Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $6.8 million and earnings per share of $0.28 for Q3 2025, compared to core income of $2 million and $0.08 per share in Q3 2024 [5] - Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) improved to 70 basis points and 9.45%, respectively [5] - Core ROA adjusted for certain items is closer to 90 basis points, aligning with the target of 1% ROA [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.18%, up from 2.86% in the previous quarter and 2.97% year-over-year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage division's production increased from approximately $20 million to $100-$120 million per month over the past few years, with pre-tax earnings of about $1.9 million in Q3 [11] - The Mortgage Warehouse division showed average balances of $210 million, ending balances of $327 million, and pre-tax earnings of about $1.6 million [12] - Panacea Financial Division's loan balances rose to $530 million, with deposits growing to $132 million, a 50% increase year-over-year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest-bearing checking accounts grew by about 16% compared to a year ago, improving the deposit mix and reducing the cost of deposits by almost 20% [7] - Average earning assets increased by 10% annualized in Q3 2025 [19] - Non-interest income reached $12 million, up from $10.6 million in the previous quarter, driven primarily by increased mortgage revenue [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase the proportion of non-interest-bearing deposits to around 20% of total deposits, focusing on enhancing the deposit mix [34] - The strategy includes leveraging technology and customer relationships to drive down deposit costs while maintaining competitive rates [40][46] - The company is focused on sustainable growth in the mortgage and Panacea divisions, with plans to maintain strong production levels [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1% ROA goal, citing strong operational momentum and a favorable deposit mix [25] - The company anticipates continued growth in profitability with fewer one-time items affecting core earnings [25] - Management noted that credit quality remains stable, with expectations for resolution of certain non-accrual loans in the coming quarters [50] Other Important Information - The company experienced limited impacts on net interest margin from consumer programs and expects this to continue [20] - The mortgage division's profitability rebounded significantly, with a notable increase in loan funding compared to the previous year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on overall loan growth for Q4 and into 2026 - Management indicated potential for continued growth in the Mortgage Warehouse division and projected 6-8% growth for the core bank [30][31] Question: Timing for reaching a 3.30% margin - Management expects to approach a 3.30% margin by the first quarter of next year, focusing on increasing non-interest-bearing deposits [34] Question: Impact of interest rate changes on deposit costs - Management noted that while competition may drive rates, their strategy of increasing checking accounts allows for competitive positioning [40] Question: Stickiness of digital banking customers - Management confirmed that digital customers are proving to be stickier than expected, with high retention rates and significant average balances [42][46] Question: Resolution of asset quality issues - Management expressed optimism about resolving certain non-accrual loans within the next few quarters, particularly in the C&I sector [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $6.8 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to core income of $2 million and $0.08 per share in Q3 2024 [5] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 70 basis points, and Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) improved to 9.45% [5] - Core ROA adjusted for certain non-permanent items is closer to 90 basis points, aligning with the target of 1% ROA [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.18%, up from 2.86% in the previous quarter and 2.97% year-over-year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage division's production increased from $20 million per month to $100 million - $120 million per month over the past few years, with a 10% annual production increase in Q3 [11] - Mortgage warehouse average balances grew to $210 million, with ending balances at $327 million, and pretax earnings of $1.6 million [12] - Panacea's loan balances increased to $530 million, with deposits growing 50% year-over-year to $132 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing checking accounts grew by 16% year-over-year, improving the deposit mix and reducing the cost of deposits by almost 20% [7] - Average earning assets increased by 10% annualized in Q3, positioning the company to replace earning assets sold a year ago [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing the proportion of non-interest bearing deposits to 20% of total deposits, currently at about 20% in the core bank [36] - The strategy emphasizes core funding through checking accounts rather than brokered CDs or institutional borrowings, aiming for sustainable growth and profitability [46] - The company is leveraging technology and customer service to enhance deposit growth and maintain competitive margins [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 1% ROA, citing strong operational leverage and a focus on core relationships [6][26] - The company anticipates continued growth in profitability with minimal operating expense increases, despite inflationary pressures [24] - Management noted that the current quarter's results reflect a positive trend, with expectations for further improvements in the coming quarters [26] Other Important Information - The company experienced limited impacts on net interest margin due to interest reversals on loans moving to non-accrual status [22] - The provision for the quarter was a small release, driven by growth in the loan portfolio and low core charge-off activity [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on overall loan growth for Q4 and 2026 - Management indicated potential runoff in mortgage warehouse but expects to sustain levels, with Panacea loans projected to reach $150 million in annual production [30][32] Question: Timing for reaching a 3.3% margin - Management expects to be closer to a 3.3% margin by the first quarter of next year, focusing on increasing non-interest bearing deposits [35][36] Question: Impact of interest rates on deposit costs - Management noted that competition is likely to use falling rates to drive margins, but the company's growth in checking accounts allows for competitive positioning [45] Question: Stickiness of digital customers - Management confirmed that digital customers are stickier than expected, with high retention rates and strong deposit relationships [47][51] Question: Resolution of asset quality issues - Management indicated that one loan could be resolved in the current quarter, while others may take longer, with expectations for improved debt coverage [56][57] Question: Future expense trends - Management anticipates continued improvement in expense management over the next few quarters [59]

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]

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 [7] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) grew by $4 million from the first quarter, primarily driven by a $10 million increase in net interest income [7][8] - Total expenses, excluding deferred compensation, increased by only $4 million from the last quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio saw a 2% increase quarter over quarter, with significant growth in loans to mortgage companies, which rose by $689 million [13] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio also grew, with period-end balances up $316 million quarter over quarter [13] - Fee income performance decreased by $3 million from the prior quarter, with fixed income performance declining slightly [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end deposit balances increased by $1.4 billion compared to the prior quarter, driven by a $1.6 billion increase in brokered CDs [12] - 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, consistent with expectations for the year [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of over 15% in the next two to three years, focusing on operational efficiency and profitability [19][22] - There is a strong emphasis on organic loan growth and enhancing client relationships to drive pre-provision net revenue [19][22] - The company is committed to maintaining capital levels in line with a near-term target of 11% CET1, with ongoing discussions about potential adjustments [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic fundamentals in their southern footprint, expecting stability through the latter half of 2025 and into 2026 [6] - There is a recognition of increased competition and deposit pressure, but the company remains focused on profitability and sustainable growth [6][7] - Management noted that borrowers are showing resilience and optimism, which is expected to lead to improved activity in the second half of the year [27] Other Important Information - The company retained over half of its $1 billion share repurchase authorization, using $9 million in the second quarter [17] - The company is seeing opportunities to grow PPNR by $100 million or more over the coming years through synergies and deepening client relationships [19][22] 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 are settled [27] Question: CET1 target and buyback appetite - Management indicated that they are comfortable with the current CET1 target and will evaluate capital deployment based on loan growth opportunities [30][31] Question: Deposit repricing opportunities - Management sees potential for deposit repricing but expects fluctuations based on market conditions and competition [36][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 mortgage industry trends [50] Question: Expense guidance and fee income trends - Management confirmed that the high end of the expense guidance is not expected to exceed 2%, with a focus on maintaining cost discipline [95] Question: Regulatory developments and capital deployment - Management is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could facilitate M&A opportunities but remains focused on organic growth [102] Question: Trends in loan repricing and margin - Management noted increased competition on both deposit and lending sides, with expectations for continued competitive pressures [106][108]