Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 18% quarter-over-quarter and 29% year-over-year, with an adjusted return on assets (ROA) improving to 1.29% from 0.99% in the previous year [3] - Net interest income rose by $1 million or 1.7% from the prior quarter, driven by a higher interest margin [7] - The net interest margin increased to 3.7% from 3.64% in the prior quarter and from 3.36% in the fourth quarter of the previous year [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances increased by $14 million in Q4, with the loan portfolio growing by 5.54% [5] - Total deposits increased by $63 million in Q4, primarily due to a $100 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits [5] - Investment balances decreased by $31 million, with the yield on the investment portfolio dropping to 3.26% from 3.35% in the previous quarter [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial lending group closed $254 million in new loan commitments, down from $317 million in the previous quarter [15] - The commercial loan pipeline ended the fourth quarter at $468 million, down from $511 million in the previous quarter [15] - Average interest rates for new commercial loans were 6.56%, down 11 basis points from the previous quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close the merger with Olympic Bancorp at the end of January, which is expected to enhance profitability and position the company for growth in the Puget Sound market [4] - The focus remains on integrating Olympic and ensuring successful operations while exploring future M&A opportunities [73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating future challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities, with expectations for loan growth to return to historical levels in 2026 [16][18] - The company anticipates continued improvement in net interest margins and deposit costs due to recent rate cuts [22] Other Important Information - The company reported a reversal of provision for credit losses of $18,000 in Q4, attributed to a change in the loan portfolio mix [8] - Non-accrual loans totaled $21 million at year-end, representing 0.44% of total loans, an increase from 0.37% at the end of the previous quarter [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for adjustable rate opportunity and margin - Management indicated that despite recent rate cuts, loan yields slightly grew, and they expect further improvement in margins without the merger [21][22] Question: Loan growth expectations and industry focus - Management expects loan growth to return to low single digits in Q1 and upper single digits as the year progresses, with visibility improving in the loan pipeline [25][31] Question: Operating expense growth and merger-related expenses - Management anticipates approximately $20 million-$21 million in merger-related expenses, with a projected run rate for Q2 and Q3 around $56 million [33][34] Question: Capital priorities post-merger - The primary focus is on closing the merger, which will utilize about 100 basis points of capital, with potential for buybacks considered after the deal closes [51][52] Question: Competition in loan yields and deposit costs - Management noted that competition remains strong but consistent, with expectations for deposit costs to continue decreasing [44][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to shareholders of $67.4 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, which was up 11% from $0.38 per diluted share in the third quarter [15] - Net interest income was $251.4 million, down modestly from the prior quarter due to the timing of loan growth and lower loan income from rate cuts [15][16] - Adjusted EPS grew 69% year over year to $1.35, and tangible book value per share increased by 11% [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production disbursements were $9.6 billion, up 31% from 2024, with Q4 loan production at $2.7 billion, up 32% quarter over quarter [6][9] - Non-interest-bearing (NIB) deposit accounts increased by nearly 2,500, with new NIB deposit balances growing by approximately $530 million [7] - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 55.6%, down 266 basis points from the prior quarter [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved double-digit return on average tangible common equity of 10.75%, an increase of 319 basis points since the start of the year [8] - The annualized growth in NIB deposits for the second half of 2025 was 10.5%, reflecting the success of the relationship-driven deposit strategy [9] - Total loan balances were $25.2 billion, up 15% on an annualized basis for the quarter and 6% for the year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue building on its momentum by focusing on high-quality, consistent, and sustainable earnings growth while maintaining disciplined expense management [25] - The strategy includes investing in technology and talent to support long-term growth, as well as capitalizing on dislocation in the California banking landscape [26] - The company plans to maintain a strong balance sheet and deploy capital strategically to drive long-term value [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver consistent high-quality earnings growth and long-term value for shareholders in 2026 and beyond [12][24] - The company expects net interest income to increase by 10%-12% in 2026, driven by loan growth and margin expansion [16] - Management noted that the economic environment remains favorable, with expectations for continued strong loan production activity in 2026 [10][11] Other Important Information - The company returned significant capital to shareholders by repurchasing 13.6 million shares, or 8% of its common stock outstanding [7] - Non-interest income was $41.6 million, up 21% sequentially, driven by gains on the sale of lease residuals and higher market-sensitive income [20] - The provision expense for the quarter was $12.5 million, largely driven by strong loan portfolio growth [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on net interest income and margin trajectory - Management indicated that net interest margin typically expands a couple of basis points each quarter and would likely benefit from improved economic activity if rates are cut [29][30] Question: Clarification on NII growth guidance - The guidance for NII growth of 10%-12% includes baseline accretion, with expectations for accelerated accretion as loans mature [35][37] Question: Loan growth specifics and market conditions - Management noted that loan growth was broad-based, with significant contributions from single-family purchases and strong production across various business units [44][46] Question: Expense growth expectations - Management confirmed that the expense growth guidance of 3%-3.5% does not contemplate any future rate cuts, reflecting a conservative approach [68][70] Question: Strategic investments and hiring plans - Management emphasized ongoing investments in technology and talent to support growth, with plans for significant hiring in 2026 [54][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company produced $3.49 per share, with net income just under $135 million and a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.9% [4] - In Q4, net income was $34 million, equating to $0.89 per share, slightly down from Q3, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.37% [5] - The NIM rose to 3.99%, up six basis points from the previous quarter, marking the best performance since Q2 2023 [6] - Non-interest income increased by $500,000 in Q4, with expectations for fees in 2026 to remain around $13 million to $14 million per quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for Q4 was just under $100 million at 4.5%, primarily driven by commercial banking, with C&I and CRE portfolios growing by $53 million and $34 million, respectively [8] - Customer deposit growth was just under $60 million at 2.9%, with a strong deposit mix where demand deposits accounted for 27% of total balances [6] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) decreased from 1.23% to 1.15% quarter over quarter, reflecting a reduction in criticized and classified loans by $30 million, or 13% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single digit loan growth for 2026, primarily from C&I and CRE, supported by increased activity from investments in team leadership and banker talent [9] - The company experienced a strong Q4 in customer deposit growth, particularly in the consumer space, despite some anomalous activity with large commercial depositors [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new $100 million share repurchase authorization, indicating robust capital levels and the ability to consider M&A opportunities [7] - The focus remains on maintaining asset quality while pursuing growth in commercial banking and consumer home equity [9] - The company is committed to adding talent in C&I and CRE to accelerate growth, with a strong emphasis on deposit gathering and developing new relationships [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining asset quality in 2026, with expectations that results will not perform worse than in 2025 [52] - The overall state of the economy is improving, but management is cautious about predicting growth rates significantly higher than GDP [20] - The company is optimistic about its ability to respond to competitive pressures in the deposit market, aiming to grow deposits at a rate that matches loan growth [89] Other Important Information - The TCE ratio decreased by 29 basis points due to share repurchases, but regulatory ratios remain strong with significant excess capital [14] - The company is utilizing AI tools for BSA, AML compliance, and fraud protection, which have resulted in significant savings [67][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is holding back loan growth from ramping to mid to high single-digit pace? - Management indicated that it is not a demand issue but ensuring asset quality of new customers meets criteria to maintain lower levels of criticized and classified loans [19] Question: How focused is hiring on the C&I side? - Hiring is a top priority across C&I and CRE, with efforts to enhance deposit gathering and customer relationships [22] Question: What is the outlook on deposit growth and funding loan growth? - The company expects to fund loan growth internally through deposit growth, with a strong focus on core deposit growth [36] Question: Can you provide an update on M&A discussions? - Management confirmed active dialogue across geographies, with a focus on executing current strategies while exploring M&A opportunities [27] Question: What are the competitive factors on the deposit side? - Early Q4 saw pressure from competitors to retain deposits, but the market became more rational in the second half of the quarter [88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to shareholders of $67.4 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, which was up 11% from $0.38 per diluted share in the third quarter [15] - Net interest income was $251.4 million, down modestly from the prior quarter due to the timing of loan growth and lower loan income [15][16] - Adjusted EPS grew 69% year over year to $1.35, and tangible book value per share increased by 11% [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production disbursements were $9.6 billion, up 31% from 2024, with Q4 loan production at $2.7 billion, up 32% quarter over quarter [6][9] - Non-interest-bearing (NIB) deposit accounts increased by nearly 2,500, with new NIB deposit balances growing by approximately $530 million [7] - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 55.6%, down 266 basis points from the prior quarter [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved double-digit return on average tangible common equity of 10.75%, an increase of 319 basis points since the start of the year [8] - The annualized growth in NIB deposits for the second half of 2025 was 10.5%, reflecting the success of the relationship-driven deposit strategy [9] - Average yield on loans declined to 5.83% from 6.05% in Q3, influenced by Fed rate cuts [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue building on its momentum by focusing on high-quality, consistent, and sustainable earnings growth while investing in technology and talent [25][26] - The management highlighted the importance of capitalizing on dislocation in the California banking landscape and recent bank M&A activity to attract new clients [26] - The company plans to maintain disciplined expense management while targeting a 3%-3.5% increase in expenses for 2026 [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver consistent high-quality earnings growth and long-term value for shareholders in 2026 and beyond [12][25] - The company expects net interest income to increase by 10%-12% in 2026, driven by loan growth and margin expansion [16] - Management noted that credit quality trends were positive, with most credit metrics improving during the quarter [11] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 13.6 million shares, or 8% of its common stock outstanding, at a weighted average price of $1.359 [7] - Non-interest income was $41.6 million, up 21% sequentially, driven by gains on the sale of lease residuals and higher market-sensitive income [20] - The company maintained its allowance for credit losses at 1.12% of total loans, with minimal net charge-offs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on net interest income and net interest margin trajectory - Management indicated that typically, the margin expands a couple of basis points every quarter and would likely expand faster if rates are cut [29][30] Question: Clarification on NII growth guidance - The guidance for NII growth of 10%-12% includes baseline accretion, with expectations for future accretion to materialize as loans mature [35][37] Question: Loan growth specifics and market conditions - Management noted that loan growth was broad-based, with significant contributions from single-family purchases and other business lines [44][46] Question: Expense growth expectations and investments - Management confirmed that the expense growth guidance of 3%-3.5% does not contemplate any future rate cuts and reflects the impact of recent Fed rate cuts [68][70] Question: Capital management and buyback strategy - Management stated that a 10% CET1 ratio should be considered a floor, with plans for an active buyback program when opportunities arise [108][110]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 18% quarter-over-quarter and 29% year-over-year, with an adjusted return on assets (ROA) improving to 1.29% from 0.99% in the previous year [3] - Net interest income rose by $1 million or 1.7% from the prior quarter, driven by a higher interest margin [7] - The net interest margin increased to 3.7% from 3.64% in the prior quarter and from 3.36% in the fourth quarter of the previous year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances increased by $14 million in Q4, with the loan portfolio growing by 5.54% [5] - Total deposits increased by $63 million in Q4, primarily due to a $100 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits [5] - Investment balances decreased by $31 million, with the yield on the investment portfolio dropping to 3.26% from 3.35% in the previous quarter [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial lending group closed $254 million in new loan commitments, down from $317 million in the previous quarter [15] - The commercial loan pipeline ended the fourth quarter at $468 million, down from $511 million in the previous quarter [15] - Average interest rates for new commercial loans decreased to 6.56%, down 11 basis points from the previous quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close the merger with Olympic Bancorp at the end of January, which is expected to enhance profitability and position the company for growth in the Puget Sound market [4] - The focus remains on integrating Olympic and ensuring successful execution of the merger while continuing to explore additional M&A opportunities [73] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for margin improvement over the next year or two, particularly with the merger [22] - The company anticipates a return to loan growth at more historical levels in 2026, following a period of elevated loan payoffs [16] - Credit quality remains strong, with non-accrual loans at 0.44% of total loans, and management is confident in their credit underwriting practices [10][12] Other Important Information - The company recognized a reversal of provision for credit losses of $18,000 in Q4 due to a change in the mix of the loan portfolio [8] - Non-interest expenses decreased due to lower merger-related expenses, although compensation and benefits expenses increased due to incentive compensation accruals [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for adjustable rate opportunity - Management indicated potential for nearly a 200 basis point increase in adjustable rates if repriced, with expectations for improved loan yields in the absence of rate cuts [20][22] Question: Loan growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects loan growth to return to low single digits in Q1, moving to upper single digits based on customer demand [25] Question: Operating expense growth expectations - Management anticipates approximately $20-$21 million in merger-related expenses, with a projected run rate for Q2 and Q3 around $56 million [33] Question: Capital priorities in 2026 - The primary focus is on closing the Olympic transaction, which will utilize about 100 basis points of capital, with potential for buybacks considered post-merger [51] Question: Trends in credit quality - Management noted no significant correlation in recent downgrades within the C&I category, attributing them to timing rather than broader industry issues [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company produced $3.49 per share and net income of just under $135 million, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.9% [4] - In Q4, net income was $34 million, equating to $0.89 per share, slightly down from Q3, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.37% [5] - The NIM rose to 3.99%, up six basis points from the previous quarter, marking the best performance since Q2 2023 [6] - Non-interest income increased by $500,000 in Q4, with expectations for fees in 2026 to remain around $13 million to $14 million per quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for Q4 was just under $100 million at 4.5%, primarily driven by commercial banking, with C&I and CRE portfolios growing by $53 million and $34 million, respectively [8] - Customer deposit growth was just under $60 million at 2.9%, with demand deposit accounts (DDAs) representing 27% of total balances [6] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) decreased from 1.23% to 1.15% quarter over quarter, reflecting a reduction in criticized and classified loans by $30 million, or 13% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single digit loan growth for 2026, primarily from C&I and CRE, supported by investments in team leadership and banker talent [9] - The competitive landscape for deposits has become more rational, with the company able to attract and retain deposits effectively [88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new $100 million share repurchase authorization, indicating strong capital levels and the ability to consider M&A opportunities [7] - The focus remains on maintaining asset quality while pursuing growth in commercial banking and consumer home equity [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining asset quality similar to 2025 levels, with a focus on reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) [11] - The overall economic state is improving, but management is cautious about predicting growth rates significantly higher than GDP [20] Other Important Information - The TCE ratio decreased by 29 basis points due to share repurchases, with regulatory ratios remaining strong [14] - The company is leveraging AI tools for compliance and fraud detection, which has resulted in significant savings [67][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and constraints - Management indicated that loan growth is not constrained by demand but by ensuring asset quality of new customers [18][19] Question: Margin trends and competitive pressures - Management noted that competitive intensity around rates has decreased, allowing for better margin stability [23][25] Question: M&A activity and geographic focus - Management confirmed ongoing active dialogue regarding M&A opportunities without a significant shift in geographic preference [27] Question: Deposit growth and funding loan growth - Management expects to fund loan growth internally through deposit growth, with a strong focus on core deposit growth [36][37] Question: Asset quality and charge-offs - Management confirmed that charge-offs were related to previously identified credits, with a focus on reducing criticized and classified loans [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to shareholders of $67.4 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, which was up 11% from $0.38 per diluted share in the third quarter [13] - Net interest income was $251.4 million, down modestly from the prior quarter due to the timing of loan growth and lower loan income [13] - Adjusted EPS grew 69% year over year, and tangible book value per share increased by 11% [6][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production disbursements were $9.6 billion, up 31% from 2024, with Q4 loan production at $2.7 billion, up 32% quarter over quarter [5][8] - Non-interest-bearing (NIB) deposit accounts increased by nearly 2,500, with new NIB deposit balances of nearly $530 million, approaching 30% of total deposits [6][8] - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 55.6%, down 266 basis points from the prior quarter [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a double-digit return on average tangible common equity of 10.75%, an increase of 319 basis points since the start of the year [7] - The average yield on loans declined to 5.83% compared to 6.05% in Q3, reflecting the impact of Fed rate cuts [16] - Total loan balances were $25.2 billion, up 15% on an annualized basis for the quarter and 6% for the year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue building on its momentum by focusing on high-quality, consistent, and sustainable earnings growth while maintaining disciplined expense management [23] - The strategy includes investing in technology and talent to support long-term growth and capitalizing on opportunities arising from disruptions in the California banking landscape [24] - The company plans to achieve full-year net interest income growth of 10%-12% from 2025 and expects pre-tax, pre-provision income to grow 20%-25% [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver consistent high-quality earnings growth and long-term value for shareholders in 2026 and beyond [12][23] - The company anticipates that loan production activity will remain healthy across all business units, with strong pipelines and continued positive trends in credit quality [9][10] - Management noted that the economic environment and potential Fed rate cuts could provide additional tailwinds for growth [28] Other Important Information - The company returned significant capital to shareholders by repurchasing 13.6 million shares, or 8% of its common stock outstanding [6] - Non-interest income was $41.6 million, up 21% sequentially, driven by gains on the sale of lease residuals and higher market-sensitive income [19] - The company maintained its allowance for credit losses at 1.12% of total loans, with minimal net charge-offs [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the trajectory for net interest margin (NIM) and net interest income (NII) if the Fed cuts rates? - Management indicated that typically, the margin expands a couple of basis points each quarter, and a rate cut could lead to faster margin expansion [27][28] Question: Is the NII growth guidance of 10%-12% including accretion? - The guidance includes baseline accretion, but there is little expectation for accelerated accretion [32] Question: Can you clarify the base for the pre-tax, pre-provision income growth guidance? - The base is the full-year 2025 results [34] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth in 2026? - The company expects mid-single-digit loan growth, with strong performance anticipated across all business lines [17][19] Question: How does the company view its expense growth in 2026? - The company is targeting a 3%-3.5% increase in expenses, reflecting a conservative approach while allowing for necessary investments [20][42] Question: What is the expected impact of Fed rate cuts on expenses and investments? - Management believes that any efficiencies gained from rate cuts would drop to the bottom line rather than being absorbed by increased spending [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported a net income of just under $135 million, equating to $3.49 per share, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.9% [4] - In Q4, net income was $34 million, or $0.89 per share, slightly down from Q3, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.37% [5] - The NIM rose to 3.99%, up six basis points from the previous quarter, marking the best performance since Q2 2023 [6] - Non-interest income increased by $500,000 in Q4, with expectations for fees in 2026 to remain around $13 million to $14 million per quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for Q4 was just under $100 million at 4.5%, primarily driven by commercial banking, with C&I and CRE portfolios growing by $53 million and $34 million, respectively [6][8] - Customer deposit growth was just under $60 million at 2.9%, with a strong deposit mix where demand deposits (DDAs) represented 27% of total balances [6] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) decreased from 1.23% to 1.15% quarter over quarter, reflecting a reduction in criticized and classified loans by $30 million, or 13% in Q4 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single digit loan growth for 2026, primarily from C&I and CRE, supported by investments in team leadership and banker talent [10] - The competitive landscape for deposits has become more rational, with the company focusing on core deposit growth to fund loan growth [66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new $100 million share repurchase authorization, indicating strong capital levels and the ability to consider M&A opportunities [7] - The focus remains on maintaining asset quality while pursuing growth in commercial banking and consumer home equity [10][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining asset quality similar to 2025 levels, with a focus on reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) [12][43] - The overall economic environment is improving, but management is cautious about predicting growth rates significantly higher than GDP growth [19] Other Important Information - The company has been actively hiring to support growth in C&I and CRE, with a focus on adding talent across various segments [20][32] - AI tools are being utilized for compliance and fraud detection, with ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency [54][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and constraints - Management indicated that loan growth is not constrained by demand but by ensuring asset quality of new customers [18] Question: Margin outlook and competitive pressures - Management noted that competitive pressures on deposit rates have eased, allowing for better margin stability [21][66] Question: M&A activity and geographic focus - Management confirmed ongoing active dialogue regarding M&A opportunities without a significant shift in geographic preference [25] Question: Asset quality and charge-offs - Management clarified that recent charge-offs were related to previously identified credits, emphasizing the reduction in criticized and classified loans [40][43] Question: Deposit growth and funding loan growth - Management expects to fund loan growth internally through deposit growth, focusing on core deposit strategies [30][32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 18% quarter-over-quarter and 29% year-over-year, reaching a new high [3] - Return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.29% from 0.99% in Q4 2024 [3] - Net interest income rose by $1 million or 1.7% from the prior quarter, driven by a higher interest margin [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.7% from 3.64% in the prior quarter and from 3.36% in Q4 2024 [7] - Total loan balances increased by $14 million in Q4, with a loan portfolio growth of 5.54% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial lending closed $254 million in new loan commitments, down from $317 million last quarter [13] - Total new loan production was $271 million, offset by elevated payoffs and prepaids [13] - The yield on the investment portfolio decreased to 3.26% in Q4 compared to 3.35% in Q3 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $63 million in Q4, primarily due to a $100 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits [5] - The cost of interest-bearing demand deposits decreased to 1.8% from 1.89% in the prior quarter [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to close the merger with Olympic Bancorp at the end of January, which is expected to enhance profitability and growth in the Puget Sound market [4] - The company aims to resume loan growth at more historical levels in 2026, following a period of elevated loan payoffs [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating future challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities [16] - The company anticipates continued improvement in net interest margin and deposit costs due to recent rate cuts [20][21] Other Important Information - The company remains above capital life thresholds, with a tangible common equity (TCE) ratio of 10.1%, up from 9.8% in the prior quarter [8] - Non-accrual loans totaled $21 million, representing 0.44% of total loans, an increase from 0.37% at the end of Q3 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook given adjustable rate opportunities - Management noted that despite recent rate cuts, loan yields slightly grew in Q4, and they expect further improvement in margins without the merger [20][21] Question: Loan growth expectations for 2026 - Management indicated a potential for lower payoffs and a return to positive net advances in 2026, with good visibility in the loan pipeline [29] Question: Operating expense growth expectations - Management expects approximately $20-$21 million in merger-related expenses, with a run rate for Q2 and Q3 projected in the mid-$56 million range [32][33] Question: Thoughts on crossing the $10 billion asset threshold - Management stated that they are several years out from crossing the $10 billion mark on an organic basis, focusing on integrating Olympic first [35][36] Question: Competition in loan yields - Management acknowledged a competitive market for commercial loans but did not see any significant changes in competition levels [42][44] Question: Capital priorities in 2026 - Management highlighted the importance of closing the Olympic transaction and indicated potential for buybacks post-merger [48][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loans increased by $230 million, or 5.5% compared to the third quarter, reaching $4.39 billion, marking a 10.8% rise year-over-year [5] - Total assets ended the year at $5.34 billion, reflecting a 5.5% increase over the third quarter and an 8.1% rise compared to the previous year-end [6] - Total deposits grew by over $254 million in the fourth quarter, reaching $4.6 billion, a 5.8% increase from the third quarter and a 7.3% rise year-over-year [6] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $17.9 million, leading to a record total annual net income of $66.3 million, reflecting a 39% increase year-over-year [8] - Return on equity was 14%, marking a 24% increase from last year [8] - Earnings per share reached $1.02 for the quarter and totaled $3.79 for the year, representing a 36% increase from the prior year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Service charges and fees increased by approximately 24% over the third quarter and an impressive 55% year-over-year [6] - Loan interest income and fees grew by about 7% compared to the previous year [6] - Non-accrual loans decreased by $603,000 in the fourth quarter and $16.7 million for the full year, indicating improved credit quality [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cost of funds stood at 3.33% in the fourth quarter, reflecting a 23 basis point improvement from the third quarter and a 50 basis point improvement from a year ago [9] - The loan-to-deposit ratio maintained at 95% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the integration of its merger with Keystone Bankshares, Inc., aiming to create a combined $6 billion entity with 22 locations across Texas [13][14] - Strategic initiatives for 2026 include achieving loan growth targets of $75-$100 million per quarter and maintaining disciplined underwriting practices [14] - The company aims to enhance operational efficiency while scaling its organization for greater success [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue delivering substantial value to shareholders and highlighted the positive momentum generated in 2025 [13][15] - The outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with expectations of favorable loan production conditions and a strong pipeline [24][31] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses represented 1% of total loans, slightly declining from 1.02% at the previous year-end [12] - The company has reinitiated its 1% initiative to improve efficiency and is expected to realize more efficiencies from the upcoming core conversion [49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on expenses and actions taken in the quarter - Management noted $1.5 million in sign-on and severance costs, with additional merger-related expenses expected [19][20] Question: Future hiring post-acquisition - Management indicated ongoing hiring as a talent magnet, with no fundamental shift expected in operations [22] Question: Loan growth expectations post-Keystone acquisition - Management maintained the loan growth target of $75-$100 million per quarter, with potential for favorable conditions in 2026 [24][31] Question: Deposit growth drivers - Management clarified that deposit growth was somewhat seasonal and not driven by specific campaigns [44] Question: Expectations for non-interest income - Management expressed optimism for non-interest income, projecting a strong run rate [51] Question: Update on securitization pipeline - Management indicated likelihood of another securitization in 2026, focusing on selling existing assets [55] Question: Appetite for additional M&A - Management confirmed ongoing strategic planning for M&A, remaining selective in opportunities [40]