Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $4,900,000, a decrease of $16,900,000 or 77.5% compared to the previous quarter [13] - Diluted earnings per share were $0.16 for the third quarter, down from $0.56 per share linked quarter [13] - Net interest income increased by $1,450,000 or 2.7% compared to the linked quarter [19] - The tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.94%, a decrease of one basis point from 2.95% [19] - Non-interest expense was $37,500,000, a decrease of $1,700,000 or 4.4% on a linked quarter basis [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans increased to $4,770,000,000, a linked quarter increase of $163,400,000 or 3.5% [13] - The increase in loans was driven by $82,600,000 in commercial real estate loans, $49,300,000 in commercial loans, and $49,100,000 in construction loans [14] - Non-performing assets increased by approximately $2,700,000, remaining at 0.42% of total assets [11][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texas economy is anticipated to grow at a faster pace than the overall U.S. growth rate [6] - The loan pipeline rebounded to approximately $1,800,000,000, indicating strong market conditions [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on repositioning its available-for-sale securities portfolio to enhance future net interest income and provide balance sheet flexibility [4][5] - There is an interest in potential acquisitions and hiring due to market disruptions caused by larger banks acquiring smaller institutions [27] - The company plans to explore wealth management opportunities in metro markets, aiming for double-digit revenue growth in trust fees [45][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about net interest income growth due to favorable market conditions and loan growth expectations [6][24] - The company anticipates a slight increase in net interest margin for the fourth quarter, driven by loan growth and securities restructuring [23][24] - Future rate cuts are expected, with management anticipating at least two cuts in the next year [47][48] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 26,692 shares of common stock at an average price of $30.24 during the third quarter [18] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $48,500,000, while the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans decreased to 0.95% [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected margin for the fourth quarter considering the recent restructuring? - Management expects the net interest margin to be up slightly in the fourth quarter, with loan growth anticipated [23][24] Question: Any updates on potential acquisitions or hiring opportunities? - Management indicated interest in a few institutions potentially for sale and mentioned ongoing hiring efforts due to market disruptions [27] Question: How is the loan pipeline looking entering the fourth quarter? - The loan pipeline is strong, rebounding to $1,800,000,000, with a good pull-through rate expected [10][34] Question: What is the pricing competition like in the current market? - There is significant competition in both commercial real estate and commercial loans, but the company is maintaining a disciplined pricing approach [35] Question: What are the expectations for trust fee growth? - Management anticipates double-digit revenue growth in trust fees due to a strong team and new client acquisitions [45][46]

Core Insights - Valley National Bancorp (VLY) reported better-than-expected quarterly results, with adjusted earnings per share of 28 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents, and a year-over-year increase of 55.6% [1][10] Financial Performance - The third-quarter 2025 net income reached $163.4 million, a 66.9% increase from the previous year, driven by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, despite higher expenses and lower loan balances [2][10] - Total revenues on a fully-taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis were $512.4 million, an 8.4% year-over-year increase, although slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $513.9 million [3] - NII on an FTE basis was $447.5 million, up 8.7% year over year, with a net interest margin of 3.05%, expanding by 19 basis points [3] - Non-interest income rose 6.9% year over year to $64.9 million, primarily due to increases in various fee income components [4] Expense Management - Non-interest expenses totaled $282 million, a 4.6% increase year over year, while adjusted non-interest expenses rose 3.5% to $272.8 million [4] - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 53.37%, down from 56.13% in the prior-year quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [5] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of September 30, 2025, total loans were $49.3 billion, showing a slight decline, while total deposits increased to $51.2 billion, up approximately 1% from the previous quarter [6] Credit Quality - Total non-performing assets increased to $427.3 million, a 40.1% rise year over year, with the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans at 1.21%, up 7 basis points [7] - Provision for credit losses was $19.2 million, down 74.4% year over year [7] Profitability and Capital Ratios - Adjusted annualized return on average assets improved to 1.04%, up from 0.62% in the previous year, while adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity rose to 8.62%, up from 5.64% [8] - The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 8.79%, an increase from 7.68% in the corresponding period of 2024, and the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio improved to 11.72% from 10.29% [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hilltop reported net income of approximately $46 million or $0.74 per diluted share for Q3 2025, with a return on average assets of 1.2% and return on average equity of 8.35% [4] - Net interest income increased by $7.4 million or 7% year-over-year, driven by improving deposit costs and growth in higher yielding commercial loans [14] - The allowance for credit losses declined by $2.8 million to $95 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 1.16% [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PlainsCapital Bank generated $55 million of pre-tax income on $12.6 billion of average assets, with a return on average assets of 1.34% [4] - PrimeLending reported a pre-tax loss of $7 million due to subdued mortgage origination volumes, with existing home sales at their lowest level in over 30 years [6][7] - Hilltop Securities Inc. generated pre-tax income of $26.5 million on net revenues of $144.5 million, with a pre-tax margin of 18% [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits at PlainsCapital increased by 6% on a linked quarter basis, attributed to seasonal cash inflows from large balance customers [5] - Mortgage revenues declined by $3.4 million year-over-year, with origination volumes stable but gain on sale margins improving by 8 basis points [17][18] - The fixed income business showed a 13% increase in net revenues year-over-year, reflecting robust industry volumes [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase market share despite elevated competition in Texas, focusing on core loan growth and managing interest expenses [5][22] - Hilltop Securities continues to invest in core areas of expertise, leveraging its national brand built on trust [9] - The leadership transition at PlainsCapital Bank is seen as an opportunity for continued growth while maintaining the bank's legacy and credit culture [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's ability to manage credit risks and maintain a conservative credit culture despite competitive pressures [22][23] - The outlook for 2025 reflects current assessments of the economy and market conditions, with a focus on producing quality outcomes for clients and communities [24] - Management anticipates continued challenges in the mortgage market but expects gradual improvement into 2026 [18] Other Important Information - Hilltop maintains strong capital levels with a common equity tier one capital ratio of 20% and tangible book value per share increased by $0.67 to $31.23 [9] - The company returned $11 million to stockholders through dividends and repurchased $55 million in shares during the quarter [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and near-term outlook - Management explained that the NII guidance was not increased due to expected rate cuts and potential paydowns impacting loan growth [26][28] Question: Stock buyback strategy and M&A outlook - Management confirmed a consistent approach to share repurchases given excess capital and discussed opportunities in the Texas market for potential M&A [30][31] Question: Auto portfolio exposure - Management addressed concerns regarding the auto portfolio, noting a reduction in commitments and ongoing workout efforts for non-accrual clients [32][33] Question: Broker-dealer fee income - Management highlighted strong performance in public finance and other segments, but anticipated a reversion to lower pre-tax margins in the future [42][44] Question: Effects of government shutdown - Management indicated no primary effects on the broker-dealer from the government shutdown, but noted potential processing delays in mortgage and SBA areas [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hilltop reported net income of approximately $46 million or $0.74 per diluted share for Q3 2025, with a return on average assets of 1.2% and return on average equity of 8.35% [4][13] - Net interest income increased by $7.4 million or 7% year-over-year, driven by improving deposit costs and growth in higher yielding commercial loans [16][19] - The allowance for credit losses declined by $2.8 million to $95 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 1.16% [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PlainsCapital Bank generated $55 million of pre-tax income on $12.6 billion of average assets, with a return on average assets of 1.34% [4][5] - PrimeLending reported a pre-tax loss of $7 million due to subdued mortgage origination volumes and pressure on margins [6][8] - Hilltop Securities Inc. generated pre-tax income of $26.5 million on net revenues of $144.5 million, achieving a pre-tax margin of 18% [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits at PlainsCapital increased by 6% on a linked quarter basis, attributed to seasonal cash inflows [5] - Existing home sales across the country reached their lowest level in over 30 years, impacting PrimeLending's performance [7][20] - Hilltop Securities experienced solid growth in public finance, structured finance, and wealth management, with net revenues increasing significantly year-over-year [9][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on reducing fixed expenses and recruiting talented mortgage originators to restore profitability at PrimeLending [8][20] - Hilltop Securities continues to invest in core areas of expertise and leverage its national brand to serve clients effectively [10][21] - The company is exploring opportunities for growth through potential M&A in the Texas market, which has seen increased interest from out-of-market entrants [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong capital levels with a common equity tier one capital ratio of 20% and tangible book value per share increasing to $31.23 [10] - The outlook for 2025 reflects current assessments of the economy and market conditions, with expectations for continued challenges in the mortgage market [25] - Management remains vigilant regarding credit risks and is focused on early detection and aggressive workout strategies [24] Other Important Information - The company returned $11 million to stockholders through dividends and repurchased $55 million in shares during the quarter [10] - A leadership transition is occurring at PlainsCapital Bank, with the promotion of Brent Randall to Chief Credit Officer [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and margin expectations - Management explained that the NII guidance was not increased due to expected rate cuts and potential asset contraction, emphasizing the balance sheet's asset sensitivity [27][28] Question: Stock buyback strategy and M&A outlook - Management confirmed a consistent approach to share repurchases given the current stock price and excess capital, while also exploring M&A opportunities in Texas [30][31] Question: Auto portfolio exposure - Management acknowledged subprime exposure in the auto portfolio but stated that they are closely monitoring and managing the situation [32][38] Question: Broker-dealer fee income and future expectations - Management highlighted strong performance across all broker-dealer business lines in Q3 but anticipated a reversion to lower pre-tax margins in the future [40][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported net earnings of $52.6 million or $0.38 per share, an increase from $50.6 million or $0.37 per share in Q2 2025 and $51.2 million or $0.37 per share in Q3 2024 [4][5] - Return on average tangible common equity was 14.11% and return on average assets was 1.35% for Q3 2025 [4] - Pre-tax pre-provision income increased to $70 million, up 2% from Q2 2025 and 3.5% from Q3 2024 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for Q3 2025 was $115.6 million, up from $111.6 million in Q2 2025 and $113.6 million in Q3 2024 [13] - Noninterest income was $13 million in Q3 2025, down $1.7 million from Q2 2025, but increased by $260,000 when excluding a legal settlement and loss on sale of AFS securities [8] - Total loans increased by $112 million or 5% annualized from Q2 2025, with growth in nearly all loan categories [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits and customer repurchase agreements reached $12.6 billion, a $170 million increase from Q2 2025 and $108 million higher than Q3 2024 [8] - Noninterest-bearing deposits grew by $108 million compared to Q3 2024, while interest-bearing non-maturity deposits and customer repos increased by $100 million [9] - The cost of deposits and repos was 90 basis points in Q3 2025, compared to 87 basis points in Q2 2025 and 101 basis points in Q3 2024 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining profitability and has a history of 194 consecutive quarters of profitability and 144 consecutive quarters of paying cash dividends [4][5] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities and has recently hired a team of bankers to open a new office in the Temecula-Murrieta area [28][29] - The company continues to invest in technology infrastructure and automation, with a focus on maintaining low single-digit growth in expenses [21][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth, targeting low single-digit growth for the year, with strong pipelines and opportunities [36] - The economic forecast indicates modest GDP growth below 1.5% until the end of 2027, with an unemployment rate expected to reach 5% by early 2026 [16][17] - Management acknowledged intense competition in loan pricing but emphasized a focus on maintaining credit quality [38][52] Other Important Information - The company experienced a $6 million legal settlement, which was offset by an $8.2 million loss on the sale of low-yielding AFS securities [5] - The unrealized loss on AFS securities decreased by $31.6 million from Q2 2025 to Q3 2025 [17] - Shareholders' equity increased to $2.28 billion, with a tangible common equity ratio of 10.1% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest-bearing deposit costs and beta cycle - Management noted that the recent rate cut impacted deposit costs and indicated plans to match Fed fund decreases with reductions in money market rates [26][27] Question: Update on M&A dialogue - Management confirmed ongoing discussions but no imminent deals, highlighting the recent hiring of a team from City National Bank [28][29] Question: Expectations on loan growth - Management expressed confidence in maintaining low single-digit growth, with strong pipelines and opportunities despite seasonal factors [36] Question: Pricing competition in the market - Management stated willingness to compete on price for quality relationships while maintaining credit standards [38] Question: Impact of interest rate swaps - Management acknowledged potential negative impacts on net interest income from interest rate swaps but plans to maintain the current strategy [45] Question: Utilization of cash balances - Management indicated that cash balances may be deployed depending on bond market conditions and anticipated seasonal increases in dairy loans [60] Question: Expense management heading into 2026 - Management plans to continue closely managing expenses with low single-digit growth expectations [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diluted EPS for the current quarter was $1.38, down $0.01 from the linked June 2025 quarter, but up $0.28 from the September quarter a year ago [4] - Net interest margin for the quarter was 3.57%, up from 3.47% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 and from 3.34% in the year-ago quarter [5][18] - Non-interest income was down by 9.7% or $707,000 compared to the linked quarter, but was more than offset by lower non-interest expense of $925,000 or a 3.6% decrease quarter over quarter [5][22] - The allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2025, totaled $52.1 million, representing 1.24% of gross loans [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loan balances increased by $91 million or 2.2% during the first quarter, with a year-over-year increase of $225 million or 5.7% [6] - The growth in the quarter was led by non-owner occupied commercial real estate, one-to-four family residential, commercial & industrial, and multifamily loans [6] - Deposit balances were relatively flat compared to the linked quarter but up $240 million or 5.9% over the last 12 months [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was experienced in the east region, particularly in agricultural activity, while the south region also showed good growth [7] - The loan pipeline anticipated to fund in the next 90 days remains strong, totaling about $195 million at September 30 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about achieving mid-single-digit loan growth in the fiscal year despite expectations of a slowdown in loan growth due to seasonal factors [7][20] - The company is focusing on improving credit quality and has been proactive in working with borrowers to assess their positions and utilize government programs to mitigate risk [17] - There is a modest uptick in M&A discussions, with the company well-positioned to act when the right partner is ready [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about performance in the new fiscal year, despite a larger provision for credit losses due to the evolving economic environment [3][24] - The company expects to see continued net interest income growth through the year, despite historical seasonal slowdowns in loan growth [20][21] - Management noted that charge-off activity is expected to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels trending back to historical ranges [33] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased just over 8,000 shares at an average price of just under $55, with an average purchase price at 127% of tangible book value [9] - The tangible book value increased by $5.09 or 13.3% over the last 12 months, attributed to earnings retention and improvements in the bank's unrealized loss in the investment portfolio [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for provision expense and charge-offs - Management expects charge-off activity to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels running similar to historical ranges [33] Question: Bank's rate sensitivity and margin expansion - The bank remains overall liability-sensitive, with expectations of being a net beneficiary of rate cuts, estimating a 1% to 3% increase in net interest income per 100 basis points of rate cuts [36] Question: Update on loan pipeline and growth expectations - The loan pipeline remains consistent, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth for the fiscal year, though seasonal slowdowns are anticipated [44] Question: Buyback activity and M&A discussions - Management anticipates being more active in buyback activity given current pricing and is in discussions for potential M&A opportunities, ideally targeting banks in the billion-dollar asset range [50][27]

Financial Performance - The company reported a net income of $100 million for Q3 2025, a 25% increase from $80 million in Q2 2025, with normalized earnings per share growing 13% year-over-year [4][11] - Return on average assets for the quarter was 2.1%, significantly higher than the previous quarter [11] - Net interest income reached $217.9 million, an 8% increase compared to Q3 2024, with a net interest margin of 4.57%, up 32 basis points over the last four quarters [14][15] Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans grew by $181 million, or 5.6% annualized, surpassing $13 billion for the first time since 2010 [5] - Core franchise deposits increased by $140 million, with favorable trends in market flows despite higher competition [7] - The company experienced a slowdown in consumer credit demand, particularly in the auto industry, which saw a 7% decline in total retail sales year-to-date [6][9] Asset Quality and Credit Trends - Non-performing assets decreased by 7% with a reduction in charge-offs and stable credit trends [7][19] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to 1.89% of loans, reflecting improved loss severities in the residential mortgage portfolio [20][21] - Net charge-offs for the quarter were $19.9 million, representing 0.62% of average loans, slightly up from the previous quarter [20] Strategic Outlook and Market Conditions - The company plans to strategically deploy excess capital to support organic growth, particularly in commercial and residential mortgage lending [9][10] - The operating environment remains stable, with potential impacts from evolving trade dynamics and inflationary pressures being monitored [8] - The company expects loan growth for the year to be in the range of 3% to 4%, down from previous guidance of 5% [10][64] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the labor market in Puerto Rico and the positive impact of federal disaster funds on local economies [9] - The company is optimistic about the ongoing expansion of the manufacturing sector and its potential benefits for the franchise [9] - Management noted that competitive pressures in the deposit market are primarily from smaller players, with expectations for some reduction in deposit costs due to rate cuts [38][41] Other Important Information - The board authorized an additional $200 million share buyback program, continuing the strategy of returning 100% of annual earnings to shareholders [8][22] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is estimated to be around 22.2%, reflecting some expected improvements [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the tax situation a one-time benefit? - Management confirmed that while there will be no further reversals of deferred tax assets at the same level, there will be ongoing benefits from normal operating losses [26] Question: What is the health of the consumer in Puerto Rico? - Management indicated that auto sales are normalizing and credit demand has been lower, but overall consumer credit trends remain stable [30] Question: What are the expectations for deposit costs with upcoming rate cuts? - Management expects some reduction in deposit costs, but noted that the timing of these reductions may lag behind floating asset products [41] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth into Q4? - The company maintains a loan growth guidance of 3% to 4% for the year, with a strong pipeline in commercial lending [64] Question: Can you elaborate on competitive pressures in the deposit market? - Management noted that competitive pressures are primarily from smaller players and that they are managing this by offering additional services beyond just deposit products [39]

Investor Presentation Third Quarter 2025 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation those regarding Popular's business, financial condition, results of operations and objectives, performance, earnings and expenses. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on the current expectations of Popular, Inc.'s manag ...

Financial Performance - The company reported a net income of $100 million for Q3 2025, a 25% increase from $80 million in Q2 2025, with normalized earnings per share growing 13% year-over-year [4][10] - Return on average assets for the quarter was 2.1%, significantly higher than the previous quarter [10] - Net interest income reached $217.9 million, an 8% increase compared to Q3 2024, with a net interest margin of 4.57%, up 32 basis points over the last four quarters [12][10] Business Line Performance - Total loans grew by $181 million, or 5.6% annualized, surpassing $13 billion for the first time since 2010 [5] - The company experienced a slowdown in consumer credit demand, particularly in the auto industry, which saw a 7% decline in total retail sales year-to-date [5][6] - Commercial and construction lending segments showed growth, while residential mortgage business maintained steady loan production [6] Market Data - The company noted a 7% reduction in non-performing assets and stable credit quality, with consumer charge-offs normalizing [6][18] - The competitive landscape for deposits remains challenging, particularly from smaller players, but the company is optimistic about stabilizing deposit costs amid expected rate cuts [6][36] Strategic Direction - The company plans to continue its strategy of returning 100% of annual earnings to shareholders, with a new $200 million share buyback program authorized [7][21] - The management emphasized the importance of organic growth and potential M&A opportunities in the Florida market, focusing on franchises that complement existing operations [21][44] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the labor market in Puerto Rico and the positive impact of federal disaster funds on local economies [8] - The outlook for loan growth is projected to be between 3% and 4% for the year, influenced by the slowdown in auto lending but supported by strong pipelines in commercial lending [9][61] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize around 22.2% for 2025, reflecting improvements from recent legislative changes [10][78] - The company has seen a shift in deposit mix, with time deposits increasing while lower-cost non-maturity deposits decreased [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the tax situation a one-time benefit? - Management confirmed that while there will be no further reversals of deferred tax assets at the same level, there will be ongoing benefits from normal operating losses [25] Question: What is the outlook for consumer health in Puerto Rico? - Management noted that while auto sales are normalizing, credit demand has been lower, but overall consumer credit trends remain stable [26][28] Question: What are the expectations for deposit costs with upcoming rate cuts? - Management expects some reduction in deposit costs due to rate cuts, but the timing of these reductions may lag behind asset repricing [40] Question: How does credit performance at other banks influence reserving? - Management stated that they maintain a firm risk appetite and focus on their portfolio's performance, without seeing systemic impacts from competitors [41] Question: What are the capital deployment priorities? - The company prioritizes organic growth and is open to M&A opportunities that enhance their franchise, particularly in Florida [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $1.5 million compared to the second quarter and by $5 million year-over-year [4] - Net income rose by $3.5 million, or 43%, compared to Q3 of 2024 [5] - Return on average assets improved by 28 basis points to 1.16% compared to 0.88% in the third quarter of last year [5] - Earnings per share increased to $0.47 in the third quarter, a 46% increase compared to Q3 a year ago [5] - Return on tangible common equity was reported at 12.35% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans increased by $47 million for the second quarter, or 5.6% annualized, and grew by $286 million, or over 9%, year-over-year [8] - C&I loans grew by $194 million, and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans increased by $40 million [8] - Specialized lending groups now constitute 16% of total loans, with no single niche exceeding 5% of total loans [5] - Non-performing assets declined to 36 basis points compared to 40 basis points at June 30 and 47 basis points one year ago [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposit balances increased by over $55 million during the quarter, or an annualized 7% [9] - Average cost of deposits declined by 3 basis points to 2.69% for the quarter [9] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $21 million during the quarter and by $52 million year-to-date [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving into a middle-market commercial bank, focusing on relationship-driven strategies rather than growth for its own sake [19] - New branch openings and strategic closures are part of the company's efforts to optimize its branch network [17] - The company aims to maintain a balance between growing deposits and managing costs effectively [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economic outlook remains uncertain, but the company is well-positioned for various rate environments [7] - Management is focused on maintaining credit quality despite some softness in the small business segment [6] - The company anticipates a modest increase in expenses due to new branches but aims to keep overall costs flat [35] Other Important Information - Non-interest income totaled $2.4 million in Q3 2025, down from $2.7 million in Q2 [12] - The efficiency ratio improved to 52%, remaining below 60% for the 25th consecutive quarter [13] - The company repurchased almost 120,000 shares at an average price of $14.91 during the quarter [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on expenses and efficiency actions - Management highlighted ongoing focus on cost control while balancing investment opportunities, with no major new costs anticipated [32][34] Question: Margin and deposit cost adjustments following Federal Reserve cuts - Management indicated that adjustments to deposit costs will be made in response to Federal Reserve actions, aiming for a neutral impact on margins [38][39] Question: Capital levels and buyback considerations - The company maintains a soft limit on total risk-based capital ratio around 11.5% and is open to capital deployment through buybacks depending on market conditions [43][44]