Loan Originations

Business

First Merchants Navigates Rate Headwinds with Steady Loan Growth in Q4

Despite an 8.3% year-over-year revenue dip, First Merchants Corporation reported resilient fourth-quarter earnings, buoyed by disciplined deposit strategies and robust loan expansion. CEO Mark Hardwick pointed to strong commercial activity as a key driver, even as analysts probe the sustainability of growth and integration challenges ahead.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Frost Bank Beats Earnings Estimates on Texas Expansion, Sees Strong Loan Growth Ahead

Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE: CFR) reported fourth-quarter revenue in line with expectations but delivered a significant earnings beat, driven by its aggressive branch network expansion in Texas and robust commercial lending. Management expressed confidence in sustained loan growth and improving margins for the coming year.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Exclusive: Europe's $500 Billion Crisis Fund Eyed for Defense Loans Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The head of the European Stability Mechanism has told Reuters the bloc's 430-billion-euro emergency fund could be repurposed to provide defense loans to member states, signaling a strategic shift as Europe seeks to bolster its military autonomy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Northeast Bank's Loan Surge and New SMB Product Spark Investor Debate Amid Rising Charge-Offs

Northeast Bank's Q2 2026 results reveal a bank in transition: record loan growth and a promising new small business product are countered by rising charge-offs and a token dividend, leaving analysts divided on its investment narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Axos Financial's Strategic Leap: Verdant Acquisition and AI Drive Fuel Loan Growth and Investor Confidence

Axos Financial's recent acquisition of Verdant Commercial Capital and its deepening investment in artificial intelligence are translating into tangible financial gains, with robust loan growth and surging share prices highlighting the digital bank's evolving strategy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Axos Financial Beats Expectations in Q2 2026, Driven by Strong Loan Growth and Profitability

Axos Financial Inc. (AX) reported robust second-quarter earnings for fiscal 2026, highlighted by a 23.3% surge in earnings per share and significant loan portfolio expansion, even as it manages industry-wide margin pressures and rising operational costs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cullen/Frost Bankers Posts Strong Q2 Earnings, Driven by Texas Expansion and Loan Growth

The Texas-based financial institution reported a year-over-year increase in profits, deposits, and loans for the second quarter of 2025. While management highlighted the success of its organic branch expansion strategy, it also acknowledged intensifying competitive pressures in key lending markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Axos Financial Posts Robust Q2 Growth, Fueled by Loan Expansion and Verdant Acquisition

Axos Financial (NYSE: AX) reported strong fiscal Q2 2026 results, with net income jumping to $128.4 million. Driven by broad-based loan growth and contributions from Verdant Commercial Capital, the digital bank highlighted expanding margins, improved credit metrics, and a confident outlook for continued mid-teens annual loan growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi's Lending Engine: A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity Just Getting Started

SoFi Technologies' record loan originations in Q4 2026 are just the beginning. With a foothold in personal, student, and home loans, the fintech giant is poised to capture a massive share of multi-trillion-dollar markets, driven by refinancing demand and cross-selling to its growing member base.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analyst Bullish on BrightSpire Capital, Citing Strong Liquidity to Fuel 2026 Growth

B.Riley initiates coverage on BrightSpire Capital (BRSP) with a Buy rating, highlighting its robust cash position and improved credit quality as key drivers for future loan originations, while its stock trades at a discount to book value.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SB Financial Group Caps Off a Record 2025 with Strong Q4, Eyes Further Growth Amid Industry Headwinds

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape, SB Financial Group (SBFG) reports robust fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, marking one of its strongest performances in history with significant loan growth and disciplined expense management.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi Profits Surge as Fee-Based Boom Shields Fintech from Rate Volatility

SoFi Technologies posts a sharp rise in quarterly profit, driven by record loan demand and a 78% revenue surge in its fee-generating financial services arm. The performance highlights a strategic shift as consumers flock to digital lenders for debt consolidation, while potential regulatory headwinds loom for the credit card industry.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Credit Acceptance Navigates Market Headwinds with Tech Focus and Steady Earnings Growth

Despite facing a dip in loan performance and market share, Credit Acceptance Corp (CACC) posted growth in adjusted earnings per share for Q4 2025, highlighting strategic investments in dealer technology and a disciplined, long-term financial approach.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

NewtekOne Posts Record 2025, Touts Bank Charter Success and Disruptive Tech Edge

NewtekOne (NASDAQ: NEWT) reported robust Q4 and full-year 2025 results, highlighting the third anniversary of its OCC-chartered bank. The financial holding company saw net income rise 16.4% to $80 million, driven by strong deposit growth, successful securitizations, and a focus on serving independent business owners with long-term, 'patient capital' loans.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Expert Warns Against Raiding Retirement Funds for Car Debt, Urges Calculated Approach

A soon-to-be father's anxiety over an $8,000 car loan led him to consider a costly 401(k) withdrawal. Financial experts Dave Ramsey and John Delony strongly advised against it, highlighting the severe penalties and long-term consequences of mixing emotional decisions with retirement planning.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Pioneer Bancorp Posts Robust 2025 Earnings, Launches Broker-Dealer Arm in Strategic Push

Pioneer Bancorp reported a 33% surge in net income to $20.3 million for 2025, driven by loan growth and a new initiative to trade municipal bonds, as the regional bank expands its revenue streams.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Subway Franchisee MTF Enterprises Seeks Chapter 11 Protection Amid Cash Flow Crisis

MTF Enterprises, a major operator of 43 Subway restaurants across four states, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing unsustainable debt burdens from merchant cash advance loans. The move highlights ongoing pressures within the franchise sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The 50-Year Mortgage: A Lifeline for Homebuyers or a Lifetime of Debt? New Data Reveals Limited Impact

A new analysis examines whether ultra-long home loans can solve the affordability crisis. While they offer a monthly payment reprieve in select markets, the long-term financial toll is staggering, raising questions about who truly benefits.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

White House Seeks $12 Billion for "Project Vault," a Strategic Minerals Reserve

The Trump administration is moving to establish a major national stockpile of critical minerals, with a $10 billion federal loan and private investment, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign supplies for key technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Buell's $10M Federal Lifeline: A Crucial Test for the Reborn American Motorcycle Maker

A new federal loan aims to help the revived Buell Motorcycle Company scale production of its high-performance Super Cruiser, testing whether niche innovation can find a sustainable path in a competitive market.

Feb 2, 2026