Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per common share were reported at $0.34, with EPS excluding notable items growing 27% year over year [14] - Average loan balances increased by $2.3 billion or 1.8% from the prior quarter, while average deposits rose by $1.8 billion or 1.1% [15][20] - Adjusted common equity tier one (CET1) was 9%, up 40 basis points from last year, and tangible book value per share increased 16% year over year [8][15] - Return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) was 16.1% for the quarter, adjusted ROTCE was 17.6% [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans grew by almost $10 billion year over year, with significant contributions from commercial loans and new initiatives [7][17] - New initiatives accounted for approximately 40% of total loan growth, with $900 million in growth [17] - Fee income in strategic areas such as payments, wealth, and capital markets grew by 11% year over year [8][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong deposit growth, with primary bank relationships increasing by 46% year over year in consumer and business banking [8] - The overall cost of deposits declined by one basis point, reflecting disciplined deposit pricing [20][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and has announced the acquisition of Veritex to accelerate growth in Texas [5][10] - The acquisition is expected to enhance commercial lending and capital markets opportunities, as well as expand the consumer franchise in Texas [12][13] - The company aims to maintain a moderate to low risk appetite while delivering strong performance [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic environment, noting improving sentiment and strong growth momentum [29] - The outlook for loan growth has been increased to 6% to 8%, and net interest income guidance has been raised to 8% to 9% for the full year [30][31] - Management remains focused on driving long-term shareholder value and believes the acquisition will contribute to future growth [36][109] Other Important Information - The company is maintaining a strong liquidity position with two times coverage of uninsured deposits [9] - Credit performance remains stable, with net charge-offs at 20 basis points and an allowance for credit losses at 1.86% [15][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about net interest income guidance - Management indicated that they are on track to potentially hit the higher end of the net interest income guidance range, with economic stability being a key factor [42][43] Question: Feedback on the Veritex acquisition - Positive feedback was received from both internal and external partners, with excitement about the opportunities the acquisition presents [45][46][48] Question: Deposit trends and competition - Management noted strong deposit performance and expects continued solid growth, with stable deposit costs anticipated [50][52] Question: Changes in expense guidance - The increase in expense guidance is primarily due to higher incentive compensation linked to better revenue outlook [62][63] Question: Loan growth and competitive environment - Management acknowledged a slowdown in growth from new initiatives but remains optimistic about future contributions [65][66] Question: Outlook for North and South Carolina - The company continues to invest in these markets, with plans for new branch openings and hiring [72][73] Question: Capital levels and future distributions - Management is focused on maintaining a strong capital position and plans to begin regular capital distributions post-acquisition [108][109]