Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the quarter was approximately $69 million or $0.91 per share, exceeding consensus estimates of around $79 million [7] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 78 basis points from 68 basis points last quarter and 61 basis points a year ago [7] - Return on Equity (ROE) increased to 9.4%, up from 8.2% last quarter and 8% a year ago [7] - Net Interest Margin (NIM) expanded from 2.81% to 2.93%, reflecting a 12 basis point improvement [10][26] - Total non-interest income increased by $5.5 million, driven by growth in fee businesses [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loans grew by $68 million, with Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans increasing by $267 million, while Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans declined by $199 million [11][20] - The residential portfolio decreased as expected, with a decline of $160 million [21] - The average yield on loans increased to 5.55% from 5.48% last quarter [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average Loan-to-Value (LTV) of the CRE portfolio was 54%, with a debt service coverage ratio of 1.76, indicating strong portfolio health [22] - The total criticized and classified loans decreased by $156 million, marking one of the largest reductions in recent times [12] - Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) increased by $117 million, primarily due to office-related loans [13][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a safe and sound banking operation while focusing on responsible growth and profitability [15][16] - Expansion into new markets, including New Jersey and Charlotte, is part of the growth strategy [18][76] - The company has authorized a $100 million stock buyback program, reflecting confidence in its capital position [14][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a shift in the operating environment, with less uncertainty compared to the previous quarter, but acknowledged ongoing risks [16][17] - The company expects continued double-digit growth in Net Interest Income and deposits, with a focus on maintaining margin expansion [35][36] - Management remains cautious about the economic outlook, particularly regarding office loans, but believes the portfolio is well-positioned [88][90] Other Important Information - The company plans to redeem its outstanding senior bond maturing in November, with the redemption expected to occur later in August [38] - The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) succession plan was announced, with Leslie Lunak set to retire and Jim Mackie appointed as her successor [39][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding credit and office detail, what happens when loans move to non-performing status? - The company reappraises loans before they move to non-accrual status and updates LTVs and debt service coverage ratios accordingly [48][49] Question: Can you provide a breakdown of the provision for credit losses? - The provision for credit losses was $15.7 million, with specific reserves increasing by $33 million and net charge-offs totaling $12.7 million [31][51] Question: What is the outlook for deposits moving into the next quarters? - The company expects deposit balances to remain stable through the third quarter but may decline in the fourth quarter due to seasonality [52][54] Question: What is the company's target for normalized Net Interest Margin (NIM)? - The company targets a normalized NIM in the mid-threes, emphasizing the importance of pricing discipline and mix [94][96] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A activity? - While the company is not actively seeking M&A opportunities, it remains open to discussions if the right deal arises [116][117]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the quarter was approximately $69 million or $0.91 per share, exceeding consensus estimates of around $79 million [6] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 78 basis points from 68 basis points last quarter and 61 basis points a year ago [6] - Return on Equity (ROE) increased to 9.4%, up from 8.2% last quarter and 8% a year ago [6] - Net interest margin expanded from 2.81% to 2.93%, reflecting a 12 basis points improvement [9][25] - Net interest income rose by 5.6% quarter over quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loans grew by $68 million, with Commercial Real Estate (CRE) increasing by $267 million, while Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans declined by $199 million [10] - The residential loan portfolio decreased as expected, with a decline of $160 million [20] - Total criticized and classified loans decreased by $156 million, marking one of the largest reductions in recent times [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-Interest Bearing Deposits (NIDDA) increased by over $1 billion, with average NIDDA up by $581 million [7] - Total non-broker deposits grew by $1.2 billion, with NIDDA now representing 32% of total deposits [8] - The cost of deposits declined by 15 basis points to 2.37% from 2.52% [9][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to run a safe and sound bank, grow its balance sheet responsibly, and return excess capital through buybacks [14] - Recent expansions into New Jersey and Charlotte are part of the strategy to enhance market presence and capitalize on growth opportunities [17] - The company is focused on maintaining profitability while managing credit risk and optimizing the balance sheet [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a shift in the operating environment compared to three months ago, with less uncertainty but still caution advised [15] - The company expects continued double-digit growth in NIDDA and solid growth in non-brokered deposits [34] - Management anticipates margin expansion throughout the year, driven by a favorable mix shift and pricing discipline [104] Other Important Information - The company authorized a $100 million stock buyback program, reflecting confidence in capital management [13] - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stands at 12.2%, indicating a strong capital position [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit and office detail regarding non-performing loans - Management confirmed that properties are reappraised before moving to non-accrual status, and LTVs and debt service coverage ratios are updated accordingly [46] Question: Breakdown of provisions and charge-offs - Specific reserves increased by $33 million, with net charge-offs totaling $12.7 million, including $5.2 million from office charge-offs [49] Question: Deposit strength and seasonality - Management expects deposit balances to remain stable through Q3, with a potential decline in Q4 due to seasonality [50] Question: M&A activity and market expansion - Conversations around M&A have been consistent, but the company prefers organic growth and will only consider opportunities that align with its strategy [112] Question: Loan yield and origination rates - New production rates are generally higher than existing loans being replaced, indicating a positive repricing outlook [119]