Fulton Financial (FULT)2025-04-16 18:42Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings per share increased to 52 cents, a four cent increase from the previous quarter, indicating positive operating leverage and a strong balance sheet [11] - The quarterly operating efficiency ratio improved to 56.7%, operating return on assets rose to 1.25%, and operating return on average tangible common equity grew to 15.95% [11] - Tangible book value per share increased by 13.8% on an annualized basis [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer deposit growth was solid, with total deposits increasing by 182 million during the quarter, influenced by strategic portfolio management actions [22] - Commercial mortgage and residential mortgage loans showed growth, offsetting some declines in other areas [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest margin increased by two basis points to 3.43%, while net interest income on a non-FTE basis was 2.5 million from the previous quarter [24] - The average cost of total deposits decreased by 11 basis points to 2.03% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its strategic transformation through the implementation of Fulton First, focusing on talent alignment, reinvestment for growth, and operational simplification [13] - Loan growth is expected to be in the low single-digit range for the year due to strategic decisions and the current environment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious regarding credit quality as customers navigate a volatile environment, despite improvements in asset quality metrics [18] - The company updated its rate forecast to include four 25 basis point cuts in 2025, which may impact net interest income and non-interest income [32] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans ratio increased to 159%, and the ACL to non-performing loan coverage increased to 193% [30] - The company expects to incur up to 14 million of additional non-operating expenses related to Fulton First for the remainder of 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk more about loan growth and strategic offsets? - Management noted that overall pipelines have increased year over year, but they remain cautious about the pull-through rate due to macro uncertainties [38] Question: What is the impact of potential rate cuts on net interest income? - A 25 basis point cut is expected to be a headwind of about 1.7 million annually [44] Question: How is the credit portfolio being managed in light of tariffs? - Management is closely monitoring the credit portfolio for potential impacts from tariffs and government cost-cutting, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors [50][54] Question: What is the company's stance on resuming stock buybacks? - The capital strategy prioritizes organic growth and corporate initiatives before considering buybacks, especially in the current environment with limited growth opportunities [65] Question: How flexible is the operating expense guidance under different scenarios? - There is potential flexibility in timing for operating expenses, but management is comfortable with the midpoint of the expense range for now [73]