General Dynamics(GD) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $3.88 per diluted share on revenue of $12.9 billion, with operating earnings of $1.3 billion and net income of $1.059 billion, reflecting a revenue increase of $1.24 billion or 10.6% year-over-year [4][5] - Operating earnings increased by $150 million or 12.7%, while net earnings rose by $129 million or 13.9%, and earnings per share increased by $0.53 or 15.8% compared to the same quarter last year [5][6] - Year-to-date revenue reached $38.2 billion, up 11%, with operating earnings up 15.7% and net earnings up 16.4% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes Aerospace - Aerospace revenue was $3.2 billion, up $752 million or 30.3% year-over-year, with operating earnings of $430 million, a 41% increase [7][8] - The operating margin for Aerospace improved to 13.3%, up 100 basis points from the previous year [8] - Year-to-date, Aerospace revenue is up $1.82 billion or 24.2%, with operating earnings up $386 million or 43.9% [9] Defense Combat Systems - Combat Systems revenue was $2.3 billion, a modest increase of 1.8%, with earnings of $335 million, up 3.1% [12] - Year-to-date revenue is $6.7 billion, up 1.7%, and earnings are $950 million, up 3.3% [13] Marine Systems - Marine Systems revenue reached $4.1 billion, up $497 million or 13.8%, with operating earnings of $291 million, a 12.8% increase [15] - Year-to-date, Marine revenue is $11.9 billion, up 14.7%, and earnings are $832 million, up 13.2% [16] Technologies - Technologies revenue was $3.3 billion, down 1.6%, with operating earnings of $327 million, essentially unchanged [17] - Year-to-date revenue is $10.2 billion, up 3.5%, and earnings are $987 million, up almost 5% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall book-to-bill ratio for the company was 1.5 to 1, with all segments experiencing a book-to-bill of at least 1.2 times [25] - The backlog reached a record level of $109.9 billion, up 19% year-over-year and 6% from the previous quarter [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company anticipates annual revenue of around $52 billion and margins of approximately 10.3% for the year [33] - The management emphasized the importance of operational performance and cash generation, expecting continued margin strength in the future [24][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the potential impacts of a government shutdown on cash flow and contract timing, indicating a prudent approach to cash conservation [28][30] - The company remains optimistic about growth driven by international demand, particularly in combat vehicles and munitions [76] Other Important Information - The company generated $2.1 billion of operating cash flow, with free cash flow of $1.9 billion for the quarter, representing 179% of net income [27] - The tax rate for the quarter was 16.7%, with an expected full-year rate around 17.5% [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What factors drove the strong orders in aerospace? - Management indicated that the strength of the economy and a robust order book were primary drivers, along with improved delivery cadence and new models [36][37] Question: Are there any impacts from the government shutdown on cash collection or contracts? - Management noted no immediate impacts on cash collection but mentioned potential delays in contracting processes due to government personnel being sent home [50][51] Question: How is the company addressing efficiency in shipbuilding? - Management highlighted improvements in the supply chain and investments in productivity, robotics, and employee training as key levers for enhancing shipbuilding efficiency [56][58] Question: What is the outlook for the Columbia Class program? - Management stated that the first Columbia is about 60% complete and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve production cadence and address supply chain challenges [68][90] Question: How does the company view the future of combat systems in Europe? - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential in Europe, particularly due to indigenous operations and increasing international demand [76][87]
Kinsale Capital (KNSL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinsale's operating earnings per share increased by 24% year-over-year, reaching $5.21 per share compared to $4.20 in Q3 2024 [4][10] - Gross written premium grew by 8.4% over Q3 2024, while net earned premium increased by 17.8% [5][8] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 74.9%, benefiting from 3.7 points from net favorable prior year loss reserve development [7][8] - Book value per share increased by 25.8% since year-end 2024, and float grew to $3 billion from $2.5 billion [5][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial property division saw a premium drop of 8% in Q3, an improvement from a 17% drop in Q2 [5] - Excluding the commercial property division, the overall growth rate was 12.3% [5] - Submission growth was 6% for the quarter, down from 9% in the first quarter, primarily driven by the commercial property division [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E&S market conditions were steady and competitive, with varying growth rates across segments [5][6] - The pricing trends in the commercial property market showed a decline, but management noted an inflection point where the rate of decline is stabilizing [14][62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Kinsale's disciplined underwriting and low-cost business model provide a competitive advantage, allowing for competitive policy terms without compromising margins [5][6] - The company is focusing on technology as a core competency, enhancing its enterprise system and utilizing AI tools to drive automation [22][23] - Management expressed confidence in growth opportunities across various segments, including transportation, agribusiness, and high-value homeowners [19][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about future growth prospects, citing a durable competitive advantage and strong financial performance [14][36] - The company is cautious about releasing reserves and maintains a conservative approach to loss reserving [26][67] - Management acknowledged increased competition in the E&S market but believes their efficiency will allow them to capture market share from higher-cost competitors [6][61] Other Important Information - Management announced significant changes, including Brian Haney's election to the Board and his transition to Senior Advisor [3][4] - The company is generating excess capital, leading to increased share repurchases [75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future opportunities outside of commercial property - Management sees opportunities across the entire book, particularly in transportation, agribusiness, and high-value homeowners [19][20] Question: Technology innovations and implementation - Kinsale has made technology a core competency, focusing on enhancing their enterprise system and utilizing AI tools [22][23] Question: Changes in assumptions for construction liability - Management conducts quarterly reviews of loss reserves, with no specific changes noted for the construction segment [25][26] Question: Growth opportunities in excess casualty - Rates in excess casualty remain strong, with good growth opportunities [28] Question: State E&S data and growth perceptions - Management advised against reading too much into state-specific growth data, suggesting a broader view over time [46][47] Question: Impact of alternative capital on property market - Management acknowledged the potential for alternative capital to enter the market but emphasized their focus on maintaining competitive pricing [84]
Stellar Bancorp(STEL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $25.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share for Q3 2025, compared to $26.4 million or $0.51 per share in Q2 2025, reflecting an annualized ROAA of 0.97% and an annualized ROATCE of 11.45% [9] - Net interest income increased to $100.6 million from $98.3 million in the previous quarter, with a net interest margin of 4.2% compared to 4.18% in Q2 2025 [10] - The total risk-based capital ratio improved to 16.33% at the end of Q3 2025 from 15.98% at the end of Q2 2025, and tangible book value per share increased by 9.3% year-over-year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The provision for loan losses was $305,000 in Q3 2025, with net charge-offs totaling $3.3 million, primarily from previously identified credits [11] - Non-interest income decreased to $5 million from $5.8 million in the previous quarter, mainly due to write-downs on foreclosed assets [12] - Non-interest expenses rose to $73.1 million from $70 million in Q2 2025, driven by increased salaries and benefits, including severance expenses related to branch closures [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong deposit growth, with 51% of new deposits coming from new customers, reflecting improved brand awareness and customer satisfaction [32] - The company reported a significant increase in loan originations, up 62% year-to-date compared to the same period last year, although Q3 originations were lower than Q2 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through disciplined capital deployment, focusing on building quality assets and maintaining strong credit quality [8] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic market, particularly in Texas, where M&A activity is increasing [13][67] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of credit trends and the overall market, despite some concerns in the industry [7][29] - The company plans to continue optimizing expenses and managing its balance sheet effectively to support growth and maintain financial flexibility [45] Other Important Information - The company repurchased shares and paid down $30 million of subordinated debt after the quarter-end, reinforcing its capital position [8] - The management noted that Q3 expenses were considered an outlier and expected a return to a more typical expense level in Q4 2025 [12][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the payoffs and paydowns, and what is the growth outlook? - Payoffs in the last quarter were about $50 million more than the previous quarter, with 44% related to collateral sales and 25% due to refinancing elsewhere. The company remains optimistic about future growth due to a healthy pipeline [20][22] Question: What are the current credit concerns and management's approach? - Management stated that they conduct stress testing and monitor portfolios closely, emphasizing a shift towards more stable C&I credits while maintaining a strong real estate loan portfolio [26][28] Question: What are the drivers behind the strong deposit growth? - The company reported that 51% of new deposits were from new customers, reflecting successful market share gains and improved customer satisfaction [31][32] Question: What are the expectations for seasonal deposit strength in Q4? - The company noted historical seasonal strength in government banking deposits, but it is difficult to predict exact amounts for the upcoming quarter [39][41] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and M&A activity? - Management indicated that loan growth is expected to manifest in the second half of the year, with ongoing conversations about potential M&A opportunities while being cautious about maintaining a strong balance sheet [65][67]
Hilltop Holdings(HTH) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hilltop reported net income of approximately $46 million or $0.74 per diluted share for the third quarter [4] - Return on average assets for the period was 1.2% and return on average equity was 8.35% [4] - Net interest income increased by $7.4 million or 7% year-over-year, driven by improving deposit costs and growth in new higher yielding commercial loans [18] - Tangible book value per share increased by $0.67 to $31.23 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PlainsCapital Bank generated $55 million of pretax income on $12.6 billion of average assets, resulting in a return on average assets of 1.34% [5] - PrimeLending reported a pretax loss of $7 million due to subdued mortgage origination volumes [7] - Hilltop Securities produced pretax income of $26.5 million on net revenues of $144.5 million, achieving a pretax margin of 18% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits at PlainsCapital increased by 6% on a linked quarter basis [6] - Existing home sales across the country reached their lowest level in over thirty years, impacting PrimeLending's performance [8] - Hilltop Securities experienced a 28% year-over-year increase in net revenues in public finance services [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase market share despite elevated competition in Texas [6] - Hilltop Securities continues to invest in core areas of expertise and leverage its national brand [10] - The leadership team at PrimeLending is focused on optimizing costs and productivity to restore profitability [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges in the mortgage market due to higher interest rates and home prices [21] - The company anticipates one additional 25 basis point rate cut in 2025, followed by two more in 2026 [18] - Management remains vigilant in assessing risk and negative credit migration, focusing on early detection and aggressive workout when necessary [26] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses declined by $2.8 million to $95 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 1.16% [15] - The company returned $11 million to stockholders through dividends and repurchased $55 million in shares [11] - A leadership transition is occurring at PlainsCapital Bank with the retirement of the Chief Credit Officer [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and near-term outlook - Management explained that they remain asset sensitive and did not increase the overall loan growth profile due to expected paydowns and production [30] Question: Stock buybacks and M&A outlook - Management confirmed they are leaning into share repurchases given their excess capital position and discussed opportunities in the Texas market for potential M&A [37][38] Question: Auto portfolio exposure - Management acknowledged subprime exposure in the auto financing sector but emphasized their proactive management and workout efforts [40][46] Question: Broker dealer fee income - Management noted strong performance across all business units in the broker dealer segment but expects some reversion to lower levels in the future [49][51]
Alpine me Property Trust(PINE) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Alpine Income Property Trust (NYSE:PINE) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 24, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker0Thank you.Speaker1Our first question comes from Michael Goldsmith with UBS. Your line is open.Speaker2Good morning. Thanks a lot for taking my questions. A lot of investment activity both during the quarter and subsequent to quarter end. So can you just provide a little color and how you're thinking about funding all of this activity?Speaker0Hey, Michael. It's John. Thanks. Look, we as you know, we've been ve ...
Kinsale Capital (KNSL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinsale's operating earnings per share increased by 24% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year [6] - Gross written premium grew by 8.4% year-over-year, while net earned premium increased by 17.8% [10] - The combined ratio for the quarter was 74.9%, with a nine-month operating return on equity of 25.4% [6][10] - Book value per share rose by 25.8% since the end of 2024, and float increased by 20% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial property division saw a premium drop of 8% in Q3 2025, a significant improvement from a 17% drop in Q2 2025 [7] - Excluding the commercial property division, the overall growth rate was 12.3% [7] - The expense ratio for Q3 2025 was 21%, up from 19.6% the previous year, attributed to lower ceding commissions [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The E&S market conditions remained steady in Q3 2025, with competitive growth rates varying by segment [6] - Submission growth was 6% for the quarter, down from 9% in the first quarter, primarily driven by the commercial property division [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Kinsale's disciplined underwriting and low-cost business model provide a competitive advantage in a cost-focused market [7] - The company is focusing on growth in newer areas such as transportation and agribusiness, while also emphasizing high-value homeowners and personal lines [23][24] - The management expressed confidence in maintaining a durable competitive advantage and gradually taking market share from higher expense competitors [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the E&S market remains competitive, with some signs of stabilization in commercial property rates [15][17] - The company is optimistic about growth prospects, despite a deceleration in premium growth [17][45] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining efficiency and controlling underwriting processes to protect margins [95] Other Important Information - Management announced significant changes, including Brian Haney's election to the Board and his transition to Senior Advisor [4] - The company is actively enhancing its technology capabilities, including the implementation of AI tools to drive automation [28][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future opportunities outside of commercial property - Management sees opportunities across various segments, particularly in transportation, agribusiness, and casualty lines [23][24] Question: Technology innovations and implementation - The company has made technology a core competency and is currently working on a complete rewrite of its enterprise system to enhance efficiency [27][30] Question: Changes in construction liability assumptions - Management indicated that there were no specific changes affecting the current year loss pick, but they conduct regular reviews of loss reserves [33] Question: Growth opportunities in excess casualty - There are still good opportunities in excess casualty, with rates holding strong in the segments where Kinsale participates [36] Question: Casualty market state and pricing trends - The casualty market remains competitive, but certain segments like excess casualty and allied health are still strong for growth [42] Question: Impact of alternative capital on property market - Management acknowledged the potential for alternative capital to enter the market but emphasized the current dynamics of the third quarter [106] Question: Underwriting expenses management - The company aims to maintain efficiency and expects gradual declines in underwriting expenses over time [93] Question: Reinsurance retention outlook - Management indicated that retention levels could change based on the mix of business but did not foresee immediate changes [99][100]
Eastern Bankshares(EBC) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 14:00
Eastern Bankshares (NasdaqGS:EBC) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 24, 2025 09:00 AM ET Speaker7Welcome to the Eastern Bankshares, Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. Currently, all participant lines are in a listen-only mode. Following the prepared remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Please note this event is being recorded for replay purposes. In connection with today's call, the company posted a presentation on its investor relations website, investor.easternbank.com, which w ...
Sanofi(SNY) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported sales of EUR 12.4 billion, representing a 7% increase compared to the previous year [4] - Business EPS reached EUR 2.91, reflecting a robust growth of EUR 0.19 or 13% compared to Q3 2024 [15] - The gross margin increased by 2.3 percentage points this quarter, driven by an improved product mix and productivity gains [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmaceutical sales grew by 7% at constant exchange rates, primarily driven by immunology and recent launches [13] - New product launches contributed EUR 1.8 billion in sales this quarter, accounting for 15% of total sales [6] - Dupixent sales reached EUR 4 billion for the first time, with a 26% growth this quarter [7][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vaccine sales were EUR 3.4 billion, reflecting a decrease due to competitive price pressure and lower flu immunization rates in the U.S. [8] - Outside the U.S., Dupixent sales grew by 21%, exceeding EUR 1 billion in the quarter [8] - Beyfortus sales increased by 20% this quarter, now available in 40 countries [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve access to treatments and lower prices for patients, as demonstrated by the expansion of its patient affordability program for insulins [5][11] - The focus remains on innovation in respiratory vaccines and expanding the commercial portfolio with new product launches [10][11] - The company is committed to maintaining a balanced capital allocation policy, focusing on organic growth, selective acquisitions, and progressive dividends [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business outlook for the remainder of the year and reiterated full-year sales guidance [4] - The company anticipates continued growth momentum, with expectations for high single-digit sales growth and low double-digit business EPS growth at constant exchange rates for the full year [15][16] - Management acknowledged challenges in the vaccine segment but remains committed to innovation and improving patient access [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has achieved a milestone of treating 1 million patients for non-communicable diseases across low and middle-income countries since 2021 [11] - The company has completed acquisitions of Drensbios DR0201, Vigil Neuroscience, and Blueprint, with associated costs factored into guidance [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Poly-SPMS regulatory debate and confidence in resolving FDA questions - Management confirmed ongoing conversations with the FDA and submitted data sets, looking forward to the PDUFA date of December 28 [32] Question: Update on U.S. policy conversations - Management stated that dialogues with the U.S. government have been ongoing and focused on demonstrating the value the company can bring [38] Question: Q4 ordering trends for Beyfortus - Management confirmed expectations for Q4 performance to be similar to Q3, with a focus on increasing vaccination coverage rates in the U.S. [42][44] Question: Insights on Dupixent's COPD development and gross to net dynamics - Management highlighted strong growth in COPD and indicated that gross to net dynamics are monitored and included in long-term guidance [81] Question: Timing dynamics around riliprubart and other programs under review - Management indicated that timelines for riliprubart are being updated and that data from various studies will be presented at relevant scientific congresses [62] Question: Potential for product acquisitions and vaccine trends - Management acknowledged the success of Dupixent and indicated a cautious approach to M&A, while also addressing concerns about vaccine fatigue [90]
Financial Institutions(FISI) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $20.1 million, or $0.99 per diluted share for Q3 2025, reflecting strong financial results [4] - Return on average assets (ROAA) was 132 basis points and return on average equity (ROAE) was 13.31%, both significantly up from previous periods [5] - Full-year 2025 guidance for ROAA has been revised to exceed 115 basis points, up from 110 basis points, and ROAE is now expected to be greater than 12%, up from 11.25% [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 1.2%, driven by commercial lending, while total deposits increased by 3.9% [4] - Total commercial loans reached approximately $3 billion, reflecting a 1.6% increase from the previous quarter and an 8.3% increase year-over-year [6] - Consumer indirect balances increased by 0.6% from the previous quarter but were down 4.1% year-over-year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong commercial growth in upstate New York, particularly in the Syracuse region due to Micron Technologies' investment [8] - Residential lending showed modest growth, with mortgage and home equity applications up 12% and 11% year-over-year, respectively [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for profitable organic growth and anticipates raising profitability targets for 2026 [21] - The focus remains on maintaining a strong balance sheet and enhancing capital ratios, with tangible common equity (TCE) improving to 8.74% [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining momentum into 2026, driven by pent-up demand for credit and favorable economic conditions [8][21] - The company is tightening its expected range for full-year net interest margin to between 350 and 355 basis points, anticipating temporary margin pressure in Q4 [15] Other Important Information - Non-interest income was $12.1 million, up 13.6% from the previous quarter, with investment advisory revenue increasing [16] - Non-interest expense was $35.9 million, slightly up from the linked quarter, primarily due to higher claims activity in the self-funded medical plan [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on margin and potential rate cuts - Management indicated that margin may see a modest impact from rate cuts but expects a recovery in 2026, with a starting point around 360 basis points [24][25] Question: Thoughts on share buyback - Management expressed satisfaction with the board's approval of the buyback, viewing it as a means to support shares and invest in the company [26] Question: Loan growth expectations for 2026 - Management is optimistic about achieving mid-single-digit growth rates in loans, based on recent performance and planning for 2026 [27]
First Financial Bancorp.(FFBC) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-24 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net income for Q3 2025 was $72.6 million, with adjusted earnings per share at $0.76, resulting in an adjusted return on assets of 1.55% and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 19.3% [4][6] - Record revenue was achieved in Q3, driven by a robust net interest margin of 4.02% and record non-interest income, which represented 31% of total net revenue [4][7] - Tangible book value per share increased to $16.19, a 5% increase from the previous quarter and a 14% increase year-over-year [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan balances declined modestly by $72 million during the quarter, primarily due to lower production in specialty lending areas and an increase in construction originations [5][10] - Non-interest income reached a record high of $73.6 million, led by leasing and foreign exchange businesses, with higher syndication fees contributing to the increase [10][11] - Non-interest expenses increased due to higher incentive compensation tied to fee income, but overall expenses were well managed [5][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposit balances increased by $157 million, driven by higher broker deposits and money market accounts, despite a seasonal decline in public funds [7][10] - The company maintained 21% of total balances in non-interest bearing accounts, focusing on growing lower-cost deposit balances [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects loan growth to return to mid-single digits in Q4 2025, driven by strong commercial lending and seasonal public fund inflows [13][34] - The integration of pending acquisitions, including Westfield and BankFinancial, is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and expand market reach [15][64] - The company aims to maintain an industry-leading net interest margin and is preparing for potential rate cuts while managing deposit costs [13][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strong performance in Q4 2025, with expectations for continued growth in fee income and stable credit costs [14][43] - The company anticipates that credit costs will remain steady, with net charge-offs expected to be in the mid-20 basis points range [43] - Management highlighted the competitive deposit environment but indicated that proactive measures have been taken to manage deposit costs effectively [52] Other Important Information - The company recorded $9.1 million in provision expense during the quarter, driven by net charge-offs, with an allowance for credit losses (ACL) coverage of 1.38% of total loans [8][12] - The company is committed to providing attractive returns to shareholders, with 33% of earnings returned through dividends during the period [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: NDFI loan exposure details - The company has approximately $434 million in the NDFI portfolio, which is conservatively managed and primarily consists of traditional REITs [17][20] Question: Impact of rate cuts on net interest margin - Each 25 basis point rate cut is expected to create about 5 basis points of margin pressure initially, with recovery as deposit costs adjust [21][22] Question: Loan growth expectations and verticals driving growth - Strong commercial lending is expected to drive growth, with specific contributions from Summit funding and commercial real estate [32][34] Question: Fourth quarter fee and expense guidance - The increase in fourth quarter expenses is primarily driven by higher forecasts from Bannockburn and other business segments [40][41] Question: Credit cost outlook - Credit costs are expected to remain steady, with a run rate of mid-20 basis points anticipated [43] Question: Capital management and buyback considerations - The company plans to assess capital ratios post-acquisitions before considering buybacks, especially if trading below tangible book value [45][46] Question: Deposit competition and funding growth - The company expects to manage deposit costs effectively despite competitive pressures, aided by liquidity from acquisitions [52][54]