Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, net income was $130.1 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, on revenue of $446 million, representing a 9.7% year-over-year increase [13] - The pre-tax pre-provision ROA was 219 basis points, ROA was 136 basis points, and ROTCE was 13.5% [14] - For Q4 2025, net income was $34.5 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, on revenue of $117 million, with revenue up 1.1% from the prior quarter and 12% year-over-year [15] - Tangible book value per share grew by approximately 17% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-on-year loan growth was 8.9%, while deposits grew by 2.5% [14] - In Q4, loans grew by 3% linked quarter, with origination activity consistent at $323 million, primarily from commercial and leasing businesses [15] - Total loans stood at $7.5 billion at year-end, with origination activity up 22% compared to the prior quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned as the largest local community bank and the second largest local commercial bank in Chicago, with significant growth opportunities in the market [6][8] - The Chicago banking market offers substantial opportunities for growth and development, with Byline well-positioned to lead [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the preeminent local commercial bank, focusing on organic growth and maintaining a disciplined credit approach [9][24] - A new commercial payments business was launched, with six customers onboarded and additional customers in the pipeline [23] - The company is preparing to cross the $10 billion asset threshold in 2026 while monitoring the regulatory environment closely [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment has evolved with elevated interest rates and increased macroeconomic uncertainty, but they remained focused on serving customers and executing their strategy [12] - The company expressed optimism about its competitive position and ability to capitalize on opportunities, emphasizing a strong team and operational leverage [24] Other Important Information - The board approved a 20% increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in the company's financial performance [5][17] - The company repurchased approximately 346,000 shares and authorized a new repurchase program for up to 5% of outstanding shares [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Areas of growth and efficiency - Management highlighted excitement around the commercial payments team and the potential for growth in the commercial banking space in Chicago [30][32] Question: Capital return strategy - Management indicated a focus on maintaining flexibility with capital, returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [33][35] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth, primarily driven by commercial lending, with real estate growth dependent on transaction activity [44] Question: Net interest income outlook - Management noted that while the first quarter typically sees lower activity, they expect stable to growing net interest income throughout the year [46][48] Question: Credit quality outlook - Management indicated no material changes in credit quality, maintaining a consistent guidance range for net charge-offs [50][98]