Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.51, a $0.06 increase from the previous quarter [5] - Adjusted return on tangible common equity increased by 135 basis points to 15% [5] - Net interest income (NII) grew by $33 million, with a 15 basis point expansion of net interest margin to 3.55% [5][6] - Average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased to 2.78%, up from 2.76% in the previous quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio saw a slight decrease, with loans to mortgage companies down $132 million, consistent with seasonal trends [7] - Commercial and industrial (CNI) portfolio increased by $174 million quarter over quarter [8] - Fee income increased by $26 million from the prior quarter, driven by improved business conditions [8] - Adjusted expenses increased by $45 million from the previous quarter, primarily due to personnel expenses and outside services [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end deposits decreased by $52 million, driven by a $652 million decrease in brokered CDs, but non-interest-bearing deposits increased by $131 million [6] - The company retained approximately 97% of the $29 billion in balances associated with clients who had a repricing event [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a sustainable 15% plus adjusted return on tangible common equity [12] - Focus on executing initiatives that could generate over $100 million in additional pre-tax net revenue [15] - The company is optimistic about capitalizing on profitable loan growth due to recent Fed rate cuts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased client confidence and pipeline momentum, despite potential impacts from tariff uncertainties [19] - The company is confident in its ability to integrate a well-structured merger if opportunities arise in 2026 or beyond [15] - The outlook for charge-offs and taxes remains unchanged as the year closes [12] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11%, flat quarter over quarter [10] - Share buybacks accelerated to $190 million, with approximately 8.6 million shares repurchased [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: How optimistic is the company on growth, and is there a noticeable change from a quarter ago? - Management noted a noticeable increase in client confidence and pipeline momentum, with lower rates contributing positively [19] Question: What is the expected margin for the fourth quarter? - The CFO indicated that the margin would likely be in the high 330s to low 340s, adjusting for one-time items [20] Question: What is driving the decline in core deposits? - Management explained that the industry is experiencing a shrinkage in deposits, with a focus on retaining existing clients and attracting new ones [28] Question: What are the company's M&A considerations? - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth but acknowledged the potential for opportunistic M&A if suitable opportunities arise [34][41] Question: How does the company plan to achieve the 15% ROCI target? - The strategy includes reducing capital, normalizing credit costs, and leveraging existing client relationships for revenue growth [66]