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MidWestOne(MOFG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-25 18:25
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $15.1 million and a return on average assets of 1% for Q1 2025 [8] - The core net interest margin increased by 10 basis points to 3.36% [24] - Total assets increased slightly, with shareholders' equity rising by $20 million to $579.6 million [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was flat due to elevated payoffs, but C&I loan balances grew by 4.9% linked quarter annualized [9][16] - Wealth management fee income decreased from the linked quarter but increased from the year-ago quarter, with expectations for growth despite market volatility [19] - SBA gain on sale income rose by 52% year-over-year, and mortgage production increased by 23% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits were essentially flat, reflecting stability compared to the previous year [15] - Commercial originations were up 4% year-over-year and 37% from the linked quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building talent and technology platforms to enhance performance [11] - Strategic investments include the Aperture commercial banking online platform and ServiceNow for operational efficiency [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to mid-single-digit loan growth rates in Q2 2025 [34] - There is caution regarding customer investment plans due to economic uncertainty, which may impact the latter half of the year [35][36] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit loss remains at 1.25% of loans, indicating a strong position [10] - Total non-interest expense decreased by $1.1 million from the linked quarter, with expectations for annual expenses between $145 million and $147 million [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the upside and downside risks to the outlook? - Management noted economic uncertainty but expressed confidence in loan pipelines and fee business momentum for Q2 [34][35] Question: Can you discuss the medium-term opportunities to improve the efficiency ratio? - Management indicated a focus on expense control and projected an efficiency ratio between 55% and 59% [50] Question: What is the updated rate sensitivity regarding potential rate cuts? - Management expects rate cuts to benefit deposit costs and sees opportunities for margin improvement [52][53] Question: How do you view charge-offs for the balance of the year? - Management is proactive in managing nonperforming assets and does not foresee elevated charge-offs at this time [69] Question: What is the outlook for the agricultural portfolio? - Management expressed concerns about future pricing scenarios due to tariffs but sees stability in 2025 [85][86]
MidWestOne(MOFG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-25 17:00
Midwestone Financial Group (MOFG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Barry Ray - Senior Executive VP, CFO & TreasurerCharles Reeves - CEOLen Devaisher - President & COOBrendan Nosal - Director - Equity ResearchGary Sims - SVP & Chief Credit OfficerDamon Delmonte - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Terry Mcevoy - MD & Research AnalystNathan Race - Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst Operator Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the MidWest ...
Amalgamated Financial (AMAL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 23:57
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q1 2025 was $25 million or $0.81 per diluted share, while core net income was $27.1 million or $0.88 per diluted share, reflecting the sustainability of earnings [24][25] - Core earnings per share was $0.88, supported by net interest income of $70.6 million, which was within the guidance range [12][24] - The tangible book value per share increased by 4% to $23.51, while core revenue per diluted share decreased by $0.10 to $2.57 [26] - The CET1 ratio improved by 43 basis points to 14.32%, indicating a strong capital position [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans receivable increased by $7 million to $4.6 billion, driven by increases in multifamily and commercial industrial loans [38] - Political deposits grew by $103 million or 11% to $1.1 billion, consistent with historical patterns post-election [15][32] - Core non-interest income decreased to $9.1 million from $9.5 million, primarily due to lower commercial banking fees [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $446 million to $7.6 billion, with on-balance sheet deposits rising by 3.2% [31][32] - Non-interest-bearing deposits decreased to 39% of average ending deposits, while average cost of deposits increased by seven basis points to 159 basis points [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain a conservative approach amid uncertain economic conditions, focusing on strong capital and liquidity [17][18] - A new $40 million share repurchase program was authorized, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [30][68] - The company is expanding its commercial PACE franchise, expecting C-PACE originations to ramp up to $15 to $20 million per quarter in the latter half of the year [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in revenue growth and margin expansion for the remainder of the year, despite modest declines in core earnings and revenue [13][14] - The company anticipates C&I loan growth to remain muted in Q2, with reacceleration expected in the latter half of the year [18] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong credit profile and higher liquidity levels due to potential impacts from federal funding reductions [17][18] Other Important Information - The company is planning a move to a new headquarters in New York City by mid-2026, aimed at attracting and retaining top talent [21][22] - Nonperforming assets totaled $33.9 million, representing an increase driven by commercial industrial nonaccrual loans [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the $8.3 million loan that went on nonaccrual - Management indicated that the loan is in the solar sector and has sufficient collateral value, allowing them to maintain reserve coverage [54][56] Question: Impact of funding for clean energy projects - Management confirmed that there is no observed decline in funding for clean energy projects, with a strong pipeline continuing [58][60] Question: Concerns about political challenges affecting the bank - Management emphasized their focus on core business growth and maintaining strong capital and liquidity to navigate potential challenges [64][66] Question: Update on the political deposit franchise outlook - Management reported strong deposit performance with 11% growth in political deposits, consistent with historical trends [77][78] Question: Utilization of off-balance sheet strategies - Management explained that off-balance sheet strategies will be used as appropriate to manage balance sheet growth and maintain net interest income [84][86] Question: Expectations for expenses and digital transformation projects - Management confirmed that expenses are expected to ramp up throughout the year, with a focus on digital transformation and hiring plans [91][92] Question: Tangible impacts from the new administration - Management stated that they have not seen tangible impacts on lending or deposits but are closely monitoring potential risks [96][99]
South Plains Financial(SPFI) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 22:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.72, down from $0.96 in the linked quarter, with a notable $0.14 per share after-tax differential in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment [21][24] - Net interest income remained unchanged at $38,500,000, while the net interest margin increased to 3.81% from 3.75% in the linked quarter, primarily due to a decline in the cost of deposits [21][22] - Deposits increased by $171,600,000 to $3,790,000,000, with the cost of deposits decreasing to 219 basis points from 229 basis points in the linked quarter [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $20,800,000 or 2.7% annualized to $3,080,000,000, driven by growth in commercial owner-occupied real estate loans and commercial goods and services loans [14] - The indirect auto loan portfolio grew by $7,000,000 to $243,000,000, with a decline in loans past due by more than 30 days to 41 basis points from 47 basis points [17][18] - Non-interest income decreased to $10,600,000 from $13,300,000 in the linked quarter, primarily due to a drop in mortgage banking revenues [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans in major metropolitan markets decreased by $18,000,000 to $1,040,000,000, with expectations of elevated early payments on loans in the first half of the year [15] - The company reported strong loan growth in the Permian market, achieving the strongest loan growth in a single quarter since entering the market in 2019 [16] - The company anticipates loan growth to trend towards the lower end of the low to mid-single digit range for the full year 2025 due to economic uncertainty [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and selectively adding to its team across major metropolitan and rural markets [10] - A $15,000,000 stock repurchase program was authorized, with $8,300,000 spent to repurchase 250,000 shares in the first quarter, indicating a strategy to return value to shareholders [11] - The company remains cautious regarding M&A activity due to current market uncertainty but is positioned to capitalize on opportunities as they arise [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's credit quality and its ability to perform well through economic downturns, despite potential recession risks [6][10] - The company believes it has the liquidity, capital, and team to take advantage of opportunities during economic difficulties [9] - Management expects the economic growth in Texas to remain resilient, although they are aware of the uncertainties created by external factors [19] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment ratio was 1.4%, with a recorded provision for credit losses of $420,000 in the first quarter [23] - Non-interest expense increased to $33,000,000 from $29,900,000 in the linked quarter, with expectations that this level will be a good run rate for the remainder of the year [24][25] - Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 9.64%, with tangible book value per share increasing to $26.5 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: On deposit costs and potential for further reduction - Management acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in reducing deposit costs, there is still room for further reductions in certain accounts [31][33] Question: Loan yields and margin expansion potential - Management indicated that while there may be some room for margin expansion, it will depend on overall liquidity and loan funding conditions [35][38] Question: Elevated loan payoffs and their impact - Management noted that payoffs were approximately $10,000,000 higher in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, but they remain confident in their production and pipeline [41][42] Question: Current hiring landscape and mortgage hiring outlook - Management stated they are actively hiring but are selective, focusing on finding the right talent rather than increasing headcount indiscriminately [48][50] Question: Concentration of loan portfolio in energy and growth in the quarter - Management confirmed that approximately 4% of the loan portfolio is concentrated in energy, primarily driven by energy service businesses [60][63]
Heritage Financial (HFWA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 19:18
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances decreased by $37 million in Q1 2025 due to elevated payoffs and prepayments, with loan yields at 5.45%, down 2 basis points from Q4 2024 [7][12] - Total deposits increased by $160.7 million in the quarter, with 95% of this growth in non-mature deposits, primarily in money market accounts [9][27] - Net interest margin increased to 3.44% for Q1 from 3.36% in the prior quarter, driven by decreases in the cost of deposits and borrowings [12] - Non-interest expense increased by $1.8 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher benefit costs and payroll taxes [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial lending closed $183 million in new loan commitments, down from $316 million in the previous quarter but up from $133 million in Q1 2024 [24] - The commercial loan pipeline ended Q1 at $460 million, up from $452 million in the previous quarter [25] - Investment balances decreased by $53.8 million, partly due to a pretax loss of $3.9 million on the sale of $61 million of securities [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 1.92% in Q1 from 1.98% in the prior quarter, with expectations for further decreases due to repricing of CDs [10] - Non-performing loans improved from 0.11% of total loans at year-end to 0.09% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue taking advantage of opportunities for growth and potential M&A, with a solid balance sheet and a strong loan pipeline [34][36] - The focus remains on prudent risk management and maintaining a strong capital position to navigate economic uncertainties [29][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about core profitability due to strong deposit growth and prudent risk management [5] - The company anticipates an annualized loan growth rate of 5% to 8% for Q2 2025, despite uncertainties in the market [77][82] Other Important Information - The company has 990,000 shares available for repurchase under the current plan, although no shares were repurchased in Q1 [15] - Credit quality metrics remained stable, with non-accrual loans totaling just over $4.4 million, representing 0.09% of total loans [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspective on Heritage's position among independent banks - Management believes the bank is well-positioned with specific goals for 2025 and readiness for potential M&A opportunities [34][36] Question: Details on the new team in Spokane - The new team was sourced from a larger regional bank, and the decision was based on fit and market opportunity [38][40] Question: Comments on stock buyback activity - The decision on stock buybacks is made quarterly, with no repurchases in Q1 due to stock price considerations [43] Question: Margin and deposit costs - The NIM in March was 3.45%, with the cost of interest-bearing deposits at 1.92% [48] Question: Loan growth opportunities - The company sees balanced opportunities in commercial real estate and C&I, with a focus on deposit-rich clients [62] Question: Credit metrics and underwriting approach - Management is closely monitoring economic changes and adapting their credit management strategies accordingly [72]
Bankwell Financial Group(BWFG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 19:09
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP fully diluted earnings per share of $0.87, which represents a 135% increase compared to the fourth quarter and an 81% increase year-over-year [6] - Pre-provision net revenue for the first quarter was $9.4 million, or $1.22 per share, an 11% increase from the previous quarter [12] - The net interest margin for the quarter was 281 basis points, a 21 basis point increase from the linked quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SBA originations grew to $10 million in the first quarter, with gain on sale margins exceeding 10% [9] - Noninterest income increased by 56% to $1.5 million, driven largely by SBA gain on sale income [16] - The first quarter provision expense was $463,000, significantly lower than $4.5 million in the prior quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits grew by $43 million, including $28 million in noninterest-bearing deposits, while broker deposits declined by $81 million [10] - The company expects low single-digit loan growth for the full year despite a slower first quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully disposed of two nonperforming credits, which reduced nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets to 83 basis points [7] - The management emphasized the importance of attracting talented professionals and has added two deposit teams in the New York Metro Area [20] - The company plans to continue expanding its net interest margin and reaffirmed its net interest income guidance for the full year 2025 of $93 million to $95 million [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the SBA gain on sale activity accelerating in Q2 2025 [9] - The management noted that credit trends were benign and highlighted the company's strong balance sheet and liquidity [19] - The company is cautious about potential changes in the SBA environment that could impact growth [52][54] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 29,924 shares at a weighted average price of $30.46 during the quarter, with 220,000 shares remaining on its authorization [19] - The efficiency ratio for the quarter was 59.9%, with expectations for improvement as net interest margin expands [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on new teams and their focus - The focus of the new teams is primarily on deposits, with some loans mixed in, and both teams have prior books over $100 million [26] Question: Update on loan pipeline and growth outlook - The company still expects low single-digit growth, with a robust pipeline despite some unexpected payoffs in Q1 [30][31] Question: Core loan yield for the quarter - The core loan yield for the quarter was approximately 6.40%, reflecting a 10 basis point expansion over the fourth quarter [38] Question: Thoughts on interest-bearing costs and margin - Timing issues affected the interest-bearing costs, with some callable brokered CDs called in Q1 leading to a one-time drag [41][42] Question: Expectations for SBA originations and fee income - Originations were better than expected, with the strongest quarter anticipated in Q4 2025 [50] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company aims to balance share repurchases with the need to build consolidated CET1 capital, currently at 11% [72]
Univest(UVSP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 16:44
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $22.4 million for Q1 2025, translating to $0.77 per share, indicating a solid start despite economic uncertainties [4] - Net loan growth was $6.5 million, impacted by larger payoffs, while deposits decreased by $100.8 million primarily due to seasonal declines in public funds deposits [5] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved to 3.09% from 2.88% in Q4 2024, reflecting stabilization in non-interest-bearing deposits and disciplined loan pricing [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased by $3.2 million or 12.4% compared to Q1 2024, with contingent income in the insurance line decreasing by $700,000 [10] - Non-interest expense decreased by $746,000 or 1.5% compared to Q1 2024, demonstrating a focus on prudent expense management [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit quality remained strong, with non-performing assets to total assets increasing slightly by two basis points to 43 basis points, and net charge-offs remaining low at 10 basis points annualized [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue stock buybacks, having repurchased 221,760 shares during the quarter, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [7] - The management aims to navigate the loan-to-deposit ratio towards a target of 95% to 100%, acknowledging the cyclicality and seasonality of public funds [18][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating uncertainties related to interest rates and geopolitical concerns, emphasizing a solid first quarter performance [4][27] - The company maintains a guidance range for fee income growth of 4% to 6% for the year, contingent on mortgage banking performance [15] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors announced a $0.01 increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.22 per share, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fee income growth expectations - Management confirmed a guidance range of 4% to 6% for fee income growth, with mortgage banking performance being a potential driver [15] Question: Loan-to-deposit ratio trends - Management indicated a long-term target of 95% to 100% for the loan-to-deposit ratio, acknowledging the seasonal fluctuations in public funds [18][20] Question: Capital return and buyback potential - Management discussed the potential for buybacks, indicating that decisions will be made quarterly based on earnings projections and regulatory capital ratios [22]
Bankwell Financial Group(BWFG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-24 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP fully diluted earnings per share of $0.87, which represents a 135% increase compared to the fourth quarter and an 81% increase year-over-year [5] - Pre-provision net revenue for the first quarter was $9,400,000, or $1.22 per share, reflecting an 11% increase from the previous quarter [9] - The net interest margin for the quarter was 281 basis points, a 21 basis point increase from the linked quarter [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SBA originations grew during the first quarter, with gain on sale margins exceeding 10% [6] - Non-interest income increased by 56% compared to the linked quarter, driven largely by $424,000 of SBA gain on sale income [11] - The efficiency ratio for the quarter was 59.9%, an increase over the prior quarter, but expected to improve as net interest margin expands [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced elevated payoff activity of $200,000,000, which offset strong origination activity of $130,000,000 funded during the first quarter [6] - Core deposits grew by $43,000,000, including $28,000,000 in non-interest bearing deposits [7] - Brokered deposits declined by $81,000,000 relative to the fourth quarter, with a total reduction of $207,000,000 over the last twelve months [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its SBA business and expects continued growth in SBA gain on sale activity throughout 2025 [6][11] - The addition of new deposit teams in the New York Metro Area is aimed at enhancing customer acquisition and deposit growth [14] - The company plans to selectively add professionals to achieve strategic goals, particularly in technology and banking [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about low single-digit loan growth for the full year despite a slower start [6][22] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion as maturing term deposits reprice to lower current rates [9][10] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate changes in the SBA landscape while maintaining growth [37] Other Important Information - The company disposed of two nonperforming credits, which significantly reduced nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets to 83 basis points [5] - The balance sheet remains well-capitalized and liquid, with total assets of $3,200,000,000 [13] - The company repurchased 29,924 shares at a weighted average price of $30.46 during the quarter [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on new teams and their focus - The new teams are primarily focused on deposits, with both teams having books of business over $100,000,000 [19][20] Question: Loan pipeline and growth outlook - The company still expects low single-digit growth, with a robust pipeline despite some unexpected payoffs in the first quarter [22][23] Question: Core loan yield and margin expectations - The core loan yield for the quarter was approximately $6.40, with expectations for continued margin expansion [27][29] Question: SBA gain on sale and future expectations - Originations were better than expected, with the strongest quarter anticipated in Q4 [35] Question: Professional fees and expense outlook - Some professional fees are one-time investments that may shift into employee expenses, but elevated levels are not expected to continue [41] Question: Updates on remaining nonperforming assets - No material updates on the remaining loans, but management is optimistic about their status [45] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company aims to balance share repurchases with the need to grow consolidated CET1 capital [52]
Trustmark(TRMK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-23 14:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trustmark reported net income of $53.6 million, representing fully diluted EPS of $0.88 per share, with a return on average assets of 1.19% and a return on average tangible equity of 13.13% [7][9] - Loans held for investment increased by $151 million or 1.2% linked quarter, with a stable deposit base and a cost of total deposits rising by 15 basis points to 1.83% [6][10] - Non-interest income totaled approximately $43 million, up 4% linked quarter, while non-interest expense declined by $419,000 linked quarter [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth in loans was diversified, reflecting increases in commercial real estate (CRE), other commercial loans, and one to four family mortgage loans [6][10] - Non-interest expense management efforts were highlighted, with declines in salaries, employee benefits, and service fees contributing to the overall reduction [8][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates low single-digit growth in loans held for investments and deposits for the full year 2025, while securities balances are expected to remain stable [10][11] - The net interest margin is projected to be in the range of 3.75% to 3.85% for the full year, with net interest income expected to increase mid to high single digits [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Trustmark is focused on organic loan growth, potential market expansion, and M&A opportunities depending on market conditions [11][45] - The company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and administrative policies on its customer base, indicating a cautious but optimistic outlook for growth [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted stable credit quality with net charge-offs totaling $1.4 million, representing four basis points of average loans [8] - The company is experiencing a solid pipeline across various business units, although some uncertainty in the market may lead to a slowdown in new origination volume [25][26] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share increased to $27.78, up 4.1% during the quarter and 26.1% year over year [10] - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share payable on June 15 to shareholders of record on June 1 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and client behavior regarding tariffs - Management discussed expectations for meaningful maturing CRE loans in 2025 and noted that many clients are considering extension options due to uncertainty in interest rates [19][20] Question: Impact of net interest margin and potential rate cuts - Management explained that a linked quarter decline in net interest margin was primarily due to seasonal declines in loan fees, and they expect low single-digit increases moving forward [27][30] Question: Credit quality and reserve build - Management confirmed that the increase in the allowance for credit losses was expected, driven by loan growth and qualitative adjustments [38][39] Question: Expense management and future investments - Management highlighted a focus on controlling expenses, with plans for a core system conversion in 2026 and a disciplined approach to managing costs [41][42] Question: Share repurchase program and capital deployment - Management indicated that the pace of share repurchases will be dictated by market conditions and loan growth, with a focus on strategic growth initiatives in key markets [44][45]
Wintrust(WTFC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 18:01
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported quarterly net income of $189 million and record net interest income of $526 million, despite having two fewer business days compared to the prior period [6][36] - Loans grew by over $650 million and deposits increased by over $1.1 billion, with a net interest margin of 3.56%, which is five basis points higher than the previous quarter [7][11] - Charge-offs for the quarter decreased to 11 basis points, and the provision for credit losses was $24 million, consistent with prior quarters [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 6% on an annualized basis, while deposit growth was approximately 8% on an annualized basis [11] - Non-interest income was relatively stable, totaling $116.6 million, with increases in net security gains and fees from covered call options offset by lower wealth management revenue [17] - Non-interest expenses totaled $366.1 million, down approximately $2.4 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to lower salary and employee benefit expenses [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing deposits represented 21% of total deposits at the end of the quarter, remaining stable over the last five quarters [12] - The company anticipates strong loan growth in the second quarter, particularly in the premium finance segment, which is expected to grow close to $1 billion [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced an increase in its dividend to $2 per share on an annualized basis and continues to grow its capital ratio, with a CET1 ratio of slightly over 10% [36] - The management emphasized the importance of differentiated client service and maintaining a strong local presence to navigate economic uncertainties [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is uncertainty in the market, clients remain generally encouraged about the local economy and their ability to perform normally [45] - The company is focused on proactive communication with clients to address concerns related to economic conditions, tariffs, and funding cuts [34][46] Other Important Information - The company received 14 Coalition Greenwich Awards and was recognized for best customer service in Illinois for the fourth consecutive year [36] - The tangible book value per common share increased to $78.83 compared to $75.39 in the prior quarter [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: How prevalent is uncertainty from borrowers and its impact on growth outlook? - Management acknowledged that borrowers are cautious but remain generally encouraged about the local economy, maintaining their loan growth expectations [45][46] Question: Can you walk us through the thought process on reserve changes? - The management explained that while the baseline economic scenario improved, they implemented a qualitative overlay due to spikes in credit spreads and equity market factors at the end of the quarter [52][69] Question: Any changes in competitive pricing on new home production? - Management noted that competition remains rational, with slight declines in rates from competitors, but they expect to balance this with strong loan growth [58][60] Question: How is new client acquisition in wealth management going? - The company is transitioning to a new platform that is expected to improve capabilities for financial advisors, which should enhance growth in the wealth management business [72][73] Question: Thoughts on M&A and growth through acquisition? - Management indicated ongoing M&A conversations and expressed confidence in their ability to pursue attractive acquisition opportunities [76] Question: How should we think about the source of deposit growth going forward? - Management expects to continue growing deposits to match loan growth, with a stable mix of commercial and consumer relationships [82][84]