Civista Bancshares(CIVB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $10.2 million or $0.66 per diluted share, a 60% increase from Q1 2024 and a $275,000 increase from the previous quarter [4] - Net interest income for the quarter was $32.8 million, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the previous quarter [5] - The efficiency ratio improved to 64.9% from 68.3% in the linked quarter and 73.8% in the prior year's first quarter [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan and lease portfolio grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% during the first quarter, with total loans and leases increasing by $22.8 million [11] - Non-interest income declined by $1.2 million or 12.8% compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to a decrease in gains on the sale of loans and other fees [10] - The company anticipates loan growth to be in the mid-single digit range for the remainder of 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $27 million or an annualized growth rate of 3.2%, with organic deposit growth of $67.1 million excluding brokered deposits [14][15] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 95.8% at quarter-end, indicating a disciplined approach to managing loan growth [15] - The average deposit account, excluding CDs, was approximately $28,000, reflecting a granular deposit base [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on deepening customer relationships to reduce reliance on brokered funding, which is seen as a valuable characteristic of the deposit franchise [16] - Management is committed to increasing tangible common equity while balancing dividend payments and potential stock repurchases [17][18] - The company plans to invest in technology and digital initiatives to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the core deposit franchise and the ability to control non-interest expenses, positioning the company well for future success [19][90] - The economic environment in Ohio and Southeastern Indiana remains stable, with no signs of deterioration in credit quality [19] - Management anticipates continued loan demand but acknowledges potential impacts from economic uncertainties on loan growth [14][19] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share, representing an annualized yield of 3.48% [8] - A stock repurchase program was renewed, authorizing the repurchase of up to $13.5 million in outstanding shares [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin inputs and funding costs - Management indicated there is still opportunity for margin expansion, expecting 4-5 basis points in the second quarter and 2-3 basis points in the third quarter [26][30] Question: Expense normalization and future investments - Management expects expenses to remain flat in the second quarter, with potential increases in the second half due to investments in technology and marketing [33][37] Question: Fee income outlook - Management anticipates a bounce back in fee income in the second quarter, particularly in mortgage and leasing [40][42] Question: Loan yield increase - The increase in loan yield was attributed to new loans repricing higher, with no unusual recoveries contributing to the increase [51] Question: Commercial borrowers' sentiment - Management noted a cautious sentiment among commercial borrowers regarding CapEx spending due to economic uncertainties [56][58] Question: Credit metrics and expectations - Management remains optimistic about credit quality, with delinquencies down and a healthy allowance for credit losses [83][84]