Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter GAAP earnings per common share were $0.47, while distributable earnings were a loss of $0.09 per common share [15] - Net interest income declined to $14.6 million, primarily due to non-core assets moving to nonaccrual status, generating a cash yield of 1.3% [15] - Book value per share remained flat at $10.61, with total leverage declining to 3.5 times [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total CRE loan portfolio was bifurcated into $5.9 billion core loans and $1.2 billion non-core loans, with a 5% decline in the core portfolio due to payoffs [7][8] - The core portfolio generated a levered yield of 10.2%, resulting in $43.4 million of net interest income, with 80% being current pay [10] - The non-core portfolio was reduced by 6% to $740 million, with expectations to further reduce it to approximately $270 million in the second quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily sector showed resilience, with a 1% increase in rents in Q1 2025 despite macroeconomic pressures [5] - The twelve-month default rate for the SBA business was 3.2%, slightly better than the industry average of 3.4% [12] - The company anticipates SBA volume to be below $1.5 billion in 2025 due to current capital constraints and policy changes [13][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a balance sheet repositioning plan in Q4 2024, focusing on liquidating non-core assets to reinvest in the core portfolio [14] - The strategy aims to restore net interest margin (NIM) to peer group levels by 2026, assuming stable macroeconomic conditions [14] - The company remains committed to supporting the Portland mixed-use asset project, which is expected to stabilize over time [11][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the recovery in the commercial real estate (CRE) market has been affected by tariffs and recession risks, but the multifamily sector remains strong [5] - The company expects to maintain its current dividend level until the earnings profile warrants an increase [14] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the shifting policy landscape in the SBA business, despite potential short-term volume declines [12][50] Other Important Information - The company completed the UDF merger, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $102.5 million, which added $167.1 million of equity to the balance sheet [17] - Liquidity remains healthy with unrestricted cash exceeding $200 million and $1 billion of total unencumbered assets [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of April's volatility on non-core book expectations - Management indicated that ongoing conversations with various parties regarding liquidations are progressing well, and they do not expect significant impact from April's volatility [23][24] Question: Near-term expectations for distributable earnings trajectory - Management expects the second quarter earnings profile to be similar to Q1, with upward movement anticipated post-reinvestment of equity [30] Question: Current views on share repurchases - Management is balancing the benefits of share repurchases with upcoming debt maturities and the need to reestablish net interest income [31] Question: Catalyst for CLO interest coverage issues - Management noted that elevated rates are impacting NOIs, leading to increased modifications in the portfolio [38] Question: Status of the Portland asset and stabilization timeline - The Portland asset is currently levered, and management plans to stabilize and sequentially exit its components over the next few years [42][45] Question: Expected moderation in SBA volumes - Management anticipates SBA volumes to be below $1.5 billion for at least a couple of quarters due to policy changes and administrative delays [52] Question: Freddie Mac business outlook - Management reported a decrease in Freddie Mac volume due to tightened processes and competition from banks and credit unions [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated approximately $1.3 billion in loans during the first quarter, with a tangible book value per common share increasing to $13.42 from $13.15 in the prior quarter [3][4] - Net income for the first quarter was $3.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted common share, with net interest income declining to $14.3 million from $15.5 million in the prior quarter [10][11] - The net interest margin (NIM) decreased to 8.27% from 10% in the prior quarter, primarily due to a change in the mix of loan originations and lower rates on variable rate loans [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The largest student lending program had strong originations but is expected to decelerate in the second quarter due to school calendars [6] - SBA seven loan originations decreased slightly quarter over quarter, driven by a lower average loan size, while equipment leasing and owner-occupied commercial real estate lines showed solid growth [7][8] - The provision for credit losses was $3.3 million in Q1, down from $3.9 million in the prior quarter, with non-performing asset (NPA) balances reduced to $29.9 million from $36.5 million [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loan balances increased to $565 million from $522 million in the prior quarter, with average interest-bearing deposits rising to $430 million from $355 million [10][11] - The company expects gradual growth driven by existing programs and new partnerships, with loan originations tracking at a quarterly rate of $1.2 billion in early April [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new strategic program agreement with Fintech partner BACT to provide business installment loans to small and medium-sized businesses [4] - The focus remains on migrating the loan portfolio to a lower risk profile while maintaining profitability and increasing tangible book value [3][5] - The company anticipates that the credit enhanced balance sheet program will significantly contribute to earnings in 2025, particularly in the second half of the year [5][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for the business, despite a more uncertain macro environment [5] - The company is closely monitoring economic conditions but remains comfortable with the guidance for gradual growth from new partners throughout 2025 [36] - Concerns about potential macro risks, such as a slowdown in consumer spending, were acknowledged, but no immediate issues were reported [36] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio remained relatively flat at 64.8%, with expectations for future decreases as revenue from new programs materializes [14] - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 28.1%, with an expected rate of approximately 27.5% for 2025 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current expense run rate and expectations for future expenses? - Management indicated that the efficiency ratio is around 64.8%, with expenses expected to remain flat and increase as revenues grow [19][21] Question: What is the outlook for net interest income (NII) growth given margin pressures? - Management expects NII growth to come from a return to normal origination levels and growth in traditional banking products, despite a continued decline in NIM [22][24] Question: What are the current credit enhanced loan balances and the timeline for growth? - The credit enhanced portfolio balance was slightly under $2 million at the end of the quarter, with expectations to reach $50 million to $100 million by year-end with existing partners [31][30] Question: How does the company view the health of its strategic partners in the current market? - Management reported no concerns about strategic partners, with origination levels remaining healthy and a gradual pickup expected from newer partners [36] Question: What is the yield on owner-occupied commercial real estate loans? - The gross yield on owner-occupied commercial real estate loans is expected to be around prime minus 100 basis points [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a fully diluted EPS of $0.38, a 65% increase compared to the prior year [4][12] - Net income for the quarter was $0.38 per diluted share, up 65% over the prior year [12] - Return on average assets was 1.19% and return on average equity was 14.15% [13] - Net interest margin (NIM) was 3.10%, down slightly from the prior quarter [13][22] - Efficiency ratio improved to 52.79% [13] - Tangible book value per share increased by $0.42 to $11.23 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased by $205.3 million or 11.5% compared to Q1 2024 [7][18] - Average deposits grew by $166.6 million or 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year [7] - Loan production was robust, with end-of-period net loan growth of $63.4 million or 13% annualized compared to the prior quarter [19] - Non-interest income was 16.3% of total revenue, consistent with prior quarters and higher than Q1 2024 [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Florida economy is forecasted to grow steadily in 2025, with a growing labor force and low unemployment [7][40] - The company anticipates high-single digit to low double-digit loan and deposit growth in the upcoming quarters [7][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes relationship-driven organic growth and has onboarded additional senior bankers to support business lending and deposit production [6][8] - The strategy includes cautious optimism regarding economic uncertainties and a focus on maintaining credit quality [6][41] - The company plans to continue disciplined expense control to improve operating leverage [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted heightened volatility in the market due to recent tariff announcements but expressed cautious optimism about the diversified business lines [5][6] - The company is prepared for both upward and downward shifts in interest rates, reflecting a neutral balance sheet position [25] - The management expects to see improvements in non-performing assets and classified loans in the upcoming quarters [82] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share, to be paid on June 5, 2025 [9][10] - The company has a strong focus on maintaining a robust balance sheet while returning capital to investors [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the deposit growth in the quarter? - The deposit growth was seen in key areas like correspondent banking and business banking, with a balanced contribution from various segments [47] Question: What is the outlook for NIM? - The guidance for NIM is flat to slightly up, with expectations of rate cuts benefiting deposit costs [49][54] Question: What is the impact of specialty verticals on deposits? - New hires in production personnel for various verticals are expected to support continued deposit growth [60] Question: How should we think about the expense base moving forward? - The expense base is expected to gradually increase due to new hires and performance-based bonuses [65] Question: What is the focus regarding capital? - The focus remains on organic growth rather than buybacks, given solid growth prospects [66] Question: What is the outlook for credit quality? - Management anticipates improvements in non-performing and classified loans in the second quarter [82]

USCB Financial Holdings (USCB) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Luis de la Aguilera - President, CEO & ChairmanRob Anderson - CFOWilliam Turner - Chief Credit OfficerWoody Lay - Vice PresidentMichael Rose - MD - BankingFeddie Strickland - Director Operator Day, and welcome to the USCB Financial Holdings First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in the listen only mode. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to a ...

Business First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:BFST) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Matt Sealy - Investor Relations Jude Melville - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Robertson - Chief Financial Officer Philip Jordan - Chief Banking Officer Jerry Vascocu - President, b1BANK Conference Call Participants Matt Olney - Stephens Michael Rose - Raymond James Feddie Strickland - Hovde Group Christopher Marinac - Janney Manuel Navas - D.A. Davidson Operator Hello and thank you ...

Business First Bancshares (BFST) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Matthew Sealy - Senior VP and Director of Corporate Strategy & FP&AJude Melville - Chairman, President and CEOGregory Robertson - Executive VP, CFO & TreasurerMatt Olney - Managing DirectorMichael Rose - Managing Director - Equity ResearchFeddie Strickland - DirectorChristopher Marinac - Director of ResearchJerry Vascocu - President Conference Call Participants Manuel Navas - MD & Senior Research Analyst O ...

Business First Bancshares (BFST) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 24, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Matthew Sealy - Senior VP and Director of Corporate Strategy & FP&AJude Melville - Chairman, President and CEOGregory Robertson - Executive VP, CFO & TreasurerMatt Olney - Managing DirectorMichael Rose - Managing Director - Equity ResearchFeddie Strickland - DirectorChristopher Marinac - Director of ResearchJerry Vascocu - President Conference Call Participants Manuel Navas - MD & Senior Research Analyst O ...