Detailed Narrative
Record Profitability and Efficiency
Amalgamated Financial Corp. achieved record net income of $34.8 million and core net income of $33.1 million in Q2 FY26. Profitability metrics were strong, with Return on Average Assets exceeding 1.4% and Return on Tangible Common Equity over 16%. The core efficiency ratio remained below 50% at 49.15%, demonstrating the bank's scalability and increasing operating leverage from prior investments.
Deposit-Led Balance Sheet Growth
The company's differentiated deposit franchise continued to drive growth, with on-balance sheet deposits increasing $280 million, or 3.4%, to a record $8.5 billion. This growth was notably fueled by political deposits, which rose approximately $212 million to $2.1 billion, alongside increases in labor, social, and philanthropy deposits. Off-balance sheet deposits also exceeded $1 billion, providing significant funding flexibility.
Asset Optimization and Loan Growth
Amalgamated successfully optimized its asset side, deploying capital into higher-yielding assets. Total loans increased approximately $115 million during the quarter, with commercial lending growing by $155 million, or 4.5%. The bank also re-harvested $39 million from lower-yielding assets, redeploying this cash into a more optimized asset mix to further expand earnings power and operating leverage.
Strategic Investments for Future Growth
The company continues to invest in its people, technology infrastructure, and AI-enabled tools across multiple business functions. These modernization initiatives are aimed at supporting efficient and scalable long-term growth, enhancing customer interaction, and maintaining competitiveness in a digital environment, positioning the bank for sustained performance beyond the current fiscal year.
Credit Quality and Risk Management
Overall portfolio performance remained stable in Q2 FY26, with provision expense normalizing after prior quarter actions. Criticized and classified balances declined by approximately $9 million, and pass-rated loans continued to represent a strong 97% of the total portfolio. Management remains actively engaged in managing a previously discussed multifamily relationship, with reserves deemed appropriate.
Balance Sheet Management Ahead of Election Cycle
Amalgamated targets $9.6 billion in assets by early Q3 FY26, funded by excess liquidity. The bank anticipates a flat-ish average balance sheet in the second half of 2026, with modest growth under 1% in Q3 and Q4, in preparation for expected political deposit outflows around the election cycle. The goal is to end the year with near-zero off-balance sheet deposits and leverage, with growth resuming in 2027.