Medallion Financial reports Q3 EPS 37c, consensus 37c

Reports Q3 Net income was $8.6M compared to $11.2M per share, in the prior year quarter. Net interest income grew 8% to $52.7M from $48.8 M in the prior year quarter. Net interest margin on gross loans was 8.11%, compared to 8.35% in the prior year quarter, and on net loans it was 8.42%, compared to 8.64% in the prior year quarter”We continue to be pleased with our quarterly performance. The earnings were strong despite lower taxi medallion related recoveries and the absence of equity gains, both of which we experienced in the prior year quarter. At $0.37 per share, our earnings included approximately $0.07 per share of additional allowance tied to the growth of our consumer lending segments, which saw recreation and home improvement loans grow 4% and 5% from the previous quarter to a combined $2.4 billion, with over $235 million in originations this quarter. We continue to be comfortable with the overall credit performance of these two consumer segments, which carry weighted average coupons of 14.92% for recreation loans and 9.76% for home improvement loans. During the quarter we originated recreation loans at an average rate of 16.33% and home improvement loans at an average rate of 10.75%. Our net interest income reached $52.7 million during the quarter, up 6% from just a quarter ago. We remain cautiously optimistic that the solid performance of our loan portfolio will continue. Our net interest margin during the quarter was 8.11%, decreasing only 1 basis point from the prior quarter, as we continue to increase our yield to offset the rise in our average cost of borrowings. Our total interest income of $76.4 million, net interest income of $52.7 million, and total assets of $2.9 billion were all record highs. Our fintech strategic partnership program at Medallion Bank had its highest volume quarter ever with $40 million of new loans, up from $24 million in the second quarter of this year. As a result, we are optimistic about the quarters ahead and are hopeful to continue delivering meaningful growth in origination volumes in our newest business line. Lastly, we are pleased to announce that our board of directors has authorized an increase of our quarterly dividend to $0.11 per share beginning with the upcoming payment next month, reflecting our strong financial performance and ongoing commitment to delivering value to our shareholders. This increase underscores our confidence in the Company’s future growth and stability, as well as our focus on returning capital to investors.”