Hanmi Financial (US:HAFC)2025-10-21 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q3 2025 was $22.1 million or $0.73 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 million and $0.50 in Q2 2025, primarily due to higher net interest income and a decrease in credit loss expense [7][20] - Return on average assets was 1.12% and return on average equity was 10.69% [7] - Pre-provision net revenues increased 16.4% to $33.1 million, demonstrating the strength of the core business [7][20] - Net interest margin expanded by 15 basis points to 3.22%, driven by higher average yields on loans and lower funding costs [8][20] - Total loans increased to $6.53 billion, a 3.5% increase on a linked quarter basis, with loan production up 73% to $571 million [8][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loans were a key contributor to total loan production, reflecting investments in commercial lending teams and strategic expansion [6] - C&I loan production reached $211 million, an increase of 296% from the prior quarter, driven by investments in C&I teams and the USKC initiative [16] - CRE production was $177 million, up 58% from the prior quarter, maintaining a healthy loan-to-value ratio of approximately 47.7% [15] - Residential mortgage loan production was $103 million, up 23% from the previous quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by 0.6% in Q3 2025, driven by new commercial accounts and contributions from new branches [10][18] - Non-interest bearing demand deposits remained stable at approximately 31% of total deposits [10][19] - USKC loan balances increased by 8.2% to $910 million, representing approximately 14% of the total loan portfolio [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive loan growth in the mid-single digit range, up from a previous forecast of low to mid-single digit growth [13] - Strategic initiatives include scaling C&I, residential, and SBA loan portfolios, broadening the core deposit base, and maintaining solid credit metrics [13] - The company is optimistic about long-term growth potential from the USKC initiative, focusing on relationships with US subsidiaries of Korean companies [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong momentum into Q4 2025, supported by strategic initiatives and a solid liquidity position [13] - The current macro environment is evolving, but management remains optimistic about growth opportunities [11][12] - The company has a proactive approach to credit management, which has resulted in improved asset quality [8][24] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved to a two-year low of 52.65% [10][20] - The company repurchased 199,698 common shares at a weighted average price of $23.45 during the quarter [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations for Q4 - Management indicated that net loan growth is influenced by production and payoffs, with a similar pipeline expected for Q4 [32][34] Question: Credit quality outlook - Management emphasized a comprehensive approach to managing the loan portfolio, maintaining clean asset quality, and monitoring mortgage and SBA loans closely [36][38] Question: Funding and balance sheet considerations - Management acknowledged the need for deposit growth to support loan growth and maintain net interest margin expansion [40] Question: Competition in lending and deposit markets - Management noted increased competition in both lending and deposit markets but believes it is manageable [49] Question: Share repurchase activity - Management confirmed that the Board will evaluate share repurchases each quarter, with expectations for continued activity [50]