Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share of $1.42, representing an almost 14% increase over the prior quarter [8] - Net interest income remained stable at $575 million for the third consecutive quarter, with robust loan growth offsetting the impact of deposits [14] - Capitalization strength was highlighted with an estimated CET1 ratio of 11.94%, well above the strategic target of 10% [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased by almost 1% and period-end loans rose approximately 3%, driven by new loan production for new and existing customers [10] - Non-interest income increased by $20 million, with growth across most customer line items due to higher loan volumes and seasonal benefits [15][16] - Expenses decreased by $23 million over the prior quarter, largely due to lower litigation-related expenses and seasonal declines in incentive compensation [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits declined just over 1%, with the largest decreases in retail, corporate banking, and technology and life sciences [11] - Non-interest bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits remained flat at 38% for the fourth consecutive quarter, indicating stability in the funding mix [11] - The company expects full-year average deposits to decline by 2% to 3% in 2025, with a deliberate reduction in brokered CDs [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments in small business, middle market, business banking, and payments to drive responsible growth [28] - The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a conservative approach to capital while supporting customer growth and driving favorable returns over time [25][26] - The company plans to continue share repurchases, with an intention to repurchase approximately $100 million of common stock in the third quarter [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while economic and geopolitical uncertainty persists, customers appear more confident in navigating the environment and making investments [7] - The outlook for 2025 includes projected net interest income growth of 5% to 7%, with loan trends outperforming expectations [21] - Management acknowledged the potential for upward pressure on deposit pricing as they fund robust loan growth [22] Other Important Information - The company announced new capabilities and product enhancements in payments and deposits, indicating a commitment to innovation [7] - Management expressed a cautious but optimistic view on the economic environment, with expectations for continued loan growth and improved customer confidence [20][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII trajectory and expectations for Q3 and Q4 - Management expects a slight decrease in net interest income (NII) in Q3, followed by an upward trajectory in Q4, driven by strong loan growth and deposit increases [32][33] Question: Expense guidance for Q3 and Q4 - Management acknowledged a projected increase in expenses for Q3, attributing it to deferred project expenses and seasonal factors [42][43] Question: Loan growth potential and pipeline activity - Management indicated improved pipeline activity and loan growth, with positive momentum expected to continue in the second half of the year [49][50] Question: Conditions for remaining independent - Management emphasized the importance of performance relative to peers and the need to protect the company while pursuing growth opportunities [81][86] Question: Impact of potential mergers on strategy - Management noted that while they had previously anticipated limited mergers, recent market conditions may lead to increased M&A activity [88] Question: Credit quality and criticized loans - Management reported a moderate increase in criticized loans, primarily concentrated in three credits with consumer components, but overall credit quality remains stable [108][109]