Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $19.5 million or $1.21 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to $21.6 million or $1.34 per diluted share in Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in net income despite an increase in net interest income [16][18] - Average loans increased to $4.63 billion in Q1 2025 from $4.3 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting strong loan growth [16][20] - The loan to deposit ratio improved to 99% at the end of Q1 2025 from 108% at the end of Q1 2024 [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth for Q1 2025 was $44 million, with an annualized growth rate of nearly 5% [8] - Mortgage banking income increased by 13% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by a greater portion of mortgage production being sold rather than retained on the balance sheet [10][13] - Total non-interest income grew by 12% in core areas such as payroll, treasury management, and mortgage banking [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 24% increase in business deposits and a 9% increase in personal deposits for the twelve months ending March 31, 2025 [7] - The average deposits totaled $4.59 billion in Q1 2025, up from $3.97 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of over 15% [18][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce the loan to deposit ratio into the mid-ninety percent range over time through a three-pronged approach focusing on business deposits, governmental and public unit deposits, and restructuring retail customer focus [6][7] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong capital position to support growth plans and navigate economic uncertainties [38][64] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the commercial loan pipeline remains strong, but uncertainty in the environment has shifted more discussions into the pipeline rather than committed loans [33][34] - The company expects loan growth to be in the range of 3% to 5% for the remainder of 2025, with a net interest margin projected between 3.45% and 3.55% [24] Other Important Information - The company recorded a provision expense of $2.1 million in Q1 2025, reflecting an increased allocation due to changes in the economic forecast [20][21] - Non-interest expenses increased by $1.2 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher salary and benefit costs [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for loan growth and potential slowdown - Management indicated that the commercial pipeline has shifted more towards discussions due to uncertainty, leading to tempered expectations for loan growth [33][34] Question: Thoughts on capital deployment and share repurchase - Management stated that share repurchase remains a consideration, but the focus is on ensuring sufficient capital to support growth plans amid economic uncertainty [35][38] Question: Margin guidance and assumptions on rate cuts - Management provided guidance assuming no rate cuts, emphasizing a conservative approach to simulations and margin management [42][44] Question: CD repricing and loan yields - Management noted that a significant portion of CDs will mature in the next twelve months, with an average repricing expected to be around 75 basis points [48][49] Question: Credit trends and reserve levels - Management acknowledged the strong asset quality and indicated that reserve levels would be assessed based on ongoing economic uncertainty [61][64]