Porter White & Company (PWCo) releases its Birmingham Area Economic Report every quarter. The report highlights various economic trends impacting the Birmingham-MSA, the state of Alabama, and comparable cities across the southeast. In the Q1 2017 Economic Report, PWCo highlighted the fact that Birmingham’s economy is growing but continues to lag other comparable southeastern metros…. Read More >
News & Insights
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q1 2017
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. The Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, published quarterly, places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click here to download the full report with a more in-depth look at the statistics. The… Read More >
PWCo’s Jim White Featured in ABA Board Briefs
The Alabama Bankers Association included several expert sources in their May / June 2017 edition of Board Briefs. Contributors shared perspectives on commercial real estate, historic tax credits, financial regulatory reform and many additional topics relevant to the banking sector. Jim White, chairman of Porter White & Company, was one of the contributors included in… Read More >
Econ Report Cited in BBJ
In recent months, analysts and writers have shared reports highlighting job growth trends in the U.S. Some national reports show encouraging statistics. That said, certain states are still trying to catch up to the national economy. In a recent article featured in the Birmingham Business Journal, Neal Wade, director of the University of Alabama’s Economic… Read More >
Bank of Wedowee Advised by PW&Co in Sale to First Bank of Alabama
Talladega, AL – FirstBanc of Alabama, Inc. of Talladega, AL and Swann Bancshares, Inc. of Wedowee, AL announced today the signing of a definitive agreement for FirstBanc, the parent company of First Bank of Alabama, to acquire Swann and its wholly-owned subsidiary Bank of Wedowee in an all-cash transaction. Principals of Porter White & Company,… Read More >
Stone Offers Thoughts on Startups Raising Capital
Businesses that want to grow and expand must raise capital to fund their goals. For startups, the fundraising process can be extremely challenging. Recently, the Birmingham Business Journal examined fundraising trends for startups in Birmingham and invited several investment banking experts to share their insights in a cover story entitled, “Funding deals grow for Birmingham… Read More >
PW&Co Completes Sale of Nutec Metal Finishing
PW&Co served as the sell-side advisor to Nutec Metal Finishing (“Company”), an Alabama-based metal plating Company, on its sale to a confidential buyer. PW&Co’s investment banking team was led by Michael Stone and Kip Porter. The Company offers zinc electroplating, mechanical galvanizing/plating, and custom metal finishes. PW&Co performed due diligence on the Company and prepared… Read More >
Estimating Bond Returns
Many people find the performance of bonds, and particularly bond funds, confusing. We know that if we buy a bond for $100 that matures in 5 years and pays a $5 coupon (or 5% yield), then we will earn 5% if we hold that bond to maturity. (I am assuming that the bond does not… Read More >
What’s It Worth, Q4 2016
Our quarterly valuation review 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 “What’s it Worth?,” keeping in mind that proper preparation for real world transactions… Read More >
Birmingham Business Journal Explores PWCo Econ Report
On February 2, 2017, Porter White & Company (PWCo) released its Q3 2016 Birmingham Area Economic Report. The report reveals that the Birmingham-Hoover MSA has experienced significant losses in manufacturing over the past decade and has experienced gains in the leisure and hospitality industry. The report also reveals that Alabama has not fully recovered from… Read More >
The Bank Shot – February 2017
Click here for the PDF. In This Issue In “Trump Bump?…2016 Bank M&A Scorecard,” we discuss how M&A in 2016 was down compared to 2015 but wonder if the November election could be a boon to 2017 bank M&A. In “CRE Concentration Considerations,” we review an issue a number of banks are contending with in… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q3 2016
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. This is the tenth edition of the newly reinstated Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, which is published quarterly. The results in this report are the best of the reports we have published thus far. Click 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 complexity. You are likely to encounter the words “per stirpes,” which means “by roots” in… Read More >
Make Small Cap Stocks Great Again?
The stock markets in the days immediately following the recent US presidential election were surprising to many in a number of ways. US small company stocks experienced higher returns than US large company stocks. This period helps illustrate how different parts of the market can generate returns (and losses) that appear quickly, unpredictably, and with… Read More >
PWCo Economic Report Featured in BBJ
On December 1, 2016, Porter White and Company (PWCo) released its Q2 2016 Birmingham Area Economic Report. The report places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context, and focuses on the following statistical series: number of people employed, retail sales, occupational tax collections, airport enplanements, and commercial and industrial electricity sales…. Read More >
The Bank Shot – October 2016
In “IRS Besieges Family Controlled Banks,” we discuss proposed regulations that could have far-reaching and punitive consequences for family-owned banks. In “Q3 2016 Bank M&A Scorecard,” we review current trends in bank M&A and discuss the impact of loose-lipped politicians. IRS Besieges Family Controlled Banks On August 4, 2016, the United States Department of Treasury… Read More >
Do Investment Consultants Pick Winners?
Investors hire advisors for a number of reasons, but the primary reason is usually that they want help choosing investments. Individuals typically rely on brokers or investment advisors. Institutions are served by “investment consultants” who specialize in helping them manage endowments and pension plans. Most investment consultants offer a range of services, including investment policy… Read More >
BBJ Reports on Valuation Trends
In late August, Porter White and Company (PWCo) published “What’s it Worth, Q1 2016,” a quarterly valuation review that explores recent valuation trends in the public and private markets. In the report, PWCo highlights the fact that U.S. private equity activity declined during the first quarter of 2016. Also, lower middle market companies saw capital… Read More >
