Primis(US:FRST)2026-01-30 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $29.5 million, or $1.20 per share, with a return on assets (ROA) of almost 3% for the fourth quarter of 2025 [4] - The net interest income increased to approximately $31 million from $26 million in the previous year [18] - The net interest margin improved to 328 basis points from 290 basis points year-over-year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company grew checking accounts by over 23% during the year, with a total increase of about $116 million [6][9] - The loan portfolio saw significant growth, with gross loans held for investment increasing approximately 10% annualized from September 30 to December 31 [17] - Primis Mortgage closed loans increased to approximately $1.2 billion, a 50% increase over 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing deposits ended the year at $554 million, or 16% of total deposits, compared to 14% at the end of 2024 [18] - The company anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across 2026, with seasonal peaks expected [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a sustainable ROA of 1% for the full year 2026, with expectations for margin expansion [39] - The focus remains on growing the core bank with good deposits and integrated lines of business, avoiding reliance on investor commercial real estate [15][54] - The company plans to continue hiring in the mortgage sector but with a more incremental approach to avoid large upfront expenses [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving goals for 2026, citing substantial momentum and opportunities for growth [5][24] - The company has controlled operating expenses and expects to maintain a core expense range of $23 million to $24 million in 2026 [24] - Management noted that the majority of noise from previous quarters is behind them, with expectations for improved margins and reduced expenses [43] Other Important Information - The company completed a sale-leaseback transaction that allowed for repositioning and entering 2026 with momentum [24] - The company has maintained 90% of digital deposit balances despite a decrease in rates, reflecting customer loyalty [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for warehouse balances in 2026? - Management anticipates mortgage warehouse balances to average $500 million across the year, with seasonal peaks expected [28] Question: How should we think about overall loan growth in 2026? - The core bank is expected to grow loans by about $100 million, or 5% to 7%, with additional growth from Panacea and Warehouse [32] Question: What is the target sustainable ROA for 2026? - The target remains a 1% ROA for the full year, with expectations for improvement in the second half [39] Question: Is there still noise in the quarterly expenses? - Most of the noise is expected to be behind the company, with only minor impacts anticipated in the first quarter [43] Question: How will mortgage banking impact expenses? - Mortgage banking expenses are expected to scale with revenue, with a pre-tax contribution of 50 to 60 basis points anticipated [34]