Third st Bancshares(TCBX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter net income was $12.4 million, essentially flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in a return on assets (ROA) of 1.17% and a return on equity (ROE) of 12.4% [11] - Net interest income grew by 12.4% year-over-year but declined slightly from the previous quarter due to a decrease in Fed funds sold and other interest-earning assets [12] - Non-interest expenses increased by 3.2% or $878,000 in the first quarter, and were up 8.5% or $2.2 million compared to the same quarter last year [12] - The net interest margin improved by nine basis points to 3.8% [9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank successfully executed a significant commercial real estate loan securitization, enhancing balance sheet management and generating fee income that will positively impact the net interest margin in the second quarter [7][8] - Loan growth in April was reported at over $50 million, with a quarterly average growth of $42.5 million [13] - Nonperforming loans declined by $9.3 million, improving the nonperforming loans to total loans ratio by 23 basis points from the prior quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits declined by $62 million for the quarter, resulting in a loan to deposit ratio of 93.9% [12] - The bank's investment securities increased by $13.4 million to $397 million, with an accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) gain of $10.3 million [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined loan growth, robust credit management, and improving operational efficiencies while increasing shareholder value [6][9] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance sheet and promoting long-term sustainable growth through proactive asset management strategies [8][20] - The bank is evaluating additional securitizations as a tool for managing concentrations and supporting sustainable profitable growth [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's credit risk strategies and the overall economic outlook, noting that borrowers remain cautious but optimistic [27][29] - The company anticipates achieving $325 million in loan growth for the year, translating to an 8% annual run rate compared to the prior year [19][49] - Management acknowledged the potential for rate cuts and their impact on loan growth and customer behavior [48][49] Other Important Information - The bank's book value and tangible book value grew by 4.4% and 4.7% respectively over the prior quarter, and by 14.3% and 15.2% compared to the same period last year [9] - The company is considering a share buyback program due to capital accretion and stock price levels [13][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of securitization on net interest margin - Management confirmed that the securitization will primarily impact the margin, providing a five basis point benefit for the next quarter [23] Question: Loan growth confidence amid macro uncertainty - Management indicated that the loan growth in April was primarily due to fundings on revolving lines rather than new deals, and expressed optimism about the pipeline [25][26] Question: Fee income increase drivers - The increase in fee income was attributed to the treasury management division, which has seen significant growth in recent years [32][33] Question: Expectations for non-interest expenses - Management expects non-interest expenses to remain flat in the second quarter, around $28 million [36] Question: Outlook on loan production yields and margin - Management anticipates a stable margin around 3.75% to 3.8%, with the potential for improvement depending on interest rate movements [40][42] Question: Consideration of share buybacks - Management is seriously considering a buyback program due to attractive stock levels and capital accretion [51][52]