Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.36 for the second quarter, an increase from $1.31 in the previous quarter and $1.19 year-over-year [4][23] - Adjusted return on assets was 1.31% and pre-provision ROAA was 1.72% [5] - Net interest income increased by $5.2 million to $153 million, with net interest margin expanding by six basis points to 4.21% [5][27] - Year-over-year core deposit base grew by nearly $800 million, maintaining a loan-to-deposit ratio of 86% [8][9] - Tangible book value per common share increased to $40.2, reflecting a 15% annualized quarterly increase [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was $110 million, with a 4% annualized growth rate, driven primarily by C&I loans and investor-owned commercial real estate [6][13] - SBA loan production remained stable, with a decision to sell $25 million of SBA loans contributing $1.2 million in fee income [8][16] - Life insurance premium finance balances increased by 16% year-over-year, while tax credit balances rose by $30 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All geographic markets showed loan growth, with notable contributions from the Midwest and Southwest regions [18][19] - Client deposits grew by $73 million in the quarter, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 7% [19][20] - Specialty deposit verticals grew by $63 million for the quarter and $552 million or 18% year-over-year [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a diversified business model that capitalizes on higher growth markets while maintaining pricing discipline [4][5] - The strategic acquisition of a branch from First Interstate Bank is expected to enhance growth opportunities in 2025 and 2026 [9][10] - Management emphasizes a relationship-oriented approach to capitalize on additional opportunities while balancing quality and pricing [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued loan growth, anticipating a pickup in the second half of 2025 due to pent-up demand and improved economic clarity [11][58] - The company expects to navigate economic uncertainties while leveraging opportunities from ongoing M&A activity in the market [12][86] - Management remains focused on achieving loan and deposit goals while maintaining asset quality [10][29] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by $0.01 to $0.31 per share for 2025 [10][35] - Non-performing assets remained stable, with a slight decrease in non-performing loans [10][30] - The company is well-capitalized, with a tangible common equity ratio of 9.42% and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.9% [9][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for fee income in the second half of the year - Management expects fee income to be similar to the first quarter, with potential contributions from SBA sales and other line items [39][40] Question: Outlook on expenses and merit increases - Management indicated that the current expense levels are expected to grow, influenced by merit increases and legal expenses related to non-performing loans [42][44] Question: Capital levels and branch acquisition impact - Management confirmed that the branch acquisition will normalize capital levels and support growth, with plans to call subordinated debt in the near term [49][50] Question: Margin outlook and potential pressures - Management anticipates stable margins moving forward, with some near-term pressures due to securities purchases and floating rate debt [53][56] Question: Loan growth expectations for the second half of the year - Management expects loan growth to pick up, potentially reaching 5-7% as economic conditions improve [58][59] Question: Commentary on SBA loan sales strategy - Management is exploring SBA loan sales as a strategy to solidify fee income, with expectations for some level of gains in the upcoming quarters [80][81] Question: M&A activity and strategic priorities - Management emphasized the importance of onboarding new clients from the branch acquisition before considering further M&A opportunities [85][86]