Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a net income of $21.9 million, translating to a diluted EPS of $1.13, with a return on average assets of 1.6% and return on average equity of 15.7% [9][12] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased to 4.11% from 4.07% in the previous quarter, indicating effective loan pricing and funding cost management [3][9] - Non-interest expenses decreased by $1.3 million compared to the prior quarter, leading to an efficiency ratio improvement from 60.3% to 56.4% [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong, with an annualized growth rate of 4.9% in the third quarter, reflecting successful alignment of the acquired portfolio with the company's risk profile [3][7] - Fee income as a percentage of operating revenue remained stable at 20.8%, with non-interest income increasing to $13.4 million from $12.9 million in the previous quarter [4][10] - The loan portfolio reached nearly $4 billion with an average yield of 6.58%, and loan production during the quarter was $224 million [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced increased competition in both loan and deposit pricing, particularly in growth markets such as Baltimore, Lancaster, and Harrisburg [21][22] - The cost of deposits declined slightly, and the company adjusted deposit pricing downward to align with market rates [15][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining credit quality while pursuing prudent growth, with a proactive approach to managing risk in its portfolio [5][8] - The management emphasized the importance of relationship banking, which allows for high engagement and local decision-making to meet client needs [7][22] - The company plans to continue investing in its future while managing expenses, with a target quarterly run rate around $36 million [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing successful execution of the merger with Kudor's Value as a key factor in current financial performance [4][17] - The company is aware of economic uncertainties and is focused on maintaining a solid foundation for future growth [8][12] - Management indicated that while NIM may face pressure from potential rate cuts, strategic pricing actions could help mitigate this impact [19][35] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $32.5 million of subordinated debt, which is expected to reduce interest expenses going forward [9][10] - The allowance coverage ratio was 1.21% at the end of the quarter, which management believes adequately addresses the risk of loss in the loan portfolio [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected impact of Fed rate cuts on NIM? - Management indicated that while NIM may experience some downward pressure, competitive pricing and strategic actions could help maintain it within the 4.0% to 4.15% range [19][20] Question: Where is the competition in loan and deposit pricing coming from? - Competition varies by market, with larger competitors and those closer in size contributing to the competitive landscape [21][22] Question: Can you provide details on classified loans? - The largest classified loans total about $20 million, with some being in commercial real estate and other C&I credits [29][30] Question: What is the lending focus for next year? - The company plans to focus on commercial real estate and has recently hired additional talent in the C&I space to enhance its offerings [31][32] Question: What tools are available to mitigate NIM compression? - Management highlighted pricing adjustments on deposits and maintaining loan pricing as key strategies to offset potential NIM compression [35][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a net income of $21.9 million, translating to a diluted EPS of $1.13, with a return on average assets of 1.6% and return on average equity of 15.7% [9][12] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased to 4.11% from 4.07% in the previous quarter, reflecting prudent loan pricing and effective management of funding costs [3][9] - Non-interest expenses decreased by $1.3 million compared to the prior quarter, leading to an efficiency ratio improvement from 60.3% to 56.4% [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong, with an annualized growth rate of 4.9% in the third quarter, supported by a solid pipeline [3][7] - Fee income as a percentage of operating revenue remained stable at 20.8%, with non-interest income increasing to $13.4 million from $12.9 million in the previous quarter [4][11] - The loan portfolio reached nearly $4 billion with an average yield of 6.58%, and loan interest increased to $66.0 million from $63.2 million [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $17 million, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 88%, providing sufficient liquidity for loan funding [14][15] - The cost of deposits declined slightly, and the company adjusted deposit pricing downward to align with market rates [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining credit quality while pursuing prudent growth, with a proactive approach to managing risk in its loan portfolio [5][8] - The successful execution of last year's merger is seen as a key factor in the company's strong financial performance, with optimism for future growth [4][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged economic uncertainties but expressed confidence in the bank's risk management strategies and credit quality [6][8] - The company anticipates potential NIM pressure due to expected Fed rate cuts but believes it can offset this through competitive pricing and strategic actions [19][35] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $32.5 million of subordinated debt, which is expected to reduce interest expenses going forward [9][10] - The allowance coverage ratio was 1.21%, indicating adequate risk coverage in the loan portfolio [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: NIM trajectory with potential Fed rate cuts - Management indicated that while NIM may experience some downward pressure, competitive pricing and strategic actions could help maintain current levels [19][23] Question: Competition in loan and deposit pricing - Management noted that competition varies by market, with different competitors impacting pricing dynamics [21][22] Question: Details on classified loans - The largest classified loans total approximately $20 million, with a mix of commercial real estate and other credits [29][30] Question: Lending focus for next year - The company plans to focus on commercial real estate and middle-market opportunities, leveraging newly hired talent [31][32] Question: Tools to mitigate NIM compression - Management highlighted pricing adjustments and competitive strategies as key tools to manage NIM amid rate cuts [35][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the third quarter totaled $10.1 million or $0.59 per share, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter and a 45% increase year-over-year [3][5] - Net interest income increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, rising by $1.9 million to $29.3 million, driven by higher interest income of $3.2 million [6][8] - Net interest margin expanded by six basis points to 2.98%, marking a 30 basis point increase over the last four quarters [3][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew by $68 million or 8% on an annualized basis, primarily from the in-house mortgage origination business [4] - Third quarter loan originations totaled $188 million at a blended yield of 6.70%, which is 67 basis points above the prior quarter's blended loan portfolio yield [4][9] - Non-performing loans decreased by $11.3 million or 20% to $44.5 million, attributed to charge-offs and upgrades [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $178 million from the end of the second quarter to $3.4 billion, with growth across all deposit categories [11] - The allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment ratio stood at 1.36% as of September 30, indicating appropriate risk coverage [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing remaining credit issues and improving asset quality, with a goal of resolving significant non-accrual loans [20][21] - There is an ongoing effort to shift the loan portfolio mix towards commercial and industrial (C&I) loans while maintaining strong growth in residential mortgages [34][36] - The company is considering opportunities for share buybacks and refinancing sub-debt, while also investing in business growth and technology [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about core earnings growth and lower credit costs, viewing these as positive signs for the future [3] - The competitive landscape for liquidity remains challenging, impacting the ability to reduce funding costs significantly [7][30] - The company anticipates continued loan growth, although Q4 may see some seasonal moderation [34] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share increased to $25.89, reflecting a 12% annualized increase [11] - The company repurchased 660,000 shares, or 4% of shares outstanding, during the third quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Asset quality improvement metrics - Management acknowledged progress in asset quality but indicated that more work is needed, particularly in resolving non-accrual loans [18][19] Question: Capital and share repurchase authorization - Approximately $4 million remains in the current share repurchase program, with management open to future buybacks depending on stock price and market conditions [22][23] Question: Deposit beta and interest rates - Management noted that deposit beta has slowed due to fierce competition for liquidity, and they expect to capitalize on upcoming maturing time deposits [28][30] Question: Loan growth and portfolio mix - The pipeline remains healthy, with a focus on residential mortgages and a gradual shift towards C&I loans, although government shutdowns may impact SBA loan funding [35][36] Question: Interest recovery and FHLB advances - No significant interest recovery was noted in Q3, and FHLB advances were replaced with brokered deposits at higher rates [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $140.9 million, or EPS of $2.22 per diluted share for Q3 2025, reflecting continued momentum and confidence in future growth [4][5] - Total outstanding loan balances increased by 2.4% sequentially, adding nearly $1.2 billion over the past two quarters [5][9] - Net interest margin expanded by 11 basis points, with core net interest income increasing by $11.3 million [5][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core C and I loan portfolio grew by 1.4% quarter over quarter, while specialized lending portfolios showed slight increases, particularly in healthcare loans [10][11] - The commercial real estate (CRE) business increased by 4.2% quarter over quarter, with expectations for continued growth in outstanding balances [12] - Fee income grew by 3.6% sequentially, with a record quarter for investment banking revenue driven by municipal bond underwriting [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets Under Management (AUMA) reached over $122.7 billion, marking a 4.1% increase in the third quarter [20] - The company maintained strong capital levels, with TCE growing to 10.1% and CET1 reaching 13.6% [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sustain loan growth momentum, with projections of 5% to 7% growth for the full year [25] - There is a focus on organic growth, with share repurchases and dividends as secondary uses of capital, while M&A opportunities are considered cautiously [36][39] - The launch of the mortgage finance business is expected to contribute significantly to growth, with a target of $500 million in commitments by year-end [46][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong loan growth despite competitive pressures and market disruptions [33][34] - The company anticipates that credit quality will remain strong, with expectations for low charge-offs and a healthy allowance for credit losses [15][26] - The management highlighted the importance of adapting to market conditions and maintaining a strong liquidity profile [6][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over 365,000 shares at an average price of $111 per share during the quarter, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value [8] - The combined allowance for credit losses is $328 million, representing 1.32% of outstanding loans, indicating a healthy reserve level [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and competitive forces - Management noted strong loan growth of around 2.5% in recent quarters and expressed confidence in sustaining this momentum despite competitive pressures and market disruptions [31][33] Question: Capital allocation and M&A considerations - The company prioritizes organic growth, followed by share repurchases and dividends, while remaining open to M&A opportunities that provide strategic value [36][39] Question: Core margin trends and expectations - Management expects a continued upward trend in core margin, driven by fixed-rate asset repricing and deposit repricing opportunities [43][44] Question: Mortgage finance business growth potential - The company anticipates significant growth in the mortgage finance business, with a target of $500 million in commitments by year-end and plans for aggressive growth in 2026 [46][48] Question: Fee income range and expense guidance - Management provided insights into the fee income range, indicating strong activity across various business lines, while also discussing expense growth and expectations for moderation in the future [51][56]

Core Insights - ICICI Bank Ltd.'s profit after tax for Q2 fiscal 2026 was INR123.6 billion ($1.42 billion), reflecting a 5.2% increase year-over-year [1][10] Financial Performance - The growth in profit was driven by an increase in net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, alongside lower provisions [2] - NII rose 7.4% year-over-year to INR215.3 billion ($2.47 billion), with a net interest margin of 4.30%, up 3 basis points [3] - Non-interest income reached INR73.6 billion ($843 million), a 13.2% increase year-over-year, while fee income grew 10.1% to INR64.9 billion ($743.2 million) [3] - Operating expenses increased by 12.4% year-over-year to INR118.1 billion ($1.35 billion), which negatively impacted the overall profit growth [4][10] Loan and Deposit Growth - As of September 30, 2025, total advances were INR14,084.6 billion ($158.6 billion), up 3.2% sequentially, driven by growth in retail loans, business banking loans, and domestic corporate loans [5] - Total deposits increased slightly to INR16,128.3 billion ($181.6 billion) [5] Credit Quality - The net non-performing assets (NPA) ratio improved to 0.39%, down from 0.42% in the prior-year period [6] - Recoveries and upgrades of NPAs were INR36.48 billion ($417.7 million) in the reported quarter, with net additions to gross NPA at INR13.86 billion ($158.7 million) [6] Provisions and Capital Ratios - Provisions (excluding tax) decreased by 25.9% year-over-year to INR9.14 billion ($104.7 million) [7] - ICICI Bank's total capital adequacy ratio was 17.00%, with Tier-1 capital adequacy at 16.35%, both exceeding minimum requirements [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust reported a record net income of $216 million for Q3 2025, up from over $195 million in the previous quarter, representing an increase of almost 11% quarter over quarter [4] - Net interest income increased by $20 million from the second quarter to $567 million, driven by solid loan and overall balance sheet growth [5] - Total loans reached $52 billion at quarter end, reflecting an 11% year-to-date increase on an annualized basis [5] - Total deposits were nearly $57 billion at the end of Q3, with deposit growth of just under $900 million [5][9] - Net interest margin was 3.50% for the quarter, slightly down from the prior quarter but within the targeted range [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was broad-based, with commercial real estate loans growing by $327 million and Wintrust Life Finance growing by $252 million [14] - Non-interest income totaled $130.8 million in Q3, up approximately $6.7 million compared to the prior quarter, supported by higher wealth management and mortgage revenue [11] - Non-interest expenses totaled $380 million, a slight decline from $381.5 million in the previous quarter, indicating well-controlled expenses [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust achieved deposit share gains in key markets, ranking third in deposit market share in Illinois, up one position [7] - The company continues to see strong growth in its franchises in Wisconsin and West Michigan, with significant upside potential [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on core deposit growth as a key tenet of its franchise, emphasizing a relationship-based approach in its core Midwestern markets [7][19] - Wintrust aims to continue generating loan and deposit growth in the mid to high single-digit range while maintaining a stable net interest margin [18] - The management is committed to disciplined underwriting and is cautious about taking risks that do not meet their standards [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of net interest margin despite potential rate cuts by the Fed, citing a balanced approach to managing deposit costs [32][68] - The overall credit environment remains stable, with proactive measures in place to address any challenges [17] - Management noted a sense of measured optimism among customers as they approach year-end, indicating strong portfolio performance [17] Other Important Information - The company has consistently grown tangible book value per share every year since going public and is on track to do so again in 2025 [12] - A one-time impact from preferred stock redemption reduced fully diluted net income per common share by $0.28 in Q3, but the adjusted figure would have been $3.06 without this impact [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about loan growth drivers and pipelines? - Management noted a unique market positioning in Chicago, gaining market share from larger banks, with stable pipelines for C&I and CRE loans [25][29] Question: How do you feel about holding the margin in the current range with potential Fed rate cuts? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining the margin around $350, citing effective management of deposit costs and a balanced loan portfolio [32][33] Question: What is the strategy for commercial loan growth? - Management indicated that the decline in commercial loan growth was more about timing than market competition, with consistent opportunities in the pipeline [37] Question: Are there any segments or industries where you are pulling back on lending? - Management stated they are closely monitoring higher education and healthcare sectors but are not pulling back from lending in general [94] Question: How do you view the competitive landscape among banks? - Management noted that the competitive environment remains rational, with no significant changes among larger and smaller banks [110]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust reported a record net income of $216 million for Q3 2025, up from over $195 million in the previous quarter, representing an increase of almost 11% quarter over quarter [3] - Net interest income increased by $20 million from the second quarter to $567 million, driven by solid loan and overall balance sheet growth [4] - Total assets grew by $646 million to just under $70 billion [8] - Non-interest income totaled $130.8 million, up approximately $6.7 million compared to the prior quarter [10] - Non-interest expenses decreased slightly to $380 million from $381.5 million in the previous quarter, with improved efficiency ratios [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans reached $52 billion at quarter end, up 11% year to date on an annualized basis, with loan growth of just over $1 billion [4][7] - Commercial real estate loans grew by $327 million, while the Wintrust Life Finance team added $252 million [13] - Non-performing loans decreased from $189 million to $163 million, reflecting strong credit quality [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust achieved deposit share gains in key markets, ranking third in deposit market share in Illinois, up one position [5] - Deposit growth was $895 million during the quarter, representing a 6% increase over the prior quarter on an annualized basis [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on core deposit growth and maintaining a disciplined approach to underwriting, particularly in the Midwest markets [19] - Wintrust aims to continue generating loan and deposit growth in the mid to high single-digit range while maintaining a stable net interest margin [19] - The company is exploring both organic growth and potential acquisitions, with a preference for organic growth in familiar markets [97] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a stable net interest margin despite potential rate cuts, citing effective balance sheet management [32][61] - The overall credit environment is stable, with proactive measures in place to address any emerging credit challenges [17] - Management noted a sense of measured optimism among customers as they approach year-end [17] Other Important Information - The company has consistently grown tangible book value per share since becoming public and is on track to do so again in 2025 [11] - A one-time impact from preferred stock redemption reduced fully diluted net income per common share by $0.28 in Q3 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the loan growth drivers and any NDFI exposure? - Management highlighted unique market positioning in Chicago, gaining market share from larger banks, and noted that NDFI exposure totals just over $2 billion, primarily in mortgage warehouse lines [25][31] Question: How do you feel about holding the margin in the current range with potential Fed rate cuts? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining the margin around $350, citing a balanced approach to deposits and loans [32] Question: What is the outlook for commercial loan growth? - Management indicated that the decline in commercial loan growth was more about timing than market competition, with consistent opportunities in the pipeline [37] Question: Can you expand on the strategy to play offense in your markets? - Management emphasized the attractiveness of the Midwest markets and the focus on organic growth rather than expanding into faster-growing regions [38][39] Question: Are there any segments or industries where you are pulling back your appetite to lend? - Management stated they are not pulling back from any specific segments but are closely monitoring higher education and healthcare sectors [81] Question: What is the biggest risk to maintaining the NIM? - Management identified irrational competition as a potential risk but noted that the current environment remains rational [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin expanded by 11 basis points to 3.28% [5][10] - Customer fees, excluding net credit valuation adjustment, grew by $10 million [5] - Adjusted expenses declined by $1 million, leading to an improved efficiency ratio of 59.6% [5] - Diluted earnings per share was $1.48, down from $1.63 in the prior period [7] - The provision for credit loss was recorded at $49 million, with net charge-offs of $56 million, or 37 basis points of loans on an annualized basis [6][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $52 million, or 8%, compared to the third quarter of 2024 [9] - Customer-related non-interest income was $163 million, slightly down from $164 million in the prior period [11] - Adjusted customer-related non-interest income, excluding net CVA, was $174 million, representing a 6% increase versus the second quarter [11] - Average loans increased by 2.1% annualized over the previous quarter [13] - Average deposit balances were relatively flat, with a notable 11.5% reduction in average brokered deposits [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by approximately $192 million, or 0.8% compared to the prior quarter [14] - Total borrowings declined by $1.8 billion during the quarter [15] - Non-performing assets remained low at 0.54% of loans and other real estate owned [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue producing positive operating leverage as revenue growth outpaces non-interest expense growth [19] - There is a focus on enhancing capital markets offerings, including real estate capital markets and investment banking advisory fees [11] - The company is open to M&A opportunities but prioritizes smaller deals that enhance market density [58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the credit issues faced are isolated incidents and emphasized a strong credit history [24][96] - The outlook for net interest income is moderately increasing, supported by continued growth in loans and deposits [9][10] - Management expects to maintain a stable risk appetite despite recent credit challenges [96] Other Important Information - The common equity tier one ratio was reported at 11.3%, indicating a strong capital position [18] - The company has seen a 17% growth in tangible book value per share compared to the prior year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the isolated incident related to the charge-offs? - Management confirmed that the incident is isolated and has conducted a thorough review of the portfolio, finding no similar issues [22][23] Question: What is the outlook for net interest income? - The guidance includes expectations for fixed-rate asset repricing and loan growth, with a potential yield pickup of 2-3 basis points [31][32] Question: How has loan demand changed recently? - Loan spreads have improved slightly, and while there was some runoff in CNI, production has been up in most months this year [78][81] Question: What is the company's approach to M&A? - The company is open to smaller deals that enhance market presence but is not under pressure to pursue acquisitions [58][59] Question: How does the company view the NDFI portfolio? - Management believes that concerns regarding the NDFI portfolio are somewhat overblown, highlighting the safety of certain categories like capital call lines [106]

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 93 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents and up from 85 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][9] - The company's shares rose 2.7% in early trading following the better-than-expected results [1] Financial Performance - The increase in results was driven by a rise in net interest income (NII), fee income, and loan balances, although higher expenses and weak asset quality posed challenges [2] - Total quarterly revenues (FTE) reached $2.3 billion, an 8% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [3] - NII (on an FTE basis) was $1.52 billion, up 7% year over year, driven by proactive deposit and wholesale funding management, decreasing interest-bearing liabilities costs, and an improved earning asset mix [4] - Non-interest income rose 10% year over year to $781 million, primarily due to increases in wealth and asset management revenues, capital markets fees, and consumer banking revenues [5] - Non-interest expenses increased 2% year over year to $1.27 billion, with an efficiency ratio of 54.9%, indicating improved profitability compared to 58.2% in the prior year [6] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of September 30, 2025, portfolio loans and leases rose to $123.1 billion, and total deposits increased by 1.4% to $166.6 billion [7] Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $197 million, up 23% year over year, with total non-performing portfolio loans and leases at $801 million, a 10.5% increase [8] - Net charge-offs increased to $339 million or 1.09% of average loans and leases, up from $142 million or 0.48% in the prior-year quarter [10] - The total allowance for credit losses declined 1.1% to $2.42 billion year over year [10] Capital Position - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.60%, down from 12.07% in the prior-year quarter, while the CET1 capital ratio decreased to 10.54% from 10.75% [11] Strategic Developments - FITB entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire Comerica Incorporated (CMA), expected to close at the end of Q1 2026, which will create the ninth-largest U.S. bank with nearly $288 billion in assets [12][13] - The acquisition is projected to boost FITB's EPS by 9% by 2027 and improve the combined efficiency ratio into the low-to-mid-50% range [13] Overall Assessment - The rise in NII supported top-line growth, while ongoing investments in growth priorities continue to drive robust results; however, higher expenses and weak asset quality remain concerns [14]

Core Insights - American Express reported strong growth in card spending, particularly among Generation Z and millennials, with overall card spending increasing by 9% [3][5] - The company launched refreshed U.S. consumer and Business Platinum Cards, which have exceeded initial customer demand and engagement expectations [3][6] - Delinquency rates remained steady at 1.3%, while credit quality improved, with average FICO scores rising by 15 points [4][6] Financial Performance - The annual spend from the consumer and business Platinum Card franchise is approximately $530 billion globally [3] - Retail spending increased by 12%, with restaurant spending up by 9% and premium travel bookings showing strong momentum, particularly front-of-cabin airline tickets, which rose by 14% [5] - The company anticipates full-year revenue growth of 9% to 10% [6] Customer Demographics - Millennials and Gen Z now account for 36% of total spending, matching the share of Gen X, with spending from these cohorts surging by 13% [5] - The average number of transactions per U.S. customer in younger cohorts is about 25% higher than in older cohorts [5] Market Outlook - The CEO expressed optimism about the stability of spending momentum, indicating no immediate signs of a slowdown [7] - Small business spending growth of 4% was noted as encouraging, with strong retail spending expected to continue into the holiday season [8]