First Interstate BancSystem(US:FIBK)2026-01-29 15:32Financial 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 [15] - 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 [15][16] - 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 [17] - Non-interest expense was $166.7 million for Q4 2025, an increase of $8.8 million from the prior quarter [17] 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 in loans moving to held for sale due to branch sales [19] - Total deposits decreased by $516.7 million to $22.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, primarily driven by the sale of $641.6 million of deposits in the Arizona and Kansas transaction [19] 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% at the end of Q3 2025 [20] - The company maintained a proactive approach to credit, with criticized loans decreasing by $112.3 million or 9.6% in Q4 2025 [9] 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-potential areas [6][10] - A new, flatter organizational structure is being implemented to improve decision-making and support organic growth [12] - The company plans to continue share repurchases as a priority for capital allocation, with an increased authorization of $300 million [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for organic growth in 2026, driven by a redesigned banking organization and improved credit culture [32][54] - The company anticipates a slight decline in total loans for 2026, with expectations for modest growth in the latter half of the year [24][25] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining disciplined credit practices to enhance long-term shareholder value [56] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.47 per common share, equating to a 5.7% annualized yield based on the average closing price during Q4 2025 [22] - The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio ended Q4 2025 at 14.38%, an increase of 48 basis points from the prior quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan balances and production outlook - Management noted that a significant portion of the decline in loan balances was due to payoffs of criticized loans, which is viewed positively [31] - There is confidence in improved loan production due to a reorganization of the banking structure and increased focus on organic growth [32] Question: Margin expectations - Management expects net interest margin to improve sequentially, with a target of north of 3.5% by the end of 2026 [34] Question: Credit quality and criticized loans - Management indicated that criticized loans have stabilized and are expected to continue trending down, although variability is inherent in credit [41][52] Question: Expense guidance - Management anticipates flat to slightly lower expenses in 2026, with a focus on maintaining discipline across controllable expenses [26][45] Question: Market expansion and hiring - The company is confident in its current footprint and plans to continue hiring in growth markets like Colorado [61][62]