First Bank (NasdaqGM:FRBA) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsPeter Cahill - Chief Lending OfficerDarleen Gillespie - Chief Retail Banking OfficerPatrick Ryan - CEOAndrew Hibshman - CFOConference Call ParticipantsJustin Crowley - AnalystOperatorThank you for standing by. My name is Kate, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the First Bank Earnings Conference Call, Third Quarter 2025. All lines have been placed on ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter net loss was $26.2 million or $0.15 per share, while the FFO totaled $28 million or $0.16 per diluted share, exceeding consensus estimates by $0.01 [21] - The annualized combined core net debt to EBITDA was 8.1 and 7.6, respectively, both within or below the business plan range [21][23] - The FFO payout ratio for the third quarter was 93.8% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarterly tenant retention rate was 68%, with leasing activity approximating 343,000 sq ft [3] - The operating portfolio leasing pipeline remains solid at 1.7 million sq ft, including about 72,000 sq ft in advanced stages of negotiations [7] - The mark-to-market was -1.8% on a GAAP basis and -4.8% on a cash basis, heavily influenced by a large renewal in Austin [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Philadelphia, occupancy was 94% and leased at 96%, while Boston was at 77% occupied and 78% leased [4] - The life science sector in the city is expected to drive growth, supported by a strong regional healthcare ecosystem [11] - The Austin market saw a 70% increase in leasing activity in Q3 compared to Q2, with over 108 tenants seeking more than 3.5 million sq ft [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to stabilize development projects and improve earnings while reducing overall leverage [31][13] - The focus is on recapitalizing high-quality, stabilized assets to enhance cash flow and open up additional capital options [13] - The investment market is improving, with institutional buyers reemerging, indicating a positive outlook for future asset sales [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating platform remains stable with limited rollover risk and strong liquidity [32] - The company anticipates that the demand for high-quality buildings will continue to grow, particularly in select submarkets [9] - Management expressed optimism about the leasing pipeline and the potential for increased NOI from development projects [31][14] Other Important Information - The board decided to reduce the dividend from $0.15 to $0.08 per share, which is seen as sustainable and allows for reinvestment [18][66] - The company issued $300 million of bonds to repay a secured CMBS loan, enhancing flexibility in leasing and managing assets [8][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you go over in more detail how we should think about the timing and process of the recapitalizations? - Management explained that recapitalizations are designed to eliminate high-cost capital structures and improve earnings by bringing high-quality assets onto the balance sheet [33][34] Question: Can you clarify the leasing prospects at Uptown ATX? - Management indicated that the leasing pipeline includes both spec suites and full-floor users, with a focus on capturing Class A tenants [42][46] Question: Why did the company decide to issue unsecured notes and take out the CMBS debt? - The decision was based on the opportunity to unencumber assets, improve unleveraged ratios, and reset rates in the debt capital markets [52][53] Question: Could you provide detail on the board's decision to reduce the dividend? - The board's decision was influenced by the need to conserve capital and the expectation of increased NOI from development projects in the future [64][66]

Euronet Worldwide (NasdaqGS:EEFT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAdam Godderz - General Counsel and Corporate SecretaryRick Weller - CFOVasu Govil - Managing DirectorCharles Nabhan - Managing DirectorDaniel Krebs - Senior AssociateMike Brown - Chairman and CEOConference Call ParticipantsAnthony Cyganovich - Executive Director and Equity Research AnalystGus Galá - Senior Equity Research AnalystMike Grondahl - Head of Equities and Senior Research AnalystAdam GodderzGood ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total revenue of $7 billion for Q3 2025, an increase of 7% year-over-year on both total store and same-store basis [12] - Adjusted EPS grew by 25% year-over-year to $5.01, benefiting from share repurchases and strong cash flow [10][15] - Adjusted net income increased by 18% to $191 million compared to $162 million a year ago [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales of new vehicles increased by 4.5%, with domestic segment leading at 11% growth [6] - Used vehicle gross profit increased by 3%, with unit sales up 4% overall [7][18] - Customer financial services gross profit reached a record high, increasing by 12% year-over-year [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date light vehicle sales averaged 16.3 million units, with retail sales averaging around 13.6 million [5] - New vehicle inventory amounted to 47 days of supply, down five days from the previous year [17] - The industry inventory of new and used vehicles remains below pre-pandemic levels, with approximately 2.6 million units available [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence in key markets through acquisitions, including stores in Denver and Chicago [11] - There is an emphasis on optimizing vehicle acquisition and maintaining higher inventory levels to support sales growth [41][68] - The company aims to continue growing its used car business above industry averages while managing inventory levels and depreciation [41][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the overall market conditions for new and used vehicles, noting reasonable inventory levels and expected improvements in supply-demand dynamics for BEVs [4][30] - The company anticipates challenges in Q4 due to tougher year-over-year comparisons but remains optimistic about maintaining growth [5][63] - Management highlighted the importance of technician recruitment and retention to support aftersales growth [9][22] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong cash flow, with adjusted free cash flow being 1.7 times that of 2023 [10] - Capital allocation strategies include significant share repurchases and prudent CapEx management, totaling over $1 billion deployed year-to-date [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the variable gross per unit changes from Q2 to Q3? - Management noted that the decrease was primarily due to a significant increase in BEV mix and pressure on domestic combustion sales, with expectations for improvement in Q4 [29][30] Question: Is there any reason the record level of finance and insurance per unit won't continue? - Management expressed confidence in the continued growth of finance and insurance contributions, driven by value-added products and strong team performance [32] Question: Any concerns regarding auto credit trends and consumer health? - Management reassured that the portfolio remains strong, with no significant concerns regarding delinquencies or losses, and trends are in line with expectations [38][39] Question: Update on used car business initiatives and growth expectations? - Management indicated that while growth is above industry averages, they are maintaining higher inventory levels to support sales, with plans to balance inventory as needed [41][45] Question: What is driving the gross margin expansion in service and parts? - Management attributed the expansion to increased volume and pricing, alongside effective technician hiring and training initiatives [49][51] Question: How is the company viewing competition in the used car market? - Management sees opportunities for consolidation in the fragmented used car market and is confident in their sourcing strategy to maintain inventory levels [66][68] Question: Changes in demand for luxury vehicles? - Management noted a more muted demand in the luxury space compared to last year but expects a seasonal uptick in December [73] Question: Is the pressure on domestic internal combustion GPUs brand-specific? - Management acknowledged some self-inflicted pressure on domestic sales but expects corrections moving forward [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter net income for 2025 was $227 million or $2.51 per share, compared to $239 million or $2.65 per share in the third quarter of 2024. Excluding special items, net income was $247 million or $2.73 per share in 2025 [2][3] - Total company EBITDA for the third quarter was $503 million in 2025, up from $461 million in 2024 [3] - Cash provided by operations reached a record $469 million, with free cash flow also at a record $277 million after $192 million in capital expenditures [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the packaging business, EBITDA excluding special items was $492 million with sales of $2.1 billion, resulting in a margin of 23.1%, compared to last year's EBITDA of $446 million and sales of $2 billion with a margin of 22.2% [6] - The paper segment reported EBITDA of $40 million with sales of $161 million, reflecting a margin of 24.9%, down from a margin of 27.1% in the third quarter of 2024 [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic containerboard and corrugated products prices and mix were $0.72 per share above the third quarter of 2024, but down $0.02 per share compared to the second quarter of 2025 [9] - Total shipments in the third quarter were down 1.1% compared to last year, with a noted decrease in shipments per day in corrugated products plants [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize production capabilities and reduce costs, leveraging in-house technical expertise [7] - The acquisition of the Greif containerboard business is expected to enhance long-term productivity and efficiency, with plans to integrate operations into PCA's corrugated system [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while some end markets, such as beef and building materials, are struggling, overall business performance remains strong in other segments [24][25] - For the fourth quarter, the company expects per-day corrugated shipments to be higher than the third quarter, despite having three fewer shipping days [17] Other Important Information - The company revised its capital expenditure forecast for the year to approximately $800 million, down from a previous estimate of $840 to $870 million [15] - The annual net interest expense is expected to increase by $95 million, with $8 million recorded in the third quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are bookings and billings as the fourth quarter starts? - Bookings and billings are slightly over 1% up, but comparisons are tough [22][23] Question: Any insights on the Greif acquisition and maintenance? - The Greif business is customer-focused, and PCA personnel are actively involved in improving operations [26][28] Question: Can you discuss the EBITDA expectations for Greif? - Historical performance was around $240 million EBITDA, with synergies expected to reach about $60 million [30] Question: What is the inventory strategy post-Greif acquisition? - The company plans to manage inventory levels down over the next couple of quarters [34] Question: How are energy costs impacting the business? - Energy costs have risen significantly, and the company is investing in projects to become electricity independent [58][65] Question: What is the outlook for the box business tied to beef and building products? - These segments are significant, with beef facing long-term challenges due to low cattle herds [114]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported net income available to common shareholders was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings available to common shareholders were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [16][17] - The total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down approximately $22.4 million from the second quarter, with net charge-offs increasing to $38.6 million or 56 basis points annualized [17][18] - Tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the second quarter, while the reported net interest margin remained steady at 3.83% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. The company expects loan balances to end the year between $27.7 billion and $28 billion [8][27] - Non-interest income decreased to $51.8 million, primarily due to a $15.7 million preliminary pretax gain on the CRE loan sale in the prior quarter compared to a $4.8 million pretax loss in the current quarter [22] - Adjusted operating non-interest income increased to $56.6 million, driven by a $4.2 million increase in loan-related interest rate swap fees [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a well-diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington metro area and the remaining 77% across a broader footprint [12] - The unemployment rate in the greater Washington, D.C. region stood at 3.6%, well below the national average of 4.3% [14] - The company is monitoring the impact of government employment reductions and the government shutdown, but believes the economic data indicates resilience in the market [11][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of the Sandy Spring acquisition is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost-savings targets and enhanced earnings power by 2026 [7][15] - The company aims to deliver sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages gained from the acquisition and continued organic growth opportunities [7][15] - The focus remains on disciplined execution and the integration of Sandy Spring, with plans to capitalize on expanded markets and pursue new growth opportunities in North Carolina [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, reaffirming the forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to be between 15 and 20 basis points [11] - The company anticipates some increases in unemployment rates across its markets but expects these to remain manageable and below the national average [14] - Management highlighted the resilience of government contractors and essential services during government shutdowns, indicating a positive outlook for the government contractor finance portfolio [13][89] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend amount [26] - The full-year financial outlook for 2025 includes preliminary estimates of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Sandy Spring acquisition [27][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and sustainability - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for next year, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment, emphasizing strength in specialty lines [36][37] Question: Expense outlook and efficiency ratio - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s, inclusive of investments in North Carolina, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base [40][41] Question: Credit trends and health of the portfolio - Overall credit trends appear strong, with low non-performing assets and past dues, despite two specific charge-offs [70][72] Question: Impact of government shutdown on operations - Management believes government contractors will remain resilient, drawing on lines of credit during shutdowns, and does not foresee significant issues arising from the current situation [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $245 million, compared to $237 million in Q3 2024 and $250 million in the previous quarter [10] - Total net sales for the quarter were $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion year-over-year [10] - Gross margins improved to 24.7% for the quarter, compared to 22.1% last year [10][15] - Overall net income was $19.4 million for the quarter, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $16.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for Q3 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the feed segment, EBITDA improved to $174 million from $132 million a year ago, with total sales of $1 billion versus $928 million [10] - The food segment saw total sales of $381 million, higher than $357 million in Q3 2024, with gross margins at 27.5% compared to 23.9% a year ago [11] - The fuel segment, specifically Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), reported a negative EBITDA of $3 million for the quarter, down from positive $39 million in Q3 2024 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global rendering volumes and margins were up both sequentially and year-over-year, driven by strong demand for fats and proteins [6] - In the U.S., robust demand for domestic fats supported by strong agriculture and energy policy helped boost revenue and margins [8] - Export protein demand is showing signs of recovery, with slightly firmer pricing trends emerging [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its core ingredients business, expecting EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $875 to $900 million, excluding DGD [17] - The management believes that the integrated model of Darling Ingredients provides a competitive advantage that is unmatched in the industry [5] - The company anticipates a shift in public policy that will strengthen American agriculture and energy leadership, which is expected to enhance DGD's earnings potential [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core ingredients business despite short-term challenges in the renewables market [5] - There is optimism regarding the resolution of regulatory uncertainties, particularly around the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) [22] - The management highlighted that the current uncertainty around public policy impacts the fuel segment, leading to a cautious outlook [17][64] Other Important Information - The company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.2 million for the quarter, yielding an effective tax rate of -6.3% [16] - Total debt net of cash was $4.01 billion, with expectations for a decrease by year-end as cash is generated from the core business [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on regulatory items like RVO - Management expects clarity on RVO and related regulatory items by December, despite the government shutdown [22] Question: Outlook for feed segment in Q4 - Management indicated that while waste fat prices have dipped, they expect the food segment to be stronger in Q4, potentially meeting guidance [24] Question: Benefits of REMS policy protectionism on feed side - Management noted that the treatment of foreign feedstocks is still unclear, and the overall supply and demand for fats and oils will influence the feed business [28] Question: Factors driving improvement in feed segment margins - Management highlighted improved feedstock prices and strong demand for protein products as key drivers for margin improvement [42] Question: RIN pricing scenarios and industry outlook - Management indicated that RIN prices may need to increase by approximately $0.40 to incentivize production to meet mandates for 2026 [50] Question: Restarting DGD1 - Management stated that DGD1 will only restart when soybean oil margins are profitable enough to justify the costs [79] Question: Outlook for food segment - Management expects a stronger Q4 for the food segment, driven by a rebound in hydrolyzed collagen business and new product launches [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 totaled $468 million, reflecting an 8% growth on a reported basis and 7% growth organically [13][9] - Adjusted operating income increased by 14% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS growing by 25% to $1.79 [15][9] - For the full year 2025, the company expects sales growth between 7% and 8%, with adjusted operating income growth between 12% and 14% [20][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cardio and vascular sales increased by 15% in Q3 2025, driven by new product ramps and strong demand in neurovascular [15] - Cardiac rhythm management solutions sales increased by 18% year-over-year, but growth is expected to decelerate in Q4 2025 due to anticipated declines in new products [16][10] - Neuromodulation sales increased by 2% in Q3 2025, with expectations for low single-digit growth for the full year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a 3% to 4% headwind to total sales in 2026 due to slower market adoption of three new products [11][25] - The portable medical exit is expected to contribute a 2% headwind to total sales in 2026 [11][25] - The overall market in which the company competes is growing at a steady mid-single digit rate [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains confident in its long-term growth strategy, focusing on early design wins in high-growth markets [12][29] - A strong product development pipeline is expected to drive above-market growth in 2027 [28][29] - The company plans to continue its acquisition strategy while maintaining a leverage ratio within the targeted range of 2.5 to 3.5x [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged recent customer forecast changes impacting the financial outlook but expressed confidence in the long-term strategy [5][10] - The company expects a recovery to market growth in the second half of 2026 as new product headwinds moderate [11][12] - Management highlighted the unusual nature of simultaneous forecast changes from multiple customers as a significant factor affecting the outlook [59] Other Important Information - The adjusted effective tax rate for Q3 2025 was 16.3%, down from 17.2% in the prior year, with expectations for the full year to be within the range of 17%-18% [18] - The company generated $66 million of cash flow from operations in Q3 2025, with free cash flow remaining flat at $46 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the organic growth of the rest of the portfolio? - Management indicated that without new product introductions, the rest of the portfolio is expected to grow at market rates, which is lower than the typical 6%-8% growth [32][33] Question: What are the expected headwinds in the cardio and vascular items? - The headwinds are related to two electrophysiology products with slower market adoption than anticipated, not due to loss of market share [34][36] Question: How confident is the company in returning to market growth by Q4 2026? - Management expressed confidence due to steady backlog and customer forecasts, despite the unusual simultaneous changes in multiple products [38][39] Question: What is the nature of the changes in the electrophysiology products? - The changes are due to customers adjusting their forecasts based on lower-than-expected market adoption rates [42][46] Question: Is the decline in neuromodulation similar to electrophysiology? - Yes, the decline is attributed to slower market adoption from emerging customers, although the overall book of business is still growing [52][57] Question: How does the company plan to manage costs in 2026? - The company will focus on operational efficiencies and disciplined cost management to navigate the expected headwinds [85][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date net income totaled $167.5 million, an increase of $31.9 million or 23.5% from the nine months ended 2024, while earnings per share totaled $2.90, an increase of $0.59 or 25.5% during the same period [6][13] - Return on assets (ROA) was 1.22%, and the efficiency ratio was 55% [3][6] - Total revenues in Q3 showed meaningful growth in both net interest income of $0.7 million and non-interest income of $1.2 million, resulting in overall pre-tax, pre-provision earnings of $70.5 million [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for the quarter was $268 million, over 10% annualized, with year-to-date growth of $699 million, over 9% annualized [8][9] - The consumer segment contributed $21 million of loan growth for the quarter, driven by residential mortgage, HELOC, and private banking relationships [9] - Non-interest income totaled $32.5 million, with customer-related fees of $29.3 million reflecting continued momentum [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits declined by $23 million in aggregate, but core relationship or operating account balances grew by 4.9% or $56 million [10] - Non-maturity deposit balances increased by $178 million, while maturity deposit balances decreased by $198 million year to date [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the acquisition of First Savings Financial Group, adding approximately $2.4 billion in assets and expanding its presence into Southern Indiana [3][4] - The strategy remains commercially focused across all business segments and primary markets of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio [7] - The company aims to enhance fee income through SBA lending and HELOCs, leveraging the acquired portfolio [4][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan growth and increasing market share activities into the fourth quarter [8] - The company anticipates a mid-first quarter closing for the First Savings acquisition and a mid-second quarter integration [5] - Management expects to manage deposit costs effectively in response to anticipated rate cuts [28][36] Other Important Information - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 9.18%, providing meaningful capital flexibility [16] - The company repurchased 162,474 shares totaling $6.5 million during the quarter, bringing total share repurchases year to date to 939,271 shares, totaling $36.5 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expense outlook for Q4 and 2026 - Management expects Q4 core expenses to be relatively in line with Q3, with no meaningful increase anticipated [25][26] Question: Impact of potential rate cuts on margin - Management predicts a few basis points of margin compression in Q4 if rate cuts occur, with a historical model indicating a decline of about two basis points for each 25 basis point cut [27][28] Question: Deposit pricing and competition - Management noted that deposit costs increased due to competitive pressures, but they are hopeful for more rational pricing following recent rate cuts [29][36] Question: Future M&A ambitions - Management indicated that while they are focused on organic growth and the integration of First Savings, they are open to opportunities but do not prioritize additional M&A at this time [41][42] Question: Sustainability of loan growth - Management believes the current loan growth is sustainable, driven by normal business activity and a strong economic outlook in the Midwest [47][48] Question: Asset quality and reserves - Management explained that the reserve remains high due to a conservative approach in their quantitative model, despite positive credit migration [94][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share increased by 30% year-over-year, with a return on tangible equity of 20% [3] - Net interest income rose to $600 million, up $22 million from the previous quarter, driven by a tax equivalent margin of 4.06% [6][8] - Charge-offs were reported at 27 basis points for the quarter, with year-to-date charge-offs at 12 basis points [4][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan production reached nearly $3.4 billion, with a 67% increase in loan production in Texas and Colorado since the first quarter [3] - Commercial and industrial lending saw a 9% linked quarter annualized growth, while residential growth was about 6% [17][18] - Non-interest income increased to $99 million from $87 million, with capital markets contributing significantly [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company identified approximately $90 billion in overlapping deposits in the Southeast, Texas, and Colorado, indicating potential growth opportunities [5] - The loan pipeline in Texas grew from $800 million to $1.2 billion, with Florida and Atlanta also showing significant pipeline growth [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and recruiting efforts in response to market disruptions, particularly in Texas and Colorado [5][19] - Management is contemplating adjustments to incentive structures to encourage recruiting and hiring in 2026 [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2025, with potential for higher growth in 2026 [17] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on market disruptions and is focused on building out its infrastructure [4][5] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $405 million in subordinated debt late in the quarter, which is expected to positively impact net interest margin [6][7] - The tangible book value per share increased to $54.48, reflecting strong capital levels despite the dilutive impact of the Independent Financial merger [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the margin question? - Management discussed the impact of higher accretion and the dynamics of loan and deposit pricing in light of potential rate cuts [10][11] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth? - Management guided for mid-single-digit growth for the remainder of 2025, with a focus on commercial and industrial lending [16][17] Question: How do you feel about the credit portfolio? - Management confirmed the large charge-off was related to a specific credit and stated that the rest of the portfolio remains stable [24][25] Question: What is the optimal CET1 ratio? - Management indicated a healthy CET1 ratio of 11.5% and expressed no specific target but a preference for the 11% to 12% range [26] Question: Can you provide insights on non-interest income? - Management noted a significant increase in non-interest income, particularly from capital markets, and provided a cautious outlook for future quarters [31][32] Question: What are the expectations for deposit beta? - Management expects a deposit beta of around 27% to 30% in the next easing cycle, indicating a lag in response to rate cuts [39][66] Question: What is the guidance for NIE in the fourth quarter? - Management maintained guidance for NIE in the range of $345 million to $350 million for Q4 [67]