
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan balances decreased by $37 million in Q1 due to elevated payoffs and prepayments, with loan yields at 5.45%, down two basis points from the previous quarter [4][5] - Total deposits increased by $160.7 million, with 95% of this growth in non-maturity deposits, primarily in money market accounts [5][6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.44% from 3.36% in the prior quarter, driven by decreases in the cost of deposits and borrowings [8][10] - Noninterest expense increased by $1.8 million, primarily due to higher benefit costs and payroll taxes, with guidance for quarterly noninterest expenses in the range of $41 million to $42 million [9][10] - The tangible common equity (TCE) ratio improved to 9.3%, up from 9% in the prior quarter, indicating strong capital ratios [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial lending closed $183 million in new loan commitments, down from $316 million in the previous quarter, with a commercial loan pipeline of $460 million [18][19] - The average interest rate for new commercial loans was 6.83%, up 20 basis points from the previous quarter [19][20] - The bank experienced total charge-offs of $376,000, with net charge-offs of $299,000, representing 0.03% of total loans on an annualized basis [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's credit quality remained strong, with non-accrual loans totaling just over $4.4 million, representing 0.09% of total loans [12][13] - Criticized loans declined by $1 million during the quarter, with substandard loans consistent with prior year-end levels [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a solid balance sheet and is open to potential mergers and acquisitions, particularly with attractive banks in their footprint [25][27] - The bank aims for annualized loan growth of 5% to 8% in the second quarter, with a strong pipeline and ongoing monitoring of economic uncertainties [57][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about core profitability due to strong deposit growth and prudent risk management, despite emerging economic risks [3][20] - The company is closely monitoring developments around tariffs and federal funding, which could impact credit quality [15][53] Other Important Information - The bank did not repurchase any shares in Q1 but may consider it in the future depending on market conditions [10][32] - The Spokane team was acquired from a larger regional bank, reflecting the bank's strategy to expand its talent pool while managing expenses [28][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspective on Heritage's position among independent banks - Management believes the bank is well-positioned with specific goals for 2025 and is ready for potential M&A opportunities [25][27] Question: Details on the Spokane team acquisition - The team was sought out due to a good fit with Heritage's customer base and market presence [28][30] Question: Comments on stock buyback activity - The decision on stock buybacks is made quarterly, with no repurchases in Q1 due to stock price increases [32] Question: Spot cost on total deposits and NIM in March - The NIM in March was 3.45%, with the cost of interest-bearing deposits at 1.92% [37][38] Question: Loan growth opportunities - Management sees balanced growth opportunities in commercial real estate and C&I, with a focus on deposit-rich clients [48][49] Question: Anticipated loan growth and economic uncertainty - The bank expects annualized loan growth of 5% to 8% in Q2, with ongoing monitoring of the economic environment [57][61]