Some 401k Plan Sponsors have taken the approach of providing a broad range of investment options hoping that providing a few, low-cost index funds would fulfill their fiduciary duty to monitor fees and expenses of their plan. The logic here… Read More >
Should I Check the Per Stirpes Box?
Many people save for retirement in a defined-contribution retirement plan (like a 401k) or an individual retirement account (traditional or Roth IRA). It is important to designate beneficiaries for accounts. The forms, often seemingly simple to fill out, have hidden… Read More >
Effects of Automatic Enrollment in Plan Design
In our recent investment commentary, we highlighted research regarding plan design and plan participants. The research clearly highlights the effects that plan design can have on plan participants and retirement outcomes. While the study largely confirms that automatic enrollment has… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q2 2021
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. Our Birmingham Area Economic Report places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click here to download the full report… Read More >
It is Time to Think About M&A
M&A is Back Say what you will about 2020, Alabama’s banking system changed on a dime to meet the needs of our clients and local economies. Think about it. Branches closed, digital services grew, employee and customer health needs were… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – March 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of March 31, 2021…. Read More >
Economies of Scale in Community Banks: An FDIC Study
Overview In December 2020, the FDIC produced a staff study entitled Economies of Scale in Community Banks1 which concluded community banks generate 90% of potential efficiency gains when a bank’s loan portfolio reaches $300 million and continue to accrue cost… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q1 2020
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. Our Birmingham Area Economic Report places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click here to download the full report… Read More >
What’s It Worth, Summer 2020
During Q2 2020 (April-June), the public and private capital markets experienced the full effects of COVID-19 throughout the 90-day period. Deal volume halted as the number of completed deals declined by over 50% from recent levels; however, based on the… Read More >
Understanding Your Local Economy in the COVID Era
The best way to understand what is happening in your market is to do what Alabama Community Bankers excel at every day…understanding your clients and their financial needs. That said, having reliable, timely economic data applicable to your community is… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q4 2019
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. Our Birmingham Area Economic Report places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click here to download the full report… Read More >
The Bank Shot – July 2020
In This Issue In “YTD 2020 Bank Valuations” we review YTD Regional and Community Bank deal valuations. In “YTD 2020 Bank M&A Scorecard” we review YTD Community Bank M&A transactions. In “M&A Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic” we discuss our… Read More >
Reflections on Markets During the Pandemic – 2Q 2020
While following events closely during the second quarter of 2020 when our society shut down for almost a month and then started reopening, a few important investment themes emerged. I. S&P 500 Recovered but Rates Stayed Low. While the equity… Read More >
What’s It Worth, Spring 2020
During the first quarter of 2020, buyers and sellers experienced at least two strong months of deal volume before COVID-19 dramatically slowed down M&A activity in March. Investors’ views of certain industries and sectors have changed significantly since January, and… Read More >
The SECURE Act
The SECURE Act of 2019 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) is a wide-ranging act, spanning nearly 40 provisions It is the most comprehensive retirement savings package to become law since the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and seeks… Read More >
Considering Employer Match Suspension
As businesses reopen and employees return to work, employers are wrestling with how to handle cash flow in unprecedented circumstances. If you are considering suspending the employer match in your company’s retirement plan, you are not alone. Can you suspend… Read More >
M&A Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Overview Porter White & Company (“PW&Co”) reviewed almost 4,000 community bank M&A transactions since 2001 to ascertain the impact, by county, of county economic standing (as measured by GDP) on deal activity and transaction pricing. We believe this analysis may… Read More >
COVID-19 Impact on Valuation – When was it known or knowable?
During the past few weeks, business owners have been thrust into a new normal and forced to evaluate the potential short-term and long-term implications of COVID-19 on their businesses, employees, and families. One word that I have heard in almost… Read More >
