Smaller deals lagging in M&A arena as stock prices set pace

As the pandemic moves from phase to phase, the banking sector has seen dramatic swings in public stock valuations and M&A prices. While the volatility of the markets is closely tied to health trends, which remain difficult to predict, a study of the past 18 months provides insights into future community banking performance and value prospects, which can be invaluable for strategic planning in the boardroom and for setting shareholder expectations. [Continue]

Strategic planning and M&A in 2021

Banks can plan to mitigate margin compression by aggressively lowering cost of funds, look for growth opportunities in what is expected to be an accelerating M&A environment, and consider other opportunities to build shareholder value as they meet the changing needs of their local communities. [Continue]