[Management View]
Eastern Bankshares reported robust growth in Q2 2025, with operating earnings reaching $81.7 million, a 21% increase from Q1 2025. Key strategic priorities include effective expense management, strong commercial loan growth, and preparations for the Harbor One merger.

[Outlook]
The company raised its full-year 2025 loan growth guidance to 3%-5% and operating fee income to $145 million-$150 million. Deposit growth guidance was lowered to 0%-1%, reflecting a shift from CDs to money market accounts. The Harbor One merger is expected to close in Q4 2025, with branch consolidations beginning in Q1 2026.

[Financial Performance]
Eastern Bankshares demonstrated strong YoY and QoQ performance, with net interest margin expanding to 3.59% and operating efficiency ratio improving to 50.8%. Total assets increased by 2% to $25.5 billion, and tangible book value per share rose by 4% to $12.53.

[Q&A Highlights]
Question 1: Is it likely that we'll see more securities portfolio restructurings in coming quarters?
Answer: David Rosato indicated that while portfolio restructuring is possible, the focus is currently on obtaining approval for share buybacks. The capital is available for restructuring, but it is not a priority due to the merger and the expiration of current authorization.

Question 2: What drove the significant drop in NPLs this quarter?
Answer: The reduction in NPLs was driven by the managed asset group's efforts to resolve five credits without selling them, leading to a nearly $40 million decrease.

Question 3: Following the Harbor One deal, is there a plan to expand into new markets like Southern Rhode Island or Connecticut?
Answer: Denis Sheahan stated that while they plan to build out in Rhode Island, there are no current plans to expand banking services into Connecticut or New York. The focus remains on existing markets.

Question 4: What drove the strong C&I growth this quarter?
Answer: The growth was attributed to increased customer confidence and strategic talent hiring in the commercial lending division. The loan pipeline remains strong, indicating continued growth potential.

Question 5: What is the outlook for the core margin in the coming quarters?
Answer: David Rosato expects the margin to remain relatively flat in the second half of the year, with core deposit growth being a key factor. The impact of securities repositioning and amortization of the swap book will also play a role.

Question 6: How should we think about the rabbi trust income and its impact on full-year guidance?
Answer: Rabbi trust income is influenced by equity market performance. While it is not a major needle mover, positive equity markets lead to positive income. The full-year guidance accounts for realized rabbi trust income and expenses.

Question 7: Are any of the criticized office loans maturing in the next four quarters?
Answer: Yes, there is one criticized loan maturing within the next year, but there are no non-accrual loans in the upcoming maturities.

Question 8: What is the impact of the FASB's proposed ASU on CECL double count for the Harbor One merger?
Answer: The early adoption of the ASU is planned, with a minor impact on tangible book value and earnings accretion. The non-PCD mark for Harbor One is approximately $42 million pretax.

Question 9: Would Eastern Bankshares consider expanding into Maine through acquisition?
Answer: Denis Sheahan stated that there are no strategic plans to expand into Maine at this point, although they conduct some wealth management business there.

[Sentiment Analysis]
The tone of the management was confident, emphasizing strong performance and strategic growth. Analysts were focused on understanding the implications of the Harbor One merger and the company's expansion plans.

[Quarterly Comparison]
| Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | YoY Change |
|---------------------------------|---------|---------|------------|
| Operating Earnings ($ million) | 81.7 | 67.6 | +21% |
| Net Interest Margin (%) | 3.59 | 3.38 | +21 bps |
| Operating Efficiency Ratio (%) | 50.8 | 52.0 | -1.2% |
| Total Assets ($ billion) | 25.5 | 25.0 | +2% |
| Tangible Book Value Per Share ($)| 12.53 | 12.04 | +4% |

[Risks and Concerns]
Potential risks include economic volatility affecting customer confidence and the competitive deposit market impacting margin. The integration of Harbor One poses operational challenges, and regulatory approvals are pending.

[Final Takeaway]
Eastern Bankshares delivered strong Q2 2025 results, driven by effective expense management and robust loan growth. The company is well-positioned for future growth, with strategic plans for the Harbor One merger and expansion in Rhode Island. While the economic environment remains uncertain, Eastern Bankshares' disciplined approach to capital management and focus on core markets provide a solid foundation for continued success.