Provident Financial (US:PROV)2025-01-28 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $36.4 million in loans held for investment, an increase from $28.9 million in the prior sequential quarter [5] - Non-performing assets increased to $2.5 million from $2.1 million in the previous quarter [8] - The net interest margin increased to 2.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.84% for the sequential quarter [9] - The average cost of deposits declined to 123 basis points, down by 4 basis points from the prior quarter [10] - The allowance for credit losses to gross loans held for investment increased by 5 basis points to 66 basis points [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by approximately $5 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024, with increases in single-family and commercial business loans [6] - Loan principal payments and payoffs were $34.3 million, slightly up from $34 million in the previous quarter [6] - The company has loosened some underwriting requirements to encourage higher loan origination volume [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Real estate investors have reduced their activity due to higher mortgage and interest rates, although moderate activity in loans held for investment continues [6] - There is increased consumer demand for single-family adjustable-rate mortgage products due to higher fixed-rate mortgage interest rates [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for disciplined growth of the loan portfolio, recognizing the shift in monetary policy and the reversal of the inverted yield curve [12] - The company is looking for operating efficiencies to lower operating expenses, with a focus on maintaining a run rate of approximately $7.5 million per quarter [12] - The company has repurchased approximately 64,000 shares of common stock in the December 2024 quarter and has a new stock repurchase plan approved [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that mortgage interest rates need to decline for significant acceleration in loan portfolio growth, with a current annual growth rate of approximately 1.9% [20] - There is optimism for growth in calendar 2025, supported by a flattening and upwardly sloping yield curve [21] - Management anticipates continued expansion of the net interest margin in future quarters, despite some headwinds from loan repricing [23][24] Other Important Information - The company has identified $23.7 million or 2.2% of its loans held for investment in areas affected by recent fires in Los Angeles [5] - The company has a strong capital position, exceeding well-capitalized capital ratios, allowing for effective execution of its business plan [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth commentary and future acceleration - Management indicated that mortgage interest rates need to decline for significant loan portfolio growth, with a current growth rate of approximately 1.9% [20] Question: Margin trends and funding opportunities - Management expects net interest margin to expand in future quarters, with opportunities to reprice maturing wholesale funding downward [24]