Core Viewpoint - KeyCorp's recent earnings report shows a positive trend with adjusted earnings per share exceeding estimates, driven by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income, despite rising expenses and provisions [2][4]. Financial Performance - KeyCorp's Q4 2025 adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations was 41 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents, reflecting a 7.9% increase year-over-year [2]. - Total revenues for Q4 2025 increased by 12.5% year-over-year to $2 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.94 billion [5]. - For the full year 2025, total revenues were $7.51 billion, up 16.4% from the previous year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.43 billion [5]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income (TE basis) rose 15.3% year-over-year to $1.22 billion, with net interest margin (NIM) expanding 41 basis points to 2.82% [6]. - Adjusted non-interest income was $782 million, an increase of 8.3%, primarily due to higher investment banking and corporate services income [7]. - Non-interest expenses increased nearly 1% to $1.24 billion, attributed to rising costs across most components [7]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $108 million, significantly up from $39 million in the prior-year quarter, while the allowance for loan and lease losses was $1.43 billion, up 1.3% [9]. - Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total loans declined 4 basis points year-over-year to 0.39% [9]. - Non-performing assets as a percentage of the portfolio decreased by 15 basis points to 0.59% [10]. Capital Ratios - KeyCorp's tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 8.4% as of December 31, 2025, up from 7% in the prior year [11]. - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.4%, down from 13.7%, while the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio decreased to 11.7% from 11.9% [11]. 2026 Outlook - Management anticipates total revenues to increase nearly 7% year-over-year, with average loan balances expected to grow by 1-2% [12]. - Net interest income is projected to rise by approximately 8-10% in 2026, with NIM expected to reach 3.00%-3.05% by the end of Q4 2026 [13]. - Adjusted non-interest income is expected to grow by 5-6% year-over-year, driven by fee growth in key business areas [14]. Long-term Outlook - Management expects NIM to exceed 3.25% by Q4 2027, with return on tangible common shareholders' equity projected to be in the range of 16-19% [16]. Industry Performance - KeyCorp operates within the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry, where M&T Bank Corporation has seen a 5.7% increase in stock price over the past month, reporting revenues of $2.48 billion for the last quarter, a year-over-year change of +3.8% [21].

Group 1 - The M&A market is showing strong signs of recovery in 2025, which is influencing banks' strategies for rewarding talent and managing expenses [1][5] - Banks are balancing the need to retain top talent with the necessity of controlling costs, leading to an average bonus increase of 10%, while top performers may earn nearly double that amount [2][4] - Performance disparities exist, with underperformers potentially receiving no bonuses, highlighting the competitive nature of compensation in the industry [3] Group 2 - The year-over-year performance for investment banking in 2025 is significantly better than previous years, indicating a steep increase in earnings for investment bankers [5] - Traders are also experiencing a favorable environment, with 2024 and 2025 projected to be strong years, leading to potentially higher payouts due to increased order handling [6] - Banks are exploring efficiency improvements, considering whether to build in-house capabilities or partner with firms like Anthropic to enhance operational strategies [8] Group 3 - The challenge for banks moving forward is to find ways to increase compensation for employees while potentially reducing headcount, thereby improving overall efficiency [9]

Investor Presentation Q4 2025 This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, Evercore's operations and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "backlog," "believes," "expects," "potential," "probable," "continues," "may," "will," ...

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley's diverse business model has led to solid performance, with RBC Capital raising its price target to $207 from $185 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Morgan Stanley achieved a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) exceeding 20% [3]. - The Wealth Management segment reported a record pre-tax margin of 31.0%, highlighting its strong performance [3]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Future Outlook - The company plans to leverage operating efficiencies with a projected tax rate of 22-23% in 2026 [4]. - Continued investments in technology and client competencies are anticipated, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital assets [4]. - Morgan Stanley operates as a global financial services company, offering investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services [4].

Core Viewpoint - Hampton Financial Corporation has successfully closed the issuance of shares to settle debt obligations, which is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce operational funding costs, positively impacting 2026 results [1] Group 1: Financial Actions - The company issued 10,528,141 subordinate voting shares to debenture holders to settle obligations under debentures totaling $4 million and a quarterly interest payment of approximately $5.2 million [1] - The shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day, expiring on May 30, 2026 [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Hampton Financial Corporation is a private equity firm focused on building shareholder value through long-term strategic investments [2] - The company operates through its subsidiary, Hampton Securities Limited, which provides a range of services including family office, wealth management, institutional services, and capital markets activities [3] Group 3: Business Operations - Hampton Securities Limited is a full-service investment dealer regulated by CIRO and registered in multiple Canadian provinces [3] - The company offers investment banking services, including capital raising, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and assistance with listings on recognized securities exchanges [3] - Through its subsidiary, Oxygen Working Capital, the company provides factoring and commercial financing services across Canada [4]

Core Insights - Raymond James (RJF) is expected to report a decline in earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, while revenues are projected to increase [1][2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RJF's fiscal first-quarter earnings is $2.83, reflecting a 3.4% decline year-over-year [2] - The consensus estimate for sales is $3.73 billion, indicating a 5.4% year-over-year growth [2][9] Asset Management and Fees - Management anticipates a 6.5% sequential growth in asset management and related administrative fees, driven by higher PCG assets and fee-based accounts [3] Investment Banking Performance - Global M&A activity surged in the December quarter, positively impacting RJF's advisory fees due to an easing buyer-seller valuation gap and lower capital costs [4] - The consensus estimate for RJF's investment banking fees is $276.4 million, which represents a 15% decline year-over-year [5] Trading Revenues - RJF's trading business is expected to perform strongly due to increased client activity and market volatility, influenced by factors such as the longest U.S. government shutdown and easing monetary policy [6] Net Interest Income - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for net interest income (NII) is $551.8 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of 33.3% [8][9] - Management expects NII and third-party fees from the Raymond James Bank Deposit Program to remain stable sequentially [8] Expense Outlook - Overall expenses are anticipated to rise due to consistent hiring of advisors and investments in franchises, compounded by a competitive environment and inflationary pressures [10] Earnings Surprise Potential - The likelihood of RJF beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate is considered high, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +1.06% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [11]

Core Viewpoint - Citi has transitioned from a phase of remediation to one focused on competition, with CEO Jane Fraser emphasizing the need for cultural change within the organization [1][2]. Group 1: Company Transformation - Since Jane Fraser became CEO in 2021, Citi has improved significantly, with its stock rising approximately 40% over the past year and over 80% in the last five years, indicating growing investor confidence [2]. - The bank's transformation is supported by three key executives responsible for critical growth areas: investment banking, wealth management, and technology [3]. Group 2: Key Executives and Their Impact - Viswas Raghavan, head of banking, has driven investment banking fees up by 35% year-over-year in 2025, with M&A revenues increasing by 84% [6]. Notable client wins include Boeing, Pfizer, and a $14.9 billion acquisition for Nippon Steel [7]. - Andy Sieg, head of wealth management, reported a 22% revenue increase over two years and aims to integrate wealth offerings with AI in daily workflows [11][12]. He has made strategic hires to strengthen the division [14]. - Tim Ryan, head of technology, is leading the integration of AI into Citi's operations, with over 80% of transformation programs nearing completion [17]. The bank has utilized generative AI for one million automated code reviews, saving around 100,000 hours weekly [20]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The finance industry is rapidly evolving due to AI, with major firms like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan investing heavily in technology [21]. Citi is now positioned to redefine its identity after years of addressing past issues [21].

Group 1: Appointment and Role - Reece Tolworthy has been appointed as a Senior Advisor for Aerospace & Defense at BCE Consulting, focusing on business development in the Middle East [1][2] - CEA Chairman Rick Michaels emphasized the strategic importance of Tolworthy's role and the benefits it brings to BCE Consulting's operations [1][3] Group 2: Expertise and Market Focus - Tolworthy has extensive experience in leading Sales and Marketing teams globally, particularly in complex aerospace and defense environments [1] - His focus will be on assisting clients in navigating the evolving market dynamics and regulatory considerations in the Middle East, especially as Saudi Arabia's influence grows [2] Group 3: Company Background - BCE Consulting specializes in advising clients on strategic, operational, and tactical issues to enhance revenue growth and profitability [3][4] - The firm has a strong presence in various industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and technology, and collaborates with senior leaders to address significant business challenges [4] Group 4: CEA Overview - CEA, founded in 1973, is a prominent investment banking service provider with over 1,000 transactions totaling more than $60 billion across 60 countries [6] - The company is recognized for its depth of industry knowledge and long-standing relationships, delivering innovative solutions to clients worldwide [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter earnings of $0.43 per share, with revenue exceeding $2 billion, growing 12% year-over-year on an adjusted basis, while expenses grew by 2% [3][4] - Full-year record revenue increased by 16% compared to the prior year, with net interest income and fee revenue both exceeding projections [6][16] - The fourth quarter net interest margin (NIM) was 2.82%, an increase of 7 basis points sequentially, and above the previously indicated target of 2.75%-2.8% [21][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was particularly strong in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, which grew by 9%, while consumer loans were intentionally reduced [6][18] - Fee income growth was 7.5%, with all priority fee-based businesses growing at a high single or low double-digit rate [6][10] - Investment banking fees increased by 10% year-over-year, driven by debt capital markets and commercial mortgage debt placement activity [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised nearly $140 billion of capital on behalf of clients in 2025, retaining 20% on its balance sheet [9] - Assets under management in wealth management reached a record $70 billion, with significant growth in the mass affluent segment [9][10] - Commercial payments fee-equivalent revenue grew by 11% in 2025, reflecting successful investments in bankers and new geographies [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a 15%-plus return on tangible common equity by year-end 2027, focusing on organic growth in middle market, payments, investment banking, and wealth management [8][32] - Investments in technology, particularly in AI, are a priority, with spending increasing from $900 million to $1 billion [34] - The company plans to repurchase at least $300 million of stock in the first quarter and anticipates similar amounts in subsequent quarters throughout 2026 [4][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering another year of outsized revenue and earnings growth, supported by favorable macro conditions and strong business momentum [11][28] - The company expects to continue growing priority fee-based businesses at a mid to high single-digit pace, capitalizing on strong pipelines [8][10] - Management noted that the current environment plays well to the company's strengths, with expectations for improved middle market M&A activity in 2026 [9][11] Other Important Information - The company announced changes to its board, nominating two new directors with extensive experience in financial services [12][13] - The lead independent director role transitioned to Todd Vassos, with other board members retiring [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategic priorities for 2026 - Management emphasized organic growth in middle market, payments, investment banking, and wealth management, alongside a focus on return on capital and technology investments [30][32] Question: Investment banking fee guidance - Management acknowledged the competitive hiring environment and expressed caution regarding visibility for investment banking fees, despite recent positive trends [36][38] Question: Expectations for growth and banker productivity - Management highlighted the importance of recent hires and backlogs, expressing optimism for growth as new bankers ramp up productivity [41][43] Question: Deposit beta assumptions and margin expectations - Management indicated a stable deposit base with expectations for low-to-mid 50s beta throughout the year, with a focus on remixing brokered deposits into client deposits [55][56] Question: Capital priorities and acquisition appetite - Management reiterated a focus on supporting clients, investing in technology, and pursuing complementary acquisitions, while maintaining a cautious stance on bank acquisitions [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter earnings of $0.43 per share, with revenue exceeding $2 billion, growing 12% year-over-year on an adjusted basis, while expenses grew by 2% [3][4] - Full-year record revenue increased by 16% compared to the prior year, with net interest income and fee revenue both exceeding projections [6] - The net interest margin (NIM) for the fourth quarter was 2.82%, an increase of 7 basis points sequentially, and above the target range of 2.75%-2.8% [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was particularly strong in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, which grew by 9%, while consumer loans were intentionally reduced [6][18] - Fee income growth was 7.5%, with all priority fee-based businesses growing at a high single or low double-digit rate [6] - Investment banking fees increased by 10% year-over-year, driven by debt capital markets and commercial mortgage debt placement activity [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised nearly $140 billion of capital on behalf of clients in 2025, retaining 20% on its balance sheet [9] - Assets under management in wealth management reached a record $70 billion, with significant growth in the mass affluent segment [9] - Commercial payments fee-equivalent revenue grew by 11% in 2025, reflecting successful investments in bankers and new geographies [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a 15% return on tangible common equity by year-end 2027, focusing on organic growth in middle market, payments, investment banking, and wealth management [8][30] - Investments in technology, particularly in AI, are prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and client experience [34] - The company plans to repurchase at least $300 million of stock in the first quarter of 2026 and anticipates similar amounts in subsequent quarters [4][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering another year of outsized revenue and earnings growth, supported by favorable macro conditions and strong business momentum [11][28] - The company expects to grow priority fee-based businesses at a mid to high single-digit pace, capitalizing on strong pipelines [8][11] - Management noted that the current environment plays to the company's strengths, with expectations for continued growth in investment banking and M&A activity [9][11] Other Important Information - The company announced changes to its board, nominating two new directors with extensive experience in financial services [12][13] - The lead independent director role transitioned to Todd Vassos, with a focus on strong corporate governance [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the strategic priorities for 2026? - The company is focused on organic growth in middle market, payments, investment banking, and wealth management, with significant investments in technology and AI [30][32] Question: Why is the investment banking fee guidance conservative? - The company is cautious due to limited visibility beyond the first quarter, despite recent improvements in middle market M&A activity [36][38] Question: What are the expectations for growth as new bankers start producing? - The company anticipates a positive impact from recent hires, with historically high backlogs and a hospitable market for deals [44][46] Question: What is the deposit beta assumption for margin expectations? - The company expects a low-to-mid 50s beta throughout the year, with a focus on remixing brokered deposits into client deposits [56] Question: What is the outlook for middle market M&A activity? - Management believes that recent market conditions will lead to increased activity, with visibility improving for the first quarter [70][72]