Net Interest Margin (NIM)

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高盛:浦发银行_亚洲金融企业日要点
Goldman Sachs· 2025-06-23 02:09
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB) [1]. Core Insights - Revenue and profit growth are expected to accelerate in the remaining quarters of 2025, with ambitious targets set for full-year growth [3]. - The net interest margin (NIM) change in 2025 is anticipated to outperform peers [3]. - Loan growth in 2025 is projected to exceed Rmb 370 billion recorded in 2024 [3]. - Positive growth in mortgage loans is expected for the full year, despite a slower pace compared to previous quarters [3]. - Non-interest income is targeted to achieve positive growth in 2025 [3]. - The company aims to control credit costs while maintaining a stable or higher non-performing loan (NPL) coverage ratio with a decline in the NPL ratio [3]. - A 30% dividend payout ratio is expected to be maintained [3]. Revenue and Profit Growth - The company achieved 1%+ revenue and profit growth in 1Q25 and is confident in accelerating growth for the remaining quarters of 2025 [11]. - The ambitious targets for revenue and profit growth in 2025 are set despite a high base and weak bond market performance [11]. Net Interest Margin (NIM) - NIM saw marginal improvement in 1Q25, with a limited year-over-year decline, outperforming peers [7]. - The NIM is expected to remain stable in 2Q25 and outperform peers throughout 2025 [7]. - Factors contributing to NIM improvement include accelerated loan growth and optimized liability structure [7]. Loans - Loan growth in 2025 is expected to exceed Rmb 370 billion, with a balanced growth pace throughout the year [7]. - New loan growth in 1Q25 was Rmb 250 billion, significantly faster than peers [7]. - The focus will be on five key areas: technology finance, supply chain finance, inclusive finance, cross-border finance, and wealth management [7]. Mortgages - Mortgage loans are expected to achieve positive growth in 2025, particularly in tier 1 and 2 cities [7]. - Both 1Q25 and 2Q25 saw positive mortgage growth, although less significant than in 4Q24 [7]. - The mortgage NPL ratio increased slightly in 1Q25 but remains under control [7]. Non-Interest Income - Non-interest income is targeted for positive growth in 2025, with future growth drivers identified [11]. - Fee income growth was negative in 1Q25 due to a decline in corporate underwriting income, while agency sales and custody income grew [11]. - Positive investment income growth in 1Q25 was attributed to opportunistic bond investment gains and growth in precious metals and FX derivatives trading income [11]. Asset Quality - The company aims to achieve a decline in the NPL ratio while maintaining a stable or higher NPL coverage ratio [11]. - The main asset quality risk lies in retail, with the NPL ratio for developer loans decreasing quarter-over-quarter in 1Q25 [11].
Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-11 13:15
Summary of Huntington Bank's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Huntington Bank - **Industry**: Banking and Financial Services Key Points and Arguments Strategic Vision and Goals - Huntington aims to be the leading customer-centered bank in the U.S. by focusing on expertise and customer relationships, which will drive customer acquisition and deepen primary bank relationships [6][7] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Huntington reported cumulative loan growth of 7.3%, outperforming the peer median by over eight percentage points [8] - Loan balances increased by approximately $2 billion, driven by middle market commercial and industrial, indirect auto, and residential mortgage sectors [9] - The deposit base grew by approximately $1.8 billion in the same quarter, with efforts to reduce deposit costs enhancing net interest margin (NIM) [9] NIM and Revenue Expectations - NIM is expected to trend 2 to 3 basis points higher than previous expectations of 307 basis points for the second quarter and the remainder of the year [10] - Fee income grew about 6% year-over-year, with expectations to sustain this growth in the second quarter [11] Risk Management - Huntington maintains a moderate to low risk appetite, with strong credit performance and a disciplined approach to client selection and portfolio management [7][13] - Expected charge-offs for Q2 are near the first quarter level of 26 basis points, with a focus on monitoring portfolios amid macroeconomic uncertainties [14][60] Growth Opportunities - Huntington is optimistic about growth in new geographic markets, particularly in North and South Carolina and Texas, as well as in specialty commercial verticals [15][16] - The bank has successfully hired experienced bankers in new markets, enhancing its local presence and capabilities [17] Capital Management - Huntington generates approximately 40 basis points of capital each quarter, with plans to maintain an adjusted CET1 ratio in the range of 9% to 10% by mid-year [20][50] - The bank has tactically restructured its securities portfolio, selling corporate bonds to reinvest in higher-yielding securities, which is expected to benefit NIM and ROTCE [21][47] Expense Management - Huntington targets a 1% reduction in baseline operating costs annually, focusing on process reengineering and automation to drive positive operating leverage [41][43] Credit Quality - The bank expects stable credit performance with no significant changes in early-stage delinquencies, supported by a solid credit reserve of 1.87% [60] Regulatory Environment - Huntington is encouraged by the potential for tailored regulations for banks of its size, which could lead to a more prudent regulatory environment [66] Additional Important Insights - The bank's approach to risk management has evolved to include more automation and process-focused capabilities, enhancing its ability to respond to market changes [61][62] - Huntington's competitive advantage in fee-based businesses stems from its strong customer relationships and execution capabilities rather than just product differentiation [53][54] This summary encapsulates the key insights from Huntington Bank's conference call, highlighting its strategic direction, financial performance, risk management practices, and growth opportunities.
California Banp(CALB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-06-07 19:08
Draft v4.5 1/21/24 Investor Presentation First Quarter 2025 Results Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters First Quarter 2025 Earnings | 2 Financial Highlights 1Q25 results reflect 6% annualized loan growth, NIM expansion and YoY lower noninterest expense | | | | | | | | Change | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | 1Q25 | 4Q24 | 1Q24 | QoQ D | YoY D | | | | | Operating results | | | | | | | EPS | NIM | | PTPP(1) EPS | $82.4mm | $82.9mm | $52.4mm | -0.7% | 57.2% $0.14 | ...
Ready Capital (RC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-09 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter GAAP earnings per common share were $0.47 while distributable earnings were a loss of $0.09 per common share [13] - Net interest income declined to $14.6 million in the quarter, primarily due to non-core assets moving to nonaccrual status [13] - Book value per share remained flat at $10.61, with total leverage declining to 3.5 times [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total CRE loan portfolio was bifurcated into $5.9 billion core loans and $1.2 billion non-core loans, with a 5% decline in the core portfolio [6] - The core portfolio generated a levered yield of 10.2%, resulting in $43.4 million of net interest income [8] - Non-core portfolio liquidations surpassed targets by close to 2x, generating $28 million of liquidity [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily sector showed resilience with a 1% increase in rents in Q1 2025, despite macroeconomic pressures [4] - The twelve-month default rate for the company was 3.2%, slightly better than the industry average of 3.4% [10] - The SBA business experienced high volumes at $343 million, although moderation is anticipated [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a balance sheet repositioning plan in Q4 2024, focusing on liquidating non-core assets to reinvest in the core portfolio [12] - The strategy aims to restore net interest margin (NIM) to peer group levels by the end of 2025, with accretion expected in 2026 [12] - The company remains committed to supporting the Portland mixed-use asset project, aiming for stabilization and eventual exit [9][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment remains challenging, but the multifamily sector is benefiting from excess demand [4][25] - The company expects to maintain its current dividend level until the earnings profile warrants an increase [12] - Future earnings trajectory is expected to improve post-liquidation of non-core assets and reinvestment into the core portfolio [31] Other Important Information - The company completed the UDF merger, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $102.5 million, adding $167.1 million of equity to the balance sheet [16] - Liquidity remains healthy with unrestricted cash over $200 million and $1 billion of total unencumbered assets [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of April's volatility on non-core book expectations - Management indicated that ongoing conversations with various parties are progressing well and do not expect significant impact from April's volatility [22][24] Question: Near-term expectations for distributable earnings trajectory - Management expects the second quarter earnings profile to be similar to Q1, with improvements anticipated post-reinvestment of equity [28][31] Question: Current views on share repurchases - Management is evaluating share repurchases against liquidity needs and upcoming debt maturities, indicating confidence in accessing capital markets [32][35] Question: Catalyst for CLO interest coverage issues - Management noted that elevated rates are impacting NOIs, leading to increased modifications in the portfolio [40] Question: Status of the Portland asset and future plans - The asset will remain levered, with plans to stabilize and sequentially exit components as they improve [43][44] Question: Expected moderation in SBA volumes - Management anticipates SBA volumes to be below $1.5 billion for the next few quarters due to policy changes and staffing issues at the SBA [52][54]
First Commonwealth Financial(FCF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 19:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First Commonwealth reported core earnings per share of $0.32 for Q1 2025, with a return on assets of 1.14%, down from 1.23% in Q4 2024 due to rising expenses and falling fee income [6][10] - Loans grew at an annualized rate of 4.4%, totaling $99 million, with commercial loans accounting for $63 million or 64% of the increase [6][7] - Net interest margin (NIM) increased by eight basis points to 3.62%, while deposit costs fell to 1.99% [7][8] - The efficiency ratio rose to 59.08%, up from 56.07% in the previous quarter, with total expenses increasing by $2.1 million to $71.1 million [10][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Equipment finance and indirect auto lending contributed significantly to loan growth, with strong application volume continuing into April [6][7] - Fee income decreased by $1.5 million in Q1 2025, attributed to a $3.5 million hit from the Durbin Amendment and a decline in SBA gain on sale income [10][20] - The company anticipates fee income to improve in Q2 2025, projecting $23 million to $24 million, with a seasonal decline expected in Q4 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that consumer financial health remains stable, comprising about 68% to 70% of U.S. GDP and 40% of its lending business [9] - The impact of tariffs and inflation on clients has been monitored, with many businesses adapting their supply chains effectively [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving liquidity, with a loan-to-deposit ratio decreasing from 97% to 92% over the past two years [8] - The acquisition of Centre Bank is expected to enhance efficiency and margin, with the integration of new talent seen as a strategic fit for growth [11][128] - The company aims to increase fee income as a percentage of overall revenue, leveraging its regional model and local relationships [137] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth despite potential headwinds from tariffs, with strong pipelines in various markets [14][9] - The company is cautious about the economic environment, particularly regarding inflation and its potential impact on consumers and businesses [10][12] - Future NIM guidance anticipates expansion due to macro swaps and potential Fed rate cuts, with expectations of reaching the high 370s by year-end [18][42] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a dividend increase of $0.01 per share, maintaining a dividend yield of approximately 3.54% [12] - The company has $6.7 million remaining under its buyback program, with no buyback activity in Q1 2025 due to the timing of the Centre Bank acquisition [22][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth guidance and equipment finance portfolio momentum - Management noted healthy application volume in equipment finance and attributed growth to increased demand amid tariff anticipation [26][27] Question: Borrower sentiment and commercial real estate activity - Management indicated improved activity in commercial real estate and a strong pipeline, with a focus on growing the commercial and industrial book [28][29] Question: Deposit growth and rates - Management acknowledged that deposit growth was driven by savings, with a strategy to maintain liquidity despite lower rates [34][35] Question: NIM guidance and deposit costs - Management clarified that NIM guidance assumes stable deposit costs, with potential for upside if deposit rates can be lowered further [41][42] Question: SBA gain on sale outlook - Management expects SBA gain on sale income to improve as the year progresses, with a healthy pipeline of deals [75][78] Question: Center Bank acquisition impact - Management expressed excitement about the talent acquired from Centre Bank and its potential to enhance growth in the Cincinnati market [128][129]
First Commonwealth Financial(FCF) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-30 18:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First Commonwealth reported core earnings per share of $0.32 for Q1 2025, with a return on assets of 1.14%, down from 1.23% in Q4 2024 due to rising expenses and falling fee income [5][9] - Loans grew at an annualized rate of 4.4%, totaling $99 million, with commercial loans accounting for $63 million or 64% of the increase [5][6] - Net interest margin (NIM) increased by eight basis points to 3.62%, while deposit costs fell to 1.99% [6][15] - The efficiency ratio rose to 59.08%, up from 56.07% in the previous quarter, with total expenses increasing by $2.1 million to $71.1 million [9][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income decreased by $1.5 million in Q1 2025, impacted by a $3.5 million reduction in interchange income due to the Durbin Amendment [9][20] - The equipment finance and indirect auto lending segments contributed significantly to loan growth, with strong application volumes continuing into April [5][26] - The commercial real estate (CRE) sector showed increased activity compared to the previous year, with a strong pipeline for construction loans [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer financial health appears stable, with consumers representing approximately 68% to 70% of U.S. GDP and about 40% of First Commonwealth's lending business [8] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and inflation on its clients, with many businesses adapting their supply chains effectively [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve liquidity, evidenced by a decrease in the loan-to-deposit ratio from 97% to 92% over the past two years [7] - The acquisition of Centre Bank is expected to enhance efficiency and margin, with the integration of new talent viewed positively [10][122] - The company is focused on becoming the best bank for business, with investments in regional banking teams and equipment finance [10][131] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth despite potential headwinds from tariffs, with strong pipelines in various markets [13][19] - The return of inflation could weaken consumer and business households, but current consumer health is deemed stable [8][11] - The company anticipates NIM expansion throughout 2025, with guidance reflecting potential Fed rate cuts [17][18] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a dividend increase of $0.01 per share, maintaining a dividend yield of approximately 3.54% [11][22] - The company has $6.7 million remaining under its buyback program, with no buyback activity in Q1 2025 due to the timing of the Centre Bank acquisition [22][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth guidance and equipment finance portfolio momentum - Management noted healthy application volume in equipment finance and expects continued growth despite potential economic slowdowns [25][26] Question: Borrower sentiment and commercial loan growth - The commercial real estate sector is more active than the previous year, with a strong pipeline and improved borrower sentiment [28][30] Question: Deposit growth and rates - The growth in deposits was driven by the savings segment, with a shift from CDs to money markets as rates were adjusted [33][36] Question: NIM guidance and deposit costs - The NIM guidance assumes stable deposit costs, with potential for upside if deposit rates can be lowered further [39][41] Question: SBA gain on sale outlook - Management expects SBA gain on sale income to improve as the year progresses, with a healthy pipeline of deals [73][78] Question: Credit trends and provisioning - The company is in a good position regarding reserves, with charge-offs down and provisioning remaining stable [118][119] Question: Centre Bank acquisition impact - The acquisition is expected to enhance loan growth and operational efficiency, with positive integration of new talent [122][124]
Banco Santander-Chile Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings
Globenewswire· 2025-04-30 12:00
Core Insights - Banco Santander Chile reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, achieving a return on average equity (ROAE) of 25.7%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter with ROAE above 20% [2][3] - The bank's net income attributable to shareholders reached $278 billion, reflecting a 131.0% year-over-year increase, driven by a 33.2% increase in operating income [2][3] - The bank's efficiency ratio improved significantly to 35.0%, down from 47.4% in the same period last year, indicating better cost management [10] Financial Performance - The net income attributable to shareholders for 1Q25 was $278 billion, or $1.47 per share, compared to an ROAE of 11.2% in 1Q24 [2] - Operating income increased by 33.2% year-over-year, attributed to better net interest and readjustment income [2] - Compared to the previous quarter, net income increased by 0.5%, despite a slight decrease in readjustment gains due to lower UF variation [3] Dividend and Capital Ratios - A dividend payment of Ch$3.19 per share was approved, yielding 5.4%, with 70% of 2024 earnings distributed [4] - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio remained solid at 10.7%, with an overall Basel III ratio of 16.9% [6][15] Net Interest Margin and Income - The net interest margin (NIM) reached 4.1% in 1Q25, up from 2.7% in 1Q24, driven by a decrease in funding costs [7][8] - Net interest and readjustment income increased by 41.7% year-over-year, attributed to a lower monetary policy rate impacting funding costs [7] Customer Growth and Market Position - The customer base expanded by 9.4% year-over-year, with digital customers increasing by 6.6% [10][11] - The bank maintained a strong market share in checking accounts at 22.5%, supported by increased demand for US dollar accounts [12] Commission and Recurrence - Net commissions rose by 16.8% in 1Q25, with a recurrence ratio increasing from 57.8% to 61.8%, indicating a higher proportion of expenses financed by commissions [13] Operational Efficiency - The bank's efficiency ratio improved to 35.0%, with total operating expenses decreasing by 1.7% year-over-year [10] - The Gravity project, involving migration to the cloud, was a significant milestone, although it incurred higher technology expenses [9] Risk Ratings - Banco Santander Chile holds high risk ratings in Latin America, with stable outlooks from various credit rating agencies [14] Assets and Loans - As of March 31, 2025, total assets were Ch$67,059,423 million (approximately $70,284 million), with total gross loans at Ch$41,098,666 million (approximately $43,075 million) [15]
First Hawaiian(FHB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-23 19:46
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased to $160.5 million, up $1.8 million from the prior quarter, driven by lower deposit costs and investment portfolio restructuring [12][7] - Total loans declined by $115 million or 0.8% from the prior quarter, primarily due to commercial real estate loans [9] - Total deposits slightly declined, with retail deposits increasing by $105 million while commercial deposits fell by $167 million [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Noninterest income was stable at $50.5 million, while noninterest expenses were $123.6 million, with no significant nonrecurring items [14] - The bank maintained strong credit performance, with classified assets decreasing by $3 million and year-to-date net charge-offs at $3.8 million [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The statewide unemployment rate remained stable at 3%, compared to the national rate of 4.1% [6] - Visitor arrivals increased by 1% and spending rose by 4.5% compared to 2024 levels, with Maui seeing the largest increases [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains well-capitalized with ample liquidity and plans to continue supporting customers while managing expenses [8][7] - The management is focused on maintaining strong relationships with customers and is optimistic about loan growth despite market uncertainties [24][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment but remains optimistic about opportunities for growth [24][63] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and economic conditions on its loan portfolios, particularly in the consumer and commercial sectors [68][70] Other Important Information - The bank repurchased approximately 974,000 shares at a total cost of $25 million, with $75 million remaining under the 2025 stock repurchase plan [8] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $166.6 million, reflecting a more pessimistic economic forecast [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on loan performance and economic pulse - Management indicated that average loans for the quarter were up over Q4, with a strong pipeline despite some uncertainty in the market [23][24] Question: Competitive landscape on deposit costs - Management expressed confidence in further reducing deposit costs as rates decline, but noted limited room for significant reductions beyond current levels [26][32] Question: Expense trajectory and investment plans - Management reiterated guidance for expenses and indicated a commitment to investing in the business while remaining cautious about the economic outlook [36][38] Question: Allowance for credit losses and consumer exposure - The increase in the allowance was driven by the economic forecasting model, with management noting stable performance in the consumer portfolio [42][94] Question: Impact of tariffs on loan portfolios - Management is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on various loan portfolios, particularly in the C&I sector, but has not observed significant concerns yet [68][70] Question: Margin outlook and rate cuts - Management indicated that the ability to offset rate cuts will depend on loan growth, with potential for margins to remain stable if growth is strong [80][81]
Dime(DCOM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 16:04
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits increased by $1.3 billion year-over-year, with deposit teams growing their portfolios to $1.9 billion [5][6] - Cost of deposits reduced to 2.09% in Q1 2025, while net interest margin (NIM) increased to approximately 2.9% for the fourth consecutive quarter [6][15] - Core pre-tax provision income rose to $46 million in Q1 2025 from $28 million a year ago, resulting in a core return on assets (ROA) of 77 basis points [10][14] - Adjusted EPS was $0.57 per share, reflecting a 36% linked-quarter increase and a 50% year-over-year increase [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew by over $60 million in Q1 2025 and over $400 million year-over-year, with a loan pipeline currently at approximately $1.1 billion and an average yield of 7.22% [8][9] - Non-brokered deposits increased by approximately $65 million compared to year-end levels, with a core deposit growth of around $250 million when excluding title company-related deposits [16][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong capital position, with a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.1% and a total capital ratio of 15.7% [18] - The company is managing expenses prudently, with core cash operating expenses for Q1 at $57.9 million, excluding non-core items [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to expand into the Lakewood, New Jersey market, indicating a strategic move to tap into new customer bases [12][85] - Hiring efforts are focused on both sides of the balance sheet, with a significant emphasis on growing business loans and core deposits [11][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about NIM improvement despite the uncertain rate environment, citing significant back book loan repricing opportunities [7][22] - The company expects net loans to remain relatively flat in Q2 2025, with growth anticipated in the latter half of the year [23][80] Other Important Information - The company has made several new hires to enhance its loan and deposit capabilities, with a focus on maintaining profitability and growth [11][72] - The company is cautious about the current economic environment, particularly regarding potential impacts from tariffs and competition [105][92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about loan pipeline mix - The loan pipeline consists of approximately $350 million in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, $185 million in owner-occupied commercial real estate (CRE), and $250 million in healthcare loans [31] Question: Update on deposit growth and costs - The cost of deposits is around 2.10%, with a healthy mix of demand deposits [34] Question: Credit front and reserve build guidance - The reserve build was less than expected, with a target provision of 90 basis points to 1% over time [40] Question: Cash balance and margin opportunities - The company is managing its cash balance strategically, aiming to maintain a balance between floating rate assets and cash [48] Question: Non-owner-occupied CRE uptick - The uptick was due to one specific credit exit, with no systemic issues identified [58] Question: Fee income guidance for the year - The fee income guidance remains at $40 million to $42 million for the full year [111]
Metropolitan Bank (MCB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-04-22 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a loan growth of $300 million, or 5.1%, and a deposit growth of $465 million, or 7.8% [4][10] - The net interest margin (NIM) expanded by two basis points to 3.68% from 3.66% in the prior quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of margin expansion [5][12] - Earnings per share (EPS) was reported at $1.45, down $0.43 from the prior period, with net income at $16.3 million, down $5 million [13][14] - Tangible book value per share increased by more than 2.3% to $65.8, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of book value accretion [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations and draws were approximately $490 million at a weighted average coupon of about 7.84%, while payoffs and paydowns totaled approximately $185 million at a weighted average coupon of 7.44% [10] - The provision expense for the first quarter was $4.5 million, supporting continued loan growth [7][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has not identified any broad-based negative trends in any loan segment, geography, or sector impacting its portfolio [7] - The company reported a decline in the cost of interest-bearing deposits by 32 basis points and a decline in the cost of total deposits by six basis points [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capture additional market share through traditional channels while positioning itself for potential strategic opportunities to increase shareholder value [8] - The full integration of a new technology stack is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will support the company's diversified and growing commercial bank [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties, citing strong liquidity, capital, and earnings [3] - The company anticipates loan growth of 10% to 12% for the year, with a full-year NIM expected to be between 3.7% and 3.75% [17][18] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was approximately 30% [17] - The company has been actively discussing the potential for introducing a small dividend to broaden the shareholder base [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense numbers and future operating expenses - The CFO indicated that second-quarter operating expenses are expected to be closer to $45 million, including IT spend adjustments [23][24] Question: Impact of Gold Card program on EB-5 business - Management believes the Gold Card program could be a complementary product to the existing EB-5 program without disrupting core business [26][27] Question: Seasonal patterns in deposit growth - Management confirmed there are no significant seasonal patterns affecting deposit growth [28][29] Question: Competitive pressures on loans and deposits - Management stated there is no significant competition in New York City [38] Question: Loan pipeline status and future growth - Management confirmed the loan pipeline is strong and in line with historical performance, with good growth expected [42] Question: EB-5 related deposits and potential program changes - The company has approximately $400 million in EB-5 related deposits and does not foresee immediate risks from potential program changes [46][48]