First Horizon (NYSE:FHN) Conference Transcript

First Horizon Corporation Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Company: First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN) - Assets: $83 billion - Branches: Over 400 across the Southeast - Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee - Segments: Regional banking, specialty banking, and corporate [1][3] Core Insights and Arguments Customer Sentiment and Loan Growth - Customers in the Southeast are optimistic and resilient despite past challenges like COVID and rising rates [4][5] - Loan growth is slower than previously anticipated, with expectations of high single-digit growth not materializing [5][6] - The mortgage warehouse business has been a bright spot for loan growth [5][8] Loan and Deposit Strategy - Focus on building long-term customer relationships rather than just selling products [7][8] - Emphasis on decentralized decision-making in local markets for deposit pricing [8][9] M&A Activity - Increased M&A activity in the Southeast with several competitors involved in mergers [10][11] - First Horizon has recently completed significant mergers and is now focused on organic growth [12][14] - The company is positioned to capitalize on opportunities arising from competitors' M&A disruptions [12][14] Interest Rate Environment and Asset Sensitivity - The company is optimistic about its countercyclical businesses, particularly FHN Financial, in a falling interest rate environment [17][18] - Mortgage warehouse business is expected to benefit from potential refinancing waves as rates decrease [20][26] Expense Management and Technology Investments - Commitment to keeping expenses flat while investing in technology and efficiency improvements [27][29] - Significant technology investments have been made to clear tech debt and enhance operational efficiency [31][32] - AI is being utilized to reduce costs and improve speed in developing new digital platforms [33][36] Credit Quality and Risk Management - Strong credit culture with a focus on client relationships and decentralized credit analysis [39][40] - Best-in-class charge-off rates, with a proactive approach to monitoring credit quality [41][45] - Increased vigilance regarding fraud and operational controls in response to industry challenges [49][50] ROTCE Target and Capital Management - Achieved a 15% ROTCE in Q4, with a goal to sustain and exceed this level [52][53] - Plans to return capital to shareholders primarily through loan growth, with share buybacks as a secondary option [59][60] - Maintaining a capital ratio of 11% with a long-term target of 10% [57][58] M&A Strategy - M&A is not a near-term priority; focus remains on organic growth and achieving top-tier returns [61][62] - The company is open to opportunities but prioritizes shareholder value and operational efficiency [64] Additional Important Points - The competitive deposit environment has quieted down, with clients aware of rate changes [66][68] - Technology expenses are being managed effectively, with a focus on client-facing projects [70][74] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the First Horizon Corporation conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market conditions, and operational insights.