SB
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (SFBS)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q3 2025 delivered adjusted diluted EPS of $1.30 and GAAP EPS of $1.20; adjusted EPS rose 18.2% YoY, with NIM at 3.09% and continued margin expansion despite a non-accrual interest reversal and a $7.8M AFS bond loss .
- Loans and deposits grew 7.9% and 7.3% YoY, respectively; book value per share increased 13.3% YoY to $32.62; CET1 rose to 11.49% .
- Credit costs elevated: NPA/Assets increased to 0.96% (from 0.42% in Q2), driven by a large real-estate secured relationship placed on non-accrual; allowance/loans steady at 1.28% .
- Management guided continued NIM improvement (7–10 bps per quarter) and deposit cost reductions alongside Fed cuts; expects strong Q4 loan growth and a FY25 effective tax rate ~18.9% due to solar tax credits .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Net interest margin expansion with normalized NIM at 3.19% after excluding the non-accrual interest reversal; adjusted NIM 3.09% and adjusted efficiency ratio 33.31% .
- Broad-based loan and deposit growth with liquidity strength (cash and equivalents $1.77B; no FHLB/brokered deposits); book value per share up to $32.62 .
- Management execution: “All of our regions and markets were solidly profitable…our newer offices have reached profitability” — Tom Broughton (CEO) .
What Went Wrong
- Credit metrics worsened: NPA/Assets rose to 0.96% (from 0.42% in Q2) due to a large multifamily redeveloper relationship; annualized net charge-offs increased to 27 bps .
- Non-interest income fell sharply due to realized bond losses ($7.8M in Q3; $8.6M in Q2), masking underlying fee growth (service charges, mortgage banking, credit cards) .
- Loan growth in Q3 below expectations due to higher payoffs; management expects stronger closings in Q4 as pipeline improved >10% m/m and ~40% YoY .
Financial Results
Income Statement and Ratios (GAAP; adjusted where noted)
Balance Sheet and Credit KPIs
Operating Yield/Cost KPIs
Loans by Type (Ending Balances, $MM)
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- CEO Tom Broughton: “All of our regions and markets were solidly profitable…our newer offices have reached profitability.”
- CFO David Sparacio on normalized performance: “Normalized net income for the quarter [is] $73.8 million or $1.35 EPS…normalized net interest income $137.8 million…normalized NIM 3.19%.”
- Credit update (Chief Credit Officer Jim Harper): The NPA increase was “driven by a relationship…with a large…multifamily properties [developer].” Additional collateral obtained; asset sales and corporate actions expected to produce liquidity in coming quarters .
- Deposit strategy: “As the Federal Reserve cuts rates, [our] opportunity [is] to manage down our deposit cost, at least more than the Fed cut.”
- Portfolio actions: Sold $83.4M low-yield bonds at loss and reinvested at 6.14% yields; payback expected ~3 years; no further restructuring anticipated .
Q&A Highlights
- Credit clarification: Non-performer moved to non-accrual due to a delayed large payment; bank obtained substantial additional collateral, with LTV now “below one-to-one” and sales/LOIs underway across properties .
- Margin cadence: Normalized September NIM at ~3.28%; management expects 7–10 bps quarterly improvement, supported by Fed cuts not fully reflected in Q3 .
- Expense outlook: Q2 had incentive accrual true-up; Q3 back to normal run rate; expect Q4 non-interest expense similar to Q3 (~$48MM) with best-in-class low-30s efficiency .
- Strategic opportunities: Exploring Texas expansion contingent on hiring the right local team; leveraging customer referrals for growth .
- Securities trade timing: Completed late Q3, benefits to flow through fully in Q4 .
Estimates Context
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
- Q3 2025: Adjusted EPS of $1.30 was modestly below consensus $1.3367; revenue of $126.8M was below $146.8M consensus.*
- Q2 2025: Adjusted EPS of $1.21 slightly exceeded $1.2067; revenue of $120.8M missed $140.3M.*
- Q1 2025: EPS $1.16 and revenue $125.2M were below consensus $1.1833 and $134.1M.*
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Underlying margin trajectory remains favorable (normalized NIM 3.19%, securities reinvestment at >6% yields, deposit cost reduction plan), positioning for sequential NII gains into Q4 despite headline noise from bond losses .
- Credit watch: Elevated NPA from a single real-estate relationship; management took collateral and expects asset sales to de-risk; monitor resolutions in late Q4/Q1 .
- Fee momentum: Service charges, mortgage banking, and credit card income improved, partially offsetting securities losses; continued focus on non-interest income growth .
- Capital and liquidity strong (CET1 11.49%, TCE/TA 10.06%, cash & equivalents $1.77B); no FHLB or brokered deposits — attractive defensive profile in a volatile rate backdrop .
- Q4 setup: Loan pipeline up >10% vs September and ~40% YoY; management expects strong closings; potential catalysts include further NIM expansion and lower deposit costs alongside expected Fed cuts .
- Tax rate tailwind: FY25 ETR ~18.9% due to solar credits; management evaluating additional opportunities — modest EPS leverage if repeated .
- Stock reaction drivers: Miss vs consensus on adjusted EPS and revenue, offset by clearer NIM path, capital strength, and Q4 growth expectations; near-term sentiment likely hinges on credit resolution headlines and NIM delivery .
[Press Release and 8-K Q3 2025]
[Press Release Q3 2025 duplicate publication]
[Earnings Call Q3 2025]
[Q2 2025 8-K/Press Release]
[Q1 2025 8-K/Press Release]