Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $0.23 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.41 on a core basis [3] - Net interest income grew by $5 million, or 5%, compared to the prior quarter, and increased by 14% compared to the prior year quarter [4] - The net interest margin declined modestly to 2.87% compared to the third quarter [4] - Total loans increased by $474 million, representing an 18% annualized growth rate, driven by $1 billion in originations [4][10] - Asset quality remained strong, with non-performing loans to total loans at 0.2% and non-performing assets to total assets at 0.22% [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C&I business grew by 42% for the year, benefiting from talent recruitment and favorable conditions for borrowers [9] - Non-interest income decreased by $3.3 million to $9 million during the quarter, primarily due to lower title fees and a reduction in the gain on sale of loans [11] - Total deposits increased by $528 million, with $323 million driven by organic growth across various business lines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Premier Bank team grew deposits by $90 million, or 37%, from the linked quarter, with a weighted average cost of their deposit portfolio declining by 36 basis points to 2.28% [10] - Approximately 21% of the new deposits are in non-interest-bearing DDA accounts [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger agreement with Flushing Financial Corporation, which is expected to enhance organic growth initiatives in New York [6][7] - The merger is anticipated to improve profitability and increase operating scale, providing meaningful upside to shareholders [7] - The company remains focused on continued organic growth efforts, which have shown success in the current quarter [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects high single-digit growth in net interest income for the year, despite the typical seasonal slowdown in Q1 [21] - The effective tax rate is expected to remain in the 23%-25% range quarterly, absent any changes in tax policy [16] - The company anticipates continued strong asset quality, with low levels of criticized and classified loans [13] Other Important Information - The company did not repurchase any shares this quarter, as capital was utilized to support loan growth [6] - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share was approved, marking the 116th consecutive quarterly cash dividend [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on net interest income guidance - Management indicated that net interest income growth will likely exceed loan balance growth due to the compounding effect of the larger balance sheet [21] Question: Commentary on loan sales post-merger - Management stated it is too early to provide precise figures on loan sales, as they are currently reviewing portfolios [22] Question: Expense line clarification - The recurring CRT premium expense is categorized under other expenses, similar to insurance premium expenses [23] Question: C&I growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects C&I growth rates to remain in the 7%-9% range, with strong deposit growth anticipated [35] Question: Deposit growth outlook for Premier Banking - Management confirmed the target of $2 billion-$3 billion in deposits by the end of 2027 remains intact [39] Question: Deposit costs outlook for the year - Management expects deposit costs to decrease, lagging behind rate cuts, and anticipates steady improvement in margins [76]