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SB Financial Group(SBFG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the first quarter was $2,700,000, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.42, representing a 27% increase compared to the prior year quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased to $15.79, up from $14.93 last year, marking a 5.8% increase [5] - Net interest income totaled $11,300,000, a 23% increase from $9,200,000 in the first quarter of 2024 [5] - Operating expenses increased approximately 3.5% from the linked quarter, totaling $12,400,000, which includes $726,000 in merger-related expenses [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $97,000,000, up 9.8% from the prior year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sequential loan growth [6][13] - Mortgage originations for the quarter were $40,000,000, down from the prior year and linked quarters, but the current pipeline is approximately $50,000,000 [6][8] - Noninterest income increased by 3.9% from the prior year quarter to $4,100,000, driven by gains on mortgage loans and commercial loan swap revenue [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew over 10%, including $56,000,000 from the Marblehead acquisition, while excluding Marblehead, growth was 5.4% [6][12] - The deposit base ended the quarter at $1,270,000,000, the highest level in the company's history [23] - Demand deposits expanded by $8,000,000 or 3% for an annualized growth of 12% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on five key initiatives: growing and diversifying revenue, expanding footprint, operational excellence, and maintaining asset quality [7] - The acquisition of Marblehead Bancorp is expected to enhance market presence and provide tailored financial solutions to clients [11] - The company is committed to digital innovation and enhancing client care initiatives to remain competitive against larger regional banks [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in loan growth despite economic uncertainties, with a budgeted growth of 8% to 10% for the year [39] - The company anticipates continued improvement in net interest margin due to lower funding costs and loan repricing [20][55] - Management remains optimistic about the economic environment and the company's ability to grow in new markets [38][56] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 26,500 shares at an average price of just under $21, representing approximately 130% of tangible book value [25] - The allowance for credit losses remained robust at 1.41% of total loans, providing 254% coverage of nonperforming loans [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about loan growth and tariffs - Management expressed confidence in the loan pipeline, indicating that most clients are proceeding with funding despite economic uncertainties related to tariffs [35][36] Question: Outlook for loan growth this year - The company budgeted for loan growth of 8% to 10%, inclusive of the Marblehead acquisition [39] Question: Mortgage pipeline and full-year expectations - The current mortgage pipeline is healthy, and management is optimistic about achieving budgeted mortgage volume for the year [42] Question: Deposit trends and seasonality - Management anticipates some seasonal fluctuations in deposits but expects core deposits to grow by 4% to 5% [48] Question: Credit quality and reserve levels - Management indicated that credit quality remains strong, with no immediate concerns, and reserves are expected to be maintained [56][60] Question: Capital priorities post-acquisition - The company plans to stabilize capital levels post-acquisition while considering future buybacks and dividend policies [64][66]