阿通社2月11日消息，根据阿联酋中央银行（CBUAE）今天发布的月度统计公报，截至 2025 年 12 月底，该行黄金储备增长 64.93%，达到 379.02 亿迪拉姆，而 2024 年 12 月底的黄金储备为 229.81 亿迪 拉姆。2025年12月，黄金储备环比增长1.64%，达到372.91亿迪拉姆（截至11月底）。公告显示，截至 2025年12月底，活期存款超过1.264 万亿迪拉姆，而截至 2024年12月底，活期存款约为1.109 万亿迪拉 姆。截至 2025年12月底，储蓄存款达到 4005.1亿迪拉姆，而2024年12 月底为3174.88 亿迪拉姆。截至 2025年12月底，定期存款超过1.165 万亿迪拉姆，而2024 年12月底为 9457.8亿迪拉姆。 （原标题：阿联酋中央银行黄金储备预计到2025年将接近380亿迪拉姆） ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q4 2025 was $7.4 million, compared to $9.3 million in Q3 2025 and $7.1 million in Q4 2024, while net income for the full year 2025 was $32.6 million, up from $24.1 million in 2024, representing a 35% increase year-over-year [4][14] - The company executed a securities loss trade, realizing a pre-tax net loss of $4 million from the sale of $64 million in securities available for sale, which is expected to improve the balance sheet flexibility [4][14] - Net interest margin increased by 11 basis points from Q3 and 49 basis points from Q4 last year, while the cost of deposits declined by 28 basis points from Q3 and 64 basis points from Q4 last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings were slightly down at just under $3 billion due to larger payoffs from asset sales and refinancing activity, with a focus on replacing those assets with quality new assets at better interest rates [8][9] - Core deposit balances, excluding brokered funds, increased approximately $212 million in Q4 and $223 million for the year, with growth seen across retail, commercial, and public fund deposits [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The watch list for loans increased but remains low at 1.7% of total loans, with 70% of the watch list related to the trucking industry, which is currently facing challenges [6] - The company is experiencing strong credit quality with no past dues over 30 days, no nonaccruals, and no substandard loans [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong customer relationships and is actively pursuing new business opportunities, particularly in the wake of recent M&A activity in the market [12][13] - The strategy includes targeting high-quality retail deposits and business banking opportunities, leveraging community relationships to grow the business [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating loan growth to pick up with economic expansion and a strong position for growth [4] - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to potential volatility from public funds, but the company aims for continued mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits [26] Other Important Information - The company declared a $0.25 dividend payable on February 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 11, 2026 [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through some of the loan growth dynamics in the quarter? - The company experienced elevated payoffs, including a specific customer selling medical office buildings for over $50 million, with expectations for continued activity in the first quarter [20][21] Question: Can you update us on the amount of loans repricing over the balance of this year? - Approximately $400 million in fixed-rate loans are set to reprice in 2026, with an expected yield pickup of around 1.5%-2% [24] Question: Are you expecting continued mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits this year? - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to public funds volatility, but growth in retail and commercial deposits is anticipated [26] Question: What is the potential for additional securities portfolio repositionings in 2026? - The company will continue to evaluate its liquidity and cash needs for potential repositionings, with no set goals for 2026 [28] Question: What is the starting point for the margin given the recent repositioning? - The current margin is around 2.5%, with expectations for improvement throughout the year [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q4 2025 was $7.4 million, compared to $9.3 million in Q3 2025 and $7.1 million in Q4 2024. For the full year 2025, net income was $32.6 million, up from $24.1 million in 2024, representing a 35% increase year-over-year [4][13] - The company executed a securities loss trade, selling $64 million of securities available for sale, resulting in a pre-tax net loss of $4 million. Without this loss, Q4 net income would have exceeded $10 million [4][13] - Net interest income improved, with the net interest margin increasing by 11 basis points from Q3 and 49 basis points from Q4 last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings were slightly down at just under $3 billion due to larger payoffs from asset sales and refinancing activities [8] - Deposit balances increased by over $162 million during the quarter, with growth in core, commercial, and retail deposits [9][14] - Core deposit balances, excluding brokered funds, increased approximately $212 million in Q4 and $223 million for the year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The watch list for loans increased but remains low at 1.7% of total loans, with 70% of the watch list related to the trucking industry, which is currently facing challenges [6] - The company is experiencing a competitive market for loan opportunities, with a focus on maintaining strong customer relationships [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strong underwriting practices and maintaining a problem-free loan portfolio, which is seen as the foundation of its credit quality [6] - There is an emphasis on attracting new business through relationship-building and targeting high-value retail deposits from business owners and executives [10][12] - The company is evaluating opportunities for additional securities portfolio repositionings based on liquidity needs and cash deployment [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for growth in 2026, with expectations for loan growth to pick up as economic expansion begins [4] - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to potential volatility from public funds, but there is an expectation of continued mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits [25][26] Other Important Information - The company declared a $0.25 dividend payable on February 25 to shareholders of record as of February 11 [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through some of the loan growth dynamics in the quarter? - The company experienced elevated payoffs, including a specific customer selling medical office buildings for over $50 million, and is actively working to replace those loans [20][21] Question: Can you update on the amount of loans repricing over the year and potential yield pickup? - Approximately $400 million in fixed-rate loans are set to reprice in 2026, with an expected yield pickup of around 1.5%-2% [24] Question: What is the outlook for deposit growth and any seasonality factors? - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to public fund volatility, but growth in retail and commercial deposits is expected to continue [25][26] Question: What is the potential for additional securities portfolio repositionings in 2026? - The company regularly evaluates its securities portfolio and does not have set goals for 2026 but will continue to assess opportunities [28] Question: What is the starting point for the margin given the recent repositioning? - The current margin is around 2.5%, with expectations for improvement throughout the year [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net income was $22.9 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, compared to $18.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted share in the prior quarter [9] - Return on average assets was 1.25%, and return on average equity was 15.41%, indicating continued profitability improvement [9] - Core earnings per share increased by 24% from the prior year [4] - Net interest income rose by 1.3% from the prior quarter to $62.1 million, with net interest margin expanding 7 basis points to 3.56% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits grew by $78 million during Q4, with gains in interest-bearing demand, savings, and money market balances [6] - Total loan portfolio declined by $78 million from the prior quarter, with a full-year decline of $44 million driven by a decrease in residential mortgage, home equity, and consumer portfolios [6][7] - Commercial mortgage and construction portfolios showed strong growth, with a 10% year-over-year increase [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii's economy remains resilient despite macroeconomic uncertainty, with strong construction activity in both public and private sectors [4] - Non-interest-bearing demand deposits represented 29% of total deposits, indicating a healthy deposit base [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, diversification, and operational excellence, aiming for consistent earnings growth and enhanced shareholder returns [4] - A strategic partnership with Korea Investment & Securities was signed to expand international reach and create new deposit opportunities [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2026, guiding for low single-digit growth in net loans and deposits [8] - The company plans to continue investing in technology to drive returns and efficiency while managing expenses [35] Other Important Information - The board declared a first-quarter cash dividend of $0.29 per share, an increase of 3.6% from the prior quarter [13] - A new share repurchase authorization for up to $55 million in 2026 was approved, reflecting strong earnings and capital position [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Delay in new loan fundings - Management confirmed that delayed closings are expected to be weighted more towards the second quarter of 2026 [23] Question: Spot rate on deposit costs - The deposit spot rate at year-end was 89 basis points [24] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management indicated that loan growth is expected to be slower in the first quarter but may accelerate later in the year [43] Question: Drivers behind payoffs and paydowns - Payoffs were attributed to a smaller construction portfolio, impacting loan growth [47] Question: Competitive landscape for deposits - Core deposit growth was driven by both new clients and deepening relationships with existing clients [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Five Star Bancorp achieved a year-over-year growth in total loans held for investments of 15%, total deposit growth of 18%, net income growth of 35%, and an increase in earnings per share of 28% to $2.90 per share [5][6] - Financial highlights for the fourth quarter include $17.6 million in net income, earnings per share of $0.83, return on average assets of 1.50%, and return on average equity of 15.97% [5][6] - The net interest margin expanded 10 basis points to 3.66%, and the total cost of deposits declined by 21 basis points to 2.23% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment grew by $187.7 million, or 19% on an annualized basis, in the fourth quarter, while total deposits increased by $97.6 million, or 10% on an annualized basis [6] - The commercial real estate portfolio saw significant growth, increasing by $161.4 million in the fourth quarter and $448.5 million for the year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-wholesale deposits increased by $139.1 million during the fourth quarter and $738.1 million during the year, while wholesale deposits decreased by $41.4 million during the quarter and $95 million during the year [8][9] - Total non-interest-bearing deposits accounted for 26% of total deposits, with approximately 61% of deposit relationships totaling more than $5 million [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to further develop all business verticals while expanding into new markets, emphasizing a blend of technology and personalized service [16] - Five Star Bancorp aims to maintain a focus on innovation and service excellence, with a commitment to building deep, meaningful relationships with clients [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth pipeline for 2026, indicating that while growth may not match the previous year, a target of 10% growth on both sides of the balance sheet is achievable [24][25] - The competitive landscape for deposits is described as very competitive, with a focus on core deposit growth as a competitive advantage [23][24] Other Important Information - The company successfully reduced its balance of wholesale deposits by $95 million, or 17%, in 2025, while growing non-wholesale deposits by 25% [6][7] - A cash dividend of $0.25 per share was announced, marking the first increase since April 2023 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers behind the acceleration in loan originations - Management noted strong performance across all verticals, particularly in food and agriculture, with seasonal factors contributing to growth [21] Question: Competitive landscape for deposits - Management acknowledged a highly competitive environment for core deposits but emphasized their business development team's effectiveness in attracting core relationships [22][23] Question: Expense growth outlook - Management indicated that expenses are expected to grow at a rate of 1.48%-1.55% of total assets in 2026, accommodating growth and regular maintenance [35][36] Question: Capital comfortability and outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining capital positions with a 10% growth rate, but noted that higher growth rates would necessitate a capital event in the future [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $2.8 billion, up 8.1% year-over-year [2] - Loans grew by $216 million, or 11%, reflecting strong commercial activity [2] - Deposits increased to $171 million, or 7.9%, demonstrating continued franchise growth [2] - Net interest income expanded to 3.27%, improving from 3.16% in the prior year [2] - Non-performing loans stood at 0.14% of total loans, indicating excellent credit quality [3] - Tangible book value per share increased 10.8% year-over-year to $11.97 [3] - GAAP-diluted EPS was $0.07, with operational diluted EPS at $0.44, consistent with the previous quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased $31.9 million, or 6.02% annualized compared to the prior quarter [10] - Gross loan production totaled $196 million in Q4, with $83.5 million from correspondent banking [12] - Net interest income increased $933,000 on a linked quarter basis, representing 17.4% annualized growth [13] - Portfolio yield declined modestly to 6.16% due to Federal Reserve rate cuts [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits were stable, down $3.9 million compared to the prior quarter but up $314.6 million year-over-year [10] - Interest-bearing deposit rates decreased 27 basis points to 3.02% [10] - Total deposit costs improved 25 basis points quarter-over-quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand and strengthen its deposit base, focusing on multi-vertical and relationship-driven strategies [26] - Key business lines include Business Banking, Private Client Group, Association Banking, and Correspondent Banking, each with clear growth plans [27][28][29] - The strategy emphasizes building sticky, relationship-anchored deposits and expanding production capacity [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's ability to execute its plans for 2026, focusing on profitability and shareholder value [26] - The company anticipates further NIM improvement supported by rate cuts and disciplined deposit pricing strategies [14] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio between 90% and 95% [40] Other Important Information - The board approved a 25% increase in quarterly cash dividends to $0.12 per share [5] - The bank's capital ratios exceed regulatory requirements comfortably [5] - The company executed a $40 million subordinated debt issuance, primarily used for share repurchase [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Deposit trends and shrinkage at year-end - Management noted a significant deposit move of over $100 million from a long-term client, which is expected to rebuild over time [36] - A $50 million swing in correspondent banking deposits was also identified, which has been recovered in January [37] Question: Loan-to-deposit ratio expectations - Management prefers a loan-to-deposit ratio between 90% and 95%, indicating a desire for liquidity [40] Question: SBA vertical opportunity - The SBA initiative has been growing prudently, with plans to increase annual volume to $40 million or $50 million over the next three years [42] Question: Capital strategy and priorities - The focus remains on building capital and returning it to shareholders, with no significant plans for additional actions beyond producing good earnings [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $0.23 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.41 on a core basis [3] - Net interest income grew by $5 million, or 5%, compared to the prior quarter, and increased by 14% compared to the prior year quarter [4] - The net interest margin declined modestly to 2.87% compared to the third quarter [4] - Total loans increased by $474 million, representing an 18% annualized growth rate, driven by $1 billion in originations [4][10] - Asset quality remained strong, with non-performing loans to total loans at 0.2% and non-performing assets to total assets at 0.22% [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C&I business grew by 42% for the year, benefiting from talent recruitment and favorable conditions for borrowers [9] - Non-interest income decreased by $3.3 million to $9 million during the quarter, primarily due to lower title fees and a reduction in the gain on sale of loans [11] - Total deposits increased by $528 million, with $323 million driven by organic growth across various business lines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Premier Bank team grew deposits by $90 million, or 37%, from the linked quarter, with a weighted average cost of their deposit portfolio declining by 36 basis points to 2.28% [10] - Approximately 21% of the new deposits are in non-interest-bearing DDA accounts [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger agreement with Flushing Financial Corporation, which is expected to enhance organic growth initiatives in New York [6][7] - The merger is anticipated to improve profitability and increase operating scale, providing meaningful upside to shareholders [7] - The company remains focused on continued organic growth efforts, which have shown success in the current quarter [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects high single-digit growth in net interest income for the year, despite the typical seasonal slowdown in Q1 [21] - The effective tax rate is expected to remain in the 23%-25% range quarterly, absent any changes in tax policy [16] - The company anticipates continued strong asset quality, with low levels of criticized and classified loans [13] Other Important Information - The company did not repurchase any shares this quarter, as capital was utilized to support loan growth [6] - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share was approved, marking the 116th consecutive quarterly cash dividend [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on net interest income guidance - Management indicated that net interest income growth will likely exceed loan balance growth due to the compounding effect of the larger balance sheet [21] Question: Commentary on loan sales post-merger - Management stated it is too early to provide precise figures on loan sales, as they are currently reviewing portfolios [22] Question: Expense line clarification - The recurring CRT premium expense is categorized under other expenses, similar to insurance premium expenses [23] Question: C&I growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects C&I growth rates to remain in the 7%-9% range, with strong deposit growth anticipated [35] Question: Deposit growth outlook for Premier Banking - Management confirmed the target of $2 billion-$3 billion in deposits by the end of 2027 remains intact [39] Question: Deposit costs outlook for the year - Management expects deposit costs to decrease, lagging behind rate cuts, and anticipates steady improvement in margins [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Webster Financial Corporation reported a 17% ROTCE and a 1.2% ROA for the full year 2025, with EPS increasing by 10% compared to the previous year [8] - Loans grew by 8% and deposits by 6% year-over-year, while tangible book value per share increased by 13% [8] - The company repurchased 10.9 million shares, enhancing capital distributions to shareholders [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, loans increased by $1.5 billion or 2.8%, with a full-year growth of 7.8%, primarily driven by commercial loan categories [14] - Classified commercial loans decreased by 7% and nonperforming loans were down 8%, indicating progress in credit remediation [10][18] - 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 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall asset quality remains solid, with non-performing assets down 8% and commercial classified loans down 7% [18] - The company operates from a strong capital position, with capital ratios above well-capitalized levels [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its strategic advantages by investing in non-traditional banking verticals, including HSA Bank and Ametros [8] - Webster Financial is focused on maintaining profitability while growing its loan portfolio, with a loan growth forecast of 5%-7% for 2026 [19][62] - The company is adapting to a supportive macroeconomic environment and regulatory changes, which are expected to benefit its growth trajectory [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026 with robust capital levels and a strong funding and liquidity profile [9] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates continued growth in loans and deposits, with expected revenue of $3 billion [19] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between growth and risk management in the current competitive landscape [21][62] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and marketing to enhance client experience and drive account openings in HSA [11][33] - The acquisition of SecureSave is expected to complement the company's offerings in emergency savings accounts, although it is characterized as a relatively small deal [131][134] 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, expecting a positive income of $2 million from the joint venture [29][30] Question: Expense trends related to investments - Most investments are focused on marketing and client outreach to identify potential HSA account holders, with technology investments already in place [31][33] Question: Impact of potential changes in Category IV threshold - Management noted that while it could reduce expenses, it does not significantly alter the strategic growth outlook for the bank [38][40] Question: NIM trajectory for early 2026 - The company expects to maintain a NIM of around 3.35% throughout 2026, with some seasonal variability [42] Question: Loan growth guidance and deposit mix - Management provided a conservative loan growth forecast of 5%-7% for 2026, emphasizing a focus on profitability and capital allocation [62] Question: HSA account openings during open enrollment - The company reported a positive trend in HSA account openings, slightly ahead of the previous year, with expectations for continued growth [85] Question: Capital management and buyback activity - Management indicated a potential for continued share repurchases in 2026, with a focus on maintaining a CET1 ratio above 11% [88][89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company produced $3.49 per share, with net income just under $135 million and a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.9% [4] - In Q4, net income was $34 million, equating to $0.89 per share, slightly down from Q3, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.37% [5] - The NIM rose to 3.99%, up six basis points from the previous quarter, marking the best performance since Q2 2023 [6] - Non-interest income increased by $500,000 in Q4, with expectations for fees in 2026 to remain around $13 million to $14 million per quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for Q4 was just under $100 million at 4.5%, primarily driven by commercial banking, with C&I and CRE portfolios growing by $53 million and $34 million, respectively [8] - Customer deposit growth was just under $60 million at 2.9%, with a strong deposit mix where demand deposits accounted for 27% of total balances [6] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) decreased from 1.23% to 1.15% quarter over quarter, reflecting a reduction in criticized and classified loans by $30 million, or 13% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single digit loan growth for 2026, primarily from C&I and CRE, supported by increased activity from investments in team leadership and banker talent [9] - The company experienced a strong Q4 in customer deposit growth, particularly in the consumer space, despite some anomalous activity with large commercial depositors [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new $100 million share repurchase authorization, indicating robust capital levels and the ability to consider M&A opportunities [7] - The focus remains on maintaining asset quality while pursuing growth in commercial banking and consumer home equity [9] - The company is committed to adding talent in C&I and CRE to accelerate growth, with a strong emphasis on deposit gathering and developing new relationships [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining asset quality in 2026, with expectations that results will not perform worse than in 2025 [52] - The overall state of the economy is improving, but management is cautious about predicting growth rates significantly higher than GDP [20] - The company is optimistic about its ability to respond to competitive pressures in the deposit market, aiming to grow deposits at a rate that matches loan growth [89] Other Important Information - The TCE ratio decreased by 29 basis points due to share repurchases, but regulatory ratios remain strong with significant excess capital [14] - The company is utilizing AI tools for BSA, AML compliance, and fraud protection, which have resulted in significant savings [67][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is holding back loan growth from ramping to mid to high single-digit pace? - Management indicated that it is not a demand issue but ensuring asset quality of new customers meets criteria to maintain lower levels of criticized and classified loans [19] Question: How focused is hiring on the C&I side? - Hiring is a top priority across C&I and CRE, with efforts to enhance deposit gathering and customer relationships [22] Question: What is the outlook on deposit growth and funding loan growth? - The company expects to fund loan growth internally through deposit growth, with a strong focus on core deposit growth [36] Question: Can you provide an update on M&A discussions? - Management confirmed active dialogue across geographies, with a focus on executing current strategies while exploring M&A opportunities [27] Question: What are the competitive factors on the deposit side? - Early Q4 saw pressure from competitors to retain deposits, but the market became more rational in the second half of the quarter [88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the loan portfolio expanded by approximately $775 million, representing a growth of nearly 13% [3] - Total loan originations reached approximately $1.9 billion, with deposits increasing by roughly $1.4 billion, or about 23% [3][9] - Net interest income for the fourth quarter was $85.3 million, up more than 10% on a linked quarter basis and up almost 20% for the year [10] - The net interest margin (NIM) was 4.1% in the fourth quarter, up 22 basis points from the prior quarter [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan book was essentially flat in the fourth quarter due to prepayments of approximately $317 million, which was about $150 million above the trailing three-quarter run rate [6][7] - The new volume origination mix was approximately 70% fixed and 30% floating [8] - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $3.1 million, with expectations to rebuild the fee income line through new business initiatives [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew by $304 million, or approximately 4.3% in the fourth quarter, with a total annual growth of $1.4 billion [9] - The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined by 43 basis points quarter over quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategy for 2026 focuses on capturing additional market share through traditional channels while enhancing long-term shareholder value [5] - The company plans to open two new branches in Florida in the first half of 2026, enhancing its presence in key growth markets [4] - The business model is designed to defend or expand the NIM with or without additional rate cuts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, noting no broad-based negative trends across loan segments, geographies, or sectors [4] - The company expects to grow loans by about $800 million, or approximately 12% in 2026, with a forecasted ROTCE approaching 16% by the fourth quarter of 2026 [13][15] - Management remains focused on organic growth and does not see significant M&A opportunities in the current market [40][44] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was about 30% [12] - The company is hosting an Investor Day at its headquarters in New York on March 3rd, with several senior leaders presenting [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan mix and C&I growth - Management does not expect substantial growth in core C&I but sees potential in healthcare-related C&I [20] Question: Asset quality and NPAs - Two loans in the multifamily sector are expected to have little or no loss upon sale, with ongoing workouts expected to resolve by the end of the quarter [28] Question: CET1 ratio targets - The company aims for a TCE trend from the current high eights to about low nines [29] Question: Digital transformation completion - The conversion is anticipated to be completed by President's Day weekend [35] Question: Demand deposit growth contributors - The largest contributors to deposit growth were municipal deposits and property managers [39] Question: M&A opportunities - Management does not see significant value in current M&A opportunities and is focused on organic growth [40][44]