Great Southern Bancorp(US:GSBC)2025-04-17 19:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $17.2 million or $1.47 per diluted common share, up from $13.4 million or $1.13 per share in the same quarter a year ago, reflecting a strong performance driven by higher interest income and lower funding costs [6][16] - Net interest income totaled $49.3 million in Q1 2025, an increase of about 10% from $44.8 million in Q1 2024, with a net interest margin of 3.57%, up 25 basis points year-over-year [8][17] - Non-interest income decreased to $6.6 million, a decline of 3.2% compared to the first quarter last year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio remained flat at $4.76 billion, up 2.2% from the end of Q1 2024, with multifamily loans at $1.59 billion and commercial real estate at $1.49 billion [9][10] - Construction lending totaled $475 million, with a healthy pipeline of unfunded balances [10] - Non-interest expenses were flat at $34.8 million year-over-year, despite investments in technology and personnel [14][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by 3.3% to $4.76 billion, driven by increases in interest-bearing checking balances and brokerage deposits [11][26] - Non-performing assets remained minimal at 0.16% of total assets, with non-performing loans at 0.07% [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on executing its strategy, protecting margins, managing credit proactively, and investing in people and systems [15][24] - The board approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to 1 million shares, indicating confidence in the company's capital position [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is competition for loans, activity has decreased slightly, and they do not expect significant growth in the near term [47] - The company maintains a neutral interest rate risk posture and is prepared for potential rate cuts from the Fed [43][44] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans stood at 1.36%, consistent with the end of 2024 [30] - Total assets increased to $5.99 billion, up from $5.78 billion a year ago [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should the margin react without changes to Fed policy? - Management indicated that while there may be slight benefits from maturing CDs, substantial changes are not expected [38] Question: How will the balance sheet react if there are rate cuts from the Fed? - Management believes the overall interest rate risk posture is neutral, with a slight negative impact expected initially from a rate cut [43] Question: Can the company expect to remain active with buybacks given the current growth? - Management confirmed they expect to continue buybacks, depending on market conditions [54] Question: Is modest growth in expenses reasonable without any material planned expenditures? - Management stated that modest growth in expenses is a fair assumption, with no unusual expenditures anticipated [57]