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

Credit Risk & Portfolio Performance - Huntington Bank shares reported better-than-expected quarter with upbeat guidance, providing some relief to the market focused on credit quality [1] - The bank is very comfortable with its credit risk, operating under a moderate to low-risk appetite for 15 years [3] - Charge-offs this quarter were 22 basis points (022%), with non-performers and delinquency reduced [3] - The bank is confident in its portfolio performance due to controls, diversification, and portfolio management [4] - The bank views concerns about credit risk as one-offs and not systemic, believing banks have diversified risk and managed it better since the great financial recession [4][5] Lending & Consumer Outlook - The bank is optimistic about loan growth, experiencing high 8+% loan growth for the year and expects to continue that [6] - Low to moderate-income consumers are feeling the stress from inflation, while the balance of consumers are in great shape [7][8] Financial Performance & Strategy - The bank has raised its 2025 net interest income guidance due to peer-leading deposit and loan growth [8][9] - The reduction in short-term interest rates by the Fed is widening the bank's net interest margin by a couple of basis points with every reduction [9][10] - The bank is closing on a combination with Veritex and is focused on driving core growth, having increased guidance each quarter this year [11][12] - The bank has invested significantly, expanding into North and South Carolina, opening branches, and establishing specialty banking groups nationally, focusing on organic growth [14] - The bank views the Veritex combination in Texas as a springboard for organic opportunity [15]