HOPE — Hope Bancorp, Inc.

Summary of Hope Bancorp Q4 2025 Earnings Call

1. Key Financial Results and Metrics

• Net Income: $34 million for Q4 2025, up 42% year-over-year and 12% quarter-over-quarter.
• Net Interest Income: $127 million, a 1% increase from Q3 and a 25% increase from Q4 2024.
• Net Interest Margin: 2.90%, up 1 basis point from Q3 and 40 basis points year-over-year.
• Gross Loans: $14.8 billion, up 1% quarter-over-quarter and 8% year-over-year.
• Deposits: $15.6 billion, up 9% year-over-year but down 1% from Q3 due to seasonal fluctuations.
• Noninterest Expense: $99 million, up from $97 million in Q3, reflecting increased compensation costs and the inclusion of Territorial Savings Bank expenses.
• Criticized Loans: $351 million, down 6% quarter-over-quarter and 22% year-over-year, indicating improved asset quality.

2. Strategic Updates and Business Highlights

• Successful acquisition of Territorial Bancorp expanded the bank's footprint into Hawaii, with positive customer reception and no significant deposit fluctuations during integration.
• Focus on reducing reliance on broker deposits, which fell 15% year-over-year.
• Investments in senior leadership and talent to enhance revenue-generating capabilities.
• Growth in fee income, particularly a 270% increase in customer-level swap fees year-over-year.

3. Forward Guidance and Outlook

• Loan Growth: Expected to be in the high single-digit range for 2026.
• Revenue Growth: Projected at 15% to 20% year-over-year, driven by loan growth, net interest margin expansion, and strong fee income.
• Net Interest Margin: Anticipated to benefit from downward repricing of time deposits and upward repricing of maturing commercial real estate loans.
• Pre-Provision Net Revenue Growth: Expected to be in the range of 25% to 30% for 2026.
• Efficiency Ratio Target: Aiming for mid-50% range over the medium term, with ongoing investments in operations.

4. Bad News, Challenges, or Points of Concern

• Operating Expenses: Increased noninterest expenses may pressure profitability, with a run rate for 2026 starting at Q4 2025 levels.
• Deposit Costs: Although deposit costs are expected to decrease, competitive pressures could impact margins.
• Market Sensitivity: The bank's margin is sensitive to future Fed rate cuts, which could affect overall profitability.

5. Notable Q&A Insights

• Deposit Costs: The current spot rate for total deposits is 2.68%, with expectations for further reductions as CDs mature and are repriced.
• Hiring Strategy: While specific new hire targets were not disclosed, hiring will focus on revenue-generating roles, with an expected low single-digit growth in operating expenses.
• Hawaii Operations: The integration of Territorial Savings Bank is progressing well, with plans for growth in the Hawaii market in 2026.

Overall, Hope Bancorp reported strong financial performance in Q4 2025, supported by strategic acquisitions and improved asset quality, while maintaining a cautious outlook on operating expenses and competitive pressures in the market.