South Plains Financial(SPFI) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter, diluted earnings per share increased to $0.86 from $0.72 in the linked quarter [21] - Net interest income rose to $42.5 million compared to $38.5 million in the linked quarter [21] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved to 4.07% from 3.81% in the linked quarter, positively impacted by a one-time interest recovery [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $23.1 million, or 3% annualized, to $3.1 billion in the second quarter [14] - The yield on loans rose to 6.99% from 6.67% in the linked quarter, boosted by a one-time interest recovery [14] - Non-interest income increased to $12.2 million from $10.6 million in the linked quarter, primarily due to higher mortgage banking revenues [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans in major metropolitan markets decreased by $26 million to $1.01 billion, driven by higher loan payoffs exceeding new loan production [17] - The indirect auto loan portfolio modestly decreased to $241 million from $243 million in the linked quarter, reflecting changes in consumer spending behavior [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a strategy focused on both organic growth and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to increase bank assets [8][10] - The organic growth strategy emphasizes expanding lending capabilities and enhancing deposit growth [9] - The company remains interested in accretive acquisitions but is cautious and selective, ensuring any deal aligns with its culture and financial goals [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic growth in Texas and the potential for loan growth to reaccelerate [17] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of expected tariffs on the local economy and consumer behavior [19] - Management believes the bank is well-capitalized and positioned to weather potential economic headwinds [12][13] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment ratio was 1.45%, reflecting a slight increase from the prior quarter [24] - The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 9.98%, indicating a strong capital position [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan pipeline and growth expectations - Management indicated that loan growth is expected to be flat to low single digits in the third quarter due to higher loan payoffs [28][29] Question: Balance between hiring and M&A - Management confirmed that hiring efforts will continue regardless of M&A opportunities, emphasizing the importance of building relationships [31] Question: Increase in specific reserves - The increase in specific reserves was attributed to several loans entering non-accrual status, not just one large credit [33][34] Question: Margin outlook and deposit costs - Management noted that while deposit costs are declining, the outlook for net interest margin remains stable [40][41] Question: M&A environment and valuation expectations - Management highlighted that buyer expectations are a significant impediment to M&A activity, but the regulatory environment has improved [46][47] Question: Mortgage banking performance - Management expects mortgage banking performance to remain flat but is confident in maintaining profitability [50] Question: Non-interest bearing deposits growth - The growth in non-interest bearing deposits was attributed to improved treasury management solutions and relationship management [65][66] Question: Hiring strategy and expense growth - Management acknowledged that hiring will impact expenses in the short term but views it as essential for long-term growth [68]