Analysts asked about deposit betas and whether deposit repricing would improve if additional Fed cuts occur. Czajka said the path will depend not only on rates but also on competitive pressure for deposits, which management described as “very, very strong.” The bank expects a continued pattern of CDs rolling off and coming back on at lower rates, though Czajka noted that new CD rates have not declined as much as management expected given the Fed’s actions.Chief Financial Officer Edward Czajka provided addit ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core pre-tax pre-provision income for Q3 2025 was $54.4 million, up from $49.4 million in Q2 2025 and $29.8 million a year ago, indicating significant growth [6] - Core EPS for Q3 was $0.61 per share, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [14] - The reported NIM increased to 3.1% in Q3, marking a continuous increase for six consecutive quarters [14][7] - Total deposits increased by approximately $320 million from the previous quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew by over $160 million in Q3, compared to $110 million in Q2, with year-over-year growth exceeding $400 million [8] - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, increased to $535 million [8] - The weighted average rate on new loan originations was approximately 6.95% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong loan pipeline currently standing at $1.2 billion, with a weighted average rate between 6.56% and 6.75% [9] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, reflecting strong inflows across the branch network [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly in business loans and core deposits, while maintaining a strong liquidity position [12][49] - A new branch was opened in Manhattan, with plans for additional locations in New Jersey and Long Island [11] - The company aims for continued NIM expansion, with expectations of reaching mid to high 3% in the medium to long term [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality, with NPAs at 50 basis points of total assets, and a positive outlook for resolving legacy NPAs [29] - The company anticipates more substantial NIM expansion in Q4 2025, driven by reduced deposit costs and maintained loan yields [17] - Management believes the industry is in the later innings of the credit cycle, with expectations of a gradual improvement in the operating environment [63] Other Important Information - The company reported a $1.5 million positive benefit from a fraud recovery related to Legacy Bridge [15][61] - The common equity Tier one ratio grew to over 11.5%, providing a competitive advantage [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding NPA formations and charge-offs - Management clarified that charge-offs were primarily related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied real estate, with no multifamily-related charge-offs [28] Question: Expectations on multifamily payoffs - Management indicated that while there were significant payoffs this quarter, future paydowns would normalize [30] Question: Thoughts on normalized charge-offs - Management expects charge-offs to stabilize around 20 to 30 basis points, with new business lines not contributing to increased charge-offs [36] Question: Market appetite for multifamily products - Management noted no significant differentiation in refinancing between market rate and rent-regulated multifamily loans [40] Question: Expectations on deposit betas with potential rate cuts - Management indicated that gradual rate cuts would help maintain deposit costs, with expectations of similar reductions in future rate cuts [42] Question: Thoughts on stock repurchases - Management is considering stock repurchases, especially as capital ratios are strong and the CRE concentration ratio has improved [55] Question: Industry credit cycle outlook - Management believes the industry is in the later innings of the credit cycle, with expectations of a stable environment moving forward [63]