Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter net earnings of $243 million, reflecting a 28% improvement over the prior year period and a 44% increase compared to the first quarter [5][7] - The efficiency ratio improved to 62.2%, and the net interest margin increased for the sixth consecutive quarter to 3.17% due to lower funding costs and an improved earning asset mix [8][12] - Average customer deposits increased by 0.5% year-over-year but decreased by 1.4% on a linked quarter basis [9] - Average loans grew by 5.6% on an annualized linked quarter basis and 3.7% year-over-year [10][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 91% increase in the number of deals booked through the SBA seven program in the first nine months of the fiscal year compared to the same period last year [6] - Customer-related non-interest income was $164 million for the quarter, a 4% increase on a linked quarter basis and a 7% increase year-over-year [13] - Adjusted non-interest expenses decreased by $12 million compared to the prior year, reflecting lower technology costs [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted stability in non-interest bearing deposits at 34% of total deposits [9] - Average non-interest bearing deposits grew approximately $480 million or 2% compared to the prior quarter [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on growing customer relationships, particularly in small business banking, and has launched a consumer gold account offering in the Nevada market [6][7] - The management is optimistic about the potential for growth in the outlook, citing reduced tariff-related risks and a more favorable economic environment [5][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a more positive outlook compared to the previous quarter, noting that the economy is weathering challenges better than anticipated [32] - The company expects continued growth in net interest income and customer-related fee income for 2026, supported by increased customer activity and new client acquisition [12][14] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans and leases declined to 1.2%, with non-performing assets remaining low at 0.51% [21][24] - The common equity Tier one ratio was reported at 11%, indicating strong capital levels [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are you hearing from clients in the small business and middle market side? - Management noted a more positive sentiment among clients due to reduced uncertainty in the macro environment and some businesses seeing opportunities despite challenges [30][31] Question: Are you seeing any elevated competition on the deposit side? - Management acknowledged a competitive market for deposits but emphasized a focus on maintaining margin while growing the deposit base [33][34] Question: Can you provide color on the increase in loan growth? - Loan growth was solid, primarily driven by commercial and industrial loans, with increased utilization and new originations contributing significantly [41][42] Question: Can you discuss the potential benefits of deregulation for the company? - Management highlighted the potential benefits of tiering in regulatory requirements and expressed a strategic approach to M&A, focusing on organic growth [46][49] Question: What is the outlook for capital markets business? - The capital markets business is growing nicely, with expectations to double in size over a four to five-year period, driven by various segments including loan syndications and M&A advisory work [110][111]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $61.4 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.12, representing an 18% increase from the second quarter of 2024 [13] - Pre-provision net revenue was $87.9 million, with a return on average assets of 1.4% and a return on common equity of 14.56% [13] - Net interest income for the quarter was $131.7 million, with adjusted net interest income at $129.4 million, which is $5.9 million higher than the first quarter of 2025 [17][19] - The adjusted margin increased to 3.05%, up 13 basis points from the previous quarter and 26 basis points from the same quarter last year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was solid at 11% annualized, with a year-to-date growth of 25% [10][13] - The company experienced elevated payoffs in commercial real estate but was able to replace these with new projects [5][6] - Non-interest income was significantly impacted by a bond book restructure, with an adjusted net interest revenue of just under $9 million for the quarter [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a normalization of higher-cost municipal and correspondent deposits during the quarter [7] - The loan-to-deposit ratio is in the mid-80% range, indicating a strong liquidity position [60][61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic loan and deposit growth while maintaining price discipline for both loans and deposits [23] - A new merchant card processing team was hired to increase revenue from merchant services, aiming to improve penetration rates among existing customers [9][34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in loan demand, indicating a robust pipeline for the second half of the year despite some headwinds from payoffs [10][41] - The company expects its margin to continue increasing throughout the year, particularly if the Federal Reserve lowers benchmark rates [19] Other Important Information - The company underwent a significant restructuring of its bond portfolio, resulting in an $8.6 million loss but positioning for stronger margin performance in future quarters [14] - The tangible book value grew by an annualized 12.5% compared to the last quarter, ending at $31.27 per share [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected trajectory for net interest margin? - The adjusted margin for the quarter was 3.06%, and it is expected to increase by about 10 to 14 basis points each quarter, potentially reaching 3.20% to 3.25% by year-end [25][26] Question: How does the company plan to drive deposit growth? - The company is managing its funding needs to align with loan growth and is prepared to onboard deposits as necessary [27][28] Question: Can you provide insights on the new lenders and markets? - The new hires include a mix of former employees and interns, with a focus on supporting existing production staff rather than expanding into new markets [30][31] Question: What trends are observed in commercial credit demand? - Management noted broad-based demand across various markets, with construction loans increasing due to a mix of new production and projects with significant equity [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for deposit cost trends? - Deposit costs are expected to normalize around the first quarter levels, with an adjusted cost of deposits around 3.50% to 3.57% [50][51] Question: What is the outlook for the loan-to-deposit ratio? - The company is comfortable with the current mid-80% loan-to-deposit ratio and prefers to be in a position where it needs to generate deposits rather than loans [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $61.4 million for Q2 2025, representing an 18% increase from Q2 2024, but a slight decrease of 3% from Q1 2025 [12][16] - Diluted earnings per share were $1.12, with a return on average assets of 1.4% and a return on common equity of 14.56% [12] - The adjusted net interest margin improved to 3.05%, up 13 basis points from the previous quarter and 26 basis points from the same quarter last year [15] - The tangible book value grew by an annualized 12.5% from the last quarter, ending at $31.27 per share [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was solid at 11% annualized, with a year-to-date growth of 25% [4][9] - The company experienced elevated payoffs in commercial real estate (CRE) but was able to replace these with new projects [5] - Non-interest income was significantly impacted by a bond portfolio restructuring, with a reported loss of $8.6 million [13][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a normalization of higher-cost municipal and correspondent deposits during the quarter [6] - The loan demand was characterized as good but not great, with a robust loan pipeline expected to continue [4][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on organic loan and deposit growth, emphasizing competitive and profitable pricing [22] - A new merchant services team was hired to enhance production in the merchant banking area, aiming to increase penetration among existing customers [8][32] - The company is strategically restructuring its bond portfolio to improve margin performance in future quarters [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the loan pipeline, indicating broad-based demand across various markets [40] - The company expects net interest margin to continue increasing, potentially reaching 3.20% to 3.25% by year-end, absent any Fed actions [25] - Management noted that while there are isolated incidents of credit deterioration, no systemic issues were identified [10] Other Important Information - The company successfully unwound a third-party processing configuration, switching to a direct relationship with Jack Henry, which is expected to yield cost savings [21] - The effective tax rate saw a slight decrease, and the company is strategizing to further reduce tax expenses [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected trajectory for net interest margin? - The adjusted margin is 3.06% for the quarter, with expectations to increase by 10 to 14 basis points each quarter, potentially reaching 3.20% to 3.25% by year-end [24][25] Question: How does the company plan to drive deposit growth? - The company is managing through necessary funding for loan growth and is prepared to onboard deposits as needed [26][27] Question: Can you provide details on the new lenders and markets? - The new lenders are primarily support staff, with a focus on existing markets like Memphis and Auburn, Alabama [30][31] Question: What trends are observed in commercial credit demand? - Demand is broad-based across various markets, with construction loans increasing due to the need for reserves [39][40] Question: What are the expectations for deposit cost trends? - Deposit costs are expected to normalize around the first quarter levels, with an adjusted cost of deposits around 3.50% to 3.57% [50] Question: What is the outlook for loan-to-deposit ratios? - The adjusted loan-to-deposit ratio is in the mid-80% range, with a preference to generate deposits rather than loans [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 reached $9.3 million, representing an 86% year-over-year increase [5][6] - First half revenues totaled $17.3 million, which is 89% of the entire 2024 fiscal year total of $19.54 million [6][23] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $1.6 million, a 134% year-over-year increase, with first half adjusted EBITDA reaching $2.8 million [24] - Pretax income for Q2 more than doubled year-over-year to $800,000, with first half pretax income at $1.5 million [24][25] - Cash flow from operating activities was positive $1.5 million in Q2, with total cash flow for all activities at positive $600,000 [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its distribution network to 778 partners, an 87% increase year-over-year [7] - Billed enrolled employees increased by 30%, reaching 24,839 [7] - Sales and marketing expenses were $1.2 million for the quarter, a 6.3% reduction year-over-year [27] - General administrative expenses were $3.8 million, a 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on small and mid-sized employers, with a significant market opportunity remaining as it has only captured a small fraction of the potential market [87] - The healthcare insurance market is characterized by uncertainty, presenting opportunities for the company to provide alternatives [89][90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is broadening its market reach through strategic partnerships with third-party administrators and regional healthcare benefit providers [7][10] - The enhanced eDiP platform is set to launch fully in Q3, with new product offerings expected to be beta tested by the end of Q3 [11] - The company aims to maintain strong growth momentum through technology enhancement and product innovation [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to maintain growth momentum despite the typically slow sales seasons [9] - The current healthcare market's challenges, including rising rates from ACA carriers, create opportunities for the company to offer solutions [91][92] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on the HiCard project, with expectations to see revenue from it in Q1 of the following year [66][67] - The company is exploring new product opportunities and will announce them as they approach completion [72][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company benefiting from partnerships? - Management noted that partnerships allow for more distribution opportunities and can lead to new employer clients [55] Question: How is the company targeting mid-sized employers? - The company is not actively marketing to large employers but is seeing an uptick in requests from larger groups through broker partners [42][44] Question: What is the company's approach to controlling expenses? - Management emphasized disciplined expense management and the expectation that revenue growth will outpace expense growth [63][64] Question: What is the outlook for the HiCard project? - The HiCard project is expected to be implemented by August, with revenue anticipated in Q1 of the following year [66][67] Question: How does the company view the current healthcare insurance market? - Management sees the current uncertainty in the market as a significant opportunity to provide alternatives and solutions [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income per diluted share increased by 8.7% year-over-year to $1 per share, with an annualized return on beginning of year equity of 19.1% [11] - Operating earnings were $420 million or $1.05 per share, yielding an annualized return on beginning of year equity of 20% [11] - Stockholders' equity increased by more than $380 million or 4.3% to a record $9.3 billion [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Insurance segment's accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes was relatively flat year-over-year at 60.7%, with a combined ratio before catastrophes of 89% [13] - The Reinsurance and Monoline Excess segment's accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes increased to 54.1%, with a strong combined ratio before catastrophes of 83.8% [13] - Net premiums earned reached a record of $3.1 billion, while net premiums written increased to a record $3.4 billion, showing growth across all lines of business [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The property market is becoming more competitive, particularly for larger accounts, while smaller accounts face less competition [19][20] - The commercial transportation market continues to see activity from Managing General Agents (MGAs), pushing for rate increases [20] - The professional liability market is mixed, with public Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance beginning to stabilize, while private and non-profit D&O remains competitive [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving appropriate risk-adjusted returns and is optimistic about growth opportunities in the liability market over the next 12 to 36 months [32] - The company is maintaining a defensive posture in certain areas while leaning into higher hazard, more specialized lines of business [70] - The company is cautious about the competitive dynamics in the reinsurance market, particularly regarding ceding commissions and discipline in casualty lines [25][114] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted concerns about economic inflation, labor market dynamics, and the resilience of U.S. consumer spending as macroeconomic factors impacting the business [7][9] - The company is optimistic about its ability to manage through potential challenges related to tariffs and labor costs, while also focusing on pricing strategies [45][88] - Management expressed confidence in the investment portfolio's positioning and the potential for improved investment income [31][94] Other Important Information - The company paid ordinary and special dividends totaling $224 million in the quarter, contributing to a growth in book value per share of 6.8% for the quarter and 14.3% year-to-date [16] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23.2%, exceeding the U.S. statutory rate due to taxes on foreign earnings and state income taxes [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth potential in the current environment - Management adjusted growth expectations to a range of 8% to 12% from the previous 10% to 15% due to recent market conditions [38] Question: Underlying loss ratio dynamics - The underlying loss ratio remains primarily influenced by business mix, with no unusual factors noted [39] Question: Impact of tariffs and labor costs - Management indicated that current loss activity does not reflect significant impacts from tariffs or labor costs, but they are monitoring the situation closely [45] Question: Trajectory of margins - Management believes that current rates are positioning the company well for future improvements, but cautioned against premature conclusions [47] Question: Capital management and share buybacks - The decision not to repurchase shares was based on maintaining surplus capital for future opportunities, with a focus on special dividends as a more efficient return method [52] Question: Medical inflation and its impact - Management is closely monitoring medical inflation and its potential effects on workers' compensation and stop-loss portfolios, with sensitivity analyses conducted [65] Question: Competitive dynamics in the private client business - The company is experiencing traction in the private client space due to its expertise and value proposition, despite not being the cheapest option [126]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 reached $9.3 million, representing an 86% year-over-year increase [6][26] - First half revenues of $17.3 million already account for 89% of the entire 2024 fiscal year total [7][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $1.6 million, a 134% increase year-over-year, with first half adjusted EBITDA reaching $2.8 million [27] - Pretax income for Q2 more than doubled year-over-year to $800,000, with first half pretax income at $1.5 million [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expanded its distribution network to 778 partners, an 87% increase year-over-year [8] - Billed enrolled employees increased by 30%, now totaling 24,839 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively forging partnerships with third-party administrators and regional healthcare benefit providers, enhancing market reach [8][12] - The demand for differentiated services is evident in the growth of billed enrolled employees [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic partnership expansion, technology enhancement, and product innovation to maintain growth momentum [13] - The enhanced eDiP platform with automated large group underwriting tools is set to launch in Q3 [13] - The company aims to provide comprehensive solutions for small businesses through partnerships with influential players in the healthcare ecosystem [21][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to maintain strong growth momentum despite typically slow sales seasons [11] - The current healthcare insurance market is characterized by uncertainty, presenting opportunities for the company to provide alternatives and solutions [91][93] Other Important Information - The company reported a positive cash flow from operating activities of $1.5 million in Q2, with total cash flow for all activities being positive $600,000 [31] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had $8.1 million in cash, demonstrating disciplined cash flow management [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company benefiting from partnerships and new business? - Management noted that opportunities in the fully insured market allow for flexibility in moving employees off effective dates, leading to more sales throughout the year [36][37] Question: How is the rollout of the AI-backed underwriting platform being managed? - The company is seeing an uptick in larger cases and is working with national agencies to build trust and bring in larger groups [43][44] Question: How do partnerships contribute to new employer acquisition? - Partnerships with TPAs are expected to bring in new business as they tap into distribution channels previously inaccessible to the company [62] Question: What is the company's approach to controlling expenses while growing revenue? - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining positive operating leverage and continuously reviewing internal efficiency [65][66] Question: What are the future plans for the HiCard program? - The company is on track to implement the HiCard program by August, with revenue expected in Q1 of the following year [70] Question: How does the company view the current healthcare insurance market? - Management highlighted the significant rate increases from ACA carriers as an opportunity for the company to provide alternative solutions [93][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income per diluted share increased by 8.7% year-over-year to $1 per share, with an annualized return on beginning of year equity of 19.1% [9] - Operating earnings were $420 million or $1.05 per share, yielding an annualized return on beginning of year equity of 20% [10] - Stockholders' equity increased by more than $380 million or 4.3% over the year to a record $9.3 billion [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Insurance segment's accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes was relatively flat year-over-year at 60.7%, with a combined ratio before catastrophes of 89% [11] - The Reinsurance and Monoline Excess segment's accident year loss ratio excluding catastrophes increased to 54.1%, with a strong combined ratio before catastrophes of 83.8% [11] - Net premiums earned reached a record of $3.1 billion, while net premiums written increased to a record $3.4 billion in the quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The property market is becoming more competitive, particularly for larger accounts, while smaller accounts face less competition [16][17] - The commercial transportation market is experiencing significant activity from Managing General Agents (MGAs), pushing for rate increases [18] - The professional liability market shows mixed results, with public Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance beginning to stabilize [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving appropriate risk-adjusted returns and is optimistic about growth opportunities in the liability market over the next 12 to 36 months [30] - The company is maintaining a selective approach to underwriting in the competitive property market, ensuring pricing adequacy [93] - The company is evaluating opportunities in the MGA space but remains cautious about valuations [75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted concerns about macroeconomic factors such as inflation, labor market dynamics, and consumer spending, which could impact underwriting and investment strategies [6][7] - The company is optimistic about its ability to manage through potential challenges related to tariffs and labor costs, while also focusing on maintaining strong cash flow [42][60] - Management expressed disappointment with the discipline in the casualty reinsurance market, particularly regarding ceding commissions [108] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23.2%, exceeding the U.S. statutory rate due to taxes on foreign earnings and state income taxes [13] - The company paid ordinary and special dividends totaling $224 million in the quarter, contributing to a growth in book value per share of 6.8% for the quarter [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth potential in a tougher quarter - Management revised growth expectations to a range of 8% to 12% instead of the previously stated 10% to 15% [34] Question: Underlying loss ratio dynamics - The underlying loss ratio remains primarily affected by business mix dynamics [36] Question: Impact of tariffs and labor costs - Management indicated that current loss activity is not significantly impacted, but they are monitoring future implications [42] Question: Trajectory of margins - Management believes that current rates are positioning the company well for future improvements, but cautioned against premature conclusions [44] Question: Capital management and share buybacks - Management clarified that the decision not to buy back shares was based on maintaining surplus capital for future opportunities [47] Question: Updates on the Mitsui stake - Management indicated no new information on the Mitsui stake and compliance with SEC regulations will be followed [56] Question: Medical inflation impact - Management is closely monitoring medical inflation and its potential effects on workers' compensation and stop-loss portfolios [60] Question: Competitive dynamics in private client business - Management noted that they are gaining traction in the private client space due to their expertise and value proposition [118]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue reached a record $76.7 million, a 20.7% increase from $63.5 million in the prior year [25][16] - Subscription revenue grew by 44% year over year, with organic subscription revenue increasing by 24% [17][27] - Recurring revenue, including subscription and annual maintenance, reached $48.6 million, 28% higher than the prior year, representing 63.4% of total revenue [17][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $12.5 million, slightly higher than $12.1 million in the previous year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription software sales were up 79% year over year, marking the fourth consecutive record sales quarter for subscription sales [26][17] - Professional services revenue increased by 16% year over year, reaching a record $18.1 million [27][16] - Foodservice Management (FSM) vertical saw a significant turnaround, achieving the best sales quarter in two and a half years [6][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales were the second highest on record, indicating strong momentum in the international market [8][9] - The casino gaming sales vertical had its best Q1 period on record, 15% higher than the previous best [8][9] - The company added 24 new customers in Q1, with an average of six products purchased per customer [11][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its integrated ecosystem of hospitality software solutions, which is seen as a competitive advantage [12][44] - There is a strong emphasis on AI integration within product offerings to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [13][80] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement its product set or expand market share [90][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the annual revenue guidance of $308 million to $312 million for fiscal 2026 [21][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in subscription revenue, raising its guidance from 25% to 27% for the fiscal year [19][32] - Management noted that operational challenges from the previous fiscal year have been largely resolved, leading to improved sales visibility [72][26] Other Important Information - The company remains debt-free after paying off its credit revolver [31] - The user conference in Q1 was a significant cost driver, impacting sales and marketing expenses [47][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales capacity and productivity trends - Management indicated that sales capacity has increased by 45% year over year, with a focus on hotel and resort verticals [36][38] Question: International market momentum - Management noted that the product ecosystem is strong, and the focus is on installing new projects to create reference customers [42][46] Question: Cost impact of the user conference - The user conference significantly impacted sales and marketing expenses, accounting for most of the increase in that line item [47][50] Question: Sales organization improvements - Management confirmed that the sales structure is in a good place, with ongoing investments in marketing to enhance presence [56][57] Question: Subscription revenue visibility - Management expressed strong visibility into subscription revenue backlog and ongoing sales momentum [85][86] Question: M&A strategy - Management remains patient and conservative regarding M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement existing products or expand market share [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue reached a record $76.7 million, a 20.7% increase from $63.5 million in the prior year [15][24] - Subscription revenue grew by 44% year over year, with organic subscription revenue increasing by 24% [16][26] - Recurring revenue, including subscription and annual maintenance, reached $48.6 million, up 28% from the prior year [16][26] - Adjusted net income for Q1 was $9.3 million, compared to $8.3 million in the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription software sales were up 79% year over year, marking a record quarter [25][26] - Professional services revenue increased by 16% year over year, reaching a record $18.1 million [26] - Food Service Management (FSM) vertical saw a significant turnaround, achieving the best sales quarter in two and a half years [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales were the second highest for Q1, indicating strong momentum in the international market [8][9] - Casino gaming sales vertical had its best Q1 period on record, up 15% from the previous best [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its integrated ecosystem of hospitality software solutions, which is seen as a competitive advantage [12][44] - There is a strong emphasis on AI integration into products to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [13][80] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that complement its product set or expand market share [92][95] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the annual revenue guidance of $308 million to $312 million for fiscal 2026 [20][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in subscription revenue, raising its guidance from 25% to 27% for the fiscal year [18][32] - Management noted that operational challenges from the previous fiscal year are largely behind them, contributing to improved sales visibility [73][88] Other Important Information - The company remains debt-free after paying off its credit revolver [30] - The user conference in Q1 significantly impacted sales and marketing expenses, which are expected to normalize throughout the year [28][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales capacity and productivity trends - Management indicated that sales capacity has increased by 45% year over year, with a focus on hotel resorts and the establishment of an inside sales team [36][38] Question: International market momentum - Management noted that the international business is gaining traction, primarily through larger deals, and emphasized the importance of creating reference customers [42][46] Question: User conference costs impact on profit margins - The user conference was a significant contributor to increased sales and marketing expenses, with costs estimated to be around $3 million [47][49] Question: Subscription revenue visibility and growth potential - Management confirmed strong visibility in subscription revenue backlog and highlighted the potential for growth from faster go-lives and better cross-sales [85][88] Question: M&A strategy - Management remains patient and conservative regarding M&A opportunities, focusing on complementary products or market share gains [92][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred Bank reported a net income of $32.8 million or $2.52 per share for Q2 2025, showing improvement from the previous quarter [6] - Loan growth was approximately 7% on an annualized basis, with indications of increased loan demand in July [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.85% from 3.75% in the previous quarter [7] - The bank repurchased $56 million worth of stock during the quarter, which may have impacted net interest income and net interest margin [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quality of assets improved, with decreases in non-accrual loans, criticized loans, and past due loans compared to the previous quarter [8] - The bank's loan loss reserve is deemed sufficient to cover any exposure [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits remained flat, attributed to the bank's strategy to control deposit costs [7] - The average margin for June was reported at 3.83%, with a cost of deposits at 3.41% [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank aims to continue growing deposits while managing costs effectively [32] - There are plans for new branch openings, including a branch in Silicon Valley in the second half of the year [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainties, including tariffs, interest rates, and inflation, which could impact the operating environment [9] - The bank is closely monitoring clients affected by tariffs and supply chain issues, indicating a cautious approach to growth [46][48] Other Important Information - The bank's Manhattan branch is performing well in loan generation, indicating positive growth prospects [43] - The bank is cautious about stock buybacks due to current share prices being higher than in previous quarters [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about margin and cost of deposits - The margin for June was 3.83%, with a cost of deposits at 3.41%, remaining consistent throughout the quarter [13] Question: Update on loan growth and competition - Loan growth was stronger in Q2, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors, with increased demand noted in July [22][30] Question: Thoughts on OREO and credit quality - Management acknowledged challenges with OREO properties but noted overall credit quality remains stable [39] Question: Update on new branch performance - The Manhattan branch is performing well, with plans for further expansion in Silicon Valley [43] Question: Comments on economic uncertainties and client sentiment - Management highlighted ongoing uncertainties in the economy and the need for close monitoring of client situations [46][48]