Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry - **Companies Involved**: Pinnacle and Synovus - **Industry**: Banking and Financial Services Key Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement and Leadership**: Pinnacle and Synovus announced a transformational merger in July, with regulatory approval received and expected closure early next year. Kevin Blair will be the CEO of the combined company, while Terry Turner will serve as chairman [1][4][5]. 2. **Investor Concerns**: Key concerns from investors include fears that the merger will lead to value destruction similar to past mergers of equals (MOEs). The leadership has worked to address these concerns by emphasizing a clear go-to-market strategy and a commitment to maintaining the Pinnacle brand [4][6][9]. 3. **Cultural Integration**: A significant challenge identified is the integration of different corporate cultures, particularly between the fast-growing Pinnacle and the slower-growing Synovus. Both companies have a strong focus on creating a positive work environment and client loyalty, which they believe will facilitate a successful merger [11][12][14]. 4. **Growth Projections**: The combined company expects loan and deposit growth of 9%-11% for 2026, with Pinnacle's historical growth rate around 12% and Synovus at approximately 3%. The leadership aims to align Synovus's growth with Pinnacle's model [16][22][23]. 5. **Revenue Synergies**: The merger is expected to generate $100-$130 million in revenue synergies over 2-3 years, driven by cross-selling opportunities and the introduction of new products. The leadership is focused on leveraging the strengths of both companies to achieve these synergies [37][38]. 6. **Hiring Strategy**: The combined company plans to hire approximately 500 new revenue producers over the next two years, utilizing a continuous recruitment model to attract experienced bankers. This approach aims to enhance growth and maintain a strong company culture [38][40][41]. 7. **Capital Management**: The company anticipates a CET1 ratio of around 10% at closing, with plans to grow it to 10.5%. The leadership emphasizes the importance of using capital for growth rather than share repurchases, although they remain open to share buybacks if excess capital is available [84][89]. 8. **Market Positioning**: The leadership believes that the combined company will be well-positioned to compete effectively in the regional banking sector, aiming to be the fastest-growing regional bank with high profitability and efficiency by 2027 [123]. Other Important Content 1. **Regulatory Approval**: The merger received regulatory approval in just 124 days, indicating strong relationships with regulators [120][122]. 2. **Client Experience**: Both companies have high net promoter scores, indicating strong client loyalty and satisfaction, which they aim to maintain post-merger [11][12]. 3. **Turnover Rates**: The leadership is focused on minimizing employee turnover during the merger, with historical turnover rates between 3%-7% for Pinnacle and a current low of 11% for Synovus [71][73]. 4. **BHG Investment**: There is ongoing discussion regarding the potential liquidity event for BHG, which could impact capital availability and revenue streams for the combined company [115][118]. 5. **Market Opportunities**: The leadership identifies significant growth opportunities in various markets, including Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Richmond, emphasizing the potential for increased market density [58][59].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $16.9 million for Q3 2025, an increase of 8.3% compared to Q2 2025, resulting in a return on assets (ROA) of 1.41% and a return on equity (ROE) of 15.1% [8][9] - Total assets surpassed $5 billion for the first time, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.3% since the IPO in November 2021 [6] - The efficiency ratio improved to 53.05% for Q3 2025, indicating better operational efficiency [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $1.5 million, or 3%, primarily due to a better-than-expected net interest margin and growth in average earning assets of $229 million [9] - Average loans rose by $158 million compared to Q2 2025, while period-end loans increased by $85.4 million [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $92 million for the quarter, resulting in a loan-to-deposit ratio of 95% [9] - The yield on the investment securities portfolio was 6.07% as of September 30, 2025, with total investment securities rising to $583 million [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a definitive merger agreement with Keystone Bancshares, expected to close in Q1 2026, which will create a combined entity with total assets exceeding $6 billion [14] - The merger aims to enhance market presence and leverage shared commitment to relationship banking and customer service [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting loan growth targets of $50 million to $100 million in Q4 2025, supported by strong loan pipelines [15] - The company remains disciplined in underwriting and portfolio management practices to ensure high-quality growth [15] Other Important Information - The company achieved new records in book value and tangible book value, reaching $32.25 and $30.91, respectively [6] - The successful completion of the bank's first and second securitization transactions received international recognition, winning the SCI Risk Sharing Award for North American Transaction of the Year [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Integration process timeline for the Keystone merger - The integration is expected to be straightforward due to operational compatibility, with a core conversion planned for early Q2 2026 [19][20] Question: Loan growth expectations for Q4 - The company is comfortable with the $50 million to $100 million loan growth target, although year-end paydowns may affect final figures [21][22] Question: EPS accretion expectations from the merger - EPS accretion estimates are based on consensus, with expectations that the number may change following the current earnings report [29][30] Question: Near-term securitization strategy - A third securitization is being considered, likely in Q1 2026, but it will depend on customer demand [33] Question: Future M&A opportunities - The company is open to additional deals but will maintain a high bar for any future acquisitions, focusing on cultural fit and financial rewards [50][51] Question: Fee income growth and expectations - Fee income has shown strong momentum, with expectations for a slight step down in Q4 due to seasonal factors [42][44] Question: Hiring efforts to support loan growth - The company is selectively hiring top talent to support growth, focusing on high productivity and quality candidates [46][48] Question: Geographic expansion plans - The company aims to build around the Texas Triangle and is open to opportunities that enhance shareholder value [73][75]