidated financial information of the Company and Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley (the “Bank”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, include:
Cash and cash equivalents on hand of $132.9 million at June 30, 2026, or 7.2% of total assets.Deposits of $1.69 billion at June 30, 2026, an increase of $53.4 million from $1.64 billion at December 31, 2025. The Company does not have any brokered deposits.There were no short-term or long-term borrowings outstanding as of June 30, 2026 or required during the quarter then ended.Bank net interest margin (FTE) increased to 2.69% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up from 2.43% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.Bank return on average assets of 0.91% and Bank return on average equity of 13.63% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.Bank cost of funds of 1.68% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, down from 1.81% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. This is compared to a Pennsylvania peer group (stock banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with assets between $100 million and $5 billion) cost of funds of 1.89% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.Bank assets per employee of $15.2 million at June 30, 2026, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group assets per employee of $8.0 million.Bank noncurrent loans to total loans of only 0.05% as of June 30, 2026, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group total of 0.76%.Declared an annual cash dividend of $0.55 per share to shareholders during the quarter ended June 30, 2026. This is an increase from the $0.48 per share annual cash dividend declared during the quarter ended June 30, 2025.Net income of $4.1 million and $7.9 million, or $0.56 and $1.05 per diluted share, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, respectively, up from $3.4 million and $6.3 million, or $0.45 and $0.83 per diluted share, for the prior year three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively. About Embassy Bancorp, Inc.
Embassy Bancorp, Inc., with over $1.8 billion in assets, is the parent company of Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley, a full-service community bank that has served Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley since 2001. With ten branch locations and a comprehensive suite of digital banking services, Embassy Bank remains committed to providing exceptional financial solutions to the community.
Embassy Bank was recently named the Lehigh Valley’s “Best Bank & Mortgage Company” for the fifth consecutive year by the Who’s Who in Business survey published in Lehigh Valley Style magazine. The Bank also ranks fourth in deposit market share across Lehigh and Northampton Counties as of June 2025, earned The Morning Call’s “Best Bank” designation in 2025, and continues to hold a 5-Star Bauer Financial rating, reflecting its strong performance and long-standing stability.
For more information, visit www.embassybank.com.
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: ineffectiveness of the company’s business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; the effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; interest rate movements; changes in credit quality; difficulties in integrating distinct business operations, including information technology difficulties; volatilities in the securities markets; and deteriorating economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Embassy Bancorp, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statements are valid only as of the date hereof and Embassy Bancorp, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update this information.
Contact:
David M. Lobach, Jr.
Chairman, President and CEO
(610) 882-8800
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BTIG, a U.S. Bancorp company, announced today the appointment of Mangesh Ghogre as a Managing Director within the firm's Industrials Investment Banking group, where he will focus on Metals and Mining coverage. “We are excited to welcome Mangesh to BTIG,” said Jon Dever, Head of Investment Banking at U.S. Bancorp | BTIG. “He brings deep knowledge of the metals and mining landscape and a strong background advising companies on strategic initiatives and financing solutio.
MINEOLA, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNVR) (the “Company”), parent company of Hanover Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a new Share Repurchase Program. Under this program, which will expire on August 17, 2027, the Company may repurchase up to 370,000 shares, or approximately 5% of its outstanding common stock. The new Share Repurchase Program will commence upon the exhaustion of the Company’s previously approved Share Repurchase Program, which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on October 5, 2023.
Under the Share Repurchase Program, repurchases will be made from time to time by the Company in the open market as conditions allow, or in privately negotiated transactions. All or part of the repurchases may be implemented under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which would allow repurchases under pre-set terms at times when the Company might otherwise be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed blackout periods.
Except in the case of repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, the volume, nature, price and timing of the repurchases are at the sole discretion of management, dependent on the stock price, market conditions, applicable securities laws including SEC Rule 10b-18, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital and liquidity needs and other factors. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and the Board of Directors may suspend, discontinue, terminate, modify, cancel or extend the Share Repurchase Program at any time and for any reason.
About Hanover Community Bank and Hanover Bancorp, Inc.
Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNVR), is the bank holding company for Hanover Community Bank, a community commercial bank focusing on highly personalized and efficient services and products responsive to client needs. Management and the Board of Directors are comprised of a select group of successful local businesspeople who are committed to the success of the Bank by knowing and understanding the metro-New York area’s financial needs and opportunities. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, Hanover offers a full range of financial services. Hanover offers a complete suite of consumer, commercial, and municipal banking products and services, including multifamily and commercial mortgages, residential loans, business loans and lines of credit. Hanover also offers its customers access to 24-hour ATM service with no fees attached, free checking with interest, telephone banking, advanced technologies in mobile and internet banking for our consumer and business customers, safe deposit boxes and much more. The Company’s corporate administrative office is located in Mineola, New York where it also operates a full-service branch office along with additional branch locations in Garden City Park, Hauppauge, Port Jefferson, Forest Hills, Flushing, Sunset Park, Rockefeller Center and Bowery, New York, and Freehold, New Jersey.
Hanover Community Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For further information, call (516) 548-8500 or visit the Bank’s website at www.hanoverbank.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may be identified by the use of such words as "may," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "plan," "estimate," "predict," "continue," “intend,” and "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Hanover Bancorp, Inc. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this release and in any other public statements made by Hanover Bancorp, Inc. may turn out to be incorrect as a result of inaccurate assumptions that Hanover Bancorp, Inc. might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) the impact of a pandemic or other health crises and the government’s response to such pandemic or crises on our operations as well as those of our customers and on the economy generally and in our market area specifically, (2) competitive pressures among depository institutions may increase significantly; (3) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; (4) loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and credit loss provisions may vary substantially from period to period; (5) general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected; (6) political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions may adversely affect the businesses in which Hanover Bancorp, Inc. is engaged; (8) the impacts of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts; (9) changing political conditions and the outcome of federal, state, and local elections and the resulting economic and other impact on the areas in which we conduct business; (10) changes and trends in the securities markets may adversely impact Hanover Bancorp, Inc.; (11) a delayed or incomplete resolution of regulatory issues could adversely impact our planning; (12) difficulties in integrating any businesses that we may acquire, which may increase our expenses and delay the achievement of any benefits that we may expect from such acquisitions; (13) our ability to successfully execute our growth strategies; (14) our ability to hire and retain key personnel; (15) the impact of reputation risk created by the developments discussed above on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity could be significant; and (16) the outcome of any future regulatory and legal investigations and proceedings may not be anticipated. Further information on other factors that could affect the financial results of Hanover Bancorp, Inc. are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A – Risk Factors, as updated by our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Hanover Bancorp, Inc. does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release or to conform these statements to actual events.
Investor and Press Contact:
Lance P. Burke
Chief Financial Officer
(516) 548-8500
VANCOUVER, Wash., Aug. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”) headquartered in Vancouver, WA, the holding company parent of Riverview Bank, announced that on August 20, 2026, its Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program.
The Company may repurchase up to $4.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions. Once effective, the repurchase program will remain in place until the earlier of its completion or 12 months after the effective date, subject to market conditions.
“We are pleased to announce our common stock repurchase authorization as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering long-term value for Riverview shareholders. This action reflects the Board’s confidence in the Company’s financial strength, disciplined capital management and future opportunities. We believe this expanded program represents a thoughtful and effective use of excess capital while continuing to support the long-term interests of our shareholders,” said Nicole Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Board of Directors of the Company also authorized management to enter into a trading plan with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to facilitate repurchases of its common stock as part of the stock repurchase program (the “Rule 10b5-1 plan”). The Rule 10b5-1 plan would allow the Company to execute trades during periods when it might otherwise not be permitted to do so because it may be in possession of material non-public information, because of insider trading laws or Company-imposed trading blackout periods. Under the Rule 10b5-1 plan, Raymond James & Associates, Inc. would have the authority, subject to the plan’s terms and limitations, to repurchase shares on the Company’s behalf. There is no guarantee as to how many shares the Company may ultimately repurchase, and the Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time.
About Riverview
Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon, on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.47 billion at June 30, 2026, it is the parent company of Riverview Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial, business and retail clients through 17 branches, including 13 in the Portland-Vancouver area, and 3 lending centers. For the past 12 years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal and The Columbian.
This press release contains statements that the Company believes are “forward-looking statements.” These statements relate to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements the Company may make including those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known by the Company.
Contact: Nicole Sherman and David Lam Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 360-693-6650
, /PRNewswire/ -- Mutual Federal Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCID Market: "MFDB"), the holding company for Mutual Federal Bank (the "Bank"), announced today that the Board of Directors of its parent mutual holding company, Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC, has adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization pursuant to which Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC will undertake a "second step" conversion from the mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure.
Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC currently owns approximately 77.4% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company which it acquired in connection with the reorganization of the Bank into the mutual holding company structure and the related initial public offering by the Company in 2006.
As a result of the proposed transaction, a new stock holding company for the Bank (the "New Holding Company"), which will succeed the Company, will offer for sale shares of its common stock representing Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC's ownership interest in the Company to depositors and certain borrowers of the Bank in a subscription offering and, if necessary, a community offering and/or a syndicated community offering. Eligible account holders of the Bank as of the close of business on March 31, 2025 have first priority nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for shares of common stock of the New Holding Company. The total number of shares of common stock of the New Holding Company to be issued in the proposed stock offering will be based on the aggregate pro forma market value of the common stock of the New Holding Company, as determined by an independent appraisal. In addition, each share of common stock of the Company owned by persons other than Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC (the "minority stockholders") will be converted into and become the right to receive a number of shares of common stock of the New Holding Company pursuant to an exchange ratio established at the completion of the proposed transaction. The exchange ratio is designed to preserve in the New Holding Company approximately the same aggregate percentage ownership interest that the minority stockholders will have in the Company immediately before the completion of the proposed transaction, exclusive of the purchase of any additional shares of common stock of the New Holding Company by minority stockholders in the stock offering and the effect of cash received in lieu of issuance of fractional shares of common stock of the New Holding Company, and adjusted to reflect certain assets held by Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC.
The proposed transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval, approval by the members of Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC (i.e., depositors and certain borrowers of the Bank), and approval by the stockholders of the Company, including by a separate vote of approval by the Company's minority stockholders. Detailed information regarding the proposed transaction, including the stock offering, will be sent to stockholders of the Company and members of Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC following regulatory approval.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy common stock. The offer is made only by the prospectus when accompanied by a stock order form. The shares of common stock to be offered for sale by the New Holding Company are not savings accounts or savings deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government agency.
Vedder Price P.C. is acting as legal counsel to the Company. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC ("Performance Trust") will act as selling agent for the Company in the conversion, with Breyer & Associates PC acting as legal counsel to Performance Trust.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" and may be identified by words such as "may," "will," "would," "intend," "believe," "expect," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "continue," or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Company management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain the requisite approvals of the Company's stockholders, Mutual Federal Bancorp, MHC's members and applicable regulatory agencies for the proposed conversion and related stock offering, delays in obtaining such approvals, or adverse conditions imposed in connection with such approvals; that customary closing conditions may not be satisfied in a timely manner, if at all; and other risks described in filings the New Holding Company will make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which will be available at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov.
About Mutual Federal Bancorp, Inc.
Mutual Federal Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Mutual Federal Bank, a federally chartered savings institution with its office in Chicago, Illinois.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
The New Holding Company will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 that will include a proxy statement of the Company and a prospectus of the New Holding Company, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT, AND THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY WHEN THESE DOCUMENTS BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. When filed, these documents and other documents relating to the proposed transaction can be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from the Company upon written request to the Company, 2212 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60608, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
Riverview Bancorp NASDAQ: RVSB shareholders approved all three proposals presented at the company’s 29th annual meeting, including the election of four directors, an advisory vote on executive compensation and the adoption of the company’s 2026 Stock Purchase Plan.
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Chairman Jerry Nies said shareholders elected Bess Wills and Larry Hoff to three-year terms, while Jon Girod and Kourosh Zamanizadeh were elected to one-year terms. Shareholders also approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, compensation for the company’s named executive officers and approved the stock purchase plan. The meeting had a quorum, with more than a majority of the company’s 20.16 million outstanding shares represented in person or by proxy.
Balance Sheet Repositioning Affects Fiscal-Year Results Chief Financial Officer David Lam said Riverview undertook a strategic balance sheet optimization during the March 2026 quarter, selling $149.3 million of lower-yielding investment securities with an average yield of 1.62%. The transaction resulted in an estimated pretax loss of $11.4 million.
The company redeployed about $50 million into higher-yielding bonds carrying an average rate of approximately 5%, Lam said. While the securities transaction contributed to a reported net loss of $4.3 million for fiscal 2026, Riverview said non-GAAP net income, excluding the impact of the balance sheet optimization, would have been $4.4 million.
Lam said the repositioning has supported higher net interest income and expansion in net interest margin. Riverview returned to positive net income in the quarter ended June 30, 2026, reporting $1.7 million in net income for that quarter. He added that quarterly earnings had continued to improve since March 2025.
Net interest income increased 11% year over year and nearly 24% from March 2025 through June 2026, according to Lam. He said the company remains focused on improving normalized returns on average assets and average equity.
Loans, Deposits and Liquidity Riverview’s loan portfolio remained above $1 billion as of June 30, 2026. The portfolio increased by nearly $104 million from March 31, 2022, through June 30, 2026, representing approximately 10% growth across major lending categories, Lam said.
The company’s loan pipeline rose to $94 million in June 2026 from $53 million in March 2025. Deposits reached $1.26 billion as of June 2026 and had grown since March 2025.
Lam said Riverview had nearly $800 million in available liquidity at June 30, equal to roughly 62% of total deposits. The company reported a total capital ratio of 15.64% and said it did not require additional capital to complete its balance sheet optimization strategy.
Nonperforming assets increased from historically low levels because of certain monitored relationships, but remained below 1% of total loans, Lam said. Riverview’s allowance for credit losses stood at 1.4% of total loans.
Capital Returns and Growth Priorities Lam said the board had approved dividends for 46 consecutive quarters and that the company had completed two stock repurchase plans. He also said the board approved a new $4 million stock repurchase program the day before the annual meeting.
President and CEO Nicole Sherman outlined Riverview’s strategic priorities as becoming an employer of choice, pursuing profitable growth, improving client experience, expanding data capabilities and enhancing digital services. The company introduced its People First HR platform, defined career tracks, launched Riverview University and proposed the employee stock purchase plan approved by shareholders.
Sherman said Riverview redesigned its digital banking interface, launched a digital account-opening initiative and improved budgeting tools. The company also hired Chief Information Officer Rob Mills and formed an artificial intelligence work group focused on efficiency, fraud and risk prevention, employee support and client experience.
In commercial and business banking, Riverview expanded commercial and industrial lending, created a dedicated business banking team, enhanced treasury management digital capabilities and launched a new Riverview Trust Company website. Sherman said Riverview will continue pursuing market opportunities, primary banking relationships, wealth-management tools, treasury-management adoption, automation, cybersecurity and data-driven insights.
About Riverview Bancorp (NASDAQ:RVSB)Riverview Bancorp, Inc NASDAQ: RVSB is the bank holding company for Riverview Bank, a community-oriented financial institution headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through its subsidiary, the company provides a comprehensive suite of personal and commercial banking services designed to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses and local organizations.
The company's deposit offerings include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts, all supported by online and mobile banking platforms.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSBW) (“Company”), the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington (“Bank”) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $5.0 million in shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions from time to time over a 12-month period until August 24, 2027, at such prices as may be determined by the Company’s management. The repurchase program will commence no sooner than the second trading day after the public announcement of this repurchase program.
The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions or pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Repurchases will be made at management's discretion at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the Company and its shareholders, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company's financial performance. Open market purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in Rule 10b-18 of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements.
The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares.
About FS Bancorp
FS Bancorp, Inc., a Washington corporation, is the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington. The Bank offers a range of loan and deposit services primarily to small- and middle-market businesses and individuals in Washington and Oregon. It operates through 33 bank branches, one headquarters office that provides loans and deposit services, and loan production offices in various suburban communities in the greater Puget Sound area, the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metropolitan area of Washington, also known as the Tri-Cities, the greater Portland metropolitan area and in Vancouver, Washington. Additionally, the Bank services home mortgage customers across the Northwest, focusing on markets in Washington State including the Puget Sound, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Following the acquisition of Pacific West Bank, the Bank expanded its presence in the greater Portland market through locations in West Linn, Lake Oswego, Portland, and Vancouver.
For more information visit 1st Security Bank’s website at www.fsbwa.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations and forecasts regarding future events, many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include but are not limited to, the following: adverse impacts to economic conditions in the Company’s local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels; labor shortages, the effects of inflation, recessionary pressures or slowing economic growth; changes in interest rates and the duration of such changes, including actions by the Federal Reserve, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the values of our assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of inflation and monetary and fiscal policy responses thereto and their impact on consumer and business behavior; geopolitical developments and international conflicts including but not limited to tensions or instability in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, or the imposition of new or increased tariffs and trade restrictions, which may disrupt financial markets, global supply chains, energy prices, or economic activity in specific industry sectors; the effects of a federal government shutdown, debt ceiling standoff, or other fiscal policy uncertainty; increased competitive pressures, including repricing and competitors' pricing initiatives, and their impact on our market position, loan, and deposit products; adverse changes in the securities markets, the Company’s ability to execute its plans to grow its residential construction lending, mortgage banking, and warehouse lending operations, and the geographic expansion of its indirect home improvement lending; challenges arising from expanding into new geographic markets, products, or services; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; volatility in the mortgage industry; fluctuations in deposits; liquidity issues, including our ability to borrow funds or raise additional capital, if necessary; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; the ability to adapt to rapid technological changes, including advancements in artificial intelligence, digital banking, and cybersecurity; legislation or regulatory changes, including but not limited to shifts in capital requirements, banking regulation, tax laws, or consumer protection laws; vulnerabilities in information systems or third-party service providers, including disruptions, breaches, or attacks; environmental, social and governance goals; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, domestic political unrest and other external events on our business; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on its website at www.fsbwa.com
and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Any of the forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release and in the other public statements are based upon management's beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be incorrect because of the inaccurate assumptions the Company might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that cannot be foreseen by the Company. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Contacts:
Matthew D. Mullet,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phillip D. Whittington,
Chief Financial Officer
Regional community bank ranks among top performers nationwide as analyzed by Bank Director | Source: Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT), parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, with offices throughout the state of Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets, was named to Bank Director’s “Ranking Banking” Top 25, ranking 17th overall. Piper Sandler, an independent investment bank and research firm, analyzed the 300 largest publicly traded banks based on metrics measuring profitability, capital adequacy and asset quality to compile this elite annual listing. Further, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. ranked 10th among the banks studied with total assets between $5 billion and $50 billion.
“We are honored to be recognized by Bank Director as one of the top banks in the nation,” said James A. (Ja) Hillebrand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and proves that our full-relationship, community banking business model continues to deliver the exceptional results that have become synonymous with the Stock Yards name.”
Louisville, Kentucky-based Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., with $10.37 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904. The Company’s common shares trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “SYBT.” For more information about Stock Yards Bancorp, visit the Company’s website at www.syb.com.
Investors in German American Bancorp, Inc. (GABC - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sept. 18, 2026 $55 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for German American Bancorp shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, German American Bancorp is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) in the Banks – Midwest industry that ranks in the Top 21% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, three analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while none dropped the estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 94 cents per share to $1 in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about German American Bancorp right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic” or the “Bank”), has been recognized by American Banker as one of its Top-Performing Banks with $2 billion to $10 billion in assets. The annual ranking, developed in partnership with Capital Performance Group, evaluates banks nationwide using key performance metrics including profitability, return on equity, net interest margin, and growth. Banks recognized on this year's lis.
CLINTON, N.J., Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), parent company of Unity Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per common share. Such dividend is payable on September 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of September 3, 2026.
“The increase in our quarterly cash dividend reflects the strength of Unity Bancorp’s financial performance, disciplined balance sheet management, and our continued commitment to delivering consistent value to our shareholders. We remain focused on maintaining a strong capital position while supporting sustainable growth and serving the communities in which we operate.” – James A. Hughes, CEO of Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Unity Bancorp, Inc. is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, New Jersey, with approximately $3.2 billion in assets and $2.5 billion in deposits. Unity Bank, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers through its robust branch network located in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County in Pennsylvania. For additional information about Unity, visit our website at www.unitybank.com, or call 800-618-BANK.
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, either expressed or implied, which are provided to assist the reader in understanding anticipated future financial performance. These statements may be identified by use of the words “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project” or similar expressions. These statements involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management, which are subject to factors beyond the Company’s control that could impede its ability to achieve these goals. These factors include those items included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Item IA-Risk Factors” as amended or supplemented by our subsequent filings with the SEC, as well as general economic conditions, trends in interest rates, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, our ability to manage and reduce the level of our nonperforming assets, results of regulatory exams, and the impact of any health crisis or national disasters on the Bank, its employees and customers, among other factors.
News Media & Financial Analyst Contact:
James Davies
FSVP and Chief Financial Officer
(908) 713-4330
OTTAWA, Ill., Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pontiac Bancorp, Inc. (“Pontiac”), the holding company of Pontiac-based Bank of Pontiac, and Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. (“Ottawa Bancorp”), the holding company of Ottawa-based OSB Community Bank (“OSB”), have jointly announced today that they have entered into an agreement and plan of merger whereby Pontiac will acquire Ottawa Bancorp. Following the closing of the transaction, which is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027, Pontiac will merge OSB with and into Bank of Pontiac and the surviving bank will operate under the Bank of Pontiac name.
The transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors of both companies and is subject to the receipt of Ottawa Bancorp shareholder approval and required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, shareholders are expected to receive cash consideration equal to $45.5 million, which equates to approximately $19.78 per share, subject to adjustment as provided for in the merger agreement.
Based on June 30, 2026 financial information, the combined institution is expected to have approximately $1.5 billion in total assets and 18 banking offices, inclusive of OSB’s 3 full-service locations and 1 loan production office spanning LaSalle and Grundy Counties.
“We are excited to welcome the customers, employees, and communities of OSB Community Bank to Bank of Pontiac,” said Mark Donovan, President and CEO of Bank of Pontiac. “This partnership brings together two Illinois community banks that share the same commitment to relationship-based service, local decision-making, and the long-term success of the markets we serve. OSB Community Bank has built an outstanding reputation, and together we will have the scale, expanded product set, and broader footprint to better serve our customers.” Mark Donovan added, “Our goal has always been to grow in a way that strengthens the communities we serve and increases shareholder value, and this transaction does exactly that. Customers can expect the same familiar faces and personal attention they know today, now backed by the resources and lending capacity of a larger, combined organization.”
“We are proud to partner with Bank of Pontiac and believe this combination is an excellent opportunity for our customers, employees, and shareholders,” said Craig Hepner, President & CEO of OSB. “Joining a larger organization that shares our customer-first philosophy allows us to offer expanded products, enhanced technology, and greater lending capacity, while preserving the local, personal service our communities have counted on for years. We look forward to the opportunities this next chapter creates for everyone we serve.”
Olsen Palmer LLC served as financial advisor to Pontiac Bancorp and Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP served as its legal counsel. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC served as financial advisor to Ottawa Bancorp, and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP served as its legal counsel.
About Pontiac Bancorp, Inc. and Bank of Pontiac
Pontiac Bancorp is headquartered in Pontiac, Illinois and owns Bank of Pontiac, a 79-year-old bank with $1.2 billion in total assets and 14 banking offices in Livingston, Grundy, Tazewell, Ford, and McLean Counties.
About Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. and OSB Community Bank
OSB Community Bank is a subsidiary of Ottawa Bancorp, Inc., which is headquartered in Ottawa, Illinois. OSB Community Bank has total assets of approximately $356 million and operates 4 banking offices in La Salle and Grundy Counties.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction between Pontiac and Ottawa Bancorp, including statements regarding the anticipated timing and completion of the transaction, the expected benefits of the combination, integration plans, leadership arrangements and the future operations of the combined institution.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, among others, the possibility that required regulatory, corporate or shareholder approvals may not be obtained or may be delayed; the possibility that other closing conditions may not be satisfied; challenges associated with integrating the two organizations; changes in economic, market, competitive, interest rate or regulatory conditions; and other risks affecting the parties or the proposed transaction.
Neither Pontiac nor Ottawa Bancorp undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement except as required by applicable law.
Contacts:
Pontiac Bancorp, Inc. Pontiac Bancorp, Inc. Ottawa Bancorp, Inc.
Christopher Clement Mark Donovan Craig Hepner
President & CEO Vice President President & CEO
(815) 844-6155 (815) 844-6155 (815) 433-2525
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: LRBI), the holding company for Lake Ridge Bank ("Lake Ridge"), declared a dividend of $0.63 per share, payable on September 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of August 19, 2026. Including this dividend, total dividends declared in 2026 are $1.78 per share, compared to total dividends of $1.42 per share paid through September 30, 2025.
Shareholders in the dividend reinvestment plan will have shares invested at $134.41 which was the tangible book value as of June 30, 2026.
For more information, Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc.'s financial statement can be found at www.otcmarkets.com under LRBI. Learn more about the benefits of being a LRBI shareholder by visiting www.lakeridge.bank/lrbancorp/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such factors include economic conditions, interest rate changes, government policy, execution of strategic initiatives, potential merger and acquisition activity, and global economic instability. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and LRBI undertakes no obligation to update them.
Lake Ridge Bank's mission is to "build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time." For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at a competitive rate for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NASDAQ : FSBW) FS Bancorp, Inc. (“FS Bancorp”), the parent company of 1st Security Bank of Washington, announced that effective August 19, 2026, it completed its previously announced acquisition of Pacific West Bancorp (“Pacific West”), an Oregon corporation and the merger of Pacific West Bank, the bank subsidiary of Pacific West, into 1st Security Bank of Washington.
Matthew D. Mullet, President and Chief Executive Officer of FS Bancorp and 1st Security Bank of Washington, stated, “We are excited to welcome Pacific West Bank's customers, employees, and communities to the 1st Security Bank family. Both organizations share a commitment to relationship banking, providing exceptional customer service, and supporting the local businesses and communities we serve. This allows us to expand our presence in Oregon while remaining focused on the values that have guided our success for more than 100 years. Our Vision Statement remains constant: To Build a Truly Great Place to Work and Bank."
Ed Kawasaki, Chairman of the Boards of Pacific West Bancorp and Pacific West Bank, stated, “On behalf of our Board and Banking Team, we wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our customers and community for their support of our Bank, and furthermore, our confidence that the partnership with 1st Security Bank will continue serving you with the same values and conviction you’ve experienced over the past 20 years.”
In connection with the transaction the aggregate consideration consisted of 430,176 shares of FS Bancorp common stock and $16,832,742 in cash. Pacific West shareholders had the right to elect shares of FS Bancorp common stock or cash, subject to proration as provided in the merger agreement.
About FS Bancorp
FS Bancorp, Inc., a Washington corporation, is the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington. The Bank offers a range of loan and deposit services primarily to small- and middle-market businesses and individuals in Washington and Oregon. It operates through 28 bank branches, one headquarters office that provides loans and deposit services, and loan production offices in various suburban communities in the greater Puget Sound area, the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metropolitan area of Washington, also known as the Tri-Cities, and in the greater Portland, Oregon market. Additionally, the Bank services home mortgage customers across the Northwest, focusing on markets in Washington State including the Puget Sound, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.
Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which can be identified by words such as "may," "expected," "anticipate," "continue," or other comparable words. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that FS Bancorp expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Readers are encouraged to read the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of FS Bancorp, Inc., particularly the Form S-4 and its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, for meaningful cautionary language discussing why actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by management. Specific risks in this press release include among other things: the expected cost savings, synergies and other financial benefits from the merger with Pacific West might not be realized within the expected time frames or at all, and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters might be greater than expected.
Contacts:
Matthew D. Mullet,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phillip D. Whittington,
Chief Financial Officer
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mechanics Bancorp (Nasdaq: MCHB) today announced it has declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of Class A common stock and $2.50 per share of Class B common stock, each payable on September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 29, 2026. About Mechanics Bancorp Mechanics Bancorp is headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., and is the financial holding company of Mechanics Bank, a full-service, FDIC-insured bank with $21.
Northeast Community Bancorp (NECB) maintains exceptional asset quality, with zero nonperforming loans and assets across multiple quarters, despite a high concentration in construction lending. NECB trades at a PE below 8.6 and near tangible book value, offering compelling valuation relative to peers, but faces recent earnings contraction and missed expectations. I maintain a Buy rating due to NECB's superior loan performance, robust profitability metrics, and disciplined capital returns, despite recent earnings declines and quant downgrades.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT), parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, with offices in the Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets, announced that its Board of Directors increased its quarterly cash dividend to $0.33 per common share. The dividend will be paid on October 1, 2026, to stockholders of record as of September 21, 2026.
RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John Marshall Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: JMSB) (the “Company”), the parent holding company for John Marshall Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the extension of the stock repurchase program (the "Stock Repurchase Program") through August 31, 2027, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to 700,000 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock. To date, the Company has repurchased 242,150 shares, or $4.5 mill.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Shares of Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (PBFS - Free Report) have declined 3.70% since reporting second-quarter 2026 results, while the S&P 500 has returned 6.20%. That represents 9.90 percentage points of underperformance. Over the past month, Pioneer shares have declined 0.60% against a 4.10% advance for the index.
For the three months ended June 30, net interest income plus non-interest income was $28.32 million, up 16% from $24.41 million a year earlier. However, net income fell 46% to $3.48 million from $6.45 million as expense growth exceeded the increase in income. Earnings per share decreased 46.20% to 14 cents from 26 cents in the prior-year quarter. Net interest income rose 16.50% to $22.85 million, while non-interest income increased 13.70% to $5.46 million.
Balance Sheet & Credit QualityThe net interest margin expanded 17 basis points to 4.30% from 4.13%, and the net interest rate spread widened 27 basis points to 3.58%. As of June 30, net loans were $1.87 billion, up $224.60 million, or 13.60%, from Dec. 31, largely reflecting the Targeted Lending acquisition, residential mortgage purchases and commercial construction originations. Deposits increased $229.80 million, or 13.20%, to $1.97 billion, supporting total asset growth of 9.90% to $2.36 billion. Brokered deposits rose $174.50 million to $284.70 million as Pioneer Bancorp funded loan growth and the acquisition. Estimated uninsured deposits after exclusions declined to 13.40% of deposits from 16.60%.
Non-performing assets improved to $9.40 million, or 0.40% of assets, from $11.30 million, or 0.52%, as of Dec. 31. The loan-loss allowance increased to $28.07 million from $25.31 million, although coverage slipped to 1.48% of loans from 1.51%. Quarterly net charge-offs climbed to $1.50 million from $70 thousand, including an $854-thousand charge-off tied to one commercial borrower and charge-offs on acquired Targeted Lending loans. The provision, nonetheless, decreased to $1.35 million from $1.55 million because management cited improved portfolio credit quality, partly offset by loan growth and higher charge-offs.
Management CommentaryPresident and CEO Thomas Amell said that the quarter reflected momentum in net interest income and margin, driven by loan expansion, a diversified deposit base and management of funding costs. He also characterized the acquisitions as advancing Pioneer Bancorp’s “More Than a Bank” strategy by broadening capabilities and diversifying revenues. Management said that its strategic priorities are deepening client relationships, balancing the loan portfolio, increasing lower-cost core deposits, pursuing selective acquisitions and investing in employee engagement, client experience and community development.
Factors Behind the ResultsThe average yield on interest-earning assets increased 32 basis points to 6.04%, while their average balance rose $232.30 million, lifting interest income 18% to $31.87 million. The benefit was partly offset as interest expenses increased 21.90% to $9.02 million. Average interest-bearing deposits rose $251.50 million to $1.44 billion, and their average cost increased 8 basis points to 2.42%, reflecting greater use of higher-cost money-market and certificate accounts.
Fee growth came from insurance and wealth management services, bank charges and a $187-thousand gain on loan sales, although the prior-year quarter included a $550-thousand bank-owned life-insurance death benefit. More significantly, non-interest expenses surged 50.60% to $22.18 million. Professional fees increased to $4.03 million from $1.85 million, salaries and benefits rose to $9.96 million from $8.51 million, and other expenses climbed to $3.98 million from $0.87 million, including a $2.90-million increase in litigation-related expenses. Acquisition costs, higher legal fees, merit increases and added employees also contributed. The effective tax rate rose to 27.20% from 20.70% due to more non-deductible expenses.
Other DevelopmentsPioneer Bancorp completed the acquisition of equipment financer Targeted Lending on April 24 for $144.09 million of consideration, including debt settlement and contingent consideration. The deal added $121.86 million of net loans and contributed $3.20 million to revenues and $1.20 million of earnings from closing through June 30. Targeted Lending now operates as Pioneer Bancorp’s Specialty Financing division, extending commercial lending nationwide.
On April 20, Pioneer Bancorp acquired Reiser Consulting Group and Wyndham Benefits for $1.20 million in cash plus $645 thousand of contingent consideration, expanding its employee-benefits business. After the quarter-end, Pioneer Bancorp acquired The College Advisor of New York on July 16, adding college-search and admissions advisory services.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: LRBI), the holding company for Lake Ridge Bank ("Lake Ridge"), today reported net income of $8.6 million, or $4.36 per common share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. This compares to net income of $7.4 million, or $3.75 per common share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and $6.8 million, or $3.46 per common share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
LRBI's second quarter 2026 operating results reflected strong net interest income and steady noninterest income primarily from Wealth Management services.
"Our dedicated team of community bankers, wealth managers, trust officers, and other financial professionals have continued to successfully execute our strategic direction and fulfill our mission of building prosperous communities, one relationship at a time," said Jim Tubbs, Lake Ridge Bank's Chief Executive Officer. "These strong financial results validate the win-win approach of our community banking model, which prioritizes strong relationships and personalized service paired with modern technologies and community-minded product offerings."
Quarter Ended June 30, 2026 – Financial Highlights
Net interest income increased to $26.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $24.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. This increase was due to repricing of loans at higher current rates along with increases in fed funds sold and securities balances. Noninterest income increased to $5.3 million, compared to $5.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, primarily driven by increases in Wealth Management and interchange income. Noninterest expense decreased slightly to $20.1 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $20.2 million for the first quarter of 2026, primarily driven by slightly lower employee expenses. Net loans increased $43.1 million, or 1.8%, to $2.42 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $2.38 billion as of December 31, 2025, due to increases in commercial real estate lending. Non-performing loans are $9.3 million, and as a percentage of total loans are 0.38% of total loans, compared to 0.40% in the prior quarter and 0.47% as of December 31, 2025. Total deposits increased $71.2 million as of June 30, 2026, to $2.78 billion compared to $2.71 billion as of December 31, 2025. This increase is the result of increases in interest-bearing checking and money market accounts. Book value per common share increased to $158.21, an increase of $4.70 per share from the prior quarter and a $6.08 per share increase since December 31, 2025. This represents a 4.0% increase since December 31, 2025. Tangible book value per common share increased to $135.41, an increase of $5.50 per share from the prior quarter and a $7.71 per share increase since December 31, 2025. This represents a 6.0% increase since December 31, 2025. For more information, Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc.'s financial statement can be found at www.otcmarkets.com under LRBI. Learn more about the benefits of being an LRBI shareholder by visiting www.lakeridge.bank/lrbancorp/ .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such factors include economic conditions, interest rate changes, government policy, execution of strategic initiatives, potential merger and acquisition activity, and global economic instability. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and LRBI undertakes no obligation to update them.
Lake Ridge Bank's mission is to "build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time." For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at a competitive rate for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at Avidia Bancorp, Inc. (AVBC - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of B. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.
It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Avidia Bancorp, Inc. currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market? In order to see if AVBC is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this company holds up.
A good momentum benchmark for a stock is to look at its short-term price activity, as this can reflect both current interest and if buyers or sellers currently have the upper hand. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.
For AVBC, shares are up 3.12% over the past week while the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry is up 1.01% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 9.16% compares favorably with the industry's 3.17% performance as well.
While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Over the past quarter, shares of Avidia Bancorp, Inc. have risen 16.01%, and are up 51.85% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 4.05% and 21.62%, respectively.
Investors should also take note of AVBC's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. Right now AVBC is averaging 144,630 shares for the last 20 days..
Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with AVBC.
Over the past two months, 1 earnings estimate moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. This revision helped boost AVBC's consensus estimate, increasing from $1.31 to $1.44 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 1 estimate has moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.
Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that AVBC is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Avidia Bancorp, Inc. on your short list.
Plumas Bancorp demonstrates exceptional operational metrics, including a 1.79% ROA and 15.0% ROE, but faces asset quality concerns. PLBC trades at a 1.85x price to tangible book value, a significant premium, with slowing projected EPS growth and a forward yield of 2.08%. Nonperforming assets have risen 72% year-over-year, with agricultural loans comprising 56% of substandard loans and net charge-offs tripling.
While "the trend is your friend" when it comes to short-term investing or trading, timing entries into the trend is a key determinant of success. And increasing the odds of success by making sure the sustainability of a trend isn't easy.
Often, the direction of a stock's price movement reverses quickly after taking a position in it, making investors incur a short-term capital loss. So, it's important to ensure that there are enough factors -- such as sound fundamentals, positive earnings estimate revisions, etc. -- that could keep the momentum in the stock going.
Investors looking to make a profit from stocks that are currently on the move may find our "Recent Price Strength" screen pretty useful. This predefined screen comes handy in spotting stocks that are on an uptrend backed by strength in their fundamentals, and trading in the upper portion of their 52-week high-low range, which is usually an indicator of bullishness.
There are several stocks that passed through the screen and Avidia Bancorp, Inc. (AVBC - Free Report) is one of them. Here are the key reasons why this stock is a solid choice for "trend" investing.
A solid price increase over a period of 12 weeks reflects investors' continued willingness to pay more for the potential upside in a stock. AVBC is quite a good fit in this regard, gaining 15.1% over this period.
However, it's not enough to look at the price change for around three months, as it doesn't reflect any trend reversal that might have happened in a shorter time frame. It's important for a potential winner to maintain the price trend. A price increase of 9.2% over the past four weeks ensures that the trend is still in place for the stock of this company.
Moreover, AVBC is currently trading at 91.2% of its 52-week High-Low Range, hinting that it can be on the verge of a breakout.
Looking at the fundamentals, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which means it is in the top 5% of more than the 4,000 stocks that we rank based on trends in earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises -- the key factors that impact a stock's near-term price movements.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Another factor that confirms the company's fundamental strength is its Average Broker Recommendation of #1 (Strong Buy). This indicates that the brokerage community is highly optimistic about the stock's near-term price performance.
So, the price trend in AVBC may not reverse anytime soon.
In addition to AVBC, there are several other stocks that currently pass through our "Recent Price Strength" screen. You may consider investing in them and start looking for the newest stocks that fit these criteria.
This is not the only screen that could help you find your next winning stock pick. Based on your personal investing style, you may choose from over 45 Zacks Premium Screens that are strategically created to beat the market.
However, keep in mind that the key to a successful stock-picking strategy is to ensure that it produced profitable results in the past. You could easily do that with the help of the Zacks Research Wizard. In addition to allowing you to backtest the effectiveness of your strategy, the program comes loaded with some of our most successful stock-picking strategies.
Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), the holding company for EagleBank, today announced that, in connection with the appointment of Stephen R. Curley as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and EagleBank, the Company granted employment inducement equity awards to Mr. Curley on August 10, 2026, as a material inducement to his entering into employment with the Company and EagleBank and pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, which was previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2026.
Investors in Sierra Bancorp (BSRR - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the September 18, 2026 $45.00 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Sierra Bancorp share, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Sierra Bancorp is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) in the Banks - West Industry that ranks in the Bottom 15% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased his estimate for the current quarter, while two have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter to move from 94 cents per share to 90 cents per share in the same time period.
Given the way analysts feel about Sierra Bancorp right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Often times, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
Investors in Avidia Bancorp, Inc. (AVBC - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Feb. 19, 2027 $15.00 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Avidia Bancorp shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Avidia Bancorp is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) in the Banks - Northeast industry that ranks in the Top 20% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimate for the current quarter, while none have dropped their estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 32 cents per share to 38 cents in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Avidia Bancorp right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
