Record Profitability and Efficiency
Fourth quarter adjusted EPS of $0.62 (GAAP EPS $0.55) — up 5% linked quarter and up 27% year-over-year. Adjusted return on average tangible common equity near 20%, adjusted ROA of 1.37%, and a record low adjusted efficiency ratio of 46%.
Strong Capital and Tangible Book Value Growth
Tangible book value per share increased 4% sequentially and ~15% year-over-year. CET1 capital ratio rebuilt quickly to over 11%. Tangible common equity (TCE) up ~20 basis points linked quarter. Repurchased 2.2 million shares during 2025 (including 1.1 million late in the fourth quarter).
Loan Growth and Production Momentum
Total loans grew 6.4% annualized from the prior quarter; loan production was up 25% and the pipeline increased nearly 15% quarter-over-quarter. Company guidance supports full-year 2026 loan growth of 4%–6% and Q1 2026 growth of 3%–5%.
Deposit and Liquidity Metrics
Loan-to-deposit ratio at 89%. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased to 26% of core deposits (from 24% prior quarter). Brokered deposits remain relatively low at 6.7% of total deposits. Spot cost of total deposits decreased 17 basis points linked quarter to a 1.68% rate at year-end.
Net Interest Income and Repricing Tailwinds
Net interest income and margin increased as guided. New-money yields on securities are ~94 basis points above back-book yields; expected ~$2.9 billion in securities cash flow over the next 12 months to support NII. Company expects modest margin expansion in 2026 driven by asset repricing, loan growth and deposit management.
Stronger Fee Income and Controlled Expenses
Adjusted noninterest income of $126 million in the quarter, exceeding guidance with mortgage and capital markets performing better than expected. Adjusted noninterest expense of $365 million with positive operating leverage year-over-year.
Credit Metrics Improved
Criticized and classified loans decreased by approximately $278 million (~8%) quarter-over-quarter; nonaccrual loans down ~$70 million (~12%). Total net charge-offs were 27 basis points (16 bps excluding PCD loans). Allowance for credit losses including unfunded commitments at 124 bps (down 2 bps quarter-over-quarter) with conservative qualitative overlays.
Successful Bremer Integration
Completed systems conversion and integration related to Bremer partnership smoothly. Deal solidified Minnesota footprint and added attractive funding in North Dakota. Initial cost saves realized (~28% of anticipated Bremer cost saves in 4Q) with full savings expected in Q1 2026.