LUBBOCK, Texas, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South...








    



            







    
        
            February 05, 2026 16:15 ET
        

        
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                South Plains Financial, Inc.
            
                

        
    

    

    

    





        
LUBBOCK, Texas, Feb.  05, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank (“City Bank” or the “Bank”), announced that it has been named one of the best banks in the country, ranking 7th on Forbes 17th annual list of America’s Best Banks. The designation ranked City Bank as the top bank in Texas.  Curtis Griffith, South Plains’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are truly honored to be included on this prestigious list. This ranking reflects the dedication and impact of our employees at every level of our organization. Their commitment strengthens our bank, supports our customers, and enriches the communities we serve. Our people are truly our greatest strength.”  The 200 largest publicly-traded banks and thrifts by assets were eligible for the list. Forbes ranked the top 100 banks based on an analysis of 11 equally-weighted metrics measuring credit quality, profitability, and stock performance from the last twelve months as of September 30, 2025.  About South Plains Financial, Inc.  South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust, and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.  Contact:  InvestorsMikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretaryinvestors@city.bank(866) 771-3347  MediaMichelle Hougland mhougland@city.bank(806) 792-7101, ext. 2270  Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.  
            

SPFI

South Plains Financial, Inc. Named One of America's Best Banks by Forbes

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>LUBBOCK, Texas, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>South Plains Financial, Inc. has been recognized as the 7th best bank on Forbes&#039; America’s Best Banks list, ranking City Bank as the top bank in Texas. This recognition is based on a comprehensive analysis, likely enhancing SPFI&#039;s brand reputation and market position, which could drive stock performance positively.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>South Plains Financial ranked 7th on Forbes America’s Best Banks list.</li><li>City Bank recognized as the top bank in Texas.</li><li>Forbes analysis included 200 largest U.S. banks and thrifts by assets.</li><li>The ranking reflects credit quality, profitability, and stock performance metrics.</li><li>CEO praises employee dedication as critical to the bank&#039;s success.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Forbes</strong>: Their ranking enhances SPFI&#039;s visibility and credibility.</li><li><strong>City Bank</strong>: Enhancements in brand reputation directly impact SPFI’s attractiveness.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This announcement falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039;, emphasizing positive achievements that can directly influence investor perception and company valuation. Such rankings often lead to increased investor interest and depositors&#039; confidence, suggesting a favorable outlook for SPFI&#039;s market presence.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>SPFI&#039;s ranking could attract new investors and deposits.</li><li>Heightened visibility may lead to market share gains in Texas.</li><li>Strong metrics could influence positive analyst ratings.</li><li>Potential customer growth from enhanced brand reputation.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>SPFI ranked 7th in Forbes&#039; Best Banks list as of February 2026.</li><li>City Bank is recognized as the top bank in Texas.</li><li>The ranking considered 11 metrics based on data up to September 30, 2025.</li><li>Forbes evaluated 200 largest publicly-traded banks and thrifts.</li><li>Curtis Griffith serves as Chairman and CEO.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Consider buying SPFI shares as recognition may boost stock value in the near term.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
    <header>
        <h1>South Plains Financial, Inc. Recognized as One of America's Best Banks by Forbes</h1>
        <p><strong>Published:</strong> February 05, 2026 | <strong>Source:</strong> GlobeNewsWire</p>
    </header>

    <section>
        <h2>Overview of the Recognition</h2>
        <p>LUBBOCK, Texas — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: <strong>SPFI</strong>), the parent company of City Bank, proudly announced that it has been recognized as one of America's best banks, securing the 7th position on Forbes' 17th annual list of America’s Best Banks. This remarkable achievement highlights City Bank as the leading bank in Texas.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Insights from Leadership</h2>
        <p>Curtis Griffith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of South Plains, expressed gratitude for this honor. He stated, “We are truly honored to be included on this prestigious list. This ranking reflects the dedication and impact of our employees at every level of our organization. Their commitment strengthens our bank, supports our customers, and enriches the communities we serve. Our people are truly our greatest strength.”</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Criteria for Ranking</h2>
        <p>The recognition from Forbes analyzed the 200 largest publicly-traded banks and thrifts by assets. The top 100 banks were ranked based on an examination of 11 equally-weighted metrics, focusing on essential factors such as:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Credit quality</li>
            <li>Profitability</li>
            <li>Stock performance over the last twelve months (as of September 30, 2025)</li>
        </ul>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>About South Plains Financial Inc.</h2>
        <p>South Plains Financial, Inc. serves as the bank holding entity for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas, with a diverse range of operations in markets including Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, College Station, and Ruidoso, New Mexico.</p>
        <p>The company offers a comprehensive array of commercial and consumer financial services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses as well as individual clients. Their core business activities encompass:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Commercial banking</li>
            <li>Retail banking</li>
            <li>Investment services</li>
            <li>Trust services</li>
            <li>Mortgage services</li>
        </ul>
        <p>For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.spfi.bank">spfi.bank</a>.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h2>Contact Information</h2>
        <p>For investor inquiries, please contact:</p>
        <p><strong>Mikella Newsom</strong><br>
        Chief Risk Officer and Secretary<br>
        Email: <a href="mailto:investors@city.bank">investors@city.bank</a><br>
        Phone: (866) 771-3347</p>

        <p>For media inquiries, please reach out to:</p>
        <p><strong>Michelle Hougland</strong><br>
        Email: <a href="mailto:mhougland@city.bank">mhougland@city.bank</a><br>
        Phone: (806) 792-7101 ext. 2270</p>
    </section>
</article>

South Plains Financial, Inc. has been recognized as the 7th best bank on Forbes' America’s Best Banks list, ranking City Bank as the top bank in Texas. This recognition is based on a comprehensive analysis, likely enhancing SPFI's brand reputation and market position, which could drive stock performance positively.

South Plains Financial, Inc. Named One of America's Best Banks by Forbes

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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