Renasant (US:RNST)2025-10-29 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net income for Q3 was $59.8 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, with adjusted earnings of $72.9 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, excluding merger charges [5][6] - Loans increased by $462 million on a linked quarter basis, representing a 9.9% annualized growth [5][6] - Deposits decreased by $158 million from the second quarter, primarily due to a seasonal decline in public funds [5][6] - The adjusted return on average assets improved by 12 basis points to 1.09%, while the adjusted return on tangible common equity rose by 296 basis points to 14.22% [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income growth was driven by improved net interest margin and loan growth [9] - Non-interest income for Q3 was $46 million, showing a linked quarter decrease of $0.841 million, excluding gains from the sale of MSR assets in Q2 [9] - Non-interest expense for Q3 was $183.8 million, excluding merger and conversion expenses of $17.5 million, with a linked quarter increase of $3.6 million [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net interest margin remained flat at 3.85%, while the adjusted margin increased by four basis points to 3.62% [6] - The adjusted total cost of deposits rose by four basis points to 2.08%, and adjusted loan yields increased by five basis points to 6.23% [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration with The First is progressing well, with systems conversion completed in early August, aiming to create a high-performing Southeast bank [4][5] - The company is focused on achieving profitability goals related to return on assets, return on tangible common equity, and efficiency ratio [4] - Future profitability improvements are anticipated as efficiency savings are realized post-integration [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the loan growth and overall performance, indicating that Q3 results position the company to achieve its financial goals [5][10] - The company expects to see additional profitability improvements in upcoming quarters as synergies from the merger become more evident [9] - Management acknowledged the potential for increased payoffs in Q4 due to the current interest rate environment [46][70] Other Important Information - The company recorded a credit loss provision on loans of $10.5 million, with net charge-offs of $4.3 million [8] - All regulatory capital ratios remain above required minimums, indicating a well-capitalized status [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on loan growth and pipeline perspective? - Management noted that loan growth was strong across all categories and regions, with expectations for continued growth in Q4 and beyond [13][17] Question: What is the pace of expense savings from the merger? - Management indicated expectations of a $2 million to $3 million decrease in core non-interest expenses for Q4 and Q1 of 2026 [19][20] Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of core margin expansion? - Management expressed that modest contraction in margin is expected in Q4, with a general outlook of modest expansion for 2026 [23][24] Question: How does the company view capital management and buybacks? - Management highlighted that capital ratios could grow by 60 to 70 basis points by year-end 2026, with buybacks being a focus for future capital management [31][32] Question: What are the plans for deposit growth in the current rate environment? - Management emphasized the goal of growing core deposits in line with loan growth, despite seasonal fluctuations [35][36] Question: How does the company plan to improve revenue growth? - Management is focused on improving accountability and performance at the individual and market levels to enhance revenue growth while managing expenses [66][68]