Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date return on assets (ROA) increased by 15 basis points to 1.23% compared to the same period in 2024 [4] - Year-to-date return on average tangible common equity rose to over 15%, up from just under 14% in 2024 [4] - Tangible book value per share grew by 16% year-over-year [4] - Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings saw an 18% increase from the second quarter and a 20% increase compared to the first nine months of 2024 [5] - Earnings per share grew by 26% from the second quarter and 25% year-to-date [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan balances increased by approximately $85 million, or 10% annualized during the quarter, and $286 million, or 9% year-over-year [7] - Fee income comprised 19% of operating revenue year-to-date for 2024 and 2023, compared to about 15% for peers [5] - Swap income grew nearly six times from the linked quarter, and income from SBIC funds increased over four times from the linked quarter [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits grew by 9% from both the linked and prior-year quarters [8] - The South Central Wisconsin market led deposit growth by landing several large new relationships [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term growth of 10% and focuses on solid underwriting, efficient systems, client relationships, and talent investment [16] - The company continues to invest in additional SBIC funds as a long-term earnings catalyst [13] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities in its niche C&I products and asset-based lending [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the quality of the quarter's results and the company's ability to maintain a strong and stable margin [11] - The company does not anticipate negative credit exposure related to the federal government shutdown, although it may affect SBA loan processing [10] - Management noted that clients remain optimistic, with many reporting strong business performance [53] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for year-to-date 2025 was 16.3%, within the expected annual range of 16% to 18% [14] - Compensation expense grew by about $900,000 due to an annual cash bonus accrual update tied to strong performance [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on fee income guidance - Management clarified that the 10% growth expectation for fee income is adjusted for non-recurring items from Q3 [20] Question: Margin normalization and funding side dynamics - Management indicated that betas on both sides of the balance sheet have historically been consistent, supporting margin guidance [22] Question: Classified or criticized balances at quarter-end - Management reported that classified balances remained consistent with a slight decrease in total MPL [24] Question: Investment wealth management area revenue drivers - Management noted that revenue growth in the investment wealth management area is due to both new accounts and market appreciation [48] Question: Talent acquisition strategy - Management emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships to attract new talent, focusing on market disruption and opportunistic relationship building [49] Question: Overall borrower sentiment - Management reported that borrower sentiment remains positive, with many clients experiencing strong business performance [53]