Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. Q1 FY2026 earnings call

• Net income improved from prior-year and prior-quarter periods. - Net interest income was affected by the terminated interest rate swap but bolstered by strategic funding cost management and unbooked interest collection. - Loan growth was seen in construction and commercial real estate but influenced by loan repayments. - Credit quality remained very strong with low non-performing assets. - Expense management was a priority, with non-interest expense down slightly from the first quarter of 2025, partially due to an insurance reimbursement and project deferrals. - Non-interest income increased due to stronger annuity sales and other sporadic fees.

In the first quarter of 2026, net income was $17.5 million or $1.58 per diluted common share. Net interest income totaled $48.3 million, down about $1 million from the first quarter of 2025 due to the termination of the interest rate swap, but was supported by strategic funding cost management and collection of $483,000 in unbooked interest. Total loans increased almost $100 million during the quarter, primarily in construction and commercial real estate lending, partially offset by a decline in the multifamily category. Total deposits remained generally stable. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.18% in the first quarter of 2026. Non-interest income was $7.0 million, an increase from the first quarter of 2025 due to stronger commissions from annuity sales and other sporadic fees. The efficiency ratio was 62.85% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

• Expense projects that were deferred in the quarter are expected to come online throughout the remainder of 2026, and while it's hard to give firm quantification, expenses are expected to increase a bit throughout the year. - Loan paydowns are volatile and difficult to predict, so guidance on loan growth pace is not provided due to this uncertainty. - IT projects are anticipated to add $200,000 to $250,000 per month to expense levels once fully operational over the next three to six quarters. - The net interest margin is not expected to be greatly impacted by near-term rate changes as the bank is well-balanced on the liability side with short-term repricing features.

• Volatility in macroeconomic conditions poses challenges for borrowers. - Uncertainty in loan repayments and prepayments significantly affects loan trends. - Future rate changes could potentially impact the net interest margin, although the bank is positioned to handle moderate changes. - There was a negative provision on unfunded commitments of $931,000 in the first quarter of 2026 due to changes in unfunded commitments.

Q: About expenses and IT project impact, A: The items that reduced expenses in the first quarter aren't expected to repeat in Q2, and IT projects are anticipated to add $200,000 to $250,000 per month once fully operational over the next three to six quarters.

Q: About margin and rate cuts, A: The bank is well-matched and not expecting a significant negative impact from near-term rate cuts as liability funding is mostly short-term and would reprice quickly.

Q: About loan growth and paydowns, A: Loan paydowns are very volatile and difficult to predict, which is why guidance isn't given.

Q: About expenses and buyback, A: When backing out reimbursements in the quarter, expenses are moving closer to the $36 million level quarterly, and the bank still sees its stock as attractive considering total capital and other factors.

Q: About securities portfolio and locations, A: The securities portfolio is expected to be stable in the near term with no large runoff expected soon, and the bank is always evaluating banking center locations to best utilize resources, with plans for ITMs in some St. Louis locations instead of inside lobby presence.