Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.83 for Q3 2025, an improvement compared to the linked quarter [5] - Net interest income increased nearly $4,000,000, while the net interest margin expanded by one basis point [6] - The efficiency ratio improved to 57.1% compared to 59.3% in the linked quarter [7] - The provision for credit losses declined over $9,000,000, with the allowance for credit losses standing at 1.11% of total loans [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized loan growth was 8%, with significant growth in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loan balances [12] - Non-performing loans declined nearly $2,000,000, comprising 58 basis points of total loans compared to 61 basis points at the end of the previous quarter [10] - Fee-based income experienced a 1% decline compared to the linked quarter, driven by lower lease income [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan to deposit ratio increased to 88% from 86% at the end of the previous quarter [20] - Deposit balances were relatively flat, with increases in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts offset by declines in brokered CDs and governmental accounts [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to develop its business organically while awaiting the right acquisition opportunities [24] - The focus remains on managing net interest income and net interest margin through the current interest rate cycle [24] - The company anticipates loan growth to be between 4% and 6% for 2026, depending on pay down timing and economic conditions [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a reduction in provision for credit losses to a more normalized rate for Q3 [24] - The company expects to achieve positive operating leverage for 2025 compared to 2024, excluding the impact of reduced accretion income [25] - Management highlighted the potential for increased refinancing activity if mortgage rates fall [66] Other Important Information - The tangible equity to tangible assets ratio improved by 27 basis points to 8.5% at quarter end [23] - The company plans to manage capital in preparation for potential M&A opportunities while supporting dividends [95] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on criticized and classified loans - Management expects some criticized and classified loans to revert in the near term, estimating $35,000,000 to $55,000,000 in upgrades or payoffs [34] Question: Loan growth guidance for 2026 - Management indicated that loan growth guidance for 2026 is slightly below this year's guidance but aligns with historical growth rates [36] Question: Impact of rate cuts on margin - Management confirmed that each 25 basis point rate cut is expected to result in a three to four basis point decline in net interest margin [46] Question: Update on North Star portfolio - Management reported that the high balance accounts in the North Star portfolio are down to about $15,000,000 to $16,000,000, with expectations for a gradual decline in charge-offs [48] Question: Appetite for buybacks and M&A - Management expressed a priority on building capital for M&A opportunities while maintaining an active buyback program [95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $109.8 million or $1.6 per diluted share in the second quarter, a notable 21% increase year-over-year [10] - Return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.65%, and return on tangible common equity rose to 15.8% [11] - Efficiency ratio improved to 51.63% from 52.83% in the previous quarter, indicating better operating leverage [10][11] - Tangible book value per share increased to $41.32, reflecting a strong 15.5% annualized growth [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was primarily driven by commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, with a total loan production of $1.9 billion, up from $1.5 billion in the previous quarter [16] - Non-interest income increased by approximately $4.9 million, largely due to a 36% growth in mortgage production [14] - Total non-interest expense rose by $4.2 million, mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits related to increased mortgage production [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing deposits grew over 3% annualized, increasing their share to 31% of total deposits from 30.8% in the previous quarter [17] - The company experienced a seasonal decline in cyclical municipal deposits, offset by an increase in broker deposits [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on organic growth, with plans to utilize excess capital for growth opportunities, stock buybacks, and dividends [28][29] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong core deposit base and leveraging growth in attractive Southeastern markets [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, citing a robust margin, strong capital, and liquidity [9] - There is a cautious but positive outlook on loan growth, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $12.8 million in common stock during the quarter [11] - The provision for credit losses was $2.8 million, with reserves remaining strong at 162% of loans [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and competition - Management noted a resurgence in loan activity and expected third-quarter activity to be similar to the second quarter, with increased competition [24][25] Question: Future growth opportunities and capital deployment - The company plans to focus on organic growth first, with stock buybacks and dividends as secondary options, while being cautious about M&A [27][29] Question: Deposit growth and margin outlook - Management indicated that deposit growth would continue, with a focus on non-interest bearing deposits, and anticipated some pressure on deposit costs [44][46] Question: Mortgage segment trends and capacity - The company is prepared for a potential refinancing wave and has the capacity to handle increased production without needing additional hires [66][67] Question: Overall competitive landscape and charge-offs - Management observed increased competition beyond pricing, with a focus on treasury management and deposit growth [55][56]