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South Plains Financial Inc (SPFI)
NASDAQ:SPFI

South Plains Financial (SPFI) AI Stock Analysis

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SPFI

South Plains Financial

(NASDAQ:SPFI)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$47.00
â–²(12.82% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by solid financial performance (strong margins, low leverage, and healthy ROE) and a favorable earnings outlook tied to planned loan growth and an accretive acquisition. Technicals are moderately supportive with price above key moving averages, while valuation is reasonable at a mid-teens-to-low-teens P/E with a modest dividend. Key risks highlighted include possible near-term NIM pressure and higher credit provisioning/charge-offs.
Positive Factors
High profitability margins
Sustained high net and EBIT margins indicate strong fee and interest income mix and disciplined expense control. Durable margins provide a buffer against cyclical revenue swings, support internal capital generation, and enable continued dividends and selective reinvestment over the medium term.
Conservative balance sheet and capital
Very low leverage and healthy tangible equity ratios point to a conservative capital posture that supports organic loan growth, absorption of credit stress, and funding of acquisitions. Strong capital metrics preserve strategic optionality and lower refinancing or liquidity risk over multiple quarters.
Accretive, scale-building M&A
The Bank of Houston acquisition materially expands market presence in Houston, adds >$1B in regional loans and deposit scale, and is projected to earn back tangible book in <3 years. The transaction increases franchise diversification and supports durable revenue and cost synergies.
Negative Factors
Weakening revenue growth trend
A nearly 10% TTM revenue decline signals structural pressures in mortgage or noninterest income streams and greater sensitivity to rate-driven volume cycles. Persisting revenue weakness would require stronger loan origination or successful M&A to sustain EPS growth beyond short-term expense control.
NIM compression risk
Management’s guidance for potential NIM pressure as loan yields moderate creates a structural margin risk if rate cuts and competitive pricing persist. Over several quarters, reduced spreads would directly lower net interest income unless offset by higher volumes or lower funding costs.
Rising credit provisioning and charge-offs
A marked increase in provisions and rising auto charge-offs indicate emerging asset quality pressure tied to late-quarter loan growth. If charge-off trends persist, they will erode earnings power and require higher ACL coverage, constraining capital deployment and margin of safety over coming quarters.

South Plains Financial (SPFI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

South Plains Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSouth Plains Financial, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for City Bank that provides commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It offers deposit products, including demand deposit accounts, interest-bearing products, savings accounts, and certificate of deposits. The company also provides commercial real estate loans; general and specialized commercial loans, including agricultural production and real estate, energy, finance, investment, and insurance loans, as well as loans to goods, services, restaurant and retail, construction, and other industries; residential construction loans; and 1-4 family residential loans, auto loans, and other loans for recreational vehicles or other purposes. In addition, it offers crop insurance products; trust products and services; investment services; mortgage banking services; online and mobile banking services; and debit and credit cards. The company operates 25 full-service banking locations; and 15 loan production offices located throughout Texas and Eastern New Mexico. South Plains Financial, Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Lubbock, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneySouth Plains Financial generates revenue primarily through interest income from its loan portfolio, which includes commercial loans, consumer loans, and mortgages. Additionally, the company earns income from service fees associated with deposit accounts and treasury management services. Other revenue streams include gains from the sale of loans and investment securities. The bank's ability to manage its interest rate spread effectively and maintain a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio significantly influences its profitability. Furthermore, partnerships with local businesses and community organizations enhance its customer base and contribute to steady earnings.

South Plains Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted meaningful full-year financial progress (17.8% EPS growth, >14% tangible book value growth, 33 bps NIM expansion year-over-year), solid deposit and loan growth, strong capital metrics, and a strategic, accretive M&A agreement (Bank of Houston) expected to materially increase scale in Houston. Near-term challenges were acknowledged: a modest quarterly EPS decline, higher provision for credit losses tied to late-quarter loan growth, modest NIM pressure and some consumer auto charge-off increases, plus integration and consulting costs tied to the acquisition. Management communicated confidence in organic growth, disciplined credit, and the accretive nature of the BOH transaction while warning of short-term headwinds (multifamily payoffs, loan-yield moderation). Overall, positive execution and strategic positioning outweigh manageable near-term pressures.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Full-Year EPS Growth
Delivered a 17.8% increase in diluted earnings per share for full year 2025, demonstrating meaningful profitability improvement year-over-year.
Net Interest Margin Expansion Over the Year
Reported 33 basis points of NIM expansion for the year with a fourth-quarter NIM of 4.00%, highlighting margin improvement over the twelve-month period despite quarter-to-quarter variability.
Tangible Book Value and Capital Strength
Tangible book value per share grew more than 14% to $29.05 (tangible common equity to tangible assets 10.61%, up 36 basis points quarter-over-quarter), indicating a stronger capital base and capital efficiency.
Deposit Growth and Stable Funding
Total deposits were $3.87 billion at quarter end, essentially steady quarter-over-quarter and up $253 million or 7% versus year-end 2024; noninterest-bearing deposits increased $88 million for the full year.
Loan Growth and Lending Momentum
Loans held for investment increased $91 million in Q4 to $3.14 billion; management expects loan growth to accelerate to a mid- to high-single-digit rate in 2026 driven by recruiter hires and market dislocation benefits.
Accretive M&A Execution — Bank of Houston Agreement
Entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BOH Holdings/Bank of Houston; transaction expected to be ~11% accretive to earnings in 2027 with a tangible book value earn-back of less than 3 years and to create > $1 billion in Houston-region loans for the combined franchise.
High-Quality Consumer Auto Portfolio
Indirect auto portfolio totaled $241 million with 94% of originations in super-prime or prime categories and 87.7% still super-prime/prime at quarter end; 30+ day past-due improved to 19 basis points, indicating strong credit performance.
Stable Noninterest Income and Controlled Expenses
Noninterest income was $10.9 million in Q4 (essentially flat vs. linked quarter) and noninterest expense remained controlled at $33 million (unchanged quarter-over-quarter).
Negative Updates
Quarterly EPS Decline
Diluted earnings per share fell to $0.90 in Q4 from $0.96 in the linked quarter, a decline of approximately 6.3%, primarily driven by a larger provision for credit losses and timing of loan funding/one-time interest items in the prior quarter.
Quarterly NIM Compression Risk
NIM was 4.00% in Q4 versus 4.05% in the prior quarter (down ~5 basis points q/q). Management noted pressure from market competition and expects the potential for some NIM compression as loan yields moderate with Fed rate cuts.
Higher Provision for Credit Losses
Recorded a $1.8 million provision for credit losses in Q4 versus $0.5 million in Q3 — an increase of $1.3 million or ~260% quarter-over-quarter — driven largely by strong loan growth late in the quarter.
Increase in Consumer Auto Net Charge-Offs
Net charge-offs for consumer autos increased to approximately $382,000 in Q4 from $160,000 in Q3, an increase of roughly 139%, signaling some incremental stress in the portfolio versus the prior quarter.
Loan Yield Moderation
Yield on loans declined to 6.79% in Q4 from 6.92% in the linked quarter; management expects loan yields to moderate in coming quarters as market interest rates decline and some onetime interest recoveries are excluded from comparisons.
Near-Term Payoff Headwinds
Company expects some headwinds in Q1 2026 from expected payoffs in the multifamily property portfolio and acknowledged uncertainty around payoff timing, which could dampen near-term loan growth.
Acquisition and Integration Costs / One-Time Expenses
Q4 included approximately $500,000 of acquisition-related expenses included in a $1.1 million professional services increase; management expects some consulting/integration costs in the near term related to the BOH transaction.
Mortgage Banking Seasonal Weakness
Mortgage banking revenues declined by $185,000 quarter-over-quarter due to seasonal volume declines; mortgage-related income remains a modest headwind until market activity recovers.
Company Guidance
Management guided loan growth to mid‑ to high‑single digits in 2026 (driven by organic recruiting — roughly 50% of ~9 planned lender hires completed — and the pending Bank of Houston deal expected to close early Q2 2026; BOH: ~$772M assets, $633M loans, $629M deposits as of 9/30/25, projected ~11% EPS accretion in 2027 and tangible book earn‑back <3 years). They expect to keep NIM near current levels (tax‑equivalent NIM 4.00% in Q4 vs. 4.05% in Q3) though modest compression is possible, new loan yields were in the mid‑6% range (loan yield 6.79% in Q4), and net interest income was $43.0M in Q4. Deposits were $3.87B at 12/31/25 (up $253M or 7% YoY), noninterest‑bearing deposits were 26.4% of total, cost of deposits 2.01% (down 9 bps q/q) with a modest further decline in cost of funds expected in Q1. Credit guidance included a Q4 provision of $1.8M and an ACL-to-loans ratio of 1.44%; loans held for investment were $3.14B (+$91M q/q). Other notable metrics: Q4 diluted EPS $0.90 (FY2025 EPS +17.8% YoY), tangible book value per share $29.05, tangible common equity/tangible assets 10.61%, quarterly dividend $0.17 (27th consecutive), noninterest income $10.9M (20% of revenues), noninterest expense $33M, and the indirect auto portfolio totaled $241M (94% originated super‑prime/prime; 87.7% super‑prime/prime at quarter end; 30+ DPD 19 bps; consumer auto net charge‑offs $382k in Q4).

South Plains Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid overall fundamentals supported by strong profitability (TTM net margin 22.81%, EBIT margin 28.92%) and a conservative balance sheet (debt-to-equity 0.13; ROE 13.16%). Cash generation is mixed: free cash flow grew 17.14% and FCF-to-net income is strong (92.58%), but operating cash flow conversion to net income is low and revenue growth has declined (-9.54% TTM).
Income Statement
75
Positive
South Plains Financial shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) data indicates a decline in revenue growth rate by 9.54%, which is a concern. However, the company maintains a strong net profit margin of 22.81% and a healthy EBIT margin of 28.92%, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. Historical data shows fluctuating revenue growth, but consistent profitability margins suggest stability in operations.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a solid financial position with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13 in the TTM, indicating conservative leverage. Return on equity is strong at 13.16%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is healthy, suggesting a stable capital structure. The trend of decreasing debt levels over the years further strengthens the financial stability of the company.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a positive trajectory with a 17.14% growth in free cash flow in the TTM. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is low, indicating potential challenges in converting income into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 92.58%, reflecting strong cash generation relative to net income. Historical fluctuations in cash flow growth rates suggest some volatility in cash management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue292.62M283.10M248.51M231.94M227.51M235.58M
Gross Profit200.70M185.00M171.62M211.86M216.16M194.06M
EBITDA81.66M69.80M85.83M80.12M79.56M63.18M
Net Income59.71M49.72M62.74M58.24M58.61M45.35M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.48B4.23B4.20B3.94B3.90B3.60B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments799.28M627.32M514.02M936.59M1.21B1.10B
Total Debt60.49M110.35M110.17M122.35M122.17M223.53M
Total Liabilities4.00B3.79B3.80B3.59B3.49B3.23B
Stockholders Equity477.80M438.95M407.11M357.01M407.43M370.05M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow63.59M56.03M53.86M119.12M93.35M2.32M
Operating Cash Flow69.23M59.38M58.54M123.59M96.27M5.63M
Investing Cash Flow1.80M-13.93M-143.38M-408.86M-159.84M-156.23M
Financing Cash Flow92.85M-16.53M180.11M33.33M250.08M292.81M

South Plains Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price41.66
Price Trends
50DMA
39.60
Positive
100DMA
38.84
Positive
200DMA
37.70
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.51
Negative
RSI
58.84
Neutral
STOCH
30.91
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SPFI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 41.66 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 40.33, above the 50-day MA of 39.60, and above the 200-day MA of 37.70, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.51 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 58.84 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 30.91 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SPFI.

South Plains Financial Risk Analysis

South Plains Financial disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. South Plains Financial reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

South Plains Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$781.22M16.426.26%4.16%8.23%-0.07%
79
Outperform
$727.32M10.7514.51%3.09%4.29%10.56%
77
Outperform
$678.79M12.1112.54%1.57%5.87%37.99%
77
Outperform
$706.46M10.8211.54%1.59%9.34%25.21%
75
Outperform
$679.76M13.409.01%0.84%13.41%41.78%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
61
Neutral
$812.73M-6.34-10.24%2.40%-8.51%-185.08%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SPFI
South Plains Financial
41.66
6.81
19.53%
EGBN
Eagle Bancorp
26.76
2.11
8.56%
HTBK
Heritage Commerce
12.73
3.57
39.00%
SMBC
Southern Missouri Bancorp
62.57
5.72
10.06%
IBCP
Independent Bank
35.15
0.66
1.91%
SMBK
SmartFinancial
39.92
5.34
15.44%

South Plains Financial Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
South Plains Financial Increases Quarterly Dividend for Shareholders
Positive
Jan 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, South Plains Financial, Inc. announced that its board of directors approved a 6% increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend to $0.17 per share of common stock, up from the dividend declared in November 2025. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on February 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 2, 2026, signaling the company’s continued willingness to return capital to investors and suggesting confidence in its ongoing financial performance and stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (SPFI) stock is a Buy with a $46.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on South Plains Financial stock, see the SPFI Stock Forecast page.

M&A Transactions
South Plains Financial Announces Merger with BOH Holdings
Positive
Dec 1, 2025

On December 1, 2025, South Plains Financial, Inc. (SPFI) announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire BOH Holdings, Inc. (BOH) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $105.9 million. This merger, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, will strengthen SPFI’s position as a leading Texas community bank, expanding its geographic footprint in the Houston metropolitan statistical area. The merger is anticipated to be accretive to SPFI’s earnings per share by 11% in 2027 and will result in a combined entity with approximately $5.4 billion in assets. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.

The most recent analyst rating on (SPFI) stock is a Buy with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on South Plains Financial stock, see the SPFI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 27, 2026