Veritex (US:VBTX)2025-04-23 18:46Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net operating profit of $29 million, or $0.54 per share, with pre-tax, pre-provision earnings at $43.4 million, or 1.41% [7] - Total loans decreased by $125 million, or 5% annualized, with average balances down $135 million compared to Q4 [8] - The tangible book value per share increased to $22.33, up from $21.61 at year-end, representing a 13.8% year-over-year increase [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loan production for Q1 was $750 million, with only 31% funded, while production over the last four quarters exceeded $2.8 billion, a 130% increase year-over-year [9][10] - Operating non-interest income increased by 2.4% to $14.8 million on a linked quarter basis, with fee income as a percentage of total revenue rising to 13.4% in Q1 2025 from 12.3% in Q1 2024 [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio improved from 104% to 89% over the last two years, with a target to remain below 90% going forward [27] - Wholesale funding reliance decreased to 13.7%, down from over 24% in the same period last year [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a return on average assets (ROAA) exceeding 1% in the latter half of the year, focusing on disciplined loan growth despite current challenges [8] - The bank has increased its quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.22 per share, indicating confidence in its growth outlook and capital generation [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future loan growth, anticipating flat loan totals for the year but expecting significant growth in 2026 due to a strong pipeline [55][56] - The company is committed to managing its balance sheet and capital effectively amidst economic uncertainties, focusing on shareholder value [40] Other Important Information - Non-performing assets increased from $79 million at year-end to $97 million, primarily due to two loans in retail and office sectors [13] - The company repurchased 377,000 shares during the quarter, with $37 million remaining on the authorization for further buybacks [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and DDA stickiness - Management noted that deposit growth was influenced by seasonality and new customer attrition, with DDA showing some outflows during Q4 [46] Question: Future expense outlook - Management indicated that expenses are expected to rise slightly due to investments in new hires, but overall attention to expenses remains high [50][52] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management anticipates flat loan growth for the year, with a strong pipeline suggesting growth in 2026 [55][56] Question: Outlook on government guaranteed business - Management remains bullish on the government guaranteed business, particularly in the SBA space, with a strong pipeline expected to ramp up [90][91] Question: Trends in credit quality - Management confirmed that strategies are in place to address non-accrual loans, with confidence in resolving these issues by early third quarter [136]