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ChoiceOne Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Results
Prnewswire· 2026-01-30 12:30
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].
Bridgewater Bank(BWB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-28 15:02
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]
Bond Traders Target Dovish Fed Pick as Rick Rieder Favored
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-28 09:19
Bloomberg, CME Bond futures traders are ramping up bets on a dovish policy shift at the Federal Reserve as BlackRock Inc.’s chief investment officer Rick Rieder is gaining momentum to succeed Jerome Powell. In recent days, a wave of flows in the interest rate futures market linked to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate and the fed funds rate, the Fed’s policy benchmark, has been gathering pace just as Rieder’s odds to be the next Fed chair climbed to the top spot in betting markets. Most Read from Blo ...
South State (SSB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-23 15:02
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]
Exempting post-trade risk reduction transactions from the clearing obligation
Bankofengland.Co.Uk· 2025-12-11 10:00
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].
Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 14:02
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]
Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-23 14:00
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]
Business First Bank(BFST) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-28 15:00
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]
Invesco Mortgage Capital (IVR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-25 14:00
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]
Mercantile Bank (MBWM) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-22 15:02
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]