Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in Q4 2025, which was higher than the prior quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from Q4 2024 [10] - Net interest income rose by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from Q4 2024, with net interest margin (NIM) increasing to 2.71% [10][11] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.6% this quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q4 [7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to Q4 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management in Trust and Investment Management decreased by $155 million, primarily due to net withdrawals [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced solid loan production diversified across markets, industries, and loan types, supported by healthy economic conditions [6] - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company focuses on service quality rather than competing on rates [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a conservative approach to new loan production with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [4] - There is a focus on organic growth and leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and new clients [14][87] - The company is investing in technology infrastructure, product teams, and marketing to enhance efficiency and value [91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects continued loan and deposit growth in 2026 [14] - Positive trends in net interest margin and fee income are anticipated, with a goal of achieving a 1% return on assets (ROA) [43][94] - The company does not foresee any meaningful deterioration in asset quality based on current portfolio trends [15] Other Important Information - A one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property impacted non-interest expenses, but excluding this, expenses decreased by $100,000 [12] - The company has shifted its focus in Trust and Investment Management from investment management to fiduciary and planning-driven services [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further NIM expansion through 2026, with $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year providing repricing opportunities [22][23] Question: Asset management and mortgage banking trends - AUM decline was due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories, but higher-yielding categories are improving [25] - Mortgage production is expected to be stronger in Q2 and Q3 of 2026, with a focus on building the MLO team [28] Question: Expense growth rate in 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while investing in growth opportunities [38] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - The company targets a 1% ROA, with expectations for continued NIM improvement and operating growth [43] Question: Deposit competition and loan pipeline - Both loan and deposit pipelines are strong, with a focus on optimizing the balance sheet [47] Question: Tax rate outlook - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize around 23%-24% moving forward [76][77] Question: Mortgage market expectations for 2026 - The company is well-positioned for future mortgage opportunities as market conditions improve [82][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the fourth quarter, which was higher than the prior quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from the fourth quarter of 2024 [10] - Net interest income increased by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from the fourth quarter of 2024, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.71%, up 17 basis points from the prior quarter [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in the fourth quarter [7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management decreased by $155 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a solid level of loan production diversified across markets, industries, and loan types, with a focus on maintaining conservative underwriting standards [6][8] - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company continues to generate new loans and deposits through superior service [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and new clients, particularly in the Colorado banking market [14][33] - A new market presence in Arizona is expected to provide growth opportunities, with strong loan and deposit pipelines anticipated for 2026 [14][33] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to expense management while investing in business growth [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted generally healthy economic conditions in their markets and expressed optimism about continued growth in loans and deposits in 2026 [14][33] - The company expects positive trends in net interest margin and fee income, with a goal of achieving a 1% return on assets (ROA) [14][43][94] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable local team of experts to attract clients amid ongoing market disruptions [14][33] Other Important Information - The company reported a one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, which impacted non-interest expenses [12] - The allowance coverage remained unchanged at 81 basis points of total loans, with stable trends in loan portfolio quality [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further NIM expansion through 2026, with about $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year, providing opportunities for repricing [22][23] Question: Asset management and fee income growth - Management noted a decline in AUM due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories but sees positive trends in higher-yielding categories [25][26] Question: Expense growth rate in 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while remaining open to strategic investments that could enhance revenue growth [38][39] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - Management indicated a target of achieving a 1% ROA, with expectations for continued improvement in NIM and operating growth [43][94] Question: Deposit competition and loan pipeline - Management reported strong feedback on both loan and deposit pipelines, indicating confidence in their ability to attract deposits as needed [47][49] Question: Mortgage market expectations - The company is building its mortgage production capability and expects pent-up demand to create opportunities in the future [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in Q4 2025, which was higher than the prior quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.6% this quarter [5] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from Q4 2024 [10] - Net interest income increased by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from Q4 2024 [10] - Non-interest income decreased by approximately $800,000 from the prior quarter [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q4 [6][7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to Q4 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management decreased by $155 million in Q4, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee and fixed-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company continues to generate new loans and deposits through superior service [4] - The company has seen good opportunities to add new clients and talent due to ongoing disruption from M&A activity in the Colorado banking market [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a conservative approach to new loan production with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [4] - The focus is on organic growth, leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and acquire new clients [82] - The company is investing in technology infrastructure, product teams, and internal processes for efficiency [86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects loan and deposit growth in 2026 to be similar to 2025 [13] - Positive trends in net interest margin and fee income are anticipated, with a focus on disciplined expense control [14] - Management does not foresee any meaningful deterioration in asset quality [15] Other Important Information - The company had a one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, which impacted non-interest expenses [11] - The allowance coverage remained unchanged at 81 basis points of total loans [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further net interest margin expansion through 2026, with about $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year [21][22] Question: Asset management and wealth management business trends - The decline in assets under management was due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories, but higher-yielding categories are showing improvements [24][25] Question: Expense outlook for 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while investing in growth opportunities [36] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - The near-term objective is to achieve a 1% return on assets, with a current operating run rate of about $2 per share [41] Question: Matching loan pipeline with core deposits - Both loan and deposit pipelines are reported as strong, with a focus on bringing in deposits as needed [42][45] Question: Tax rate outlook - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize around 23%-24% going forward [72] Question: Mortgage market expectations for 2026 - The company is building production capability in the mortgage sector and expects pent-up demand to create opportunities [77][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported a GAAP net income of $21 million and an adjusted net income of $50 million, while the full year net income was $100 million and adjusted net income was $293 million [3][10] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.43, and for the full year, it was $2.44, both exceeding revised guidance [10][31] - Total revenues for Q4 were $3.6 billion, up 2.8% year-over-year, while full year revenues reached $14.2 billion, up 3.3% year-over-year [13][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium cabin revenues increased by 7.1% year-over-year in Q4, representing 36% of total revenue, while main cabin revenues decreased by 2.4% [15][16] - Managed corporate revenues rose by 9% in Q4, with a 20% year-over-year increase in forward-looking business bookings for Q1 2026 [17][18] - Loyalty revenues, including bank cash and member redemptions, were up 12% year-over-year in Q4, with bank cash remuneration for the full year at $2.1 billion, up 10% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii was the strongest region in the network year-over-year, demonstrating the benefits of the Alaska and Hawaiian merger [8] - The company is expanding its international service, launching flights to London, Rome, and Reykjavik, with strong demand observed in these new markets [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Alaska Accelerate" vision, aiming for long-term growth through synergies and initiatives, including a significant aircraft order from Boeing [5][7] - The strategy includes enhancing premium experiences, expanding international routes, and improving loyalty programs [11][20] - The company aims to achieve $10 of earnings per share by 2027, with a focus on executing its $1 billion profit unlock plan [11][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future, citing strong demand momentum and a constructive macroeconomic backdrop [30][37] - The company anticipates modest growth in 2026, with full-year adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $3.50-$6.50 [11][34] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in 2025 but emphasized the progress made in integration and operational efficiency [25][32] Other Important Information - The company achieved a single operating certificate just 13 months post-merger, facilitating a seamless guest experience [9] - The company has invested in technology infrastructure to address past IT outages and improve operational resilience [9][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the increase in managed corporate travel, what drives the 20% growth? - Management indicated that the growth aligns with overall bookings and reflects increased penetration into corporate contracts [39][40] Question: Are all integration milestones complete, or are there specific ones expected in 2026? - Management confirmed that major guest-facing systems are integrated, with the final milestone occurring in April 2026 [42] Question: What are the risks associated with the 2026 guidance? - Management highlighted macroeconomic factors and potential fuel price spikes as risks that could impact earnings [47][49] Question: How is the company addressing cost management and unit revenue? - Management noted that cost performance improved in Q4, with expectations for a favorable cost trajectory as the year progresses [73][78] Question: How does the company rank in terms of loyalty program profitability? - Management expressed confidence that the loyalty program is among the top in the industry, emphasizing its value and growth potential [61][64] Question: What is the outlook for capacity growth and its impact on revenue? - Management indicated that capacity growth is aligned with economic growth, which should positively influence unit revenue [89][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported GAAP net income of $21 million and adjusted net income of $50 million, while for the full year, GAAP net income was $100 million and adjusted net income was $293 million [3][9] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.43 and for the full year was $2.44, both exceeding revised guidance [9][30] - Full-year total revenues reached $14.2 billion, up 3.3% year-over-year, with unit revenues increasing by 1.4% [12][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium cabin revenues increased by 7.1% year-over-year in Q4, while main cabin revenues decreased by 2.4% [14][15] - Managed corporate revenues rose by 9% in Q4, with a 20% year-over-year increase in forward-looking business bookings for Q1 2026 [16][17] - Loyalty revenues, including bank cash and member redemptions, were up 12% year-over-year in Q4 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii was the strongest region in the network, demonstrating the benefits of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines [7] - The company is expanding its international footprint, launching flights to Tokyo, Seoul, London, Rome, and Reykjavik [7][22] - Advanced bookings for the network have been robust, with several of the highest booking days in the company's history occurring recently [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Alaska Accelerate" vision, which aims to strengthen its competitive position and drive long-term growth [5][10] - The largest aircraft order in the company's history with Boeing supports growth through 2035, with a total of 261 aircraft if all options are exercised [6] - The company aims to build Seattle into a world-class global hub with at least 12 destinations [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving $10 of earnings per share by 2027, driven by the execution of the Alaska Accelerate plan [10][34] - The macroeconomic environment is expected to improve, with a closer alignment between economic growth and capacity growth anticipated for 2026 [28][87] - The company is optimistic about the demand recovery and expects solidly positive unit revenue growth in Q1 2026 [24][29] Other Important Information - The company achieved a single operating certificate just 13 months post-merger, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency [8] - The company repurchased $570 million of its stock in 2025, reducing the diluted share count to 117 million shares [30][31] - The company plans to invest in technology infrastructure to improve operational resilience and customer experience [8][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the increase in managed corporate travel, what drives the 20% growth? - Management indicated that the growth is in line with bookings and driven by volumes, particularly in technology and other industries [37][38] Question: Are all integration milestones complete, or are there specific ones expected in 2026? - Management confirmed that major guest-facing systems are in place, with the final milestone being the operational cutover in April [40] Question: What are the risks associated with the 2026 guidance? - Management highlighted that macroeconomic factors and fuel price volatility could impact the lower end of the guidance range [46][48] Question: How is the company addressing cost management and unit revenue? - Management noted that cost performance was strong in Q4, with expectations for improved cost trajectory as the year progresses [71][100] Question: What is the outlook for unit revenue growth in Q1? - Management expressed optimism for solidly positive unit revenue growth in Q1, supported by strong demand and easier comparisons [96][99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alaska Air Group reported a fourth quarter GAAP net income of $21 million and a full year net income of $100 million, with adjusted fourth quarter and full year net income of $50 million and $293 million respectively [2][3] - Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter was $0.43, and for the full year, it was $2.44, both exceeding revised guidance [8][26] - Full year adjusted pre-tax margin was 2.8%, down about one point compared to 2024 on a pro forma basis [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for the fourth quarter were $3.6 billion, up 2.8% year-over-year, with capacity growth of 2.2% [11] - Premium cabin revenues increased by 7.1% year-over-year, representing 36% of total revenue, while main cabin revenues decreased by 2.4% [12][13] - Managed corporate revenues in the fourth quarter were up 9%, with forward-looking business bookings for 2026 up 20% year-over-year for Q1 [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii was the strongest region in the network on a year-over-year basis, demonstrating the benefits of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines [6] - Advanced bookings across the network have been robust, with several of the highest booking days in Air Group's history occurring recently [21] - The company expects first-quarter capacity to be up 1%-2%, with full-year capacity projected to be up between 2%-3% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its Alaska Accelerate vision, which includes significant aircraft orders and expanding its global presence [4][5] - The launch of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program and the Atmos Summit Card has driven unprecedented increases in card spend and new card members [15][16] - The company aims to build Seattle into a world-class global hub, with new international routes and enhanced customer experiences [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving $10 of earnings per share by 2027, driven by the execution of the Alaska Accelerate plan [9][32] - The macroeconomic environment is expected to improve, with a closer alignment between economic growth and capacity growth anticipated for 2026 [53] - The company acknowledges the challenges faced in 2025 but sees strong demand momentum building into 2026 [23][26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $570 million of its stock in 2025, reducing the diluted share count to 117 million shares [28][29] - The company is investing in technology infrastructure to address past IT outages and improve operational efficiency [7][47] - The company expects to generate positive free cash flow in 2026 with planned CapEx of $1.5 billion [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the increase in managed corporate travel, what drives the 20% growth? - Management noted that the growth is driven by volumes and the expanded network, which has improved corporate contract penetration [33][34] Question: What remaining integration milestones are expected for 2026? - Management confirmed that all major guest-facing systems are now unified, with the final integration milestone occurring in April [41][42] Question: What are the risks associated with the guidance for 2026? - Management indicated that risks include macroeconomic factors and potential spikes in fuel prices, which could impact earnings [36][37] Question: How is the company addressing cost management and IT improvements? - Management highlighted strong performance in cost management across various categories and ongoing investments in IT resilience [46][47] Question: What is the outlook for unit revenue growth in Q1? - Management expects solidly positive unit revenue growth in Q1, supported by strong demand and easier year-over-year comparisons [56][59] Question: What is driving the volatility in West Coast fuel prices? - Management stated that stabilization of West Coast refineries is needed to reduce volatility and improve fuel pricing [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $0.23 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.41 on a core basis for Q4 2025 [3] - Net interest income grew by $5 million, or 5%, compared to the prior quarter, and increased by 14% year-over-year [4] - The net interest margin declined modestly to 2.87% compared to the previous quarter [4] - Total loans increased by $474 million, representing an 18% annualized growth rate, driven by $1 billion in originations [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C&I business grew by 42% for the year, contributing significantly to loan growth [9] - Non-interest income decreased by $3.3 million to $9 million during the quarter, primarily due to lower title fees and a reduction in the gain on sale of loans [11] - Total deposits increased by $528 million, with $323 million driven by organic growth across various business lines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s asset quality remained strong, with total loans classified as special mention and substandard decreasing by 10% to $112 million, or just 1% of total loans [5] - Non-performing loans to total loans stood at 0.2%, and non-performing assets to total assets were at 0.22% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger agreement with Flushing Financial Corporation, which is expected to enhance organic growth initiatives in New York and improve profitability [7] - The focus remains on continued organic growth efforts, which have shown success in the current quarter [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects high single-digit growth in net interest income for the year, despite the typical seasonal slowdown in Q1 [22] - The effective tax rate is expected to remain in the 23%-25% range quarterly, absent any changes in tax policy [16] - The company anticipates continued growth in loans and deposits, with net interest income and margin expected to improve throughout the year [16] Other Important Information - The company did not repurchase any shares this quarter, as capital was utilized to support loan growth [7] - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share was approved, marking the 116th consecutive quarterly cash dividend [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on net interest income guidance - Management indicated that net interest income growth is expected to outpace loan balance growth due to the compounding effect of the balance sheet [21][22] Question: Commentary on loan sales post-merger - Management stated it is too early to provide precise figures on loan sales after the merger, but they expect to improve margins and reduce credit risk over time [23] Question: Expense line clarification - The recurring CRT premium expense is categorized under other expenses, similar to insurance premium expenses [24][25] Question: C&I growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects C&I growth rates to remain in the 7%-9% range, with a strong focus on talent recruitment [35] Question: Deposit growth outlook for Premier Banking - Management confirmed that the target for $2 billion-$3 billion in deposits by the end of 2027 remains intact, despite some seasonal fluctuations [38] Question: Deposit costs outlook - Management expects deposit costs to decrease over the year, with a lag in repricing relative to rate cuts [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $2.8 billion, up 8.1% year-over-year [2] - Loans grew by $216 million, or 11%, reflecting strong commercial activity [2] - Deposits increased to $171 million, or 7.9%, demonstrating continued franchise growth [2] - Net interest income expanded to 3.27%, improving from 3.16% in the prior year [2] - Non-performing loans stood at 0.14% of total loans, indicating excellent credit quality [3] - Tangible book value per share increased 10.8% year-over-year to $11.97 [3] - GAAP-diluted EPS was $0.07, with operational diluted EPS at $0.44, consistent with the previous quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased $31.9 million, or 6.02% annualized compared to the prior quarter [10] - Gross loan production totaled $196 million in Q4, with $83.5 million from correspondent banking [12] - Net interest income increased $933,000 on a linked quarter basis, representing 17.4% annualized growth [13] - Portfolio yield declined modestly to 6.16% due to Federal Reserve rate cuts [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits were stable, down $3.9 million compared to the prior quarter but up $314.6 million year-over-year [10] - Interest-bearing deposit rates decreased 27 basis points to 3.02% [10] - Total deposit costs improved 25 basis points quarter-over-quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand and strengthen its deposit base, focusing on multi-vertical and relationship-driven strategies [26] - Key business lines include Business Banking, Private Client Group, Association Banking, and Correspondent Banking, each with clear growth plans [27][28][29] - The strategy emphasizes building sticky, relationship-anchored deposits and expanding production capacity [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's ability to execute its plans for 2026, focusing on profitability and shareholder value [26] - The company anticipates further NIM improvement supported by rate cuts and disciplined deposit pricing strategies [14] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio between 90% and 95% [40] Other Important Information - The board approved a 25% increase in quarterly cash dividends to $0.12 per share [5] - The bank's capital ratios exceed regulatory requirements comfortably [5] - The company executed a $40 million subordinated debt issuance, primarily used for share repurchase [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Deposit trends and shrinkage at year-end - Management noted a significant deposit move of over $100 million from a long-term client, which is expected to rebuild over time [36] - A $50 million swing in correspondent banking deposits was also identified, which has been recovered in January [37] Question: Loan-to-deposit ratio expectations - Management prefers a loan-to-deposit ratio between 90% and 95%, indicating a desire for liquidity [40] Question: SBA vertical opportunity - The SBA initiative has been growing prudently, with plans to increase annual volume to $40 million or $50 million over the next three years [42] Question: Capital strategy and priorities - The focus remains on building capital and returning it to shareholders, with no significant plans for additional actions beyond producing good earnings [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $0.23 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.41 on a core basis for Q4 2025 [3] - Net interest income grew by $5 million, or 5%, compared to the prior quarter, and increased by 14% year-over-year [4] - The net interest margin declined modestly to 2.87% compared to the previous quarter [4] - Total loans increased by $474 million, representing an 18% annualized growth rate, driven by $1 billion in originations [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C&I business grew by 42% for the year, benefiting from talent recruitment and favorable borrower conditions [9] - Non-interest income decreased by $3.3 million to $9 million during the quarter, primarily due to lower title fees and a reduction in loan sale gains [11] - Total deposits increased by $528 million, with $323 million driven by organic growth across various business lines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s asset quality remained strong, with total loans classified as special mention and substandard decreasing by 10% to $112 million, or just 1% of total loans [5] - Non-performing loans to total loans stood at 0.2%, and non-performing assets to total assets were at 0.22% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger agreement with Flushing Financial Corporation, which is expected to enhance organic growth initiatives in New York and improve profitability and operating scale [7] - The company aims to maintain a loan-to-deposit ratio under 100, with a focus on opportunistic earnings and robust deposit verticals [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects high single-digit growth in net interest income for the year, despite the typical seasonal slowdown in Q1 [22] - The effective tax rate is expected to remain in the 23%-25% range quarterly, absent any changes in tax policy [16] - Management remains optimistic about continued organic growth efforts, as evidenced by the results of the current quarter [8] Other Important Information - The company did not repurchase any shares this quarter, as capital was utilized to support loan growth [7] - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share marks the company's 116th consecutive quarterly cash dividend [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarity on net interest income guidance - Management indicated that net interest income growth is expected to exceed loan balance growth due to the compounding effect of the larger balance sheet [21][22] Question: Commentary on loan sales post-merger - Management stated it is too early to provide precise figures on loan sales, but they expect to improve margins and reduce credit risk over time [23] Question: Expense line clarification - The recurring CRT premium expense is categorized under other expenses, similar to insurance premium expenses [24][25] Question: C&I growth expectations for 2026 - Management anticipates growth rates in the 7%-9% range for C&I, with a focus on talent recruitment and strong deposit growth [35] Question: Deposit growth outlook for Premier Banking - Management confirmed that the target for $2 billion-$3 billion in deposits by the end of 2027 remains intact, despite some seasonal fluctuations [38] Question: Deposit costs outlook for the year - Management expects deposit costs to continue decreasing, lagging behind rate cuts, and anticipates a steady improvement in margins [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets exceeded $30 billion, ending the year at $32 billion, a record for the company [3] - Net income for the quarter was $63.8 million, with a total net income for 2025 of $239 million, an increase of $48.9 million, or 26% from the prior year [3][4] - Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Net Revenues of $362 million for 2025 increased $107 million, or 42% over the prior year [4] - Diluted Earnings Per Share for 2025 was $1.99, an increase of $0.31 per share, or 18% from the prior year [4] - Total deposits increased by $4 billion, or 20%, during 2025, reaching $24.6 billion [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net Interest Income for the quarter was $266 million, an increase of $41 million, or 18% from the prior quarter [4] - The loan portfolio increased to $21 billion at the end of 2025, up $3.7 billion, or 21% from the prior year [4] - Non-interest income for the quarter totaled $40 million, an increase of $5 million, or 14%, over the prior quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin for the quarter was 3.58%, an increase of 19 basis points from the prior quarter [5] - The loan yield for the quarter was 6.09%, an increase of 12 basis points from the prior quarter [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully closed two strategic acquisitions in 2025, expanding its footprint in Idaho and Texas, which align with its long-term growth strategy [2] - The company aims to achieve a net interest margin of 4% by the second half of 2026, driven by structural repricing drivers [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in growth despite a slower organic growth rate of about 1% annualized, citing a record level of loan pipeline early in the year [15][16] - The company is optimistic about the integration of Guaranty Bank & Trust, expecting it to contribute meaningfully to production [17][66] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved from 66.7% at the beginning of the year to 63% [7] - Non-Performing Assets remained low at 22 basis points of total assets, reflecting strong credit quality [8] - The company declared its 163rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic growth and loan side performance - Management acknowledged a slower organic growth rate but noted a record loan pipeline and expected stronger growth in 2026 [15][16] Question: Margin trajectory and dependence on Fed cuts - Management confirmed that margin growth is not dependent on Fed cuts and expects to reach a 4% margin by the second half of 2026 [19] Question: Expense run rate and investments - Management provided guidance for core non-interest expenses and indicated a typical pattern of expense management throughout the year [21][31] Question: Integration of Guaranty Bank & Trust - Management reported a smooth integration process with minimal disruption and expressed excitement about the growth potential in Texas [66] Question: Future margin expansion and loan pricing - Management indicated that they expect continued margin expansion and are seeing good spreads on new loan production [32][44]