Huntington Bancshares CEO: Loan concerns are 'one-offs,' not systemic

Core Viewpoint - Regional banks are experiencing a rebound in share prices, with positive earnings reports providing relief amid concerns about credit quality [1] Company Performance - Huntington Bank reported better-than-expected quarterly results and provided upbeat guidance, indicating strong performance [1] - The company maintains a moderate to low risk appetite established 15 years ago, resulting in consistently strong results, with charge-offs at 22 basis points and a reduction in non-performing loans and delinquencies [3][5] - The company is optimistic about loan growth, projecting over 8% growth for the year [6] Consumer and Business Outlook - The consumer landscape is mixed, with low to moderate-income consumers facing stress from inflation, while the majority of consumers are in good shape [7][8] - The company has seen peer-leading deposit and loan growth, contributing to a widening net interest margin due to recent Fed interest rate cuts [9] Market Position and Strategy - The stock has been relatively flat over the year, with a recent decline of 8% over three months, attributed to market sorting between buyers and sellers [10] - The company is focused on core growth and has consistently raised guidance each quarter, indicating confidence in future performance [12] - The regulatory environment has changed, leading to expectations of more bank deals, with the company recently closing a significant combination with Veritex [13][14] Growth Initiatives - The company has expanded into new markets, including North and South Carolina, and plans to open several branches in the coming years [14] - The focus remains on organic growth rather than acquisitions, with a strong emphasis on driving performance through existing operations [15][16]