Fulton Financial Q4 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Insights - Fulton Financial reported record operating earnings per share of $2.16 for 2025, supported by strong deposit growth, disciplined expense management, and a solid balance sheet [3][4][7] Deposit Growth - Customer deposits increased by $449 million in 2025, with a 25% year-over-year rise in consumer demand deposit account openings [1][6] - In Q4, total deposits rose by $257 million, with balanced growth between interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposits [8][9] Profitability Metrics - Operating return on assets improved by 17 basis points to 1.28%, while net interest margin increased by 9 basis points to 3.51% [2][7] - Non-interest income for 2025 totaled $277 million, up nearly 7%, contributing over 20% to total revenue [16][18] Loan Growth and Outlook - Loan growth in 2025 was impacted by strategic portfolio actions, creating an over $800 million headwind, but organic loan growth was still achieved [10][13] - The company anticipates a return to historical mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026, with a commercial pipeline up more than 10% year-over-year [6][15] Credit Quality and Capital Position - Non-performing assets to total assets ended at 0.58%, with net charge-offs at 21 basis points of average loans [21] - The company repurchased 1.1 million shares in Q4 and received a new $150 million buyback authorization, strengthening its capital position [5][22] 2026 Guidance - Management expects net interest income to be between $1.12 billion and $1.14 billion, with provisions for loan losses estimated at $55 million to $75 million [26] - The company is focused on maintaining momentum in deposits, loan origination, and fee income growth while integrating the pending Blue Foundry acquisition [23]