Today's Financial Stock Winners and Losers

Southside Bancshares(SBSI Quote) surged Monday after the Tyler, Tex.-based bank said that First National Bank Group applied to the Federal Reserve Board for approval to acquire up to 9.9% of Southside Bancshares' outstanding common stock in open-market purchases.

If approved and completed, the investment will make First National Bank Group the company's largest shareholder. First National Bank Group, which is the Edinburg, Tex.-based parent company of First National Bank of Edinburg, will not have a presence on the board of directors or an influence on policies or procedures of the company. Shares of Southside Bancshares gained $1.09, or 5.8%, to close at $19.94 Monday.

Shore Bancshares(SHBI Quote) gained after the Easton, Md.-based financial holding company said its board of directors declared a 22-cent cash dividend on its common shares and a 3-for-2 common stock dividend, as well as elected Christopher F. Spurry to serve as chairman of the board. ...