Flushing Financial (US:FFIC)2025-07-25 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.41 and core earnings per share of $0.32, representing an increase of 12878% year over year [5] - GAAP net interest margin expanded by three basis points quarter over quarter to 2.54%, while core net interest margin also increased by three basis points to 2.52% [6] - Average total deposits increased by 6% year over year and 1% quarter over quarter to $7.6 billion [6] - Pre-provision pre-tax net revenue reached $23.1 million, the highest level since 2022 [6] - Tangible common equity grew by 25 basis points to 8.04% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core net interest income increased by $10.5 million year over year, driven by loan yields increasing by seven basis points [10] - Non-interest bearing deposits grew by 6% year over year and 2% quarter over quarter [12] - New checking account openings increased by 21% year over year and 8% quarter over quarter, indicating strong customer acquisition [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's commercial real estate concentration decreased to under 500% for the first time since Q3 2023 [7] - Non-performing loans in the multifamily portfolio halved to 50 basis points, down from 101 basis points in the previous quarter [19] - Criticized and classified loans in the multifamily segment improved to 73 basis points from 116 basis points [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on improving profitability, maintaining credit discipline, and preserving strong liquidity and capital [8] - The asset repricing strategy is expected to drive net interest margin expansion, with real estate loans projected to reprice approximately 160 basis points higher through 2027 [9] - The company is committed to serving the Asian American communities, with deposits in this market growing to $1.4 billion, reflecting a 12.4% compound annual growth rate since Q2 2022 [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects total assets to remain stable, with loan growth being market-dependent [27] - The company anticipates some seasonal deposit outflows in Q3 but expects recovery in Q4 [27] - The effective tax rate is expected to be lowered to a range of 24.5% to 26.5% for the remainder of 2025 [28] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with approximately $4 billion of undrawn lines and resources at quarter end [25] - The reliance on wholesale funding is limited, with uninsured and uncollateralized deposits representing only 17% of total deposits [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the $400 million decline in deposits? - Management indicated that the decline was mostly seasonal, related to government deposits moving out, and expected a recovery later in the year [34][35] Question: What would happen to margins if the Fed cuts rates? - A return to a more normal yield curve would be positive for the company, potentially leading to a couple of basis points improvement in margins [38][39] Question: Will there be buybacks in the second half of the year? - Management stated that they are focused on building capital stronger before considering buybacks, prioritizing profitable growth and dividends [44] Question: What drove the decrease in expense outlook? - The decrease was attributed to managing expenses tightly and some accruals related to incentive compensation [50] Question: What is the outlook for non-CD deposit repricing? - Management noted limited opportunities to reduce funding costs until the Fed makes a move, with most support for net interest margin expected from asset-side loan repricing [56]