Atlantic Union Bankshares (US:AUB)2025-04-24 18:42Financial 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 and a net interest margin of 3.45%, which is a 12 basis point increase from the prior quarter [26][27] - 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, while multifamily real estate loans increased [31] - Total deposits increased by $105.3 million or 2.1% annualized, with noninterest-bearing deposits rising by $194 million, representing 22% of total deposits, up from 21% at the end of the previous quarter [14][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company acknowledged the economic outlook's uncertainty and the potential impacts of new trade policies, but maintained confidence in asset quality and market strength [16][17] - The Greater Washington region, where the company operates, is projected to remain resilient despite expected increases in unemployment, with a strong focus on national security and defense-related sectors [39][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for sustainable profitable growth and long-term value creation for shareholders, with a focus on soundness, profitability, and growth [33] - Following the acquisition of Sandy Spring, the company plans to leverage its expanded franchise to enhance market share and capitalize on growth opportunities in attractive markets [52][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties and projected a low net charge-off ratio between 15 and 25 basis points for the full year 2025 [16][70] - The company updated its financial outlook for 2025, projecting loan balances between $28 billion and $29 billion and deposit balances between $31 billion and $32 billion, while expecting a full-year net interest margin between 3.75% and 4% [70][73] Other Important Information - The company has taken prudent actions to build the allowance for credit losses in response to economic uncertainty, with total allowance for credit losses increasing to $209 million [25][32] - The acquisition of Sandy Spring is expected to enhance the company's market position, with approximately 46% of the pro forma combined loan portfolio marked for credit and interest rates [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Sandy Spring deal marks - The loan mark as of March 31 is about 7% of loans, approximately $800 million, which is higher than the original projection of $600 million [78] Question: Credit mark changes with Sandy Spring - The credit mark came in better than projected at about 1.3% for the entire portfolio, compared to an original estimate of 1.5% [85] Question: Risks associated with the commercial real estate loan sale - The company does not foresee major negatives affecting the projected discount for the loan sale, which remains at about 10% [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] Question: Credit quality and economic outlook - There are no current signs of deterioration in the portfolio, but the company is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and economic uncertainty [124][128]