Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income available to common shareholders of $46.9 million, with diluted earnings per common share at $0.52. Adjusted operating earnings were $51.6 million or $0.57 per diluted common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 13.2% and adjusted operating return on assets of 0.90% [25][32] - The tax equivalent net interest income increased to $187.9 million, up approximately $8.88 million from the previous quarter, driven by lower deposit costs [26][27] - The net interest margin expanded by 12 basis points to 3.45%, attributed to an 18 basis point reduction in the cost of funds [27][32] - Noninterest income decreased by $6 million to $29.2 million, primarily due to a decline in loan-related interest rate swap fees and other operating income [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment decreased by $42.9 million or 0.9% annualized from the previous quarter, primarily due to declines in construction and land development loans [31] - Total deposits increased by $105.3 million or 2.1% annualized, with noninterest-bearing deposits rising by $194 million during the quarter [14][31] - The total allowance for credit losses increased to $209 million, up approximately $15.3 million from the previous quarter, reflecting increased economic uncertainty [25][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the Greater Washington region, where it operates, is projected to be a significant AI growth hub and has a highly educated workforce [39][41] - The unemployment rate in the Greater Washington area is expected to rise but remains below the national average, providing some capacity to absorb federal job cuts [41][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for upper single-digit loan growth in the long term, with mid-single-digit growth expected in the medium term due to current economic conditions [99][100] - The acquisition of Sandy Spring is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's market presence, with plans to expand in North Carolina over time [52][53] - The company is focused on soundness, profitability, and growth, prioritizing these aspects in its operational strategy [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertain economic outlook and potential impacts from trade policies, but expressed confidence in asset quality and market strength [16][17] - The company does not forecast a recession for 2025, despite acknowledging the risks associated with economic uncertainty [71][128] - Management highlighted a strong pipeline for business opportunities, indicating that disruptions in the market could lead to unforeseen benefits [110] Other Important Information - The company updated its full-year 2025 financial outlook to include the expected impact of the Sandy Spring acquisition, projecting loan balances between $28 billion and $29 billion and deposit balances between $31 billion and $32 billion [70] - The company plans to complete a $2 billion commercial real estate loan sale by the end of the current quarter, which is expected to align with initial projections [58][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Sandy Spring deal marks - The loan mark as of March 31 is about 7% of loans, higher than the initial projection of 6% [78] Question: Credit mark changes with Sandy Spring - The credit mark came in better than projected at about 1.3% for the entire portfolio [85] Question: Risks associated with the commercial real estate loan sale - Current projections for the loan sale remain stable, with no major negative impacts anticipated [87] Question: Long-term loan growth perspective - The company aims for upper single-digit loan growth in the long term, with mid-single-digit growth expected in the medium term [99][100] Question: Current portfolio health and economic outlook - There are no significant signs of deterioration in the portfolio, but uncertainty from tariffs is being monitored closely [124][128]