Clearly, the bankers in charge at Embassy still know how to pack a punch. As I predicted in my 2013 review, CEO David Lobach and his colleagues have succeeded in doubling the bank's value. In fact, they've done better than I predicted, accomplishing this growth "organically" versus sale of the bank. EMYB is up 120%, and assets are up 50%.
I see no reason why this team can't grow EMYB another 50% over the next four years. If I'm right, Embassy's stock could trade for $30 on its own by 2021, giving investors another chance to double their money.
Lobach is 67 and has certainly earned the right to cash in on his 500% change in control provision any time he likes. I'd be just as happy to see him keep running at full steam ahead for another four years, first. Either way, he's done right by the bank, its customers, its shareholders, and his own family.
Disclosure: As of this posting, I own shares of EMYB and may subsequently either dispose of them or purchase more.
Prospective Buyers
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The M&A scene in Embassy's back yard is so hot that two of the institutions I had listed as prospective buyers in May 2013 have since been acquired, themselves — First Niagara Financial Group, Buffalo, NY (FNFG) and National Penn Bancshares, Boyertown, PA (NPBC).
Fulton Financial Corp, Lancaster, PA (FULT)
Provident Financial Services, Iselin, NJ (PFS)
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Financial Snapshot
†as of 03/31/2017 |
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Luminaries
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David Lobach, Jr, Chairman, President, CEO
Judith Hunsicker, Senior Executive VP, Secretary, CFO, COO James R. Bartholomew, Executive VP | ||||||||||||||||
Gold Stars
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I still love how efficient and committed Embassy is! In some ways the bank is operating even more efficiently now than it was four years ago, especially considering that its peer group is now comprised of only the strongest players.
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Sources
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