SmartFinancial(US:SMBK)2025-10-22 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tangible book value increased to $26 per share, representing over 26% annualized growth quarter over quarter [5] - Operating earnings for the quarter were $14.5 million or $0.86 per diluted share, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage [5] - Total operating revenue reached $50.8 million, with net interest income expanding [6][11] - Non-performing assets remained low at 22 basis points, indicating strong credit quality [5][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew at an annualized rate of 10%, while deposits increased by 15% or $179 million for the quarter [5][8] - Non-brokered deposit growth was $283 million, representing over 24% annualized growth [11] - Operating non-interest income, adjusted for the sale of insurance operations, was $8.4 million, slightly lower than the previous quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average portfolio yield, including fees and accretion, rose to 6.14% [8] - The loan-to-deposit ratio decreased to 84%, providing flexibility for balance sheet management [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen its market presence and continue organic growth, targeting high single-digit growth rates [19] - Investments in technology and treasury management are expected to enhance operational efficiency and client experience [10][27] - The company was recognized on Fortune's list of best workplaces, highlighting its strong internal culture [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the operating environment, projecting continued revenue and EPS growth while maintaining prudent expense management [20] - The company anticipates a net interest margin of 3.3% to 3.35% for Q4 and expects margin expansion of 5 to 7 basis points per quarter in 2026 [13][61] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses is now at 0.93% of total loans, reflecting robust asset quality [14] - The total consolidated risk-based capital ratio improved to 13.3%, indicating a strong capital position [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Alabama franchise growth outlook - Management noted that hiring has been evenly spread across regions, with positive momentum in Alabama, particularly in cities like Birmingham and Auburn [23][24] Question: Margin guidance for Q4 and balance sheet size - The company plans to deploy cash on hand to fund loan production, expecting no significant change in balance sheet size [26] Question: Impact of tech initiatives on productivity and expenses - New technology initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency without significantly increasing expenses, allowing for reinvestment [27][30] Question: Future of positive operating leverage - Management is confident in maintaining positive operating leverage through revenue growth outpacing expense increases [34][36] Question: Fee growth outlook and insurance impact - The company anticipates continued fee growth, particularly from mortgage and treasury management services, despite the removal of insurance operations from the revenue line [45][46] Question: Plans for remaining brokered deposits - The company aims to reduce brokered deposits further, with a goal of eliminating them entirely in the future [64] Question: M&A strategy - The focus remains on organic growth, but management is open to evaluating strategic M&A opportunities that enhance the company's capabilities [66][68]