Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $640 million in new loans, a 69% increase year-over-year, driving a 27% increase in net revenue and a 17% increase in core pretax earnings [4][12] - Core earnings per share increased to $0.55 from $0.51 a year ago, marking the second-best quarterly earnings in company history [7] - The total loan portfolio reached just under $5.5 billion, a 7.8% increase from year-end 2024 and a 27.3% increase year-over-year [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average coupon on new held-for-investment originations was strong at 10.5%, with a five-quarter average trend of 10.8% [12] - The weighted average loan-to-value ratio for the quarter was just under 63%, indicating tight credit levels [13] - Non-performing loans remained stable at 10.8%, consistent with previous quarters [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong demand across all property types, with a recent shift towards commercial loans [4] - The real estate markets are functioning well, with healthy investor demand and participation in offerings despite market volatility [5][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its portfolio to $10 billion over the next five years, focusing on technology to scale the business without significantly increasing headcount [47][49] - The company has been active in capital markets, completing four successful debt transactions and issuing three new securitizations [5][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future, citing strong production and healthy demand in real estate markets [21] - The company does not anticipate material impacts from external factors such as tariff discussions [21] Other Important Information - The company has a total liquidity of $75.6 million, comprised of cash and available liquidity on unfinanced collateral [19] - The CECL loan loss reserve at the end of the quarter was $5 million, slightly above the expected normal range due to macroeconomic forecasts [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the NIM remain stable in Q2? - Management indicated that the NIM is expected to be around 3.35% to 3.5%, which is considered normal [23] Question: What is the outlook for new origination yields? - Management expects yields to remain stable, with potential for a decrease later in the year if the Federal Reserve continues to cut rates [25][26] Question: Is the increase in commercial demand due to borrowers being shut out of other channels? - Management clarified that the increase is primarily due to the establishment of a small commercial division rather than a demand issue [30] Question: What will the raised capital be used for? - The raised capital will be used to continue making more loans, with a focus on growing the portfolio [34] Question: What is the current total headcount and office locations? - The company has a total headcount of 323 and operates from five office locations [43][45] Question: What is the long-term vision for the company? - The company aims to grow its portfolio to $10 billion in five years while leveraging technology to enhance productivity [47][49]

1Q25 Results Presentation May 1, 2025 Forward-looking statements For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or contemplated in any forward-looking statements, see the section titled ''Risk Factors" previously disclosed in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 14, 2020, as well as other cautionary statements we make in our current and periodic filings with the SEC. Such filings are available publicly on our Investor Relation ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter net income was $12.4 million, essentially flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in a return on assets (ROA) of 1.17% and a return on equity (ROE) of 12.4% [11] - Net interest income grew by 12.4% year-over-year but declined slightly from the previous quarter due to a decrease in Fed funds sold and other interest-earning assets [12] - Non-interest expenses increased by 3.2% or $878,000 in the first quarter, and were up 8.5% or $2.2 million compared to the same quarter last year [12] - The net interest margin improved by nine basis points to 3.8% [9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank successfully executed a significant commercial real estate loan securitization, enhancing balance sheet management and generating fee income that will positively impact the net interest margin in the second quarter [7][8] - Loan growth in April was reported at over $50 million, with a quarterly average growth of $42.5 million [13] - Nonperforming loans declined by $9.3 million, improving the nonperforming loans to total loans ratio by 23 basis points from the prior quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits declined by $62 million for the quarter, resulting in a loan to deposit ratio of 93.9% [12] - The bank's investment securities increased by $13.4 million to $397 million, with an accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) gain of $10.3 million [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined loan growth, robust credit management, and improving operational efficiencies while increasing shareholder value [6][9] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance sheet and promoting long-term sustainable growth through proactive asset management strategies [8][20] - The bank is evaluating additional securitizations as a tool for managing concentrations and supporting sustainable profitable growth [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's credit risk strategies and the overall economic outlook, noting that borrowers remain cautious but optimistic [27][29] - The company anticipates achieving $325 million in loan growth for the year, translating to an 8% annual run rate compared to the prior year [19][49] - Management acknowledged the potential for rate cuts and their impact on loan growth and customer behavior [48][49] Other Important Information - The bank's book value and tangible book value grew by 4.4% and 4.7% respectively over the prior quarter, and by 14.3% and 15.2% compared to the same period last year [9] - The company is considering a share buyback program due to capital accretion and stock price levels [13][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of securitization on net interest margin - Management confirmed that the securitization will primarily impact the margin, providing a five basis point benefit for the next quarter [23] Question: Loan growth confidence amid macro uncertainty - Management indicated that the loan growth in April was primarily due to fundings on revolving lines rather than new deals, and expressed optimism about the pipeline [25][26] Question: Fee income increase drivers - The increase in fee income was attributed to the treasury management division, which has seen significant growth in recent years [32][33] Question: Expectations for non-interest expenses - Management expects non-interest expenses to remain flat in the second quarter, around $28 million [36] Question: Outlook on loan production yields and margin - Management anticipates a stable margin around 3.75% to 3.8%, with the potential for improvement depending on interest rate movements [40][42] Question: Consideration of share buybacks - Management is seriously considering a buyback program due to attractive stock levels and capital accretion [51][52]