First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 24, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Ramon Rodriguez - Investor Relations Officer Aurelio Aleman - President and CEO Orlando Berges - Executive Vice President and CFO Conference Call Participants Frank Schiraldi - Piper Sandler Brett Rabatin - Hovde Group Steve Moss - Raymond James Kelly Motta - KBW Timur Braziler - Wells Fargo Operator Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining the First BanCorp. First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conf ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $1.7 million for the quarter, a significant decline from $15.3 million in the prior quarter, resulting in earnings per diluted share of $0.06 compared to $0.50 previously [7][29] - The pretax income decreased by $17.3 million to $2.4 million in the first quarter, driven by a higher provision for credit losses, a decline in net interest income, and increased noninterest expenses [29][30] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $129.5 million, representing coverage of total loans at 1.63%, up 19 basis points from the prior quarter [21][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial lending grew by $109.1 million or 4.3% from December 31, 2024, reflecting the impact of new additions to the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) team [11] - Deposits increased by $146.2 million in the first quarter, primarily through time deposits in digital and branch channels, enhancing the bank's liquidity [12][32] - Noninterest income rose to $8.2 million for the first quarter, compared to $4.1 million in the prior quarter, largely due to a $200 million separate account BOLI transaction [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted modest exposure to government contracting and GSA-linked assets, which reduces sensitivity to changes in federal budget spending [13] - The DC economy is diversified beyond the federal government, including educational institutions, a growing technology sector, and tourism, supporting long-term stability [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on preserving capital flexibility, improving portfolio quality, and managing through volatility while maintaining long-term franchise value [17][28] - There is an emphasis on exploring asset disposition strategies for office loans to address evolving valuation risks [15][16] - The company aims to deepen relationship-based deposits and drive operational excellence despite challenges in asset quality and valuation pressures [41][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged sustained pressure on office property valuations and the need for adequate reserves to absorb potential losses [15][17] - The outlook for net interest margin (NIM) is being adjusted downward due to higher funding costs, but there is optimism for improvement as funding costs decrease [35][60] - The company remains confident in its ability to execute strategic priorities and maintain a resilient capital base [18][40] Other Important Information - The company reported a tangible common equity ratio of 11% at quarter-end, with 75% of total deposits insured, reflecting a stable funding base [31][32] - The average deposits grew by $381.6 million from a year ago during the first quarter of 2024 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Office Portfolio Reserve Drivers - Management explained that the reserve build was driven by updated assumptions regarding probability of default and loss given default based on recent appraisals, leading to a $14.3 million increase in the allowance for credit losses related to the office portfolio [46][48] Question: Impact of Government Contracting on Credit - Management noted that the government contracting portfolio is modest, with ongoing communication with clients to assess potential impacts from federal budget changes [55][56] Question: NIM Expansion Assumptions - Management indicated that the forecast for NIM does not include Fed rate cuts and is driven by a new pricing structure for third-party payment processing and redeployment of funds into higher-earning assets [57][60] Question: Office Portfolio Appraisal Updates - Management confirmed that appraisals for the office portfolio are conducted proactively, with updates provided as necessary [100][102] Question: Growth in C&I Portfolio - Management expressed optimism about the growth in the C&I pipeline, attributing it to new team members and increased activity [104][105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP fully diluted earnings per share of $0.87, which represents a 135% increase compared to the fourth quarter and an 81% increase year-over-year [6] - Pre-provision net revenue for the first quarter was $9.4 million, or $1.22 per share, an 11% increase from the previous quarter [12] - The net interest margin for the quarter was 281 basis points, a 21 basis point increase from the linked quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SBA originations grew to $10 million in the first quarter, with gain on sale margins exceeding 10% [9] - Noninterest income increased by 56% to $1.5 million, driven largely by SBA gain on sale income [16] - The first quarter provision expense was $463,000, significantly lower than $4.5 million in the prior quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits grew by $43 million, including $28 million in noninterest-bearing deposits, while broker deposits declined by $81 million [10] - The company expects low single-digit loan growth for the full year despite a slower first quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully disposed of two nonperforming credits, which reduced nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets to 83 basis points [7] - The management emphasized the importance of attracting talented professionals and has added two deposit teams in the New York Metro Area [20] - The company plans to continue expanding its net interest margin and reaffirmed its net interest income guidance for the full year 2025 of $93 million to $95 million [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the SBA gain on sale activity accelerating in Q2 2025 [9] - The management noted that credit trends were benign and highlighted the company's strong balance sheet and liquidity [19] - The company is cautious about potential changes in the SBA environment that could impact growth [52][54] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 29,924 shares at a weighted average price of $30.46 during the quarter, with 220,000 shares remaining on its authorization [19] - The efficiency ratio for the quarter was 59.9%, with expectations for improvement as net interest margin expands [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on new teams and their focus - The focus of the new teams is primarily on deposits, with some loans mixed in, and both teams have prior books over $100 million [26] Question: Update on loan pipeline and growth outlook - The company still expects low single-digit growth, with a robust pipeline despite some unexpected payoffs in Q1 [30][31] Question: Core loan yield for the quarter - The core loan yield for the quarter was approximately 6.40%, reflecting a 10 basis point expansion over the fourth quarter [38] Question: Thoughts on interest-bearing costs and margin - Timing issues affected the interest-bearing costs, with some callable brokered CDs called in Q1 leading to a one-time drag [41][42] Question: Expectations for SBA originations and fee income - Originations were better than expected, with the strongest quarter anticipated in Q4 2025 [50] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company aims to balance share repurchases with the need to build consolidated CET1 capital, currently at 11% [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.32, excluding merger-related expenses, indicating strong performance in Q1 2025 [10] - Net interest margin expanded by 19 basis points to 2.51%, driven by lower deposit pricing and higher loan yields [12][20] - First-quarter loan balances increased by 16% on an annualized basis, reflecting strong loan growth [11][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposit growth was 8% annualized in Q1 2025, contributing to the company's ability to pursue loan growth [11][29] - Non-interest income remained elevated at $2.1 million, including $325,000 from investment advisory fees related to the recent acquisition [26] - The multifamily loan portfolio, particularly in affordable housing, grew by 13% over the past year, now totaling nearly $600 million [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan pipeline is at its highest level since 2022, indicating increased demand in the market [33] - The company noted favorable market trends in the Twin Cities, with improved absorption levels and rent growth in the multifamily sector [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to gain market share amid ongoing market disruptions in the Twin Cities, focusing on affordable housing and commercial & industrial (C&I) spaces [56] - Two significant technology initiatives are planned for 2025, including an upgraded online banking platform and systems conversion from the recent acquisition [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth, projecting mid to high single-digit growth for the full year 2025, despite potential economic uncertainties [50] - The company is actively monitoring the impact of tariffs and market volatility on client behavior and loan demand [17][33] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $600,000 of common stock during the quarter, with $14.7 million remaining under the current share repurchase authorization [48] - Non-performing assets increased to 0.2% of loans, primarily due to one office loan moved to non-accrual status, but overall asset quality remains strong [14][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in competition in the CRE market - Management noted increased activity from previously sidelined players, tightening spreads slightly, but remains confident in their competitive position [60][62] Question: Details on margin and deposit costs - The March average margin was reported at 2.53%, with deposit costs at 3.18% for the quarter, indicating ongoing efforts to lower costs while maintaining loan yields [64][66] Question: Loan growth distribution throughout the quarter - Loan growth was relatively steady across the quarter, with a slight bias towards the back half [68] Question: Timeline for the workout of a non-accrual loan - The workout process for the non-accrual loan is expected to be longer-term, dependent on economic conditions, with the borrower engaged in a workout plan [71] Question: Outlook on M&A activity - The company is in discussions with owners of smaller franchises in the Twin Cities but has no imminent deals [91] Question: Share repurchase decision-making process - The company evaluates share repurchases based on valuations, growth prospects, and capital needs, maintaining flexibility in decision-making [97]

Image source: The Motley Fool.Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025CALL PARTICIPANTSDavid A. Brager: President and Chief Executive OfficerAllen Nicholson: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerNeed a quote from one of our analysts? Email [email protected]Net Earnings: Reported net earnings of $51.1 million, or $0.36 per share, for Q1 2025, representing the 192nd consecutive quarter of profitability Net Interest Margin: Expanded by 13 basis points to 3.31% in Q1 2025, up from 3.18% in Q4 2024Total Loans: $8. ...

Core Insights - Banc of California reported Q1 2025 net income of $43.6 million or $0.26 per share, indicating strong core earnings despite economic uncertainties [5] - The company achieved a loan production of $2.6 billion, reflecting a 6% annualized growth rate, with a new loan yield of 7.20% [10][14] - Management has adopted a conservative approach to risk ratings, resulting in an increase in classified loans, with 84% of new classified loans remaining current [12][14] Financial Performance - Net interest margin expanded by 4 basis points to 3.08% in Q1 2025, driven by a decline in the cost of funds [14] - Total noninterest income was $33.7 million, consistent with the normalized run rate [15] - The adjusted loan growth outlook for 2025 has been revised to mid-single digits due to economic uncertainties [6] Shareholder Returns - The company completed a $150 million share repurchase in Q1 2025, repurchasing 6.8% of shares, and announced an additional $150 million buyback authorization, bringing the total to $300 million [10][6] - The buyback program is intended to be executed opportunistically, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value [9][10] Risk Management - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) ratio stands at 1.1% of total loans, with an economic coverage ratio of 1.66% [3][12] - The company has adopted a conservative posture on risk ratings, leading to additional credit downgrades, but maintains that the majority of classified loans are current and well-collateralized [12][14] - The company is monitoring economic conditions closely and remains cautious in loan production [19][20] Market Positioning - Banc of California is capitalizing on its strong market position in Southern California, filling the void left by banks that exited the market [17][18] - The company is focused on attracting new business relationships and expanding its loan portfolio, particularly in lower-risk categories [16][18] - Management believes that the current economic environment presents opportunities for growth despite uncertainties [34][66]

Financial Performance - Discover Financial Services reported a 31% year-over-year increase in earnings per share for Q1 2025 [4][12] - Net income reached $1.1 billion, reflecting a 30% increase from the previous year [4][12] - The net interest margin improved to 12.18%, up 115 basis points year-over-year and 22 basis points sequentially [4][12] Credit and Loan Metrics - Card receivables decreased by 0.5% year-over-year, while Discover Card sales fell by 2% compared to the prior year [4][12] - Total net charge-offs were 4.99%, which is 7 basis points higher than the previous year and up 35 basis points from the prior quarter [4][12] - The thirty-plus day delinquency rate improved compared to the previous quarter, indicating stable credit performance [5][12] Deposits and Funding - Average consumer deposits increased by 6% year-over-year and 1% sequentially, with direct-to-consumer deposit balances growing by $2 billion [4][12] - Direct-to-consumer deposits now account for 74% of total funding, while average deposit rates were reduced by 22 basis points [12] Merger with Capital One - The merger with Capital One is expected to close on May 18, 2025, following approvals from regulatory bodies and shareholders [10][12] - Due to the merger timing, Discover shareholders will receive dividends declared on Capital One shares instead of Discover's own dividends [6][12] Operational Expenses - Total operating expenses increased by 1% year-over-year, with compensation costs rising by 10% due to higher wages and benefits [12] - Information processing expenses also increased by 10% due to technology investments [12] Capital Ratios - The Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio stood at 14.7%, up 60 basis points compared to the prior quarter, indicating strong capital levels [12]

Core Insights - S&T Bancorp reported strong Q1 2025 results with earnings per share (EPS) of 87¢, net income of $33 million, and growth in customer deposits and loans, exceeding previous quarters and consensus estimates [2][3][8] - The company experienced a 7.23% annualized growth in customer deposits, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of expansion, primarily driven by consumer activities [4][9] - Loan growth was recorded at 4.89% annualized, with significant contributions from commercial real estate and construction sectors, while C&I loan balances declined by $20 million [5][9] Financial Performance - Net interest margin expanded by 4 basis points to 3.81% in Q1 2025, supported by a decrease in funding costs [2][10] - The allowance for credit losses decreased by approximately $2.5 million, ending the quarter at 1.26% of total loans, indicating improved asset quality [2][9] - The company completed $193.6 million in bond restructurings, projected to increase net interest income by about $5 million in 2025 [5][11] Growth Outlook - Management expressed confidence in mid-single-digit loan growth for the first half of 2025, with potential acceleration to high mid-single digits in the second half as newly hired bankers' pipelines materialize [3][4][9] - The commercial loan pipeline increased by nearly 40% since year-end 2024, indicating strong future growth potential [4][9] - The company anticipates crossing the $10 billion asset threshold organically in the second half of 2025 [5][14] Market Positioning - The company has been recognized for strong financial performance and superior employee engagement by organizations like Forbes and S&P [7][8] - The management team is focused on maintaining top-tier asset quality and profitability while navigating market uncertainties [8][29] - The company is actively recruiting C&I bankers to support pipeline expansion and organic growth [28][29]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) was $0.87 and net income was $33 million, both exceeding Q4 2024 and Q1 2024, significantly above consensus estimates [7] - Customer deposit growth was over 7% annualized, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of growth [7][10] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded by four basis points to 3.81% due to decreased funding costs [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan growth was $93 million or 4.89% annualized, consistent with previous guidance [10] - Consumer loan growth was $12 million, driven by residential mortgage and home equity [11] - Commercial loan growth exceeded $81 million, primarily from commercial real estate and construction segments [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The majority of deposit growth came from consumer activities, with significant contributions from money market accounts [11] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) balances declined by $20 million, reflecting reduced borrowings in specific categories [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its deposit franchise, maintaining top quartile profitability, and ensuring high asset quality [6] - There is an emphasis on organic and inorganic growth opportunities, with plans to cross $10 billion in assets in the second half of the year [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market uncertainties, supported by strong employee engagement and performance recognition [6] - The outlook for loan growth remains positive, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in the short term [13] Other Important Information - Non-interest income declined by $700,000 due to seasonal factors, but core non-interest income remained stable year-over-year [18] - The total capital ratio increased by 34 basis points, positioning the company well for future growth opportunities [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on deals in the current environment and timing for crossing $10 billion in assets - Management indicated ongoing conversations in the market and anticipated crossing $10 billion in the second half of the year, with preparations for regulatory requirements [27] Question: Insights on spreads in C&I and commercial real estate - Spreads in C&I remained stable, with hesitancy observed among customers due to economic uncertainty, while some regional banks have become more aggressive in commercial real estate [28][29] Question: Impact of tariffs on borrower base and credit trends - Management is actively monitoring the impact of tariffs and has seen stability in criticized and classified loans, indicating a normalization in credit trends [36][37] Question: Expectations for loan yields and securities cash flows - New loan yields were reported in the $6.75 range, with expectations for continued support to the margin from securities and swaps [43][44] Question: Hiring expectations and pipeline growth - The company is focused on recruiting C&I bankers to support pipeline expansion, with a cautious approach to hiring amid macroeconomic uncertainties [53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances decreased by $37 million in Q1 due to elevated payoffs and prepayments, with loan yields at 5.45%, down 2 basis points from the previous quarter [4][5] - Total deposits increased by $160.7 million, primarily in non-maturity deposits, with a significant growth in money market accounts [5][6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.44% from 3.36% in the prior quarter, driven by decreases in the cost of deposits and borrowings [8][9] - Regulatory capital ratios remain above well-capitalized thresholds, with the TCE ratio rising to 9.3% from 9% in the prior quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial lending closed $183 million in new loan commitments, down from $316 million in the previous quarter, with a commercial loan pipeline of $460 million [17][18] - The average interest rate for new commercial loans was 6.83%, up 20 basis points from the previous quarter [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 1.92% from 1.98% in the prior quarter, with expectations for further decreases due to repricing of CDs [6][9] - Non-performing loans improved to 0.09% of total loans, down from 0.11% at year-end [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its solid balance sheet and strong capital position to navigate economic uncertainties and pursue growth opportunities [20] - There is a focus on maintaining a balanced loan mix, particularly between commercial and industrial (C&I) loans and real estate [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about core profitability due to strong deposit growth and prudent risk management, projecting continued benefits through 2025 [3][20] - The company is closely monitoring emerging economic risks, including tariffs and federal funding changes, which could impact credit quality [15][55] Other Important Information - A pretax loss of $3.9 million was recognized on the sale of $61 million of securities as part of a strategic repositioning of the balance sheet [7] - The company has 990,000 shares available for repurchase under the current plan, with potential future buybacks depending on market conditions [10][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspective on Heritage's position among independent banks in the Northwest - Management believes the bank is well-positioned with specific goals for 2025 and is ready for potential M&A opportunities [25][26] Question: Details on the new team in Spokane - The team was acquired from a larger regional bank, and the decision was based on a thorough assessment of fit and market opportunity [29][30] Question: Comments on stock buyback activity - The decision on buybacks is made quarterly, with no repurchases in Q1 due to stock price increases, but future activity may resume depending on conditions [32][33] Question: Spot cost on total deposits and NIM in March - The NIM in March was 3.45%, with the cost of interest-bearing deposits at 1.92% [37][41] Question: Opportunities for further growth in loan commitments - Management expects a balanced mix of C&I and real estate loans, with a strong focus on deposit growth [49][50] Question: Anticipated loan growth and appetite for credit - The company projects an annualized growth rate of 5% to 8% for Q2, with a strong pipeline but acknowledges uncertainty in the market [58][62]