BayFirst Financial (US:BAFN)2026-01-30 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $2.5 million in Q4 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $18.9 million in Q3 2025, which included a restructuring charge of $7.3 million and additional provision expense of $8.1 million [7] - Loans held for investment decreased by $34.8 million, or 3.5%, in Q4 2025, ending at $963.9 million, with a total annual decrease of $102.7 million, or 9.6% [7] - Deposits increased by $12.5 million, or 1.1%, in Q4 2025, totaling $1.18 billion, with a year-over-year increase of $40.7 million, or 3.6% [8] - Shareholders' equity at quarter end was $87.6 million, down $23.4 million from the end of 2024, and tangible book value decreased to $17.22 per share from $17.90 per share in Q3 2025 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's net interest margin remained stable at 3.58%, down 3 basis points from Q3 2025, with net interest income of $11.2 million in Q4 2025, a decrease of about $100,000 from Q3 2025 but an increase of $500,000 from the same quarter last year [9] - Treasury management revenues grew by 69% compared to Q4 2024, indicating strong performance in this business line [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that 85% of its deposits were insured by the FDIC as of December 31, 2025, providing a strong safety net for depositors [8] - The liquidity ratio was over 18% at year-end, supporting efforts to reduce high-cost deposits and improve the bank's cost of funds [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has exited the SBA 7(a) lending business and is focusing on becoming the premier community bank in the Tampa Bay area, emphasizing organic growth in deposits and community engagement [2][3] - The strategic plan for 2026 includes fortifying the balance sheet and maintaining a culture of disciplined risk management to drive sustainable revenue growth [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the legacy SBA 7(a) business but expressed confidence in the bank's ability to manage future risks and improve asset quality [4][19] - The focus on credit risk management is a priority, with efforts to reduce non-performing and classified loans expected to improve in the coming quarters [19] Other Important Information - The provision for credit losses was $2 million in Q4 2025, significantly lower than $10.9 million in Q3 2025 and $4.5 million in Q4 2024 [12] - Non-interest income was negative $104,000 in Q4 2025, an improvement from the previous quarter but a decrease from $22.3 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to reduced gains from the sale of SBA loans [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the specific allowance against the $171 million of unguaranteed government loans, and what's been the recent default experience? - The company indicated that approximately 13% of the $171.6 million in unguaranteed balances is covered by the allowance for credit losses, with a default rate lower than that [25] Question: What was the peak of the unguaranteed portion before the loan sale? - The unguaranteed portion was about $50.5 million higher at the end of Q3 2025 [28] Question: Can you discuss the growth in deposits and the reduction in deposit costs? - The growth in deposits is attributed to strong relationships with customers and effective management of deposit costs, with a reduction of nearly 13 basis points sequentially [35][36]