Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net income available to common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $89.2 million, with earnings per common share at $0.63. Adjusted operating earnings were $119.7 million or $0.84 per common share, resulting in an adjusted operating return on tangible common equity of 20.1% and an adjusted operating return on assets of 1.3% [18][19] - The total allowance for credit losses decreased to $320 million, down from $342.4 million in the previous quarter, with the total allowance as a percentage of total loans held for investment decreasing to 117 basis points from 125 basis points [19] - The tax equivalent net interest income was $323.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the previous quarter, while the net interest margin remained steady at 3.83% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly loan growth was approximately 0.5% annualized, with average loan growth quarter over quarter at 4.3% annualized. Non-interest bearing deposits grew by approximately 4% annualized in Q3 [9][10] - Non-interest income decreased by $29.7 million to $51.8 million, primarily due to a loss related to the final CRE loan sale settlement [21] - Reported non-interest expense decreased by $41.3 million to $238.4 million, driven by a decline in merger-related costs associated with the Sandy Spring acquisition [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Greater Washington DC region showed resilience despite concerns over government employment reductions and the government shutdown, with unemployment rates in Maryland and Virginia at 3.6%, below the national average of 4.3% [14][16] - The company maintains a diversified portfolio, with approximately 23% of total loans in the Washington Metro Area, and the remaining 77% across broader markets [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering sustainable growth and top-tier financial performance, leveraging strategic advantages from the Sandy Spring acquisition while pursuing organic growth opportunities in Virginia and North Carolina [8][17] - The integration of Sandy Spring is progressing smoothly, with expectations to achieve cost savings targets and enhanced earnings power by 2026 [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's asset quality, with non-performing assets at 0.49% of loans held for investment and a forecast for the full year 2025 net charge-off ratio to remain between 15 and 20 basis points [12][13] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a more normalized environment [31][32] Other Important Information - The company paid a common stock dividend of $0.34 per share, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year's third quarter dividend [24] - The financial outlook for year-end loan balances is projected to be between $27.7 billion and $28 billion, with deposit balances expected between $30.8 billion and $31 billion [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in 2026? - Management expects mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026, with potential for high single-digit growth in a normalized environment [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for expenses and efficiency ratios? - The efficiency ratio is expected to be in the mid-40s for 2026, with a focus on maintaining a flat expense base while expanding in North Carolina [36][37] Question: How is the company addressing competition in the market? - The company is experiencing increased competition, particularly from traditional banks returning to the market, but remains committed to consistent capital provision [90][92] Question: What are the revenue synergies expected from the Sandy Spring acquisition? - The acquisition allows for expanded lending capabilities and additional services such as interest rate hedging, with a focus on new client acquisition [94][96]