Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group (CFG) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.13, exceeding estimates and reflecting a 32.9% year-over-year increase [1][9] Financial Performance - Net income on a GAAP basis for Q4 2025 was $528 million, up 31.6% from the previous year [2] - Total revenues for Q4 reached $2.16 billion, surpassing estimates by 0.4% and increasing 8.6% year over year [4] - Full-year 2025 earnings per share were $3.86, exceeding the consensus estimate and up from $3.03 in 2024 [3] Income Sources - Net interest income (NII) rose 8.8% year over year to $1.54 billion, driven by an improved net interest margin [4][5] - Non-interest income increased by 8% year over year to $620 million, attributed to higher service charges, capital markets fees, and wealth fees [5] Expenses and Efficiency - Non-interest expenses rose 2.1% year over year to $1.34 billion, primarily due to increased salaries and operational costs [6] - The efficiency ratio improved to 62.2% in Q4 from 66.3% in the previous year, indicating enhanced profitability [6] Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans and leases as of December 31, 2025, were $142.7 billion, up 1.3% from the prior quarter, while total deposits increased 1.8% to $183.3 billion [7] Credit Quality - Provision for credit losses decreased by 15.4% year over year to $137 million, with the allowance for credit losses down 3.4% to $2.2 billion [8] - Net charge-offs fell 17.9% year over year to $155 million, and non-accrual loans declined 9.6% to $1.5 billion [10] Capital Position - As of December 31, 2025, the tier 1 leverage ratio remained at 9.4%, while the common equity tier 1 capital ratio decreased to 10.6% from 10.8% [11] Shareholder Actions - In Q4 2025, CFG repurchased $125 million of common shares and distributed $201 million in common dividends [12] Overall Assessment - CFG's fourth-quarter results demonstrate balanced growth in net interest income and fees, improved efficiency, and stable credit quality, although concerns remain regarding expense pressures and capital position [13]

Core Viewpoint - Credit quality concerns are impacting Bank OZK, despite the bank's ability to outperform the industry-wide loss rate in 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The bank reported fourth quarter net charge-offs of just under $100 million, which contributed to a challenging year-end [1]

Core Insights - BOK Financial reported strong fourth-quarter earnings of $177.3 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, and full-year earnings of $578 million, or $9.17 per diluted share, marking record earnings for both the quarter and the year [4][7] - The company experienced broad-based loan growth, with total loans increasing by more than $1.5 billion in 2025, representing a 6.4% growth, and a sequential growth of $786 million in Q4 [3][6] - Management expects upper single-digit loan growth for 2026, driven by continued portfolio growth and contributions from the mortgage finance segment [14][15] Loan Portfolio Performance - Commercial real estate loans decreased by 1.4% from the prior quarter but were up 12.1% year over year, with strong originations and a robust pipeline [1] - Texas was a significant contributor to growth, adding $561 million in the fourth quarter, while core C&I loans rose 5.5% sequentially [2] - Healthcare loans increased by 3.3%, and energy loans grew by over $200 million due to higher utilization rates and solid new originations [2] Earnings and Revenue - Total fee income for 2025 was $801 million, accounting for 38% of total revenue, with a 5.1% sequential increase in Q4 [8][9] - Net interest income for Q4 increased by $7.6 million, with net interest margin expanding in every quarter of 2025 [7] - The company anticipates net interest income for 2026 to be between $1.44 billion and $1.48 billion, with mid-single-digit growth in fee income [16] Credit Quality and Capital - Non-performing assets fell to $66 million, with net charge-offs averaging about three basis points, indicating strong credit quality [5][11] - The allowance for credit losses totaled $327 million, or 1.28% of outstanding loans, with expectations of credit normalization over the long term [12] - Capital levels remained robust, with tangible common equity at 9.5% and CET1 at 12.9%, alongside the repurchase of over 2.6 million shares [13] Future Outlook - Management guided for upper single-digit loan growth in 2026, with expectations of continued margin expansion driven by fixed-rate repricing [14][15] - Total revenue is projected to grow in the mid-single digits, with expenses expected to increase at a low single-digit rate [16] - The company believes its diversification and discipline will enable it to navigate the current environment and capitalize on market disruptions [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $177.3 million, or EPS of $2.89 per diluted share for Q4 2025, with full-year earnings reaching $578 million, or $9.17 per diluted share, marking record highs for both the quarter and the year [3][4] - Loan balances expanded by more than $1.5 billion, or 6.4% for the year, with a sequential growth of $786 million, or 3.2% in Q4 [3][5] - Net interest income increased by $7.6 million, with net interest margin expanding by seven basis points [12][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fee income engine contributed $801 million to revenue, representing 38% of total revenue, with total fee income increasing by 5.1% sequentially [4][10] - The core C&I loan portfolio grew by 5.5% sequentially, while healthcare loans increased by 3.3% and energy loans grew by over $200 million [6][7] - Commercial real estate loans decreased by 1.4% quarter-over-quarter but increased by 12.1% year-over-year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed the KBWF Regional Bank Index in total shareholder return over one, three, five, and ten-year periods by 7%, 3%, 42%, and 51% respectively [4] - The capital levels remained robust, with tangible common equity at 9.5% and CET1 at 12.9% [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for upper single-digit loan growth in 2026, reflecting continued growth in the existing portfolio and contributions from the new mortgage finance segment [15] - The strategy includes maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management while investing in long-term sustainable shareholder value [3][4] - The company is opportunistic regarding share buybacks and M&A opportunities, focusing on intrinsic strategic value [81][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current environment and capitalize on market disruptions [89] - The outlook for credit quality remains strong, with expectations of net charge-offs remaining below historical norms [9][56] - Management anticipates that credit normalization will occur over the long term, but no immediate concerns are evident [9][56] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over 2.6 million shares at an average price of $107.99 per share during the quarter [6] - A notable pre-tax gain of $23.5 million was recognized from exiting a merchant banking investment [13] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you provide more detail on the drivers of upper single-digit loan growth? - Management noted that loan growth has been diverse across geography and lending types, with significant contributions from various segments, including a $100 million increase from the mortgage finance business in Q4 [20] Question: How are you thinking about future share buybacks? - Management indicated that share buybacks are opportunistic and linked to the company's long history of shareholder value orientation [22] Question: Can you discuss the competition for deposits and the outlook for deposit growth? - Management described the deposit environment as competitive but rational, with expectations for loan growth to exceed deposit growth [30] Question: What are the expectations for fee income growth? - Management expects mid-single-digit growth in fee income, with a shift from fee income to net interest income anticipated due to the steepening yield curve [73] Question: How do you plan to fund the mortgage finance business as it grows? - The mortgage finance business will be funded through a mix of wholesale and core deposits, maintaining a strong funding profile [59] Question: What are the expectations for credit quality moving forward? - Management expects credit quality to remain strong in the short term, with loan growth and economic outlook being the primary drivers for provision levels [56]

Core Insights - Mercantile Bank reported a fourth-quarter 2025 net income of $22.8 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, an increase from $19.6 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, with full-year net income reaching $88.8 million, or $5.47 per diluted share, compared to $79.6 million, or $4.93 per diluted share, in 2024 [1][6] Financial Performance - The bank's fourth-quarter net interest margin (NIM) remained stable at approximately 3.43%, despite a decrease in the 90-day average SOFR rate by 68 basis points over the last five quarters [8][9] - Average loans increased to $4.63 billion, up $62 million year-over-year, while average deposits rose by $302 million to $4.83 billion, resulting in a net surplus of funds of $240 million [11] - The allowance for credit losses stood at 1.21% of total loans, with very low non-performing loans (NPLs) averaging 12 basis points over the last six years [12] Acquisition Impact - The acquisition of Eastern Michigan Bank, completed on December 31, 2025, is expected to enhance liquidity and deposits, and improve NIM through higher-yielding acquired securities [3][7] - Early integration efforts have been described as positive, with management indicating that Eastern's balance sheet is already influencing consolidated metrics such as liquidity and margin [2][4] 2026 Outlook - The bank is targeting 5-7% annualized loan growth for 2026, with expectations of NIM improvement due to the Eastern acquisition, while also anticipating higher non-interest expenses related to expansion and digital conversion [5][15] - The effective tax rate for 2026 is projected at 17%, incorporating continued tax credit benefits [18] Capital and Shareholder Returns - Mercantile ended 2025 with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.8%, while Eastern Michigan Bank's ratio was 15.3%, both exceeding "well-capitalized" thresholds [19] - The company did not repurchase shares in 2025, with $6.8 million remaining under its current repurchase plan, and management's appetite for buybacks has increased [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 11% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, with operating earnings per share increasing by 13% to $0.71 [3] - The return on assets for Q4 was 1.22%, and the return on tangible common equity was 13.3% [3] - For the full year, operating earnings per share grew by 18%, from $2.30 to $2.71, with total revenue exceeding $1 billion [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail and small business lending efforts surpassed $1 billion in annual production for the first time, alongside Novitas equipment finance [4] - The loan portfolio grew at an annualized pace of 4.4%, primarily in the C&I and HELOC categories [9] - Non-interest income was $40.5 million, down from the previous quarter, with growth in wealth management and treasury management offset by a seasonal decline in mortgage [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew by 1% for the year, with a notable increase of $293 million in public funds during Q4 [8] - The cost of deposits improved by 21 basis points to 1.76%, and the cumulative total deposit beta increased from 37% to 40% [8] - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 82%, marking a trend of higher loan growth relative to deposits [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and enhancing its retail and small business lending capabilities, as well as expanding its presence in Florida [4][6] - There is a commitment to improving the durability of earnings through reduced securities duration and upgraded risk management systems [5] - The company plans to be more assertive in share buybacks, given strong capital build and favorable credit quality [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for continued growth in 2026, citing a strong economy in their markets [13] - The competitive landscape remains robust, with a focus on client service and employee culture to attract talent [36] - The company anticipates stable credit quality and a charge-off rate in the range of 20 to 25 basis points for 2026 [50] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved by 264 basis points, and credit losses declined during the year [3] - The company was recognized for its community commitment and client satisfaction, indicating strong brand positioning [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth expectations for 2026 - The company expects balance sheet growth to depend on deposit growth, modeling it a couple hundred basis points below loan growth [17] Question: Anticipated asset class and geographic loan leaders - Florida led production, with C&I and owner-occupied CRE performing well, and Novitas contributing significantly [18] Question: Future buyback strategy - The company intends to be more assertive with buybacks in 2026 due to strong capital build and favorable credit quality [22] Question: Expense growth outlook - The company targets a 3% to 3.5% growth rate in expenses for 2026, despite a challenging environment [38] Question: M&A opportunities - The company is focused on organic growth and sees limited M&A opportunities, preferring quality targets [40][78] Question: Loan growth expectations for 2026 - The company is optimistic about loan growth, expecting similar results to Q4 2025, with potential for 5% or higher growth [84]

Group 1: Interest Rate Expectations - The stock market anticipates a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week [1] Group 2: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) - CIBC reported a 16% increase in profit, exceeding expectations, and raised its dividend by 10% [2] - Capital markets profit surged by 62% year-over-year, while credit quality concerns were flagged by analysts [2] - Performance in the Canadian banking unit was mixed, with a 14% profit increase year-over-year but a sequential decline due to higher-than-expected provisions for credit losses and an increase in impaired loans [3] Group 3: Bank of Montreal (BMO) - BMO surpassed profit expectations and increased its dividend by 2.5% [5] - The bank surprised investors with lower-than-expected provisions for potential loan defaults, indicating a recovery in its US business while increasing reserves in Canada [5] Group 4: Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) - TD exceeded profit expectations, driven by strong capital markets growth and lower-than-expected provisions for credit losses [6] - The bank raised its dividend, although the increase was less than anticipated, and demonstrated robust growth in the US despite an asset cap [6] - TD's asset cap, resulting from regulatory penalties, limits its growth in the US to $434 billion, with current assets at $382 billion [6]

Core Viewpoint - BankUnited, Inc. reported strong Q3 earnings, surpassing estimates, but faced challenges with rising expenses and declining loan and deposit balances [3][4][5]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 earnings were 95 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents and up from 81 cents in the prior year [3]. - Net income reached $71.9 million, a 16.9% increase year-over-year, compared to an estimate of $60.1 million [4]. - Quarterly net revenues were $275.7 million, a 7.3% increase year-over-year, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $279.8 million [5]. - Net interest income (NII) was $250.1 million, up 6.8%, with a net interest margin (NIM) expanding by 22 basis points to 3% [5]. - Non-interest income rose to $25.6 million, an 11.7% increase, primarily driven by higher deposit service charges and fees [6]. Expense and Asset Management - Non-interest expenses increased by 1% to $166.2 million, attributed to higher employee compensation and technology costs [7]. - Total loans decreased by 1% to $23.7 billion, while total deposits slightly declined to $28.6 billion [8]. Credit Quality - Provisions for credit losses were $11.6 million, a 25.2% increase from the prior year, with net charge-offs to average loans at 0.26%, up 10 basis points year-over-year [9]. Capital and Profitability Ratios - Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio improved to 12.5%, up from 11.8%, and the total risk-based capital ratio increased to 14.4% from 13.9% [10]. - Return on average assets rose to 0.82% from 0.62%, and return on average stockholders' equity increased to 9.5% from 8.1% [10]. Future Outlook - Management projects mid-single-digit growth in total deposits and double-digit growth in non-interest-bearing demand deposits [12]. - NII growth is expected to be slightly better than mid-to-high single digits, with NIM anticipated to remain around 3% [12]. - Loan balances are expected to stabilize, with commercial and industrial loans projected to rise in the mid-single-digit range [13]. Industry Context - BankUnited is part of the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry, with Truist Financial Corporation, a peer, reporting a 2% year-over-year revenue increase and a 19.8% expected earnings growth for the current quarter [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - Zions Bancorporation's recent earnings report shows a positive trend in adjusted earnings per share and net interest income, despite challenges in loan balances and rising expenses [3][5][8]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 were $1.54, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40, and reflecting a 12.4% increase year-over-year [3]. - Net revenues reached $861 million, up 8.7% year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $845.5 million [5]. - Net interest income (NII) was $672 million, an increase of 8.4%, attributed to lower funding costs and a favorable mix in interest-earning assets [5]. - Non-interest income rose 9.9% to $189 million, driven by increases in most components except capital markets fees [6]. Expenses and Efficiency - Adjusted non-interest expenses increased by 4.2% to $520 million, with an adjusted efficiency ratio of 59.6%, down from 62.5% in the prior year, indicating improved profitability [7]. - The company recorded net loan and lease charge-offs of $56 million, significantly up from $3 million in the prior-year quarter, with provisions for credit losses rising to $49 million [9]. Credit Quality and Capital Ratios - The ratio of non-performing assets to loans and leases decreased by 8 basis points year-over-year to 0.54% [9]. - As of September 30, 2025, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.8%, and the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.3%, both showing improvement from the previous year [10]. Outlook - Management anticipates a marginal year-over-year increase in period-end loan balances, driven by commercial loans, while expecting a decline in commercial real estate classified balances [12]. - NII is projected to see moderate growth, supported by earning asset remix and loan and deposit growth [13]. - Customer-related non-interest income is expected to rise moderately due to increased customer activity and new client acquisition [14]. - Adjusted non-interest expenses are forecasted to increase moderately, influenced by technology costs and marketing expenses [15]. Market Reaction and Estimates - Since the earnings release, there has been a 7.4% upward trend in consensus estimates for the stock [16]. - Zions has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [18].

Core Viewpoint - First Horizon National's recent earnings report shows strong performance in adjusted earnings per share and revenue growth, despite challenges in loan and deposit balances and mixed credit quality indicators [2][4][6]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 were 51 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents and up from 42 cents in the previous year [2]. - Net income available to common shareholders was $254 million, reflecting a 19.2% year-over-year increase [3]. - Total quarterly revenues reached $889 million, a 7.4% increase year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.1% [4]. Income Sources - Net interest income (NII) rose nearly 7.5% year-over-year to $674 million, with the net interest margin increasing by 24 basis points to 3.55% [4]. - Non-interest income was $215 million, also up 7.5% from the previous year [4]. Expense Management - Non-interest expenses increased by 7.8% year-over-year to $551 million, driven by rising costs across most components [5]. - The efficiency ratio was 61.92%, slightly up from 61.89% in the prior year, indicating a slight deterioration in profitability [5]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Total loans and leases were $63.05 billion, showing a slight decrease from the previous quarter, while total deposits were $65.52 billion, also declining moderately [6]. Credit Quality - Non-performing loans and leases increased by 4.7% year-over-year to $605 million [7]. - The allowance for loan and lease losses decreased by 5.6% year-over-year to $777 million, with the ratio of total allowance to loans and leases at 1.23%, down from 1.32% [7]. Capital Ratios - The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was 11%, down from 11.2% year-over-year, and the total capital ratio decreased to 13.8% from 14.2% [9]. Future Outlook - Adjusted revenues are expected to remain flat to rise by 4% from $3.28 billion reported in 2024, while adjusted non-interest expenses are anticipated to remain flat or increase by 2% [10]. - The net charge-off ratio is projected to be between 0.15-0.25%, reflecting continued credit normalization [11]. - The CET 1 ratio is expected to be between 10.5-11%, indicating modest loan growth and capital deployment [11]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for First Horizon have trended upward, leading to a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting an expectation of above-average returns in the coming months [12][14].