U.S. BANKS AND THRIFTS

the value proposition: U.S. banks & thrifts often have low downside risk and strong appreciation potential

u.s. banks & thrifts portfolio

The U.S. Banks and Thrifts portfolio is comprised of previously converted thrifts as well as deposit accounts in mutual banks, which give Polaris valuable preferential rights to purchase stock if the mutual institution converts to stock ownership. The bank stocks in the portfolio, typically smaller thrifts and community banks, are broadly diversified geographically. Many of the portfolio holdings have footholds in multiple markets and neighboring states.

While our global portfolios typically incorporate select U.S. banks, the Thrifts portfolio is a dedicated investment strategy focused solely on the financial sector (U.S. banks and U.S. thrift banks). Accredited and qualified investors interested in this portfolio should contact us directly for a more in-depth strategy discussion, whereby an outline of process, philosophy, holdings and performance can be adequately addressed.

In the meantime, we provide a brief glimpse into our current investment thesis and outlook for the portfolio, cognizant of ever changing macroeconomic conditions (geopolitical risks, interest rates/Fed Funds rates, capital requirements, etc.). Check back regularly to see our outlook for each coming quarter.

outlook (december 31, 2025) 

As we enter 2026, we expect significant performance dispersion across the banking sector, as institutions navigate evolving deposit and loan pricing dynamics based on the pace of Federal Reserve rate cuts.  A steeper yield curve than in the past few years may also prove beneficial for banks going forward, while M&A activity is expected keep pace with a heated 2025 (up 45% from 2024). We believe the banks that we own are undervalued and further M&A could be a catalyst for value realization.

Overall, we continue to favor banks with strong fundamental advantages: stable, low-cost deposit bases, diversified revenue streams that cushion against market volatility and prudent lending practices that minimize credit risk.  Our approach prioritizes resilience and adaptability — selecting banks that can perform well regardless of which economic scenario ultimately unfolds.
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Recent views on the U.S. banking sector:
Bullish On U.S. Bank Stocks: January 2025
Can U.S. Bank Stocks Recover From The 2023 Crisis: December 2023

Interested in learning more about Polaris’ U.S. bank and thrifts portfolio? Contact us today.

from the team at Polaris Capital...

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IMPORTANT INFO: RETIREMENT CALCULATOR

The retirement calculator is a model or tool intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. This model may be helpful in formulating your future plans, but does not constitute a complete financial plan. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a financial services professional who has a fiduciary relationship with you before making any type of investment or significant financial decision. We, at Polaris Capital, do not serve in this role for you. We also encourage you to review your investment strategy periodically as your financial circumstances change.

This model is provided as a rough approximation of future financial performance that you may encounter in reaching your retirement goals. The results presented by this model are hypothetical and may not reflect the actual growth of your own investments. Polaris strives to keep its information and tools accurate and up-to-date.

The information presented is based on objective analysis, but may not be the same that you find at a particular financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. Polaris Capital and its employees are not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken in reliance upon or as a result of the information provided by this tool. Polaris is not responsible for any human or mechanical errors or omissions. All content, calculations, estimates, and forecasts are presented without express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise.

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from the team at Polaris Capital...

DISCLAIMER: You are about to leave the Polaris Capital Management, LLC website and will be taken to the PCM Global Funds ICAV website. By accepting, you are consenting to being directed to the PCM Global Funds ICAV website for non-U.S. investors only.

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