Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net income of $224.1 million for the full year, with diluted earnings per share of $3.88, reflecting a 13.8% increase from the previous year [3] - Fourth quarter net income was $56.6 million, or $0.99 per share, with an annual return on assets of 1.21% and a return on tangible common equity of 14.08% [3] - The efficiency ratio for the year was 54.5%, indicating significant operating leverage with revenues growing almost five times faster than expenses [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was robust, with $153 million in growth for the quarter (6% annualized) and $852 million year-to-date (nearly 7% growth for 2025) [7] - The consumer segment also contributed to growth, with $44 million in loan growth for the quarter and $87 million for the year [7] - Total revenues in Q4 showed strong growth, with net interest income increasing by $5.4 million and non-interest income by $0.6 million [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates 111 banking centers across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, with a focus on growing within these markets [2] - The fourth quarter was the strongest for deposit growth, driven by the consumer segment, which saw a $155 million increase in total consumer deposits [8] - The company has seen a stable pipeline for loans, indicating optimism for maintaining loan growth into the first quarter of 2026 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build on its Midwestern strength and grow organically through deeper relationships and smarter use of technology [6] - The acquisition of First Savings Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets, is expected to enhance the company's presence in Southern Indiana and the Louisville MSA [3][4] - The integration of First Savings Bank is on track, with a focus on community banking and specialty verticals as priorities [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic and financial benefits of the merger, expecting to close the acquisition on February 1, 2026 [4] - The Midwest economy continues to expand, with clients' businesses growing and bankers winning new relationships [7] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of 6% to 8% growth for the year [32][34] Other Important Information - The company plans to sell the entire First Savings bond portfolio, approximately $250 million, to optimize the balance sheet [28] - The tangible book value per share ended the year at $30.18, a 12.7% increase from the prior year [11] - The company repurchased 272,000 shares for $10.4 million in the fourth quarter, totaling over 1.2 million shares for $46.9 million in 2025 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on balance sheet optimization - Management is evaluating balance sheet repositioning but expects any actions to be modest, focusing on selling the First Savings bond portfolio [27][29] Question: Expectations for loan growth in 2026 - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for the first quarter, with potential for 6% to 8% growth for the year [32][34] Question: Guidance on core expenses - Non-interest expenses are expected to increase by 3%-5% due to talent additions and the integration of First Savings [44] Question: Impact of FSFG on margin - The acquisition is expected to provide a lift to the margin due to interest accretion [72] Question: Outlook on buybacks versus M&A - Management is focused on the current acquisition and believes buybacks are the best short-term strategy given current valuations [92]

Core Insights - Advisor.com is an online platform designed to help users find trustworthy financial advisors, offering personalized plans based on individual financial situations and goals [1][6] - A Gallup poll from 2025 indicates that financial advisors are utilized by 54% of upper-income Americans, 39% of middle-income earners, and only 20% of lower-income earners, highlighting a disparity in access to financial advisory services [2] Group 1: Private Banking and Wealth Management - Private banking offers personalized services, including dedicated advisors for wealthy clients, which enhances customer experience by avoiding long wait times and providing tailored financial solutions [3][4] - Wealthy clients often enjoy perks such as waived fees for services like monthly maintenance, ATM transactions, and wire transfers, which are not typically available to average consumers [8][9] - High-yield savings accounts are a significant advantage for wealthy individuals, allowing them to earn more interest compared to traditional savings accounts, thus helping to outpace inflation [13][14][15] Group 2: Alternative Financial Services - Institutions like SoFi provide financial support and personalized planning services at no cost, making them accessible to clients without substantial wealth [10] - SoFi also offers self-directed investment accounts with no commissions or minimum balances, allowing users to invest in various financial instruments starting with as little as $5 [11] - Wealthfront Cash Account offers a competitive APY of 3.90% for new clients, significantly higher than the national average, with no minimum balance requirements and FDIC insurance for balances up to $8 million [17][18]

Core Insights - First Horizon Bank has appointed Justin Rutledge as the Charlotte Market President, focusing on client growth, associate engagement, and community service [1][2]. Company Overview - First Horizon Corporation has $83.2 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and operates in 12 states, primarily in the southern U.S. [4] - The bank offers a wide range of services including commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking [4]. - First Horizon has received recognition as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and is listed as a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank [4]. Leadership and Strategy - Justin Rutledge brings over 20 years of banking experience, having previously served as the Charlotte Market President for Truist and held various roles in Mortgage, Commercial Banking, and Middle Market [2][3]. - Rutledge aims to enhance client and business growth by combining local relationships with technology and specialist expertise [3].

Core Points - First Horizon Corporation plans to announce its third quarter financial results on October 15, 2025, with a live conference call and webcast presentation scheduled for 9:30 am ET [1] - The company has $82.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, and operates in 12 states in the southern U.S. [2] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be available at ir.firsthorizon.com at approximately 6:30 am ET/5:30 am CT on October 15, 2025 [1] - A live webcast will be accessible under Events and Presentations on the company's website [1] - Dial-in options for the conference call include 1-833-470-1428 for U.S. callers and 646-844-6383 for international callers, with an access code of 547397 [1] - A replay of the call will be available until midnight CT on October 29, with specific dial-in details provided for U.S. callers [1] Company Overview - First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company, providing a range of services including commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking [2] - The company has received recognition as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and is listed as a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank [2]

Group 1 - First Horizon Foundation announced a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee to support relief efforts in Chattanooga [1] - The donation aims to provide essential services and critical resources to the community affected by recent floods [1][3] - Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly praised First Horizon for its long-standing support and commitment to the community since 1905 [3] Group 2 - The American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee offers emergency financial aid, recovery planning, and long-term support for those impacted by the floods [3] - First Horizon Corporation, with $82.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company operating in 12 states [5] - The First Horizon Foundation has donated over $150 million since its founding in 1993, supporting various impact areas including Arts & Culture, Education & Leadership, and Health & Human Services [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EPS of $1.78, which includes significant one-time items, notably a gain from the sale of the Family Office Services business and a vendor negotiation totaling a $0.60 EPS impact [15] - Excluding these items, the adjusted EPS would have been $1.20, reflecting an increase from both the prior year and prior quarter [15] - Consolidated operating margins improved slightly year over year but declined sequentially due to one-time expenses in corporate overhead [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private banking revenue increased both year over year and sequentially, supported by larger clients going live in the quarter [15] - Investment managers' revenue grew 8% year over year, with double-digit growth in alternatives offsetting a 1% decline in traditional revenue [15] - Advisor and institutional businesses realized flat sequential revenue growth, with market appreciation in May and June offsetting significant declines in April [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AUM net flows for advisor and institutional businesses were negligible year to date, significantly improving from the first half of 2024 [23] - Traditional mutual fund outflows were largely offset by growth in models and custom portfolios, indicating a shift in resource allocation towards tax-sensitive ETFs and SMAs [24] - The company is in the early stages of its asset management journey, focusing on larger advisors and growing the RIA business, with early progress being encouraging [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a strategic investment in Stratos, integrating its client-centric model with SEI's technology and investment management capabilities [5][6] - The leadership team has evolved with the appointments of Karen Riese and Tom Maratil to the Board of Directors, enhancing strategic insight and commitment to long-term growth [6] - The company is focused on flawless execution to ensure client satisfaction and is investing in talent, technology, and platforms to support growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the competitive landscape shifting in their favor, with increased interest in outsourcing from banks and alternative asset managers [9] - The company is addressing outflow headwinds and is seeing tangible progress, with two quarters of improving net asset flows [8] - Management emphasized the importance of long-term growth and accountability, stating that investments made now are targeted and intentional [12] Other Important Information - The company returned significant capital to shareholders, with buybacks exceeding $700 million on a trailing twelve-month basis [25] - The upcoming Investor Day is scheduled for September 18, where more strategic priorities and anticipated outcomes will be discussed [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key investments in talent and technology - Management highlighted investments in talent and technology, particularly in IMS to streamline systems for better scalability and cost efficiency [29][30] Question: Temporary delays in private banking sales - Management attributed delays to market volatility in April but noted a strong and balanced pipeline across various segments [34][36] Question: Differentiation of Stratos acquisition strategy - Management emphasized Stratos' experienced executive team, centralized investment platform, and cultural fit as key differentiators [42][44] Question: Revenue synergies from Stratos - Management indicated that while there may not be immediate revenue synergies, the focus is on enhancing Stratos' existing capabilities without disrupting their organic growth [49][50] Question: Sales cycle characterization and drivers of strength - Management noted strong pipelines across all segments, particularly in alternatives, and emphasized the importance of flawless execution to secure long-term business [53][55]

Summary of Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) M&A Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Commerce Bancshares Inc. - **Acquired Company**: Finemark Holdings Inc. (holding company of Finemark National Bank and Trust) - **Industry**: Banking and Wealth Management Core Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: Commerce Bancshares announced the acquisition of Finemark Holdings, a private bank with nearly $8 billion in assets under management and $4 billion in banking assets, aiming to expand its presence in high-growth markets like Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina [5][6][10]. 2. **Wealth Management Focus**: The acquisition aligns with Commerce's strategy to enhance its wealth management platform, as Finemark has a strong non-interest revenue model, with 43% of its total revenue coming from non-interest sources [8][9]. 3. **Credit Quality**: Finemark has a strong credit history with only 13 basis points of cumulative net charge-offs over the last ten years, indicating a conservative approach to lending [9]. 4. **Combined Assets**: Post-acquisition, the combined entities will manage over $84 billion in total wealth assets, making it the sixteenth largest bank-managed trust company in the U.S. [10]. 5. **Leadership Transition**: Joseph Caddy, Chairman and CEO of Finemark, will become Chairman of Commerce Trust, ensuring continuity and leveraging his leadership experience [10]. 6. **Financial Metrics**: The deal is structured as a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $585 million, with an EPS accretion of 6% expected once cost savings are realized [12][13]. 7. **Cost Savings and Integration**: Expected pre-tax cost savings of $15 million represent 15% of Finemark's non-interest expenses, with a focus on low integration risk due to similar business models [14][15]. 8. **Future Growth Potential**: The acquisition is expected to enhance Commerce's ability to drive sustainable growth, particularly in wealth management and private banking [18]. Additional Important Content 1. **Long-term Relationship**: The relationship with Finemark has been built over five years, indicating a strategic and measured approach to the acquisition [23][24]. 2. **Market Expansion**: The acquisition allows Commerce to solidify its presence in Florida and expand into Arizona and South Carolina, which are identified as attractive growth markets [8][51]. 3. **Asset Sensitivity**: The loan portfolio composition is expected to be similar to Commerce's, with asset repricing anticipated to enhance margins [25][26]. 4. **M&A Strategy**: While this is the first bank deal since 2013, Commerce maintains that M&A is part of its long-term strategy, focusing on commercial and wealth-focused banks [30][32]. 5. **Dividend and Buyback Plans**: Commerce plans to maintain its dividend policy and may resume stock buybacks in the second half of the year, despite the acquisition [54][55]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call regarding the acquisition of Finemark Holdings by Commerce Bancshares, highlighting the strategic rationale, financial implications, and future growth opportunities.