Axos Financial(US:AX)2025-07-30 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net loan growth of $856 million linked quarter, with a net interest margin expansion of six basis points and an 18% year-over-year increase in book value per share [4][5] - Net interest income for the quarter was $280 million, up 7.7% from $260 million in the prior year period, with a net interest margin of 4.84% for the quarter, up from 4.78% in the previous quarter [5][10] - Net income was approximately $110.7 million for the quarter, compared to $105.2 million in the prior quarter, with diluted EPS of $1.92 compared to $1.81 in the previous quarter [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total originations for investment, excluding single-family warehouse lending, increased by 5% linked quarter, resulting in net loan growth of approximately $856 million, representing a 4.2% linked quarter increase or 16% annualized [9] - Average loan yields for the quarter were 8% flat, with non-purchased loans at 7.66% and purchased loans at 14.9% [9] - Total non-accrual loans declined by $15 million linked quarter, improving the non-accrual loans to total loans ratio by 89 basis points [6][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending deposit balances were $20.8 billion, up 3.4% linked quarter and 7.6% year over year, with demand money market and savings accounts representing 95% of total deposits [10][11] - Total assets under custody increased from $37.1 billion to $39.4 billion, with net new assets for the custody business increasing by $215 million [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing strategic and operational initiatives, including investments in technology and operations to scale businesses and roll out new products faster [20][21] - The company is evaluating M&A opportunities to augment growth from existing businesses and team lift-outs, with a focus on specialty lending and non-banking businesses [18][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects organic loan growth to come in toward the mid to high end of the single-digit to low teens range on an annual basis in fiscal 2026 [13][26] - The company anticipates a reduction in the income tax rate by three percentage points starting in the September 30, 2025 quarter, which will boost net income and EPS in fiscal 2026 and beyond [19][25] Other Important Information - The company has seen strong growth in accounts and balances from its Axos One consumer bundle deposit product, which supports organic loan growth [12] - The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and speed up software development processes [20][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan yields and net interest margin outlook - Management indicated that while loan yields might be tighter, there is an offsetting benefit on the funding side, resulting in a consistent net interest margin outlook [30][32] Question: Expense growth relative to revenue - Management targets that personnel and professional services cost growth should not exceed 30% of net interest income and non-interest income growth [34][35] Question: Opportunities on the funding side - Management noted that new verticals added come with favorable deposit balances, but there may be pressure on funding costs as industry loan growth picks up [46][48] Question: Fee income growth initiatives - Management believes that fee income growth will be supported by technology development and a strong pipeline of new assets [50][52] Question: Capital priorities and M&A considerations - Management is looking at organic growth and various M&A opportunities, with a focus on synergistic fee income and specialty finance businesses [56][57] Question: Multifamily loan sale reasoning - Management decided to sell certain loans based on credit perspective and interest from buyers, contributing to net loan growth [61][64] Question: Asset quality and areas of concern - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, particularly in commercial real estate and C&I portfolios, with no significant materiality expected [80][82]