South Plains Financial Reaffirms 2026 Loan Growth Targets

The bank maintains an 85% loan-to-deposit ratio as it shifts leadership and integrates its recent acquisition.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Corporate Finance

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy vault hinge and metal blocks, representing financial stability and regional banking liquidity targets. — South Plains Financial reaffirmed its 2026 loan growth targets and an 85% loan-to-deposit ratio following the integration of Bank of Houston. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust current bank lending trends to support your own personal financial stability?

South Plains Financial posted $20.8 million in net income for the third quarter of 2026 as it finalized its integration of Bank of Houston. The company reaffirmed its 2026 mid-single-digit loan growth guidance and reiterated its preference for an 85% loan-to-deposit ratio.

Why it matters

Maintaining a target loan-to-deposit ratio of 85% provides operators with a benchmark for the bank's liquidity strategy and lending capacity. The successful system conversion and integration of Bank of Houston positions the firm to continue its growth trajectory as it approaches a leadership transition.

South Plains Financial reported $3.83 billion in loans held for investment and $4.66 billion in total deposits as of September 30, 2026, marking quarterly increases of $59.7 million and $20.1 million respectively. The firm maintains a 4.00% tax-equivalent net interest margin.

The players

South Plains Financial

A regional banking institution that provides commercial and retail financial services.

Bank of Houston

A financial entity recently integrated as a subsidiary of South Plains Financial.

Curtis Griffith

The current CEO of South Plains Financial scheduled to retire at the end of 2026.

Cory Newsom

The incoming CEO of South Plains Financial slated to assume the role on December 31, 2026.

The details

The bank is balancing growth with liquidity targets, favoring a loan-to-deposit ratio near 85%. Operational activity this quarter included a $25 million early payoff on a loan secured by a deposit account, reflecting fluctuations in credit portfolios. Having completed the Bank of Houston system conversion, the company is now focused on standardized operations across its footprint.

June 30, 2026: Previous quarter-end for financial data comparison.
September 30, 2026: End of fiscal third quarter.
October 22, 2026: Earnings call held to discuss results.
December 31, 2026: Scheduled CEO transition from Curtis Griffith to Cory Newsom.

Market Landscape

The completion of the Bank of Houston integration serves as a pivotal point for South Plains Financial's operational scalability. This move follows a typical post-merger path of consolidating systems to drive efficiency as the company prepares for an upcoming change in executive leadership.

Operators should monitor the bank's disciplined 85% loan-to-deposit ratio as an indicator of local credit availability. The upcoming leadership change in December may signal shifts in strategic focus, making it a key date to watch for future lending criteria updates.

The takeaway

South Plains Financial is focusing on maintaining core margins while finalizing organizational transitions. Business owners should keep the December 31, 2026, leadership change on their calendar as a potential inflection point for local lending policy.