Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income for Q4 2025 of $12.3 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, a 24% increase from Q4 2024 [3] - For the full year, net income was $46.2 million, or $2.64 per diluted share, compared to $31.7 million, or $2.01 per diluted share for 2024 [4] - The return on assets (ROA) for Q4 was 1.14%, improving to 1.42% when excluding one-time expenses [5] - The efficiency ratio improved to 57.7% for the quarter, compared to 61.4% for the linked quarter and 68.3% for the prior year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for Q4 totaled $36.5 million, a 5.5% increase over the linked quarter and a 16% increase over Q4 2024 [5] - Non-interest income increased by $251,000, or 2.6%, from the linked quarter, but decreased by $3.8 million, or 10%, for the year compared to 2024 [8][9] - The loan and lease portfolio grew by $68.7 million, representing an annualized growth rate of 8.7% during Q4 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added $106 million in loans and $236 million in low-cost deposits from the acquisition of Farmers Savings Bank [5] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 94.3%, slightly down from the linked quarter, with a target range of 90%-95% [15] - The security portfolio totaled $685 million, representing 15.8% of the balance sheet, with 100% classified as available for sale [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong capital position to support organic growth and invest in technology and infrastructure [17] - There is a focus on reducing reliance on wholesale funding, with a successful reduction in brokered deposits for four consecutive quarters [7] - The company plans to leverage the excess deposits from Farmers Savings Bank to support future loan growth [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic conditions across Ohio and Southeastern Indiana, noting no systemic signs of deterioration [17] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026, with a focus on commercial and industrial lending [6][22] - Credit quality remains solid, with low delinquencies and a stable allowance for credit losses [18] Other Important Information - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.18 per share, representing a 3.2% annualized yield [7] - The tangible common equity ratio increased from 9.21% at September 30 to 9.54% at year-end [17] - The company is investing in technology and personnel to enhance its operations and growth potential [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and composition - Management expects commercial lending to lead growth in 2026, with a focus on C&I and commercial real estate [22][23] Question: Margin trends and interest rate assumptions - The company anticipates a slight margin expansion in Q1 and further increases in subsequent quarters, assuming rate cuts [26][27] Question: Credit quality and non-performing loans - The increase in non-performing loans was attributed to one specific credit issue, with overall credit quality remaining stable [30][31] Question: Capital optimization and share repurchase plans - The company has a $13.5 million share repurchase authorization and will consider repurchases if they see value [39] Question: Leasing revenue expectations - Leasing revenue is expected to be lumpy, with a potential drop in the first quarter but an increase in subsequent quarters [40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter, the company reported net income of $21 million, an increase of $16.1 million or 327.2% compared to the previous quarter [9] - Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.70, an increase of $0.54 per share linked quarter [9] - For the full year 2025, net income was $69.2 million, a decrease of $19.3 million or 21.8% compared to 2024 [10] - The net interest margin expanded to 2.98%, an increase of four basis points from the previous quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans as of December 31 totaled $4.18 billion, a linked-quarter increase of $52.7 million or 1.1% [10] - New loan production for the fourth quarter was approximately $327 million, down from $500 million in the third quarter [4] - Non-performing assets increased by $2.6 million during the fourth quarter but remained low at 0.45% of total assets [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texas economy is anticipated to grow at a faster pace than the overall projected U.S. growth rate [8] - The loan pipeline rebounded to just over $2 billion after dipping to $1.5 billion mid-quarter [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring its available-for-sale securities to enhance future net interest income and provide balance sheet flexibility [3] - There is an ongoing initiative to build out a data platform to improve insights into raw data across multiple systems [24] - The company remains open to strategic acquisitions, particularly in key markets like Dallas and Houston [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the loan growth environment, despite challenges from payoffs and construction project maturities [41] - The company anticipates a positive margin outlook for the first quarter, with expectations for improvement as the year progresses [39] Other Important Information - The company plans to redeem $93 million of subordinated notes due in 2030, which is expected to positively impact net interest margin [15] - The efficiency ratio improved to 52.28% as of December 31, down from 52.99% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the 7% expense growth budget for 2026 - Management indicated that the budget includes additional expenses related to software projects and hiring strategies [21][22] Question: Thoughts on M&A activity in Texas - Management confirmed that they are open to strategic acquisitions, particularly in areas where they have loan production offices [29][30] Question: Expectations for first quarter margin - Management expects a positive margin outlook, although it may be muted initially due to a one-time charge [36][39] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management anticipates loan production to exceed previous levels, despite headwinds from payoffs [41][42] Question: Buyback strategy moving forward - Management plans to be opportunistic with stock buybacks, balancing this with potential acquisitions [44] Question: Fee income outlook for 2026 - Management expects a significant increase in fee income, particularly from trust and brokerage services [47][48] Question: Future actions regarding the securities portfolio - Management will continue to be opportunistic with the securities portfolio, monitoring rates closely [50] Question: M&A opportunities related to market disruptions - Management is actively looking for opportunities arising from market disruptions, both in terms of clients and talent [51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $22.7 million or $0.79 per share for Q4 2025, a 21.5% increase compared to Q4 2024, resulting in a record earnings per share of $3.13 for the year [3] - Loan outstandings grew by $129.3 million during Q4 2025, with a 7.6% annualized growth rate [5] - Non-accrual loans to total loans declined by 20 basis points to 0.2%, and non-performing assets to total assets declined by 16 basis points to 0.45% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew by $88.2 million, or 1.3%, for the full year of 2025 [6] - Non-interest expense increased by $2.1 million, or 4.1%, compared to Q4 2024, with total non-interest expense for 2025 at $203 million [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits decreased by $130.8 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a $198.8 million decrease in public funds, partially offset by an $84 million increase in consumer balances [6] - Total deposits grew by $328.1 million, or 4.9%, for the full year of 2025 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to repurchase approximately $10 million-$12 million of shares per quarter in 2026, with 2.3 million shares available for repurchase under the current plan [8] - The company is targeting loan growth of approximately 2%-3% and modest net interest margin (NIM) expansion for 2026, expecting net interest income growth of approximately 4%-6% [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects $100 million-$150 million in public funds to flow out in Q1 and Q2 2026, with a significant portion of excess liquidity expected to be deployed during this period [15] - The company anticipates a relatively stable environment with modest Fed actions not expected to materially impact net interest income [9] Other Important Information - The provision for credit losses for 2026 is expected to be in the range of $11 million-$13 million, reflecting changes in economic forecasts and credit performance [9] - The effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 20%-21% based on current statutory rates [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the seasonality for deposits in Q1? - The company expects $100 million-$150 million in public funds to flow out in Q1 and Q2, with significant deployment of excess liquidity [15] Question: How should we think about the NIM trajectory over the course of the year? - The company expects NIM to be relatively in line to slightly up compared to Q4 2025, with overall expansion anticipated for 2026 [16] Question: What are you seeing in terms of deposit competition? - Competition remains, with slight increases noted, but the company has been successful in retaining CDs and is working to acquire more operating accounts [19][20] Question: Can you review your ag farmland portfolio? - The ag portfolio consists of smaller family farms with a conservative underwriting approach, and the company has a diversified business underlying these loans [22] Question: What are you seeing regarding spread compression? - The company has seen some compression on the commercial side, with new loan rates down by 40-50 basis points, but has not experienced true spread compression [28] Question: Can you discuss the deposit pipeline and initiatives? - The company is making progress with commercial lending and small business initiatives, aiming to capture more deposits and improve the mix of operating accounts [42][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $22.7 million or $0.79 per share for Q4 2025, a 21.5% increase compared to Q4 2024, resulting in record earnings per share for the year of $3.13 [3] - Loan outstandings grew by $129.3 million during Q4 2025, with solid loan growth as early payoffs and paydowns eased back to normal levels [3][4] - The reported net interest margin (NIM) decreased by 7 basis points to 3.10% compared to Q3 2025, while core NIM increased by 4 basis points to 3.37% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew by $129.3 million during Q4 2025, or 7.6% annualized, while total loans for the full year increased by $88.2 million, or 1.3% [5][6] - Non-interest expense increased by $2.1 million, or 4.1% compared to Q4 2024, with full-year expenses rising by $5 million, or 2.5% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits decreased by $130.8 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a $198.8 million decrease in public funds, partially offset by an $84 million increase in consumer balances [6] - Total deposits grew by $328.1 million, or 4.9%, for the full year of 2025 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to target repurchases of $10 million-$12 million per quarter in 2026, with 2.3 million shares available for repurchase under the plan [8][9] - For 2026, the company expects loan growth of approximately 2%-3% and modest NIM expansion, resulting in net interest income growth of approximately 4%-6% [9][10] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the provision for credit losses is expected to be in the range of $11 million-$13 million for 2026, driven by changes in economic forecasts and credit performance [10] - The effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 20%-21% based on current statutory rates [10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 400,000 shares of common stock at an average cost of $32.17 per share during Q4 2025 [7][8] - The company recorded a provision for credit losses of $3.1 million in Q4 2025, with a coverage ratio of 1.28% [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the seasonality for deposits in Q1? - Management expects $100 million-$150 million per quarter in public funds to flow out in Q1 and Q2, with a significant portion of excess liquidity deployed during that time [15][16] Question: How should we think about the NIM trajectory over the course of the year? - Management expects NIM to be relatively in line to slightly up by the end of 2026 compared to Q4 2025, with overall expansion anticipated [18][19] Question: What are you seeing in terms of deposit competition? - Competition remains, with some slight increases noted. The company has been successful in CD retention and is working to change the mix of deposits [21][22] Question: Can you review your ag farmland portfolio? - The ag book consists of smaller family farms diversified across various sectors, with a conservative underwriting approach and a diversified business underlying the loans [23] Question: Can you discuss the margin and incremental loan yields? - Management noted some compression on the commercial side, with new loan rates down by 40-50 basis points, but no true spread compression observed [28][29] Question: What is the expected provision level for next year? - The provision is expected to normalize in the 12-13 basis point range, with guidance provided for the year [40] Question: Can you talk about the deposit pipeline and initiatives? - The company is making progress with various initiatives aimed at capturing deposits from small businesses and other targeted programs [42][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year pre-tax, pre-provision earnings growth of 105% year-over-year, with earnings per share increasing 45% to $3.40 when excluding merger-related charges [3][4] - Fourth quarter net income, excluding merger and restructuring expenses, was $81 million, with diluted earnings per share of $0.84, an 18% increase year-over-year [4][10] - Total assets increased 48% year-over-year to $27.7 billion, with total portfolio loans rising 52% to $19.2 billion [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was fully funded by deposit growth, with total loans increasing 6% annualized from the third quarter and 5% year-over-year [8][12] - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $43.3 million, a 19% increase year-over-year, driven by the acquisition of Premier [14] - Treasury management revenue reached a record of $6 million, with total wealth management assets under management at $10.4 billion [6][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased 53% year-over-year to $21.7 billion, including $6.9 billion from acquired PFC deposits and $662 million from organic growth [12] - Commercial real estate payoffs totaled $415 million in the fourth quarter and over $900 million for the year, exceeding previous expectations [7][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully integrated Premier Financial, transforming into a $28 billion asset regional financial services partner, ranking among the top 50 publicly traded U.S. financial institutions [5][6] - Continued investment in organic growth through new loan production offices and a new healthcare vertical, optimizing financial center networks and digital banking capabilities [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates mid-single-digit year-over-year loan growth during 2026, despite expected elevated commercial real estate payoffs [8][30] - The company expects net interest margin to remain consistent with the fourth quarter margin of 3.61% in the first quarter, with potential increases in subsequent quarters [19][44] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter was just below 52%, reflecting a focus on operational efficiencies and cost control [10][16] - The CET1 ratio improved to 10.34%, with expectations to build 15-20 basis points per quarter moving forward [18][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and payoffs - Management expects a step down in payoffs from the elevated fourth quarter number, estimating $600 million-$800 million in 2026, weighted towards the first half [28][30] Question: Details on the healthcare vertical - The healthcare vertical generated around $500 million in new loans last year and is expected to be a significant growth driver [32][33] Question: Expense guidance and branch evaluations - Management confirmed that branch closures are not reflected in current numbers, and evaluations of the branch network will continue throughout the year [42][43] Question: Margin outlook and factors influencing it - The margin is expected to remain flat in the first quarter, with a step up in the second quarter due to deposit growth and repricing of CDs [44][49] Question: Capital deployment priorities - The company prioritizes dividends, loan growth, and buybacks, with M&A being a distant fourth [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year pre-tax, pre-provision earnings growth of 105% year-over-year, with earnings per share increasing 45% to $3.40 when excluding merger-related charges [3][4] - Fourth quarter net income available to common shareholders of $81 million, with diluted earnings per share of $0.84, an 18% increase year-over-year [4][11] - Return on tangible common equity for the fourth quarter was 16%, with non-performing assets to total assets at 0.33% [6][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total portfolio loans increased 52% year-over-year to $19.2 billion, driven by both acquired loans and organic growth [13] - Treasury management revenue reached a record of $6 million, with total wealth management assets under management at $10.4 billion [7][10] - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $43.3 million, a 19% increase year-over-year, primarily due to the acquisition of Premier [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased 53% year-over-year to $21.7 billion, with organic growth of $662 million fully funding loan growth [14] - Commercial real estate project payoffs totaled $415 million in the fourth quarter and over $900 million for the year, exceeding previous expectations [8][13] - The commercial loan pipeline stood at over $1.2 billion, with more than 40% tied to new markets and loan production offices [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully integrated Premier Financial, transforming into a $28 billion asset regional financial services partner, ranking among the top 50 publicly traded U.S. financial institutions [6] - Continued investment in organic growth through new loan production offices and a new healthcare vertical, optimizing financial center networks and digital banking capabilities [7][10] - Focus on relationship banking as a differentiator, with plans to expand into new markets such as Richmond and Atlanta [10][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates mid-single-digit year-over-year loan growth during 2026, despite expected elevated commercial real estate payoffs [9][34] - The company expects net interest margin to remain consistent with the fourth quarter margin of 3.61% in the first quarter, with gradual increases anticipated throughout the year [21][49] - Management remains committed to disciplined expense management to drive positive operating leverage and shareholder value [22][60] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter was just below 52%, reflecting updated calculation methodologies [18] - The company redeemed $150 million of Series A Preferred Stock and $50 million of subdebt acquired for Premier during the fourth quarter [19] - Anticipated effective tax rate for the full year is between 20.5% and 21.5%, slightly higher than 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and payoffs - Management expects a step down in payoffs from the elevated fourth quarter number, estimating $600 million to $800 million in 2026, weighted towards the first half [31][32] Question: Details on the healthcare vertical - The healthcare vertical generated around $500 million in new loans last year and is expected to be a significant growth engine moving forward [35][36] Question: Expense guidance and branch evaluations - Management confirmed that branch closures are not reflected in current expense guidance, and evaluations of the branch network will continue [44][45] Question: Margin outlook and factors influencing it - Management discussed the extraordinary deposit growth in the fourth quarter and its impact on margin, with expectations for continued improvement in the second quarter [46][49] Question: Fee initiatives and treasury management growth - Treasury management fees have seen significant growth, with expectations for continued double-digit growth this year [98][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported pre-tax, pre-provision earnings growth of 105% year-over-year and earnings per share (EPS) growth of 45% to $3.40, excluding merger-related charges [3][4] - The fourth quarter net income, excluding merger and restructuring expenses, was $81 million, with diluted EPS of $0.84, an 18% increase year-over-year [4][10] - The return on tangible common equity for the fourth quarter was 16%, with non-performing assets to total assets at 0.33% [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total portfolio loans increased by 52% year-over-year to $19.2 billion, driven by both acquired loans from Premier Financial and organic growth [11] - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $43.3 million, a 19% increase year-over-year, primarily due to the acquisition of Premier [14] - Treasury management revenue reached a record of $6 million, with total wealth management assets under management at $10.4 billion [6][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by 53% year-over-year to $21.7 billion, supported by acquired deposits from Premier Financial and organic growth [12] - The company experienced a significant increase in commercial real estate project payoffs, totaling $415 million in the fourth quarter and over $900 million for the year, which created a 4% headwind to loan growth [7][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully integrated the acquisition of Premier Financial, transforming itself into a $28 billion asset regional financial services partner and ranking among the top 50 publicly traded U.S. financial institutions [5][6] - Continued investment in organic growth includes opening loan production offices in new markets and launching a healthcare vertical [6][9] - The company aims to maintain a focus on relationship banking, which differentiates it from competitors [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates mid-single-digit year-over-year loan growth during 2026, despite expected elevated commercial real estate payoffs [8][30] - The company expects net interest margin to remain consistent with the fourth quarter margin of 3.61% in the first quarter of 2026, with potential increases in subsequent quarters [18][49] - The effective tax rate for 2026 is projected to be between 20.5% and 21.5%, slightly higher than in 2025 [23] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $150 million of Series A Preferred Stock and $50 million of subdebt acquired for Premier during the fourth quarter [16] - The CET1 ratio improved to 10.34%, with expectations to build 15-20 basis points per quarter moving forward [17][59] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and payoffs - Management expects elevated payoffs in the first half of 2026, estimating between $600 million and $800 million, but believes loan growth will remain strong due to a robust pipeline [28][30] Question: Expense guidance and branch evaluations - Management confirmed that branch evaluations will continue, with potential for additional closures not reflected in current numbers [42][43] Question: Margin outlook and factors influencing it - The company anticipates a flat margin in the first quarter, with a step-up in the second quarter due to strong deposit growth and repricing of CDs [44][46] Question: Capital deployment priorities - The company prioritizes dividends, loan growth, and buybacks, with M&A being a distant fourth [57][58] Question: Fair Value Accretion expectations - Management models about 25 basis points of fair value accretion for the first quarter, with a gradual decline over the next six years [62] Question: Deposit pipeline and costs - The deposit pipeline remains strong, with spot deposit rates slightly down at the end of December [85][86] Question: Types of loans in new markets - The types of loans in new markets are similar to legacy markets, focusing on commercial real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and healthcare [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, core earnings per share were reported at $0.02, while the full-year core loss per share was $0.35 [13] - Total expenses for 2025 were $438 million, a decrease of nearly 50% compared to 2023, with Q4 total core operating expenses at $88 million, a 40% improvement year-over-year [24][26] - The adjusted tangible equity ratio stood at 9.1% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnest achieved its highest-ever refi loan origination volume of $634 million in Q4 2025, bringing full-year refi originations to $2.1 billion, more than doubling from the previous year [8][15] - In-school lending originated $401 million in new loans in 2025, marking a significant increase [9] - Consumer lending segment net income for Q4 was $25 million, down from $37 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower outstanding balances [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The delinquency rate for private loans increased from 2.48% in Q3 to 2.24% in Q4, while 31+ day delinquency rates rose from 6.1% to 6.3% [19] - The total delinquency rate for federal education loans improved slightly from Q3, declining from 18.1% to 17.5% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is targeting total loan originations of $4 billion in 2026, representing a growth of approximately 60% over 2025 [9][26] - A shift towards a holding company management structure is underway, with a focus on reducing central costs and improving operational efficiency [11][12] - The company continues to invest in capabilities at Earnest and aims to leverage existing capital for growth [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's prospects for 2026, citing strong momentum in loan origination and improved capital efficiency [12][17] - The macroeconomic environment remains a concern, with management noting a deterioration in the economic outlook impacting delinquency rates [32][69] Other Important Information - The company completed its fourth securitization of the year in Q4 2025, totaling nearly $2.2 billion in term ABS financing [25] - Share repurchases totaled 2.1 million shares at an average price of $12.67, with a total of $41 million returned to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What prompted the increase in reserves for the private legacy portfolio? - Management indicated that a comprehensive review of assumptions regarding life of loan cash flows led to adjustments, with a significant portion of the provision related to the macroeconomic scenario and delinquency trends [30][32] Question: What is the outlook for the personal loan product? - The personal loan product is still in a pilot phase, with initial results being encouraging, but it is not expected to impact financials significantly in 2026 [41] Question: What are the macro assumptions underpinning the guidance? - The guidance reflects consensus macroeconomic assumptions for unemployment and interest rates, which will be provided offline [62] Question: What is driving the deterioration in the private legacy portfolio? - Management noted that various factors, including macroeconomic conditions and borrower challenges, have contributed to the higher delinquency rates in the legacy portfolio [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net income totaled $10.2 million, or $0.59 per share, stable from the third quarter but more than double the earnings from the same quarter a year ago [3][7] - Return on Assets (ROA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) were stable from the third quarter while increasing sharply from a year ago [3] - For the year, net interest income increased by 13% to $112 million due to loan growth and a decline in funding costs [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew at a solid 8.6% for the year, with fourth quarter originations at $145 million, 32% higher than in 2024 [4][11] - Non-performing loans decreased by 45% and non-performing assets decreased by 34% since the end of the previous year [6][12] - Fourth quarter non-interest income declined by $486,000 from the third quarter, but all categories of non-interest income increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, except for other income [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by 8.6% compared to the fourth quarter a year ago, with strong growth in interest-bearing non-maturity deposits [5] - Average demand deposits remained stable in 2025, comprising 16% of total deposits [5] - The average interest-bearing deposit rate declined by 55 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2024 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to historic performance levels, focusing on resolving remaining non-performing assets [3] - There is an expectation of high single-digit growth in 2026, supported by a healthy loan pipeline [4] - The company is looking to rightsize its subordinated debt and may become more active in share buybacks after addressing this [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that credit performance will continue to improve in future quarters, having turned a corner on credit issues [3] - The competitive landscape for deposits remains intense, but the company is optimistic about maintaining deposit growth [5][16] - Management anticipates that future annual credit costs will be much lower now that credit has stabilized [12] Other Important Information - Tangible book value per share increased by 7.8% during 2025, ending the year at $26.42 [14] - The effective tax rate in 2026 is expected to be between 27% and 28% [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for deposit beta going forward? - Management indicated that the deposit beta is expected to continue increasing due to a large portion of the funding base maturing over the next year [16] Question: Any updates on subordinated debt refreshes? - The company plans to rightsize its $120 million subordinated debt eligible for redemption in April, looking for more attractive market opportunities [17] Question: How should we think about the buyback this year? - Management suggested that after addressing subordinated debt, there will be opportunities to be more active in buybacks [18] Question: What is the outlook for net interest margin (NIM)? - Management believes there is potential for NIM expansion as deposit costs may decrease with upcoming maturities [26] Question: What is the competition like for commercial real estate loans? - The company is facing competition but remains strategic in its lending relationships, maintaining yields above competitors [52][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net income totaled $10.2 million, or $0.59 per share, stable from the third quarter but more than double the earnings from the same quarter a year ago [3][7] - Return on Assets (ROA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) were stable from the third quarter while increasing sharply from a year ago [3] - For the year, loans grew at a solid 8.6%, with loan originations for the year being 32% higher than in 2024 [4][12] - Non-performing loans decreased by 45% and non-performing assets decreased by 34% since the end of last year [6][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter loan originations were $145 million, with a healthy pipeline expected to support high single-digit growth in 2026 [4] - Net interest income increased by 13% to $112 million for the year, driven by loan growth and a decline in funding costs [9] - Non-interest income categories increased except for other income, with a decline in non-interest expenses due to year-end accruals [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by 8.6% compared to the fourth quarter a year ago, with strong growth in interest-bearing non-maturity deposits [5] - Average demand deposits remained stable in 2025, comprising 16% of total deposits [5] - The average rate on interest-bearing deposits declined by 55 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2024 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to its historic performance levels, focusing on resolving remaining non-performing assets [3] - There is a commitment to maintaining pricing and structuring discipline in loan originations [4] - The company plans to be more active in buyback programs after addressing sub-debt [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in having turned a corner on credit, expecting continued improvement in performance [3] - The competitive landscape for deposits remains intense, impacting deposit costs [6][16] - Management anticipates that credit costs will be much lower now that credit has stabilized [13] Other Important Information - Tangible book value per share increased by 7.8% during 2025, ending the year at $26.42 [14] - The effective tax rate in 2026 is expected to be between 27% and 28% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for deposit beta going forward? - Management indicated that the deposit beta is expected to continue increasing due to a large portion of the funding base maturing over the next year [16] Question: Any updates on sub-debt refreshes in April? - Management is looking at opportunities to rightsize the sub-debt for the balance sheet and capital stack [17] Question: How should we think about the buyback this year? - Management expects to be more active in buyback programs after addressing sub-debt [18] Question: Can you discuss the margin outlook for 2026? - Management believes there is an opportunity for deposit costs to continue to come down, which could lead to margin expansion [25][27] Question: What are the expectations for credit metrics in the next 12 months? - Management is optimistic about resolving non-performing loans and expects continued improvement in credit metrics [29][31] Question: What is the current competition like for commercial real estate loans? - Management noted that competition remains intense, but they are strategically focused on relationship-driven lending [54][56]