Core Viewpoint - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate, which reflects EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, and changes in these estimates are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [2][4]. - Rising earnings estimates for Ameris Bancorp indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to lead to increased stock prices as investors respond positively [5][8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Ameris Bancorp's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Ameris Bancorp is expected to earn $5.34 per share, reflecting a 6.4% increase from the previous year [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ameris Bancorp has increased by 7%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $87.9 million or $1.27 per diluted share, a 17% increase compared to the first quarter of the previous year [12] - Net interest income increased by $20 million, while provision and non-interest expense remained relatively flat [12] - The efficiency ratio improved to 52.83% from 55.64% year-over-year [13] - Return on assets (ROA) remained strong at 1.36%, with PPNR ROA at 2.08% and adjusted return on tangible common equity at 13.16% [13][12] - Tangible book value per share grew by $1.19 to $39.78, and the tangible common equity ratio increased to $10.78 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan balances were stable during the quarter, with total loan production at $1.5 billion, slightly down from the previous quarter but higher than the year-ago level [19] - Non-interest bearing deposits grew at a 15% annualized rate, representing 30.8% of total deposits [18] - Non-interest income decreased by $4.9 million, primarily due to reduced gains on the sale of SBA loans and a decline in mortgage division revenue [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 4% annualized growth in deposits, with total deposits increasing by $190 million [17] - Interest-bearing deposits fell slightly, while non-interest bearing deposits increased significantly [18] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan and deposit growth for 2025 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on maintaining top-tier profitability, enhancing revenue generation, and sustaining a strong capital position [5][8] - There is a strategic emphasis on optimizing margins rather than driving growth in uncertain economic conditions [6] - The company plans to leverage growth opportunities within its Southeastern footprint when the economic environment allows [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's positioning for the remainder of 2025, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [10] - The company is prepared to capitalize on growth opportunities with a solid core deposit base and strong capital and liquidity positions [9][10] - Management indicated that the second half of 2025 is expected to present more growth opportunities than the first half [9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $15 million of common stock during the first quarter, with $85 million remaining available for buybacks [14] - The reserve for credit losses increased to 1.67% of loans, influenced by economic forecasts [16][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the resilience in loan yields? - Loan production for the quarter averaged around 6.86%, with the core bank at about 8%, contributing to strong loan yields [25] Question: How does the company balance economic uncertainty with growth desires? - The company plans to be measured rather than aggressive in the current environment, focusing on capital and liquidity to capitalize on opportunities [36] Question: What is the outlook for expenses moving forward? - The company experienced strong expense control this quarter, and while merit increases will occur, the overall expense guidance remains aligned with expectations [40] Question: Why did the reserve increase despite strong underlying metrics? - The reserve build was model-driven, influenced by economic forecasts, and not due to asset quality deterioration [42] Question: What is the expectation for loan growth and related balance sheet growth? - The company expects loan growth in the mid-single digits, with Balboa tracking in line with overall company growth [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $87.9 million or $1.27 per diluted share, a 17% increase compared to the first quarter of the previous year [11] - The return on assets (ROA) remained strong at 1.36%, with a PPNR ROA of 2.08% and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 13.16% [12] - The efficiency ratio improved to 52.83% from 55.64% in the same quarter last year [12] - Tangible book value per share increased by $1.19 to $39.78, and the tangible common equity ratio rose to $10.78 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $20 million compared to the first quarter of last year, while non-interest expense remained relatively flat [11] - Loan balances were stable during the quarter, with total loan production at $1.5 billion, slightly down from the previous quarter but higher than the year-ago level [18] - Non-interest bearing deposits grew at a 15% annualized rate, representing 30.8% of total deposits [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 4% annualized growth in deposits, with an increase of $190 million during the quarter [17] - Interest-bearing deposits fell slightly, but non-interest bearing deposits grew significantly [18] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan and deposit growth for 2025 [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain top-tier profitability, enhance revenue generation, and sustain a strong capital position to prepare for changing macroeconomic conditions [5][8] - The focus is on optimizing margins rather than aggressive growth, with a disciplined approach to balance sheet management [6][9] - The company is well-positioned to leverage growth opportunities within its Southeastern footprint [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of 2025, expecting more growth opportunities despite macroeconomic uncertainty [9] - The company is prepared to capitalize on opportunities with a well-capitalized balance sheet and a proven culture of expense control [10] - Management noted that the current economic environment creates opportunities, but they will remain measured in their approach [34] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $15 million of common stock during the first quarter, with $85 million remaining available for buybacks [13] - The reserve for credit losses increased to 1.67% of loans, influenced by economic forecasts and not due to asset quality deterioration [15][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the resilience in loan yields? - Loan production for the quarter averaged around 6.86%, with the core bank performing well at about 8% [24] Question: Do you expect loan yields to improve without rate cuts? - Loan yields are expected to remain consistent, with margin compression likely coming from the deposit side as loan growth picks up [27] Question: How does the company balance economic uncertainty with growth desires? - The company will be measured in its approach, leveraging its strong capital and liquidity positions while being prepared to capitalize on opportunities [34] Question: What influenced the reserve build despite strong underlying metrics? - The reserve build was model-driven, influenced by economic forecasts, and not related to asset quality [40] Question: What is the expectation for loan growth and Balboa's contribution? - Loan growth is expected to be in the mid-single digits, with Balboa tracking in line with the company [45] Question: How does the company view capital deployment moving forward? - The company prefers organic growth and will evaluate sub-debt options as they come due, while also considering buybacks [50]

Financial Performance - The company reported net income of $87935000, or $127 per diluted share in 1Q25[16] - The company's return on average assets (ROA) was 136% in 1Q25[15] - The company's efficiency ratio improved to 5283% in 1Q25, compared to 5564% in 1Q24[15] - The company's tangible book value (TBV) grew by $119 per share to $3978 at the end of 1Q25, representing an annualized growth rate of 125%[15] Deposits and Capital - Noninterest-bearing deposits remained strong, accounting for 308% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025[15] - The company's CET1 ratio was 129%[8] Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality - The allowance for credit losses increased to 167% of loans[8] - The company's loan portfolio is diversified, with total loans of $207 billion[47] - Criticized loans were reduced by $444 million, a decrease of 157%[15]

Core Insights - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) reported quarterly earnings of $1.28 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15 per share, and up from $1.10 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 11.30% [1] - The company posted revenues of $286.79 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.87%, and an increase from $268.22 million year-over-year [2] - Ameris Bancorp has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, achieving this four times [2] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.27 on revenues of $292.23 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.08 on revenues of $1.17 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Ameris Bancorp is favorable, leading to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) for the stock, indicating expected outperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Banks - Southeast industry, to which Ameris Bancorp belongs, is currently ranked in the top 16% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a positive outlook for stocks within this sector [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $87.9 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, compared to $74.3 million, or $1.08 per diluted share in Q1 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 18.4%[2] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $87,935, a decrease of 6.4% from $94,376 in Q4 2024[22] - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $88,044, down from $95,078 in Q4 2024, reflecting a decline of 7.4%[22] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 was $1.27, compared to $1.37 in Q4 2024, representing a decrease of 7.3%[24] - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $285,862,000, down from $290,780,000 in Q4 2024, representing a decrease of 1.6%[41] - Adjusted total revenue (TE) for Q1 2025 was $286,753,000, compared to $291,212,000 in Q4 2024, a decline of 1.5%[41] - Net income for the consolidated entity decreased to $87,935,000 from $94,376,000, a decline of 6.5% quarter-over-quarter[48] Asset and Deposit Growth - Total assets increased to $26.51 billion at March 31, 2025, up from $26.26 billion at December 31, 2024[12] - Total deposits rose to $21.91 billion, an increase of $190.0 million during Q1 2025, with noninterest-bearing deposits representing 30.8% of total deposits[13] - Total assets increased to $26,514,940 thousand in March 2025, up from $25,655,445 thousand in March 2024, representing a growth of 3.35% year-over-year[26] - Total deposits rose to $21,912,409 thousand in March 2025, compared to $20,997,390 thousand in March 2024, reflecting an increase of 4.35% year-over-year[26] Interest Income and Margin - Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis was $222.8 million, an increase of $20.4 million, or 10.1%, compared to Q1 2024[4] - Total interest income for Q1 2025 was $333,778, down from $346,363 in Q4 2024, a decline of 3.6%[24] - Net interest income after provision for credit losses was $199,947 for Q1 2025, compared to $209,013 in Q4 2024, a decrease of 4.3%[24] - The net interest margin for March 2025 was 3.73%, an increase from 3.64% in December 2024[36] - Net interest income (TE) for the three months ended March 2025 was $222,767, slightly down from $222,773 in December 2024[34] Efficiency and Expenses - The efficiency ratio was 52.83%, compared to 52.26% in Q4 2024 and 55.64% in Q1 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency[10] - Total noninterest expense for Q1 2025 was $151,034, slightly down from $151,949 in Q4 2024, a decrease of 0.6%[24] - The efficiency ratio for Q1 2025 was 52.83%, compared to 52.26% in Q4 2024, indicating a slight increase in operational efficiency[22] - Total noninterest expense for the consolidated entity was $151,034,000, slightly down from $151,949,000, a decrease of 0.6% quarter-over-quarter[48] Credit Quality - The allowance for credit losses increased to 1.67% of loans, up from 1.63% at the end of 2024[15] - The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $21.9 million in Q1 2025, compared to $12.8 million in Q4 2024[15] - The allowance for credit losses at the end of March 2025 was $381,507 thousand, up from $357,232 thousand in March 2024, indicating a year-over-year increase of 6.79%[28] - Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 0.44% in March 2025 from 0.71% in March 2024, showing an improvement in asset quality[28] - The net charge-offs for the quarter were $9,048 thousand, compared to $12,600 thousand in the same quarter last year, indicating a decrease of 28.57%[28] Shareholder Equity - Tangible book value per share grew by $1.19, or 12.5% annualized, to $39.78 at March 31, 2025[7] - The book value per share at the end of Q1 2025 was $55.49, up from $54.32 in Q4 2024, an increase of 2.2%[22] - Total shareholders' equity rose to $3,823,802,000 in Q1 2025, up from $3,751,522,000 in Q4 2024[44] - Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 10.78% in Q1 2025 from 10.59% in Q4 2024[44] Division Performance - Retail Mortgage Division net interest income decreased to $21,844,000 from $23,714,000, a decline of 7.8% quarter-over-quarter[46] - Warehouse Lending Division net income decreased to $4,554,000 from $5,149,000, a decline of 11.5% quarter-over-quarter[46] - Premium Finance Division net interest income increased to $9,880,000 from $10,390,000, a decrease of 4.9% quarter-over-quarter[46] - Banking Division net interest income increased to $184,213,000 from $181,077,000, an increase of 1.2% quarter-over-quarter[48] - Noninterest income for the Banking Division decreased to $28,724,000 from $31,647,000, a decline of 9.1% quarter-over-quarter[48]

Core Insights - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.15 per share, a 4.6% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $278.8 million, reflecting a 3.9% increase [1] - Analysts have revised the consensus EPS estimate upward by 0.8% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment of projections [2] - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3] Financial Metrics - Analysts estimate a 'Net interest margin (TE)' of 3.6%, up from 3.5% a year ago [5] - The 'Efficiency ratio' is projected to be 56.6%, compared to 55.6% in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Nonaccrual loans' are expected to reach $98.61 million, down from $164.69 million in the same quarter last year [6] - The consensus for 'Average Balances - Total Earning Assets' is $24.22 billion, an increase from $23.21 billion a year ago [6] - 'Total non-performing assets' are projected at $125.21 million, down from $182.68 million in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Net Interest Income (TE)' is expected to be $214.47 million, compared to $202.34 million a year ago [7] - 'Total Non-Interest Income' is forecasted at $64.32 million, slightly down from $65.88 million a year ago [8] - 'Net Interest Income' is projected to reach $212.85 million, up from $201.39 million a year ago [8] Market Performance - Over the past month, Ameris Bancorp shares have declined by 8.7%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has decreased by 6.6% [9] - Based on its Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), Ameris Bancorp is expected to outperform the overall market in the upcoming period [9]

Company Overview - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) is expected to report earnings for the quarter ended March 2025, with a consensus estimate of $1.15 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.6% [3] - Revenues are anticipated to be $278.8 million, which is a 3.9% increase from the same quarter last year [3] Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for release on April 28, 2025, and could influence the stock price depending on whether the actual results exceed or fall short of expectations [2] - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.79% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP for Ameris Bancorp is +7.83%, suggesting a strong likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which, when combined with a positive Earnings ESP, historically leads to a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time [8] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Ameris Bancorp exceeded the expected earnings of $1.20 per share by delivering $1.38, resulting in a surprise of +15% [12] - The company has successfully beaten consensus EPS estimates in each of the last four quarters [13] Industry Comparison - First Bancorp (FBP), a peer in the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, is expected to report earnings of $0.43 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of -2.3% [17] - First Bancorp's consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, and it currently has an Earnings ESP of -0.77%, making it challenging to predict a beat on the consensus estimate [18]

Company Overview - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) shares increased by 8.3% to close at $54.90, following a notable trading volume that exceeded typical levels [1] - The stock had previously experienced a 10% decline over the past four weeks [1] Market Influence - The surge in Ameris Bancorp's stock was influenced by a broader market rally, particularly following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 90-day tariff pause for non-retaliating nations, which positively impacted investor sentiment [2] Earnings Expectations - Ameris Bancorp is projected to report quarterly earnings of $1.15 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.6% [2] - Expected revenues for the upcoming quarter are $278.8 million, which represents a 3.9% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Earnings Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate for Ameris Bancorp has been revised 0.8% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that typically correlates with stock price appreciation [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting favorable market conditions [4] Industry Comparison - Ameris Bancorp is part of the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, where another company, Cadence (CADE), saw a 9.3% increase in its stock price, closing at $28.87 [4] - Cadence's consensus EPS estimate has decreased by 3.2% over the past month, with a current estimate of $0.64, contrasting with its year-ago EPS change of 3.2% [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) has a strong track record of exceeding earnings estimates and is well-positioned for future earnings growth, particularly with an average surprise of 12.26% over the last two quarters [1][5]. Earnings Performance - For the last reported quarter, Ameris Bancorp achieved earnings of $1.38 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.20 per share by 15% [2]. - In the previous quarter, the company also exceeded expectations, reporting earnings of $1.38 per share against an estimate of $1.26 per share, resulting in a surprise of 9.52% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Ameris Bancorp have been trending upward, supported by its history of earnings surprises [5]. - The company currently has a positive Earnings ESP of +7.83%, indicating increased analyst optimism regarding its near-term earnings potential [8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [8]. Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7].