Core Insights - The company reported a GAAP earnings per share of $1.03 in Q4, reflecting a 9-cent increase year-over-year but a 1-cent decrease from the previous quarter, with expenses related to the Santander branch acquisition impacting results [1] - Operating earnings per share were $1.12, up from $1.00 a year earlier and $1.09 in the third quarter, indicating strong operational performance [1] - The company achieved record operating revenues of $215.6 million, a 4.2% increase from the third quarter and a 10% increase year-over-year, driven by net interest income growth [7] Financial Performance - Net interest income reached $133.4 million, up 4.1% from the third quarter and 11.2% year-over-year, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of NII expansion [8] - Operating non-interest revenues increased by 8% year-over-year and 4.4% from the third quarter, with non-interest revenues representing 38% of total operating revenues [9] - Total non-interest expense was $138.5 million, an 8% increase from the third quarter, primarily due to performance-based incentives and acquisition-related costs [11] Growth Strategy and Outlook - The company expects loan growth of 3.5%–6%, deposit growth of 2%–3%, and net interest income growth of 8%–12% for 2026, with plans for expansion through new branches and the ClearPoint acquisition [5][24] - Management highlighted the opening of 15 de novo branches in 2025 and aims to double deposits in these locations by the end of 2026 [15] - The acquisition of ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust is anticipated to close in Q2 2026, which will enhance the wealth management business [17] Credit Quality and Expenses - The company recorded a provision for credit losses of $5.0 million in Q4, down from $6.2 million a year earlier, indicating stable credit quality [10] - Non-performing loans and net charge-off ratios remained consistent with the previous quarter, while the allowance for credit losses increased to $87.9 million [12] - Elevated expenses were attributed to performance-based incentives, acquisition costs, and branch consolidation activities [6][18]

Core Insights - First BanCorp reported strong financial performance in Q4 2025, with record revenues and a net income of $87 million, translating to earnings per share of $0.85 and a return on assets of 1.8% [3][4] - The company maintained a stable efficiency ratio of 49% for the quarter and reiterated its guidance for 2026, including organic loan growth of 3-5% and an efficiency ratio of 52% or better [4][22] Financial Performance - Net interest income increased by $4.9 million quarter over quarter to $222.8 million, with a net interest margin of 4.68%, which is 8 basis points higher than the previous quarter [1][6] - GAAP quarterly results showed a net income of $87.1 million, or $0.55 per share, down from $100.5 million, or $0.63 per share in the prior quarter, primarily due to prior-quarter items [2] - Adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision income rose to $129.2 million from $121.5 million, indicating an 8% increase in earnings per share when excluding certain items [2] Capital Returns - The company continued its capital return strategy, repurchasing $150 million of shares and paying $150 million in dividends in 2025, with an 11% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.20 per share [5][17][18] - Since the buyback program began in 2021, First BanCorp has repurchased over 28% of shares outstanding [17] Loan and Deposit Trends - First BanCorp originated $1.4 billion in loans during the quarter, with total loans growing by $80 million, mainly from commercial segments [13] - Core customer deposits increased by $267 million, while the bank reduced total deposit costs, contributing to a 5-basis-point decline in overall funding costs [13][7] Credit Quality - The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets fell to an all-time low of 60 basis points, with non-performing assets declining by $5.3 million during the quarter [15] - Net charge-offs were $20.4 million, or 63 basis points of average loans, consistent with the prior quarter [16] Expense Management - Operating expenses were $126.9 million in Q4, up $2 million sequentially, with employee compensation rising due to merit increases [10][12] - For 2026, the company guided to quarterly expenses of $128 million to $130 million, while aiming to maintain an efficiency ratio in the 50% to 52% range [12]

Core Insights - United Community Banks reported a solid end to 2025 with significant revenue growth, margin expansion, and improving profitability metrics [5][4][3] Financial Performance - Operating earnings per share increased 18% to $2.71 from $2.30 year-over-year, with annual revenue surpassing $1 billion, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth [3] - Fourth quarter revenue rose 11% year-over-year, driven by net interest margin expansion and a 4.4% annualized loan growth [4] - Operating earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.71, up 13% year-over-year, with a return on assets of 1.22% and return on tangible common equity of 13.3% [4] Loan and Deposit Growth - Loan growth continued at a 4.4% annualized pace, primarily in the commercial and industrial (C&I) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) categories [2] - Novitas equipment finance achieved over $1 billion in originations for the first time, with loans representing 9.5% of total loans [1] - Deposits grew 1% for the year, with a notable increase of $293 million in public funds during the fourth quarter [6][7] Net Interest Margin and Balance Sheet - Net interest margin increased four basis points to 3.62%, with a loan-to-deposit ratio rising to 82% [8][11] - The cost of deposits improved by 21 basis points to 1.76%, and cumulative total deposit beta increased to 40% [6] Credit Quality and Expenses - Net charge-offs were reported at 34 basis points, with expectations for the loss rate to fall in the 20 to 25 basis point range for 2026 [14] - Operating expenses rose to $151.4 million, attributed mainly to higher health insurance costs, with management targeting 3% to 3.5% expense growth in 2026 [13] Capital Actions and M&A Strategy - The bank increased its dividend to an annualized rate of $1 per share and repurchased 1 million shares in the fourth quarter [15] - Management expressed a preference for its current footprint and is not actively seeking geographic expansion, identifying fewer than 10 potential M&A targets [16] Outlook for 2026 - Management is optimistic about continued growth and improvement, citing strong market economies and ongoing investments in talent and systems [17]