SB Financial Group(SBFG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the fourth quarter was $3.9 million, with diluted EPS of $0.63, up $0.08 or approximately 15% year-over-year [4] - For the full year, GAAP EPS was $2.19, a 27% increase from $1.72 in 2024, marking the second-highest per-share earnings performance in the last 20 years [4] - Tangible book value per share increased to $18, up from $16 last year, representing a 12.5% increase [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income for the quarter totaled $12.7 million, a nearly 17% increase from $10.9 million in Q4 2024 [5] - Loan growth for the quarter was $70 million, an annualized increase of 25%, with year-over-year growth of $133.9 million or 12.8% [6] - Non-interest income decreased by 18.6% year-over-year to $3.7 million, primarily due to decreased mortgage servicing rates [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $45 million or 14% on an annualized basis in the quarter, with year-over-year growth of nearly $155 million or 13% [7] - Mortgage originations for the quarter were $72.4 million, down from the prior year but up compared to the linked quarter [9] - The company held approximately $50 million in excess liquidity and had access to $160 million in outstanding debt capacity [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to support prudent growth and long-term value creation through a well-capitalized balance sheet and diversified business lines [4] - Strategic initiatives focus on growing and diversifying revenue, operational excellence, and maintaining asset quality [10] - The Marblehead acquisition has transitioned from integration to execution, providing a foundation for organic growth [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the loan pipeline and the stability of the core deposit base, which supports performance improvement [30] - The company anticipates a gradual decrease in net interest margin in 2026 due to higher funding costs [38] - Management expects to maintain a positive operating leverage of 1.5-2 times in 2026, with a focus on expense control [55] Other Important Information - The company announced a dividend of $0.155 per share, marking the thirteenth consecutive year of increasing annual dividend payouts [30] - Total assets reached $3.6 billion, with a diversified asset base providing revenue diversification [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on margin and outlook? - Management noted that deposit pricing is a concern due to competitive pressures, forecasting a gradual decrease in net interest margin in 2026 [38] Question: What is the outlook for mortgage production? - Management expects low to mid single-digit growth in mortgage production for 2026, with potential for higher volumes if additional lenders are added [50][51] Question: How do you view expense growth for 2026? - Management anticipates expense growth to be maintained in the 3.5%-4% range, with a focus on improving operating leverage [54][56] Question: What is the current state of credit quality? - Management expects continued improvement in credit quality as existing credits are resolved, maintaining a robust internal loan review process [66]