Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of the Zacks Rank and various investment strategies, particularly focusing on value investing as a preferred method to identify strong stocks [1][2]. Value Investing - Value investing is highlighted as a favored approach for finding strong stocks across different market conditions, utilizing established valuation metrics [2]. - The Style Scores system is introduced, with a specific focus on the "Value" category, where stocks with "A" grades for Value and high Zacks Ranks are considered top value stocks [3]. Alerus Financial (ALRS) Analysis - Alerus Financial (ALRS) is identified as a stock to watch, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value grade of A [4]. - ALRS has a P/E ratio of 8.94, significantly lower than the industry average of 18.37, indicating potential undervaluation [4]. - The stock's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 19.71 and 7.50 over the past year, with a median of 10.38 [4]. Additional Valuation Metrics - The P/S ratio for ALRS is reported at 1.49, compared to the industry's average P/S of 1.81, suggesting a favorable valuation based on sales [5]. - ALRS has a P/CF ratio of 12.62, which is lower than the industry average of 20.22, indicating a solid cash flow outlook [6]. - Over the past 52 weeks, ALRS's P/CF has ranged from 41.87 to 9.72, with a median of 19.21 [6]. Conclusion on ALRS - The combination of these metrics suggests that Alerus Financial is likely undervalued, and with a strong earnings outlook, it is positioned as an impressive value stock at this time [7].

Core Viewpoint - Alerus (ALRS) shows a significantly improving earnings outlook, making it a solid choice for investors as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][3]. Estimate Revisions - The rising trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism about Alerus's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, Alerus is projected to earn $0.56 per share, representing an increase of +80.65% from the previous year, with a 10.46% rise in consensus estimates over the last 30 days [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $2.27 per share, indicating a +57.64% change from the year-ago figure, with a 10.53% increase in consensus estimates due to three upward revisions [7][8]. Zacks Rank - Alerus currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), supported by favorable estimate revisions, which historically correlate with significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - The Zacks Rank system has shown that stocks rated 1 have generated an average annual return of +25% since 2008, indicating strong potential for Alerus [3][9]. Investment Outlook - Alerus's stock has increased by 5.5% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, suggesting further upside potential, making it a candidate for portfolio addition [10].

Group 1: Urban Outfitters (URBN) - Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle specialty retailer offering fashion apparel, accessories, footwear, home décor, and gifts, with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Urban Outfitters' current year earnings increased by 5.6% over the last 60 days [1] - Urban Outfitters' shares gained 61.5% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [2] Group 2: Flex LNG (FLNG) - Flex LNG is a shipping company focused on the transportation of liquefied natural gas, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Flex LNG's current year earnings increased by 12.1% over the last 60 days [2] - Flex LNG's shares gained 12.1% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [3] Group 3: Alerus Financial (ALRS) - Alerus Financial is a financial services company providing banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage services, with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alerus Financial's current year earnings increased by 10.2% over the last 60 days [3] - Alerus Financial's shares gained 4.3% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The meeting reported that over 21,765,000 common shares were represented, constituting approximately 85 percent of the outstanding shares entitled to vote [7] - The proposal to approve the compensation paid to the company's named executive officers in 2024 received majority approval from the shares present [20] - The appointment of RSM US LLP as the independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending 12/31/2025 was ratified by a majority vote [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific data on business lines or key metrics was provided during the meeting Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics were discussed during the meeting Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The company plans to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, which was approved by a majority vote [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - No specific comments from management regarding the operating environment or future outlook were provided during the meeting Other Important Information - The meeting included the election of nine members to the Board of Directors for a one-year term [10][12] - The meeting was conducted virtually, and stockholders were reminded to submit their votes and questions through the provided interface [3][4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any questions from stockholders? - No questions were received from stockholders during the meeting [17][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.1%, a 25 basis point increase from the previous quarter [4] - Net interest income increased by 7.5% over the prior quarter, reaching a record level of $41.2 million, while fee income decreased by 18.4% [13][15] - The net interest margin rose by 21 basis points to 3.41% [15] - Non-performing loans decreased during the quarter, contributing to a stable loan-to-deposit ratio of 91.1% [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management group generated revenues 13% higher than a year ago, indicating strong performance amid market volatility [8] - Organic loan growth was 2.3% over the prior quarter, with commercial loans now comprising over 70% of total loans [17] - Non-interest income from banking was $4.6 million for the first quarter, with a decline in mortgage revenues due to a seasonal downturn [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 2.4% organic growth in deposits from the prior quarter, despite pressure on non-interest bearing deposits [19] - Synergistic deposits in the retirement business grew by 8.8% over the prior quarter, indicating strong performance in that segment [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on its "One Aleris" strategy, which emphasizes a unified approach to grow its diversified business model [4] - The integration of Home Federal is on track, with cost savings and expense management being top priorities [10] - The company is engaging a consultant to optimize processes and improve efficiency as it integrates new talent [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future success, citing strong leadership and a commitment to organic growth [10] - The economic landscape remains fluid, with expectations for mid-single-digit loan growth and low-single-digit deposit growth for 2025 [29] - Management anticipates potential pressure on fee income due to market conditions but remains optimistic about mortgage originations [31] Other Important Information - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 66.9%, reflecting ongoing cost management efforts [10] - The company is committed to maintaining robust reserves, which increased to 1.52% of total loans [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin expectations and core margin trends - Management expects core margin to improve from the current level, driven by strong loan growth and favorable spreads [36][37] Question: Update on non-accrual construction loan - The project is progressing well, with a temporary certificate of occupancy expected soon, and good interest in the property [39][40] Question: Fee income timing for wealth and retirement - Approximately 40% of retirement assets are market sensitive, assessed on an average daily balance, while wealth fees are built at quarter-end [41] Question: Opportunities in specific geographies - The company is focusing on commercial C&I growth, particularly in Arizona, Minnesota, and North Dakota, while being cautious about investor CRE [43][44] Question: Capital deployment and M&A appetite - The company is selectively pursuing organic growth and potential acquisitions in the retirement space while maintaining a strong dividend history [47] Question: Credit quality and portfolio management - Credit quality is normalized, with no significant risk of loss, and proactive measures are in place to identify risks early [55] Question: Expense growth outlook - Core expenses are expected to remain stable around the current run rate, with a focus on managing costs effectively [46][58]

Alerus Financial (ALRS) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Katie Lorenson - President, CEO & DirectorAl Villalon - EVP & CFOBrendan Nosal - Director - Equity ResearchKarin Taylor - EVP & COOAdam Kroll - Equity Research AssociateJim Collins - Executive Vice President and Chief Banking and Revenue OfficerDamon Delmonte - Managing DirectorDavid Long - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Jeffrey Rulis - MD & Senior Research Analyst Operator Good morning, afternoon a ...

Financial Performance Highlights - Net interest income for Q1 2025 was $412 million, a 75% increase compared to Q4 2024[51] - Net interest margin increased by 21 basis points to 341% in Q1 2025 from 320% in Q4 2024[51] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $056 in Q1 2025, up $011 from Q4 2024[38] - Adjusted return on average assets was 110% in Q1 2025, a 25 basis points increase from Q4 2024[38] - Adjusted return on average tangible common equity was 1761% in Q1 2025, a 27% increase from Q4 2024[38] Balance Sheet Strength - Total loans increased by $93 million, or 23%, from December 31, 2024, reaching $41 billion[38, 60] - Total deposits increased by $107 million, or 24%, from December 31, 2024, reaching $45 billion[38, 67] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 911% as of March 31, 2025[38, 67] Asset Quality and Capital Adequacy - The ratio of reserves to total loans was 152% as of March 31, 2025, an increase of 2 basis points from December 31, 2024[38, 96] - Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio was 101%, exceeding regulatory requirements[38] Segment Performance - Banking services noninterest income decreased 555% from Q4 2024, primarily due to a gain on the sale of fixed assets in the previous quarter[75] - Retirement and Benefit Services revenue decreased 23% compared to Q4 2024, driven by a decrease in asset-based and other fees[80] - Wealth advisory services revenue decreased 15% from Q4 2024[83]

Core Insights - Alerus reported a revenue of $69 million for Q1 2025, marking a 45.1% increase year-over-year, with EPS at $0.56 compared to $0.32 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $65.45 million by 5.42%, and the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.43 by 30.23% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net charge-offs to average loans stood at 0%, better than the 0.1% average estimate [4] - The efficiency ratio was reported at 68.8%, significantly lower than the average estimate of 75.6% [4] - The net interest margin was 3.4%, exceeding the average estimate of 3.1% [4] - Total interest-earning assets averaged $4.95 billion, slightly above the estimated $4.88 billion [4] - Tax-equivalent net interest income was $41.68 million, compared to the estimated $37.56 million [4] - Retirement and benefit services revenue reached $16.11 million, above the average estimate of $15.90 million [4] - Total noninterest income was $27.63 million, slightly below the average estimate of $28.10 million [4] - Wealth management revenue was $6.91 million, compared to the average estimate of $6.82 million [4] - Service charges on deposit accounts were $0.65 million, below the average estimate of $1.13 million [4] - Mortgage banking revenue was $1.53 million, significantly lower than the average estimate of $2.70 million [4] - Other income was reported at $2.44 million, exceeding the average estimate of $1.55 million [4] Stock Performance - Alerus shares returned -3.2% over the past month, compared to a -4.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market [3]

Core Viewpoint - Alerus (ALRS) reported quarterly earnings of $0.56 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.43 per share, and showing a year-over-year increase from $0.32 per share [1] Group 1: Earnings Performance - The earnings surprise for the recent quarter was 30.23%, with a previous quarter's surprise of 12.82% [1][2] - Over the last four quarters, Alerus has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times [2] - The company posted revenues of $69 million for the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.42%, compared to $47.54 million in the same quarter last year [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - Alerus shares have declined approximately 7.9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has decreased by 6.1% [3] - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.51 for the next quarter and $2.06 for the current fiscal year [4][7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, to which Alerus belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable industry outlook [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Alerus's stock performance [5]

Financial Performance - Alerus Financial Corporation reported net income of $13.3 million for Q1 2025, or $0.52 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of ($0.1) million in Q4 2024[2]. - Net interest income for Q1 2025 was $41.2 million, a $2.9 million, or 7.5%, increase from Q4 2024[7]. - Noninterest income for Q1 2025 was $27.6 million, a decrease of $6.2 million from Q4 2024, primarily due to lower other noninterest income[10]. - Noninterest expense decreased to $50.4 million in Q1 2025, a reduction of $10.1 million, or 16.7%, from Q4 2024[14]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 68.8% in Q1 2025, down from 69.0% in Q4 2024[5]. - Return on average tangible common equity for Q1 2025 was 16.50%, a substantial increase from 2.38% in Q4 2024[39]. - Earnings per common share for Q1 2025 was $0.52, compared to $0.32 in Q1 2024[38]. - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $14,352,000, compared to $11,245,000 in Q4 2024, marking a 27.5% increase, and up from $6,671,000 in Q1 2024[40]. - Adjusted earnings per common share - diluted for Q1 2025 was $0.56, an increase from $0.45 in Q4 2024 and $0.33 in Q1 2024[40]. Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans increased to $4.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a growth of $92.9 million, or 2.3%, from December 31, 2024[5]. - Total deposits rose to $4.5 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $106.9 million, or 2.4%, from December 31, 2024[5]. - Total loans amounted to $4.5 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $106.9 million, or 2.4%, from December 31, 2024[20]. - Total deposits were $4.5 billion as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a growth of $106.9 million, or 2.4%, from December 31, 2024[20]. - Total loans for Q1 2025 amounted to $4,022,863,000, an increase from $3,814,934,000 in Q4 2024 and $2,768,514,000 in Q1 2024[41]. Asset Quality - The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans decreased to 1.24% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 1.58% as of December 31, 2024[5]. - Total nonperforming assets decreased to $51.0 million as of March 31, 2025, down $11.9 million from December 31, 2024[22]. - The allowance for credit losses on loans was $61.9 million, or 1.52% of total loans, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $59.9 million, or 1.50%, as of December 31, 2024[22]. - The provision for credit losses was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2025, significantly lower than $12.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024[24]. Capital and Equity - Tangible book value per common share increased to $15.27 as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a 5.7% rise from $14.44 as of December 31, 2024[5]. - Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets increased to 10.10% as of March 31, 2025, from 9.91% as of December 31, 2024[26]. - Total capital to risk weighted assets rose to 12.67% as of March 31, 2025, up from 12.49% on December 31, 2024[27]. - Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 7.43% in Q1 2025 from 7.13% in Q4 2024[39]. Interest Income and Margin - Total interest income for Q1 2025 was $68,181,000, an increase of 39.1% compared to $49,038,000 in Q1 2024[38]. - Net interest income after provision for credit losses reached $40,294,000, significantly up from $22,219,000 in the same quarter last year[38]. - The net interest margin, tax-equivalent, for Q1 2025 was 3.41%, compared to 3.20% in Q4 2024 and 2.30% in Q1 2024[41]. Operational Highlights - The company operates 29 banking and commercial wealth offices across multiple states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Arizona[30]. - Alerus Financial Corporation will host a conference call on April 29, 2025, to discuss its financial results[28]. - The company emphasizes the importance of non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating capital adequacy and financial performance[31]. - Forward-looking statements indicate potential growth and performance expectations, subject to various risks and uncertainties[34].