First Business(FBIZ) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First Business Financial Services reported a nearly 15% growth in pre-tax, pre-provision earnings over 2024, with a return on average tangible common equity exceeding 15% for the year [4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 14% year-over-year, and earnings per share (EPS) grew 14% over 2024, surpassing the long-term annual goal of 10% earnings growth [4][5] - The net interest margin (NIM) declined by 15 basis points to 3.53%, primarily due to a non-accrual interest reversal, but remained stable at 3.64% for the full year [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private wealth business generated a record $3.8 million in fee income, up 11% year-over-year, while service charges increased nearly 20% year-over-year [9] - Non-interest income showed resilience despite lower SBA gains and variable swap and loan fees, achieving 10% operating revenue growth for the full year [10][11] - Loan balances grew by approximately $39 million, or 5% annualized during the quarter, and $261 million, or 8% over the same period last year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced elevated commercial real estate (CRE) payoff activity during Q4, with total payoffs in 2025 exceeding 2024 levels by almost $70 million [12] - Core deposit balances increased by 12% from both the linked and prior year quarters, primarily from core interest-bearing and money market accounts [14] - The company anticipates continued solid loan demand in its bank markets, particularly in Southern Wisconsin, benefiting from a strong regional economy [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain double-digit growth in earnings and revenue, focusing on talent acquisition, technology investment, and prudent underwriting [21] - The board approved a 17% increase in the quarterly cash dividend, reflecting confidence in the company's financial success and growth trajectory [5] - The company emphasizes organic growth as the best way to drive shareholder value, rather than pursuing M&A opportunities [72][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth, citing strong pipelines in commercial real estate and C&I loans, as well as potential benefits from changes in federal tax policy [13][21] - The company expects to see growth rebound to typical double-digit rates in 2026, driven by positive trends in the banking industry and client demand [12][21] - Management noted that while deposit pricing pressure remains competitive, it has eased modestly since the Fed began cutting rates [16][70] Other Important Information - The company recorded a non-accrual interest reversal totaling $892,000, which compressed net interest income and lowered the margin by ten basis points in Q4 [8] - The effective tax rate for 2025 was 16.8%, within the expected range of 16%-18%, and the company continues to generate excess capital for organic growth [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the CRE relationship that drove the increase in MPAs - Management provided insights on the timing of appraisals and the current loan-to-value ratio, which is 72% across the cross-collateralized properties [26][28] Question: Expectations for credit costs in the coming year - Management clarified that charge-offs for the quarter were primarily related to equipment finance and not the downgraded CRE loan, indicating no specific reserves were needed [30] Question: Fee income guidance clarification - Management confirmed that the 10% growth expectation for overall fees excludes certain non-recurring items and is based on a solid foundation [32][34] Question: Equipment finance portfolio balance and expectations - The equipment finance portfolio was reported at $20 million, down from $61 million, with expectations for stability moving forward [52] Question: Outlook on specialty businesses and fee income growth - Management highlighted expectations for growth in private wealth and SBA gain on sale, aiming for 10% growth in overall fee income [111]