Q1 2026 First Interstate BancSystem Inc Earnings Call

April 30, 2026

Operator 2: Hello, thank you for standing by. My name is Dennis, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by 1 on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. I would now like to turn the call over to Nancy Vermeulen. Please go ahead.

Operator: Hello, thank you for standing by. My name is Dennis, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Q1 2026 Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. I would now like to turn the call over to Nancy Vermeulen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press * followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #2: If you would like to withdraw your question, press * 1 again. I would now like to turn the call over to Nancy Vermeulen. Please go ahead.

Nancy Vermeulen: Thanks very much. Good morning. Thank you for joining us for our Q1 Earnings Conference Call. As we begin, please note that the information provided during this call will contain forward-looking statements. Actual results or outcomes might differ materially from those expressed by those statements. I'd like to direct all listeners to read the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements contained in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and in our earnings release, as well as the risk factors identified in the annual report and our more recent periodic reports filed with the SEC. Relevant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements are included in the earnings release and in our SEC filings. The company does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements made today.

Speaker #3: Thanks very much. Good morning, and thank you for joining us for our first quarter earnings call. As we begin, please note that the information provided during this call will contain forward-looking statements, and actual results or outcomes might differ materially from those expressed by those statements.

Speaker #3: I'd like to direct all listeners to read the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements contained in our most recent annual report, on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and in our earnings release.

Speaker #3: As well as the risk factors identified in the annual report and our more recent periodic reports filed with the SEC. Relevant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements are included in the earnings release and in our SEC filings and the company does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements made today.

Speaker #3: A copy of our earnings release, which contains non-GAAP financial measures, is available on our website at fibk.com. Information regarding our use of the non-GAAP financial measures may be found in the body of the earnings release and a reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the earnings release for your reference.

Nancy Vermeulen: A copy of our earnings release, which contains non-GAAP financial measures, is available on our website at fibk.com. Information regarding our use of the non-GAAP financial measures may be found in the body of the earnings release and a reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the earnings release for your reference. Again this quarter, along with our earnings release, we've published an updated investor presentation that has additional disclosures that we believe will be helpful. The presentation can be accessed on our investor relations website. If you have not downloaded a copy yet, we encourage you to do so. Please also note that as we discuss our financials today, unless otherwise noted, all of the prior period comparisons will be with the Q4 of 2025.

Speaker #3: Again, this quarter, along with our earnings release, we've published an updated investor presentation that has additional disclosures that we believe will be helpful. The presentation can be accessed on our investor relations website and, if you have not downloaded a copy yet, we encourage you to do so.

Nancy Vermeulen: The presentation can be accessed on our investor relations website. If you have not downloaded a copy yet, we encourage you to do so. Please also note that as we discuss our financials today, unless otherwise noted, all of the prior period comparisons will be with the Q4 of 2025. Joining us from management this morning are Jim Reuter, our Chief Executive Officer, David DellaCamera, our Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our management team. Now I'll turn the call over to Jim Reuter. Jim.

Speaker #3: Please also note that as we discuss our financials today, unless otherwise noted, all of the prior period comparisons will be with the fourth quarter of 2025.

Speaker #3: Joining us from management this morning are Jim Reuter, our chief executive officer; David Delacamera, our chief financial officer; and other members of our management team.

Nancy Vermeulen: Joining us from management this morning are Jim Reuter, our Chief Executive Officer, David DellaCamera, our Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our management team. Now I'll turn the call over to Jim Reuter. Jim.

Speaker #3: Now, I'll turn the call over to Jim Reuter. Jim.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Nancy, and thank you for joining us on our earnings call today. In the first quarter of 2026, we completed the redesign of our banking organization, which was a major step forward in the ongoing strategic focus on full relationship banking.

James A. Reuter: Thank you, Nancy, and thank you for joining us on our earnings call today. In Q1 of 2026, we completed the redesign of our banking organization, which was a major step forward in the ongoing strategic focus on full relationship banking. This, along with the expansion of our teams in key markets such as Colorado, is translating into an increase in production as we move into Q2. As a reminder, we initiated the redesign in Q4 of last year with the intent of changing our banking organization from a layered structure to a flatter, more streamlined model, resulting in a better client experience. We completed the transition in Q1, successfully integrating top performers from within the company with exceptional external talent to create a more agile structure focused on delivering the full capabilities of the bank.

Jim Reuter: Thank you, Nancy, and thank you for joining us on our earnings call today. In Q1 of 2026, we completed the redesign of our banking organization, which was a major step forward in the ongoing strategic focus on full relationship banking. This, along with the expansion of our teams in key markets such as Colorado, is translating into an increase in production as we move into Q2. As a reminder, we initiated the redesign in Q4 of last year with the intent of changing our banking organization from a layered structure to a flatter, more streamlined model, resulting in a better client experience. We completed the transition in Q1, successfully integrating top performers from within the company with exceptional external talent to create a more agile structure focused on delivering the full capabilities of the bank.

Speaker #4: This, along with the expansion of our teams and key markets such as Colorado, is translating into an increase in production as we move into the second quarter.

Speaker #4: As a reminder, we initiated the redesign in the fourth quarter of last year, with the intent of changing our banking organization from a layered structure to a flatter, more streamlined model resulting in a better client experience.

Speaker #4: We completed the transition in the first quarter, successfully integrating top performers from within the company with exceptional external talent to create a more agile structure, focused on delivering the full capabilities of the bank.

Speaker #4: We remain focused on disciplined earning asset growth, supporting earning asset repricing to drive the value inherent in our best-in-class deposit base. Over the course of 2025, we began reorienting our branch network to geographies that have high growth potential for us, which entailed divestitures of some of our lower-density markets and planned branch openings in areas where we have opportunities to gain market share.

James A. Reuter: We remain focused on disciplined earning asset growth, supporting earning asset repricing to drive the value inherent in our best-in-class deposit base. Over the course of 2025, we began reorienting our branch network to geographies that have high growth potential for us, which entailed divestitures of some of our lower density markets and planned branch openings in areas where we have opportunities to gain market share. We completed the previously announced consolidations of 4 branches in Eastern Nebraska, the closures of the single branches in Minnesota and North Dakota, and the opening of an additional branch in Montana in Q1. On 10 April, after quarter end, we completed the sale of 11 branches in rural Nebraska, and later in the month, completed a major upgrade of our branch location in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Jim Reuter: We remain focused on disciplined earning asset growth, supporting earning asset repricing to drive the value inherent in our best-in-class deposit base. Over the course of 2025, we began reorienting our branch network to geographies that have high growth potential for us, which entailed divestitures of some of our lower density markets and planned branch openings in areas where we have opportunities to gain market share. We completed the previously announced consolidations of 4 branches in Eastern Nebraska, the closures of the single branches in Minnesota and North Dakota, and the opening of an additional branch in Montana in Q1. On 10 April, after quarter end, we completed the sale of 11 branches in rural Nebraska, and later in the month, completed a major upgrade of our branch location in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Speaker #4: We completed the previously announced consolidations of four branches in Eastern Nebraska, the closures of the single branches in Minnesota and North Dakota, and the opening of an additional branch in Montana in the first quarter.

Speaker #4: On April 10th, after quarter-end, we completed the sale of 11 branches in rural Nebraska and, later in the month, completed a major upgrade of our branch location in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Speaker #4: We are currently consolidating two locations in Iowa and Oregon, which will close early in the third quarter. We have made significant progress, optimizing our branch network in the past 18 months, and while we believe most of the large activity is behind us, branch optimization will always be an ongoing process to ensure we can serve our customers most effectively and efficiently.

James A. Reuter: We are currently consolidating 2 locations in Iowa and Oregon, which will close early in Q3. While we believe most of the large activity is behind us, branch optimization will always be an ongoing process to ensure we can serve our customers most effectively and efficiently. Our overall objective is disciplined growth, placing assets on the balance sheet that are accretive to our return profile as we work to unlock the underlying value in our balance sheet. As we focus our capital investment in 2025, we initiated a share repurchase authorization and have purchased about 6 million shares since announcing the program last August. We continue to see value in share buybacks and are in a position to return capital as well as grow organically. Turning to credit.

Jim Reuter: We are currently consolidating 2 locations in Iowa and Oregon, which will close early in Q3. While we believe most of the large activity is behind us, branch optimization will always be an ongoing process to ensure we can serve our customers most effectively and efficiently. Our overall objective is disciplined growth, placing assets on the balance sheet that are accretive to our return profile as we work to unlock the underlying value in our balance sheet. As we focus our capital investment in 2025, we initiated a share repurchase authorization and have purchased about 6 million shares since announcing the program last August. We continue to see value in share buybacks and are in a position to return capital as well as grow organically. Turning to credit.

Speaker #4: Our overall objective is disciplined growth, placing assets on the balance sheet that are accretive to our return profile, as we work to unlock the underlying value in our balance sheet.

Speaker #4: As we focus our capital investment in 2025, we initiated a share repurchase authorization and have purchased about $6 million shares since announcing the program last August.

Speaker #4: We continue to see value in share buybacks and are in a position to return capital as well as grow organically. Turning to credit, in the first quarter of 2026, credit quality was generally stable with a modest decline in criticized loans.

James A. Reuter: In Q1 2026, credit quality was generally stable with a modest decline in criticized loans. We experienced a modest increase in non-performing loans that was driven by 1 individual credit. Net charge-offs were 6 basis points of average loans. In addition to efforts to optimize our physical branch network mentioned earlier, we are also investing in digital channels to meet customers where they are, whether that be in a branch or online. We have made improvements to our online account opening experience and our Zelle P2P service. Both of these changes have produced positive results that are supporting our efforts to attract and retain customers. In addition, we are making investments in our management of data to ensure we are able to leverage new technologies and integrate the use of AI, which are key to many of our strategic initiatives.

Jim Reuter: In Q1 2026, credit quality was generally stable with a modest decline in criticized loans. We experienced a modest increase in non-performing loans that was driven by 1 individual credit. Net charge-offs were 6 basis points of average loans. In addition to efforts to optimize our physical branch network mentioned earlier, we are also investing in digital channels to meet customers where they are, whether that be in a branch or online. We have made improvements to our online account opening experience and our Zelle P2P service. Both of these changes have produced positive results that are supporting our efforts to attract and retain customers. In addition, we are making investments in our management of data to ensure we are able to leverage new technologies and integrate the use of AI, which are key to many of our strategic initiatives.

Speaker #4: We experienced a modest increase in non-performing loans that was driven by one individual credit. Net charge-offs were 6 basis points of average loans. In addition to efforts to optimize our physical branch network mentioned earlier, we are also investing in digital channels to meet customers where they are, whether that be in a branch or online.

Speaker #4: We have made improvements to our online account opening experience and our Zelle P2P service. Both of these changes have produced positive results that are supporting our efforts to attract and retain customers.

Speaker #4: In addition, we are making investments in our management of data to ensure we are able to leverage new technologies and integrate the use of AI, which are key to many of our strategic initiatives.

Speaker #4: Finally, we brought a new marketing partner on board in the first quarter, and this firm is now developing a creative campaign across consumer and business platforms.

James A. Reuter: Finally, we brought a new marketing partner on board in Q1, and this firm is now developing a creative campaign across consumer and business platforms. Given that the transformation at First Interstate is now visible in our footprint, our balance sheet, and our delivery of first-class services and products, the timing is right to increase brand presence. You'll begin to see that across our footprint over the summer months. Now I will hand the call over to David to discuss our results and our guidance in more detail. David.

Jim Reuter: Finally, we brought a new marketing partner on board in Q1, and this firm is now developing a creative campaign across consumer and business platforms. Given that the transformation at First Interstate is now visible in our footprint, our balance sheet, and our delivery of first-class services and products, the timing is right to increase brand presence. You'll begin to see that across our footprint over the summer months. Now I will hand the call over to David to discuss our results and our guidance in more detail. David.

Speaker #4: Given that the transformation at first interstate is now visible in our footprint, our balance sheet, and our delivery of first-class services and products, the timing is right to increase brand presence.

Speaker #4: You will begin to see that across our footprint over the summer months. And now I will hand the call over to David to discuss our results and our guidance in more detail.

Speaker #4: David.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Jim. I'll start with our results for the quarter. The company reported net income of $60.2 million or 61 cents per diluted share in the first quarter, compared to $108.8 million or $1.08 per diluted share in the fourth quarter.

David Della Camera: Thanks, Jim. I'll start with our results for the quarter. The company reported net income of $60.2 million or $0.61 per diluted share in Q1, compared to $108.8 million or $1.08 per diluted share in Q4. Net interest income decreased by $5.7 million compared to the prior quarter or 2.8% to $200.7 million. This was driven primarily by fewer accrual days in Q1 compared to Q4, a reduction in earning assets due mostly to seasonally lower deposits, and a reduction in the yield on earning assets due to Q4 rate movement. These impacts were partially offset by a reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

Speaker #5: Net interest income decreased by 5.7 million dollars compared to the prior quarter, or 2.8% to $200.7 million. This was driven primarily by fewer accrual days in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter, a reduction in earning assets due mostly to seasonally lower deposits, and a reduction in the yield on earning assets due to fourth-quarter rate movement.

Speaker #5: These impacts were partially offset by a reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Yield on average loans decreased 7 basis points to 5.60%, and total deposit costs declined 10 basis points compared to the prior quarter.

David Della Camera: Yield on average loans decreased 7 basis points to 5.60%, and total deposit costs declined 10 basis points compared to the prior quarter. Total funding costs decreased 8 basis points compared to Q4, and results were broadly in line with our initial expectations shared on the prior earnings call. Our fully tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.43% for Q1, compared to 3.38% during Q4 and to 3.22% during Q1 of 2025. This is the eighth consecutive quarter in which we have seen margin expansion, and we continue to anticipate sequential expansion over the near and medium term. Non-interest income was $41.1 million, a decrease of $65.5 million from the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: Total funding costs decreased 8 basis points compared to the fourth quarter, and results were broadly in line with our initial expectations shared on the prior earnings call.

Speaker #5: Our fully tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.43% for the first quarter compared to 3.38% during the fourth quarter, and to 3.22% during the first quarter of 2025.

Speaker #5: This is the eighth consecutive quarter, in which we have seen margin expansion, and we continue to anticipate sequential expansion over the near and medium term.

Speaker #5: Non-interest income was $41.1 million, a decrease of $65.5 million from the prior quarter. The decline was driven by a gain on sale of $62.7 million associated with our divestiture from Arizona and Kansas, and a $1.4 million gain from the sale of certain equity securities, both of which were recognized in the fourth quarter.

David Della Camera: The decline was driven by a gain on sale of $62.7 million associated with our divestiture from Arizona and Kansas, and a $1.4 million gain from the sale of certain equity securities, both of which were recognized in Q4. The remainder of the decline was generally driven by seasonality in our fee businesses, including payment services. Non-interest expense was $157.6 million for Q1 2026, a decrease of $9.1 million from the prior quarter. Severance expense totaled $1.3 million during the quarter and was primarily related to the redesign of the banking organization and branch closures.

Speaker #5: The remainder of the decline was generally driven by seasonality in our fee businesses including payment services. Non-interest expense was 157.6 million dollars for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of 9.1 million dollars from the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: Severance expense totaled $1.3 million during the quarter and was primarily related to the redesign of the banking organization and branch closures. As a reminder, fourth-quarter results included $4.2 million in severance expense and $2.3 million in expenses related to the pending branch closures.

David Della Camera: As a reminder, Q4 results included $4.2 million in severance expense, $2.3 million in expenses related to the pending branch closures, and a $1.2 million reversal related to the FDIC special assessment accrual. Results this quarter benefited from medical expense favorability to expectations as well as an OREO valuation adjustment which benefited expenses by just over $1 million. We continue to exhibit discipline across expense categories while reinvesting in areas to support accretive organic growth, including the addition of relationship managers and increased advertising expense, which is included in our forward expense guidance. Moving to the balance sheet.

Speaker #5: And a $1.2 million reversal related to the FDIC special assessment accrual. Results this quarter benefited from medical expense favorability to expectations, as well as an OREO valuation adjustment, which benefited expenses by just over $1 million.

Speaker #5: We continue to exhibit discipline across expense categories, while reinvesting in areas to support accretive organic growth, including the addition of relationship managers and increased advertising expense, which has included in our forward expense guidance.

Speaker #5: Moving to the balance sheet. Loans decreased by $473.2 million in the first quarter, which included $58.1 million of continued amortization of the indirect portfolio, and a decline in agricultural loans.

David Della Camera: Loans decreased by $473.2 million in Q1, which included $58.1 million of continued amortization of the indirect portfolio and a decline in agricultural loans, as well as loan paydowns and payoffs. Total deposits decreased $205.3 million to $21.9 million as of 31 March 2026. Year-over-year, excluding the impact of the Arizona and Kansas sold deposits were a little changed. Our deposit performance in Q1 reflected what we view as normal seasonality and was modestly favorable to our initial expectations. We effectively captured beta on our interest-bearing deposits, with the cost declining 12 basis points compared to the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: As well as loan paydowns and payoffs. Total deposits decreased 205.3 million dollars to 21.9 million dollars as of March 31st, 2026. Year over year, excluding the impact of the Arizona and Kansas sold deposits, deposits were little changed.

Speaker #5: Our deposit performance in the first quarter reflected what we view as normal seasonality and was modestly favorable to our initial expectations. We effectively captured beta on our interest-bearing deposits with the cost declining 12 basis points compared to the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: The ratio of loans held for investment to deposits was 67.3% at the end of the quarter, compared to 68.8% at the end of the prior quarter, and 76.4% at the end of the first quarter of the prior year.

David Della Camera: The ratio of loans held for investment to deposits was 67.3% at the end of the quarter, compared to 68.8% at the end of the prior quarter and 76.4% at the end of Q1 of the prior year. As a note, the previously disclosed sale of 11 branches in Western Nebraska that closed in April contained approximately $244 million in sold deposits. Turning to credit. Net charge-offs decreased by $19.7 million in Q1 to $2.4 million or 6 basis points of average loans. Total provision for credit losses was $6.7 million in Q1. Criticized loans decreased $18.6 million or 1.8% from the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: As a note, the previously disclosed sale of 11 branches in Western Nebraska that closed in April contained approximately 244 million dollars in sold deposits.

Speaker #5: Turning to credit. Net charge-offs decreased by 19.7 million dollars in the first quarter to 2.4 million dollars or 6 basis points of average loans.

Speaker #5: Total provision for credit losses was 6.7 million dollars in the first quarter. Criticized loans decreased 18.6 million dollars or 1.8% from the prior quarter.

Speaker #5: Our total funded provision increased to 1.33% of loans held for investment from 1.26% in the fourth quarter. The increase in coverage this quarter broadly reflects specific credit activity within non-performing loans.

David Della Camera: Our total funded provision increased to 1.33% of loans held for investment from 1.26% in Q4. The increase in coverage this quarter broadly reflects specific credit activity within non-performing loans. We repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares in Q1, totaling approximately $84 million, and repurchases since initiation of the program in August total about $202 million. We continue to view share repurchases as our immediate capital allocation priority. We believe the accretive combination of earning asset growth, share repurchases, fixed asset repricing, and the stabilization and improvement of our earning asset mix will drive shareholder value. Finally, we declared a dividend of $0.47 per common share, which equates to a 5.3% annualized yield based on the average closing price of the company's common stock during Q1.

Speaker #5: We repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares in the first quarter, totaling approximately $84 million and repurchases since initiation of the program in August, total about $202 million.

Speaker #5: We continue to view share repurchases as our immediate capital allocation priority. We believe the accretive combination of earning asset growth, share repurchases, fixed asset repricing, and the stabilization and improvement of our earning asset mix will drive shareholder value.

Speaker #5: Finally, we declared a dividend of 47 cents per common share, which equates to a 5.3% annualized yield based on the average closing price of the company's common stock during the first quarter.

Speaker #5: Our common equity tier-one capital ratio ended the first quarter at 14.30%, a decrease of 8 basis points from the prior quarter. Our leverage ratio was 9.56% at the end of the first quarter, compared to 9.61% at the end of the prior quarter.

David Della Camera: Our Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio ended the Q1 at 14.30%, a decrease of 8 basis points from the prior quarter. Our leverage ratio was 9.56% at the end of the Q1, compared to 9.61% at the end of the prior quarter. Moving to our guidance. Our guidance continues to include the impact of the sale of 11 branches in Nebraska, which closed subsequent to the end of the Q1, while excluding the anticipated gain on sale from the transaction, which we expect will total approximately $19 million. Broadly, our guidance is generally consistent with the prior quarter, with little change to our ranges for Net Interest Income, non-interest income, and non-interest expense.

Speaker #5: Moving to our guidance. Our guidance continues to include the impact of the sale of 11 branches in Nebraska, which closed subsequent to the end of the first quarter, while excluding the anticipated gain on sale from the transaction, which we expect will total approximately $19 million.

Speaker #5: Broadly, our guidance is generally consistent with the prior quarter, with little change to our ranges for net interest income, non-interest income, and non-interest expense.

Speaker #5: Our guidance continues to anticipate a decline in loan balances in the second quarter, with stabilization and modest growth in the back half of the year.

David Della Camera: Our guidance continues to anticipate a decline in loan balances in Q2, with stabilization and modest growth in H2. We continue to anticipate a benefit from fixed asset repricing over the next couple of years. As outlined in our investor presentation through 2027, we anticipate $2.6 billion of fixed and adjustable-rate loans with a weighted average yield of 4.5% to mature or reprice. We expect an additional $2 billion of securities cash flows over the same period at a weighted average yield of 2.7%. Both the dollar amount and rate of anticipated investment portfolio cash flows have increased over the prior 2 quarters as we continue to target a short to mid-duration profile for new purchases.

Speaker #5: We continue to anticipate a benefit from fixed asset repricing over the next couple of years. As outlined in our investor presentation through 2027, we anticipate 2.6 billion dollars of fixed and adjustable rate loans, with a weighted average yield of 4.5% to mature or reprice.

Speaker #5: We expect an additional $2 billion of securities cash flows over the same period, at a weighted average yield of 2.7%. Both the dollar amount and rate of anticipated investment portfolio cash flows have increased over the prior two quarters, as we continue to target a short- to mid-duration profile for new purchases.

Speaker #5: Similar to prior periods, we also continue to expect sequential improvement in our net interest margin each quarter in 2026 and into 2027, given the expectation for improving spread between loans and deposits, and due to the loan repricing dynamic and continued amortization of lower-yielding investment securities.

David Della Camera: Similar to prior periods, we also continue to expect sequential improvement in our Net Interest Margin each quarter in 2026 and into 2027, given the expectation for improving spread between loans and deposits and due to the loan repricing dynamic and continued amortization of lower yielding investment securities. With that, I will hand the call back to Jim. Jim?

Speaker #5: With that, I will hand the call back to Jim. Jim.

Speaker #1: Thanks, David. FIRST INTERSTATE STRENGTHS are in our low-cost deposit base, supported by dominant share and growing markets. Our balance sheet exhibits strong liquidity and capital flexibility and we anticipate benefiting from earning asset repricing over the coming years.

James A. Reuter: Thanks, David. First Interstate strengths are in our low-cost deposit base, supported by dominant share and growing markets. Our balance sheet exhibits strong liquidity and capital flexibility, and we anticipate benefiting from earning asset repricing over the coming years. We are pleased with the underlying momentum in the business, and we anticipate meaningful improvement to our return profile as we move forward. Now we would like to open the call up for questions.

Jim Reuter: Thanks, David. First Interstate strengths are in our low-cost deposit base, supported by dominant share and growing markets. Our balance sheet exhibits strong liquidity and capital flexibility, and we anticipate benefiting from earning asset repricing over the coming years. We are pleased with the underlying momentum in the business, and we anticipate meaningful improvement to our return profile as we move forward. Now we would like to open the call up for questions.

Speaker #1: We are pleased with the underlying momentum in the business and we anticipate meaningful improvement to our return profile as we move forward. Now we would like to open the call up for questions.

Speaker #2: At this time, I would like to remind everyone in order to ask a question, please press star and then the number one on your telephone keypad.

Operator 2: Your first question is from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Your first question is from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stevens Inc. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your first question is from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Hey, good morning.

Andrew Terrell: Hey, good morning.

Speaker #4: Good morning, Andrew.

James A. Reuter: Morning, Andrew.

Jim Reuter: Morning, Andrew.

Speaker #3: Hey, I wanted to start off just on loan growth. I see on the guidance slide you kind of assuming some improving production, informed by strong commercial pipeline.

Andrew Terrell: I wanted to start off just on loan growth. You know, I see on the guidance slide, you're kind of assuming some improving production, informed by, you know, strong commercial pipeline. I was hoping you could just quantify. I know there's been a lot of moving pieces recently, but maybe give us some color on what's building in the pipeline. You know, how optimistic you are on returning to your flat balance sheet or growth, just given the decline we've seen recently as you guys have worked through some credit. Just maybe love to unpack the pipeline build a little bit more.

Speaker #3: I was hoping you could just quantify I know there's been a lot of moving pieces recently. But maybe give us some color on what's building in the pipeline, how optimistic you are on returning to a flat balance sheet or growth, just given the decline we've seen recently as you guys have worked through some credit.

Speaker #3: Just maybe, we'd love to unpack the pipeline build a little bit more.

Speaker #4: Yeah, sounds good, Andrew. Good question. And we I would just say that we expected, as we put out our forward guidance for 2026, that we would see this decline the first part leveling off mid-year and then growing in the back half.

James A. Reuter: Yeah. Sounds good, Andrew. Good question. You know, I would just say that we expected as we put out our forward guidance for 2026 that we would see this decline, the first part leveling off mid-year and then growing in the back half. What I can tell you is we're seeing good pipeline activity. I'm not gonna give you an exact number because as you know, pull-through rates are always something that you have to make an assumption on. I will say it's the best activity I've seen in 18 months since I've been here. You know, post the banking reorg. We have a flatter org chart with more people in production roles. We actually increased the number of bankers on the ground. We have clear scorecards and goals, and it's driving really strong sales activity.

Jim Reuter: Yeah. Sounds good, Andrew. Good question. You know, I would just say that we expected as we put out our forward guidance for 2026 that we would see this decline, the first part leveling off mid-year and then growing in the back half. What I can tell you is we're seeing good pipeline activity. I'm not gonna give you an exact number because as you know, pull-through rates are always something that you have to make an assumption on. I will say it's the best activity I've seen in 18 months since I've been here. You know, post the banking reorg. We have a flatter org chart with more people in production roles. We actually increased the number of bankers on the ground. We have clear scorecards and goals, and it's driving really strong sales activity.

Speaker #4: And what I can tell you is we're seeing good pipeline activity. I'm not going to give you an exact number because, as you know, pull-through rates are always something that you have to make an assumption on.

Speaker #4: But I will say it's the best activity I've seen in 18 months since I've been here. Post the banking reorg, we have a flatter org chart with more people in production roles.

Speaker #4: We actually increased the number of bankers on the ground. We have clear scorecards and goals, and it's driving really strong sales activity. The bankers are doing not only a great job with that loan pipeline.

James A. Reuter: The bankers are doing not only a great job with that loan pipeline, I know that's the focus of your question, but they're bringing full relationships. I sit in loan committee every week, and it's become the default that you're talking about the deposits that are coming with the loans. You know, with that said, though, we won't chase growth for the sake of growth. It'll be smart growth that provides the appropriate return credit profiles that's accretive to our bottom line and build shareholder value. Best pipeline I've seen. It's coming from all parts of the footprint, but they're not all created equal. We're seeing stronger activity in the Rocky Mountain region, Colorado in particular, given the opportunity we have there.

Jim Reuter: The bankers are doing not only a great job with that loan pipeline, I know that's the focus of your question, but they're bringing full relationships. I sit in loan committee every week, and it's become the default that you're talking about the deposits that are coming with the loans. You know, with that said, though, we won't chase growth for the sake of growth. It'll be smart growth that provides the appropriate return credit profiles that's accretive to our bottom line and build shareholder value. Best pipeline I've seen. It's coming from all parts of the footprint, but they're not all created equal. We're seeing stronger activity in the Rocky Mountain region, Colorado in particular, given the opportunity we have there.

Speaker #4: I know that's the focus of your question, but they're bringing full relationships. I sit in loan committee every week, and it's become the default that you're talking about the deposits that are coming with the loan.

Speaker #4: So with that said, though, we won't chase growth for the sake of growth. It'll be smart growth that provides the appropriate return, credit profiles that's accretive to our bottom line and build shareholder value.

Speaker #4: And so, best pipeline I've seen. It's coming from all parts of the footprint, but they're not all created equal. We're seeing stronger activity in the Rocky Mountain region, Colorado in particular, given the opportunity we have there.

Speaker #3: Great. I appreciate it, Jim. And if I could move over to the margin quickly. Was there any NPL interest reversal that negatively impacted loan yields this quarter?

Andrew Terrell: Great. I appreciate it, Jim. If I could move over to the margin quickly. Was there any NPL interest reversal that negatively impacted loan yields this quarter? You guys have, you know, obviously done a good job in improving loan yield in the face of rate cuts, but this quarter loan yields were down 7 basis points. Was there anything one time in the loan yields and any other headwinds we should contemplate when we think about, you know, the fixed asset dynamics going throughout the year?

Speaker #3: You guys have obviously done a good job in improving loan yield in the face of rate cuts, but this quarter loan yields were down 7 basis points.

Speaker #3: Was there anything one-time in the loan yields and any other headwinds we should contemplate when we think about the fixed asset dynamics going throughout the year?

Speaker #4: Nothing material there, Andrew. I think the decline you saw quarter over quarter was essentially the impact of the Q4 rate cuts. So, each rate cut, all else equal, is about a 5 basis point impact on our loan yields—about 20% of the portfolio is variable.

David Della Camera: Nothing material there, Andrew. I think the decline you saw quarter over quarter was essentially the impact of the 4 Q-rate cuts. Each rate cut, all else equal, is about a 5 basis point impact on our loan yields, about 20% of the portfolio's variable. That was really just that quarter-over-quarter impact there.

Speaker #4: So that was really just that quarter over quarter impact there.

Speaker #3: Got it. Okay. And then on the securities front, it looks like you built the bond book a little bit this quarter. You've still got a pretty healthy cash position, and it's elevated versus where you ran at several years ago.

Andrew Terrell: Got it. Okay. On the securities front, looks like you built the bond book a little bit this quarter. You still got a pretty healthy cash position, and it's elevated versus, you know, where you ran at several years ago. I guess, you know, updated thoughts on where you'd like to run cash at, David, and then should we expect incremental securities purchases going forward?

Speaker #3: I guess updated thoughts on where you'd like to run cash at, David, and then should we expect incremental securities purchases going forward?

Speaker #4: Yeah. So I think a couple of comments there. Second quarter, we have the where we had the branch transaction that closed early in the period.

David Della Camera: Yeah. I think a couple of comments there. You know, Q2 we had the branch transaction that closed early in the period. A little bit of a use of cash there, which is part of that. I think you'll see our cash position move around a little bit just given deposit seasonality as we try to smooth investment purchases over time. We will continue to be active in the investment space just given the securities cash flow we have coming over the next few years, but probably a little outsized growth this period just given that change in loans that we anticipated.

Speaker #4: So a little bit of a use of cash there, which is part of that. I think you'll see our cash position move around a little bit, just given deposit seasonality, as we try to smooth investment purchases over time.

Speaker #4: We will continue to be active in the investment space, just given the securities cash flow we have coming over the next few years, but probably a little outsized growth this period, just given that change in loans that we anticipated.

Speaker #3: Yep. Fair enough. Okay. Thank you for taking the questions.

Andrew Terrell: Yep, fair enough. Okay. Thank you for taking the questions.

Speaker #2: Your next question is from the line of Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Your next question is from the line of Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question is from the line of Matthew Clark with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hey, good morning. I want to start with the weighted average rate on new loans and securities as we think through the cash flows. Coming off both those portfolios going forward.

Matthew Clark: Hey, good morning. Wanted to start with the weighted average rate on new loans and securities as we think through the cash flows coming off both those portfolios going forward.

Speaker #4: Yep. So first quarter for loans, kind of low sixes. I think later in the quarter, a little bit higher as the base rate moved higher.

David Della Camera: Yep. Q1 for loans, kind of low 6s. I think later in the quarter a little bit higher as the base rate moved higher. On new securities, I would think in that 5-year plus about 60 basis points, give or take, is kind of where the market is right now for those new purchases.

Speaker #4: And then on new securities, I would think in that five-year plus, about 60 basis points, give or take, is kind of where the market is right now for those new purchases.

Speaker #5: Okay.

Matthew Clark: Okay. Okay. Spot rate on deposits at the end of March and your outlook for deposit costs with the Fed on hold, are there any other opportunities to kind of reduce some higher cost deposits?

Speaker #3: Okay. And then, spot rate on deposits at the end of March, and your outlook for deposit costs with the Fed on hold. Are there any other opportunities to kind of reduce some higher-cost deposits?

Speaker #4: So March interest-bearing deposit cost was 155. So a few basis points lower than the full quarter. I think as we go into the second quarter, we feel like we're generally kind of where we will be without Fed moves.

David Della Camera: March interest-bearing deposit cost was 155, so a few basis points lower than the full quarter. I think as we go into the Q2, we feel like we're generally kind of where we will be without Fed moves. Again, a few basis points of improvement. We anticipate quarter over quarter just given ending versus average. You know, I think we've moved our rates where we think they will be given where the Fed is. Without additional movements, I think you should expect us to settle around where that is.

Speaker #4: So again, a few basis points of improvement we anticipate quarter over quarter, just given ending versus average. But I think we've moved our rates where we think they will be, given where the Fed is.

Speaker #4: And so without additional movements, I think you should expect us to settle around where that is.

Speaker #3: Okay. And then just on criticized, any line of sight on a more material decline in those balances? Any resolutions coming up that you can see or upgrades?

Matthew Clark: Okay. Just on criticized, any line of sight on, you know, a more material decline in those balances? Any, you know, resolutions coming up that you can see or upgrades?

Speaker #4: Yeah, good question, Matt. I mentioned it in my opening comments, but we've continued to see stabilization in the credit bucket. That's a result of the proactive credit management and the great work by our bankers and credit teams.

James A. Reuter: Yeah, good question, Matt. You know, as I mentioned it in my opening comments, but we've continued to see stabilization in the credit bucket. That's a result of the proactive credit management and the great work by our bankers and credit teams. You know, it's a dynamic part of the bank, so it won't move in a straight linear path quarter to quarter, but directionally over the long term, I'm confident we'll see continued improvement.

Jim Reuter: Yeah, good question, Matt. You know, as I mentioned it in my opening comments, but we've continued to see stabilization in the credit bucket. That's a result of the proactive credit management and the great work by our bankers and credit teams. You know, it's a dynamic part of the bank, so it won't move in a straight linear path quarter to quarter, but directionally over the long term, I'm confident we'll see continued improvement.

Speaker #4: It's a dynamic part of the bank, so it won't move in a straight linear path quarter to quarter. But directionally over the long term, I'm confident we'll see continued improvement.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thanks. And then just one minor housekeeping item. Is your full year NII guide on a taxable equivalent basis or gap basis?

Matthew Clark: Okay, thanks. Just one minor housekeeping item. Is your full year NII guide on a taxable equivalent basis or GAAP basis?

Speaker #4: It's a gap basis, Matt.

James A. Reuter: It's a GAAP basis, Matt.

Jim Reuter: It's a GAAP basis, Matt.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thank you.

Matthew Clark: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Your next question is from the line of Jared Shaw with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Your next question is from the line of Jared Shaw with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question is from the line of Jared Shaw with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hey, good morning. I guess maybe a little more specifically on the payment services revenue. How should we think about that going forward, given the branch restructuring?

Jared Shaw: Hey, good morning. I guess, maybe a little more specifically on the payment services revenue. How should we think about that going forward given the branch restructuring? Should, you know, should we expect to see growth in that this year, going forward?

Speaker #6: Should we expect to see growth in that this year? Going forward?

Speaker #4: Yeah. Good question again, Jared, on and I would just say that the pipeline activity I mentioned the bankers are doing a great job of bringing deposits.

James A. Reuter: Good question again, Jared. I would just say that the pipeline activity I mentioned, the bankers are doing a great job of bringing deposits. They're also given incentives to bring along partners in the bank, both in treasury management as well as payments. That's happening in spades. In talking to folks in treasury management, they've never been busier accompanying bankers on calls. That should give us some help in that area.

Jim Reuter: Good question again, Jared. I would just say that the pipeline activity I mentioned, the bankers are doing a great job of bringing deposits. They're also given incentives to bring along partners in the bank, both in treasury management as well as payments. That's happening in spades. In talking to folks in treasury management, they've never been busier accompanying bankers on calls. That should give us some help in that area.

Speaker #4: They're also giving incentives to bring along partners in the bank, both in treasury management as well as payments. And that's happening in spades and talking to folks in treasury management.

Speaker #4: They've never been busy or accompanying bankers on calls. So that should give us some help in that area. And.

Jared Shaw: Jared.

Speaker #6: And Jared, would just add as well as you think about the year-over-year impact, would just remind about the impact of the consumer credit card outsourcing last year, which happened in the second quarter.

James A. Reuter: I would just add as well, as you think about the year-over-year impact, would just remind about the impact of the consumer credit card outsourcing last year, which happened in Q2. Would note Q1 is generally seasonally lower for us. Just actual seasonality as well as day count impacting that. One other thing I would add, Jared, is just from a payment standpoint, philosophically, I've always had the mindset that payments are a key service a bank offers. In fact, my philosophy is if you make the First Interstate Bank the easiest account to move money to and from, you end up with more idle funds in those operating accounts. Those operating accounts tend to be your lowest cost deposit source. It's a priority from a strategy standpoint to lean into that space.

David Della Camera: I would just add as well, as you think about the year-over-year impact, would just remind about the impact of the consumer credit card outsourcing last year, which happened in Q2. Would note Q1 is generally seasonally lower for us. Just actual seasonality as well as day count impacting that.

Speaker #6: And then would note the first quarter's generally seasonally lower for us. So just actual seasonality as well as day count impacting that.

Speaker #5: And one other thing I would add, Jared, is just from a payment standpoint, philosophically, I've always had the mindset that payments are a key service a bank offers.

Jim Reuter: One other thing I would add, Jared, is just from a payment standpoint, philosophically, I've always had the mindset that payments are a key service a bank offers. In fact, my philosophy is if you make the First Interstate Bank the easiest account to move money to and from, you end up with more idle funds in those operating accounts. Those operating accounts tend to be your lowest cost deposit source. It's a priority from a strategy standpoint to lean into that space.

Speaker #5: In fact, my philosophy is if you make the first interstate bank the easiest account to move money to and from, you end up with more idle funds.

Speaker #5: And those operating accounts and those operating accounts tend to be your lowest cost deposit source. So it's a priority from a strategy standpoint to lean in into that space.

Speaker #6: Okay, thanks. That’s great color. Jim, you talked about spending time on data management and making sure that that’s in the place where you need it to be to take advantage of future opportunities.

Jared Shaw: Yeah. Thanks. That's, that's great color. Jim, you talked about spending time on data management and making sure that that's in the place where you need it to be to take advantage of future opportunities. Can you give us an update on where are you sort of in that journey? How are you looking at the opportunity of AI and maybe some other sort of, you know, newer to come tech and to help you with that progress of restructuring the bank?

Speaker #6: Can you give us an update on where are you sort of in that journey and how are you looking at the opportunity of AI and maybe some other sort of newer to come tech and to help you with that progress of restructuring the bank?

Speaker #4: Yeah. So shortly after I started we kicked off a project to get to one clean data source. Like any bank of our size, and then through a series of merger and acquisition transactions, you end up with data in a lot of different places.

James A. Reuter: Yeah. Shortly after I started, we kicked off a project to get to one clean data source, like any bank of our size. Through a series of merger and acquisition transactions, you end up with data in a lot of different places. Having one source of truth is really important, not just in the past, but when you think about the future with AI. If you don't have a good data source, you'll just make bad decisions faster. That, that project wraps up early summer, we will have finished and be ready to go. That hasn't slowed our efforts of looking at AI solutions.

Jim Reuter: Yeah. Shortly after I started, we kicked off a project to get to one clean data source, like any bank of our size. Through a series of merger and acquisition transactions, you end up with data in a lot of different places. Having one source of truth is really important, not just in the past, but when you think about the future with AI. If you don't have a good data source, you'll just make bad decisions faster. That, that project wraps up early summer, we will have finished and be ready to go. That hasn't slowed our efforts of looking at AI solutions.

Speaker #4: And having one source of truth is really important, not just in the past, but when you think about the future with AI, if you don't have a good data source, you'll just make bad decisions faster.

Speaker #4: From an AI so that project wraps up early summer. And so we will have finished and be ready to go. But that hasn't slowed our efforts of looking at AI solutions.

James A. Reuter: You know, we have, as all banks do, a lot of jobs that are stare and compare, in audit compliance, different parts of the bank, and those are ripe for AI to make you more efficient. We're also piloting a business development tool that helps gather industry data that we have within our own four walls, and really build a story and a playbook for a business development officer as they're out on a client call, which we think from our pilot work will increase the success of those efforts. In addition to the data, we are moving forward with AI efforts.

Speaker #4: We have as all banks do a lot of jobs that are stare and compare in audit, compliance, different parts of the bank. And those are ripe for AI to make you more efficient.

Jim Reuter: You know, we have, as all banks do, a lot of jobs that are stare and compare, in audit compliance, different parts of the bank, and those are ripe for AI to make you more efficient. We're also piloting a business development tool that helps gather industry data that we have within our own four walls, and really build a story and a playbook for a business development officer as they're out on a client call, which we think from our pilot work will increase the success of those efforts. In addition to the data, we are moving forward with AI efforts.

Speaker #4: But we're also piloting a business development tool that helps gather industry data, data that we have within our own four walls, and really build a story and playbook for a business development officer as they're out on a client call, which we think from our pilot work will increase the success of those efforts.

Speaker #4: So in addition to the data, we are moving forward with AI efforts.

Speaker #6: Okay. Thank you. And then finally, just you mentioned a specific non-performer impact or a specific loan impacting non-performers this quarter. Any color around that?

Jared Shaw: Okay. Thank you. Finally, just, you mentioned a specific non-performer impact or a specific loan impacting non-performers this quarter. Any color around that? Can you share any color around broader ag trends that you're seeing or any areas of concern there with higher energy prices?

Speaker #6: And can you share any color around broader ag trends that you're seeing or any areas of concern there with higher energy prices?

Speaker #4: Yeah. So, the loan that we called out as one we've had on our radar really for the better part of the time that I've been here, and we're just, like I mentioned earlier, proactive credit management.

James A. Reuter: Yeah. The loan that we called out is one we've had on our radar really for better part of the time that I've been here. We're just like, you know, I mentioned earlier, proactive credit management. Sometimes those end the way you want, sometimes they end in ways that you don't necessarily want. We're appropriately reserved for various outcomes, and it's just part of the resolution. That's all the color I would share on that. As far as, I think your second question was on ag lending. Yeah, you saw we had about almost $100 million in ag leave us this quarter. Those were tied to annual reviews that, when we looked at the loan, just not the type of credit we want to make.

Jim Reuter: Yeah. The loan that we called out is one we've had on our radar really for better part of the time that I've been here. We're just like, you know, I mentioned earlier, proactive credit management. Sometimes those end the way you want, sometimes they end in ways that you don't necessarily want. We're appropriately reserved for various outcomes, and it's just part of the resolution. That's all the color I would share on that. As far as, I think your second question was on ag lending. Yeah, you saw we had about almost $100 million in ag leave us this quarter. Those were tied to annual reviews that, when we looked at the loan, just not the type of credit we want to make.

Speaker #4: Sometimes those end the way you want. Sometimes they end in ways that you don't necessarily want. We're appropriately reserved for various outcomes. And it's just part of the resolution.

Speaker #4: That's all the color I would share on that. And as far as I think your second question was on ag lending. And yeah, you saw we had about almost 100 million in ag leave us this quarter.

Speaker #4: Those were tied to annual reviews that when we looked at the loan, just not the type of credit we want to make. But ag will always be an important part of our footprint.

James A. Reuter: Ag will always be an important part of our footprint, you know, part of our portfolio given our footprint. If you look, it's not a large part. As far as the energy prices, fertilizer, different things in the Midwest, you know, when we put together our ACL, there's all these qualitative factors. Just know that we take a look at those macroeconomic issues as we layer in those qualitative factors on our ACL. We're not seeing any acute stress, but there's certainly more conversations going on with customers. There'll be some customers advantaged by it as well. Like we have a customer that does refurbished parts for combines and heavy equipment, and they're seeing an uptick in their business. It's mixed, but no doubt going to have an impact on the, especially the Midwest green part of our market.

Jim Reuter: Ag will always be an important part of our footprint, you know, part of our portfolio given our footprint. If you look, it's not a large part. As far as the energy prices, fertilizer, different things in the Midwest, you know, when we put together our ACL, there's all these qualitative factors. Just know that we take a look at those macroeconomic issues as we layer in those qualitative factors on our ACL. We're not seeing any acute stress, but there's certainly more conversations going on with customers. There'll be some customers advantaged by it as well. Like we have a customer that does refurbished parts for combines and heavy equipment, and they're seeing an uptick in their business. It's mixed, but no doubt going to have an impact on the, especially the Midwest green part of our market.

Speaker #4: Part of our portfolio, given our footprint. But if you look, it's not a large part. And as far as the energy prices, fertilizer, different things in the Midwest, when we put together our ACL, there's all these qualitative factors.

Speaker #4: So just know that we take a look at those macroeconomic issues as we layer in those qualitative factors on our ACL. We're not seeing any acute stress, but there's certainly more conversations going on with customers.

Speaker #4: And there'll be some customers' advantaged by it as well. We have a customer that does refurbished parts for combines and heavy equipment. And they're seeing an uptick in their business.

Speaker #4: So it's mixed, but no doubt going to have an impact on the especially the Midwest green part of our market.

Speaker #6: Thank you. Our next question. That's from the line of Jeff Roulis with DA Davidson. Please go ahead.

Jared Shaw: Thank you.

Operator 2: Your next question is from the line of Jeff Rulis with D.A. Davidson & Co. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question is from the line of Jeff Rulis with D.A. Davidson & Co. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Thanks. Good morning. Question on the I know you've given us a few pieces on the around NII, but maybe on the earning asset side, would seem to back into something in the range of 24 and a half billion by year-end.

Jeff Rulis: Thanks. Good morning. Question on the, I know you've given us a few pieces on the around NII, but maybe on the earning asset side, would seem to back into something in the range of twenty-four and a half billion by year-end. Is that, plus or minus a good figure to use?

Speaker #7: Is that plus or minus a good figure to use?

Speaker #4: Yeah. I think it just the pieces of our guide probably imply kind of maybe a few hundred million below that, depending on kind of where you use on the ranges.

David Della Camera: Yeah, I think just the pieces of our guide probably imply kind of maybe a few hundred million below that, depending on kind of where you use on the ranges. It implies from Q1 higher through the year just as deposit seasonality and modest deposit growth would drive earning asset improvement, assuming we're able to see that.

Speaker #4: But it implies from Q1 higher through the year, just as deposit seasonality would and modest deposit growth would drive earning asset improvement, assuming we're able to see that.

Speaker #7: Okay. David, and not to get too specific, but on that margin lift then, we've seen kind of 3 to 5 basis points a quarter expansion.

Jeff Rulis: Okay. David, not to get too specific, but on that margin lift then, you know, we've seen kind of 3 to 5 basis points to quarter expansion. Would you expect a similar, a decelerate accelerate type movement? I know you've talked about into 2027, that's a pretty good visibility. Just I guess in the near term next couple quarters, is that three to five move in the ballpark?

Speaker #7: Would you expect a similar decelerate, accelerate type movement? I know you've talked about into 27, so that's a pretty good visibility. But just I guess in the near term, next couple of quarters, is that 3 to 5 move in the ballpark?

Speaker #4: It is. Yes. I think we still think about it sequentially. I think, again, the back half, we probably have a little bit more of a tailwind given a couple of things.

David Della Camera: It is, yes. I think we still think about it sequentially. You know, I think again the back half we probably have a little bit more of a tailwind given a couple things. One, that earning asset repricing. Two, the deposit seasonality. Three, we have the branch transaction. While not a large transaction, that does provide a modest headwind in Q2. We do think of it as sequential expansion, and that's an appropriate range from our view to think about it.

Speaker #4: One, that earning asset repricing; two, the deposit seasonality. And then three, we have the branch transaction. While not a large transaction, that does provide a modest headwind in the second quarter.

Speaker #4: But we do think of it as sequential expansion. And that's an appropriate range from our view to think about it.

Speaker #7: Appreciate it. Thanks. And you did mention the buyback. I mean, you're over a couple million shares a quarter kind of pace. And it seems like a very again, you're highlighted capital tool at this point.

Jeff Rulis: Appreciate it. Thanks. You did mention the buyback. I mean, you're over 2 million shares a quarter kind of pace, and it seems like your highlighted capital tool at this point, also a figure to maybe roll forward. That's a kind of in that ballpark of where you've been on the buyback, barring significant valuation change or other opportunities coming around. Is that a good pace?

Speaker #7: Also, a figure to maybe roll forward? That's kind of in that ballpark of where you've been on the buyback, borrowing, significant valuation change, or other opportunities coming around.

Speaker #7: Is that a good pace?

Speaker #4: I think it's a good question. We think about it on a long-term basis, obviously, and then we are always looking at market conditions, etc., as we deploy capital.

David Della Camera: I think you know, it's a good question. We think about it on a long-term basis, obviously, then we are always looking at market conditions, et cetera, as we deploy capital. I don't think we're necessarily solving for a specific amount each quarter as much as we are trying to move our capital deployment over time towards our targets. I think you should expect us to continue to be active, the actual dollar amount will obviously depend on facts and circumstances. To your point, we view it as an important tool in the near and long term to make sure we have the right capital level and drive value.

Speaker #4: So I don't think we're necessarily solving for a specific amount each quarter as much as we are trying to move our capital deployment over time towards our targets.

Speaker #4: So I think you should expect us to continue to be active but the actual dollar amount will obviously depend on facts and circumstances. To your point, we view it as an important tool in the near and long term to make sure we have the right capital level and drive value.

Speaker #7: Got it. Okay. Thank you.

Jeff Rulis: Got it. Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Our next question. That's from the line of Timur Brasler with UBS Financial. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Your next question is from the line of Timur Braziler with UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question is from the line of Timur Braziler with UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hi. Good morning. First question, just a follow-up on the cadence of NII. So the guidance was left unchanged. Implying that one Q is the trough.

Timur Braziler: Hi, good morning. First question, just a follow-up on the cadence of NII. The guidance was left unchanged, implying that Q1 is the trough. I'm just wondering, is more of that growth back-end loaded corollary to the margin comments that David you just made? Is the expectation with the fixed asset repricing and some steady margin improvement that to get to that guide is going to be kind of stairstep throughout the rest three of the three quarters here?

Speaker #8: I'm just wondering, is more of that growth backend loaded corollary to the margin comments that David you just made? Or is the expectation with the fixed asset repricing and some steady margin improvement that to get to that guide is going to be kind of stair-step throughout the rest of the three quarters here?

Speaker #4: Yeah. Good question. I would say we do think about this sequential improvement with the note that we think the back half is a little bit better than two Q.

David Della Camera: Yeah, good question. I would say we do think about this sequential improvement with the note that we think H2 is a little bit better than Q2, with the branch transaction kind of being the driver of that. I think just a couple of additional notes I'd make as well. Day count does have an impact, of course, just given a lot of our assets are day count earners. Q3, Q4 have 2 more days than Q1, for example. Seasonality obviously matters as that drives our expectation for higher earning assets. Generally, kind of summer into fall are better seasonal deposit quarters for us. If that recurs, that would drive higher earning assets in that period. To your point, that fixed asset repricing we view as something that continues over time.

Speaker #4: With the branch transaction kind of being the driver of that, I think just a couple of additional notes I'd make as well. Day count does have an impact, of course, just given a lot of our assets are day count.

Speaker #4: Earners. So three Q, four Q, have two more days than one Q, for example. Seasonality, obviously, matters as that drives our expectation for higher earning assets.

Speaker #4: Generally, kind of summer into fall are better seasonal deposit quarters for us. So if that recurs, that would drive higher earning assets in that period.

Speaker #4: And then to your point, that fixed asset repricing, we view as something that continues over time. So those would be the factors how we think about that.

David Della Camera: Those would be the factors how we think about that.

Speaker #8: Okay. Got it. And then maybe circling back to credit. So the criticized portfolio is still fairly large. And then you have the good chunk of your loan book coming due over the next 24 months.

Timur Braziler: Okay, got it. Then maybe, circling back to credit. The criticized portfolio, you know, is still fairly large, and then you have the good chunk of your loan book coming due over the next 24 months. Are those two related? Should we think that as you have a larger portion of the loan book repricing and/or maturing, that that's going to lead to the curing kind of at a faster pace of some of the criticized?

Speaker #8: Are those two related? And should we think that as you have a larger portion of the loan book repricing and/or maturing, that that's going to lead to the curing kind of at a faster pace of some of the

Speaker #1: Of the criticized .

Speaker #2: Yeah . No , I wouldn't tie those two together because we have a very robust process . When we put a loan on a watch or criticize level that we're looking at them every quarter .

James A. Reuter: Yeah. No, Timur, I wouldn't tie those two together because we have a very robust process when we put a loan on a watch or criticize level that we're looking at them every quarter. Renewal will not make a big difference there because we're asking borrowers to do things as we travel throughout the term of the loan. We don't wait until it's up for renewal before we'll ask for concessions or things that we need from the borrower.

Jim Reuter: Yeah. No, Timur, I wouldn't tie those two together because we have a very robust process when we put a loan on a watch or criticize level that we're looking at them every quarter. Renewal will not make a big difference there because we're asking borrowers to do things as we travel throughout the term of the loan. We don't wait until it's up for renewal before we'll ask for concessions or things that we need from the borrower.

Speaker #2: So renewal will not make a big difference there because we're asking borrowers to do things as we travel throughout the , the term of the loan .

Speaker #2: So we don't wait until it's up for renewal before we'll ask for concessions or things that we need from the borrower

Speaker #1: Thanks , Jim . And maybe to that point , can you just provide us an update kind of on , on what the one .

Timur Braziler: Thanks, Jim. Maybe to that point, can you just provide us an update kind of on what the Q1 renewals were, what the retention rate was, and what the uptake on the spread had been?

Speaker #1: Q renewals were , what the retention rate was , and what the uptake on the spread had been .

Speaker #2: Yeah , we don't tend to provide that level of detail on renewals and different things because it just doesn't make sense . It could lead to , frankly , folks making leaps that don't correlate with results .

James A. Reuter: Yeah, we don't tend to provide that level of detail on renewals and different things because it just doesn't make sense. It could lead to, frankly, folks making leaps that don't correlate with results.

Jim Reuter: Yeah, we don't tend to provide that level of detail on renewals and different things because it just doesn't make sense. It could lead to, frankly, folks making leaps that don't correlate with results.

Speaker #1: Got it . Okay . Thank you

Timur Braziler: Got it. Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question is from the line of Kelly Motta with KBW . Please go ahead .

Operator 2: Your next question is from the line of Kelly Motta with KBW. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question is from the line of Kelly Motta with KBW. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hey , good morning . Thanks for the question . My first few I'd like to circle back to the commentary around deposits . I appreciate the color that the March spot was about 155 for interest bearing .

Kelly Motta: Hey, good morning. Thanks for the question. My first few, I'd like to circle back to the commentary around deposits. I appreciate the color that the March spot was about 155 for interest bearing. Just as we think about the Nebraska deposits that were sold early this quarter, wondering if there was how the cost of those compared relative to the overall book.

Speaker #4: Just as we think about the Nebraska deposits that were sold early this quarter , wondering if there was how how the cost of those compared relative to to the overall book ?

Speaker #5: Yeah , sure . I would say slightly lower , but not materially different . And , you know , represented about 1% of the total deposit base .

David Della Camera: Yeah, sure. I would say, slightly lower but not materially different and, you know, represented about 1% of the total deposit base. It won't have a material impact on Q2 cost of deposits. It will of course impact earning assets, earning asset levels, but not a material total deposit cost impact.

Speaker #5: So it won't have a material impact on on two . Q cost of deposits . It will , of course , impact earning assets earning asset levels , but not a material total deposit cost impact .

Speaker #4: Got it . That's helpful . And then with where your deposits are now , you know , slightly inclusive of the sale there slightly below kind of your 22 to 22.5 EOP guide wondering to get back to that range .

Kelly Motta: Got it. That's helpful. Then with where your deposits are now, you know, slightly inclusive of the sale, they're slightly below kind of your $22 to 22.5 EOP guide. Wondering to get back to that range, is that mostly seasonality or are you assuming some organic growth with the changes you've made on the front lines to drive relationship banking? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Is that mostly seasonality or are you assuming some organic growth with the changes you've made on , on the front lines to drive relationship banking ?

Speaker #4: Thank you .

Speaker #5: Sure . So I think it's going to be mostly seasonality . Second quarter , late second quarter into third and fourth quarter . But there is an assumption of some slight year over year growth when you kind of adjust , if you will , for the different branch sales and things like that .

David Della Camera: Sure. I think it's going to be mostly seasonality Q2, late Q2 into Q3 and Q4. There is an assumption of some slight year-over-year growth when you kind of adjust, if you will, for the different branch sales and things like that. We view it as quite a bit lower than what we would like to be growing over kind of the medium and long term, but there's some modest year-over-year growth by the end of the year in the underlying.

Speaker #5: We view it as quite a bit lower than what we would like to be growing over . Kind of the medium and long term .

Speaker #5: But there's some modest year over year growth by the end of the year in the underlying .

Speaker #4: Got it . And then on on the criticize , they remain elevated , although the overall level hasn't changed much . Just kind of within that .

Kelly Motta: Got it. On the criticized, they remain elevated, although the overall level hasn't changed much. Just kind of within that, can you provide any color in terms of has that pool of loans stayed relatively consistent? It's the same ones you're watching or have there been movements, you know, significantly in and out kind of offsetting one another? Just trying to get a sense of the dynamics here.

Speaker #4: Can you provide any color in terms of have you have you has has that pool of loans stayed relatively consistent ? It's the same ones you're watching or is there a have have there been movements , you know , significantly in and out kind of offsetting one another , just trying to get a sense of the dynamics here .

Speaker #2: Yeah . No , that's a good question . Kelly . And , you know , loan portfolios are dynamic by nature . I can tell you there's a set of loans in there that has been in there most of the time , but there is some movement in and out , just as you would expect .

James A. Reuter: Yeah. No, that's a good question, Kelly. You know, loan portfolios are dynamic by nature. I can tell you, there's a set of loans in there that has been in there most of the time, there is some movement in and out, just as you would expect. You know, we see payoffs, we see borrowers cure, we see projects, you know, we see the primary source of repayment showing up and meeting expectations. There's some new ones that get added to it. It's a living, breathing part. I think we're doing the right job of proactively managing it. I still am confident directionally over the long term, you'll see that number come down.

Jim Reuter: Yeah. No, that's a good question, Kelly. You know, loan portfolios are dynamic by nature. I can tell you, there's a set of loans in there that has been in there most of the time, there is some movement in and out, just as you would expect. You know, we see payoffs, we see borrowers cure, we see projects, you know, we see the primary source of repayment showing up and meeting expectations. There's some new ones that get added to it. It's a living, breathing part. I think we're doing the right job of proactively managing it. I still am confident directionally over the long term, you'll see that number come down.

Speaker #2: You know , we see payoffs , we see borrowers cure , we see projects , you know , we we see the primary source source of repayment showing up and meeting expectations .

Speaker #2: And then there's some new ones that get added to it . So it's a living , breathing part , but I think we're doing the right job of proactively managing it .

Speaker #2: And I still am confident directionally over the long term , you'll see that number come down .

Speaker #4: Got it . Last one . If I could just slip it in real quick . I heard the additional color around , you know , buybacks very active at this level .

David Brown: Got it. Last one, if I could just slip it in real quick. I heard the additional color around, you know, buybacks very active this quarter. Just want to confirm, in the past, there's been no appetite for securities restructuring. Just wanted to confirm that's still the case here. Thank you.

Kelly Motta: Got it. Last one, if I could just slip it in real quick. I heard the additional color around, you know, buybacks very active this quarter. Just want to confirm, in the past, there's been no appetite for securities restructuring. Just wanted to confirm that's still the case here. Thank you.

Speaker #4: This quarter . Just want to confirm in the past there's been no appetite for securities restructuring . Just wanted to confirm . That's still that's still the case here .

Speaker #4: Thank you .

Speaker #5: Yeah , sure . I don't think we've changed our view there . We still think we have a strong tailwind there over the long term .

David Della Camera: Yeah, sure. I don't think we've changed our view there. We still think we have a strong tailwind there over the long term as that portfolio cash flows. I would say we would still have the same kind of view and thought process there.

Speaker #5: Is portfolio cash flows . So I would say we would still have the same kind of view and thought process . There .

Speaker #4: Great . Thank you so much . I'll step back

Kelly Motta: Great. Thank you so much. I'll step back.

Speaker #3: There's a follow up line , a follow up question from the line of Andrew Tero with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead

Operator 2: There's a follow-up question from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead.

Operator: There's a follow-up question from the line of Andrew Terrell with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hey , thanks for taking the follow up . I just wanted to clarify on the the discussion around the , the average earning assets at the end of the year , I think we were , you know , the 24.5 range was , was mentioned .

Andrew Terrell: Hey, thanks for taking the follow-up. I just wanted to clarify on the discussion around the average earning assets at the end of the year. I think we were, you know, the $24.5 billion range was mentioned. It feels like you're, you know, $23.7 billion-ish today on average earning on an end of period basis, or earning assets on end of period. You've got the branch sale, you know, that'll take a little bit away from that. It feels like, you know, $24 billion-ish is probably closer range on average earning. I just wanna, you know, I think you said a $200 million below $24.5 billion. I just wanted to get updated expectations there, a more kind of fine point on it.

Speaker #6: It feels like you're , you know , 23 , seven ish . Today on , on average , earning on an end of period basis or earning assets in the period .

Speaker #6: You've got the branch sale , you know , that'll take a little bit away from that . It feels like , you know , 24 ish is , is probably closer range on average earning .

Speaker #6: And I just want to , you know , maybe I think you said a couple of hundred million below 24.5 , but wanted to get updated expectations there .

Speaker #6: More kind of fine point on it .

Speaker #5: Yeah , I think the the pieces of the guide together , Andrew is kind of in the , we'll call it 24 to 24.5 range .

David Della Camera: Yeah. I think the pieces of the guide together, Andrew, is kind of in the, we'll call it 24 to 24.5 range. You know, it kind of depends on when the growth comes in from an average perspective with deposits, but I think you're right. It's, we'll call it 24 to 24.5.

Speaker #5: So , you know , it kind of depends on when when the growth comes in from an average perspective with deposits . But I think you're right .

Speaker #5: It's we'll call it 24 to 24.5 .

Speaker #6: Okay , great . Thank you

Andrew Terrell: Okay, great. Thank you.

Speaker #3: At this time , there are no further questions . And that will conclude the question and answer session . I will now turn the call over to Jim for closing remarks .

Operator 2: At this time, there are no further questions, and that will conclude the question and answer session. I will now turn the call over to Jim for closing remarks.

Operator: At this time, there are no further questions, and that will conclude the question and answer session. I will now turn the call over to Jim for closing remarks.

Speaker #2: I thank you and thank you for the questions today . And as always , we welcome calls from investors and analysts . So please reach out if you have any follow up questions .

James A. Reuter: All right. Thank you. Thank you for the questions today. As always, we welcome calls from investors and analysts, so please reach out if you have any follow-up questions. Thank you for tuning into the call today and have a great day.

Jim Reuter: All right. Thank you. Thank you for the questions today. As always, we welcome calls from investors and analysts, so please reach out if you have any follow-up questions. Thank you for tuning into the call today and have a great day.

Speaker #2: And thank you for tuning into the call today and have a great day .

Operator 2: This concludes the First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Q1 2026 earnings call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Operator: This concludes the First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. Q1 2026 earnings call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Q1 2026 First Interstate BancSystem Inc Earnings Call

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