Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.43 per share, exceeding consensus estimates, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.98% and a core return on assets (ROA) of 1.45% [4] - Average deposits grew by 2.8% and total loans increased by 1.2% in Q4, with net interest income rising due to an expanded margin [4][15] - For the year 2025, core EPS was $1.53, up from the consensus estimate of $1.40, and net interest income reached $427.5 million, an increase of $47.2 million year-over-year [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income constituted 18% of total revenue, with a focus on growing this through a regional banking model, although it remained flat due to seasonal declines in wealth and mortgage services [6][9] - The provision for credit losses decreased by $4.3 million to $7 million, with non-performing loans (NPLs) increasing slightly to 94 basis points [6][7] - Core non-interest income for Q4 was $24.3 million, down $200,000 from the previous quarter, with SBA gain on sale income increasing but offset by declines in other areas [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposit growth for the year was 6.1%, with significant contributions from money market accounts and CDs, while non-interest-bearing deposits also increased [9] - The company reported a loan growth of 8.2% annualized for the year, with commercial banking and equipment finance leading the growth [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a focus on low-cost deposit growth and diversify its lending businesses, with a strategic exit from certain markets to concentrate resources elsewhere [10][13] - The acquisition of CenterBank was completed, contributing to overall deposit growth and positioning the company for future expansion [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a strong NIM, projecting it to drift upward to around 4% by the end of 2026, despite anticipated short-term dips due to rate cuts [12][38] - The company is focused on managing credit costs and maintaining strong reserve levels, with expectations for stability in provisions and charge-offs [21][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $23.1 million of its stock in Q4, with a total of 2.1 million shares repurchased in 2025 [7][16] - Management indicated that operational expenses are expected to increase by approximately 3% year-over-year, with a focus on maintaining operating leverage [16][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit side impact and loan issues - Management provided guidance on charge-offs at 25-30 basis points and noted that the dealer floor plan loan issue is nearing resolution with a remaining balance of $2.5 million [20][21] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management expects loan growth to continue at a rate of 5-7%, despite elevated payoffs in the previous year [28][29] Question: Buyback strategy - The company will be cautious with buybacks, sensitive to stock price movements, and intends to utilize its capital effectively [30][31] Question: NIM sustainability - Management discussed the potential for NIM to hover around 4% in 2027, with expectations for deposit costs to decrease further [55][56] Question: Securities yields outlook - The securities portfolio is expected to yield around 4.5% to 4.75%, with opportunities for reinvestment as the portfolio rolls over [76][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 17.8% increase in diluted earnings per share for the full year of 2025 [5] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded by 33 basis points to 4% in the fourth quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share grew by more than 14% to $29.05 [5][28] - Diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.90 from $0.96 in the linked quarter, primarily due to a larger provision for credit losses [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $91 million to $3.14 billion in the fourth quarter, driven by organic growth in multifamily property loans, direct energy loans, and other commercial loans [12] - The indirect auto loan portfolio remained relatively unchanged at $241 million, with a focus on maintaining credit quality [18] - Non-interest income was $10.9 million in the fourth quarter, flat compared to $11.2 million in the linked quarter [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth in major metropolitan markets of Dallas, Houston, and El Paso increased by $15 million or 5.8% annualized to $1.03 billion [16] - The Houston market is projected to be a significant growth area, with the Bank of Houston acquisition expected to enhance the company's presence [7][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its lending team in high-growth Texas markets and pursuing accretive M&A opportunities [6] - The acquisition of Bank of Houston is expected to complement existing operations and enhance customer relationships [7][9] - The company aims to achieve mid to high single-digit loan growth in 2026, driven by new hires and the BOH acquisition [10][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth opportunities ahead, particularly in the Houston market [10] - The company is well-capitalized and plans to continue returning income to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [11] - Management acknowledged potential headwinds in the first quarter of 2026 from expected payoffs in the multifamily property portfolio [16] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $1.8 million provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter, up from $500,000 in the linked quarter [26] - Non-interest expense remained flat at $33 million in the fourth quarter, with expectations for modest increases in the first quarter [27][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: NIM outlook and loan growth impact - Management indicated that while they aim to keep NIM stable, there may be some compression due to competitive pressures and loan growth dynamics [31][32][33] Question: Deposit growth expectations - Management believes they can reduce deposit costs over time with the integration of BOH, which may help offset NIM pressures [34] Question: Payoffs and loan growth expectations - The fourth quarter saw lighter payoffs, aiding net growth, but management anticipates some payoffs in the first quarter of 2026 [44][45] Question: Indirect auto loan portfolio quality - Management noted that the portfolio remains in good condition, with a focus on maintaining high credit quality [50][52] Question: Mortgage banking and fee income strategies - The company is actively hiring mortgage producers and aims to maintain its infrastructure while preparing for a potential upturn in volumes [57] Question: Revenue synergies from BOH acquisition - Management sees opportunities for cross-selling and leveraging existing products to enhance revenue from the Bank of Houston [65][66] Question: Expense management and hiring plans - Management expects modest increases in expenses due to new hires and ongoing technology projects, while maintaining a focus on cost control [87][89]

Core Viewpoint - Northeast Bank is set to release its fiscal 2026 second quarter earnings results on January 26, 2026, followed by a conference call on January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET [1] Company Information - Northeast Bank is headquartered in Portland, Maine, and operates seven branches offering personal and business banking services [3] - The bank's National Lending Division focuses on purchasing and originating commercial loans nationwide, while its Small Business Division specializes in government-guaranteed SBA loans and small balance insured loans [3] - ableBanking, a division of Northeast Bank, provides online savings products to consumers across the nation [3] Conference Call Details - The conference call will be hosted by key executives including Rick Wayne (President and CEO), Santino Delmolino (CFO), and Pat Dignan (COO) [1] - Attendees can access the call via phone registration or through a live webcast on the bank's website, with a slide presentation accompanying the webcast [2] - A replay of the conference call will be available online for one year after the event [2]

Core Viewpoint - CF Bankshares Inc. announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock and $9.00 per share on Series D preferred stock, marking a 13% increase from the previous dividend [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock and $9.00 per share on Series D preferred stock [1]. - The dividend represents a 13% increase over the previous quarterly dividend [1]. - The dividend is payable on January 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2026 [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - CF Bankshares Inc. is the parent company of CFBank, a nationally chartered boutique commercial bank [2]. - CFBank operates primarily in five major metro markets: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron in Ohio, and Indianapolis in Indiana [2]. - Since its recapitalization in 2012, CFBank has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% [2]. Group 3: Business Focus - CFBank focuses on serving the financial needs of closely held businesses and entrepreneurs through comprehensive commercial, retail, and mortgage lending services [3]. - The bank provides a range of services including commercial loans, equipment leases, real estate loans, and treasury management [3]. - CFBank differentiates itself by offering individualized service and direct access to decision-makers, matching the sophistication of larger banks without the associated bureaucracy [3].

Group 1 - Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) is recognized as one of the best financial pure plays under $100 according to hedge funds [1] - Barclays analyst Jared Shaw has reaffirmed a Buy rating for Western Alliance Bancorporation and raised the price target from $112 to $115, indicating a potential upside of nearly 36% [1][2] - As of December 30, Western Alliance Bancorporation has received coverage from 10 analysts, with 9 Buy ratings and 1 Sell rating, leading to a consensus target price of $102.88, which implies a nearly 22% upside for investors [3] Group 2 - Western Alliance Bancorporation operates within the commercial and consumer banking segment, providing services such as commercial loans, asset-based lending, equipment finance, personal checking accounts, and IRA savings [4] - The bank also supports small businesses through mobile and online banking, business credit cards, and loans [4] - Shaw's optimistic forecast for Western Alliance is based on a higher level of differentiation in loan growth and anticipated expansion of book value in the coming year [2]

Core Viewpoint - Equity Bancshares, Inc. will announce its third quarter financial results on October 14, 2025, followed by a conference call on October 15, 2025, to discuss the earnings [1][2]. Financial Results Announcement - The third quarter financial results will be released after market close on October 14, 2025 [1]. - A conference call will be held on October 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [2]. Company Overview - Equity Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Equity Bank, providing a range of financial solutions including commercial loans, consumer banking, mortgage loans, and wealth management services [3]. - The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EQBK" [3]. Contact Information - Media Contact: Russell Colburn, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Equity Bancshares, Inc. [7] - Investor Contact: Brian J. Katzfey, VP, Director of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Equity Bancshares, Inc. [7]

Core Viewpoint - Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. has successfully completed its stock repurchase program, acquiring 120,996 shares at an average price of $15.01 per share [1]. Company Overview - Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. serves as the holding company for OSB Community Bank, which offers a range of financial services to both individual and corporate clients in the United States [2]. - OSB Community Bank provides various deposit accounts, including checking, money market, regular savings, club savings, certificates, and retirement accounts [2]. - The bank's loan portfolio encompasses one-to-four family residential mortgages, multi-family and non-residential real estate loans, commercial and construction loans, as well as auto loans and home equity lines of credit [2]. - Established in 1871, OSB Community Bank is headquartered in Ottawa, Illinois [2].

Core Insights - F & M Bank reported second-quarter 2025 earnings with a notable expansion in net interest margin and improvement in tangible book value per share, while maintaining a stable quarterly dividend [1][5][10] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 were $0.84, a decrease of 2.3% from $0.86 in Q2 2024 [2] - Net interest margin increased to 3.48%, up 0.76 percentage points from 2.72% in the previous year [2] - Return on average equity decreased to 12.81% from 15.58% year-over-year [2] - Tangible book value per share rose to $25.68, reflecting a 13.5% increase from $22.62 in Q2 2024 [2][7] Revenue and Income Sources - The bank's net income (GAAP) reached $3.0 million, a 21% increase from the previous quarter [5] - Noninterest income declined slightly due to lower mortgage and advisory fees, but was partially offset by gains in card and title service revenue [6] Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality - Total loans held for investment increased to $848.8 million, with residential mortgage loans and farmland-secured loans driving growth [8] - Asset quality metrics showed mixed results, with nonperforming loans rising to 0.90% of total loans and a provision for credit losses of $1.2 million [9] Capital and Liquidity - The bank's capital ratios remain strong, with a leverage ratio of 8.89% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.73%, well above regulatory minimums [9] - The liquidity position was stable, with over $211 million available on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2025 [10] Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady loan demand into the third quarter, although no formal guidance on future earnings or revenue was provided [11] - Key trends to monitor include asset quality metrics, deposit trends, and underlying core margin and loan yields [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net income for the quarter was $15 million, representing a 19.8% increase year-over-year, with year-to-date income nearly reaching $30 million [10][5] - Return on average assets and average equity were 0.968% and 73% respectively, indicating strong performance [10] - The consolidated equity to assets ratio improved to 10.91% from 10.73% year-over-year [10] - Book value per share increased by 6.6% to $36.75 compared to $34.46 a year earlier [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans grew by 2.3% or $115.6 million to an all-time high of $5.1 billion [11] - Home equity products increased by 18% year-over-year, with a notable growth of $64.7 million or 17.8% [6][11] - The commercial loan portfolio grew by 11% over the past year, with an increase of $25.8 million or 9.2% [6][11] - Installment loans decreased by $2.9 million over the same period [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits reached $5.5 billion, up $213 million compared to the prior year quarter, indicating strong customer confidence [12][13] - The net interest margin for 2025 was 2.71%, up 18 basis points from the prior year quarter [13] - Yield on interest-earning assets increased to 4.19%, up 13 basis points from the prior year quarter [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on amassing capital to provide low-cost funds for lending, capitalizing on favorable interest rate environments [5] - The strategy includes a disciplined share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in long-term strength [11] - The wealth management division remains a significant source of non-interest income, with assets under management at approximately $1.2 billion [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the positive momentum established in 2025, which may extend into 2026 [9] - The bank is well-positioned to continue delivering strong net interest income performance despite potential easing from the Federal Reserve [14] - The local economy shows strong demand for credit, particularly in Florida and the Northeast [28] Other Important Information - Non-interest income from wealth management and financial services fees increased by 13% to $1.8 million, representing 37.5% of non-interest income [15] - Total non-interest expense net of ORE expense was $25.7 million, down $600,000 from the prior year quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the strong local demand in Florida as well as in the Northeast? - Management confirmed that demand is strong across all markets, with Florida showing the best demand [28] Question: What is the rate for maturing CDs compared to current issuances? - The average rate for maturing CDs is 3.91%, while the highest current rate is 4% for three months [29][30] Question: What types of borrowers are being lent to, and what is the mix between secured and unsecured loans? - The majority of commercial loans, over 90%, are secured by real estate, including smaller multifamily projects and small office offerings [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $15 million for the quarter, representing a 19.8% increase year-over-year, with year-to-date net income nearing $30 million [6][11] - Return on average assets and average equity were 0.97% and 8.73% respectively, indicating strong performance [11] - The consolidated equity to assets ratio improved to 10.91% from 10.73% a year earlier [11] - Book value per share increased by 6.6% to $36.75 compared to $34.46 a year earlier [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans grew by 2.3% or $115.6 million to an all-time high of $5.1 billion [12] - Home equity products saw an 18% increase year-over-year, while commercial loans grew by 11% [7][12] - The residential real estate portfolio increased by $27.9 million or 0.6%, and installment loans decreased by $2.9 million [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits reached $5.5 billion, up $213 million compared to the prior year, reflecting strong customer confidence [13][14] - The net interest margin improved to 2.71%, up 18 basis points from the prior year [14] - Yield on interest-earning assets increased to 4.19%, up 13 basis points from the prior year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on amassing capital to provide low-cost funds for lending, capitalizing on favorable interest rate environments [6][7] - The strategy includes a disciplined share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in long-term strength [12] - The wealth management division is a significant source of non-interest income, with assets under management totaling approximately $1.2 billion [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the positive momentum established in 2025, which may extend into 2026 [10] - The bank is well-positioned to continue delivering strong net interest income performance despite potential easing from the Federal Reserve [15] - Asset quality remains strong, with non-performing loans decreasing to 0.35% of total loans [21][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 169,000 shares of common stock during the second quarter [12] - Total non-interest expense net of ORE expense was $25.7 million, down $600,000 from the prior year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the strong local demand in Florida as well as in the Northeast? - Management confirmed that demand is strong across all markets, with Florida showing the best demand [28] Question: What is the rate for maturing CDs compared to current issuances? - The average rate for maturing CDs is 3.91%, while the highest current rate is 4% for three months [29][30] Question: What types of borrowers are being lent to, and what is the mix between secured and unsecured? - The majority of commercial loans, over 90%, are real estate-related, including smaller multifamily projects and small office offerings [32]