Stephens analyst Matt Olney upgraded Independent Bank (IBTX) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $61, down from $67. Independent shares have underperformed the BANK index by about 9% since the merger of equals Texas Capital (TCBI) deal announcement in early December, noted Olney, who believes the pullback captures the near-term integration risk. After deal closing, he expects the combined company to focus on a more optimized balance sheet that would limit earnings volatility and improve profitability, Olney noted.

Q1 EPS included an 8c per diluted share legal settlement expense, FDIC special assessment expense of 5c per diluted share and 3c per diluted share of restructuring expenses. Reports Q1 loan loss provision $19.0M vs. $19.0M for 4Q23. Q1 net charge-offs were $10.8M vs. $13.8M and $19.9M during 4Q23 and 1Q23, respectively. Tangible book value per share was $ 61.06 from $61.34 at previous quarter end. "We continue to leverage our unique balance sheet positioning and maturing product capabilities to build an enduring and valuable franchise," said Rob C. Holmes, CEO. "Quality quarterly growth in areas of focus coupled with strong firm-wide pipelines signal emerging momentum moving into Q2."