Core Viewpoint - RBB Bancorp reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, highlighting solid loan growth, improved performance ratios, and a decrease in non-performing assets, which reflects a positive trend in credit quality [4][5]. Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights - The company achieved a net income of $10.2 million, or $0.59 diluted earnings per share, for Q4 2025, slightly up from $10.1 million in Q3 2025 [4]. - Net interest income for Q4 2025 was $29.5 million, an increase from $29.3 million in Q3 2025, driven by a decrease in interest expense [6]. - The net interest margin (NIM) increased to 2.99% in Q4 2025 from 2.98% in Q3 2025, reflecting a decrease in the overall cost of funds [7]. - Loans held for investment grew by $11.7 million, or 1.4% annualized, compared to the previous quarter [7]. - Nonperforming assets decreased to $53.5 million, down 1.6% from the previous quarter [7]. Fiscal 2025 Highlights - For the fiscal year 2025, net income totaled $31.9 million, a 19.8% increase compared to $26.7 million in fiscal 2024 [4]. - Net interest income for the year was $112.3 million, up from $99.4 million in 2024, attributed to a decrease in interest expense and an increase in interest income [10]. - The NIM for fiscal 2025 was 2.95%, an increase of 25 basis points from 2.70% in fiscal 2024 [11]. - Total loans held for investment increased by $261.1 million, or 8.6%, compared to the previous year [11]. - Nonperforming assets decreased by $27.6 million, or 34.0%, compared to year-end 2024 [11]. Credit Quality - Nonperforming loans totaled $44.6 million at December 31, 2025, down from $45.5 million at September 30, 2025 [29]. - Classified and criticized loans decreased by $71.3 million, or 43.0%, to $94.4 million at year-end 2025 compared to the previous year [7]. - The allowance for credit losses was $44.4 million, down from $45.4 million at September 30, 2025, reflecting net charge-offs and provisions for credit losses [35]. Shareholders' Equity - Total shareholders' equity increased to $523.4 million at December 31, 2025, a $9.1 million increase from the previous quarter [37]. - Book value per share rose to $30.69, up from $30.18 at September 30, 2025, and tangible book value per share increased to $26.42 [38]. Dividend Announcement - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share, payable on February 13, 2026 [39].

RBB (RBB) shares rallied 5.1% in the last trading session to close at $22.33. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 1% loss over the past four weeks.A tariff-relief rally lifted equities yesterday after Donald Trump softened his Greenland-related tariff stance. Hence, RBB stock, which had slipped for two sessions, rebounded sharply. This bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of ...

Core Viewpoint - RBB Bancorp will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, on January 26, 2026, after market close [1] Financial Results Announcement - The conference call to discuss the financial results will take place on January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time [2] - Interested parties can listen to the call by dialing specific numbers or via a live webcast on the Company's website [3] Corporate Overview - RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with total assets of $4.2 billion as of September 30, 2025 [4] - The Company operates Royal Business Bank, which provides a range of banking services primarily to Asian-centric communities across various locations in California, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Hawaii [4] - The Bank has multiple branches across these regions, including nine in Los Angeles County and additional branches in other states [4]

Investors might want to bet on RBB (RBB) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.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.Since a changing earnin ...

Core Insights - The discussion highlights the appeal of FDIC insurance among small depositors, emphasizing the importance of digital engagement for banks to retain customers [1] - The conversation also points to the ongoing trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the banking sector, driven by the need for digital capabilities and the integration of AI technologies [1] Company Insights - North Shore Trust & Savings Bank, now NSTS Bancorp, is identified as a small bank with a high equity to asset ratio of 29 and trades at 70% of tangible book value, making it an attractive investment opportunity [2][3] - RBB Bancorp, a Korean bank based in Los Angeles, is trading at 77% of book value, offering a 3% dividend and maintaining a 12 equity to asset ratio, indicating potential value for investors [4]

Group 1: Community Banks - Community banks remain a strong investment opportunity due to their local focus and lower exposure to large commercial real estate loans compared to big banks [4][17] - Key metrics for evaluating community banks include capital levels, non-performing assets (NPAs), and book value, with a specific focus on maintaining NPAs below 2% [10][12] - The current environment shows that community banks have low commercial real estate loan losses, indicating their resilience during economic downturns [18][20] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and M&A - The regulatory landscape for banks has shifted, with the current administration being more favorable towards bank mergers and acquisitions, leading to an acceleration in consolidation [26][28] - The previous administration's regulatory stance created a hostile environment for bank M&A, which is now changing, allowing for easier consolidation in the community banking sector [26][28] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Specific community banks are highlighted as attractive investments, such as NSTS Bancorp, which has a high equity-to-asset ratio and trades at 70% of tangible book value [38][39] - RBB Bancorp is noted for its strong ties to the Korean-American community and is considered a potential acquisition target due to its low trading value and solid fundamentals [43][46] Group 4: Global Value Opportunities - Investment opportunities are also identified in international markets, particularly in Japan and Hong Kong, where companies are trading below book value despite strong fundamentals [70][78] - The focus on intangible assets is increasing, with U.S. corporates deploying significant capital towards R&D and other intangible-heavy investments, indicating a shift in capital allocation strategies [53][55]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 was $10.1 million, or $0.59 diluted earnings per share, an increase from $9.3 million in Q2 2025 and $7.0 million in Q3 2024[183]. - The company reported a decrease in the effective tax rate contributing to higher net income in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter[183]. - Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $29.3 million, an increase from $27.3 million in the previous quarter[191]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 57.36% for the third quarter of 2025, compared to 57.22% in the previous quarter[191]. - The return on average assets was 0.97% for the third quarter of 2025, compared to 0.93% in the previous quarter[191]. - Net interest income increased by $1.9 million to $29.3 million for Q3 2025 compared to Q2 2025, driven by a $3.2 million increase in interest income[204]. - Noninterest income for Q3 2025 decreased to $3.3 million, down $5.2 million from Q2 2025, primarily due to the absence of ERC funds received in the previous quarter[220]. - Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, increased by $1.5 million to $14.1 million compared to $12.6 million in the same period of 2024[222]. Asset and Liability Management - Total assets increased by $216.0 million to $4.2 billion as of September 30, 2025, primarily due to a $249.3 million increase in gross loans held for investment, reaching $3.3 billion[185]. - Total deposits rose by $282.7 million to $3.4 billion, driven by a $295.2 million increase in interest-bearing deposits[185]. - Total liabilities increased by $209.5 million to $3.7 billion at September 30, 2025, primarily due to a $282.7 million increase in deposits[289]. - Total shareholders' equity was $514.3 million, with a book value per share of $30.18, compared to $517.7 million and $29.25 per share at June 30, 2025, primarily due to common stock repurchases of $12.5 million[189]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $22.8 million, or 8.9%, to $234.9 million as of September 30, 2025[236]. Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality - The loan portfolio increased by $249.3 million, or 10.9% annualized, reaching $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, primarily driven by increases in SFR mortgage loans ($157.0 million) and CRE loans ($85.2 million)[249]. - Nonperforming assets decreased by $6.7 million to $54.3 million, representing 1.29% of total assets as of September 30, 2025, down from 1.49% at June 30, 2025[187]. - The allowance for credit losses totaled $45.4 million, a decrease of $6.2 million from $51.6 million at June 30, 2025, with the allowance as a percentage of loans HFI decreasing to 1.36%[188]. - The provision for credit losses for Q3 2025 was $625,000, significantly lower than $2.4 million in Q2 2025, reflecting net loan growth and improved credit quality metrics[216]. - Net charge-offs for Q3 2025 totaled $6.9 million, representing 0.84% of average loans, compared to 0.42% in Q2 2025[216]. Interest Income and Expense - The net interest margin (NIM) was 2.98% for Q3 2025, an increase of 6 basis points from 2.92% in Q2 2025, attributed to a 6 basis point increase in yield on average interest-earning assets[205]. - The total cost of deposits was $3,251,564 thousand with a cost of 3.03% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, slightly down from 3.05% in the previous quarter[197]. - Interest expense on deposits decreased by $10.2 million to $72.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to lower average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits[212]. - The average cost of funds decreased to 3.12% for Q3 2025 from 3.14% in Q2 2025, reflecting a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits[206]. Taxation - The effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 23.5%, lower than the statutory rate due to the realization of purchased Federal tax credits[232]. - The annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2025 is estimated to be in the range of 26% to 27%[232]. Noninterest Expense - Total noninterest expense for Q3 2025 was $18.7 million, a decrease from $20.5 million in Q2 2025, with salaries and employee benefits accounting for $10.6 million[228]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, noninterest expense was $57.7 million, up $6.2 million from $51.5 million in the same period of 2024, with salaries and employee benefits increasing by $2.9 million[231]. - The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2.9 million, attributed to staffing and incentives[231]. Shareholder Information - Book value per share increased to $30.18 from $28.66 at December 31, 2024, while tangible book value per share rose to $25.89 from $24.51[306]. - Common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2025, are 17,043,897, a decrease from 17,720,416 as of December 31, 2024[322].

Core Viewpoint - RBB is seen as an attractive investment opportunity due to a significant improvement in its earnings outlook, with analysts raising their earnings estimates, which is expected to positively impact the stock price [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts' optimism regarding RBB's earnings prospects is leading to higher estimates, which historically correlates with stock price movements [2]. - For the current quarter, RBB is expected to earn $0.49 per share, reflecting a 96.0% increase from the previous year [6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBB has risen by 11.36% over the last 30 days, with five estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $1.73 per share, indicating a 17.7% increase from the prior year [7]. - The consensus estimate for the current year has increased by 15.29% due to positive revisions [8]. Zacks Rank and Performance - RBB currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on favorable estimate revisions and has a proven track record of outperforming the market [9]. - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. Recent Stock Performance - RBB shares have increased by 6.1% over the past four weeks, indicating investor confidence in the company's earnings growth prospects [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the third quarter totaled $10.1 million or $0.59 per share, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter and a 45% increase year-over-year [3][5] - Net interest income increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, rising by $1.9 million to $29.3 million, driven by higher interest income of $3.2 million [6][8] - Net interest margin expanded by six basis points to 2.98%, marking a 30 basis point increase over the last four quarters [3][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew by $68 million or 8% on an annualized basis, primarily from the in-house mortgage origination business [4] - Third quarter loan originations totaled $188 million at a blended yield of 6.70%, which is 67 basis points above the prior quarter's blended loan portfolio yield [4][9] - Non-performing loans decreased by $11.3 million or 20% to $44.5 million, attributed to charge-offs and upgrades [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $178 million from the end of the second quarter to $3.4 billion, with growth across all deposit categories [11] - The allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment ratio stood at 1.36% as of September 30, indicating appropriate risk coverage [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing remaining credit issues and improving asset quality, with a goal of resolving significant non-accrual loans [20][21] - There is an ongoing effort to shift the loan portfolio mix towards commercial and industrial (C&I) loans while maintaining strong growth in residential mortgages [34][36] - The company is considering opportunities for share buybacks and refinancing sub-debt, while also investing in business growth and technology [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about core earnings growth and lower credit costs, viewing these as positive signs for the future [3] - The competitive landscape for liquidity remains challenging, impacting the ability to reduce funding costs significantly [7][30] - The company anticipates continued loan growth, although Q4 may see some seasonal moderation [34] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share increased to $25.89, reflecting a 12% annualized increase [11] - The company repurchased 660,000 shares, or 4% of shares outstanding, during the third quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Asset quality improvement metrics - Management acknowledged progress in asset quality but indicated that more work is needed, particularly in resolving non-accrual loans [18][19] Question: Capital and share repurchase authorization - Approximately $4 million remains in the current share repurchase program, with management open to future buybacks depending on stock price and market conditions [22][23] Question: Deposit beta and interest rates - Management noted that deposit beta has slowed due to fierce competition for liquidity, and they expect to capitalize on upcoming maturing time deposits [28][30] Question: Loan growth and portfolio mix - The pipeline remains healthy, with a focus on residential mortgages and a gradual shift towards C&I loans, although government shutdowns may impact SBA loan funding [35][36] Question: Interest recovery and FHLB advances - No significant interest recovery was noted in Q3, and FHLB advances were replaced with brokered deposits at higher rates [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the third quarter totaled $10.1 million or $0.59 per share, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter and a 45% increase year-over-year [3][5] - Net interest income increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, rising by $1.9 million to $29.3 million, driven by higher interest income of $3.2 million [6][8] - Net interest margin expanded by six basis points to 2.98%, marking a 30 basis point increase over the last four quarters [3][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew by $68 million or 8% on an annualized basis, primarily from the in-house mortgage origination business [4] - Third quarter loan originations totaled $188 million at a blended yield of 6.70%, which is 67 basis points above the prior quarter's blended loan portfolio yield [4][9] - Non-performing loans decreased by $11.3 million or 20% to $44.5 million, attributed to charge-offs and upgrades [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $178 million from the end of the second quarter to $3.4 billion, with growth across all deposit categories [11] - The allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment ratio stood at 1.36% as of September 30, indicating appropriate risk coverage [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing remaining credit issues and improving asset quality, with a goal of resolving significant non-accrual loans [20][21] - There is an ongoing effort to deepen relationships in existing markets and explore opportunities for sub-debt refinancing next year [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding core earnings growth and lower credit costs, viewing these as positive signs for the future [3] - The company remains vigilant in addressing credit issues and is focused on maintaining loan growth while managing operating costs [20][21] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share increased to $25.89, reflecting a 12% annualized increase [11] - The company repurchased 660,000 shares, or 4% of shares outstanding, during the third quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Asset quality improvement and future expectations - Management acknowledged progress in asset quality but indicated that more work is needed, with a focus on resolving significant non-accrual loans [18][20] Question: Capital and share repurchase authorization - The company has about $4 million left in the current share repurchase program and is considering future buyback opportunities [22][23] Question: Deposit beta and interest rates - Management noted that deposit beta has slowed due to fierce competition for liquidity, and they expect to capitalize on upcoming rate cuts [28][30] Question: Loan growth and portfolio mix - The pipeline remains healthy, with a focus on residential mortgage and commercial loans, although seasonality may moderate growth in Q4 [34][35] Question: Interest recovery and FHLB advances - There was no significant interest recovery in Q3, and FHLB advances were replaced with brokered deposits at a higher rate [42][43] Question: Margin expansion and future rate cuts - Management believes they can continue to expand margins despite potential rate cuts, driven by loan growth and origination yields [48][50]