Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings per share for the quarter was $0.66, an increase of 14% year over year [3] - Net interest margin expanded to 3.50%, an improvement of 14 basis points over the last quarter [3] - Customer deposits, excluding merger activity, grew by 1.3% annualized [4] - Loan growth was 4.2% annualized, with strong pipelines heading into the third quarter [4] - Efficiency ratio improved to 54.8%, an improvement of 222 basis points compared to last year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $205 million, benefiting from the American National deal [7] - Excluding public fund seasonality, deposits grew by $64 million or 1.2% annualized [8] - Loan portfolio growth continued at a 4.2% annualized pace, excluding American National [9] - Spread income grew at a 21% annualized pace, excluding American National [11] - Operating expenses increased by $2.1 million, primarily driven by merit increases [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CET1 ratio remained stable at 13.3%, indicating strong capital position [10] - The loan to deposit ratio increased slightly to 79% due to the acquisition and solid loan growth [9] - The total deposit beta was 34% so far, with expectations for a high 30% range through the cycle [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to seek small, high-performing institutions for potential acquisitions [22] - Focus remains on organic growth, M&A, dividends, and buybacks, with a cautious approach to capital management [48] - The company is actively recruiting top talent to enhance its footprint and market presence [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the outlook for the rest of the year despite uncertainties related to tariffs and yield curve direction [15] - There is a positive sentiment among clients regarding economic conditions and potential tax benefits [43] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $100 million in senior notes to manage interest costs effectively [9] - The allowance for credit losses remained flat at 1.21%, with a provision of $11.8 million for the quarter [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about loan growth and hiring initiatives - Management confirmed there were some pay downs but remains optimistic about loan growth in Q3, expecting it to be around 6% [19] - The company is focused on recruiting top talent and has made recent hires to strengthen its team [20] Question: Update on M&A strategy - The company continues to look for small, high-performing institutions for acquisition, with a more favorable outlook compared to previous months [22] Question: Core margin and deposit beta expectations - Management anticipates continued core margin expansion, targeting about five basis points in the third quarter [25] Question: Openness to share buybacks - Currently, the company is not active in buybacks but retains authorization for future opportunities at lower prices [34] Question: Outlook on Navitas growth - Navitas had a strong quarter, and the company plans to maintain or increase loan sales for the rest of the year [38] Question: Capital management and securities restructuring - The company has significant excess capital and is evaluating options for securities restructuring but prioritizes organic growth and M&A [48][47]
United Community Banks, Inc.(UCB) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript