Release Date: July 25, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Alerus Financial Corp (ALRS, Financial) reported net income of $6.2 million, with earnings per share of $0.31, exceeding expectations.
- The company achieved its fifth consecutive quarter of deposit growth, showcasing strong performance in a competitive environment.
- Loan growth was robust at 4.2% for the quarter, with a disciplined approach to pricing and credit.
- Fee income, a strategic differentiator for ALRS, contributed to over 53% of total revenues, with an 8.1% increase during the quarter.
- The acquisition of HMN Financial is progressing on schedule, with anticipated closing in the fourth quarter, marking ALRS's 26th acquisition.
Negative Points
- A $4.5 million provision expense was recorded due to expected credit normalization and a charge-off of a non-accrual C&I loan.
- Non-performing assets increased to 63 basis points, primarily due to a construction loan moved to non-accrual status.
- The company anticipates a seasonal outflow of $80 million to $100 million in deposits in the third quarter.
- Expenses are expected to grow mid-single digits in 2024, including merger-related costs.
- The company remains slightly liability sensitive, which could impact net interest income if interest rates decrease.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide more details on the construction credit that migrated to non-accrual status?
A: Karin Taylor, Chief Risk Officer, explained that the construction credit has a 25% reserve against it. The project is 80% complete, and they believe there are feasible options to deliver the remaining equity needed to complete it. The issue was identified late in the quarter, and further assessment is ongoing.
Q: What is the outlook for net interest margin (NIM) expansion in the coming quarters?
A: Alan Villalon, CFO, stated that they expect a few basis points of expansion in the next quarter from the core and reported numbers. The $400 million of swaps rolling off will make them slightly liability sensitive, but they anticipate mid-single-digit NII improvement if the Fed cuts rates by 100 basis points.
Q: How quickly can the new equipment finance team start contributing to growth, and what are the potential synergies?
A: Jim Collins, Chief Banking and Revenue Officer, mentioned that the equipment finance team will serve as a wedge product into mid-market companies, aiming for full relationship takeovers. They expect some activity this year, with full activity starting next year, integrating with the existing C&I sales force.
Q: What are your expectations for charge-off levels in the coming quarters?
A: Karin Taylor noted that aside from the construction deal, credit migration appears typical to pre-COVID levels. They had net upgrades, reducing criticized levels. There might be further adjustments as a company moves into liquidation, with a remaining balance of $2.5 million on the loan.
Q: How is the integration of HMN Financial progressing, and what is the expected timeline for closing the acquisition?
A: Katie Lorenson, CEO, stated that the integration is progressing well, with positive feedback from employees and clients. They are targeting a close and conversion in the fourth quarter, with regulatory processes on track.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
