Byline Bancorp (BY) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.The power of a changing ea ...

Core Viewpoint - Byline Bancorp (BY) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding Byline Bancorp's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, the earnings estimate is projected at $0.75 per share, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year [5]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Byline Bancorp has risen by 5.63%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $3.10 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.3%, with a 5.87% rise in the consensus estimate over the same period [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Byline Bancorp currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in raising earnings estimates, which historically correlates with stock price outperformance [3][8]. - The Zacks Rank system has shown that stocks rated 1 have generated an average annual return of +25% since 2008, suggesting a favorable outlook for Byline Bancorp [3]. Investment Outlook - The stock has appreciated by 10.3% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, indicating potential for further upside [9].

Core Viewpoint - Byline Bancorp operates as the holding company for Byline Bank, which has 44 branches in the Chicago metropolitan area, indicating a strong local presence in the financial sector [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Byline Bancorp is involved in the financial industry and has been discussed multiple times in 2025, highlighting its relevance and ongoing interest in the market [1]. - The company operates primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area, which may provide insights into its market strategy and customer base [1]. Group 2: Market Perspective - The financial markets are viewed as efficient, with most stocks reflecting their real current value, suggesting that Byline Bancorp's stock may be accurately priced in the market [1]. - Opportunities for profit are believed to arise from stocks that are less widely followed or do not accurately reflect market opportunities, indicating potential areas for investment focus [1].

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Core Insights - Byline Bancorp reported a strong fourth-quarter performance with a net income of $34.5 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, on revenue of $117 million, indicating solid returns and profitability metrics [1][3] - The company aims to close and integrate the First Security transaction in a single quarter, upgrade customer-facing technology, and prepare to exceed $10 billion in assets by 2026 [2][11] - Byline was recognized as one of America's Best Workplaces for 2026, reflecting its commitment to employee satisfaction and low turnover [4] Financial Performance - Net interest income reached a record high of $101 million in Q4, up 1.4% sequentially and 10.7% year-over-year, driven by loan growth and lower deposit rates [7] - Revenue increased by 1.1% from the previous quarter and 12% year-over-year, attributed to higher net interest income [5] - The net interest margin expanded to 4.35%, up eight basis points from the prior quarter and 25 basis points year-over-year [8] Capital Management - The company returned $42 million to shareholders during the year and increased its quarterly dividend by 20% [2][4] - Total deposits decreased by 2.3% from Q3 to $7.6 billion, reflecting balance sheet management strategies [9] - Byline's capital levels improved, with a CET1 ratio of 12.33% at quarter-end, up 18 basis points sequentially and 63 basis points year-over-year [11] Credit Quality - Asset quality remained stable, with quarterly credit costs totaling $9.7 million, driven by net charge-offs and reserve builds [9] - The allowance for credit losses ended the quarter at 1.45% of total loans, with non-performing loans increasing to 95 basis points [9] - Management emphasized disciplined credit monitoring and guidance of net charge-offs in the range of 30–40 basis points [10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on organic growth, credit discipline, and maintaining capital flexibility through dividends and buybacks [15] - Byline's commercial payments business, launched in April, has onboarded six customers and added approximately $70 million in liability balances [14] - Management expects to grow fee income from various initiatives, including wealth management and SBA-related services [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, net income was $130.1 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, on revenue of $446 million, representing a 9.7% year-over-year increase [13] - The pre-tax pre-provision ROA was 219 basis points, ROA was 136 basis points, and ROTCE was 13.5% [14] - For Q4 2025, net income was $34.5 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, on revenue of $117 million, with revenue up 1.1% from the prior quarter and 12% year-over-year [15] - Tangible book value per share grew by approximately 17% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-on-year loan growth was 8.9%, while deposits grew by 2.5% [14] - In Q4, loans grew by 3% linked quarter, with origination activity consistent at $323 million, primarily from commercial and leasing businesses [15] - Total loans stood at $7.5 billion at year-end, with origination activity up 22% compared to the prior quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned as the largest local community bank and the second largest local commercial bank in Chicago, with significant growth opportunities in the market [6][8] - The Chicago banking market offers substantial opportunities for growth and development, with Byline well-positioned to lead [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the preeminent local commercial bank, focusing on organic growth and maintaining a disciplined credit approach [9][24] - A new commercial payments business was launched, with six customers onboarded and additional customers in the pipeline [23] - The company is preparing to cross the $10 billion asset threshold in 2026 while monitoring the regulatory environment closely [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment has evolved with elevated interest rates and increased macroeconomic uncertainty, but they remained focused on serving customers and executing their strategy [12] - The company expressed optimism about its competitive position and ability to capitalize on opportunities, emphasizing a strong team and operational leverage [24] Other Important Information - The board approved a 20% increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in the company's financial performance [5][17] - The company repurchased approximately 346,000 shares and authorized a new repurchase program for up to 5% of outstanding shares [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Areas of growth and efficiency - Management highlighted excitement around the commercial payments team and the potential for growth in the commercial banking space in Chicago [30][32] Question: Capital return strategy - Management indicated a focus on maintaining flexibility with capital, returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [33][35] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth, primarily driven by commercial lending, with real estate growth dependent on transaction activity [44] Question: Net interest income outlook - Management noted that while the first quarter typically sees lower activity, they expect stable to growing net interest income throughout the year [46][48] Question: Credit quality outlook - Management indicated no material changes in credit quality, maintaining a consistent guidance range for net charge-offs [50][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, net income was $130.1 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, on revenue of $446 million, representing a 9.7% year-over-year increase [12] - The pre-tax pre-provision ROA was 219 basis points, ROA was 136 basis points, and ROTCE was 13.5% [12] - For Q4 2025, net income was $34.5 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, on revenue of $117 million, with profitability metrics remaining solid [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-on-year loan growth was 8.9%, while deposits grew by 2.5% [12] - In Q4, loans grew by 3% linked quarter, with origination activity consistent at $323 million, primarily from commercial and leasing businesses [14] - Non-interest income increased, contributing to a 12% year-over-year revenue growth [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned as the largest local community bank and the second largest local commercial bank in Chicago, with significant growth opportunities in the market [5][7] - The company is preparing to cross the $10 billion asset threshold in 2026, which will enhance its competitive position [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the preeminent local commercial bank, focusing on organic growth and maintaining a disciplined credit approach [22][23] - A new commercial payments business was launched, with six customers onboarded and additional customers in the pipeline [22] - The company emphasizes a people-first banking approach, which has contributed to low employee turnover and high engagement [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment has been characterized by elevated interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainty, but the company remained focused on serving customers and executing its strategy [11] - The outlook for net interest income is based on a forward curve that assumes a 50 basis point decline in the Fed funds rate for 2026 [18] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate sustainable growth and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [34] Other Important Information - The board approved a 20% increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting strong financial performance [4][16] - The company repurchased approximately 346,000 shares during the quarter and authorized a new repurchase program for up to 5% of outstanding shares [15][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Areas of growth and efficiency - Management highlighted excitement around the commercial payments team and the potential for growth in the commercial banking space in Chicago [30] Question: Capital return strategy - Management indicated a focus on maintaining flexibility with capital, returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [32][34] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth, primarily driven by commercial lending, with real estate activity dependent on transaction volume [43] Question: Net interest income outlook - Management noted that while the first quarter typically sees lower activity, they expect stable to growing net interest income throughout the year [45][46] Question: Credit quality outlook - Management maintained guidance for net charge-offs in the range of 30-40 basis points, with no material changes in credit quality expected [49] Question: Commercial payments business - Management clarified that the commercial payments team is focused on onboarding clients such as payroll processing companies and fintechs, with a deliberate approach to growth [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, net income was $130.1 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, on revenue of $446 million, reflecting a 9.7% year-over-year increase [12] - The pre-tax pre-provision ROA was 219 basis points, ROA was 136 basis points, and ROTCE was 13.5% [12] - Tangible book value per share grew by approximately 17% [11] - In Q4 2025, net income was $34.5 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, on revenue of $117 million, with a 12% year-over-year revenue increase [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased to $7.5 billion at year-end, with annual growth of $3.3 million and a 22% increase in origination activity compared to the prior quarter [17] - Deposits were $7.6 billion for the quarter, down 2.3% from the prior quarter, primarily due to balance sheet management [17] - Net interest income reached a record high of $101 million in Q4, up 1.4% from the prior quarter, driven by loan growth and lower deposit costs [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned as the largest local community bank and the second largest local commercial bank in Chicago, with significant growth opportunities in the market [5][7] - The company expects to cross the $10 billion asset threshold in 2026, which will enhance its competitive position [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the preeminent local commercial bank, focusing on organic growth and maintaining a people-first banking approach [5][6] - A new commercial payments business was launched, with six customers onboarded and additional customers in the pipeline [22] - The company emphasizes credit discipline and monitoring its portfolio closely to address issues quickly [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment has evolved with elevated interest rates and increased macroeconomic uncertainty, but the company remained focused on serving customers and executing its strategy [11] - The outlook for net interest income is based on a forward curve assuming a 50 basis point decline in the Fed funds rate for 2026 [18] - Management expressed confidence in the company's competitive position and ability to capitalize on opportunities [23] Other Important Information - The board approved a 20% increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting strong financial performance and confidence in future results [5][16] - The company repurchased approximately 346,000 shares and authorized a new repurchase program for up to 5% of outstanding shares [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Areas of excitement for scaling up and efficiency - Management highlighted excitement around the commercial payments team and the potential for growth in the commercial banking space in Chicago [30] Question: Capital returns to shareholders and M&A environment - Management indicated a focus on maintaining flexibility with capital, returning excess capital to shareholders, and pursuing organic growth [32][34] Question: Loan growth outlook and segments driving growth - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth, primarily driven by commercial banking categories [43] Question: Net interest income outlook for Q1 - Management noted that Q1 is typically a seasonally low quarter, but stable to growing NII is expected throughout the year [45][46] Question: Credit quality and net charge-offs outlook - Management provided guidance for net charge-offs in the range of 30-40 basis points for the upcoming year [50] Question: Commercial payments team and client types - Management clarified that clients include payroll processing companies and fintechs, with a deliberate onboarding process [72] Question: Impact of government shutdown on SBA business - Management stated that the impact was immaterial [76]

Forward-Looking Statements 4Q25 Earnings Presentation Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning plans, estimates, calculations, forecasts and projections with respect to the anticipated future performance of the Company. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as ''may'', ''might'', ''sh ...

Core Insights - Byline Bancorp reported revenue of $117.01 million for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting an 11.8% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +5.13% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $111.3 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.76, up from $0.69 in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +6.04% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.72 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Efficiency Ratio was reported at 50.3%, better than the estimated 52.5% by three analysts [4] - Net Interest Margin stood at 4.4%, exceeding the average estimate of 4.2% from three analysts [4] - Average Balance of Total interest-earning assets was $9.23 billion, slightly below the two-analyst average estimate of $9.39 billion [4] - Net charge-offs of loans and leases were at 0.4%, matching the two-analyst average estimate [4] - Net Interest Income was reported at $101.26 million, surpassing the three-analyst average estimate of $99.04 million [4] - Net gains on sales of loans reached $5.39 million, significantly higher than the three-analyst average estimate of $3.83 million [4] - Total Non-Interest Income was $15.75 million, exceeding the three-analyst average estimate of $13.82 million [4] - Fees and service charges on deposits were reported at $2.8 million, slightly below the estimated $2.82 million by two analysts [4] - Wealth management and trust income was $1.32 million, below the two-analyst average estimate of $1.39 million [4] - ATM and interchange fees were reported at $0.98 million, lower than the estimated $1.1 million by two analysts [4] Stock Performance - Byline Bancorp shares have returned +5.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]