Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of 59 cents for Q2 2025, with an annualized loan growth of 11% [6][8] - Net interest income increased by over $2 million, while the net interest margin expanded by three basis points to 4.15% [14][19] - The overall allowance for credit losses grew by $9.4 million to 1.13% of total loans, with a provision for credit losses totaling $16.6 million, an increase of $6.5 million from the previous quarter [8][9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was balanced across categories, including commercial and industrial loans ($64 million), residential real estate loans ($30 million), and small ticket leasing loans ($14 million) [13] - Fee-based income was relatively stable, with a slight decline of 1% compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to performance-based insurance commissions recognized in Q1 [16][17] - Non-interest expenses declined by 1% to $70.4 million, driven by lower salaries and employee benefits costs [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced increased loan demand, reflected in the pipelines and loan growth during the quarter [12] - The investment portfolio grew by approximately $140 million, driven by investments in higher-yielding bonds [20] - Deposit balances declined by 1% or $98 million, with reductions in money market accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve positive operating leverage for 2025 compared to 2024, with expectations of loan growth between 4% to 6% [25][26] - The focus remains on managing the balance sheet and interest rate risk profile while generating loan growth with high underwriting standards [27][28] - The company is actively evaluating M&A opportunities, particularly in overlapping markets and adjacent states [110] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the health of the core commercial portfolio, with expectations for charge-offs to plateau in the small ticket leasing segment [36][43] - The company has not observed significant impacts from tariffs on loan growth or credit metrics, but continues to monitor the portfolio closely [12][68] - Future guidance includes expectations for fee-based income growth in the mid-single-digit percentages compared to 2024 [26] Other Important Information - The tangible equity to tangible assets ratio remained stable at 8.3% [22] - The efficiency ratio improved to 59.3% compared to 60.7% for the linked quarter [19] - The company was recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to employees [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on charge-offs and credit outlook - Management indicated that charge-offs in the small ticket leasing segment are expected to plateau, correlating with the decline of high balance accounts [35][36] Question: Reserves perspective and CECL impact - Specific reserves added were primarily related to small ticket leasing, with management believing they are appropriately reserved at this point [39][43] Question: Loan growth guidance and drivers - Management maintained a loan growth guidance of mid-single digits for 2025, citing strong production and pipelines [50][51] Question: Deposit growth outlook - Seasonal growth in governmental deposits is expected in Q3, with overall deposit pricing remaining stable [52][54] Question: M&A opportunities and capital management - The company remains opportunistic regarding stock repurchases and is actively exploring M&A opportunities in existing and adjacent markets [108][110]