SmartFinancial(SMBK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $11.3 million or 67 cents per diluted share for Q1 2025, reflecting strong performance [10] - Tangible book value increased to$ 23.61 per share, representing over 9% annualized growth quarter over quarter [11] - Total revenue reached $46.8 million, with net interest income expanding as anticipated [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was at a 9% annualized pace for Q1, meeting expectations, while deposit growth was 10% quarter over quarter annualized [13] - Non-interest income for the quarter totaled$ 8.6 million, exceeding guidance due to stronger insurance and mortgage banking revenues [28] - Non-interest expenses remained stable at just over $32 million, indicating effective cost management [16][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan to deposit ratio held steady at 83%, providing flexibility for future growth [20] - The weighted average cost of non-broker deposits was 3.39%, with total interest-bearing costs decreasing by 10 basis points to 0.92% [22] - Net interest margin was reported at 3.21%, slightly down from the previous quarter but in line with guidance [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging growth and maintaining a strong position in attractive markets, emphasizing the importance of talent acquisition [33][36] - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid to high single-digit growth rates while remaining prudent in expense management [57] - The company is prioritizing organic growth and is open to potential deposit-based acquisitions if opportunities arise [140][156] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about loan growth prospects despite economic uncertainties, citing strong client sentiment and business performance [46][52] - The company anticipates margin expansion of 2 to 3 basis points quarterly throughout 2025, driven by new loan production and amortization of lower-yielding loans [26] - Asset quality remains strong, with non-performing assets at 0.19% of total assets [27] Other Important Information - The effective corporate tax rate for the quarter was approximately 17%, with expectations to stabilize between 18% to 19% going forward [30] - The company welcomed a new board member, Kelly Showmaker, enhancing its governance and strategic oversight [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Customer sentiment and loan growth outlook - Management noted strong market conditions and positive client feedback, indicating confidence in maintaining loan growth despite economic volatility [45][46] Question: Balance sheet leverage and deposit ratios - The company is positioned for prudent growth, with a focus on maintaining appropriate loan and credit structures while exploring opportunities for balance sheet optimization [53][56] Question: Share repurchase plans - The company has approximately$ 1.5 million left for share repurchases and will consider buying back shares as valuations improve [60][63] Question: Margin expectations and Fed rate cuts - Management indicated that they are slightly liability sensitive and expect to benefit from potential Fed rate cuts, which could enhance net interest margin [70][72] Question: Fee income outlook and performance - The company anticipates low to mid $8 million range for non-interest income in Q2, driven by strong performance in insurance and mortgage banking [28][113] Question: Equipment financing and leasing business - Management expressed satisfaction with the growth of the equipment financing segment, indicating it has been a profitable addition to the business [148][153] Question: M&A considerations - The company is primarily focused on organic growth but remains open to attractive acquisition opportunities, particularly in the deposit space [140][156]