First Horizon Corporation Reports Strong Second Quarter Performance

In a recent announcement, First Horizon Corporation, a prominent player in the commercial banking sector, has delivered impressive financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, reported a net income available to common shareholders of $233 million, translating to earnings per share (EPS) of $0.45. This marks a notable increase from the first quarter of 2025, where the EPS stood at $0.41. The improvement in performance is attributed to a $3 million after-tax increase from notable items, contrasting with a $4 million decrease in the previous quarter.

Excluding these notable items, the adjusted net income available to common shareholders for the second quarter was $229 million, or $0.45 per share, up from $217 million or $0.42 per share in the first quarter. Bryan Jordan, President and CEO of First Horizon, expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to safety, soundness, profitability, and growth. Jordan highlighted the strengths of First Horizon’s business model and geographic footprint, which have been instrumental in delivering long-term value and strong outcomes for shareholders and clients alike.

Upcoming Financial Conference

Looking ahead, First Horizon National is set to host a financial conference on July 16, 2025, where it will present its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Analysts have projected an EPS of $0.416, a significant increase from the $0.340 recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. However, the company is expected to report a 34.51% decrease in revenue, with anticipated earnings of $831.7 million compared to $1.27 billion in the prior year. For the fiscal year, analysts predict an average EPS of $1.71, up from $1.36, with total revenue estimated at $3.35 billion, down from $5.00 billion.

Revival of M&A Activity in the Banking Sector

In broader financial news, the banking sector is witnessing a resurgence in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, particularly among large U.S. and regional banks. This revival is largely attributed to the regulatory environment under the Trump administration, which contrasts with the previous administration’s stance that often opposed or blocked significant deals. Recent weeks have seen increased discussions and exploratory conversations about potential mergers, signaling a shift towards consolidation in the industry.

The Federal Reserve’s recent proposal to revise its evaluation criteria for large banks could further facilitate M&A activity. By requiring deficiencies across multiple categories before downgrading a bank’s “well managed” rating, the new guidelines may ease restrictions on acquisitions, as banks not deemed “well managed” are currently barred from engaging in such activities. This regulatory clarity and a more permissive environment are expected to encourage more mergers, particularly among Wall Street banks and large regional lenders.

As First Horizon continues to demonstrate strong financial performance and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape, the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion in the dynamic banking sector.