Ameris Bancorp(US:ABCB)2025-10-28 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $106 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, with a return on assets at 1.56% and return on tangible common equity at 14.6% [9][10] - The efficiency ratio improved to 49.19% from 51.63% in the previous quarter, driven by a strong 17.8% annualized revenue growth [9][12] - Tangible book value per share grew to $42.90, reflecting a strong 15.2% annualized growth [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan portfolio production topped $2 billion, with a 4% annualized loan growth primarily from commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) [6][7] - Non-interest income increased by $7.4 million, mainly from better equipment finance fees and a non-recurring gain on securities [11] - The company repurchased approximately $8.5 million of common stock, with a new share repurchase plan of $200 million approved [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $295 million, with core deposits growing by $355 million, while brokered CDs represented only 5% of total deposits [13][14] - Non-interest-bearing deposits remained strong at 30.4% of total deposits [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on growing its core deposit base and tangible book value per share, with an emphasis on revenue growth and positive operating leverage [4][8] - The management is optimistic about capitalizing on growth opportunities in the Southeastern markets, particularly amid ongoing banking disruptions [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding loan demand and pipeline trends, anticipating potential growth acceleration into 2026 [19][49] - The company expects some margin compression in the coming quarters due to rising deposit costs, but remains focused on net interest income growth [11][41] Other Important Information - The company’s capital ratios improved, with common equity tier one at 13.2% and tangible common equity at 11.3% [5] - Asset quality remains stable, with low levels of net charge-offs and non-performing assets [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan demand and pipeline trends - Management noted strong demand across all verticals and steady payoffs, expressing optimism for the fourth quarter and beyond [18][19] Question: Competition landscape - Competition is primarily on pricing, but management believes disruption in the market will provide additional volume opportunities [20][21] Question: Equipment finance demand and credit trends - Demand in equipment finance is picking up, with declining charge-offs indicating a healthy credit environment [24][25] Question: Expense growth outlook - Management anticipates a 5.5% increase in expenses next year, driven by salary and benefit increases [36][37] Question: Margin outlook and deposit costs - Management expects margin compression due to deposit repricing and competition, but remains focused on growing non-interest-bearing deposits [40][41] Question: Loan growth potential - Management is optimistic about the potential for loan growth to accelerate into the high single digits or even double digits, depending on macroeconomic conditions [49][50] Question: Investment portfolio size - The investment portfolio is expected to stabilize around 9% to 10% of total assets, with a focus on deposit growth [51] Question: M&A versus organic growth - Management prioritizes organic growth opportunities over M&A, given the current market disruption [53] Question: Mortgage activity and demand - Management is hopeful for increased mortgage activity as interest rates stabilize, with a significant increase in applications noted [60]