Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a first quarter net income of $11 million, or $1.37 per share, representing a 13% increase from the fourth quarter and a 20% increase year-over-year [5] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded for the fourth consecutive quarter to 0.91%, with return on assets (ROA) increasing by 17 basis points to 1.29% [5][14] - Loans grew by $29.1 million in the first quarter, approximately 4% annualized, with a guidance of 4% to 6% loan growth for 2025 [6][17] - Deposits increased at a 7% annualized rate, with non-interest bearing deposits making up 27% of total deposits [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income for the first quarter was $4 million, an increase of $400,000 compared to the prior quarter, driven by a 100% increase in SBA loan sales [24] - Non-interest expense decreased by $776,000 to $21.6 million, primarily due to a decline in compensation and benefits [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a stable loan yield of 6.43%, with a slight increase in earning asset yields expected due to new loan originations [40][23] - The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined by 15 basis points in Q1, with a significant reduction in the cost of CDs [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to optimize its Houston market, with plans to upgrade and expand its physical footprint [8] - A new 400,000 share repurchase plan was approved by the board, indicating confidence in the company's intrinsic value [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outperform despite recent economic volatility, maintaining a strong track record [12] - The outlook for NIM and earnings is positive, with expectations for continued expansion even without rate cuts [13] Other Important Information - The allowance for loan loss ratio remained stable at 1.21%, with net charge-offs at less than one basis point annualized [18][20] - The company has a strong capital position, with tangible book value per share growing at a 7% annualized rate since 2019 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for margin improvement after Q1? - Management indicated that they expect a slowdown in profit costs in Q2, with a stable NIM anticipated despite potential rate cuts [36][38] Question: Can you discuss the loan relationships that moved to non-accrual? - Management highlighted two problematic loans, one in Mississippi related to condominium development and another a hotel undergoing renovations in Houston [44][47] Question: What is the status of the office portfolio and any recent maturities? - The office portfolio has performed well, with most matured loans renewing without significant movement [52] Question: Will CD pricing change this quarter? - Management expects CD rates to remain slightly elevated but anticipates a marginal reduction in costs over the next quarter [56] Question: Will the loan-to-deposit ratio change over time? - Management believes the loan-to-deposit ratio will remain tight until there is a noticeable decrease in loan demand [59] Question: How aggressive will the company be with share repurchases? - Management indicated that while they may not be as aggressive as in Q1, they will continue to repurchase shares when opportunities arise [70]

The Pennant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:PNTG) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 28, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Kirk Cheney - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Brent Guerisoli - CEO John Gochnour - President and COO Lynette Walbom - CFO Conference Call Participants Scott Fidel - Stephens Stephen Baxter - Wells Fargo Ben Hendrix - RBC Capital Markets Operator Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to The Pennant Group Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions]. Pleas ...