Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pretax, pre-provision net income increased by 15% compared to the prior quarter and 85% compared to the prior year to date [4] - Net interest income rose to $25,900,000, primarily due to a higher balance of average earning assets and a seven basis point increase in net interest margin [10] - The total risk-based capital ratio stood at 16.25% and the tangible common equity (TCE) ratio was 9.95% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations were $68,800,000, with $50,200,000 in fundings, consistent with the prior quarter [5] - The average yield on loans increased by seven basis points from the prior quarter, reflecting higher rates on new loan production compared to paid-off loans [10] - Noninterest income was negative due to losses from securities portfolio repositioning, but most other areas remained consistent with the prior quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits declined in the second quarter due to normal client activity, but year-to-date growth in deposits was noted, with over 70% of outflows recouped in July [6][7] - The competitive rate environment remains, but limited attrition of deposits was observed as clients value service levels and community commitment [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria while expanding its banking teams to drive future growth [5] - Plans for further securities portfolio repositioning are in place to enhance earnings and net interest margin [14] - The company aims to increase market share and generate profitable growth through strategic hiring and technology enhancements [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Despite economic uncertainty, loan demand remains healthy, and the loan pipeline is strong, indicating expectations for loan growth in the second half of the year [14] - Management expressed optimism about continued positive trends in net interest margin and revenue, with expectations for improved financial performance [15] Other Important Information - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share, marking the 81st consecutive quarterly dividend [12] - The company repurchased $2,200,000 of shares during the quarter [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the two CRE loans that migrated this quarter - The loans are generally retail or mixed-use, located outside San Francisco, and are experiencing tenancy or cash flow issues, but management is not particularly concerned due to good sponsorship [20][21] Question: Appetite for restructuring the HTM securities portfolio - The company is cautiously considering this, weighing the impact on capital and potential shareholder dilution [22] Question: Update on share buyback plans - The company has renewed its buyback allocation and is looking to buy back shares below tangible book value, balancing this with other capital uses [25][26] Question: Performance of the AFS book and reinvestment rates - The final yield on purchases was slightly above 5%, aligning with expectations [33][34] Question: Recent deposit rate cuts - Targeted deposit rate cuts were implemented, with a recent cut of about 15 basis points, contributing to a small benefit to net interest margin [38][40] Question: Expectations for loan growth in the second half of the year - Management is optimistic about net growth, supported by a strong pipeline and new market leaders joining the bank [42][49] Question: Credit upgrades anticipated in the third quarter - Upgrades are expected across various segments, with some meaningful amounts involved [58][62]

Core Insights - Provident Financial Services reported strong financial performance for Q2 2025, with GAAP net earnings of $72 million ($0.55 per share) and record revenue of $214 million, indicating robust operational momentum [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved a record net interest income (GAAP) of $187 million, supported by an increase in average earning assets of $383 million, reflecting a 7% quarter-over-quarter growth [3] - The net interest margin (NIM) increased by two basis points to 3.36%, with management forecasting a range of 3.35% to 3.45% for the remainder of 2025, despite anticipated Fed rate cuts [4] Loan Growth and Asset Quality - Commercial and industrial (C&I) loans grew at an annualized rate of 21% quarter-over-quarter, while total commercial loans advanced at an 8% annualized rate, indicating diversification in the loan portfolio [5] - Nonperforming assets decreased to 44 basis points of total assets, with net charge-offs dropping to $1.2 million, showcasing improved asset quality [8][9] Strategic Direction - The company is strategically diversifying its commercial lending to reduce concentration in commercial real estate (CRE), with CRE exposure declining to a ratio of 444% [5][7] - A robust loan pipeline of $1.6 billion with a weighted average interest rate of 6.3% positions the company for continued growth [6] Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed core operating expense guidance of $112 million to $115 million per quarter for 2025 and expects to maintain NIM between 3.35% and 3.45% [10] - The CET1 target is set around 11.25%, with strong deposit growth supporting confidence in sustaining commercial loan expansion [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net income increased over 23% compared to the prior quarter, driven by higher net interest and noninterest income, good expense control, and lower provision expense [7] - Total loans increased by approximately $59 million or 0.4% from the prior quarter, with the largest increase in the C and I portfolio [8] - Total deposits increased slightly in the second quarter, with public deposits growing by $166 million, offsetting declines in commercial and retail deposits [10] - Net interest income was $163.6 million, up $3.1 million from the prior quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.11%, an increase of three basis points [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C and I portfolio saw a $125 million increase in dealer floorplan balances, while payoffs from completed construction projects offset some growth [9] - Retail deposits decreased by $23 million, and commercial deposits fell by $127 million due to normal operational fluctuations [10] - Noninterest income was $54 million in the quarter, with expectations for recurring noninterest income to be around $51 million per quarter [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8% in June, compared to the national rate of 4.1% [5] - Visitor arrivals were up 2.8% compared to last year, with year-to-date spending at $9 billion, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2024 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain its investment portfolio balance and has resumed reinvesting cash flows from the investment portfolio [7] - Capital priorities include organic growth, maintaining a stable dividend, and share repurchases, with $50 million remaining under the approved 2025 stock repurchase plan [7][26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is uncertainty regarding tariffs affecting car dealers, tourism spending has remained strong, particularly from the U.S. mainland [24] - The company expects full-year loan growth to be in the low single digits, adjusting guidance due to the performance of construction loans [22] Other Important Information - The bank recorded a $4.5 million provision for credit losses in the second quarter, with classified assets increasing by $31.6 million [13][15] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $167.8 million, with coverage remaining flat at 1.17% of total loans and leases [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for C and I growth and demand from CRE borrowers? - Most C and I growth came from dealer floor plans, with a current balance of $786 million, up $125 million from the previous quarter. There is uncertainty regarding future balances due to tariffs [20][21] Question: How are capital priorities evolving? - Capital priorities remain focused on organic growth, stable dividends, and share repurchases, with more repurchase authority expected to be utilized in the back half of the year [26] Question: What is the impact of the tax law change on the tax rate outlook? - The effective tax rate outlook for the rest of the year is 23.2%, slightly higher than the previous estimate of 23% [45] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and competition in the market? - Loan growth is expected to be lower than initially anticipated, with competition primarily from institutional buyers for completed construction loans [52][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings per share increased to $1.27, core return on assets at 1.3%, and core return on tangible common equity at 18.03%, all up from the first quarter [4][5] - Core net interest margin expanded by one basis point to 3.89%, with total funding costs reduced by nine basis points [5] - Total net credit costs were $14.3 million, with net charge-offs at 30 basis points, half attributed to the Upstart sale [7][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth business grew 17% year over year, with institutional services up 39% and Brimmore Trust Company of Delaware up 7% [6] - Core fee revenue grew 9% quarter over quarter, driven by growth in wealth, capital markets, and mortgage [5] - Gross loans remained flat quarter over quarter, but commercial fundings reached the highest level in over a year, with C&I loan balances growing 2% linked quarter [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up 11% year over year [6] - The company expects low single-digit growth in the commercial portfolio and flat growth in the consumer portfolio, excluding Upstart [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accretive loan growth, particularly in the C&I sector, while maintaining profit margins [19][20] - Strategic opportunities are being pursued in the wealth and trust franchise, with a focus on broadening product offerings [12][31] - The company plans to continue executing buybacks as part of a multi-year glide path to reach a CET1 capital target of 12% [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a mild uptick in optimism among commercial borrowers, with some projects previously on hold now moving forward [23][24] - The outlook for net interest margin (NIM) has been raised to approximately 3.85%, factoring in expected interest rate cuts [11][38] - Management remains committed to driving high performance and growth, with expectations for continued strong performance in fee businesses [10][64] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its powder mill business, which is expected to create strategic opportunities despite some near-term revenue headwinds [12] - The company is managing expenses for growth, with a focus on investing in technology and talent [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and commercial borrower sentiment - Management emphasized a focus on C&I growth and maintaining profit margins, with a mild uptick in optimism among borrowers regarding tariffs [19][23] Question: Expense outlook and run rate - Management indicated that the second quarter is a good run rate for future growth, with some potential increases in the back half of the year [25][28] Question: Impact of buybacks on CET1 and M&A opportunities - Management confirmed that buybacks are driven by excess capital, with a focus on investing in the business first, but open to M&A opportunities in fee businesses [30][31] Question: NIM outlook and potential upside - Management discussed the expected impact of interest rate cuts on NIM, with strategies in place to mitigate these effects [36][38] Question: Cash Connect profitability and pricing strategies - Management reported progress in driving profit margins in Cash Connect, with ongoing pricing increases expected to enhance profitability [61] Question: Long-term margin outlook - Management did not provide specific guidance for 2026 but aims to continue improving ROA and mitigating impacts from interest rate cuts [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings per share increased to $1.27, core return on assets at 1.3%, and core return on tangible common equity at 18.03%, all up from the first quarter [3][4] - Core net interest margin expanded by one basis point to 3.89%, with total funding costs reduced by nine basis points [4] - Core fee revenue grew by 9% quarter over quarter, driven by growth in wealth, capital markets, and mortgage businesses [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth business grew by 17% year over year, with institutional services up by 39% and Brimmore Trust Company of Delaware up by 7% [5] - Total client deposits increased by 1% linked quarter and grew by 5% year over year, with non-interest deposits up by 11% year over year [5] - Gross loans remained flat quarter over quarter, but commercial fundings reached the highest level in over a year, with C&I loan balances growing by 2% linked quarter [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects low single-digit growth in the commercial portfolio and flat growth in the consumer portfolio, excluding Upstart [8] - The outlook for net interest margin (NIM) has been raised to approximately 3.85%, factoring in two anticipated rate cuts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accretive loan growth, particularly in the C&I sector, while maintaining profit margins [19][20] - Strategic opportunities are being pursued in the wealth and trust business, with a focus on broadening product offerings [10] - The company plans to continue executing buybacks as part of a multi-year glide path to reach a CET1 capital target of 12% [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a mild uptick in optimism among commercial borrowers, indicating a potential shift in sentiment regarding tariffs [22][23] - The company is managing expenses for growth, with continued investments in technology and talent [57] - Future performance is expected to be driven by fee businesses, which are accretive to ROA, despite temporary impacts from interest rate cuts [64] Other Important Information - The company returned $87.3 million of capital in the second quarter, including $77.7 million in buybacks, representing 2.7% of outstanding shares [7] - The sale of the Upstart portfolio is expected to impact net charge-offs, with total net charge-offs projected between 35 to 45 basis points for the year, excluding Upstart [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and commercial borrower sentiment - Management emphasized a focus on C&I growth and noted a mild uptick in optimism among borrowers regarding project initiation [19][22] Question: Expense outlook and run rate - Management indicated that the second quarter represents a good run rate for future growth, with some potential increases due to business-as-usual activities [26][57] Question: Impact of buybacks on CET1 and M&A considerations - Management confirmed that buybacks are being executed due to excess capital, with a focus on investing in the business first before considering M&A opportunities [30][31] Question: NIM outlook and potential upside - Management discussed the expected impact of interest rate cuts on NIM, with a focus on mitigating these impacts through deposit repricing [38][41] Question: Cash Connect profitability and pricing strategies - Management reported progress in driving profit margins in Cash Connect, with ongoing pricing increases expected to enhance profitability [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net income increased over 23% compared to the prior quarter, driven by higher net interest and noninterest income, good expense control, and lower provision expense [6] - Total loans increased by approximately $59 million or 0.4% from the prior quarter, with the largest increase in the C and I portfolio [7] - Net interest income was $163.6 million, up $3.1 million from the prior quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.11%, an increase of three basis points [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The C and I portfolio saw a significant increase of $125 million in dealer floorplan balances, while payoffs from completed construction projects offset some of this growth [7] - Total deposits increased slightly, with public deposits growing by $166 million, while commercial and retail deposits declined [10] - Noninterest income was $54 million in the quarter, with expectations for recurring noninterest income to be around $51 million per quarter [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8% in June, compared to the national rate of 4.1% [4] - Visitor arrivals were up 2.8% compared to last year, with year-to-date spending reaching $9 billion, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2024 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain its investment portfolio balance and has resumed reinvesting cash flows from the investment portfolio [6] - Capital priorities include organic growth, maintaining a stable dividend, and share repurchases, with a focus on deploying capital effectively in the back half of the year [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects full-year loan growth to be in the low single digits, reflecting a cautious outlook due to uncertainties in the market [8] - The company is not observing broad signs of weakness in credit performance, with credit risk remaining low and stable [13] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $4.5 million provision for credit losses in the second quarter, with the allowance for credit losses increasing to $167.8 million [15] - The effective tax rate outlook for the rest of the year is projected at 23.2%, slightly higher than the previous estimate [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the pipeline in terms of C and I? - Most of the C and I growth came from dealer floor plans, which have normalized, and there is uncertainty regarding future balances due to tariffs [20] Question: Have tariffs impacted tourism spending? - Tariffs have created uncertainty for car dealers but have not significantly impacted tourism spending, which has increased [24] Question: What are the capital priorities moving forward? - Capital priorities include organic growth, maintaining dividends, and share repurchases, with a focus on deploying repurchase authority in the back half of the year [26] Question: What is the outlook for M&A? - The company is open to considering M&A opportunities but currently has no specific targets [34] Question: What impacted loan yields in the second quarter? - The mix of loans, with higher margin loans being paid off and replaced by lower margin loans, affected loan yields [37] Question: What is the outlook for fee income in the third quarter? - Fee income is expected to be in the range of $51 million to $52 million for the third quarter [40] Question: What is driving the increase in residential mortgage non-performers? - The consumer at the lower end is getting stretched, leading to an increase in non-performing loans, but the company is not concerned about loss content [64] Question: How does the company view the increase in commercial criticized assets? - Most criticized assets are expected to cure themselves, and the company remains confident in its credit portfolio [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $2,500,000 or $0.26 diluted share in Q2 2025, which was lower than the prior quarter due to one-time gains in Q1 and a higher provision recorded due to strong loan growth [6][7] - Pre-provision net revenue increased during the quarter, amounting to approximately $5,100,000, down slightly from Q1 but up about 36% year over year [8] - Tangible book value per share increased by about 1% this quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $114,000,000 from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $167,000,000 in Q2 [9][10] - Average rate on new loan production was 6.35%, or 6.67% excluding loans secured by trust and investment management assets [10] - Total deposits were slightly up from the end of the prior quarter, with a decline in non-interest bearing deposits offset by an increase in interest-bearing deposits [10][11] - Assets under management increased by $320,000,000 in Q2, driven largely by favorable market performance, with a nearly 7% increase over the past year [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company successfully generated new loans and deposits by offering superior service rather than competing on rates [5] - The company expects deposit balances to build back up over the second half of the year following typical seasonal outflows related to tax payments [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a conservative approach to new loan production with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria, while also focusing on expense control despite inflationary pressures [5][6] - There is a focus on enhancing trust and investment management services, with new leadership brought in to drive growth in this area [34][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted healthy economic conditions in their markets, with strong loan and deposit pipelines expected to result in solid balance sheet growth for the second half of the year [16] - Positive trends in net interest margin, net interest income, and fee income are anticipated, with no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality [16][17] Other Important Information - The company successfully lowered deposit costs and redeployed cash from the sale of two OREO properties into new loan production and securities purchases, contributing to the expansion in net interest margin [6][13] - Non-interest income decreased by approximately $1,000,000 from the prior quarter due to one-time gains recorded in Q1, partially offset by an increase in gains on the sale of mortgage loans [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Borrowings at the end of the quarter - Management confirmed that borrowings were overnight with a mid-four percent rate, and they plan to pay them off as deposits come in during Q3 [21] Question: Cost of interest-bearing deposits - The spot rate at June was 3.07%, with expectations for continued repricing down on the CD portfolio and a relatively flat NIM in Q3, expanding in Q4 [23] Question: Expense run rate - Management expects the expense run rate to remain in the range of $19.5 million to $20 million for the back half of the year [25] Question: NIM outlook sensitivity to rate cuts - Management indicated that a 25 basis point reduction would impact net interest income by about $1 million, with some sensitivity taken off the balance sheet [29] Question: Trust fees and profitability - Management emphasized the importance of building trust fees and noted that new leadership is focused on growth in this area, with expectations for positive results going forward [34][36] Question: Customer mindset and loan growth - Management observed a shift from caution to increased demand and larger pipelines, indicating a more confident client base [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $52.8 million for the second quarter, representing a 3% decline from the prior quarter but an 18% increase year-over-year [3][4] - Earnings per share increased by 15% compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Net interest income rose to $208 million, up 9% from the prior quarter and up 25% year-over-year [5] - The net interest margin expanded to 3.21%, up 17 basis points from the first quarter and up 53 basis points year-over-year [5][6] - Non-performing assets remained low at 0.17% of total assets, with net charge-offs at $1.6 million for the quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio grew by $1.3 billion to $18.5 billion, an 8% increase from the prior quarter, with commercial real estate being a key driver [4] - Deposits increased to $21.6 billion, up 5% quarter-over-quarter, with non-interest bearing deposits rising by 8% [4][5] - Non-interest income totaled $32.9 million, up slightly from the first quarter and up 2% year-over-year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully completed the acquisition of the Bank of Idaho, adding $1.4 billion in assets and expanding its presence in Idaho and Eastern Washington [2][3] - A definitive agreement was announced to acquire Guaranty Bancshares, a $3.1 billion bank, marking the company's first entry into Texas [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic expansion, particularly in the Southwest, with the acquisition of Guaranty Bancshares [3] - The integration of the Bank of Idaho is progressing smoothly, indicating a commitment to growth through acquisitions [3] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued growth in net interest margin and loan yields, expecting to maintain a pace of increase for the next couple of quarters [12][13] - The company remains cautious in spending due to economic uncertainty and market volatility, but is optimistic about organic growth and customer sentiment [18][40] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share increased to $19.79, up 8% year-over-year, and the company declared its 161st consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share [9] - The efficiency ratio improved to 62.08%, reflecting positive operating leverage [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin tracking and future expectations - Management indicated continued growth in margin, expecting 15 to 17 basis points increase per quarter [12][13] Question: Expense guidance and efficiency - Management provided insights on expense management, indicating a reduction in core non-interest expense guidance for the upcoming quarters [19][20] Question: Organic growth and competitive landscape - Management noted solid organic loan growth and a positive outlook on client sentiment, with some competitive pressures on pricing but not on structure [39][42] Question: Hiring and operational opportunities - The company is looking to fill operational positions to support growth, with potential opportunities arising from market changes in Texas [45][46] Question: Loan growth and payoff pressure - Management acknowledged ongoing payoff pressure but expects it to abate towards the end of the year, maintaining a low to mid single-digit growth outlook [53][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased by 36% from the prior quarter, reaching $42.7 million or $0.50 per share, with adjusted net income rising 39% sequentially to $44.5 million or $0.52 per share [4][7] - Return on assets improved to 1.08%, and return on tangible common equity rose to 12.8%, with an efficiency ratio of 55% excluding merger-related charges [8] - Tangible book value per share increased by 12% year over year to $17.19 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized loan growth reached 6.4%, with loan production of $854 million in the second quarter [4][16] - Net interest income rose by 7% from the prior quarter to $126.9 million, with net interest margin expanding by 10 basis points to 3.58% [9][11] - Noninterest income, excluding securities activity, increased by 10% year over year to $24.5 million, driven by treasury management services and wealth management [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits decreased by $77 million, reflecting seasonal slowness and a strategic focus on exiting high-rate deposit relationships [21] - Customer transaction accounts represented 47% of total deposits, indicating a strong relationship-focused approach [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully closed the Heartland Bancshares acquisition and is on track to close the Villages Bancorporation acquisition, which is expected to enhance profitability [5][10] - The company aims to maintain a strong capital position and continue organic growth while integrating recent acquisitions [24][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook, citing strong economic conditions and demand for credit, with expectations for mid to high single-digit loan growth [34][36] - The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly in commercial real estate, but the company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory [35][66] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses totaled $142.2 million, or 1.34% of total loans, with net charge-offs at $2.5 million, reflecting strong credit quality [18][19] - The company expects to exit the year with a core net interest margin of approximately 3.35%, with potential upside from acquisitions [12][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth trends and competitive landscape in Florida - Management highlighted that growth is driven by recruiting top talent and strong economic conditions, with a robust pipeline for the upcoming quarters [32][34] Question: Outlook on funding costs and core deposit growth - Management indicated a focus on growing core operating accounts while managing deposit costs, with expectations for seasonal trends to turn favorable [39][41] Question: Loan pricing and spreads in commercial real estate - Management noted increased competition and some spread compression for high-quality assets, but credit quality remains stable [66][68] Question: Charge-off expectations and credit quality outlook - Management expressed confidence in stable credit quality moving forward, with expectations for mid-cycle charge-offs around 20 to 25 basis points [70][71] Question: Balance sheet optimization and margin expectations - Management discussed plans to optimize the balance sheet with the upcoming acquisitions, guiding for a core margin of 3.35% and potential increases from the acquisitions [83][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income increased by 36% from the prior quarter to $42.7 million, or $0.50 per share, with adjusted net income rising 39% sequentially to $44.5 million, or $0.52 per share [4][7] - Return on assets improved to 1.08%, and return on tangible common equity reached 12.8% [7] - Efficiency ratio, excluding merger-related charges, improved to 55% [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized loan growth reached 6.4%, with loan production of $854 million in the second quarter [4][16] - Net interest income increased by 7% to $126.9 million, with net interest margin expanding by 10 basis points to 3.58% [8][11] - Noninterest income, excluding securities activity, was $24.5 million, a 10% increase from the previous year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits decreased by $77 million, reflecting seasonal slowness and a strategic focus on exiting high-rate deposit relationships [21] - Customer transaction accounts represented 47% of total deposits, indicating a strong relationship-focused approach [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating recent acquisitions, including Heartland Bancshares and Villages Bank Corporation, to enhance profitability [5][10] - A disciplined approach to recruiting top talent from larger institutions is driving loan production and customer relationship deepening [4][5] - The company aims to maintain a strong capital position and optimize earnings through strategic acquisitions and organic growth [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic conditions across their markets, with strong demand for credit and limited impact from tariffs [32][33] - The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly in commercial real estate, but the company remains optimistic about growth [34][35] - Management anticipates continued mid to high single-digit loan growth into 2026 [33][84] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses totaled $142.2 million, or 1.34% of total loans, with no change in coverage compared to the prior quarter [18] - Nonperforming loans declined to 0.61% of total loans, reflecting strong asset quality [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth trends and competitive landscape in Florida - Management highlighted that growth is driven by recruiting talent and strong economic conditions, with a confident outlook for continued growth [30][33] Question: Funding costs and core deposit growth opportunities - Management discussed proactive management of deposit costs and the focus on growing core operating accounts to improve funding costs [36][41] Question: Loan pricing and spreads in commercial real estate - Management noted increased competition and some spread compression in high-quality transactions, but credit quality remains stable [70][72] Question: Future charge-off expectations - Management expects charge-offs to stabilize around mid-cycle levels of 20 to 25 basis points, with current credit quality remaining strong [75] Question: Balance sheet optimization with recent acquisitions - Management emphasized the importance of managing interest rate risk and optimizing earnings through the integration of new acquisitions [45][46]