First Hawaiian(US:FHB)2025-10-24 18:02Financial 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% [5][6] - Total loans declined by approximately $223 million in the quarter, primarily in Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans [6][7] - 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 [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%, indicating a stable local economy [4] - Year-to-date visitor spending reached $4.6 billion, up 4.5% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a stable tourism sector [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong loan growth trajectory, focusing on areas where it has expertise, such as residential pools of Hawaii loans [20][21] - The investment portfolio is being held flat, with a strategy to restart purchases after a period of letting it run down [24] 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 [68][70] - The company anticipates a strong fourth quarter, with expectations for loan growth and continued positive NIM momentum [9][30] Other Important Information - The bank's credit performance remains strong, with low credit risk and stable metrics, although classified assets increased by $30.1 million due to a single borrower [11][12] - The company repurchased approximately 965,000 shares at a total cost of $24 million, with $26 million remaining under the approved stock repurchase plan [6] 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 [19] Question: Core deposit growth and liquidity deployment - The company expects total deposits to remain flat, with success attributed to retail and commercial teams strengthening community relationships [23] Question: Managing deposit costs amid Fed cuts - Management indicated that NIM expansion could be challenging depending on the timing and magnitude of Fed rate cuts, but loan growth is expected to support margin expansion [26][30] Question: Capital priorities and M&A strategy - The company remains open to M&A opportunities, focusing on the Western U.S. market, with no changes to previous guidance [38][66] Question: Impact of federal spending and local economy - Management believes the long-term trend of defense-focused federal spending in Hawaii will remain strong, despite current uncertainties [74]