Core Viewpoint - Origin Bancorp, Inc. reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net income and pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, reflecting the effectiveness of its strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency [1][2][5]. Financial Highlights - Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $22.4 million, or $0.71 diluted EPS, up from $14.3 million, or $0.46 diluted EPS, in the previous quarter, marking a 57.0% increase [1][4]. - Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings were $32.0 million for the quarter, compared to $12.6 million for the linked quarter [1][4]. - Net interest income reached $78.5 million, a slight increase of $110,000, or 0.1%, from the previous quarter, the highest level in eight quarters [4][7]. - The fully tax equivalent net interest margin (NIM-FTE) expanded by 11 basis points to 3.44% for the quarter [4][13]. - Return on average assets (ROAA) was 0.93%, a 63.2% increase from 0.57% in the linked quarter [4][47]. Optimize Origin Initiative - The "Optimize Origin" initiative aims to drive elite financial performance through three pillars: Productivity, Delivery & Efficiency; Balance Sheet Optimization; and Culture & Employee Engagement [2][5]. - The initiative targets a return on average assets (ROAA) run rate of greater than 1% by Q4 2025, with expected annual earnings improvement of approximately $23.4 million on a pre-tax, pre-provision basis [5][39]. Loan and Deposit Performance - Total loans held for investment (LHFI) were $7.59 billion, reflecting a slight increase of $11.8 million, or 0.2%, from the previous quarter [4][31]. - Total deposits increased to $8.34 billion, up $115.3 million, or 1.4%, compared to the linked quarter [6][39]. - Noninterest-bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits were 22.7%, a slight decrease from 23.1% in the previous quarter [39]. Credit Quality - Past due loans increased by $30.3 million compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to residential and commercial real estate loans [17]. - Nonperforming loans rose to 1.07% of LHFI, up from 0.99% in the previous quarter, driven by increases in residential real estate loans [18]. - The allowance for loan credit losses (ALCL) was $92.0 million, with a provision for credit losses of $3.4 million during the quarter [20][14]. Noninterest Income and Expense - Noninterest income for the quarter was $15.6 million, a significant increase from the linked quarter, primarily due to the absence of losses on sales of securities [23][24]. - Noninterest expense decreased by $3.4 million, or 5.1%, driven by reductions in various expense categories, despite an increase in salaries and employee benefits [25][26].

[Financial & Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20%26%20Operational%20Highlights) [First Quarter 2025 Performance Summary](index=1&type=section&id=First%20Quarter%202025%20Performance%20Summary) Origin Bancorp reported a strong first quarter of 2025, with significant growth in profitability compared to the previous quarter, driven by an expanded Net Interest Margin and progress on the 'Optimize Origin' initiative Q1 2025 Key Financial Metrics vs. Q4 2024 | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income | $22.4 million | $14.3 million | +57.0% | | Diluted EPS | $0.71 | $0.46 | +$0.25 | | PTPP Earnings | $32.0 million | $12.6 million | +154.0% | | Net Interest Margin (FTE) | 3.44% | 3.33% | +11 bps | | ROAA (annualized) | 0.93% | 0.57% | +36 bps | - Total loans held for investment (LHFI) increased slightly by **0.2%** to **$7.59 billion**, while total deposits grew by **1.4%** to **$8.34 billion** compared to the linked quarter[12](index=12&type=chunk) [Optimize Origin Initiative](index=1&type=section&id=Optimize%20Origin%20Initiative) Launched in January 2025, 'Optimize Origin' is a strategic initiative focused on productivity, balance sheet optimization, and culture, aiming to exceed a 1% ROAA run rate by Q4 2025 - The initiative is built on three primary pillars: Productivity, Delivery & Efficiency; Balance Sheet Optimization; and Culture & Employee Engagement[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Key actions include branch consolidation, headcount reduction, securities and capital optimization, and mortgage restructuring[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The company believes these actions will drive an estimated annual pre-tax pre-provision earnings improvement of approximately **$23.4 million**[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=2&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations%20for%20the%20Quarter%20Ended%20March%2031%2C%202025) [Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin](index=2&type=section&id=Net%20Interest%20Income%20and%20Net%20Interest%20Margin) Net interest income for Q1 2025 slightly increased to $78.5 million, with the fully tax equivalent net interest margin expanding by 11 basis points to 3.44% due to reduced cost of liabilities - NII increased by **$110,000 QoQ**, primarily due to a **$7.7 million decrease** in interest expense on deposits, partially offset by a **$9.9 million decrease** in interest income from loans held for investment (LHFI)[6](index=6&type=chunk) - The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased by **38 basis points** to **3.23%** in Q1 2025 from **3.61%** in Q4 2024[7](index=7&type=chunk) - The decrease in LHFI interest income was driven by lower average loan balances, two fewer days in the quarter, and a **14 basis point decline** in the average loan yield to **6.33%**[10](index=10&type=chunk) - The Federal Reserve's rate reductions in late 2024, totaling **100 basis points**, have influenced market rates, with the target range holding at **4.25% to 4.50%** throughout Q1 2025[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Noninterest Income](index=4&type=section&id=Noninterest%20Income) Noninterest income significantly increased to $15.6 million, primarily due to the absence of a prior quarter's $14.6 million securities sale loss and a seasonal rise in insurance commission income - The **$15.9 million QoQ increase** was mainly driven by the absence of the prior quarter's **$14.6 million loss** on securities sales and a **$2.5 million increase** in insurance commission and fee income[22](index=22&type=chunk) - The increase in insurance income was driven by seasonal annual contingency fees recognized in the first quarter[23](index=23&type=chunk) - These gains were partially offset by a **$1.6 million decrease** in limited partnership investment income due to fair value adjustments[22](index=22&type=chunk)[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Noninterest Expense](index=4&type=section&id=Noninterest%20Expense) Noninterest expense decreased by $3.4 million (5.1%) to $62.1 million, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a prior quarter's contingency expense and reduced professional services and marketing costs - The decrease was primarily driven by a **$3.1 million reduction** in other noninterest expense (due to a prior quarter contingency reserve), an **$814,000 decrease** in professional services, and a **$796,000 decrease** in advertising[24](index=24&type=chunk)[25](index=25&type=chunk)[26](index=26&type=chunk) - Salaries and employee benefit expense increased by **$1.3 million**, mainly because the prior quarter included a **$1.7 million** Employee Retention Credit (ERC), which reduced that quarter's expense[27](index=27&type=chunk) [Credit Quality](index=3&type=section&id=Credit%20Quality) Credit quality metrics weakened in Q1 2025, with increases in past due loans, nonperforming loans, and classified loans, leading to a $3.4 million provision for credit losses Key Credit Quality Metrics (Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024) | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Past due LHFI | $72.8M | $42.4M | +$30.4M | | Nonperforming LHFI | $81.4M | $75.0M | +$6.4M | | Classified loans | $127.7M | $118.8M | +$8.9M | | Provision (benefit) for credit losses | $3.4M | ($5.4M) | +$8.8M | | Net charge-offs (recoveries) | $2.7M | ($0.6M) | +$3.3M | | Nonperforming LHFI to LHFI | 1.07% | 0.99% | +0.08% | - The **$30.3 million increase** in past due loans was primarily attributed to **11 relationships** totaling **$39.8 million** across various real estate and commercial loan types[16](index=16&type=chunk) - The increase in nonperforming loans was mainly driven by **two relationships** totaling **$8.2 million**, primarily in residential real estate[17](index=17&type=chunk) - Classified and nonperforming loans continue to be negatively impacted by litigation related to a former banker in the East Texas market[18](index=18&type=chunk) [Financial Condition](index=4&type=section&id=Financial%20Condition) [Loans](index=4&type=section&id=Loans) Total loans held for investment (LHFI) at March 31, 2025, reached $7.59 billion, showing minimal growth driven by multi-family and mortgage warehouse loans, offset by commercial real estate and construction loan decreases - Total LHFI increased by **$11.8 million QoQ**[29](index=29&type=chunk) - Key growth areas were multi-family real estate (**+$64.3 million**) and mortgage warehouse (MW LOC) loans (**+$55.1 million**)[29](index=29&type=chunk) - These increases were offset by decreases in commercial real estate (**-$93.6 million**) and construction/land/land development loans (**-$65.4 million**)[29](index=29&type=chunk) [Securities](index=5&type=section&id=Securities) The total securities portfolio grew by $58.8 million (5.3%) to $1.18 billion, driven by purchases, with an improved unrealized loss position and shortened portfolio duration - Total securities increased by **5.3% QoQ**, driven by **$73.1 million in purchases**[35](index=35&type=chunk) - Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI) decreased by **$15.6 million (14.7%)** to **$90.4 million**[35](index=35&type=chunk) - The weighted average effective duration of the portfolio decreased from **4.46 years to 4.10 years**[35](index=35&type=chunk) [Deposits](index=5&type=section&id=Deposits) Total deposits increased by $115.3 million (1.4%) to $8.34 billion, primarily due to a significant rise in money market deposits, despite declines in time and interest-bearing demand deposits - The **1.4% QoQ increase** in total deposits was mainly due to a **$278.9 million rise** in money market deposits[35](index=35&type=chunk) - This was partially offset by decreases in time deposits (**-$78.0 million**) and interest-bearing demand deposits (**-$67.1 million**)[35](index=35&type=chunk) - Noninterest-bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits decreased to **22.7%** from **23.1%** in the prior quarter[35](index=35&type=chunk) [Subordinated Debentures](index=5&type=section&id=Subordinate%20debentures) As part of 'Optimize Origin,' the company redeemed $70.0 million in subordinated debentures, reducing the balance by 44.0% to $89.6 million and projecting $2.1 million in annualized interest expense savings - Total subordinated debentures decreased by **$70.3 million, or 44.0%**, from the linked quarter due to a **$70.0 million redemption**[35](index=35&type=chunk) - This redemption is projected to save approximately **$2.1 million in annualized interest expense**[35](index=35&type=chunk) [Financial Tables](index=9&type=section&id=Financial%20Tables) [Selected Quarterly Financial Data](index=9&type=section&id=Selected%20Quarterly%20Financial%20Data) This table provides a five-quarter summary of key financial data, including income statement highlights, balance sheet figures, and key performance and capital ratios, allowing for trend analysis [Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Income](index=10&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Quarterly%20Statements%20of%20Income) This table presents the company's detailed consolidated statements of income for the last five quarters, breaking down interest and noninterest income and expenses [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=11&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) This table shows the company's detailed consolidated balance sheets at the end of each of the last five quarters, itemizing assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity [Loan Data](index=12&type=section&id=Loan%20Data) This section provides a detailed breakdown of the loan portfolio by category, nonperforming assets, past due loans, and a roll-forward of the allowance for loan credit losses over the past five quarters [Average Balances and Yields/Rates](index=13&type=section&id=Average%20Balances%20and%20Yields%2FRates) This table details the average balances for various asset and liability categories and their corresponding annualized yields and rates, providing insight into the components of net interest margin for the current, linked, and prior-year quarters [Notable Items](index=14&type=section&id=Notable%20Items) This table isolates and quantifies the pre-tax and EPS impact of specific significant or non-recurring items over the past five quarters, such as costs related to questioned banker activity, strategic initiatives, and gains/losses on securities [Non-GAAP Reconciliations](index=15&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20Financial%20Measures) This section provides detailed reconciliations for non-GAAP financial measures used in the report, such as PTPP earnings, tangible book value per common share, and ROATCE, to their most directly comparable GAAP measures [Forward-Looking Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements) This section cautions investors that the report contains forward-looking statements subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including economic conditions, interest rate changes, and regulatory shifts, which could cause actual results to differ materially - The report contains forward-looking statements concerning future financial performance, growth strategies, and other projections which are inherently uncertain[40](index=40&type=chunk) - A comprehensive list of risk factors is provided, including economic conditions, interest rate volatility, asset quality deterioration, regulatory compliance, and operational risks, which could cause actual results to differ from projections[40](index=40&type=chunk) - The company advises against placing undue reliance on these statements and does not commit to updating them[42](index=42&type=chunk)

RUSTON, La., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: OBK) (“Origin”), the financial holding company for Origin Bank, plans to issue first quarter 2025 results after the market closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and hold a conference call to discuss such results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern Time). The conference call will be hosted by Drake Mills, Chairman, President and CEO of Origin, William J. Wallace, IV, Chief Financial Officer of Ori ...

Core Viewpoint - Origin Bancorp, Inc. is reducing its Board of Directors from 16 to 11 members to enhance corporate governance and align with best practices [1][2][3] Board Composition Changes - Five directors will not stand for reelection at the 2025 Annual Meeting: Jay Dyer, Farrell Malone, Lori Sirman, Elizabeth Solender, and Steve Taylor [1][2] - The remaining directors nominated for election include Daniel Chu, James D'Agostino, Jr., James Davison, Jr., A. La'Verne Edney, Meryl Farr, Richard Gallot, Jr., Stacey Goff, Cecil Jones, Michael Jones, Gary Luffey, and Drake Mills [2] Governance Strategy - The decision to reduce the Board size is part of a strategic initiative to create a smaller, more efficient Board that supports the Company's growth and strategy [3] - The changes are not due to any disagreements between the departing directors and the Company, indicating a collaborative decision-making process [3] Company Background - Origin Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, and operates more than 55 locations across various regions, providing a wide range of financial services [4]

Financial Performance - As of December 31, 2024, total assets were $9.68 billion, total loans held for investment were $7.57 billion, total deposits were $8.22 billion, and total stockholders' equity was $1.15 billion[19]. - Net income for 2024 was $76,492 thousand, down from $83,800 thousand in 2023, representing a decrease of 8.3%[417]. - Total stockholders' equity increased to $1,145,245 thousand in 2024 from $1,062,905 thousand in 2023, an increase of 7.75%[414]. - Comprehensive income for 2024 was $91,486 thousand, down from $122,652 thousand in 2023, a decrease of 25.4%[419]. - Basic earnings per common share decreased to $2.46 in 2024 from $2.72 in 2023, a decline of 9.56%[417]. - Cash flows from operating activities for 2024 were $108,481,000, down from $129,921,000 in 2023, representing a decline of 16.6%[425]. - Noninterest income totaled $55,379 thousand in 2024, down from $58,335 thousand in 2023, a decrease of 5.03%[417]. - Total noninterest expense increased to $251,038 thousand in 2024, compared to $235,216 thousand in 2023, an increase of 6.73%[417]. - The company reported a stock-based compensation expense of $7,166,000 in 2024, up from $5,281,000 in 2023, indicating a rise of 34.8%[425]. Capital and Regulatory Compliance - The company raised over $589.6 million in new Tier 1 capital since 2006, including a merger valued at $307.8 million in 2022[22]. - The company is subject to the Volcker Rule, which may affect its activities once total consolidated assets exceed $10 billion[94]. - The Dodd-Frank Act mandates that financial institutions with over $1 billion in assets, like Origin Bank, must ensure incentive compensation does not encourage inappropriate risks[95]. - The Company and Origin Bank's regulatory capital ratios were above the applicable well-capitalized standards and met the capital conservation buffer[104]. - The required minimum leverage ratio for all banks and bank holding companies is 4%[99]. - To be well-capitalized, Origin Bank must maintain a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater[102]. - The capital conservation buffer required is 2.5%, comprised of CET1, above each of the minimum risk-based capital ratio requirements[100]. - The company is subject to various regulatory policies relating to the payment of dividends, including maintaining adequate capital above regulatory minimums[107]. - The Federal Reserve has indicated that a bank holding company should consult with them and potentially reduce dividends if it is in danger of not meeting minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios[109]. Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality - The loan portfolio composition as of December 31, 2024, included 31.1% commercial and industrial loans and 44.1% commercial real estate loans[28]. - The Company’s loan portfolio totaled $7.57 billion as of December 31, 2024, with an allowance for credit losses on loans amounting to $91.1 million[409]. - The provision for credit losses decreased to $7,448 thousand in 2024 from $16,753 thousand in 2023, a reduction of 55.54%[417]. - Delinquency statistics are updated monthly, serving as a key indicator of credit quality for various loan types, including residential and consumer loans[457]. - Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days or more past due, impacting the recognition of interest income[454]. - The allowance for credit losses is calculated using historical loss rates adjusted for current conditions, with a focus on loans held for investment[456]. Interest Income and Rate Risk - Interest income from commercial real estate loans was $146.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $135.1 million in 2023[36]. - The commercial and industrial loans contributed interest income of $163.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up from $155.8 million in 2023[38]. - Net interest income increased slightly to $300,366 thousand in 2024, compared to $299,557 thousand in 2023, reflecting a growth of 0.27%[417]. - Interest rate risk modeling indicates that for a 100-basis point shift, estimated net interest income at risk for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than 10.0%[393]. - Under the static model, a 400-basis point increase in interest rates would result in a 15.9% increase in net interest income, while a decrease of the same magnitude would lead to an 11.0% decline[395]. - The Company employs interest rate risk simulation models to assess the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and fair value of equity[392]. Market Expansion and Strategic Initiatives - The company entered the Southeast market in 2024 with two banking locations in South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle[22]. - The company plans to close six banking centers by the end of February 2025 as part of its strategic initiatives[19]. - Origin Bancorp, Inc. operates over 60 locations across multiple states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida[430]. Diversity and Inclusion Efforts - The company has established a Diversity Council consisting of 17 diverse employees to advance its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts[56]. - The Diversity Council launched in 2023 aims to enhance workplace inclusion and community engagement, hosting events like Origin Connections Month[73]. - Employee survey results showed that 90% of responses exceeded benchmarks of Glint's top 10% of global companies, indicating strong inclusion and belonging[76]. - Origin Bank has been recognized as a "Best Bank to Work For" for twelve consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to corporate culture and employee development[78]. - The company is committed to ongoing training and development programs to foster inclusion and diversity within its workforce[77]. Regulatory and Compliance Challenges - The company reported that any reduction in interchange income due to the loss of the exemption for small issuers under the Durbin Amendment could significantly adversely affect its business starting in the second half of 2026[125]. - The revised CRA regulations, effective January 1, 2026, will likely make it more challenging for the company to receive a satisfactory rating on its CRA exam[127]. - The company is subject to a final rule from the CFPB that caps overdraft fees at $5 per transaction, effective October 1, 2025, which may impact its operations as it expects to exceed $10 billion in assets[132]. - The company has augmented its anti-money laundering compliance programs in response to regulatory scrutiny and potential sanctions for violations[120]. - The company must comply with the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, which prohibit discrimination in lending practices[135].

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps investors identify stocks with momentum by focusing on key metrics [2] Group 2: Origin Bancorp (OBK) Performance - Origin Bancorp currently has a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [3][4] - Over the past week, OBK shares increased by 0.8%, while the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry declined by 0.39% [6] - In the last month, OBK's price rose by 11.57%, significantly outperforming the industry's 1.17% [6] - Over the past quarter, OBK shares rose by 14.35%, and over the last year, they increased by 33.28%, compared to the S&P 500's gains of 4.18% and 24.21% respectively [7] Group 3: Trading Volume and Earnings Outlook - OBK's average 20-day trading volume is 174,597 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] - In the past two months, four earnings estimates for OBK have increased, raising the consensus estimate from $2.43 to $3.14 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards, with no downward revisions noted [10] Group 4: Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, OBK is positioned as a promising investment opportunity [12]

Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the strategy of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with Origin Bancorp (OBK) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of A [2] - The Zacks Rank system complements the Style Scores, with OBK rated 1 (Strong Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the market [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - OBK shares have increased by 7.8% over the past week, significantly outperforming the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, which rose by only 0.03% [5] - Over a longer timeframe, OBK's monthly price change is 15.32%, compared to the industry's 2.03% [5] - In the past quarter, OBK shares rose by 8.02%, and over the last year, they gained 25.87%, while the S&P 500 saw increases of 3.85% and 24.08%, respectively [6] Group 3: Trading Volume and Earnings Outlook - OBK's average 20-day trading volume is 155,425 shares, indicating a bullish sign when combined with rising stock prices [7] - In the last two months, four earnings estimates for OBK have increased, raising the consensus estimate from $2.44 to $3.02 [9] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards, with no downward revisions, suggesting a positive earnings outlook [9] Group 4: Conclusion - Considering the performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, OBK is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [11]

Core Viewpoint - Origin Bancorp (OBK) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to significant revisions in earnings estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][7]. Estimate Revisions - The current quarter's earnings estimate is $0.69 per share, reflecting a decrease of -5.48% from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 30.19% over the last 30 days with two upward revisions and no negative changes [4]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $2.78 per share, showing an increase of +13.47% year-over-year, with three estimates moving higher in the past month and a total increase of 14.62% in the consensus estimate [5]. Zacks Rank - Origin Bancorp has achieved a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), supported by favorable estimate revisions, which historically correlate with stock performance. Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have been shown to significantly outperform the S&P 500 [6]. Stock Performance - The stock has gained 18.6% over the past four weeks, driven by positive earnings growth prospects, suggesting that it may be a timely addition to investment portfolios [7].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Origin Bancorp (OBK) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which significantly impacts stock prices [1][3] - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate tracking EPS estimates from sell-side analysts [1][2] - The upgrade reflects a positive outlook on Origin Bancorp's earnings, which is expected to create buying pressure and increase its stock price [3][5] Group 2 - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, as indicated by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors [4] - Rising earnings estimates for Origin Bancorp indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, which should lead to higher stock prices as investors recognize this trend [5][8] - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system effectively utilizes earnings estimate revisions to classify stocks, with a strong historical performance of Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][6] Group 3 - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Origin Bancorp is expected to earn $2.78 per share, reflecting a 13.5% increase from the previous year, with a recent 8.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8] - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of 'buy' and 'sell' ratings, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a 'Strong Buy' or 'Buy' rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported its fourth quarter earnings, with specific financial metrics detailed in the earnings press release [2][3] - Key financial indicators such as net income and earnings per share were highlighted, reflecting the company's performance during the quarter [2] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance of various business lines was discussed, indicating growth or decline in specific segments [2] - Detailed metrics for each business line were provided, showcasing their contributions to overall revenue [2] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company provided insights into market conditions affecting its operations, including competitive dynamics and market share [2] - Key metrics related to market performance were shared, illustrating the company's positioning within the industry [2] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Management outlined the company's strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing growth and competitiveness in the market [2] - Future development directions were discussed, focusing on innovation and customer engagement [2] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management team commented on the current operating environment, addressing challenges and opportunities [2] - Future outlook was provided, with expectations for market trends and company performance [2] Other Important Information - Additional information regarding regulatory changes and their potential impact on the company was mentioned [2] - The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong financial health and operational efficiency [2] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for growth in the upcoming quarters? - Management indicated a positive outlook for growth, driven by strategic initiatives and market demand [2] Question: How is the company addressing competitive pressures? - The company is focusing on innovation and customer service to differentiate itself from competitors [2] Question: What are the key risks identified for the next fiscal year? - Management highlighted economic uncertainties and regulatory changes as primary risks to monitor [2]