HomeTrust reports Q2 EPS 79c, consensus 71c

Reports tangible book value per share $26.39. “I am pleased HomeTrust maintained a net interest margin above 4.00% this quarter, which continues to be top quartile performance,” said Hunter Westbrook, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our margin is a direct result of HomeTrust’s philosophy of prudent, sound, and profitable balance sheet management. We are optimistic that funding costs appear to be stabilizing; however, until our marginal spreads become more attractive, we will continue to be strategic as it relates to loan growth, while emphasizing the expansion of our core deposit base. “As part of our internal focus on expense rationalization, we recently made the decision to cease indirect auto originations and right-size our mortgage banking line of business. These changes, which will take effect by the end of the first quarter, are expected to result in annual cost savings of $800,000. In addition, the restructuring of our BOLI portfolio into higher-yielding policies is expected to annually contribute $1.0 million in additional noninterest income. We believe these changes and strategies should help HomeTrust continue our strong financial performance.”