First Interstate BancSystem(US:FIBK)2026-01-29 15:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $108.8 million or $1.08 per diluted share in Q4 2025, compared to $71.4 million or $0.69 per diluted share in Q3 2025 [12] - Net interest income decreased by $0.4 million or 0.2% to $206.4 million compared to the prior quarter, and decreased by $7.9 million or 3.7% compared to Q4 2024 [12][13] - Non-interest income was $106.6 million, an increase of $62.9 million from the prior quarter, driven by a gain on sale of $62.7 million associated with divestitures [14] - Non-interest expense increased by $8.8 million to $166.7 million, including costs related to branch closures and severance [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans decreased by $632.8 million in Q4 2025, including $62.8 million from the indirect portfolio and $72.5 million from loans moving to held for sale [16] - Total deposits decreased by $516.7 million to $22.1 billion, primarily due to the sale of deposits in the Arizona and Kansas transaction [16] - Criticized loans decreased by $112.3 million or 9.6%, while non-performing assets decreased by $47.3 million or 26% [6][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ratio of loans held for investment to deposits was 68.8% at the end of Q4 2025, down from 70.1% in the prior quarter [17] - The company maintained a proactive approach to credit, resulting in improved credit quality metrics in Q4 2025 [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is refocusing capital investment and optimizing its balance sheet by exiting markets with lower growth potential and enhancing its presence in high-growth areas [4][8] - A new, flatter organizational structure is being implemented to improve decision-making and support organic growth [9][10] - The company plans to continue share repurchases as a priority for capital allocation, with an increased authorization of $300 million [5][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for organic growth due to recent organizational changes and improved credit culture [27][28] - The company anticipates a slight decline in loans in the first half of 2026, with modest growth expected in the latter half [20][22] - The net interest margin is expected to improve sequentially, driven by a favorable rate environment and loan repricing dynamics [21][22] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.47 per common share, equating to a 5.7% annualized yield [19] - Regulatory capital ratios improved, with the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio ending at 14.38% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan balances and production outlook - Management noted that the decline in loan balances was primarily due to payoffs of criticized loans, which is viewed positively, and indicated improved loan production in December [25][26] Question: Margin expectations - Management expects net interest margin to improve sequentially, with a target of over 3.5% by the end of 2026 [29][30] Question: Reinvestment rates on new loans and securities - Current reinvestment rates for new loans are in the low- to mid-6% range, while securities have seen a slight decrease in rates [33] Question: Buyback activity and capital management - The company plans to continue active buyback activity, aligning capital levels with peer averages [34][35] Question: Credit quality and criticized loans - Management expressed confidence in continued improvement in credit quality, although predicting specific reductions in criticized loans remains challenging [36] Question: Expense guidance and management - The company anticipates flat to slightly lower expenses in 2026, with a focus on maintaining discipline across controllable expenses [40][41] Question: Market opportunities and growth strategy - Management highlighted Colorado as a key growth market, with plans to expand branch locations and enhance customer relationships [56][57]