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

WESTFIELD, Mass., Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “WNEB”) (NasdaqGS: WNEB), the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), announced today the unaudited results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025. For the three months ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported net income of $5.2 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the three months ended De ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported a core earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, a core return on assets (ROA) of 1.42%, and a core return on tangible common equity of 18%, all showing significant year-over-year increases [3][4] - The full-year core EPS for 2025 was $5.21, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year, while Q4 core EPS increased by 29% year-over-year [4] - The net interest margin (NIM) for the quarter was 3.83%, down 8 basis points from the previous quarter but up 3 basis points year-over-year [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core fee revenue increased by 2% linked quarter and 8% year-over-year, driven by strong growth in Wealth and Trust, capital markets, and home lending [5] - The Wealth and Trust business grew by 13% year-over-year, with WSFS Institutional Services experiencing a 29% growth [5] - Total gross loans grew by 2% linked quarter and 9% annualized, with commercial loans leading the growth at 4% linked quarter [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client deposits increased by 2% linked quarter and 10% annualized, with non-interest-bearing deposits growing by 6% linked quarter [6] - The company maintained a 32% share of non-interest-bearing deposits within total client deposits [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid-single-digit loan growth overall and expects continued broad-based deposit growth across its businesses in 2026 [9][10] - The strategy includes maintaining a high level of buybacks while being open to adjusting based on macroeconomic conditions and investment opportunities [9][10] - The company is focused on enhancing its fee businesses, which contribute approximately one-third of total revenue, and expects fee revenue to grow in the mid-single digits [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering another year of high performance and growth, with expectations for a core ROA of approximately 1.40% and double-digit growth in core EPS for 2026 [9] - The management noted that while the path of future rate cuts remains uncertain, they are prepared to manage margins through deposit repricing and other strategies [10] - The company highlighted the importance of maintaining strong expense discipline while also investing in growth opportunities [12] Other Important Information - Non-performing assets decreased significantly, down approximately 40% compared to year-end 2024, indicating improved asset quality [7] - The company returned $119 million in capital during the quarter, including $109 million in buybacks, representing 3.7% of outstanding shares [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the better commercial trends and what is driving strong originations? - Management noted that improved economic clarity led to strong originations and fundings in the commercial sector, with a pipeline exceeding $300 million [15][17] Question: What are the parameters for capital return and buybacks? - The company focuses on CET1 and TCE ratios, with a capital return philosophy primarily through buybacks, aiming to return roughly 100% of net income annually [19][20] Question: What is the outlook for Cash Connect revenue and profitability? - Management indicated that while revenue may be impacted by interest rates, margin improvements are expected due to pricing strategies and operational efficiencies [25][28] Question: What is the anticipated mix of deposit growth? - The company aims to match fund loan growth and is focused on growing non-interest-bearing deposits, particularly from institutional services and small business contributions [35][80] Question: Are there any ongoing evaluations of business segments for profitability? - Management confirmed ongoing evaluations of business segments to ensure strategic fit and profitability, with a focus on shedding low-profitability partnerships [44][46] Question: What are the expectations around M&A activity? - Management remains open to M&A opportunities that could strengthen their market position, while also focusing on organic growth [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Five Star Bancorp achieved a year-over-year growth in total loans held for investments of 15%, total deposit growth of 18%, net income growth of 35%, and an increase in earnings per share of 28% to $2.90 per share [5][6] - Financial highlights for Q4 included net income of $17.6 million, earnings per share of $0.83, return on average assets of 1.50%, and return on average equity of 15.97% [5][6] - The net interest margin expanded by 10 basis points to 3.66%, while the total cost of deposits declined by 21 basis points to 2.23% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew by $187.7 million, or 19% on an annualized basis in Q4, and total deposits increased by $97.6 million, or 10% on an annualized basis [6][9] - The commercial real estate portfolio saw significant growth, increasing by $161.4 million in Q4 and $448.5 million for the year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced outstanding balance sheet growth, with total assets increasing by $113.1 million in Q4 and $701.6 million for the full year [8] - Non-wholesale deposits increased by $738.1 million, or 25%, while wholesale deposits decreased by $95 million, or 17% [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to further develop all business verticals while expanding into new markets, emphasizing a blend of technology and personalized service [17] - Five Star Bancorp aims to maintain a focus on innovation and service excellence, with a commitment to organic growth and community engagement [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve 10% growth in both loans and deposits for 2026, despite acknowledging the competitive landscape [26][44] - The company is focused on maintaining strong asset quality, with non-performing loans representing only 8 basis points of total loans held for investment [6][9] Other Important Information - The company announced a cash dividend increase to $0.25 per share, marking the first increase since April 2023 [8] - The efficiency ratio was reported at 40.62% for Q4 and 41.03% for the year, indicating a focus on managing expenses while supporting growth [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers behind loan origination growth - Management noted strong performance across all verticals, particularly in food and agriculture, with seasonal factors contributing to loan production [21][22] Question: Competitive landscape for deposits - The market is highly competitive, but the company believes its business development team provides a competitive advantage in attracting core deposits [24][25] Question: Expense growth outlook - Management anticipates a moderate increase in expenses, targeting an expense-to-asset ratio of 148%-155% for 2026 [36][37] Question: Loan origination yields and competition - The company is experiencing competitive pressures on loan spreads, particularly in owner-occupied real estate and lines of credit [38][39] Question: Capital comfort and growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in maintaining capital ratios with a 10% growth rate, but acknowledged that higher growth rates would necessitate additional capital [42][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter net income of $11.4 million, or $1.46 per share, which is a record for the company and 29% higher than 2024 earnings per share [2][3] - The fourth quarter net interest margin (NIM) was 4.06%, up from 3.82% in the fourth quarter of 2024, and return on assets (ROA) was 1.29%, compared to 1.12% a year ago [3][6] - Loans grew by $38 million in the fourth quarter, or 6% annualized, while deposits increased by 7%, or $192 million [3][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texas franchise has seen loans grow at a 15% annual rate since entering the market in 2022, now representing 20% of the loan portfolio [4][5] - Non-performing loans increased in 2025, but charge-offs remain low, averaging about 6 basis points over the last six years [5][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average non-interest bearing deposits increased by $3 million in the fourth quarter and $40 million in 2025, representing 27% of total deposits [9] - The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased by 6 basis points in the fourth quarter and 15 basis points since the fourth quarter of 2024, with an overall cost of deposits at 1.84% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to focus on deposit growth to build franchise value and increase profitability when loan growth returns to historical rates [4] - The company is optimistic about M&A opportunities in 2026, looking for potential acquisitions of banks around half its size [34][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future, noting that they do not foresee an economic-driven downturn despite some non-performing assets [17][25] - The company expects loan growth in 2026 to be in the mid-single digits, contingent on interest rate movements [3][46] Other Important Information - Noninterest income was $4 million, slightly above expectations, and is expected to increase to between $3.8 million and $4 million in the coming quarters [10] - The company has increased its quarterly dividends per share by 55% to $0.31 and repurchased 17% of its shares since 2019 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you think we might see a shift in the trajectory of Class 5 and NPAs? - Management indicated that the process can take time, especially in Louisiana and Mississippi, but expects some properties in Texas to be resolved by February [16][20] Question: Is the loan pipeline looking different from what's on the books today? - Management noted that while there were payoffs in 2025, they hope to see less of that in 2026, indicating potential for loan growth [21][23] Question: How is the SBA business expected to perform in 2026? - Management anticipates that the SBA business will pick up with lower interest rates, although it may not be significant immediately [32] Question: What are the capital deployment priorities regarding M&A? - Management is optimistic about M&A opportunities in 2026, particularly as their stock price improves [34][36] Question: How should we think about the size of the bond portfolio in 2026? - Management expects the investment portfolio to increase by about $15 million to $20 million, maintaining its percentage of assets [37] Question: What is the outlook for NIM and rate sensitivity? - Management projects NIM to increase to 4.1-4.15% throughout the year, with a stable outlook despite potential rate cuts [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $20.7 million for the quarter, with diluted earnings per share of $2.47, down from previous quarters [9][13] - Return on average assets was 1.87% for the quarter and 2% year to date, while return on average equity was 15.6% for the quarter and 16.6% year to date [13] - Net interest margin (NIM) was 4.49%, down from 4.59% in the linked quarter, resulting in net interest income of $48.8 million for the quarter [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $252 million in loans during the quarter, with a record volume of $576 million in purchased loans at a purchase price of $533 million [8][19] - SBA loan originations totaled $39.8 million, with $25 million sold for a gain of $2.1 million [9][15] - The small business insured loan product saw originations of $70 million during the quarter [16][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total assets ended the quarter at $4.95 billion, with loans at $4.4 billion, up from $3.7 billion as of September 30 [13] - The company experienced a 40.3% deposit growth over a three-year period in its seven branches in Maine [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its deposit base in Maine, which is generally less expensive and stickier than brokered deposits [30] - There is a focus on expanding the small balance insured loan program, which is expected to sustain its growth trajectory [21] - The company is also exploring niche opportunities for deposit growth while relying on brokered deposits to fund loan growth [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating results for the quarter were lower than previous quarters, primarily due to the impact of the government shutdown on SBA loan activity [7][10] - There is an expectation of increased net interest income in subsequent quarters due to a higher loan book [11][12] - The company anticipates a favorable trajectory for SBA loan originations and sales moving forward [15][40] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses increased from $46.7 million to $63.8 million during the quarter, reflecting the purchase loan activity [16] - Non-interest expense decreased to $20.8 million, attributed to lower professional fees and reduced loan acquisition costs [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Did the company buy back stock in the fourth quarter? - The company did not buy back any stock; the decrease in share count was due to stock compensation activity [26] Question: Will net interest margin see a lift going forward? - Management indicated that a lift in net interest margin is expected due to downward liability repricing [28] Question: How does the company view the funding mix as it grows? - The company plans to continue using brokered deposits while also growing its deposit base in Maine [30] Question: What percentage of purchase loans does the company typically retain at maturity? - Management did not have the exact number but indicated that they try to retain many loans, especially when rates are higher [32] Question: Will there be a catch-up in SBA gain on sale income next quarter? - The company expects an increase in SBA loan volume and anticipates that gain on sale percentages will remain around 8%-9% [39][43] Question: How does the company see the growth of the insured small business product? - The company believes the growth rate is sustainable and is focused on selling the originated loans [44][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $1.45 per diluted share for Q4 2025, an increase from $1.19 in the linked quarter and $1.28 in Q4 2024 [3] - Return on average assets was 1.27%, and pre-provision return on average assets was 1.74% [3] - Net interest income for the quarter reached $168 million, up $10 million from the linked quarter and $22 million from Q4 2024 [3][4] - The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 9.07%, with a return on tangible common equity of 14.02% for Q4 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $217 million, primarily due to acquired loans from the branch acquisition [6] - Deposits grew by $1 billion in Q4, with $400 million from new and existing clients and $600 million from the branch purchase [7] - The cost of deposits decreased to 1.64%, and the level of demand deposits to total deposits improved to 33.4% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Southwest market showed the strongest growth, driven by quality commercial and industrial relationships [17] - Organic deposit growth for the year was 6.5%, amounting to $854 million, with Q4 organic deposit growth at $432 million [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The branch acquisition accelerated the company's strategy in higher growth markets by several years [4] - The company aims to continue producing high-quality earnings and has a clear path to improve credit statistics in the upcoming quarters [10][11] - The focus remains on automating non-value-added tasks to enhance productivity and efficiency [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Clients remain optimistic about the economy, particularly in sectors related to power generation and infrastructure improvements [12] - The company expects to maintain a diversified, relationship-oriented model that has compounded tangible book value per share at over 11% for the last 14 years [13] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by $0.01 per share to $0.32 for Q4 and repurchased 67,000 shares at an average price of $52.64 [6] - Non-performing assets (NPAs) increased to 95 basis points of total assets, with expectations to reduce this to historical levels in the next couple of quarters [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing and details on foreclosed properties - The company took control of six properties in December after a favorable ruling from the bankruptcy court, with expectations for resolution by the end of Q2 2026 [42][43] Question: Fee income and non-interest expense expectations - Fee income is expected to grow at about 5% year-over-year, with non-interest expenses projected to grow around 5% as well [50][51] Question: Charge-offs and provisioning outlook - The company anticipates charge-offs to decrease from elevated levels seen in 2025, with a focus on maintaining appropriate reserves [76][79] Question: Capital management and buyback plans - The company has approximately 150,000 shares remaining for buyback and is focused on leveraging capital for growth in 2026 [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NBT Bancorp reported net income of $55.5 million or $1.06 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter, with core operating earnings of $1.05 per share, consistent with the prior quarter [7] - Operating return on assets was 1.37% for the second consecutive quarter, with a return on tangible equity of 17.02%, reflecting improvement over the prior year [3] - Tangible book value per share increased to $26.54, an 11% rise year-over-year [4] - Net interest margin improved by 36 basis points year-over-year, despite a slight decrease of 1 basis point to 3.65% compared to the prior quarter [4][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $1.63 billion or 16.3% for the year, including acquired loans from Evans Bancorp [7] - Non-interest income grew 17.4% from the fourth quarter of 2024, representing 27% of total revenues in the fourth quarter [11] - Total deposits rose by $2 billion from December 2024, with a favorable shift in the mix towards lower-cost checking and savings accounts [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong demand across its franchise, with robust pipelines in various markets including Buffalo and Portland [18][19] - The commercial production remained strong, although there was a higher level of commercial real estate payoffs [8][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - NBT Bancorp is focused on organic growth strategies and evaluating M&A opportunities, supported by strong capital levels [5][4] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in Western New York, particularly in the semiconductor sector [6] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a diversified revenue base and prudent balance sheet management [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of net interest income and fee-based revenues, despite navigating three Federal Funds Rate cuts [13] - The company is cautiously optimistic about loan growth, anticipating potential risks from commercial real estate payoffs [16][20] - Management highlighted the importance of customer relationships and the potential for growth in the residential mortgage sector [21] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 20.3%, lower than the prior quarter due to the finalization of merger-related expense deductibility [12] - The company repurchased 250,000 shares in the fourth quarter as part of its capital planning [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on commercial real estate payoffs - Management noted $150 million-$175 million of unscheduled commercial real estate payoffs in 2025, which could pose a risk to loan growth [15][16] Question: Loan pipeline and opportunities - Demand across various markets is strong, with no significant gaps in demand noted [18] Question: Impact of U.S.-Canada tensions - Management acknowledged frustrations among Canadian customers, which could affect future investments [29][30] Question: M&A hurdle rates - The company is looking for M&A opportunities that can generate at least $0.05 of accretion per share [31][32] Question: Credit quality and areas of caution - Management is monitoring concentrations in hospitality and office space but sees no emerging trends requiring significant caution [59] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-off rates are expected to normalize lower as the consumer balances wind down [65][66] Question: Share repurchase catalysts - The company will consider share repurchases based on value and capacity, with the potential for continued repurchases in the future [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $87 million for Q4 2025, translating to $0.85 per share, with a return on assets of 1.8% and an efficiency ratio of 49% [4][5] - For the full year 2025, net income reached $345 million, representing a 90% increase in earnings per share to $2.15, with a return on average assets of 1.81% [8][14] - The company achieved a record total revenue of over $1 billion for the year, with adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision income at an all-time high of $499.2 million, a 10% increase from 2024 [8][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $80 million, primarily driven by growth in commercial segments, despite some impact from elevated commercial loan payoffs and lower consumer loan production [4][5] - Core customer deposits increased by $267 million, with a notable 3.2% rise in core non-interest-bearing deposits during the quarter [5][6] - The company repurchased $50 million in shares and declared $28 million in dividends, with a total of over 28% of shares outstanding repurchased since the buyback program began in 2021 [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico is approximately 5.7%, with strong tourism activity reflected in an 8% increase in passenger traffic, reaching a record high of 13.6 million [10] - The company anticipates a stable economic environment in 2026, with expectations of 3%-5% organic loan growth and a sustained efficiency ratio of 52% or better [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its omnichannel strategy to improve customer interactions across digital and branch channels, with active retail digital users up 5% year-over-year [8][9] - The board approved an 11% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend to $0.20 per share, effective Q1 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders [7][28] - The company is exploring both organic and non-organic growth opportunities, including the opening of a new branch in Boca Raton, Florida [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about underlying economic trends for 2026, despite potential challenges from inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions [9][10] - The company expects asset quality to remain stable, with consumer credit quality gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels [12] - Management is committed to maintaining strong profitability metrics and returning close to 100% of annual earnings to shareholders [11][12] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio for the quarter was reported at 49%, with expectations for ongoing technology investments to maintain this level [23] - The company recorded a 4% increase in tangible book value per share to $12.29, with regulatory capital ratios continuing to build up [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any more mix shift change with lower liquidity and levers that might aid NIM going forward? - Management indicated that cash flows from the investment portfolio and repricing of deposit components would be key drivers for net interest margin improvement [31][32] Question: What are the competitive dynamics regarding cost of funds? - Management noted that wholesale funding through brokered CDs is repricing with the market, and time deposits are expected to decrease as rates come down [33][34] Question: Comments on credit quality stability? - Management affirmed stability in credit quality, with no significant disruptions anticipated, although some consumer delinquencies have normalized [35] Question: Insights on auto loan market? - Management observed a contraction in the auto loan portfolio but expects stabilization without significant growth unless pricing adjustments occur [41][42] Question: Thoughts on reinvestment of securities cash flows? - Management expects a 2-3 basis points pick up on reinvestment of cash flows from maturing securities, focusing on agency investments [47][50] Question: Clarification on efficiency ratio calculation? - The efficiency ratio is calculated on a GAAP basis, including all components, and has been improving due to the sale of OREO properties [62][64] Question: Insights on non-interest-bearing deposit flows? - Management emphasized the importance of building core relationships and expanding branches to grow non-interest-bearing deposits [66][67]

Investor Presentation Fourth Quarter 2025 BE THE #1 BANK FOR OUR CUSTOMERS Meet customers where they are. We are their first choice, always one step ahead, fostering loyalty and deepening relationships at every stage of their lives, to drive growth BE SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT Deliver solutions faster, improve productivity, and reduce costs Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Refo ...