Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.40, core return on assets of 1.40%, and core return on tangible common equity of 18.7%, all showing improvement compared to the second quarter [3] - Year-over-year, core net income increased by 21%, core PP&R grew by 6%, and core earnings per share rose by 30% [3][4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12%, and net interest margin expanded by 2 basis points to 3.91% quarter over quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth and trust business grew by 13% year over year, with total client deposits increasing by 1% linked quarter and 5% year over year [5] - Core fee revenue was flat quarter over quarter but grew by 5% when excluding strategic exits in wealth and trust [4] - Loans decreased by 1% linked quarter, primarily due to the sale of the Upstart loan portfolio, but residential mortgage and WSFS-originated consumer loan portfolios saw increases of 5% and 3% respectively [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest deposits grew by 12% year over year, representing over 30% of total client deposits [5] - The commercial pipeline increased to approximately $300 million, indicating strong demand in both C&I and commercial real estate [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to maintain elevated levels of buybacks while being flexible based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [8] - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and potential acquisitions, particularly in the wealth and trust sectors [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality improvements, with total net credit costs decreasing to $8.4 million, down $5.9 million from the prior quarter [7] - The company plans to provide a full-year 2026 outlook in January, indicating a commitment to high performance despite uncertainties in the macro environment [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital during the quarter, including $46.8 million in buybacks, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [8] - The CET1 ratio stands at 14.39%, well above the medium-term target of 12% [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the base case scenario for achieving the CET1 target? - Management indicated that they are currently buying back approximately 100% of net income and have the capacity to continue this for the next two to three years, depending on balance sheet dynamics and growth rates [14][15] Question: How are reserve levels being managed amid macro volatility? - Management noted that while there is capacity to release some reserves, they are maintaining a conservative approach due to potential economic volatility [18] Question: What is the outlook for the wealth and trust business? - The wealth business is seeing growth in new accounts and transactions, with institutional services up 30% and Bryn Mawr Trust up 20% year over year [26][28] Question: How does Cash Connect revenue forecast with changing rates? - Management confirmed that while revenue may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would also reduce, leading to a net profitability benefit [36][37] Question: What is the expected pace of loan payoffs from the consumer partnership? - The company expects a runoff of approximately $15 million to $17 million per month from the Spring EQ portfolio, while home lending is experiencing double-digit growth [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.4, a core return on assets of 1.48%, and a core return on tangible common equity of 18.7%, all of which increased compared to the second quarter [5] - Year-over-year, core net income rose by 21%, core PPNR grew by 6%, and core earnings per share increased by 30% [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12%, and net interest margin expanded by two basis points to 3.91% quarter over quarter [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core fee revenue was flat quarter over quarter but grew by 5% when excluding the impact of strategic exits in Wealth and Trust [6] - The Wealth and Trust business grew by 13% year over year, with institutional services up 30% and Brimmore Trust of Delaware up 20% [6][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up 12% year over year [7] - Loans decreased by 1% linked quarter, primarily due to the sale of the Upstart loan portfolio and continued runoff in the Spring EQ portfolio [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to maintain elevated levels of buybacks while adjusting the pace based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [11] - The management is focused on disciplined originations and proactive engagement with clients to maintain asset quality [24] - The company is exploring talent acquisition in both commercial and wealth businesses to enhance organic growth [66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year outlook despite an additional rate cut in October [11] - The company is prepared for potential future rate cuts and has strategies in place to manage margins through deposit repricing and hedging [11][70] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital during the quarter, including $46.8 million in buybacks, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [10] - Year-to-date, the company has repurchased 5.8% of its outstanding shares, maintaining a strong capital position with a CET1 of 14.39% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Achieving CET1 target and organic growth rates - Management indicated that they are currently buying back approximately 100% of net income and have high capital levels despite buybacks, allowing for continued buybacks for the next few years [18] Question: Asset quality and reserve levels - Management noted good momentum in asset quality and indicated a conservative approach to reserves due to macroeconomic volatility [24] Question: Growth in wealth and trust business - Management highlighted growth in new accounts and transactions, particularly in institutional services and Brimmore Trust of Delaware [32] Question: Cash Connect business and NII benefit - Management confirmed that while revenue from Cash Connect may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would offset this, leading to overall profitability benefits [46] Question: Commercial loan growth and consumer partnership payoffs - Management discussed the impact of problem loan payoffs and expected continued growth in the home lending business, offsetting runoff in the Spring EQ portfolio [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [6] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year-over-year [9] - Net interest income rose for the fourth consecutive quarter, increasing 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year-over-year [9][10] - Non-interest income increased by more than $500,000 or 8.5% from the prior quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q3 [7] - Total deposits increased by $320 million from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balance growth [8] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64 million, primarily due to net withdrawals from low-fee product categories [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [7] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [24] - The company achieved a 63% beta on money market accounts in Q3, which is expected to continue into Q4 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow deposits and loans by focusing on superior service rather than competing on pricing [4] - Management is optimistic about opportunities arising from market disruptions due to M&A activity in Colorado [12] - The company is focused on creating operating leverage by growing revenues faster than expenses [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects strong loan and deposit pipelines to continue into Q4 [12] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with stable trends in the loan portfolio [12] - The company anticipates NIM expansion as liquidity is deployed into the loan portfolio [19] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and team restructuring to enhance operational efficiency [68] - The efficiency ratio is trending down with operating leverage increasing [70] - The company was named one of the KBW Bank Honor Roll members in 2025 for its performance [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and mortgage department contributions - Management indicated that the deposit growth is expected to remain stable and provide a higher base for future growth [16] Question: Details on the credit related to the downgraded loan - A specific provision was made for a C&I loan that was downgraded, and management expects it to be resolved over time [17] Question: Expectations for NIM in Q4 - Management anticipates a potential NIM expansion of about five basis points in Q4 [20] Question: Thoughts on the beta for additional Fed rate cuts - The beta has been declining, with a reasonable expectation of around 63% for the fourth quarter [25] Question: Update on wealth management and AUM strategy - The company is focused on fee income growth rather than AUM, with positive progress noted in agency accounts [27] Question: Opportunities from M&A disruptions - Management believes that ongoing market disruptions create opportunities for talent acquisition and client growth [37] Question: Plans for redeploying excess cash - The company expects to continue deploying liquidity into the loan portfolio, with strong loan demand trends anticipated [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year over year [9] - Net interest income increased by 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year over year [10] - Non-interest income increased by 8.5% from the prior quarter, primarily due to increases in all major fee categories [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q3 [6][7] - Total deposits increased by $320 million from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balances [8] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [7] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [22] - The company achieved a 63% beta on money market accounts in Q3, which is expected to remain reasonable for Q4 [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its investments in technology and product teams to drive shareholder value and improve efficiency [66][68] - The focus remains on maintaining a conservative approach to new loan production while expanding deposit relationships [4][5] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities arising from market disruptions and M&A activity in Colorado [12][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects continued solid balance sheet growth in Q4 [12][13] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with positive trends expected to continue [13] - The company anticipates NIM expansion in Q4 due to liquidity deployment into the loan portfolio [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as one of the KBW Bank Honor Roll members in 2025 for its performance [68] - The management team has made significant investments in technology and operational efficiency, which are expected to yield positive results [66][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and its sustainability - Management indicated that the deposits seen in Q3 are expected to remain and provide a higher deposit base for Q4 [16] Question: Details on the MPA and related provisions - A specific provision was made for a downgraded C&I loan, which management expects to resolve over time [17] Question: Expectations for NIM in Q4 - Management anticipates NIM expansion, potentially achieving around five basis points of improvement [19] Question: Thoughts on deposit pricing and beta - The beta on money market accounts was around 63% in Q3, with expectations for it to decline over time [23] Question: Update on wealth management and AUM - Management is focused on improving fee income and has seen progress in agency accounts despite a decrease in AUM [25] Question: Future growth and balance sheet strategy - Management views the recent deposit influx as part of an ongoing effort to align loan-to-deposit ratios and expects continued growth into 2026 [30][35] Question: Opportunities from M&A disruptions - Management believes that market disruptions create opportunities for talent acquisition and client growth [34][40]

Core Viewpoint - Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) experienced a 9.9% increase in share price following its earnings report for Q3 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 1% gain during the same period [1] Earnings Summary - For Q3 2025, Peoples Bancorp reported net earnings of $3.7 million, or $0.70 per share, a decrease of 6.7% from $3.9 million, or $0.74 per share, in the same quarter of the previous year, primarily due to higher provisions for credit losses and rising non-interest expenses [2] - Year-to-date net earnings for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, were $13.2 million, or $2.49 per share, reflecting a 3.1% increase from $12.8 million, or $2.41 per share, in the same period of 2024 [4] Income and Expenses - Net interest income rose 11.6% to $15.1 million from $13.5 million a year earlier, supported by a wider net interest margin (NIM) of 3.58% compared to 3.35% [3] - Non-interest income remained stable at $7.1 million, with a 17.2% increase in appraisal management fees offset by a 21.1% decline in miscellaneous income [3] - Non-interest expenses increased by 12.7% to $16.9 million from $15 million, driven by higher legal, debit card, and salary costs [3] Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans increased to $1.18 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025, up from $1.14 billion at year-end 2024, while total deposits rose to $1.55 billion from $1.48 billion during the same period [5] - Core deposits were $1.39 billion, representing 89.65% of total deposits as of Sept. 30, 2025, compared to $1.34 billion or 90.17% at the end of 2024 [5] Asset Quality and Capital - Non-performing assets totaled $5.1 million, accounting for 0.29% of total assets, unchanged from the end of 2024 [7] - The allowance for credit losses on loans was $10.2 million, or 0.86% of total loans, slightly higher than $9.9 million, or 0.88%, at the end of 2024 [7] - Shareholders' equity increased to $149.5 million as of Sept. 30, 2025, from $130.6 million at the end of 2024, driven by a reduction in unrealized losses on securities [7] Management Commentary - The decline in quarterly earnings was attributed to higher provisions for credit losses and increased non-interest expenses, although core banking operations remained strong [8] - Management emphasized that asset quality and capital ratios remained solid, with a focus on prudent loan and deposit growth [9] Legal Developments - A significant legal ruling in September 2025 favored the bank in its dispute with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, resulting in an expected gain of $3.6 million [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported net income of $8.9 million or $0.45 per diluted share, an increase from $6.9 million or $0.35 per share in Q3 2024, representing a 29% year-over-year growth [2][8] - Return on average assets increased to 1.27% from 1.11% a year ago, while return on average equity improved to 15.74% from 13.38% [3][8] - The efficiency ratio strengthened to 52.28%, reflecting disciplined expense management [3][21] - Net interest margin expanded to 3.14% compared to 3.03% in the same quarter last year [3][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $21.3 million, up $3.2 million or 17.5% from the prior year [3][13] - Loans held for investment grew to $2.1 billion, an increase of more than $199 million or 10.3% from $1.9 billion on September 30, 2024 [4][19] - Non-performing loans declined to 0.06% of total loans, down from 0.14% last year, indicating strong credit quality [4][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $2.8 billion as of September 30, 2025, representing a 10.5% year-over-year growth [3] - Total deposits ended the quarter at $2.5 billion, marking a robust 15.5% year-over-year increase [3][4] - Average deposits increased to $166 million or nearly 29% compared to the prior quarter and are up $380 million or 18% year over year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on relationship-based growth and has diversified its deposit-focused business verticals, which now account for 27% of total deposits [4][6] - The management emphasized the importance of Florida's strong economy as a key driver of success, with real GDP growth tracking around 2.4% in 2025 [23][24] - The company is optimistic about growth in the association banking vertical, with plans to potentially double the book of business in the next 18 months [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, citing solid fundamentals and a vibrant market [57] - The company anticipates improvements in net interest margin as excess cash is put to work in loan volume and securities portfolio [14][47] - Management noted that the current economic environment aligns well with the company's strategy, particularly in serving middle-market businesses and real estate development [24] Other Important Information - The company completed a $40 million subordinated debt issuance, with most proceeds used to repurchase approximately 2 million shares at a weighted average price of $17.19 per share [5][22] - The allowance for credit losses totaled $25 million at year-end, representing 1.17% of total loans, indicating a strong credit position [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the yacht payoffs in the quarter? - The yacht payoffs were a little over $10 million and occurred in August, impacting loan yields and margin [28] Question: Is the loan production in September a sign of sustained momentum? - Management believes it is a sign of sustained momentum, with a strong pipeline for Q4 [29] Question: How is competition impacting loan pricing? - The market is very competitive, and pricing is based on relationships rather than transactions [30] Question: What is the outlook for the margin in Q4? - A margin of 3.27% is expected for Q4, with potential for further expansion [36] Question: What are the expectations for non-interest income? - Non-interest income is expected to remain stable, with activity in wire fees and swap fees anticipated to continue [37] Question: What growth opportunities exist in the association banking business? - There is significant potential for growth in the association banking vertical, with plans to scale operations [38][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported net income of $8,900,000 or $0.45 per diluted share, an increase from $6,900,000 or $0.35 per share in Q3 2024, representing a 29% year-over-year growth [2][10] - Return on average assets increased to 1.27% from 1.11% a year ago, while return on average equity improved from 13.38% to 15.74% [3][10] - The efficiency ratio strengthened to 52.28%, reflecting disciplined expense management [3][10] - Net interest margin expanded to 3.14% compared to 3.03% in the same quarter last year [3][10] - Total assets reached $2,800,000,000, marking a 10.5% year-over-year growth [4] - Total deposits increased by 15.5% year-over-year to $2,500,000,000 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew to $2,100,000,000, an increase of 10.3% from $1,900,000,000 a year ago [5] - Non-performing loans declined to 0.06% of total loans, down from 0.14% last year [6] - The allowance for credit losses totaled $25,000,000, representing 1.17% of total loans [6] - The diversified deposit-focused business verticals accounted for $672,000,000 or 27% of total deposits [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits increased by $166,000,000 or nearly 29% compared to the prior quarter and are up $380,000,000 or 18% year-over-year [13] - Interest-bearing deposit costs remained stable at 3.29%, down 47 basis points from the same period last year [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on relationship-based growth and has added new production personnel to support growth plans [5][7] - The strategy includes preparing for a lower rate environment, with expectations of benefiting from rate cuts in the short term [19][20] - The company is bullish on the association banking vertical, anticipating significant growth opportunities in this segment [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted Florida's strong economy, with real GDP growth tracking around 2.4%, which supports the company's growth strategy [32] - The management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, emphasizing the strength of the business model and market conditions [34][75] Other Important Information - The company completed a $40,000,000 subordinated debt issuance and repurchased approximately 2,000,000 shares at a weighted average price of $17.19 per share [6][11] - Tangible book value per share grew to $11.55, reflecting the impact of the share repurchase [6][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the yacht payoffs in the quarter? - The yacht payoffs were a little over $10,000,000 and occurred in August, impacting loan yields and margin [38] Question: Is the loan production in September a sign of sustained momentum? - Management indicated that September was a record-setting month and the pipeline looks strong for Q4 [40] Question: How is competition impacting loan pricing? - The market is competitive, and pricing is based on relationships rather than transactions [41] Question: What is the outlook for the margin given additional costs from subordinated debt? - The margin is expected to remain around 3.27% for Q4, with potential for improvement as loan growth resumes [49] Question: What are the expectations for non-interest income and SBA activity? - Non-interest income is expected to remain stable, with some impact from the government shutdown on SBA activity [50] Question: What growth opportunities exist in the condo association banking business? - The company is optimistic about this segment, with plans to potentially double the book of business in the next 18 months [53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $6.8 million and earnings per share of $0.28 for the third quarter, compared to core income of $2 million and $0.08 per share in the same quarter of 2024 [4] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 70 basis points, and Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) improved to 9.45% [4] - Core ROA adjusted for certain non-permanent items is closer to 90 basis points, aligning with the target of 1% ROA [5] - Net interest margin for the third quarter was 3.18%, up from 2.86% in the previous quarter and 2.97% year-over-year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage division's production increased from approximately $20 million per month to $100-$120 million per month over the past few years, with pre-tax earnings of about $1.9 million in the current quarter [10] - The Mortgage Warehouse division showed average balances of about $210 million, ending balances of about $327 million, and pre-tax earnings of about $1.6 million [11] - Panacea's loan balances increased to $530 million, with deposits growing to about $132 million, a 50% increase year-over-year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing checking accounts grew by about 16% compared to a year ago, improving the deposit mix and reducing the cost of deposits by almost 20% [7] - Average earning assets increased by 10% annualized in the third quarter, positioning the company to replace earning assets sold a year ago [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing the proportion of non-interest-bearing deposits to around 20% of total deposits, which is currently about 20% in the core bank [34] - The strategy emphasizes driving low-cost deposits and maintaining competitive rates for checking accounts to support growth and profitability [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1% ROA goal, citing substantial tailwinds and improved profitability ratios [23] - The company is optimistic about the potential for loan growth in the fourth quarter and into 2026, with expectations of 6%-8% growth in the core bank [31] Other Important Information - The company noted limited impacts on net interest margin from the consumer program and expects continued improvement in margins due to new loans repricing [20] - The company has a strong focus on managing operating expenses, with core non-interest expense slightly higher than the year-ago quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on overall loan growth for the fourth quarter and into 2026 - Management indicated potential for more runoff in the Mortgage Warehouse but expects to sustain levels around $210 million, with Panacea loans potentially reaching $150 million in annual production [29][31] Question: Timing for reaching a 3.30% margin - Management anticipates reaching a 3.30% margin by the first quarter of next year, focusing on increasing non-interest-bearing deposits [32][34] Question: Impact of interest rates on deposit costs - Management noted that while competition may drive rates down, the company's growth in checking accounts allows for competitive positioning without sacrificing margins [42] Question: Evidence of sticky customers from the digital banking platform - Management confirmed that digital customers are stickier than expected, with over 90% having multiple accounts or referring others [44][49] Question: Resolution of asset quality issues - Management expressed optimism about resolving certain loans in the next few quarters, particularly a C&I property that could improve margins [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $6.8 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to core income of $2 million and $0.08 per share in Q3 2024 [5] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 70 basis points, and Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) improved to 9.45% [5] - Core ROA adjusted for certain non-permanent items is closer to 90 basis points, aligning with the target of 1% ROA [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.18%, up from 2.86% in the previous quarter and 2.97% year-over-year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage division's production increased from $20 million per month to $100 million - $120 million per month over the past few years, with a 10% annual production increase in Q3 [11] - Mortgage warehouse average balances grew to $210 million, with ending balances at $327 million, and pretax earnings of $1.6 million [12] - Panacea's loan balances increased to $530 million, with deposits growing 50% year-over-year to $132 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing checking accounts grew by 16% year-over-year, improving the deposit mix and reducing the cost of deposits by almost 20% [7] - Average earning assets increased by 10% annualized in Q3, positioning the company to replace earning assets sold a year ago [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing the proportion of non-interest bearing deposits to 20% of total deposits, currently at about 20% in the core bank [36] - The strategy emphasizes core funding through checking accounts rather than brokered CDs or institutional borrowings, aiming for sustainable growth and profitability [46] - The company is leveraging technology and customer service to enhance deposit growth and maintain competitive margins [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1% ROA, citing strong operational leverage and a focus on core relationships [6][26] - The company anticipates continued growth in profitability with minimal operating expense increases, despite inflationary pressures [24] - Management noted that the current quarter's results reflect a positive trend, with expectations for further improvements in the coming quarters [26] Other Important Information - The company experienced limited impacts on net interest margin due to interest reversals on loans moving to non-accrual status [22] - The provision for the quarter was a small release, driven by growth in the loan portfolio and low core charge-off activity [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on overall loan growth for Q4 and 2026 - Management indicated potential runoff in mortgage warehouse but expects to sustain levels, with Panacea loans projected to reach $150 million in annual production [30][32] Question: Timing for reaching a 3.3% margin - Management expects to be closer to a 3.3% margin by the first quarter of next year, focusing on increasing non-interest bearing deposits [35][36] Question: Impact of interest rates on deposit costs - Management noted that competition is likely to use falling rates to drive margins, but the company's growth in checking accounts allows for competitive positioning [45] Question: Stickiness of digital customers - Management confirmed that digital customers are stickier than expected, with high retention rates and strong deposit relationships [47][51] Question: Resolution of asset quality issues - Management indicated that one loan could be resolved in the current quarter, while others may take longer, with expectations for improved debt coverage [56][57] Question: Future expense trends - Management anticipates continued improvement in expense management over the next few quarters [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $25.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share for Q3 2025, a slight decrease from $26.4 million or $0.51 per diluted share in Q2 2025 [7] - Annualized return on assets (ROA) was 0.97% and return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE) was 11.45% [7] - Net interest income increased to $100.6 million from $98.3 million in the previous quarter, with a net interest margin of 4.2% compared to 4.18% in Q2 2025 [7][8] - Year-over-year tangible book value per share increased by 9.3% from $19.28 to $21.08 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased to $5 million in Q3 2025 from $5.8 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to write-downs on foreclosed assets [9] - Non-interest expenses rose to $73.1 million from $70 million in the previous quarter, driven by increased salaries and benefits [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a $50 million increase in payoffs compared to the previous quarter, with 44% of payoffs related to the sale of collateral and 25% due to refinancing elsewhere [19] - Loan originations were up 62% year-to-date compared to the same period last year, with a total of $500 million originated in the last quarter [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow by focusing on quality assets, protecting margins, and enhancing full client relationships [6] - The management expressed confidence in their ability to defend and potentially improve their net interest margin by adhering to their core relationship banking model [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that credit quality remains stable despite some charge-offs, with a comfortable reserve level based on their portfolio [4] - The company is positioned to take advantage of market disruptions and is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet to support growth [12] Other Important Information - The company repurchased shares and paid down $30 million of subordinated debt after the quarter ended [5] - Total risk-based capital was reported at 16.33%, up from 15.98% in the previous quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the payoffs and paydowns? - Management indicated that payoffs were $50 million higher than the previous quarter, with a significant portion related to collateral sales and refinancing elsewhere [19] Question: What are the current credit concerns? - Management stated that they conduct stress testing and monitor portfolios closely, emphasizing a careful approach to credit management [24][25] Question: What are the drivers behind deposit growth? - 51% of new deposits were from new customers, reflecting increased brand awareness and market share gains [28] Question: What are the expectations for seasonal deposit strength in Q4? - Management acknowledged historical seasonal strength but noted it is difficult to predict exact amounts [36][38] Question: What makes the current expense level an outlier? - The increase in expenses was attributed to severance payments and elevated medical insurance costs, with expectations for a return to previous levels in Q4 [40][42] Question: How does the company plan to manage net interest margin? - Management plans to focus on lowering deposit costs and is optimistic about defending the current margin level [46][48] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth and M&A activity? - Management expressed confidence in loan growth in the coming quarters and indicated ongoing discussions regarding potential M&A opportunities while being cautious about balance sheet protection [60][61]