Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of EUR 6 billion over the past four quarters, contributing an additional two percentage points to the CET1 capital ratio [6] - The four-quarter rolling average ROE stands at 12.6%, with an upward revision of the full-year ROE outlook to more than 12.5% [5][11] - Total income for 2025 is expected to reach around EUR 22.8 billion, with fee income growth raised to more than 10% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail banking saw a net core lending growth of EUR 8.6 billion, primarily driven by residential mortgages [4][13] - Wholesale banking also delivered strong growth, with a significant increase in lending and trade finance services [4][13] - Fee income grew by 15% year on year, with wholesale banking achieving a quarterly record fee income of EUR 383 million [12][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer balances grew at an annualized rate of 7% in the first nine months of 2025, aligning with the company's 4% annual growth target [5] - Core deposits declined slightly by around EUR 200 million, attributed to seasonal spending patterns and the conclusion of promotional campaigns [13][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain an attractive shareholder return supported by a 50% dividend payout policy while investing in value-accretive growth [9] - The CET1 capital ratio target has been revised to around 13%, providing a buffer above the MDA threshold [8] - The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiencies and integrating generative AI capabilities across its services [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength and quality of the loan book, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [19] - The outlook for 2025 has been improved, with expectations for higher fees and stronger total income [10][21] - Management remains committed to supporting clients in their sustainability transitions, with sustainable finance volumes up 29% compared to the previous year [5] Other Important Information - The company announced a EUR 1.6 billion distribution, including a new share buyback of EUR 1.1 billion and a cash dividend of EUR 500 million [7][21] - The company is actively investing in AI to enhance customer support and streamline processes [18][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: On capital requirements and retail deposit outflows - Management indicated no additional pressure on capital requirements and attributed retail deposit outflows to seasonal effects and the conclusion of marketing campaigns [23][25][27] Question: On lending margins and AI initiatives - Management expects lending margins to normalize and emphasized that AI initiatives are being rolled out globally, not just in the Netherlands [29][30][32] Question: On tech investments and M&A focus - Management confirmed ongoing investments in AI for KYC processes and stated that M&A focus remains on enhancing market relevance and capital efficiency [36][39][88] Question: On fee growth and capital updates - Management noted strong fee growth momentum and confirmed that capital updates will follow the established cadence of Q1 and Q3 updates [80][82] Question: On deposit campaigns and retention rates - Management confirmed retention rates were consistent with historical averages and expressed confidence in the return on investment from recent campaigns [91][92]

Continued value accretive growth 3Q2025 30 October 2025 Commercial momentum continues with strong growth in 3Q2025 Mobile primary customers +197,000 Lending growth2) €14.2 bln Deposits growth2) €-0.2 bln Return on equity3) 12.6% Fee income €1,165 mln Sustainable volume mobilised €110 bln4) 37% of our >40 mln customers are mobile primary1) 7% annualised net core lending growth in 9M2025 6% annualised net core deposits growth in 9M2025 12% growth in 9M2025 versus 9M2024 On track to meet >12.5% in 2025 and inc ...

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 05:00 PM ET Speaker0Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Associated Bancor's Third Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. My name is Diego, and I will be your operator today. Copies of the slides that will be referenced during today's call are available on the company's website at investor.associatedbank.com. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. As outlined on Slide one, during the course of the discus ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Horizon Bancorp Inc. reported net interest margin expansion for the eighth consecutive quarter, with an exit run rate in September above 4% [5][16] - The net interest margin increased by 29 basis points to 3.52% for the quarter, with expectations to expand further in Q4 to a range of 4.15%-4.25% [19][26] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to $50.2 million, representing an allowance to credit loss to loans held for investment of 1.04% [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net loan total for investment decreased to $162 million, primarily due to a $210 million impact from the runoff and sale of indirect auto loans, while commercial loans grew by $58 million [9][10] - The combined relationship-based fee income categories of service charges, card, and mortgage income increased from the third quarter [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core relationship balances in the deposit portfolio remained resilient, with planned outflows in higher-cost non-core transactional accounts [14] - The company anticipates a decline in deposit balances in Q4, primarily due to the targeted reduction of high-cost non-relationship balances [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable loan growth and maintaining excellent credit quality as a cornerstone of its success [7] - Horizon Bancorp Inc. aims to create durable returns and sustainable long-term value for shareholders through disciplined capital management and potential M&A opportunities [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering superior community banking performance and capital generation metrics moving into 2026 [6][30] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in Michigan and Indiana, leveraging its strong brand reputation and community banking model [40][60] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant positive increase in performance in September, indicating strong momentum heading into Q4 [7] - Non-interest income was materially impacted by balance sheet actions, including a $299 million loss in the sale of securities [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the new narrative for Horizon Bancorp Inc. and strategic emphasis - Management highlighted a focus on positive capital stewardship and a more efficient, de-risked balance sheet that will generate capital at a greater pace [36] Question: Potential outlets for capital outside of organic loan growth and M&A - Management indicated that M&A will focus on franchises that add to the current profitable franchise, with potential targets in Michigan and Indiana [39][40] Question: Balance sheet being rate neutral - Management clarified that while the balance sheet is modestly asset-sensitive, they do not expect significant impacts from rate changes [45] Question: Trends in credit quality and areas of stress - Management noted that non-performing loans increased slightly, but overall credit quality remains satisfactory with no significant areas of concern [70][74] Question: Loan growth outlook for 2026 - Management expects mid-single-digit growth primarily from organic commercial growth, without the need for significant additional headcount [87] Question: Capital accretion and buybacks - Management stated that while buybacks are an option for creating shareholder value, they are not a priority in the near term following recent capital raises [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Horizon Bancorp Inc. reported net interest margin expansion for the eighth consecutive quarter, with an exit run rate in September above 4% [5][16] - The net interest margin increased by 29 basis points to 3.52% for the quarter, with expectations to expand further in Q4 to a range of 4.15% to 4.25% [19][26] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to $50.2 million, representing an allowance to credit loss to loans held for investment of 1.04% [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net loan total for investment decreased to $162 million, primarily due to a $210 million impact from the runoff and sale of indirect auto loans, while commercial loans grew by $58 million [9][10] - The combined relationship-based fee income categories of service charges, card, and mortgage income increased from the previous quarter [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core relationship balances in the deposit portfolio remained resilient despite planned outflows from higher-rate transactional accounts [14] - The company anticipates a decline in deposit balances in Q4, primarily due to the targeted reduction of high-cost non-relationship balances [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating durable returns and sustainable long-term value for shareholders through disciplined capital management and profitable loan growth [6][30] - Horizon Bancorp Inc. is considering M&A opportunities that are accretive to its community banking platform, with a focus on franchises that enhance profitability [37][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering superior community banking performance and capital generation metrics moving into 2026 [6][30] - The company is monitoring economic conditions closely, with future provision expenses driven by anticipated loan growth and credit quality trends [12] Other Important Information - The company executed a balance sheet restructuring that exceeded initial expectations, optimizing securities and loan portfolios [4][6] - Non-interest income was impacted by a $299 million loss in the sale of securities and a $7.7 million loss on the sale of the indirect auto loan portfolio [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the new narrative for Horizon Bancorp Inc.? - Management indicated that the company is positioned to generate capital at a greater pace and will focus on measured deployment strategies for growth, including potential M&A opportunities [35][36] Question: Are there any other potential outlets for capital outside of organic loan growth and M&A? - Management confirmed that M&A will be a focus, targeting franchises that add to the current profitable platform, with potential sizes ranging from $300 million to several billion dollars [38][40] Question: How does the company support its rate-neutral position? - Management explained that while the balance sheet is modestly asset-sensitive, they do not expect significant impacts from rate changes due to their deposit positioning [44][45] Question: What are the trends in credit quality? - Management noted that non-performing loans increased slightly, but overall credit quality remains satisfactory, with no significant areas of stress identified [70][74] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth in 2026? - Management anticipates mid-single-digit growth primarily from organic commercial growth, with no immediate need for significant headcount increases [87][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Horizon Bancorp's net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter, with an exit run rate in September above 4% [5][16] - The net interest margin increased by 29 basis points to 3.52% for Q3, with expectations for further expansion in Q4 to a range of 4.15% to 4.25% [17][19] - Net loans held for investment decreased by $162 million, primarily due to the runoff and sale of the indirect auto loan portfolio [10] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to $50.2 million, representing an allowance to credit loss to loans held for investment of 1.04% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loans increased by $58 million, representing a 7% annualized growth for the linked quarter [10] - The combined relationship-based fee income categories, including service charges, wealth, card, and mortgage income, performed well and increased from the previous quarter [6] - Noninterest income was impacted by a $299 million loss in the sale of securities and a $7.7 million loss on the sale of the indirect auto portfolio [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core relationship balances in the deposit portfolio remained resilient, with planned outflows in higher-cost non-core transactional accounts [14] - The deposit portfolio is expected to decline in Q4 due to the targeted reduction of high-cost non-relationship balances [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver durable returns and sustainable long-term value for shareholders through a disciplined operating model and focus on profitable growth [31] - Horizon plans to pursue logical and accretive M&A opportunities that enhance its community banking platform [37][40] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong credit profile while pursuing steady, diversified growth [11][88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering superior community banking performance and peer-leading capital generation metrics moving into 2026 [7][31] - The company is monitoring economic conditions, with future provision expenses driven by anticipated loan growth and credit quality trends [13] Other Important Information - The company has made significant improvements in its securities portfolio, reducing credit risk and increasing liquidity [20] - The effective tax rate for Q4 is expected to be in the range of 18% to 20% due to stronger pretax income [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the new narrative for Horizon and strategic emphasis - Management highlighted a new focus on positive capital stewardship and a well-positioned balance sheet for capital generation [36][37] Question: Potential outlets for capital outside of organic loan growth and M&A - Management indicated that M&A opportunities would focus on franchises that add to the current profitable franchise, with a size range of $300 million to several billion dollars [39][40] Question: Trends in credit quality and areas of stress - Management noted that nonperforming loans increased slightly, but overall credit quality remains satisfactory, with no significant areas of concern [68][70] Question: Loan growth outlook for 2026 - Management anticipates mid-single-digit growth primarily from commercial lending, with no immediate need for significant additional headcount [88][89] Question: Capital accretion and buybacks - Management confirmed that buybacks are considered a potential option for creating shareholder value but are not the immediate focus [92]

Financial Performance - The company achieved double-digit growth across key financial metrics, with new business profit increasing by 12% to $1.3 billion and operating profit after tax per share growing by 12% [3][28][29] - Gross operating free surplus generation rose by 14%, marking a significant inflection point in capital generation [4][29] - The dividend per share increased by 13% to 7.71¢, reflecting strong financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns [4][29] Business Lines Performance - New business profit in Hong Kong rose by 16%, driven by growth in both agency and bank assurance channels [9][32] - Indonesia saw exceptional growth with new business profit up 34%, benefiting from a strong agency and bank assurance performance [11][32] - The health segment reported a 13% increase in new business profit and earned premiums, with over 300,000 new health customers acquired [15][32] Market Performance - In Malaysia, bank assurance performed strongly, but agency contributions were lower, leading to an overall decline in new business profit [33] - Across growth segments, new business profit was up 11%, driven by strong performances in Taiwan, Thailand, and African markets, partially offset by Vietnam [12][32] - The company remains optimistic about its Mainland China business, focusing on quality growth and effective risk management [10][32] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company is focused on high-quality sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder returns through a revised capital allocation framework [5][26] - Strategic priorities include strengthening distribution capabilities, particularly in agency and bank assurance, and enhancing customer engagement [7][24] - The company is well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in high-growth markets such as Greater China, ASEAN, India, and Africa [2][24] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 guidance and 2027 objectives, emphasizing disciplined execution of strategy [3][25] - The company is committed to returning over $5 billion to shareholders between 2024 and 2027, reflecting strong capital generation [5][55] - Management highlighted the importance of quality new business and effective management of in-force products to drive future growth [23][55] Other Important Information - The company has invested $400 million in modernizing technology and capabilities since launching its five-year strategy in 2023 [20][21] - The agency force remains a key strength, contributing 55% of new business profit, with ongoing efforts to enhance recruitment and training [16][18] - The company is leveraging AI and digital platforms to improve productivity and customer engagement [19][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for new business profit growth in the second half of the year? - Management expects growth to normalize in the second half due to strong prior year comparators, particularly in Indonesia [11][32] Question: How is the company addressing challenges in Malaysia and Vietnam? - The company has clear plans to rebuild momentum and strengthen its position in both markets, focusing on agency performance improvements [20][32] Question: What is the outlook for the Mainland China business? - Management is optimistic about the Mainland China business, prioritizing quality growth and effective risk management [10][32]

Financial Performance - Attributable profit reached £2.5 billion in H1'25, an 18.5% increase compared to H1'24[5, 10] - Total income, excluding notable items, increased by 13.7% to £8.0 billion in H1'25[5, 10] - Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) improved to 18.1% compared to 16.4% in H1'24[5, 10] - Earnings per share increased by 28% to 30.9p in H1'25[5] Balance Sheet Strength - Customer loans increased by 3.2% to £384 billion compared to December 2024[5] - Customer deposits increased by 1.0% to £436 billion compared to December 2024[5] - Assets Under Management (AUMA) increased by 5.9% to £52 billion compared to December 2024[5] - The CET1 ratio is strong at 13.6%[5, 8] Strategic Initiatives - The group added 1.1 million customers, including over 100,000 organically, bringing the total to over 20 million[7] - The group delivered £110 billion of Climate and Sustainable Finance and introduced a new £200 billion Climate and Transition Finance target[7] - A £750 million share buyback program was announced, equivalent to 40bps of surplus capital[8]

Strategy and Outlook - Sabadell aims for a Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) of 16% by 2027[8, 97] - The bank anticipates a mid-single-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for fees and commissions between 2024 and 2027[41, 51, 106, 147] - Sabadell projects a cost of risk (CoR) of approximately 40bps in 2027[41, 97, 117, 118, 119, 147] - The institution expects mid-single-digit growth in its loan book between 2024 and 2027[41, 94] Financial Performance and Capital Allocation - Sabadell plans to distribute a total of €6.3 billion to shareholders between 2025 and 2027 through dividends and share buybacks[83, 133, 138, 148, 152] - The bank's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio target is 13% fully loaded[82, 83, 134, 147] - The company expects cash dividend per share in 2025, 2026 and 2027 to be higher than 2024[83, 139] Growth and Transformation Initiatives - The institution anticipates credit market share in Spain to grow 25-30bps from the current 80%[45] - Sabadell has observed a 46% to 59% of new lending with PD<1% in Dec'24[26] - The bank's digital customer acquisition is expected to increase by over 15% cumulatively between 2025 and 2027[54]