BB&T

Higher dividends and more aggressive repurchase programs are bound to attract more investors, which could boost stock prices and prompt more dealmaking, analysts said.

With the first half of 2017 drawing to a close, bank executives gathered this week at the Morgan Stanley Financial Services conference to discuss their companies’ performance thus far and, more important, outline their priorities for the rest of the year and beyond. Here are some of the highlights.

Attractive demographics, a large supply of startups that appeared built to sell and a surplus of smaller banks struggling with high expenses have combined to make the Mid-Atlantic one of the most active regions for mergers and acquisitions.

The North Carolina company reported lower net income from a year earlier after extinguishing nearly $3 billion in FHLB advances. BB&T also reported more regulatory charges as it deals with a consent order.

Community banks, big commercial banks and Wall Street investment houses are finding common ground in small-business loan funds that help Main Street, minimize potential losses on credit extended to young companies and sometimes lead to new business prospects.