VANCOUVER, Wash., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”), parent company of Riverview Bank (the “Bank”) implemented a strategic balance sheet optimization. This included the reclassification of its entire held-to-maturity (“HTM”) securities to available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities. After the reclassification, Riverview sold $149.3 million in lower-yielding book value investment securities, with an average yield of 1.62%, for an estimated ...

Core Viewpoint - Nuvini Group Limited has agreed to extend the deadline for earnout obligations to April 30, 2026, reflecting its commitment to balance sheet optimization and the founders' belief in the company's long-term value [1][2]. Company Overview - Nuvini is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, and is recognized as Latin America's leading acquirer of business-to-business (B2B) software as a service (SaaS) companies [3]. - The company focuses on acquiring profitable, high-growth SaaS businesses that generate strong recurring revenue and cash flow [3]. - Nuvini fosters an entrepreneurial environment to help its portfolio companies scale and maintain industry leadership [3].

Group 1 - BMO Financial Group is nearing completion of its U.S. balance sheet optimization and is optimistic about loan growth in the second half of its 2026 fiscal year [1][2] - BMO CEO Darryl White indicated that positive commercial loan growth is expected, supported by strong pipelines, with the U.S. economy anticipated to outpace Canada for the fourth consecutive year [2][6] - BMO U.S. President Aron Levine projected mid-single-digit U.S. loan growth, aligning with the broader U.S. banking industry's recent 2% loan growth [2][3] Group 2 - The tone from BMO executives marks a significant shift from 2025, when the bank focused on shedding low-yield loans and high-cost deposits, resulting in a 3% year-over-year decline in U.S. loan volume [3][4] - As part of its optimization strategy, BMO sold a nonrelationship credit card portfolio and exited an underperforming franchise loan portfolio [4] - BMO agreed to sell 138 branches to First Citizens BancShares, aiming to concentrate on high-growth markets like California, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026 [5] Group 3 - BMO Financial Group reported a profit of $1.82 billion for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, moving closer to its profitability targets of 15% return on assets for overall operations and 12% ROA for U.S. banking [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 operating EPS of $7.75 per share, marking the second consecutive record quarter in earnings [6] - Adjusted operating return on equity (ROE) for the trailing 12 months was 15.7%, exceeding the intermediate-term target range of 13%-15% [6][17] - For the full year 2025, the company achieved record operating EPS and increased the value of Inforce business margins by 18% [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed favorable results driven by management actions and variable investment income, with individual life mortality in line with expectations [8] - EMEA results reflected strong volume growth and favorable experience, with full-year pre-tax earnings up 35% [11] - APAC continued to see growth momentum, with pre-tax operating income up 18% for the year [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium growth was 7.4% year-to-date on a constant currency basis, benefiting from strong growth across North America, EMEA, and APAC [18] - The U.S. healthcare business has approximately $400 million of annual premium, generating about $25 million of pre-tax run rate earnings [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a proactive business approach, optimizing its balance sheet, operational scaling, and capital stewardship to generate long-term shareholder value [14][15] - A strategic review led to the decision to exit the group healthcare lines of business, with a focus on deploying capital in strategically aligned businesses [12][39] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to capital deployment, targeting a total payout ratio of 20%-30% for buybacks and dividends [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate attractive shareholder value going forward, supported by a strong pipeline of opportunities across various regions [16][77] - The company anticipates a more limited financial impact from Inforce management actions in 2026 compared to recent years [22][83] - Higher interest rates are viewed positively for overall earnings, with modest exposure to disintermediation risk from higher rates [89] Other Important Information - The company successfully repurchased $50 million of shares in Q4, totaling $125 million since reinstating buybacks [10][18] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 23.8%, with expectations for 2026 in the range of 22%-23% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation and payout ratio - Management confirmed the target of a 20%-30% total payout ratio while maintaining flexibility for capital deployment [32] Question: Group health rate actions and exit strategy - Significant rate actions were taken, including a 40% average increase, and the decision to exit the group healthcare business was driven by strategic alignment [38][39] Question: Performance of the Equitable block - The Equitable transaction is expected to generate earnings of $160-$170 million in 2026, with various drivers of economic upside identified [45][46] Question: Long-term care risk transfer deal performance - Management expressed satisfaction with the long-term care business performance, aligning with risk appetite and return expectations [57] Question: Exposure to software-related companies and AI disruption - The company has modest exposure to software lending and actively assesses the impact of AI on the investment portfolio [62] Question: Regulatory changes in Europe and competition - Management noted no significant competitive threats arising from regulatory changes in Europe, focusing on opportunities with both asset and biometric risks [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 operating EPS of $7.75 per share, marking the second consecutive record quarter in earnings [4] - Adjusted operating return on equity (ROE) for the trailing 12 months was 15.7%, exceeding the intermediate-term target range of 13%-15% [4][14] - Full year 2025 results included record operating EPS and a 15.7% ROE, with Inforce business margins increasing by 18% [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. region showed favorable results driven by management actions and variable investment income, with individual life mortality in line with expectations [5] - EMEA results reflected strong volume growth and favorable experience, while APAC continued to see growth momentum [5][9] - The Equitable block contributed positively, with earnings consistent with guidance for the second half of 2025 and expected earnings of $160-$170 million in 2026 [21][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium growth was 7.4% year-to-date on a constant currency basis, benefiting from strong growth across North America, EMEA, and APAC [16] - The APAC region produced excellent bottom-line results for the year, with pre-tax operating income up 18% [8][9] - EMEA's full year pre-tax earnings were up 35%, reflecting strong new business growth [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key areas: proactive business approach, balance sheet optimization, operational scaling, and capital stewardship [12] - A strategic review led to the decision to exit the group healthcare lines of business, with significant rate increases implemented [10][31] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to capital deployment while returning capital to shareholders [28][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate attractive shareholder value going forward, supported by a strong pipeline of opportunities [13][48] - The company anticipates a more limited financial impact from Inforce management actions in 2026 compared to recent years [20][52] - The expected tax rate for 2026 is projected to be in the range of 22%-23% [16] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with estimated excess capital of $2.7 billion and deployable capital of $3.4 billion for the next 12 months [16][24] - The non-spread book yield was slightly higher than Q3, driven by new money rates exceeding portfolio yields [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation and payout ratio - Management confirmed the target of a 20%-30% payout ratio remains appropriate, balancing capital deployment with shareholder returns [27][28] Question: Group health rate actions and business exit - Significant rate increases of 40% were implemented, and the decision to exit the group healthcare business was driven by strategic alignment [30][31] Question: Long-term care risk transfer deal performance - Management expressed satisfaction with the long-term care business performance, aligning with risk appetite and return expectations [39] Question: Exposure to software-related companies and AI disruption - The company has minimal exposure to software lending and is actively managing the portfolio in light of AI trends [41] Question: Regulatory changes in Europe and competition - Management noted no significant competitive threats arising from regulatory changes, focusing on opportunities with both asset and biometric risks [44][46] Question: Opportunities in specific regions or product lines - The company highlighted strong pipelines in Asia and the UK longevity market, with optimism about future returns [47][48]

Core Insights - Glen Burnie Bancorp reported a net loss of $95,000 for Q4 2025, compared to a net loss of $40,000 in Q4 2024, indicating a decline in performance year-over-year [1] - For the full year 2025, net losses were $29,000, an improvement from net losses of $112,000 in 2024, suggesting a trend towards recovery [2] - The company is undergoing strategic repositioning and operational restructuring aimed at enhancing long-term profitability and shareholder value [3] Financial Performance - The diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025 were $(0.03), compared to $(0.01) in Q4 2024 and $0.04 in Q3 2025, reflecting a downward trend in earnings [1] - Net interest margin improved from 2.98% in Q4 2024 to 3.14% in Q4 2025, a year-over-year increase of 16 basis points, indicating better asset management [6] - Total loans increased by $26.0 million or 12.7% from $205.2 million at the end of 2024 to $231.2 million at the end of 2025, driven by growth in commercial real estate and industrial lending [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company executed initiatives to strengthen its balance sheet and improve revenue-generating capabilities, which included enhancing operational efficiency and reducing structural costs [3][4] - Management views 2025 as a pivotal year for transitioning from balance sheet stabilization to earnings improvement, laying the groundwork for a multi-year balance sheet optimization strategy [5] - The acquisition of VA Wholesale Mortgage Incorporated in August 2025 added mortgage banking capabilities, contributing to non-interest income growth [13] Asset Quality and Liquidity - Non-performing loans increased to 0.54% of total loans at the end of 2025, up from 0.18% at the end of 2024, indicating a need for continued focus on credit risk management [12] - Total deposits rose by 7.5% to $332.4 million at the end of 2025, compared to $309.2 million at the end of 2024, reflecting a stable and diversified deposit base [9] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 69.6% at the end of 2025, up from 66.4% at the end of 2024, suggesting a conservative balance sheet with a focus on liquidity [8] Operational Efficiency - The company implemented an early retirement program and selective headcount reductions, decreasing full-time equivalent employees from 89 to 69, aimed at improving operating leverage [15] - Noninterest expenses included non-recurring items related to organizational restructuring and strategic investments, with expectations for normalization of expense levels over time [19] - Management anticipates that the transition to the OTCQX Best Market will reduce ongoing annual compliance costs by approximately $200,000, enhancing operating leverage [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net income of $224.1 million for the full year, with diluted earnings per share of $3.88, reflecting a 13.8% increase from the previous year [3] - Fourth quarter net income was $56.6 million, or $0.99 per share, with an annual return on assets of 1.21% and a return on tangible common equity of 14.08% [3] - The efficiency ratio for the year was 54.5%, indicating significant operating leverage with revenues growing almost five times faster than expenses [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was robust, with $153 million in growth for the quarter (6% annualized) and $852 million year-to-date (nearly 7% growth for 2025) [7] - The consumer segment also contributed to growth, with $44 million in loan growth for the quarter and $87 million for the year [7] - Total revenues in Q4 included a $5.4 million increase in net interest income and a $0.6 million increase in non-interest income, leading to pre-tax pre-provision earnings of $72.4 million [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates 111 banking centers across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, with total assets reaching $19 billion, total loans at $13.8 billion, and total deposits at $15.3 billion [2] - The fourth quarter was the strongest for deposit growth, driven by the consumer segment, which saw a $155 million increase in total consumer deposits [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build on its Midwestern strength and grow organically through deeper relationships and smarter use of technology [6] - The acquisition of First Savings Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets, is expected to enhance the company's presence in Southern Indiana and the Louisville MSA [3][4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic and financial benefits of the merger with First Savings Group, which is set to close on February 1, 2026 [4] - The company anticipates maintaining loan growth into the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth for the year [32] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses at quarter-end was $195.6 million, with a coverage ratio of 1.42% [14] - The company repurchased 272,000 shares for $10.4 million in the quarter, totaling over 1.2 million shares for $46.9 million in 2025 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on balance sheet optimization - Management is evaluating modest balance sheet repositioning, including selling the entire First Savings bond portfolio of about $250 million [28][29] Question: Expectations for loan growth in 2026 - Management expects mid to high single-digit loan growth for 2026, with balanced growth across segments and geographies [32][33] Question: Guidance on core expense base - Non-interest expense is expected to increase by 3%-5% due to talent additions and the integration of First Savings Group [44] Question: Outlook on fee income growth - Management anticipates double-digit growth in non-interest income for 2026, driven by wealth management and treasury management [55][58] Question: Impact of M&A on loan pipeline - Management sees opportunities arising from M&A disruptions among competitors, particularly in Michigan [60][61] Question: Buyback strategy - Management intends to be aggressive with buybacks if the stock continues to trade below average valuation levels [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net income of $224.1 million for the full year, with diluted earnings per share of $3.88, reflecting a 13.8% increase from the previous year [3] - Fourth quarter net income was $56.6 million, or $0.99 per share, with an annual return on assets of 1.21% and a return on tangible common equity of 14.08% [3] - The efficiency ratio for the year was 54.5%, indicating significant operating leverage with revenues growing almost five times faster than expenses [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was robust, with $153 million in growth for the quarter (6% annualized) and $852 million year-to-date (nearly 7% growth for 2025) [7] - The consumer segment also contributed to growth, with $44 million in loan growth for the quarter and $87 million for the year [7] - Total revenues in Q4 showed strong growth, with net interest income increasing by $5.4 million and non-interest income by $0.6 million [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates 111 banking centers across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, with a focus on growing within these markets [2] - The fourth quarter was the strongest for deposit growth, driven by the consumer segment, which saw a $155 million increase in total consumer deposits [8] - The company has seen a stable pipeline for loans, indicating optimism for maintaining loan growth into the first quarter of 2026 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build on its Midwestern strength and grow organically through deeper relationships and smarter use of technology [6] - The acquisition of First Savings Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets, is expected to enhance the company's presence in Southern Indiana and the Louisville MSA [3][4] - The integration of First Savings Bank is on track, with a focus on community banking and specialty verticals as priorities [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic and financial benefits of the merger, expecting to close the acquisition on February 1, 2026 [4] - The Midwest economy continues to expand, with clients' businesses growing and bankers winning new relationships [7] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of 6% to 8% growth for the year [32][34] Other Important Information - The company plans to sell the entire First Savings bond portfolio, approximately $250 million, to optimize the balance sheet [28] - The tangible book value per share ended the year at $30.18, a 12.7% increase from the prior year [11] - The company repurchased 272,000 shares for $10.4 million in the fourth quarter, totaling over 1.2 million shares for $46.9 million in 2025 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on balance sheet optimization - Management is evaluating balance sheet repositioning but expects any actions to be modest, focusing on selling the First Savings bond portfolio [27][29] Question: Expectations for loan growth in 2026 - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for the first quarter, with potential for 6% to 8% growth for the year [32][34] Question: Guidance on core expenses - Non-interest expenses are expected to increase by 3%-5% due to talent additions and the integration of First Savings [44] Question: Impact of FSFG on margin - The acquisition is expected to provide a lift to the margin due to interest accretion [72] Question: Outlook on buybacks versus M&A - Management is focused on the current acquisition and believes buybacks are the best short-term strategy given current valuations [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record total assets of $19 billion, total loans of $13.8 billion, and total deposits of $15.3 billion [2] - Record net income of $224.1 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.88, an increase of 13.8% from the previous year [3] - Fourth quarter net income totaled $56.6 million or $0.99 per share, with an annual return on assets of 1.21% and return on tangible common equity of 14.08% [3] - Efficiency ratio for the year was 54.5%, with revenues growing almost five times faster than expenses [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for the quarter was $153 million or 6% annualized, with year-to-date growth of $852 million, nearly 7% for all of 2025 [6] - Consumer segment contributed $44 million in loan growth for the quarter and $87 million for the year, driven by residential mortgage, HELOC, and private banking relationships [7] - Total revenues in Q4 included a $5.4 million increase in net interest income and a $0.6 million increase in non-interest income [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter was the strongest for deposit growth, with consumer segment driving increases in new households and balances [8] - Deposits increased by $155 million in the fourth quarter, with over $250 million in non-maturity balance growth [8] - The primary driver of deposit growth was through public fund depository relationships, which are higher cost but involve local government and public relationships [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build on its Midwestern strength and grow organically through deeper relationships and smarter use of technology [5] - The acquisition of First Savings Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets, is expected to enhance the company's presence in Southern Indiana and the Louisville MSA [3][4] - Integration efforts for First Savings Bank are on track, with a focus on community bank model and specialty verticals [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic and financial benefits of the merger, expecting to close on February 1, 2026 [4] - The outlook for loan growth in 2026 is projected to be in the mid-single-digit range, with expectations of 6% to 8% growth [32] - Management noted that asset quality remains strong, with stable non-performing assets and a robust coverage ratio [19] Other Important Information - The company plans to sell the entire First Savings bond portfolio, approximately $250 million, to optimize the balance sheet [25] - Non-interest expense for the year increased only 3.2%, demonstrating significant operating leverage [15] - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 9.38%, with share repurchases totaling over 1.2 million shares for $46.9 million in 2025 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on balance sheet optimization - Management is evaluating modest balance sheet repositioning, including selling the First Savings bond portfolio [25][26] Question: Expectations for loan growth in 2026 - Loan growth is expected to be in the mid-single-digit range, with strong pipelines across various segments [30][32] Question: Guidance on deposit repricing schedule - Approximately $800 million of CDs maturing in the first two quarters of 2026, with weighted average rates higher than current specials [34] Question: Outlook on operating leverage - Core operating leverage is expected to be less impressive due to talent additions, but overall growth in net interest income and fee income is anticipated [39] Question: Guidance on core expense base - Non-interest expense is budgeted to increase by 3%-5% due to talent additions and First Savings operating expenses [43] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be in the range of $6 million to $7 million over the near term [81] Question: Impact of M&A on loan pipeline - Management sees M&A-related disruptions as opportunities for new client conversations and potential talent acquisition [58][60] Question: Buyback strategy - The company intends to be aggressive with buybacks if the stock price remains low, viewing it as a better use of capital than pursuing new M&A [88]

Core Insights - Amerant Bancorp reported a diluted EPS of $0.07 for Q4, down from $0.35 in Q3, with net interest income at $90.2 million, a decline of $4.0 million from the previous quarter [1][6] - The company is undergoing a strategic plan aimed at stabilizing, optimizing, and growing the organization, focusing on credit transformation, balance sheet optimization, and operational efficiency [5][14] Financial Performance - Net interest margin decreased to 3.78% from 3.92% in Q3, while non-interest income rose to $22.0 million from $17.3 million, driven by gains from the sale and leaseback of banking centers [1][6] - Non-interest expense increased to $106.8 million, up $28.9 million sequentially, primarily due to valuation expenses and contract termination costs [6][7] - ROA and ROE weakened, reported at 0.10% and 1.12% respectively, compared to 0.57% and 6.21% in Q3 [7] Balance Sheet and Capital Actions - Total assets decreased to $9.8 billion from $10.4 billion, driven by reduced wholesale funding and higher-cost deposits [8][10] - The company repurchased 737,334 shares at an average price of $17.63, representing 78% of tangible book value [2][5] - CET1 increased to 11.8% from 11.54% in the prior quarter, with $13 million in share repurchases and $3.7 million in dividends declared [2][5] Credit Quality and Asset Management - Non-performing assets rose to $187 million, or 1.9% of total assets, from $140 million, or 1.3%, in the prior quarter, attributed to a rigorous review of the commercial loan portfolio [11][12] - The company reported gross charge-offs of $29.5 million in Q4, with an allowance for credit losses coverage ratio declining to 1.20% from 1.37% [13] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, the company anticipates loan growth of 7% to 9% and deposit growth to match loan growth, with net interest margin projected between 3.65% and 3.70% [14][15] - Management aims to reduce expenses to approximately $70 million to $71 million in the first half of 2026, with further reductions expected by year-end [15] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on improving credit quality and disciplined loan origination, with aspirations to achieve a ROA close to 1% and an efficiency ratio near 60% by year-end 2026 [16] - Amerant is monitoring developments in Venezuela, viewing potential opportunities in deposits and asset management rather than lending strategies [17]