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01/11 16:17
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Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
The earnings call presents a mixed picture: strong loan growth and margin improvement are positive, but increasing nonperforming loans and credit losses are concerning. The Q&A reveals uncertainty in M&A and charge-offs, and management's lack of clarity on certain issues. Despite optimistic profitability guidance, the economic outlook and credit provisions temper expectations. Without market cap data, a neutral sentiment is appropriate given the balance of positive and negative factors.
Earnings per share (EPS) for the June quarter $1.39 diluted, unchanged from the linked March quarter, but up $0.20 from the June 2024 quarter (17% growth year-over-year). The increase was driven by higher net interest margin, net interest income, and noninterest income, along with a lower provision for income tax expense. This was partially offset by an increase in provision for credit losses.
Full year fiscal '25 earnings per share (EPS) $5.18 compared to $4.42 in fiscal '24. The increase was predominantly driven by stronger net interest income, which stemmed from almost 7% earning asset growth and net interest margin expansion as funding costs declined and the loan portfolio adjusted up with higher market rates.
Tangible book value per share Increased by $5.19 or just above 14% over the last 12 months to $41.87. This reflects the company's strong earnings growth and capital position.
Net interest margin (NIM) for the quarter 3.46%, up from 3.39% in the third quarter of fiscal '25. The increase was due to loan yield expansion and the deployment of lower-yielding excess interest-earning cash balances into higher-yielding loans.
Gross loan balances Increased by $76 million or 7.6% annualized during the quarter and by $250 million or 6.5% compared to June 30 a year ago. The growth was led by C&I, multifamily, and ag production loans.
Provision for credit losses $2.5 million, up $1.6 million over the linked quarter. The increase was primarily due to net charge-offs, loan growth, and an increase in expected funding rates on available balances.
Deposit balances as of June 30, '25 Increased by $20 million or about 2% annualized compared to the linked quarter. This reflects seasonal outflows from public units and agricultural clients deploying funds for the crop year.
Nonperforming loans (NPLs) $23 million at June 30, up $1.1 million compared to the last quarter and up $16 million year-over-year. The increase was primarily due to a construction loan related to a senior living facility placed on nonaccrual status and other specific purpose CRE loans.
Nonperforming assets Decreased by about $100,000 compared to a year ago due to the sale of a parcel of other real estate, offset by additional nonperforming loans.
Loans past due 30 to 89 days $6.1 million, down $9 million from March and 15 basis points on gross loans. This is a decrease of 23 basis points compared to the linked quarter and in line compared to a year ago.
Total delinquent loans $25.6 million, up $1.2 million from the March quarter and up $16.4 million from June 2024. The increase was due to special purpose CRE loans with partial charge-offs and migration to 90 days or more past due.
Agricultural real estate balances $245 million or 6% of gross loans, down $2 million quarter-over-quarter but up $12.5 million year-over-year. The changes reflect normal seasonality and higher operating costs.
Agricultural production and equipment loans $206 million or 5% of gross loans, up $20 million quarter-over-quarter and $30 million year-over-year. The increase was driven by normal seasonality and higher operating costs.
Net charge-offs for the quarter $5.3 million, with $4.2 million related to special purpose CRE loans and $742,000 related to a commercial contractor. Despite the increase, the net charge-off ratio for fiscal 2025 was only 17 basis points, which compares well versus banks under $10 billion.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL) $51.6 million, representing 1.26% of gross loans and 224% of nonperforming loans. This was a decrease from the linked quarter due to net charge-offs and a decline in certain qualitative adjustments, partially offset by higher model losses reflecting a deteriorating economic outlook.
Earnings and Profitability: Quarter-over-quarter earnings increased slightly due to higher net interest margin and net interest income, along with increased noninterest income and lower tax expenses. Fiscal year 2025 earnings grew to $5.18 per share, up from $4.42 in fiscal 2024, driven by 7% earning asset growth and net interest margin expansion.
Loan Growth: Gross loan balances increased by $76 million during the quarter (7.6% annualized) and $250 million year-over-year (6.5%). Growth was led by C&I, multifamily, and agricultural production loans.
Credit Quality: Credit quality deteriorated slightly, with nonperforming loans increasing to $23 million (0.56% of gross loans). Specific reserves were increased for agricultural borrowers due to prolonged weakness in the sector.
Net Interest Margin (NIM): NIM for the quarter was 3.46%, up from 3.39% in the prior quarter. The company plans to adjust its NIM calculation methodology in fiscal 2026 to reduce volatility.
Dividend Increase: Quarterly dividend increased by $0.02 (8.7%) to $0.25 per share, reflecting strong capital position.
M&A Opportunities: The company noted a modest increase in M&A discussions and highlighted potential opportunities in Missouri, Arkansas, and adjacent markets, targeting banks with assets between $500 million and $2 billion.
Credit Quality Deterioration: Credit quality has deteriorated from historically low levels, with adversely classified loans totaling $50 million (1.2% of total loans). Nonperforming loans increased to $23 million, up $1.1 million from the previous quarter and $16 million year-over-year. Specific issues include a $5.7 million construction loan on nonaccrual status and $6.2 million in nonowner-occupied CRE loans with significant charge-offs.
Agricultural Sector Challenges: Farmers face rising input costs, weak commodity prices, and tight cash flows, leading to increased reliance on credit lines and preapproved contingency lines. Some farmers are voluntarily winding down operations, and collateral coverage is weakening due to falling equipment values and tight cash flows. Future pricing for key crops remains soft, and many producers are pessimistic about profitability in 2025.
Provision for Credit Losses: Provision for credit losses increased to $2.5 million, up $1.6 million from the previous quarter, driven by net charge-offs and loan growth. Net charge-offs for the quarter were $5.3 million, primarily due to special purpose CRE loans and a commercial contractor credit.
Economic and Market Uncertainty: Uncertainty surrounding the economy and potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve could impact net interest margin and overall financial performance. Additionally, prepayment activity may slow net loan growth despite a strong origination pipeline.
Nonowner-Occupied CRE Concentration: The nonowner-occupied CRE concentration remains high at approximately 302% of Tier 1 capital, with expectations for this ratio to increase further in fiscal 2026, posing potential risks to capital adequacy.
Agricultural Lending Risks: Prolonged weakness in the agricultural segment has led to increased reserves for watch list ag borrowers. Farmers' financial challenges, including rising costs and weak crop prices, could lead to further credit quality deterioration.
Net Interest Margin (NIM): The company plans to change its reported quarterly NIM calculation to be based on the annualized day count in fiscal 2026, which should reduce volatility in the NIM due to differences in each quarter's total days. Optimism exists for further margin expansion in fiscal 2026 due to opportunities to lower CD specials and the repricing of the loan portfolio to current market rates.
Loan Growth: The company expects mid-single-digit loan growth for fiscal 2026, supported by a strong loan origination pipeline totaling $224 million for the next 90 days. However, higher-than-usual prepayment activity in the first quarter may slow net loan growth.
CRE Concentration: The company expects its CRE ratio to increase somewhat through the year but remain in the 300% to 325% range of Tier 1 capital.
Agricultural Segment: The company anticipates challenges in the agricultural segment due to rising input costs, weak commodity prices, and tighter cash flows. It is proactively increasing reserves for watch list agricultural borrowers and leveraging federal aid programs to support farmers.
Credit Quality: The company is redoubling efforts to improve credit quality results and is comfortable with its ability to manage potential wider deterioration due to general economic conditions.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): The company has seen a modest uptick in M&A discussions and remains optimistic about potential opportunities, particularly in Missouri, Arkansas, and adjacent markets.
Quarterly Dividend Increase: The company announced a $0.02 or 8.7% increase in its quarterly dividend, bringing it to $0.25 per share.
Tangible Book Value Growth: Tangible book value per share increased by $5.19 or just above 14% over the last 12 months to $41.87.
Shareholder Returns: Over the past 5 years, the company has returned an average of 17% of earnings to shareholders through cash dividends.
The earnings call summary indicates strong financial performance with increased loan balances and deposit growth. The Q&A section provides confidence in future loan growth and cost control, despite some risk in the agricultural sector. Positive factors include increased buyback activity and optimistic M&A discussions. The overall sentiment is positive, suggesting a likely stock price increase of 2% to 8% over the next two weeks.
The earnings call presents a mixed picture: strong loan growth and margin improvement are positive, but increasing nonperforming loans and credit losses are concerning. The Q&A reveals uncertainty in M&A and charge-offs, and management's lack of clarity on certain issues. Despite optimistic profitability guidance, the economic outlook and credit provisions temper expectations. Without market cap data, a neutral sentiment is appropriate given the balance of positive and negative factors.
The earnings call reveals several challenges: increased nonperforming loans, agricultural sector pressures, economic uncertainty, and operational risks. Despite strong financial metrics like EPS growth and NIM improvement, the Q&A section highlights management's unclear responses on key issues like commodity exports and NPL collateral. The lack of a share repurchase program and rising operational costs further dampen sentiment. The combination of these factors suggests a negative stock price movement in the near term, likely between -2% and -8%.
The earnings call presents a mixed picture: strong loan growth and stable financial metrics, but concerns about deposit competition and economic factors in agriculture. Positive EPS growth and net interest income are offset by seasonal loan growth slowdown and lack of a shareholder return plan. The Q&A highlights management's uncertainty about deposit competition and liquidity pressures, which tempers optimism. Overall, the sentiment is neutral, as the positive aspects balance out the concerns, leading to an expectation of minimal stock price movement.
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