Amalgamated Financial (US:AMAL)2025-04-24 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings per share was $0.88, supported by net interest income of $70.6 million, which was within the guidance range of $70 million to $71 million [8][14] - Net income was $25 million or $0.81 per diluted share, while core net income was $27.1 million or $0.88 per diluted share [14] - Total deposits increased by $446 million to $7.6 billion, with on-balance sheet deposits rising by $231 million or 3.2% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Political deposits increased by $103 million or 11% to $1.1 billion, following historical patterns post-election [9][19] - Net loans receivable were $4.6 billion, a slight increase of $7 million or 0.2% compared to the previous quarter, driven by increases in multifamily and commercial loans [22][23] - Core non-interest income decreased to $9.1 million from $9.5 million in the linked quarter, primarily due to lower commercial banking fees [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average cost of deposits increased by 7 basis points to 1.59%, while interest-bearing deposit costs dropped by 9 basis points to 2.62% [20] - The not-for-profit deposit segment grew significantly, increasing from $285 million at year-end 2020 to $1.37 billion at the end of Q1 2025, representing 18.5% of on-balance sheet deposits [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain a conservative approach while focusing on capital strength and liquidity to navigate uncertain environments [5][10] - A new $40 million share repurchase program was authorized, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [18][42] - The company is expanding its commercial PACE franchise to diversify volume and expects C PACE originations to ramp up in the latter half of the year [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the balance sheet and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions [5][6] - The company anticipates muted C&I loan growth in Q2, with reacceleration expected in the latter half of the year [11] - Management remains optimistic about net interest margin expansion and revenue growth for the remainder of the year [29] Other Important Information - Non-performing assets totaled $33.9 million or 0.41% of total assets, with an increase primarily due to commercial and industrial non-accrual loans [27][28] - The allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $57.7 million, with a coverage ratio of 1.23% [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any color on the $8.3 million loan that went on non-accrual this quarter? - The loan had been classified for a while and has sufficient collateral value, allowing the company to maintain no increase in reserve coverage for it [31][32] Question: Are you seeing funding dry up for clean energy projects? - There is no observed impact; the company continues to have a strong pipeline for clean energy projects [34][36] Question: What can be done to protect the company from political risks? - The company focuses on maintaining strong capital and liquidity while continuing to operate effectively in core businesses [38] Question: Where are you willing to take the capital ratios down to with the buyback program? - The company is comfortable maintaining a Tier 1 leverage ratio above 9% while being aggressive with the buyback program [41][44] Question: Update on the political deposit franchise outlook? - The company is encouraged by the 11% growth in political deposits and expects this trend to continue [50][51] Question: Any tangible impact from the new administration on lending or deposits? - There has been no significant impact observed; the company remains cautious and adheres to strict credit standards [62][66]