Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [8] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the same period of 2024 [8] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth for Q3 2025 was 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated loan paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][6] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [9] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from Q3 2024 [11] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong and stable net interest margin, with a current margin of 3.5% despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact net interest margin and overall financial metrics [7][20] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on net interest margin [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions, highlighting strong asset quality and a commitment to excellence in underwriting [22] - The company projects loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from federal funds rate cuts [21] - Management anticipates that net interest margin will remain steady, supported by strategic initiatives and the upcoming acquisition [30] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $0.2 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong credit quality and net recoveries [16] - Non-interest expenses increased by $2.4 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [18] - The effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 13%, influenced by the acquisition of transferable energy tax credits [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted a conservative approach to charge-offs and a typical budget of 5% to 10% for net charge-offs [26][27] Question: Discussion on net interest margin and future rate cuts - Management acknowledged that while rate cuts may pose a headwind, the acquisition will provide benefits to net interest margin [28][30] Question: Clarification on loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management explained that paydowns were recognized in Q3 and indicated that loan growth guidance remains at 5% to 7% for Q4 [38][41] Question: Inquiry on expense expectations and acquisition costs - Management confirmed that the guidance for Q4 includes about $1 million in acquisition costs, with other expenses expected to stabilize [42][70] Question: Discussion on fee income growth and commercial card programs - Management highlighted strong growth in debit and credit card income, driven by increased transaction volumes [71][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong performance [8] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [8] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth was 9% for Q3 2025, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][6] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [9] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from the prior year [11] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong and stable net interest margin, which stood at 3.5% despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3][4] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact various financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [7] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions, highlighting strong asset quality and a robust pipeline for loan growth [22] - The company anticipates loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, with expectations for continued strong performance in non-interest income [21][41] - Management noted that the effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 13%, with projections for a similar rate in the future, depending on the acquisition of transferable energy tax credits [19][51] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $0.2 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong credit quality and net recoveries [16] - Non-interest expenses increased by $2.4 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [18] - The total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of September 30, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted a conservative approach to charge-offs and typically budgets between 5% and 10% in net charge-offs [26][27] Question: Discussion on net interest margin and future expectations - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the net interest margin, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [28][30] Question: Clarification on loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management explained that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated, and they expect continued mid-single-digit loan growth [39][41] Question: Inquiry about expense expectations and acquisition costs - Management confirmed that the guidance for Q4 includes about $1 million in acquisition costs, with no income statement impact from Eastern until the merger is finalized [44][70] Question: Discussion on fee income growth and expectations - Management highlighted strong growth in the commercial card program, attributing it to increased volume and customer engagement [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [9] - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [9] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for Q3 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter earnings per share growth [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized deposit growth for Q3 2025 was 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six year-end periods [5] - Loan growth contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated loan paydowns, but commitments to make loans totaled $307 million, an all-time high [5][8] - Mortgage banking income grew by 12% during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans totaled $4.6 billion in Q3 2025, an increase of $201 million or over 4% from Q3 2024 [10] - Average deposits increased to $4.83 billion in Q3 2025, up $489 million or over 11% from the prior year [12] - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% from 102% a year earlier, indicating better liquidity management [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong net interest margin, which stood at 3.5%, despite a decline in the SOFR rate [3] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to positively impact key financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [8] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions and highlighted a strong pipeline for loan growth [24] - The company anticipates loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [23] - Management noted that credit quality remains strong, with expectations for continued net recoveries [29] Other Important Information - The company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of September 30, 2025, indicating a well-capitalized position [22] - The effective tax rates for Q3 and year-to-date 2025 were 13% and 15%, respectively, benefiting from transferable energy tax credits [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted net recoveries in seven of the past eight quarters and budgeted for net charge-offs between 5% and 10% historically [29][31] Question: Net interest margin outlook - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the net interest margin, despite potential headwinds from rate cuts [32][34] Question: Loan growth guidance and paydowns - Management clarified that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated and that loan growth guidance remains at 5% to 7% for Q4 2025 [42][45] Question: Expense expectations - Management confirmed that the expense guidance for Q4 includes merger charges but not operational costs from the acquisition [46][75] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management projected a tax rate of around 17.5% to 18% without additional energy tax credits, but closer to 16% if credits are maximized [57] Question: Credit trends and provision expectations - Management suggested that the provision for Q4 could be similar to earlier quarters, given strong credit quality [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $23.8 million or $1.46 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $19.6 million or $1.22 per diluted share for Q3 2024, reflecting a strong performance [12] - Year-to-date net income for 2025 totaled $65.9 million or $4.06 per diluted share, up from $60 million or $3.72 per diluted share in the prior year [12] - The return on average assets was 1.5% and return on average equity was 14.7% for 2025, with a 20% quarter-over-quarter growth in earnings per share [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans contracted an annualized 7% in Q3 2025, attributed to anticipated paydowns, but commitments to make loans reached an all-time high of $307 million, exceeding the average of the prior four quarters by 32% [8][10] - Deposit growth for 2025 was annualized at 9%, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% over the last six years [7] - Service charges on accounts increased by 18% during the first nine months of 2025, driven by growth in commercial deposit relationships [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96% as of Q3 2025, down from 102% a year prior, indicating better liquidity management [6] - Average loans increased to $4.6 billion in 2025, a growth of over 4% from $4.47 billion in 2024 [13] - Average deposits grew to $4.83 billion in 2025, up by $489 million or over 11% from the previous year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a stable net interest margin, which stood at 3.5%, despite a decline in the SOFR rate [4][17] - The planned acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is expected to contribute positively to the company's financial metrics, including earnings accretion and tangible book value [11][22] - The company aims to manage its balance sheet effectively to minimize the impact of changing interest rate environments on its net interest margin [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges faced by financial institutions and highlighted a strong pipeline for loan growth [23] - The company projects loan growth in the range of 5% to 7% annualized for Q4 2025, despite potential headwinds from federal rate cuts [22] - The effective tax rate for 2025 is projected at 15%, with expectations for continued tax benefits from energy tax credits [20][56] Other Important Information - The company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.3% as of Q3 2025, significantly above the minimum threshold for well-capitalized status [21] - Tangible book value per common share increased by 13% during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting retained earnings growth [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit quality and normalized charge-off ratio - Management noted net recoveries in seven of the past eight quarters and budgeted for net charge-offs between five and ten basis points [28][29] Question: Net interest margin outlook - Management indicated that the acquisition will benefit the interest margin, and despite rate cuts, they expect the net interest margin to remain steady [31][32] Question: Loan paydowns and growth guidance - Management confirmed that paydowns recognized in Q3 were anticipated and indicated that loan growth could be higher than the 5% to 7% guidance for Q4 [39][43] Question: Expense expectations for Q4 - Management clarified that the Q4 guidance includes acquisition costs but not operational expenses from Eastern Michigan [44][71] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management projected a tax rate of around 17.5% to 18% without additional energy credits, but with potential credits, it could be closer to 16% [56][57]

Core Insights - Mercantile Bank Corporation reported a net income of $23.8 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, for Q3 2025, an increase from $19.6 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, in Q3 2024 [1][3][30] - The bank's net income for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $65.9 million, compared to $60.0 million in the same period of 2024 [1][30] Financial Performance - Net revenue for Q3 2025 was $62.4 million, up $4.4 million, or 7.6%, from $58.0 million in Q3 2024 [3] - Net interest income increased to $52.0 million, a rise of $3.7 million, or 7.7%, from $48.3 million in the prior year [3][30] - Noninterest income reached $10.4 million, compared to $9.7 million in Q3 2024, driven by higher treasury management and payroll services fees [3][8] Interest Margin and Yield - The net interest margin was 3.50% in Q3 2025, slightly down from 3.52% in Q3 2024 [4] - The yield on average earning assets decreased to 5.75% from 6.08% year-over-year, primarily due to lower loan yields [4][5] - The yield on loans was 6.38% in Q3 2025, down from 6.69% in Q3 2024, influenced by lower interest rates on variable-rate commercial loans [4][5] Asset Quality - Nonperforming assets totaled $9.8 million, or 0.2% of total assets, as of September 30, 2025, compared to $5.7 million, or less than 0.1%, at year-end 2024 [18] - Loan charge-offs were $0.3 million, with recoveries totaling $1.1 million, resulting in net recoveries of $0.8 million [18][19] Capital Position - Shareholders' equity increased to $658 million as of September 30, 2025, up $73.1 million from December 31, 2024 [20] - The bank maintained a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.3%, indicating a "well-capitalized" status [20][21] Deposits and Loans - Total deposits reached $4.81 billion, an increase from $4.70 billion at year-end 2024, with local deposits up $84.2 million [16] - The loan-to-deposit ratio decreased from 102% as of September 30, 2024, to 96% as of September 30, 2025, reflecting strong local deposit growth [5][16] Strategic Initiatives - The bank announced a planned partnership with Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, aimed at enhancing liquidity and achieving strategic goals [5][23]

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]

Company Overview - CW Bancorp, the parent company of CommerceWest Bank, focuses on redefining banking for small and medium-sized businesses through customized products and services [2] - Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the bank serves businesses across California with a digital banking platform [2] - The bank offers a wide range of commercial banking services, including remote deposit solutions, online banking, mobile banking, lines of credit, M&A/working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans, and treasury management services [2] Recent Developments - The Board of Directors of CW Bancorp has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share [1] - This dividend is payable on October 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2025 [1] Mission Statement - CommerceWest Bank aims to create a complete banking experience tailored to the specific needs of businesses, providing high-quality, low-stress, and personalized banking and financial services [3]

Core Viewpoint - CW Bancorp reported solid financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with a slight increase in net income and earnings per share compared to the same period in 2024, alongside significant loan and deposit growth despite economic uncertainties [1][4]. Financial Performance - Consolidated net income for Q2 2025 was $3,082,000, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $3,084,000, or $1.00 per diluted share in Q2 2024, marking a 2% increase in EPS [1][19]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net income was $6,017,000, or $1.99 per diluted share, compared to $6,077,000, or $1.96 per diluted share for the same period in 2024, also reflecting a 2% increase in EPS [1][19]. Asset and Loan Growth - Total assets increased by $51.2 million, or 5%, to $1,181.7 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year [4][5]. - Total loans rose by $94.1 million, or 13%, to $811.1 million as of June 30, 2025, indicating strong loan growth [4][5]. Deposit Growth - Total deposits increased by $42.7 million, or 4%, to $1,029.6 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to the previous year [6][18]. - Non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $19.3 million, or 3%, while interest-bearing deposits increased by $23.3 million, or 6% [6][18]. Interest Income and Expense - Interest income for Q2 2025 was $13,671,000, a 2% increase from $13,344,000 in Q2 2024 [7][19]. - Interest expense for Q2 2025 was $3,589,000, slightly up from $3,573,000 in Q2 2024, reflecting an increase of less than 1% [7][19]. Net Interest Income - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was $10,082,000, a 3% increase from $9,771,000 in Q2 2024 [9][19]. - The net interest margin remained stable at 3.82% for Q2 2025, unchanged from the previous year [9][19]. Non-Interest Income and Expense - Non-interest income for Q2 2025 was $1,335,000, up 10% from $1,219,000 in Q2 2024 [12][19]. - Non-interest expense for Q2 2025 was $6,987,000, an increase of 5% from $6,661,000 in Q2 2024 [13][19]. Efficiency Ratio - The efficiency ratio for Q2 2025 was 61.34%, compared to 60.28% in Q2 2024, indicating a slight increase in costs relative to income [14][19]. Capital Ratios - As of June 30, 2025, the tier 1 leverage ratio was 12.68%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 18.08%, both above the levels required for a "well capitalized" institution [15][19].

Core Insights - CW Bancorp reported a consolidated net income of $2,935,000 for Q1 2025, representing a slight decrease of 2% compared to $2,993,000 in Q1 2024, with earnings per share (EPS) increasing by 1% to $0.97 [1][11] Financial Performance - Total assets increased by $51.8 million, or 5%, reaching $1,151.6 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to the previous year [3][13] - Total loans rose by $84.5 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, totaling $802.2 million [3][13] - Total deposits grew by $44.5 million, or 5%, amounting to $1,002.1 million, with interest-bearing deposits increasing by 12% [4][13] Income and Expenses - Interest income for Q1 2025 was $13,437,000, up 10% from $12,242,000 in Q1 2024, while interest expense increased by 9% to $3,393,000 [5][14] - Net interest income for the quarter was $10,044,000, reflecting a 10% growth compared to $9,128,000 in the same period last year [6][14] - Non-interest income increased by 3% to $1,245,000, while non-interest expenses rose by 16% to $7,175,000 [7][14] Efficiency and Ratios - The efficiency ratio for Q1 2025 was 63.22%, up from 59.42% in the previous year, indicating increased costs relative to income [8][11] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) to total loans ratio stood at 1.42%, with no provisions for credit losses reported for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024 [6][11] - Capital ratios remained strong, with a tier 1 leverage ratio of 12.35% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 18.01% as of March 31, 2025 [9][11] Business Strategy - The company aims to redefine banking for small and medium-sized businesses by offering customized products and services, supported by a digital banking platform [10]