Key insights: Canadian lender BMO Financial Group reported a $1.82 billion profit for the first quarter of its 2026 fiscal year. What's at stake: The solid bottom-line result pushed BMO closer to reaching its twin profitability targets, a 15% return on assets for company-wide operations and a 12% ROA for its U.S. banking operations. Expert quote: "With the U.S. economy expected to outpace Canada for a fourth straight year … we're well-positioned to capture growth opportunities as business activity expand ...

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), a global financial-services provider, closed Tuesday at $50.41, down 1.29%. The stock slipped as investors continued to react to recent tariff-related pressure on bank shares and weighed coverage noting its underperformance versus the S&P 500 over the past year. The company’s trading volume reached 52.8 million shares, which is roughly 36% above compared with its three-month average of 38.9 million shares. Bank of America went public in 1973 and has grown 989% since its IPO. Ho ...

porcorex/iStock via Getty Images US banks posted the second-highest aggregate loan growth rate in the last three years in the fourth quarter of 2025. US commercial banks, savings banks, and savings and loan associations, excluding nondepository trusts and companies with a foreign ...

Core Viewpoint - Landmark Bancorp (LARK) has shown strong earnings growth and expanding margins, leading to a 3% increase in share price following the release of its fourth-quarter 2025 results [1] Banking Operations of Landmark Bancorp - Landmark Bancorp operates as the holding company for Landmark National Bank, focusing on community banking services in Kansas, with performance driven by net interest income, loan growth, and deposit trends [1] - In 2025, the company experienced higher asset yields, lower funding costs, and steady loan production, indicating robust balance sheet strength [1] Q4 Earnings - Landmark reported a net income of $4.7 million, or 77 cents per diluted share, compared to $3.3 million, or 54 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [2] - For the full year 2025, net earnings rose 44.4% year over year to $18.8 million, with diluted earnings per share increasing to $3.07 from $2.15 in 2024 [2] Net Interest Income - Net interest income for the fourth quarter reached $14.8 million, marking a 19.3% increase from the previous year [3] - The net interest margin expanded to 4.03%, reflecting a 52-basis-point improvement year over year and a 20-basis-point increase sequentially [3] - Total revenues increased by 2.9% to $18.7 million compared to the prior quarter [3] Loan & Deposit Trends - As of December 31, 2025, gross loans totaled $1.1 billion, slightly down from the prior quarter due to lower commercial and residential balances, but partially offset by growth in commercial real estate and agriculture loans [4] - Average loans for the full year grew by 11.5%, primarily driven by commercial real estate and residential mortgage production [4] Deposits - Total deposits increased by $63.4 million in the quarter to $1.4 billion, mainly due to growth in money market and checking accounts [5] - The loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 79.1% at year-end [5] Asset Quality & Capital Position - Non-performing loans totaled $10 million, or 0.90% of gross loans, at year-end [6] - The allowance for credit losses was $12.5 million, representing 1.12% of total gross loans [6] - Capital levels remained solid, with tangible common equity to tangible assets improving to 8.03% from 7.66% in the prior quarter [6] - Book value per share increased to $26.44, while tangible book value per share rose to $20.79 [6] Dividend Announcement - Landmark's board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 21 cents per share, payable on February 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 12, 2026 [7] - Overall, Landmark Bancorp demonstrated strong year-over-year earnings growth in the fourth quarter, supported by margin expansion, steady loan production, and disciplined cost control [7]

Group 1 - Regional banks have experienced strong performance in recent years, with top-tier banks like East West Bancorp, Inc. (EWBC) leading the way [1] - These banks are characterized by ample capital, a lean operating model, and opportunities for loan growth [1]

Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo anticipates growth in loans this year, focusing on credit cards and auto loans, while expecting a rebound in mortgage momentum after previous declines [1] Group 1: Loan Growth Expectations - The company expects loans to grow this year, driven primarily by credit card and auto loan segments [1] - Momentum in the mortgage sector is anticipated to pick up after experiencing declines over time [1]

Core Insights - InsCorp, Inc. (OTCQX: IBTN) has crossed the $1 billion asset mark and approved a quarterly dividend increase while adding a healthcare veteran to its board [1][15]. Financial Performance - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.52 for 2025, down from $2.55 in 2024, with a fourth-quarter EPS of ($0.57) compared to $0.67 in 4Q24. The EPS was impacted by a pretax loss of $4,948,584 due to fraud, which was fully charged off in 4Q25 [1]. - Return on assets (ROA) was 0.46% in 2025, down from 0.87% in 2024, while return on average tangible common equity (ROATCE) decreased to 5.8% from 10.3% in the previous year [1]. - Revenue grew by 16% year-over-year (Y/Y), but overhead increased by 25% Y/Y, reflecting investments in infrastructure and market expansion [6]. Loan and Deposit Growth - The loan pipeline increased by 35% Y/Y, with approximately $50 million in approved loans expected to fund in 1Q26. Loan growth was reported at 7% compared to September 30, 2025 [3]. - Total loans grew by 13% Y/Y and 7% quarter-over-quarter (LQ) in 4Q25, with significant contributions from commercial real estate (CRE), commercial and industrial (C&I), and residential loans [4]. - Deposits increased by 19% Y/Y, driven by a 50% growth in interest-bearing transaction balances and an 11% increase in noninterest-bearing deposits [5]. Asset Quality and Capital - Asset quality remains healthy, with net charge-offs (NCOs) at 2.26% of average loans in 4Q25, primarily related to the fraudulent loan. Nonperforming loans (NPLs) decreased to 0.60% of loans at year-end [13]. - The company maintained a strong capital position, with a tier-1 leverage ratio of 10.66% and a common equity tier-1 capital ratio of 10.97% as of 4Q25 [14]. Strategic Developments - InsCorp's board welcomed Nancy Schultz, a healthcare industry veteran, to enhance its expertise in healthcare services [15]. - The company has authorized a new share repurchase plan for 100,000 shares, representing 3.4% of its outstanding shares [15].

Core Insights - The company aims for double-digit loan and deposit growth by 2026, with management highlighting ongoing momentum across various banking sectors [1][19] - Loan growth in Q4 was significantly driven by sponsor finance and corporate banking, with overall loans increasing by $190 million in Q4 and $283 million for the year, reflecting a 15% annualized growth rate [2][3][7] - The bank reported a net income of $6.9 million for Q4, with an expanded net interest margin (NIM) of 4.13%, up from 3.90% in the previous quarter [10][11] Loan and Deposit Growth - Management reiterated a goal of double-digit growth in loans and deposits by 2026, citing strong pipeline momentum [1][19] - Loans increased by $190 million in Q4 and $283 million for the year, with a 15% annualized growth rate [3][7] - Deposit growth was led by corporate banking and venture lending, contributing to an increase in core deposits [2][7] Profitability Metrics - The company reported a net income of $6.9 million for Q4, or $0.65 per diluted share, with adjusted net income for the full year at $24.9 million, or $2.80 per share [10] - The net interest margin expanded to 4.13%, attributed to strong loan and core deposit growth, as well as a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing deposits [11][12] - Pre-provision net revenue increased to $12.9 million in Q4 from $10.7 million in Q3 [10] Non-Performing Assets - Non-performing assets increased, primarily due to three specific loans, including two construction loans and one sponsor finance loan [6][8] - Management believes these loans are well collateralized and expects to resolve the situation within 4 to 6 months [8][9] - Broader credit migration remains stable, with criticized and classified loans holding steady at approximately $37 million and $38 million, respectively [9] Expense and Provisioning Overview - The provision for credit losses rose to $2.8 million in Q4, driven by loan growth and including a $1.2 million specific reserve [5][14] - Non-interest expenses increased to $13.9 million, influenced by higher credit-related legal fees and consulting costs, but the adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 51.72% [15] - Management expects ongoing expenses to be above recent levels, with a run rate of approximately $14 million per quarter [16] Funding and Tax Rate - The year-end spot rate on interest-bearing deposits was 2.91%, with discussions on deposit beta dynamics indicating that about 20% of interest-bearing deposits are indexed [17] - The effective tax rate increased to 31.1% in Q4, primarily due to changes in California tax law, with expectations to return to around 28.5% in 2026 [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on average tangible equity of 15.8% for Q4 and 16.3% for the full year, with an effective tax rate of 24.8% in Q4, expected to normalize to 23.2% going forward [7][17] - Net interest income for Q4 was $170.3 million, a $1 million increase from the prior quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.21%, up 2 basis points from the previous quarter [12][7] - Total loans grew by $183 million in the quarter, representing a 5.2% annualized growth rate [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail and commercial deposits increased by $233 million, while public deposits declined by $447 million, resulting in a net increase of $214 million in deposits for Q4 [11] - Non-interest income was reported at $55.6 million, while non-interest expense for Q4 was $125.1 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in the state was 2.2% in November, significantly lower than the national rate of 4.5% [6] - Year-to-date spending through November was $19.6 billion, up about 6% compared to the same period last year [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company anticipates full-year loan growth in the range of 3%-4%, primarily driven by commercial real estate (CRE) and commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [17] - The company has a new stock repurchase authorization of $250 million, indicating a strong capital position and flexibility for future growth initiatives [9][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that credit risk remains low and stable, with no broad signs of weakness observed in consumer or commercial books [14] - The company expects non-interest income to remain stable at approximately $220 million for the year, with expenses projected to be around $520 million in 2026 [17][54] Other Important Information - The company repurchased about 1 million shares during the quarter, utilizing the remaining $26 million of its $100 million purchase authorization for 2025 [9] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $168.5 million, with coverage rising to 118 basis points of total loans and leases [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and pipeline - Management indicated that loan growth was broad-based, with some payoffs in the CRE portfolio affecting expectations, but they anticipate more normalized growth in the second half of the year [24][25] Question: Payoffs and paydowns in the industry - Management noted that payoffs have been occurring sooner than expected due to increased competition from permanent lenders, but they expect this trend to normalize [26][28] Question: Deposit trends and NIM expansion - Management confirmed that the margin guide reflects the ability to continue cutting deposit rates, with expectations of a lower deposit beta going forward [30][31] Question: Full year loan growth guidance - Management suggested that loan growth may start lower in the first half of the year but expects a pickup in the second half [44] Question: M&A activity and ideal targets - Management reiterated their focus on organic growth but remains open to M&A opportunities, looking for well-managed firms with strong deposit franchises [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin (NIM) expanded to 3.21%, up 2 basis points from the prior quarter [10] - Net interest income increased to $170.3 million, $1 million higher than the previous quarter [10] - Return on average tangible equity was 15.8% for the fourth quarter and 16.3% for the full year [6] - The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 24.8%, expected to return to about 23.2% going forward [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $183 million in the quarter, or 5.2% on an annualized basis, with significant growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [8] - Retail and commercial deposits increased by $233 million, while public deposits declined by $447 million, resulting in a net increase of $214 million in deposits [10] - Non-interest income was reported at $55.6 million, while non-interest expense was $125.1 million for the fourth quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The state unemployment rate was 2.2% in November, significantly lower than the national rate of 4.5% [5] - Total visitor arrivals were down 0.2% year-over-year, with spending up 6% to $19.6 billion [5] - The median single-family home price on Oahu was $1.1 million, up 4.3% from the previous year, while the median condo sales price was $512,000, down 5.2% [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects full-year loan growth to be in the 3%-4% range, driven primarily by commercial real estate (CRE) and C&I loans [15] - Non-interest income is anticipated to remain stable at about $220 million for the year, with expenses expected to be around $520 million in 2026 [15] - The company has a new stock repurchase authorization of $250 million, providing flexibility for capital return [8][59] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that credit risk remains low and stable, with no broad signs of weakness in consumer or commercial books [12] - The company expects to see more normalized growth in the second half of the year, following a period of payoffs in the CRE portfolio [22][28] - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a strong capital position, with a CET1 target of 12% and current levels above 13% [59] Other Important Information - The company repurchased about 1 million shares, utilizing the remaining $26 million of its $100 million purchase authorization for 2025 [8] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $168.5 million, with coverage at 118 basis points of total loans and leases [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and pipeline - Management indicated that loan growth was broad-based, with some payoffs in the CRE portfolio affecting expectations, but they anticipate more normalized growth in the future [22][23] Question: Payoffs and paydowns in the industry - Management noted that payoffs have been occurring sooner than expected due to increased competition from permanent lenders, but they expect this trend to normalize [27][28] Question: Deposit trends and NIM expansion - Management confirmed that the interest-bearing deposit beta is expected to decrease to 30%-35% after two rate cuts, with continued focus on reducing deposit costs [29][48] Question: Full year loan growth guidance - Management suggested that loan growth may start lower in the first half of the year but expects a pickup in the second half [44] Question: M&A activity and ideal targets - Management remains open to M&A opportunities, focusing on strong management teams and disciplined lending cultures, particularly in the western U.S. [71][72]