Hope Bancorp’s third quarter performance in 2025 reflected continued momentum in loan growth and improvement in asset quality, with management emphasizing the positive impact of new hires and disciplined credit management. CEO Kevin Kim highlighted the quarter as being marked by "solid execution across the organization," including broad-based loan growth and a 20 basis point expansion in net interest margin. The bank also noted a significant reduction in net charge-offs and improvements in criticized loans as key factors supporting profitability.

Is now the time to buy HOPE? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Hope Bancorp’s Q3 Earnings Call

• Matthew Clark (Piper Sandler) asked about deposit spot rates and net interest margin trends in September. CFO Julianna Balicka provided specific rates, noting the average margin for September was 2.96% and deposit costs showed improvement.
• Clark also inquired about cost savings and progress on the Territorial acquisition. Balicka replied that operational integration is ongoing, incremental cost savings are being realized, but nothing material was reported for the quarter.
• Gary Tenner (D.A. Davidson) sought details on purchase accounting impacts and CD maturities. Balicka detailed $5 million in loan accretion and noted $2.3 billion in CDs maturing at an average rate of 4.08% in the coming quarter.
• Kelly Motta (KBW) asked about the pace and focus of new front-line hires and related expense impacts. CEO Kevin Kim explained hiring is concentrated in strategic segments such as lower middle markets and project finance, with further additions planned.
• Tim Coffey (Janney) questioned the impact of the government shutdown on SBA loan sales. Kim clarified that while new SBA loan applications are paused, existing approvals are unaffected and noninterest income is expected to remain stable.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In upcoming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace and sustainability of loan growth, especially in newly targeted commercial segments, (2) the bank’s ability to manage expense growth and translate investments in talent into revenue gains, and (3) progress in optimizing deposit costs amid shifting market rates and competitive dynamics. Continued integration of the Territorial acquisition and credit quality trends will also be important markers.

Hope Bancorp currently trades at $10.56, down from $10.69 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

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