People's United (PBCT) Q2 Earnings Beat on High Revenues

BANR CASH

People's United Financial Inc. reported second-quarter 2016 earnings of 23 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. The reported figure was also higher than the prior-year quarter figure of 20 cents.

Higher revenues driven by increased net interest income as well as non-interest income aided earnings. Further, growth in loans and deposit balances were the other positives. However, rise in non-interest expenses and higher provisions acted as a drag.

Net income came in at $68.5 million, up 11% year over year.

Organic Growth Reflected; Expenses Rises

Net revenue on a fully taxable equivalent basis grew 4.1% year over year to $333.1 million in second-quarter 2016 and also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $331.6 million.

Net interest income totaled $247.7 million, up 4.5% year over year. This can be attributed to an increase in total interest and dividend income, partially offset by a rise in total interest expense. Net interest margin fell 9 basis points (bps) year over year to 2.79%.

Non-interest income climbed 2.9% year over year to $85.4 million. Higher insurance revenue, customer interest rate swap income, net and other non-interest income were the primary reasons for the rise.

Non-interest expenses increased slightly on a year-over-year basis to $212.9 million. Rise in compensation and benefits along with occupancy and equipment expenses were mostly counteracted by fall in other components of expenses.

As of Jun 30, 2016, total loans grew 5.1% year over year to $29.0 billion. Moreover, total deposits increased 5.8% on a year-over-year basis to $29.0 billion.

Credit Metrics: A Mixed Bag

Overall, credit quality metrics at People’s United were mixed. As of Jun 30, 2016, non-performing assets came in at $182 million, down 17.5% year over year. Ratio of non-performing loans to total originated loans declined 15 bps year over year to 0.56% during the quarter. However, provision for loan losses was $10.5 million, up 45.8% year over year.

Even total allowance for loan losses jumped 7.3% year over year to $220.4 million.

Strong Capital & Profitability Ratios

Capital ratios of People’s United portrayed a strong financial position. As of Jun 30, 2016, total risk-based capital ratio edged down to 11.4% from 11.8% in the year-ago quarter. Further, tangible equity ratio contracted to 7.2% from 7.4% recorded in the prior-year quarter.

The company’s profitability ratios were strong. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity came in at 10.1%, up from the prior-year quarter tally of 9.5%. Return on average assets increased to 0.70% from 0.67% in the year-ago quarter.

Our Viewpoint

People’s United reported a decent quarter evident from its organic growth. Moreover, remarkable improvement on the loan origination front proved beneficial for the company. However, margin pressure and rising non-interest expenses are expected to limit bottom-line expansion in the upcoming quarters. At the same time, recent regulatory issues and higher provisions are anticipated to pose as the chief headwinds.

 

People’s United currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Among the other financial savings and loan institutions, Banner Corporation (BANR - Free Report) is expected to release June quarter-end results on Jul 26, Westfield Financial Inc. on Aug 3 and Meta Financial Group, Inc. (CASH - Free Report) on Aug 4.

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