Hilltop Holdings(US:HTH)2025-10-24 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hilltop reported net income of approximately $46 million or $0.74 per diluted share for Q3 2025, with a return on average assets of 1.2% and return on average equity of 8.35% [4] - Net interest income increased by $7.4 million or 7% year-over-year, driven by improving deposit costs and growth in higher yielding commercial loans [14] - The allowance for credit losses declined by $2.8 million to $95 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 1.16% [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PlainsCapital Bank generated $55 million of pre-tax income on $12.6 billion of average assets, with a return on average assets of 1.34% [4] - PrimeLending reported a pre-tax loss of $7 million due to subdued mortgage origination volumes, with existing home sales at their lowest level in over 30 years [6][7] - Hilltop Securities Inc. generated pre-tax income of $26.5 million on net revenues of $144.5 million, with a pre-tax margin of 18% [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits at PlainsCapital increased by 6% on a linked quarter basis, attributed to seasonal cash inflows from large balance customers [5] - Mortgage revenues declined by $3.4 million year-over-year, with origination volumes stable but gain on sale margins improving by 8 basis points [17][18] - The fixed income business showed a 13% increase in net revenues year-over-year, reflecting robust industry volumes [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase market share despite elevated competition in Texas, focusing on core loan growth and managing interest expenses [5][22] - Hilltop Securities continues to invest in core areas of expertise, leveraging its national brand built on trust [9] - The leadership transition at PlainsCapital Bank is seen as an opportunity for continued growth while maintaining the bank's legacy and credit culture [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's ability to manage credit risks and maintain a conservative credit culture despite competitive pressures [22][23] - The outlook for 2025 reflects current assessments of the economy and market conditions, with a focus on producing quality outcomes for clients and communities [24] - Management anticipates continued challenges in the mortgage market but expects gradual improvement into 2026 [18] Other Important Information - Hilltop maintains strong capital levels with a common equity tier one capital ratio of 20% and tangible book value per share increased by $0.67 to $31.23 [9] - The company returned $11 million to stockholders through dividends and repurchased $55 million in shares during the quarter [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and near-term outlook - Management explained that the NII guidance was not increased due to expected rate cuts and potential paydowns impacting loan growth [26][28] Question: Stock buyback strategy and M&A outlook - Management confirmed a consistent approach to share repurchases given excess capital and discussed opportunities in the Texas market for potential M&A [30][31] Question: Auto portfolio exposure - Management addressed concerns regarding the auto portfolio, noting a reduction in commitments and ongoing workout efforts for non-accrual clients [32][33] Question: Broker-dealer fee income - Management highlighted strong performance in public finance and other segments, but anticipated a reversion to lower pre-tax margins in the future [42][44] Question: Effects of government shutdown - Management indicated no primary effects on the broker-dealer from the government shutdown, but noted potential processing delays in mortgage and SBA areas [51][52]