Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $29.5 million, or $1.20 per share, with a return on assets (ROA) of almost 3% for the fourth quarter of 2025 [4] - Net interest income increased to approximately $31 million from $26 million in the previous year [18] - The net interest margin improved to 328 basis points from 290 basis points year-over-year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company grew checking accounts by over 23% during the year, with a total increase of about $116 million [6][9] - Closed loans in the Primis Mortgage segment increased to approximately $1.2 billion, a 50% increase over 2024 [14] - The average earning assets increased by 13% annualized in the fourth quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits ended the year at $554 million, or 16% of total deposits, up from 14% the previous year [18] - The company anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across 2026, with seasonal peaks expected [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 1% ROA goal for 2026, with expectations for further margin expansion [24][38] - The focus remains on growing core deposits and improving the mix of earning assets, with a strategy to leverage existing resources for growth [15][16] - The company is committed to maintaining a community-style banking approach, enhancing customer loyalty and deposit retention [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth targets, citing a strong pipeline and operational leverage as key drivers [12][16] - The company noted that the vast majority of operational noise from previous quarters is behind them, with expectations for a smoother first half of 2026 [42] - Management highlighted the importance of new customer acquisition and the positive impact on deposit balances over time [51][53] Other Important Information - The company completed a sale-leaseback transaction that allowed for repositioning and entering 2026 with momentum [24] - The core bank's cost of deposits remains attractive at 159 basis points, down from the previous quarter [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for warehouse balances in 2026? - Management anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across the year, with seasonal fluctuations [28] Question: How should we think about overall loan growth in 2026? - The core bank is targeting approximately $100 million in loan growth, with a focus on C&I and owner-occupied loans [32] Question: What is the target sustainable ROA for 2026? - The target remains at 1% ROA for the full year, with expectations for improvement in the second half [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $29.5 million, or $1.20 per share, with a return on assets (ROA) of almost 3% for the fourth quarter of 2025 [4] - The net interest income increased to approximately $31 million from $26 million in the previous year [18] - The net interest margin improved to 328 basis points from 290 basis points year-over-year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company grew checking accounts by over 23% during the year, with a total increase of about $116 million [6][9] - The loan portfolio saw significant growth, with gross loans held for investment increasing approximately 10% annualized from September 30 to December 31 [17] - Primis Mortgage closed loans increased to approximately $1.2 billion, a 50% increase over 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits ended the year at $554 million, or 16% of total deposits, compared to 14% at the end of 2024 [18] - The company anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across 2026, with seasonal peaks expected [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a sustainable ROA of 1% for the full year 2026, with expectations for margin expansion [39] - The focus remains on growing the core bank with good deposits and integrated lines of business, avoiding reliance on investor commercial real estate [15][54] - The company plans to continue hiring in the mortgage sector but with a more incremental approach to avoid large upfront expenses [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving goals for 2026, citing substantial momentum and opportunities for growth [5][24] - The company has controlled operating expenses and expects to maintain a core expense range of $23 million to $24 million in 2026 [24] - Management noted that the majority of noise from previous quarters is behind them, with expectations for improved margins and reduced expenses [43] Other Important Information - The company completed a sale-leaseback transaction that allowed for repositioning and entering 2026 with momentum [24] - The company has maintained 90% of digital deposit balances despite a decrease in rates, reflecting customer loyalty [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for warehouse balances in 2026? - Management anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across the year, with seasonal peaks expected [28] Question: How should we think about overall loan growth in 2026? - The core bank is expected to grow loans by about $100 million, or 5% to 7%, with additional growth from Panacea and Warehouse [32] Question: What is the target sustainable ROA for 2026? - The target remains a 1% ROA for the full year, with expectations for improvement in the second half [39] Question: Is there still noise in the quarterly expenses? - Most of the noise is expected to be behind the company, with only minor impacts anticipated in the first quarter [43] Question: How will mortgage banking impact expenses? - Mortgage banking expenses are expected to scale with revenue, with a pre-tax contribution of 50 to 60 basis points anticipated [34]

In SBA, Becker said the bank maintained its position as a top 10 SBA 7(a) lender, with nearly $580 million in funded originations in 2025, despite industry challenges that included a government shutdown. He also noted leadership changes and additions in underwriting and portfolio management.On banking-as-a-service (BaaS), Becker said initiatives generated over $1.3 billion in new deposits during 2025—more than triple the prior year—and the bank processed more than $165 billion in payments volume, up over 22 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income for Q4 2025 of $12.3 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, a 24% increase from Q4 2024 [3] - For the full year, net income was $46.2 million, or $2.64 per diluted share, compared to $31.7 million, or $2.01 per diluted share for 2024, despite an increase in shares outstanding due to capital offerings and acquisitions [4] - The return on assets (ROA) for Q4 was 1.14%, improving to 1.42% when excluding one-time expenses, with a full-year ROA of 1.11% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for Q4 totaled $36.5 million, a 5.5% increase from the linked quarter and a 16% increase from Q4 2024 [6] - Non-interest income increased by $251,000, or 2.6%, from the linked quarter and by $869,000, or 9.6%, from Q4 2024 [8] - Non-interest expense for Q4, after adjusting for non-recurring expenses, was $27.6 million, consistent with the linked quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added $106 million in loans and $236 million in low-cost deposits from the acquisition of Farmers Savings Bank [5] - The loan and lease portfolio grew by $68.7 million, representing an annualized growth rate of 8.7% during Q4 [7] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 94.3%, slightly down from the linked quarter, with a target range of 90%-95% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid-single-digit loan growth in 2026, focusing on commercial and industrial (C&I) growth while leveraging Farmers' excess deposits [7][12] - Investments in technology and digital banking solutions are expected to enhance deposit growth and support loan growth [27][40] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong capital position to support organic growth and investments in infrastructure [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate strong earnings despite mixed economic conditions across the country [18] - Credit quality remains solid, with low delinquencies and stable credit metrics, although there was a slight increase in non-performing loans [19] - The management anticipates a gradual expansion of the net interest margin, projecting a 2-3 basis point increase in Q1 and further growth in subsequent quarters [35] Other Important Information - The company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.18 per share, reflecting confidence in its financial performance [8][17] - The tangible common equity ratio increased from 6.43% a year ago to 9.54% at year-end 2025, indicating strong capital generation [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and composition - Management expects commercial loans to lead growth in 2026, with a focus on C&I and potential leasing growth [25][26] Question: Digital channel growth potential - The digital channel is in early stages, with initial success in opening new accounts, but significant growth is anticipated as more products are launched [31][32] Question: Margin trends and interest rate assumptions - Management expects a slight margin expansion in Q1, with potential further increases depending on interest rate movements [35][36] Question: Expense run rate post-acquisition - First quarter expenses are expected to be similar to current levels, with some reductions anticipated after the Farmers conversion [39] Question: Credit quality and non-performing loans - The increase in non-performing loans was attributed to one isolated credit situation, with overall credit quality remaining stable [46][47]

First Financial’s balance sheet growth in the quarter included a significant contribution from the Westfield acquisition. Anderson said total loan balances increased $1.7 billion during the period, including $1.6 billion acquired in the Westfield transaction . Excluding acquisition impact, organic loan growth was $131 million , or 4% annualized , driven by C&I and Summit.Net interest margin (NIM) was 3.98% , down slightly from the prior quarter. CFO Jamie Anderson said funding costs declined 15 basis points ...

Core Viewpoint - Bankwell Financial Group reported a strong fourth-quarter performance with net income of $9.1 million, driven by net interest margin expansion and a rebound in non-interest income, particularly from the SBA division [4][6][9]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a net interest margin of 3.40%, an increase of 6 basis points from the previous quarter, attributed to a reduction in deposit costs [3][6]. - GAAP net income for Q4 was $9.1 million, or $1.15 per share, which included a one-time tax adjustment of $1.5 million; adjusted operating income was $10.7 million, or $1.36 per share [4][6]. - Non-interest income rose to $3.4 million, a 35% increase from the prior quarter, largely due to $2.2 million in SBA gain-on-sale income [9][10]. Loan Growth and Portfolio Management - The company funded $240 million in loans during Q4, resulting in a 5% annual loan growth, with total funded originations for the year reaching $758 million [5][7]. - Floating-rate loans increased to 38% of the portfolio, up from 23% at the end of 2024, reflecting a strategic shift towards higher-yielding assets [7]. Deposit Repricing and Cost Management - Management indicated that $1.2 billion in time deposits are expected to reprice favorably over the next 12 months, potentially providing an annualized benefit of approximately $4 million [1][6]. - The total deposit cost at the end of 2025 was reported at 3.08%, following a 50 basis point reduction in offered time deposit rates [2][6]. Credit Quality and Capital Position - Non-performing assets decreased to 49 basis points of total assets, down from 56 basis points in the prior quarter, indicating improved credit quality [12]. - The allowance for credit losses was reported at 108 basis points of total loans, with coverage of non-performing loans increasing to 188% [13]. 2026 Outlook - Management provided guidance for 2026, projecting loan growth of 4% to 5%, net interest income between $111 million and $112 million, and non-interest income of approximately $11 million to $12 million [17]. - The company expects to maintain profitability growth alongside investments in personnel and technology, with a headcount increase of over 10% in 2025 [16].

Looking ahead, Kalani said the company expects funding costs to begin declining in the first quarter of 2026 and projected 2026 net interest margin in the range of 3.90% to 4.00%. He added that if there were no rate cuts in 2026, margin would be expected to come in “a little higher.” Excluding purchase accounting impact, fourth-quarter margin was 3.53% versus 3.59% in the third quarter, primarily due to the deposit-rate lag.CFO Neil Kalani said fourth-quarter net interest margin was 4.00%, down from 4.11% i ...

Kim said gross loans ended the quarter at $14.8 billion , up 1% from the prior quarter and up 8% year-over-year, reflecting the impact of the Territorial acquisition and organic residential mortgage growth. He added that fourth-quarter 2025 loan production volumes rose 39% relative to the prior quarter, describing improved momentum throughout 2025.On capital returns, Kim said the board declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.14 per share , payable on or around February 20 to stockholders of record ...

Crockett noted that NIM in the third and second quarters included one-time items related to credit workouts and interest recoveries. The third quarter included a 6 basis point impact (about $640,000 ), and the second quarter included a 17 basis point impact (about $1.7 million ). Excluding those items, Crockett said the company delivered “steady NIM expansion” over the past year, though the pace slowed in the fourth quarter.Chief Financial Officer Steve Crockett said fourth-quarter diluted EPS was $0.90 , d ...

Core Viewpoint - SoFi is positioned as a more resilient investment compared to Robinhood, particularly in the face of potential economic downturns due to its diversified service offerings and customer base growth [1][8]. Company Performance - SoFi has expanded its customer base to 12.6 million, marking a 35% increase year-over-year [3]. - Revenue for SoFi rose by 38% to $950 million, with non-GAAP adjusted earnings increasing by 120% to $0.11 per share [4]. - Robinhood's revenue doubled to $1.2 billion, and diluted earnings per share surged by 259% to $0.61 [4]. Service Diversification - SoFi offers a broad range of financial products, including student loan refinancing, personal loans, credit card consolidation, and renters insurance, which may help it withstand economic slowdowns [9][11]. - In contrast, Robinhood's revenue is heavily reliant on trading activities, particularly options and crypto trading, which accounted for 78% of its transaction-based revenue in Q3 [11]. Market Conditions - The market has been on a bull run since 2022, and Robinhood has not yet faced a market downturn, which could pose risks when economic conditions change [12]. - Economic indicators suggest potential challenges ahead, including job layoffs reaching a four-year high in 2025, which may affect Robinhood's trading volume as customers may reduce riskier investments [12][13]. Investment Recommendation - Given the current economic landscape and service diversification, adding SoFi to an investment portfolio may be a more prudent choice compared to Robinhood [13].