Enterprise Financial(EFSC) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.36 for Q2 2025, an increase from $1.31 in the previous quarter and $1.19 year-over-year [4][23] - Adjusted return on assets was 1.31% and pre-provision ROAA was 1.72% [5] - Net interest income increased by $5.2 million to $153 million, with net interest margin expanding by six basis points to 4.21% [5][27] - Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 9.42%, with a return on tangible common equity of 13.96% [9][34] - Non-interest income increased by $2.1 million to $21 million, driven by bank-owned life insurance and community development income [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $110 million, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 4% [6][13] - The largest portion of loan growth came from commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, with new loan originations up 23% year-over-year [13][14] - Life insurance premium finance balances increased by $160 million or 16% year-over-year [17] - Specialty deposit verticals grew by $63 million for the quarter and $552 million or 18% year-over-year [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All geographic markets showed loan growth, with notable contributions from the Midwest and Southwest regions [18][19] - Client deposits grew by $73 million in the quarter and $778 million or roughly 7% year-over-year [19][20] - The company maintained a total loan to deposit ratio of 86% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a diversified business model that capitalizes on higher growth markets while maintaining pricing discipline [4][5] - The strategic acquisition of a branch from First Interstate Bank is expected to enhance growth opportunities [10][35] - The management anticipates that ongoing economic improvements and M&A disruptions will lead to strong financial performance in the coming quarters [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that most clients are performing well, with sales and profits in line with 2024 expectations [11] - There is optimism for loan growth to exceed 4% in the latter half of 2025 due to pent-up demand and improved economic clarity [12][60] - The company is prepared to guide clients through economic uncertainties while taking advantage of M&A opportunities [12] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by $0.01 to $0.31 per share for 2025 [10][35] - Non-performing assets remained stable at 71 basis points of total assets, with a focus on managing credit quality [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for fee income in the second half of the year - Management expects fee income to be similar to the first quarter, with potential contributions from SBA sales and other line items [39][40] Question: Outlook on expense levels - Management indicated that the current expense levels are expected to grow, influenced by merit increases and legal expenses related to non-performing loans [42][43] Question: Capital levels and branch acquisition impact - The branch acquisition is expected to normalize capital levels, with a focus on supporting growth and evaluating dividend policies [49][50] Question: Margin outlook for the next quarters - Management is optimistic about maintaining stable margins, with potential growth in net interest income dollars [54][56] Question: Loan growth expectations for the back half of the year - Management anticipates loan growth to increase to 5-7% in the latter half of the year due to improved economic conditions [60] Question: Team integration in Texas and growth strategy - A new team in Texas has begun operations without non-compete restrictions, focusing on low to mid-sized C&I businesses [75] Question: SBA loan sales strategy - The company is exploring SBA loan sales as a strategy to solidify fee income, with expectations for some level of gain in the third quarter [80]