Central Pacific Financial (US:CPF)2026-01-28 19:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net income was $22.9 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, compared to $18.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted share in the prior quarter [9] - Return on average assets was 1.25%, and return on average equity was 15.41%, indicating continued profitability improvement [9] - Core earnings per share increased by 24% from the prior year [4] - Net interest income rose by 1.3% from the prior quarter to $62.1 million, with net interest margin expanding 7 basis points to 3.56% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits grew by $78 million during Q4, with gains in interest-bearing demand, savings, and money market balances [6] - Total loan portfolio declined by $78 million from the prior quarter, with a full-year decline of $44 million driven by a decrease in residential mortgage, home equity, and consumer portfolios [6][7] - Commercial mortgage and construction portfolios showed strong growth, with a 10% year-over-year increase [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii's economy remains resilient despite macroeconomic uncertainty, with strong construction activity in both public and private sectors [4] - Non-interest-bearing demand deposits represented 29% of total deposits, indicating a healthy deposit base [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, diversification, and operational excellence, aiming for consistent earnings growth and enhanced shareholder returns [4] - A strategic partnership with Korea Investment & Securities was signed to expand international reach and create new deposit opportunities [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2026, guiding for low single-digit growth in net loans and deposits [8] - The company plans to continue investing in technology to drive returns and efficiency while managing expenses [35] Other Important Information - The board declared a first-quarter cash dividend of $0.29 per share, an increase of 3.6% from the prior quarter [13] - A new share repurchase authorization for up to $55 million in 2026 was approved, reflecting strong earnings and capital position [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Delay in new loan fundings - Management confirmed that delayed closings are expected to be weighted more towards the second quarter of 2026 [23] Question: Spot rate on deposit costs - The deposit spot rate at year-end was 89 basis points [24] Question: Loan growth outlook - Management indicated that loan growth is expected to be slower in the first quarter but may accelerate later in the year [43] Question: Drivers behind payoffs and paydowns - Payoffs were attributed to a smaller construction portfolio, impacting loan growth [47] Question: Competitive landscape for deposits - Core deposit growth was driven by both new clients and deepening relationships with existing clients [50]