Achieved Targeted ROA Run Rate
Q4 run-rate return on average assets (ROA) was 1.19%, exceeding the near-term target of 1.0% and supporting management's Optimize Origin progress.
Strong Earnings and Pretax Pre-Provision Performance
Q4 diluted EPS was $0.95 and net income was $29.5 million. Pretax pre-provision earnings were $40.6 million in Q4 and increased to $42.2 million excluding notable items (from $39.9 million prior), with annualized pretax pre-provision ROA rising to 1.7% from 1.63%.
Loan Production and Fee Growth
Loan originations rose by approximately $500 million, a ~37% year-over-year increase; loan and swap fees increased 57% year-over-year, and Q4 originations were the highest in over two years.
Net Interest Margin Expansion and NII Outlook
Net interest margin (NIM) expanded 8 basis points sequentially to 3.73% in Q4. Management expects NIM in the 3.70%–3.80% range by Q4 2026 (current bias to higher end) and anticipates net interest income growth in the mid- to high-single digits for the year.
Improved Capital and Tangible Book Value
Tangible common equity (TCE) ratio increased to 11.3% from 10.9% in Q3; tangible book value rose to $35.04 (13th consecutive quarter of sequential growth). During 2025, the company redeemed ~$145 million of subordinated debt and repurchased ~$16 million of common stock while maintaining well-capitalized ratios.
Sound Credit Metrics and Reduced NPAs
Total past-due loans were 0.96% of loans (flat sequentially); net charge-offs were $3.2 million (0.17% annualized for the quarter); nonperforming assets declined from 1.18% to 1.07% (~$7 million reduction); allowance for credit losses increased modestly to $96.8 million and remained ~1.34% of loans.
Operational Optimization and Strategic Investments
Continued execution of 'Optimize Origin' delivered a ~7% reduction in FTEs, consolidation of banking centers, 20% ownership of Argent Financial, and plans to invest roughly $10 million in new bankers/banking teams to capture market disruption (more than 10 production bankers already added).