Summary of First Horizon Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: First Horizon (FHN) - **Industry**: Banking Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance - First Horizon had a solid year in 2025, making progress on return targets and returning significant capital while maintaining tight cost discipline [2][5] - The company aims for a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of over 15% [5][31] Strategic Focus - The company has streamlined its strategy document from a lengthy format to a concise five to six-page version, enhancing clarity and focus across the organization [3][4] - Emphasis on improving profitability by rotating out less profitable relationships and focusing on core customer bases [2][4] Technology and Efficiency - Significant investments in technology have been made, improving efficiency and effectiveness in operations [2][4][27] - The transition to cloud-based data centers is expected to yield cost savings and operational efficiencies [27] Market Sentiment and Loan Activity - Customer confidence has been increasing, attributed to macroeconomic factors such as tariff adjustments and lower interest rates [6][7] - The bank anticipates originating approximately 60% more loans in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating strong client sentiment [7] Loan Growth Expectations - Loan growth is expected to normalize to mid-single-digit percentages in 2026, with confidence in commercial and industrial (C&I) lending and mortgage warehouse businesses [8][10] - Commercial real estate (CRE) activity is starting to stabilize after previous declines [9][10] Competitive Landscape - Increased merger activity in the banking sector is seen as an opportunity for First Horizon to attract clients during integration phases of competitors [11][12] - The bank positions itself as a strong commercial middle-market lender, focusing on private client and wealth management to differentiate from competitors [12] Deposit Growth and Management - Deposit balances have remained stable, with good customer activity noted in commercial deposits [13][16] - The bank is managing deposit costs effectively, with expectations for continued growth in deposits to fund loan growth [13][16] Specialty Lending and Countercyclical Businesses - The bank is seeing positive trends in its countercyclical businesses, particularly in mortgage warehouse lending, which has remained steady [18][19] - Equipment leasing and commercial real estate are also highlighted as areas of growth [19][20] Cost Management - The bank aims to maintain flat expenses while investing in technology and talent, with a focus on efficiency [25][27] - A disciplined approach to spending is emphasized to ensure top-quartile returns [27] Capital Allocation and Share Buybacks - First Horizon has repurchased approximately $300 million in shares and plans to continue managing its capital effectively [33][40] - The bank aims to balance capital allocation between supporting loan growth and returning capital to shareholders [40][44] Credit Quality - The bank reports strong credit quality across various lending segments, with optimism for continued positive trends into 2026 [51][53] Future Outlook - The company is focused on driving incremental profitability and enhancing shareholder value through strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies [46][56] - The management remains open to M&A opportunities but prioritizes organic growth and profitability improvements [46][49] Misunderstandings and Opportunities - First Horizon is viewed as a transition story, with significant potential for growth and value creation in the coming years [56] Additional Important Points - The bank's approach to mortgage warehouse lending includes retaining loan documents to mitigate risks, differentiating it from competitors [53] - The management is cautious about the economic outlook, acknowledging potential downside risks while remaining optimistic about credit quality [45][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 13.56% as of Q3 2025, with Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) at 570 billion [2] - The Return on Equity (ROE) was reported at 11.1%, showing a slight increase from the previous period [3] - The Net Interest Margin (NIM) improved by 12 basis points to 1.56% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio was reported at 2.8%, indicating a stable credit quality environment [5] - The company achieved a Profitability Factor (PF) of 30.1%, reflecting strong operational efficiency [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a 4% growth in its market share, driven by strategic initiatives and competitive positioning [10] - The NIM is expected to remain stable, with projections indicating a range of 4% to 6% for the upcoming quarters [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The management emphasized a focus on enhancing digital banking services to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency [12] - The company is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, particularly in the fintech sector [13] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the economic recovery and its potential positive impact on loan demand and profitability [14] - The company anticipates a stable regulatory environment, which should support its growth initiatives moving forward [19] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its RWA to optimize capital efficiency, with a focus on maintaining a robust CET1 ratio [21] - There is an ongoing commitment to improving asset quality, with measures in place to monitor and manage NPLs effectively [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in the next quarter? - Management indicated that they expect loan growth to remain strong, driven by increased consumer and business demand [10] Question: How is the company addressing competitive pressures in the market? - The company is enhancing its digital offerings and customer service to differentiate itself from competitors [12] Question: What are the key risks the company is monitoring? - Management highlighted credit risk and regulatory changes as primary concerns, with strategies in place to mitigate these risks [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51, a $0.06 increase from the previous quarter [5] - Adjusted return on tangible common equity increased by 135 basis points to 15% [5] - Net interest income (NII) grew by $33 million, with a 15 basis point expansion of net interest margin to 3.55% [5][6] - Average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased to 2.78%, up from 2.76% in the previous quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio saw a slight decrease, with loans to mortgage companies down $132 million, consistent with seasonal trends [7] - Commercial and industrial (CNI) portfolio increased by $174 million quarter over quarter [8] - Fee income increased by $26 million from the prior quarter, driven by improved business conditions [8] - Adjusted expenses increased by $45 million from the previous quarter, primarily due to personnel expenses and outside services [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end deposits decreased by $52 million, driven by a $652 million decrease in brokered CDs, but non-interest-bearing deposits increased by $131 million [6] - The company retained approximately 97% of the $29 billion in balances associated with clients who had a repricing event [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a sustainable 15% plus adjusted return on tangible common equity [12] - Focus on executing initiatives that could generate over $100 million in additional pre-tax net revenue [15] - The company is optimistic about capitalizing on profitable loan growth due to recent Fed rate cuts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased client confidence and pipeline momentum, despite potential impacts from tariff uncertainties [19] - The company is confident in its ability to integrate a well-structured merger if opportunities arise in 2026 or beyond [15] - The outlook for charge-offs and taxes remains unchanged as the year closes [12] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11%, flat quarter over quarter [10] - Share buybacks accelerated to $190 million, with approximately 8.6 million shares repurchased [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: How optimistic is the company on growth, and is there a noticeable change from a quarter ago? - Management noted a noticeable increase in client confidence and pipeline momentum, with lower rates contributing positively [19] Question: What is the expected margin for the fourth quarter? - The CFO indicated that the margin would likely be in the high 330s to low 340s, adjusting for one-time items [20] Question: What is driving the decline in core deposits? - Management explained that the industry is experiencing a shrinkage in deposits, with a focus on retaining existing clients and attracting new ones [28] Question: What are the company's M&A considerations? - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth but acknowledged the potential for opportunistic M&A if suitable opportunities arise [34][41] Question: How does the company plan to achieve the 15% ROCI target? - The strategy includes reducing capital, normalizing credit costs, and leveraging existing client relationships for revenue growth [66]