QCR (QCRH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.21 per diluted share for Q4 2025, and record full-year adjusted net income of $130 million, or $7.64 per diluted share [15] - Net interest income increased by $4 million, or 22% annualized in Q4, and $23 million, or 10% for the year, driven by margin expansion [15] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by 6 basis points from the previous quarter, supported by a 14% increase in average earning assets [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business added nearly 500 new client relationships, bringing in over $1 billion in new assets under management, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 10% for both assets and revenue [7] - The LIHTC lending business performed exceptionally well, with significant demand for affordable housing and the addition of 18 new developer partners [8][9] - Total loans grew by $304 million, or 17% annualized in Q4, with traditional loan portfolio growth of $92 million, or 8% annualized [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong deposit growth, with total core deposits increasing by $64 million, or 4% annualized in Q4 [24] - Average deposit balances rose by $237 million, or 13% annualized compared to the previous quarter [24] - The company maintained excellent asset quality, with total criticized loans declining to their lowest level since June 2022 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance its digital transformation, expand its wealth management business, and continue growing its LIHTC lending platform [14] - The multi-charter model allows the company to outperform competitors and gain market share [6] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined expense management strategy while investing in technology and talent to enhance scalability [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, supported by strong loan and deposit pipelines and a stable credit outlook [14] - The company expects additional core margin expansion in Q1 2026, with guidance of 3-7 basis points [18] - Management highlighted the importance of improving the right side of the balance sheet and enhancing operating leverage to support future growth [93] Other Important Information - The company executed share repurchases totaling approximately $13 million in Q4, returning nearly $22 million to shareholders for the full year [26] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 8%, down from 10% in the prior quarter, reflecting a lower pretax income and an increase in tax-exempt income [29] - The company is strategically planning to execute additional LIHTC construction loan sales and securitizations to enhance capital markets revenue [11] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Guidance on capital markets revenues - Management indicated that Q1 is historically the slowest quarter for capital markets revenue, with expectations set accordingly [34] Question: Update on securitization plans - Management confirmed plans for a securitization of approximately $300 million-$350 million in the first half of 2026 [37] Question: Guidance on earning assets for Q1 - Management stated that earning assets heading into Q1 would be consistent with the end of Q4, with robust loan growth expected [43] Question: Deposit gathering expectations - Management emphasized the focus on improving core deposit growth and the mix, with strategies in place to enhance non-interest-bearing deposits [56] Question: Long-term growth opportunities in LIHTC business - Management expressed optimism about the future of the LIHTC business, highlighting the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to guidance while preparing for growth [69]