Latest news with #RajSingh
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BKU Q1 Deep Dive: Loan Growth Lags, Deposit Mix and Margin Expansion Remain in Focus
Regional banking company BankUnited (NYSE:BKU) missed Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales rose 5.7% year on year to $255.4 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.77 per share was in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy BKU? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $255.4 million vs analyst estimates of $262 million (5.7% year-on-year growth, 2.5% miss) Adjusted EPS: $0.77 vs analyst estimates of $0.76 (in line) Market Capitalization: $2.59 billion BankUnited's first quarter results showed revenue growth but failed to meet Wall Street's expectations, while non-GAAP profit was in line with consensus. Management attributed the quarter's performance to a combination of stable deposit growth, moderated by a decline in average loan balances, and lower funding costs. CEO Raj Singh highlighted that net interest margin (NIM) compression was primarily the result of expiring hedges, which was anticipated. He also noted robust core deposit trends and described the quarter as seasonally slow for new loan production, with the expectation of stronger growth in subsequent quarters. Looking ahead, BankUnited's management maintained its previous guidance for loan and deposit growth, margin expansion, and expenses, but acknowledged increased macroeconomic uncertainty. Singh described the current environment as having a 'wider cone of uncertainty' due to volatility in interest rates and economic policy, yet said that the bank is prepared to adapt to various scenarios. CFO Leslie Lunak emphasized that margin expansion will depend on continued improvements in deposit mix and higher-yielding loan growth, while remaining cautious about the unpredictable rate environment and potential credit normalization. Management pointed to a mix of internal and external factors shaping the quarter, including shifts in deposit composition, competitive lending conditions, and a focus on credit discipline. Core deposit growth strength: Excluding brokered deposits, BankUnited achieved notable growth in core deposits, which management attributes to relationship-oriented client strategies and the prioritization of deposit gathering alongside loan origination. Loan production seasonal dip: The first quarter is typically BankUnited's slowest for new loan growth, as the company waits for updated client financials. Management expects stronger loan production in the second and third quarters, driven by a robust pipeline in commercial and industrial (C&I) lending. Competitive loan environment: CEO Raj Singh and COO Tom Cornish highlighted increased competition in commercial real estate (CRE) and C&I, with tighter spreads and more banks re-entering the CRE market. However, they noted that incoming loan relationships are more deposit-rich and favorably priced. NIM and funding cost trends: Net interest margin compressed slightly due to expiring hedges, but average funding costs for deposits declined. Management expects future margin expansion, provided the deposit mix continues to improve and higher-cost funding runs off. Credit quality stable: CFO Leslie Lunak reported that credit metrics remained steady, with charge-offs largely tied to previously identified problem loans. The reserve for credit losses was maintained, with additional qualitative reserves added in response to rising uncertainty in the broader economic environment. BankUnited's outlook is shaped by expectations for improved loan growth, further deposit mix enhancements, and continued caution around macroeconomic and rate uncertainties. Deposit mix improvement: Management believes further growth in core, lower-cost deposits will support margin expansion, provided the broader rate environment does not deteriorate. The shift away from higher-cost wholesale funding remains a central focus. Loan growth timing: While Q1 was seasonally light, management expects loan growth to accelerate in the coming quarters as pipelines in core lending segments remain healthy. However, actual pull-through will depend on the economic outlook and market competition. Interest rate and credit risk: The team flagged ongoing market volatility, tariff discussions, and the slope of the yield curve as key risks. Management is closely monitoring interest rate movements and credit trends, adding qualitative reserves to buffer against potential challenges. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will watch (1) core deposit growth trends as a driver of margin expansion, (2) the pace and composition of new loan originations, particularly in C&I and CRE, and (3) credit quality developments, especially within the office and New York CRE portfolio. Uncertainty around interest rates and the broader macro environment will also be important factors to monitor. BankUnited currently trades at $34.50, down from $36.35 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


The Hindu
7 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Hooghly CSL to construct two luxury cruise vessels
Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited, will construct two luxury river cruise vessels to be operated on the Brahmaputra by Heritage River Journeys Private Limited, operating under the brand name Antara River Cruises. The luxury cruise operator has entered into a construction contract with Hooghly CSL as part of the project. The agreement for the construction of the first vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second were signed by Sanil Peter, chief executive officer, Hooghly CSL, and Raj Singh, founder and chairman, Antara River Cruises, in the presence of Madhu S. Nair, chairman and managing director, Cochin Shipyard Limited, according to a release. The contract represents the synergy of world-class shipbuilding expertise and high-end riverine hospitality while reinforcing a shared commitment to the growth of luxury river cruise tourism in the country. The new vessels promise to set new benchmarks for luxury, safety, and sustainability in inland navigation and reflect a strong push towards the Union government's 'Make in India' initiative and showcases India's growing capacity to design and construct globally competitive cruise vessels of international standards, the release said.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Cochin Shipyard receives cruise vessel order from Antara River Cruises
Heritage River Journeys Private Limited, operating as Antara River Cruises, has signed a construction agreement with Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (Hooghly CSL)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)—to build two inland luxury cruise vessels. These ships are intended for deployment on the Brahmaputra River. Antara River Cruises currently operates a fleet of river cruise vessels along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra river systems. Its flagship journey, the Ganga Vilas, traverses more than 3,200 kilometres and 27 rivers, covering routes across the Gangetic plains, the Sundarbans, and the Brahmaputra Valley. It is considered the world's longest river cruise route. Fleet and network expansion across Indian rivers Antara's current fleet includes the MV Ganges Voyager, MV Ganges Voyager II, MV Ganga Vilas, MV Bengal Ganga, MV Nauka Vilas, and four catamarans. Its cruises serve destinations such as Varanasi, Kolkata, Odisha, Dibrugarh, and Guwahati, and also cover scenic areas near Bhitarkanika National Park. According to a stock exchange filing by CSL, 'Once these vessels are put into operation, India—with its large network of rivers and waterways—will secure a prominent position on the global river cruise map, opening a gateway for the country to generate significant revenue from the largely untapped river cruise market.' First-of-its-kind vessels under IV Rules 2022 The agreement includes a construction contract for the first vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second. The signing ceremony featured Shri Sanil Peter, CEO of Hooghly CSL, and Shri Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara River Cruises. 'It will also mark a historic milestone in Indian maritime history—being the pioneer luxury river cruise vessels to be classified under the Inland Vessels (IV) Rules, 2022, and the first to operate on the Brahmaputra River,' CSL added. Future routes: Kerala, Kashmir and Goa Earlier this year, Antara River Cruises announced plans to expand its operations to three additional inland waterways over the next five years: the Kerala backwaters, the Jhelum River in Kashmir, and interior river routes in Goa.


The Sun
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Jeff Stelling raises serious concerns as beloved Hartlepool appoint ex-Premier League ace, 55, who last managed in Nepal
JEFF STELLING has appeared to question Hartlepool United's appointment of new manager Simon Grayson. The former Soccer Saturday host, 70, is a lifelong fan of the National League club. 2 2 Hartlepool announced the capture of Grayson on Thursday evening. The 55-year-old has achieved EFL promotions with Preston North End, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United and Blackpool. Grayson most recently took charge of Lalitpur City in Nepal, with his last job in England a short spell at Fleetwood Town in 2021. Stelling, responding through his X account, appeared to be underwhelmed with the appointment. The Sky legend wrote: "He is a lovely man but not managed in England for four years and never at this level. "All you can do is wish him well and hope that he realises what he is stepping into." Hartlepool were relegated to the National League in 2023. They have failed to challenge for promotion in either of the last two seasons. Stelling fears a mass exodus of the playing staff over the summer - with no cash in the kitty to replace them. Responding to a more optimistic fan, he continued: "Hope you are right but I am not hopeful as I don't see key players staying. "I don't see the money being available for adequate replacements." Stelling added in a separate message: "The problems at Hartlepool would test anyone." Grayson replaces Australian Anthony Limbrick, who was sacked on Thursday after four months in the role. Chairman Raj Singh said: "I'm delighted that Simon has accepted the role." "Simon is someone who has been on our radar for a while and he's been my preferred candidate in the past when we've looked for managers, but for one reason or the other it didn't come off." Grayson told the club's official website: "I really happy to join Hartlepool United. "The club has gone through some tough times recently but by working hard together as a staff and fanbase we can bring back the good times which this football club deserves. "Hartlepool is a club with real potential and I'm excited by the prospect of what we can achieve here. I can't wait to get started."


BBC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Much-travelled Grayson named new Hartlepool boss
Hartlepool United have appointed Simon Grayson as the National League club's new replaces Australian Anthony Limbrick, who was sacked on Thursday after four months in the 55-year-old's most recent job was with Lalitpur City in the Nepal Super League, where he won the title in April. He has managed seven clubs in England, including Leeds and Preston, as well as Bengaluru in the Indian Super League."The club has gone through some tough times recently but by working hard together as a staff and fanbase we can bring back the good times which this football club deserves," Grayson told the club's website, finished last season 11th, eight points outside the play-offs. "I'm delighted that Simon has accepted the role," said club chairman Raj Singh."Simon is someone who has been on our radar for a while and he's been my preferred candidate in the past when we've looked for managers, but for one reason or the other it didn't come off."After retiring from playing in 2006, Grayson has won promotion from League One to the Championship with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston in his managerial career.