First Hawaiian(US:FHB)2025-10-24 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased compared to the second quarter, driven by higher net interest and non-interest income, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate of 23.2% [4][9] - Total loans declined by approximately $223 million in the quarter, primarily in Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans [5][6] - Net interest income was $169.3 million, an increase of $5.7 million from the prior quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.19%, up eight basis points [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by about $500 million in the third quarter, with commercial deposits rising by $135 million, while retail deposits declined by $43 million [7][8] - Non-interest income was $57.1 million, benefiting from higher swap income due to favorable market movements [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The state unemployment rate was 2.7% in August, lower than the national rate of 4.3%, with total visitor arrivals up 0.7% year-over-year [3] - Year-to-date visitor spending reached $4.6 billion, an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period last year [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain strong loan growth, particularly in areas where it has expertise, such as residential pools of Hawaii loans and properties in Hawaii [18][19] - The investment portfolio is being held flat, with a restart of purchases after a period of letting it run down [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the local economy's resilience despite potential hardships from a federal government shutdown [52][54] - The company anticipates a strong fourth quarter, with expectations for loan growth to cover the impact of potential rate cuts [27][39] Other Important Information - The bank's credit performance remains strong, with classified assets increasing by $30.1 million due to a single borrower, and net charge-offs at $4.2 million for the quarter [11][12] - The company has a share buyback authority of $100 million, with $74 million executed so far [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook and pipeline demand - Management noted significant paydowns in dealer floor plans and expressed bullishness about the pipeline, expecting strong production in the fourth quarter [17][18] Question: Core deposit growth success - Success in core deposit growth attributed to strong relationship management by retail and commercial teams [20] Question: NIM management with Fed cuts - Management indicated that NIM expansion depends on the timing and magnitude of Fed rate cuts, with sufficient loan growth expected to support margin expansion [22][27] Question: M&A strategy - The company remains open to mainland M&A opportunities but has no immediate plans [30][50] Question: Impact of federal spending on Hawaii - Management believes the long-term trend of defense-focused federal spending in Hawaii will remain strong despite current uncertainties [58] Question: Changes in competitive pricing behavior - No significant changes in competitive dynamics or pricing observed in the market [60]