Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.43 per share, exceeding consensus estimates, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.98%, core ROA of 1.45%, and core efficiency ratio of 52.8% [4] - Average deposits and total loans grew by 2.8% and 1.2% respectively, while net interest income increased by $47.2 million year-over-year to $427.5 million [4][7] - The provision for credit losses decreased by $4.3 million to $7 million, with non-performing loans (NPLs) rising four basis points to 94 basis points [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income remained flat at 18% of total revenue, with gains in SBA offset by declines in wealth and mortgage [5] - Core non-interest income for Q4 was $24.3 million, down $200,000 from the previous quarter, with SBA gain on sale income increasing by $800,000 [14] - Core non-interest expense increased by $1.7 million to $74.3 million, primarily due to increased salaries and benefits [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposit growth for the year was 6.1%, with significant contributions from money market accounts and CDs [9] - The company reported $98 million in non-performing loans, including $39.2 million in total SBA loans [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow fee income through its regional banking model and maintain a focus on low-cost deposit growth [5][10] - A portfolio of approximately $225 million in commercial loans was designated as held for sale to improve liquidity and capital ratios [12][13] - The company plans to limit operating cost increases to approximately 3% year-over-year [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth despite seasonal headwinds and elevated payoffs, projecting continued growth in business banking and mortgage segments [28] - The guidance for NIM is expected to remain around 4% by the end of 2026, with a near-term dip anticipated due to rate cuts [12][40] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between loan growth and capital generation, emphasizing disciplined capital deployment [31][32] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $23.1 million of its stock in Q4 2025, totaling 2.1 million shares for the year [6] - Jane Grebenc, Bank President and Chief Revenue Officer, will retire at the end of March 2026, marking a significant leadership transition [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for net charge-offs and provisions in 2026? - Management expects charge-off guidance to be 25-30 basis points, with $1.5 million left to resolve on the dealer floor plan loan [19][20] Question: Can we expect additional loans to be moved off the balance sheet in 2026? - Management indicated that the loan sale is more of a one-off situation, focusing resources on other markets [23][24] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in 2026? - The company anticipates loan growth to continue at a similar pace as 2025, despite elevated payoffs [28][30] Question: How should we think about the stock buyback strategy? - The buyback strategy is sensitive to stock price, with intentions to utilize the authority aggressively while maintaining capital ratios [31][57] Question: What is the outlook for NIM and deposit costs? - Management expects a dip in NIM in Q1 2026, with a gradual recovery to around 4% by year-end [60][61]