• Net Income: $216.3 million for the full year 2024; $59.6 million for Q4 2024.
• Core Net Income: $218.9 million for the full year 2024; $59.6 million for Q4 2024.
• Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity: 24% for the full year 2024; 25.2% for Q4 2024.
• Net Interest Margin: 2.64% for the full year 2024; 2.61% for Q4 2024.
• Cost of Deposits: 183 basis points for the full year 2024; 173 basis points for Q4 2024.
• Tangible Book Value per Common Share: Increased 12.5% to $21.70 at year-end 2024.
• Share Repurchase: Approximately 4.5 million shares repurchased at $155.3 million total value in 2024; 1.3 million shares repurchased at an average price of $37.42 per share in Q4 2024.
• Quarterly Cash Dividend: $0.44 per share approved for Q4 2024.
• Net Interest Income: $88.6 million for Q4 2024.
• Non-Interest Income: $63.2 million for Q4 2024, up 12.9% from the prior quarter.
• Core Non-Interest Expenses: $190.6 million for Q4 2024, a 2.2% increase from the prior quarter.
• Average Deposit Balance: $12.5 billion for Q4 2024.
• Loan Portfolio: Residential mortgage loans represent 68% of total loan assets.
• Non-Accrual Loans: 1.7% of gross loans.
• Charge Off Ratio: 4 basis points.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with NTB.

Release Date: February 11, 2025

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

Positive Points

• Bank of N.T Butterfield & Son Ltd (NYSE:NTB) reported strong financial performance in 2024 with a net income of $216.3 million and a core return on average tangible common equity of 24%.
• The company achieved a stable net interest margin in the fourth quarter, supported by lower funding costs and higher non-interest income.
• Tangible book value per common share increased by 12.5% to $21.70, reflecting strong capital management.
• The bank's diversified income streams, including wealth management and specialized financial services, contributed to its robust performance.
• Butterfield's balance sheet remains conservatively managed with a low risk density of 32% and strong asset quality, including a 99% AA-rated investment portfolio.

Negative Points

• Net interest margin decreased to 2.64% in 2024 from 2.80% in 2023, indicating pressure on interest income.
• The cost of deposits rose to 183 basis points from 140 basis points in 2023, impacting profitability.
• Non-interest expenses increased by 2.2% in the fourth quarter, driven by higher marketing and professional services costs.
• The bank anticipates continued inflationary pressures on salaries and expenses in 2025.
• There is potential downward pressure on net interest income due to expected deposit outflows and lower yields on cash and short-term securities.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you discuss the current state and future expectations for deposits, including any anticipated outflows and deposit costs? A: Michael Schrum, President and Group Chief Risk Officer, explained that the deposit levels have remained elevated, with some expected outflows due to specific client transitions. The bank anticipates settling deposits around $12 billion, with a less concentrated and stickier deposit base. Craig Bridgewater, CFO, added that deposit costs have decreased, benefiting from changes in base rates in the UK and US.

Q: What is the outlook for net interest margin (NIM) and the strategies to maintain or expand it? A: Craig Bridgewater, CFO, stated that assuming stable interest rates, the bank expects a slow expansion of NIM over the next few quarters. This will be achieved by managing deposit costs and deploying excess liquidity into higher-yielding investments. Current investments are yielding significantly higher than the existing portfolio, which should benefit NIM.

Q: How are capital priorities being managed, particularly regarding share buybacks and potential M&A activity? A: Michael Schrum, President and Group Chief Risk Officer, emphasized maintaining the current dividend rate and supporting loan growth as priorities. The bank is open to M&A opportunities that expand fee income. Share buybacks are considered a risk-free trade, with decisions based on regression analysis and market conditions. Michael Collins, CEO, added that the board is supportive of returning excess capital to shareholders.

Q: What is the guidance for non-interest income and expenses for 2025? A: Craig Bridgewater, CFO, indicated that non-interest income is expected to stabilize around the mid-$50 million per quarter, with Q4 typically elevated due to seasonal factors. Core non-interest expenses are projected to be between $90 million and $92 million per quarter, with inflationary pressures and investments in technology and specialist roles contributing to this range.

Q: Can you provide an update on asset quality, particularly regarding non-performing loans (NPLs) and any significant resolutions? A: Michael Schrum, President and Group Chief Risk Officer, reported a satisfactory resolution of a facility in the Channel Islands, leading to a decrease in NPLs. The bank is also working on resolving a legacy hospitality facility in Bermuda, with expectations for a positive outcome in the first quarter. The bank remains focused on maintaining strong credit metrics.

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