Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings recorded consolidated revenue of 17.3 trillion and operating profit of 640 billion, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters despite losses at POSCO E&C [1][2] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was 6.6%, driven by increased sales volume and proactive cost-cutting efforts [1][8] - Operating profit for POSCO improved from 322 billion in Q4 of last year to 585 billion in Q3 of this year, despite a 1.7% drop in revenue due to declining sales prices [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel sector, production volume increased by 4.9%, but the average selling price dropped, leading to a decrease in revenue [8] - In rechargeable battery materials, losses narrowed sharply quarter-over-quarter due to increased cathode sales volume and a price rebound in lithium operations [2][10] - POSCO E&C faced significant one-time costs of 288.1 billion due to the Shenzhen incident, with an additional 230 billion expected in Q4 [10][64] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market demand is slowing, with imports flooding the market prior to the AD ruling, impacting sales prices [8][20] - Overseas steel profits are expected to decline moderately due to poor performance in Mexico and India, while steady performance is anticipated in Indonesia and Vietnam [9][10] - The lithium market is projected to see increased demand, with expectations of 14 million EVs next year, leading to a potential increase in lithium prices [51][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - POSCO Group is focused on creating a safe workplace through comprehensive safety management innovations and plans to establish a safety master plan [3][6] - The company aims to ramp up new plants and improve process efficiency in lithium operations while ensuring disciplined execution to avoid additional costs [2][31] - Future investments will prioritize environmental projects and overseas capacity additions, particularly in high-growth markets like the U.S. and India [30][31] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the complexities of external uncertainties affecting the operating environment and expressed optimism for a recovery in steel profits in 2026 [1][9] - The company is preparing for the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and is actively developing strategies to mitigate its impact [21][22] - Management expects to return to normal profitability levels in POSCO E&C by next year after accounting for one-time losses [10][64] Other Important Information - POSCO Group has restructured seven projects, generating 400 billion in cash, and completed 63 projects since early 2024, generating 1.4 trillion in cash [7] - The company is committed to enhancing safety measures and has launched a task force to improve workplace safety [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel market outlook for Q4 and anti-dumping effects - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be difficult to assess immediately, but they expect some positive effects from the real estate market in late Q4 [19][20] Question: Response to carbon-related costs and EU regulations - Management acknowledged the potential increase in costs due to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and emphasized ongoing communication with the EU to address uncertainties [21][22] Question: Update on Alaska LNG project and its impact - The project is under review, and if realized, it could supply about 300,000 tons of steel, with operations expected between 2026 and 2028 [24] Question: Mid to long-term steel strategies - Management confirmed plans to increase overseas capacity and shut down non-competitive domestic facilities while focusing on new growth areas [28][30] Question: Update on lithium operations and market demand - Management reported that ramp-up for lithium operations is expected to be completed by early next year, with anticipated increases in lithium prices and demand [55][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings reported consolidated revenue of 17.3 trillion KRW and operating profit of 640 billion KRW for Q3 2025, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters [1] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was recorded at 6.6%, driven by increased sales volume and cost-cutting efforts, despite a 1.7% drop in revenue compared to the previous quarter [1][8] - Operating profit for POSCO specifically was 585 billion KRW in Q3, reflecting a continuous recovery pattern from previous quarters [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel sector, despite a decline in sales prices due to market saturation and increased imports, production volume increased by 4.9% [7][8] - In rechargeable battery materials, losses narrowed significantly quarter-over-quarter, with cathode sales volume nearly doubling due to the impending IRA benefit sunset [2][10] - POSCO E&C faced significant losses due to the Shenzhen line incident, with a one-time cost of 288.1 billion KRW recognized in Q3, and an additional 230 billion KRW expected in Q4 [10][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market in Korea is normalizing, but the company anticipates challenges due to reduced EU duty-free quotas and increased tariffs on steel products [1][9] - Overseas steel profits are expected to decline moderately, particularly in Mexico and India, while steady performance is anticipated in Indonesia and Vietnam [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on ramping up new lithium plants and improving process efficiency, with a commitment to disciplined execution to avoid additional costs [2] - POSCO Group is implementing a comprehensive safety management plan to prevent future incidents and improve workplace safety [4][5] - The company is restructuring its portfolio, having completed 63 projects generating 1.4 trillion KRW in cash, and is prioritizing investments in high-growth markets such as the U.S. and India [6][25] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that while the current operating environment is complex, they expect to return to normal profitability levels in 2026 after accounting for one-off losses [3][10] - The outlook for the steel market in 2026 is positive, with anticipated overall profit increases compared to the current year [9] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in carbon-related costs and trade regulations, particularly the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism [13][19] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaging in negotiations to secure more quotas in response to EU tariff increases and is adjusting its sales strategy to mitigate impacts from reduced quotas [47] - The company is also exploring potential M&A opportunities in sectors aligned with its long-term growth strategy [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel market outlook for Q4 and impact of anti-dumping measures - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures would be difficult to assess immediately due to prior imports and expected seasonal demand fluctuations [16][17] Question: Response to EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - Management noted that while initial impacts may be minimal, costs are expected to rise in subsequent years, and they are developing guidelines to address these changes [18][19] Question: Investment plans and restructuring strategies - Management confirmed ongoing evaluations of investment opportunities in high-growth markets and emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness through facility upgrades and potential closures of underperforming assets [24][25] Question: Update on lithium operations and market demand - Management provided updates on the ramp-up of lithium operations, indicating that full operations are expected by early next year, with anticipated increases in demand driven by EVs [41][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - POSCO Holdings recorded consolidated revenue of KRW 17.3 trillion and operating profit of KRW 640 billion for Q3 2025, showing improvement in operating profit for three consecutive quarters [1][2] - The operating profit margin for the quarter was 6.6%, with a recovery in operating profit despite a 1.7% drop in revenue due to declining sales prices [2][11] - The average mill margin remained comparable to the previous quarter, supported by proactive cost-cutting efforts [1][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the steel segment, operating profit increased to KRW 585 billion in Q3 2025, despite a 4.9% increase in production volume and a decline in sales prices [10][11] - Rechargeable Battery Materials saw a significant narrowing of losses quarter-over-quarter, with cathode sales volume increasing ahead of the IRA benefit sunset [2][15] - POSCO E and C faced substantial losses due to the Shinansan line accident, with a one-time cost of KRW 288.1 billion recognized in Q3 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic steel market in Korea is normalizing, although demand continues to slow, and imports have flooded the market prior to the AD ruling [2][11] - The proportion of exports in Q3 rose to approximately 49.3%, indicating a shift in sales strategy [12] - Overseas steel profits are expected to experience a moderate decline, particularly in Mexico and India, while performance in Indonesia and Vietnam remains steady [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating a safe workplace through group-wide safety management innovations following recent safety incidents [4][5] - POSCO Group plans to return to normal profitability levels in 2026 after accounting for one-off losses from the Shinansan incident [4][17] - Future investments will prioritize environmental projects and overseas capacity additions, particularly in high-growth markets like the U.S. and India [41][42] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the steel market in 2026, anticipating overall profit increases compared to the current year [13] - The company is preparing for the implementation of the EU's CBAM and is developing countermeasures to mitigate potential impacts [28][29] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and maintaining competitiveness through strategic investments [40][41] Other Important Information - POSCO Holdings has completed 63 portfolio management projects generating KRW 1.4 trillion in cash since early 2024 [9] - The company is actively restructuring its operations and focusing on safety improvements following recent incidents [5][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the steel market in Q4 and next year? - Management indicated that the impact of anti-dumping measures will be difficult to assess immediately, but they expect some positive effects in the latter part of the year [24][25] Question: How will the company respond to carbon-related costs and regulations? - The company plans to develop guidelines to address the EU's CBAM and will continue efforts to reduce carbon footprints [28][29] Question: What are the investment plans following recent portfolio management? - Management stated that generated cash will be used for business growth and managing non-leverage assets, with ongoing reviews for potential acquisitions [66][67] Question: What is the current situation regarding lithium demand and pricing? - Lithium demand is expected to increase significantly, with projections for EVs and ESS driving growth [68][75] Question: How will the company handle the impact of the EU's duty-free quota reduction? - The company plans to negotiate individually with countries under FTA agreements and adjust sales strategies to mitigate impacts [77][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's total revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 reached RMB 32.86 billion, with revenue from continuing operations growing 22.5% year-over-year to RMB 32.45 billion [6][7] - Adjusted non-IFRS net profit increased by 43.4% to RMB 10.54 billion, with a non-IFRS net profit margin improving to 32.1% [7][20] - The adjusted non-IFRS gross profit reached RMB 15.46 billion, with the gross profit margin improving from 41.6% in 2024 to 47% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - WuXi Chemistry's revenue grew 29.3% to RMB 25.98 billion, with an adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improving 5.8 percentage points to 51.3% [8][9] - Small molecule D&M business revenue grew 14.1% to RMB 14.24 billion, with a total react volume of small molecule APIs exceeding 4,000 cu m [9][10] - WuXi TIDES revenue surged 121.1% year-over-year to RMB 7.84 billion, with a backlog growth of 17.1% [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the U.S. grew 31.9%, while Europe saw a 13.5% increase, and revenue from China remained flat [8] - The company reported a record backlog for continuing operations of RMB 59.88 billion, growing 41.2% year-over-year [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its core CRDMO capabilities and expanding global capacity to meet customer demand [7][25] - A strategic decision was made to sell 100% of its China-based clinical research services business to Hillhouse Investment Management, which will be classified as a discontinued operation [23][24] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit growth in continuing operations revenue for 2025, raising the growth rate expectation to 17%-18% [25][26] - The company anticipates total revenue for 2025 to be between RMB 43.5 billion and RMB 44.0 billion, up from previous guidance [26] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a total of RMB 6.88 billion in cash dividends, share repurchases, and cancellations, representing over 70% of the net profit in 2024 [27][28] - The company is actively advancing global capacity expansion, with CapEx payments reaching RMB 3.57 billion in the first three quarters [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the backlog growth, particularly in small molecules? - Management indicated that the backlog growth is primarily driven by small molecule D&M, especially from late-stage clinical and commercial projects, with a historical high backlog approaching RMB 60 billion [30][32] Question: What is the outlook for margins, especially for WuXi Chemistry? - The margin increase is attributed to continuous optimization of manufacturing processes and a higher proportion of late-phase and commercial projects, with expectations to maintain strong margins moving forward [35][36] Question: How does the new BIOSECURE bill affect customer sentiment? - Management noted that customers have not shown a significant change in demand patterns despite the geopolitical uncertainties, maintaining strong service demand [40][42] Question: What is the expected timing for the disposal of the clinical research services business? - The revenue guidance for continuing operations has excluded the clinical research services business, which will be reclassified as discontinued operations in the annual report [47] Question: What are the key drivers for the small molecule CDMO business? - The small molecule pipeline includes several high-potential projects, including GLP-1 and PCSK9, with a strong focus on capturing late-phase and commercial opportunities [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's total revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 reached RMB 32.86 billion, with revenue from continuing operations growing 22.5% year-over-year to RMB 32.45 billion [6][7] - Adjusted non-IFRS net profit increased by 43.4% to RMB 10.54 billion, with a non-IFRS net profit margin improving to 32.1% [7][20] - The adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improved from 41.6% in 2024 to 47% in the first three quarters of 2025 [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - WuXi Chemistry's revenue grew 29.3% to RMB 25.98 billion, with an adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improving 5.8 percentage points year-over-year to 51.3% [8][9] - WuXi TIDES revenue surged 121.1% year-over-year to RMB 7.84 billion, with a backlog growth of 17.1% [10] - WuXi Testing revenue remained flat at RMB 4.17 billion, while lab testing service revenue grew 7.2% year-over-year [13][14] - WuXi Biology revenue increased by 6.6% to RMB 1.95 billion, with a slight decline in gross profit margin due to market pricing impacts [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the U.S. grew 31.9%, while Europe saw a 13.5% increase, and revenue from China remained relatively flat [8] - The company's backlog for continuing operations reached a record high of RMB 59.88 billion, growing 41.2% year-over-year [7][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its core CRDMO capabilities and expanding global capacity to meet customer demand [7][25] - A strategic decision was made to sell 100% of its China-based clinical research services business to Hillhouse Investment Management, which will be classified as a discontinued operation [23][24] - The company expects to achieve double-digit growth in continuing operations revenue for 2025, raising the growth rate guidance to 17% to 18% [25][26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the robust demand for enabling services and the resilience of the CRDMO business model [25] - The company anticipates improved operating efficiency and financial management capabilities to sustain growth momentum [19][22] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a total of RMB 6.88 billion in cash dividends, share repurchases, and cancellations, representing over 70% of the net profit in 2024 [27][28] - The company is actively advancing global capacity expansion, with CapEx payments reaching RMB 3.57 billion in the first three quarters [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the backlog growth, particularly in the small molecule segment? - Management indicated that the backlog growth is primarily driven by late-stage clinical and commercial projects, with a significant contribution from small molecule DNM [30][32] Question: What is the outlook for margins, especially for WuXi Chemistry? - The high margins are attributed to continuous optimization of manufacturing processes and an increase in late-phase and commercial projects, which improve utilization efficiency [35][36] Question: How do U.S. customers view the new BioSecure bill and its impact on sourcing? - Management noted that U.S. customers continue to demand services from global sites, and there has not been a significant change in sourcing patterns due to the new bill [40][42] Question: How will the disposal of the clinical research services business affect overall margins? - The margin mix for WuXi Testing is expected to improve following the divestiture of the clinical CRO business [86] Question: What are the plans for using the proceeds from recent disposals? - The proceeds will be reinvested into global growth and capacity building, supporting the company's CRDMO strategy [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's total revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 reached RMB 32.86 billion, with revenue from continuing operations growing 22.5% year-over-year to RMB 32.45 billion [5] - Adjusted non-IFRS net profit increased by 43.4% to RMB 10.54 billion, with a non-IFRS net profit margin improving to 32.1% [5][17] - The adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improved from 41.6% in 2024 to 47% in 2025 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - WuXi Chemistry's revenue grew 29.3% to RMB 25.98 billion, with an adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improving 5.8 percentage points year-over-year to 51.3% [6][7] - WuXi TIDES revenue surged 121.1% year-over-year to RMB 7.84 billion, with a backlog growth of 17.1% [8] - WuXi Testing revenue remained flat at RMB 4.17 billion, while lab testing services revenue grew 7.2% year-over-year [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the U.S. region grew 31.9%, while Europe saw a 13.5% increase, and revenue from China remained relatively flat [6] - The company's backlog for continuing operations reached a record RMB 59.88 billion, growing 41.2% year-over-year [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on its core CRDMO business model and accelerate global expansion, capacity construction, and capability development [21][23] - A strategic decision was made to sell 100% of its China-based clinical research services business to Hillhouse Investment Management, which will be classified as a discontinued operation [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit growth in continuing operations revenue for 2025, raising the growth rate expectation to 17% to 18% [23][24] - The company anticipates total revenue for 2025 to be between RMB 43.5 billion and RMB 44.0 billion, up from previous guidance [24] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a total of RMB 6.88 billion in cash dividends, share repurchases, and cancellations, representing over 70% of the company's net profit in 2024 [25] - The company is actively advancing global capacity expansion, with CapEx payments reaching RMB 3.57 billion in the first three quarters [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has been driving the backlog growth, particularly in the small molecule part? - The backlog growth is mainly driven by contributions from small molecule DNM, especially from late-stage clinical and commercial projects [30] Question: What has been driving the high gross margin in the third quarter? - The high margin is attributed to continuous optimization of the manufacturing process and an increase in late-phase and commercial projects, improving utilization efficiency [34] Question: How do U.S. customers view the new BioSecure bill? - Customers have not shown a significant change in demand patterns, and the company continues to meet service demands effectively [40] Question: Does the raised guidance for the full year include the clinical research services business? - The guidance for continuing operations has excluded the clinical research services business, which will be reclassified as discontinued operations [45] Question: What is the outlook for early-stage demand? - There has been a rise in early-stage demand, particularly from U.S. customers, driven by the company's differentiated capabilities [47] Question: What are the key drivers in the small molecule CDMO business? - The small molecule pipeline includes multiple potential big projects, including GLP-1 and other therapeutic areas [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's total revenue reached RMB32.86 billion, with revenue from continuing operations growing 22.5% year over year to RMB32.45 billion [7] - Adjusted non-IFRS net profit increased by 43.4% to RMB10.54 billion, with a net profit margin of 32.1% [7][27] - The backlog for continuing operations reached a record RMB59.88 billion, growing 41.2% year over year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Chemistry's CRDMO revenue grew 29.3% to RMB25.98 billion, with an adjusted non-IFRS gross profit margin improving by 5.8 percentage points to 51.3% [11] - Small molecule DNM business revenue increased by 14.1% to RMB14.24 billion [13] - WuXi Tides revenue surged 121.1% to RMB7.84 billion, with a backlog growth of 17.1% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the U.S. region grew 31.9%, while Europe saw a 13.5% increase, and revenue from Japan, Korea, and the rest of the world grew 9.2% [10] - Revenue from China remained relatively flat, indicating a diversified revenue stream [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing core capabilities and expanding capacity to meet customer demand [7] - An agreement was signed to sell 100% of the equity of its China-based clinical research service business, which will be classified as a discontinued operation [32][33] - The company raised its full-year guidance for continuing operations revenue growth to 17% to 18% [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in customer demand for enabling services and the resilience of the CRDMO business model [36] - The company expects to improve adjusted non-IFRS net profit margins in 2025 and anticipates free cash flow to increase [37][38] Other Important Information - The company has implemented a total of RMB6.88 billion in cash dividends and share repurchases, representing over 70% of net profit in 2024 [38] - The company is actively advancing global capacity expansion, with CapEx payments reaching RMB3.57 billion in the first three quarters [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the backlog growth, particularly in small molecules and Tides business? - Management noted that the backlog has reached a historical high, driven by small molecule DNM and Tides business, with a year-over-year growth of approximately 30% [44][45] Question: What is the outlook for margins moving forward? - The company indicated that margin growth is driven by continuous optimization of manufacturing processes and an increase in late-phase and commercial projects [50][51] Question: How do U.S. customers view the new legislative proposals regarding biotechnology? - Management stated that they are closely monitoring legislative changes and have not seen a significant shift in customer demand patterns [54][58] Question: What is the impact of the disposal of the clinical research service business on margins? - The margin mix is expected to improve following the divestiture of the clinical CRO business, enhancing the overall margin of the WuXi testing business [110] Question: How will the company utilize the cash from the recent transactions? - The cash will be used to support global growth and capacity building initiatives [112]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.40, core return on assets of 1.40%, and core return on tangible common equity of 18.7%, all showing improvement compared to the second quarter [3][4] - Year-over-year, core net income increased by 21%, core PP&R grew by 6%, and core earnings per share rose by 30% [3][4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12% [4] - Net interest margin expanded by two basis points to 3.91% quarter over quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth and trust business grew by 13% year over year [5] - Core fee revenue was flat quarter over quarter but grew by 5% when excluding strategic exits [4] - Client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits growing by 12% year over year [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net credit costs were $8.4 million this quarter, down $5.9 million compared to the prior quarter [7] - Non-performing assets (NPAs) declined by over 30% to 35 basis points, with delinquencies down by 34% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to maintain elevated levels of buybacks while adjusting the pace based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [8] - The management is focused on organic growth and is actively recruiting talent in commercial and wealth sectors [52][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage margins through deposit repricing and hedging strategies despite potential rate cuts [9][56] - The company plans to provide a full-year 2026 outlook in January, indicating a commitment to high performance [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital, including buybacks of $46.8 million, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [8] - The commercial pipeline remains strong at approximately $300 million [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the base case scenario for achieving the CET1 target? - Management indicated that they are currently buying back approximately 100% of net income and have the capacity to continue this for the next two to three years [15] Question: How are reserve levels being managed amid macro volatility? - Management stated that they are conservatively maintaining reserves due to potential macroeconomic volatility, despite good asset quality trends [18] Question: What is the outlook for the wealth and trust business? - The wealth business is seeing growth in new accounts and transactions, with institutional services up 30% and The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware up 20% year over year [26][28] Question: How does Cash Connect revenue forecast with changing rates? - Management confirmed that while revenue may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would also reduce, leading to overall profitability benefits [36][37] Question: What is the expected pace of loan payoffs from the consumer partnership? - The company expects a runoff of approximately $15 million to $17 million per month from the Spring EQ portfolio, while home lending is experiencing double-digit growth [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core EPS of $1.40, core return on assets of 1.40%, and core return on tangible common equity of 18.7%, all showing improvement compared to the second quarter [3] - Year-over-year, core net income increased by 21%, core PP&R grew by 6%, and core earnings per share rose by 30% [3][4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12%, and net interest margin expanded by 2 basis points to 3.91% quarter over quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth and trust business grew by 13% year over year, with total client deposits increasing by 1% linked quarter and 5% year over year [5] - Core fee revenue was flat quarter over quarter but grew by 5% when excluding strategic exits in wealth and trust [4] - Loans decreased by 1% linked quarter, primarily due to the sale of the Upstart loan portfolio, but residential mortgage and WSFS-originated consumer loan portfolios saw increases of 5% and 3% respectively [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest deposits grew by 12% year over year, representing over 30% of total client deposits [5] - The commercial pipeline increased to approximately $300 million, indicating strong demand in both C&I and commercial real estate [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to maintain elevated levels of buybacks while being flexible based on macroeconomic conditions and business performance [8] - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and potential acquisitions, particularly in the wealth and trust sectors [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality improvements, with total net credit costs decreasing to $8.4 million, down $5.9 million from the prior quarter [7] - The company plans to provide a full-year 2026 outlook in January, indicating a commitment to high performance despite uncertainties in the macro environment [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $56.3 million of capital during the quarter, including $46.8 million in buybacks, representing 1.5% of outstanding shares [8] - The CET1 ratio stands at 14.39%, well above the medium-term target of 12% [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the base case scenario for achieving the CET1 target? - Management indicated that they are currently buying back approximately 100% of net income and have the capacity to continue this for the next two to three years, depending on balance sheet dynamics and growth rates [14][15] Question: How are reserve levels being managed amid macro volatility? - Management noted that while there is capacity to release some reserves, they are maintaining a conservative approach due to potential economic volatility [18] Question: What is the outlook for the wealth and trust business? - The wealth business is seeing growth in new accounts and transactions, with institutional services up 30% and Bryn Mawr Trust up 20% year over year [26][28] Question: How does Cash Connect revenue forecast with changing rates? - Management confirmed that while revenue may decrease with rate cuts, expenses would also reduce, leading to a net profitability benefit [36][37] Question: What is the expected pace of loan payoffs from the consumer partnership? - The company expects a runoff of approximately $15 million to $17 million per month from the Spring EQ portfolio, while home lending is experiencing double-digit growth [42][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased compared to the second quarter, driven by higher net interest and non-interest income, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate of 23.2% in the third quarter [5][6] - Total loans declined by approximately $223 million, primarily in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [6][7] - Net interest income was $169.3 million, an increase of $5.7 million from the prior quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.19%, up 8 basis points [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by about $500 million in the third quarter, with commercial deposits rising by $135 million, while retail deposits declined by $43 million [8] - Non-interest income was $57.1 million, benefiting from higher swap income due to favorable market movements [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The state unemployment rate was 2.7% in August, lower than the national rate of 4.3%, with total visitor arrivals up 0.7% year-over-year [4] - Year-to-date visitor spending reached $4.6 billion, an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period last year [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong credit performance and is open to M&A opportunities, focusing on the mainland due to market share constraints in Hawaii [66][84] - The company is looking to grow loans in areas where it has expertise, such as residential pools of Hawaii loans [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the local economy's resilience despite potential hardships from a federal government shutdown [68][70] - There is an expectation of strong loan growth in the fourth quarter, with a focus on maintaining and strengthening community relationships [22][23] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 965,000 shares at a total cost of $24 million, with $26 million remaining under the approved stock repurchase plan [6] - The allowance for credit losses decreased to $165.3 million, with coverage remaining at 117 basis points of total loans and leases [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook and pipeline demand - Management noted significant paydowns in dealer floor plans and expressed bullishness about the pipeline, expecting strong production in the fourth quarter [18] Question: Core deposit growth and liquidity deployment - Management highlighted success in core deposit growth driven by retail and commercial teams, with expectations of flat total balances by year-end [21][22] Question: NIM management amid Fed cuts - Management indicated that NIM expansion could continue depending on the timing and magnitude of Fed rate cuts, with sufficient loan growth to support this [25][30] Question: M&A strategy and criteria - The company remains open to M&A discussions, focusing on opportunities in the mainland and Western States [66][84] Question: Impact of federal spending and local economy - Management believes the long-term trend of defense-focused federal spending in Hawaii will remain strong, with no significant changes expected [74]