Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.45 per share, reflecting a $0.03 increase from the prior quarter [8] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) grew by $4 million from the first quarter, primarily driven by a $10 million increase in net interest income [8][9] - Total expenses, excluding deferred compensation, increased by only $4 million from the last quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio increased by 2% quarter over quarter, with significant growth in loans to mortgage companies, which rose by $689 million [13] - Fee income decreased by $3 million from the prior quarter, with fixed income performance declining slightly [14] - Non-interest bearing deposits increased by $57 million, supported by successful seasonal marketing promotions [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period end balances for both loans and deposits finished 2% higher quarter over quarter [10] - The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits increased to 2.76%, up from 2.72% in the first quarter [12] - The charge-off ratio remained stable at 22 basis points, in line with expectations [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a 15% plus return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) over the next two to three years [20] - Focus remains on organic loan growth and enhancing client relationships to drive profitability [20][22] - The company is committed to maintaining capital levels in line with a near-term target of 11% CET1 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic fundamentals in their southern footprint, expecting stability through 2025 and into 2026 [7] - There is a recognition of increased deposit pressure and competition, but the company remains focused on expense and pricing discipline [8] - Management noted that borrowers are showing resilience and optimism, with expectations for improved activity in the latter half of the year [28] Other Important Information - The company retained approximately 95% of balances associated with clients who had a repricing event in the quarter [12] - The company has a strong credit culture, with years of disciplined underwriting providing stability across economic cycles [17] - The company is exploring opportunities to grow PPNR by $100 million or more through synergies and deepening client relationships [20][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client health and loan growth outlook - Management noted that borrowers are resilient and optimistic, with expectations for improved activity as tariff questions settle [28] Question: CET1 target and buyback appetite - Management indicated that they are comfortable with the current CET1 target and will evaluate capital levels based on growth opportunities [30][32] Question: Deposit repricing opportunities - Management acknowledged potential deposit repricing opportunities but noted that competition is heating up, leading to a zigzag pattern in deposit pricing [38] Question: Signs of stress in credit sectors - Management highlighted consumer-facing industries like trucking and auto finance as areas to watch closely for stress [42] Question: Expectations for mortgage warehouse balances - Management expects mortgage warehouse balances to remain stable or increase, depending on the mortgage industry's trends [48] Question: Fee income trends and expense guidance - Management indicated that fee income is under pressure, but they do not expect expenses to exceed a 2% increase [66] Question: Regulatory developments and capital deployment - Management is optimistic about regulatory changes that may allow for greater capital flexibility in the future [100] Question: Trends in loan repricing and spread compression - Management noted increased competition on both deposit and lending sides, with expectations for continued competitive pressures [106]

Industry Overview - A number of regional banks have announced significant new share buyback authorizations, indicating a level of industry-wide confidence and suggesting these firms are well-capitalized to return excess funds to shareholders [1][17]. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) - Fifth Third Bancorp has initiated a buyback program allowing for the repurchase of up to 100 million shares, representing approximately 15% of its outstanding shares as of June 20 [2]. - The bank's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is nearly 10.5%, exceeding the regulatory requirement of approximately 7.7%, which supports its ability to buy back shares [5][6]. - The firm generates around $1 billion in cash flow per quarter from its bond portfolio, further bolstering its confidence in executing buybacks [7]. Citizens Financial Group (CFG) - Citizens Financial Group has increased its share buyback authorization to $1.5 billion, which is about 8.3% of its market capitalization [9]. - The company's CET1 ratio stands at 10.6%, reflecting strong financial performance and confidence in its capital return strategy [9]. Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) - Cathay General Bancorp announced a $150 million share repurchase program, equating to around 5% of its $3 billion market cap [11]. - The bank's CET1 ratio is nearly 13.6%, indicating strong capital strength to support ongoing shareholder returns [12]. Third Coast Bancshares (TCBX) - Third Coast Bancshares announced a $30 million buyback authorization, which is approximately 7.1% of its $424 million market cap [14]. - The company's CET1 ratio has improved to 8.7%, up from 8% a year ago, indicating enhanced financial stability [15]. RBB Bancorp (RBB) - RBB Bancorp announced an $18 million buyback program, equal to around 6.2% of its $291 million market cap [16]. - The company's CET1 ratio is approximately 17.9%, showcasing strong capital adequacy [16].

HSBC Holdings (HSBC) reported first-quarter 2025 pre-tax profit of $9.48 billion, which declined 25% from the prior-year quarter.Results were affected by a fall in revenues, higher expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges (ECL), partially offset by a fall in expenses.HSBC’s Revenues Fall, Expenses DipTotal revenues were $17.65 billion, down 15% year over year. The fall was primarily due to lower net interest income (NII) and other operating income.Operating expenses declined marginally to ...