Core Points - Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde's firm, Monteverde & Associates PC, is investigating Blue Foundry Bancorp's sale to Fulton Financial Corporation, where Blue Foundry shareholders are expected to receive 0.65 shares of Fulton Financial common stock for each Blue Foundry share [1] Group 1 - Monteverde & Associates PC has recovered millions for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report [1] - The firm is headquartered in the Empire State Building, New York City, and has a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court [2] - The firm offers free consultations for shareholders concerned about the proposed transaction [3]

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the fairness of the sale of Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ: BLFY) to Fulton Financial Corporation, specifically whether the exchange of 0.65 shares of Fulton Financial for each share of Blue Foundry is equitable for shareholders [1][3]. Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on potential violations of federal securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties by Blue Foundry's board, including failure to secure the best possible consideration for shareholders, assessing whether Fulton Financial is underpaying, and not disclosing all material information necessary for shareholders to evaluate the merger [3][4]. - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other forms of relief related to the proposed transaction [4]. Legal Rights and Options - Blue Foundry shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options regarding the merger [2][4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for Q3 2025 were $101.3 million, or $0.55 per share, reflecting strong profitability and positive operating leverage [4][10] - Total revenue reached an all-time high, driven by growth in net interest income and fee income, with an efficiency ratio of 56.5% and an operating ROA of 1.29% [5][10] - The company repurchased 1.65 million shares at a weighted average cost of $18.67, while tangible book value per share grew 18% on a linked quarter annualized basis [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances increased by $29 million, with residential and commercial mortgages driving growth, despite declines in commercial and industrial loans [10][11] - Deposits grew by $194 million, primarily from demand and savings products, while timed deposits declined [11][12] - Non-interest income for the quarter was $70.4 million, representing 21% of total revenue, with growth driven by wealth and consumer businesses [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 91%, with non-interest-bearing balances declining to 19.5% of total deposits [12] - The net interest margin increased by 10 basis points to 3.57%, with net interest income on a non-FTE basis at $264.2 million [12][13] - The provision for loan losses remained stable, with net charge-offs declining to 18 basis points and non-performing assets improving to 0.63% of total assets [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth and maintaining a diversified balance sheet to drive positive operating leverage [24][44] - Strategic actions taken throughout the year have created headwinds to loan growth, but the company expects these to moderate, allowing for a return to long-term growth trends [7][11] - The company is actively seeking acquisition opportunities within the $1 billion to $5 billion asset bank segment to enhance market penetration [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding credit quality due to economic uncertainties but noted steady performance in the loan portfolio [8][9] - The company updated its 2025 operating guidance, increasing net interest income expectations while tightening provisions and operating expenses [17][18] - Management remains focused on generating organic growth and managing expenses to achieve positive operating leverage [24][44] Other Important Information - The company maintains a healthy capital position, with a tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio of 8.3% and a CET1 ratio of 11.5% [16][17] - The company anticipates seasonal outflows in municipal balances in Q4, which could impact deposit levels [12][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of net interest income guidance revision - Management acknowledged that the revised guidance implies some margin compression in Q4 due to rate cuts, estimating a $2 million annualized NII headwind for every 25 basis points [20][21] Question: Positive operating leverage in 2026 - Management emphasized the goal of generating positive operating leverage consistently, focusing on organic growth and managing expense levels [23][24] Question: Cumulative interest-bearing deposit beta expectations - Management aims to maintain the cumulative interest-bearing deposit beta around 30% as loan growth normalizes [26] Question: Organic growth opportunities in specific markets - Management highlighted opportunities for organic growth in Virginia, Maryland, and Philadelphia, driven by customer acquisition and talent recruitment [31][32] Question: Current exposure levels to NDFIs - Management reported very low exposure to NDFIs, primarily involving loans to community bank holding companies [50][51] Question: Deposit costs and management strategies - Management indicated that they will manage deposit costs effectively, considering seasonal trends and customer deposits [54][56]