Metropolitan Bank (US:MCB)2026-01-21 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the loan portfolio expanded by approximately $775 million, representing a growth of nearly 13% [3] - Total loan originations reached approximately $1.9 billion, with deposits increasing by roughly $1.4 billion, or about 23% [3][9] - Net interest income for the fourth quarter was $85.3 million, up more than 10% on a linked quarter basis and up almost 20% for the year [10] - The net interest margin (NIM) was 4.1% in the fourth quarter, up 22 basis points from the prior quarter [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan book was essentially flat in the fourth quarter due to prepayments of approximately $317 million, which was about $150 million above the trailing three-quarter run rate [6][7] - The new volume origination mix was approximately 70% fixed and 30% floating [8] - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter was $3.1 million, with expectations to rebuild the fee income line through new business initiatives [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew by $304 million, or approximately 4.3% in the fourth quarter, with a total annual growth of $1.4 billion [9] - The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined by 43 basis points quarter over quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategy for 2026 focuses on capturing additional market share through traditional channels while enhancing long-term shareholder value [5] - The company plans to open two new branches in Florida in the first half of 2026, enhancing its presence in key growth markets [4] - The business model is designed to defend or expand the NIM with or without additional rate cuts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, noting no broad-based negative trends across loan segments, geographies, or sectors [4] - The company expects to grow loans by about $800 million, or approximately 12% in 2026, with a forecasted ROTCE approaching 16% by the fourth quarter of 2026 [13][15] - Management remains focused on organic growth and does not see significant M&A opportunities in the current market [40][44] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was about 30% [12] - The company is hosting an Investor Day at its headquarters in New York on March 3rd, with several senior leaders presenting [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan mix and C&I growth - Management does not expect substantial growth in core C&I but sees potential in healthcare-related C&I [20] Question: Asset quality and NPAs - Two loans in the multifamily sector are expected to have little or no loss upon sale, with ongoing workouts expected to resolve by the end of the quarter [28] Question: CET1 ratio targets - The company aims for a TCE trend from the current high eights to about low nines [29] Question: Digital transformation completion - The conversion is anticipated to be completed by President's Day weekend [35] Question: Demand deposit growth contributors - The largest contributors to deposit growth were municipal deposits and property managers [39] Question: M&A opportunities - Management does not see significant value in current M&A opportunities and is focused on organic growth [40][44]