Core Insights - Great Southern Bancorp reported preliminary earnings of $1.47 per diluted common share for Q1 2025, an increase from $1.13 in Q1 2024, resulting in a net income of $17.2 million compared to $13.4 million in the previous year [1][6] - The annualized return on average common equity was 11.30% and the annualized return on average assets was 1.15% for Q1 2025, both showing improvement from 9.36% and 0.93% respectively in Q1 2024 [2] Financial Performance - Net interest income increased by $4.5 million (10.1%) to $49.3 million in Q1 2025, driven by higher interest income on loans and lower interest expense on deposits [5][11] - Non-interest income decreased by $216,000 to $6.6 million in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [13] - Non-interest expense rose by $400,000 to $34.8 million, with an efficiency ratio of 62.27%, improved from 66.68% in Q1 2024 [14] Asset Quality - Non-performing assets totaled $9.5 million at March 31, 2025, consistent with 0.16% of total assets, showing stability in asset quality [32] - The allowance for credit losses was 1.36% of total loans, indicating adequate coverage for potential losses [31] Capital and Liquidity - The capital position remained strong with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.3% and a Total Capital Ratio of 15.6% as of March 31, 2025 [18] - The company had secured borrowing lines of $1.17 billion and $370.5 million from the FHLBank and Federal Reserve Bank respectively, along with unpledged securities valued at $337.4 million [25] Stock Repurchase and Dividends - The Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program for up to one million shares, succeeding the existing program [22] - The company repurchased approximately 175,000 shares at an average price of $58.38 during Q1 2025 and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share [23]

Core Viewpoint - Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. is set to report its preliminary earnings for the first quarter of 2025 on April 16, 2025, with a subsequent conference call scheduled for April 17, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. operates Great Southern Bank, which has total assets of $6.0 billion and provides a wide range of banking services to both commercial and consumer customers [4]. - The company is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and operates 89 retail banking centers across several states including Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Nebraska, along with commercial loan production offices in various major cities [4]. - Great Southern Bancorp is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol GSBC [4]. Earnings Release Information - The company will issue a news release to notify the public of its first quarter 2025 results, which will also be posted on its Investor Relations website and the SEC's website as part of a Current Report on Form 8-K [3]. - Participants interested in the conference call are encouraged to register in advance and join 10 minutes prior to the start time [2].

Core Viewpoint - Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are closely correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors adjusting their valuations based on these estimates [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Great Southern Bancorp suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, which could lead to increased stock prices as investors respond positively [5][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Great Southern Bancorp is projected to earn $5.25 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of -0.2% [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Great Southern Bancorp has increased by 1.2%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a 'Strong Buy' or 'Buy' rating, highlighting their potential for market-beating returns [9][10]. - The upgrade of Great Southern Bancorp to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a favorable outlook for the stock in the near term [10].

Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, the Company's consolidated total assets were $5.98 billion, with consolidated net loans of $4.69 billion and consolidated deposits of $4.61 billion[12]. - Great Southern Bank had total assets of $5.98 billion, net loans of $4.70 billion, deposits of $4.69 billion, and equity capital of $616.3 million, representing 10.3% of total assets[15]. - The Company acquired assets with a fair value of approximately $499.9 million and $294.2 million in 2009 from TeamBank, N.A. and Vantus Bank, respectively, which accounted for approximately 18.8% and 8.8% of the Company's total consolidated assets at acquisition[17]. - In 2011, the Company acquired assets valued at approximately $248.9 million from Sun Security Bank, representing about 7.3% of total consolidated assets at acquisition[18]. - As of December 31, 2024, the Company's total deposits reached $4.61 billion, with $3.06 billion in Missouri, including $2.08 billion in Springfield and $544 million in St. Louis[45]. - Total loans receivable, net as of December 31, 2024, amounted to $4,697,330,000, an increase from $4,595,468,000 in 2023[61]. - The company’s total loans increased from $4.66 billion in 2023 to $4.76 billion in 2024, indicating growth in the loan portfolio[133]. Loan Portfolio - The Company continues to emphasize real estate lending while expanding its originations of commercial business loans[38]. - Commercial real estate loans accounted for approximately 33% of the total outstanding loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024[50]. - The largest relationship for loans-to-one borrower at December 31, 2024, consisted of 24 loans totaling $96.8 million, with an outstanding balance of $81.3 million[54]. - At December 31, 2024, loans secured by second liens on residential properties were $87.9 million, or 1.8% of the total loan portfolio[52]. - The Company retains substantially all adjustable-rate mortgage loans it originates, while most fixed-rate loans are sold in the secondary market[49]. - Real estate loans constituted 92.0% of total loans in 2024, up from 89.5% in 2023[61]. - Other residential loans increased significantly to $1,549,249,000 in 2024, representing 32.5% of total loans, compared to 20.2% in 2023[61]. - Commercial loans remained stable at $1,555,086,000, accounting for 32.6% of total loans in 2024, slightly down from 32.8% in 2023[61]. - Total consumer loans decreased to $170,128,000 in 2024, representing 3.6% of total loans, compared to 3.7% in 2023[61]. - Fixed-rate loans made up 37.3% of total loans in 2024, a decrease from 39.0% in 2023[61]. - Adjustable-rate loans increased to 62.7% of total loans in 2024, up from 61.0% in 2023[61]. Credit Quality and Risk Management - The allowance for credit losses was $64,760,000 in 2024, consistent with $64,670,000 in 2023[61]. - The total classified assets amounted to $16.6 million at December 31, 2024, with $10.6 million classified as loans and $5.99 million as foreclosed assets[108]. - Non-performing loans increased due to two related loans totaling $1.2 million and another unrelated loan of $510,000 added in 2024[106]. - The total past due loans as of December 31, 2024, were $7.06 million, compared to $25.18 million as of December 31, 2023[106]. - Loans categorized as "Watch" and "Special Mention" decreased from $26.7 million at December 31, 2023, to $1.5 million at December 31, 2024[110]. - Total gross non-performing loans decreased from $11.748 million in 2023 to $3.573 million in 2024, a decline of about 69.6%[115]. - The Problem Loan Committee meets at least quarterly to review classified assets and manage delinquent loans[105]. Deposits and Funding - Total deposits amounted to $4,605,549 as of December 31, 2024, a decrease from $4,721,708 in 2023[152]. - Brokered deposits increased to approximately $772.1 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $661.5 million in 2023, indicating a growth of about 16.7%[158]. - The Bank had outstanding overnight borrowings from the FHLBank of $333.0 million in 2024, up from $251.0 million in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 32.6%[165]. - The Bank borrowed $180.0 million under the Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) in January 2024, with a fixed interest rate of 4.83%[167]. - Non-interest-bearing demand deposits decreased by $168 million in 2023, while interest-bearing demand and savings deposits increased by $28 million[150]. Investment Securities - The company held approximately $187.4 million in held-to-maturity investment securities and $533.4 million in available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2024[138]. - The total available-for-sale securities amounted to $594.6 million at the end of 2024, up from $531.9 million in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 11.8%[145]. - The weighted average tax-equivalent yield for available-for-sale securities was 3.05% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 3.00% in 2023, indicating a slight improvement[145]. - The company reported unrealized losses of $61.3 million on available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2024, compared to $54.2 million in 2023, representing an increase in losses of 13.1%[140]. Employee and Community Engagement - As of December 31, 2024, the Company employed a total of 1,108 employees, including 226 part-time employees[200]. - Great Southern associates donated over 7,400 hours to more than 300 organizations in 2024, along with monetary donations totaling nearly $59,000[203]. - The Company remains committed to employee development through annual performance conversations and customized training programs[201]. - The Company’s Community Matters program allows associates to volunteer up to 32 hours per year during work hours[203]. Regulatory Environment - The Company is subject to supervision by federal and state banking agencies, affecting its earnings and operations[204]. - The Company has chosen not to utilize the new Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) of 9.0% due to its size and complexity[207]. - The Economic Growth Act maintains most of the regulatory structure established by the Dodd-Frank Act while modifying certain rules for small and large banks[206].

Core Points - Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. will hold its 36th Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually on May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. CDT [1] - Stockholders can vote during the live webcast or by proxy, with the record date set for March 4, 2025 [2] - Great Southern Bancorp has total assets of $6.0 billion and operates 89 retail banking centers across several states [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported solid results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2024, demonstrating resilience despite a challenging economic environment [6]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specific details regarding changes in various business lines were not provided in the available content. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Information on market data and key metrics changes was not included in the provided content. Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The company emphasized its strength and progress in a dynamic banking environment, indicating a focus on resilience and adaptability [6]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the challenges faced in the economic and banking landscape but expressed confidence in the company's performance and strategic direction [6]. Other Important Information - Forward-looking statements were made regarding the company's future events and financial performance, with a reminder that actual results may differ from projections [4]. Q&A Session Summary Question: General inquiries about the company's performance and outlook - The management team, including the CEO and CFO, provided insights into the company's resilience and strategic focus during the call, although specific questions and answers were not detailed in the provided content [5][6].

Financial Performance - Preliminary earnings for Q4 2024 were $1.27 per diluted common share, up from $1.11 in Q4 2023, resulting in a net income of $14.9 million compared to $13.1 million[2]. - Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $14,922 thousand, compared to $13,145 thousand for the same period in 2023, reflecting an increase of 13.5%[54]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $61,807 thousand, a decrease from $67,800 thousand in 2023, indicating a decline of 8.8%[61]. - The effective tax rate decreased to 16.9% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 19.7% in the same quarter of 2023[23]. - Earnings per common share for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $1.27, up from $1.11 in the same period of 2023, representing an increase of 14.4%[61]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income increased by $4.4 million (approximately 9.7%) to $49.5 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher interest income on loans[7]. - Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $30,565 thousand, slightly up from $30,073 thousand in 2023, reflecting an increase of 1.6%[54]. - Non-interest expenses for the year remained consistent at $141.5 million, despite ongoing investments in technology and operational efficiencies[13]. - Non-interest income increased by $371,000 to $6.9 million compared to the same quarter in 2023[20]. - Non-interest expense rose by $662,000 to $36.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to a $1.7 million increase in other operating expenses[20]. Asset Quality - Non-performing assets decreased by $2.2 million to $9.6 million, representing 0.16% of total assets, compared to 0.20% at the end of Q4 2023[12]. - Non-performing assets decreased to $9.6 million at December 31, 2024, from $11.8 million at December 31, 2023, representing a decrease of 18.64% year-over-year[37]. - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.36% at December 31, 2024, consistent with the previous quarter and slightly down from 1.39% at December 31, 2023[35]. - The provision for credit losses on loans was $1,700 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2024, down from $2,250 thousand in 2023, indicating a decrease of 24.4%[60]. - Potential problem loans increased by $1.1 million compared to September 30, 2024, totaling $7.062 million at December 31, 2024[39]. Capital and Liquidity - The Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 11.4% and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 12.3% as of December 31, 2024, indicating a strong capital position[7]. - Total stockholders' equity increased by $27.8 million to $599.6 million as of December 31, 2024, driven by $61.8 million in net income[24]. - Total stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2024, was $599,568 thousand, an increase from $571,829 thousand as of December 31, 2023, representing a growth of 4.8%[58]. - The company had available secured lines totaling $1,405.2 million and cash and cash equivalents of $195.8 million as of December 31, 2024[29]. - The Company expects funding costs to remain elevated in 2025, but maintains a strong liquidity position and credit quality[15]. Loans and Deposits - Gross loans grew by $100.5 million (2.2%) to $4.76 billion, primarily driven by multi-family residential and commercial real estate lending[11]. - Total net loans increased by $100.8 million, or 2.2%, from $4.59 billion at December 31, 2023, to $4.69 billion at December 31, 2024[32]. - Total deposits decreased by $91.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024, with interest-bearing checking balances down by $21.4 million (1.0%)[29]. - The company reported a total deposits value of $3,824,338 thousand, with brokered deposits yielding an interest of $37,534 thousand[66]. Operational Efficiency - The Company's efficiency ratio improved to 65.43% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from 70.17% in the same quarter of 2023[22]. - The annualized return on average common equity was 9.76% for Q4 2024, slightly up from 9.71% in Q4 2023[3]. - The annualized return on average assets increased to 1.00% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, up from 0.91% in 2023[55]. - The average interest rate spread increased to 2.87% in Q4 2024, compared to 2.65% in Q4 2023[16]. - The company is advancing updates and growth in operational programs with its current core banking provider, with expected completion in Q3 2025[45]. Future Outlook - The Company anticipates recording approximately $2.0 million in interest income from a terminated interest rate swap in each of the first three quarters of 2025[18]. - The company plans to replace a banking center in Springfield, Mo. with a new facility, with construction expected to begin in Q1 2025 and completion anticipated in Q4 2025[46]. - The company will host a conference call on January 22, 2025, to discuss fourth quarter 2024 preliminary earnings[47].

Core Insights - Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC) reported quarterly earnings of $1.27 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32 per share, but showing an increase from $1.11 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -3.79% [1] - The company posted revenues of $56.47 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.58%, and up from $51.71 million year-over-year [2] - The stock has added about 1.2% since the beginning of the year, underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.29 on revenues of $54.52 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.19 on revenues of $225 million [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Great Southern Bancorp is mixed, leading to a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Financial - Savings and Loan industry, to which Great Southern Bancorp belongs, is currently in the top 12% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]

Core Viewpoint - Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. reported a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, with net income increasing to $14.9 million or $1.27 per diluted common share, compared to $13.1 million or $1.11 per diluted common share in the same period of 2023, driven by higher net interest income and strategic loan portfolio growth [1][8]. Financial Performance - For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the annualized return on average common equity was 9.76%, and the annualized return on average assets was 1.00%, both showing improvements from 9.71% and 0.91% respectively in the same quarter of 2023 [2]. - Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by $4.4 million (approximately 9.7%) to $49.5 million compared to $45.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher interest income on loans [6][18]. - The company's net income for the full year 2024 was $61.8 million, or $5.26 per diluted common share, down from $67.8 million, or $5.61 per diluted common share in 2023 [7]. Asset Quality - Non-performing assets decreased to $9.6 million (0.16% of total assets) at December 31, 2024, down from $11.8 million (0.20% of total assets) at December 31, 2023, indicating improved asset quality [11][37]. - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.36% at December 31, 2024, consistent with the previous quarter and slightly down from 1.39% a year earlier [36]. Capital Management - Total stockholders' equity increased by $27.7 million year-over-year to $599.6 million at year-end 2024, with a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 9.9% [13][24]. - The company's capital ratios remained strong, with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.4% and a Total Capital Ratio of 15.4% as of December 31, 2024 [24]. Liquidity and Deposits - As of December 31, 2024, the company had secured borrowing line availability of $1.06 billion at the FHLBank and $346.4 million at the Federal Reserve Bank, along with unpledged securities valued at $354.9 million [29]. - Total deposits decreased by $116.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, with significant declines in time deposits and non-interest-bearing checking balances [30][31]. Loan Portfolio - Total net loans increased by $100.8 million (2.2%) to $4.69 billion at December 31, 2024, driven primarily by growth in multi-family residential loans [32]. - The pipeline of unfunded loan commitments increased in the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating continued demand for loans despite a slight decrease in total net loans during the quarter [33]. Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by $371,000 to $6.9 million compared to the same quarter in 2023, while non-interest expenses rose by $662,000 to $36.9 million, largely due to a non-recurring litigation expense [20][22]. - The company's efficiency ratio improved to 65.43% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 70.17% for the same quarter in 2023 [20].

In its upcoming report, Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $1.32 per share, reflecting an increase of 18.9% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $55.05 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.5%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timef ...