Sign in

    Stephen Scouten • Piper Sandler Companies

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies inquired about current loan growth trends, customer activity, and existing pipelines, including the seasonality of mortgage warehouse lending. He also asked about the company's strategy for deploying its rapidly building capital, questioning the preference between new hires, M&A, and share buybacks, and how Ameris differentiates itself to attract new banking talent.

    Answer

    CEO H. Palmer Proctor addressed the questions, noting a resurgence in market activity and competition, which he expects to continue. Regarding capital deployment, Proctor stated the primary focus is organic growth, followed by stock buybacks, which he considers attractive at current valuations. He characterized M&A as a low priority, requiring a "very special" opportunity to distract from their current organic strategy. To attract talent, Proctor highlighted Ameris's market density, stable work environment, clear business model, and a culture of accountability as key differentiators.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the bank's high-level strategy for balancing aggressive growth with patience amid economic uncertainty, the sustainability of its expense control, and the rationale for the reserve build despite strong credit metrics.

    Answer

    CEO H. Proctor stated the bank will remain 'measured' rather than 'aggressive,' leveraging its strong capital and liquidity for opportunities as they arise. EVP & CFO Nicole Stokes confirmed that strong expense control was broad-based and not due to one-time items, noting that Q2 will include merit increases. Chief Credit Officer Doug Strange explained the reserve build was purely model-driven, prompted by a shift in economic forecast weightings to 2/3 downside due to new information on potential tariffs.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to SouthState Corp (SSB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to SouthState Corp (SSB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies asked for an update on interest rate sensitivity, particularly how potential rate cuts would affect the NIM. He also sought commentary on the M&A environment and the bank's willingness to hire teams amidst market disruption.

    Answer

    Chief Strategy Officer Stephen Young detailed that the bank expects a 1-2 basis point NIM improvement for every 25 bps rate cut, driven by the balance between floating-rate loans and repriceable deposits. CEO John Corbett stated that while the bar for M&A is high, the bank is actively recruiting talent from market disruptions, having added 47 revenue producers in Q2.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to SouthState Corp (SSB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the net interest margin's sensitivity to potential Fed rate cuts, any surprises since the IBTX deal closing, and the loan production volume needed to achieve growth targets.

    Answer

    Executive Stephen Young stated the balance sheet is now more neutral to rate changes, expecting only a minor 1-2 basis point NIM increase from a 25 bps cut. CEO John Corbett described the cultural integration with IBTX as exceptionally smooth with no major surprises. Corbett also noted that despite competitive pressures, loan pipelines were up 44% since year-end and that loan growth had resumed in April, suggesting a return to normal growth rates is achievable as the economy settles.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to SouthState Corp (SSB) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler & Co. inquired about the strategic rationale for the sale-leaseback transaction, alternative uses for the generated capital, and the company's appetite for further M&A.

    Answer

    CEO John Corbett described the sale-leaseback as a capital management move to harvest off-balance sheet capital at an attractive cost, providing future flexibility. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Stephen Young and President William Matthews mentioned a securities restructure is a potential use for the capital, pending final merger marks. On M&A, Corbett stated the 2025 focus is on integrating IBTX, viewing the $60-$80 billion asset range as the current sweet spot.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to SouthState Corp (SSB) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler & Co. sought clarification on the source of higher yields in residential loans and asked about the strategic outlook for the size of the consumer residential portfolio. He also questioned how the pending IBTX merger would affect talent acquisition and resource allocation in new and existing markets.

    Answer

    Executive William Matthews clarified that the higher yields mentioned were in the 'loans held for sale' category, driven by a new SBA loan pooling business, not the on-balance sheet residential portfolio. Executive Stephen Young stated that the consumer residential loan portfolio's share of the balance sheet will naturally decline to around 21-22% post-merger and will be held relatively constant. CEO John Corbett added that post-merger, the company will leverage its treasury management platform to drive C&I hiring in Texas and Colorado while remaining opportunistic in all markets.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Amerant Bancorp Inc (AMTB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Amerant Bancorp Inc (AMTB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked if the current loan loss reserve level is appropriate, questioned the drivers behind the projected Q3 net interest margin (NIM) decline, and sought clarity on the strategy for the new loan syndications and sales division.

    Answer

    CEO Jerry Plush confirmed the current allowance range of $120M-$125M is a reasonable baseline, contingent on the mix of future loan growth. He explained that the new syndications head will enable prudent risk management on larger deals, allowing the bank to participate without increasing concentration risk. CFO Sharymar Calderón noted the Q2 NIM was inflated by recoveries and the Q3 forecast reflects normalization and the full-quarter impact of a larger securities portfolio.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Prosperity Bancshares Inc (PB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Prosperity Bancshares Inc (PB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies asked about plans to further deepen the franchise in San Antonio following the American Bank acquisition. He also questioned the three-year earn-back on the deal and inquired about the potential for larger M&A targets or expansion outside of Texas and Oklahoma. Finally, he sought clarification on whether the NIM guidance included the American Bank deal.

    Answer

    Senior Chairman & CEO David Zalman cryptically responded "stay tuned" to questions about San Antonio expansion and future M&A strategy, while reiterating a preference for Texas. He defended the three-year earn-back on the American Bank deal, noting the high quality of the franchise and an effective price of 1.8x tangible book after AOCI adjustments. He also clarified that the provided NIM trajectory guidance does not include the positive impact from the American Bank acquisition.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Renasant Corp (RNST) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Renasant Corp (RNST) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler Companies asked about the company's future appetite for whole bank M&A, the strategy behind the partial sale of the acquired securities portfolio, and the drivers of the higher-than-usual provision for credit losses.

    Answer

    President & CEO Kevin Chapman stated that it is too early to consider further M&A, as the primary focus remains the successful integration of the First Bankshares merger. Executive VP & CFO James Mabry confirmed the sale of about 50% of the acquired securities portfolio was part of the original plan. Senior EVP & Chief Credit Officer David Meredith clarified that the higher provision was model-driven, influenced by recent charge-offs impacting historical loss factors and strong loan growth.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Renasant Corp (RNST) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler inquired about the drivers behind strong wealth management performance, potential strategic shifts in the combined loan book after the First Bancshares merger, and any updates to the deal's financial marks or cost-saving timelines.

    Answer

    Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Mitch Waycaster attributed the wealth management success to consistent execution and integration with commercial banking. Chief Credit Officer David Meredith stated the acquired loan book is very similar to Renasant's, so no significant changes or de-emphasis of loan categories are planned. Executive James Mabry confirmed that cost-saving timelines remain on track for after the August conversion and that purchase accounting marks are largely unchanged, though the rate mark may be slightly lower due to interest rate shifts.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Renasant Corp (RNST) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten inquired about the pending merger with First, seeking updates on the closing timeline and regulatory approval process. He also asked about potential regulatory changes that could benefit Renasant and whether recent improvements in deposit costs represent a fundamental shift or a temporary pull-forward.

    Answer

    CEO Mitchell Waycaster confirmed the merger is expected to close in the first half of 2025, noting regulators have been engaged and responsive. Kevin Chapman commented that while specific regulatory impacts are uncertain, he expects upcoming changes to be a net positive for the industry and Renasant. James Mabry added that he believes the favorable trend in deposit costs represents a positive change in direction, not just a temporary effect.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Renasant Corp (RNST) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the strategy for the securities portfolio and overall balance sheet liquidity, especially on a pro forma basis with The First. He also questioned if the quarter's elevated loan paydowns could be a persistent trend and what other avenues for capital deployment, such as team lift-outs or non-bank acquisitions, are being considered.

    Answer

    EVP and CFO James Mabry confirmed the pro forma balance sheet will have a 'very healthy liquidity position,' creating significant optionality for capital deployment in late 2025 and beyond. CEO Mitch Waycaster acknowledged that elevated CRE paydowns could be an industry trend but felt Renasant's diversified production could mitigate the impact. Both Mabry and EVP/COO Kevin Chapman highlighted that the enhanced liquidity provides 'optionality' for future growth, including potential team lift-outs or small non-bank deals, once The First integration is complete.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to United Community Banks Inc (UCB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to United Community Banks Inc (UCB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the bank's hiring strategy, specifically whether the focus is on high-growth MSAs with low market share or on increasing density in existing markets. He also questioned how aggressively the bank would recruit talent if M&A dislocation created opportunities.

    Answer

    President & Chief Banking Officer, Rich Bradshaw, responded that the strategy is 'yes and yes,' targeting both underserved growth markets and major metros where top talent is available. Chairman & CEO, H. Lynn Harton, affirmed they have the capacity to be 'very assertive' in recruiting and that Rich Bradshaw has a 'free hand' to pursue the right talent, especially in scenarios of market disruption.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home Bancorp Inc (HBCP) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home Bancorp Inc (HBCP) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies inquired about Home Bancorp's loan growth trends, the potential impact of interest rate cuts on loan demand, the optimal rate environment for net interest income (NII), and the rate spread between new and renewing certificates of deposit (CDs).

    Answer

    Chairman, President & CEO John Bordelon confirmed that some loan demand is on hold pending rate cuts and that recent growth was tempered by paydowns. He and CFO David Kirkley explained that both NII and Net Interest Margin (NIM) could continue to expand even if rates remain flat, driven by the repricing of existing loans at higher yields. They also noted that the short-term nature of their CD portfolio would allow for quick cost reductions following any Fed rate cuts. David Kirkley specified that the weighted average rate for new and renewing CDs is around 3.85%, with new customer CDs coming in at approximately 4.1%.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home Bancorp Inc (HBCP) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten sought to reconcile the bank's stated asset sensitivity with its practical liability sensitivity in a rate-cut scenario, asked about the potential for deposit betas to 'catch up' on the way down, and questioned the planned aggressiveness of the share repurchase program.

    Answer

    CFO David Kirkley clarified that while models show slight asset sensitivity, they project a rising NIM even in a rate-cut environment due to the loan portfolio's structure and the bank's lower starting point on deposit costs. Executive John Bordelon added that deposit betas should catch up over time but will be slower due to the tight loan-to-deposit ratio. Regarding buybacks, Bordelon indicated they would be opportunistic, particularly if the stock price is near tangible book value, but likely less aggressive than in Q1.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home BancShares Inc (HOMB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home BancShares Inc (HOMB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten inquired about the drivers behind the strong organic loan growth, the company's M&A strategy regarding target size and type (whole bank vs. loan portfolios), and the feasibility of executing a non-dilutive acquisition.

    Answer

    President & Chief Lending Officer Kevin Hester attributed loan growth to strong markets rather than increased aggressiveness. Chairman & CEO John Allison confirmed the focus is on whole-bank M&A and reiterated a strong aversion to dilutive deals, stating the company has no intention of pursuing transactions that dilute shareholder value, though a minor, short-term dilution for a strategic, EPS-accretive deal might be considered.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home BancShares Inc (HOMB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked what catalysts, such as lower rates or higher stock prices, are needed to stimulate M&A deal flow. He also inquired if there were any levers for revenue growth that the company could pull, aside from acquisitions, such as new lines of business.

    Answer

    Executive John Allison opined that educating sellers on relative value and exchange ratios is more critical than absolute stock prices for getting deals done, though he acknowledged that marks on securities portfolios are a hurdle for some potential sellers. On revenue, Allison stated there is no new initiative, and the plan is to 'keep on, keeping on.' He expressed confidence that the next quarter would be as good or better, citing a strong run rate and several anticipated one-time gains.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home BancShares Inc (HOMB) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler asked about the target size for future M&A deals, whether the experience with the Happy State Bank acquisition altered their strategy, what specific regulatory relief would be most beneficial, and the drivers behind their confidence in a 2025 loan growth pickup.

    Answer

    Chairman John Allison stated that while the Happy deal made them more cautious about culture, they remain active in M&A, considering banks from $750M to over $2.5B. He identified faster M&A approval timelines as the most impactful potential regulatory relief. He and Kevin Hester cited strong pipelines in key markets like Florida and general economic optimism as reasons for their positive loan growth outlook.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Home BancShares Inc (HOMB) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the current outlook for M&A, including how a potential Trump presidency might affect regulatory approvals and activity, and how the net interest margin (NIM) might trend with future interest rate cuts.

    Answer

    Chairman John Allison stated that the bank is actively looking at M&A opportunities and believes a Trump administration would be more supportive, potentially boosting activity. Regarding the NIM, CEO Stephen Tipton explained that while their model shows a slight decline in a rate-cut scenario, the goal is to remain flat by aggressively managing deposit costs. Mr. Allison added that early Q4 data shows the margin holding up well.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (PNFP) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (PNFP) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies questioned the current business mix at BHG between consumer and commercial, what performance would be required to reach the maximum 125% incentive compensation payout, and the potential scale of the new Richmond market.

    Answer

    CFO Harold Carpenter estimated the BHG mix is about 70% consumer, making improvements in that segment highly impactful. He stated that achieving the 125% incentive payout requires hitting the high end of guidance for loan, deposit, and fee growth. CEO Terry Turner projected the Richmond market could become a $1 billion to $1.5 billion asset bank within five years, expressing high confidence in the newly hired team.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (PNFP) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies asked about the drivers of deposit growth, particularly the contribution from new markets, the sustainability of favorable deposit betas, and the firm's approach to C&I lending amid rising economic uncertainty.

    Answer

    M. Turner (Executive) clarified that while some new markets are strong deposit contributors, the primary driver has been the firm's specialty deposit verticals. Harold Carpenter (Executive) expressed confidence in maintaining aggressive deposit repricing with rate cuts but acknowledged it becomes harder as rates approach zero. He also noted the firm is not afraid of deeper cuts as long as the yield curve is not inverted.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc (PNFP) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the strategy for moving clients from negotiated-rate to indexed deposits and whether this creates outflow risk as rates fall. He also questioned how Pinnacle avoids becoming like the large regional banks it competes against as it continues to grow.

    Answer

    Executive Harold Carpenter explained that moving clients to indexed deposits is a one-on-one conversation, and he is confident in retaining these clients due to strong relationships. Executive M. Turner added that the bank has been proactively preparing associates and clients for a down-rate environment. On the topic of growth, Turner emphasized that Pinnacle's culture, which is strengthening, not diminishing, is key. He pointed to consistent high rankings as a 'Best Place to Work' and a focus on a geographic, not line-of-business, structure as differentiators. He believes the simple, repeatable model of hiring the best bankers who bring their clients over will continue to drive outsized growth without succumbing to the 'law of large numbers'.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hancock Whitney Corp (HWC) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hancock Whitney Corp (HWC) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler Companies explored the company's strategic path, asking if the focus would remain on the organic growth story before considering M&A, and if there was upside to hiring plans given market disruption.

    Answer

    CFO Michael Achary confirmed that focusing on the organic growth plan is a 'very plausible path.' President and CEO John Hairston added that there is no ceiling on hiring good talent opportunistically, stating they would gladly add more 'offensive players' beyond their stated goals if the right people became available.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hancock Whitney Corp (HWC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler sought more detail on the PPNR guidance, asking about the expense base of the incoming Sabal Trust business. He also requested sensitivity analysis for the Net Interest Margin (NIM) guide under different interest rate scenarios and asked what is needed to accelerate loan growth beyond environmental factors.

    Answer

    CFO Michael Achary declined to provide Sabal's specific expense base but noted its expected accretion is $0.02/share in 2025, growing to $0.08-$0.10 by 2027. He explained that NII is not materially sensitive to the number of rate cuts this year; loan growth is the primary driver. He stated NIM expansion will continue via repricing opportunities. CEO John Hairston added that an upside surprise in loan growth would require the 10-year Treasury yield to remain elevated, an acceleration of new hires, and faster productivity from those hires.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hancock Whitney Corp (HWC) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler asked how much of the 2025 loan growth is dependent on new hires, what 'green shoots' support the growth outlook, and why the market might be underappreciating the company's stock.

    Answer

    CEO John Hairston stated that 2025 growth guidance has minimal impact from new hires, whose contribution will be more significant in 2026. He identified the end of the SNIC portfolio runoff as the biggest tailwind, with green shoots in CRE, healthcare, and business banking. CFO Michael Achary addressed the stock valuation by highlighting the company's achievements in de-risking, improving profitability, and building capital, positioning 2025 as a pivot to growth.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to FB Financial Corp (FBK) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to FB Financial Corp (FBK) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler Companies asked about management's preference between whole-bank M&A versus organic growth from team lift-outs. He also sought color on loan origination volumes, the drivers of the increased provision for unfunded commitments, and current trends in the multifamily lending market.

    Answer

    CEO Chris Holmes stated the company has no preference between M&A and organic lift-outs, feeling well-positioned to pursue both. CFO Michael Mettee clarified the higher provision for unfunded commitments was driven by the new CECL model's methodology and economic assumptions, not a change in production. Chief Banking Officer Travis Edmonson noted that while multifamily demand has slowed, the bank continues to work with a select group of top-tier operators on new projects.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to FB Financial Corp (FBK) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about current loan growth trends, particularly in C&I, given market uncertainty. He also inquired about the pace of expansion in newer markets like Nashville and Tuscaloosa, the rate of new producer hires, and the company's strategy for its share repurchase program at current stock levels.

    Answer

    Executive Christopher Holmes noted some client reticence on major projects but continued business-as-usual activity. Chief Bank Officer Travis Edmondson added that loan pipelines remain robust, supporting a high single to low double-digit growth outlook. Edmondson and CFO Michael Mettee confirmed strong momentum and continued hiring in Tuscaloosa and Nashville. Holmes affirmed the company's intent to maintain its hiring pace and to be active in the market with its $73 million share repurchase authorization if the stock is perceived as undervalued.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to FB Financial Corp (FBK) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten inquired about the details of recent new hires, the drivers behind the company's optimism for loan growth in 2025, and whether a more favorable regulatory environment for M&A changes the bank's acquisition strategy.

    Answer

    Executive Christopher Holmes explained that new hires are primarily core C&I frontline bankers and that recruiting momentum is strong. He attributed growth optimism to the maturation of recent hires and strong organic growth in the bank's geography. Regarding M&A, Holmes confirmed that faster regulatory approvals reduce transaction risk and shape their view, allowing for a more constructive approach to deals without getting 'over their skis'.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp (AUB) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp (AUB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the government contracting loan portfolio, which has been a source of investor concern, inquiring about the theoretical loss-given-default on these loans and the potential loss content if weakness were to emerge in that segment.

    Answer

    An unnamed executive explained that these are secured loans, often margined against billings for highly desirable contracts, leading to a very low expected loss-given-default. President and CEO John Asbury emphasized the portfolio's 15-year history with zero charge-offs, its focus on national security and defense, and the high-variable-cost nature of the businesses, which allows them to flex expenses easily. He noted that while he doesn't claim they will never have a charge-off, their experience has been excellent.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp (AUB) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler asked about the possibility of an earlier closing for the Sandy Spring merger, whether Sandy Spring was seeing similar loan payoff dynamics, and for color on the drivers of the mid-single-digit loan growth guidance.

    Answer

    President and CEO John Asbury and EVP and CFO Rob Gorman confirmed they will target an April 1 close for accounting simplicity, even if approvals arrive earlier. Head of Commercial Businesses David Ring noted elevated payoffs were mainly refinances and some C&I activity related to private credit. Asbury and Ring attributed the loan growth guidance range to competitive dynamics and a disciplined approach to credit structure, not a desire for excessive growth.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Veritex Holdings Inc (VBTX) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Veritex Holdings Inc (VBTX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked for details on the expected CRE paydown headwind versus loan production, the size and trend of the unfunded loan book, how the balance sheet might perform with potential rate cuts, and the strategy for share repurchases.

    Answer

    CEO Malcolm Holland stated the bank will manage CRE concentrations just below regulatory guidelines and noted that payoffs have been stable. Executive William Holford explained that the bank's interest rate profile is relatively neutral, though a 3-4 month lag exists for deposit costs to catch up after a rate cut. CFO Terry Earley confirmed the company would be opportunistic with share repurchases, especially if the stock trades below tangible book value, and would not expect the pace to slow down.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Veritex Holdings Inc (VBTX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about Veritex's path to achieving a 1% return on average assets (ROA) in 2025, the primary drivers of this profitability improvement, the outlook for loan growth amidst high payoffs, and the expected repricing of maturing CDs.

    Answer

    CEO Malcolm Holland confirmed the 1% ROA target for 2025, likely to be achieved in Q3, driven by loan growth and deposit repricing. CFO Terry Earley emphasized that fee income from areas like treasury management, card revenue, and government-guaranteed loans would also be a significant contributor. Regarding loan growth, Holland noted that while payoffs from 2021-2022 loans are a headwind, production pipelines are very strong. Executive Will Holford added that new CDs in Q1 2025 were being issued at a rate of 4.24% with good customer retention.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Veritex Holdings Inc (VBTX) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten inquired about the performance and outlook for the government-guaranteed lending business, the strategy to reduce CRE concentrations, and the drivers of growth in noninterest-bearing deposits.

    Answer

    Chairman and CEO Malcolm Holland explained that enhancements in the government lending business, including integrating SBA lending into the USDA team's scope, should produce better results in the second half of the year. He also stated that CRE concentration reduction will be achieved organically through loan payoffs, not asset sales. CFO Terry Earley added that the growth in noninterest-bearing deposits is a direct result of successful new client acquisition efforts by the bank's business and community bankers, who are bringing in granular, low-cost funding.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the outlook for structured finance revenues in 2025, the long-term strategy for managing balance sheet asset sensitivity, and the reasons behind the recent quarter-to-quarter volatility in the provision for credit losses.

    Answer

    Executive William Furr explained that structured finance revenues in 2025 are subject to the decisions of a large state housing authority regarding its down payment assistance program, which has been a significant driver in the past two years. Regarding asset sensitivity, Furr reiterated a long-term target of 2-4% and outlined strategies to achieve this, including reinvesting securities portfolio cash flows, increasing retention of hybrid fixed-rate mortgages, and moving broker-dealer sweep deposits out of the bank. He attributed provision volatility to the adoption of a single economic scenario (Moody's S5) and specific reserve activity related to the auto note portfolio.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten of Piper Sandler inquired about the drivers behind positive credit trends, such as the drop in non-performing loans, and the outlook for future improvements. He also sought clarification on NIM trends, specifically the expected pace of decline in purchase accounting accretion and the impact of floors on variable-rate loans. Lastly, he asked for an update on talent acquisition.

    Answer

    EVP and CFO William Furr explained that the NPL improvement was largely due to paydowns on two specific auto loans and that the firm remains cautious on credit due to rate and inflation pressures. He projected that purchase accounting accretion would decline 15-25% annually. He also noted that while 75-80% of variable-rate loans have floors, significant rate cuts would be needed to activate them. President and CEO Jeremy Ford added that the bank had positive but selective recruiting during the quarter to expand its footprint.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Synovus Financial Corp (SNV) leadership

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Synovus Financial Corp (SNV) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten asked about the current stage of development for strategic initiatives like capital markets and whether the company has an aspirational goal for its overall size to maximize scale and efficiency.

    Answer

    CEO Kevin Blair explained that the capital markets strategy is driven by meeting existing client needs rather than a goal to become a global player. He characterized the middle market and CIB hiring as being in the later innings, but noted a significant new focus on reinvesting in the Community Bank to target clients with $5 million to $50 million in revenue, which represents a strategic shift.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Stephen Scouten's questions to Synovus Financial Corp (SNV) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Stephen Scouten from Piper Sandler questioned the plausibility of achieving operating leverage in 2025 and asked if there were any signs of a near-term stabilization in the decline of noninterest-bearing deposits.

    Answer

    CFO Jamie Gregory indicated that operating leverage in 2025 is possible, as higher revenue growth is expected to accompany planned expense growth from strategic investments. CEO Kevin Blair noted that the rate of decline in consumer DDA balances is slowing, which offers hope for a stabilization of the overall noninterest-bearing deposit trend.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI