Earnings Per Share Growth
Diluted EPS of $1.62 for the quarter, up $0.24 (17.4%) sequentially and up $0.32 (24.6%) year-over-year, reflecting improved profitability.
Provision for Credit Loss Improvement
Provision for credit losses of ~$1.7 million, a decrease of $2.8 million sequentially, contributing to improved earnings and a net recovery for the quarter.
Strong Loan Production and Year-over-Year Loan Growth
Quarterly loan originations nearly $312 million (strongest quarter in several years); gross loan balances increased $35 million in the quarter and are up almost $200 million, or ~5%, versus prior year.
Net Interest Income and Margin Trends
Net interest income up just over 1% sequentially and up 12.4% year-over-year. Reported NIM 3.57% (flat sequentially); adjusted for reversed interest on two nonaccruals NIM would be ~3.63% (up ~6 bps sequentially).
Deposit and Core Funding Strength
Total deposits increased ~ $28 million in the quarter and $98 million (2.3%) versus prior year. Core deposit growth (excluding brokered) ~ $170 million or 4.3% over 12 months; brokered deposits down $72 million over last 12 months.
Capital Build and Share Repurchase Activity
Tangible book value per share $44.65, up $5.74 (almost 15%) year-over-year. Repurchased 148,000 shares for $8.1 million (avg $54.32/share, 122% of tangible book), and board approved new authorization to repurchase up to 550,000 shares (~5% of shares outstanding).
Allowance Coverage and Net Recoveries
Allowance for credit losses $54.5 million (1.29% of gross loans) and coverage ~184% of NPLs. The quarter produced net recoveries annualized of 7 bps versus net charge-offs of 36 bps in the prior quarter, aided by a $2.0 million recovery on a specialty CRE relationship.
Controlled Operating Costs and Revenue Diversification
Noninterest income increased 3.1% sequentially (higher wealth management fees, interchange and deposit fees); noninterest expense rose <1% quarter-over-quarter despite increased compensation and data processing costs.
M&A Optionality
Management highlights an active M&A opportunity set (~75 banks in footprint with $500M–$2B in assets) and maintains capital flexibility to pursue acquisitions given improved capital and recent buybacks.