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Greif emphasizes cost-cutting, organic growth in 2026
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-28 10:00
Core Insights - Greif reported net sales of $994.8 million for Fiscal Q1 2026, a decrease of 2.2% year over year, while net income rose significantly to $182.9 million from $11.3 million in Fiscal Q1 2025 [1][1][1] Financial Performance - Gross profit increased by 1.6% year over year to $202.6 million despite a decline in overall sales [1][1] - The company experienced a downturn in industrial demand, particularly from chemical customers, affecting all segments [1][1] - Sales in the durable metals segment were nearly $355 million, remaining flat year over year, while customized polymers sales increased to approximately $305 million [1][1] - The sustainable fibers segment saw a notable decline in sales from $344 million to about $312 million, with the company reporting 14,000 tons of downtime during the quarter [1][1] Cost Optimization - Greif achieved $65 million in run-rate cost optimization, aiming for a total of $120 million, with a target of $80 million to $90 million by year-end [1][1] - The company reduced its professional workforce by 10%, equating to 220 positions, while also investing in its commercial teams [1][1] M&A Strategy - Greif is focusing on organic growth but remains open to strategic acquisitions that could complement its operations, maintaining a robust pipeline of tuck-in deals [1][1] - The fiber business saw an operating profit increase of approximately $216 million due to the sale of timberlands that closed in October [1][1] Outlook - The company reaffirmed its low-end fiscal year 2026 guidance for adjusted EBITDA of $630 million and adjusted free cash flow of $315 million [1][1] - Expectations for volume growth are slight in the customized polymers and innovative closures segments, while durable metals and sustainable fibers are projected to be flat or slightly down [1][1]
Premier Health Reports 2025 Fourth Quarter Results
Globenewswire· 2026-01-27 22:53
Core Insights - Premier Health of America Inc. has filed its Audited Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for the year ended September 30, 2025, indicating a challenging financial performance with significant net losses and a decline in revenues compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, revenues were CAD 20.79 million, down from CAD 33.46 million in Q4 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 37.9% [2]. - The gross margin for Q4 2025 was CAD 3.45 million, with a gross margin percentage of 16.6%, slightly up from 15.9% in Q4 2024 [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was CAD 440,000, a decline from CAD 995,000 in the same period of 2024 [2][9]. - The net loss for Q4 2025 was CAD 6.5 million, compared to a loss of CAD 2.3 million in Q4 2024, indicating a worsening financial situation [2][9]. Segment Performance - The Per Diem segment, impacted by Quebec's Bill 10, represented less than 1% of Q4 revenue and less than 4% of total revenues for the year, leading to its abandonment in Q1 2026 [3]. - Travel nurse and northern communities' services performed well overall, except in British Columbia, where a volume reduction was noted due to centralization efforts by health authorities [4]. - The company is reorganizing its Quebec operations, reducing workforce and corporate structure to achieve cost savings, with a reduction in salary expenses by CAD 0.7 million in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 [5][6]. Strategic Focus - The company is shifting its focus entirely to Travel Nurses after abandoning the Per Diem segment and is exploring opportunities in the Home Care sector [6]. - Cost reduction, debt management, and operational efficiency remain priorities, alongside pursuing organic growth opportunities [6].
Western Alliance Bancorporation(WAL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-27 18:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and a return on average tangible common equity of 16.9% [5] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [10][11] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth was $5 billion, or 9%, across regional banking and specialized C&I verticals, with deposits increasing by $10.8 billion, or 16% [6][14] - Mortgage banking revenues were relatively stable, only down $5 million compared to the prior quarter, with expectations for stronger results in 2026 due to favorable regulatory changes and mortgage rate reductions [7] - Operating leverage was significant, with net revenue growth outpacing non-interest expense growth by four times [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits were essentially flat for Q4, but exceeded expectations for the full year, increasing by $10.8 billion, which was nearly $2.5 billion above revised guidance [13] - Regional Banking deposits grew by $1.4 billion in Q4, with notable contributions from Innovation Banking and Specialty Escrow Services [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, with expectations for loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion in 2026, supported by a healthier macro backdrop and accommodative regulatory environment [24] - Continued investments in preparing for large financial institution status are expected to yield benefits without a notable increase in expenses [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, citing macroeconomic tailwinds and a constructive sentiment among commercial clients [24] - The company anticipates net charge-offs to remain elevated in the first half of the year as it works through non-accrual loans, with a proactive approach to managing asset quality [8][26] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its total capital ratio, which now stands at 14.5% [21] - Tangible book value per share increased by 17.3% year-over-year to $61.29, reflecting strong growth in organic retained earnings [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion is leading the peer group and reflects organic growth, with adjustments possible if projections prove conservative [31] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be slightly higher in the first half of the year as the company addresses non-accrual loans, with a target midpoint for modeling purposes set at 30 basis points [34] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is attributed to treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth in these areas [39] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits currently make up about 37% of total deposits, with expectations for the mix to hold constant while aiming to push more towards non-ECR deposits [52] Question: Provisioning and allowance updates - The allowance for funded loans is expected to drift up into the low 80s basis points, driven by C&I loan growth and non-accrual loan management [65]
Western Alliance Bancorporation(WAL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-27 18:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and return on average tangible common equity at 16.9% [5] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [10] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth for the full year was $5 billion, or 9%, with deposits increasing by $10.8 billion, or 16% [6] - Mortgage banking revenues were relatively stable, only down $5 million compared to the prior quarter, with expectations for stronger results in 2026 due to favorable regulatory changes and mortgage rate reductions [7] - Regional Banking posted about $1 billion of loan growth, with significant contributions from Innovation Banking and hotel franchise finance [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits were essentially flat for the quarter, with notable growth in Regional Banking deposits, which increased by $1.4 billion [15] - The mix of ECR deposits is expected to hold constant, with around 37% of total deposits being ECR on an average basis [52] - The bank's total assets expanded to approximately $93 billion, with total equity ending the year at $8 billion [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $100 billion in assets by year-end 2026 while maintaining steady expense growth [8] - The focus is on organic growth, with loan growth projected at $6 billion and deposit growth at $8 billion for 2026 [24] - The company is investing in new business lines and technology to support future growth, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency [79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, supported by a healthier macro backdrop and accommodative regulatory environment [24] - The outlook includes expectations for net interest income growth of 11%-14% and non-interest income growth of 2%-4% [25] - Management anticipates net charge-offs to be between 25 and 35 basis points as they work through non-accrual balances [26] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its total capital ratio [21] - Tangible book value per share increased by 17.3% year-over-year to $61.29, reflecting strong organic earnings [21] - The efficiency ratio improved, with a Q4 efficiency ratio of 55.7% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion leads the peer group and reflects organic growth [31] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be slightly higher in the first half of the year as the company works to reduce non-accrual loans [34] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is driven by treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth [39] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits are expected to hold constant in mix, with a beta of 65%-70% on ECR deposits [54] Question: Loan origination spreads - The company is experiencing competitive pressures but maintains a focus on quality and operational efficiency [57]
Western Alliance Bancorporation(WAL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-27 18:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and return on average tangible common equity at 16.9% [4] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [8] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees, while non-interest expense growth slowed to 4% [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth for the full year was $5 billion, or 9%, with regional banking and specialized C&I verticals contributing significantly [4][10] - In Q4, mortgage banking revenues only declined by $5 million compared to the prior quarter, indicating stability despite seasonal trends [5] - The Juris Banking team completed over 17 million digital payments related to a major settlement, showcasing the effectiveness of the disbursement platform [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $10.8 billion, or 16%, driven by strong inflows in regional banking and a 40% growth in specialty escrow businesses [4][10] - Regional Banking deposits grew by $1.4 billion in Q4, with notable contributions from Innovation Banking and Specialty Escrow Services [12] - The mix of ECR deposits is expected to remain consistent, with around 37% of total deposits being ECR on an average basis [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $100 billion in assets by year-end 2026 while maintaining a stable expense structure [6] - There is a focus on organic growth opportunities, with expectations of $6 billion in loan growth and $8 billion in deposit growth for 2026 [19][20] - The company is emphasizing the growth of lower-cost deposit channels and higher-yielding C&I loans to enhance net interest margin [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, supported by a pro-growth regulatory environment and improving visibility on rate normalization [19] - The outlook for net interest income growth is projected at 11%-14%, assuming two rate cuts during the year [20] - Asset quality remains stable, with expectations for net charge-offs to be between 25 and 35 basis points as non-accrual balances are proactively reduced [21] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its capital ratio, and tangible book value per share rose 17% year-over-year to $61.29 [11][17] - The efficiency ratio improved, with a Q4 efficiency ratio of 55.7% and an adjusted efficiency ratio of 46.5% [14] - The company has been a leader in creating shareholder value, with EPS growth and tangible book value accumulation ranking in the top quartile relative to peers over the last decade [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion is leading the peer group and reflects organic growth [23] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be higher in the first half of the year as the company works through non-accrual loans, with a normalization expected in the latter half [25] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is driven by treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth in these areas [27] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits are expected to maintain a consistent mix, with a beta of 65%-70% on ECR deposits, and efforts are being made to shift towards lower-cost deposits [33][34]
Roper(ROP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-27 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $2.06 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with acquisitions contributing 5% and organic growth of 4% [9] - EBITDA reached $818 million, also up 10% over the prior year, with a core EBITDA margin expansion of 60 basis points [9][14] - For the full year 2025, total revenue was $7.9 billion, reflecting a 12% increase, with acquisitions contributing nearly 7% growth [13] - Free cash flow for 2025 was nearly $2.5 billion, up 8%, representing 31% of revenue [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Application software revenue grew 10% in Q4, with organic growth of 4% and EBITDA margins expanding to 42.2% [10] - Network software revenue increased by 14% in Q4, with organic growth of 5%, although margins decreased to 52.8% due to recent acquisitions [11] - Tech segment revenue grew 6% in Q4, with organic growth of 5% and margins holding flat at 34.8% [12] - For the full year, application software revenue grew by 16% in total, with organic revenue growth of 5% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The government contracting market remains challenging, impacting Deltek's performance, particularly in perpetual license revenue [11][19] - The freight market experienced a recession throughout 2025, affecting DAT's performance, although the company is evolving into a more automated marketplace [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term sustainable growth, with a commitment to investing in AI product development and enhancing operational execution [5][6] - Capital allocation strategy includes deploying $3.3 billion towards high-quality vertical software acquisitions and opportunistic share repurchases [8][30] - The company anticipates remaining active in M&A while maintaining discipline on pricing and business quality [16][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding improvements in the Deltek segment, contingent on government appropriations and market conditions [11][19] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for organic growth in the higher end of the mid-singles range, with a conservative approach to guidance [22][28] - AI is viewed as a significant growth driver, with plans to commercialize AI-related products across various business segments [54] Other Important Information - The company has a robust M&A pipeline and substantial financial flexibility, with over $6 billion in capacity for capital deployment in 2026 [16][30] - The company is not assuming a meaningful revenue uplift from AI development in its guidance but views it as an incremental upside [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is included in the 2026 guidance for Deltek and how is the company protecting against potential government shutdowns? - Management is not assuming improvement in the Deltek segment for 2026, citing lower organic growth due to perpetual license revenue issues [36] Question: What needs to happen for ProCare to meet expectations? - Management indicated that the primary issue is the slow implementation of software and payments, which is being addressed [38] Question: What segments of government appropriations would significantly impact Deltek? - Management highlighted that appropriations heavy on Defense and DHS funding would positively impact Deltek's customers [43] Question: What is the expected capital deployment for 2026? - Management stated that while there is a $6 billion capacity for capital deployment, the focus will be on high-quality acquisitions rather than a set budget [46] Question: When will the company quantify AI's impact on revenue? - Management expressed that while they aim to report AI-related revenue, they will not "AI wash" their revenue streams and expect AI to be a meaningful growth driver [54]
Eastern Bank eschews M&A in face of investor complaint
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-26 11:48
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Eastern Bank executives stressed Friday the bank won’t pursue more acquisitions, after the Boston-based lender faced pressure last year from an activist investor. “We are frequently asked about M&A. Simply put, we are not focused on M&A,” CEO Denis Sheahan said during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call. “We have plenty of opportunities to organ ...
Eastern Bankshares(EBC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $99.5 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, with operating earnings increasing by 28% to $94.7 million [12][13] - Operating return on assets (ROA) improved to 130 basis points, up 24 basis points year-over-year, while return on average tangible common equity rose to 13.8% from 11.3% [14] - The net interest income for Q4 was $237.4 million, an increase of $37.2 million from Q3, driven by margin improvement [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $1 billion, or 5.6%, for the full year, primarily due to strong commercial lending results [9] - Wealth assets reached a record high of $10.1 billion at year-end, including $9.6 billion in assets under management, driven by market appreciation and positive net flows [9][16] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $46.1 million, an increase of $4.8 million from Q3, with mortgage banking income rising due to the addition of HarborOne's operations [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with total deposits of $25.5 billion, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 21% from Q3, largely due to the addition of HarborOne deposits [17] - Total loans increased by $4.7 billion, or 25% linked quarter, primarily due to the addition of HarborOne loans [19] - The company anticipates loan growth for 2026 to be in the range of 3%-5% and deposit growth of 1%-2% [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders, stating it will not pursue any acquisitions in the foreseeable future [5][10] - Strategic investments in hiring talent have been emphasized as a key driver of growth, enhancing the company's competitive position [8] - The merger with HarborOne is seen as a significant milestone, strengthening the company's presence in key markets [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capture growth opportunities in larger markets, with a healthy balance sheet and strong capital ratios [7][10] - There are no significant concerns regarding credit metrics or trends in the marketplace, with management maintaining a conservative approach to provisions [40][41] - The company expects to manage its CET1 ratio towards the median of its peers, currently targeting around 12% [11][29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.1 million shares for $55.4 million in Q4, representing 26% of the total authorization announced in October [10][21] - The allowance for loan losses increased to $332 million, or 144 basis points of total loans, reflecting the initial allowance established for acquired HarborOne loans [23] - The company anticipates a non-cash expense of approximately $8 million-$9 million per quarter related to the amortization of core deposit intangibles from the HarborOne merger [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and deposit growth - Management indicated that the core margin is expected to remain relatively flat in the near term as the company focuses on growing deposits [32] Question: Provision outlook and credit landscape - The provision for 2026 is expected to be $30 million-$40 million, with management not seeing any material shifts in credit metrics [39][40] Question: Non-performing loans and resolution plans - Non-performing loans were primarily driven by HarborOne, with management confident in their ability to resolve these loans without the need for a bulk portfolio sale [50][52] Question: Fee income potential from mortgage banking - The company sees potential upside in fee income from HarborOne's mortgage banking business, particularly if interest rates decline [88] Question: Capital return strategy - Management reiterated their commitment to returning capital to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, while managing the CET1 ratio down to 12% [90][78]
Eastern Bankshares(EBC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $99.5 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, with operating earnings increasing by 28% to $94.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share [12][13] - Operating ROA improved to 130 basis points, up 24 basis points year-over-year, while return on average tangible common equity increased to 13.8% from 11.3% [14] - The net interest income for Q4 was $237.4 million, an increase of $37.2 million from Q3, driven by margin improvement [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $1 billion, or 5.6%, for the full year, primarily due to strong commercial lending results [9] - Wealth assets reached a record high of $10.1 billion at year-end, including $9.6 billion in assets under management, driven by market appreciation and positive net flows [9][16] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $46.1 million, an increase of $4.8 million from Q3, with mortgage banking income rising to $3 million [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with total deposits of $25.5 billion, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 21% from Q3, largely due to the addition of HarborOne deposits [17] - Total loans increased by $4.7 billion, or 25% linked quarter, primarily due to the addition of HarborOne loans [19] - The CET1 ratio was reported at 13.2%, with expectations to manage it towards 12% [21][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders, with no plans for acquisitions in the foreseeable future [5][10] - Strategic investments in hiring talent are seen as a key driver of growth, enhancing the company's competitive position [8] - The company aims to leverage its scale to invest in its franchise while maintaining a community-focused approach [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in capturing growth opportunities in larger markets, with expectations for steady improvement in profitability metrics [7] - The company anticipates loan growth of 3%-5% and deposit growth of 1%-2% for 2026, with net interest income projected between $1.2-$1.5 billion [27][28] - Management noted that while there are no material shifts in credit metrics, a provision of $30-$40 million is expected for 2026 [37][38] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.1 million shares for $55.4 million in Q4, representing 26% of the total authorization announced in October [21] - The allowance for loan losses increased to $332 million, or 144 basis points of total loans, due to the initial allowance established for acquired HarborOne loans [23] - The company is focused on ensuring a smooth transition for customers and employees following the HarborOne merger [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and growth - Management indicated that the core margin is expected to remain relatively flat in the near term, with potential expansion later in the year [31][32] Question: Provision outlook and credit landscape - The provision guidance of $30 million-$40 million is seen as conservative, with no significant concerns regarding credit trends [37][38] Question: Non-performing loans and resolution plans - Non-performing loans were primarily driven by HarborOne, with management confident in their ability to resolve these loans quickly [47][48] Question: Fee income and mortgage banking business - The company expects fee income from HarborOne's mortgage business to contribute 8%-10% of total fee income, benefiting from potential rate drops [85][86] Question: Capital management and buyback strategy - Management plans to manage the CET1 ratio down to 12% over time, focusing on buybacks and organic growth [88][89]
Eastern Bankshares(EBC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $99.5 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, with operating earnings increasing by 28% to $94.7 million [11][12] - Operating return on assets (ROA) improved to 130 basis points, up 24 basis points year-over-year, while return on average tangible common equity rose to 13.8% from 11.3% [12] - The net interest income for Q4 was $237.4 million, an increase of $37.2 million from Q3, driven by margin improvement [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $1 billion, or 5.6%, for the full year, primarily due to strong commercial lending results [8][17] - Wealth assets reached a record high of $10.1 billion at year-end, including $9.6 billion in assets under management, driven by market appreciation and positive net flows [8][14] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $46.1 million, an increase of $4.8 million from Q3, with mortgage banking income rising to $3 million [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is now the largest independent bank headquartered in Massachusetts with $31 billion in assets and the fourth largest deposit market share in Greater Boston [4] - Period-end deposits totaled $25.5 billion, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 21% from Q3, primarily due to the addition of HarborOne deposits [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders, with no plans for acquisitions in the foreseeable future [5][6][27] - Strategic investments in hiring talent have been emphasized as a key driver of growth, enhancing the company's competitive position [7] - The company aims to manage its CET1 ratio towards the median of the KRX, currently at 12%, while continuing to return excess capital through share repurchases and dividends [10][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in capturing growth opportunities in larger markets, expecting steady improvement in profitability metrics [6][8] - The company anticipates loan growth of 3%-5% and deposit growth of 1%-2% for 2026, with net interest income projected between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion [25][26] - Management noted that while there are no material shifts in credit metrics, a provision expense of $30-$40 million is expected for 2026 [30][39] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.1 million shares for $55.4 million in Q4, representing 26% of the total authorization announced in October [9][18] - The allowance for loan losses increased to $332 million, or 144 basis points of total loans, reflecting the initial allowance for acquired HarborOne loans [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and deposit growth - Management indicated that the core margin is expected to remain relatively flat in the near term, with potential expansion later in the year [28][29] Question: Provision outlook and credit landscape - The provision guidance of $30 million-$40 million is higher than the previous year, but management does not see significant concerns in credit trends [30][31] Question: Non-performing loans and resolution plans - Non-performing loans are primarily driven by HarborOne, with management confident in their resolution plans [33][34] Question: Fee income and mortgage banking business - The company expects fee income from HarborOne's mortgage business to be 8%-10% of total fee income, benefiting from potential rate drops [46]