Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.21 per diluted share for Q4 2025, and $130 million, or $7.64 per diluted share for the full year 2025, driven by significant growth in net interest income and capital markets revenue [17][29] - Net interest income increased by $4 million, or 22% annualized in Q4, and $23 million, or 10% for the year, supported by margin expansion [17][18] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by 6 basis points from Q3, nearing the upper end of guidance, with a 14% increase in average earning assets [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business added nearly 500 new client relationships, bringing in over $1 billion in new assets under management, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 10% for both assets and revenue [8][9] - The LIHTC lending platform performed exceptionally well, with the company adding 18 new developer partners and benefiting from strong demand for affordable housing [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong organic growth and enhanced profitability in traditional banking operations, with total loans growing by $304 million, or 17% annualized in Q4 [24][25] - Total criticized loans decreased by $5 million in Q4 and $20 million for the full year, reflecting a 12% reduction, indicating improved asset quality [26][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue advancing its digital transformation, expand its wealth management business, and grow its LIHTC lending platform, supported by a positive NIM outlook and solid loan and deposit pipelines [16][19] - The multi-charter model allows the company to outperform competitors and gain market share, with a focus on improving balance sheet efficiency and enhancing service capabilities through technology investments [7][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, with expectations for continued growth in net interest income and capital markets revenue [5][16] - The company anticipates additional core margin expansion in Q1 2026, supported by repricing opportunities and a favorable deposit mix [20][21] Other Important Information - The company executed share repurchases totaling approximately $13 million in Q4, returning nearly $22 million to shareholders for the full year [27][28] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 8%, down from 10% in the prior quarter, reflecting a favorable mix of tax-exempt income [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on capital markets revenues - Management indicated that Q1 is historically the slowest quarter for capital markets revenue, setting expectations accordingly [34][36] Question: Update on securitization plans - The company expects to securitize approximately $300 million-$350 million in loans before June 30, 2026, despite some delays in the process [37] Question: Earning assets starting point for Q1 - Earning assets heading into Q1 will be consistent with the end of Q4, with robust loan growth anticipated throughout the year [43][45] Question: Deposit gathering expectations - The company is focused on improving core deposit growth and enhancing the mix, with strategies in place to attract new retail checking accounts and private banking clients [54][55] Question: LIHTC business growth opportunities - Management expressed optimism about the LIHTC business, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced growth approach across all business segments [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.21 per diluted share for Q4 2025, and $130 million, or $7.64 per diluted share for the full year [17] - Net interest income increased by $4 million, or 22% annualized in Q4, and $23 million, or 10% for the year, driven by margin expansion [17][18] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by 6 basis points from the previous quarter, supported by a 14% increase in average earning assets [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business added nearly 500 new client relationships, bringing in over $1 billion in new assets under management, with a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 10% for both assets and revenue [8] - The LIHTC lending platform performed exceptionally well, with significant demand for affordable housing and the addition of 18 new developer partners [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $304 million, or 17% annualized in Q4, with traditional loan portfolio growth of $92 million, or 8% annualized [24] - Core deposits increased by $64 million, or 4% annualized in Q4, with average deposit balances rising by $237 million, or 13% annualized compared to Q3 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance its digital transformation, expand its wealth management business, and continue growing its LIHTC lending platform [16] - The multi-charter model allows the company to outperform competitors and gain market share, with a focus on enhancing service capabilities and client experience through technology upgrades [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong financial performance, supported by a positive NIM outlook and solid loan and deposit pipelines [16] - The company anticipates continued growth in net interest income and capital markets revenue, with guidance for capital markets revenue set at $55 million-$70 million over the next four quarters [10][21] Other Important Information - The company executed share repurchases totaling approximately $13 million in Q4, returning nearly $22 million to shareholders for the full year [27] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 8%, down from 10% in the prior quarter, reflecting a favorable mix of tax-exempt income [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on capital markets revenues and seasonality - Management noted that Q1 is historically the slowest quarter for capital markets revenue, with expectations set accordingly [34][36] Question: Update on securitization plans - The company expects to securitize approximately $300 million-$350 million in loans before June 30, 2026 [37] Question: Guidance for earning assets in Q1 - Earning assets are expected to be consistent with the end of Q4, with robust loan growth anticipated throughout the year [44][45] Question: Deposit gathering expectations - The company is focused on improving core deposit growth and enhancing the deposit mix, with strategies in place to attract new retail checking accounts and private banking clients [55][56] Question: Impact of recent M&A activity on market share - Management is actively targeting clients from a competitor's recent acquisition, expecting to gain market share in the Cedar Rapids area [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.21 per diluted share for Q4 2025, and record full-year adjusted net income of $130 million, or $7.64 per diluted share [15] - Net interest income increased by $4 million, or 22% annualized in Q4, and $23 million, or 10% for the year, driven by margin expansion [15] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by 6 basis points from the previous quarter, supported by a 14% increase in average earning assets [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business added nearly 500 new client relationships, bringing in over $1 billion in new assets under management, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 10% for both assets and revenue [7] - The LIHTC lending business performed exceptionally well, with significant demand for affordable housing and the addition of 18 new developer partners [8][9] - Total loans grew by $304 million, or 17% annualized in Q4, with traditional loan portfolio growth of $92 million, or 8% annualized [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong deposit growth, with total core deposits increasing by $64 million, or 4% annualized in Q4 [24] - Average deposit balances rose by $237 million, or 13% annualized compared to the previous quarter [24] - The company maintained excellent asset quality, with total criticized loans declining to their lowest level since June 2022 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance its digital transformation, expand its wealth management business, and continue growing its LIHTC lending platform [14] - The multi-charter model allows the company to outperform competitors and gain market share [6] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined expense management strategy while investing in technology and talent to enhance scalability [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, supported by strong loan and deposit pipelines and a stable credit outlook [14] - The company expects additional core margin expansion in Q1 2026, with guidance of 3-7 basis points [18] - Management highlighted the importance of improving the right side of the balance sheet and enhancing operating leverage to support future growth [93] Other Important Information - The company executed share repurchases totaling approximately $13 million in Q4, returning nearly $22 million to shareholders for the full year [26] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 8%, down from 10% in the prior quarter, reflecting a lower pretax income and an increase in tax-exempt income [29] - The company is strategically planning to execute additional LIHTC construction loan sales and securitizations to enhance capital markets revenue [11] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Guidance on capital markets revenues - Management indicated that Q1 is historically the slowest quarter for capital markets revenue, with expectations set accordingly [34] Question: Update on securitization plans - Management confirmed plans for a securitization of approximately $300 million-$350 million in the first half of 2026 [37] Question: Guidance on earning assets for Q1 - Management stated that earning assets heading into Q1 would be consistent with the end of Q4, with robust loan growth expected [43] Question: Deposit gathering expectations - Management emphasized the focus on improving core deposit growth and the mix, with strategies in place to enhance non-interest-bearing deposits [56] Question: Long-term growth opportunities in LIHTC business - Management expressed optimism about the future of the LIHTC business, highlighting the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to guidance while preparing for growth [69]

Core Viewpoint - Asset replacement is a significant method for listed companies' restructuring, and its impact can be either positive or negative depending on the quality of the assets involved and the specific terms of the transaction [1]. Group 1: Understanding Asset Replacement - Asset replacement refers to the exchange of certain assets owned by a listed company with other entities, akin to two individuals swapping items, but in this case, it involves company assets [1]. Group 2: Dimensions of Asset Replacement - **Quality of Inbound Assets**: For instance, Gree Electric successfully replaced its compressor business with a more promising smart equipment business in 2012, leading to a significant increase in market value [4]. Conversely, ST Galaxy faced severe performance decline due to an improper asset swap in 2015, which nearly led to its delisting [4]. - **Reasonableness of Transaction Pricing**: Vanke Real Estate's acquisition of quality property assets from Shenzhen Metro in 2019 exemplifies a fair and reasonable asset swap, facilitated by professional evaluations, resulting in a win-win situation [5]. - **Strategic Alignment**: Successful asset replacements should align with the company's long-term development strategy. Midea Group's multiple asset swaps have allowed it to transition from traditional home appliance manufacturing to smart manufacturing and industrial internet, maintaining a competitive edge [7]. Group 3: Investor Considerations - **Understanding Motivations**: Investors should analyze the true intentions behind a company's asset replacement. If the goal is to improve asset quality and operational efficiency, it is generally a positive signal; however, if it aims to embellish financial statements or evade delisting risks, caution is warranted [8]. - **Focusing on Details**: Key aspects to monitor include the profitability and growth potential of the inbound assets and the fairness of the transaction pricing [9]. - **Monitoring Post-Integration**: Even quality asset replacements can fail to deliver expected returns if post-integration is mishandled. Continuous tracking of the company's integration progress and the realization of synergies is advisable [10]. Group 4: Case Studies - **China Ping An**: In 2016, the company divested its traditional banking business and acquired fintech assets, facilitating a transition from traditional finance to tech-driven finance, significantly enhancing its valuation [12]. - **Recent Example in New Energy Vehicles**: A recent case involved a new energy vehicle company that swapped its traditional fuel vehicle business for electric vehicle-related assets, aligning with industry trends and likely yielding positive outcomes [12].