Huntington(US:HBAN)2025-10-17 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per common share of $0.41, with an adjusted EPS of $0.40, reflecting an 18% year-over-year increase [9] - Revenue grew by 14% year-over-year, adjusted PP&R increased by 16%, and tangible book value rose by 10% [5][9] - Average loan balances grew by $2.8 billion, or 2% from the prior quarter, while average deposits increased by $1.4 billion, or 1% [9][10] - Reported CET1 ended the quarter at 10.6%, with adjusted CET1 at 9.2%, up 30 basis points from last year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth accelerated to 9.2% year-over-year, driven by commercial lending and new initiatives contributing $1.2 billion, or approximately 40% of total loan growth [10] - Key drivers of loan growth included geographic expansion in Texas and the Carolinas, with significant contributions from corporate and specialty banking, auto, and regional banking [10] - Non-interest income increased by 14%, or $75 million year-over-year, with strong performance in payments, wealth management, and capital markets [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is poised to become the 14th largest depository in Texas and the fifth largest in Dallas following the acquisition of Veritechs [6] - The company expects to achieve full-year ADB growth of approximately 9% to 9.5% inclusive of Veritechs, with deposits expected to grow approximately 6.5% to 7% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its growth strategy with a focus on organic growth and investment in local market relationships [4][5] - The acquisition of Veritechs is seen as a springboard for growth in Texas, with expectations of cost and revenue synergies [6][8] - The company plans to expand its branch network in Texas and enhance its commercial banking activities [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage risks and maintain strong credit quality despite economic uncertainties [30][56] - The company is raising its financial guidance for the year, expecting strong loan growth and improved net interest income [17][18] - Management anticipates continued strong performance in 2026, with expectations of mid to high single-digit loan growth [29] Other Important Information - The company completed a preferred issuance in the third quarter, which will result in higher preferred dividends in the fourth quarter [22] - The company has a disciplined approach to capital management, focusing on funding high-return loan growth and supporting a strong dividend yield [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the loan growth outlook and pipelines? - Management indicated strong momentum in loan growth, with expectations of approximately 1.5% sequential growth in the fourth quarter [27][28] Question: What are the safeguards against credit quality issues? - Management emphasized their moderate to low risk appetite and active portfolio management to mitigate risks [36][37] Question: How do you see operating leverage trending? - Management noted a significant improvement in operating leverage, now expected to exceed 2.5% for the year [44][45] Question: Can you discuss the competitive landscape for deposits? - Management highlighted their sophisticated approach to managing deposit activities, which has led to strong performance in both rate and volume [60][61] Question: What is the outlook for asset finance lending? - Management expects a solid fourth quarter for asset finance, setting up for a strong year in 2026 [70]