First Horizon(FHN) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.45 per share, reflecting a $0.03 increase from the prior quarter [7] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) grew by $4 million from the first quarter, primarily driven by a $10 million increase in net interest income [7][8] - Total expenses, excluding deferred compensation, increased by only $4 million from the last quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio saw a 2% increase quarter over quarter, with significant growth in loans to mortgage companies, which rose by $689 million [13] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio also grew, with period-end balances up $316 million quarter over quarter [13] - Fee income performance decreased by $3 million from the prior quarter, with fixed income performance declining slightly [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end deposit balances increased by $1.4 billion compared to the prior quarter, driven by a $1.6 billion increase in brokered CDs [12] - The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased to 2.76%, up from 2.72% in the first quarter [12] - The charge-off ratio remained stable at 22 basis points, consistent with expectations for the year [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of over 15% in the next two to three years, focusing on operational efficiency and profitability [19][22] - There is a strong emphasis on organic loan growth and enhancing client relationships to drive pre-provision net revenue [19][22] - The company is committed to maintaining capital levels in line with a near-term target of 11% CET1, with ongoing discussions about potential adjustments [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic fundamentals in their southern footprint, expecting stability through the latter half of 2025 and into 2026 [6] - There is a recognition of increased competition and deposit pressure, but the company remains focused on profitability and sustainable growth [6][7] - Management noted that borrowers are showing resilience and optimism, which is expected to lead to improved activity in the second half of the year [27] Other Important Information - The company retained over half of its $1 billion share repurchase authorization, using $9 million in the second quarter [17] - The company is seeing opportunities to grow PPNR by $100 million or more over the coming years through synergies and deepening client relationships [19][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client health and loan growth outlook - Management noted that borrowers are resilient and optimistic, with expectations for improved activity as tariff questions are settled [27] Question: CET1 target and buyback appetite - Management indicated that they are comfortable with the current CET1 target and will evaluate capital deployment based on loan growth opportunities [30][31] Question: Deposit repricing opportunities - Management sees potential for deposit repricing but expects fluctuations based on market conditions and competition [36][38] Question: Signs of stress in credit sectors - Management highlighted consumer-facing industries like trucking and auto finance as areas to watch closely for stress [42] Question: Expectations for mortgage warehouse balances - Management expects mortgage warehouse balances to remain stable or increase, depending on mortgage industry trends [50] Question: Expense guidance and fee income trends - Management confirmed that the high end of the expense guidance is not expected to exceed 2%, with a focus on maintaining cost discipline [95] Question: Regulatory developments and capital deployment - Management is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could facilitate M&A opportunities but remains focused on organic growth [102] Question: Trends in loan repricing and margin - Management noted increased competition on both deposit and lending sides, with expectations for continued competitive pressures [106][108]