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Christopher Marinak

Research Analyst at Janney

Christopher Marinac is the Director of Research at Janney Montgomery Scott, overseeing the firm's Equity Research team that covers more than 225 companies in the Financials, Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Real Estate sectors, with a particular focus on community banks, thrifts, and REITs. He has highlighted investment opportunities in regional banks such as Fifth Third Bancorp, emphasizing their strong credit quality, undervaluation post-market corrections, and potential to thrive amid improving conditions. With over 27 years of experience, Marinac joined Janney in 2019 after co-founding and directing research at FIG Partners LLC, where he managed coverage of more than 150 banks; he previously served as Managing Director at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey for six years and Research Analyst at Wachovia Corporation for five years. A Kent State University graduate with a BS in Accounting and Finance, he holds no publicly detailed FINRA registrations or securities licenses but is a recognized media expert featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.

Christopher Marinak's questions to COLONY BANKCORP (CBAN) leadership

Question · Q4 2025

Christopher Marinak of Janney asked about the small business lending (SBSL) division's risk-adjusted returns, potential for higher charge-offs, and its future contribution to earnings. He also inquired about Colony Bankcorp's M&A strategy, specifically regarding competition for targets versus negotiated transactions, and the outlook for new hires in lending and deposits.

Answer

Heath Fountain, CEO, initiated the discussion on SBSL's high-risk, high-return nature, with Brantley Collins, Head of Investor Relations, elaborating on the variability of income, strong ROE contribution, and expected improvement from the current run rate. For M&A, Brantley Collins emphasized a preference for negotiated deals focused on partnership, acknowledging less aggressive pricing in competitive bid situations. Regarding hiring, Brantley Collins noted an opportunistic approach for one-off hires, particularly those displaced by M&A, rather than a large-scale hiring spree.

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Question · Q4 2025

Christopher Marinak of Janney inquired about the small business lending division's potential to become a higher risk-adjusted business with better returns despite higher charge-offs, and its future contribution. He also asked about Colony Bank's M&A strategy, specifically regarding competition for targets versus negotiated transactions, and the outlook for new hires in lending and deposits.

Answer

CEO Heath Fountain explained that the small business lending division is a high-risk, high-return business with variable income depending on program opportunities, but it's a strong ROE contributor expected to improve from the current run rate. For M&A, CEO Heath Fountain stated that Colony Bank prioritizes negotiated deals where sellers seek alignment, acknowledging they might be less aggressive in competitive bid situations. He anticipates ample M&A opportunities, focusing on deals that best benefit shareholders and the team. Regarding new hires, CEO Heath Fountain indicated they do not plan an aggressive spree, believing the current team can drive organic growth, but will be opportunistic for one-off hires, especially those displaced by other M&A activity.

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