Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $35.3 million or $0.92 of earnings per diluted share for the third quarter, with adjusted net income increasing 30% annualized over the prior quarter to $36.6 million or $0.96 per diluted share [8][9] - The return on tangible common equity was 14.72%, and the adjusted return on average tangible common equity was 14.7% [5][9] - The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin expanded three basis points during the third quarter to 3.98%, with an annualized growth of 11 basis points compared to the same quarter last year [10][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan fundings for the quarter totaled $421 million, bringing total year-to-date loan fundings to $1 billion, with quarterly loan fundings increasing each quarter of 2023 [9][14] - Non-interest income for the third quarter totaled $20.7 million, which is 21% higher than the second quarter and 13% higher than the third quarter of last year [11] - Non-interest expense totaled $67.2 million, including $1.7 million of acquisition expenses and $6.2 million of 2UniFi expenses [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits ended the quarter $202 million higher than the prior quarter, with average deposits holding steady at $8.2 billion [11] - The cost of deposits totaled 2.08%, and the total cost of funds was 2.1% [11] - Credit quality improved with a 20% reduction in non-performing loans, now standing at $27 million, and the non-performing loan ratio improved to 36 basis points [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger with Vista Bancshares, which is expected to close in the first quarter, and management is optimistic about the strategic value of this transaction [6][14] - The company is focused on maintaining pricing discipline and managing loan and deposit pricing to achieve solid margin expansion [9][10] - The launch of 2UniFi is seen as a significant step forward, with plans to provide revenue guidance in the next quarterly earnings call [12][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the quality of new loan production and the strength of new relationships despite headwinds from loan payoffs in the commercial real estate (CRE) portfolio [5][6] - The company anticipates a strong fourth quarter with positive credit quality trends and additional productivity initiatives in place [6][9] - Management noted the competitive landscape in private credit, particularly in the CRE sector, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to lending [35][56] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 240,000 shares during the quarter, totaling $8.9 million, with a tangible book value per share growing 12% annualized to $27.45 [13] - The company holds $18 million of marks against its acquired loan portfolio, which adds additional loan loss coverage [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the margin and expected impact of rate cuts? - Management indicated that the third quarter's margin was positively impacted by interest and fees recovered, and they are prepared to adjust deposit rates in line with potential Fed rate cuts [22][24] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth given recent paydowns? - Management clarified that the reduction in loan volume was primarily due to heavy payoffs rather than directive paydowns, and they are optimistic about the loan pipeline for the fourth quarter [35][37] Question: How much 2UniFi expenses were incurred in Q3 and what is expected for Q4? - The company incurred $6.2 million in 2UniFi expenses in Q3, with expectations of $7 million-$9 million in Q4 due to increased marketing and variable costs [39][41] Question: What are the opportunities from the Vista acquisition? - Management expressed excitement about the caliber of leadership from Vista and the potential for growth in treasury management and wealth services, emphasizing the integration of best practices [64][66]