Huntington(US:HBAN)2026-01-22 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, earnings per common share was $0.30, with an adjusted EPS of $0.37, reflecting a 9% year-over-year increase [17] - Revenue growth for 2025 was 11%, with adjusted EPS growth of 16% and 290 basis points of positive operating leverage [6][24] - Average loans grew 14.4% year-over-year, with organic loan growth of $10.1 billion, exceeding the $9.5 billion added through the Veritex partnership [17][19] - Average deposits increased 5.1% quarter-over-quarter and 8.6% year-over-year, with core deposits growing $5.5 billion year-over-year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer banking saw a 4% year-over-year increase in primary bank relationships, while business banking grew by 7% [7] - New initiatives contributed $1.8 billion to loan growth, with significant contributions from Texas and North and South Carolina expansions [17] - Fee income businesses grew, with payments up 5%, commercial payment revenues up 8%, and wealth management growing 10% [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its consumer and regional banking presence to 21 states, focusing on fast-growing markets [4] - The partnership with Veritex and Cadence is expected to enhance market growth and customer share in Texas and other new markets [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the leading people-first, customer-centered bank, leveraging a differentiated operating model [4] - Strategic investments in branch build-out, new commercial verticals, and fintech solutions are designed to enhance long-term growth [8] - The focus remains on organic growth, customer relationship deepening, and expanding wallet share while maintaining a moderate to low-risk profile [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of growth targets, emphasizing the effectiveness of the operating model and recent partnerships [32][34] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for net interest income growth of 10% to 13%, supported by loan and deposit growth [27] - Credit quality remains strong, with net charge-offs expected between 25 and 35 basis points, and a stable non-performing asset ratio [26][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to initiate programmatic share repurchases and maintain a strong dividend yield [25] - Investments in technology, including AI, are expected to continue driving growth and efficiency [79] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense trajectory and cost savings - Management indicated that underlying expense growth is expected in the mid-single digits, with cost synergies from Veritex and Cadence expected to be realized in 2026 [40][41] Question: Revenue synergies from partnerships - Management highlighted that the partnership model has allowed for quicker decision-making and greater certainty, which is expected to enhance both cost and revenue synergies [44][46] Question: Guidance on first quarter expenses - Management refrained from providing specific quarterly guidance but emphasized the importance of positive operating leverage and continued investment back into the business [52] Question: Credit guidance and deposit beta - Management confirmed that the credit guidance reflects historical performance and that deposit beta is expected to remain in the high 30s to 40% range [86][87] Question: Technology investment details - Management stated that technology investments are focused on customer-facing capabilities and digital marketing, with significant growth expected in these areas [89]