Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $51.2 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, for Q4 2025, compared to $1.54 per share in Q3 2025 and $1.34 per share in Q4 2024 [5][6] - For the full year 2025, net income available to common shareholders was $195.4 million, or $5.64 per diluted share, up from $168.9 million, or $4.88 per share in 2024 [6] - Core earnings for the full year 2025 were $255 million, compared to $223.2 million in 2024, with core revenue increasing to $661 million from $615 million, an 8% increase [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan originations increased by 9% compared to the linked quarter and 8% year-over-year, but overall loan growth was negligible due to higher-than-expected paydowns [10] - The commercial real estate portfolio showed solid growth year-over-year, with investor CRE increasing by 5% and owner-occupied CRE by 11% [10] - The small business segment grew by 8% year-over-year, contributing positively to overall loan performance [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits represented 89% of total deposits, reflecting a strong and loyal deposit base [8] - The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 86%, indicating ample capacity to support existing and new clients [18] - Total borrowings increased by $40 million during the quarter, with a low reliance on wholesale borrowings [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a moderate risk profile while investing to improve operating performance, positioning itself well for future challenges [6] - The strategy focuses on growing new client relationships, maintaining core funding, and promoting client loyalty through responsive service [8] - Banner continues to explore M&A opportunities, emphasizing its strong capital position and market reputation [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects loan growth in the mid-single digits for 2026, contingent on economic stability [25][62] - The competitive landscape remains challenging, but the company believes it competes well in terms of product offerings and pricing [27] - The outlook for net interest margin is uncertain, influenced by potential Federal Reserve actions, with expectations of either expansion or flat performance depending on rate cuts [29][52] Other Important Information - The company announced a core dividend of $0.50 per common share, reflecting strong capital and liquidity positions [8][19] - Banner was recognized as one of America's 100 Best Banks and received various accolades for client satisfaction and trustworthiness [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth in 2026 - Management expects mid-single digit growth in the loan book if the economy holds up, despite anticipated payoffs in commercial real estate [25] Question: Competitive landscape for loan originations - The competitive environment remains strong, with some banks offering aggressive terms, but management believes they can compete effectively [27] Question: Expectations for net interest margin - Future net interest margin will largely depend on Federal Reserve actions, with potential for expansion if no cuts occur [29] Question: Spot deposit costs and average margin - Spot deposit costs for December were 1.39%, with a margin of approximately 4.03% [36] Question: Core run rate for expenses - Expenses are expected to trend with normal inflationary increases, around 3% for 2026 compared to 2025 [40] Question: Drivers behind special mention and substandard loans - Increases were primarily due to downgrades in specific sectors, with no significant concerns in any particular industry [41]

Core Insights - The company is optimistic about its financial positioning heading into 2025, driven by positive loan growth and quality credit metrics [1][4][30] - Strategic initiatives completed in the quarter have restructured the cost base, leading to a more efficient operation moving forward [1][4][22] Financial Performance - The fourth quarter showed strong results with a net interest margin increase of 31 basis points to 2.97%, driven by strategic cash redeployment and a reduction in higher-cost deposits [14][16] - Total loans held for investment, excluding mortgage warehouse, grew by $123 million, representing a 10% annualized growth, primarily in core commercial lending segments [5][6] - The company reported a net loan growth of $408 million for the year, reflecting a 9% increase for 2024 [5] Credit Quality - Commercial credit quality metrics are performing well, with past due loans greater than 30 days at 10 basis points and a non-performing loan ratio declining to 19 basis points [7][10] - The allowance for credit losses decreased by approximately $900,000 to $52 million, resulting in an ACL-to-loan ratio of 1.07% [11] Deposit Trends - The deposit portfolio showed stability, with core deposits remaining flat and a strategic reduction in higher-cost CDs to improve profitability [2][12] - The company anticipates low single-digit growth in deposit balances, subject to typical seasonality [25] Strategic Initiatives - The company executed several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and improving long-term profitability, including the sale of its mortgage warehouse division [22][23] - The company plans to focus on organic growth in its core commercial lending segments, with expectations for continued loan growth in 2025 [30][66] Outlook for 2025 - The company expects loan growth to be in the mid-single-digit range for the full year, with a continued runoff of lower-yielding indirect auto loans [24][25] - Full-year 2025 net interest income is projected to grow in the mid-teens, primarily driven by net interest margin expansion [26][27] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is expected to be in the mid-teens, reflecting a stronger outlook for pre-tax income [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banner Corporation reported a net profit available to common shareholders of $51.2 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, for Q4 2025, compared to $1.54 per share in Q3 2025 and $1.34 per share in Q4 2024 [4] - For the full year 2025, net income available to common shareholders was $195.4 million, or $5.64 per diluted share, up from $168.9 million, or $4.88 per share in 2024 [5] - Core earnings for the full year 2025 were $255 million, compared to $223.2 million in 2024, reflecting an increase in core revenue to $661 million from $615 million, an 8% increase [6][5] - Return on average assets for Q4 2025 was 1.24% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan originations increased by 9% compared to the linked quarter and 8% year-over-year, but overall loan growth was negligible due to higher-than-expected paydowns [9] - The commercial real estate portfolio showed solid growth year-over-year, with investor CRE increasing by 5% and owner-occupied CRE by 11% [9] - The small business segment grew by 8% year-over-year, contributing positively to overall loan production [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits represented 89% of total deposits, indicating a strong and loyal deposit base [7] - Total borrowings increased by $40 million during the quarter, reflecting low reliance on wholesale borrowings [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a moderate risk profile while investing to improve operating performance, positioning itself well for future challenges [5] - The strategy focuses on growing new client relationships, maintaining core funding, and promoting client loyalty through responsive service [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects loan growth in the mid-single digits for 2026, contingent on economic stability [24] - The competitive landscape remains challenging, with some banks offering more aggressive terms, but the company believes it competes well in product offerings and pricing [26] - Management anticipates that net interest margin (NIM) will be influenced by Federal Reserve actions, with potential for margin expansion if no rate cuts occur [28] Other Important Information - The company was recognized as one of America's 100 best banks and received accolades for trustworthiness and client satisfaction [8] - The tangible common equity ratio increased from 9.5% to 9.84%, reflecting strong capital and liquidity positions [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth in 2026 - Management expects mid-single digit loan growth in 2026, despite potential headwinds from commercial real estate payoffs [24] Question: Competitive landscape for loan originations - The competitive environment remains strong, with some banks offering aggressive terms, but the company believes it can compete effectively [26] Question: Expectations for net interest margin - Future NIM will largely depend on Federal Reserve actions, with potential for expansion if no rate cuts occur [28] Question: Capital position and buyback plans - The company has approximately 1.2 million shares available for repurchase and will monitor market conditions for potential buybacks [46] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - The expected tax rate for 2026 is around 19%, consistent with prior periods [58] Question: Drivers of deposit growth - Year-on-year deposit growth is attributed to new client relationships and a focus on small business banking [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Independent Bank Corporation reported Q4 2025 net income of $18.6 million or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to $18.5 million or $0.87 per diluted share in the prior year period [3] - For the full year 2025, net income was $68.5 million or $3.27 per diluted share, up from $66.8 million or $3.16 per diluted share in 2024 [3] - Net interest income increased by $1 million or 2.2% over Q3 2025, with a net interest margin of 3.62%, up eight basis points from the previous quarter [4] - Return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.35% and 14.75% respectively [4] - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 8.65% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $78 million or 7.4% annualized in Q4 2025, with a full-year increase of $237 million or 5.9% [8] - The commercial loan portfolio led growth with $276 million or 14.2%, while residential mortgage grew by $7.2 million and installment loans decreased by $17 million [8] - The bank added a net of five experienced bankers to its commercial banking team during the year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits totaled $4.8 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $107.6 million from December 31, 2024 [5] - The deposit base comprised 47% retail, 37% commercial, and 16% municipal, with all three portfolios up year-over-year [6] - Business deposits increased by $20.4 million, while retail deposits increased by $64.1 million, offset by a $28.6 million decrease in municipal deposits [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue investing in its team and technology while striving to be Michigan's most people-focused bank [23] - A robust commercial loan pipeline and strategic initiatives to attract talented bankers are key components of the company's growth strategy [5] - The company anticipates loan growth in the mid-single-digit range for 2026, with a focus on commercial loans [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage through various economic environments and deliver strong results [23] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for net interest income growth of 7%-8% and net interest margin expansion of 5-7 basis points in Q1 2026 [19] - The company expects a provision expense for allowance for credit losses of approximately 20-25 basis points of average portfolio loans [19] Other Important Information - The dividend payout ratio for the year was 32%, with a $0.26 per share dividend paid in November 2025 [4] - Non-interest income totaled $12 million in Q4 2025, down from $19.1 million in the year-ago quarter [16] - The company executed a tax credit transfer agreement expected to reduce tax obligations and enhance earnings per share [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market outlook in Michigan and banker additions - Management expects to add a net of four to five bankers in 2026, with opportunities in Southeast Michigan due to M&A dislocation [25] Question: Loan growth outlook - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth due to a focus on commercial loans, with a projected shrinkage in the consumer portfolio [26][27] Question: Margin guidance - Management forecasts a margin expansion of five to seven basis points in Q1 2026, with three to five basis points in subsequent quarters [30] Question: Capital management and M&A interest - The company is excited about its capital position, allowing flexibility for share repurchases and potential M&A opportunities, though not a requirement for success [32][35] Question: Charge-off expectations - Management expects charge-offs to remain low, similar to recent history, with a provision of 20-25 basis points [47]

Core Insights - The company reported positive momentum in Q3, with revenue growth, improved credit metrics, and a productive balance sheet, despite slightly elevated expenses expected to normalize by 2025 [1][3][20] - Strategic actions initiated in Q4 aim to enhance long-term shareholder value and improve operating performance [1][17][25] Financial Performance - Q3 results showed a solid average loan growth of 10% annualized, driven by strong net interest income and fee income [3][5] - Commercial loans increased by $9.5 million, reflecting a 1.3% annualized growth, while consumer loan balances decreased by $43 million due to a planned reduction in indirect auto loans [5][7] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved to 2.66%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sequential margin improvement, with expectations for further expansion in Q4 [12][21] Deposit Trends - The deposit portfolio exhibited solid growth, with stability in core noninterest-bearing balances, benefiting from commercial and consumer deposit gathering efforts [2][11] - The company anticipates that its deposit portfolio will remain stable, focusing on core retail and commercial customers [21][25] Credit Quality - Commercial credit quality remains strong, with past dues at three basis points and a nonperforming loan ratio of 24 basis points [6][7] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $52.9 million, reflecting adjustments for economic forecasts, with a modest increase in specific reserves [9][10] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to sell approximately $325 million in securities and intends to sell its mortgage warehouse business, aiming to improve structural profitability and simplify its business model [17][18] - Proceeds from the securities sales are expected to enhance the net interest margin and tangible book value per share [18][19] Outlook - The company expects total loan balances to remain relatively unchanged, with core commercial growth offset by the runoff of the indirect auto portfolio [20][21] - Anticipated NIM expansion of 15 to 20 basis points in Q4 is expected to drive an increase in net interest income in the upper single-digit percentage range compared to Q3 [21][22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share for the December quarter was $1.62, an increase of $0.24 or 17.4% from the linked September quarter, and up $0.32 or 24.6% from the December 2024 quarter [3] - Provision for credit loss expense decreased by $2.8 million to approximately $1.7 million compared to the linked September quarter [4] - Net interest margin for the quarter was 3.57%, unchanged from the linked September quarter, and up from 3.34% reported for the year-ago period [6][17] - Tangible book value per share increased by $5.74 or almost 15% over the last 12 months, reaching $44.65 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loan balances increased by $35 million during the second quarter, and are up almost $200 million or 5% compared to December 31st of the prior year [4] - Loan originations reached nearly $312 million, marking the strongest quarter in several years, although growth was slowed by seasonal agricultural paydowns and larger loan payoffs [5] - Deposit balances increased by about $28 million in the second quarter and by $98 million or 2.3% compared to December 31st of the prior year [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong growth in the East region, followed by good growth in the West region [4] - Over the last 12 months, brokered deposits decreased by $72 million, while core deposit growth was approximately $170 million or 4.3% [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution, prudent risk management, and thoughtful capital deployment to deliver consistent, attractive returns for shareholders [26] - A new share repurchase program was approved to repurchase up to 550,000 shares, approximately 5% of shares outstanding, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders while maintaining capacity for future growth [25] - The company is optimistic about potential M&A opportunities as market conditions stabilize, with a focus on banks within their footprint or adjacent markets [25][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength and quality of earnings, indicating that current profitability levels are sustainable [24] - The company anticipates limited net loan growth in the March quarter due to normal seasonality but expects a typical pickup in growth in the fourth quarter, aiming for mid-single-digit growth for fiscal year 2026 [5][35] - Management remains vigilant on credit quality and is focused on improving it while feeling good about progress being made across several problem credits [12] Other Important Information - Non-interest income increased by 3.1% compared to the linked quarter, driven by higher wealth management fees and increased interchange income [19] - The allowance for credit losses totaled $54.5 million, representing 1.29% of gross loans, an increase from the previous quarter [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth and paydowns - Management noted that several unexpected paydowns occurred, including a larger C&I relationship that moved to a larger bank, and overall prepayment rates have been higher than historically seen [31][32] Question: Outlook on net interest margin - Management indicated potential for increased spread in the March quarter due to decreased deposit costs, but did not provide specific guidance on NIM [37] Question: Personnel costs expectations - Management expects a mid-single-digit increase in personnel costs due to annual merit increases, with no major deviations anticipated in run rates [44][45] Question: Buyback activity and M&A appetite - Management will remain disciplined regarding buyback activity, balancing between capital deployment for buybacks and potential acquisition opportunities [50] Question: Charge-offs on commercial real estate loans - Management anticipates charge-offs to return to historical averages in upcoming quarters, with no significant additional impact expected from specific relationships [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q4 2025 was $28.8 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.64% and a return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 16.15% [4] - Excluding certain adjusting items, net income was $30.8 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, with tangible book value per share increasing to $14.12 [5] - The tax equivalent efficiency ratio was 53.98%, with a notable improvement in the efficiency ratio adjusted to 51.28% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin (NIM) was exceptionally strong at 5.09%, reflecting a 41 basis points increase year-over-year [6] - Total loans decreased by $12.4 million from the previous quarter, with tax equivalent loan yields declining by 11 basis points [8] - Non-interest income saw a slight decrease compared to the prior quarter but increased compared to the previous year, driven by wealth management fees and service charges on deposits [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 93.9% as of year-end, compared to 91.4% last quarter [7] - The total cost of deposits decreased to 115 basis points from 133 basis points in the prior linked quarter [6] - The allowance for credit losses on loans was $72.3 million, or 1.38% of total loans, down from 1.43% in the previous quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its balance sheet and reduce reliance on wholesale funding while allowing higher-cost deposits to run off [12] - Loan growth is targeted in the mid-single digit range for the upcoming year, with a focus on organic growth and integration of previous acquisitions [16][66] - The management expressed optimism about future performance and opportunities, emphasizing the strength of the bank [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that unemployment and GDP forecasts remain stable, with no significant changes in assumptions [10] - The company expects elevated charge-offs in the power sports portfolio due to the nature of the business, but the contribution margin is at a multi-year high [9][22] - Management is optimistic about the first half of 2026, citing a strong pipeline for loan production [53] Other Important Information - The company completed its integration efforts from previous acquisitions, which contributed to improved performance metrics [13] - Non-interest expenses decreased significantly, with a notable reduction in acquisition-related costs [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are cost savings fully captured or is there a tail end into 2026? - Management indicated there is a tail end into 2026, with employee benefits expected to rise due to inflationary trends [19] Question: What is the expected net charge-off pace for the power sports portfolio? - Management expects a higher net charge-off rate due to the nature of the power sports business, with $4.5 million of the $6 million charge-off related to this portfolio [21][22] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in the power sports vertical? - Management anticipates slightly less than mid-single digit growth in the power sports vertical [36] Question: Can you provide insights on the profile of a typical power sports borrower? - The average cycle score for the power sports portfolio is 730, with a busy season from March through the second and third quarters [42] Question: What is the outlook for share repurchases? - Management expects to begin share repurchases in the near term, indicating a lack of price sensitivity [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q4 2025 was $28.8 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.64% and a return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 16.15% [4] - Excluding certain adjusting items, net income was $30.8 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, with tangible book value per share increasing to $14.12 [5] - The tax equivalent efficiency ratio was 53.98%, with a notable improvement in net interest margin (NIM) to 5.09%, reflecting a 41 basis points increase year-over-year [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans decreased by $12.4 million from the previous quarter, with tax equivalent loan yields declining by 11 basis points [7] - The Powersports portfolio showed higher than expected losses given default, but the contribution margin is at a multi-year high, indicating strong profitability [8] - Non-interest income decreased slightly compared to the prior quarter but increased year-over-year, driven by growth in wealth management fees and service charges on deposits [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment and GDP forecast views remained static, with no material changes in assumptions based on recent Federal Reserve projections [9] - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 93.9% as of year-end, compared to 91.4% in the previous quarter [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its balance sheet and reduce reliance on wholesale funding, allowing for a more stable funding profile [11] - Loan growth is targeted in the mid-single digit range for the upcoming year, with a focus on organic growth and integration of recent acquisitions [16][69] - The management is optimistic about future opportunities and believes the bank's performance reflects its strength [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's performance and the potential for growth in 2026, despite challenges in the Powersports portfolio [8][17] - The company anticipates a modest decline in margins in the first quarter but expects to maintain a NIM above 5% for the full year [14][58] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio adjusted to exclude certain costs was 51.28%, indicating strong operational efficiency [11] - The company recorded a decrease in acquisition-related costs, contributing to a decline in total non-interest expenses [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are cost savings fully captured or is there a tail end into 2026? - Management indicated there is a tail end in 2026, with employee benefits expected to rise due to inflationary trends [19] Question: What is the expected net charge-off pace for Powersports? - Management expects a higher net charge-off rate due to the nature of the Powersports business, with $4.5 million of the $6 million charge-off related to this portfolio [22] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in the Powersports vertical? - Management anticipates slightly less than mid-single digit growth for the Powersports vertical [36] Question: Can you describe the profile of a typical Powersports borrower? - The average FICO score for the Powersports portfolio is 730, with a busy season from March to the third quarter [44] Question: What is the outlook for share repurchase and M&A? - Management indicated that share repurchase is likely to begin soon, and the M&A environment is favorable, but any potential deals will be carefully considered [45][66]

Financial Performance - Net income was $51.2 million, compared to $53.5 million for the prior quarter[5] - HFI Loan growth of $367 million year-over-year, representing a 3% increase[5] - Core deposits grew by $196 million year-over-year, a 2% increase[5] - Net interest margin (tax equivalent) increased by 5 basis points to 4.03%[5] - Return on average assets was 1.24%, and return on average tangible common equity was 13.11%, compared to 1.30% and 14.17%, respectively, for the prior quarter[5] Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality - Total loan originations (excluding HFS) were $867 million[5] - Allowance for credit losses – loans was 1.37% of total loans[5] - Non-performing assets remained low at 0.31% of total assets, up 4 basis points from last quarter[5] Capital Management - Repurchased 249,975 shares of Banner common stock at an average price of $63.14 per share[5] - Announced dividend of $0.50 per share to be paid in February 2026[5] Revenue and Efficiency - Efficiency ratio (GAAP) was 62.11%, compared to 59.76% in the prior quarter; adjusted, non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 59.87% compared to 58.54% in the prior quarter[5] - Core revenue for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, was $170 million, and $661 million for the last 12 months[20]

INDEPENDENT | BANK Earnings Call: Fourth Quarter 2025 Agenda · Formal Remarks January 22, 2026 (NASDAQ: IBCP) Be Independent Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements, which are any statements or information that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements include statements about our anticipated future revenue and expenses and our future plans and prospects. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, a ...