Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net interest income grew 8% to $56.4 million from $52 million in the same quarter a year ago, and for the full year, it increased 7% to $216.9 million from $202.5 million in 2024 [16][22] - Net income attributable to shareholders was $12.2 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, an increase of $2.1 million or $0.07 per share over the prior year quarter, and for the full year, net income was $43 million, or $1.78 per share, an increase of $7.2 million or $0.26 per share from 2024 [22] - Total loans reached $2.567 billion, with total originations of $421 million for Q4 and $1.5 billion for the full year, reflecting increases from both the same quarter last year and year-over-year [4][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer lending, the largest business line, reported interest income of $74.5 million for Q4 and $289.9 million for the year, growing 5% compared to the same period last year and 8% year-over-year [5] - The recreational loan book grew 5% to $1.6 billion, representing 63% of total loans, with Q4 originations of $97.2 million compared to $72.2 million a year ago [5][18] - The home improvement loan book stood at $810.2 million, representing 32% of total loans, with Q4 originations of $61.7 million versus $82.5 million last year [6] - The commercial segment had new originations of $4.1 million during Q4, compared to $7.3 million the same quarter a year ago, but total originations for the year were $40.6 million, up from $14.3 million in 2024 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average interest rate on the total loan portfolio increased to 12.26% from 12.01% a year ago, with the average interest rate on commercial loans at 14.22% compared to 12.97% a year ago [18] - Delinquencies of ninety-plus days were 0.82% of gross recreational loans and 0.16% of gross home improvement loans, with allowances for credit losses at 5.32% and 2.41% respectively [6][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build upon its strong foundation while refining strategic priorities, focusing on sustained growth in the recreation and home improvement segments [12] - The strategic partnership program has seen record levels of originations, reaching $258.3 million in Q4, indicating diversification of income sources [9] - The company is committed to disciplined growth, operational excellence, and prudent capital allocation, with a focus on optimizing returns and improving margins [14][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate changing environments and deliver consistent, attractive returns for shareholders [14] - The company recognizes the potential for market conditions to evolve but remains focused on sustainable value creation [14] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support future investments and growth opportunities [14] Other Important Information - The provision for credit loss was $27.7 million for Q4, reflecting an increase from $18.6 million in Q3 and $20.6 million in the prior year quarter [19] - The company collected $2.5 million in cash from its legacy Taxi Medallion business during Q4, resulting in net recoveries and gains of $1.4 million [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: How would you characterize the provision expense of $27.7 million? - Management explained that the increase was due to moving loans from held for sale to held for investment, which accounted for a $2.2 million provision hit, and an increase in allowance coverage from 5% to 5.32% [26][27] Question: What were the nature of the equity gains of $8.7 million? - Management indicated that the gains were related to several exits, with about $8.5 million coming from three specific portfolio companies [31][32] Question: Should we expect a growth in the reserve ratio in 2026? - Management stated that while the allowance will grow with the loan book, they do not expect significant changes in the reserve ratio [45] Question: What is the growth outlook for the home improvement segment? - Management highlighted that they added experienced talent to support growth in the home improvement line and expect mid-teens growth, significantly above previous levels [36][38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, active consumers reached 180 million, up 28% year-over-year, while merchants grew to 966,000, up 42% year-over-year [4] - Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) was $38.7 billion, exceeding guidance, and revenue grew 38% to over $1 billion, also beating guidance [4] - Transaction margin dollars before provisions increased 31% to $622 million, while after provisions, it was $372 million, up 17% year-over-year and up 28% sequentially from Q3 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adoption of banking products, including the Klarna Card and deposit accounts, accelerated, with active card users growing to 4.2 million, up 288% year-over-year [11] - Consumer deposits reached $13 billion, up 37%, and the most engaged banking customers reached 15.8 million, growing at 101% year-over-year [11] - Fair financing products saw GMV growth of 165% annually, indicating strong demand [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Klarna operated across 26 markets and three continents, achieving over $127 billion in volume in 2025 [5] - The company added 285,000 merchants, up 42% year-over-year, and expanded partnerships with major players like Walmart and Stripe [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Klarna aims to become a ubiquitous payment solution, enhancing its partnerships and expanding its payment network [9] - The company is focused on building a consumer bank of the future, with a strategy to leverage existing consumer relationships for deeper banking engagements [14] - The operating model emphasizes efficiency and technology, allowing for a leaner workforce while maintaining high revenue per employee, which reached $1.24 million in 2025 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory, emphasizing that faster growth in banking products may lead to lower upfront transaction margins but will yield higher future profits [16] - The company noted stability in credit loss provisions, with a decline from 0.72% of GMV in Q3 to 0.65% in Q4, reflecting stable delinquency trends [21] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management, leveraging a deep understanding of consumer behavior [14][88] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a compounding growth effect as more consumers engage with its banking products, leading to increased revenue per user [12] - Klarna's unique underwriting model allows for stable charge-off rates, significantly lower than traditional credit card banks [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: When are you planning to become profitable? - Management indicated that while current growth may reduce transaction margin dollars, it will lead to increased future profits as loan portfolios mature [16] Question: How will you prioritize capital allocation between reinvestment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns? - Management emphasized the focus on growth and product development while being disciplined with costs, which will inform future capital allocation decisions [19] Question: What are the latest delinquency trends and confidence in provisions stabilizing? - Management reported stability in delinquency trends, with a decline in provisions for credit losses in Q4 compared to Q3 [21] Question: Can you elaborate on the impact of excess loan growth on transaction margin dollars? - Management explained that strong growth in non-interest-bearing loan products has led to higher volumes, impacting transaction margin dollars but ultimately benefiting the overall financial health [24] Question: How is the Walmart rollout performing? - Management expressed satisfaction with the Walmart partnership, noting it as a significant accomplishment that will drive future growth [34] Question: What are the expectations for transaction margin in the coming year? - Management indicated that transaction margin dollars are expected to remain consistent with Q4 2025 levels as the company continues to invest in growth [42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, active consumers reached 180 million, up 28% year-over-year, while merchants grew to 966,000, up 42% year-over-year [4] - Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) was $38.7 billion, exceeding guidance, and revenue grew 38% to over $1 billion, also beating guidance [4] - Transaction margin dollars before provisions grew 31% to $622 million, while after provisions, it was $372 million, up 17% year-over-year and up 28% sequentially from Q3 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adoption of banking products, including the Klarna Card and fair financing, accelerated beyond expectations, contributing to revenue growth [4] - Active card users grew to 4.2 million, up 288% year-over-year, and consumer deposits reached $13 billion, up 37% [11] - The most engaged banking customers reached 15.8 million, growing at 101% year-over-year, with a significant increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Klarna operated across 26 markets and three continents, achieving over $127 billion in volume in 2025 [5] - The company added 285,000 merchants, up 42% year-over-year, and expanded partnerships with major players like Walmart and Stripe [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Klarna aims to become a ubiquitous payment solution, leveraging partnerships to expand its acceptance points and product offerings [9][10] - The company is focused on building a consumer bank of the future, emphasizing efficiency and technology to maintain a competitive advantage [14][15] - The strategy includes scaling banking relationships and enhancing product ubiquity, with a focus on consumer trust and engagement [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of credit quality and the potential for future profitability despite near-term provisioning impacts [16][21] - The company anticipates continued growth in banking products and a positive trajectory for transaction margins as cohorts mature [42][43] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and cost management while expanding product offerings [20][68] Other Important Information - Revenue per employee reached $1.24 million in 2025, a 3.6x increase since 2022, indicating improved operational efficiency [15] - The company is experiencing a compounding growth effect as more consumers engage with its banking products [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: When are you planning to become profitable? - Management indicated that while upfront transaction margins may be lower due to growth, future profits from increased loan volumes will offset this [16] Question: How will you prioritize capital allocation between reinvestment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns? - Management emphasized the importance of growth and product adoption while remaining disciplined on costs, with future discussions on capital allocation to occur once profits are realized [19][20] Question: What are the latest delinquency trends and confidence in provisions stabilizing? - Management reported a decline in provisions for credit losses from 0.72% of GMV to 0.65%, indicating stability in delinquency trends [21] Question: Can you elaborate on the impact of excess loan growth on transaction margin dollars? - Management explained that strong growth in pay-later volumes is driving higher provisions, but this is expected to normalize over time [23][24] Question: How is the Walmart rollout performing? - Management expressed satisfaction with the Walmart partnership and its potential to drive growth, highlighting the importance of distribution partnerships [34][36] Question: What are the expectations for transaction margins in the coming year? - Management indicated that transaction margins are expected to remain consistent with Q4 2025 levels, with growth anticipated in the second half of 2026 [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for fair financing loan growth in 2026? - Management expects absolute volume growth to accelerate compared to 2025, despite potential deceleration in year-over-year percentage growth [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active consumers reached 180 million, up 28% year-over-year [3] - Merchants grew to 966,000, up 42% year-over-year [3] - Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) was $38.7 billion, exceeding guidance [3] - Revenue grew 38% to over $1 billion, also beating guidance [3] - Transaction margin dollars before provisions grew 31% to $622 million [4] - After provisions, transaction margin dollars were $372 million, up 17% year-over-year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Klarna's banking products, including the Klarna Card and deposit accounts, saw accelerated adoption [3] - Active card users grew to 4.2 million, up 288% year-over-year [11] - Consumer deposits reached $13 billion, up 37% [11] - Klarna banking customers reached 15.8 million, growing at 101% year-over-year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Klarna processed over $127 billion in volume across 26 markets [4] - The adoption of fair financing products grew at 165% annually [8] - The company added 285,000 merchants, up 42% year-over-year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Klarna aims to become a ubiquitous payment solution, expanding its network and partnerships [9] - The company is focusing on building deeper relationships with consumers to transition them from casual users to banking customers [10] - The strategy includes enhancing product offerings and ensuring relevant payment options are available at every checkout [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of credit quality and the potential for future profitability despite current provisioning impacts [16][20] - The company anticipates continued growth in banking products and expects transaction margins to improve as loan cohorts mature [42] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a lean cost structure while scaling operations [14] Other Important Information - Revenue per employee reached $1.24 million in 2025, a 3.6x increase since 2022 [14] - Adjusted operating expenses declined by 8% while revenue grew 104% since 2022 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: When are you planning to become profitable? - Management indicated that while current growth may reduce transaction margin dollars, it will lead to increased future profits as loan books mature [16] Question: How will you prioritize capital allocation between reinvestment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns? - Management emphasized the focus on growth and product adoption while being disciplined on costs, which will inform future capital allocation decisions [19] Question: What are the latest delinquency trends and confidence in provisions stabilizing? - Management reported a decline in provisions for credit losses from 0.72% of GMV to 0.65%, indicating stable delinquency trends [20][21] Question: Can you elaborate on the impact of excess loan growth on transaction margins? - Management explained that strong growth in pay later volumes is affecting transaction margins but is expected to normalize as the business matures [23][24] Question: How is the Walmart rollout performing? - Management expressed satisfaction with the Walmart rollout and highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving growth [35][36] Question: What are the expectations for transaction margins in the coming year? - Management indicated that transaction margins are expected to remain consistent with Q4 2025 levels as the company continues to invest in growth [42]

We recently published 10 Losing Stocks in an Otherwise Optimistic Market. Flagstar Bank NA (NYSE:FLG) was one of the worst performers on Wednesday. Flagstar dropped its share prices by 4.26 percent on Wednesday to close at $13.50 apiece as investors booked early profits following an intra-day rally. During the session, the stock opened at $14.20 and hit a day high of $14.29, or just 1.8-percent shy of its 52-week high of $14.54. In other news, Flagstar Bank NA (NYSE:FLG) is set to pay $0.01 worth of div ...

Core Viewpoint - Chase is committed to expanding its physical branch presence by hiring more employees, renovating existing outlets, and opening new branches, reflecting a long-term strategy that dates back to the post-financial crisis era [1][2]. Group 1: Branch Expansion Strategy - Chase plans to hire an additional 1,100 retail banking employees, renovate 600 outlets, and open 160 new branches, aiming to add over 10,500 consumer bank staff by the end of the year [1]. - The branch strategy is rooted in a goal set around 2024 to add more than 500 branches by 2027, continuing a trend established after the 2008-2009 financial crisis [1]. Group 2: Branch Network Comparison - Chase's branch network has decreased slightly from 5,229 branches in 2009 to approximately 4,993 today, a reduction of only 236 outlets or 4.5% [3][5]. - In contrast, Bank of America and Wells Fargo have seen significant reductions in their branch networks, with Bank of America down by 2,598 branches (almost 42%) and Wells Fargo down by 2,553 branches (about 38%) since 2009 [5]. Group 3: Market Position and Deposits - Chase became the largest US bank by deposits in 2020, surpassing Bank of America, and has maintained this position every year since [6]. - The overall trend in the US shows a decline in branch numbers, but the rate of closure is slower compared to the UK and much of Europe [7]. Group 4: Branch Density - The total number of US bank branches peaked at 99,550 in 2009 and has since fallen to around 74,000, resulting in a branch density of 21.7 branches per 100,000 people [8]. - In comparison, the UK has approximately 4,600 bank branches serving a population of 69 million, leading to a branch density of about 6.6 branches per 100,000 people, which is less than one-third of the US figure [8].

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Financial 15 Split Corp. ("Financial 15") declares its regular monthly distribution of $0.12570 for each Class A share ($1.51 annualized) and $0.06042 for each Preferred share ($0.725 annually). Distributions are payable March 10, 2026 to shareholders on record as at February 27, 2026. Since inception Class A shareholders have received a total of $28.32 per share and Preferred shareholders have received a total of $13.08 per share inclusive of this distribution, fo ...

Core Viewpoint - Holding excessive cash in bank accounts can lead to financial detriment due to inflation and opportunity costs, as highlighted by Warren Buffett's insights on the inflation tax [2][3]. Group 1: Cash Holdings and Inflation - The average American family had approximately $62,410 in checking accounts, which is considered higher than necessary [1]. - The average national deposit rate for checking accounts is only 0.07% as of February 2026, significantly lower than the average inflation rate of 2.8% for the last half of 2025, resulting in checking accounts earning about 40 times less than inflation [4]. Group 2: Opportunity Costs - Idle cash not only suffers from inflation but also incurs opportunity costs, as it represents potential income or growth that could be generated through investments [5]. Group 3: Investment Alternatives - To combat inflation, it is advisable to consider reallocating funds into short- or medium-term securities that offer higher yields [6]. - For instance, Vanguard's Federal Money Market Fund (VMFXX) provided a yield of 3.59% as of February 2026, which exceeds the current inflation rate, making it a more viable option for preserving purchasing power compared to traditional checking accounts [7].

Dividend Announcement - The Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend on common stock by 3.6% to $0.145 per share, payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2026 [1] - A quarterly cash dividend of $17.50 per share was declared on the 7.0% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A and Series C, payable on May 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 5, 2026 [2] Share Repurchase Program - The Board of Directors approved doubling the share repurchase program, authorizing up to $400 million for repurchasing outstanding shares of common stock, replacing the previous $200 million program set to expire on February 28, 2026 [3] - The new share repurchase program will be in effect until February 28, 2027 [3] Company Overview - Old National Bancorp is the holding company of Old National Bank, the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, with approximately $72 billion in assets and $37 billion in assets under management [4] - The company focuses on building long-term partnerships with clients and supporting the communities it serves, offering services in consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and capital markets [4] - In 2025, Old National was recognized as one of "The Civic 50," an honor for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States [4]

Letters to the Fed's Michelle Bowman ask for information about changes to banking oversight and a plan to conduct a new report on SVB's failure ...