Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong performance in the Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) segment, which is expected to be the largest contributor to growth in 2025 and 2026 [10][11] - The fourth quarter saw significant originations in CIB, indicating a solid foundation laid in 2024 for future growth [12][13] - The average loan-to-value ratio for the portfolio remained conservative at 44%, reflecting effective risk management despite some individual loans showing higher ratios [84][86] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CIB experienced a notable increase in originations, with a focus on building a robust operational foundation [11][12] - The Fund Finance segment within CIB has shown resurgence, benefiting from improved connectivity with sponsors and a restructured organization [140][141] - The Real Estate Specialty Group (RESG) had its lowest origination volume in 27 quarters, but the pipeline of signed term sheets was one of the best in recent quarters, indicating potential for future growth [58][61] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing increased origination volume in multifamily and industrial properties, particularly in regions like Miami, which is experiencing strong economic activity [128][130] - There is a cautious optimism regarding the impact of higher interest rates on origination volumes, with expectations of a more typical level of originations in 2024 [51][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build CIB to rival RESG in size and profitability over the next few years, with a focus on maintaining credit quality as a top priority [21][23] - There is a strategic emphasis on adding top talent and expanding business lines to support growth initiatives, particularly in retail banking and consumer loans [17][106] - The company is advocating for a more constructive regulatory environment to support growth and reduce the burden of excessive regulations [116][118] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a favorable economic environment and the potential for increased deal flow despite challenges from higher interest rates [62][64] - The company expects to see continued growth in CIB and a recovery in RESG, driven by a strong pipeline and improved market conditions [63][65] - Management highlighted the importance of credit quality and the expectation that sponsors will continue to support their projects through economic stress [33][36] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase share repurchase parameters, contingent on stock price performance, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [150][151] - The management team emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong efficiency ratio while ramping up expenses to support growth initiatives [109][110] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth trends and diversification plans - Management confirmed they are on track with growth plans, particularly in CIB, which is expected to be a major growth driver [10][11] Question: Impact of higher rates on credit risk and origination volumes - Management indicated that they are well-positioned to absorb new clients and maintain good pricing across business units despite higher rates [48][49] Question: Appraisal activity and loan modifications - The increase in appraisals is a proactive measure to ensure portfolio quality, with management viewing modifications as a positive business practice [77][78][28] Question: Long-term loan growth aspirations and investment needs - Management expressed confidence in maintaining solid growth, with a focus on efficiency and leveraging existing infrastructure to support future expansion [102][106] Question: Regulatory changes and their potential impact - Management is hopeful for a more favorable regulatory environment under the new administration, which could enhance the banking industry's ability to meet credit needs [116][118]

Core Viewpoint - Bank OZK reported strong fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, with earnings per share of $1.56 exceeding estimates and reflecting a 4% increase year-over-year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter was $178.1 million, a 4.1% increase from the previous year, surpassing the estimate of $160.9 million [2]. - For the full year 2024, earnings per share were $6.14, beating the consensus estimate of $6.03 and representing a 4.6% year-over-year increase [3]. - Net revenues for the fourth quarter were $412.3 million, up 1.2% year-over-year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $408 million [4]. - For 2024, net revenues increased by 6.2% to $1.66 billion, also surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.65 billion [4]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income (NII) for the fourth quarter was $379.3 million, a 2.4% increase year-over-year, although it fell short of the estimate of $387.3 million [4]. - Non-interest income decreased by 11% year-over-year to $32.9 million, primarily due to lower gains on asset sales and a decline in death benefits income [5]. - Non-interest expenses were $140.1 million, down 3.4% from the prior year, driven by lower operating expenses, and were better than the expected $144.3 million [6]. Credit Quality - The net charge-offs to average total loans ratio increased to 0.16%, up 10 basis points year-over-year, while the provision for credit losses decreased by 15.2% to $37.2 million [7]. - The ratio of non-performing loans rose by 19 basis points to 0.44% as of December 31, 2024 [7]. Profitability Ratios - The return on average assets decreased to 1.87% from 2.04% in the previous year, and the return on average common equity fell to 13.33% from 14.58% [8]. Share Repurchase - Bank OZK did not repurchase any shares during the quarter [10]. Outlook - The company expects solid loan balances, branch consolidation, fee income growth, and lower deposit costs to support revenue growth, but elevated operating expenses and deteriorating asset quality pose near-term challenges [11].

Bank OZK (OZK) reported $412.34 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.2%. EPS of $1.56 for the same period compares to $1.50 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.06% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $408.04 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.45, the EPS surprise was +7.59%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Stree ...

Bank OZK (OZK) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.56 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.45 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.50 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 7.59%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this bank would post earnings of $1.53 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.55, delivering a surprise of 1.31%.Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank OZK (the "Bank") (NASDAQ:OZK) today announced that net income available to common stockholders for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $178.1 million, its ninth consecutive quarterly record and a 4.1% increase from $171.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year of 2024, net income available to common stockholders was a record $700.3 million, a 3.8% increase from $674.6 million for the full year of 2023. Diluted earnings per common share ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank OZK's (the "Bank") (NASDAQ:OZK) fourth quarter and full year 2024 management comments are now available on the Bank's investor relations website https://ir.ozk.com. GENERAL INFORMATION Bank OZK (NASDAQ:OZK) is a regional bank providing innovative financial solutions delivered by expert bankers with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Established in 1903, Bank OZK conducts banking operations in more than 240 offices in nine states including Arkansas, ...

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $1.45 for Bank OZK, indicating a year-over-year decline of 3.3%, while revenues are expected to reach $408.04 million, reflecting a slight increase of 0.1% compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Key Financial Metrics - Analysts project the 'Efficiency Ratio' to be 35.2%, slightly down from 35.3% a year ago [5]. - 'Total Average Interest-Earning Assets' are expected to reach $34.87 billion, up from $30.74 billion in the same quarter last year [5]. - 'Total Non-Interest Income' is forecasted at $30.22 million, down from $37.03 million in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Net Interest Income (FTE)' is anticipated to be $381.88 million, compared to $373.47 million reported in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Net Interest Income' is expected to be $377.64 million, an increase from $370.55 million a year ago [7]. - 'BOLI income - Increase in cash surrender value' is estimated at $5.85 million, up from $5.40 million last year [7]. - 'Gains (losses) on sales of other assets' are expected to be $1.18 million, down from $3.29 million in the same quarter last year [8]. - 'Loan service, maintenance and other fees' are projected to reach $6.46 million, slightly down from $6.76 million a year ago [8]. Stock Performance - Bank OZK shares have decreased by 10.9% over the past month, compared to a 2.2% decline in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [8].

Core Viewpoint - Bank OZK is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending December 2024, with the consensus outlook indicating a potential impact on the stock price based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and could lead to a stock price increase if the reported figures exceed expectations, while missing estimates may result in a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.45 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 3.3%, with revenues projected at $408.04 million, a slight increase of 0.1% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts have not significantly altered their initial projections during this period [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Bank OZK is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -2.68%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with a strong predictive power for positive readings [7][8]. - Bank OZK's current Zacks Rank is 3, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat given the negative Earnings ESP [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Bank OZK was expected to post earnings of $1.53 per share but exceeded this with actual earnings of $1.55, resulting in a surprise of +1.31% [12]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has successfully beaten consensus EPS estimates on all occasions [13]. Conclusion - While Bank OZK does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other influencing factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of the earnings release [16].

Bank OZK (OZK) hiked its quarterly cash dividend by 2.4% to 42 cents per share. The dividend will be paid out on Jan. 21, 2025, to shareholders of record as of Jan. 14.The bank has hiked its quarterly cash dividend in each of the last 58 quarters. Before the recent hike, the bank increased its dividend by 2.5% to 41 cents per share in October 2024. It has a dividend payout ratio of 26%.Based on its closing price of $43.83 as of Jan. 2, OZK’s forward dividend yield, considering the increased payout, is 3.8%. ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank OZK (the “Bank”) (Nasdaq: OZK) expects to report fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings after the market closes on Thursday, January 16, 2025.  Management’s comments on the fourth quarter and full year 2024 will be released simultaneously with the earnings press release and will be available on the Bank’s investor relations website.    Management will conduct a conference call to take questions at 10:00 a.m. CT (11:00 a.m. ET) on Friday, January ...