Camden National Corp. (CAC) Q2 2026 Earnings Report, Transcript and Summary

Good day and welcome to Camden National Corporation's Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. My name is Marina Toft, and I will be your operator for today's call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode during today's presentation. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press *1 to raise your hand. To withdraw your question, press *1 again. I will now turn the call over to Renée Smyth, Executive Vice President, Chief Experience and Marketing Officer. Renée D. Smyth: Welcome to Camden National Corporation's second quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. With me today are Simon Griffiths, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Mike Archer, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Before we begin, please note that today's remarks include forward-looking statements and actual results could differ materially from what we discuss on the call. You can find cautionary language about these statements in our second quarter 2026 earnings release issued this morning and in our other SEC filings. All of these materials and public filings are available on our Investor website at camdennational.bank. Camden National Corporation trades on Nasdaq under the symbol CAC. We will also refer to non-GAAP financial measures during the call. These measures provide additional insight into our performance and reconciliations to GAAP are included in today's earnings release. With that, I will turn the call over to Simon.

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you, Renée. Early this morning, we reported record quarterly net income of $23 million and record diluted earnings per share of $1.35 for the second quarter. Both net income and diluted EPS increased 5% from the first quarter, underscoring the earnings power we are building across the franchise. Our performance was broad-based. We delivered loan growth, expanded our committed loan pipeline, improved net interest margin and generated strong fee income growth. Through the first six months of the year, we produced record net income of $44.9 million and diluted EPS of $2.64 reflecting focused execution across our core businesses. These results demonstrate that our strategy is working. We are growing the franchise with purpose and investing in capabilities, that strengthen our competitive position and improve how we serve our customers and communities. Our performance is also reflected in national recognition and customer trust So far this year, Camden National Bank was named to Time Magazine's list of America's best companies and recognized by Forbes as one of America's best banks. These achievements reflect our financial discipline, customer focus, continued momentum and long-term stability. We enter the second half of the year with a resilient balance sheet, Total assets were $7 billion at quarter end, Credit quality metrics remained strong. Capital levels remained well above regulatory requirements, and tangible book value per share grew 7% since year-end. On the lending side, loans increased 1% during the quarter, or 3% on an annualized basis. Led by growth in home equity and commercial loans. HELOC balances increased 23% year-over-year, supported by added depth among our HELOC lenders. As well as by significant technology and process improvements which have reduced average funding time to 14 days. Forward-looking indicators are also encouraging. Our committed loan pipeline increased 45% from the prior quarter, to $185.7 million. Reflecting healthy customer demand stronger banker productivity, and the benefit of recent additions to our commercial banking team. Since year-end, we have added 4 experienced commercial bankers to our team and we remain optimistic that we will be able to continue to selectively add proven talent. We remain encouraged by the pipeline while expecting Q3 loan growth to remain measured. We recently announced the appointment of Kate Brunell as chief credit officer. Kate joins Camden National's leadership team with more than 2 decades of banking experience including senior credit leadership roles at TD Bank. Ryan Smith with 14 years at Camden National and prior experience serving as both chief credit officer and director of commercial banking, will return to leading commercial banking. And Barbara Raske will lead and expand our treasury management and government banking services drawing on significant experience in corporate treasury. That added capacity is helping us strengthen relationships with small and middle-market businesses and expand our role as a primary banking partner for lending and treasury management solutions. On deposits, we continue to optimize our funding mix by reducing broker deposits and certificates of deposit while maintaining stable core customer deposits. Total deposits were $5.6 billion at quarter end, and our loan-to-deposit ratio was 90%. Our focus remains on durable relationship deposits supported by service, convenience, and thoughtful pricing rather than rate-driven volume. We are expanding financial advisory services to support customers through more stages of their financial lives and diversify revenue. Assets under administration across our wealth and brokerage businesses totaled $2 billion at quarter end, up 13% from the prior year. Reinforcing the opportunity to broaden advisory relationships, and build a more balanced earnings profile over time. Our AI-enabled transformation is gaining momentum. With multiple use cases now in production digital enhancements tied to measurable business outcomes. These tools are helping us build a more efficient, responsive organization From our recently refreshed website to new digital products, we are making banking easier for customers while creating more capacity for higher-value interactions. In short, we are executing well and making measurable progress across the company. Our teams are focused on sustaining high-quality growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders. Customers, employees, and communities. With that strategic overview, I will turn it over to Mike to walk through the financial results in more detail.

Thanks, Simon, and good afternoon, everyone. As noted, we reported record net income for the second quarter of $23 million or $1.35 per diluted share. Profitability metrics remained strong again this quarter. With a return on average assets of 1.33% return on average tangible equity of 18.47%, and a non-GAAP efficiency ratio of 53.2%. Revenues were up 5% on a linked quarter basis and we continue to manage operating expenses closely. While continuing to invest in our franchise driving strong pre-tax pre-provision net revenue growth during the quarter to 5%. Net interest income totaled $52.9 million up 1% on a linked quarter basis. Net interest margin increased by 2 basis points quarter-over-quarter to 3.26% for the second quarter, primarily reflecting lower funding costs. Over the same period, core net interest margin which excludes net fair value mark accretion income, increased 5 basis points to 2.97% aligning with the top of our guidance range provided last quarter. Net fair value mark accretion income was $4 million for the second quarter, down $335,000 from the first quarter. We continue to focus on improving our core net interest margin. We are currently estimating additional expansion in the third quarter of approximately 5 to 10 basis points. Driven by normal seasonal deposit inflows that support a more favorable funding mix and the ongoing reinvestment of lower-yielding assets into current market rates. Noninterest income totaled $14.5 million an increase of $2.5 million or 21% from the first quarter. The improvement was broad-based across all fee income categories as we continue to see nice momentum across our complementary business lines. Investment appreciation are driven by market performance, and death benefits, with BOLI income totaling $491,000 contributed to our noninterest income this quarter. We are currently estimating a range for noninterest income for the third quarter of $13.5 million to $14 million. Turning to expenses. Noninterest expense totaled $37.4 million, up 5% from the first quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to annual salary increases, the timing of our annual director equity reward grant, and the annual recognition event for top-performing sales team members. We are currently estimating a range for noninterest expense for the third quarter at $37 million to $38 million On credit, our loan portfolio remained sound, Nonperforming loans were 24 basis points of total loans, Past due loans were 15 basis points of total loans. And net charge-offs were 4 basis points of average loans on an annualized basis. Provision expense was $710,000 up from $553,000 in the first quarter, reflecting loan growth. Allowance for credit losses on loans was 0.91% of total loans at quarter end and the ACL coverage ratio 3.8x nonperforming loans. Capital levels continue to expand nicely, by strong and growing earnings and balanced returns to our shareholders, the first six months of 2026. Our regulatory capital levels remain well above regulatory requirements at quarter end. Tangible book value per share increased 3% during the second quarter to $31.64 at June 30, 2026. For the first six months of 2026, we returned 41% of our first half net income to shareholders in the form of cash dividends share repurchases. Year-to-date, we repurchased 85,100 shares at a weighted average price of $46.55 per share. Under our share repurchase program. Overall, the quarter reflected solid linked quarter revenue growth disciplined expense management, strong credit metrics, and continued capital accretion. That concludes our prepared remarks. I will turn it back to the operator.

Thank you. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, please press *1 on your touch-tone phone keypad. If you use a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. To withdraw your question, please press *1. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble the roster. Your first question comes from the line of Steve Moss with Raymond James. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Good afternoon.

Afternoon, Steve.

Maybe just hey, Simon. Maybe just starting off on the margin expansion here. Mike, you mentioned deposit inflows, but then you also mentioned lower-yielding assets repricing. Just kind of curious what are you seeing for cash flows from the loan portfolio or security portfolio over the next six months and just to think about that repricing dynamic?

Yeah. it is a great question, Steve. On the investment side, we internally model it around $35 million a quarter, I believe, right in that neighborhood. And on the loan side, we have another call it, $170 million, $180 million, I believe in total, we are at around $200 million in total.

Okay. And that is for okay, $170, $180 million on the loans per quarter?

Yes. Got it.

And so kind of just to pick up the roll-on, roll-off rate as we think about things. I am assuming loan pricing is probably in the low- to mid-sixes. and picking up 150 to 200 basis points.

Yeah. that is right. We are we are currently originating loans right in that low sixes to 6.5 range, if you will. On average.

Okay. Got you. And then in terms of good to see the pipeline here is strong. I guess, kind of curious in terms of you know, Q3 loan growth to be measured here. Just curious, what are the factors driving that just given a good pipeline here.

Yes. Thanks, Steve. I mean, I think certainly commercial activity has been strong, and we are seeing sort of across the geography nice momentum. Certainly, home equity has been a significant growth engine for us. And I talked about in my remarks. Not just that we have expanded the sales team, but we have also improved and focused a lot on the funding time of 14 days. So I think there is a lot of momentum there, and that is certainly proving to be a really strong business. We are having a strong resi year as well, which is positive. So I think overall, we are seeing a nice balanced story on the loan growth side, which I think is positive. Certainly a reflection of our strategy and focus in this area. Okay.

And that dovetails nicely with my next question. Just on the fee income here. You guys are having good trends on debit card year-over-year service charge on deposits quite a bit year-over-year. I know you guys did not definitely I know you talked about for a while, improving the customer activity and being more efficient and productive. It sounds like from your guidance, like you think this is more sustainable. Kind of curious just what component maybe was from price increases versus new customers, or any color you can shed on those dynamics there?

Yeah. I will start, Steve, and then Mike can add some additional. I would say just generally across fee income, it was a balanced story for us. We saw nice momentum across wealth management, which we talked about. Certainly, brokerage, debit card, deposit related fees, mortgage banking, I think all played a role. And certainly, that is a key area of focus for us. We have particularly been investing a lot of time in a couple of key areas, certainly on the wealth side, building out and continuing the momentum we have in the brokerage business, that is a sort of steady growth focus that we have had. We are also looking to expand the wealth offering and certainly, obviously, New Hampshire offices a lot of opportunities there. On the debit side, you know, we have put a lot of focus into our digital, into our convenience, into our customer. We have just released a new online portal, which I think is fantastic in getting, you know, really great feedback from customers. And I think that is a key part of attracting new customers to, which will directly drive the debit income for us So it is a multitude of pieces. I think these things you know, kind of move, moving in concert and continuing to strengthen the debit. Side the fee income side of our business is certainly a key focus.

Okay. Great. Nice quarter here, and I will step back in the queue. Thank you very much, guys.

Appreciate it.

Thanks.

Your next question comes from the line of Matthew Breese with Stephens Inc. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Excuse me. Good afternoon. Mike, I appreciate the margin outlook. And some of the data on where new loan yields are coming in. Just curious, as we think about kind of the fixed asset repricing, and the roll on, roll off particularly loan yields, When do you stop seeing the pronounced benefits to the NIM? Is that late 2027, 2028, or longer for you all?

I mean, I think there is a lot of caveats to that answer there, Matthew. I think it depends on a lot of things. Certainly, yield curve and so forth. I mean, I would say at least for now, we see it. I mean, certainly through you know, through 2026, we certainly could see benefit of less investments and continuing to you know, I think one real opportunity for us is just our investment book being able to bring that down over time and, frankly, help fund some of the loan growth that is a real opportunity. And I think specifically to your question on the loans, I mean, I would not say we are sitting here thinking, you know, that far out in terms of 2027, 2028 and what that is going to look like, but I think we think on the loan yield side, and we just continue to see it tick up 2 to 3 basis points. that is something we have you know, seen pretty consistently on a core basis. And I think that is, you know, generally our outlook here over the next few quarters.

I would just add to that, Matthew. You know, I think overall, the team has had tremendous focus and discipline around building the yield, which is the kind of core fundamentals. You know, we focused a lot on the primacy that we have talked about in previous calls with you. Just really attracting broad relationships. We are leaning into treasury and other services that really kind of push into C&I lending, which I think come with stronger deposits. Business banking is a focus for us as well. So we are you know, that is another area that I think can continue to manage deposit costs. So I think these are sort of the underlying. To I think Mike's point, obviously, a lot of other pieces that kind of move, and can shape the outlook into 2027, 2028. But certainly, it is core focus of the management team, and we see this as a really important part of our growth strategy and continuing to move that forward at whatever speed, you know, we are able to do.

Great. Mike, just looking at fee income, was there a BOLI death benefit gain this quarter within that line item? I just want to make sure I have everything in a row there.

Yeah. Good question. The short answer is yes. I would say that was smaller part of the real kind of tick up, if you will, in the BOLI income this past quarter. We do have some BOLI income where the underlying securities are more driven by the equity markets. that is something we picked up along with the Northway acquisition back in 2025. So there is a level of, I will call it, more volatility in that number. And, you know, I would even say that is how we think about fee income guidance, if you will, looking out a quarter out, that really plays into it because that is one of the unknowns certainly is what is going to happen with those equity securities. You are wondering why a little bit, why we are at 14.5 and why we are taking it down to 13.5 to 14 is, you know, large and part that BOLI income that you are referencing, which was about $500,000 in incremental revenues this quarter this past quarter.

That incremental revenue $500,000 or so, how much of that was death benefit?

I think it was right around $50,000, plus or minus $50,000. It was not overly significant.

Oh, okay. So the majority of this is core?

Yeah. Core. Yes. I would say core, but it is, you know, unrealized gains, losses kind of pushing through that.

Got it. Okay. Simon, maybe one for you just on M&A and conversations and how things are going on that front, whether or not Camden is ready to go on that front. it is been a sluggish kind of year-to-date in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic M&A-wise. I am curious if you are seeing that on your end conversation-wise.

Yes. Thanks, Matthew. Just before remarking on that piece, I would just say, you know, continue to feel really good about the Northway integration and the value that is driving to the franchise. We are just seeing across the board just tremendous engagement, leadership, from Oscar and James and the team out there and just feel really good about that. And the opportunity that presents us. And I know Ryan's putting a lot of focus on continuing to grow the commercial side out there as well. So that is all been very, very positive. I think on the sort of look forward front, as we have talked about, we continue to be open to opportunities. And I think it always comes down to the right fit. You know, certainly, contiguous market, and really finding the right partner and, you know, as you say, things have been certainly a little bit slower in the last six to 12 months. But we certainly have a positive outlook that if the right deal is there, we are a tremendous partner and we have demonstrated execution discipline and the ability to get the job done. So I think should the right opportunity come along, I think we are well positioned. But, you know, feeling very good about our organic growth strategy. So there is no pressure on us from a timing perspective.

Great. I will leave it there. Thank you. Thanks.

A kind reminder that if you would like to ask a question, please press *1 on your touch-tone keypad. If you use a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. We will pause momentarily for any final questions. Your next question comes from the line of Daniel Cardenas with Brean Capital. Your line is open. Please go ahead.

Good afternoon, everyone. Just a quick follow-up on the M&A question. Given your desire to continue to build fee income what is your appetite for nonbank acquisitions?

Yeah. I think that, you know, we are open to looking at the right opportunity. And certainly, that fee income side, there could be a couple of ideas in that space that could be interesting. But, you know, generally, pricing on those pieces is pretty high. So yeah, I would not say it is a primary consideration. You know, we certainly will and are open and have conversations with you know, different entities, but I would say, generally, we are, you know, that is not something that is being really prevalent in terms of, obviously, a lot of competition. Particularly on the wealth side. So not something we have, you know, spent a lot of time on.

Okay. And then just a reminder and for me in terms of optimal size of institution you would look to acquire. what is what is kind of that size range?

Yeah. I think these things come along as they come along. We are conscious, of course, of crossing potentially at some point the $10 billion mark. And the income implications of that. But, you know, I look at it sort of from a you know, just, you know, focusing on the fundamentals of the business, making sure that there is really there is a there for the you know, there is a there, if you like, for the for the acquisition and partnership is there. The culture is there. Synergy is there. And we have talked about the contiguous markets as well. So I think it is really making sure we have the right fit and you know, and then obviously driving the revenue growth and really getting the leverage out of the transaction that really makes sense for investors. So I think and, obviously, our teams as well. So it is getting those pieces right, and then, you know, I think at some point, you know, we would cross potentially that $10 billion mark. And then from there, you know, there is obviously scale. I you know, and getting to sort of $12 billion, $13 billion, $14 billion certainly has some advantages from a revenue perspective. So we look at those pieces, but everything, these things are not always planned. It can be planned perfectly, and but I think we are in from, really, as I said earlier, great position and we are just focused on our organic strategy, focused on growth, focused on doing the basics really well. And driving just the top line growth through our existing franchise and businesses and just see tremendous opportunity for that in all of our markets and some of the markets that, obviously, are relatively new to us in sort of New Hampshire and other areas. So lots of positives on the organic growth front as well.

Okay. Great. Thank you. I will step back.

As we have no further questions, this concludes our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Simon Griffiths for any closing remarks.

Thank you for your time today and your continued interest in Camden National Corporation. We are pleased with the progress we made in the second quarter and remain focused on executing with discipline investing in growth and delivering long-term value for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities. We continue to appreciate your support. Have a great day.

The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.