Ponce Financial Group's Quality Shines Through (Upgrade)

Ponce Financial Group, Inc. is upgraded to a soft Buy after strong revenue, profitability, and net interest margin improvements. PDLB's organic deposit growth, low brokered deposit exposure, and high asset quality position it well for a declining rate environment. Management's shift from securities to loans has boosted net interest income and profitability, with 2026 projected to outperform 2025.