The Bancorp(TBBK) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bancorp reported earnings of $1.28 per share for Q4 2025, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth in EPS [4] - GDV (Gross Deposit Volume) increased by 16% in Q4 compared to the prior year, with a total annual growth of 17% in 2025 [4][5] - Revenue growth for the quarter was 3% year-over-year, excluding credit enhancement income [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sponsorship balances reached $1.1 billion, up 40% from Q3 and 142% year-over-year [5] - Consumer fintech loans increased by $644 million, now constituting 15% of the total loan portfolio, which grew to $7.26 billion [8] - Non-interest income, excluding credit enhancement, accounted for over 30% of revenue in the quarter, with approximately 90% of fees coming from the fintech business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits in Q4 were $7.6 billion, with an average cost of 177 basis points [9] - Criticized assets decreased from $268 million to $194 million, a 28% decline quarter-over-quarter [6] - Delinquency rates improved from 2.19% to 1.6% of loans from Q3 to Q4 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Bancorp is focused on three main fintech initiatives aimed at creating significant shareholder value, including credit sponsorship, embedded finance platform development, and new program implementations [5] - The company is targeting a 2026 EPS guidance of $5.90, with a preliminary 2027 guidance of $8.25, which includes stock buybacks [12] - The strategy emphasizes optimizing funding costs and increasing revenue through off-balance sheet deposits and fintech partnerships [22][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the EPS targets for 2026 and 2027, citing strong tax season expectations and ongoing fintech initiatives [20][21] - The impact of the government shutdown on GDV was noted, but management does not foresee it affecting Q1 2026 significantly [20] - The company is optimistic about the growth of credit sponsorship and the overall fintech business, expecting substantial improvements in financial metrics [5][9] Other Important Information - Non-interest expense for Q4 was $56.2 million, which included $2 million from a legal settlement [10] - The Bancorp repurchased $150 million of its stock in Q4, totaling $375 million for the year [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the EPS ramp and revenue drivers? - Management highlighted large revenue opportunities and confidence in upcoming announcements regarding credit sponsorship and the embedded finance platform [15][16] Question: What were the primary drivers affecting Q4 results? - Key drivers included legal fees, the unexpected duration of the government shutdown, and the timing of credit sponsorship growth [18][19] Question: What is the plan for off-balance sheet deposits? - The company expects to continue generating deposit growth while optimizing the mix of on and off-balance sheet deposits to enhance earnings [22][39] Question: Can you discuss the refinancing of REBL loans? - Some refinancings were with new partners, and the existing properties are in stronger positions than when originated, with lower interest rates due to the current environment [29] Question: How does the company view the threat of fintechs obtaining bank charters? - Management believes many partners will not seek licenses and emphasizes the scalability and low-cost benefits of their platform [36][38]