Sign in

    Woody Lay • Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW)

    Woody Lay's questions to Firstsun Capital Bancorp (FSUN) leadership

    Woody Lay's questions to Firstsun Capital Bancorp (FSUN) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) inquired about the specifics of the Q2 charge-offs, including the number of credits involved and their remaining exposure. He also asked about the outlook for reserve levels given a potential future credit event and questioned the rationale for maintaining mid-single-digit deposit growth guidance after a strong first half.

    Answer

    Senior EVP & CFO Robert Cafera clarified that the quarter's charge-offs were driven primarily by two C&I credits, which were charged down to their anticipated net realizable value, not fully written off. He stated that the current allowance for credit loss (ACL) ratio is considered a normalized level and that the other large credit mentioned already has specific reserves against it. Regarding deposit guidance, Mr. Cafera acknowledged potential conservatism but also noted that some temporary client liquidity events could create headwinds, though growth is still expected in the second half of the year.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH) leadership

    Woody Lay's questions to Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) inquired about the elevated efficiency ratio in the broker-dealer segment, the drivers for the upward revision in non-variable expense guidance, and the factors that enabled the strong 72% interest-bearing deposit beta.

    Answer

    CFO William Furr explained the broker-dealer efficiency was impacted by a revenue mix shift toward public finance and away from structured finance. CEO Jeremy Ford added that $1 million in severance costs also pressured the margin. Regarding expenses, Furr cited inflation in personnel costs and software contract escalators. On the deposit beta, Furr credited improved analytics, customer sensitivity analysis, and a more rational competitive market.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to Origin Bancorp Inc (OBK) leadership

    Woody Lay's questions to Origin Bancorp Inc (OBK) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) questioned the timing and rationale for the Q2 securities portfolio restructure and asked about the potential for future restructures. He also inquired if there was an opportunity to increase the ownership stake in Argent Financial and sought an update on the timing of further expense savings.

    Answer

    CFO Wally Wallace explained that the securities restructure was planned for Q1 but delayed due to market volatility; he clarified that no further large-scale loss trades are anticipated. President and CEO of Origin Bank, Lance Hall, stated that the company plans to maintain its Argent ownership stake in the 20-25% range. Regarding expenses, Chairman, President & CEO Drake Mills highlighted that 'Optimize Origin' focuses on both revenue enhancement and efficiency, while CFO Wally Wallace added that the expense run rate is expected to remain flat in the second half of the year compared to Q2.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to BOK Financial Corp (BOKF) leadership

    Woody Lay's questions to BOK Financial Corp (BOKF) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay asked about the opportunity and expected ramp-up of the new mortgage finance business and the outlook for deposit cost betas if the Fed cuts rates.

    Answer

    EVP & CFO Martin Grunst projected the mortgage finance business could reach $500 million in commitments by year-end with about 50% utilization. CEO Stacy Kymes added that 2025 is focused on operational stability before accelerating growth in 2026. Regarding deposit costs, Grunst stated that the cumulative liability beta of 76% should hold or potentially improve with further rate cuts.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to BOK Financial Corp (BOKF) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay asked if the new mortgage finance business was newly added to the loan growth guidance and inquired about its long-term size. He also questioned the company's stance on share buybacks given its strong capital position and recent stock pullback.

    Answer

    CFO Martin Grunst confirmed the mortgage finance vertical was not in the prior quarter's guidance and was added this quarter. CEO Stacy Kymes described the business as a long-term diversifier that he expects to become a 'meaningful number' by the end of 2026. Regarding capital, Martin Grunst stated that given their strong capital position, they 'expect to be active share repurchasers in the second quarter.'

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to BOK Financial Corp (BOKF) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Woody Lay from KBW asked about the drivers behind the strong Q4 deposit growth and its impact on 2025 strategy. He also questioned if a more favorable regulatory environment would alter the bank's approach to deploying excess capital.

    Answer

    CFO Martin Grunst attributed the deposit growth to broad-based success across all business lines and stated the strategy remains unchanged. Regarding capital, Grunst noted that while a favorable regulatory backdrop is helpful, it doesn't fundamentally change their patient approach. CEO Stacy Kymes added that the bank's strong risk management gives them the latitude to act in shareholders' best interests regardless of the regulatory environment.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to BOK Financial Corp (BOKF) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Woody Lay of KBW inquired about the repricing dynamics of the time deposit portfolio in the fourth quarter. He also asked for color on the competitive landscape for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending, given BOKF's available capacity.

    Answer

    CFO Marty Grunst explained that the time deposit book is a granular consumer portfolio with a long tail, so the portion repricing in any single quarter is not large enough to have a major impact. On CRE, CEO Stacy Kymes noted that while there is less competition, deal flow is also slower. However, he affirmed BOKF has a competitive advantage and expressed confidence they will 'refill that bucket' over the next 12-18 months as they have in the past.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Woody Lay's questions to Bank7 Corp (BSVN) leadership

    Woody Lay's questions to Bank7 Corp (BSVN) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Woody Lay of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) questioned Bank7's loan growth outlook for the second half of 2025, the impact of funding this growth on the Net Interest Margin (NIM), and the company's current M&A strategy.

    Answer

    President & Chief Credit Officer Jason Estes confirmed a solid loan pipeline but noted unpredictability from large paydowns. He stated that while deposit costs may rise to fund growth, he expects the NIM to remain within its historical range. CEO Thomas Travis added that the bank remains disciplined on M&A, having explored several deals that did not close, and continues to evaluate opportunities.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI