Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating return on assets was 1.37% for the third quarter, with a return on equity of 12.1% and a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 17.6%, showing continued improvement over linked and prior year quarters [3] - Net income for the third quarter was $54.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, with operating earnings per share at $1.05, an increase of $0.17 per share compared to the prior quarter [9] - Revenues grew approximately 9% from the prior quarter and 26% from the third quarter of the prior year, driven by improvements in net interest income [9][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $1.6 billion for the year, including acquired loans from Evans Bancorp, with annualized loan growth in 2025 being approximately 1% higher from December 2024 [9][10] - Total deposits reached $13.7 billion, up $2.1 billion from December 2024, with growth in checking and money market accounts [10] - Non-interest income represented 28% of total revenues in the third quarter, reflecting the strength of the diversified revenue base [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced solid growth in deposits in the Western region of New York post-merger with Evans Bancorp, retaining key lending relationships despite a net contractual runoff of approximately $30 million [6] - The new branch in Greater Rochester opened in April and is off to a promising start, with plans for further expansion in the region [6][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open four to six new branches annually to improve market concentration, particularly in Rochester [28] - The focus remains on organic growth and evaluating partnerships with like-minded community banks, with a renewed share repurchase authorization through the end of 2027 [5][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the capital position and growth opportunities across markets, despite potential challenges from expected changes to Fed funds rates impacting future margin improvements [4][15] - The company anticipates low to mid-single-digit loan growth rates in the upcoming quarters, supported by a strong pipeline [20] Other Important Information - The company announced an 8.8% improvement to its dividend to shareholders, marking the 13th consecutive year of increases [5] - Total operating expenses, excluding acquisition expenses, were $110 million for the quarter, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the prior quarter [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss cost savings and expected expenses? - Management indicated that cost savings from the Evans merger are essentially achieved, with a run rate of $110 million expected moving forward, alongside typical expense increases of 3.5% to 4.5% [18] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth? - Management expects low to mid-single-digit growth rates in the upcoming quarters, with a strong pipeline and a comfortable loan-to-deposit ratio of 85% [20][21] Question: What is the outlook for fee income growth? - The insurance business is expected to grow at a rate of high mid-single digits, with seasonality affecting the fourth quarter [63][67] Question: Are there plans for additional M&A? - The company is open to opportunistic M&A to fill in its franchise, focusing on smaller community banks [33] Question: What is the outlook for net interest margin? - Management anticipates potential margin pressure in the fourth quarter but sees opportunities for improvement in 2026 depending on the yield curve [34][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP net income for the third quarter was $10.1 million, or $1.27 per share, up from $9.1 million, or $1.15 per share in the previous quarter [3] - Pre-provision net revenue return on assets increased to 1.7%, up 27 basis points from the prior quarter [3] - Net interest margin expanded to 3.34%, up 24 basis points over the prior quarter, driven by a 13 basis point rise in loan yields [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SBA division's gains on sale rose to $1.4 million for the quarter, with total SBA originations reaching $22 million [5] - Non-interest income increased to $2.5 million, driven by SBA sales gains, representing a 24% increase compared to the linked quarter [10] - Loan originations totaled $220 million for the quarter, bringing year-to-date fundings to just over $500 million [4][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets fell to 56 basis points compared to 78 basis points last quarter [5][6] - The efficiency ratio improved to 51.4%, down from 56.1% in the previous quarter [6][10] - Total assets reached $3.2 billion, showing slight growth compared to the linked quarter [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to diversify income streams and improve the deposit base while attracting talented banking professionals [16] - The strategic focus includes increasing the proportion of variable rate loans from just over 20% to 35% to mitigate the impact of future interest rate changes [9] - The company is optimistic about the SBA division's potential for further scaling beyond the current production goal of $50 million [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive outlook on credit trends, with expectations for continued improvement in non-performing asset ratios [4][16] - The company anticipates that the recent rate cuts will have a short-term impact on net interest margin but expects improvements as term deposits mature [9] - The management is cautious about the potential short-term impacts of the government shutdown on the SBA division but remains optimistic about future growth [34] Other Important Information - The company revised its loan growth guidance to flat for the year due to elevated payoffs [15] - Non-interest income guidance for the full year is affirmed at $7 to $8 million, with net interest income guidance set at $97 to $98 million [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan pricing and elevated payoffs - Management noted that year-to-date originations have a weighted average rate of 7.86% and that elevated payoffs are expected to continue into 2026 [20][21] Question: Update on core deposit initiative - Management reported positive developments with newly hired teams contributing to deposit growth, although full production is expected by 2026 [26] Question: Deposit beta with Fed rate cuts - Management indicated that approximately $1 billion of non-maturity interest-bearing deposits are indexed to Fed funds, with effective beta achieved at 50% on $1 billion of deposits [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diluted EPS for the current quarter was $1.38, down $0.01 from the linked June 2025 quarter, but up $0.28 from the September quarter a year ago [4] - Net interest margin for the quarter was 3.57%, up from 3.47% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 and from 3.34% in the year-ago quarter [5][18] - Non-interest income was down by 9.7% or $707,000 compared to the linked quarter, but was more than offset by lower non-interest expense of $925,000 or a 3.6% decrease quarter over quarter [5][22] - The allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2025, totaled $52.1 million, representing 1.24% of gross loans [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loan balances increased by $91 million or 2.2% during the first quarter, with a year-over-year increase of $225 million or 5.7% [6] - The growth in the quarter was led by non-owner occupied commercial real estate, one-to-four family residential, commercial & industrial, and multifamily loans [6] - Deposit balances were relatively flat compared to the linked quarter but up $240 million or 5.9% over the last 12 months [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was experienced in the east region, particularly in agricultural activity, while the south region also showed good growth [7] - The loan pipeline anticipated to fund in the next 90 days remains strong, totaling about $195 million at September 30 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about achieving mid-single-digit loan growth in the fiscal year despite expectations of a slowdown in loan growth due to seasonal factors [7][20] - The company is focusing on improving credit quality and has been proactive in working with borrowers to assess their positions and utilize government programs to mitigate risk [17] - There is a modest uptick in M&A discussions, with the company well-positioned to act when the right partner is ready [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about performance in the new fiscal year, despite a larger provision for credit losses due to the evolving economic environment [3][24] - The company expects to see continued net interest income growth through the year, despite historical seasonal slowdowns in loan growth [20][21] - Management noted that charge-off activity is expected to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels trending back to historical ranges [33] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased just over 8,000 shares at an average price of just under $55, with an average purchase price at 127% of tangible book value [9] - The tangible book value increased by $5.09 or 13.3% over the last 12 months, attributed to earnings retention and improvements in the bank's unrealized loss in the investment portfolio [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for provision expense and charge-offs - Management expects charge-off activity to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels running similar to historical ranges [33] Question: Bank's rate sensitivity and margin expansion - The bank remains overall liability-sensitive, with expectations of being a net beneficiary of rate cuts, estimating a 1% to 3% increase in net interest income per 100 basis points of rate cuts [36] Question: Update on loan pipeline and growth expectations - The loan pipeline remains consistent, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth for the fiscal year, though seasonal slowdowns are anticipated [44] Question: Buyback activity and M&A discussions - Management anticipates being more active in buyback activity given current pricing and is in discussions for potential M&A opportunities, ideally targeting banks in the billion-dollar asset range [50][27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported net earnings of $52.6 million or $0.38 per share, an increase from $50.6 million or $0.37 per share in Q3 2024, marking a $2 million quarter-over-quarter increase primarily due to a $4 million growth in net interest income [5][6][12] - The return on average tangible common equity was 14.11% and return on average assets was 1.35% for Q3 2025 [6] - Pretax pre-provision income was $70 million, up $1.2 million or 2% compared to Q3 2024 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for Q3 2025 was $115.6 million, compared to $111.6 million in Q2 2025 and $113.6 million in Q3 2024 [15][16] - Non-interest income was $13 million in Q3 2025, which was $1.7 million lower than Q2 2025, but increased by $260,000 when excluding legal settlements and losses [8][10] - Total loans at September 30, 2025, were $8.47 billion, reflecting a $112 million or 5% annualized increase from Q2 2025, driven by growth in various loan categories [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits and customer repurchase agreements totaled $12.6 billion, a $170 million increase from Q2 2025 and $108 million higher than Q3 2024 [8][9] - Non-interest bearing deposits grew by $108 million compared to Q3 2024, while interest-bearing non-maturity deposits and customer repos increased by an additional $100 million [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on banking small to medium-sized businesses and their owners through all economic cycles, maintaining a strong commitment to profitability and dividend payments [75] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, having recently hired a team of bankers to open a new office in the Temecula Murrieta area, indicating a strategy to expand its market presence [32][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining low single-digit loan growth for the year, with strong pipelines and opportunities despite competitive pressures in pricing [37][41] - The economic forecast indicates lower GDP growth and a slightly lower unemployment rate, with expectations of continued challenges in the commercial real estate market [19] Other Important Information - The company experienced a legal settlement of $6 million, which was offset by an $8.2 million loss on the sale of low-yielding AFS securities [6][20] - The allowance for credit loss was $79 million at September 30, 2025, representing 0.94% of gross loans, reflecting a slight increase from the previous quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest bearing deposit costs and beta cycle - Management noted that the recent rate cuts have not yet fully impacted deposit costs, but they plan to match Fed rate decreases with reductions in money market rates [29][30] Question: Update on M&A dialogue - Management confirmed ongoing discussions regarding M&A opportunities but indicated that no imminent deals are in place [31] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in maintaining low single-digit growth, with strong pipelines and opportunities, excluding seasonal impacts from dairy loans [36][38] Question: Pricing competition in loans - Management stated they are willing to compete on price for the right relationships, acknowledging aggressive competition from larger banks [40][58] Question: Impact of interest rate swaps - Management indicated that the current interest rate environment may negatively impact net interest income, but they plan to maintain their swap arrangements as a hedge [52] Question: Cash balances and deployment - Management acknowledged the buildup of cash balances and indicated potential deployment into bonds depending on market conditions [68][71] Question: Expense management heading into 2026 - Management confirmed a continued focus on closely managing expenses, with plans to invest in technology while maintaining low single-digit growth expectations [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Western Alliance Bancorporation reported record net revenue of $938 million and pre-provision net revenue of $394 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong business momentum [4][5] - Net interest income increased by 30% on a linked quarter annualized basis, reaching $750 million, driven by healthy loan growth and stable net interest margins [4][11] - The company generated EPS of $2.28, with a return on average assets of 1.13% and return on average tangible common equity of 15.6% [5][16] - The CET1 capital ratio grew to 11.3%, with total equity increasing to $7.7 billion and tangible book value per share climbing 13% year over year [5][16][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mortgage banking revenue rose significantly, contributing to a $40 million increase in non-interest income, with AmeriHome growing revenue by $17 million quarter over quarter [5][12] - Commercial and industrial loans led loan growth momentum, while construction loans decreased by $460 million as they converted to term financing [17][18] - Non-interest expenses increased by $30 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to seasonal factors and elevated ECR-related deposits [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew by $6.1 billion in Q3, with significant contributions from non-interest-bearing and savings accounts, despite a $635 million runoff in higher-cost CDs [17][18] - Regional banking deposits increased by $1.1 billion, with strong growth in commercial banking and innovation banking [18] - The allowance for loan losses rose to 78 basis points, reflecting the increase in loans and the company's proactive credit management strategy [16][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for loan growth of $5 billion and raised year-end deposit growth expectations to $8.5 billion, indicating confidence in its business pipeline [26] - Western Alliance is focused on maintaining strong asset quality and has implemented enhanced monitoring practices to mitigate risks associated with credit relationships [6][8] - The bank is evaluating issuing subordinated debt to support its share repurchase program, which is expected to be accretive to EPS [23][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, stating that criticized assets have declined and that they do not foresee significant losses from current credit exposures [33][34] - The economic backdrop is viewed positively, with GDP growth and low unemployment supporting the bank's outlook [67] - The company anticipates continued growth in net interest income and non-interest income, with a projected effective tax rate of about 20% for Q4 [26][28] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a $300 million share buyback program, with $25 million already executed [23][41] - Management highlighted the importance of strong collateral and risk management practices in their lending operations, particularly in the non-depository financial institution space [69][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit picture regarding First Brands and Canter 5 exposures - Management feels comfortable with asset quality and does not foresee losses from these exposures, supported by strong collateral and guarantees [33][34] Question: Expectations for ECR deposit beta and mortgage revenue - The beta for ECR-related deposits is expected to be around 70%, with mortgage-related income rising significantly due to lower mortgage rates [35][38] Question: Insights on buybacks and capital management - The company plans to maintain its $300 million buyback program and may issue subordinated debt to support capital ratios while continuing to repurchase shares [41][42] Question: Seasonal deposit flows and expectations for Q4 - The company anticipates some seasonal runoff in deposits, particularly related to the mortgage cycle, but expects to stabilize in 2026 [49][50] Question: Trends in classified loans and asset quality - The reduction in classified loans was driven by improved borrower fundamentals and successful resolutions, with no significant losses expected from current exposures [54][55]

Core Insights - Stonegate Capital Partners has initiated coverage on Provident Financial Services Inc (NYSE: PFS) [1] - For Q2 2025, Provident Financial Services reported a net income of $72.0 million, an increase from $64.0 million in Q1 2025, and a significant recovery from a net loss of $11.5 million in Q2 2024 [1][7] - The earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $0.55, compared to $0.49 in Q1 2025 [1][7] - The increase in net income was attributed to higher net interest income from new loan originations and improved repricing on adjustable-rate loans, despite higher compensation expenses and lower average low-cost deposits [1][7] Financial Performance - Provident Financial Services achieved record revenue of $214.2 million in Q2 2025, supported by net interest income of $187.1 million and non-interest income of $27.1 million [7] - Commercial loan balances increased by $319.3 million during the quarter [7] - The company maintained strong credit quality, with non-performing assets improving to just 0.44% of total assets [7]

Core Viewpoint - WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) reported better-than-expected quarterly results, with adjusted earnings of 73 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents, although this represented a 3.9% year-over-year decline [1][9] Financial Performance - The company's net income available to common shareholders was $58.3 million, down 4.3% from the prior-year quarter, while the estimate was $51.9 million [2] - Quarterly net revenues were $186.261 million, a decrease of 4.2% year over year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $185.7 million [3] - Net interest income (NII) was $160.9 million, declining 5.2% year over year, primarily due to a lower loan balance, while net interest margin (NIM) increased by 13 basis points to 2.69% [3] - Total non-interest income rose 5.9% to $18.3 million, surpassing the estimate of $17.2 million, while total non-interest expenses fell 5.2% to $104.3 million [4] Efficiency and Returns - The efficiency ratio improved to 56.01%, down from 56.61% in the prior-year quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [5] - Return on average common equity was 8.54%, down from 9.20%, while return on average assets increased to 0.92% from 0.87% [5] Loans and Deposits - As of June 30, 2025, net loans receivable were $20.28 billion, down 3.1% from the prior quarter, while total customer deposits were $21.39 billion, showing a slight decline [6] Credit Quality - The allowance for credit losses increased to 1.03% of gross loans outstanding, up from 1.00% in the prior-year quarter, with non-performing assets to total assets ratio rising to 0.36% from 0.24% [7] - Provision for credit losses was $2 million, a significant increase of 33.3% from the year-ago quarter [7] Share Repurchase Activity - During the reported quarter, WAFD repurchased 1.66 million shares at an average price of $29.08 per share [10] Strategic Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from relatively higher interest rates, business restructuring, and a strong balance sheet, with the acquisition of Luther Burbank Corporation enhancing its presence in California [11]

Core Viewpoint - Capital One (COF) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 22, with anticipated year-over-year increases in earnings and revenues [1] Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, COF's earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, while provisions declined [2] - The consensus estimate for COF's second-quarter earnings is $3.82, reflecting a 21.7% increase from the prior-year quarter, with total revenues expected to rise by 28.6% to $12.22 billion [14] Key Factors and Estimates - NII is projected to grow by 19.4% year-over-year to $9.01 billion, supported by a favorable lending environment and stable interest rates [4] - The total average earning assets are estimated at $479.9 billion, indicating a 6.4% rise from the previous year [3] - Interchange fees, constituting over 60% of fee income, are expected to increase by 18.8% year-over-year to $1.48 billion [5] - Total non-interest income is estimated at $2.31 billion, suggesting a 17.8% rise from the prior year [7] Expenses and Asset Quality - Total non-interest expenses are projected to reach $7.54 billion, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 52.5% due to rising marketing costs and technology investments [7] - The provision for credit losses is estimated at $2.67 billion, indicating a 31.6% decrease from the previous year [8] Strategic Developments - In May, Capital One completed the acquisition of Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, enhancing its position in the credit card industry [10] - The merger is expected to generate expense synergies of $1.5 billion by 2027 and adjusted non-GAAP EPS accretion of over 15% by 2027 [12]

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN) is expected to report an increase in quarterly revenues and earnings year over year for the second quarter of 2025, with earnings anticipated to be stable compared to the previous quarter [1][3]. Financial Performance - The bank recorded an earnings surprise of 9.7% in the last reported quarter, driven by improvements in fee income and net interest income (NII), although non-interest expenses increased [1][2]. - Preliminary results indicate earnings of 34 cents per share, reflecting a 13.3% rise from the year-ago figure, despite a 2.9% decline in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past week [3][10]. - Revenues for the quarter are projected to be $1.95 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion, but still representing a year-over-year increase of 9.6% [4][10]. Key Factors Influencing Performance - NII is expected to grow to $1.5 billion, a 3% increase from the prior quarter, supported by steady loan demand and interest rates remaining unchanged by the Federal Reserve [5][10]. - The average total earnings assets are estimated to rise by 1.5% to $191.1 billion, reflecting strong demand for commercial and industrial loans [6]. - Mortgage banking income is projected to increase by 9.5% to $34 million, aided by stable refinancing activities despite fluctuating mortgage rates [7][8]. Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Total non-interest income is expected to decline by 5.4% to $520.6 million, influenced by rising expenses and credit loss reserves [10][12]. - Higher expenses are anticipated due to increased costs from data processing, marketing, and expansion efforts in commercial banking [13][14]. Asset Quality - The bank has increased its allowance for credit losses by $37 million to $2.5 billion, reflecting concerns over potential delinquent loans amid economic uncertainties [14]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total non-accrual loans indicates a 3.5% increase from the prior quarter, suggesting a cautious approach to asset quality [15]. Earnings Expectations - The chances of HBAN beating earnings estimates are considered low due to a negative Earnings ESP of -2.42% [16]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook compared to other stocks [17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net earnings of $51.1 million or $0.36 per share, marking the 192nd consecutive quarter of profitability [6] - The return on average tangible common equity was 14.51% and return on average assets was 1.37% for Q1 2025 [6] - Net interest margin expanded by 13 basis points to 3.31% compared to 3.18% in Q4 2024 and 3.10% in Q1 2024 [8] - Total deposits and customer repurchase agreements increased to $12.3 billion, a $56 million increase from Q4 2024 [9] - Non-interest income for Q1 2025 was $16.2 million, up from $13.1 million in Q4 2024 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans decreased to $8.36 billion, a $173 million decline from Q4 2024, primarily due to a $168 million decrease in dairy and livestock loans [12] - Loan originations in Q1 2025 were approximately 13% higher than in Q1 2024, with notable increases in C&I and commercial real estate loans [15] - Nonperforming and delinquent loans decreased to $26.8 million from $47.6 million at the end of Q4 2024 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Noninterest-bearing deposits grew by $147 million or 2% compared to the end of 2024 [9] - The cost of deposits and repos was 87 basis points for Q1 2025, down from 97 basis points in Q4 2024 [10] - The economic forecast indicates real GDP growth slowing to 2% in the second half of 2026, with unemployment expected to remain above 5% until 2028 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on banking small to medium-sized businesses and their owners through all economic cycles [131] - A new share repurchase program was authorized, with 2.05 million shares repurchased at an average price of $18.13 [7] - The company is actively looking for M&A opportunities while continuing to focus on internal growth [85][87] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the impact of tariff policies on the agricultural portfolio is still uncertain, but customers feel relatively okay [43] - There is optimism regarding the commercial real estate market, with strong loan pipelines and increased activity expected [46][48] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to grow loans again by the end of the year, despite some unique challenges in Q1 [51] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit loss was $78.2 million at the end of Q1 2025, with a recapture of $2 million for the quarter [20] - The company’s capital position remains strong, with a tangible common equity ratio of 10% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariff policies on agricultural portfolio - Management indicated it is too early to tell the overall impact, but customers feel relatively okay so far [43][44] Question: Pace of commercial real estate payoff activity - Elevated prepayment penalties were noted, but strong loan activity is expected moving forward [46] Question: Loan prepayment penalties impact on interest income - The impact was approximately $300,000 quarter over quarter [56] Question: Expectations around deposit cost reduction - Management believes there is still some room for deposit cost reduction, primarily through evaluating customer relationships [60][61] Question: Focus on credit management amid market uncertainty - Management stated that their disciplined approach to underwriting has not changed despite economic uncertainty [68][70] Question: Opportunities for core deposit growth - Most growth came from new relationships, with expectations for continued growth in non-interest-bearing deposits [77][78] Question: Appetite for M&A - Management expressed confidence in pursuing M&A opportunities while balancing share repurchases [85][87] Question: Demand in commercial real estate - Demand is broad-based across asset classes, with a focus on low loan-to-value loans [102] Question: Customer sentiment - Overall sentiment remains positive, with customers prepared for potential volatility [108][109] Question: Underwriting new construction loans - Input costs are a concern, but the company is open to construction lending opportunities [112] Question: Appetite for increasing multifamily portfolio - The appetite remains the same, with a focus on appropriate underwriting [115]