PFBC - Strong Growth In Niche Commercial Lending Taking PacWest Into 2019
Loan growth has been relatively disappointing across the banking sector during this rate cycle, but several banks have reported improving momentum in the fourth quarter, and with better than 20% growth in originations in the fourth quarter, I’d say PacWest (PACW) certainly qualifies. Rising deposit costs are going to be an issue in 2019, but PacWest’s low expense ratio and niche commercial lending franchises should offer some cover.
The attempted acquisition of El Dorado Savings didn’t work out, but I fully expect this highly acquisitive bank to remain on the hunt for opportunities