West Bancorporation(US:WTBA)2026-01-29 21:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q4 2025 was $7.4 million, compared to $9.3 million in Q3 2025 and $7.1 million in Q4 2024, while net income for the full year 2025 was $32.6 million, up from $24.1 million in 2024, representing a 35% increase year-over-year [4][14] - The company executed a securities loss trade, realizing a pre-tax net loss of $4 million from the sale of $64 million in securities available for sale, which is expected to improve the balance sheet flexibility [4][14] - Net interest margin increased by 11 basis points from Q3 and 49 basis points from Q4 last year, while the cost of deposits declined by 28 basis points from Q3 and 64 basis points from Q4 last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings were slightly down at just under $3 billion due to larger payoffs from asset sales and refinancing activity, with a focus on replacing those assets with quality new assets at better interest rates [8][9] - Core deposit balances, excluding brokered funds, increased approximately $212 million in Q4 and $223 million for the year, with growth seen across retail, commercial, and public fund deposits [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The watch list for loans increased but remains low at 1.7% of total loans, with 70% of the watch list related to the trucking industry, which is currently facing challenges [6] - The company is experiencing strong credit quality with no past dues over 30 days, no nonaccruals, and no substandard loans [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong customer relationships and is actively pursuing new business opportunities, particularly in the wake of recent M&A activity in the market [12][13] - The strategy includes targeting high-quality retail deposits and business banking opportunities, leveraging community relationships to grow the business [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating loan growth to pick up with economic expansion and a strong position for growth [4] - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to potential volatility from public funds, but the company aims for continued mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits [26] Other Important Information - The company declared a $0.25 dividend payable on February 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 11, 2026 [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through some of the loan growth dynamics in the quarter? - The company experienced elevated payoffs, including a specific customer selling medical office buildings for over $50 million, with expectations for continued activity in the first quarter [20][21] Question: Can you update us on the amount of loans repricing over the balance of this year? - Approximately $400 million in fixed-rate loans are set to reprice in 2026, with an expected yield pickup of around 1.5%-2% [24] Question: Are you expecting continued mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits this year? - The outlook for deposits is uncertain due to public funds volatility, but growth in retail and commercial deposits is anticipated [26] Question: What is the potential for additional securities portfolio repositionings in 2026? - The company will continue to evaluate its liquidity and cash needs for potential repositionings, with no set goals for 2026 [28] Question: What is the starting point for the margin given the recent repositioning? - The current margin is around 2.5%, with expectations for improvement throughout the year [30]