Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Valley National Bancorp reported net income of approximately $163 million or $0.28 per diluted share, up from $133 million or $0.22 in the previous quarter, marking the highest quarterly profitability since the end of 2022 [3] - The annualized return on average assets exceeded 1%, achieving many profitability goals ahead of schedule [3][4] - Non-interest income has grown at an annual rate of 15% since 2017, three times faster than publicly traded peers [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits increased by about $1 billion during the quarter, with nearly 110,000 new deposit accounts contributing to a nearly 10% growth in core deposits [5][10] - Gross loans decreased modestly due to targeted runoff in transactional C&I and commodity subsegments, with average loans increasing by 0.5% during the quarter [11] - Non-interest income continued strong momentum, with deposit service charges growing due to expanded treasury management capabilities [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokered deposits now comprise 11% of the total deposit base, the lowest level since Q3 2022 [10] - The pipeline for C&I and CRE loans is currently at $3.3 billion, indicating strong demand and activity in the market [52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its commercial and consumer banking sectors, with new leadership in place to drive growth [4] - Valley aims to leverage its strong foundation to accelerate strategic initiatives, particularly in healthcare C&I and capital call lines [8][41] - The company is targeting low single-digit loan growth for 2026 and beyond, with a focus on diversifying its balance sheet [36][64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future prospects, citing strong customer growth, talent acquisition, and profitability [9] - The company anticipates continued stability in credit performance and expects to sustain low charge-off levels [15][91] - Management is confident in achieving a 15% return on equity target by late 2027 or early 2028, driven by net income expansion and margin improvement [70] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio continues to improve, with expectations for further progress as positive operating leverage is generated [14] - The company remains well-capitalized, with regulatory capital ratios increasing and plans for share repurchases [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive backdrop regarding C&I loans and deposit costs - Management noted a decline in spot deposit costs and emphasized the competitive environment for new deposit relationships, with a focus on repricing the backbook [18][19] Question: Capital allocation and buyback opportunities - Management indicated a near-term CET1 target of around 11% and expressed confidence in using buybacks as a capital deployment strategy [22][23] Question: Geographic distribution of C&I and CRE - The company reported a balanced distribution of originations across different geographies, with strong performance in Florida [26][27] Question: Fee income outlook for capital markets and insurance businesses - Management anticipates general stability in fee income for the fourth quarter, with positive momentum expected in capital markets [29] Question: Increase in non-accrual loans - Management clarified that the increase was primarily due to a construction loan migration, with no anticipated losses [32][33] Question: Timeline for non-accrual balances to decline - Management expressed optimism about the resolution of non-accruals, citing positive trends in the C&I market [87][88] Question: Profitability improvement outlook - Management reiterated confidence in achieving the 15% return on equity target, supported by net income expansion and controlled credit costs [70][91]