The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NTB) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $61.1 million and core net income of $63.3 million for Q3 2025, with core earnings per share at $1.51 and a core return on average tangible common equity of 25.5% [5][18] - Net interest margin increased by 9 basis points to 2.73% from the prior quarter, while the cost of deposits fell by 9 basis points to 1.47% [5][6] - Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $92.7 million, an increase of $3.3 million or 3.7% from the previous quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income totaled $61.2 million, an increase of $4.2 million over the last quarter, driven by higher banking fees and increased foreign exchange revenues [13] - Core non-interest expenses decreased due to lower performance-based incentive accruals and reduced property expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bermuda's business environment remains stable with signs of growth in the local economy, including a forecasted budget surplus and increased corporate income tax revenue [8][9] - The Cayman Islands is expected to see a 2.5% GDP increase in 2025, with financial services and tourism being key economic pillars [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance operational efficiency and maintain prudent expense discipline while focusing on capital management [19][20] - The strategy includes pursuing disciplined M&A and organic business development, with a focus on capital-efficient fee-based businesses [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term value creation and highlighted the positive outlook for Bermuda's fiscal position and the growth in the international business sector [4][9] - The company remains conservative in its underwriting approach, focusing on high-quality residential lending across its markets [16] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share and continued its share repurchase program, buying back 700,000 shares at a cost of $30.3 million [6][7] - The tangible book value per share improved by 5.4% to $25.06 as unrealized losses on investments improved [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin trajectory outlook - Management indicated that deposit costs have decreased and there is potential for margin stability or slight expansion due to asset repricing [25][27] Question: Interest in crypto or stablecoin initiatives - Management described a cautious approach, monitoring developments in digital assets but not feeling pressure from clients to lead in this area [29][30] Question: Future expense management initiatives - Management discussed ongoing efforts to manage expenses, including moving back-office functions to Halifax and cloud migration of core banking systems [31][33] Question: Drivers of fee income growth - Management noted strong performance in banking driven by increased transaction volumes and tourism-related card services fees [41][42] Question: Growth expectations in loans and deposits - Management highlighted Bermuda as a key area for deposit growth and noted a conservative approach to loan growth, with encouraging signs in the loan pipeline particularly in Cayman [43][45]