It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Hancock Whitney (HWC) . Shares have added about 1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Hancock Whitney due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Hancock Whitney Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.Hancoc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $17.5 million or $0.84 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $13.8 million or $0.65 per diluted share in the prior year period, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase [3] - Loan balances grew at an annualized rate of 3.2%, while total deposits, excluding brokered time deposits, increased by 13% annualized [3] - The efficiency ratio for Q3 2025 was 58.86%, indicating effective expense management [4] - The return on average assets was 1.27% and return on average equity was 14.57% for the quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial loan portfolio increased by $57 million during the quarter, contributing to a year-to-date growth of $188 million or 12.9% annualized [8] - The mortgage and consumer loan portfolios contracted during the quarter due to seasonality and disciplined underwriting [8] - Non-interest income totaled $11.9 million in Q3 2025, up from $9.5 million in the year-ago quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits as of September 30, 2025, were $4.9 billion, with core deposits increasing by $148.2 million during the third quarter [5][6] - The deposit base comprised 46% retail, 37% commercial, and 17% municipal, all showing year-over-year growth [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 [19] - The focus remains on growing commercial banking relationships and leveraging market dislocation opportunities [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about finishing 2025 strong and growing the customer base and earnings in 2026 [5] - The credit quality remains strong, with low levels of watch credits and historically low net charge-offs [4][5] - The Michigan economy is characterized as stable, with no systemic issues observed in the customer base [46][48] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 13,732 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $0.4 million in Q3 2025 [18] - The effective income tax rate for the quarter was 17.3% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you offer details on the new commercial banking hires? - The three new hires have a minimum of 15 years of experience, with two having over 20 years, and they were added in Southeast Michigan [25] Question: What opportunities exist from market dislocation? - The company sees ongoing opportunities to attract talent and commercial banking relationships as the industry consolidates [26] Question: How competitive is the environment for core funding? - The funding environment is competitive, with a focus on comprehensive relationships to grow both sides of the balance sheet [30] Question: Can you comment on the margin outlook? - The margin is expected to remain stable despite potential Fed cuts, with benefits from asset remixing and repricing effects [37] Question: Are there signs of credit weakness in commercial borrowers? - Performance at the individual business level remains solid, with no systemic issues observed, and the watchlist percentage is low [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $16.4 billion, total deposits were $13.7 billion, and total loans amounted to $12.9 billion [7] - Revenue for the third quarter was a record $168 million, reflecting over 20% year-over-year growth [7][11] - Net interest margin improved by nine basis points quarter-over-quarter to 3.65% [7][10] - GAAP EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, increased by $0.08 or 15%, while adjusted EPS rose by $0.16 or 21% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial and industrial loan growth exceeded 25% year-over-year [7] - Non-interest income increased by $1.3 million or 4% quarter-over-quarter, driven by service charges [11][19] - Adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue rose to almost $66 million, an 11.5% increase quarter-over-quarter [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over 150 financial centers across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana, with plans to open three new centers in the Columbus market [4][5] - The company was named a top 50 SBA lender nationally by volume [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with Penns Woods Bancorp was completed, enhancing balance sheet scale and expected to achieve full cost savings by the second quarter of 2026 [3][25] - The company is focusing on organic growth and de novo branching in high-growth markets, particularly Columbus and Indianapolis [5][54] - Management emphasized maintaining tight cost controls and risk management discipline while pursuing sustainable growth [10][88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining net interest margin levels in the mid-360s and expects to see continued growth in loan pipelines [24] - The company is managing credit risk tightly, with no direct exposure to companies with recent credit issues [8][22] - Future guidance for non-interest income is expected to be between $32 million to $33 million for the fourth quarter [24] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, representing an annualized yield of approximately 6.5% [9] - The liquidity position is strong, with available sources covering approximately 250% of uninsured deposits [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and impact of new branches - Management indicated that while the acquisition had a significant impact on loan growth, they expect to hold the balance sheet stable and look for growth opportunities in the fourth quarter [30][31] Question: Expense management and future guidance - Management aims to manage positive operating leverage while investing for growth, with expectations of holding expenses at current levels [34][36] Question: Capital management and targets - The company is comfortable with its capital levels and will consider opportunities for buybacks or acquisitions as they arise [43] Question: Trends in the consumer portfolio and deposit accounts - Management noted elevated delinquencies due to administrative issues from the acquisition but remains comfortable with the overall consumer exposure [50][51] Question: Scaling the bank and future growth strategies - The focus is on maximizing integration and efficiency from the Penns Woods merger while considering both organic growth and M&A opportunities [52][54] Question: Funding loan growth and securities portfolio - Management expressed confidence in their ability to fund loan growth through deposits and securities, with a flexible approach to managing their funding mix [60][64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Bancorporation Inc. reported a 16% earnings increase over the prior quarter and a 55% increase compared to the third quarter of the previous year [4] - Net income for the third quarter was $9.3 million, up from $8 million in the second quarter and $6 million in the same quarter last year [11] - The net interest margin improved by nine basis points compared to the previous quarter [11] - Loan yield increased to 5.66% from 5.59% in the second quarter and 5.52% in the first quarter of the year [12] - Core deposit balances decreased by approximately $82 million in the third quarter due to normal cash flow fluctuations [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings were slightly up at just over $3 billion, with a few larger payoffs from asset sales and refinance activity [7] - The commercial real estate portfolio remains well diversified and is performing as expected [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Minnesota banking segment is experiencing a slowdown with manufacturing clients due to economic uncertainty, but new business opportunities are arising from M&A activity in the market [8] - The company is focusing on deposit-rich business banking opportunities and has successfully attracted new deposits from high-earning individuals [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to maintaining strong credit quality and has no past dues or non-accrual loans [6] - There is a focus on organic growth and taking advantage of good loan opportunities, with no specific plans for capital deployment at this time [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a positive growth pace despite a more selective approach to loan opportunities [16] - The company anticipates continued margin improvements due to fixed-rate loans repricing into higher yields [19] - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize similar to the first half of the year after a lower rate in the third quarter [20] Other Important Information - A quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, payable on November 19, 2025 [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on loan growth pipeline and market share in Minnesota - Management indicated that the pipeline is good but not as robust as in the past due to a more selective credit approach, expecting mid-single-digit growth going forward [16] Question: Funding growth outlook with deposit gathering - The objective is to fund growth through cash flows from the investment portfolio and deposit gathering, with potential short-term reliance on wholesale funding [17] Question: Margin tailwinds and deposit beta assumptions - There are still repricing opportunities in the fixed-rate loan portfolio, but deposit betas may not be as aggressive as in the past due to competitive pricing pressure [19] Question: Future tax rate expectations - The forward tax rate is expected to be similar to the first half of the year, with the third quarter being an anomaly [20] Question: Capital management and deployment priorities - No specific plans for capital deployment were mentioned, with a focus on organic growth and good loan opportunities [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $59.7 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, reflecting a 23% increase from the adjusted EPS of $0.31 in the prior quarter [12] - Return on tangible common equity increased by 231 basis points to 9.87%, and EPS has risen nearly 50% since Q1 [5] - The CET1 ratio at quarter end was 10.14%, and tangible book value per share increased by 3% quarter over quarter to $16.99 [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production and disbursements were healthy at $2.1 billion, with a decline in total loans of about 1.6% from the previous quarter due to elevated paydowns [8][9] - Non-interest income rose by 5% from the previous quarter to $34.3 million, primarily due to higher fair value adjustments on market-sensitive instruments [15] - The average yield on loans increased by 12 basis points to 6.05%, driven by a shift towards higher yielding CNI loan categories [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposit trends were positive, with non-interest-bearing deposits increasing by 9%, now representing 28% of total deposits [7] - Brokered deposits declined by 16% from the prior quarter, contributing to a reduction in the total cost of deposits by 5 basis points to 2.08% [8][13] - The company expects loan growth for the full year to be in the mid-single-digit range [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on opportunities in the California banking landscape and is focused on building a valuable core deposit base and deep client relationships [17][18] - The management emphasized a disciplined approach to capital management, including opportunistic share buybacks while maintaining strong capital levels [6][92] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong capital position and delivering sustainable, high-quality earnings growth [11][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term trajectory of the franchise, citing strong performance and positive operating leverage [17][18] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion driven by increased loan production and a favorable mix shift towards higher yielding loans [12][35] - Management noted that credit quality remains stable, with a proactive approach to managing credit risks [10][16] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.2 million shares in Q3, totaling 13.6 million shares repurchased under the program, which is more than 8% of outstanding shares [6] - The allowance for credit losses increased to 1.12% of total loans, reflecting a disciplined approach to reserving [11][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on credit trends and collateral protection? - Management clarified that their exposure related to NDFI lending is well secured by real estate, distinguishing their practices from those of peers involved in collateral pools [24][26] Question: What is the outlook for net interest margin? - Management expects net interest margin to continue expanding, with a target range of 3.20%-3.30% for the fourth quarter, not assuming rate cuts [33][34] Question: How is the company managing deposit growth? - Management indicated that deposit growth was broad-based and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between deposits and loans [50][60] Question: What are the key drivers of loan production? - Management highlighted strong production in CNI and construction lending, with a robust pipeline expected for the fourth quarter [72][78] Question: Are there any areas of concern regarding credit? - Management noted caution in the office lending sector and indicated a proactive approach to exiting loans with government tenants [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5.7% quarter-over-quarter and 24.4% year-over-year [3] - Return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.11% from 0.87% in Q3 2024 [3] - Net interest income rose by $2.4 million, or 4.3% from the prior quarter, primarily due to a higher net interest margin [5][6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.64% from 3.51% in the prior quarter and from 3.30% in Q3 2024 [6][8] - Total deposits increased by $73 million in Q3 [4][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances decreased by $5.7 million, despite an increase in loan originations [4] - Yields in the loan portfolio were 5.53%, up three basis points from Q2 [4] - Non-interest expense increased by $530,000, mainly due to higher compensation and benefits expenses [6][8] - New commercial loan commitments were $317 million, up from $248 million in the previous quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-accrual loans totaled $17.6 million, representing 0.37% of total loans, up from 0.21% at the end of Q2 [9] - Non-performing loans increased to 0.44% of total loans from 0.39% in the previous quarter [10] - Criticized loans decreased by over $19 million during the quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The pending merger with Olympic Bank Corp is expected to enhance profitability and position the company for growth in the Puget Sound market [3][17] - The company aims to maintain a loan-to-deposit ratio around 85% and is looking for opportunities to deploy more assets into loans [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in credit quality despite economic volatility, noting that no material impact has been observed [12] - Expectations for organic loan growth in 2026 are mid to high single digits, with a return to more traditional growth rates anticipated [24] - The company is closely monitoring the increase in non-performing loans but remains optimistic about credit metrics [11][12] Other Important Information - The company halted lost trade activity and did not purchase any securities in Q3 to preserve capital for the pending acquisition [5][8] - Regulatory capital ratios remain comfortably above well-capitalized thresholds, with a tangible common equity (TCE) ratio of 9.8% [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Spot cost of deposits and NIM for September - The spot rate on interest-bearing deposits was 1.87%, and the NIM for September was 3.66% [21] Question: Opportunities to reduce rates on non-maturity deposits - There is potential to reduce rates on approximately $1 billion in exception-priced deposits currently costing close to 3% [22] Question: Organic loan growth expectations for 2026 - Expected to return to mid to high single digits, with positive net advances anticipated as payoffs normalize [24] Question: Deposit growth factors - Growth is attributed to both seasonal factors and effective execution by the team [30] Question: Competition in the market - Competition remains strong, particularly for operating relationships, with some new accounts having higher average costs [36] Question: Progress on the Olympic acquisition - The acquisition is on track for early Q1 closure, with no concerns reported [37] Question: Capital priorities post-acquisition - Capital preservation is expected during the transaction costs, with future buybacks uncertain [49] Question: Loan-to-deposit ratio management - The goal is to increase the loan-to-deposit ratio back to 85% [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share increased by 30% year-over-year, with a return on tangible equity of 20% [3] - Net interest income rose to $600 million, up $22 million from the previous quarter, driven by a tax equivalent margin of 4.06% [6][8] - Charge-offs were reported at 27 basis points for the quarter, with year-to-date charge-offs at 12 basis points [4][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production reached nearly $3.4 billion, with a 67% increase in loan production in Texas and Colorado since the first quarter [3] - Commercial and industrial lending saw a 9% linked quarter annualized growth, while residential growth was about 6% [17][18] - Non-interest income increased to $99 million from $87 million, with capital markets contributing significantly [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company identified approximately $90 billion in overlapping deposits in the Southeast, Texas, and Colorado, indicating potential growth opportunities [5] - The loan pipeline in Texas grew from $800 million to $1.2 billion, with Florida and Atlanta also showing significant pipeline growth [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and recruiting efforts in response to market disruptions, particularly in Texas and Colorado [5][19] - Management is contemplating adjustments to incentive structures to encourage recruiting and hiring in 2026 [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2025, with potential for higher growth in 2026 [17] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on market disruptions and is focused on building out its infrastructure [4][5] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $405 million in subordinated debt late in the quarter, which is expected to positively impact net interest margin [6][7] - The tangible book value per share increased to $54.48, reflecting strong capital levels despite the dilutive impact of the Independent Financial merger [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the margin question? - Management discussed the impact of higher accretion and the dynamics of loan and deposit pricing in light of potential rate cuts [10][11] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth? - Management guided for mid-single-digit growth for the remainder of 2025, with a focus on commercial and industrial lending [16][17] Question: How do you feel about the credit portfolio? - Management confirmed the large charge-off was related to a specific credit and stated that the rest of the portfolio remains stable [24][25] Question: What is the optimal CET1 ratio? - Management indicated a healthy CET1 ratio of 11.5% and expressed no specific target but a preference for the 11% to 12% range [26] Question: Can you provide insights on non-interest income? - Management noted a significant increase in non-interest income, particularly from capital markets, and provided a cautious outlook for future quarters [31][32] Question: What are the expectations for deposit beta? - Management expects a deposit beta of around 27% to 30% in the next easing cycle, indicating a lag in response to rate cuts [39][66] Question: What is the guidance for NIE in the fourth quarter? - Management maintained guidance for NIE in the range of $345 million to $350 million for Q4 [67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating net income increased by $252,000 from the prior quarter, attributed to higher net interest income and operating non-interest income, offset by increased provision and operating non-interest expenses [18] - Net interest income rose by $314,000 compared to the prior quarter, driven by continued asset repricing and loan growth [19] - Tangible book value per share increased to $14.2 from $12.76 a year ago, reflecting consistent growth in tangible capital [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income increased over $1,000,000 from the prior quarter, with significant increases in fee income and interchange income [9][20] - Mortgage and SBSL activity slowed, with mortgage production down slightly compared to the second quarter due to changes in SBA lending guidelines and a slower housing market [32] - Marine and RV lending showed improvement, with pretax income up $100,000 quarter over quarter [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was around 9% annualized, lower than the first and second quarters, but still around a 14% annualized loan growth rate for the year [8] - Total deposits increased by $28,100,000 during the quarter, partly due to strategic use of brokered funding [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments in talent acquisition to support growth and solidify market position [16] - The pending merger with TC Bancshares is progressing as planned, with expectations for closure in the fourth quarter [14] - The company remains optimistic about future M&A opportunities and is actively engaging with potential strategic fits [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management does not expect material adverse impacts from the federal government shutdown, having prepared by identifying affected customers [12][38] - The company anticipates a modest growth in net interest margin, expecting it to be in the single digits going forward [41] Other Important Information - Operating non-interest expenses increased by $624,000 quarter over quarter due to investments in people and growth initiatives [21] - A wire fraud incident resulted in a recognized loss of $1,250,000 related to disputed insurance coverage [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Given the disruption in DC, are there any impacts on borrowers and the local economy? - Management does not foresee a material impact at this time and has provided resources to assist customers [37][38] Question: What is the average roll on versus roll rate this quarter and how does the NIM outlook look? - The new and renewed loan rate was 7.83%, with expectations for modest growth in net interest margin [39][41] Question: Is there any NDFI loan exposure? - Management confirmed there is no meaningful exposure to NDFI loans [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share increased by 30% year-over-year, with a return on tangible equity of 20% [4] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) was $347 million, with net interest income of $600 million, up $22 million from Q2 [9][10] - Cost of deposits rose by 7 basis points to 191 basis points, while loan yields improved by 15 basis points to 6.48% [11][12] - Capital position strengthened with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11.5% and tangible book value (TBV) per share at $54.48, exceeding year-end 2024 levels [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production reached nearly $3.4 billion, with a 67% increase in loan production in Texas and Colorado since Q1 [5] - Commercial and industrial (C&I) loans experienced 9% linked quarter annualized growth, while residential loans grew by 6% [31] - Non-interest income rose to $99 million, driven by correspondent capital markets and deposit fees [12][50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company identified approximately $90 billion in overlapping deposits in the Southeast Texas and Colorado markets, indicating significant growth opportunities [8] - Loan pipelines in Texas increased from $800 million to $1.2 billion, with Florida and Atlanta also showing strong pipelines of $1 billion and $900 million, respectively [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth through recruiting and expanding its sales force, particularly in response to market disruptions [7][81] - Strategic planning is underway to capitalize on deregulation and market opportunities, with a focus on maintaining a strong capital formation rate [7][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects net loan growth to accelerate in the coming quarters, with a forecast of charge-offs around 10 basis points for the year [6][13] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2025, potentially increasing to upper single digits in 2026 [30] Other Important Information - The company is currently in a strong capital position, allowing for share repurchases while pursuing growth opportunities [43][82] - Management indicated that the transition of IBTX bankers to South State's business model will involve changes in incentive structures to prioritize loan growth and profitability [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the excess accretion this quarter? - Management explained that higher accretion was observed in July, with expectations for a decrease in the following months due to early payoffs and changes in loan vintages [20][22] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth given the current market dynamics? - Management guided for mid-single-digit growth for the remainder of 2025, with a focus on C&I loans and a strong pipeline in Texas [30][31] Question: How do you feel about the rest of the portfolio apart from the large charge-off? - Management confirmed that the charge-off was an isolated incident and that the overall portfolio remains stable [39][40] Question: What are the expectations for non-interest income moving forward? - Management indicated that while the current quarter showed strong performance, they expect a more normalized run rate in the future, estimating around $370 million to $380 million for 2026 [52] Question: How will the transition of IBTX bankers affect growth and expenses? - Management stated that the transition will align incentives with South State's model, focusing on loan growth and profitability [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by over $16 million compared to the second quarter, driven by an 8 basis point improvement in margin and 5.4% annualized loan growth [4] - Provision for credit losses declined by approximately $4 million compared to the last quarter, supported by strong credit results and a release of $2.6 million from the Hurricane Helene Special Reserve [4] - Earnings per share on an operating basis reached $0.75, a 32% year-over-year improvement, with a return on assets of 1.33% and a return on tangible common equity of 13.6% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All estates delivered positive loan growth, with significant contributions from C&I, Equipment Finance, and HELOC categories [5][8] - Deposits grew by $137 million, or 2.6% annualized, excluding seasonal public outflows, with DDA comprising a good portion of the growth [7] - Spread income grew by 14% annualized in the quarter, with net interest margin increasing by 8 basis points to 3.58% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio grew at a 5.4% annualized pace, with a 6.2% growth rate excluding senior care runoff [8] - The cost of deposits was pushed down to 1.97%, achieving a 37% total deposit beta so far [7] - The CET1 ratio remained flat at 13.4%, indicating a strong capital position [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on organic growth, increasing dividends, and exploring M&A opportunities, with buybacks being a lower priority [28] - Management emphasized a cautious and selective lending strategy, particularly towards non-depository financial institutions, maintaining limited exposure [6] - The company aims to improve operating leverage and profitability in 2026, driven by margin improvements and loan yield increases [54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the remainder of the year, supported by strong loan growth and positive credit quality metrics [13] - The company noted that recent credit environment challenges appear to be isolated events, with a strong balance sheet positioned to handle economic volatility [5][6] - Management anticipates continued strong performance in loan pipelines for the fourth quarter, with expectations for similar or slightly better loan growth [19] Other Important Information - The tangible book value reached $21.59, reflecting a 10% year-over-year growth [5] - Non-interest income was $43.2 million, up $8.5 million from the previous quarter, with strong increases across most fee categories [10][11] - The allowance for credit losses slightly decreased to 1.19%, with a loan loss provision of $7.9 million for the quarter [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and pipelines - Management noted strong loan growth across all geographies, with Florida leading, and expects similar activity in Q4 [19] Question: Deposit beta guidance - Management indicated confidence in reaching a 40% deposit beta due to successful rate cuts and CD growth despite lower rates [22] Question: Capital deployment priorities - The company prioritizes organic growth, dividends, and M&A opportunities, with buybacks being considered opportunistically [28] Question: Service charge income increase - Management attributed the increase in service charge income to better volume rather than any structural changes [29] Question: Expense increases related to hiring - Management expects a flat expense run rate for the fourth quarter, with a medium to long-term growth rate of 3%-4% [33] Question: Credit quality and Navitas book trends - Management reported normal fluctuations in non-performing assets and stable performance in the Navitas book, with expected losses around 1% in a normal environment [52] Question: Core fee income expectations - Management provided insights into core fee income, indicating variability due to certain non-recurring items but a solid underlying run rate [59]