Independent Bank Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

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July 25, 2024

There are 7 speakers on the call.

Operator

to Independent Bank Corporation Reports 20 24 Second Quarter Results. My name is Ezra, and I will be coordinating your call today. I will now hand you over to your host, Brad Kessel, President and CEO. Brad, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Good morning, and welcome to today's call. Thank you for joining us for Independent Bank Corporation's conference call and webcast to discuss the company's Q2 2024 results. I am Brad Kessel, President and Chief Executive Officer and joining me is Gavin Moore, EVP and Chief Financial Officer and Joel Rahn, EVP and Head of our Commercial Banking. Before we begin today's call, I would like to direct you to important information on Page 2 of our presentation, specifically the cautionary note regarding forward looking statements. If anyone does not already have a copy of the press release issued by us today, you can access it at the company's website, independentbank.com.

Speaker 1

The agenda for today's call will include prepared remarks, followed by a question and answer session and then closing remarks. Independent Bank Corporation reported 2nd quarter 2024 net income of $18,500,000 or $0.88 per diluted share versus net income of $14,800,000 or $0.70 per diluted share in the prior year period. This represents a return on average assets of 1 point 44% and a return on average equity of 17.98% respectively. I am proud of our team and very pleased with our Q2 2024 results, driving organic growth on both sides of the balance sheet. Overall loans increased 1.2% annualized despite a higher than normal level of commercial payoffs and paydowns, while core deposits are up 4.8 percent annualized.

Speaker 1

We were able to generate net interest margin expansion increasing to 3 point 4 0 percent from 3.30 percent on a linked quarter basis and net interest income growth on both a linked quarter and a year over year quarterly basis. We believe that our expenses continue to be well managed and we continue to see improved operational scale from strategic investments we have made in recent years. Our credit metrics continue to be excellent with watch credits and non performing assets near historic lows. These fundamentals drove good growth in both our earnings per share at 26% and tangible book value per share 16% compared to the prior year quarter. Based on a robust commercial loan pipeline, the past record of our core group of professionals and the ongoing strategic initiative to add talented bankers to our team, we are optimistic about continuing these growth trends for the second half of the year and into 2025.

Speaker 1

Total deposits at June 30, 2024 were $4,610,000,000 Overall core deposits increased $53,300,000 or 4.8 percent annualized during the Q2 of 2024. On a linked quarter basis, retail deposits declined by $22,200,000 Business deposits increased by 143,600,000 dollars and municipal deposits declined by $68,100,000 during the quarter. Our existing customer base continues to exhibit a remix out of non interest bearing and or lower yielding deposit products into our higher yielding product offerings, but the remix pace has slowed. Additionally, our sales team continues to bring in new relationships well below our wholesale cost of funds. We have included in the presentation a historical view of our cost of funds as well as compared to the Fed fund spot rate and Fed effective rate.

Speaker 1

For the quarter, our total cost of funds increased by 1 basis point to 2.202 percent. Through the Q2 of 2024, the cumulative cycle beta for our cost of funds is 38.8%. At this time, I'd like to turn the presentation over to Joel Run to share a few comments on the success we're having in growing our loan portfolios and provide an update on our credit metrics.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Brad, and good morning, everyone. On Page 7, we share an update of our $3,900,000,000 loan portfolio and quarterly activity. Total loans increased by $12,000,000 in the 2nd quarter, representing 1.2% annualized growth. Our mortgage portfolio grew $10,900,000 and our installment portfolio increased by $3,900,000 Our commercial loan portfolio, as Brad mentioned earlier, declined $3,000,000 in the quarter due to extraordinary payoff activity related to business sale, as well as sale of various real estate investment projects. It's worth noting that Q2 commercial loan origination was stronger than Q1, but could not offset the approximate $82,000,000 of unscheduled payoffs realized in the quarter.

Speaker 2

For the first half of the year, our commercial loan portfolio increased $52,000,000 representing 6.2% annualized growth. As noted in the material, in each portfolio, yield on new production is significantly higher than the respective portfolio yield. The commercial portfolio continues to be our highest yielding portfolio with a yield of 6.91%. Based upon a solid commercial pipeline, we see continued growth opportunity in the second half of the year while maintaining our disciplined credit standards. Page 8 provides additional detail on our commercial loan portfolio.

Speaker 2

As pointed out in prior quarters, C and I lending continues to be our primary focus, representing 69% of the portfolio. Manufacturing continues to be the largest concentration within the C and I segment, comprising approximately 10% or $173,000,000 The remaining 31% of the portfolio is comprised of investment real estate with the largest concentration being industrial at 7.9% or 123,000,000 dollars It's worth noting that our exposure to the office segment stands at $84,000,000 or 4.8 percent of our commercial portfolio at quarter end. Our office exposure consists primarily of suburban low rise office space with medical comprising 17% of overall office exposure. The average loan size is $1,300,000 which points to the granularity of the segment of our portfolio. For additional insight into our office exposure, I refer you to Page 25 of the appendix to this presentation.

Speaker 2

Key credit quality metrics and trends are outlined on Page 9. Overall credit quality continues to be excellent. Total non performing loans were $4,500,000 or approximately 10 basis points of total loans at quarter end consistent with threethirty 1. Past due loans totaled $5,300,000 or 14 basis points, down slightly from March 31. While not reflected on the slide, our commercial watch list remains low at 2.2% of the commercial portfolio.

Speaker 2

At this time, I'd like to turn the presentation over to Gavin for his comments, including the outlook for the remainder of the year.

Speaker 3

Thanks, Joel, and good morning, everyone. I'm starting at Page 10 of our presentation. Page 10 highlights our strong regulatory capital position, while capital ratios increased from the linked quarter. Net interest income increased $3,000,000 from the year ago period. Our tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.4% during the Q2 of 20 24 20 4 compared to 3.24 percent in the Q2 of 2023 and up 10 basis points from the Q1 of 2024.

Speaker 3

Average interest earning assets were $4,800,000,000 in the Q2 of 2024 compared to $4,760,000,000 in the year ago quarter and $4,910,000,000 in the Q1 of 2024. Page 12 contains a more detailed analysis of the linked quarter increase in net interest income and net interest margin. On a linked quarter basis, our 2nd quarter 24 net interest margin was positively impacted by 4 factors. Change in earning asset mix equated to 3 basis points, increase in yield on loans equated to 3 basis points, loan fee accretion equated to 5 basis points and change in funding mix equated to 5 basis points. These increases were partially offset by an increase in funding costs that was resulted in 6 basis points.

Speaker 3

On Page 13, we provide details on the institution's interest rate risk position. The comparative simulation analysis for the 2nd quarter of 'twenty four and the Q1 of 'twenty four calculates the change in net interest income over the next 12 months under 5 rate scenarios. All scenarios assume a static balance sheet. The base rate scenario applies the spot yield curve from the valuation date. The shock scenario is considered immediate, permanent and parallel rate changes.

Speaker 3

The base case modeled NII is largely unchanged during the quarter as asset yields benefits from a shift in asset mix, a shift in loan mix and continued asset repricing was offset by liability repricing. D and I sensitivity profile is largely unchanged during the quarter for smaller rate changes of plus or minus 100 basis points. The exposure to larger rising rate scenarios decreased modestly. Asset sensitivity increased slightly, while liability sensitivity declined. Additionally, NII exposure to larger rate declines is largely unchanged.

Speaker 3

Currently, 34.3 percent of assets repriced in 1 month and 44.9% repriced in the next 12 months. Moving on to Page 14, non interest income totaled $15,200,000 in the Q2 of 2024 as compared to $15,400,000 in the year ago quarter and $12,600,000 in the Q1 of 2024. 2nd quarter 'twenty four net gains on mortgage loans totaled $1,300,000 compared to $2,100,000 in the Q2 of 'twenty 3. The decrease is due to decreased profit margins as well as lower volume of loan sales. Gain on equity securities at fair value totaled $2,700,000 during the Q2 of 2024.

Speaker 3

This gain is a consequence of the exchange of our shares of Visa Class B1 common stock into a combination of Visa Class C common stock and Visa Class B2 common stock. With the completion of this exchange, we are able to record the fair value of the Visa Class C common stock through income as it is convertible into publicly traded Visa Class A common stock, while the Visa Class B2 common stock continues to be carried at 0. Positively impacting non interest income was $2,100,000 gain on mortgage loan servicing net. This is comprised of $2,200,000 of the revenue, dollars 900,000 or $0.03 per diluted share gain due to change in price that was partially offset by a $1,000,000 decrease due to paydowns of capitalized mortgage loan servicing rights in the Q2 of 'twenty four. As detailed on Page 15, our non interest expense totaled $33,300,000 in the second quarter of 2024 as compared to $32,200,000 in the year ago quarter and $32,200,000 in the Q1 of 2024.

Speaker 3

Performance based compensation increased $700,000 due to primarily the higher expected incentive compensation payout for salaried and hourly employees. Data processing costs increased by $400,000 from the year ago period, primarily due to core data processor, annual asset growth and CPI related cost increases as well as new solutions implemented during this timeframe. Page 16 is our update for our 2024 outlook to see how our actual performance during the Q2 compared to the original outlook we provided in January of this year. Our outlook estimated loan growth in mid single digits. Loans increased $11,900,000 in the Q2 of 2024, 1.2 percent annualized, which is below our forecasted range.

Speaker 3

Mortgage installment loans had positive growth, while commercial loans decreased in the Q2 of 'twenty four. Q2 2024 net interest income increased by 7.8 percent over 2023, which is within our forecast of mid single digit growth. The net interest margin was 3.4% in the current quarter and 3.24 percent for the prior year quarter and up 10% or 10 basis points, excuse me, from the linked quarter. The Q2 2024 Q2 'twenty four provision for credit losses was an expense of $20,000 below our forecasted range. Moving on to Page 17, non interest income totaled $15,200,000 in the Q2 of 2024, which is higher than our forecasted range of $11,500,000 to $13,000,000 2nd quarter mortgage loan origination sales gains totaled 1 $142,600,000 $95,500,000 $1,300,000 respectively.

Speaker 3

Mortgage loan servicing net generated a gain of $2,100,000 in the Q2 of 'twenty four. Gain on equity securities at fair value of $2,700,000 or $0.10 per diluted share after tax in the Q2 ended June 30, 2024, which is attributed to the exchange of Verveza Class B1 common stock. Non interest expense was $33,300,000 in the 2nd quarter within our forecasted range of $32,500,000 to $33,500,000 Our effective income tax rate of 20% for the Q2 of 'twenty four was in line with our forecast. Lastly, there were no shares we purchased in the Q2 of 2024. That concludes my prepared remarks.

Speaker 3

I would like to now turn the call back over

Speaker 1

to Brad. Thanks, Gavin. I'm very pleased with our first half performance for 2024 and it is very much in line with the strong results which our company has been delivering quarter over quarter, year after year for some time. This success is directly attributable to our talented team, their focus on connecting with customers, investing in our communities and making banking easy. We've built a strong community bank franchise, which positions us well to effectively manage through a variety of economic environments and continue delivering strong and consistent results for our shareholders.

Speaker 1

As we move into the second half of twenty twenty four, our 160th year of serving the communities of Michigan, our focus will be continuing to invest in our team, leveraging our technology and supporting our communities. In doing so, we will continue the rotation of our earning assets out of lower yielding investments into higher yielding loans. With the strong value proposition offered as a large community commercial bank, we believe we can continue to grow our customer base while managing our cost of funds and controlling our non interest expenses. Accordingly, we are excited about our future. At this point in time, we'd like to open the call for questions.

Operator

Our first question is from Brandon Nozell with Hovde Group. Brandon, your line is now open. Please go ahead.

Speaker 4

Hey, good morning, guys. Hope you're doing well.

Speaker 3

Good morning.

Speaker 4

Maybe just to start off on the net interest margin here. I mean, expansion was really quite healthy and probably stronger than I was looking for. Just as we move to the back half of the year, could you help us walk through the moving pieces over the next few quarters and thoughts on where the margin trends from here? Thanks.

Speaker 3

Yes, sure. So we did have some fee accretion that we equate to 5 basis points for the quarter, although that we do view that as part of our core of the business. I anticipate we'll continue to drift higher as we forecast. I think we'll end up within that range. I'm pretty confident it went up in that forecasted range that we provided in January.

Speaker 3

The moving pieces is always the deposit remix And then we're able to see in terms of repricing of the asset book that's currently well below market rates. But yes, I do believe we'll continue to see it drift higher.

Speaker 4

Okay, perfect. One more from me before I step back. It looks like M and A activity in Michigan continues to heat up with another in market transaction announced this morning. Just curious at this point what your own appetite is to participate in the kind of the review activity in the state?

Speaker 1

Brendan, Independent Bank has a history of selective M and A. And I think prospectively, we continue to where it would make sense, would be interested in partnering with other institutions. But it's not a requirement. It doesn't our 5 year forecast is not dependent on doing a deal. So I'm not surprised to see another announcement in the Michigan market and we'll probably see more going forward.

Speaker 1

And if we can be a part of that and it makes sense for us, that would be great.

Operator

Our next question is from Damon DelMonte with KBW. Damon, your line is now open. Please go ahead.

Speaker 5

Hey, this is Matt Ranks filling in for Damon. Hope everybody is doing well today. My first question was just on loan growth. You guys mentioned strong origination activity, strong pipeline. But just looking forward to the second half of the year, how should we think about net growth?

Speaker 5

Do you think pay downs and payoffs will continue to weigh on overall growth or will we get back to that mid single digit range?

Speaker 2

Yes. This is Joel. I really do feel that our game plan we were executing our game plan, our originations as I said were stronger slightly stronger in the Q2 than they were in the Q1. And payoffs happened, but what was extraordinary was that $82,000,000 of quarterly payoffs, which I would note we didn't lose any relationships, but we had a customer sell business and we had a number of real estate projects sold. But they were all bunched within about a 6 week time period.

Speaker 2

So it's just very unusual. And so I just I look at our origination activity has been solid and steady. Our pipeline is as strong as it's been since mid last year. So it's actually been growing as we went through the first half of this year. We're expecting a good solid second half of the year and feel like our original plan that we're right on our original plan.

Speaker 2

It's just this quarter looks a little weird, but I think by the time we get to year end, we'll be right on plan or slightly ahead.

Speaker 5

Okay, got it. Thank you. And then last one for me, just with expenses kind of pushing up on the higher end of the range, do you think you'll be able to maintain the range just given expected growth

Speaker 6

in the back half of

Speaker 5

the year? Are there any levers you can pull to kind of offset any expense growth?

Speaker 1

Well, I do and Gavin, you can jump in here too. I think our range that was given early in the year back in January is still intact. I mean we're continuing to look at every area of the bank and how we're using our resources. And so I think it is reasonable to still have that range in your estimates. Gavin, anything different

Speaker 3

it? No, I think it's really well said. I just maybe a little more focused on the driver this quarter was just the accrual for incentive catch up. So if is that the incentive compensation this quarter, we had a really strong quarter. So we had some catch up to do and that was about quarter over on a linked quarter basis of $500,000 So I agree with Brad.

Speaker 5

Okay, great. Thank you. I will step back.

Operator

Thank you very much. Our next question is from Nathan Race with Piper Sandler. Nathan, your line is now open. Please go ahead.

Speaker 6

Hey, guys. Good morning. Thanks for taking the questions.

Speaker 1

Good morning, Nathan. Good morning.

Speaker 6

Curious, maybe, Gavin, if you can just update us on your margin expectations if the Fed were to cut in late September and if we were to get maybe 3 to 4 cuts as well into 2025, how do you kind of think about exit margin coming out of the end of that year?

Speaker 3

Yes. So as you can see on our profile in terms of the NII, we're running a pretty stable position. I do think that the Fed cuts could maybe lower the incentive or some of the pressure that the industry is feeling in terms of the deposit rotation. So that would be a positive. Additionally, if we could lose some of the inversion and we can see that new loans continue to go on at current levels, I think that's also positive long term.

Speaker 3

But I don't as we've kind of again, as we're showing here in the deck, we're trying to manage to a fairly tight earnings profile. So overall positive, but not a big swing.

Speaker 6

Okay, great. That's helpful. And just curious with the Visa share gains that you guys recognized in the quarter, how you guys kind of think about maybe redeploying some of those proceeds that you guys contemplate maybe a partial securities portfolio restructuring or just kind of is the thinking there just to build additional excess capital for maybe some acquisitions or share repurchases down the road?

Speaker 3

Yes. So we had this exact conversation. Part of the Visa transaction is it's there was gates on it. So at this point in time, we've actually only sold 2 thirds of the shares that were able to convert and then became liquid. We won't the other third won't become available until next month, we anticipate.

Speaker 3

So at this point in time, Nathan, management made a decision to just book the gains and then we'll reevaluate going forward to see what opportunities are there for us, whether we want to retain the capital or restructure by year end.

Speaker 6

Okay, great. And then maybe just one last one on fee income. Levels in

Speaker 3

the quarter came back came in

Speaker 6

a little lower or towards the lower end of the range, excluding some of those one time items around or I guess maybe non core items on the MSR adjustment, the Visa gains. You kind of think the income will maybe be towards the middle to upper end of the range as we move into 3Q and 4Q based on what you're saying?

Speaker 3

I think we can get back I think we can get back to the middle. I'm hesitant to say high because the margin pressure we're seeing on the gain on sale for loans. We did have, what I would call, Nathan, unique events in the quarter that put additional pressure on that margin. I mean, there's general market pressure on the margin, but we had to move some salable loans to portfolio that put some pressure on the margin. And then we also had some hedge in effectiveness that we have been able to tighten up on a go forward basis.

Speaker 3

So I think working back to the middle of that. The other piece there is if we could see swap B income increased, I think it would be an opportunity for us as well.

Speaker 6

Okay, great. And then just one last one for me. Just given it seems like you guys are expecting a pickup in loan growth in the back half of the year. Do you guys see much in the way in terms of needing to provide for that growth from a provision perspective? Or do you just feel like the reserve can maybe drift lower just given kind of the surplus reserves that exist today?

Speaker 1

Yes. That's a great question. And I think that prospectively, our provisioning would be directly attributable to additional loan growth. So I think those the guidance we gave at the start of the year on the provision probably is a little heavy. And so it's something under that, but barring a credit event, but I would expect us to have a greater provision than what we had this past quarter and directly related to loan growth.

Speaker 1

Now having said that, we do have the ACL today is I think at 1.46 percent and probably 25% of that is in the subjective. So if the soft landing continues to materialize like it sure feels like it could drift lower, Nathan. So sort of a long answer, but hopefully that tells you what's in our head on it.

Speaker 6

That's very helpful. I appreciate the color. Thanks, guys.

Speaker 3

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you very much. We have no further questions. So I will hand back to Brad and the management team to conclude.

Speaker 1

In closing, I would like to thank our Board of Directors and our senior management for their support and leadership. I also want to thank all our associates. I continue to be so proud of the job being done by each member of our team. Each member in his or her own way continues to do their part toward our common goal of guiding our customers to be independent. Finally, I would like to thank each of you for your interest in Independent Bank Corporation and for joining us on today's call.

Speaker 1

Have a great day.

Operator

Thank you very much everyone for joining. This concludes today's call. You may now disconnect your lines.

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Independent Bank Q2 2024
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