South Plains Financial(US:SPFI)2025-10-23 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, diluted earnings per share increased to $0.96 from $0.86 in the linked quarter, driven by reduced provision for credit losses and increased net interest income [16] - Net interest income rose to $43 million from $42.5 million in the previous quarter, while the net interest margin (NIM) was 4.05%, slightly down from 4.07% [16][17] - The consolidated common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.41%, and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 12.37% as of September 30, 2025 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment decreased by $45.5 million to $3.05 billion, primarily due to a $46.5 million decline in multifamily property loans [8] - The indirect auto loan portfolio remained relatively stable at $239 million, down from $296 million a year ago, with a focus on maintaining credit quality [12] - Non-interest income for Q3 was $11.2 million, down from $12.2 million in the linked quarter, mainly due to a decrease in mortgage banking revenues [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $142.2 million to $3.88 billion, with significant growth in non-interest-bearing deposits, which rose to 27% of total deposits [17] - The major metro loan portfolio represented 33.2% of the total loan portfolio, with steady performance in Dallas, Houston, and El Paso [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its lending team by up to 20% to enhance loan growth, with a focus on organic growth and potential M&A opportunities [5][6] - The management is optimistic about accelerating loan growth in 2026, despite current headwinds from higher-than-normal loan paydowns [5][14] - The company is actively engaging in discussions with potential acquisition targets that align with its conservative nature and culture [6][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's strong financial position and ability to capitalize on growth opportunities, despite challenges in the current economic environment [4][86] - The management noted that while there are concerns about credit quality, particularly in the indirect auto portfolio, they have not seen significant increases in delinquencies [63][70] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $50 million in subordinated debt to avoid higher interest rates, reflecting a proactive approach to managing capital costs [20] - The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 10.25%, indicating a solid capital position [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for increasing the lending team - The company plans to increase its lending team by up to 20%, with a current base of about 40 lenders, focusing on production staff [26][28] Question: Concerns about subprime loan concentration - Management clarified that there has not been a significant increase in subprime loans, and the data presented was updated to reflect current borrower credit scores [32][33] Question: Impact of redeemed subordinated debt - The redeemed subordinated debt was previously at 4.5% and would have increased to 8%, with no additional expenses incurred during the redemption [35][37] Question: Vulnerability of the commercial real estate book - Management acknowledged scheduled payoffs in the commercial real estate book but emphasized that they will not lower credit standards to retain loans [80][81]