Enterprise Financial(EFSC) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.19 for Q3 2025, down from $1.36 in the previous quarter and $1.32 in Q3 2024 [4] - Return on average assets was 1.11% and pre-provision return on average assets was 1.61% [5] - Net interest income increased by $5.5 million compared to the previous quarter, reaching $158 million, while net interest margin improved by two basis points to 4.23% [5][25] - Non-performing assets increased by $22 million, resulting in a ratio of 83 basis points compared to 71 basis points in the linked quarter [20][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was 6% or $174 million, net of $22 million in guaranteed loan sales [6][14] - Deposit growth was exceptional, with an increase of $240 million in the quarter, leading to a total year-over-year increase of approximately 7% [7][18] - Specialty deposits grew by $189 million in the quarter and $681 million year-over-year, reflecting a 22% increase [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong loan origination in the Southwest markets, particularly in Dallas and Las Vegas [6][13] - Growth in deposits was observed across all regions year-over-year, with non-interest-bearing accounts representing over 32% of total deposits [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating new branches acquired in Arizona and Kansas City, which will enhance its market presence [3][11] - The strategy emphasizes organic growth and maintaining a balanced approach to lending and deposit generation [11][58] - The management is optimistic about the economic environment, with expectations of continued loan production and client onboarding [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that clients are showing increased confidence due to recent economic developments, including interest rate cuts and clarity in trade policies [12][13] - The company expects to maintain or slightly accelerate loan production levels moving forward [12] - There is confidence in returning non-performing assets to historical levels in the coming quarters [10][21] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by $0.01 to $0.32 per share for Q4 2025 [9][31] - The acquisition of branches is expected to be accretive to net interest margin, despite recent interest rate cuts [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide clarity on the resolution timeline for the Southern California credits and the life insurance premium finance loan? - Management indicated that the resolution for the Southern California loans may take longer than anticipated due to a secondary bankruptcy filing, while the life insurance loan is expected to be resolved through litigation, with full principal coverage assured [36][38] Question: What is the company's exposure to non-depository financial institutions (NDFIs)? - The company has approximately $260 to $270 million in balances across 18 to 20 relationships with private lenders, primarily secured by first mortgages on residential real estate [39][40] Question: What are the expectations for non-interest expenses in the fourth quarter? - The company anticipates total expenses to be around $112 million, factoring in branch acquisition costs and normalizing for non-recurring items [67] Question: How does the company view its capital priorities moving forward? - The focus remains on organic growth, with potential for share buybacks if suitable M&A opportunities do not arise [58][76] Question: What is driving the growth in specialty deposits? - The company has invested in people and systems, leading to a variable cost model that is profitable and allows for market share growth [77]