Metropolitan Bank (US:MCB)2025-04-22 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a loan growth of $308 million or 5.1% and a deposit growth of $465 million or 7.8% in Q1 2025 [7][18] - The net interest margin (NIM) expanded by two basis points to 3.68% from 3.66% in the prior quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of margin expansion [7] - Earnings per share (EPS) was reported at $1.45, a decrease of $0.43 compared to the prior period [21] - Tangible book value per share increased by more than 2.3% to $65.80, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of book value accretion [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations and draws were approximately $490 million at a weighted average coupon (WAC) of about 7.84% [16] - The cost of interest-bearing deposits declined by 32 basis points, while the total deposit cost decreased by six basis points [19] - Non-interest income decreased by $763,000 primarily due to the absence of GPG fee income [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a net outflow of $35 million in GPG deposits, primarily related to the return of reserve balances and check clearing [20] - The EB-5 related deposits increased by $100 million this quarter, totaling approximately $400 million [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capturing additional market share through traditional channels while exploring strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value [14] - The ongoing investment in a new technology stack is expected to be fully integrated by the end of 2025, supporting the bank's growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties, citing strong liquidity, capital, and earnings [6] - The company anticipates loan growth of 10% to 12% for the year, with a full-year NIM expected to be between 3.70% and 3.75% [28] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was approximately 30% [28] - The company has not identified any broad-based negative trends affecting its loan portfolio [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on total operating expenses for Q2 - The CFO indicated that total operating expenses for Q2 will be closer to $45 million, including adjustments for IT spending [35] Question: Remaining GPT-related expense or income items - The CFO confirmed that there will be no remaining fee-related income or expenses from the GPT business [37] Question: Implications of the gold card program on the EB-5 business - Management believes the gold card program could serve as a complementary product to the EB-5 program without disrupting core business [40][41] Question: Seasonal patterns in deposit growth - Management stated there are no seasonal patterns affecting deposit growth [42][44] Question: Discussion on potential dividends - Management confirmed that discussions regarding the possibility of paying a small dividend have been ongoing [46] Question: Trends in non-owner occupied CRE customer occupancy - Management reported that the non-owner occupied CRE portfolio remains stable and diversified [50] Question: Incremental competitive pressures on loan or deposit sides - Management indicated that there is no significant competition in New York City [55]