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Equity Bank(EQBK) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
Equity BankEquity Bank(US:EQBK)2025-10-15 15:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $29.7 million, or $1.57 per diluted share for the quarter, impacted by a bond portfolio repositioning that resulted in a realized loss of $53.4 million [8] - Net interest income for the period was $62.5 million, an increase of $12.7 million linked quarter, with a margin improvement of 28 basis points to 4.45% [9][15] - Non-interest expenses for the quarter were $49.1 million, adjusted to exclude M&A charges, reflecting an increase of 8.3% due to the NBC Oklahoma acquisition [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merger with NBC Oklahoma added $665 million in loans and $808 million in deposits, enhancing the company's market presence in Oklahoma [3][4] - Loan production in the quarter was $243 million, up 23% linked quarter, with originations averaging a rate of 7.14% [19] - Total deposits increased approximately $860 million during the quarter, with organic deposit growth of approximately $37 million [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its footprint into Nebraska through a merger with Frontier Holdings, which is expected to add strong earning assets [4][5] - Non-interest-bearing accounts increased to 22.52% of total deposits, up from 21.56% at the end of Q2 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow through strategic mergers, having successfully integrated NBC Oklahoma and planning to enter the Nebraska market [4][5] - Management expressed confidence in executing growth strategies and achieving a projected earnings per share of $5 in 2026 [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains positive about the credit environment and expects stable credit quality trends despite broader economic uncertainties [13] - The company anticipates margin in a range of 4.4% to 4.5% for the fourth quarter, with expectations for continued growth in the balance sheet and non-interest revenue lines [16][22] Other Important Information - The company completed a subordinated debt raise of $75 million to support ongoing growth initiatives [4] - The ending reserve ratio closed the quarter at 1.36%, reflecting the addition of non-PCE credit marks from NBC Oklahoma [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you discuss your deposit pricing strategy? - The company has consistently adjusted deposit rates in line with FOMC rate cuts, with no significant shifts observed in the market [24][25] Question: What is the sentiment in your operating footprint regarding loan growth? - Management reported strong business sentiment and does not see significant impacts from tariffs, remaining bullish on market conditions [25] Question: Was the increase in deposit costs linked to NBC Oklahoma? - The increase in deposit costs was entirely attributable to liabilities from the NBC Oklahoma transaction [27][28] Question: What are the expectations for loan payoffs? - Payoff activity is expected to normalize, with historical averages anticipated to return, contributing to loan growth [30][31] Question: How is the company monitoring potential strains in the credit portfolio? - Management is closely watching all areas, particularly consumer and agricultural sectors, but currently sees no significant strain [33][34] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity? - The company continues to explore M&A opportunities, focusing on strategic fit and integration potential [55]