Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Bancorporation reported a net income of $8 million for Q2 2025, an increase from $7.8 million in Q1 2025 and $5.2 million in Q2 2024, indicating a year-over-year improvement of approximately 54% in first half earnings [4][19] - The loan portfolio yield improved to 5.59% in Q2 2025 from 5.52% in Q1 2025, reflecting the benefits of asset repricing [20] - Core deposit balances increased by approximately $195 million in Q2 2025, contributing to a reduction in brokered funding by about $127 million [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings decreased slightly to just under $3 billion, attributed to larger payoffs from asset sales and refinancing activities [11][12] - Deposit balances increased by over $67 million during the quarter, with a focus on attracting new depositors [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial real estate portfolio is improving, with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% and a debt service coverage ratio of 1.35 times [9] - The office property market in Des Moines is facing challenges, with significant vacancy issues affecting the overall market [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on relationship building and deposit growth, with an emphasis on maintaining strong asset quality [5][9] - There are ongoing efforts to attract high-value retail deposits and business banking opportunities, particularly in the Minnesota market [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the pipeline for loan growth, indicating a robust number of projects and opportunities despite some headwinds from payoffs [22] - The company anticipates margin improvement in the second half of the year due to continued asset repricing [23][24] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on August 20, 2025, with a current stock yield exceeding 5% [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client sentiment and loan growth pipeline outlook - Management noted a robust pipeline with many projects and opportunities to maintain and grow the loan portfolio [22] Question: Margin trajectory in the second half of the year - Management sees potential for margin improvement due to asset repricing, regardless of Fed rate cuts [23][24] Question: Opportunities for hiring and expanding in northern markets - There are opportunities in the marketplace, especially due to M&A activity and larger banks abandoning regional centers [25] Question: Deposit growth opportunities in the second half of the year - The focus remains on growing deposit relationships alongside credit relationships [27] Question: Expense run rate for the second half of the year - The second quarter's expense run rate is expected to be a good indicator for the second half, with no significant items anticipated [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net interest income of $123.5 million, which is $21 million higher than the first quarter of 2024 and slightly higher than the fourth quarter of 2024 [3] - Tangible book value increased by 3% since last quarter and 13% year-over-year, ending at $30.31 per share [2] - The common equity Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 11.4% and the risk-based capital ratio at 12.9% for the quarter [2] - The provision expense was $6.6 million, up $2.1 million from the first quarter of 2024 and $900,000 from the fourth quarter [6] - The allowance for credit losses ended the quarter at just over $165 million, an increase of about $576,000 from the fourth quarter [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased by about 7% compared to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to a one-time benefit recorded in 2024, but normalized rates showed a 7% increase driven by higher service charges on deposit accounts [8] - Non-interest expense was down $789,000 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 and flat compared to the first quarter of 2024, reflecting expense discipline despite a 5% growth in employee numbers [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan-to-deposit ratio stands at 89%, with an adjusted ratio of 77% when including correspondent Fed funds purchased [1] - The company anticipates over $1.9 billion in asset repricing over the next 12 months [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic loan and deposit growth, priced competitively and profitably, with expectations of loan growth in low double digits [12][36] - There is an ongoing evaluation of new producers and potential hires to support expansion efforts [45] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the durability of Main Street compared to Wall Street, indicating a mixed impact from current market uncertainties [26] - The company does not foresee significant impacts from tariffs and remains optimistic about the balance of the year [28][32] Other Important Information - The company experienced a significant increase in Fed balances, averaging $380 million, which aids liquidity but negatively impacts margin calculations [2][4] - The company is looking for additional avenues to improve income without increasing risk, given the excess liquidity [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view deposit trends for the rest of the year? - Management indicated that municipal deposits may decline as the year progresses, with correspondent balances leveling off after tax season [21][22] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and demand post-pandemic? - Management noted a potential slowdown but remains optimistic about steady, granular growth across various markets [26][38] Question: What is the current loan pricing dynamic? - Loan pricing has remained steady, but management expressed dissatisfaction with current pricing levels, indicating they should be higher [43] Question: What is the expected range for non-interest expenses for the remainder of the year? - Non-interest expenses are expected to be in the range of $46 to $46.5 million, excluding potential new hires [45] Question: Can you provide details on non-performing loans? - Non-performing loans are primarily in the medical sector, including a hospital and a doctor with cash flow issues but good collateral [48][52]