VersaBank(US:VBNK)2025-12-10 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 showed a year-over-year revenue growth of 29% to a record CAD 35.1 million, with total assets growing 20% year-over-year to over CAD 5.8 billion [11][12] - Adjusted net income increased by 91% year-over-year to CAD 10.5 million, or CAD 0.33 per share, excluding one-time costs associated with corporate realignment [12][18] - The CET1 ratio was reported at 12.92%, and the leverage ratio was 8.47%, both above internal targets [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Canadian banking operations was CAD 27.6 million, up 17% year-over-year, while U.S. banking operations revenue reached CAD 5.2 million, a 67% sequential increase [13] - The receivable purchase program (RPP) assets grew to CAD 293 million, with total fundings for fiscal 2025 reaching CAD 310 million, surpassing targets [6][13] - The cybersecurity segment generated revenue of CAD 1.9 million, down from CAD 2.3 million in the previous year, reflecting higher operating expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit assets grew 20% year-over-year to CAD 5.07 billion, with the RPP portfolio representing 78% of total assets [15] - The net interest margin on credit assets was 265 basis points, a 13% increase year-over-year, while overall net interest margin was 229 basis points [16][43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its U.S. operations, targeting CAD 1 billion in RPP funding for fiscal 2026, with a mix of conventional and securitized RPP [18][19] - Plans to divest the cybersecurity business are underway, which is expected to eliminate CAD 10 million from the consolidated cost structure [20] - The company is also advancing its proprietary deposit tokens, aiming to establish a new deposit channel and license technology to other banks [22][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum of the digital banking business and the potential for continued growth in both Canadian and U.S. markets [4][17] - The anticipated one-time costs associated with corporate realignment are expected to be around CAD 1.5 million, with overall costs projected to remain flat in 2026 [18][33] - The company expects to benefit from a stable net interest margin in 2026, with potential upside from the RPP and CMHC lending [19][43] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record book value per share of CAD 16.67 [11] - The liquidity levels were higher than typical due to the U.S. market entry, with cash and securities at CAD 663 million, or 11% of total assets [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your partner pipeline for the U.S. RPP program? - Management confirmed that the existing partners can help reach the CAD 1 billion target for fiscal 2026, with a strong pipeline for new partners [25] Question: Can you elaborate on the custody solution consistent with planned regulation in Canada? - The company is prepared to provide custodial services to stablecoin issuers, leveraging its state-of-the-art technology [26][27] Question: What is the status of the DRT Cyber sales process? - The sales process is taking longer than expected, with a quality of earnings report in the final stages [28][29] Question: What is the expected base for non-interest expenses in 2026? - Management indicated that the budgeted figure is around CAD 72 million, excluding one-time expenses [33] Question: Can you provide insights on the growth drivers in the U.S. RPP? - The growth is driven by home improvement, HVAC, and energy-saving projects, similar to the Canadian market [37]