Company Overview - California BanCorp has a market capitalization of $533 million [11] - The company possesses total assets of $40 billion and deposits of $33 billion as of June 30, 2025 [11] - The company has a 5-year asset CAGR of 207% and a 5-year deposit CAGR of 234% [11] Balance Sheet and Loan Portfolio - Total loans held for investment were $30 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $31 billion at March 31, 2025, and $19 billion at June 30, 2024 [10] - Noninterest-bearing deposits accounted for 368% of total deposits as of June 30, 2025 [10] - As of June 30, 2025, total multifamily loans amounted to $2585 million, representing 86% of total loans [66] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 was $141 million, with diluted EPS at $043 [25] - The return on average assets for Q2 2025 was 145%, and the return on average common equity was 1050% [25] - The net interest margin for Q2 2025 was 461% [25] - The efficiency ratio for Q2 2025 was 561% [25] - Non-performing assets to total assets stood at 046% for Q2 2025 [25] - The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment was 146% as of June 30, 2025 [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net income available to common shareholders was $16.8 million, with earnings per common share at $0.12. Adjusted operating earnings were $135.1 million or $0.95 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 23.8% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.46% [18][19] - The CET1 capital ratio was 9.8%, and the loan to deposit ratio was approximately 88% at quarter end [10][24] - The tax equivalent net interest margin expanded by 38 basis points to 3.83%, driven by the incremental net accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Sandy Spring acquisition [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan portfolio fair value mark discount was $789.7 million, with loans held for investment totaling $8.6 billion and loans held for sale at $1.9 billion [17] - Non-interest income increased by $52.3 million to $81.5 million, primarily due to gains from the sale of commercial real estate loans and equity interest [22] - Reported non-interest expense increased by $145.5 million to $279.7 million, largely driven by merger-related costs [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total loans are in the Washington Metro Area, with the remaining 77% across other regions [14] - The unemployment rate in Maryland was reported at 3.3%, while Virginia's rate was 3.5%, indicating a robust economic environment [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Sandy Spring Bank is expected to bolster the company's position as a premier regional bank in the Lower Mid Atlantic, with plans for organic growth in North Carolina [9][30] - The company plans to open 10 new branches in North Carolina starting in 2026, focusing on markets with significant population growth [31][32] - The strategic plan will be shared during an Analyst Day in December, highlighting the next phase of growth and expansion [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the integration of Sandy Spring and the potential for sustainable growth, despite economic uncertainties [7][12] - The company has lowered its forecast for the 2025 net charge-off ratio to between 15 and 20 basis points, reflecting a stable credit quality outlook [13] - Management noted an improvement in business sentiment and loan pipelines, indicating a positive trajectory for loan growth in the second half of the year [11][66] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year [25] - The effective tax rate for the second quarter was a negative 13.2%, reflecting an income tax benefit related to the reevaluation of state deferred tax assets [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and plans for the Carolinas - Management indicated strong momentum in the loan pipeline and expressed optimism about growth in the Carolinas, particularly with the integration of American National Bank [38][40] Question: Expense outlook and efficiency ratio - The company is targeting a mid-40s efficiency ratio, inclusive of investments in the Carolinas, while maintaining a focus on technology investments [41][42] Question: Capital levels and deployment strategies - The CET1 ratio is expected to increase, with plans to invest in organic growth and consider share repurchases as capital accumulates [44][47] Question: Credit quality and government contractor segment - Credit quality remains stable, with the government contractor finance portfolio performing well due to increased defense spending [52][54] Question: Trends in loan yields and pricing competition - Loan yields have remained stable, with fixed-rate loans repricing in the 6.25% to 6.5% range [80][81] Question: Integration opportunities from the Sandy Spring acquisition - Management highlighted the potential for liquidity and new product offerings to enhance the former Sandy Spring franchise [85][86]

Core Insights - KeyCorp (KEY) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 22, with solid improvements in lending activities noted during the quarter [1] - The demand for commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, which make up about 50% of KeyCorp's average loan balances, was strong, alongside an increase in consumer loan demand [1] Loan Balances and Earnings Estimates - The average loan balance for KeyCorp is projected to be $105.5 billion, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year decline [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for average earning assets is $171.2 billion, indicating a slight increase from the previous year, while the estimate is $173.5 billion [2] Net Interest Income and Margin - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25%-4.5%, which is expected to support KeyCorp's net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) through higher yields on interest-earning assets [3] - The consensus estimate for NII on a fully tax-equivalent basis is $1.14 billion, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 26.5% [4] Non-Interest Income Factors - Despite interest rate cuts in 2024, mortgage rates remained stable, leading to decent refinancing and origination volumes, which is expected to improve income from KeyCorp's mortgage banking business [5] - The consensus estimate for commercial mortgage servicing fees is $72.1 million, indicating an 18.2% year-over-year increase, while consumer mortgage income is estimated at $14.7 million, reflecting an 8% decline [6] Trading and Investment Banking - Increased client activity and market volatility are anticipated to positively impact KeyCorp's trading business, with a resurgence in the IPO market and decent bond issuance volumes [7] - The consensus estimate for investment banking and debt placement fees is $167.4 million, indicating a 32.9% surge, while the estimate is $178.4 million [7] Total Non-Interest Income and Expenses - The consensus estimate for total non-interest income is $671.9 million, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 7.2% [9] - Total non-interest expenses are estimated at $1.16 billion, reflecting a 7.9% year-over-year rise due to operational efficiency initiatives and investments in technology [10] Asset Quality and Credit Losses - KeyCorp is expected to build reserves for credit losses, with an estimated provision of $120.2 million, indicating a 20.2% rise year-over-year [11] - The consensus estimate for non-performing assets (NPAs) is $744.9 million, suggesting a 2.5% increase, while non-performing loans (NPLs) are estimated at $738.5 million, reflecting a 4% increase [12] Earnings Predictions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KeyCorp's second-quarter earnings is pegged at 34 cents, indicating a 36% jump from the prior year, with sales estimated at $1.80 billion, reflecting an 18.9% rise [15]