Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $12 million and earnings per share of $0.50 for the quarter [5] - Net interest income grew by 7% to $51.4 million compared to the previous year [13] - The net interest margin on gross loans was 7.94%, up 10 basis points from the previous quarter [13] - The net book value per share increased to $16.36 from $16 in the prior quarter and $14.93 a year ago [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer lending business originated $136 million in loans, maintaining a loan book of $2.4 billion [5] - Recreation loans originated totaled $86.8 million at an average rate of 16.06%, while home improvement loans were $48.8 million at an average rate of 11.5% [14] - The commercial lending division originated $9.7 million in new loans and exited one loan with a significant return [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company collected $2.6 million in cash from its taxi medallion business, consistent with the previous quarter [9] - The strategic partnership program achieved over $125 million in originations for the second consecutive quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a methodical approach to growth, ensuring sustainable practices in its lending operations [11] - There is an ongoing effort to expand the strategic partnership program, with expectations to add new partners over time [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of cash collections from the taxi medallion business and identified recovery opportunities in charge-off loans [9] - The company anticipates continued gains from its equity investments, although the timing of exits remains unpredictable [8][27] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 60,000 shares and has $15 million remaining under its share repurchase plan [11] - A 9% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.12 per share was approved by the Board, marking the third increase since reinstating the dividend [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any nonrecurring expense items aside from those highlighted? - Management noted elevated professional fees, including $300,000 in technology costs and $600,000 related to the annual meeting [20] Question: Any update on the SEC matter? - Management believes the SEC matter has been resolved, pending board approval and judicial sign-off [22] Question: What flexibility exists in building reserves? - Management confirmed flexibility in determining allowances, using qualitative factors to increase consumer provisions [23] Question: Any anticipated capital gains from Medallion Capital? - Management expects one or two more capital gains this year, though timing is uncertain [27] Question: Outlook on normalized earnings? - Management discussed adjustments for nonrecurring items and expected normalized earnings to be around $0.35 per share [36] Question: Timing for loan sales? - Management anticipates closing a loan sale in Q2, with another sale expected in Q3 or Q4 [38] Question: Durability of strategic partnership loan volume? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining loan volume above $100 million per quarter, with potential for growth [43] Question: Outlook on margins and loan growth? - Management expects margins to remain stable and projects loan growth of 5% to 7% for the year [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $12 million and earnings per share of $0.50 for the quarter [5] - Net interest income grew by 7% to $51.4 million compared to the previous year [13] - The net interest margin on gross loans was 7.94%, up 10 basis points from the previous quarter [13] - The net book value per share increased to $16.36 from $16 in the prior quarter and $14.93 a year ago [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer lending business originated $136 million in loans, maintaining a loan book of $2.4 billion [5] - Recreation loans originated totaled $86.8 million at an average rate of 16.06%, while home improvement loans were $48.8 million at an average rate of 11.5% [14] - The commercial lending division originated new and follow-on loans totaling $9.7 million [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $2.6 million in cash collections from the taxi medallion business, consistent with the previous quarter [9] - The strategic partnership program achieved over $125 million in originations for the second consecutive quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a methodical approach to growth, ensuring it continues to expand correctly [11] - The strategic partnership program is expected to diversify offerings, including loans for employee benefits and medical procedures [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of cash collections from the taxi medallion business and identified recovery opportunities from charge-off loans [9] - The company anticipates continued gains from equity investments, although the timing of exits is unpredictable [8][27] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 60,000 shares and has nearly $15 million remaining under its share repurchase plan [11] - A 9% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.12 per share was approved by the Board [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Were there any nonrecurring expense items aside from those highlighted? - Management noted elevated professional fees, including $300,000 in technology costs and $600,000 related to the annual meeting [20] Question: Any update on the SEC matter? - Management believes the matter has been resolved, pending board approval and a judge's sign-off [22] Question: What flexibility exists in building reserves? - Management confirmed flexibility in determining allowances, using qualitative factors in Q1 [23] Question: Are there any anticipated capital gains from Medallion Capital for the rest of the year? - Management expects one or two more capital gains this year, though timing is uncertain [27] Question: What is the outlook on margins and total loan growth for the rest of the year? - Management anticipates margins to remain stable and expects loan growth of 5% to 7% for the year [49][50]