Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2026, the company originated $42.1 million in loans held for investment, a 42% increase from $29.6 million in the previous quarter [4] - Loan principal payments and payoffs were $46.7 million, a 35% increase from $34.5 million in the prior quarter [4] - Non-performing assets decreased to $999,000, or 8 basis points of total assets, down from $1.9 million at the end of the previous quarter [5] - The net interest margin increased by 3 basis points to 3.03% compared to 3% in the previous quarter [8] - Operating expenses rose to $7.9 million from $7.6 million in the previous quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment decreased by approximately $4.1 million, with declines in multifamily, commercial business, and commercial real estate loans, partially offset by increases in single-family and construction loans [5] - The weighted average rate of loans originated in Q2 2026 was 6.15%, compared to 5.22% for loans held for investment as of December 31, 2025 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s loan pipelines are moderately higher than last quarter, suggesting origination volume in Q3 2026 will be within the range of recent quarters [4] - The average cost of deposits decreased to 1.32%, down 2 basis points, while the cost of borrowing decreased by 20 basis points to 4.39% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on disciplined balance sheet growth by expanding its loan portfolio, which is deemed suitable for the stable economic environment and ongoing normalization of the yield curve [14] - The company aims to maintain its cash dividend and recognizes stock buybacks as a responsible capital management tool, having repurchased approximately $96,000 of common stock in the last quarter [14][15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the current credit quality, noting no loans in early stages of delinquency and a strong performance of commercial real estate loans [6] - The company anticipates opportunities for net interest margin expansion in the upcoming quarters due to expected repricing of maturing wholesale funding at lower rates [12] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to gross loans held for investment was 55 basis points, a slight decrease from 56 basis points in the previous quarter [8] - The company distributed $906,000 in cash dividends and repurchased approximately $1.5 million worth of common stock, representing a 170% distribution of the net income for the quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the probability that the loan portfolio will be flat in the next four quarters? - Management indicated that it is difficult to predict loan payoffs, but they have been focusing on increasing origination volume each quarter, suggesting a potential for higher origination in Q3 2026 [19] Question: Do loans repricing in the June quarter pose a potential headwind to loan growth? - Management does not foresee significant headwinds from repricing, as the rates are not substantially higher than new loan production [20] Question: Would government plans to make housing more affordable be a net positive for the business? - Management believes that increasing housing availability would be beneficial, especially in California where demand exceeds supply [23][24]

Summary of Banking Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The banking industry is currently facing a net interest margin (NIM) of 1.42%, which is under downward pressure. However, banks are maintaining profits by releasing provisions and realizing gains from previous bond holdings. This strategy is not sustainable long-term, and banks need to return to a stable operating state [1][3][4]. Key Insights and Arguments - The estimated bottom line for NIM is between 1.2% and 1.3%, based on capital balance lines and breakeven points. The current low loan rates contradict anti-competition policies, limiting the potential for significant NIM declines [1][4]. - In 2026, loan rates are expected to decrease by 24 basis points, while deposit rates are projected to decline by 14 to 17 basis points. This will likely drag NIM down by 2 to 5 basis points [1][5]. - The growth of total banking assets is expected to align with nominal GDP growth, estimated at 6% to 7% during the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans [1][6]. - Internal development is crucial for maintaining capital balance. Current interest margin levels can sustain industry stability without relying on external financing, although different banks may have varying needs based on their specific situations [1][7]. Additional Important Points - Loan repricing is influenced by the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) and the addition of basis points. The structure of loan repricing and maturity significantly impacts NIM [1][8]. - The structure of deposit maturities also affects NIM. Long-term deposits that are renewed at new rates can help improve NIM, with an estimated positive impact of 10 to 13 basis points from a 14 to 17 basis point decline in deposit rates [2][10]. - Overall, the banking industry's NIM is expected to decline by approximately 2 to 5 basis points in 2026. However, if asset growth exceeds 10%, this decline may not significantly impact overall profitability [1][11]. - There are notable performance differences among various types of banks. Large commercial banks generally represent the industry, while smaller local banks may perform differently based on their unique business models and customer bases [1][12].

Core Insights - The company is experiencing significant growth in business loans, with a year-over-year increase exceeding $400 million and a third-quarter growth of over $160 million compared to the previous quarter [1][3] - The net interest margin (NIM) has increased for six consecutive quarters, surpassing 3%, and is expected to expand further in the fourth quarter due to reduced deposit costs and maintained loan yields [2][11] - The company has a strong liquidity position with a core deposit-funded balance sheet, allowing it to capitalize on lending opportunities as they arise [2][8] Financial Performance - Core earnings per share for the third quarter reached $0.61, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [8] - The reported NIM for the third quarter increased to 3.1%, with total deposits up approximately $320 million compared to the prior quarter [8][10] - Core cash operating expenses for the third quarter were $61.9 million, slightly above prior guidance, primarily due to new hires [9][14] Loan and Deposit Trends - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, increased to $535 million, with a strong loan pipeline currently standing at $1.2 billion [1][5] - The cost of total deposits remained unchanged at 2.09% in the third quarter, with a notable increase in the spread between loans and deposits by approximately 10 basis points following the Fed rate cut [2][11] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, with the deposit teams growing their portfolios to approximately $2.6 billion [3][10] Future Outlook - The company anticipates more meaningful NIM expansion in the fourth quarter and significant opportunities in 2026 based on loan pricing and organic growth across deposits and loans [7][12] - There is a substantial back book repricing opportunity, with approximately $1.35 billion of adjustable and fixed-rate loans expected to reprice or mature in 2026, potentially leading to a 20 basis point increase in NIM [12][13] - The company is focused on organic growth and has plans to open new branch locations in New Jersey and Long Island in 2026 [6][28]

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 year-over-year [3][4] - Core EPS for Q3 was $0.61, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [10] - Reported NIM increased to 3.01%, with a slight adjustment to 2.98% when excluding prepayment fees and purchase accounting [10][12] - Total deposits increased by approximately $320 million from the previous quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew over $160 million in Q3, compared to $110 million in Q2, with year-over-year growth exceeding $400 million [7] - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, reached $535 million, with a weighted average rate of approximately 6.95% [7] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, with a strong focus on growing the deposit portfolio [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets (NPAs) were up slightly but represented only 50 basis points of total assets, which is favorable compared to peers [4] - The credit side loans declined by approximately $30 million linked quarter, and loans 30 to 89 days past due decreased by 33% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly in business loans and core deposits, while managing its commercial real estate concentration ratio [8][38] - New branch openings in Manhattan and New Jersey are part of the strategy to expand market presence [8] - The company aims for significant NIM expansion in 2026 based on loan repricing opportunities and organic growth [14][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality and expects to resolve legacy NPAs in the fourth quarter [22] - The company anticipates a relatively flat balance sheet for the remainder of the year, with growth in business loans expected [15] - Management believes the industry is in the later innings of the current credit cycle, with a strong local economy supporting stability [49] Other Important Information - Non-interest income for the quarter was $12.2 million, including a $1.5 million recovery from a past fraud case [11][47] - The common equity tier 1 ratio grew to over 11.5%, and the total capital ratio increased to over 16% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about charge-offs related to NPAs - Management clarified that charge-offs were primarily related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate, with no multifamily loans involved [21][22] Question: Expectations on multifamily payoffs and future prepayments - Management indicated that while there were significant payoffs this quarter, future prepayments are expected to normalize [24] Question: Discussion on normalized charge-offs in the context of new business verticals - Management stated that the guidance for charge-offs was around 20-30 basis points, with current levels at 31 basis points, and expects to return to historical levels over the next couple of quarters [30][31] Question: Thoughts on deposit betas amid potential rate cuts - Management expressed optimism about maintaining deposit costs and passing on rate cuts effectively, with current deposit costs in the low 190s [34][35] Question: Strategic alternatives including M&A considerations - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and deploying excess liquidity rather than pursuing M&A at this time [38][45]

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 year-over-year [3][4] - Core EPS for Q3 was $0.61, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [10] - Reported NIM increased to 3.01%, with a significant increase in the spread between loans and deposits following the Fed rate cut [10][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew over $160 million in Q3, compared to $110 million in Q2, with year-over-year growth exceeding $400 million [7] - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, increased to $535 million, with a weighted average rate of approximately 6.95% [7] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, with total deposits up approximately $320 million from the prior quarter [4][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets (NPAs) were up slightly but represented only 50 basis points of total assets, which is favorable compared to peers [4] - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with a core deposit-funded balance sheet [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly in business loans and core deposits, while managing its commercial real estate concentration ratio [8][38] - New branch openings in Manhattan and New Jersey are part of the strategy to expand market presence [8] - The company aims for NIM expansion in the fourth quarter and significant opportunities in 2026 based on loan repricing [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality and expects resolution of legacy NPAs in Q4 [22] - The company anticipates a gradual improvement in NIM due to reduced deposit costs and stable loan yields [12][13] - Management believes the industry is in the later innings of the credit cycle, with a strong local economy and no significant stress expected [49] Other Important Information - Non-interest income for the quarter was $12.2 million, including a $1.5 million fraud recovery [11][46] - The common equity tier 1 ratio grew to over 11.5%, and total capital ratio increased to over 16% [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about charge-offs related to non-performing loans - Management clarified that charge-offs were primarily related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate, with no multifamily loans involved [21][22] Question: Expectations on multifamily payoffs and future prepayments - Management indicated that while there were significant payoffs this quarter, future prepayments are expected to normalize [24] Question: Discussion on normalized charge-offs and future expectations - Management stated that charge-offs are currently at 31 basis points and expect to return to historical levels as new businesses are built out [30][31] Question: Insights on deposit betas with potential rate cuts - Management noted that gradual rate cuts would help maintain deposit costs, with current costs in the low 190s [34][35] Question: Thoughts on M&A and strategic alternatives - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and deploying excess liquidity rather than pursuing M&A at this time [38][45] Question: Discussion on stock repurchases given capital ratios - Management confirmed that discussions on stock repurchases have begun, with a focus on deploying capital effectively before considering buybacks [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings power showed significant growth with pre-tax, pre-provision income of $54.4 million in Q3 2025, up from $49.4 million in Q2 2025 and $29.8 million year-over-year [3][4] - Core EPS for Q3 was $0.61 per share, representing a 110% year-over-year increase [9] - Reported NIM increased to 3.01%, with a notable increase in the spread between loans and deposits by approximately 10 basis points following the Fed rate cut [9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew over $160 million in Q3 2025, compared to $110 million in Q2 2025, with year-over-year growth exceeding $400 million [6] - Loan originations, including new lines of credit, reached $535 million, with a weighted average rate of approximately 6.95% [6] - Core deposits increased by $1 billion year-over-year, with total deposits up approximately $320 million from the prior quarter [4][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets (NPAs) increased slightly but remained low at 50 basis points of total assets, which is favorable compared to peers [4] - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with a core deposit-funded balance sheet, allowing it to capitalize on lending opportunities [4][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly in business loans and core deposits, while managing its commercial real estate concentration ratio [7][33] - New branch openings in Manhattan and New Jersey are part of the strategy to expand market presence [7] - The company aims for continued NIM expansion, with expectations for significant opportunities in 2026 based on loan repricing [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality and expects to resolve legacy NPAs in Q4, projecting a stable NPA range [19][20] - The outlook for the credit cycle is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of muddling along rather than entering a significant stress environment [40] - Management anticipates a path to a structurally higher NIM and enhanced earnings power over time, with targets of 3.25% and 3.50% NIM in the future [12][13] Other Important Information - Non-interest income for the quarter was $12.2 million, including a $1.5 million fraud recovery from a legacy issue [10][38] - The company is considering stock repurchases as capital ratios improve, with a focus on deploying capital effectively [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about NPA formations and charge-offs - Management clarified that charge-offs were primarily related to owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate, with expectations for resolution of legacy NPAs in Q4 [19] Question: Expectations on charge-offs normalization - Management indicated that normalized charge-offs were expected to be around 20 to 30 basis points, with current levels at 31 basis points [25][27] Question: Market appetite for multifamily products - Management noted that there was no significant differentiation in refinancing between market rate and rent-regulated multifamily loans, with a high percentage of loans being refinanced [28] Question: Expectations on deposit betas with potential rate cuts - Management expressed confidence in maintaining deposit costs while growing deposits, with expectations of similar deposit betas in future rate cuts [29][30] Question: Thoughts on M&A and strategic alternatives - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and deploying excess liquidity, while remaining open to maximizing shareholder value [33][34] Question: Discussion on stock repurchases - Management confirmed that discussions on stock repurchases have begun, with a focus on balancing capital deployment and maintaining a strong capital position [36][37]

Core Insights - Volta Finance reported a net performance of -0.8% for August 2025, with a year-to-date performance of +3.2%, underperforming compared to US High Yield and Euro High Yield returns of +6.3% and +4.0% respectively [4][5] Performance and Economic Context - Economic indicators showed a mixed picture in August, with weak labor market signals and high valuations in the tech sector raising concerns about economic momentum [5] - Inflation data remained elevated but aligned with expectations, leading to speculation about potential Federal Reserve rate cuts [5] - The Bank of England surprised markets with a rate cut to 4%, the lowest in over two years, amid ongoing inflation and political uncertainty [5] - Credit markets remained stable, with minor changes in spreads for Itraxx Xover and CDX indices [5] Loan and CLO Market Activity - The loan market saw significant repricing, with 28% of the market repriced year-to-date, resulting in approximately 20 basis points of spread compression [6] - Volta received an early redemption of approximately €7 million from a European CLO Equity position and reinvested €5.7 million into a Euro CLO debt tranche [7] Portfolio Performance - Volta's CLO Equity tranches returned -1.1%, while CLO Debt tranches returned +1.2% [8] - The EUR/USD exchange rate shift impacted long dollar exposure, contributing to a performance decline of -0.34% [8] Financial Position - As of the end of August 2025, Volta's Net Asset Value (NAV) was €271.8 million, equating to €7.43 per share [9] - Cash flow generation remained stable at €28 million equivalent in interest and coupons over the last six months, representing nearly 21% of August NAV on an annualized basis [7]

Core Viewpoint - SouthState Corporation (SSB) has shown strong performance with an 11.6% increase in shares over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.8% and its peers [1][8] Financial Performance - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts are expected to ease funding pressures and stabilize deposit costs, benefiting banks like SouthState [4] - SouthState's net interest income (NII) has achieved a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.9% through 2024, with continued improvement in the first half of 2025 [5] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved in the first half of 2025 due to balance sheet optimization, despite a decline in 2024 from elevated funding costs [5][6] - Revenue growth is projected to continue, with estimates suggesting a year-over-year increase of 51.93% for 2025 and 4.76% for 2026 [9][10] Growth Strategies - SouthState has expanded its market presence through acquisitions, including the significant acquisition of Independent Bank in January 2025, which increased total assets to $65.1 billion [10][11] - The company has maintained strong organic growth, with a revenue CAGR of 21.5% over the past five years, continuing into the first half of 2025 [6][7] Liquidity and Shareholder Returns - SouthState has a solid liquidity position, with total debt of $1.2 billion against cash and cash equivalents of $3.5 billion as of June 30, 2025 [12] - The company has consistently raised dividends since 2020, with a recent hike of 11.1% in July 2025, resulting in a payout ratio of 26% and a five-year annualized dividend growth of 3.30% [13][16] Risks and Concerns - Elevated non-interest expenses have shown a CAGR of 16.6% from 2019 to 2024, driven by various operational costs [18] - The loan portfolio is heavily concentrated in real estate, with 72.9% of loans having real estate as collateral, increasing exposure to commercial real estate risks [20][21] Valuation - SouthState's trailing price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.15X is below the industry average of 1.88X, indicating that shares are trading at a discount compared to peers [23]

Core Financial Performance - The company reported a GAAP EPS of $0.41 for Q2 2025, marking a significant increase of 12,878% from Q2 2024, primarily due to fair value adjustments on debt and the reversal of a valuation allowance [2][11][18] - Core EPS also rose to $0.32, reflecting broad-based profitability improvements [3][11] - The GAAP net interest margin reached 2.54%, with a core net interest margin of 2.52%, both showing a quarter-over-quarter increase of 3 basis points [3][11][18] Deposit Growth and Composition - Average total deposits increased to $7.6 billion, up 6% year-over-year and 1% quarter-over-quarter [4][11][19] - Non-interest-bearing deposits grew to $875 million, representing a 6% year-over-year and 2% quarter-over-quarter increase [4][19] - The deposit mix remained stable, with uninsured and uncollateralized deposits accounting for only 17% of total deposits, reducing funding risk [8][36] Credit Quality and Risk Management - Pre-provision, pretax net revenue reached $23.1 million, the highest since 2022, with core PPNR at $19 million [5][11][20] - Net charge-offs were stable at 15 basis points, and non-performing assets remained at 75 basis points quarter-over-quarter [5][20] - Criticized and classified loans improved to 108 basis points from 133 basis points in the previous quarter, indicating enhanced credit quality [5][11][21] Loan Repricing and Future Income - The company identified $373 million of loans scheduled to reprice at rates 136 basis points higher by year-end 2025, with $2.1 billion set to reprice through 2027, providing a projected net interest income tailwind [6][27][39] - Multifamily loan retention was strong at 92%, with an average rate increase of 154 basis points [6][29] Strategic Initiatives and Market Focus - The company is focusing on core deposit growth in the Asian American community, with deposits in this segment reaching $1.4 billion and a compound annual growth rate of 12.4% since Q2 2022 [9][38] - Plans for branch expansion include a new location in Jackson Heights and a second branch in Chinatown [9][51] Expense Management and Guidance - The expected core non-interest expense growth for 2025 has been lowered to 4.5%-5.5% over a base of $159.6 million, attributed to reductions in incentive accruals and strict cost control [8][40][50] - The projected effective tax rate for the remainder of 2025 is between 24.5% and 26.5% [8][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net interest income of $123.5 million, which is $21 million higher than the first quarter of 2024 and slightly higher than the fourth quarter of 2024 [3] - Tangible book value increased by 3% since last quarter and 13% year-over-year, ending at $30.31 per share [2] - The common equity Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 11.4% and the risk-based capital ratio at 12.9% for the quarter [2] - The provision expense was $6.6 million, up $2.1 million from the first quarter of 2024 and $900,000 from the fourth quarter [6] - The allowance for credit losses ended the quarter at just over $165 million, an increase of about $576,000 from the fourth quarter [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased by about 7% compared to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to a one-time benefit recorded in 2024, but normalized rates showed a 7% increase driven by higher service charges on deposit accounts [8] - Non-interest expense was down $789,000 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 and flat compared to the first quarter of 2024, reflecting expense discipline despite a 5% growth in employee numbers [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio stands at 89%, with an adjusted ratio of 77% when including correspondent Fed funds purchased [1] - The company anticipates over $1.9 billion in asset repricing over the next 12 months [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic loan and deposit growth, priced competitively and profitably, with expectations of loan growth in low double digits [12][36] - There is an ongoing evaluation of new producers and potential hires to support expansion efforts [45] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the durability of Main Street compared to Wall Street, indicating a mixed impact from current market uncertainties [26] - The company does not foresee significant impacts from tariffs and remains optimistic about the balance of the year [28][32] Other Important Information - The company experienced a significant increase in Fed balances, averaging $380 million, which aids liquidity but negatively impacts margin calculations [2][4] - The company is looking for additional avenues to improve income without increasing risk, given the excess liquidity [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view deposit trends for the rest of the year? - Management indicated that municipal deposits may decline as the year progresses, with correspondent balances leveling off after tax season [21][22] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and demand post-pandemic? - Management noted a potential slowdown but remains optimistic about steady, granular growth across various markets [26][38] Question: What is the current loan pricing dynamic? - Loan pricing has remained steady, but management expressed dissatisfaction with current pricing levels, indicating they should be higher [43] Question: What is the expected range for non-interest expenses for the remainder of the year? - Non-interest expenses are expected to be in the range of $46 to $46.5 million, excluding potential new hires [45] Question: Can you provide details on non-performing loans? - Non-performing loans are primarily in the medical sector, including a hospital and a doctor with cash flow issues but good collateral [48][52]