Univest Financial Corp (UVSP) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Loan Growth Amid Deposit ...

In This Article:

  • Net Income: $18.9 million for the fourth quarter, $0.65 per share.

  • Loan Growth: $95.8 million or 5.6% annualized in the fourth quarter; $259.4 million or 3.9% for the full year 2024.

  • Deposit Changes: Decrease of $94.9 million in the fourth quarter; total deposits grew by $383.5 million or 6% for the full year 2024.

  • Non-Interest Income: Increased by $2.7 million or 14.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

  • Non-Interest Expense: Increased by $1.6 million or 3.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023; $198 million for the full year 2024.

  • Net Interest Margin (NIM): Reported NIM of 2.88%, increased 6 basis points from the third quarter.

  • Core NIM: 3.02%, increased 11 basis points compared to the third quarter.

  • Provision for Credit Losses: $2.4 million for the quarter; coverage ratio at 1.28% as of December 31.

  • Stock Buybacks: 139,492 shares repurchased during the quarter; 802,535 shares in 2024, representing 2.7% of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

  • Tangible Book Value Per Share Growth: 9.01% during 2024.

Release Date: January 23, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Univest Financial Corp (NASDAQ:UVSP) reported a net income of $18.9 million for the fourth quarter, with earnings per share of $0.65.

  • The company experienced solid loan growth, with loans increasing by $95.8 million or 5.6% annualized during the quarter.

  • Non-interest income rose by $2.7 million or 14.6% compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year, driven by growth in fee businesses.

  • Credit quality remained strong, with nonperforming assets to total assets declining by 4 basis points during the quarter.

  • Univest Financial Corp (NASDAQ:UVSP) actively engaged in stock buybacks, repurchasing 139,492 shares during the quarter and 802,535 shares in 2024, representing 2.7% of shares outstanding.

Negative Points

  • Total deposits decreased by $94.9 million during the quarter, primarily due to a seasonal decline in public funds deposits and a decrease in brokered deposits.

  • The provision for credit losses was recorded at $2.4 million for the quarter, indicating potential concerns about future credit performance.

  • Non-interest expense increased by $1.6 million or 3.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, contributing to higher operational costs.

  • The company expects a provision for credit losses of approximately $12 million to $14 million for 2025, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties.

  • Despite positive loan growth, the overall deposit decrease and seasonal outflows in public funds could pose challenges for liquidity management.