
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $11.3 million, or $1.45 per share, which is an increase of $0.08 from the previous quarter and $0.43 from a year ago [3][4] - Net interest margin (NIM) expanded for the fifth consecutive quarter to 4.04%, a 13 basis point increase from the prior quarter [4][9] - Return on assets (ROA) increased by two basis points to 1.31% [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew by $17.3 million in the second quarter, approximately 3%, but were negatively impacted by slower commercial construction activity and $20 million in paydowns [4][9] - Noninterest-bearing deposits increased by $41.9 million, remaining at 27% of total deposits at the end of the quarter [5][13] - Classified and nonperforming loans increased primarily due to four loans downgraded during the quarter totaling $18 million [5][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased at an annual rate of 11% in the second quarter, with a focus on funding loan growth with core deposits [5][13] - The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by three basis points to 2.71% due to strong deposit growth [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to finding partners for mergers and acquisitions that are a good long-term fit, with solid capital levels and improving valuation [6][7] - The focus has shifted towards core deposit growth, with changes in incentive plans to prioritize core deposits over loan growth [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's outlook and ability to deliver on high expectations, citing a strong leadership team with a track record of outperforming peers [8] - There is an expectation that loan growth will pick up if there are one or two rate cuts in the second half of the year [4][5] Other Important Information - Noninterest expenses increased by $828,000 to $22.4 million, primarily due to compensation-related expenses [14][15] - The company has repurchased 147,000 shares at an average price of $43.72, with about 391,000 shares remaining on the buyback plan [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on loan growth trends and the need for rate cuts? - Management indicated that there is some demand waiting for lower interest rates, and paydowns have negatively impacted growth rates [23][24] Question: What is the best-case scenario for net interest income (NII) in a rate cut environment? - Management believes that a steeper rate curve with rate cuts could still support an expanding NIM, with new higher-yielding investments coming in [26][27] Question: How productive are the new branch locations expected to be? - Management expects the new branches to be considerably productive, especially in attracting more deposits from commercial customers [41][42] Question: Were there any one-time factors that accelerated NIM expansion this quarter? - Management confirmed there were no one-time adjustments impacting NIM in an upward trajectory [48] Question: What are the criteria for potential M&A opportunities? - The company is looking at opportunities in the $350 million to $1 billion range, primarily in Texas and Louisiana [58][60]