Amerant Bancorp (US:AMTB)2025-10-28 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $10.4 billion as of Q3 2025, with total investment securities increasing by $336.8 million to $2.3 billion [14][15] - Net interest income was $94.2 million, up $3.7 million, driven by higher average rates on loans and securities [17] - Non-performing assets increased to $140 million, or 1.3% of total assets, compared to $98 million, or 0.9% in the prior quarter [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans declined by 3.4% quarter over quarter, with a total gross loan amount of $6.9 billion, primarily due to increased prepayments and the sale of a large substandard loan [9][15] - Core deposits increased by $59.4 million, while total deposits remained stable at $8.3 billion [15] - Non-interest income was $17.3 million, while non-interest expense was $77.84 million, leading to an efficiency ratio of 69.84% [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International banking strengthened its presence across LATAM, with approximately 50% of new accounts opened in Q3 originating from countries like Argentina and Guatemala [8] - The company expects loan production and purchases of syndications to be partially offset by reductions in criticized assets and payoffs, with net loan growth projected between $125 million to $175 million for Q4 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The primary focus for the quarter was on asset quality over loan growth, with plans to address the increase in non-performing asset levels [6][10] - The company launched an expense reduction initiative aiming for savings of $2 million to $3 million per quarter starting in 2026 [28] - Leadership changes in commercial banking were announced to strengthen market presence and business development efforts [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the franchise and the opportunities ahead, emphasizing a proactive approach to credit risk management [34] - The company anticipates a decrease in expenses in Q4, projecting non-interest expenses to be in the range of $74 million to $75 million [26] - Management highlighted the importance of timely identification and resolution of credit issues, indicating a more aggressive stance on downgrades [88] Other Important Information - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share, reinforcing confidence in the company's long-term outlook [13] - The company intends to resume share buybacks post-earnings when the blackout period ends [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook on credit and when can the company expect to return to a sustainable ROA? - Management indicated that Q3 was the peak for portfolio evaluations and expects a better path for resolution in Q4, with a focus on early identification of credit issues [39][41] Question: What will drive the expected decrease in net interest margin for Q4? - The decrease is attributed to the impact of recent rate cuts and the timing of asset repricing, with expectations for a normalized net interest margin [45][46] Question: Is the company considering strategic alternatives given the current M&A market? - Management stated the focus remains on executing current strategies and achieving desired returns, with evaluations of opportunities as they arise [50] Question: What is the expected loan growth and syndication activity moving forward? - Management expects organic loan growth to be between $125 million to $175 million in Q4, with a focus on participating in syndications [25][56] Question: What is the outlook for realized loss content over the next couple of quarters? - Management anticipates charge-off activity to stabilize, with specific reserves already established for potential losses [63][64]