Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits increased by $1.3 billion year-over-year, with deposit teams growing their portfolios to $1.9 billion [5][6] - Cost of deposits reduced to 2.09% in Q1 2025, while net interest margin (NIM) increased to approximately 2.9% for the fourth consecutive quarter [6][15] - Core pre-tax provision income rose to $46 million in Q1 2025 from $28 million a year ago, resulting in a core return on assets (ROA) of 77 basis points [10][14] - Adjusted EPS was $0.57 per share, reflecting a 36% linked-quarter increase and a 50% year-over-year increase [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew by over $60 million in Q1 2025 and over $400 million year-over-year, with a loan pipeline currently at approximately $1.1 billion and an average yield of 7.22% [8][9] - Non-brokered deposits increased by approximately $65 million compared to year-end levels, with a core deposit growth of around $250 million when excluding title company-related deposits [16][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong capital position, with a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.1% and a total capital ratio of 15.7% [18] - The company is managing expenses prudently, with core cash operating expenses for Q1 at $57.9 million, excluding non-core items [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to expand into the Lakewood, New Jersey market, indicating a strategic move to tap into new customer bases [12][85] - Hiring efforts are focused on both sides of the balance sheet, with a significant emphasis on growing business loans and core deposits [11][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about NIM improvement despite the uncertain rate environment, citing significant back book loan repricing opportunities [7][22] - The company expects net loans to remain relatively flat in Q2 2025, with growth anticipated in the latter half of the year [23][80] Other Important Information - The company has made several new hires to enhance its loan and deposit capabilities, with a focus on maintaining profitability and growth [11][72] - The company is cautious about the current economic environment, particularly regarding potential impacts from tariffs and competition [105][92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about loan pipeline mix - The loan pipeline consists of approximately $350 million in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, $185 million in owner-occupied commercial real estate (CRE), and $250 million in healthcare loans [31] Question: Update on deposit growth and costs - The cost of deposits is around 2.10%, with a healthy mix of demand deposits [34] Question: Credit front and reserve build guidance - The reserve build was less than expected, with a target provision of 90 basis points to 1% over time [40] Question: Cash balance and margin opportunities - The company is managing its cash balance strategically, aiming to maintain a balance between floating rate assets and cash [48] Question: Non-owner-occupied CRE uptick - The uptick was due to one specific credit exit, with no systemic issues identified [58] Question: Fee income guidance for the year - The fee income guidance remains at $40 million to $42 million for the full year [111]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposits increased by $1.3 billion year-over-year [5] - Cost of deposits reduced to 2.09% in the first quarter [6] - Net Interest Margin (NIM) increased to 2.9%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth [6][13] - Adjusted EPS was $0.57, representing a 36% linked quarter increase and a 50% year-over-year increase [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business loans grew by over $60 million in the first quarter and over $400 million year-over-year [7] - Loan pipeline currently stands at approximately $1.1 billion with an average yield of 7.22% [8] - Core pre-tax provision income was $46 million in the first quarter compared to $28 million a year ago [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-brokered deposits increased by approximately $65 million at March 31 versus year-end levels [14] - Excluding title company deposits, non-brokered deposits grew by approximately $250 million this quarter [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to expand into the Lakewood, New Jersey marketplace [11] - Focus on growing business loans while reducing commercial real estate (CRE) concentration [7] - Hiring efforts are aimed at enhancing both sides of the balance sheet [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains bullish on continued NIM improvement despite uncertain rate environment [6] - Expectation of margin expansion in the second half of 2025 due to significant back book loan repricing opportunities [17][18] - Anticipated loan growth to pick up in the latter half of 2025 [19] Other Important Information - Core cash operating expenses for the first quarter were $57.9 million, excluding intangible amortization [15] - Common equity Tier one ratio increased to 11.1% and total capital ratio grew to 15.7% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about loan pipeline mix - The loan pipeline consists of approximately $350 million in commercial and industrial (C&I), $185 million in owner-occupied CRE, and $250 million in healthcare [25] Question: Update on deposit growth and costs - The cost of deposits is around $2.10, with a healthy mix of demand deposits [26] Question: Credit reserve build guidance - The medium to long-term target for reserves is between 90 basis points to 1% [32] Question: Cash balance and margin opportunities - The company is managing its balance sheet for the medium to long term, with plans to utilize cash as loan growth picks up [35] Question: Non-owner occupied commercial real estate uptick - The uptick was due to one specific credit exit, with no systemic issues expected [41] Question: Competition and pricing in the region - The pricing environment is rational, with some competitors moderating their deposit pricing [68] Question: Fee income guidance for the year - The fee income guidance remains at $40 million to $42 million for the full year [83]