FB Financial (US:FBK)2025-10-14 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EPS of $0.43 and an adjusted EPS of $1.07 for Q3 2025, with a tangible book value per share growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8% since the IPO [7][10] - Pre-tax pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) was $64 million, or $81 million on an adjusted basis, with a net interest margin of 3.95% and an efficiency ratio of 63.2% [9][10] - Adjusted return on average assets was 0.58%, or 1.43% on an adjusted basis, and return on tangible common equity was 5.82%, or 14.7% on an adjusted basis [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for the quarter was $147.2 million, a 32.2% increase from the prior quarter and a 38.9% increase from the same quarter last year [19] - Non-interest income on an adjusted basis was $27.3 million, up from $25.8 million in the prior quarter, with increases in mortgage banking and investment services [20] - Total non-interest expense was $109.9 million, including $16.1 million in merger and integration costs, with an adjusted core efficiency ratio improving to 53.3% from 56.9% [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains bullish on markets in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Northern Kentucky, and North Carolina, expecting to capitalize on market disruptions due to industry consolidation [12][14] - The company executed a targeted deposit campaign, resulting in approximately $320 million in net new deposit balances, despite a decrease in non-relationship deposits [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for growth through both organic and inorganic means, focusing on contiguous geography and compatible culture for acquisitions [15][64] - The management emphasizes a client-first model and scalable processes to navigate anticipated market disruptions and drive organic growth [14][16] - The company plans to maintain a strong balance sheet to capitalize on growth opportunities and market disruptions [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the loan pipeline, indicating it is as strong as it has been in two years, despite temporary disruptions from the merger [43][44] - The company expects to achieve 50% of deal synergies in the second half of 2025 and 100% in 2026, with a focus on maintaining a strong capital position [21][29] - Management anticipates continued margin expansion and a stable outlook on credit, with a non-performing assets ratio of 0.89% [24][30] Other Important Information - The company completed the merger with Southern States Bancshares on July 1, 2025, and successfully transitioned to operating as a single entity by September 2, 2025 [11] - The company repurchased approximately $24 million of its shares during the quarter [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Southern States Bancshares on margin and deposit rates - Management indicated that the Southern States balance sheet added approximately 6 to 8 basis points to the core margin, with expectations of maintaining a margin in the mid-3.80% range despite anticipated rate cuts [38][40] Question: Confidence in loan growth and pipeline - Management expressed confidence in the loan pipeline, noting it is robust and that core deposit growth is essential for sustaining loan growth [43][44] Question: Growth expectations and market opportunities - Management acknowledged the potential for growth from market disruptions and emphasized a balanced approach between organic and inorganic growth strategies [64][78] Question: Capital management and future growth - Management discussed maintaining elevated capital levels to take advantage of growth opportunities while also considering share repurchases [118][120] Question: Expectations for mortgage division performance - Management noted potential upside in the mortgage division with possible rate cuts, emphasizing a focus on purchase loans rather than refinances [100][106]