BOK Financial's 2025 Q1: Key Contradictions in Loan Pressures, Deposit Strategies, and Revenue Expectations

Energy and healthcare loan pressures, deposit growth strategy and expectations, trading revenue mix and expectations, deposit growth strategy, and mortgage finance business expansion are the key contradictions discussed in BOK Financial's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Financial Performance and Stability:
- BOK Financial reported earnings of $119.8 million or EPS of $1.86 per diluted share for Q1 2025.
- The strong performance was driven by consistent risk management and capital levels, with TCE reaching 9.5% and CET1 reaching 13.3%.

Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality:
- The company experienced a contraction in the loan portfolio, mainly due to a 12.1% decrease in energy-linked loans, while other sectors, such as healthcare and CRE, showed increases.
- The credit quality remains strong, with low criticized classified levels and a combined allowance at 1.4% of outstanding loans, supported by a long-term credit performance of 26 basis points of charge-offs.

Net Interest Income Expansion:
- There was a $3.2 million increase in net interest income and a headline net interest margin expansion of 3 basis points, primarily due to growth in trading-related net interest income.
- This was attributed to recognition of down rate deposit betas and a steeper yield curve.

Trading Income Volatility:
- Trading revenue decreased by $22.8 million compared to the previous quarter, with total trading revenue at $23.3 million.
- The decline was attributed to market uncertainty and reduced trading volumes, particularly in February and March, although a shift from fee income to net interest income was observed.

Expansion into Mortgage Finance:
- BOK Financial is expanding into the mortgage finance and warehouse lending business, targeting a launch by September to October.
- System implementation is underway, and talent is in place, aiming to unlock value across existing lines of business and better support mortgage originators.