Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $19.6 million or $0.96 per diluted share for Q4 2025, and $73.4 million or $3.61 per diluted share for the full year [4] - Return on average assets was 120 basis points for the year, while return on average equity was 12.38%, both exceeding annual guidance [4] - The efficiency ratio for the year was 58% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by 1.5% in Q4 and 4% year-over-year to $4.66 billion, driven by strong demand in commercial lending [6] - Commercial business loans were down modestly on a linked-quarter basis but up 11% year-over-year [7] - Residential lending grew modestly, up 1% during both the 3 and 12 months ended December 31, 2025 [8] - Consumer indirect loans decreased by 3.7% in Q4 and 4.5% for the year to $807 million [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-end total deposits were $5.21 billion, down 2.8% from September 30, driven by seasonal public deposit outflows [10] - Deposits were up 2% year-over-year despite the ongoing wind down of the banking-as-a-service line of business [10] - The company expects low single-digit deposit growth year-over-year amid a highly competitive landscape [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, credit discipline, and maintaining a strong capital position to deliver long-term value to shareholders [24] - The strategic plan emphasizes deep relationships, prudent expense management, and balancing investments in people and technology [24] - The company aims to drive sustainable growth through its community bank and wealth management firm [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability and growth potential of Upstate New York markets, particularly with the recent investment by Micron Technology [8] - The company anticipates stronger residential production in 2026, supported by new producers building their clientele [9] - Management expects a targeted return on average assets of at least 122 basis points and return on average equity exceeding 11.9% for 2026 [13] Other Important Information - The company approved a more than 3% increase to its quarterly dividend and a new share repurchase plan in 2025 [5] - The company completed an $80 million subordinated debt offering with a favorable fixed rate of 6.5% [5] - The company reported a BBB- rating from Kroll with a stable outlook, reflecting improved profitability and capital position [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and expected cadence - Management indicated that margins were impacted by the sub debt raise and expect incremental expansion throughout the year [28] Question: Loan growth outlook and indirect auto portfolio - Management confirmed intentional management of the indirect auto portfolio and expressed confidence in commercial loan growth opportunities [32] Question: Share buyback strategy - Management stated that share buybacks remain an attractive capital allocation option, with a focus on maintaining Common Equity Tier 1 above 11% [36] Question: ROA improvement potential - Management noted that accelerated asset originations could impact ROA, but they prioritize profitability over growth [41] Question: Deposit growth initiatives - Management emphasized a focus on core deposit acquisition and the success of treasury management offerings in driving commercial deposit growth [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $20.1 million, or $0.99 per diluted share for Q3 2025, reflecting strong financial results [4] - Return on average assets (ROAA) was 132 basis points and return on average equity (ROAE) was 13.31%, both significantly up from previous periods [5] - Full-year 2025 guidance for ROAA has been revised to exceed 115 basis points, up from 110 basis points, and ROAE is now expected to be greater than 12%, up from 11.25% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 1.2%, driven by commercial lending, while total deposits increased by 3.9% [4] - Total commercial loans reached approximately $3 billion, reflecting a 1.6% increase from the previous quarter and an 8.3% increase year-over-year [6] - Consumer indirect balances increased by 0.6% from the previous quarter but were down 4.1% year-over-year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong commercial growth in upstate New York, particularly in the Syracuse region due to Micron Technologies' investment [8] - Residential lending showed modest growth, with mortgage and home equity applications up 12% and 11% year-over-year, respectively [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for profitable organic growth and anticipates raising profitability targets for 2026 [21] - The focus remains on maintaining a strong balance sheet and enhancing capital ratios, with tangible common equity (TCE) improving to 8.74% [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining momentum into 2026, driven by pent-up demand for credit and favorable economic conditions [8][21] - The company is tightening its expected range for full-year net interest margin to between 350 and 355 basis points, anticipating temporary margin pressure in Q4 [15] Other Important Information - Non-interest income was $12.1 million, up 13.6% from the previous quarter, with investment advisory revenue increasing [16] - Non-interest expense was $35.9 million, slightly up from the linked quarter, primarily due to higher claims activity in the self-funded medical plan [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on margin and potential rate cuts - Management indicated that margin may see a modest impact from rate cuts but expects a recovery in 2026, with a starting point around 360 basis points [24][25] Question: Thoughts on share buyback - Management expressed satisfaction with the board's approval of the buyback, viewing it as a means to support shares and invest in the company [26] Question: Loan growth expectations for 2026 - Management is optimistic about achieving mid-single-digit growth rates in loans, based on recent performance and planning for 2026 [27]