RNST Q1 Deep Dive: Loan and Deposit Growth, Integration Focus After Merger

Regional banking company Renasant (NYSE:RNST) reported Q1 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 4.2% year on year to $170.6 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.66 per share was 8.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy RNST? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Renasant’s first quarter was marked by stronger-than-expected revenue and non-GAAP profit, with the market responding positively to the company’s solid start to the year. Management highlighted loan and deposit growth as primary factors supporting net interest income, while disciplined deposit pricing and improved funding mix reduced overall funding costs. CEO Mitchell Waycaster credited “solid profitability and growth in loans and deposits” as key themes, while non-interest income also benefited from seasonal strength in mortgage banking.

Looking forward, management’s outlook centers on capturing efficiencies from the recent First Bancshares merger and maintaining disciplined expense control as integration progresses. Executives emphasized plans to realize cost savings after the technology conversion later this year, with CFO James Mabry stating, “Our goal is to have a very clean Q1 of 2026.” The company also sees opportunities for balance sheet optimization and capital flexibility, though they remain cautious about ongoing economic uncertainties and their potential impact on loan demand and credit quality.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s balanced performance to steady loan demand, improved deposit mix, and early progress on merger integration, while noting continued vigilance around economic headwinds and funding costs.

• Loan and deposit momentum: Renasant reported strong linked-quarter growth in both loans and deposits, with noninterest-bearing deposits accounting for a significant share of new funding. This shift in deposit mix helped reduce the overall cost of funds.
• Merger integration underway: The acquisition of First Bancshares closed in early April, and integration efforts began immediately. Management cited early success aligning teams and systems, with technology conversion set for later in the year. They expect cost efficiencies to emerge in subsequent quarters as integration milestones are reached.
• Stable credit quality: Asset quality metrics improved across the board, reflecting proactive credit management and early identification of underperforming loans. Management noted a small credit loss provision tied to growth in construction lending commitments, indicating ongoing vigilance in risk assessment.
• Mortgage and wealth consistency: Non-interest income grew, primarily due to seasonal improvement in mortgage banking and ongoing strength in wealth management. CEO Mitchell Waycaster described the wealth business as a “story of consistency,” with integration across business lines supporting future growth potential.
• Expense discipline maintained: Excluding merger-related costs, non-interest expenses were largely stable. Management reiterated their focus on expense control during the integration process and expect greater clarity on cost synergies after the technology conversion.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects revenue trends to be driven by ongoing merger integration, deposit mix optimization, and expense management, with macroeconomic uncertainty and rate volatility posing potential headwinds.

• Cost savings from merger integration: The successful integration with First Bancshares is expected to generate meaningful operating efficiencies, particularly after the August technology conversion. Management aims to demonstrate clear progress on cost synergies by the end of this year, contributing to non-GAAP margin expansion.
• Deposit and loan growth outlook: Executives anticipate continued moderate growth in loans and deposits, with the loan pipeline showing strength across commercial, small business, and residential segments. However, they remain attentive to economic uncertainty and expect net loan growth to be in the low single-digit range in the upcoming quarter.
• Interest rate and credit risk vigilance: Management highlighted ongoing monitoring of rate volatility and customer exposure to tariffs or other economic disruptions. Contingency plans are in place to adjust underwriting standards if macroeconomic risks intensify, supporting asset quality and capital preservation.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, our analysts will be watching (1) the realization of merger-related cost efficiencies following the upcoming technology conversion, (2) sustained loan and deposit growth in the face of economic uncertainty, and (3) Renasant’s ability to manage funding costs and asset quality amid rate volatility. Any updates on capital deployment, including potential share repurchases or debt refinancing, will also be important signposts for future performance.

Renasant currently trades at $35.09, up from $28.66 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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