"Two banking operations that fit Ellison's description are Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) in Texas and Seacoast Banking (SBCF) in Florida. In both cases, the shares have dipped after prolonged gains that some investors believe will resume once the economy picks up and the extent of recent real-estate problems is better defined. San Antonio's Cullen/Frost has developed a profitable niche in lending to small and mid-sized businesses. With a strong deposit base that gives it low funding costs, the bank should be able to ride the gains in the solid Lone Star economy in coming years, notwithstanding some recent slowing in loan growth."

"Two banking operations that fit Ellison's description are Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) in Texas and Seacoast Banking (SBCF) in Florida. In both cases, the shares have dipped after prolonged gains that some investors believe will resume once the economy picks up and the extent of recent real-estate problems is better defined. Seacoast, of Stuart, Fla., just north of Palm Beach, faces the added headwind of the state's fast-fading real-estate market. But the bank has a very disciplined lending culture, which should allow it to persevere through the difficulties and then rebound sharply on the first signs the local economy is regaining its balance.

Potential takeover target

Potential takeover target

Potential takeover target

Potential takeover target

Potential takeover target

Opportunistic buyer