Northeast Bank (NBN) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
Overview
Despite a robust loan growth and optimistic outlook on SBA and insured small business products, the earnings call reveals several concerns. Reduced net income, declining EPS, and lower ROE and ROA due to SBA activity disruptions weigh negatively. The Q&A section indicates no share buybacks, but potential future NIM improvement. The cautious approach to funding mix and unclear retention rates for purchase loans add uncertainty. Overall, these mixed signals suggest a neutral sentiment, with no strong catalysts for significant stock price movement in either direction over the next two weeks.
Key Financial Performance
Net Income $20.7 million for the quarter, a decrease compared to previous quarters. The decline was primarily due to reduced SBA activity caused by the government shutdown from October 1 to November 12 and changes in SBA small balance program underwriting requirements.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) $2.49 diluted for the quarter. The decline in SBA gains compared to the previous quarter resulted in a $0.50 reduction in EPS.
Return on Equity (ROE) 15.6% for the quarter, slightly lower than the 3-year average of 17.7%. The decrease is attributed to lower net income due to reduced SBA activity.
Return on Assets (ROA) 1.87% for the quarter, slightly below the 3-year average of 2%. The decline is linked to reduced SBA activity and lower net income.
Loan Growth Loans ended the quarter at $4.4 billion, up from $3.7 billion as of September 30, representing significant growth. This was driven by $533 million in purchased loans and $252 million in originated loans.
Net Interest Margin (NIM) 4.49% for the quarter, down from 4.59% in the previous quarter. The decrease was due to a lag in liabilities repricing and higher funding costs.
SBA Loan Originations $39.8 million originated during the quarter, with $25 million sold for a gain of $2.1 million. SBA activity was heavily impacted by the government shutdown and changes in underwriting requirements.
Small Business Insured Loan Originations $70.6 million originated during the quarter. This new product gained traction during the government shutdown.
Allowance for Credit Losses Increased from $46.7 million (1.24% coverage ratio) at September 30 to $63.8 million (1.47% coverage ratio) at December 31. The increase was largely due to purchase loan activity.
Net Charge-Offs $2.9 million for the quarter, up from $1.9 million in the previous quarter. The increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million charge-off on a single purchase loan, which was previously reserved for.
Noninterest Expense $20.8 million for the quarter, down from $21.9 million in the previous quarter. The decrease was due to lower professional fees and reduced loan acquisition and collection costs.
Total Assets $4.95 billion at the end of the quarter, up from $3.7 billion as of September 30. The growth was driven by significant loan volume.
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Operating Highlights
Small Business Lending: Over the past 3 years, the bank originated $653 million in small business loans, primarily SBA 7(a) loans, with $448 million sold.
New Small Balance Insured Loan Program: Launched a new small balance insured business loan program, originating $70.6 million in the quarter.
Loan Purchases: Purchased $575 million in loans at a 92.6% discount, contributing to a total loan balance of $4.4 billion.
Loan Originations: Originated $252 million in loans this quarter, a record for the bank, with a weighted average rate of 7.6%.
Net Income: Reported net income of $20.7 million for the quarter, slightly lower than previous quarters due to SBA program disruptions.
Net Interest Margin (NIM): NIM was 4.49%, slightly down from 4.59% in the previous quarter.
Expense Management: Noninterest expense decreased to $20.8 million from $21.9 million in the previous quarter.
Focus on SBA Loans: Despite challenges from the government shutdown, the bank plans to increase SBA loan originations and sales in future quarters.
Expansion of Loan Programs: Considering new product offerings and secondary market sales for small balance insured loans.
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Risk or Challenges
SBA Loan Originations and Sales: The government shutdown from October 1 through November 12 significantly limited the bank's ability to originate and sell SBA loans, resulting in a $6 million decrease in gains compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, changes in SBA small balance loan underwriting requirements have increased the time and documentation needed, further impacting efficiency and profitability.
Net Interest Margin (NIM): The NIM decreased from 4.59% to 4.49% due to a lag in the repricing of liabilities, with $1.25 billion in CDs maturing over the next six months at a weighted average rate of 4.05%. This could pressure profitability if not managed effectively.
Loan Purchases and Funding Costs: The bank's significant loan purchases at the end of the quarter were funded through brokered CDs and FHLB borrowings at a weighted average cost of 3.8%. This reliance on external funding sources could increase interest expense and impact margins.
Asset Quality and Credit Losses: The allowance for credit losses increased from $46.7 million to $63.8 million, with net charge-offs rising to $2.9 million, including a $1.2 million charge-off on a single purchased loan. While asset quality remains stable, these increases highlight potential risks in the loan portfolio.
Competitive Pressures in Loan Origination: The bank faces increasing competition from private lenders in the middle-market space, which could pressure yields and make it more challenging to maintain credit quality while achieving growth.
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Guidance & Outlook
Loan Growth and Net Interest Income: The bank expects significantly more net interest income in the following quarters due to a higher loan book, which increased by $500 million at the end of December.
SBA Loan Originations and Sales: SBA loan originations and sales are expected to increase, contributing to higher net interest income and gains in subsequent quarters. A run rate of $20 million per month for SBA loan volume is anticipated.
Small Balance Insured Loans: The bank plans to sell small balance insured loans into the secondary market while retaining residual economics, with more details to follow.
Market Opportunities and M&A: The pipeline for loan purchases is robust, with significant opportunities expected in the next several quarters, driven by increased bank M&A activity.
Funding Costs and Competition: Despite increasing competition from private lenders, the bank expects to maintain its competitive edge in the middle market space due to favorable funding costs and quick closing capabilities.
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Shareholder Return Plan
The selected topic was not discussed during the call.
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Key Q&A
Q:Did the company buy back any stock in the fourth quarter?
A:No, the company did not buy back any stock during the quarter. The decrease in share count was due to stock compensation activity and cancellation of shares to cover taxes.
Q:Did the company utilize the ATM (At-The-Market) program this quarter?
A:No, the company did not utilize the ATM program this quarter. The only share activity was related to stock compensation.
Q:Should we expect a lift in the net interest margin going forward?
A:Yes, management anticipates a lift in the net interest margin due to downward liability repricing over the next two quarters.
Q:How does the company plan to evolve its funding mix as the balance sheet grows?
A:The company plans to continue relying on brokered deposits as the main source of growth, while also focusing on growing deposits in Maine and exploring other niche opportunities. Management highlighted the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of brokered deposits.
Q:What percentage of purchase loans does the company typically retain at maturity?
A:Management did not provide a specific percentage but mentioned they try to retain a lot of loans and will provide more information in a future call.
Q:What is the projection for SBA gain on sale income and loan volume for the next quarter?
A:The company projects $50 million to $60 million in SBA loans for the next quarter, with a gain on sale percentage expected to remain in the 8% to 9% range.
Q:What is the outlook for the insured small business product growth?
A:Management believes the run rate is sustainable and demand is high. However, they are cautious about not holding an uncomfortable level of these loans on the balance sheet and are working on selling them to private buyers.
Q:Will the gain on sale for insured small business loans be similar to SBA loans?
A:No, the gain on sale for insured small business loans will be much smaller than SBA loans. However, the company expects to benefit from a spread on assets that are no longer on the balance sheet.
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:Management avoided providing a direct answer to the question about the percentage of purchase loans retained at maturity, stating they did not have the number on hand and would provide it in a future call.
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
CDs
Maine
NIM
New
Officer Chief
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activity SBA
balance loan
balance program
balance sheet
charge
community bank
competition
course
coverage ratio
date
decrease
difference
equity
fund
government shutdown
income quarter
input
loan gain
loan origination
loan program
loan volume
lot loan
market return
pillar
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presentation
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shutdown month
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NBN Transcript
Northeast Bank (NBN) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown1-27
Despite a robust loan growth and optimistic outlook on SBA and insured small business products, the earnings call reveals several concerns. Reduced net income, declining EPS, and lower ROE and ROA due to SBA activity disruptions weigh negatively. The Q&A section indicates no share buybacks, but potential future NIM improvement. The cautious approach to funding mix and unclear retention rates for purchase loans add uncertainty. Overall, these mixed signals suggest a neutral sentiment, with no strong catalysts for significant stock price movement in either direction over the next two weeks.
Northeast Bank (NBN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown10-29
The earnings call reveals mixed signals: strong financial metrics like net income and ROE, yet declining NIM and asset value. The Q&A indicates uncertainty in SBA loan gains and margin outlook. Despite a positive outlook for loan growth, risks from increased payoffs and uncertain SBA recovery weigh down sentiment. The sentiment is neutral, as positive financial results are offset by uncertainties and lack of guidance.
Northeast Bank (NBN) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive7-29
The earnings call reveals strong financial performance with record net income, robust loan activity, and high ROE and ROA. Despite SBA volume challenges, the bank is optimistic about market opportunities and has plans for technological investments. The Q&A highlighted management's confidence in loan purchases and non-problematic elevated loans. While new SBA regulations pose challenges, the overall sentiment is positive, supported by record revenue and strategic growth plans. The stock is likely to see a positive movement of 2% to 8% over the next two weeks.
Northeast Bank (NBN) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown4-30
The earnings call presents a mixed picture: while there is growth in loan volume and SBA lending, net interest income decreased, and expenses rose due to compensation catch-up. The Q&A reveals cautious optimism but highlights uncertainties, particularly in loan yields and market conditions. The lack of a share repurchase program and unclear guidance on SBA growth further contribute to a neutral outlook. Without a market cap, the stock's reaction is uncertain, but the mixed signals and lack of clear positive catalysts suggest a neutral stock price movement.
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