Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $22.5 million, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 4.59%, return on equity (ROE) of 17.64%, and return on assets (ROA) of 2.13% [3][13] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) stood at $2.67, with tangible book value just under $60 at $59.98 [3][4] - Total assets decreased slightly to $4.17 billion from $4.28 billion at the end of the previous quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan purchases amounted to $145 million, while originations were $134 million, with the loan book remaining flat overall [13][14] - The company funded $42 million in SBA loans and sold $58 million, resulting in gains of $4.2 million, down from $8.2 million in the previous quarter [15][16] - The average loan balances decreased by $92 million compared to the previous quarter due to timing of transactions [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a robust purchase pipeline driven by M&A activity and repositioning of commercial real estate loans [4][10] - The SBA activity was impacted by a government shutdown, which halted new originations since October 1 [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about its new insured small business loan product with NUITY, which has seen about $10 million closed since its launch [9] - The management emphasized a disciplined approach to credit while expecting strong growth in both purchased and originated loans [10][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future loan growth despite challenges posed by the government shutdown affecting SBA loans [25][52] - The company anticipates a ramp-up in SBA activity once the government reopens, with continued strong demand expected [25][26] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a change in its cost structure with NUITY, moving from a gain-sharing model to a flat fee per loan submitted [21][22] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was lower due to state law changes, with expectations for the rest of the year to be around 31% to 32% [55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Change in cost structure with NUITY - The cost structure changed to a flat fee per loan submitted instead of a split in the gain on sale [21] Question: Expectations for SBA loan gains in the fourth quarter - Management indicated uncertainty due to variables like the duration of the government shutdown but expressed optimism for a return to previous volume levels once reopened [25] Question: Increase in professional fees - The increase was attributed to temporary employees and heightened legal fees related to new products [26] Question: Quality of lender finance portfolio amid industry concerns - Management reassured that they have robust monitoring and verification processes in place to mitigate fraud risks [44] Question: Visibility on loan payoffs this quarter - There were larger payoffs than typical, with expectations that this could continue in a declining interest rate environment [51] Question: Lower tax rate explanation - The lower tax rate was due to state law changes and stock vesting impacts, with expectations for a higher effective tax rate moving forward [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $22.5 million for the quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 4.59%, return on equity (ROE) of 17.64%, and return on assets (ROA) of 2.13% [3][12] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $2.67, and tangible book value was reported at $59.98 [3][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan purchases amounted to $152.7 million with an invested amount of $144.6 million, marking one of the largest purchase quarters in recent years [4] - Originations totaled $134 million, with a notable decrease in the originated loan book by $39 million, while the purchase loan book increased by $31 million [6][12] - The SBA activity included funding of $42 million and sales of $53 million, with a significant decrease in gains due to changes in SBA rules [5][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a robust origination pipeline, with a strong performance in the real estate and financing markets, despite some loan payoffs [8][10] - The average loan balances decreased by $92 million compared to the previous quarter, impacting interest income [7][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about its new insured small business loan product with NUITY, which has seen a strong start since its launch [9] - There is a focus on maintaining a disciplined credit approach while pursuing growth opportunities in both purchased and originated loans [10][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future loan growth, citing a healthy pipeline and the expectation of increased demand once the government reopens [24][52] - The company is closely monitoring asset quality and has implemented measures to mitigate risks associated with fraud in lender finance [43][45] Other Important Information - The company experienced a decrease in total assets from $4.28 billion to $4.17 billion, attributed to paydowns and payoffs [12] - Capital remains strong with a tier one leverage ratio of 12.21% [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in cost structure with NUITY - The cost structure changed to a flat fee per loan submitted instead of a split in the gain on sale [20] Question: Expectations for SBA loan gains in Q4 - Uncertainty exists due to variables like the government shutdown, but a ramp-up in activity is expected once operations resume [24] Question: Increase in professional fees - Temporary employees and heightened legal fees related to new products contributed to the increase [25] Question: Health of lender finance portfolio - The company maintains a robust monitoring system to mitigate fraud risks and is comfortable with asset quality [43][45] Question: Visibility on loan payoffs this quarter - A larger amount of payoffs than typical was observed, impacting transactional income [48] Question: Lower tax rate this quarter - Changes in state apportionment laws and stock vesting contributed to the lower tax rate, with expectations of a 31% to 32% effective tax rate going forward [53][54]