The phrase "core earnings remain strong" is "corporate speak" and used by many bank executives to hide the fact that expenses, including loan charge-offs, also remains stronger than ever. Who cares if core earnings remain strong if they are outpaced by loan losses and expenses. The bottom line for banks today is whether or not their capital position remains strong. CapGen and the recent stock offering gave SBCF some breathing room, but the long-term outlook may not be favorable.