Western Alliance Bancorporation(WAL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, EPS was $2.59, up 33% year-over-year, with a return on average assets of 1.23% and return on average tangible common equity at 16.9% [5] - For the full year, net interest income reached a record $2.9 billion, net revenue was $3.5 billion, and pre-provision net revenue was $1.4 billion, with net revenue and pre-provision net revenue increasing 12% and 26% respectively from the prior year [10] - Non-interest income rose 25%, primarily driven by stronger commercial banking and disbursement fees [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - HFI loan growth for the full year was $5 billion, or 9%, with deposits increasing by $10.8 billion, or 16% [6] - Mortgage banking revenues were relatively stable, only down $5 million compared to the prior quarter, with expectations for stronger results in 2026 due to favorable regulatory changes and mortgage rate reductions [7] - Regional Banking posted about $1 billion of loan growth, with significant contributions from Innovation Banking and hotel franchise finance [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits were essentially flat for the quarter, with notable growth in Regional Banking deposits, which increased by $1.4 billion [15] - The mix of ECR deposits is expected to hold constant, with around 37% of total deposits being ECR on an average basis [52] - The bank's total assets expanded to approximately $93 billion, with total equity ending the year at $8 billion [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to cross $100 billion in assets by year-end 2026 while maintaining steady expense growth [8] - The focus is on organic growth, with loan growth projected at $6 billion and deposit growth at $8 billion for 2026 [24] - The company is investing in new business lines and technology to support future growth, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency [79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong earnings momentum for 2026, supported by a healthier macro backdrop and accommodative regulatory environment [24] - The outlook includes expectations for net interest income growth of 11%-14% and non-interest income growth of 2%-4% [25] - Management anticipates net charge-offs to be between 25 and 35 basis points as they work through non-accrual balances [26] Other Important Information - The company issued $400 million of subordinated debt to bolster its total capital ratio [21] - Tangible book value per share increased by 17.3% year-over-year to $61.29, reflecting strong organic earnings [21] - The efficiency ratio improved, with a Q4 efficiency ratio of 55.7% [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth guidance - Management indicated that the projected loan growth of $6 billion and deposit growth of $8 billion leads the peer group and reflects organic growth [31] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-offs are expected to be slightly higher in the first half of the year as the company works to reduce non-accrual loans [34] Question: Non-interest income sustainability - The strength in non-interest income is driven by treasury management and digital disbursements, with expectations for continued growth [39] Question: ECR deposit expectations - ECR deposits are expected to hold constant in mix, with a beta of 65%-70% on ECR deposits [54] Question: Loan origination spreads - The company is experiencing competitive pressures but maintains a focus on quality and operational efficiency [57]