Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $10.2 million or $0.66 per diluted share, a 60% increase from Q1 2024 and a $275,000 increase from the previous quarter [4] - Net interest income for the quarter was $32.8 million, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the previous quarter [5] - The efficiency ratio improved to 64.9% from 68.3% in the linked quarter and 73.8% in the prior year's first quarter [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 [11] - Non-interest 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 [10] - The company anticipates loan growth to be in the mid-single digit range for the remainder of 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $27 million or an annualized growth rate of 3.2%, with organic deposit growth of $67.1 million excluding brokered deposits [14][15] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 95.8% at quarter-end, indicating a disciplined approach to managing loan growth [15] - The average deposit account, excluding CDs, was approximately $28,000, reflecting a granular deposit base [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on deepening customer relationships to reduce reliance on brokered funding, which is seen as a valuable characteristic of the deposit franchise [16] - Management is committed to increasing tangible common equity while balancing dividend payments and potential stock repurchases [17][18] - The company plans to invest in technology and digital initiatives to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the core deposit franchise and the ability to control non-interest expenses, positioning the company well for future success [19][90] - The economic environment in Ohio and Southeastern Indiana remains stable, with no signs of deterioration in credit quality [19] - Management anticipates continued loan demand but acknowledges potential impacts from economic uncertainties on loan growth [14][19] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share, representing an annualized yield of 3.48% [8] - A stock repurchase program was renewed, authorizing the repurchase of up to $13.5 million in outstanding shares [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin inputs and funding costs - Management indicated there is still opportunity for margin expansion, expecting 4-5 basis points in the second quarter and 2-3 basis points in the third quarter [26][30] Question: Expense normalization and future investments - Management expects expenses to remain flat in the second quarter, with potential increases in the second half due to investments in technology and marketing [33][37] Question: Fee income outlook - Management anticipates a bounce back in fee income in the second quarter, particularly in mortgage and leasing [40][42] Question: Loan yield increase - The increase in loan yield was attributed to new loans repricing higher, with no unusual recoveries contributing to the increase [51] Question: Commercial borrowers' sentiment - Management noted a cautious sentiment among commercial borrowers regarding CapEx spending due to economic uncertainties [56][58] Question: Credit metrics and expectations - Management remains optimistic about credit quality, with delinquencies down and a healthy allowance for credit losses [83][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $15.6 million or $0.74 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $16 million or $0.76 per diluted share in the prior year period, indicating a slight decrease in earnings [4] - Overall loans increased by 3.4% annualized, while core deposits rose by 0.8% annualized [4] - Tangible book value per share grew by 13.2% compared to the prior year quarter [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $34 million, with commercial loan generation strong at $54.8 million, representing an 11% annualized rate [8][9] - The residential mortgage portfolio saw a slight decline of $3.9 million, while the installment loan portfolio decreased by $17 million [9] - Nonperforming loans were $7.1 million or 17 basis points of total loans, up slightly from 15 basis points at year-end 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits as of March 31, 2025, were $4.63 billion, with retail deposits increasing by $34.2 million and business deposits declining by $44 million [6] - The total cost of funds decreased by 12 basis points to 1.8% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be Michigan's most people-focused bank, continuing to invest in its team and technology while supporting communities [3][22] - The management is optimistic about the long-term future of the franchise despite current market uncertainties [5] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is cautiousness among business owners regarding expansion, they are maintaining close contact with clients to monitor their situations [5][36] - The company is prepared for various economic scenarios, including potential Fed rate cuts, and believes it can maintain consistent earnings [29][30] Other Important Information - Non-interest income totaled $10.4 million in Q1 2025, down from $12.6 million in the year-ago quarter [17] - Non-interest expense was $34.3 million, slightly lower than the forecasted range [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for Outperformance in Guidance - Management indicated that there may be opportunities to outperform guidance, particularly in provisions, depending on deposit trends and potential rate cuts [28][29] Question: Client Conversations Amid Uncertainty - Management reported that while there is uncertainty, they are not seeing immediate impacts on credit quality, although they are monitoring the automotive sector closely [35][39] Question: Stock Buybacks - Management confirmed that share repurchases are part of their capital management strategy, and they will continue to evaluate market conditions for potential buybacks [45][46] Question: Loan Growth Outlook - Management expressed that uncertainties have made borrowers cautious, but there could be pent-up demand if economic conditions stabilize [50][51] Question: Capital Management and M&A Considerations - Management stated they are open to M&A opportunities, emphasizing their strong community bank franchise and recent technology investments [52][54]