Mark Fitzgibbon • Piper Sandler

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EVP & CFO Annette Burns stated the balance sheet is neutrally positioned for rate cuts, with potential for a slight lag on repricing funding costs downwards. For Q3, she anticipates a few basis points of NIM improvement from a full quarter of Evans accretion and asset repricing, with funding costs stabilizing. President & CEO Scott Kingsley added that competition could temper NIM expansion. He also highlighted significant revenue synergy opportunities in wealth management and insurance from the Evans customer base. On credit, Kingsley noted a focus on full banking relationships over transactional CRE, with no major concerns. Burns projected a Q3 expense run rate by adding one more month of Evans' costs (around $11-12 million/quarter) to the current base.

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CFO David Rosato explained that while another portfolio restructuring is possible, share buybacks are a higher priority post-merger. He attributed the $40 million drop in NPLs to the successful resolution of five credits by the managed asset group, not loan sales. CEO Denis Sheahan stated that Eastern plans to build out its presence in Rhode Island but has no current strategic plans to expand banking operations into Connecticut or New York.

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CFO R. Rosato clarified that the full-year effective tax rate is expected to be around 11% due to the securities repositioning. He also detailed that HarborOne's larger, gain-on-sale focused mortgage business presents a significant fee opportunity that will be optimized with Eastern's balance-sheet-focused model. CEO Denis Sheahan confirmed the merger was a negotiated process that originated from a strong existing relationship with HarborOne's leadership.

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CEO Denis Sheahan reported that the commercial loan pipeline has grown significantly to $438 million from $228 million at the end of June, with a balanced mix of commercial real estate, C&I, and community development lending. CFO David Rosato added that the net interest margin is four times more sensitive to a normalizing yield curve than to parallel rate shifts. Regarding credit, Denis Sheahan explained that the increase in non-performing loans was primarily driven by acquired PCD loans from the Cambridge merger, mostly in the office sector, which have been conservatively reserved for.

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Chairman & CEO Paul Perrault estimated a potential September closing for the merger of equals, with a systems conversion planned for mid-February. He suggested the combined entity could handle credit relationships approaching $90-100 million. Co-President and CFO Carl Carlson added that the NIM guidance for a 4-8 basis point increase in Q3 does not assume any rate cuts, and a 25 basis point cut would likely have a flat initial impact due to offsetting repricing on assets and liabilities. Carlson also noted that an additional $1 million in reserves was added to each of two specific commercial credits.

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CFO Carl Carlson explained that a rate cut would generally be beneficial but is highly dependent on the yield curve and market conditions, confirming the current guidance excludes any cuts. He detailed that the charge-off was related to a previously reserved $13 million C&I credit. CEO Paul Perrault noted that while customers are uneasy about tariffs, there has been no tangible impact yet, though it is now a factor in underwriting.

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Chairman and CEO Paul A. Perrault stated that while there has been contact with regulators regarding the merger, a firm timeline is not yet available, partly due to waiting for year-end numbers for the filings. CFO Carl M. Carlson initially identified the large charge-off as related to an industrial laundry client but later corrected this, stating it was a grocery loan. Regarding deposit rates, Mr. Perrault explained that while they aim to be aggressive, they are also cautious to maintain their funding base.

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CFO Carl M. Carlson clarified the non-accrual loan relates to two grocery stores and has a $5 million specific reserve. He stated the September spot margin was 3.13%. Chairman and CEO Paul A. Perrault described the loan pipeline as seeing more institutional business and projected 4-5% loan growth in 2025. Regarding Clarendon Private, Mr. Carlson noted it is not yet profitable, has around $350 million in AUM, and is transitioning to more balanced portfolios, with about 70% of customers coming from the bank.

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President and CEO Anthony Labozzetta clarified that the Beacon Trust strategy is focused on enhancing its sales force and better integrating with other business lines, rather than a major strategy shift. Senior EVP and CFO Thomas M. Lyons attributed the reserve release to an improved economic forecast from Moody's, particularly regarding the commercial property price index. Lyons also suggested provisioning would remain modest due to strong credit quality. Regarding M&A, Labozzetta stated that while organic growth is the primary focus, the company remains open to evaluating strategic opportunities.

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CFO Tom Lyons addressed the nonaccrual loans, stating there is no certain resolution timeline but expressed confidence due to favorable, recent appraisals and low loan-to-value ratios. CEO Anthony Labozzetta explained that while there is no specific CRE concentration target, they expect the ratio to naturally decline toward the 420% range over the long term as other loan categories grow, not from a planned reduction in CRE lending. Regarding M&A, Labozzetta stated that repurchasing their own stock is the most attractive option at current valuations, but future M&A targets would require a strong cultural fit and be additive to the business.

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CFO Tom Lyons explained that the $26 million quarterly fee income projection is an annual average, with seasonality and volatile items like loan sale gains evening out results. Both Lyons and CEO Tony Labozzetta confirmed the current quarter's BOLI is a normal run-rate. Lyons detailed that the expense guide reflects the full realization of merger cost savings, with an expected decline in the second half of the year. He also noted the balance sheet is very neutral to rate changes, with minimal impact on NII. Labozzetta outlined key priorities as nurturing company culture post-merger, driving growth across all sectors, deepening customer relationships, and maintaining operational efficiency.

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President and CEO Priscilla Sims Brown confirmed the immediate focus for California is organic expansion, leveraging new hires to grow in the LA and East Bay areas, without making any M&A announcements. CFO Jason Darby detailed the C&I credit issue, identifying it as a loan to a consumer solar originator and explaining the ongoing workout negotiations. Darby also stated that the bank feels comfortably reserved, assessing provisions quarterly, and noted that while they are monitoring market pressures, current coverage ratios reflect confidence in the portfolio's credit quality.

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President and CEO Priscilla Sims Brown and Chief Banking Officer Sam Brown confirmed they see no slowdown in clean energy project funding, citing strong market demand. Priscilla Sims Brown stated the bank's defense against political risk is its strong operational performance, high capital, and robust liquidity. Executive Jason Darby addressed the buyback, noting a new $40 million authorization allows for more aggressive repurchases, and he is comfortable with the Tier 1 leverage ratio remaining above the 9% threshold even with an accelerated buyback plan.

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Jason Darby, an executive, confirmed that the bank plans to shrink its securities portfolio to fund the targeted loan growth. Chief Banking Officer Sam Brown added that the loan pipeline is robust and diversified, with CRE rates in the mid-to-high 6s and C&I rates in the low-to-mid 7s, supporting the growth target. Regarding credit, Sam Brown attributed the C&I downgrades to the higher interest rate environment but noted the loans have strong structures and are still performing. Jason Darby elaborated that the bank is conservative with risk ratings and that upgrades in other parts of the portfolio largely offset these downgrades. He also confirmed there has been no material impact on the PACE portfolio from the California wildfires.

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President and CEO Priscilla Sims Brown outlined plans to enhance the trust business by investing in sales capacity and digital tools. She and Chief Banking Officer Sam Brown confirmed the political deposit trough is expected between $850 million and $875 million, with a rebuild starting in Q1. An executive, Jason Darby, clarified that a recent charge-off was in the traditional consumer solar portfolio, not the PACE portfolio, and that reserves for that segment were increased. Darby also projected Q4 expenses to be around $40 million to $40.5 million, similar to Q3, due to pulled-forward investments.

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Ronald Ohsberg, SEVP, CFO & Treasurer, projected modest margin expansion in Q3, noting deposit costs are peaking. Mary E. Noons, President & COO, stated that mortgage originations are 75-80% purchase-driven, with a mix of 30-year fixed and 7/1 hybrid ARM products. Chairman & CEO Edward Handy addressed strategy, indicating a focus on organic growth in Rhode Island before considering a larger Massachusetts expansion, while also reaffirming the company's desire to remain independent. Regarding wealth management, Mr. Handy highlighted recent talent additions and a core system conversion as key initiatives to improve performance and stem outflows.

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CFO Ronald Ohsberg clarified that expense impacts were already included in prior guidance and that the dividend payout ratio is expected to improve to the mid-to-low 80s by year-end. CEO Ned Handy noted the commercial loan pipeline is over $100 million, supporting low single-digit growth guidance. For the net interest margin, Ohsberg provided Q2 guidance of 2.35% but refrained from guiding further due to rate uncertainty.

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CFO Ronald Ohsberg stated the commercial pipeline is $90 million at FHLB + 250 bps and that elevated cash is temporary. He expects the net interest margin to be flat in Q4 before expanding in 2025, assuming Fed rate cuts. Chief Risk Officer William Wray provided details on the maturity schedule for classified office loans, noting a resolution is imminent for a significant portion.

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CFO Mark Ruggiero confirmed the Q3 NIM guidance of mid-3.6% and stated the bank is well-positioned for potential Fed cuts. CEO Jeffrey Tengel expressed caution about declaring the worst is over for credit, citing property-specific issues. Both executives detailed the modification of a large syndicated office loan, which was restructured to allow for lease-up, with the loan remaining on non-performing status.

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CFO Mark Ruggiero explained that the new nonperforming loan, a syndicated office credit, was charged down to its appraised value, resulting in an $8.1 million loss. Executive Jeffrey Tengel expressed high confidence in resolving the largest problem loans, stating they are in the final stages. Ruggiero reaffirmed the 2026 NIM guidance of 3.70% to 3.75%, noting the accelerated sub-debt raise would be offset by purchase accounting. Tengel described the loan pipeline as 'robust' with a strategic shift towards more C&I business.

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CFO Mark Ruggiero clarified that the uptick in delinquencies was driven by a $30 million syndicated loan reaching maturity. Executive Jeffrey Tengel expressed cautious agreement with a potential mid-2025 credit inflection but noted his confidence depends on resolving large legacy problem loans. Tengel also explained that reclassifying owner-occupied CRE to C&I better reflects the underlying business risk and aligns with regulatory measures. Ruggiero added that the wealth business saw about $20 million in net outflows for the quarter.

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CFO Mark Ruggiero confirmed the $30 million loan does not currently have a specific reserve, citing a recent appraisal. He defended the 2.5% reserve level by highlighting that the vast majority of the portfolio is pass-rated. Executive Jeffrey Tengel added that the $54.7 million loan is not the bank's largest office credit. Ruggiero provided utilization rates, noting home equity lines ticked up to 35% while C&I utilization remains low at 28%. Regarding capital deployment, Tengel described M&A as possible but dependent on the right target, while both executives confirmed that stock buybacks are under active and frequent consideration.

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Senior EVP & CFO Neal Holland noted that while rate cuts would help lower deposit costs, significant competition limits further reductions. Chairman & CEO John Ciulla added that while a higher regulatory threshold increases M&A optionality, the bank's primary focus remains on organic growth and strategic tuck-in acquisitions, making large-scale M&A unlikely in the near term.

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President and COO Luis Massiani stated there is no significant pressure on HSA deposit costs, which remain stable. He noted a successful 2025 enrollment season and expressed optimism for the 2026 cycle, which will benefit from a fully developed product suite. CFO William Holland estimated that of the planned $20 million in 2025 spending for Category IV readiness, about $5 million was spent in Q1. CEO John Ciulla added that the goal is to be compliant within approximately two years, while monitoring potential changes in the regulatory landscape.

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CEO John Ciulla stated that a change in the regulatory paradigm could accelerate inorganic growth plans, but it's not in the 2025 outlook. He noted the C&I NPL increase was from 3-4 credits, primarily in office-related and other previously discussed sectors, and that overall negative risk rating migration moderated in Q4.

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CEO John Ciulla confirmed the two loans are on non-accrual and were the primary drivers of the quarterly increase in non-performers, but clarified Webster's exposure is significantly less than reported ($<45M and $<25M). He stated that appropriate charge-offs and reserves were taken. Ciulla also disclosed that the reserve on the remaining office portfolio stands at approximately 6%.

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Chairman, President and CEO Drake Mills stated that the company's intention remains to grow and cross the $10 billion threshold, but they would reconsider if significant negative market impacts occurred near year-end. He also confirmed that share buybacks are a consideration, calling the stock a 'bargain,' and noted that capital will also be deployed for a planned $75 million subordinated debt call in November.

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CEO Nitin Mhatre stated there are no plans for further loan sales from the runoff portfolios. He described the fraud as an isolated 'check washing' incident and noted that preventative measures have been implemented. Mhatre confirmed the top capital priority remains organic growth and said an update on BEST goals will be provided with annual guidance in January.

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