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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

SouthState Corporation operates as the bank holding company for SouthState Bank, National Association that provides a range of banking services and products to individuals and companies.It accepts checking accounts, savings deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, certificates of deposits, money market accounts, and other time deposits.The company also offers commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, commercial, and industrial loans, as well as consumer loans, including auto, boat, and personal installment loans.


In addition, it provides debit card, mobile and funds transfer products, and treasury management services comprising merchant, automated clearing house, lock-box, remote deposit capture, and other treasury services.Further, the company offers safe deposit boxes, bank money orders, wire transfer, brokerage services, and alternative investment products, including annuities, mutual funds, and trust and asset management services; and credit cards, letters of credit, and home equity lines of credit.As of December 31, 2021, it served customers through 281 branches in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.


SouthState Corporation also serves its customers through online, mobile, and telephone banking platforms.The company was formerly known as First Financial Holdings, Inc.and changed its name to SouthState Corporation in July 2013.


SouthState Corporation was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida.

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1.b. Last Insights on SSB

SouthState Corporation's recent performance was driven by positive developments, including a 100.1% increase in holdings by HBK Sorce Advisory LLC, which now owns $3.19 million worth of shares. Additionally, the company received a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from 16 research firms, with 11 issuing a buy rating and 2 a strong buy rating. Furthermore, Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in the company, valued at approximately $1,190,000. The company's Q3 earnings also surpassed estimates, driven by higher income and the Independent Bank merger.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. SouthState Bank Corporation's Q4 2025 Earnings: A Strong Finish to the Year

SouthState Bank Corporation reported a robust Q4 2025 earnings, with a pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) of $323 million and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, beating analyst estimates of $2.3. The company's net interest margin (NIM) was 3.86%, and the cost of deposits was 1.82%. The strong financial performance was driven by an 8% loan growth and 8% deposit growth in the quarter, with a loan production of $3.9 billion. The company's return on tangible common equity for the year was approximately 20%, demonstrating its ability to generate strong returns for shareholders.

Publication Date: Feb -14

📋 Highlights
  • EPS & Tangible Book Growth:: 30% increase in earnings per share (EPS) to $2.47 and double-digit growth in tangible book value per share post-Independent Financial integration.
  • Loan & Deposit Growth:: 8% growth in both loans and deposits, supported by a $5 billion loan pipeline and 16% production growth in Q4 2025.
  • Full-Year Financial Performance:: $1.27 billion in PPNR and $9.50 EPS for 2025, with a 20% return on tangible common equity (ROTE) and a 3.86% net interest margin (NIM).
  • 2026 Guidance:: NIM forecasted between 3.80–3.90%, $125 million in loan accretion, and 1.75% deposit costs in Q1 2026, alongside mid-single-digit expense growth.
  • Capital & Share Repurchase:: 8.8% TCE ratio, 11.4% CET1 ratio, and 2 million shares repurchased in Q4, with a $97% payout ratio (dividends + buybacks) expected to normalize in 2026.

Loan Growth and Pipeline

The company's loan pipeline has leveled off at $5 billion, with production growth of 16% in the fourth quarter. Management expects mid- to upper single-digit loan growth in 2026, driven by the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment. The company is also investing in revenue producers, focusing on growing the front office and middle market. As John Corbett noted, the company is looking to increase commercial RMs by 10% to 15% in the next year or two, which is contained within the expense guidance.

Net Interest Margin and Deposit Costs

The company's NIM is expected to remain between 3.80% to 3.90% in 2026, with interest-earning assets averaging $61 billion to $62 billion. Deposit costs are expected to be around 1.75% in the first quarter, and management guided that deposit pricing is expected to migrate lower throughout the year, with a beta of around 27% to 30%. The company's loan yields are also expected to be supported by the legacy bank's fixed-rate loans repricing in the next 12 months, with a 5.06% coupon.

Valuation and Dividend Yield

With a Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) ratio of 1.15, the stock appears to be reasonably valued. The Dividend Yield is 2.25%, providing a relatively attractive return for income investors. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 6.4%, which is slightly higher than the company's historical growth rate. Given the company's strong financial performance and guidance, it is likely that the stock will continue to perform well in the near term.

Expense Growth and Efficiency

The company's efficiency ratio remained below 50% for the quarter and the year, demonstrating its ability to manage expenses effectively. Management guided mid-single-digit expense growth for 2026, using the $1.407 billion 2025 expense base. The company's total payout ratio, including dividends and share repurchases, was 97% in the fourth quarter, but it's unlikely to remain that high.

3. NewsRoom

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SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Feb -17

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SouthState earns 2nd highest awards for Best Bank across U.S.

Feb -12

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SouthState Corporation (SSB) Just Paid Its Dividend. Here's How We Scored It

Feb -06

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SouthState Bank (NYSE:SSB) vs. Central Bancompany (NASDAQ:CBC) Head to Head Survey

Feb -05

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SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB) Given Average Recommendation of “Buy” by Brokerages

Feb -01

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SouthState Bank Q4 Earnings Call Highlights

Jan -25

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SouthState Bank Corporation (SSB) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Jan -23

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SSB Q4 Earnings Beat on Growth in NII, Fee Revenues, Provisions Rise

Jan -23

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (7.53%)

6. Segments

Banking and Related Activities

Expected Growth: 7.53%

SouthState Corporation's 7.53% growth in Banking and Related Activities is driven by strategic acquisitions, expansion of commercial lending, and increased deposit growth. Additionally, the company's focus on digital transformation, cost savings initiatives, and a favorable interest rate environment have contributed to its growth momentum.

7. Detailed Products

Consumer Banking

Personal banking services for individuals, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages.

Commercial Banking

Financial solutions for businesses, including cash management, commercial lending, and treasury management services.

Mortgage Banking

Residential mortgage lending services for individuals and families, including purchase and refinance loans.

Wealth Management

Investment and wealth management services, including investment advice, portfolio management, and retirement planning.

Treasury Management

Cash management and treasury services for businesses, including account management, payment processing, and fraud prevention.

Digital Banking

Online and mobile banking services, including account access, bill pay, and mobile deposit.

8. SouthState Corporation's Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

SouthState Corporation operates in the banking industry, where substitutes are limited. However, fintech companies and digital banking platforms are emerging as potential substitutes, posing a moderate threat.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

SouthState Corporation's customers have limited bargaining power due to the fragmented nature of the banking industry. Customers have multiple options, but the switching costs are relatively high.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

SouthState Corporation's suppliers, such as technology providers and vendors, have limited bargaining power due to the company's large scale of operations and diversified supply chain.

Threat Of New Entrants

The banking industry has high barriers to entry, including regulatory hurdles and capital requirements, making it difficult for new entrants to pose a significant threat to SouthState Corporation.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The banking industry is highly competitive, with many established players competing for market share. SouthState Corporation faces intense rivalry from other regional banks and national banks.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 8.01%
Debt Cost 7.66%
Equity Weight 91.99%
Equity Cost 7.66%
WACC 7.66%
Leverage 8.70%

11. Quality Control: SouthState Corporation passed 4 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

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Wintrust Financial

A-Score: 6.2/10

Value: 6.7

Growth: 6.9

Quality: 7.2

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 7.3

1-Year Total Return ->

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Atlantic Union Bankshares

A-Score: 5.9/10

Value: 6.2

Growth: 5.2

Quality: 7.0

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 6.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Ameris

A-Score: 5.5/10

Value: 3.2

Growth: 7.8

Quality: 5.7

Yield: 2.0

Momentum: 7.0

Volatility: 7.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
SouthState

A-Score: 5.5/10

Value: 5.3

Growth: 5.4

Quality: 6.9

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 7.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
UMB

A-Score: 5.4/10

Value: 5.9

Growth: 5.8

Quality: 6.3

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 3.5

Volatility: 7.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Eastern Bank

A-Score: 5.4/10

Value: 3.8

Growth: 5.8

Quality: 6.1

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 6.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

105.44$

Current Price

105.44$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows