---
title: "Stellar Bancorp Reports Strong Q1 Results, Advances Merger"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/284451817.md"
description: "Stellar Bancorp reported strong Q1 2026 results with a net income of $27 million, up from $26.1 million in Q4 2025, driven by loan growth and a higher net interest margin. The bank plans to merge with Prosperity Bancshares, with a shareholder meeting set for May 27, 2026, to vote on the merger. Analysts rate STEL stock as a Buy with a $44 price target, citing solid financial quality and positive corporate developments, despite some concerns over weakening earnings momentum."
datetime: "2026-04-28T21:17:53.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/284451817.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/284451817.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/284451817.md)
---

# Stellar Bancorp Reports Strong Q1 Results, Advances Merger

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Stellar Bancorp ( (STEL) ) has shared an announcement.

On April 28, 2026, Stellar Bancorp reported first-quarter 2026 net income of $27.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, up from $26.1 million, or $0.51 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by loan growth of $287.4 million and a modestly higher tax-equivalent net interest margin of 4.24%. Adjusted net income excluding merger-related costs reached $29.6 million, the bank redeemed $30 million of subordinated notes on April 1, 2026, and management highlighted that regulatory approvals have been received and a May 27, 2026 shareholder meeting has been set to vote on the planned merger with Prosperity Bancshares, which is expected to create a larger-scale Texas banking platform with enhanced capabilities and potential long-term value for stakeholders.

The latest results show Stellar’s core earnings momentum and balance sheet strengthening ahead of its proposed combination with Prosperity Bancshares, as rising adjusted profitability and disciplined capital actions may improve the merged entity’s financial flexibility. With integration planning already underway and resilient market conditions in its footprint, the company appears positioned to leverage increased scale in Texas banking, which could influence competitive dynamics and shareholder returns in the regional banking sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (STEL) stock is a Buy with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Stellar Bancorp stock, see the STEL Stock Forecast page.

**Spark’s Take on STEL Stock**

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, STEL is a Outperform.

The score is primarily supported by a conservatively positioned balance sheet and generally solid financial quality, reinforced by positive corporate developments (merger announcement and debt redemption). Offsetting factors include weakening 2025 earnings/revenue momentum and only mixed technical momentum (slightly negative MACD) alongside a merely average valuation and dividend yield.

To see Spark’s full report on STEL stock, click here.

**More about Stellar Bancorp**

Stellar Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Houston and listed on the NYSE under the ticker STEL, operates as a Texas-focused commercial banking franchise. The company provides loans and deposit services, with an emphasis on growing its loan portfolio and maintaining a strong net interest margin in resilient regional markets.

**Average Trading Volume:** 533,744

**Technical Sentiment Signal:** Buy

**Current Market Cap:** $1.9B

See more data about STEL stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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