Provident Financial (US:PROV)2025-10-29 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2026, the company originated $29.6 million in loans held for investment, a 1% increase from $29.4 million in the previous quarter [5] - Loan principal payments and payoffs decreased by 18% to $34.5 million from $42 million in the previous quarter [5] - Nonperforming assets increased to $1.9 million from $1.4 million in the previous quarter [6] - The allowance for credit losses to gross loans held for investment decreased to 56 basis points from 62 basis points [7] - Net interest margin increased by six basis points to 3% compared to 2.94% in the previous quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment decreased by approximately $4 million, with declines in multifamily and commercial real estate loans, partially offset by an increase in single-family loans [6] - The weighted average rate of loans originated in September was 6.62%, compared to 5.2% for loans held for investment as of September 30, 2025 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has approximately $107 million of loans repricing in December, expected to increase to a weighted average interest rate of 6.89% [10] - The average cost of deposits increased to 1.34%, while the cost of borrowing also increased to 4.59% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on prudent adjustments to underwriting requirements to encourage higher loan origination volume [6] - The short-term strategy for balance sheet management is more growth-oriented than the previous fiscal year, with a disciplined loan growth approach [12] - The company aims to maintain cash dividends and has repurchased approximately 67,000 shares of common stock [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that real estate investors remain cautious due to market uncertainties, although there has been an increase in activity as mortgage interest rates decline [5] - The company expects modest or moderate net interest margin expansion in the upcoming quarters [20] - Management is optimistic about the potential for refinance activity due to declining mortgage interest rates [16] Other Important Information - Operating expenses remained unchanged at $7.6 million, representing a normalized run rate [12] - The company distributed $921,000 in cash dividends and repurchased approximately $1.1 million worth of common stock in the first quarter [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Challenges in loan growth trajectory for 2026 - Management acknowledged hesitancy among borrowers in multifamily and commercial real estate due to higher mortgage rates, but noted that declining rates could present more opportunities [16] Question: Expectation for margin expansion - Management indicated that it is reasonable to expect margin expansion similar to the previous quarter, citing a growth in net interest margin from 2.74% to 3% over the past year [20] Question: Impact of lower interest rates on loan portfolio - Management explained that lower interest rates could lead to increased refinance activity, shortening the average life of the loan portfolio and potentially impacting credit loss provisions [22][24]