Loan growth had slowed sharply in mid-2025 due, in part, to stricter regulations, but recovered strongly since then, with analysts citing festive period spending and ‌the government's consumption tax ‌cuts among factors pushing up growth. Growth in bank credit decelerated to 9.9% on-year in the quarter ended June, data ‌from central bank reports showed, from 11.1% in the quarter ended March. It grew 11.5% year-on-year in November, the latest monthly data available. "Overall systemic credit growth is showin ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $106 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, with a return on assets at 1.56% and return on tangible common equity at 14.6% [9][10] - The efficiency ratio improved to 49.19% from 51.63% in the previous quarter, driven by a strong 17.8% annualized revenue growth [9][12] - Tangible book value per share grew to $42.90, reflecting a strong 15.2% annualized growth [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan portfolio production topped $2 billion, with a 4% annualized loan growth primarily from commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) [6][7] - Non-interest income increased by $7.4 million, mainly from better equipment finance fees and a non-recurring gain on securities [11] - The company repurchased approximately $8.5 million of common stock, with a new share repurchase plan of $200 million approved [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $295 million, with core deposits growing by $355 million, while brokered CDs represented only 5% of total deposits [13][14] - Non-interest-bearing deposits remained strong at 30.4% of total deposits [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on growing its core deposit base and tangible book value per share, with an emphasis on revenue growth and positive operating leverage [4][8] - The management is optimistic about capitalizing on growth opportunities in the Southeastern markets, particularly amid ongoing banking disruptions [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding loan demand and pipeline trends, anticipating potential growth acceleration into 2026 [19][49] - The company expects some margin compression in the coming quarters due to rising deposit costs, but remains focused on net interest income growth [11][41] Other Important Information - The company’s capital ratios improved, with common equity tier one at 13.2% and tangible common equity at 11.3% [5] - Asset quality remains stable, with low levels of net charge-offs and non-performing assets [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan demand and pipeline trends - Management noted strong demand across all verticals and steady payoffs, expressing optimism for the fourth quarter and beyond [18][19] Question: Competition landscape - Competition is primarily on pricing, but management believes disruption in the market will provide additional volume opportunities [20][21] Question: Equipment finance demand and credit trends - Demand in equipment finance is picking up, with declining charge-offs indicating a healthy credit environment [24][25] Question: Expense growth outlook - Management anticipates a 5.5% increase in expenses next year, driven by salary and benefit increases [36][37] Question: Margin outlook and deposit costs - Management expects margin compression due to deposit repricing and competition, but remains focused on growing non-interest-bearing deposits [40][41] Question: Loan growth potential - Management is optimistic about the potential for loan growth to accelerate into the high single digits or even double digits, depending on macroeconomic conditions [49][50] Question: Investment portfolio size - The investment portfolio is expected to stabilize around 9% to 10% of total assets, with a focus on deposit growth [51] Question: M&A versus organic growth - Management prioritizes organic growth opportunities over M&A, given the current market disruption [53] Question: Mortgage activity and demand - Management is hopeful for increased mortgage activity as interest rates stabilize, with a significant increase in applications noted [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $25.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share for Q3 2025, a slight decrease from $26.4 million or $0.51 per diluted share in Q2 2025, reflecting an annualized ROA of 0.97% and an annualized ROATCE of 11.45% [6][11] - Net interest income increased to $100.6 million in Q3 2025 from $98.3 million in Q2 2025, driven by higher earning assets and a net interest margin of 4.2%, up from 4.18% in the previous quarter [6][7] - The allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $78.9 million or 1.1% of loans, down from $83.2 million or 1.14% at the end of Q2 2025 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased to $5 million in Q3 2025 from $5.8 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to write-downs on foreclosed assets [10] - Non-interest expenses increased to $73.1 million from $70 million in the previous quarter, attributed to higher salaries and benefits, including severance expenses related to branch closures [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong deposit growth, with 51% of new deposits coming from new customers, indicating a successful strategy in expanding market share [24] - The total risk-based capital ratio improved to 16.33% at the end of Q3 2025, compared to 15.98% at the end of Q2 2025 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through disciplined asset building, protecting margins, and focusing on full client relationships [5] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support quality growth and to be opportunistic in the current competitive landscape [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in credit quality, noting that charge-offs were primarily from small credits that were already identified and reserved for [4] - The company anticipates continued loan origination growth, with a healthy pipeline and a year-to-date increase of 62% in loan originations compared to the previous year [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased shares and paid down $30 million of subordinated debt after the quarter ended, reinforcing its capital position [5] - The tangible book value per share increased by 9.3% year-over-year, from $19.28 to $21.08 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the payoffs and paydowns? - Payoffs were about $50 million more than the previous quarter, with 44% related to collateral sales and 25% to refinancing elsewhere [16][17] Question: What are the current credit concerns? - Management stated that stress testing and portfolio monitoring are in place, and they are cautious about the mix of C&I credits while maintaining a focus on real estate loans [19][20] Question: What are the drivers behind deposit growth? - The growth was driven by new accounts, with 51% of new deposits from new customers, reflecting brand awareness and customer satisfaction improvements [24] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth and payoffs? - Management expects a lift from advances exceeding paydowns, with a healthy pipeline and loan originations anticipated to continue growing [44][46] Question: What is the company's approach to M&A? - The company is cautious about M&A, focusing on finding partners that align with their funding structure and protecting their balance sheet [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5.7% quarter-over-quarter and 24.4% year-over-year [3] - Return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.11% from 0.87% in the same quarter last year [3] - Net interest income rose by $2.4 million, or 4.3%, from the prior quarter [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.64% from 3.51% in the prior quarter and from 3.30% in the third quarter of 2024 [7][17] - Total regulatory capital ratios remain above well-capitalized thresholds, with the tangible common equity (TCE) ratio rising to 9.8% from 9.4% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances decreased by $5.7 million, despite an increase in loan originations [4] - Commercial lending group closed $317 million in new loan commitments, up from $248 million last quarter [13] - The commercial loan pipeline ended the quarter at $511 million, up from $473 million last quarter [14] - Total deposits increased by $73 million in Q3, with non-interest-bearing deposits rising by $33.7 million [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 1.89% from 1.94% in the prior quarter [5] - Average interest rate for new commercial loans was 6.67%, up 12 basis points from the previous quarter [16] - Average balances on new accounts opened during the quarter were estimated at $40 million, compared to $72 million in the second quarter [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The pending merger with Olympic Bank Corp is expected to enhance profitability and growth in the Puget Sound market [3][17] - The company aims to return to traditional loan growth rates of mid to high single digits in 2026 [25] - Focus on maintaining strong credit quality while navigating economic volatility [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in credit quality despite economic volatility, with no material impact observed [12] - The company anticipates loan balances to remain flat in Q4 but expects growth to resume in 2026 as payoffs normalize [25][26] - Management is optimistic about the integration of Olympic Bank Corp and its potential to drive future growth [44][55] Other Important Information - Non-accrual loans totaled $17.6 million, representing 0.37% of total loans, an increase from 0.21% in the previous quarter [9] - Non-interest expense increased by $530,000, primarily due to compensation and benefits expenses [7] - The company has paused stock buybacks for the remainder of the year [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the spot cost of deposits and NIM for September? - The spot rate on interest-bearing deposits was 1.87%, and the NIM for September was 3.66% [23] Question: How much opportunity is there to reduce rates on non-maturity deposits? - There is potential to reduce rates on approximately $1 billion in exception-priced deposits currently costing close to 3% [24] Question: What is the outlook for organic loan growth in 2026? - The company expects to return to mid to high single-digit growth rates in 2026, with positive net advances anticipated [25][26] Question: How has competition been trending in the markets? - Competition remains strong, with pricing competition on deposits varying by geography [42] Question: What are the capital priorities post-deal close? - The company plans to preserve capital during the transaction costs and anticipates earning back capital over time [62] Question: How is the loan-to-deposit ratio being managed? - The goal is to increase the loan-to-deposit ratio back to 85% and potentially higher [64]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of approximately $163 million or $0.28 per diluted share, up from $133 million or $0.22 in the previous quarter, marking the highest quarterly profitability since the end of 2022 [4] - The annualized return on average assets is above 1%, achieving many profitability goals ahead of schedule [4][10] - Core customer deposit growth was approximately $1 billion during the quarter, contributing to a total of nearly 10% core deposit growth over the past year [11][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loans decreased modestly due to targeted runoff in transactional C&I and the C&I commodity subsegment, with average loans increasing by 0.5% during the quarter [12][13] - Non-interest income has grown at an annual rate of 15% since 2017, significantly outpacing publicly traded peers [8] - The company experienced a 3% net interest income growth for the second consecutive quarter, with net interest margin (NIM) improving for the sixth consecutive quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a significant reduction in net charge-offs and provisions during the third quarter, with expectations to sustain these levels in the fourth quarter [9][16] - The competitive environment for new deposit relationships remains strong, with the company originating $1.4 billion of new deposits at an average rate of 2.9% [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its commercial and consumer banking sectors, with new leadership in place to drive growth [5][6] - There is a strategic emphasis on expanding into the Florida market and targeting healthcare C&I and capital call lines for growth opportunities [10][29] - The company aims to achieve a low single-digit expense growth rate while investing in revenue-generating talent [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future prospects, citing strong customer growth, talent acquisition, and profitability [10] - The company anticipates continued NIM expansion and expects to achieve a normalized NIM of 3.20% to 3.40% in the future [64] - Management remains confident in achieving a 15% return on equity target by late 2027 or early 2028 [77] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $12 million worth of common shares during the quarter [17] - Non-accrual loans increased primarily due to a construction loan migration, but management does not anticipate any losses from this [16][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you speak to the competitive backdrop regarding the decline in C&I loans? - Management noted that while there was a decline in C&I loans, the competitive environment for new deposit relationships remains strong, with opportunities for repricing the backbook [20][22] Question: How are you thinking about the buyback opportunity against conserving capital for longer-term growth? - Management indicated a focus on maintaining a CET1 target of around 11% while considering buybacks as a source of capital deployment going forward [24] Question: What areas are you most focused on for growth? - Management highlighted the Florida franchise as a key area for growth, along with opportunities in upmarket C&I and small business banking [44][46] Question: Can you provide more color on the increase in non-accrual loans? - Management explained that the increase was primarily driven by a land loan, with 50% of non-accrual loans current on payment, indicating a positive outlook for resolution [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for NIM and loan growth? - Management expects NIM to normalize between 3.20% and 3.40%, with loan growth projected in the mid-single-digit range for 2026 [64][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of approximately $163 million or $0.28 per diluted share, up from $133 million or $0.22 in the previous quarter, marking the highest quarterly profitability since the end of 2022 [4] - The annualized return on average assets is above 1%, achieving many profitability goals ahead of schedule [4][10] - Core customer deposits grew by about $1 billion during the quarter, contributing to a total of nearly 10% core deposit growth over the past year [11][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loans decreased modestly due to targeted runoff in transactional C&I and the C&I commodity subsegment, with average loans increasing by 0.5% during the quarter [12][13] - Non-interest income has grown at an annual rate of 15% since 2017, significantly outpacing publicly traded peers [8] - The company experienced a second consecutive quarter of 3% net interest income growth, with net interest margin (NIM) improving for the sixth consecutive quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has added nearly 110,000 new deposit accounts over the past 12 months, reflecting strong market demand [7] - Brokered deposits now comprise 11% of the total deposit base, the lowest level since Q3 2022 [11] - The pipeline for C&I and CRE loans stands at $3.3 billion, indicating strong market activity [59] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its commercial and consumer banking sectors, with new leadership in place to drive growth [5][6] - There is a strategic emphasis on expanding into the healthcare C&I and capital call areas, which are seen as having compelling risk-adjusted return profiles [9] - The company aims to grow its small business and retail banking segments, leveraging its existing branch network [46][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future prospects, citing strong customer growth, talent acquisition, and profitability [10] - The competitive environment remains challenging, particularly in C&I and CRE, but the company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities [22] - Management anticipates continued stability in non-accrual loans and expects to maintain low credit costs moving forward [16][36] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $12 million worth of shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in its capital position [17] - Adjusted non-interest expenses declined modestly, driven by lower compensation and occupancy costs [15] - The efficiency ratio continues to improve, with expectations for further progress in the upcoming quarters [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you speak to the competitive backdrop regarding the decline in C&I loans? - Management noted that while spot deposit costs have declined, the competitive environment for new deposit relationships remains strong, with opportunities for repricing existing deposits [20] Question: How are you thinking about the buyback opportunity against conserving capital for longer-term growth? - Management indicated a near-term CET1 target of around 11%, with buybacks being considered as a source of capital deployment going forward [24] Question: Do you expect to continue to have more business coming from outside the Northeast? - Management confirmed that originations are evenly split among the Southeast, Northeast, and specialty businesses, with strong contributions expected from Florida [27][30] Question: Can you provide more color on the increase in non-accrual loans? - Management clarified that the increase was primarily driven by a construction loan, with a significant portion of non-accrual loans being current on payments [34][36] Question: What areas are you most focused on for growth? - Management highlighted opportunities in the Florida franchise, upmarket C&I, and small business banking as key areas for growth [44][46] Question: How do you think about the impact of lower rates on loan growth? - Management indicated that while lower rates could accelerate payoffs, they believe their portfolio is somewhat insulated from this risk [57] Question: What is the outlook for NIM expansion? - Management expects NIM to normalize between 3.20% and 3.40%, with confidence in achieving above 3.1% in the fourth quarter [66] Question: How are you quantifying the potential boost in growth from new hires? - Management anticipates significant momentum in upmarket C&I and business banking growth as new hires are onboarded [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $1.5 million compared to the second quarter and by $5 million year-over-year [4] - Net income rose by $3.5 million, or 43%, compared to Q3 of 2024 [5] - Return on average assets improved by 28 basis points to 1.16% compared to 0.88% in the third quarter of last year [5] - Earnings per share increased to $0.47 in the third quarter, a 46% increase compared to Q3 a year ago [5] - Return on tangible common equity was reported at 12.35% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans increased by $47 million for the second quarter, or 5.6% annualized, and grew by $286 million, or over 9%, year-over-year [8] - C&I loans grew by $194 million, and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans increased by $40 million [8] - Specialized lending groups now constitute 16% of total loans, with no single niche exceeding 5% of total loans [5] - Non-performing assets declined to 36 basis points compared to 40 basis points at June 30 and 47 basis points one year ago [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposit balances increased by over $55 million during the quarter, or an annualized 7% [9] - Average cost of deposits declined by 3 basis points to 2.69% for the quarter [15] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $21 million during the quarter and by $52 million year-to-date [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving into a middle-market commercial bank, focusing on relationship-driven strategies rather than growth for its own sake [19] - New branch openings and strategic closures are part of the company's efforts to optimize its branch network [17] - The company aims to maintain a balance between growing deposits and managing costs effectively [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economic outlook remains uncertain, but the company is well-positioned for various rate environments [7] - Management is focused on maintaining credit quality despite some softness in the small business segment [6] - The company anticipates a modest increase in expenses due to new branches but aims to keep overall costs flat [35] Other Important Information - Non-interest income totaled $2.4 million in Q3 2025, down from $2.7 million in Q2 [12] - The efficiency ratio improved to 52%, remaining below 60% for the 25th consecutive quarter [13] - The company repurchased almost 120,000 shares at an average price of $14.91 during the quarter [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on expenses and efficiency actions - Management highlighted ongoing focus on cost control while balancing investment opportunities, with no major new costs anticipated [32][33] Question: Insights on margin and deposit costs following Federal Reserve cuts - Management indicated that adjustments to deposit costs will be made in response to Federal Reserve actions, aiming for a neutral impact on margins [39][40] Question: Capital levels and buyback considerations - The company maintains a soft limit on total risk-based capital ratio around 11.5% and is open to various capital deployment strategies, including buybacks [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date net income totaled $167.5 million, an increase of $31.9 million or 23.5% from the nine months ended 2024, while earnings per share totaled $2.90, an increase of $0.59 or 25.5% during the same period [6] - Return on assets (ROA) was 1.22%, and the efficiency ratio was 55% [3] - Tangible book value increased 4% linked quarter and 9% compared to the same period in the prior year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for the quarter was $268 million, over 10% annualized, with year-to-date growth of $699 million, over 9% annualized [8] - The consumer segment contributed $21 million of loan growth for the quarter, driven by residential mortgage, HELOC, and private banking relationships [9] - Non-interest income totaled $32.5 million, with customer-related fees of $29.3 million reflecting strong performance across all categories [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits declined by $23 million in aggregate, but core relationship or operating account balances grew by 4.9% or $56 million [10] - Non-maturity deposit balances increased by $178 million, while maturity deposit balances decreased by $198 million year to date [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the acquisition of First Savings Financial Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets and expanding its presence into Southern Indiana [3] - The strategy remains commercially focused across all business segments and primary markets of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio [7] - The company aims to enhance fee income through SBA lending and other loan growth initiatives [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth and increasing market share activities into the fourth quarter [8] - The company anticipates a mid-first quarter closing for the First Savings acquisition and a mid-second quarter integration [5] - Management expects to manage deposit costs effectively in response to potential rate cuts [28] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses at quarter end was $194.5 million, with a coverage ratio of 1.43% [15] - The total cost of deposits increased 14 basis points to 2.44% this quarter, reflecting competitive deposit dynamics [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expense outlook for Q4 and 2026 - Management expects Q4 core expenses to be relatively in line with Q3, with no meaningful increase anticipated [26] Question: Impact of potential rate cuts on margin - Management predicts a few basis points of margin compression in Q4 if rate cuts occur, with a historical model indicating a decline of about two basis points for each 25 basis point cut [28] Question: Deposit pricing and competition - Management noted that deposit costs increased due to competitive pressures, but they are hopeful for more rational pricing following recent rate cuts [36] Question: Future M&A ambitions - Management indicated that while they are busy with the current acquisition, they are not prioritizing additional M&A at this time [41] Question: Sustainability of loan growth - Management believes the current loan growth is sustainable, driven by normal business activity and a strong economic outlook in the Midwest [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date net income totaled $167.5 million, an increase of $31.9 million or 23.5% from the nine months ended February 2024 [6] - Earnings per share totaled $2.90, an increase of $0.59 or 25.5% during the same period [6] - Return on assets (ROA) was 1.22%, consistent with year-to-date performance [4] - Efficiency ratio was 55%, reflecting high performance [4] - Total revenues in Q3 showed meaningful growth with net interest income increasing by $700,000 and non-interest income increasing by $1.2 million [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for the quarter was $268 million, over 10% annualized, with year-to-date growth of $699 million, over 9% annualized [10] - Consumer segment contributed $21 million in loan growth for the quarter, driven by residential mortgage, HELOC, and private banking relationships [11] - Total loan portfolio yield increased to 6.4%, driven by loan originations and refinances at an average yield of 6.84% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $96 million during the quarter, with non-maturity categories growing at nearly 5% annualized [11] - Maturity deposit balances decreased by $198 million year-to-date, while non-maturity deposit balances increased by $178 million [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the acquisition of First Savings Financial Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets and expanding into Southern Indiana [4] - The strategy remains focused on commercial lending across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, with an emphasis on enhancing fee income through SBA loans and other products [9] - The company aims to build on the acquired deposit franchise to create a community bank model similar to previous successful acquisitions [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth and increasing market share activities into the fourth quarter [10] - The company anticipates a mid-first quarter closing for the acquisition and a mid-second quarter integration [5] - Management noted that the Midwest economies continue to expand, contributing to positive business outlooks [10] Other Important Information - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 9.18%, providing meaningful capital flexibility [6] - The company repurchased 162,474 shares totaling $6.5 million during the quarter, with total share repurchases year-to-date reaching $36.5 million [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expense outlook for Q4 and 2026 - Management expects Q4 core expenses to be in line with Q3, with no meaningful increase anticipated [33][34] Question: Impact of potential rate cuts on margins - Management predicts a few basis points of margin compression if rate cuts occur, but they are actively managing deposit rates to mitigate this [35][36] Question: Deposit cost increase during the quarter - The increase was primarily due to competitive pressures requiring higher rates on specials [38] Question: Future M&A ambitions - Management indicated that while they are busy with the current acquisition, they are not prioritizing additional M&A at this time [51] Question: Sustainability of loan growth - Management believes the current loan growth is sustainable, driven by normal business activity and strong pipelines [59][62] Question: Capital generation and uses of excess capital - Management plans to continue using capital for asset generation, dividends, and share buybacks, while optimizing the balance sheet [106][108] Question: Asset quality and reserve levels - Management maintains a conservative approach to reserves, reflecting a higher coverage ratio compared to peers [109] Question: Progression of net interest income (NII) - Management is confident in the ability to grow NII dollars even with anticipated rate cuts, due to effective management of deposit costs [113]