Huntington-Veritex Merger Greenlit: What It Means for Dividends and Texas

Columbus, Ohio, and Dallas, Texas – October 3, 2025 – Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ: HBAN) and Veritex Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: VBTX) have officially received all necessary regulatory approvals for their proposed merger, marking a significant milestone in Huntington’s strategic expansion into the burgeoning Texas market. The green light from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency paves the way for the all-stock transaction, valued at approximately $1.9 billion, to close on October 20, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. This move is set to create a more formidable regional banking entity, poised for growth and enhanced market presence.

The impending merger carries substantial implications for both entities, particularly concerning their operational footprint, market reach, and, crucially, their future dividend policies. While Huntington has a long-standing history of consistent dividend payments, the integration of Veritex raises questions about how the combined entity’s capital allocation strategy will evolve, especially in the context of shareholder returns. Investors are keen to understand if the established dividend track record of Huntington will be maintained or adjusted as the new, larger bank navigates its expanded market and integrates its new assets.

Merger Details and Market Reactions

The journey to this merger approval has been a carefully orchestrated process. The initial announcement of the all-stock transaction came in July 2025, setting the stage for a strategic alignment aimed at bolstering Huntington’s presence in high-growth areas. Veritex shareholders formally approved the merger at a special meeting held on September 22, 2025, demonstrating strong internal support for the consolidation. With the final regulatory hurdles now cleared on October 3, 2025, the merger is on track to be completed on October 20, 2025, a critical date for both companies and their investors.

Upon completion, Veritex Holdings, and subsequently Veritex Community Bank, will merge into Huntington Bancshares and The Huntington National Bank, respectively, with Huntington emerging as the surviving corporation. This integration will see Huntington, a $208 billion asset regional bank headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, absorb Veritex’s approximately $13 billion in assets, including $9 billion in loans and $11 billion in deposits as of March 31, 2025. This significant asset transfer will substantially expand Huntington’s footprint in Texas, particularly in the vibrant Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston markets, where Veritex currently operates over 30 branches. Huntington has publicly stated its intention to maintain and invest in Veritex’s existing branch network, signaling a commitment to local market presence and continuity. Malcolm Holland, Veritex’s Chairman, President, and CEO, is expected to transition into a non-executive role as Chairman of Texas for the…