USCB Financial (USCB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets reached $2.8 billion, up 8.1% year-over-year [2] - Loans grew by $216 million, or 11%, reflecting strong commercial activity [2] - Deposits increased to $171 million, or 7.9% [2] - Net interest income expanded to 3.27%, improving from 3.16% in the prior year [2] - Non-performing loans stood at 0.14% of total loans, indicating excellent credit quality [3] - Tangible book value per share increased 10.8% year-over-year to $11.97 [3] - GAAP-diluted EPS reported at $0.07, with operational diluted EPS at $0.44 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased $31.9 million, or 6.02% annualized compared to the prior quarter [10] - Gross loan production totaled $196 million in Q4, with $83.5 million from correspondent banking [12] - Average deposits were stable, down $3.9 million compared to the prior quarter but up $314.6 million year-over-year [10] - Net interest income increased by $933,000 on a linked quarter basis, representing 17.4% annualized growth [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's loan portfolio increased to just under $2.2 billion, with commercial real estate representing 57% [18] - The quality of the loan portfolio remains strong, with a past-due ratio at 0.14% [19] - The bank's securities portfolio ended the quarter with $461.4 million, with a quarterly portfolio yield of 3.01% [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand and strengthen its deposit base as a top priority for 2026 [25] - Focus on four strong business lines: Business Banking, Private Client Group, Association Banking, and Correspondent Banking [26] - Plans to launch a new lending and deposit gathering team in targeted small business markets [27] - Emphasis on relationship-driven growth rather than rate-driven [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the bank's business model and strategic actions to enhance earnings power in 2026 [3] - Anticipation of further NIM improvement supported by rate cuts and ongoing deposit strategy execution [13] - The bank's capital ratios exceed regulatory requirements, indicating a solid financial position [6] Other Important Information - The board approved a 25% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $0.12 per share [6] - The company executed a $40 million subordinated debt issuance, primarily used for share repurchase [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Deposit trends and shrinkage at year-end - Management noted a significant deposit move of over $100 million from a long-term client, which is expected to rebuild over time [35] Question: Loan-to-deposit ratio expectations - Management prefers a loan-to-deposit ratio between 90-95% and anticipates rebuilding deposits in 2026 [39] Question: SBA vertical expansion - The SBA initiative has been growing prudently, aiming for $40-$50 million in annual volume over the next three years [41] Question: Capital strategy and priorities - The focus remains on building capital and returning it to shareholders, with no significant plans for new initiatives [47] Question: Margin expectations for the first quarter - Management expects NIM to be flat to slightly up in the first quarter, with potential for growth from rate cuts [54] Question: Expense outlook - Anticipated expenses to gradually increase with new hires, targeting a low 50% efficiency ratio [65] Question: Fee income outlook - Expected non-interest income to build around $3.5-$3.8 million range for 2026, driven by various fee-generating activities [68]