Blog Post Title: Daily Stock Update – July 26, 2023

Introduction:

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. Announces Strong Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBI) has reported impressive financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023, showcasing substantial growth and profitability. The company, through its subsidiary HomeTrust Bank, provides various financial services and products to individuals and businesses.

In the fourth quarter, HomeTrust Bancshares achieved a net income of $15.0 million, a significant increase from the previous quarter’s $6.7 million. Diluted earnings per share also surged to $0.90 compared to $0.40, and both annualized return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) showed remarkable improvements. Additionally, the company experienced growth in net interest income and organic loan growth.

These outstanding results demonstrate HomeTrust Bancshares’ exceptional financial performance and solid fundamentals. The successful merger with Quantum Capital Corp., completed in February 2023, greatly contributed to the substantial increase in total assets, loans, and deposits.

Considering the company’s robust performance, it is recommended to consider buying HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. stock. With a strong foundation and positive growth prospects, this stock has the potential for further gains. Investors can capitalize on HomeTrust Bancshares’ continued success and position themselves for potential long-term returns.

Rogers Reports Strong Q2 Results: A Promising Outlook for Investors

Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE: RCI) recently announced their second-quarter results, showcasing impressive execution and significant growth across their operations. The company’s postpaid mobile phone net additions saw a substantial increase of 39%, reaching 170,000 new subscribers. Year-to-date, this figure climbed to 265,000, marking a remarkable 41% surge compared to the first six months of 2022. Furthermore, Rogers recorded a 7% boost in wireless service revenue and a 9% rise in adjusted EBITDA.

One highlight from the report is the successful integration of Rogers and Shaw. The process is reportedly ahead of schedule, with Cable and Internet growth making a solid recovery. Cable service revenue soared by an astonishing 93%, accompanied by a 97% surge in adjusted EBITDA. Impressive growth was also reflected in the Cable adjusted EBITDA margin, which increased by 100 basis points to a robust 51%. The company remains committed to achieving at least $200 million in synergies by 2023, and annualized cost synergies of at least $600 million by the end of Q1 2024.

Rogers’ commitment to debt reduction and strategic investments is evident. Strong adjusted EBITDA growth and effective balance sheet management have resulted in an improved debt leverage ratio of 5.1x since the completion of the Shaw Transaction in April 2023. With further improvement targeted, the company aims to achieve a debt leverage ratio of 4.9x by the end of 2023.

Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $1,079 million, reflecting a 24% increase in network infrastructure spending. Rogers also plans to sell $1 billion in non-core assets. Additionally, the company is introducing changes to its dividend reinvestment plan, incorporating a price discount and the use of treasury shares.

In light of these positive developments, I recommend considering the purchase of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE: RCI) stocks. The company’s robust Q2 results, along with their strong execution and expanding outlook for 2023, indicate favorable momentum for investors. With increased free cash flow projected between $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, alongside an adjusted EBITDA growth outlook of 33% to 36%, the potential for further shareholder value is apparent.

Disclosure: I personally own shares of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE: RCI), and continue to hold the stock based on their strong financial performance and growth potential.

Stifel Financial Corp. Reports Steady Revenues and Focus on Growth

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) recently announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2023, reporting net revenues of $1.1 billion, consistent with the previous year. The company’s net income available to common shareholders for the quarter was $125.0 million, or $1.10 per diluted common share, compared to $151.5 million, or $1.29 per diluted common share, in the same period in 2022. However, the non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders increased to $136.3 million, or $1.20 per diluted common share.

Stifel’s Chairman and CEO, Ronald J. Kruszewski, attributed the company’s resilient performance to its diversified business model. Despite challenges faced by the Institutional Group, Stifel’s Global Wealth Management segment achieved another record quarter, partially offsetting the market difficulties. Kruszewski expressed optimism, mentioning improved equity capital markets revenue and expected growth in advisory revenue in the second half of the year. With a strong focus on profitable growth and improved scale, Stifel aims to navigate the market uncertainties successfully.

Considering the company’s steady revenues and positive outlook, it is evident that Stifel is well positioned for future growth. The recruitment of 46 financial advisors, including both experienced employee advisors and independent advisors, demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its talented workforce. Additionally, Stifel’s focus on expense discipline while continuing to invest in the business has resulted in a non-GAAP pre-tax margin of 19% and operating leverage.

Based on the positive developments and Stifel’s solid financial foundation, it is recommended to consider buying the stock. The company’s long history of profitable growth and its ability to navigate challenging market conditions are indicators of future success. Investors can have confidence in Stifel’s commitment to capitalizing on opportunities and delivering value to shareholders.

Note: The opinions expressed in this article are based on the provided press release and should not be considered financial advice. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. Reports Strong Q2 2023 Earnings and Declares Dividend

Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFBC), the holding company for Sound Community Bank, has released its Q2 2023 financial results, reporting a net income of $2.9 million, or $1.11 diluted earnings per share. This marks a significant increase from the previous quarter’s net income of $2.2 million and the same quarter last year’s net income of $1.6 million.

The company’s strong earnings can be attributed to a recovery from credit losses and a non-recurring death benefit payment received from bank-owned life insurance. However, both loans and deposits experienced a decline this quarter. The decrease in loans was mainly due to successful completion of commercial construction projects, while seasonal outflows for tax and business planning needs affected deposit balances.

Despite these changes, Sound Financial Bancorp maintained a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio of 104%. Total assets also increased by $6.4 million or 0.6% to reach $1.01 billion at the end of Q2 2023.

While the net interest income decreased by $627 thousand or 6.7% compared to the previous quarter, it increased by $352 thousand or 4.2% from the same quarter last year. The net interest margin (NIM), annualized, stood at 3% for Q2 2023.

The Company’s Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.19 per share on Company common stock. The dividend is payable on August 23, 2023, to stockholders of record as of August 9, 2023.

Personally, I am impressed by Sound Financial Bancorp’s strong financial performance, driven by the recovery from credit losses and the non-recurring death benefit payment. While the decrease in loans and deposits is a cause for concern, it can be attributed to specific factors such as the completion of construction projects and seasonal outflows. Overall, the company seems to be well-positioned for future growth.

Considering the positive earnings and the dividend declaration, I recommend buying Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFBC) stock. The strong financials and the Board’s confidence in the company’s performance indicate a promising investment opportunity.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.