Strong Increase in Loan Originations
Originations of loans held for investment were $42.1M in the quarter, a 42% increase from $29.6M in the prior sequential quarter, and loan pipelines are moderately higher suggesting March 2026 originations within the recent range of $28M–$42M.
Improved Credit Metrics and Asset Quality
Nonperforming assets declined to $990K (0.08% of total assets) from $1.9M the prior quarter; no loans in early delinquency; recorded a $158K recovery of credit losses; allowance for credit losses was 55 bps of gross loans (down slightly from 56 bps).
Net Interest Margin and Funding Cost Improvement
Net interest margin increased by 3 basis points to 3.03%; average cost of deposits decreased to 1.32% (down 2 bps) and cost of borrowing decreased 20 bps to 4.39%, supporting potential margin expansion.
New Loans Priced Above Existing Portfolio
Weighted average rate of loans originated in the quarter was 6.15% versus a 5.22% weighted average for loans held for investment, indicating new production is earning higher yields than the existing portfolio.
Funding Repricing Opportunity
Approximately $109M of wholesale funding maturing in March 2026 (weighted avg rate 4.12%) and $79.5M maturing in June 2026 (4.15%) present an opportunity to reprice funding lower given current market rates, suggesting potential NIM expansion in March 2026.
Capital Strength and Shareholder Returns
The company remains well-capitalized by a significant margin, maintained its cash dividend, repurchased approximately $1.5M of common stock in the fiscal second quarter (and $96K in the December quarter), and distributed $906K of cash dividends in the quarter.
Lean Staffing and Efficiency Focus
FTE count was 163 (vs 162 a year ago) and management continues to pursue operating efficiencies with an expected quarterly operating expense run rate of $7.6M–$7.7M for the remainder of fiscal 2026.