Carter Bankshares EPS Jumps 76% in Q2

Core Insights - Carter Bankshares reported Q2 2025 earnings with an EPS (GAAP) of $0.37, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.34, marking a 76.2% increase year-over-year from $0.21 in Q2 2024 [1][2][5] - The bank's net interest margin improved to 2.82% (non-GAAP), up from 2.56% in Q2 2024, reflecting better credit metrics despite ongoing revenue challenges [2][8] - Nonperforming loans decreased to $250.6 million from $300.2 million in Q2 2024, with a significant portion attributed to the Justice Entities relationship [6][5] Financial Metrics - EPS (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $0.37, compared to an estimate of $0.34 and $0.21 in Q2 2024, showing a year-over-year increase of 76.2% [2] - Net interest margin (non-GAAP) rose to 2.82%, an increase of 0.26 percentage points from Q2 2024 [2] - Pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP) reached $8.0 million, up 29.0% from $6.2 million in Q2 2024 [2] - The efficiency ratio (GAAP) improved to 78.63% from 81.62% in Q2 2024 [2][9] Business Overview - Carter Bankshares operates as a regional bank in Virginia and North Carolina, focusing on commercial real estate loans, residential mortgages, and deposit products [3] - The bank aims to differentiate itself through brand enhancement and personalized customer relationships [3][4] - Recent strategic initiatives include expanding market presence, attracting new commercial loan clients, and returning capital to shareholders via stock buybacks [4] Operational Highlights - Commercial real estate loans increased to $2.00 billion from $1.80 billion in Q2 2024, indicating growth momentum [7] - Deposit growth reached $4.22 billion, up from $3.88 billion, largely due to a branch acquisition in North Carolina [7] - Noninterest income (GAAP) fell 11.3% year-over-year to $4.9 million, impacted by the absence of a one-time gain recorded in Q1 2025 [9] Strategic Developments - The bank completed the acquisition of two branch offices from First Reliance Bank, enhancing its presence in North Carolina [10] - Stock repurchases totaled 547,332 shares at an average price of $16.70, costing $9.1 million out of a $20 million approved program [10] - Management expressed confidence in a healthy loan pipeline, particularly in construction lending, expected to contribute significantly in the next 12 to 18 months [11] Future Outlook - Key issues for investors include the resolution of the Justice Entities loan, organic deposit growth trends, and expense control [12] - The bank remains sensitive to Federal Reserve rate changes, with expectations for benefits from additional rate cuts [11]