Lakeland Financial (LKFN) Receives Upgrade to Buy: Reasons Explained
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 02 2025
0mins
Should l Buy LKFN?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Lakeland Financial Upgrade: Lakeland Financial (LKFN) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) due to a positive trend in earnings estimates, indicating potential for stock price increase driven by improved earnings outlook.
Zacks Rating System: The Zacks rating system, which evaluates stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, shows a strong correlation between these revisions and stock price movements, positioning Lakeland Financial among the top 20% of stocks for potential market-beating returns.
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Analyst Views on LKFN
Wall Street analysts forecast LKFN stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 60.890
Low
66.00
Averages
66.50
High
67.00
Current: 60.890
Low
66.00
Averages
66.50
High
67.00
About LKFN
Lakeland Financial Corporation is a bank holding company, which provides, through its subsidiary Lake City Bank (the Bank), a range of financial products and services throughout its Northern and Central Indiana markets. It offers commercial and consumer banking services, and trust and wealth management, brokerage, and treasury management commercial services. It serves a diverse customer base, including commercial customers across a wide variety of industries, including commercial real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, retail, wholesale, finance and insurance, accommodation and food services, and healthcare. The Bank serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices in 15 counties and a robust digital banking platform. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) to the maximum extent provided under federal law and FDIC regulations. It also provides credit card services to retail and commercial customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Lakeland Financial Q4 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Lakeland Financial reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.16, exceeding expectations by $0.10, which underscores the company's robust profitability and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $69.8 million, a 9.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $0.25 million, indicating sustained strong demand and business expansion.
- Improved Return Metrics: Return on average equity improved to 15.59% from 13.87% year-over-year, reflecting effective capital management and enhanced profitability.
- Loan Growth and Margin Improvement: Average loans increased by $185.1 million, or 4%, to $5.27 billion, while net interest margin improved by 23 basis points to 3.48%, demonstrating the company's competitive edge in the lending market and enhanced profitability.
See More
Lakeland Financial Reports Record Quarterly Net Income of $29.9 Million
- Quarterly Net Income Growth: Lakeland Financial achieved a record net income of $29.9 million in Q4 2025, representing a $5.7 million increase or 24% compared to Q4 2024, showcasing the company's strong profitability and market competitiveness.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.16, up $0.22 or 23% from Q4 2024, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder returns.
- Robust Annual Performance: The company reported an annual net income of $103.4 million for 2025, an 11% increase from $93.5 million in 2024, indicating sustained profitability and stable financial performance.
- Improved Capital Ratios: As of December 31, 2025, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio improved to 14.77%, up from 14.64% in 2024, demonstrating the company's strength in capital management and risk control.
See More
Lake City Bank Promotes Donald J. Robinson-Gay to EVP, Chief Credit Officer
- Executive Promotion: Lake City Bank announces the promotion of Senior Vice President Donald J. Robinson-Gay to Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, leveraging his extensive experience in the commercial lending process to enhance credit management efficiency.
- Credit Management Expertise: Robinson-Gay has served as Chief Credit Officer since 2023, previously holding key credit management positions within the bank, particularly excelling in the Fort Wayne and Warsaw markets.
- Strategic Role: As Chief Credit Officer, Robinson-Gay will oversee the bank's loan portfolio, ensuring a balance between credit quality and risk management, thereby driving sustainable loan growth and enhancing the bank's competitive position.
- Educational Background: Robinson-Gay holds an MBA from Marquette University and a bachelor's degree from Miami University, providing a solid academic foundation for his success in credit management.
See More
Lakeland Financial (LKFN) Announces 4% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.52 per Share
- Dividend Increase: Lakeland Financial announces a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share for Q1 2026, reflecting a 4% increase from the $0.50 per share paid in 2025, showcasing the company's strong capital foundation and disciplined financial management strategy.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on February 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 25, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and bolstering shareholder confidence.
- Company Background: Lake City Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Financial, boasts $6.9 billion in assets and has been serving Central and Northern Indiana communities since 1872, reinforcing its market position through community banking.
- Tech-Driven Services: With 55 branches and a robust digital banking platform, the bank prioritizes building long-term relationships with customers while delivering technology-forward solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive edge in the market.
See More
Lakeland Financial (LKFN) Declares Q1 2026 Cash Dividend of $0.52 per Share, 4% Increase
- Dividend Increase: Lakeland Financial announces a Q1 2026 cash dividend of $0.52 per share, representing a 4% increase from the $0.50 paid in 2025, showcasing the company's strong capital foundation and disciplined financial management over time.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on February 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 25, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and bolstering shareholder confidence.
- Banking Profile: Lake City Bank, as the sole subsidiary of Lakeland Financial, boasts assets of $6.9 billion and operates 55 branches, focusing on delivering quality community banking services to Central and Northern Indiana.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: The bank leverages a robust digital banking platform to provide technology-forward solutions, aiming to build long-term customer relationships and enhance market competitiveness and customer loyalty.
See More
Lake City Bank's Findlay Elected Chairman of Indiana Bankers Association for 2026
- Leadership Elevation: David M. Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank, has been elected as the Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association Board for 2026, highlighting his influence and leadership in the financial services sector.
- Industry Engagement: As a member of the Indiana Bankers Association's 2019 Leaders in Banking Excellence class, Findlay's contributions to enhancing the competitiveness of Indiana banks further solidify Lake City Bank's industry standing.
- Multiple Roles: Holding various executive positions at Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank, Findlay plays a crucial role in strategic and operational decisions, which enhances the bank's market responsiveness.
- Community Involvement: Findlay's active participation on the boards of several local business and health organizations showcases Lake City Bank's significant role in community development and economic growth.
See More
Lakeland Financial Q4 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Earnings Beat: Lakeland Financial reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.16, exceeding expectations by $0.10, which underscores the company's robust profitability and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenues of $69.8 million, a 9.8% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $0.25 million, indicating sustained strong demand and business expansion.
- Improved Return Metrics: Return on average equity improved to 15.59% from 13.87% year-over-year, reflecting effective capital management and enhanced profitability.
- Loan Growth and Margin Improvement: Average loans increased by $185.1 million, or 4%, to $5.27 billion, while net interest margin improved by 23 basis points to 3.48%, demonstrating the company's competitive edge in the lending market and enhanced profitability.
See More
Lakeland Financial Reports Record Quarterly Net Income of $29.9 Million
- Quarterly Net Income Growth: Lakeland Financial achieved a record net income of $29.9 million in Q4 2025, representing a $5.7 million increase or 24% compared to Q4 2024, showcasing the company's strong profitability and market competitiveness.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.16, up $0.22 or 23% from Q4 2024, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder returns.
- Robust Annual Performance: The company reported an annual net income of $103.4 million for 2025, an 11% increase from $93.5 million in 2024, indicating sustained profitability and stable financial performance.
- Improved Capital Ratios: As of December 31, 2025, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio improved to 14.77%, up from 14.64% in 2024, demonstrating the company's strength in capital management and risk control.
See More
Lake City Bank Promotes Donald J. Robinson-Gay to EVP, Chief Credit Officer
- Executive Promotion: Lake City Bank announces the promotion of Senior Vice President Donald J. Robinson-Gay to Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, leveraging his extensive experience in the commercial lending process to enhance credit management efficiency.
- Credit Management Expertise: Robinson-Gay has served as Chief Credit Officer since 2023, previously holding key credit management positions within the bank, particularly excelling in the Fort Wayne and Warsaw markets.
- Strategic Role: As Chief Credit Officer, Robinson-Gay will oversee the bank's loan portfolio, ensuring a balance between credit quality and risk management, thereby driving sustainable loan growth and enhancing the bank's competitive position.
- Educational Background: Robinson-Gay holds an MBA from Marquette University and a bachelor's degree from Miami University, providing a solid academic foundation for his success in credit management.
See More
Lakeland Financial (LKFN) Announces 4% Increase in Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.52 per Share
- Dividend Increase: Lakeland Financial announces a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share for Q1 2026, reflecting a 4% increase from the $0.50 per share paid in 2025, showcasing the company's strong capital foundation and disciplined financial management strategy.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on February 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 25, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and bolstering shareholder confidence.
- Company Background: Lake City Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Financial, boasts $6.9 billion in assets and has been serving Central and Northern Indiana communities since 1872, reinforcing its market position through community banking.
- Tech-Driven Services: With 55 branches and a robust digital banking platform, the bank prioritizes building long-term relationships with customers while delivering technology-forward solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive edge in the market.
See More
Lakeland Financial (LKFN) Declares Q1 2026 Cash Dividend of $0.52 per Share, 4% Increase
- Dividend Increase: Lakeland Financial announces a Q1 2026 cash dividend of $0.52 per share, representing a 4% increase from the $0.50 paid in 2025, showcasing the company's strong capital foundation and disciplined financial management over time.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on February 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 25, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and bolstering shareholder confidence.
- Banking Profile: Lake City Bank, as the sole subsidiary of Lakeland Financial, boasts assets of $6.9 billion and operates 55 branches, focusing on delivering quality community banking services to Central and Northern Indiana.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: The bank leverages a robust digital banking platform to provide technology-forward solutions, aiming to build long-term customer relationships and enhance market competitiveness and customer loyalty.
See More
Lake City Bank's Findlay Elected Chairman of Indiana Bankers Association for 2026
- Leadership Elevation: David M. Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank, has been elected as the Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association Board for 2026, highlighting his influence and leadership in the financial services sector.
- Industry Engagement: As a member of the Indiana Bankers Association's 2019 Leaders in Banking Excellence class, Findlay's contributions to enhancing the competitiveness of Indiana banks further solidify Lake City Bank's industry standing.
- Multiple Roles: Holding various executive positions at Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank, Findlay plays a crucial role in strategic and operational decisions, which enhances the bank's market responsiveness.
- Community Involvement: Findlay's active participation on the boards of several local business and health organizations showcases Lake City Bank's significant role in community development and economic growth.
See More
