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First Foundation (FFWM) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $7.7 million for the second quarter, compared to a net income of $6.9 million in the first quarter [5][6] - Adjusted pre-provision net revenue was $3.6 million, representing a 12 basis point return on assets [6][21] - The net interest margin (NIM) for the second quarter was 1.68%, a slight increase from the previous quarter [17][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced its commercial real estate (CRE) held for sale loans by a total of $858 million during the second quarter [6][10] - New loan balances funded in the quarter amounted to $256 million, with an average yield of 7.18%, primarily in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [8][10] - Non-performing loans remained stable at 35 basis points, and net charge-offs were low at $135,000 [8][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets under management at the end of the quarter were $5.3 billion, slightly up from the previous quarter [10] - Trust assets under advisement were stable at $1.2 billion [10] - Digital banking deposits surpassed $1 billion for the first time, representing 12% of total deposits as of June 30 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing its CRE concentration and growing C&I loans, which is expected to result in a higher allowance for credit losses (ACL) over time [10][24] - The strategic initiatives include improving core funding and accelerating growth in private banking and wealth management [10][11] - The company aims to be fully exited from the held for sale CRE portfolio by the end of 2025 [7][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future performance despite the current net loss, citing strong core financial performance [6][27] - The company remains well-capitalized with a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.1% and a leverage ratio of 8.3% [12][25] - Management anticipates continued margin expansion and expects the NIM to exit 2025 between 1.8% and 2.2% [26] Other Important Information - The company experienced a modest gain from the June securitization of $481 million of CRE loans, which was more favorable than the earlier loan sale [15][17] - Customer service costs decreased to $12.9 million from $15.1 million in the prior quarter, primarily due to a reduction in MSR deposits [23][24] - The company is undergoing management changes, with searches for key executive positions ongoing [13][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Optimization of the balance sheet and future sales - Management indicated a focus on reducing CRE concentration and stabilizing the balance sheet, with no immediate plans for further asset sales [31][33] Question: Private banking initiative and talent acquisition - Management expressed optimism about the private banking initiative, highlighting ongoing recruitment efforts and early successes in client acquisition [36][38] Question: Balance sheet contraction and future asset levels - Management expects the balance sheet to reach a trough by the end of the year, with potential for growth into 2026 [40][42] Question: Management turnover and filling key roles - Management acknowledged turnover as part of the transition and emphasized the need for new leadership to align with the company's strategic direction [45][46] Question: Plans for reducing high-cost deposits - Management plans to continue reducing high-cost deposits, with expectations for further reductions in the coming months [49][52] Question: Loan yields and cash position - Total loan yields exited the quarter just under 4.70%, and management is comfortable with the current cash position, anticipating stability moving forward [58][62]