Axos Financial(US:AX)2026-01-29 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $1.6 billion of net loan growth quarter-over-quarter, with a 19 basis point increase in net interest margin [4][6] - Net interest income was $331.6 million for the quarter, up approximately $41 million or 14% linked quarter [6] - Net income was approximately $128.4 million, a 22.6% increase from $104.7 million in the prior year's second quarter [8] - Diluted earnings per share increased to $2.22, representing a 23.3% year-over-year increase [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total originations for investments, excluding single-family warehouse lending, were $5.6 billion, representing a 35% increase linked quarter [8] - Non-interest income increased by approximately $21 million quarter-over-quarter, with contributions from higher banking service fees and broker-dealer fee income [7] - Non-interest income from Verdant was approximately $18.9 million in the quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending deposit balances were $23.2 billion, up 44.3% linked quarter and 16.5% year-over-year [9] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits were approximately $3.5 billion, compared to $3 billion in the prior quarter [10] - Total assets under custody or administration increased from $43 billion to $44.4 billion [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to generate loan growth in the low to mid-teens on an annual basis, with a focus on deepening relationships with existing vendors and accelerating growth in previously constrained verticals [13][20] - The integration of artificial intelligence across various business units is expected to enhance operational efficiency and innovation [18][19] - The acquisition of Verdant is seen as a strategic fit, with expectations of EPS accretion in fiscal 2026 and 2027 [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong loan growth despite anticipated declines in net interest margin due to robust loan demand [32][34] - The company does not anticipate material losses from loans currently classified as non-performing [17] - Management highlighted the importance of a balanced growth strategy across various business lines to sustain long-term performance [56][58] Other Important Information - Non-interest expenses were approximately $184.6 million, with Verdant contributing $7.8 million in salaries and benefits expenses [24] - Provisions for credit losses increased to $25 million, driven by robust loan growth in commercial lending categories [26] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong capital position and exploring M&A opportunities to augment growth [22][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for net interest margin? - Management confirmed an expected decline in adjusted margin to approximately 4.66% due to robust loan demand [32][34] Question: Can you discuss the pipeline for team liftouts? - Management indicated ongoing team liftouts and the addition of personnel where opportunities arise [35][36] Question: What is the growth outlook for the upcoming quarters? - Management expects balanced growth across various segments, with specific contributions from commercial real estate and floor plan lending [42][43] Question: How is the integration of Verdant progressing? - Management noted that Verdant has been enthusiastically selling deposits and is expected to contribute positively to growth [92][93] Question: What are the expectations for fee income moving forward? - Management indicated that the current quarter's fee income is a good baseline, with potential for small growth as Verdant increases originations [45][47]