Core Insights - ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, highlighted by a successful merger with Fentura Financial, Inc. and significant growth in net income and assets [3][4][10]. Financial Performance - Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was $13,867,000, compared to $7,159,000 for the same period in 2024, representing an increase of 93.5% [4][10]. - For the year ended December 31, 2025, net income was $28,176,000, up from $26,727,000 in 2024 [4][10]. - Diluted earnings per share were $0.92 for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $0.79 in the same quarter of 2024, and $2.01 for the year, compared to $3.25 in 2024 [4][10]. Asset Growth - Total assets increased to $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2025, up by $1.7 billion from December 31, 2024, primarily due to the merger [5][10]. - Core loans grew by $55.6 million or 7.6% on an annualized basis during the fourth quarter of 2025 and increased by $1.4 billion due to the merger [6][10]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased by $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2025, largely due to the merger [7][10]. - The provision for credit losses on loans was $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting loan growth and net charge-offs [9][10]. Noninterest Income and Expenses - Noninterest income increased by $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2025, driven by higher interchange income and trust income [14][10]. - Noninterest expenses rose by $10.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, primarily due to merger-related expenses [15][10]. Capital and Liquidity - Shareholders' equity was $465.4 million as of December 31, 2025, a significant increase from $260.4 million a year earlier, driven by the merger [13][10]. - The total risk-based capital ratio was 12.5% as of December 31, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [13][10]. Strategic Outlook - The company plans to open a new full-service branch in Troy, MI, in 2026, aiming to enhance growth in an attractive market [15][10]. - Management expressed confidence in the company's capital and liquidity position, emphasizing a focus on strengthening customer relationships and organic growth momentum [17][10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company finished the year strong with robust loan and core deposit growth, net interest margin expansion, and higher fee income [4] - Net interest margin expanded by 12 basis points to 2.75%, with net interest income increasing by 5% during the quarter [6][11] - Core deposits grew by 9% in the fourth quarter and 8% for the full year, while loans grew at an 11% pace [7] - Tangible book value per share grew 16.5% annualized and was up 15.3% year-over-year [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The construction sector was the largest driver of loan growth, particularly in affordable housing, which saw a 27% annualized increase in the fourth quarter [22] - Non-interest income rebounded in the fourth quarter, driven by increases in swap fees and letter of credit fees [16] - The company reported a 9.5% annualized increase in expenses during the fourth quarter, aligning more closely with expected asset growth [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is now the second-largest locally led bank in the Twin Cities, positioning itself well amid M&A disruptions in the market [9] - Core deposit growth was strong, with an annualized growth of 8.8% in the fourth quarter [18] - Loan balances increased by 8.9% annualized in the fourth quarter and 11.4% for the year, indicating robust demand across the market [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize profitable growth while aligning loan growth with core deposit growth and expanding net interest margin [30] - There is a focus on gaining market share in the Twin Cities and expanding expertise in targeted verticals such as nonprofits and SBA [31] - The company plans to enhance its affordable housing vertical and leverage technology investments to support growth and efficiency [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ability to continue driving net interest income growth and achieving a 3% net interest margin by the end of 2026 [12][29] - The company is monitoring the impact of recent events in the Twin Cities on team members and clients, emphasizing support for the community [9] - Management remains confident in the strength of the asset quality profile despite a modest uptick in non-performing assets and net charge-offs [24] Other Important Information - The company closed one of the two branches added through the First Minnetonka City Bank acquisition due to proximity to other branches, with minimal deposit attrition post-merger [8] - The CET1 ratio increased slightly from 9.08% to 9.17%, indicating a comfortable capital position [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack some of the deposit growth in the quarter? - Management noted that Q4 tends to be a seasonally high watermark for deposit growth, with expectations for modest growth in Q1 and Q2 [36][39] Question: What is the cadence of loan repricing? - Management indicated that loan repricing is well spread out, contributing to the target of achieving a 3% margin [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for expenses in 2026? - Management expects expenses to grow in line with asset growth, targeting high single-digit growth [42] Question: What is the company's appetite for potential acquisitions? - Management continues to engage with local bank owners for potential acquisitions but emphasizes organic growth as the primary focus [55] Question: How does the company view the affordable housing vertical's growth potential? - Management expressed confidence in the affordable housing space, indicating plans for continued growth without specific caps on size [59][60]

Group 1 - Bond futures traders are increasing bets on a dovish policy shift at the Federal Reserve, with BlackRock's Rick Rieder emerging as a leading candidate to succeed Jerome Powell [1] - Recent trading data indicates a growing appetite for interest rate futures, particularly in the fed funds and SOFR markets, suggesting expectations for more aggressive interest rate cuts than currently priced [2] - Rieder is perceived to bring a market-centric approach to the Fed, advocating for a more aggressive half-point rate cut and opposing the Fed's forward guidance on future rate moves [4] Group 2 - Economists from Evercore ISI predict Rieder would likely advocate for three rate cuts this year, based on his views on productivity, inflation dynamics, and labor market pressures [5] - The interest rate swaps market is currently pricing in just under two quarter-point reductions for 2026, while the SOFR options market shows a recent influx of positions benefiting from multiple rate cuts, targeting a fed funds rate drop to as low as 1.5% by year-end [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 increased over 30% compared to the previous year, reaching $9.50 [4][5] - Tangible book value per share also experienced double-digit growth, despite day-one dilution from the merger [5] - The company achieved 8% loan growth and 8% deposit growth in the fourth quarter [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $106 million, up $7 million from the previous quarter, driven by strong performance in the correspondent capital markets division [11] - The company repurchased 2 million shares in the fourth quarter, representing approximately 2% of the company [7][13] - The efficiency ratio remained below 50% for both the quarter and the year, despite higher expenses [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan production in Texas and Colorado reached $888 million in the fourth quarter, a 15% increase from the third quarter [58] - The overall loan pipeline grew from $3.4 billion at the beginning of the year to about $5 billion by year-end [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its growth trajectory by focusing on organic growth and expanding its market presence in Texas and Colorado [3][21] - There is a strategic emphasis on hiring additional commercial relationship managers to support growth initiatives [24][63] - The company plans to invest in technology and revenue-producing platforms, including AI and commercial loan servicing [51][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's fundamentals and the successful integration of the Independent Financial deal, which is expected to yield long-term benefits [4][6] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for continued loan growth and a stable net interest margin (NIM) in the range of 380-390 basis points [18][48] - Management noted that the risk profile of the company has improved post-merger, and they are optimistic about future performance [7][14] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by 11% in July 2025 and maintained healthy capital ratios, with a TCE ratio of 8.8% and a CET1 ratio of 11.4% [13] - Non-performing assets (NPAs) declined slightly, and credit costs remained low, indicating a stable credit environment [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on net interest margin and deposit costs - Management indicated that NIM was in line with guidance and deposit costs were down, with expectations for NIM to remain stable in 2026 [16][18] Question: Loan growth expectations - The company expects mid to upper single-digit loan growth for 2026, supported by a strong pipeline [20] Question: Hiring activity and expense guidance - Management confirmed that hiring efforts are ongoing, with a focus on increasing commercial relationship managers by 10-15% [24][63] Question: Correspondent banking strength sustainability - Management noted that the recent strength in correspondent banking is expected to continue, driven by favorable market conditions [26][28] Question: Expense growth and run rate for 2026 - Management acknowledged that Q4 expenses were impacted by performance and seasonality, but guidance for mid-single-digit expense growth remains [34][42] Question: Share repurchase authorization usage - Management stated that capital return decisions will be flexible and based on share price relative to intrinsic value [37][39]

Overview - The Bank of England proposes to exempt transactions from the derivatives clearing obligation when carried out as part of a post-trade risk reduction (PTRR) service [1][3]. PTRR Services - PTRR providers assist market participants in reducing counterparty, operational, and basis risk in derivatives portfolios through services like portfolio compression, rebalancing, and basis risk optimisation [2][16][20]. - The Bank aims to support financial stability by increasing the efficiency of PTRR services and allowing broader access for market participants [3][29]. Legislative Framework - The UK EMIR mandates that all eligible OTC derivative contracts be cleared by a central counterparty (CCP) [3][10]. - The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (FSMA 2023) grants the Bank the authority to exempt certain transactions from this clearing obligation [3][13]. Proposal Details - The Bank proposes that PTRR transactions, which are non-price forming and do not affect market risk, should be exempt from the clearing obligation [27][28]. - This exemption is expected to enhance the efficiency of PTRR services and reduce the complexity for market participants [29][39]. Implementation and Compliance - The Bank suggests that the changes take effect three months after the final rules are published [36]. - PTRR providers must notify the Bank of their intention to provide services and comply with specific conditions to ensure the integrity of the process [34][42]. Cost-Benefit Analysis - The Bank conducted a cost-benefit analysis indicating that the benefits of the exemption, such as increased efficiency and reduced complexity, outweigh the marginal costs associated with compliance [41][44]. - Estimated one-off implementation costs for PTRR providers are approximately £15,000–£20,000, while participants may incur costs of less than £5,000 [59][60]. Financial Stability Implications - The proposed exemption is expected to support financial stability by reducing counterparty and operational risks, thereby freeing up capital and enhancing liquidity in the financial system [52][39]. - A larger network of participants in PTRR exercises could lead to greater risk reduction and mitigate systemic risks in the derivatives market [52][56].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported net income available to common shareholders was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings available to common shareholders were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [16][17] - The total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down approximately $22.4 million from the second quarter, with net charge-offs increasing to $38.6 million or 56 basis points annualized [17][18] - Tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the second quarter, while the reported net interest margin remained steady at 3.83% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. The company expects loan balances to end the year between $27.7 billion and $28 billion [8][27] - Non-interest income decreased to $51.8 million, primarily due to a $15.7 million preliminary pretax gain on the CRE loan sale in the prior quarter compared to a $4.8 million pretax loss in the current quarter [22] - Adjusted operating non-interest income increased to $56.6 million, driven by a $4.2 million increase in loan-related interest rate swap fees [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a well-diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington metro area and the remaining 77% across a broader footprint [12] - The unemployment rate in the greater Washington, D.C. region stood at 3.6%, well below the national average of 4.3% [14] - The company is monitoring the impact of government employment reductions and the government shutdown, but believes the economic data indicates resilience in the market [11][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of the Sandy Spring acquisition is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost-savings targets and enhanced earnings power by 2026 [7][15] - The company aims to deliver sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages gained from the acquisition and continued organic growth opportunities [7][15] - The focus remains on disciplined execution and the integration of Sandy Spring, with plans to capitalize on expanded markets and pursue new growth opportunities in North Carolina [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, reaffirming the forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to be between 15 and 20 basis points [11] - The company anticipates some increases in unemployment rates across its markets but expects these to remain manageable and below the national average [14] - Management highlighted the resilience of government contractors and essential services during government shutdowns, indicating a positive outlook for the government contractor finance portfolio [13][89] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend amount [26] - The full-year financial outlook for 2025 includes preliminary estimates of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Sandy Spring acquisition [27][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and sustainability - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for next year, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment, emphasizing strength in specialty lines [36][37] Question: Expense outlook and efficiency ratio - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s, inclusive of investments in North Carolina, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base [40][41] Question: Credit trends and health of the portfolio - Overall credit trends appear strong, with low non-performing assets and past dues, despite two specific charge-offs [70][72] Question: Impact of government shutdown on operations - Management believes government contractors will remain resilient, drawing on lines of credit during shutdowns, and does not foresee significant issues arising from the current situation [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported net income available to common shareholders was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings available to common shareholders were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [15][16] - Total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down approximately $22.4 million from the second quarter, with net charge-offs increasing to $38.6 million or 56 basis points annualized [16][17] - Tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the second quarter, with a steady net interest margin at 3.83% [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. The company expects year-end loan balances to range between $27.7 billion and $28 billion [6][8] - Non-interest income decreased by $29.7 million to $51.8 million, primarily due to a pretax loss related to the final CRE loan sale settlement [20] - Adjusted operating non-interest income increased by $5.1 million to $56.6 million, driven by higher loan-related interest rate swap fees and increased equity method investment income [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a well-diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington metro area and 77% across a broader footprint. Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans held for investment remained low at 0.49% [10][11] - The unemployment rate in Maryland to Virginia stood at 3.6%, below the national average of 4.3%, indicating resilience in the market despite government employment reductions and shutdown concerns [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of Sandy Spring Bank is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost-savings targets and enhanced earnings power visible on a reported basis by 2026 [4][5] - The company aims to deliver sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages gained from the Sandy Spring acquisition and continued organic growth opportunities [5][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, reaffirming the forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to be between 15 and 20 basis points [10] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment [33][34] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend amount [24] - Full-year projections include net interest income between $1.16 billion and $1.165 billion, with an expected net interest margin for the full year between 3.75% and 3.8% [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook for 2026 - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a normalized environment, supported by strong pipelines and new client acquisition [33][34] Question: Expense outlook and efficiency ratio - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s for 2026, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base while expanding in North Carolina [35][36] Question: Credit health and trends - Overall credit trends are positive, with low non-performing assets and past dues. The two charge-offs were isolated events, and management remains confident in the portfolio's health [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP net income of $20.8 million for Q2 2025, which included a $3.36 million gain from the sale of a branch and various acquisition-related expenses [10][19] - The core net income, excluding non-core items, was $19.5 million, translating to an EPS of $0.66 [10][19] - The return on average assets (ROAA) was maintained at 1% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans held for investment increased by 4.5% annualized, amounting to an increase of $66.7 million from Q1 [12] - New loan production was $432 million, with significant growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans and commercial real estate (CRE) loans, which increased by $98.8 million and $61.6 million respectively [12] - Total deposits decreased by $38.5 million, primarily due to a net decrease in interest-bearing deposits [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average cost of deposits decreased to 2.62%, down six basis points from the previous quarter [17] - Non-interest bearing deposits increased by $102 million or 7.8% on a linked quarter basis [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a diversified loan portfolio while reducing concentration risk, particularly in construction loans [43] - A partnership with Progressive Bank, a $750 million community bank, was announced, which is expected to enhance earnings accretion [7][8] - The company is committed to improving operational efficiency through a core processing system upgrade, which is anticipated to facilitate future growth [6][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate through current credit challenges, with a focus on resolving non-performing loans [21][30] - The sentiment in the market is improving, with increased loan demand and a more optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year [70] Other Important Information - The company achieved a tangible book value growth of almost 15% annualized [5] - The net charge-offs remained low at 0.01%, indicating strong asset quality management [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Excess liquidity related to core conversion - Management indicated that excess liquidity will be maintained until the core conversion with Oakwood is completed [26][27] Question: Credit migration and reserves - Management confirmed that the increase in non-performing loans (NPLs) was due to migration from substandard to non-accrual, with adequate reserves in place [28][29] Question: Expense outlook - The company expects a modest increase in core expenses in Q3, with a run rate in the low $50 million range [36] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of the year, with a focus on maintaining discipline in lending practices [41][43] Question: Fee income growth - The company is optimistic about growth in fee income from SBA loan services and derivatives, with expectations for continued momentum [72][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic return for the quarter was negative 4.8%, consisting of a $0.34 dividend per common share and a $0.76 decline in book value per common share [7] - The debt to equity ratio decreased from 7.1x at the end of March to 6.5x at the end of June, indicating a more defensive posture due to elevated near-term uncertainty [7] - As of July 18, 2025, the estimated book value per common share is between $7.99 and $8.31, reflecting a slight recovery in performance [8][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Agency RMBS portfolio decreased by 15% quarter over quarter as the company managed risk amid trade policy uncertainty [18] - The allocation to Agency CMBS increased from 15% at the end of Q1 to just over 17% as of June 30, 2025, due to the decline in the Agency RMBS portfolio [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates declined across the front end of the Treasury yield curve during Q2, while long-term rates increased, reflecting expectations for accommodative policy from the FOMC [6][11] - The two-year Treasury yield declined by 16 basis points, while the thirty-year yield increased by 20 basis points, leading to the steepest two-thirty spread in nearly 3.5 years [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a cautious near-term outlook but is optimistic about the long-term demand for Agency mortgages due to attractive valuations and stabilization in interest rate volatility [8][25] - The focus remains on specified pools with predictable prepayment behavior, particularly in lower loan balance collateral [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that financial conditions were volatile in Q2 but ended modestly accommodative, with expectations for two rate cuts by year-end and additional cuts in 2026 [5][25] - The company believes that further easing of monetary policy will lead to a steeper yield curve and a decline in interest rate volatility, supporting long-term demand for agency mortgages [25] Other Important Information - The company’s liquidity position is strong, providing a cushion for potential market stress while allowing for capital deployment as the investment environment improves [25] - The financing market for Agency CMBS remains robust, with no concerns about deterioration during a widening event [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the relative risk versus reward for high coupon RMBS? - The company believes that spreads reflect the risk accurately and has reduced exposure to higher coupon RMBS due to their sensitivity to interest rate volatility [29][30] Question: What is the company's comfort level on leverage? - The company is comfortable with its current leverage, which is lower than in Q1, and does not feel the need to increase leverage to meet return goals [33][34] Question: What is the outlook for swap spreads and the mix of hedges? - The company anticipates that swap spreads will widen, which would be beneficial, and is currently at maximum allocation to interest rate swaps [37][38] Question: What are the views on core earnings and dividends? - The company expects ROEs to remain attractive, supporting the current dividend without significant changes in the near term [41][45] Question: How does the company feel about CMBS spreads when the Fed cuts rates? - The company is comfortable with the financing market for Agency CMBS and expects spreads to tighten as the Fed cuts rates [60][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $22.6 million or $1.39 per diluted share for Q2 2025, compared to $18.8 million or $1.17 per diluted share for Q2 2024, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [13] - Net income for the first half of 2025 totaled $42.2 million or $2.6 per diluted share, compared to $40.3 million or $2.5 per diluted share for the same period in 2024 [13] - Interest income on loans increased by $3.1 million during Q2 2025 compared to the prior year, driven by strong loan growth [15] - Average loans grew to $4.7 billion in Q2 2025, a nearly 7% increase from $4.4 billion in Q2 2024 [14] - The net interest margin declined by 14 basis points in 2025 compared to Q2 2024, impacted by a 100 basis point decline in the federal funds rate [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mortgage banking income increased by 23.4% in 2025 compared to 2024, with a significant reduction of $50 million in residential mortgages on the balance sheet [6][8] - Service charges on accounts grew by 18.1%, reflecting growth in the deposit base and increased activity levels [8] - Payroll services revenue increased by 15.2%, indicating a successful high-service model [8] - Credit and debit card income grew by 3.7%, while interest rate swap income recovered significantly in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 2025 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 13% increase in local deposits as of June 30, 2025, compared to the same date in 2024, which helped reduce the loan-to-deposit ratio from 107% to just under 100% [9] - The strategic partnership with Eastern Michigan Bank is expected to enhance deposit gathering activities and provide entry into new markets [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a strategic partnership with Eastern Michigan Bank, which is expected to provide cost savings and enhance balance sheet liquidity [10][11] - The transition to a new core provider, Jack Henry, is scheduled for early 2027, with expected cost savings and improved service delivery [11] - The company aims to grow its loan portfolio, particularly in mortgage banking and larger commercial loans, leveraging the strengths of Eastern Michigan Bank [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current economic uncertainty, with expectations of loan growth of 1% to 2% in Q3 and 3% to 5% in Q4 2025 [21] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and minimizing the impact of changing interest rates on net interest margin [18] - Management noted that customers continue to report strong results despite the challenging operating environment [8] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $1.6 million in Q2 2025, reflecting increased allocations on specific financially stressed lending relationships [18] - The effective tax rate for Q2 2025 was about 13%, significantly lower than the projected rate of 19%, due to the acquisition of transferable energy tax credits [19] - The total risk-based capital ratio was 13.9% as of June 30, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on cost savings related to the core system change? - Management expects cost savings of approximately $5.5 million, with about 50% realized in 2026 and over 90% in 2027, following the core conversion [28][30] Question: What are the growth opportunities in the Eastern Michigan loan portfolio? - The loan book is of high quality, and management sees opportunities to grow in mortgage banking and larger commercial loans [34] Question: How does the company plan to manage deposit and loan growth? - The company aims for loan growth of 5% to 8% annually and will continue to focus on local deposit growth to support this [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for fee income in the second half of the year? - Management anticipates a step down in fee income from strong Q2 results, particularly in mortgage banking and interest rate swaps [54] Question: What is the expected timing for the closing of the Eastern Michigan Bank acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to close in the back half of Q4 2025, likely around November 30 or year-end, pending regulatory approval [55] Question: Are there additional M&A opportunities on the horizon? - Management remains open to pursuing additional M&A opportunities if they find a partner with similar strengths as Eastern Michigan Bank [64]