Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net income available to common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [18][19] - The total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down from $342.4 million in the previous quarter, with the total allowance as a percentage of total loans held for investment decreasing to 117 basis points from 125 basis points [19] - The tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the previous quarter, while the net interest margin remained steady at 3.83% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. Non-interest bearing deposits grew by approximately 4% annualized in Q3 [9][10] - Non-interest income decreased by $29.7 million to $51.8 million, primarily due to a loss related to the final CRE loan sale settlement [21] - Reported non-interest expense decreased by $41.3 million to $238.4 million, driven by a decline in merger-related costs associated with the Sandy Spring acquisition [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Greater Washington DC region showed resilience despite concerns over government employment reductions and the government shutdown, with unemployment rates in Maryland and Virginia at 3.6%, below the national average of 4.3% [14][16] - The company maintains a diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington Metro Area, and the remaining 77% across broader markets [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages from the Sandy Spring acquisition while pursuing organic growth opportunities in Virginia and North Carolina [8][17] - The integration of Sandy Spring is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost savings targets and enhanced earnings power by 2026 [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's asset quality, with non-performing assets at 0.49% of loans held for investment and a forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to remain between 15 and 20 basis points [12][13] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment [31][32] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend [24] - The financial outlook for year-end loan balances is projected to be between $27.7 billion and $28 billion, with deposit balances expected between $30.8 billion and $31 billion [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in 2026? - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a normalized environment [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for expenses and efficiency ratios? - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s for 2026, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base while expanding in North Carolina [36][37] Question: How is the company addressing competition in the market? - The company is experiencing increased competition, particularly from traditional banks returning to the market, but remains committed to consistent capital provision [90][92] Question: What are the revenue synergies expected from the Sandy Spring acquisition? - The acquisition allows for expanded lending capabilities and additional services such as interest rate hedging, with a focus on new client acquisition [94][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [8] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the same period of 2024 [8] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth for Q3 2025 was 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated loan paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][6] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [9] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from Q3 2024 [11] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong and stable net interest margin, with a current margin of 3.5% despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact net interest margin and overall financial metrics [7][20] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on net interest margin [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions, highlighting strong asset quality and a commitment to excellence in underwriting [22] - The company projects loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from federal funds rate cuts [21] - Management anticipates that net interest margin will remain steady, supported by strategic initiatives and the upcoming acquisition [30] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $0.2 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong credit quality and net recoveries [16] - Non-interest expenses increased by $2.4 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [18] - The effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 13%, influenced by the acquisition of transferable energy tax credits [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted a conservative approach to charge-offs and a typical budget of 5% to 10% for net charge-offs [26][27] Question: Discussion on net interest margin and future rate cuts - Management acknowledged that while rate cuts may pose a headwind, the acquisition will provide benefits to net interest margin [28][30] Question: Clarification on loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management explained that paydowns were recognized in Q3 and indicated that loan growth guidance remains at 5% to 7% for Q4 [38][41] Question: Inquiry on expense expectations and acquisition costs - Management confirmed that the guidance for Q4 includes about $1 million in acquisition costs, with other expenses expected to stabilize [42][70] Question: Discussion on fee income growth and commercial card programs - Management highlighted strong growth in debit and credit card income, driven by increased transaction volumes [71][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong performance [8] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [8] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth was 9% for Q3 2025, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][6] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [9] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from the prior year [11] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong and stable net interest margin, which stood at 3.5% despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3][4] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact various financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [7] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions, highlighting strong asset quality and a robust pipeline for loan growth [22] - The company anticipates loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, with expectations for continued strong performance in non-interest income [21][41] - Management noted that the effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 13%, with projections for a similar rate in the future, depending on the acquisition of transferable energy tax credits [19][51] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $0.2 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong credit quality and net recoveries [16] - Non-interest expenses increased by $2.4 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [18] - The total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of September 30, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted a conservative approach to charge-offs and typically budgets between 5% and 10% in net charge-offs [26][27] Question: Discussion on net interest margin and future expectations - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the net interest margin, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [28][30] Question: Clarification on loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management explained that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated, and they expect continued mid-single-digit loan growth [39][41] Question: Inquiry about expense expectations and acquisition costs - Management confirmed that the guidance for Q4 includes about $1 million in acquisition costs, with no income statement impact from Eastern until the merger is finalized [44][70] Question: Discussion on fee income growth and expectations - Management highlighted strong growth in the commercial card program, attributing it to increased volume and customer engagement [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [9] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [9] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth for Q3 2025 was 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated loan paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][8] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [10] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from the prior year [12] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong net interest margin, which stood at 3.5%, despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact key financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [8] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions and highlighted a strong pipeline for loan growth [24] - The company anticipates loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [23] - Management noted that credit quality remains strong, with expectations for continued net recoveries [29] Other Important Information - The company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of September 30, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [22] - The effective tax rates for Q3 and year-to-date 2025 were 13% and 15%, respectively, benefiting from transferable energy tax credits [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted net recoveries in seven of the past eight quarters and budgeted for net charge-offs between 5% and 10% historically [29][31] Question: Net interest margin outlook - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the net interest margin, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [32][34] Question: Loan growth guidance and paydowns - Management clarified that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated and that loan growth guidance remains at 5% to 7% for Q4 2025 [42][45] Question: Expense expectations - Management confirmed that the expense guidance for Q4 includes merger charges but not operational costs from the acquisition [46][75] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management projected a tax rate of around 17.5% to 18% without additional energy tax credits, but closer to 16% if credits are maximized [57] Question: Credit trends and provision expectations - Management suggested that the provision for Q4 could be similar to earlier quarters, given strong credit quality [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong performance [12] - Year-to-date net income for 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [12] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter growth in earnings per share [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated paydowns, but commitments to make loans reached an all-time high of $307 million, exceeding the average of the prior four quarters by 32% [8][10] - Deposit growth for 2025 was annualized at 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six years [7] - Service charges on accounts increased by 18% during the first nine months of 2025, driven by growth in commercial deposit relationships [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% as of Q3 2025, down from 102% a year prior, indicating better liquidity management [6] - Average loans increased to $4.6 billion in 2025, a growth of over 4% from $4.47 billion in 2024 [13] - Average deposits grew to $4.83 billion in 2025, up by $489 million or over 11% from the previous year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a stable net interest margin, which stood at 3.5%, despite a decline in the SOFR rate [4][17] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to contribute positively to the company's financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [11][22] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet effectively to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions and highlighted a strong pipeline for loan growth [23] - The company projects loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from federal rate cuts [22] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is projected at 15%, with expectations for continued tax benefits from energy tax credits [20][56] Other Important Information - The company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of Q3 2025, significantly above the minimum threshold for well-capitalized status [21] - Tangible book value per common share increased by 13% during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting retained earnings growth [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted net recoveries in seven of the past eight quarters and budgeted for net charge-offs between five and ten basis points [28][29] Question: Net interest margin outlook - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the interest margin, and despite rate cuts, they expect the net interest margin to remain steady [31][32] Question: Loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management confirmed that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated and indicated that loan growth could be higher than the 5% to 7% guidance for Q4 [39][43] Question: Expense expectations for Q4 - Management clarified that the Q4 guidance includes acquisition costs but not operational expenses from Eastern Michigan [44][71] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management projected a tax rate of around 17.5% to 18% without additional energy credits, but with potential credits, it could be closer to 16% [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter GAAP net income was $34.3 million, with diluted EPS at $0.69, resulting in a 0.55% return on assets and a 3.82% return on average common equity [12] - Adjusted operating net income for the quarter was $77.4 million, or $1.55 diluted EPS, representing a 1.23% return on assets and an 8.63% return on average common equity [13] - The net interest margin improved to 3.62%, a 25 basis point increase from the prior quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial and industrial (C&I) loans grew organically at a 13% annualized rate, while commercial real estate loan balances declined at a 6.7% annualized rate [9][17] - Demand deposit growth was 5% annualized in the third quarter, with demand deposits representing 28% of overall deposits [10] - The wealth management business grew assets under administration (AUA) to $9.2 billion, including $1.4 billion from the Enterprise acquisition [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Massachusetts business confidence index remained in the high 40s, indicating a stable but uncertain economic environment [8] - The cost of deposits was reported at 1.58%, reflecting the value of the deposit franchise [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating the Enterprise acquisition, with no branches closed and all employees retained [6][7] - Future initiatives include cross-selling deeper into the Enterprise customer base and enhancing consumer lending offerings [7] - The company plans to prepare for a core conversion scheduled for May 2026, aimed at improving technology infrastructure and scalability [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resilience of their client base despite economic uncertainties, including government shutdowns and inflation [8] - The company anticipates continued improvement in growth and profitability, driven by prudent expense management and realization of benefits from the Enterprise acquisition [11] Other Important Information - The company reported a tangible book value per share decrease of $2.17, or 4.5%, for the quarter, with a modest year-over-year increase [14] - Merger-related expenses totaled $23.9 million, primarily from severance and professional fees [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the C&I growth and discuss the loan pipeline? - C&I growth has been strong, particularly in lower middle market segments, with healthy loan pipelines remaining stable [28] Question: How is the company addressing office credit concerns? - Management feels more positive about office credit, having resolved several larger issues, but acknowledges ongoing work is needed [34][36] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth next year? - Management is optimistic about potential loan growth, suggesting it could be in the low to mid-single digits if current trends continue [37] Question: What are the plans for the securities portfolio? - There are no immediate plans to restructure the securities portfolio, which is viewed as stable and yielding well [41] Question: How does the company view future M&A opportunities? - The company is currently focused on organic growth and integration of the Enterprise acquisition, with no immediate plans for further M&A [44]

Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group (CFG) is positioned for growth with a strategic focus on private banking, strong earnings, and solid financial metrics, indicating a positive outlook for investors [2][4][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - CFG is a prominent financial institution in the U.S., offering a range of banking services including retail and commercial banking, loans, deposits, and wealth management [1]. - The company competes with major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America [1]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - On October 16, 2025, Stephens maintained an "Overweight" rating for CFG, raising the price target from $59 to $60, reflecting confidence in the stock's potential [2][6]. - CFG's robust third-quarter earnings have positively influenced its share performance, and the company has increased its dividend, enhancing shareholder value [3]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - CFG's strategic shift towards private banking has been beneficial, with an expansion of its net interest margin expected to drive earnings growth surpassing peers in the coming year [4][6]. - The expiration of fixed-rate swaps has contributed to the improvement in net interest margin, setting the stage for future earnings growth [4]. Group 4: Financial Health - CFG maintains strong credit quality and capital reserves, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio exceeding 10%, indicating a solid financial foundation [5][6]. - The company's market capitalization is approximately $21.85 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the financial industry [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.36 for the second quarter, an increase from $1.31 in the previous quarter and $1.19 year-over-year [4][23] - Adjusted return on assets was 1.31% and pre-provision ROAA was 1.72% [5] - Net interest income increased by $5.2 million to $153 million, with net interest margin expanding by six basis points to 4.21% [5][27] - Year-over-year core deposit base grew by nearly $800 million, maintaining a loan-to-deposit ratio of 86% [8][9] - Tangible book value per common share increased to $40.2, reflecting a 15% annualized quarterly increase [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $110 million, with a 4% annualized growth rate, driven primarily by C&I loans and investor-owned commercial real estate [6][13] - SBA loan production remained stable, with a decision to sell $25 million of SBA loans contributing $1.2 million in fee income [8][16] - Life insurance premium finance balances increased by 16% year-over-year, while tax credit balances rose by $30 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All geographic markets showed loan growth, with notable contributions from the Midwest and Southwest regions [18][19] - Client deposits grew by $73 million in the quarter, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 7% [19][20] - Specialty deposit verticals grew by $63 million for the quarter and $552 million or 18% year-over-year [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a diversified business model that capitalizes on higher growth markets while maintaining pricing discipline [4][5] - The strategic acquisition of a branch from First Interstate Bank is expected to enhance growth opportunities in 2025 and 2026 [9][10] - Management emphasizes a relationship-oriented approach to capitalize on additional opportunities while balancing quality and pricing [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued loan growth, anticipating a pickup in the second half of 2025 due to pent-up demand and improved economic clarity [11][58] - The company expects to navigate economic uncertainties while leveraging opportunities from ongoing M&A activity in the market [12][86] - Management remains focused on achieving loan and deposit goals while maintaining asset quality [10][29] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by $0.01 to $0.31 per share for 2025 [10][35] - Non-performing assets remained stable, with a slight decrease in non-performing loans [10][30] - The company is well-capitalized, with a tangible common equity ratio of 9.42% and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.9% [9][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for fee income in the second half of the year - Management expects fee income to be similar to the first quarter, with potential contributions from SBA sales and other line items [39][40] Question: Outlook on expenses and merit increases - Management indicated that the current expense levels are expected to grow, influenced by merit increases and legal expenses related to non-performing loans [42][44] Question: Capital levels and branch acquisition impact - Management confirmed that the branch acquisition will normalize capital levels and support growth, with plans to call subordinated debt in the near term [49][50] Question: Margin outlook and potential pressures - Management anticipates stable margins moving forward, with some near-term pressures due to securities purchases and floating rate debt [53][56] Question: Loan growth expectations for the second half of the year - Management expects loan growth to pick up, potentially reaching 5-7% as economic conditions improve [58][59] Question: Commentary on SBA loan sales strategy - Management is exploring SBA loan sales as a strategy to solidify fee income, with expectations for some level of gains in the upcoming quarters [80][81] Question: M&A activity and strategic priorities - Management emphasized the importance of onboarding new clients from the branch acquisition before considering further M&A opportunities [85][86]

Bank Stress Test Results & Regulatory Outlook - The Federal Reserve's bank stress test results were positive across the board, with all banks passing [1][2] - Pre-tax pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) was more robust due to industry profitability driven by strong capital markets revenues and resilient net interest margin [2] - The decline in capital wasn't as severe despite severe stress scenarios [2] - Investors are positive due to a deregulation outlook, with Michelle Bowman addressing Basel 3 endgame with a more realistic approach [5] - Treasury Secretary Besson suggests loosening regulations to allow banks to contribute more to economic growth [5] Top Bank Picks & Growth Opportunities - Wells Fargo is a top pick due to the lifting of its asset cap, allowing balance sheet growth [6] - Wells Fargo had about 13 cease and desist orders since 2019, with 12 having been lifted, reducing regulatory adherence costs of approximately $12 billion [6][7] - Bank of America is expected to show strong net interest income growth [8] - Opportunities exist for money center and regional banks like Fifth Third, Regions, and M&T to return excess capital [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a significant increase in deposits, now totaling $140 billion, making it the largest digital-only bank in the country [15] - Fee-based income has grown from $1.6 billion to $2 billion from 2019 to the present, reflecting a 5% CAGR, with recent growth accelerating to double digits [19][20] - The company aims for mid-teens returns, focusing on improving net interest margin (NIM) and maintaining low credit losses [38][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate Finance business has shown strong growth, with assets growing at over 10% CAGR and income at over 20% [20] - The retail bank has increased its customer base from under 2 million to over 3 million in five years, indicating strong growth in the deposit business [21] - The Dealer Financial Services segment remains a core focus, with the company being the largest bank originator of auto loans in the country [12][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The auto finance market is experiencing increased competition, particularly in the super-prime and subprime segments, while the company remains strong in the prime and used vehicle markets [61][62] - The company has noted a favorable short-term impact from potential increases in used car prices due to tariffs, which could benefit collections and recoveries [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on areas where it has demonstrated strengths, such as Dealer Financial Services and Corporate Finance, while divesting from less core areas like credit cards and personal lending [11][18] - The management emphasizes the importance of a focused business model, aiming to streamline operations and enhance competitive advantages [5][16] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital management and expense control while investing in technology and branding [102] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current macroeconomic environment, highlighting improvements in credit risk management and operational efficiency [32][36] - There is a cautious optimism regarding consumer behavior, with strong new vehicle purchases and encouraging payment activity among delinquent customers [33][35] - The management acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding tariffs but believes the company is in a structurally sound position to handle potential impacts [28][32] Other Important Information - The company has successfully restructured its securities to improve income streams and reduce interest rate risk [30] - The management is focused on achieving a net interest margin in the high threes, with expectations for NIM expansion in the coming quarters [38][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What prompted the shift to a more focused strategy? - The company recognized the need to concentrate on areas with demonstrated strengths and competitive advantages, leading to a pivot in strategy [11][18] Question: How does the company view the current competitive landscape in auto finance? - The company sees increased competition primarily in the super-prime and subprime segments but remains confident in its position within the prime and used vehicle markets [61][62] Question: What are the expectations for fee income growth? - The company anticipates continued growth in fee income, overcoming the loss from the credit card business and aiming for double-digit growth in the future [89] Question: How is the company managing capital and share repurchases? - The company is currently in a wait-and-see mode regarding share repurchases due to macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainties, but sees potential for organic capital generation [92][95] Question: What is the outlook for credit losses in retail auto? - Management is encouraged by recent trends in credit performance but remains cautious about the macro environment, indicating no immediate changes to loss outlook [75][76]