Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $6.8 million and earnings per share of $0.28 for Q3 2025, compared to core income of $2 million and $0.08 per share in Q3 2024 [5] - Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) improved to 70 basis points and 9.45%, respectively [5] - Core ROA adjusted for certain items is closer to 90 basis points, aligning with the target of 1% ROA [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.18%, up from 2.86% in the previous quarter and 2.97% year-over-year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage division's production increased from approximately $20 million to $100-$120 million per month over the past few years, with pre-tax earnings of about $1.9 million in Q3 [11] - The Mortgage Warehouse division showed average balances of $210 million, ending balances of $327 million, and pre-tax earnings of about $1.6 million [12] - Panacea Financial Division's loan balances rose to $530 million, with deposits growing to $132 million, a 50% increase year-over-year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing checking accounts grew by about 16% compared to a year ago, improving the deposit mix and reducing the cost of deposits by almost 20% [7] - Average earning assets increased by 10% annualized in Q3 2025 [19] - Non-interest income reached $12 million, up from $10.6 million in the previous quarter, driven primarily by increased mortgage revenue [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase the proportion of non-interest-bearing deposits to around 20% of total deposits, focusing on enhancing the deposit mix [34] - The strategy includes leveraging technology and customer relationships to drive down deposit costs while maintaining competitive rates [40][46] - The company is focused on sustainable growth in the mortgage and Panacea divisions, with plans to maintain strong production levels [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1% ROA goal, citing strong operational momentum and a favorable deposit mix [25] - The company anticipates continued growth in profitability with fewer one-time items affecting core earnings [25] - Management noted that credit quality remains stable, with expectations for resolution of certain non-accrual loans in the coming quarters [50] Other Important Information - The company experienced limited impacts on net interest margin from consumer programs and expects this to continue [20] - The mortgage division's profitability rebounded significantly, with a notable increase in loan funding compared to the previous year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on overall loan growth for Q4 and into 2026 - Management indicated potential for continued growth in the Mortgage Warehouse division and projected 6-8% growth for the core bank [30][31] Question: Timing for reaching a 3.30% margin - Management expects to approach a 3.30% margin by the first quarter of next year, focusing on increasing non-interest-bearing deposits [34] Question: Impact of interest rate changes on deposit costs - Management noted that while competition may drive rates, their strategy of increasing checking accounts allows for competitive positioning [40] Question: Stickiness of digital banking customers - Management confirmed that digital customers are proving to be stickier than expected, with high retention rates and significant average balances [42][46] Question: Resolution of asset quality issues - Management expressed optimism about resolving certain non-accrual loans within the next few quarters, particularly in the C&I sector [50]