Orrstown Financial Services(ORRF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orrstown achieved a record annual net income of $80.9 million, or $4.18 per diluted share, with a return on average equity of 14.76% and return on average assets of 1.49% [3] - For Q4 2025, net income was $21.5 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, with a net interest margin of 4.00%, down from 4.11% in Q3 [9][10] - Fee income for the quarter was $14.4 million, contributing to 22% of total revenues, marking the third consecutive quarter above 20% [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was steady at 4% during Q4, with a balanced mix across commercial and real estate lending [6][15] - Non-interest income increased to $14.4 million in Q4 from $13.4 million in Q3, driven by growth in wealth management and treasury management services [11][12] - The bank recorded minimal provision expense of $0.1 million and net charge-offs of $0.5 million, with classified loans decreasing by $5.7 million from the prior quarter [7][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits were relatively flat, declining slightly by $5 million, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 89% [16] - The cost of deposits was 1.98% for Q4, with expectations for reductions in funding costs starting in Q1 2026 [16][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on enhancing fee income and investing in talent, with recent hiring of a Chief Wealth Officer to drive growth in wealth management [5][6] - Orrstown is strategically investing in the middle-market commercial lending platform and expanding its presence in growth markets [38] - The company remains committed to organic growth, with M&A being a lower priority unless suitable opportunities arise [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong profitability and anticipates continued growth in loan production and fee income [19] - The company expects net interest margin to stabilize around 4% despite anticipated rate cuts in 2026 [10][31] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing a robust loan pipeline and strong credit quality [7][19] Other Important Information - The board approved a quarterly dividend increase from $0.27 to $0.30 per share, marking a 50% increase since the merger date [8] - The investment portfolio yield decreased to 4.58% from 4.67% due to declining rates, but the portfolio is positioned well for earnings growth [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the increase in guidance for non-interest income and expenses? - Management clarified that the increase reflects ongoing strategy to invest in talent to drive future earnings, not a change in strategy [24][25] Question: Can you clarify the NIM trajectory for the year? - Management indicated that core NIM is expected to increase in Q1, with a decline in purchase accounting accretion of about 2-3 basis points each quarter [28][30] Question: What is the current AUM or AUA and success in onboarding Codorus Valley customers? - Total AUM was over $3 billion, with no significant decline in the portfolio from Codorus Valley customers [36][37] Question: What areas is the company focusing on for hiring? - The company is focusing on building out the middle-market commercial lending platform and enhancing wealth management in growth markets [38] Question: What is the current thinking around share buybacks? - Management is monitoring share buyback opportunities but has not found the current stock price favorable for repurchases [46] Question: What yields were achieved on recent securities purchases? - The average yield on recent purchases was 4.92%, with expectations for continued benefits from the investment portfolio [47]