BOK Financial Corporation Sees Strong Growth and Consistent Execution in Q1 2026
On April 21, 2026, BOK Financial Corporation held its conference call to discuss the company's first quarter 2026 financial results. During the call, the CEO, Stacy Kymes, provided an overview of the company's performance, highlighting a strong growth in loans and consistent execution across the business.
The company reported earnings of $155.8 million, or EPS of $2.58 per diluted share for the first quarter. Total loans grew by $536 million, or 2.1% sequentially, with strong momentum seen in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The growth was well-distributed across the portfolio, with core C&I loan portfolio growing 2.1%, energy loans increasing 4.3%, and commercial real estate business expanding 3.7%. Healthcare loans decreased by 1.3% but remain at record highs, with a strong pipeline.
"We reported earnings of $155.8 million, or EPS of $2.58 per diluted share for the first quarter," said Stacy Kymes during the call. "What stood out this quarter was the consistency of execution across the company and how our teams continue to build on the momentum we established in 2025." The company also reported that pipelines remained solid, with business activity across its footprint and customer base constructive despite macroeconomic uncertainty.
The fee-based businesses performed well, with fee revenue exceeding three of the past four quarters. This reflects the diversification and underlying strength of those platforms. Expenses declined meaningfully this quarter, reflecting the company's focus on managing its core cost structure. The efficiency ratio improved to 63.2%, providing a clean view of a more typical expense profile.
"We've worked to better align expenses with market opportunities and customer needs," said Stacy Kymes. "This quarter illustrates that progress." Capital levels remained very strong, with tangible common equity at 9.3% and CET1 at 12.6%. The company's loan portfolio continues to grow, with total outstanding loans increasing 2.1% this quarter.
The credit quality of the company remains strong, with non-performing assets (NPAs) decreasing $14 million to $52 million. Committed criticized assets decreased this quarter, remaining very low relative to historical standards. The company reported net charge-offs of just $1.9 million during the quarter, averaging three basis points over the last 12 months.
"Credit quality remains strong," said Stacy Kymes. "NPAs not guaranteed by the U.S. government decreased $14 million to $52 million. The resulting non-performing assets to period loans and repossessed assets decreased 6 basis points to 20 basis points."
The company is well-positioned to grow its loan portfolio throughout the remainder of the year, with strong pipelines and business activity across its footprint and customer base. BOK Financial Corporation's Q1 2026 results demonstrate a consistent execution across the company, strong growth in loans, and a solid credit quality.
