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USCB Financial (USCB) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a fully diluted EPS of 0.38,a650.38, a 65% increase compared to the prior year [4][12] - Net income for the quarter was 0.38 per diluted share, up 65% over the prior year [12] - Return on average assets was 1.19% and return on average equity was 14.15% [13] - Net interest margin (NIM) was 3.10%, down slightly from the prior quarter [13][22] - Efficiency ratio improved to 52.79% [13] - Tangible book value per share increased by 0.42to0.42 to 11.23 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans increased by 205.3millionor11.5205.3 million or 11.5% compared to Q1 2024 [7][18] - Average deposits grew by 166.6 million or 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year [7] - Loan production was robust, with end-of-period net loan growth of 63.4millionor1363.4 million or 13% annualized compared to the prior quarter [19] - Non-interest income was 16.3% of total revenue, consistent with prior quarters and higher than Q1 2024 [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Florida economy is forecasted to grow steadily in 2025, with a growing labor force and low unemployment [7][40] - The company anticipates high-single digit to low double-digit loan and deposit growth in the upcoming quarters [7][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes relationship-driven organic growth and has onboarded additional senior bankers to support business lending and deposit production [6][8] - The strategy includes cautious optimism regarding economic uncertainties and a focus on maintaining credit quality [6][41] - The company plans to continue disciplined expense control to improve operating leverage [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted heightened volatility in the market due to recent tariff announcements but expressed cautious optimism about the diversified business lines [5][6] - The company is prepared for both upward and downward shifts in interest rates, reflecting a neutral balance sheet position [25] - The management expects to see improvements in non-performing assets and classified loans in the upcoming quarters [82] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of 0.10 per share, to be paid on June 5, 2025 [9][10] - The company has a strong focus on maintaining a robust balance sheet while returning capital to investors [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the deposit growth in the quarter? - The deposit growth was seen in key areas like correspondent banking and business banking, with a balanced contribution from various segments [47] Question: What is the outlook for NIM? - The guidance for NIM is flat to slightly up, with expectations of rate cuts benefiting deposit costs [49][54] Question: What is the impact of specialty verticals on deposits? - New hires in production personnel for various verticals are expected to support continued deposit growth [60] Question: How should we think about the expense base moving forward? - The expense base is expected to gradually increase due to new hires and performance-based bonuses [65] Question: What is the focus regarding capital? - The focus remains on organic growth rather than buybacks, given solid growth prospects [66] Question: What is the outlook for credit quality? - Management anticipates improvements in non-performing and classified loans in the second quarter [82]