This past August Porter White attended the Alabama Bankers Association’s CEO and Directors College in Point Clear, AL. One frequent topic of discussion was the bank merger marketplace. There seemed to be a general consensus that the M&A market was… Read More >
Economic Update, Q3 2015
This economic update provides a snapshot of the local Birmingham economy, a prequel to our quarterly Birmingham Area Economic Report that will be published once regional and national data is made available. Each data series (number of people employed, retail… Read More >
The Role of Bonds in a Portfolio
When markets become more volatile, it is a good time to reflect on the role of bonds in a portfolio. While we do not recommend reacting to short-term changes in market movement, we do think it is a good time… Read More >
What’s it Worth, Q2 2015
U.S Middle-market private equity activity remained strong in Q2 2015 with elevated multiples holding steady. Deal multiples of 15.0x EBITDA are no longer seen as outliers, prompting data providers to increase their deal parameters to include these transactions. The continued… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q2 2015
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. This is the fifth edition of the newly reinstated Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, which is published quarterly. The results in… Read More >
Shifting Sands in Birmingham’s Banking Scene
Deposit market share data for the U.S. banking system, which provide insight to a given market’s competitive landscape, were released in late September by the FDIC. Such data are released annually by the FDIC as of each June 30th. An… Read More >
Political Tales of Private Sector Success
During the CNN Republican Debate on September 16, 2015, the top eleven (yes, eleven) hopefuls for the party’s nomination spoke to policy issues, personal achievements, and of course, the shortcomings of others. When the topic shifted to the economy and… Read More >
Uber: A Test for Birmingham
The local media have reported that conversations have restarted between the Birmingham City Council and Uber, the ride sharing service that is the prime exemplar of the “sharing economy.” A deal with Uber involving a revised city transportation ordinance would… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q1 2015
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. This is the fourth edition of the newly reinstated Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, which is published quarterly. The results in… Read More >
Principal Trends and Interest, Q2 2015
We are pleased to present “Addressing Activist Shareholders” by Robert Klingler with Bryan Cave LLP. Klingler explores how banks can manage the delicate issue of activist shareholders. In “The Long and Winding Road…First Half 2015 Bank M&A Scorecard,” we review… Read More >
Remember the Lost Decade
Five years ago, the financial press was talking about the “lost decade.” The S&P 500 had not earned an investor any money, even when including dividends, for the first decade of this century (ending December 2009). While 2009 saw stocks… Read More >
Projecting Long Term Returns
One of our fundamental responsibilities as an investment manager is to build sound investment portfolios. The objective of our portfolios is to meet the fundamental return needs of our clients while taking an acceptable level of risk. Inevitably, this requires… Read More >
What’s it Worth, Q1 2015
This report explores recent valuation trends in the public and private markets, directed to small and middle market business owners and the professionals and financial institutions that serve them. The review is designed to provide realistic guidance on the question… Read More >
Principal Trends and Interest, Q1 2015
In “Party Like It’s 1999?…First Quarter 2015 Bank M&A Scorecard,” we review the merger marketplace and look for clues to understand the forces currently affecting bank M&A. Porter White is also pleased to present “CFFB ‘Hot-Button’ Areas to Know” by… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q4 2014
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy and indicate that the growth of our economy has generally lagged in comparison to state and national growth rates. This is the third edition… Read More >
What’s it Worth, a Valuation Newsletter
This report initiates Porter, White & Company’s Quarterly Valuation Review, directed to small and middle market business owners and the professionals and financial institutions that serve them. The Review is designed to provide realistic guidance on the question, “What’s it… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q3 2014
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy and indicate that the growth of our economy has generally lagged in comparison to state and national growth rates. This is the second edition… Read More >
Great Time to be a Seller – ACG Conference
Last week, Porter White attended the ACG Capital Connection in Atlanta with over 1,000 middle-market private equity professionals and other capital providers. The story we heard all last year continued – competition to invest capital and close deals has continued… Read More >
