National Bank (US:NBHC)2025-10-22 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $35.3 million or $0.92 earnings per diluted share, with an adjusted net income of $36.6 million or $0.96 earnings per diluted share, reflecting a 30% annualized increase over the prior quarter [8][9] - Return on tangible common equity was 14.72%, achieved while maintaining a high level of capital [6][9] - Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin expanded three basis points to 3.98%, with an 11 basis points increase year-over-year [10][11] - Non-interest income totaled $20.7 million, a 21% increase from the previous quarter and a 13% increase year-over-year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan fundings for the quarter reached $421 million, bringing year-to-date total loan fundings to $1 billion [9][20] - Commercial Banking, particularly in the C&I portfolio, saw an annualized growth rate of 8.7% [15] - Non-performing loans decreased by 20%, now standing at $27 million, with a non-performing loan ratio improving to 36 basis points [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $2 million from the prior quarter, with average deposits steady at $8.2 billion [11] - The cost of deposits was 2.08%, and the total cost of funds was 2.1% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger with Vista Bancshares, expected to close in the first quarter, which is anticipated to enhance market share and operational capabilities [7][15] - The company is focused on maintaining pricing discipline and managing loan and deposit pricing effectively [10][20] - Plans to leverage the strengths of Vista in treasury management and wealth management to enhance service offerings [64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the loan pipeline and credit quality trends, indicating a strong outlook for the fourth quarter [7][15] - The company is prepared to adjust deposit rates in response to potential Fed rate cuts, aiming to maintain net interest margins [26][27] - Management highlighted the competitive landscape, particularly from private credit in the commercial real estate sector, but remains confident in their positioning [38][54] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately $1.7 million in acquisition-related expenses during the quarter [8][12] - Non-interest expense totaled $67.2 million, including $6.2 million related to the launch of 2Unify [12][13] - The tangible book value per share grew 12% annualized to $27.45 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the margin guidance and expected impacts from rate cuts? - Management indicated that the third quarter's margin was positively impacted by recoveries and expressed confidence in maintaining a mid-3.9% margin despite potential rate cuts [25][26] Question: What are the expectations for expenses related to 2Unify? - Management confirmed that the increase in 2Unify expenses was expected and will continue to invest in marketing and variable costs as client onboarding progresses [28][29] Question: How is the company positioned regarding loan growth and paydowns? - Management clarified that the reduction in loan volume was primarily due to heavy payoffs rather than directive paydowns, and expressed optimism about returning to growth in the fourth quarter [37][39] Question: What are the company's thoughts on private credit competition? - Management noted that competition from private credit is primarily seen in the commercial real estate sector, but they are confident in their ability to compete effectively [54] Question: What are the plans for capital deployment and buybacks? - Management confirmed that they have $35-36 million remaining in buyback authorization and will be opportunistic in capital deployment while considering potential M&A opportunities [56]