Southern Missouri Bancorp(US:SMBC)2025-10-23 15:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The diluted EPS for the current quarter was $1.38, down $0.01 from the linked June 2025 quarter, but up $0.28 from the September quarter a year ago [4] - Net interest margin for the quarter was 3.57%, up from 3.47% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 and from 3.34% in the year-ago quarter [5][18] - Non-interest income was down by 9.7% or $707,000 compared to the linked quarter, but was more than offset by lower non-interest expense of $925,000 or a 3.6% decrease quarter over quarter [5][22] - The allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2025, totaled $52.1 million, representing 1.24% of gross loans [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross loan balances increased by $91 million or 2.2% during the first quarter, with a year-over-year increase of $225 million or 5.7% [6] - The growth in the quarter was led by non-owner occupied commercial real estate, one-to-four family residential, commercial & industrial, and multifamily loans [6] - Deposit balances were relatively flat compared to the linked quarter but up $240 million or 5.9% over the last 12 months [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was experienced in the east region, particularly in agricultural activity, while the south region also showed good growth [7] - The loan pipeline anticipated to fund in the next 90 days remains strong, totaling about $195 million at September 30 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about achieving mid-single-digit loan growth in the fiscal year despite expectations of a slowdown in loan growth due to seasonal factors [7][20] - The company is focusing on improving credit quality and has been proactive in working with borrowers to assess their positions and utilize government programs to mitigate risk [17] - There is a modest uptick in M&A discussions, with the company well-positioned to act when the right partner is ready [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about performance in the new fiscal year, despite a larger provision for credit losses due to the evolving economic environment [3][24] - The company expects to see continued net interest income growth through the year, despite historical seasonal slowdowns in loan growth [20][21] - Management noted that charge-off activity is expected to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels trending back to historical ranges [33] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased just over 8,000 shares at an average price of just under $55, with an average purchase price at 127% of tangible book value [9] - The tangible book value increased by $5.09 or 13.3% over the last 12 months, attributed to earnings retention and improvements in the bank's unrealized loss in the investment portfolio [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for provision expense and charge-offs - Management expects charge-off activity to drop from the levels of the last two quarters, with current delinquency levels running similar to historical ranges [33] Question: Bank's rate sensitivity and margin expansion - The bank remains overall liability-sensitive, with expectations of being a net beneficiary of rate cuts, estimating a 1% to 3% increase in net interest income per 100 basis points of rate cuts [36] Question: Update on loan pipeline and growth expectations - The loan pipeline remains consistent, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth for the fiscal year, though seasonal slowdowns are anticipated [44] Question: Buyback activity and M&A discussions - Management anticipates being more active in buyback activity given current pricing and is in discussions for potential M&A opportunities, ideally targeting banks in the billion-dollar asset range [50][27]