Cadence Bank surpasses estimates on robust loan growth and margin expansion

Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings that cleared Wall Street estimates, driven by a meaningful expansion in its net interest margin and a 10% surge in total loans over the course of 2025.

The Tupelo, Mississippi-based lender posted adjusted net income of $160.6 million, or $0.85 per share, for the final three months of 2025.

The result surpassed the $0.79 consensus estimate provided by Zacks Investment Research.

Revenue net of interest expense grew 17.1% year-over-year to $528.4 million, reflecting the bank's successful integration of recent acquisitions in high-growth markets.

A standout feature of the quarter was the net interest margin (NIM), which improved to 3.55%, up 9 basis points sequentially.

This expansion was fueled by a reduction in funding costs and a loan portfolio that reached $37.2 billion by year-end.

Organic loan growth accounted for $2.2 billion of the $3.5 billion total increase in 2025, signaling steady demand across the bank’s commercial and retail footprints.

The report arrives at a pivotal moment for Cadence.

The bank is in the final stages of its merger with Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, a transaction expected to close on February 1, 2026.

The partnership is anticipated to create a "super-regional" powerhouse, significantly expanding its presence across the South and Texas.