Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and return on average tangible common equity at 16.9% [5] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [10] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth for the full year was $5 billion, or 9%, with deposits increasing by $10.8 billion, or 16% [6] - Mortgage banking revenues were relatively stable, only down $5 million compared to the prior quarter, with expectations for stronger results in 2026 due to favorable regulatory changes and mortgage rate reductions [7] - Regional Banking posted about $1 billion of loan growth, with significant contributions from Innovation Banking and hotel franchise finance [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits were essentially flat for the quarter, with notable growth in Regional Banking deposits, which increased by $1.4 billion [15] - The mix of ECR deposits is expected to hold constant, with around 37% of total deposits being ECR on an average basis [52] - The bank's total assets expanded to approximately $93 billion, with total equity ending the year at $8 billion [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $100 billion in assets by year-end 2026 while maintaining steady expense growth [8] - The focus is on organic growth, with loan growth projected at $6 billion and deposit growth at $8 billion for 2026 [24] - The company is investing in new business lines and technology to support future growth, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency [79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, supported by a healthier macro backdrop and accommodative regulatory environment [24] - The outlook includes expectations for net interest income growth of 11%-14% and non-interest income growth of 2%-4% [25] - Management anticipates net charge-offs to be between 25 and 35 basis points as they work through non-accrual balances [26] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its total capital ratio [21] - Tangible book value per share increased by 17.3% year-over-year to $61.29, reflecting strong organic earnings [21] - The efficiency ratio improved, with a Q4 efficiency ratio of 55.7% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion leads the peer group and reflects organic growth [31] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be slightly higher in the first half of the year as the company works to reduce non-accrual loans [34] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is driven by treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth [39] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits are expected to hold constant in mix, with a beta of 65%-70% on ECR deposits [54] Question: Loan origination spreads - The company is experiencing competitive pressures but maintains a focus on quality and operational efficiency [57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and return on average tangible common equity at 16.9% [4] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [8] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees, while non-interest expense growth slowed to 4% [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth for the full year was $5 billion, or 9%, with regional banking and specialized C&I verticals contributing significantly [4][10] - In Q4, mortgage banking revenues only declined by $5 million compared to the prior quarter, indicating stability despite seasonal trends [5] - The Juris Banking team completed over 17 million digital payments related to a major settlement, showcasing the effectiveness of the disbursement platform [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $10.8 billion, or 16%, driven by strong inflows in regional banking and a 40% growth in specialty escrow businesses [4][10] - Regional Banking deposits grew by $1.4 billion in Q4, with notable contributions from Innovation Banking and Specialty Escrow Services [12] - The mix of ECR deposits is expected to remain consistent, with around 37% of total deposits being ECR on an average basis [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $100 billion in assets by year-end 2026 while maintaining a stable expense structure [6] - There is a focus on organic growth opportunities, with expectations of $6 billion in loan growth and $8 billion in deposit growth for 2026 [19][20] - The company is emphasizing the growth of lower-cost deposit channels and higher-yielding C&I loans to enhance net interest margin [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, supported by a pro-growth regulatory environment and improving visibility on rate normalization [19] - The outlook for net interest income growth is projected at 11%-14%, assuming two rate cuts during the year [20] - Asset quality remains stable, with expectations for net charge-offs to be between 25 and 35 basis points as non-accrual balances are proactively reduced [21] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its capital ratio, and tangible book value per share rose 17% year-over-year to $61.29 [11][17] - The efficiency ratio improved, with a Q4 efficiency ratio of 55.7% and an adjusted efficiency ratio of 46.5% [14] - The company has been a leader in creating shareholder value, with EPS growth and tangible book value accumulation ranking in the top quartile relative to peers over the last decade [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion is leading the peer group and reflects organic growth [23] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be higher in the first half of the year as the company works through non-accrual loans, with a normalization expected in the latter half [25] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is driven by treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth in these areas [27] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits are expected to maintain a consistent mix, with a beta of 65%-70% on ECR deposits, and efforts are being made to shift towards lower-cost deposits [33][34]

Core Insights - Western Alliance Bank has appointed Brad Alvarez as Senior Director of Business Escrow Services, focusing on sponsor and strategic partnerships to enhance growth initiatives on the West Coast and nationally [1][2][3] Company Overview - Western Alliance Business Escrow Services is a specialized banking group that provides services for strategic buyers, law firms, private equity firms, and stakeholders involved in mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases, and business escrow transactions [7] - The group has experienced significant growth, nearly tripling its strategic book of business over the past year, indicating a strong demand in the private equity market [3] Leadership and Expertise - Brad Alvarez brings extensive experience in private equity and M&A, having previously worked as vice president of Legal for a private equity firm and as an attorney at Latham & Watkins, advising on over $30 billion in transactions [2][3][4] - His role will involve collaborating with the business development team to enhance sponsor services and address operational challenges faced by sponsors [2][3] Market Position and Strategy - The competitive landscape in M&A is evolving, with increased competition and margin compression, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Western Alliance Bank [4] - The bank aims to innovate and develop capabilities in the private equity space, aligning with its mission to deliver valuable solutions to clients [3][4]