Core Insights - The company reported a strong fourth quarter with net interest margin expansion, growth in net interest income, and strong credit quality [2][5][8] - The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 24.8%, expected to return to approximately 23.2% going forward [1] - The housing market in Hawaii showed stability, with a median single-family home price of $1.1 million, up 4.3% year-over-year [3][4] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter net interest income was $170.3 million, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.21%, up 2 basis points sequentially [8][13] - Total loans increased by $183 million (5.2% annualized), while total deposits rose by $214 million [8][10] - The return on average tangible equity was 15.8% for the fourth quarter and 16.3% for the full year [2] Outlook and Guidance - For 2026, the company anticipates modest loan growth of 3-4% and a slightly lower NIM of 3.16-3.18% [7][21] - Non-interest income is expected to remain stable at around $220 million, with expenses projected at approximately $520 million [21][23] - Management indicated that the first quarter NIM may ease slightly due to anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts [15] Capital Management - The company completed its 2025 share repurchase program, repurchasing about 1 million shares, and authorized a new open-ended buyback of $250 million [6][19] - The capital return strategy emphasizes maintaining a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio above 12%, currently at 13% [6][20] Credit Quality - The bank reported strong credit performance with low and stable credit risk, and classified assets decreased by 7 basis points [16][17] - Net charge-offs were $5 million in the quarter, with a net charge-off rate of 11 basis points, unchanged from the previous quarter [17][18] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $168.5 million, with coverage at 118 basis points of total loans [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin (NIM) for Q4 2025 was 3.74%, an increase of 20 basis points from Q4 2024, while the full-year NIM was 3.69% compared to 3.57% in 2024 [4] - Return on average assets for Q4 2025 was 1.21%, up from 1.10% in Q4 2024, and return on tangible common equity improved to 12.58% from 11.82% [4] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $12.3 million, or 49 cents per diluted share, with total loans declining by $81 million from the end of Q3 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Small business loan performance was disappointing, with delinquency and charge-off levels exceeding acceptable limits, prompting changes in credit parameters [5] - Non-interest income increased by almost $2 million year-over-year, with gains from SBA loan sales higher in 2025, although residential mortgage sales remained muted [5][6] - The non-interest expense to average asset ratio improved to 1.97% for 2025 from 2.01% in 2024, reflecting effective expense management [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposit balances decreased by $21 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a $27.1 million decline in broker deposits, but new customer acquisition was strong [11] - The bank's focus on relationship-based customers helped grow interest-bearing demand deposits by $47 million, or 33% annualized, compared to September 30 [19] - The lending pipeline at year-end stood at $284 million, with C&I loans making up 61% of the pipeline [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to close the gap with peers in cost of funds, increase non-interest income generation, and reduce non-interest expense to average asset ratio [10] - The strategy includes optimizing the deposit portfolio by lowering costs while deepening high-quality relationships [22] - The company is evolving into a middle-market commercial bank, focusing on profitability rather than growth for its own sake [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting to achieve a $200 million net loan growth goal, driven by growth in asset-based lending and community banking [9] - The company anticipates stabilization of credit costs in the small business portfolio due to implemented changes [7] - Management noted that while there were challenges, overall credit quality in core CRE and community banking divisions remained strong [7] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved to 49.46%, remaining below 60% for the 26th consecutive quarter, and tangible book value per share grew more than 12% annualized to $15.81 [17] - The company announced a 50% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, reflecting strong capital ratios [17] - A new share repurchase plan was approved for up to 1.2 million shares, totaling $20 million, although no buybacks were executed in Q4 [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on loan growth outlook - Management acknowledged the unpredictability of payoffs but noted that high payoff activity was not indicative of broader macro conditions, expecting a return to strong growth [34][35] Question: Details on downgraded C&I credit - The downgraded loan was from a multi-location consumer-based business facing performance declines, with management closely monitoring the situation [41] Question: Thoughts on expense run rate - Management indicated a focus on keeping expense growth limited while driving revenue growth to improve efficiency ratios [42][45] Question: Status of share buyback plan - A new share buyback plan was approved, but no activity occurred in Q4 due to timing issues with regulatory approvals [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating net income increased by $252,000 from the prior quarter, attributed to higher net interest income and operating non-interest income, offset by increased provision and operating non-interest expenses [14] - Net interest income rose by $314,000 compared to the prior quarter, driven by continued asset repricing and loan growth [14] - Net interest margin increased by five basis points from the prior quarter, with expectations for further growth due to the Fed rate cuts [15][14] - Tangible book value per share increased to $14.20 from $12.76 a year ago, reflecting consistent growth in tangible capital [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income increased over $1 million from the prior quarter, with significant contributions from service charge and fee income, as well as interchange income [6][16] - Mortgage and government-guaranteed lending (SBSL) activity slowed, with mortgage production down slightly compared to the second quarter [23] - Pre-tax income for both merchant services and Colony Wealth Advisors increased significantly from the prior quarter, indicating strong performance in these business lines [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was around 9% annualized, lower than the first and second quarters, but still around a 14% annualized growth rate for the year [5] - Total deposits increased by $28.1 million during the quarter, reflecting strategic use of brokered funding [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments for future growth while maintaining margin improvement [5] - The pending merger with TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank is progressing as planned, with expectations for closure in the fourth quarter [9][10] - The company is optimistic about future M&A opportunities and is actively seeking strategic fits [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management does not foresee a material impact from the government shutdown on the business or credit quality, although they are monitoring the situation closely [8][28] - The company expects loan growth to moderate but remain within the long-term target of 8% to 12% annually [5][6] - Management expressed confidence in balancing cost control with strategic investments for long-term growth [17] Other Important Information - Operating expenses increased by $624,000 quarter over quarter due to investments in talent and growth initiatives [16] - A wire fraud incident resulted in a recognized loss of $1.25 million related to disputed insurance coverage [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Given the disruption in D.C., are there any impacts on borrowers and the local economy? - Management does not see a significant impact at this time and has provided resources to customers to mitigate potential issues [28] Question: What is the average roll-on versus roll-rate this quarter, and how does the NIM outlook look? - The roll-off yields were in the 5% range, with a new and renewed rate of 7.83% for the quarter, indicating potential for net interest margin growth [29][30] Question: Is there any NDFI loan exposure? - Management confirmed there is no meaningful exposure to NDFI loans, focusing instead on relationship-based lending [31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net income available to common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [18][19] - The total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down from $342.4 million in the previous quarter, with the total allowance as a percentage of total loans held for investment decreasing to 117 basis points from 125 basis points [19] - The tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the previous quarter, while the net interest margin remained steady at 3.83% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. Non-interest bearing deposits grew by approximately 4% annualized in Q3 [9][10] - Non-interest income decreased by $29.7 million to $51.8 million, primarily due to a loss related to the final CRE loan sale settlement [21] - Reported non-interest expense decreased by $41.3 million to $238.4 million, driven by a decline in merger-related costs associated with the Sandy Spring acquisition [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Greater Washington DC region showed resilience despite concerns over government employment reductions and the government shutdown, with unemployment rates in Maryland and Virginia at 3.6%, below the national average of 4.3% [14][16] - The company maintains a diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington Metro Area, and the remaining 77% across broader markets [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages from the Sandy Spring acquisition while pursuing organic growth opportunities in Virginia and North Carolina [8][17] - The integration of Sandy Spring is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost savings targets and enhanced earnings power by 2026 [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's asset quality, with non-performing assets at 0.49% of loans held for investment and a forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to remain between 15 and 20 basis points [12][13] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment [31][32] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend [24] - The financial outlook for year-end loan balances is projected to be between $27.7 billion and $28 billion, with deposit balances expected between $30.8 billion and $31 billion [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in 2026? - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a normalized environment [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for expenses and efficiency ratios? - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s for 2026, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base while expanding in North Carolina [36][37] Question: How is the company addressing competition in the market? - The company is experiencing increased competition, particularly from traditional banks returning to the market, but remains committed to consistent capital provision [90][92] Question: What are the revenue synergies expected from the Sandy Spring acquisition? - The acquisition allows for expanded lending capabilities and additional services such as interest rate hedging, with a focus on new client acquisition [94][96]

Credit Quality - Nu Holdings reported a decline in credit quality, aligning with analysts' expectations [1] - The company anticipates continued credit growth throughout the remainder of the year [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First Commonwealth reported core earnings per share of $0.32 for Q1 2025, with a return on assets of 1.14%, down from 1.23% in Q4 2024 due to rising expenses and falling fee income [6][10] - Loans grew at an annualized rate of 4.4%, totaling $99 million, with commercial loans accounting for $63 million or 64% of the increase [6][7] - Net interest margin (NIM) increased by eight basis points to 3.62%, while deposit costs fell to 1.99% [7][8] - The efficiency ratio rose to 59.08%, up from 56.07% in the previous quarter, with total expenses increasing by $2.1 million to $71.1 million [10][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Equipment finance and indirect auto lending contributed significantly to loan growth, with strong application volume continuing into April [6][7] - Fee income decreased by $1.5 million in Q1 2025, attributed to a $3.5 million hit from the Durbin Amendment and a decline in SBA gain on sale income [10][20] - The company anticipates fee income to improve in Q2 2025, projecting $23 million to $24 million, with a seasonal decline expected in Q4 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that consumer financial health remains stable, comprising about 68% to 70% of U.S. GDP and 40% of its lending business [9] - The impact of tariffs and inflation on clients has been monitored, with many businesses adapting their supply chains effectively [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving liquidity, with a loan-to-deposit ratio decreasing from 97% to 92% over the past two years [8] - The acquisition of Centre Bank is expected to enhance efficiency and margin, with the integration of new talent seen as a strategic fit for growth [11][128] - The company aims to increase fee income as a percentage of overall revenue, leveraging its regional model and local relationships [137] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth despite potential headwinds from tariffs, with strong pipelines in various markets [14][9] - The company is cautious about the economic environment, particularly regarding inflation and its potential impact on consumers and businesses [10][12] - Future NIM guidance anticipates expansion due to macro swaps and potential Fed rate cuts, with expectations of reaching the high 370s by year-end [18][42] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a dividend increase of $0.01 per share, maintaining a dividend yield of approximately 3.54% [12] - The company has $6.7 million remaining under its buyback program, with no buyback activity in Q1 2025 due to the timing of the Centre Bank acquisition [22][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth guidance and equipment finance portfolio momentum - Management noted healthy application volume in equipment finance and attributed growth to increased demand amid tariff anticipation [26][27] Question: Borrower sentiment and commercial real estate activity - Management indicated improved activity in commercial real estate and a strong pipeline, with a focus on growing the commercial and industrial book [28][29] Question: Deposit growth and rates - Management acknowledged that deposit growth was driven by savings, with a strategy to maintain liquidity despite lower rates [34][35] Question: NIM guidance and deposit costs - Management clarified that NIM guidance assumes stable deposit costs, with potential for upside if deposit rates can be lowered further [41][42] Question: SBA gain on sale outlook - Management expects SBA gain on sale income to improve as the year progresses, with a healthy pipeline of deals [75][78] Question: Center Bank acquisition impact - Management expressed excitement about the talent acquired from Centre Bank and its potential to enhance growth in the Cincinnati market [128][129]