FB Financial, Southern States Bancshares get regulatory approvals for merger
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 13 2025
0mins
Should l Buy FBK?
Source: SeekingAlpha
Merger Announcement: FB Financial and Southern States Bancshares have received regulatory approvals to proceed with their merger, which was initially agreed upon in March. The merger is set to close on July 1.
Expansion Plans: Following the merger, FB Financial plans to expand its operations in Alabama and Georgia, aligning with its growth targets for 2025.
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Analyst Views on FBK
Wall Street analysts forecast FBK stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for FBK is 57.70 USD with a low forecast of 29.49 USD and a high forecast of 66.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 60.890
Low
29.49
Averages
57.70
High
66.00
Current: 60.890
Low
29.49
Averages
57.70
High
66.00
About FBK
FB Financial Corporation is a bank holding company. The Company operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank, in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia. The Company operates through two segments: Banking and Mortgage. The Company's Banking segment provides a full range of deposit and lending products and services to corporate, commercial and consumer customers. The Company also originates conforming residential mortgage loans through its Mortgage segment, whose activities include the servicing of residential mortgage loans and securitization of loans to third party private investors or government sponsored agencies. It operates approximately 93 full-service bank branches across its footprint. FirstBank also provides retail mortgage banking services utilizing its bank branch network and mortgage banking offices strategically located throughout the southeastern United States.
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.
FB Financial (FBK) Downgraded by Piper Sandler, Price Target Raised to $65
- Rating Downgrade: Piper Sandler downgraded FB Financial's rating from Overweight to Neutral, primarily due to investors realizing significant upside, resulting in a pre-market decline of 1.15% to $60.05 on Friday.
- Earnings Performance: FB Financial delivered a strong Q4 2025 report, with management expressing optimism about trends for 2026 and beyond, leading analysts to believe the company will continue to excel in customer and talent acquisition.
- Earnings Forecast Upgrade: Analysts raised their EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 to $4.88 and $5.55, respectively, reflecting an upward trajectory in net interest margin, while increasing the price target from $63 to $65, indicating a positive outlook on bank valuations.
- Market Rating Comparison: While Piper Sandler's rating is Neutral, Wall Street analysts generally rate FB Financial as a Buy, indicating strong market confidence in the company.
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FB Financial Corporation (FBK) Reports Q4 2025 EPS of $1.07 with 29% Loan Growth
- Strong Financial Performance: FB Financial Corporation reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.07 and adjusted EPS of $1.16, with pretax net revenue reaching $71.1 million, indicating significant financial growth following the acquisition of Southern States Bank.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: Loans held for investment grew by 29% and deposits increased by 25% year-over-year, reflecting not only the success of organic growth initiatives but also the synergistic effects of the acquisition, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Increased Net Interest Income: The company reported net interest income of $150.6 million for the quarter with a net interest margin of 3.98%, and expects to maintain a margin between 3.78% and 3.83% in 2026, showcasing management's confidence in future profitability.
- Strategic Investment and Cost Control: Management anticipates banking expenses to range between $325 million and $335 million in 2026, targeting an efficiency ratio in the low 50s, emphasizing the company's commitment to cost control and operational efficiency.
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FB Financial Corporation Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.21
- Dividend Increase: FB Financial Corporation's board has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, marking a $0.02 increase from the previous quarter, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Consistent Dividend Record: This marks the 32nd consecutive dividend payment by FB Financial, reflecting strong operational performance and a growing franchise, which enhances investor confidence.
- Financial Strength: With approximately $16.3 billion in total assets and 90 full-service branches, FB Financial maintains a competitive edge in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia.
- Strategic Commitment: CEO Christopher T. Holmes noted that the dividend increase is a direct result of executing the company's strategic priorities, aimed at delivering long-term stable income for shareholders.
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FB Financial Corp Reports Q4 Profit Surge to $56.98 Million
- Significant Profit Growth: FB Financial Corp's Q4 net profit reached $56.98 million, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.07, marking a substantial increase from last year's $37.89 million and $0.81 EPS, indicating strong growth in the company's profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings Performance: Excluding items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $61.49 million, or $1.16 per share, demonstrating sustained profitability and financial health in its core operations.
- Revenue Surge: The company's revenue rose 37% year-over-year to $178.60 million, compared to $130.38 million last year, reflecting successful market demand and business expansion efforts.
- Strong Market Performance: This quarter's financial results not only boost investor confidence but may also provide funding support for the company's future growth strategies, further solidifying its competitive position in the financial services industry.
See More
FBK Reports Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.16, Revenue Up 37% YoY
- Strong Earnings Performance: FBK's Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $1.16 exceeds market expectations by $0.04, indicating a sustained enhancement in profitability that further solidifies investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The reported revenue of $178.6 million, a 37% year-over-year increase, not only surpasses the expected $2.37 million but also reflects the company's robust market performance and business expansion capabilities.
- Positive Market Reaction: Given the better-than-expected financial results, FBK's stock price is likely to experience upward momentum, attracting more investor interest and enhancing market expectations for future growth.
- Strategic Development Potential: The strong financial data provides FBK with the necessary funding support for future strategic investments and expansions, potentially accelerating its positioning in new markets and product lines, thereby enhancing its competitive advantage.
See More
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- Earnings Forecast: Kinder Morgan is expected to report an EPS of $0.37 for Q4 2025, reflecting a 15.63% increase year-over-year, indicating robust growth potential in the oil and gas sector.
- Industry Comparison: CACI anticipates an EPS of $6.41, a 7.73% increase from the previous year, having exceeded expectations every quarter in the past year, showcasing its competitive edge in the computer services industry.
- Financial Performance: Pinnacle Financial Partners forecasts an EPS of $2.32, representing a 22.11% increase year-over-year, consistently beating expectations over the past year, highlighting its strong market performance.
- Significant Growth: Live Oak Bancshares expects an EPS of $0.56, a remarkable 154.55% increase, reflecting rapid growth and an increase in market share within the banking sector.
See More
FB Financial (FBK) Downgraded by Piper Sandler, Price Target Raised to $65
- Rating Downgrade: Piper Sandler downgraded FB Financial's rating from Overweight to Neutral, primarily due to investors realizing significant upside, resulting in a pre-market decline of 1.15% to $60.05 on Friday.
- Earnings Performance: FB Financial delivered a strong Q4 2025 report, with management expressing optimism about trends for 2026 and beyond, leading analysts to believe the company will continue to excel in customer and talent acquisition.
- Earnings Forecast Upgrade: Analysts raised their EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 to $4.88 and $5.55, respectively, reflecting an upward trajectory in net interest margin, while increasing the price target from $63 to $65, indicating a positive outlook on bank valuations.
- Market Rating Comparison: While Piper Sandler's rating is Neutral, Wall Street analysts generally rate FB Financial as a Buy, indicating strong market confidence in the company.
See More
FB Financial Corporation (FBK) Reports Q4 2025 EPS of $1.07 with 29% Loan Growth
- Strong Financial Performance: FB Financial Corporation reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.07 and adjusted EPS of $1.16, with pretax net revenue reaching $71.1 million, indicating significant financial growth following the acquisition of Southern States Bank.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: Loans held for investment grew by 29% and deposits increased by 25% year-over-year, reflecting not only the success of organic growth initiatives but also the synergistic effects of the acquisition, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Increased Net Interest Income: The company reported net interest income of $150.6 million for the quarter with a net interest margin of 3.98%, and expects to maintain a margin between 3.78% and 3.83% in 2026, showcasing management's confidence in future profitability.
- Strategic Investment and Cost Control: Management anticipates banking expenses to range between $325 million and $335 million in 2026, targeting an efficiency ratio in the low 50s, emphasizing the company's commitment to cost control and operational efficiency.
See More
FB Financial Corporation Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend to $0.21
- Dividend Increase: FB Financial Corporation's board has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, marking a $0.02 increase from the previous quarter, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Consistent Dividend Record: This marks the 32nd consecutive dividend payment by FB Financial, reflecting strong operational performance and a growing franchise, which enhances investor confidence.
- Financial Strength: With approximately $16.3 billion in total assets and 90 full-service branches, FB Financial maintains a competitive edge in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia.
- Strategic Commitment: CEO Christopher T. Holmes noted that the dividend increase is a direct result of executing the company's strategic priorities, aimed at delivering long-term stable income for shareholders.
See More
FB Financial Corp Reports Q4 Profit Surge to $56.98 Million
- Significant Profit Growth: FB Financial Corp's Q4 net profit reached $56.98 million, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.07, marking a substantial increase from last year's $37.89 million and $0.81 EPS, indicating strong growth in the company's profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings Performance: Excluding items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $61.49 million, or $1.16 per share, demonstrating sustained profitability and financial health in its core operations.
- Revenue Surge: The company's revenue rose 37% year-over-year to $178.60 million, compared to $130.38 million last year, reflecting successful market demand and business expansion efforts.
- Strong Market Performance: This quarter's financial results not only boost investor confidence but may also provide funding support for the company's future growth strategies, further solidifying its competitive position in the financial services industry.
See More
FBK Reports Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.16, Revenue Up 37% YoY
- Strong Earnings Performance: FBK's Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $1.16 exceeds market expectations by $0.04, indicating a sustained enhancement in profitability that further solidifies investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The reported revenue of $178.6 million, a 37% year-over-year increase, not only surpasses the expected $2.37 million but also reflects the company's robust market performance and business expansion capabilities.
- Positive Market Reaction: Given the better-than-expected financial results, FBK's stock price is likely to experience upward momentum, attracting more investor interest and enhancing market expectations for future growth.
- Strategic Development Potential: The strong financial data provides FBK with the necessary funding support for future strategic investments and expansions, potentially accelerating its positioning in new markets and product lines, thereby enhancing its competitive advantage.
See More
Kinder Morgan (KMI) Expected EPS of $0.37, 15.63% YoY Growth
- Earnings Forecast: Kinder Morgan is expected to report an EPS of $0.37 for Q4 2025, reflecting a 15.63% increase year-over-year, indicating robust growth potential in the oil and gas sector.
- Industry Comparison: CACI anticipates an EPS of $6.41, a 7.73% increase from the previous year, having exceeded expectations every quarter in the past year, showcasing its competitive edge in the computer services industry.
- Financial Performance: Pinnacle Financial Partners forecasts an EPS of $2.32, representing a 22.11% increase year-over-year, consistently beating expectations over the past year, highlighting its strong market performance.
- Significant Growth: Live Oak Bancshares expects an EPS of $0.56, a remarkable 154.55% increase, reflecting rapid growth and an increase in market share within the banking sector.
See More
