Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the first quarter was $2,700,000, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.42, representing a 27% increase compared to the prior year quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased to $15.79, up from $14.93 last year, marking a 5.8% increase [5] - Net interest income totaled $11,300,000, a 23% increase from $9,200,000 in the first quarter of the previous year [5][19] - Operating expenses rose approximately 3.5% from the linked quarter, totaling $12,400,000, which includes $726,000 in merger-related expenses [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $97,000,000, up 9.8% from the prior year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sequential loan growth [6][13] - Mortgage originations for the quarter were $40,000,000, down from the prior year and linked quarters, but the current pipeline is approximately $50,000,000 [6][8] - Noninterest income increased by 3.9% from the prior year quarter to $4,100,000, driven by gains on mortgage loans and commercial loan swap revenue [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits grew over 10%, including $56,000,000 from the Marblehead acquisition, while excluding Marblehead, growth was 5.4% [6][12] - The deposit base ended the quarter at $1,270,000,000, the highest level in the company's history [24] - Demand deposits expanded by $8,000,000 or 3% for an annualized growth rate of 12% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on five key initiatives: growing and diversifying revenue, expanding footprint, operational excellence, and maintaining asset quality [7] - The acquisition of Marblehead Bancorp is expected to enhance market presence and provide tailored financial solutions to clients [11] - The company is committed to digital innovation and enhancing client care initiatives to remain competitive against larger regional banks [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in loan growth despite economic uncertainties, with a budgeted growth of 8% to 10% for the year [40] - The company anticipates continued improvement in net interest margin due to lower funding costs and loan repricing [20][56] - Management remains optimistic about the economic environment and client situations, despite potential concerns regarding tariffs [39][57] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 26,500 shares at an average price of just under $21, representing approximately 130% of tangible book value [26] - The allowance for credit losses remained robust at 1.41% of total loans, providing 254% coverage of nonperforming loans [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on loan growth and impact of tariffs - Management is confident in the loan pipeline and does not foresee significant pullback from clients due to tariffs, although economic uncertainty exists [36][39] Question: Expectations for mortgage volume and pipeline - The current mortgage pipeline is healthy, and management is optimistic about achieving budgeted numbers for the year [42][43] Question: Deposit trends and liquidity outlook - Management expects some seasonal fluctuations in deposits but anticipates core deposit growth to remain strong [49] Question: Credit quality and reserve levels - Management is bullish on credit quality and expects to maintain reserve levels while provisioning for anticipated loan growth [58][61] Question: Capital management priorities post-acquisition - The company plans to stabilize capital levels and may resume share buybacks when opportunities arise [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $21,500,000 for Q1 2025, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.71, with an annualized return on average assets of 1.03% and an annualized return on average tangible common equity of 14.14% [5][14] - There was a linked quarter decrease of $94,400,000 or 2% in loans, primarily due to payoff activity in the commercial real estate (CRE) portfolio [5][14] - The net interest margin increased by three basis points to 2.86%, and net interest income rose by $145,000 [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter commercial loan production totaled approximately $142,000,000, representing a 46% increase over Q1 2024, with only $52,000,000 funded during the quarter [8] - The loan pipeline exceeds $1,900,000,000, the largest in the last 24 to 36 months, with a balanced mix of approximately 45% term loans and 55% construction loans [10] - Nonperforming assets remained low at 0.39% of total assets, despite an increase in classified loans to $67,000,000 from $48,000,000 [12][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Texas economy is anticipated to grow at a faster pace than the overall projected U.S. growth rate, contributing to a healthy market environment [6] - The average rate of loans funded during the first quarter was approximately 7.3%, with loans exposed to the oil and gas industry totaling $111,000,000 or 2.4% of total loans [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company anticipates mid-single digit loan growth for 2025, despite the first quarter's loan reduction [5][14] - There is a focus on expanding the commercial and industrial (C and I) initiative, which now represents approximately 25% of the total pipeline [11] - The company is optimistic about loan growth and is making progress in the C and I space, particularly in Houston [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the operating environment, despite uncertainties related to market conditions and tariff negotiations [6] - The company expects to see positive impacts on margins due to anticipated repricing of the CD portfolio and new swaps implemented [31][32] - Management is confident in maintaining mid-single digit loan growth guidance for the year, supported by a dynamic loan pipeline [62] Other Important Information - The securities portfolio decreased by $76,900,000 or 2.7% from the previous quarter, primarily due to maturities and principal payments [16] - The company did not repurchase any shares during the first quarter but has repurchased 196,419 shares at an average price of $26.82 per share after the quarter [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan pipeline and growth guidance - The loan pipeline of $1,900,000,000 is the largest in two years, with expectations of 25% to 30% pull-through historically [26] - The guidance for mid-single digit loan growth remains intact despite some unexpected payoffs [62] Question: Margin outlook - The company anticipates a positive impact on margins as a portion of the CD portfolio matures and reprices lower [31] Question: Expense management - Expenses came in lower than budgeted due to decreases in salaries and employee benefits, with no targeted reductions implemented [38] Question: Credit quality and restructured loans - A large construction loan in Austin, Texas was extended and moved to nonperforming status, but the borrower has not missed payments and leasing activity is positive [40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $13.1 million, with a return on average assets of 1.3% and return on average equity of 13.28% [10] - Average loan yields increased by one basis point to 6.02%, while net interest margin improved to 3.45% from 3.36% in the previous quarter [10] - Total loans held for investment rose by $89.1 million or 2.52% from the prior quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial real estate segment of the loan portfolio increased to 81.11% from 80.75% quarter over quarter [5] - Loan originations for the first quarter were $259.3 million, with payoffs and pay downs totaling $65.6 million and $104.6 million respectively [5] - Non-performing loans remained stable at 0.05% of loans held for investment [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $178.4 million or 5% compared to the previous quarter, driven by increases in non-interest bearing demand and various types of interest-bearing deposits [6][7] - Non-wholesale deposits increased by $48.4 million or 1.61% quarter over quarter [8] - The cost of total deposits decreased by 10 basis points to 2.48% during the first quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and disciplined business practices, aiming to benefit customers, employees, community, and shareholders [14] - Expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area is supported by adding seasoned professionals and increasing core deposit accounts [4] - The company aims to maintain a fortress balance sheet with a target of 10% cash and a loan-to-deposit ratio below 100% [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, projecting loan growth of 10% to 12% for the remainder of the year [19][20] - Concerns regarding tariffs and economic slowdown were acknowledged, but management believes the bank is well-positioned due to the composition of its loan portfolio [30] - The company remains optimistic about the demand for its services, particularly in the mobile home park and RV park sectors [29] Other Important Information - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share, expected to be paid on May 12, 2025 [9] - Five Star Bancorp was ranked third on the S&P Global Market Intelligence List of best-performing community banks among banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook for the year - Management is bullish on loan growth, projecting 10% to 12% for the remainder of the year due to a strong sales force and solid pipelines [19][20] Question: Reason for higher cost wholesale funding - Management indicated that core deposit growth is expected to match loan growth, and they do not anticipate additional wholesale funding [22] Question: Impact of tariffs on RV manufactured housing business - Management feels comfortable with their portfolio's performance in the face of tariffs, citing historical resilience during economic downturns [30] Question: Changes in allowance for loan losses - The increase in allowance was driven by portfolio growth and revised economic forecasts from the FOMC [35] Question: Loan pricing competition - Management acknowledged competitive pricing but remains satisfied with their current loan spreads [40] Question: Customer hesitancy to borrow - Management noted strong demand in certain asset classes and emphasized their robust sales team as a key factor in maintaining loan growth [46][47] Question: Loan demand differences across regions - Management reported no significant challenges in the Bay Area, highlighting strong opportunities and a growing client base [49][50] Question: Small business borrowers' response to economic uncertainty - Management indicated that small business borrowers face high costs of borrowing, but they maintain a high level of reserves against this book [52][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $13.1 million, with a return on average assets of 1.3% and return on average equity of 13.28% [10] - The net interest margin improved to 3.45% from 3.36% in the previous quarter, driven by lower average cost of deposits [10] - Total loans held for investment increased by $89.1 million or 2.52% from the prior quarter [4][10] - Non-performing loans remained stable at 0.05% of loans held for investment [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial real estate segment of the loan portfolio increased from 80.75% to 81.11% quarter over quarter [5] - Loan originations during the first quarter were $259.3 million, while payoffs and pay downs were $65.6 million and $104.6 million respectively [5] - Non-interest income decreased to $1.4 million from $1.7 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to a reduction in income from equity investments [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $178.4 million or 5% compared to the previous quarter, driven by increases in non-interest bearing demand and various types of interest-bearing deposits [6][7] - Non-wholesale deposits increased by $48.4 million or 1.61% quarter over quarter [8] - Local agency deposits accounted for 22.4% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and disciplined business practices, aiming to benefit customers, employees, community, and shareholders [13] - Expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area is a key strategic initiative, supported by the addition of seasoned professionals [4][12] - The company aims to maintain a fortress balance sheet with a target of 10% in cash and a loan-to-deposit ratio below 100% [21] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and ability to adapt to changing economic conditions [13] - The company anticipates loan growth of 10% to 12% for the remainder of the year, supported by a strong sales force [18][19] - Concerns regarding tariffs and economic slowdown were acknowledged, but management believes the company is well-positioned relative to competitors [30] Other Important Information - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share, expected to be paid on May 12, 2025 [9] - Five Star Bancorp was ranked third on the S&P Global Market Intelligence List of best-performing community banks in the nation [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook for the year - Management is bullish on loan growth, expecting 10% to 12% for the remainder of the year, supported by a strong sales force [18][19] Question: Reason for higher cost wholesale funding - Management indicated that core deposit growth is expected to match loan growth, and they do not anticipate additional wholesale funding [21] Question: Impact of tariffs on RV manufactured housing business - Management feels comfortable about the portfolio's performance, citing historical resilience during economic downturns [30] Question: Changes in allowance for loan losses - The increase in allowance was driven by portfolio growth and revised economic forecasts from the FOMC [34][35] Question: Loan pricing competition - Management acknowledged competitive pricing but remains satisfied with current spreads [38][39] Question: Customer hesitancy to borrow - Management noted strong demand in certain asset classes and emphasized the effectiveness of their sales force [46][47] Question: Small business borrowers' response to economic uncertainty - Management indicated that small business borrowers face high costs of borrowing, but reserves against this book remain high [53][55]

Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $156 million and net income of $43 million, marking a 48% increase in net income compared to the same quarter last year [5][11] - Earnings per diluted share increased to $0.34 from $0.23 in the first quarter of 2024 [5] - The net interest margin expanded by 45 basis points to 3.87%, attributed to lower cost of funds and increased asset yields [10][11] - Non-interest income decreased by $11.7 million due to prior quarter transactions but showed a 19% increase year-over-year [11][15] Business Line Performance - Average commercial loans increased by $121 million or 6.2% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a strategic shift towards commercial lending [12] - The consumer loan segment saw modest growth, capitalizing on stronger demand for indirect loans [12] - The commercial real estate (CRE) portfolio declined by 3.5%, while residential mortgage and home equity portfolios decreased by 1.9% and 1.3%, respectively [13] Market Data - Average total deposits increased by $60 million quarter-over-quarter, with consumer non-brokered deposits rising by $68 million [13] - The cost of deposits decreased by nine basis points to 1.59%, maintaining a competitive position relative to peers [14] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on sustainable, responsible, and profitable growth, with a renewed emphasis on enhancing its retail banking franchise [6][7] - A merger with Pennswoods Bancorp is underway, expected to close by late July, which will position the company among the top 100 banks in the U.S. by asset size [8][9] - The company is actively pursuing de novo branch opportunities, particularly in Columbus and Indianapolis [7] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The current operating environment is characterized by significant market volatility and economic uncertainty, but the company remains focused on managing controllable factors [9][10] - The company expects to maintain its margin performance and is cautious about loan growth due to unpredictable economic conditions [20][21] Other Important Information - The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 57.7%, reflecting disciplined expense management [16] - The company has a stable credit risk profile, with non-performing loans and assets at five-quarter lows [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin guidance and economic outlook - Management indicated a core margin of 3.48% and expects to be at the high end of the range, with potential impacts from future Fed rate cuts [27][28] Question: Deposit growth drivers - The company is transitioning from CDs to more liquid products, with new money market rates around 3.75% [30][32] Question: Credit trends and industry exposure - Management noted potential impacts from tariffs on industries like manufacturing and transportation, with aggregate exposure at about 8% of the loan portfolio [42][43] Question: Commercial loan build-out - The company continues to take share in newer verticals and has seen stronger pipelines compared to the previous year [44][51] Question: Impact of Pennswoods acquisition on financial metrics - Management refrained from providing specific guidance on tangible book value dilution or purchase accounting due to market volatility [40][72] Question: Future M&A activity - The company remains open to future acquisitions but is currently focused on internal efficiencies and execution due to market conditions [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $24.7 million or $0.46 per diluted share, with an annualized return on average assets of 94 basis points and an annualized return on average tangible common equity of 11.48% [10] - Net interest income for the quarter was $99.3 million, a decrease from $103 million in the previous quarter, resulting in a net interest margin of 4.2% compared to 4.25% in the fourth quarter of 2024 [11][12] - Non-interest expense decreased to $70.2 million from $75.3 million in the previous quarter, reflecting a focus on managing expenses [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a provision for loan losses of $3.6 million, with minimal net charge-offs of $163,000, bringing the allowance for credit losses on loans to $83.7 million or 1.15% of loans [13] - Non-interest income increased to $5.5 million from $5 million in the previous quarter, benefiting from small gains on asset sales [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a competitive market for deposits, with a focus on new account origination, onboarding more accounts in both number and dollar amount compared to the previous quarter [30][31] - The company maintained a strong proportion of non-interest bearing deposits, representing over 37% of the deposit base, and achieved a 14 basis point improvement in the cost of funds [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a strong foundation for growth while managing capital to benefit shareholders, including share repurchases totaling 1.4 million shares at an average price of $27.99 [15][17] - The management expressed a cautious but optimistic outlook for growth, expecting it to be pushed to the latter half of the year due to current economic uncertainties [9][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged economic uncertainty introduced by the administration but noted no immediate signs of impact on their communities [7] - The company remains focused on customer acquisition and is optimistic about the growth potential in the second half of the year, despite challenges [9][28] Other Important Information - The total risk-based capital ratio was 15.94% at the end of the first quarter, slightly down from 16% at the end of 2024, but the regulatory capital ratios at the bank increased year-over-year [14] - The Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program allowing up to $65 million in shares to be repurchased through May 2026 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current sentiment from clients regarding loan growth? - Management indicated a cautious optimism about potential loan growth, noting that the pipeline is building positively and that payoffs have been significant, around $275 million to $300 million per quarter [22][27] Question: Can you elaborate on the competitive deposit market? - Management confirmed that the market is intensely competitive, but they have successfully onboarded new accounts, with a significant portion being new customers [30][31] Question: What are the current trends in credit quality? - Management noted some migration in non-accruals, particularly in owner-occupied commercial real estate, but emphasized a cautious approach to credit evaluation [34][37] Question: What are the company's plans regarding capital management? - Management stated they are considering various options for capital utilization, including potential debt redemption and continued share buybacks, while remaining open to M&A opportunities [44][46] Question: How do you see the interest margin evolving? - Management expressed a goal to achieve a core net interest margin of over 4%, while acknowledging that improvements may be incremental due to current economic conditions [56][58]

SLM (SLM) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 01:16 AM ET Company Participants Kate deLacy - Senior Director, Head of Investor RelationsJonathan Witter - CEO & DirectorPete Graham - EVP & CFOJeffrey Adelson - Executive DirectorNathaniel Richam-Odoi - Equity Research AssociateJohn Hecht - Managing DirectorMark Devries - Director Conference Call Participants Terry Ma - Senior Equity Research AnalystMoshe Orenbuch - Managing Director & Senior AnalystMichael Kaye - Equity Research AnalystRichard Shane - Stock ...

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 $0.14 per share after-tax differential in the mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment [30] - Net interest income remained unchanged at $38.5 million, 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 [31][32] - Deposits increased by $171.6 million to $3.79 billion at the end of the first quarter, with the cost of deposits decreasing to 219 basis points from 229 basis points in the linked quarter [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $20.8 million or 2.7% annualized, with growth in commercial owner-occupied real estate loans and commercial goods and services loans [18] - The indirect auto loan portfolio grew to $243 million, with a decline in thirty-plus days past due loans to 41 basis points from 47 basis points in the fourth quarter [24][26] - Non-interest income decreased to $10.6 million from $13.3 million in the linked quarter, primarily due to a decrease in mortgage banking revenues [27][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans in major metropolitan markets decreased by $818 million, with expectations of elevated early payments on loans in the first half of the year [21][22] - The company reported strong loan growth in the Permian market, marking the strongest growth since entering the market in 2019 [23] - 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 uncertainties [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to selectively add to its team across major metropolitan and rural markets to position for continued organic growth [12] - A $15 million stock repurchase program was authorized, with $8.3 million spent to repurchase shares in the first quarter, indicating a belief that shares are trading below intrinsic value [14][15] - The focus remains on organic growth, with a cautious approach to M&A activity due to current market uncertainties [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's position to perform well through economic downturns, citing strong credit quality and proactive management [10][90] - The company believes it has the liquidity, capital, and team to capitalize on opportunities during economic difficulties [11] - Management acknowledged the uncertainty in the economic environment but remains focused on expanding the lending platform and maintaining strong customer relationships [17][90] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment ratio was 1.40%, with a recorded provision for credit losses of $420,000 [35] - Non-interest expense increased to $33 million from $29.9 million in the linked quarter, with expectations that this level will be a good run rate for the remainder of the year [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: On deposit cost and potential for further reduction - Management indicated that while the bulk of the work on deposit costs has been done, there is still room for further reductions in some accounts [46][48] Question: Loan yields and margin outlook - Management noted that while loan yields have been sticky, there may be some room for margin expansion, but it will depend on overall liquidity and loan production [50][56] Question: Elevated loan payoffs and future expectations - Management reported that payoffs were approximately $1.01 billion higher in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter, but they remain confident in overcoming these payoffs with healthy production [60][62] 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 [71][74] Question: Loan portfolio concentration in energy and growth - Management indicated that around 4% of the loan portfolio is concentrated in energy, primarily driven by the energy service business [78] Question: Outlook for fee income excluding mortgage - Management expressed that fee income has been growing year over year, with expectations for continued growth in most areas, although mortgage remains a significant component [80][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $10.2 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, representing a $3.8 million or 60% increase compared to the previous February and a $275,000 increase over the linked quarter [5] - Pre-provision net revenue increased by $4.3 million or 47% over Q1 2024 and $1.4 million or 11.9% over the linked quarter [5] - Net interest income for the quarter was $32.8 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 4.5% compared to the linked quarter [6] - The return on assets (ROA) for the quarter was 1%, and the return on equity (ROE) was 10.39% [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan and lease portfolio grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% during the first quarter, with total loans and leases increasing by $22.8 million [18] - Noninterest income declined by $1.2 million or 12.8% compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to a decrease in gains on the sale of loans and other fees [16] - Noninterest expense was $27.1 million, a decline of $1.2 million or 4.1% from the linked quarter, attributed to reductions in compensation-related expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $27 million or an annualized growth rate of 3.2%, with organic deposit funding (excluding broker deposits) growing by over $67 million [21][22] - The loan-to-deposit ratio at quarter-end was 95.8% [24] - The company’s security portfolio was $648.5 million, representing 15.6% of the balance sheet, with $60 million of unrealized losses [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the renewal of its stock repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $13.5 million of outstanding shares [12] - The focus remains on increasing tangible common equity and maintaining a disciplined approach to pricing deposits and loans [5][11] - The company aims to balance dividend payments and stock repurchases with capital growth to support future growth [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company’s ability to manage loan and deposit pricing amid economic uncertainties, anticipating low to mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2025 [31] - The economic environment in Ohio and Southeastern Indiana shows no signs of deterioration, with strong credit quality maintained [30] - Management noted a cautious sentiment among borrowers regarding capital expenditures due to macroeconomic uncertainties [78] Other Important Information - The company made a $1.6 million provision for credit losses, with charge-offs of $976,000 [29] - The allowance for credit losses to total loans ratio was 1.30% at March 31, 2025, consistent with the previous quarter [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin inputs and funding costs - Management indicated there is still opportunity for margin expansion, expecting a four to five basis points increase in the second quarter [38][39] Question: Expense normalization and future investments - Management expects expenses to remain flat in the second half of the year, with some increases due to merit raises and investments in technology [48][49] Question: Fee income outlook - Management anticipates a bounce back in fee income in the second quarter, particularly in mortgage and leasing [60] Question: Loan yield increase - The increase in loan yield was attributed to new loans repricing higher, with no unusual recoveries contributing to the increase [68] Question: Commercial borrowers' sentiment - Management noted a cautious "wait and see" attitude among borrowers regarding capital expenditures due to economic uncertainties [78] Question: Current pipeline and growth guidance - Management indicated that the current loan pipeline remains strong, with ongoing economic activity supporting growth [85][90]

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]