TrustBank NY(TRST) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - TrustCo Bank reported a net income of $15.6 million for Q4 2025, representing a 38% increase compared to Q4 2024, with a return on average assets of 0.97% and average equity of 8.99% [5][7] - The consolidated equity to assets ratio was 10.66% for Q4 2025, down from 10.84% in Q4 2024 [7] - Book value per share increased by 7.1% to $38.08 from $35.56 a year earlier [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans grew by 2.5%, or $126.8 million, reaching an all-time high of $5.2 billion [9] - Home equity lines of credit increased by $54.1 million, or 13.5%, while residential real estate portfolio grew by $50.6 million, or 1.2% [9][10] - Average commercial loans increased by $24.5 million, or 8.6%, while installment loans decreased by $2.4 million, or 17.3% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits reached $5.6 billion, up $166 million compared to the prior year quarter, indicating strong customer confidence [10] - The bank's net interest income was $43.7 million for Q4 2025, an increase of 12.4% compared to the prior year quarter [11] - The net interest margin improved to 2.82%, up 22 basis points from the prior year quarter [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized building solid customer relationships and maintaining low cost of funds, which contributed to margin expansion [4] - TrustCo Bank is committed to returning value to shareholders through a disciplined share repurchase program, having repurchased 533,000 shares in Q4 2025 [8] - The bank's strategy includes a focus on relationship banking and competitive product offerings to support ongoing loan growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's long-term strength and ability to manage credit risk effectively despite a modest increase in non-performing loans [9][18] - The bank remains well-positioned to deliver strong net interest income performance even with potential Federal Reserve rate changes [11] - Management is actively seeking new branch locations, particularly in Pasco County, Florida, to capture mortgage business as market dynamics shift [33] Other Important Information - Non-performing loans increased to $20.7 million, with a ratio of 0.39% of total loans, up from 0.37% a year ago [9][18] - Total non-interest expense for Q4 2025 was $26.5 million, down $1.5 million from the prior year quarter [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about asset quality and increase in New York commercial NPLs - Management indicated the increase was due to two relationships involving multi-family properties in Schenectady and Albany [23][24] Question: Clarification on collateral and guarantees for NPLs - Management confirmed that all loans in the portfolio are guaranteed, ensuring good collateral [25] Question: Inquiry about the increase in other expenses - Management explained that year-end expenses included funding for the TrustCo Foundation and other larger expenses [28] Question: Guidance for 2026 expenses - Management provided a range of expected recurring non-interest expenses for 2026, indicating no significant drivers for the increase [29][30] Question: Outlook on branch growth or declines - Management is actively looking for new locations in Pasco County, emphasizing the importance of entering at the right price [33]