Strong Loan Growth
Gross loans increased $230 million (5.5% quarter-over-quarter) to $4.39 billion and rose 10.8% year-over-year, surpassing the targeted run rate of 8%.
Total Assets and Deposits Expansion
Total assets ended the year at $5.34 billion (up 5.5% Q/Q and 8.1% YoY). Total deposits grew by over $254 million in the fourth quarter to $4.6 billion (5.8% Q/Q and 7.3% YoY).
Record Earnings and Profitability
Fourth-quarter net income was $17.9 million; full-year net income was a record $66.3 million, up 39% YoY. Return on equity was 14% (up 24% YoY) and annualized return on average assets was 1.33% (improved >26% YoY).
EPS and Net Interest Income Improvement
Diluted EPS was $1.02 in Q4 and $3.79 for the year (up 36% YoY). Net interest income was $52.2 million in Q4 and $195.2 million for the year (up 21% YoY).
Fee Income Acceleration
Service charges and fees increased ~24% Q/Q and ~55% YoY; management cites relationship banking and platform expansion as drivers. Noninterest income showed strength with a run rate management is comfortable with (~$4 million recurring quarterly level).
Improved Funding Costs and Margins
Cost of funds fell to 3.33% in Q4 (improved 23 basis points Q/Q and 50 basis points YoY). Reported NIM was 4.10% in Q4; management estimates core NIM at 3.90% (up ~10 bps Q/Q excluding one-time items).
Capital and Book Value Gains
Book value rose to $33.47 (+16.8% YoY) and tangible book value to $32.12 (+17.7% YoY). Management highlights capital strength and ongoing capital planning.
Credit Quality Trends
Nonaccrual loans decreased by $603,000 in Q4 and by $16.7 million for the full year. Loans over 90 days and still accruing totaled $11.36 million, with a ~ $5.5 million loan subsequently renewed and brought current. Nonperforming loans ratio improved 3 bps Q/Q and 21 bps YoY; net charge-offs were 8 bps for the year (improved 1 bp YoY).
Strategic Milestones and M&A
Completed two securitizations in 2025 and announced a merger with Keystone Bancshares (pro forma ~ $6 billion company with 22 Texas locations). Management set a 2026 loan growth target of $75M–$100M per quarter (~8% annualized).
Operational Enhancements and Revenue Discipline
Management is leveraging a new core system and dynamic pricing tools to better manage liabilities and improve margins; treasury and corporate deposit initiatives grew noninterest-bearing balances in recent months.