
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved net income of $23.6 million, representing earnings per share of $0.83 and a return on assets (ROA) of 1.2% [5] - Net interest margin remained strong at 4.07%, marking ten consecutive quarters above 4% [14] - Total new loan fundings totaled $399 million in Q1, up 48% from the previous quarter and up 37% year-over-year [11] - Deposits increased by approximately $200 million or 12% annualized [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was primarily driven by the commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio, which saw a 7% annualized increase [10] - Service fee income represented 22.6% of total revenues, with a slight increase over the last quarter [5] - Consumer deposit service revenues decreased by 9% due to lower NSF activity [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong loan growth in high-growth markets, particularly in the C&I sector [10] - The credit quality remained stable, with nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans increasing to 1.21% [20] - The company experienced a decline in its commercial real estate portfolio, impacting overall loan growth [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on relationship-based banking and is optimistic about growth opportunities in its markets [6][8] - There is a commitment to maintaining a strong capital position and sound credit risk management [9] - The company is open to opportunistic M&A but remains cautious about potential risks in the current market environment [22][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the U.S. economy, particularly in their operational regions [8] - There is an acknowledgment of macroeconomic uncertainties impacting consumer investment and spending [15] - The company expects mid-single-digit growth for both loans and deposits for the full year [13] Other Important Information - The provision expense for the first quarter was $3.8 million, resulting in an allowance for credit loss ratio of 1.42% [19] - The company anticipates net charge-offs for the full year to be in the high teens to low 20s range in basis points [21] - The tangible book value per share improved to $34.88, with a CET1 ratio of 13.26% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers behind the lower expense guidance for 2025? - The lower expense guidance is linked to macroeconomic uncertainty and a slowdown in mortgage activity, impacting variable compensation [26][27] Question: How does the current environment impact thoughts around M&A? - The company remains opportunistic regarding M&A but is cautious about taking on risks that could jeopardize shareholder value [28][66] Question: Can you provide insights on loan growth and competition? - Loan growth remains strong, particularly in the C&I space, with competitive pricing and a robust pipeline for Q2 [36][39] Question: What is the outlook for deposit costs and growth in Southern California? - The company expects stable deposit costs but acknowledges competitive pressures; Southern California efforts have seen strong deposit growth [40][43] Question: Can you elaborate on the higher nonaccrual loan mentioned? - The nonaccrual loan was a $13 million credit with cross-border exposure in the manufacturing sector, contributing to the increase in nonperforming loans [70][71]