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Date

Jan. 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET

Call participants

  • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer — Jim Ryan
  • Chief Financial Officer — John Moran
  • President and Chief Operating Officer — Tim [last name not specified in transcript]

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Takeaways

  • Adjusted earnings per share -- $0.62, representing a 5% increase sequentially and a 27% increase year over year, excluding $0.07 of merger and pension-related items.
  • Return on average tangible common equity -- Nearly 20% for the quarter, described as “peer-leading.”
  • Adjusted return on assets (ROA) -- 1.37%, placing Old National Bancorp (ONB +3.30%) among top decile performers.
  • Adjusted efficiency ratio -- 46%, a record low, reflecting improved expense control.
  • Deposit growth -- Total deposits up 0.6% annualized; noninterest bearing deposits rose to 26% of core deposits from 24% in the prior quarter.
  • Brokered deposits -- Usage increased to 6.7% of total deposits, remaining below peer levels; seasonality in public funds noted as driver.
  • Loan growth -- Total loans increased by 6.4% annualized versus previous quarter; production up 25% with a 15% higher pipeline.
  • Credit quality improvement -- Total criticized and classified loans decreased by $278 million, or approximately 8% sequentially; nonaccrual loans declined $70 million, or 12%.
  • Net charge-offs -- 27 basis points overall, and 16 basis points excluding PCD loans.
  • Allowance for credit losses -- 1.24% of total loans, down two basis points from the previous quarter.
  • Common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio -- Exceeded 11% at quarter end.
  • Tangible book value per share -- Gained 4% from the prior quarter and 15% year over year, despite $140 million in merger charges and repurchasing 2.2 million shares.
  • Share repurchases -- 2.2 million shares repurchased in 2025, including 1.1 million late in the fourth quarter.
  • Bremer Bank integration -- Systems conversion completed successfully; 28% of targeted expense saves realized in the fourth quarter with full run rate expected in Q1 2026.
  • Noninterest income -- Adjusted noninterest income was $126 million, exceeding internal guidance, with mortgage and capital markets called out as outperformers.
  • Expense control -- Adjusted noninterest expense of $365 million; positive operating leverage demonstrated year over year.
  • Investment portfolio -- Portfolio remained flat quarter over quarter; $2.9 billion in cash flow projected over twelve months; new money yields running 94 basis points above back book yields.
  • Deposit beta -- Achieved roughly 87% beta in exception-priced deposits in conjunction with Fed rate cuts, contributing to a spot cost of 1.68% on total deposits at year end.
  • 2026 guidance: Loan growth -- Management expects 3%-5% growth in Q1 and 4%-6% growth for the full year, with deposit growth expected to align with asset growth.
  • 2026 guidance: Net interest income (NII) -- NII projected to benefit from repricing, two 25 basis point rate cuts, and investment of cash flows at favorable spreads; balance sheet positioned as interest rate neutral.
  • 2026 guidance: Expenses -- Full quarter effect of Bremer cost saves and typical seasonal expenses reflected in Q1 outlook.
  • 2026 guidance: Share repurchases -- CFO Moran stated, it would be a definitely more active year in 2026 versus last year.

Summary

Management reported new quarterly and annual records in adjusted earnings per share, net income, and efficiency ratio, emphasizing positive momentum into 2026. Share repurchase activity intensified in late 2025 with an expectation for increased buybacks in 2026, while organic growth remains the strategic focus and capital ratios exceed targets. Executives highlighted the successful Bremer Bank integration as a differentiator, with associated cost saves already materializing and set to fully benefit 2026 results. Credit quality improved for the third consecutive quarter, as evidenced by sharp reductions in criticized, classified, and nonaccrual loans. Provision modeling now reflects fundamental improvement, and deposit composition shifted favorably, increasing noninterest bearing accounts and controlling overall deposit costs. Management guided that balances will be stable as a percentage of total deposits. The company plans steady investment in talent, technology, and client-facing platforms, with noninterest income projected to remain strong, supported by constructive conditions for mortgage and capital markets segments.

  • Management stated, "We remain committed to strengthening tangible book value per share while continuing to drive peer-leading profitability," focusing capital allocation toward both organic retention and enhanced shareholder returns.
  • Commercial and industrial loan pipelines advanced, underpinned by positive client sentiment, talent hires, and differentiated positioning in the Minnesota and North Dakota markets following the Bremer acquisition.
  • Noninterest bearing deposit growth was attributed in part to effective execution of deposit strategy and a proactive approach to client acquisition during rate cuts.
  • The allowance for credit losses-to-loan ratio declined as portfolio migration continued to improve, with the provision model based on a 100% weighting on the Moody's S2 scenario.
  • Management described the investment portfolio approach as "it's really plain vanilla stuff. I mean, we're targeting kind of a four duration and Mike and his team do a good job managing that for us," emphasizing duration stability and favoring reinvestment of cash flows over portfolio growth.

Industry glossary

  • PCD loans (Purchased Credit Deteriorated loans): Loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced a significant deterioration in credit quality since origination, requiring special accounting treatment.
  • Deposit beta: The sensitivity of deposit rates paid by a bank to changes in benchmark interest rates, reflecting how quickly deposit costs adjust after rate moves.
  • Core deposits (ex brokered): Core deposits excluding brokered deposits; typically viewed as more stable, relationship-based funding sources originating directly from customers.
  • Belly of the curve: Refers to intermediate-term points (e.g., five-year maturity) on the yield curve, relevant for asset/liability pricing and interest rate risk management.
  • Efficiency ratio: A measure of noninterest expense as a percentage of net revenue, with lower values indicating greater operational efficiency.

Full Conference Call Transcript

Jim Ryan: Before we get started, I want to congratulate the Indiana Hoosiers for a perfect season in winning the National College Football Championship. You've made our state incredibly proud. Earlier today, Old National announced strong fourth quarter earnings, marking an exceptional year that set new organizational records for adjusted earnings per share, net income, and the efficiency ratio. Our 2025 results were driven by a focus on the fundamentals: core deposit growth to support loan expansion, positive operating leverage, disciplined credit management, and healthy liquidity and capital ratios. Once again, we showed our unwavering commitment to shareholders, clients, team members, and communities.

Our peer-leading fourth quarter profitability was highlighted by an adjusted return on average tangible common equity of nearly 20%, an adjusted ROA of 1.37%, and an adjusted efficiency ratio of 46%. These outstanding quarterly results further reinforce the momentum behind our 2025 record performance that John will discuss later in the call. In 2025, we successfully completed the systems conversion and integration related to our Bremer Bank partnership. This was a major effort executed exceptionally well. I want to thank our team members once again for their relentless focus and hard work throughout this. The conversion reaffirmed the strength of our disciplined integration framework, which truly sets Old National apart.

As we have stated, driving tangible value per share growth is a key priority. This past year, we grew tangible book value per share by 15% despite the impact of closing our Bremer partnership, the associated one-time charges, and repurchasing 2.2 million shares in the back half of the year. We remain committed to strengthening tangible book value per share while continuing to drive peer-leading profitability. Looking ahead to 2026, we will maintain the right balance between building capital organically and returning capital through share repurchases supported by our peer-leading return on average tangible common equity. As I mentioned last quarter, the best investment we can make is in ourselves.

Our focus remains on organic growth and disciplined capital returns to maximize shareholder value. We started 2026 with strong momentum, and we will continue to strengthen our core fundamentals by investing in talent, technology, and client-facing capabilities. These efforts will ensure we remain strong, scalable, and positioned for long-term success. Thank you. I will now hand the call over to John to read the financial results in more detail.

John Moran: Thanks. On slide five, as Jim mentioned, fourth quarter 2025 was a strong finish to a highly successful year marked by records in adjusted EPS and efficiency with peer-leading profitability improvement in already durable credit metrics, and significant capital generation despite closing Bremer, which solidified our position in Minnesota while adding attractive funding in North Dakota. Speaking of our latest partnership, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that conversion of Bremer was one of our smoothest and most successful integrations ever. For the quarterly details on slide six, we reported GAAP 4Q earnings per share of $0.55.

Excluding $0.07 of merger-related expenses, Bremer pension plan termination charges, and the reduction in our FDIC special assessment accrual, adjusted earnings per share were $0.62. A 5% increase over the prior quarter and a 27% increase year over year. Results were driven by stable margin, better than expected growth in fee income, and well-controlled expenses. Importantly, credit improved with an 8% reduction in total criticized and classified loans and low levels of non-PCD charge-offs. Our profitability profile as measured by return on assets and on tangible common equity remain top decile against our peers. Lastly, our capital position has rebuilt quickly with CET one over 11% and we grew tangible book value per share over 17% annualized.

On Slide seven, you can see our quarterly balance sheet trends highlighting our strong liquidity and capital. Our deposit growth over the last year has continued to keep pace with asset growth and the loan to deposit ratio is now 89%. We grew tangible book value per share by 4% from 3Q and 15% over the last year even with the impact of the Bremer close absorbing approximately $140 million of merger charges year to date while repurchasing 2.2 million shares since we restarted the buyback in 2025. These liquidity and capital levels continue to provide a strong foundation as we head into 2026. On Slide eight, we show trends in earning assets.

Total loans grew 6.4% annualized from last quarter. Production was up 25% and was strong throughout our commercial book. Despite strong production, our pipeline is up nearly 15% from the prior quarter. Higher production levels were again partly offset by strategic portfolio management as evidenced by our lower criticized and classified levels due to payoffs. The investment portfolio was essentially unchanged from the prior quarter with portfolio purchases offset by changes in fair values. We expect approximately $2.9 billion in cash flow over the next twelve months. Today, new money yields are running about 94 basis points above back book yields on securities.

The repricing dynamics for both loans and combined with loan growth continued to support stable to improving net interest income and net interest margin over the course of 2026, with the first quarter impacted by two fewer days. Moving to slide nine, we show trends in deposits. Total deposits increased 0.6% annualized in core deposits ex brokered decreased about 3% annualized primarily driven by seasonally lower public funds balances. Noninterest bearing deposits grew to 26% of core deposits from 24% in the prior quarter. Our use of broker deposits increased in alignment with the aforementioned public funds seasonality. Even with that increase, our brokered levels remain below peer levels at 6.7% of total deposits.

The 17 basis point linked quarter decrease in our cost of total deposits played out as we expected with Fed cuts in our offensive posture with respect to client acquisition. We achieved an approximate 87% beta on rates in our exception price book in conjunction with the Fed cuts in the quarter. These actions resulted in a spot rate of 1.68% on total deposits at December 31. Overall, we remain confident in the execution of our deposit strategy and we are prepared to proactively respond to the evolving rate environment. Slide 10 shows our quarterly income statement trends.

As I mentioned earlier, adjusted earnings per share were $0.62 for the quarter, with all key line items in line or better than our prior guidance. Moving on to slide 11, we present details of our net interest income and margin. Both of which increased as we had expected and guided. Modest margin expansion was supported by deposit repricing. Slide 12 shows trends in adjusted noninterest which was $126 million for the quarter, exceeding our guidance. While most of our fee businesses performed in line with our expectations, we again saw better than expected performance within mortgage and capital markets. In both cases, this was driven by a somewhat more favorable rate backdrop for these businesses.

Continuing to Slide 13, show the trend in adjusted non-interest expenses of $365 million for the quarter. Run rate expenses remain well controlled, and we generated positive operating leverage on an adjusted basis year over year with a record low of 46% adjusted efficiency ratio. We realized approximately 28% of the anticipated Bremer cost saves in the fourth quarter. And as a reminder, the saves from Bremer are expected to be fully realized in the first quarter. This is reflected in our 2026 guidance, which I'll get to in a few slides. On slide 14, we present our credit trends. Total net charge-offs were 27 basis points and were 16 basis points, excluding charge-offs on PCD loans.

Criticized and classified loans decreased $278 million or approximately 8%, and nonaccrual loans decreased $70 million or approximately 12%. This improvement is reflective of the continued focus on active portfolio management. Notably, in our commercial real estate portfolios, we saw upgrades and payoffs exceed downgrades by a two to one ratio. The fourth quarter allowance for credit losses to total loans, including the reserve for unfunded commitments, was 124 basis points. Down two basis points from the prior quarter, primarily driven by the in criticized and classified loans. Consistent with the third quarter, our qualitative reserves incorporate a 100% weighting on the Moody's two scenario with additional qualitative factors to capture global economic uncertainty.

Lastly, given the increased focus on loans to nondepository financial institutions, we'd like to emphasize as we did last quarter that our exposure is de minimis. Slide 15 presents key credit metrics relative to peers. As discussed in past calls, we have historically experienced a lower conversion rate of NPLs to NCOs as compared to our peers driven by our approach to credit and client selection. That continues to be the case, and we remain comfortable around the credit outlook. On Slide 16, we review our capital position at the end of the quarter. All regulatory ratios increased linked quarter due to strong retained earnings partly offset by robust quarterly loan growth and Bremer merger-related charges.

On the GAAP capital front, TCE was up about 20 basis points and tangible book value per share was up 4% linked quarter and 15% year over year. We expect AOCI to improve approximately 11% or $55 million by year-end. Our strong profitability profile continues to generate significant capital which opened the door for capital return earlier this year. As previously mentioned, late in the quarter, we repurchased an additional 1.1 million shares of common stock, taking our total to 2.2 million shares for the year. We don't view growing capital and returning capital as mutually exclusive in 2026. Slide 17 includes updated details on our rate position and net interest income guidance.

NII is expected to increase with the benefit of fixed asset repricing and continued growth. Our assumptions are listed on the slide, but as we do each quarter, we would highlight a few of the primary drivers. First, we assume two additional rate cuts of 25 basis points each in 2026 which aligns with the current forward curve. Second, we assume the five-year treasury rate at 375 basis points. Third, we anticipate our total down rate deposit beta to be approximately 40%. Which is in line with our terminal up rate betas and our 4Q experience. And fourth, we expect noninterest bearing deposits to remain relatively stable. Importantly, our balance sheet remains neutrally positioned to short-term interest rates.

As such, the path of NIM and NII in 2026 will depend on growth dynamics and the shape of the yield curve the absolute level of the belly of the curve, and continued deposit data management more than the absolute level of short-term rates. Slide 18 includes our outlook for the first quarter and full year 2026. We believe our current pipeline supports 1Q growth of 3% to 5% and full year loan growth of four to 6%. We anticipate continued success in the execution of our deposit strategy and expect to meet or exceed industry growth in 2026 and generally in line with our asset growth.

We expect fee income to remain strong given a supportive rate backdrop for mortgage and capital markets as well as continued progress in wealth management and brokerage. Expense guidance incorporates a full quarter run rate on Bremer cost savings and typical seasonal factors in the first quarter. Other key line items are highlighted on the slide. You'll note that we expect full year results that yield significant growth in earnings per share and, again, feature positive operating leverage with a peer-leading return profile good growth in fees, controlled expenses, and normalized credit. In summary, echoing Jim's opening comments, 2025 was exceptionally strong. We completed the core systems conversion and integration associated with our Bremer partnership.

That partnership created a leading bank franchise in Minnesota and added valuable funding with good market share in several markets in North Dakota. We compounded tangible book value per share despite closing that deal and advanced our peer-leading return on tangible common equity and efficiency. And we funded our loan growth with deposit growth while improving our already resilient credit metrics. In 2026, we remain focused on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders. Investing in ourselves to drive excellence in talent, operations, sales execution, and client-facing capabilities. This will ensure that we will remain strong, scalable, and positioned for long-term success. With those comments, I'd like to open the call for your questions.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star 1 again. Your first question today comes from the line of Scott Siefers from Piper Sandler. Your line is open.

Scott Siefers: Good morning, Scott. Thanks, hey. Thank you for taking the questions. Let's see. I guess, John, maybe first question for you was something you can maybe help with how you see the margin trajecting through the year. Just noticed on the sort of the NII walk on slide 17, you've got a, you know, much bigger step up in NII in the second half versus what we see here in the next couple of quarters. Is that a function of sort of timing of asset repricing or your expectations for rate cuts? Just curious as to the nuance in there. Yeah. I think I think the bigger factor there, Scott, is actually day count. Right?

So just remember the first two quarters of next year, we got we got a couple less days in each of those quarters. You know, I think I think when we think about the trajectory of margin in 2026, we're It's really four big factors on that. I think it's growth is number one, so we're we're sort of guiding four to 6% on that side. The second would be steepness of the curve. And how that plays out. So knock on wood, the forwards actually come true. Number three would be belly of curve, on fixed asset repricing. And then number four would be our continued ability to manage beta, on the on the downside.

Which so far has gone really, really well. And so I think those are those are the big swings on the margin. Okay. Perfect. Perfect. And then, you know, great to see the strong kinda end to the year just in terms of proactiveness of capital management. You know, maybe just sort of thoughts on pace of share repurchase throughout the year vis a vis the 1.1 million that you did in the kind of late in the fourth quarter?

John Moran: Yeah, Scott. I would say this year, we plan to be more active than we were last year. You know, we obviously wanna make sure we have enough capital to support growth. And then, I think our next priority is making sure that we return it back to our shareholders. So, we're gonna see how the year plays out a little bit, but it would be a definitely more active year in 2026 versus last.

Scott Siefers: Gotcha. Perfect. Thank you guys very much. Appreciate it. Thanks for the call, Scott. Your next question comes from the line of Brendan Nosal from Hoagroup. Your line is open.

Brendan Nosal: Hey. Good morning, folks. Hope you're doing well. Good morning, Brendan. Maybe just to circle back to the margin. Know, John totally get your comments on day count. I mean, if we strip out day count factors from margin, because I think you guys use a simple, you know, multiply by four to get to your margin presentation. Is it fair to say that like a day count adjusted margin is stable, if not a bit grinding as we move through the year? Very fair. I think you captured it. Okay. Okay. Then maybe moving to the credit side of things.

I think if I interpolate the kind of the various pieces on the guide for loan growth, charge offs and provision, I think it implies a bit a reduction in your reserve coverage ratio versus loans. So I guess, just what are you seeing either in your own portfolio or the macro inputs that would let you slightly under provide for both gross growth plus lost content?

John Moran: Yeah. It's really the migration in criticized and classified book and improvement on those measures, you know, two or three now quarters of really, really solid improvement there. Close to $70 million lower on NPLs. In this quarter. And when you've got that kind of fundamental improvement, it's just you know, the model just spits out what it spits out. It kinda math. Right? And so, you know, clearly, I think we're we're through the peak. In that, in those in those categories of classification.

Brendan Nosal: Okay. Perfect. Thank you for taking the questions. Your next question comes from the line of Jared Shaw from Barclays. Your line is open.

Jared Shaw: Hey. Good morning. Good morning, Jerry. Hey. Just circling back on the capital and hearing what you're saying about the buyback, how should we think about sort of a good core target CET1 for you as we move through 2026 with sort of all those assumptions? Behind it? Yeah. Yeah, Jared. Very comfortable with where we are in CET one today. You know? And Jim said it well. You know, first, first priority is ensure we got powder for organic growth. Right? But left unchecked, this is gonna grow quickly, arguably too quickly, and we're not gonna let it go unchecked.

But not a on shouldn't assume that you're trying to target back down to, like, a 10 and a half percent from where we are right now. No. I don't think I don't think so. Not at this time. I and, again, I think we said we don't view it as mutually to grow a little bit of capital and return capital in 2026. Okay. And then, I guess shifting to deposits, you had really good growth in DDA on average. And end of period, but then you call out sort of a relatively stable balance for '26. How should we think about sort of seasonality? And is that stable as a percentage of deposits?

Or is that stable as sort of dollars of deposits from here? Yeah. I'm I'm thinking that it's stable as a as a percentage, We've got some seasonality, in the public funds book, but that other than that, to really talk about on the on the deposit side in terms of seasonality. Great. Thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Ben Gerlinger from Citi. Your line is open.

Ben Gerlinger: Hey. Good morning. Good morning, Ben. Wondering if you could talk to the growth a little bit I know that some of your larger competitors in the area acquisitions pending, and maybe they're taking their eye off the ball or different markets. Or is it just hiring or potentially just kinda deepening relationships with kind of the new Bremer customers? I was just kinda curious where is the growth coming from, like, existing or new areas. Just kinda unpack that a little bit would be helpful.

Jim Ryan: Sure. Good morning, Ben. This is Tim. You know, we're seeing broad-based growth from the C and I middle markets standpoint. We're also seeing enhancements from CRE demand drivers. And we're gonna continue to be opportunistic and aggressive from a town perspective. So we think as the year unfolds and we continue to add talent that will also help drive consumer sentiment is showing that demand is growing.

Ben Gerlinger: Gotcha. That's helpful. And then you could think about kind of the pricing. Is that is there any areas where it's become a little bit more overly competitive or any geographies where it's just like you're not getting the ROTCE adjusted, so rather not play? Or do you think I mean, it's always competitive, so I'm just kinda layering that in. And then you thoughts on just pricing within the phone categories or geographies?

Jim Ryan: Yeah. You know, we continue to be very disciplined in our pricing model. You know, obviously, where you see disruption, I think there is opportunity as banks are playing defense. With the disruption, but we're being opportunistic in certain high growth markets. But across the board, a very disciplined approach, to pricing as we look to grow loans.

Ben Gerlinger: Got it. Okay. Thank you. Ben, I just I reiterate the point that Tim made earlier, and we try to highlight that in our remarks. You know, our plan is to invest heavily in talent. You know, Tim's been around, you know, about six months now, got his feet wet, thinking about, you know, how do we how do we best organize for success and really get after it And I think you know, I think it will be like some of our past years where we're gonna highlight some real growth and talent. And so we're excited about what that what that might bring for us. Thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Terry McEvoy from Stephens. Your line is open. Thanks. Good morning, everybody. Good morning. Hey. Maybe start with just a question on fees. If I annualize the fourth quarter, it's kind of at the high end of your 2026 outlook. And I'm wondering, is there a bit of conservatism built into your outlook or maybe mortgage returns to more normal levels? I was hoping to get your thoughts there.

Terry McEvoy: Yeah. I think Terry, there's a little bit of seasonality, obviously, in first quarter on the on the mortgage line. Mortgage was good. Last year. I wouldn't say great, but good. We've got a constructive or more constructive anyway rate backdrop, on that line of business. So what I'd say we're cautiously optimistic on mortgage for twenty six. But, but what you see in the guide is, you know, if I were gonna pick on two places where maybe we've got some upside, it would be mortgage and cap markets. Both of which have been have been really good in the 2025. Yep. Agreed.

And then as a follow-up, new production yields were 6% last quarter, I think, in the presentation. Could you just run through what's the incremental kind of repricing benefit that you're seeing? And John, can you run through the securities repricing as well? I couldn't get all those couldn't write everything down you were going through your prepared remarks.

John Moran: Yeah. No problem. In total, there's there's, you know, on the loan side, 70 basis points. In terms of spread to new yields against the against the portfolio, about $5 billion of, of that over the next twelve months. And then on the investment portfolio, $2.9 billion of cash flow, over the next twelve months. And those new money yields are 94 basis points above the, the back book yield.

Terry McEvoy: Perfect. Thanks for taking my questions.

Operator: Thanks, Terry. Your next question comes from the line of Jeanette Lee from TD Cowen. Line is open. Good morning.

Jeanette Lee: Good morning, Jim. For your securities portfolio, the new money yields of 5%, it seems pretty solid. What's underlying the what's the underlying drivers behind the security yields that you're earning? And is it fair to assume the securities investment portfolio is stays around this level or running down as your expectation for deposit growth appears to be in line with your loan growth for 2026?

Jim Ryan: Yeah. I think securities as a percentage of earning assets or the way that we kinda look at it is cash and securities as a percentage of total assets. And I think that's gonna be pretty stable over 2020 So we don't really intend to grow it nor shrink it. I think we'll just continue to invest cash flow. And in terms of where we're going, it's really plain vanilla stuff. I mean, we're we're we're targeting kind of a four duration and Mike and his team do a good job managing that for us. So I don't think there's gonna be big changes in our in our securities book.

Jeanette Lee: Got it. Thank you. And just to follow-up on deposit cost. In your expectation for your NIM of stable to moving higher throughout 2026, So the spot rate of 1.60%, that seems I mean, given the strength of your deposit franchise, it seems lower than here's it. And it looks low or on an absolute basis. Is your expectation that the total deposit cost could creep down more from the current level given the amount of exception pricing deposits that you have on your balance sheet, or is more of the benefit coming from the fixed rate asset repricing?

Jim Ryan: I think it's both. You know, look. Where we manage all of our up beta in the deposit book was via that exception price book. That book today is 36% of total deposits, It's about 45% of our transactional accounts. And that price we think we still have room, to pull down. And, you know, we're we're continuing to work that book really hard we've re realized almost a 90% beta on that one. Kind of point to point, and we're ready to move proactively with Reg's. Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Chris McGratty from KBW.

Chris McGratty: Your line is open. Good morning. Thanks for the question. Good morning, Chris. Jim or John, one of your peers is made a comment recently that said deposit pricing in particularly Chicago was actually pretty reasonable, which is something I haven't really heard in my career. Any comments on deposit repricing by your markets, which span the Midwest?

Jim Ryan: Yeah. Look. I would I would suggest that, it's still competitive. But I think almost everywhere, it is it has been very, very rational. There are a handful of markets out there that are a little bit spicier, but, I think for the vast majority of our footprint, and certainly any place where we've got meaningful deposits and meaningful share, things have been very practical. Okay. And then just quickly on the ex on the expenses. Technology spend's gotten a lot of attention this quarter.

I'm not sure if I've seen a number from you of what piece of the expenses are going into tech investments, but any color there either percent of revenues, rate of growth, any kind of color to kinda give us a context there? Thanks.

Jim Ryan: You know, maybe just let me give you a 50,000 foot view. I think we're spending as much time at this point in time. We're not underfunding new investments. We're thinking about, you know, innovation, you know, in the payment space, innovation in the client facing capabilities. And we're really good at self funding a lot of that. Even though we keep grinding on the efficiency ratio, we're really good about self funding those new investments. If there's anything that I think we're gonna continue to put pressure on, it's probably that salaries line item. As I said earlier, I wanna make John with the amount of people that we plan to hire, to really grow the front line.

So I'm very comfortable with our technology spend, and I'm I'm even more comfortable that we couldn't spend anymore really and handle the organizational change that comes out of that. So I think we're at the right level and we're certainly not underfunding any opportunities that are in front of us. Alright. Great. Thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of David Schiavirini from Jefferies. Line is open. Hi, thanks for taking the question. Good So wanted circle back to loan growth, the 4% to 6% guide. Can you talk about what could lead to the high end versus the low end and also talk about borrower sentiment on the commercial side. Sure thing. Good morning, David. This is Tim. Yeah. I'll start with the sentiment side. You know, we think customers are feeling more optimistic about 2026 than the prior few years. Know, part of the contributing factors would be lower rates you know, more experience dealing with, tariffs. Clarity on the tax bill, and certainly m and a heating up.

So we think from a demand perspective, you know, things are sentiment is driving that higher. As far as some of the factors that could drive the higher end of that, you know, we're we're seeing middle market C and I picking up. We think our message of being a community bank, very client centric is one that plays very well in that space. They continue to build on Jim's comment. Talent is a big factor in continuing to add bankers strategically. In high growth markets will help drive that. And I think our expansion markets continue to show really good loan growth and opportunity as we continue to build out those teams. Great. Thanks for that.

And then on the outlook for M and A, so the Bremer integration has gone well. Can you give us your latest thoughts on your appetite for M and A going forward?

Jim Ryan: Yes. I think it's like we said last quarter, we're really focused in on investing in ourselves, being a better version of ourselves. I think the best the best return we can provide for our shareholders today is continue to work on ourselves and, grow organically. And, it's just not it's not a focus. It's not something we're spending a lot of time on today. And, you know, will make me happier if we finish the year. Just by being a better version of ourselves. Helpful. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Jon Arfstrom from RBC. Your line is open.

Jon Arfstrom: Hey, thanks. Good morning. Good morning. Good to hear from you. Yep. John, the strategic portfolio management that you referenced earlier, how much is left to do there?

John Moran: I think it's I think it's kinda constant ongoing John. It's it's just, like, the, the inflow into the classified buckets that we saw starting kinda eighteen months ago. Really feel like we got our arms around that. I you know, obviously, the lost content there has been de minimis, and, you know, I think we're we're through the worst of it. But ongoing active portfolio management like we always do, Yep. Okay. But maybe, Jim, can you talk a little bit more about the wealth strategy and outlook and what kind of expectations you have for that business?

Jim Ryan: Yeah. I think we're doing really well there. But again, I also I would reiterate my comments around the talent. That's really a talent play. You know, Tim's spending a lot of time with our wealth team In fact, he's meeting with the sales team here next week. Really trying to ramp up expectations around ongoing hiring in that space. We've been successful and probably more successful than many of our peers you know, have been in that space, but I think we can do even better. I really see great opportunities for us there. So I think we've built the product capabilities to be successful. We've got the right business model. I think we're organized for success.

Really, what we can do is I think we're underpenetrated in some of our biggest markets with talent. I think if we can pull that part off, which I believe we can, I think we can even see higher growth coming out of that business line? And one thing I would add, this is Tim. I think our partnership and collaboration with the commercial bank, you know, there's continues to be opportunities to more fully deliver the entire bank. Into our wealth, clients and into our commercial clients. And we're seeing partnerships in those referral activities really drive good results there. Yeah. Okay. Fair enough.

And, Jim, congratulations to the Hoosiers I know you're pushing Moran on expenses, but hopefully, there's room for some Hoosier game day water. In the budget. I like it. I like it. We're we're very excited. And we're so proud of him. What a great story, and can't wait for them movie Hoosiers two to come out soon. Great story. Thank you.

Operator: Thanks. And there are no further questions at this time. I'd like to turn the call back over to Jim Ryan for closing remarks.

Jim Ryan: Thank you all for your support and participation. The team will be available for calls all day today. Thanks so much. Exposures.

Operator: This concludes Old National's call. Once again, a replay along with the presentation slides will be available for twelve months on the Investor Relations page of Old National's website oldnational.com. A replay of the call will also be available by dialing 807702030 Access code 939-4540. This replay will be available through February 4. If anyone has any additional questions, please contact Lynell Durkol at (812) 464-1366. Thank you for your participation in today's conference call.