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Hilton CEO says travelers are in 'wait-and-see mode'
Business Insider· 2025-04-30 22:40
Core Insights - Travelers are currently in a "wait-and-see mode" due to softened American travel demand, leading to a cautious approach in booking [1][2] - Hilton's revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 2.5% year-over-year, but the company expects flat RevPAR for the second quarter compared to the same period last year [1][3] - Broader macroeconomic uncertainty has negatively impacted leisure travel demand, with short-term bookings remaining roughly flat year-over-year [2][4] Company Performance - Hilton downgraded its annual guidance for RevPAR growth to a range of 0% to 2%, down from a previous forecast of 2% to 3% [3] - The company reported solid performance in January and February, but this was overshadowed by weaker trends observed in March and continuing into the second quarter [1][2] Industry Trends - The travel industry is experiencing a slowdown after a post-pandemic boom, with Americans pulling back on travel amid economic uncertainty [4] - Airlines have also reported weaker demand, leading to cuts in summer flight schedules and adjustments in annual forecasts [4] - Experts indicate that consumers are now more focused on value and are booking trips last-minute, reflecting a shift in behavior due to financial pressures [6][7]
AMERISAFE(AMSF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 15:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net income of $8.9 million or $0.47 per diluted share, down from $16.9 million or $0.88 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [12] - Operating net income decreased to $11.4 million or $0.60 per diluted share from $13.3 million or $0.69 per diluted share year-over-year [12] - Gross written premiums increased by 4.6% to $83.8 million compared to $80.1 million in Q1 2024 [12] - Net premiums earned rose by 60 basis points to $68.9 million from $68.4 million in the prior year [13] - The expense ratio increased to 29.9% from 27.3% due to higher expenses related to business investments [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premiums on policies written in the quarter grew by 7.1% compared to the prior year quarter [9] - Policy retention rate was strong at 93.1% in Q1 2025, contributing to policy count growth [9] - The company experienced $5 million from payroll audits and other premium adjustments, down from $6.4 million in the previous year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains strong, driven by declining workers' compensation rates and challenges in other property and casualty lines [6] - The company noted that economic conditions affecting payrolls could influence premium levels, with factors such as unemployment and wage inflation being monitored closely [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on incremental growth within its existing geographic footprint and risk appetite, leveraging relationships with agents and policyholders [6] - The management emphasized the importance of proactive claims handling, which contributed to favorable case development [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding economic uncertainties, including tariffs and inflation, but noted that niche industries have historically performed well during mild recessions [7] - The company expects favorable frequency trends to continue, with modest severity trends anticipated [11] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio is of high quality, with an average credit rating of double A minus and a duration of 4.48 years [15] - Book value per share was reported at $13.69, with a statutory surplus of $243.6 million, up 3.6% from the previous year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Audit premium impact on previous quarters - Management provided audit premium figures for the previous year: Q1 was $6.4 million, Q2 was $7.3 million, Q3 was $4 million, and Q4 was $2.5 million [22][24] Question: Impact of recent hurricanes on work activity - Management noted a slight increase in audit premiums for rebuilding classifications in North Carolina and Georgia, but not as much in Florida [26] Question: Potential tariff impacts on business - Management speculated that tariffs could impact medical costs, particularly in pharmacy and durable medical equipment, but the overall effect on premiums would depend on whether costs are passed through to customers [30][31] Question: Changes in competitive dynamics - Management indicated that there has been no significant change in competitive dynamics in the first quarter [35] Question: Expense ratio and future expectations - Management quantified the increase in expenses at $1.9 million and expected costs to moderate in the coming quarters [36] Question: Trends in state loss costs - Management confirmed that the trend in state loss costs is still declining, with average decreases between 6% to 8% [38] Question: Medical inflation and physician care costs - Management observed increases in physician care costs, attributing it to labor costs rather than tariffs [39][40] Question: Large losses in the quarter - Management reported two large losses in the quarter, which is below trend [56]
AMERISAFE(AMSF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 14:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, Amerisafe reported net income of $8.9 million or $0.47 per diluted share, down from $16.9 million or $0.88 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [11] - Operating net income decreased to $11.4 million or $0.60 per diluted share from $13.3 million or $0.69 per diluted share year-over-year [11] - Gross written premiums increased by 4.6% to $83.8 million compared to $80.1 million in Q1 2024 [11] - Net premiums earned rose by 60 basis points to $68.9 million from $68.4 million in the prior year [12] - The expense ratio increased to 29.9% from 27.3% due to higher expenses related to business investments [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premiums on policies written in the quarter grew by 7.1% over the prior year quarter, with a retention rate of 93.1% [7][8] - The company experienced $5 million from payroll audits and other premium adjustments, down from $6.4 million in the previous year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains strong, driven by declining workers' compensation rates and challenges in other property and casualty lines [5][6] - The company noted a favorable frequency trend in claims, with a current accident year loss ratio of 71, consistent with the prior year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Amerisafe continues to focus on incremental growth within its existing geographic footprint and risk appetite, leveraging relationships with agents and policyholders [5] - The company is investing in business growth despite a competitive market, aiming to maintain profitability [12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding economic uncertainties such as tariffs, inflation, and interest rates, which could impact payrolls and premiums [6] - The company anticipates favorable frequency trends to continue, with modest severity trends expected [9] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio is of high quality, with a tax-equivalent book yield of 3.85% and a strong capital position [14][15] - Book value per share was reported at $13.69, with a statutory surplus of $243.6 million, up 3.6% from the previous year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Audit premium impact on previous quarters - Management provided audit premium figures for the previous year: Q1 was $6.4 million, Q2 was $7.3 million, Q3 was $4 million, and Q4 was $2.5 million [22][24] Question: Impact of recent hurricanes on work activity - There was a slight increase in audit premiums for rebuilding classifications in North Carolina and Georgia, but not as much in Florida [26] Question: Potential tariff impacts on business - Tariffs could impact medical costs, particularly in pharmacy and durable medical equipment, which account for about 15% of medical costs in workers' compensation [29] Question: Changes in competitive dynamics - There has been no significant change in the competitive landscape during the first quarter [35] Question: Expense ratio and future expectations - The increase in the expense ratio was approximately $1.9 million, and costs are expected to moderate as the year progresses [37] Question: State loss cost updates - The trend remains a decline in rates, with average decreases between 6% to 8% across states [39] Question: Medical inflation trends - There are increases in physician care costs, likely due to labor costs rather than tariffs [41] Question: Large losses in the quarter - The company reported two large losses in the quarter, which is below trend [56]
East Properties(EGP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-25 06:15
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funds from operations (FFO) per share for Q1 2025 were $2.12, up 7.1% from the same quarter last year, marking over a decade of quarterly FFO per share exceeding the prior year's results [9][17] - Quarter-end leasing was at 97.3% with occupancy at 96.5%, while average quarterly occupancy was 95.8%, down 170 basis points from Q1 2024 [9][10] - Cash same-store net operating income (NOI) rose 5.2% for the quarter despite lower occupancy [10] - The company’s debt to total market capitalization was 13.7%, with an unadjusted debt to EBITDA ratio of 3 times and interest coverage of 15 times [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly releasing spreads were 47% on a GAAP basis and 31% on a cash basis [10] - The top ten tenants accounted for 7.1% of rents, down 70 basis points from a year ago, indicating a more diversified rent roll [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing market showed improvement, but trade talks created uncertainty, particularly affecting the Los Angeles and Orange County markets [11][36] - Other markets, such as the Carolinas, Atlanta, and Florida, experienced better leasing volumes compared to the western regions [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on leasing to maintain occupancy and has raised its threshold for new investments and development starts until there is better economic visibility [12][14] - The company is reforecasting 2025 development starts to $250 million, with expectations for the majority in the second half of the year [14] - The strategy includes capitalizing on limited availability and modern facilities to put upward pressure on rents as demand strengthens [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating through periods of uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of financial strength and portfolio quality [23][25] - The company is optimistic about long-term trends such as population migration and evolving logistics chains, which are expected to benefit its portfolio [26] - Management acknowledged the uncertainty in the market due to tariffs and interest rates but remains focused on executing their strategy [23][25] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a healthy tenant collection rate, with bad debt as a percentage of revenue lower than in the previous year [22] - G&A expenses increased due to less overhead capitalization and an increase in equity-based compensation accounting [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Leasing pace in the second quarter and market pullback - Management noted strong leasing volume in Q1, with some markets showing resilience despite uncertainty, particularly in the eastern regions [30][36] Question: Urgency in leasing and flexibility with tenants - Management emphasized the importance of quick leasing decisions but maintained standards without significantly lowering rents [42][46] Question: Dominguez building redevelopment plans - The building was scheduled for redevelopment due to its aging condition, with expectations for leasing activity to pick up post-improvements [54][62] Question: Development starts and market conditions - Management indicated that uncertainty around tariffs and potential recession led to a cautious approach in development starts, with a focus on market demand [69][75] Question: Leasing spreads in Los Angeles - Management acknowledged that the low leasing spreads in LA were not representative of the overall portfolio, attributing it to negative absorption in that specific market [80][82] Question: Construction costs and tenant space utilization - Construction costs have decreased, but demand remains a concern; tenants are looking to utilize their spaces more efficiently amid economic uncertainty [97][100] Question: Acquisition strategy and market changes - The company has adjusted its acquisition strategy due to changes in capital markets, focusing on higher return thresholds and being cautious with new investments [106][110] Question: Onshoring and manufacturing trends - Management expressed optimism about potential onshoring trends benefiting the company, particularly in Sunbelt markets [117][121]
AAG(AAL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 16:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - American Airlines Group reported a first quarter GAAP net loss of $473 million, with an adjusted loss of $386 million, or $0.59 per diluted share [30] - First quarter revenue was $12.6 billion, down 0.2% year over year, while unit revenue increased by 0.7% year over year [31] - First quarter unit cost excluding fuel and net special items was up 7.8% year over year [31] - The company ended the first quarter with $10.8 billion in total available liquidity and produced free cash flow of $1.7 billion during the quarter [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic passenger RASM decreased by 0.7% year over year, while premium revenue increased by 3% year over year [16][31] - Long-haul international passenger RASM led the way, with Atlantic passenger RASM up 10.5% and Pacific passenger RASM up 4.9% [14][15] - Managed business revenue was up 8% year over year, with specific strength noted in the financial and professional services sectors [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong demand for international travel from the US, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific regions [15] - Short-haul Latin passenger RASM increased year over year for the first time in over a year, indicating a recovery in that market [15] - The company noted significant weakness in demand from indirect channels, particularly among price-sensitive customers [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its partnership with Citi, growing its Advantage loyalty program, and improving customer experience [13] - American Airlines Group aims to deliver sustainable free cash flow and strengthen its balance sheet while navigating the current economic environment [10][12] - The company is committed to transforming customer experience and has established a new customer experience organization to improve all aspects of the customer journey [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging economic environment impacting demand and has withdrawn its full-year outlook due to uncertainty [9] - Despite the challenges, management expects to deliver a profitable year and produce positive free cash flow if current demand trends continue [10] - The company remains cautious about capacity deployment and plans to adjust based on demand and competitive conditions [21] Other Important Information - The company completed its fleet renewal with low aircraft CapEx requirements for the remainder of the decade [11] - American Airlines Group has the youngest fleet among US network carriers and is committed to improving customer experience through various initiatives [23][24] - The company is on track to open its newest flagship lounge in Philadelphia in May, further enhancing its premium offerings [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capacity moderation in light of demand weakness - Management indicated that they have set their capacity plan for the summer with a growth expectation of 2% to 4% [47] - There is a negative bias towards future capacity adjustments based on demand trends [48] Question: Corporate share recovery and yield expectations - Corporate share recovery is on track, and yields are expected to meet management's expectations [51] Question: Performance across international entities - Strength is noted across international operations, particularly in Europe and South America, with solid performance expected through the summer [54] Question: Domestic demand trends - Domestic main cabin demand is weak, particularly among price-sensitive customers, but premium bookings remain strong [58] Question: Impact of the tragic accident on bookings - The impact of the accident was significant in the first quarter but is not expected to affect future performance [128] Question: Corporate travel expectations - Business travel remains strong, with no significant pullback observed at this time [151]
American Airlines withdraws 2025 forecast on murky economic outlook
CNBC· 2025-04-24 11:33
An American Airlines plane on the tarmac at the Miami International Airport on Feb. 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida. American Airlines withdrew its 2025 financial guidance on Thursday, joining other carriers grappling with an uncertain outlook on the U.S. economy and weaker-than-expected leisure travel bookings this year. American said that stronger unit revenue was driven by strength in international bookings and premium cabins. American posted a $473 million loss for the first quarter, wider than the $312 mill ...
Century munities(CCS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-23 22:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported a pretax income of $53 million and a net income of $39 million, translating to $1.26 per diluted share, with adjusted net income at $42 million or $1.36 per diluted share [18] - Home sales revenues for Q1 were $884 million, down 4% year-over-year, primarily due to lower deliveries and average sales price [19] - The average sales price in Q1 was $387,000, a 1% decrease year-over-year, attributed to higher incentives [19] - The adjusted homebuilding gross margin was 21.6%, down from 22.9% in Q4 2024, while GAAP gross margin was 19.9%, compared to 20.6% in the previous quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deliveries in Q1 totaled 2,284 homes, a 3% decline from the previous year, influenced by a strategy to manage starts at a lower level [19] - Net new contracts for Q1 were 2,692 homes, a 6% decline compared to the previous year but a 33% increase over Q1 2023 [8] - The company maintained stable homebuilding gross margins of 20.1%, easing by only 80 basis points sequentially [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The absorption rate averaged 2.8 in Q1 2025, with a sequential increase in February and March, but April's rate is trending below Q1 levels [8] - The company noted that Texas had the lowest absorption performance at 2.1, impacting overall results [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to balance pace and price while managing construction costs and incentives, targeting a growth in deliveries of approximately 10% annually over the next several years [9] - The company is focused on maintaining an appropriate level of spec inventory and matching starts with sales pace [9] - The land strategy involves low-risk, land-light agreements with landowners, minimizing upfront costs and risk exposure [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased economic uncertainty, interest rate volatility, and eroding consumer confidence affecting the spring selling season [6] - The company expects to see further sequential increases in deliveries in the latter half of 2025, supported by community count growth [24] - Management remains optimistic about long-term demand, despite current market challenges, and is taking steps to address headwinds [24] Other Important Information - The company was recognized on Newsweek's list of America's most trustworthy companies for the third consecutive year [10] - The company increased its quarterly cash dividend by 12% to $0.29 per share and repurchased 753,000 shares for $56 million at a discount to book value [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Absorption rate differences between Century Complete and regional businesses - Management noted that Century Complete operates in markets with less direct competition, leading to a more stable absorption profile compared to regional businesses [29] Question: Pricing strategies for moving product - Management indicated that they are using both interest rate buy downs and price reductions to move unsold homes, anticipating a potential margin impact in Q2 [32] Question: Guidance for the back half of the year - Management expects community count growth to support higher closings in the latter half of the year, despite current headwinds [38] Question: SG&A savings from workforce reductions - Management stated that cost savings from various initiatives, including workforce reductions, are incorporated into the full-year SG&A guidance [39] Question: Pricing and incentive strategies - Management explained that pricing decisions are made based on individual subdivisions and market conditions, balancing between price cuts and incentives [85]
Alaska Airlines warns of slower demand as second-quarter profit outlook falls short
CNBC· 2025-04-23 21:26
Core Viewpoint - Alaska Airlines has warned of a decline in earnings for the second quarter due to softer travel demand, reflecting a broader trend among airlines experiencing weaker-than-expected bookings [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Forecast and Performance - The company forecasts a 6-percentage point headwind in unit revenue due to softer demand, expecting second-quarter unit revenue to be flat to down as much as 6% year-over-year [1]. - Adjusted per-share earnings are anticipated to be between $1.15 and $1.65, significantly lower than the $2.47 per share forecasted by Wall Street analysts [1]. - In the first quarter, Alaska Airlines reported a net loss of $166 million, an increase from a loss of $132 million a year ago, with revenue exceeding $3.1 billion, up 41% year-over-year but below analysts' expectations [3][5]. Group 2: Revenue and Market Conditions - The airline's unit revenue rose by 5% in the first quarter compared to the previous year, outperforming larger rivals in domestic unit sales [2]. - Despite the economic uncertainty, the company expects to remain profitable even if revenue faces pressure in the second half of the year [2]. - The CFO noted that while customers are still booking trips, they are doing so at lower-than-expected fares, indicating a shift in market dynamics [2][3]. Group 3: Adjusted Loss and Analyst Expectations - Adjusting for one-time items, Alaska reported a loss of 77 cents per share for the three months ended March 31, which was below analysts' estimates of a 75 cents loss [4][5]. - Revenue for the first quarter was reported at $3.14 billion, slightly below the expected $3.17 billion [5].
Fifth Third(FITB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-17 13:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of 71 cents, or 73 cents excluding certain items, exceeding consensus estimates [7] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) grew by 5% year-over-year, with an adjusted return on equity of 11.2% [7] - Tangible book value per share increased by 15% over the prior year, despite the 10-year treasury rate remaining unchanged [8] - Net interest income (NII) grew by 4% year-over-year, with net interest margins expanding for the fifth consecutive quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by 3% year-over-year, driven by strong middle market commercial and industrial (C&I) production and balanced growth across consumer-secured lending categories [9] - Commercial payments revenue increased by 6%, while wealth and asset management revenue grew by 7%, supported by a 10% growth in assets under management (AUM) [10] - Adjusted non-interest income increased by 1% compared to the prior year, driven by growth in wealth and commercial payments [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits remained stable, with total household growth of 2% and 5% growth in the southeast [9] - Average core deposits decreased by 2% sequentially, primarily due to normal seasonality and commercial factors [26] - The loan-to-core deposit ratio was 75%, up 2% from the prior quarter [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve record NII within existing guidance, even without rate cuts or further loan growth [16] - Focus on maintaining a resilient business mix and managing the balance sheet defensively to react quickly to changing conditions [12] - Continued investments in southeast branches and growth in commercial payments are expected to enhance operational deposit funding [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering stability, profitability, and growth amid uncertain economic conditions [7] - The company anticipates inflation to rise and growth to slow down, but expects unemployment to remain stable [63] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong liquidity profile and managing funding costs prudently [28] Other Important Information - The company has a high allowance for credit losses (ACL) coverage ratio of 2.07%, among the highest in its peer group [38] - The CET1 ratio was maintained at 10.5%, exceeding the buffered minimum of 7.7% [39] - The company plans to repurchase $400 million to $500 million of stock during the remainder of 2025, depending on realized loan growth [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share insights on interactions with commercial customers amid economic uncertainty? - Management noted that clients are generally nervous about tariffs and are planning to push prices to cover costs, with no indications of layoffs among clients [56][62] Question: What areas aside from credit is the company focusing on to navigate a potential slowdown? - Management emphasized the importance of deposit funding and disciplined expense management as key focus areas [68][69] Question: Can you provide details on the increase in non-performing loans (NPLs)? - The increase was primarily due to two ABL loans, but management expressed confidence in the overall health of the portfolio and does not foresee significant increases in NPLs [75][80] Question: How is the company managing costs without impairing growth plans? - Management indicated that cost reductions would come from variable compensation linked to revenue production and disciplined spending on operational activities [95] Question: What is the outlook for the U.S. consumer and associated risks? - Management highlighted that lower-income consumers are under stress, while higher-income individuals are likely to reduce spending, but the middle-income segment remains stable as long as unemployment does not rise significantly [125][132]
FNB(FNB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-17 12:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FMB reported net income available to common shareholders of $116.5 million, or $0.32 per share, with tangible book value per share growth of 12% to $10.83 [7][36] - Total revenue for the quarter was $411.2 million, driven by net interest income growth and solid non-interest income [8] - The CET1 ratio reached 10.7%, and tangible common equity to tangible assets was 8.4% [7][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans and leases ended the quarter at $34.2 billion, a 3.5% annualized linked quarter increase, driven by growth in consumer loans and commercial loans [27] - Non-interest income totaled $87.8 million, consistent with the year-ago quarter, with wealth management revenues increasing 8.4% year-over-year [32][33] - Capital markets income was impacted by lower commercial customer activity due to the macroeconomic environment [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter annualized loan and deposit growth was 3.5% and 1.4% respectively, indicating success in growing client relationships and market share [10] - Non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased 1.1% and comprised 26.5% of total deposits, up 19 basis points from the fourth quarter [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying revenue streams, active balance sheet management, and maintaining a balanced loan portfolio [7] - Recent acquisition of a critique investment banking firm aims to enhance financial advisory services [9] - The company is prioritizing high-touch services and superior digital delivery channels to become clients' primary operating bank [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a diversified deposit base and sound risk management practices amid economic uncertainty [12][25] - The company expects mid-single-digit loan and deposit growth for the full year, despite current economic challenges [38] - Management remains confident in the ability to manage through the current economic environment, with strong asset quality metrics [25][88] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio for the first quarter was solid at 58.5%, with expectations for improved performance in the second half of 2025 [35] - The company repurchased 741,000 shares during the quarter and plans to pursue opportunistic share repurchase activity [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII outlook and swap maturities - Management discussed the impact of swap maturities on NII, indicating a gradual decline in benefits from swaps over the quarters [46][54] Question: Loan growth risks - Management acknowledged a softer pipeline year-over-year but expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit loan growth, citing diverse geographic coverage [64][77] Question: Impact of tariffs on credit - Management reported that less than 5% of exposures were at risk from tariffs and emphasized proactive communication with clients to manage potential impacts [82][87] Question: Expense guidance and flexibility - Management explained that the second quarter expense guidance reflects seasonal expenses and that there is flexibility to reduce expenses if revenues fall short [93][96] Question: Fee income guidance and capital markets activity - Management highlighted expectations for increased fee income driven by derivatives and potential acceleration in middle market M&A activity [102][106]