Core Viewpoint - GBank Financial Holdings Inc. reported record net income for Q4 2025, achieving $7.4 million or $0.51 per diluted share, driven by strong growth in SBA lending and credit card transactions despite some one-time expenses and challenges from a government shutdown [1][5][18]. Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, the adjusted net income was $7.6 million, or $0.52 adjusted diluted earnings per share, reflecting a strong performance despite unusual items impacting the results [1][4]. - The net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $20.9 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, an increase from $18.6 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, in 2024 [2][4]. - Total net revenue for Q4 2025 was $20.7 million, a 2.7% increase from Q3 2025 and an 18.0% increase from Q4 2024 [15]. Asset Quality - Non-performing assets totaled $37.4 million as of December 31, 2025, with a ratio of 2.75% of total assets, showing a slight decrease from the previous quarter [30][32]. - The allowance for credit losses was $9.9 million, representing 1.03% of total loans, a decrease from 1.12% in the prior quarter [22]. Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans increased to $959.3 million as of December 31, 2025, up from $940.6 million in the previous quarter and $816.0 million a year earlier, driven by growth in commercial and industrial loans [21]. - Deposits reached $1.1 billion, an increase of $50.5 million from the previous quarter and $207.6 million from the previous year [23]. Operational Highlights - SBA loan originations totaled $126.4 million in Q4 2025, despite a government shutdown that impacted approvals, showing resilience compared to $120.0 million in Q4 2024 [34]. - The company achieved a gain on loan sales margin of 3.93% in Q4 2025, an improvement from 3.24% in Q3 2025, indicating effective management of loan spreads [36]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is enhancing its credit card platform and has successfully integrated with various fraud detection services, resulting in zero fraud applications in the last 75 days [37]. - The BoltBetz Prepaid Access/Slot program has been approved, marking a significant step in the company's gaming initiatives [39]. Subsequent Events - On January 14, 2026, the company completed a private placement of $11.0 million in subordinated notes, intended for general corporate purposes and refinancing existing debt [40].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin (NIM) for Q4 2025 was 3.74%, an increase of 20 basis points from Q4 2024, while the full-year NIM was 3.69% compared to 3.57% in 2024 [4] - Return on average assets for Q4 2025 was 1.21%, up from 1.10% in Q4 2024, and return on tangible common equity improved to 12.58% from 11.82% [4] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $12.3 million, or 49 cents per diluted share, with total loans declining by $81 million from the end of Q3 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Small business loan performance was disappointing, with delinquency and charge-off levels exceeding acceptable limits, prompting changes in credit parameters [5] - Non-interest income increased by almost $2 million year-over-year, with gains from SBA loan sales higher in 2025, although residential mortgage sales remained muted [5][6] - The non-interest expense to average asset ratio improved to 1.97% for 2025 from 2.01% in 2024, reflecting effective expense management [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposit balances decreased by $21 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a $27.1 million decline in broker deposits, but new customer acquisition was strong [11] - The bank's focus on relationship-based customers helped grow interest-bearing demand deposits by $47 million, or 33% annualized, compared to September 30 [19] - The lending pipeline at year-end stood at $284 million, with C&I loans making up 61% of the pipeline [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to close the gap with peers in cost of funds, increase non-interest income generation, and reduce non-interest expense to average asset ratio [10] - The strategy includes optimizing the deposit portfolio by lowering costs while deepening high-quality relationships [22] - The company is evolving into a middle-market commercial bank, focusing on profitability rather than growth for its own sake [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting to achieve a $200 million net loan growth goal, driven by growth in asset-based lending and community banking [9] - The company anticipates stabilization of credit costs in the small business portfolio due to implemented changes [7] - Management noted that while there were challenges, overall credit quality in core CRE and community banking divisions remained strong [7] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved to 49.46%, remaining below 60% for the 26th consecutive quarter, and tangible book value per share grew more than 12% annualized to $15.81 [17] - The company announced a 50% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, reflecting strong capital ratios [17] - A new share repurchase plan was approved for up to 1.2 million shares, totaling $20 million, although no buybacks were executed in Q4 [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on loan growth outlook - Management acknowledged the unpredictability of payoffs but noted that high payoff activity was not indicative of broader macro conditions, expecting a return to strong growth [34][35] Question: Details on downgraded C&I credit - The downgraded loan was from a multi-location consumer-based business facing performance declines, with management closely monitoring the situation [41] Question: Thoughts on expense run rate - Management indicated a focus on keeping expense growth limited while driving revenue growth to improve efficiency ratios [42][45] Question: Status of share buyback plan - A new share buyback plan was approved, but no activity occurred in Q4 due to timing issues with regulatory approvals [46][48]