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Webster Financial (WBS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Webster Financial generated a 17% ROTCE and a 1.2% ROA for the full year 2025, with EPS up 10% year-over-year [6] - Loans grew by 8% and deposits by 6% over the year, while tangible book value per share increased by 13% [6] - The company repurchased 10.9 million shares, enhancing capital distributions to shareholders [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, loans increased by $1.5 billion or 2.8%, with a full-year increase of 7.8%, primarily driven by commercial loan categories [12] - Classified commercial loans decreased by 7% and nonperforming loans were down 8%, indicating progress in credit remediation [8][15] - HSA Bank is expected to drive $1 billion-$2.5 billion in incremental deposit growth over the next five years, with $50 million-$100 million growth anticipated in 2026 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall asset quality remains strong, with a decline in problem assets expected to continue [9] - The company experienced a seasonal decline in public funds of $1.2 billion but backfilled this with corporate deposits [12] - The average cost of deposits decreased to 1.91% from 1.99% in the previous quarter, reflecting competitive pricing [43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Webster Financial's strategy in 2025 focused on execution and enhancing operational capabilities while investing in non-traditional banking verticals [6] - The company aims to maintain growth while ensuring resiliency and adaptability in a supportive macroeconomic environment [20] - Investments are being made in technology and marketing to enhance client outreach, particularly in the HSA segment [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to grow sustainably while managing risks effectively [6][20] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates loan growth of 5%-7% and deposit growth of 4%-6%, with expected revenue of $3 billion [17] - Management noted that the banking industry is experiencing positive momentum from macroeconomic and regulatory tailwinds [20] Other Important Information - The company acquired SecureSave, a provider of employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts, which is expected to enhance its offerings in the healthcare vertical [144] - The capital management strategy includes a focus on organic growth and potential share repurchases, with a CET1 target of 10.5% in the long term [96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on loan growth and partnership with Marathon - Management indicated that while the partnership is operational, it has not yet materially impacted loan growth, but they remain optimistic about future contributions [28] Question: Expense trends and investments in systems - Most investments are focused on marketing and client outreach to identify potential HSA account holders, with technology investments already in place [30] Question: Impact of potential changes in regulatory thresholds on expenses - Management noted that anticipated changes could provide flexibility in capital allocation, but overall strategic growth plans remain unchanged [34] Question: NIM trajectory for early 2026 - The company expects to maintain a NIM of around 335 basis points throughout 2026, with some seasonal variability [38] Question: Loan growth guidance and competition - Management explained that the 5%-7% loan growth guidance reflects a balance between growth and profitability, considering competitive pressures [61] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits trend - There is a slowing pace in reductions of non-interest-bearing deposits, indicating a potential inflection point [113]
Texas Capital Q4 Earnings Beat on Strong NII, Expenses Up Y/Y
ZACKS· 2026-01-23 14:56
Core Insights - Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (TCBI) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.08, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.78 and up from $1.43 in the same quarter last year [1][2][8] - The company's performance was driven by increased net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, although it faced challenges from higher expenses and declining loan balances [1][5][11] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for the full year 2025 was $6.80, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.50 and significantly higher than $4.43 in 2024 [2] - Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP basis) for Q4 2025 was $96.3 million, a 44% increase from $66.7 million in Q4 2024 [2] - Total quarterly revenues rose 15.4% year over year to $327.5 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.4% [3] - For the full year 2025, revenues increased 34.6% year over year to $1.26 billion, also surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.25 billion [3] Income Sources - NII reached $267.4 million, a 16.5% increase year over year, driven by growth in average earning assets and lower funding costs [4] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded by 45 basis points year over year to 3.38% [4] - Non-interest income grew 11.0% year over year to $60.0 million, primarily due to higher service charges and increased investment banking and advisory fees [4] Expense Management - Non-interest expenses rose 7.0% year over year to $184.2 million, mainly due to higher salaries, benefits, and technology expenses [5] - The increase in expenses was partially offset by lower legal and professional expenses [5] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of December 31, 2025, loans held for investment totaled $17.9 billion, down from $18.1 billion as of September 30, 2025 [6] - Total deposits decreased to $26.4 billion from $27.5 billion in the prior quarter [6] Credit Quality - Net charge-offs were $10.7 million in Q4 2025, down from $12.1 million in the same quarter last year [7] - Provision for credit losses was $11.0 million, a decline from $18.0 million in Q4 2024 [7] - Total non-performing assets increased to $121.2 million from $111.2 million year over year, with a non-accrual loans ratio of 0.49% compared to 0.50% in Q4 2024 [7] Capital Position - As of December 31, 2025, the common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio was 12.1%, up from 11.4% in the previous year [9] - The total capital ratio stood at 16.1%, and the leverage ratio was 11.7%, compared to 11.3% as of December 31, 2024 [9] - Tangible common equity to total tangible assets improved to 10.6% from 10.0% year over year [9] Share Repurchase Activity - During Q4 2025, the company repurchased 1.45 million shares for a total of $126.6 million [10] - A new share repurchase program of up to $200 million was authorized by TCBI's board, effective through December 31, 2026 [10]
Cathay General Bancorp(CATY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 00:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $90.5 million for Q4 2025, a 16.5% increase from $77.7 million in Q3 2025 [4][39] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 18.3% to $1.33 in Q4, up from $1.13 in Q3 [4][39] - For the full year 2025, net income was $315.1 million, a 10.1% increase from $286 million in 2024 [4][39] - The net interest margin increased to 3.36% in Q4 from 3.31% in Q3 [10][45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total gross loans grew by $42 million, driven by increases of $80 million in commercial real estate (CRE) loans and $17 million in residential loans [5][39] - Non-accrual loans were 0.6% of total loans as of December 31, 2025, down $53.3 million to $112.4 million compared to the prior quarter [7][42] - The average loan-to-value of CRE loans remained steady at 49% [5][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $373 million or 7.6% on an annualized basis during Q4, primarily driven by $366 million increases in core deposits [8][44] - As of December 31, 2025, total uninsured deposits were $9.3 billion, representing 44.6% of total deposits [8][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects loan growth in 2026 to be between 3.5% and 4.5% [5][39] - The company plans to announce a new stock buyback program after approvals are received, with $12 million remaining under the current buyback program [4][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates further benefit to the net interest margin from declining deposit costs supported by the fixed-rate proportion of the loan portfolio [10][45] - The effective tax rate for Q4 2025 was 20.23%, with expectations for 2026 to be between 20.5% and 21.5% [12][46] Other Important Information - The company recorded $17.2 million in provisions for credit losses in Q4 compared to $28.7 million in Q3 [8][43] - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio increased to 13.27% from 13.15% in Q3 [12][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak more in terms of what you're assuming for deposit betas embedded in that NIM outlook? - The company is assuming deposit betas in the 60% range, with market competition remaining rational in Q4 [16][18] Question: What are you seeing in terms of credit and any migration into criticized and overall trends? - There are no particular trends observed, but some loans have been downgraded to special mention due to not meeting certain debt covenants [20][50] Question: Have you seen an elevated level of competition for incremental loan growth? - There is strong competition for the right type of assets and loans, particularly in the C&I segment, which has seen the most competition [29][52]
Fulton Financial Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-22 23:42
Core Insights - Fulton Financial reported record operating earnings per share of $2.16 for 2025, supported by strong deposit growth, disciplined expense management, and a solid balance sheet [3][4][7] Deposit Growth - Customer deposits increased by $449 million in 2025, with a 25% year-over-year rise in consumer demand deposit account openings [1][6] - In Q4, total deposits rose by $257 million, with balanced growth between interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposits [8][9] Profitability Metrics - Operating return on assets improved by 17 basis points to 1.28%, while net interest margin increased by 9 basis points to 3.51% [2][7] - Non-interest income for 2025 totaled $277 million, up nearly 7%, contributing over 20% to total revenue [16][18] Loan Growth and Outlook - Loan growth in 2025 was impacted by strategic portfolio actions, creating an over $800 million headwind, but organic loan growth was still achieved [10][13] - The company anticipates a return to historical mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026, with a commercial pipeline up more than 10% year-over-year [6][15] Credit Quality and Capital Position - Non-performing assets to total assets ended at 0.58%, with net charge-offs at 21 basis points of average loans [21] - The company repurchased 1.1 million shares in Q4 and received a new $150 million buyback authorization, strengthening its capital position [5][22] 2026 Guidance - Management expects net interest income to be between $1.12 billion and $1.14 billion, with provisions for loan losses estimated at $55 million to $75 million [26] - The company is focused on maintaining momentum in deposits, loan origination, and fee income growth while integrating the pending Blue Foundry acquisition [23]
Columbia Banking System Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-22 23:42
Core Insights - The acquisition of Pacific Premier has strengthened Columbia Banking System's competitive position in the Western markets, particularly in Southern California, where it now holds a top-10 deposit market share [3][7] - The company reported consistent operating performance for 2025, driven by the Pacific Premier acquisition, balance sheet optimization, and disciplined expense control [4] - Management expects continued improvement in net interest margin (NIM) and plans to launch additional retail deposit campaigns [6][19] Integration and Operational Performance - The integration of Pacific Premier is progressing smoothly, with a systems conversion expected this quarter and a focus on cultural integration and customer service [2][7] - Columbia achieved a 27% increase in pre-provision net revenue and a 19% increase in operating net income in Q4 compared to the previous quarter [8] - Non-interest income for the quarter was strong, totaling $90 million, with contributions from Pacific Premier and increased customer fees [11] Financial Metrics - Q4 operating EPS was reported at $0.82, with a net interest margin of 4.06%, up from 3.84% in Q3 [6][9] - Total deposits decreased to $54.2 billion due to intentional reductions in brokered deposits, but deposit campaigns added $1.3 billion in 2025 [5][15][17] - The company raised its dividend to $0.37 per share and repurchased 3.7 million shares in Q4, with plans for further buybacks in 2026 [5][18] Loan and Deposit Trends - Gross loans and leases ended the year at $47.8 billion, with a 23% increase in new loan origination volume in Q4 compared to the previous year [13][14] - Management anticipates modest contraction in deposits through Q1, with expectations for net growth to resume in the spring [16] - The company has opened new de novo locations in multiple states and plans targeted additional openings in 2026 [7] Future Outlook - Management expects NIM to be between 3.90% and 3.95% in Q1, with improvements anticipated throughout 2026 [18][19] - The company is actively managing deposit pricing based on competitive conditions, with a focus on a "rates down deposit playbook" [19] - Share repurchases are expected to increase to $150 million to $200 million per quarter in 2026, with significant excess capital available [23]
S&T Bancorp (STBA) Q4 2025 Earnings Transcript
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-22 23:05
Core Insights - The company reported a net income of $34 million, equating to 89¢ per share, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.37% and a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.99%, marking the best performance since 2023 [2][4] - Loan growth was just under 4.5% for the quarter, primarily driven by commercial banking, while customer deposit growth was at 2.9% [1][3] - The company announced a new $100 million share repurchase authorization, reflecting strong capital levels and the ability to pursue growth opportunities [1][5] Financial Performance - The company achieved a net income of $135 million for the year, with earnings per share of $3.49 and a net interest margin of 3.9% [4] - Noninterest income increased by $500,000 in Q4, with expectations for fees in 2026 to remain around $13 to $14 million per quarter [12][13] - Expenses were controlled, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 3%, leading to a projected quarterly run rate of about $58 million [13][36] Loan and Deposit Growth - Loan growth was primarily driven by commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, with C&I balances increasing by $53 million and commercial real estate (CRE) balances by $34 million [6][7] - Customer deposit growth was strong, particularly in the consumer space, with a focus on driving core deposit growth to fund loan growth [27][28] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, supported by improved activity in C&I and CRE [7][11] Asset Quality - Asset quality was mixed, with net charge-offs at 18 basis points for the year and a reduction in criticized and classified loans by 50% over three years [3][10] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) decreased from 1.23% to 1.15% quarter over quarter, reflecting successful problem loan resolutions [8][9] - The company expects asset quality in 2026 to perform similarly to 2025, with a focus on reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) [11][35] Capital Management - The tangible common equity (TCE) ratio decreased by 29 basis points due to share repurchases, but regulatory ratios remain strong with significant excess capital [13][14] - The company repurchased over 948,000 shares at an average price of $33.82, totaling $36.2 million [14] - The share repurchase program does not impede the company's ability to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities [5][23] Market and Competitive Landscape - The company is focused on adding talent in the C&I and CRE sectors to enhance customer acquisition and support growth [19][52] - Competitive pressures on deposit rates have moderated, allowing for a more rational market environment [54][55] - The company is optimistic about its ability to grow deposits at a rate that matches projected loan growth [56]
Great Southern Bancorp(GSBC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-22 21:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $16.3 million or $1.45 per diluted common share, an increase from $14.9 million or $1.27 per diluted common share in Q4 2024 [3][10] - Full-year net income for 2025 totaled $71 million or $6.19 per diluted common share, up from $61.8 million or $5.26 per diluted common share in 2024 [10][18] - Net interest income for Q4 2025 was $49.2 million, a slight decrease of $371,000 or 0.7% compared to the prior year quarter [4][11] - The efficiency ratio improved to 63.89% in Q4 2025 from 65.43% in Q4 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net loans receivable decreased to $4.336 billion at year-end, down $333.5 million or 7.1% from the previous year, with declines in multifamily residential, commercial construction, and commercial business loans [5][16] - Total deposits decreased by $122.8 million or 2.7% to $4.48 billion, primarily due to a decline in brokered deposits [16][17] - Non-interest income increased to $7.2 million in Q4 2025 from $6.9 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher late charges and fees [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets represented 0.15% of total assets at year-end, consistent with both the linked quarter and prior year quarter [7][17] - The company maintained strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents totaling $189.6 million and access to approximately $1.63 billion of additional borrowing capacity [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on preserving net interest margins, protecting credit quality, controlling non-interest expenses, and opportunistically repurchasing stock [3][9] - Management emphasized a conservative underwriting posture and a focus on pricing, structure, and borrower stream to navigate economic pressures [5][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that loan growth may remain challenging due to elevated payoffs and competitive market conditions, but expressed confidence in the company's conservative approach and sound balance sheet management [9][30] - The company did not record a provision for credit losses on outstanding loans in 2025, reflecting stable borrower performance [18] Other Important Information - Stockholders' equity increased to $636.1 million at year-end 2025, representing 11.4% of total assets, with a book value per common share of $57.50 [18][19] - The board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.43 per common share, consistent with the previous quarter [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the margin and its outlook for 2026 - Management noted that they performed better than expected in Q4 2025, managing funding costs proactively and seeing some loans redeployed at higher rates [25][26] Question: Expectations for loan growth and payoffs - Management indicated that loan growth would remain challenging, with good activity but elevated payoffs continuing to impact net growth [30][31] Question: Future expenses and potential increases - Management acknowledged that there would likely be an uptick in expenses due to annual increases in salaries and benefits [35]
Heritage Financial (HFWA) Earnings Transcript
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-22 18:30
Core Insights - The company reported strong performance in Q3, with significant growth in loans and deposits, alongside margin expansion and effective expense management [3][23]. Financial Performance - Total deposits increased by $193 million in the quarter, with $83 million in noninterest-bearing deposits. The percentage of CDs to total deposits rose slightly to 16.5% from 16% [1]. - Loan balances grew by $147 million, with yields on the loan portfolio at 5.60%, an increase of 8 basis points from Q2 [2][19]. - Net interest income rose by $1.8 million, a 3.6% increase, attributed to higher average earning assets and net interest margin, which improved to 3.33% from 3.29% [7]. - The cost of interest-bearing deposits was 2.02% for Q3, slightly down from 2.03% in September [5]. Credit Quality - Total charge-offs were just under $2.7 million, primarily linked to one owner-occupied CRE loan, with net charge-offs of just over $2.5 million [11][12]. - Nonaccrual loans totaled $4.3 million, representing 0.09% of total loans, a slight increase from 0.08% at the end of Q2 [12][15]. - Criticized loans decreased by $5 million or 2.9% during the quarter, indicating stable credit quality [15]. Loan Production and Pipeline - The commercial lending group closed $253 million in new loan commitments, a 16% increase from the previous quarter [18]. - The loan pipeline ended at $491 million, up from $480 million last quarter, indicating strong demand [19]. - The average interest rate for new commercial loans was 6.53%, down 35 basis points from the previous quarter [21]. Strategic Initiatives - The company announced the hiring of Nick Bley as the new Chief Operating Officer, aimed at enhancing operations and technology [22]. - The company is focused on maintaining a strong capital position, with a TCE ratio of 9.1%, up from 8.9% in the prior quarter [9][10]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates stable net interest margin in Q4, with potential for expansion in 2025 as loan repricing occurs [27][40]. - The company is strategically positioned to leverage growth opportunities while managing risks effectively [24][23].
Amalgamated Financial (AMAL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-22 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings were $0.99 per diluted share, indicating consistent earnings power and potential for growing returns on tangible common equity [4] - Net income was $26.6 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, with core net income at $30 million, or $0.99 per diluted share [11] - Net interest income grew by 1.8% to $77.9 million, exceeding guidance [12] - Tangible book value per share rose $0.87, or 3.4%, with a strong tier one leverage ratio of 9.36% [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - On-balance sheet deposits grew by $179 million to $7.9 billion, while off-balance sheet deposits increased by $789 million to $1.1 billion [4] - Loans increased by $167 million, or 3.5%, to $4.9 billion, with growth in growth mode portfolios accelerating to 7% [5][6] - The PACE portfolio saw total assessments grow by $38 million, or 3%, to $1.3 billion [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Political deposits increased by $287 million to $1.7 billion, reflecting growth in fundraising ahead of elections [5] - Not-for-profit deposits grew by $388 million, social and philanthropy deposits by $122 million, and climate and sustainability deposits by $77 million [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $10 billion in assets and is investing in people and technology for growth [7] - The business model is positioned for reliable growth, with a focus on profitability tied to mission purpose and a strong capital base [10] - The management team emphasizes disciplined balance sheet management and a values-aligned client franchise to attract mission-driven deposits [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the challenges faced in the banking sector, including rapid rate hikes and liquidity drains, but noted the bank's growth from $6 billion to nearly $9 billion in assets [8][9] - Expectations for growth and performance in 2026 are bold, with guidance indicating net interest income growth of 10%-11% and core pre-tax, pre-provision earnings growth of 9%-10% [16] Other Important Information - The company is implementing a new tax strategy that aims to improve the effective tax rate, targeting 26.5% for the upcoming year [25] - Asset quality metrics remained solid, although there was some credit turbulence, particularly related to a borrower in the DC market [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for provision in 2026 and effective tax rate - Management expects provision outlook to remain similar to 2025, with a conservative approach to provisioning due to credit activity [24][25] Question: Political deposits outlook - Management anticipates growth in political deposits leading up to the election, with a strong pipeline for fundraising [27][28] Question: Multifamily growth and geographic distribution - Multifamily growth was strong, with nearly half of the growth occurring outside New York City, indicating good geographic diversification [29][31] Question: NIM expansion and commercial loan yields - NIM expansion was noted despite a down rate quarter, with loan yields expected to rise, particularly from repricing older real estate loans [34][35] Question: Growth potential of the PACE portfolio - There is significant room for growth in the CPACE portfolio, with strong yield opportunities and a focus on commercial PACE [36][37]
Independent Bank (IBCP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-22 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Independent Bank Corporation reported fourth quarter 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 year ended December 31, 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 the third quarter of 2025, with a net interest margin of 3.62%, up eight basis points from the previous quarter [4] - The return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.35% and 14.75% respectively [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $78 million or 7.4% annualized in the fourth quarter, with a total loan portfolio increase of $237 million or 5.9% for the year [9] - The commercial loan portfolio saw significant growth of $276 million or 14.2%, with quarterly growth of $88 million or 16% annualized [9] - The residential mortgage portfolio grew by $7.2 million, while the installment loan portfolio decreased by $17 million for the quarter [9] 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, primarily due to growth in savings and interest-bearing checking accounts [6] - The deposit base composition was 47% retail, 37% commercial, and 16% municipal, with all three portfolios showing year-over-year growth [7] - The total cost of funds decreased by 15 basis points to 1.67% [7] 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 [6] - The company anticipates loan growth in the mid-single-digit range for 2026, with a focus on commercial loans while expecting mortgage loans to remain flat and installment loans to decline [20] 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 consistent results for shareholders [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 the first quarter [20] - Management noted that credit quality metrics remain positive, with non-performing loans at 54 basis points of total loans, slightly up from the previous quarter [11] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 407,113 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $12.4 million in 2025 [13] - A tax credit transfer agreement executed during the fourth quarter is expected to reduce tax obligations and enhance earnings per share [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market outlook in Michigan and banker additions for 2026 - Management expects to add a net of four to five bankers in 2026, with opportunities arising in Southeast Michigan due to M&A dislocation [27] Question: Loan growth outlook and factors affecting it - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth due to strong commercial growth but lower levels in mortgage and consumer loans [30] Question: Margin guidance and drivers for optimism - Management forecasts margin expansion of five to seven basis points in Q1, with three to five basis points in subsequent quarters, driven by rate cuts and repricing of below-market assets [36] Question: Capital management and M&A landscape - The company is excited about its capital position, allowing flexibility for share repurchases and potential M&A opportunities, though M&A is not a requirement for continued success [39][41] Question: Charge-off expectations - Management expects charge-offs to remain low, similar to recent history, with a provision for credit losses of 20-25 basis points of average portfolio loans [53]