Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported EPS of $0.06 and adjusted EPS of $0.88 for the quarter, with tangible book value per share growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.2% since the IPO [5] - Net income on a reported basis was $2.9 million, while adjusted net income was $40.8 million, significantly impacted by a $60 million pre-tax loss from a securities transaction [14][15] - Net interest income increased by 3.5% from the prior quarter and 8.6% year-over-year, reaching $111.4 million [15] - The net interest margin expanded by 13 basis points to 3.68% due to loan growth and cost management [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was at an annualized rate of 4.2%, while deposits grew at an annualized rate of 7.2% [10] - Core non-interest income, excluding the securities loss, was $25.8 million, representing a 9% increase over the previous quarter [16] - The company experienced a loss in non-interest income of $34.6 million due to the securities trade [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted increased market volatility due to trade policy announcements and geopolitical events, which impacted customer behavior and loan activity [7][8] - The loan growth was concentrated in residential mortgages and commercial real estate, with significant increases in specific categories [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with Southern States is expected to add immediate scale and accretive earnings, with integration efforts on track for completion by the end of Q3 [11][12] - The company is optimistic about both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, with a focus on capitalizing on market disruptions [12][13] - The company aims to maintain a strong capital position while pursuing additional M&A opportunities in the future [56][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties and highlighted the potential for growth in the coming quarters [9][11] - The outlook for loan growth remains mid to high single digits, with a strong pipeline of opportunities despite some delays in funding [10][37] - The company anticipates a net interest margin in the range of $3.70 to $3.80 for the second half of the year [25] Other Important Information - The company migrated to a new allowance model to enhance forecasting precision, which had a net impact of approximately $395,000 on reserves [19] - The company plans to redeem subordinated debt and trust preferred securities using proceeds from the securities sale [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the margin guidance and the impact of the bond restructuring? - Management confirmed that virtually no securities from Southern States will be brought over, focusing on paying down brokered deposits and optimizing capital [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and the current pipeline? - Management reiterated a mid to high single-digit growth outlook, noting that some expected fundings were delayed but overall customer activity remains strong [37][40] Question: Can you provide details on the higher provision for mortgage banking? - The increase in provision was driven by higher LTV loans and changes in economic forecasts, with a focus on maintaining a profitable operating business [49][50] Question: What is the company's stance on future M&A activity? - Management expressed optimism about M&A opportunities, particularly in the $3 billion to $7 billion range, and emphasized readiness to capitalize on market disruptions [56][82] Question: How is the company managing hiring and recruitment? - The company continues to recruit talent, hiring four new revenue producers in the second quarter to prepare for potential market disruptions [60]

Group 1 - Tianjin is recognized as the economic center of the Bohai Rim region and has a rich history in modern commerce and finance, being the birthplace of China's first securities exchange over 70 years ago [1] - The establishment of the Tianjin Securities Exchange aimed to channel idle funds from the black market into the formal economy, addressing a critical issue for the People's Bank of China [1][2] - The exchange officially opened on June 1, 1949, with 39 qualified brokers and a total capital of 84.52 million old RMB, focusing on stocks from major companies beneficial to the national economy [2] Group 2 - After its opening, the Tianjin Securities Exchange absorbed significant amounts of social idle funds, mitigating their impact on the market, with daily average transaction amounts reaching approximately 1.1 billion old RMB within the first ten days [3] - The exchange facilitated the flow of funds into production and circulation, positively contributing to the recovery and development of the economy, as evidenced by the increased trading volumes of essential enterprises [3] - From its inception until October 1951, the exchange generated a cumulative surplus of 3.2 billion old RMB and collected 1.35 billion old RMB in transaction and stamp taxes for the government, enhancing fiscal revenue for the new China [3]