Fulton Financial (US:FULT)2025-10-22 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for the third quarter were $101.3 million, or $0.55 per share, reflecting strong profitability and positive operating leverage [4][9] - Total revenue reached an all-time high, driven by increased net interest income and fee income, with an efficiency ratio of 56.5% and an operating ROA of 1.29% [5][7] - The company repurchased 1.65 million shares at a weighted average cost of $18.67 per share, while tangible book value per share grew 18% on a linked quarter annualized basis [5][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposit growth outpaced loan growth, with deposits increasing by $194 million, primarily from demand and savings accounts, while total loan balances grew by $29 million [6][10] - Non-interest income for the quarter was $70.4 million, representing 21% of total revenue, with growth driven by wealth and consumer businesses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio ended the quarter at 91%, with a decline in non-interest-bearing balances to 19.5% of total deposits [11][12] - The net interest margin increased by 10 basis points to 3.57%, with net interest income on a non-FTE basis at $264.2 million, a $9.3 million increase linked quarter [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth and maintaining a diversified balance sheet, with a strategy to pursue acquisitions in the $1 billion to $5 billion community bank segment [31][33] - Management emphasized the importance of managing deposit pricing to balance funding future growth while defending margins [13][14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding credit quality due to economic uncertainties but noted steady performance in the loan portfolio, with improvements in non-performing loans and charge-offs [7][15] - The company updated its 2025 operating guidance, increasing net interest income expectations while tightening provisions and operating expenses [16][17] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans ratio remained stable at 1.57%, with an increase in ACL to non-performing loan coverage to 189% [15] - The company has remaining buyback authorization of $86 million under the current plan, indicating ongoing commitment to capital management [16][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of net interest income guidance revision - Management acknowledged that the revised guidance implies some margin pressure in the fourth quarter due to rate cuts, estimating a $2 million annualized NII headwind for every 25 basis points [20][21] Question: Positive operating leverage in 2026 - Management aims to generate organic growth to drive positive operating leverage, focusing on managing expense and revenue levels [22][23] Question: Cumulative interest-bearing deposit beta expectations - Management targets maintaining the cumulative interest-bearing deposit beta around 30% as the Fed cuts rates [27] Question: Organic growth opportunities in specific markets - Management highlighted opportunities for organic growth in Virginia, Maryland, and Philadelphia, driven by customer acquisition and talent recruitment [33] Question: Capital management and loan growth - Management stated that organic growth remains a priority, followed by corporate activities and buybacks, with $86 million remaining in buyback authorization [49][50]