Independent Bank (INDB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, GAAP net income was $44.4 million, with diluted earnings per share at$ 1.04, resulting in a 0.93% return on assets and a 5.94% return on average common equity [23] - Adjusted operating net income was $45.3 million or$ 1.06 diluted EPS, representing a 0.94% return on assets and a 6.05% return on average common equity [23] - Tangible book value per share increased by $0.85 during the quarter, reflecting solid earnings retention [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C&I and small business loans increased by 2.1% and 2.6% respectively in Q1 2025, while CRE and construction loan balances decreased by 1.2% [10] - Total loans remained relatively flat, with a 2% annualized increase in C&I balances, while total CRE and construction decreased by 1.2% [30] - Wealth Management business grew AUA by nearly 1% to$ 7 billion, with organic growth totaling $41 million in the quarter [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-time deposits increased by 2.8% year-over-year and 3.2% from the fourth quarter, with the cost of deposits at 1.56% [15] - The overall mix of deposits remained stable, with non-interest-bearing DDA comprising 28.1% of total deposits at quarter end [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing commercial real estate concentration and shifting towards C&I lending, with plans to continue reducing transactional CRE business [10][12] - The pending acquisition of Enterprise is expected to close in Q3 2025, with a strong belief in the strategic and financial merits of the deal [13] - The company aims to capitalize on its historical strengths, including a skilled management team and strong brand recognition, to navigate a volatile economic environment [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that economic uncertainty due to tariffs and federal government actions has caused clients to pause significant expansion initiatives [9] - Despite challenges, management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current environment, supported by a strong deposit franchise and capital base [20] - The company anticipates low single-digit percentage increases in loans and deposits for the full year, with a focus on asset quality and resolution of non-performing assets [46] Other Important Information - The company raised$ 300 million in subordinated debt to strengthen capital ahead of the Enterprise acquisition [39] - The net interest margin improved by 9 basis points to 3.42%, with expectations for continued margin expansion [42] - The tax rate for the quarter was approximately 22.3%, reflecting an increase from the prior quarter [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: How many of the top five NPLs came from East Boston? - Two out of the five NPLs are from East Boston, with the largest one also from there [55] Question: Can you recap the $38.5 million loan that came onto non-accruals this quarter? - This loan matured in the fourth quarter and reached 90 days past due in the first quarter, leading to its non-performing status [57] Question: What gives confidence in resolving the large NPLs given the challenging economic climate? - Confidence stems from being far along in the resolution process for several loans, with due diligence completed [60][66] Question: What is the current loan pipeline status? - The loan pipeline is robust, with a significant increase in C&I business reflecting a strategic shift [75] Question: How does the company plan to deploy elevated cash balances from the sub-debt raise? - The priority will be to support loan growth, with some cash allocated for the acquisition and to pay down wholesale borrowings [162]