Q1 2026 S&T Bancorp Inc Earnings Call

April 23, 2026

Speaker #1: Welcome to the S&T Bancorp First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. After management's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. Now, I would like to hand the call over to Chief Financial Officer Mark Kochvar.

Operator: Welcome to the S&T Bancorp Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. After the management's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. Now I would like to turn the call over to Chief Financial Officer, Mark Kochvar. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for participating in today's earnings call. Before beginning the presentation, I want to take time to refer you to our statement about forward-looking statements and risk factors.

Mark Kochvar: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for participating in today's earnings call. Before beginning the presentation, I want to take time to refer you to our statement about forward-looking statements and risk factors. This statement provides the cautionary language required by the Securities and Exchange Commission for forward-looking statements that may be included in this presentation. A copy of the Q1 2026 earnings release, as well as this earnings supplement slide deck, can be obtained by clicking on the Materials button in the lower right section of your screen. This will open up a panel on the right where you can download these items. You can also obtain a copy of these materials by visiting our investor relations website at stbancorp.com. With me today are Chris McComish, S&T's CEO, and Dave Antolik, S&T's President. I'd now like to turn the program over to Chris.

Speaker #2: This statement provides the cautionary language required by the Securities and Exchange Commission for forward-looking statements that may be included in this presentation. A copy of the first quarter 2026 earnings release, as well as this earnings supplement slide deck, can be obtained by clicking on the materials button in the lower right section of your screen.

Speaker #2: This will open up a panel on the right where you can download these items. You can also obtain a copy of these materials by visiting our investor relations website at STBancorp.com.

Speaker #2: With me today are Christopher McComish, S&T CEO, and Dave Antolik, S&T's president. I'd now like to turn the program over to Chris.

Speaker #3: Mark, thank you. And I want to welcome everybody to the call. Good afternoon. We appreciate the analysts being here with us, and we look forward to your questions.

Christopher McComish: Mark, thank you, and I want to welcome everybody to the call. Good afternoon. We appreciate the analysts being here with us, and we look forward to your questions. I'm going to begin my comments on page three. Before I do that, though, I want to just reflect on the busy week that it's been here in Western Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh, as Pittsburgh is the center of the sporting universe with the NFL draft taking place starting today. Mark, Dave, and I are actually coming to you from the S&T Bank draft headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh, where there's been quite a buzz. We have significant customer engagement events going on which actually started yesterday evening. It's very gratifying to see the impact our bank has on the markets we serve and the customer relationships that we've built.

Chris McComish: Mark, thank you, and I want to welcome everybody to the call. Good afternoon. We appreciate the analysts being here with us, and we look forward to your questions. I'm going to begin my comments on page three. Before I do that, though, I want to just reflect on the busy week that it's been here in Western Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh, as Pittsburgh is the center of the sporting universe with the NFL draft taking place starting today. Mark, Dave, and I are actually coming to you from the S&T Bank draft headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh, where there's been quite a buzz. We have significant customer engagement events going on which actually started yesterday evening. It's very gratifying to see the impact our bank has on the markets we serve and the customer relationships that we've built.

Speaker #3: I'm going to begin my comments on page three. Before I do that, though, I want to just reflect on the busy week that it's been here in Western Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh.

Speaker #3: As Pittsburgh is the center of the sporting universe with the NFL draft taking place, starting today, Mark, Dave, and I are actually coming to you from the S&T Bank draft headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh, where there's been quite a buzz.

Speaker #3: We have significant customer engagement events going on, which actually started yesterday evening. In the United States, it's very gratifying to see the impact our bank has on the markets we serve and the customer relationships that we've built.

Speaker #3: A big thank you to our employees and teammates who are leading the charge building our People Forward bank. We're seeing it firsthand this week with all of these interactions.

Christopher McComish: A big thank you to our employees and teammates who are leading the charge building our people-forward bank. We're seeing it firsthand this week with all of these interactions. Turning to the quarter, our $35 million in net income equates to $0.94 per share, up almost 6% from Q4 2025, and 8% from Q1 a year ago. Returns metrics were strong again this quarter, highlighted by a 144 ROA up seven basis points and an ROTCE of 1322, which was up almost 1% over Q4 2025. Almost $50 million in buybacks in the quarter played a key role in this ROTCE improvement. Our NIM and efficiency ratios remain solid at 392 and 55.3%, and Mark will provide more color here. Asset quality showed good improvement over the last quarter, and Dave will provide more color on both asset quality and loan growth.

Chris McComish: A big thank you to our employees and teammates who are leading the charge building our people-forward bank. We're seeing it firsthand this week with all of these interactions. Turning to the quarter, our $35 million in net income equates to $0.94 per share, up almost 6% from Q4 2025, and 8% from Q1 a year ago. Returns metrics were strong again this quarter, highlighted by a 144 ROA up seven basis points and an ROTCE of 1322, which was up almost 1% over Q4 2025. Almost $50 million in buybacks in the quarter played a key role in this ROTCE improvement. Our NIM and efficiency ratios remain solid at 392 and 55.3%, and Mark will provide more color here. Asset quality showed good improvement over the last quarter, and Dave will provide more color on both asset quality and loan growth.

Speaker #3: Turning to the quarter, our $35 million in net income equates to $0.94 per share, up almost 6% from Q4 2025 and 8% from the first quarter a year ago.

Speaker #3: Returns metrics were strong again this quarter, highlighted by a 1.44% ROA, up 7 basis points, and an ROTCE of 13.22%, which was up almost 1% over Q4 2025.

Speaker #3: Almost $50 million in buybacks in the quarter played a key role in this ROTCE improvement. Our NIM and efficiency ratios remain solid at 3.92% and 55.3%, and Mark will provide more color here.

Speaker #3: Asset quality showed good improvement over the last quarter, and Dave will provide more color on both asset quality and loan growth. Turning to page four, I'd like to focus on our strong deposit growth.

Christopher McComish: Turning to page four, I'd like to focus on our strong deposit growth. For the quarter, our customer deposit growth was up over $300 million. We achieved the highest level of customer deposit growth in the 125-year history of our company, surpassing $8 billion. This growth was broad-based, with all lines of business contributing and all product categories showing growth. In fact, we showed growth in more than 80% of our branches in the market, which is a real testament to the great work our employees are doing with customers every day and the disciplined customer engagement processes that we've built. It really is a strong reflection of the customer relationships that we have.

Chris McComish: Turning to page four, I'd like to focus on our strong deposit growth. For the quarter, our customer deposit growth was up over $300 million. We achieved the highest level of customer deposit growth in the 125-year history of our company, surpassing $8 billion. This growth was broad-based, with all lines of business contributing and all product categories showing growth. In fact, we showed growth in more than 80% of our branches in the market, which is a real testament to the great work our employees are doing with customers every day and the disciplined customer engagement processes that we've built. It really is a strong reflection of the customer relationships that we have.

Speaker #3: For the quarter, our customer deposit growth was up over $300 million. We achieved the highest level of customer deposit growth in the 125-year history of our company, surpassing $8 billion.

Speaker #3: This growth was broad-based, with all lines of business contributing, and all product categories showing growth. In fact, we showed growth in more than 80% of our branches in the market, which is a real testament to the great work our employees are doing with customers every day and the disciplined customer engagement processes that we've built.

Speaker #3: It really is a strong reflection of the customer relationships that we have. This deposit growth allowed us to reduce wholesale fundings by almost 200 million dollars in the quarter.

Christopher McComish: This deposit growth allowed us to reduce wholesale fundings by almost $200 million in the quarter, and the quality of the growth was quite strong as our DDA levels relative to total deposits increased to 28% in the quarter, up 1% from Q4 2025. While I'd love to be able to tell you that I will be able to repeat another 16% annualized growth in Q2, we do want to make sure that we're realistic as there are always temporary fluctuations in deposit balances. We've done an analysis, and we do see some seasonal or temporary growth in these balances. However, our analysis would tell you that $150 to $200 million of this growth is what we define as solid core growth in our customer deposit base. Again, even at this level, would be one of the best quarters we've had in our history.

Chris McComish: This deposit growth allowed us to reduce wholesale fundings by almost $200 million in the quarter, and the quality of the growth was quite strong as our DDA levels relative to total deposits increased to 28% in the quarter, up 1% from Q4 2025. While I'd love to be able to tell you that I will be able to repeat another 16% annualized growth in Q2, we do want to make sure that we're realistic as there are always temporary fluctuations in deposit balances. We've done an analysis, and we do see some seasonal or temporary growth in these balances.

Speaker #3: And the quality of the growth was quite strong, as our DDA levels relative to total deposits increased to 28% in the quarter, up 1% from Q4 2025.

Speaker #3: While I'd love to be able to tell you that I will be able to repeat another 16% annualized growth in Q2, we do want to make sure that we're realistic, as there are always temporary fluctuations in deposit balances.

Speaker #3: We've done an analysis, and we do see some seasonal or temporary growth in these balances. However, our analysis would tell you that $150 to $200 million of this growth is what we define as solid core growth in our customer deposit base.

Chris McComish: However, our analysis would tell you that $150 to $200 million of this growth is what we define as solid core growth in our customer deposit base. Again, even at this level, would be one of the best quarters we've had in our history. I'll stop right there and turn it over to Dave, and he can touch on asset quality and loan growth.

Speaker #3: Again, even at this level, it would be one of the best quarters we've had in our history. So I'll stop right there and turn it over to Dave, and he can touch on asset quality and loan growth.

Christopher McComish: I'll stop right there and turn it over to Dave, and he can touch on asset quality and loan growth.

Speaker #2: Great. Thank you, Chris, and good afternoon, everyone. Continuing on page four of the presentation, loan balances declined in Q1 by $113 million. Several factors impacted this outcome.

David Antolik: Great. Thank you, Chris, and good afternoon, everyone. Continuing on page four of the presentation, loan balances declined in Q1 by $113 million. Several factors impacted this outcome. First, we entered the new year with a reduced commercial pipeline as a result of solid activity in Q4 of last year. This, along with increased competition for new commercial deals, especially related to pricing, contributed to lower than anticipated new fundings in Q1. Second, commercial real estate payouts were higher than anticipated, primarily as the result of permanent market offerings from insurance companies and other non-bank lenders who offer more aggressive pricing and structure. Third, we did see a slight reduction in utilization rates on our revolving credit commitments. Q1 construction fundings were negatively impacted by poor weather, particularly in February, but we anticipate increased draw activity in Q2 as projects move forward.

Dave Antolik: Great. Thank you, Chris, and good afternoon, everyone. Continuing on page four of the presentation, loan balances declined in Q1 by $113 million. Several factors impacted this outcome. First, we entered the new year with a reduced commercial pipeline as a result of solid activity in Q4 of last year. This, along with increased competition for new commercial deals, especially related to pricing, contributed to lower than anticipated new fundings in Q1. Second, commercial real estate payouts were higher than anticipated, primarily as the result of permanent market offerings from insurance companies and other non-bank lenders who offer more aggressive pricing and structure. Third, we did see a slight reduction in utilization rates on our revolving credit commitments. Q1 construction fundings were negatively impacted by poor weather, particularly in February, but we anticipate increased draw activity in Q2 as projects move forward.

Speaker #2: First, we entered the new year with a reduced commercial pipeline as a result of solid activity in Q4 of last year. This, along with increased competition for new commercial deals—especially related to pricing—contributed to lower-than-anticipated new funding in the first quarter.

Speaker #2: Second, commercial real estate payouts were higher than anticipated, primarily as a result of permanent market offerings from insurance companies and other non-bank lenders who offer more aggressive pricing and structure.

Speaker #2: Third, we did see a slight reduction in utilization rates on our revolving credit commitments. Q1 construction fundings were negatively impacted by poor weather, particularly in February.

Speaker #2: But we anticipate increased draw activity in Q2 as projects move forward. Our unfunded commitments, construction commitments, remained at similar levels to year-end. In our consumer loan categories, we saw reductions in our residential mortgage balances, including construction.

David Antolik: Our unfunded construction commitments remained at similar levels to year-end. In our consumer loan categories, we saw reductions in our residential mortgage balances, including construction. We anticipate this level of reduced activity in Q2. Based on current pipeline and activity, we expect increased growth in our home equity balances for Q2, and we continue to focus on mortgage and home equity products as key components to enhancing customer engagement. Looking forward, we're adjusting our loan growth guidance to low single digits for Q2. In response to growth pressures, we're focused on adding talent and building for the long term with the goal of increasing our commercial banking team in 2026, primarily focused on C&I additions and some geographic expansion in the CRE space. During Q1, we hired four new commercial bankers and saw a modest increase in our pipelines.

Dave Antolik: Our unfunded construction commitments remained at similar levels to year-end. In our consumer loan categories, we saw reductions in our residential mortgage balances, including construction. We anticipate this level of reduced activity in Q2. Based on current pipeline and activity, we expect increased growth in our home equity balances for Q2, and we continue to focus on mortgage and home equity products as key components to enhancing customer engagement. Looking forward, we're adjusting our loan growth guidance to low single digits for Q2. In response to growth pressures, we're focused on adding talent and building for the long term with the goal of increasing our commercial banking team in 2026, primarily focused on C&I additions and some geographic expansion in the CRE space. During Q1, we hired four new commercial bankers and saw a modest increase in our pipelines.

Speaker #2: We anticipate this level of reduced activity in Q2. Based on the current pipeline and activity, we expect increased growth in our home equity balances for Q2.

Speaker #2: And we continue to focus on mortgage and home equity products as key components to enhancing customer engagement. Looking forward, we're adjusting our loan growth guidance to low single digits for the second quarter.

Speaker #2: In response to growth pressures, we're focused on adding talent and building for the long term, with a goal of increasing our commercial banking team in 2026, primarily focused on C&I additions and some geographic expansion in the CRE space.

Speaker #2: During the first quarter, we hired four new commercial bankers and saw a modest increase in our pipelines. Turning to page five, credit results for the quarter were in line with expectations.

David Antolik: Turning to page five, credit results for the quarter were in line with expectations. Non-performing assets were down $5.7 million and remain at a manageable level of $50 million or 63 basis points. This reduction was a result of our ability to execute on well-defined asset resolution strategies, primarily related to one C&I credit that was mentioned last quarter. Loan charge-offs were low at $1.7 million or nine basis points. We saw criticized and classified assets increase during the quarter as compared to year-end 2025, when we were at historically low levels. C&I loans remain at a very manageable level, and when factored into our reserve methodology, our allowance for credit losses remained stable at 1.17%. I'll turn the call over to Mark. Mark?

Dave Antolik: Turning to page five, credit results for the quarter were in line with expectations. Non-performing assets were down $5.7 million and remain at a manageable level of $50 million or 63 basis points. This reduction was a result of our ability to execute on well-defined asset resolution strategies, primarily related to one C&I credit that was mentioned last quarter. Loan charge-offs were low at $1.7 million or nine basis points. We saw criticized and classified assets increase during the quarter as compared to year-end 2025, when we were at historically low levels. C&I loans remain at a very manageable level, and when factored into our reserve methodology, our allowance for credit losses remained stable at 1.17%. I'll turn the call over to Mark. Mark?

Speaker #2: Non-performing assets were down $5.7 million and remain at a manageable level of $50 million, or 63 basis points. This reduction was the result of our ability to execute on well-defined asset resolution strategies, primarily related to, one, the CNI credit that was mentioned last quarter. Loan charge-offs were low at $1.7 million, or 9 basis points.

Speaker #2: We saw criticized classified assets increase during the quarter, as compared to year-end 2025 when we were at historically low levels. CNC loans remain at a very manageable level, and when factored into our reserve methodology, our allowance for credit losses remained stable at 1.17%.

Speaker #2: I'll turn the call over to Mark. Mark? Great. Thanks, Dave. First quarter net income declined by 2.6 million. Due primarily to two fewer days which accounts for 1.4 million.

Mark Kochvar: Great. Thanks, Dave. Q1 net interest income declined by $2.6 million, due primarily to two fewer days, which accounts for $1.4 million. We also had an interest recovery in the Q4 of 2025. That was for $900,000. In addition, strong deposit growth and loan declines led to a higher cash balance as we adjusted our wholesale borrowing levels. The interest recovery in the Q4 of 2025 and higher cash levels in Q1 were the main reasons behind the net interest margin rate decline in Q1 of seven basis points to still a very strong 3.92%. With muted expectations for Fed moves in 2026, we expect relative NIM stability to continue and believe we are well positioned for the remainder of this year should interest rate conditions change.

Speaker #2: And we also had an interest recovery in the fourth quarter of '25. That was for $900,000. In addition, strong deposit growth and loan declines led to a higher cash balance as we adjusted our wholesale borrowing levels.

Speaker #2: The interest recovery in the fourth quarter of '25 and higher cash levels in the first quarter were the main reasons behind the net interest margin rate decline in the first quarter of 7 basis points.

Speaker #2: To still a very strong 3.92%. With muted expectations for Fed moves in 2026, we expect relative NIMs stability to continue and believe we are well positioned for the remainder of this year should interest rate conditions change.

Speaker #2: Tailwinds from our maturing received fixed swaps, along with security fixed rate loan and CD root pricing, all contribute to stability in the face of somewhat heightened loan and deposit pricing competition.

Mark Kochvar: Tailwinds from our maturing received fixed swaps along with securities, fixed-rate loans, and CD repricing all contribute to stability in the face of somewhat heightened loan and deposit pricing competition. As you're looking at 2026, again, we expect relative stability in the net interest margin around the current level with net interest income growth coming from a return of loan growth. Next, non-interest income. It decreased by $0.7 million in Q1. Debit and credit card activity was seasonally slower, and other includes timing related to some letter of credit fees and distributions from some SBIC investments that happened in Q4. Our expectations for fees in 2026 remains at approximately $13 to 14 million per quarter. On the expense side, they were in line in Q1, down about $500,000 compared to Q4. Largest changes in salaries and benefits.

Speaker #2: As we look into 2026, again, we expect relative stability in the net interest margin around the current level, with net interest income growth coming from a return of loan growth.

Speaker #2: Next, non-interest income. It decreased by $0.7 million in the first quarter. Debit and credit card activity was seasonally slower, and 'other' includes timing related to some letter of credit fees and distributions from some SIBC investments that happened in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: Our expectations for fees in 2026 remain at approximately 13 to 14 million per quarter. On the expense side, they were in line in the first quarter, down about 500,000 compared to the fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: The largest variance was in salaries and benefits. Within that, medical costs were lower with the reset of deductibles, and salaries were lower due to the number of days.

Mark Kochvar: Within that, medical costs were lower with the reset of deductibles, and salaries were lower due to the number of days. Occupancy was impacted by higher seasonal snow removal costs and utilities. Other taxes also a little bit higher due to the Pennsylvania shares tax, which is based on equity levels. We expect to manage our 2026 non-interest expense year over year increase to around 3%, which implies a quarterly run rate of right around $58 million. The capital and TCE ratio decreased by 43 basis points this quarter, primarily due to the share repurchases that we completed in Q1, over 1,146,000 shares. The average price was $43.30, total just under $50 million. That brings our total repurchases over the last two quarters to $85.8 million, over 2 million shares. It's approximately 5.5% of outstanding shares.

Speaker #2: Occupancy was impacted by higher seasonal snow removal costs and utilities. Other taxes were also a little bit higher due to the Pennsylvania shares tax, which is based on equity levels.

Speaker #2: We expect to manage our 2026 non-interest expense year-over-year increase to around 3%, which implies a quarterly run rate of right around $58 million.

Speaker #2: With capital, the TTE ratio decreased by 43 basis points this quarter, primarily due to the share repurchases that we completed in the first quarter.

Speaker #2: Over a million, 146,000 shares. The average price was $43.30. Total just under $50 million. That brings our total repurchases over the last two quarters to 85.8 million, over 2 million shares at approximately 5.5% of outstanding shares.

Speaker #2: Our regulatory ratios continue to be very strong, with significant excess capital. We have just over $50 million remaining in our authorized repurchase program. We're comfortable with these levels, even considering additional repurchases.

Mark Kochvar: Our regulatory ratios continue to be very strong with significant excess capital. We have just over $50 million remaining in our authorized repurchase program. We're comfortable at these levels, even considering additional repurchases. We have more than sufficient capital, current capital, and generation capability to position us well for the environment and enable us to take advantage of organic or inorganic growth opportunities. Thanks very much. At this time, I'd like to turn the call back over to the operator to provide instructions for asking questions.

Speaker #2: We have more than sufficient current capital and generation capability to position us well for the environment and enable us to take advantage of organic or inorganic growth opportunities.

Speaker #2: Thanks very much. At this time, I'd like to turn the call back over to the operator to provide instructions for asking questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The floor is now open for questions. If you have any questions, please press star one on your telephone keypad. To remove yourself from the queue, press star one again.

Operator: Thank you. The floor is now open for questions. If you have any questions, please press star one on your telephone keypad. To remove yourself from the queue, press star one again. We ask that while asking your question, please pick up your phone and turn off speakerphone for enhanced audio quality. We'll go first to Justin Crowley at Piper Sandler.

Speaker #1: We ask that, while asking your question, you please pick up your phone and turn off speakerphone for enhanced audio quality. We'll go first to Justin Crowley at Piper Sandler.

Speaker #3: Hey, good afternoon, everyone.

Justin Crowley: Hey, good afternoon, everyone.

Speaker #2: Hi, Justin.

Mark Kochvar: Hi, Justin.

Speaker #3: Just wanted to start out on the loan growth. I think you touched on it, Dave, but can you give a little more detail just on how origination versus payoff activity fared in the quarter?

Justin Crowley: Just wanted to start out on the loan growth. I think you touched on it, Dave, but can you give a little more detail just on how origination versus payoff activity fared in the quarter? Then just a sense of where the pipeline ended the period at.

Speaker #3: And then just a sense of where the pipeline ended the period at.

Speaker #2: Yeah, sure. So, relative to origination activity in Q1, as I mentioned, we entered the quarter with a little lower pipeline. We built pipeline, but the fallout from the early-stage pipeline was a little higher than what we anticipated, and that was primarily a result of increased competition relative to pricing.

Mark Kochvar: Yeah, sure. Relative to origination activity in Q1, as I mentioned, we entered the quarter with a little lower pipeline. We built pipeline, but the fallout from the early-stage pipeline was a little higher than what we anticipated, and that was primarily a result of

Dave Antolik: Yeah, sure. Relative to origination activity in Q1, as I mentioned, we entered the quarter with a little lower pipeline. We built pipeline, but the fallout from the early-stage pipeline was a little higher than what we anticipated, and that was primarily a result of increased competition relative to pricing in the space. We had some lower utilization that impacted balance growth. As I mentioned, some construction draws were delayed due to weather, so we know those will happen.

David Antolik: Increased competition relative to pricing in the space. We had some lower utilization that impacted balance growth. As I mentioned, some construction draws were delayed due to weather, so we know those will happen. We anticipate utilization to improve as we move throughout Q2 because it was lower than what we had expected, and there's no specific reason for that other than some specific pay-downs that were the result of large draws that happened in Q4 and then repaid in Q1. Overall, the pipeline is up modestly, and when I say modestly, 10% to 15% over year-end. As we onboard new bankers, continue to be disciplined around pricing, that all kind of boils down to a little lighter loan growth than what we had expected in Q4.

Speaker #2: In the space. We had some lower utilization that impacted balance growth, and as I mentioned, some construction draws were delayed due to weather. So we know those will happen.

Speaker #2: We anticipate utilization to improve as we move throughout Q2, because it was lower than what we had expected, and there's no specific reason for that other than some specific pay downs that were the result of large draws that happened in Q4 and then repaid in Q1.

Dave Antolik: We anticipate utilization to improve as we move throughout Q2 because it was lower than what we had expected, and there's no specific reason for that other than some specific pay-downs that were the result of large draws that happened in Q4 and then repaid in Q1. Overall, the pipeline is up modestly, and when I say modestly, 10% to 15% over year-end. As we onboard new bankers, continue to be disciplined around pricing, that all kind of boils down to a little lighter loan growth than what we had expected in Q4.

Speaker #2: But overall, the pipeline is up modestly. And when I say modestly, 10 to 15 percent over year-end. So, as we onboard new bankers and continue to be disciplined around pricing, that all kind of boils down to a little lighter loan growth than what we had expected in Q4.

Speaker #3: Okay. And then you mentioned some of the hires in adding bankers. Is that coming across the board, or is it more weighted towards C&I?

Justin Crowley: Okay. You mentioned some of the hires and adding bankers. Is that coming across the board or is it more weighted towards C&I? I know that's been an area you've talked a lot about in terms of just the investments that you've made there.

Speaker #3: I know that's been an area you've talked a lot about, in terms of just the investments that you've made there.

Speaker #2: Yeah, the hiring in Q1 was more CNI focused, but we're hiring both CNI and CRE bankers. We still feel really good about our ability to grow CRE.

David Antolik: Yeah. The hiring in Q1 was more C&I focused, but we're hiring both C&I and CRE bankers. We still feel really good about our ability to grow CRE. We're good at it. We have historically been able to build a brand in that space. We're adding to that staff as well. Just based on our geographies, there are significant opportunities in the C&I space for us. The CRE space, as I mentioned in the prepared comments, might include some geographic expansion, particularly in Ohio. It's a combination of the two. We're also adding business bankers, treasury management officers, and really growth-focused positions to the organization.

Dave Antolik: Yeah. The hiring in Q1 was more C&I focused, but we're hiring both C&I and CRE bankers. We still feel really good about our ability to grow CRE. We're good at it. We have historically been able to build a brand in that space. We're adding to that staff as well. Just based on our geographies, there are significant opportunities in the C&I space for us. The CRE space, as I mentioned in the prepared comments, might include some geographic expansion, particularly in Ohio. It's a combination of the two. We're also adding business bankers, treasury management officers, and really growth-focused positions to the organization.

Speaker #2: We're good at it. We have historically been able to build a brand in that space. So we're adding to that staff as well. Just based on our geographies, there are significant opportunities in the CNI space for us.

Speaker #2: The CRE space, as I mentioned in the prepared comments, might include some geographic expansion, particularly in Ohio. So it's a combination of the two.

Speaker #2: We're also adding business bankers, treasury management officers—really growth-focused positions—to the organization.

Speaker #3: Okay, great. And then just one last one, pivoting a little. Just on the margin guide calling for stability here, I would think this higher-for-longer environment that I suppose we're in is beneficial.

Justin Crowley: Okay, great. Just one last one, pivoting a little. Just on the margin guide, calling for stability here. I would think this higher for longer environment that I suppose, Warren, is beneficial. Just trying to square some of the puts and takes as far as loan repricing. I'm not sure if there's anything that offsets that as far as funding costs. Perhaps maybe moving in the other direction and starting to see upward pressure. What are some of the underlying assumptions there?

Speaker #3: So just trying to square some of the puts and takes as far as loaner pricing. I'm not sure if there's anything that offsets that as far as funding costs.

Speaker #3: Perhaps maybe moving in the other direction and starting to see upper pressure. What are some of the underlying assumptions there?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think we're kind of back to thinking that there's not going to be a lot of rate increase, and given that, we would have some natural improvement in margin.

Mark Kochvar: Yeah. I mean, we're kind of back to thinking that there's not going to be a lot of rate increase. Given that, we would have some natural improvement in margin. As Dave mentioned, we have seen some higher competitive pressures, particularly on the loan side. Back factoring that in, that kind of gets us to more of a flatter NIM as we move throughout the year. We still have those tailwinds. The thinking is that a lot of that might get absorbed by the more competitive loan environment.

Speaker #2: But as Dave mentioned, we have seen some higher competitive pressures, particularly on the loan. Side. So factoring that in, that kind of gets us to more a flatter NIM as we move throughout the year.

Speaker #2: So we still have those tailwinds but the thinking is that a lot of that might get absorbed by the more competitive loan environment.

Speaker #3: Okay. And what does that, I guess, the spread sighting, I mean, where is new production coming on the books at, and how does that compare to what's repricing or rolling off, if you have that detail?

Justin Crowley: Okay. What does that, I guess the spread side. Where is new production coming on the book side, and how does that compare to what's repricing or rolling off, if you have that detail?

David Antolik: On the spread side, I think we're kind of in the mid 225 range, and we've seen that flip probably 5 or 10 basis points over the last quarter or two. Yeah. In the bank competition, we saw 2 deals that I'm thinking of right now that were sub 2 that we decided not to move forward with or we lost to the competition. For us, it's about getting more looks, which leads to adding more bankers. That'll allow us to accelerate growth. We also want to be cognizant of the impact that growth has on the NIM and net interest income.

Mark Kochvar: On the spread side, I think we're kind of in the mid 225 range, and we've seen that flip probably 5 or 10 basis points over the last quarter or two. Yeah. In the bank competition, we saw 2 deals that I'm thinking of right now that were sub 2 that we decided not to move forward with or we lost to the competition. For us, it's about getting more looks, which leads to adding more bankers. That'll allow us to accelerate growth. We also want to be cognizant of the impact that growth has on the NIM and net interest income.

Speaker #2: On the spread side, I think we're kind of in the mid-225 range, and we've seen that flip probably 5 or 10 basis points over the last quarter or two.

Speaker #2: Yeah, in the bank competition, we saw two deals—and I’m thinking of right now—that were sub-2, that we decided not to move forward with or we lost to the competition.

Speaker #2: So for us, it's about getting more bankers. And that'll allow us to accelerate growth. But we also want to be cognizant of the impact that that growth has on the NIM and then interest income.

Speaker #3: Understood. Great. I will leave it there. Thank you guys so much.

Justin Crowley: Understood. Great. I will leave it there. Thank you guys so much.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Joe. Thank you, Justin.

David Antolik: Thank you, Joe.

Mark Kochvar: Thank you, Joe.

Speaker #1: We'll move next to Daniel Tomeo at Raymond James.

Operator: We'll move next to Daniel Tamayo at Raymond James.

Speaker #4: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Maybe starting first on the capital and the buyback side. So you did about $50 million in the first quarter.

Daniel Tamayo: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Maybe starting first on the capital and the buyback side. You did about $50 million in Q1. You've got a similar amount remaining in the authorization. I think you just said capital's still really strong. CET1 over 14%, really by any measure you look at. Do you think that it's in the cards to re-up that authorization and continue the repurchase further out than just Q2? Or how are you guys thinking about the trajectory of buybacks given the level of capital you have and the growth expected?

Speaker #4: You've got a similar amount remaining in the authorization. I think you just said capital is still really strong. CET1, well over 14%—really, by any measure you look at.

Speaker #4: Do you think that it's in the cards to re-up that authorization and continue the repurchase further out than just the second quarter, or how are you guys thinking about the trajectory of buybacks given the level of capital you have and the growth expected?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think we would definitely take it a very hard look at the remaining authorization. I think we'll see how that goes before we look at the next leg of that.

Mark Kochvar: Yeah, I think we're definitely taking a very hard look at the remaining authorization. I think we'll see how that goes before we look at a next leg of that. I mean, our internal target ratios, the next 50 will put us quite a bit closer to that. We may enter more of a maintenance phase in terms of target capital ratios at that point. Going forward, it might be more dependent on that growth trajectory from there and how much capital that uses up.

Speaker #2: I mean, our internal target ratios—the next 50 will put us quite a bit closer to that. So we may enter more of a maintenance phase in terms of target capital ratios at that point.

Speaker #2: And so then, going forward, it might be more dependent on that growth trajectory from there and how much capital that uses up.

Speaker #4: Okay. And remind me, what the target capital ratio is, if you don't mind?

Daniel Tamayo: Okay. Remind me what the target capital ratio is, if you don't mind.

Speaker #2: Well, we're looking to be approximately, I mean, across the different ratios, above kind of median peer levels—between median and 75th percentile. So, they vary for the different ratios.

Mark Kochvar: We're looking to be appropriately, I mean, across the different ratios above kind of median peer levels between median and 75th percentile. They vary for the different ratios. We want to make sure that we have enough to grow and enough to take advantage of a merger that might arise or that might present itself. Yeah. Danny, this is Chris. That's what I want to reemphasize. Given the financial flexibility that we have is

Speaker #2: But we want to make sure that we have enough to grow, and enough to take advantage of a merger that might arise or that might present itself.

Speaker #5: Yeah, Danny, this is Chris. That's what I want to re-emphasize. Giving us the financial flexibility that we have, it's a real benefit for us.

Chris McComish: Yeah. Danny, this is Chris. That's what I want to reemphasize. Given the financial flexibility that we have is It's a real benefit for us. As Mark described, that being able to think about this in an organic growth, while at the same time having the financial flexibility should an inorganic opportunity present itself, is important to us. By the same token, we knew as we were getting north of 14%, and so it made sense to dial that back. As Mark said, those ratios closer to 50 to 75th percentile make a lot more sense to us long term.

Christopher McComish: It's a real benefit for us. As Mark described, that being able to think about this in an organic growth, while at the same time having the financial flexibility should an inorganic opportunity present itself, is important to us. By the same token, we knew as we were getting north of 14%, and so it made sense to dial that back. As Mark said, those ratios closer to 50 to 75th percentile make a lot more sense to us long term.

Speaker #5: So, as Mark described, being able to think about this in an organic growth way, while at the same time having the financial flexibility should an inorganic opportunity present itself, is important to us.

Speaker #5: But by the same token, we knew as we were getting north of 14%. And so it made sense to dial that back and, as Mark said, those ratios closer from the 50th to 75th percentile make a lot more sense to us long term.

Speaker #4: Understood. And then maybe just diving in a little bit on the hirings. The last question talked about it a little bit, but you said that the new geographic expansion—I think you mentioned Ohio.

Daniel Tamayo: Understood. Then maybe just diving in a little bit on the hirings. The last question talked about it a little bit, but you said that the new geographic expansion, I think you mentioned Ohio. Just curious if you could provide a little more detail on the markets where you're hiring.

Speaker #4: Just curious if you could provide a little more detail on the markets where you're hiring.

Speaker #2: Sure, sure. Well, we've got a group of bankers in Columbus, and we're looking westward—like the Cincinnati market, perhaps. And then in Northeast Ohio, expanding more towards Cleveland.

David Antolik: Sure. Well, we've got a group of bankers in Columbus, and we're looking westward, like Cincinnati market perhaps. In Northeast Ohio, expanding more towards Cleveland. There are opportunities in those two markets that we think we can take advantage of as we grow. We've also, in our eastern Pennsylvania franchise, have done a lot of work into Maryland and Delaware, particularly around in the CRE space. We think there's more opportunity there for us to grow as well.

Dave Antolik: Sure. Well, we've got a group of bankers in Columbus, and we're looking westward, like Cincinnati market perhaps. In Northeast Ohio, expanding more towards Cleveland. There are opportunities in those two markets that we think we can take advantage of as we grow. We've also, in our eastern Pennsylvania franchise, have done a lot of work into Maryland and Delaware, particularly around in the CRE space. We think there's more opportunity there for us to grow as well.

Speaker #2: So there are opportunities in those two markets that we think we can take advantage of as we grow. We've also in our eastern Pennsylvania franchise, we've done a lot of work into Maryland and Delaware.

Speaker #2: Particularly around in the CRE space. So we think there's more opportunity there for us to grow as well.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. All right, I'll step back. Thanks for the answers.

Daniel Tamayo: Okay, great. All right, I'll step back. Thanks for the answers.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Christopher McComish: Thank you.

Chris McComish: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

David Antolik: Thank you.

Chris McComish: Thank you.

Speaker #1: We'll take our next question from Kelly Matta at KBW.

Operator: We'll take our next question from Kelly Motta at KBW.

Speaker #6: Hey, good afternoon. Thanks for the question. I would love to follow up on that capital question since you mentioned M&A. I'll bite on that, if you could maybe, Chris, give us an update on the pace of conversations.

Kelly Motta: Hey, good afternoon. Thanks for the question. I would love to follow up on that capital question, since you mentioned M&A. I'll bite on, if you could maybe, Chris, give us an update on the pace of conversations. Clearly, there's a M&A window open at this time and how those are going.

Speaker #6: Clearly, there's M&A window open at this time and how things are going.

Speaker #5: Yeah. What I would describe them, we're consistently having discussions and we look at opportunities. We're disciplined, as you could tell, and we're going to remain so.

Christopher McComish: Yeah. What I would describe them, we're consistently having discussions, and we look at opportunities. We're disciplined, as you could tell, and we're going to remain so. I think you're right, Kelly. There's a window here that seems to make sense, and we would like to capitalize on the right opportunity should it present itself. We haven't slowed down at all in the number of conversations that we've had. Quite honestly, the financial performance, the returns that we're able to deliver, that opens up windows for conversations for us. That's what we want to be able to capitalize on those things.

Chris McComish: Yeah. What I would describe them, we're consistently having discussions, and we look at opportunities. We're disciplined, as you could tell, and we're going to remain so. I think you're right, Kelly. There's a window here that seems to make sense, and we would like to capitalize on the right opportunity should it present itself. We haven't slowed down at all in the number of conversations that we've had. Quite honestly, the financial performance, the returns that we're able to deliver, that opens up windows for conversations for us. That's what we want to be able to capitalize on those things.

Speaker #5: But I think you're right, Kelly, as there's a window here that seems to make sense. And we would like to capitalize on the right opportunity, should it present itself.

Speaker #5: So, we have not, haven't slowed down at all in the number of conversations that we've had. And quite honestly, the financial performance, the returns that we're able to deliver, that opens up windows for conversations for us.

Speaker #5: So that's what we want to be able to capitalize on those things.

Speaker #6: Great. That's great color. I would like to switch back to the deposit growth because, clearly, that was a major highlight of the quarter and something you guys have been working really diligently on.

Kelly Motta: Great. That's great color. I would like to switch back to the deposit growth, because clearly that was a major highlight of the quarter and-

Christopher McComish: Yeah

Chris McComish: Yeah.

Kelly Motta: Something you guys have been working really diligently on. Just wondering if there was one or a couple things that really drove that outsized growth. It was just things moving in the right direction and kind of just all clicking here. Any sort of market dynamics. I'm just trying to get a sense of, it clearly was a remarkable quarter for you.

Speaker #6: Just wondering, if there was one or a couple of things that really drove that outsized growth, or was it just things moving in the right direction and kind of just all clicking here?

Speaker #6: Any sort of market dynamics? I'm just trying to get a sense of it clearly was a remarkable quarter for you. So thank you.

Christopher McComish: Thanks for that recognition, Kelly, and it's a real point of pride for our employees. I'm coming up on my fifth year here at the company in another couple of months, and we've been pretty unrelenting on our focus on the importance of building on a high quality core deposit franchise. We've seen positive momentum over the last 18+ months in the consumer side of our business. We've talked a lot about the rigor and discipline of our customer engagement process that we define as care. If you think, "Well, how do you know it's working?" I'll go back to the anecdote that I provided to you. When we saw broad-based growth in 80% of our branches in the quarter, that tells me that the right customer interactions are taking place.

Chris McComish: Thanks for that recognition, Kelly, and it's a real point of pride for our employees. I'm coming up on my fifth year here at the company in another couple of months, and we've been pretty unrelenting on our focus on the importance of building on a high quality core deposit franchise. We've seen positive momentum over the last 18+ months in the consumer side of our business. We've talked a lot about the rigor and discipline of our customer engagement process that we define as care. If you think, "Well, how do you know it's working?" I'll go back to the anecdote that I provided to you. When we saw broad-based growth in 80% of our branches in the quarter, that tells me that the right customer interactions are taking place.

Speaker #5: Thanks for that recognition, Kelly. And it's a real point of pride for our employees. I'm coming up on my fifth year here at the company in another couple of months.

Speaker #5: And we've been pretty unrelenting in our focus on the importance of building on a high-quality core deposit franchise. And we've seen positive momentum over, I would really call it, over the last 18-plus months in the consumer side of our business.

Speaker #5: We've talked a lot about the rigor and discipline of the process—our customer engagement process that we define as CARE. And you think, well, how do you know it's working? And I'll go back to that anecdote that I provided to you.

Speaker #5: When we saw broad-based growth in 80% of our branches in the quarter, that tells me that the right customer interactions are taking place. We've also talked a lot about the way that we manage exception pricing and the need to be dynamic with that.

Christopher McComish: We've also talked a lot about the way that we manage exception pricing and the need to be dynamic with that, at the same time responsive. That's a process that was built over the past couple of years, and it continues to work in this environment or a rising or declining rate environment. On the commercial side of the business and business banking side, we've spent the past few years working on enhancing our treasury management capabilities, the number of teammates both in commercial banking as well as business banking. We're seeing good momentum there, and we know that a portion of this on the commercial space was true new customer acquisition that added to it. As I did say, we wanted to analyze it.

Chris McComish: We've also talked a lot about the way that we manage exception pricing and the need to be dynamic with that, at the same time responsive. That's a process that was built over the past couple of years, and it continues to work in this environment or a rising or declining rate environment. On the commercial side of the business and business banking side, we've spent the past few years working on enhancing our treasury management capabilities, the number of teammates both in commercial banking as well as business banking. We're seeing good momentum there, and we know that a portion of this on the commercial space was true new customer acquisition that added to it. As I did say, we wanted to analyze it.

Speaker #5: At the same time, it's responsive, and that's a process that was built over the past couple of years. It continues to work in this environment—whether it's a rising or declining rate environment.

Speaker #5: On the commercial side of the business, we, in business banking, have spent the past few years working on enhancing our treasury management capabilities and the number of teammates, both in commercial banking as well as business banking.

Speaker #5: We're seeing good momentum there, and we know that a portion of this on the commercial space was true new customer acquisition that added to it.

Speaker #5: As I did say, we wanted to analyze it. One of the other things that we looked at, I don't know if you've seen this in other calls that you had, was, well, what was the impact of you talk about the tax law changes?

Christopher McComish: One of the other things that we looked at, I don't know if you've seen this in other calls that you had, was, well, what was the impact of when you talk about the tax law changes. What we saw were tax receipts. Deposits, tax receipt deposits into our accounts, a year-over-year growth was about $30 million. Higher tax return receipts coming in, tax refunds, did contribute to some of this. That's why we were guiding toward all $300 million. Probably isn't going to stick forever. There's some fluctuation in it. From what we can tell, we feel really good about that $150 to $200 million, which by itself would've been a really strong quarter.

Chris McComish: One of the other things that we looked at, I don't know if you've seen this in other calls that you had, was, well, what was the impact of when you talk about the tax law changes. What we saw were tax receipts. Deposits, tax receipt deposits into our accounts, a year-over-year growth was about $30 million. Higher tax return receipts coming in, tax refunds, did contribute to some of this. That's why we were guiding toward all $300 million. Probably isn't going to stick forever. There's some fluctuation in it. From what we can tell, we feel really good about that $150 to $200 million, which by itself would've been a really strong quarter.

Speaker #5: And what we saw were tax receipt so deposits, tax receipts, deposits into our accounts a year-over-year growth was about $30 million. So in higher tax returns, receipts, coming in tax refunds, did contribute to some of this.

Speaker #5: And so that's why we were guiding toward all $300 million. That probably isn't going to stick forever—there's some fluctuation in it. But from what we can tell, we feel really good about that $150 to $200 million, which by itself would have been a really, really strong quarter.

Speaker #6: Great. That's really helpful. Thanks for the color. I'll step back.

Kelly Motta: Great. That's really helpful. Thanks for the color. I'll step back.

Speaker #1: We'll move next to Tyler Kachatori at Stevens Inc.

Operator: We'll move next to Tyler Cacchiarella at Stephens Inc.

Speaker #7: Good afternoon. This is Tyler. I'm from Abrees.

Tyler Cacchiarella: Good afternoon. This is Tyler on for Matthew Breese. Maybe just a follow-up on the M&A commentary. Can you just update us on what the ideal target would look like, and if there's any ideal size or whether you want to dive into new markets or maybe complement existing ones?

Tyler Cacciatori: Good afternoon. This is Tyler on for Matthew Breese.

Chris McComish: Hey Tyler.

Tyler Cacciatori: Maybe just a follow-up on the M&A commentary. Can you just update us on what the ideal target would look like, and if there's any ideal size or whether you want to dive into new markets or maybe complement existing ones?

Speaker #5: Hi, Tyler.

Speaker #7: Maybe just a follow-up on the M&A commentary. Can you update us on what the ideal target would look like, and if there's any ideal size, or whether you want to dive into new markets or maybe complement existing ones?

Speaker #5: Yeah, I'll be consistent, Tyler, with what we've talked about in the past. We look geographically at the core markets we're in and adjacent markets.

Christopher McComish: Yeah. I'll be consistent, Tyler, with what we've talked about in the past. We look geographically at the core markets we're in and adjacent markets. We're active in building relationships throughout that geography. If you think about a pure acquisition, given our size, you're talking about banks probably in the $1 to $6 billion, $7 billion range makes sense from a size standpoint. That's been our focus. Very focused on quality of a core deposit franchise, cultural fit, and ability to accelerate growth in the company are kind of the criteria that we look through.

Chris McComish: Yeah. I'll be consistent, Tyler, with what we've talked about in the past. We look geographically at the core markets we're in and adjacent markets. We're active in building relationships throughout that geography. If you think about a pure acquisition, given our size, you're talking about banks probably in the $1 to $6 billion, $7 billion range makes sense from a size standpoint. That's been our focus. Very focused on quality of a core deposit franchise, cultural fit, and ability to accelerate growth in the company are kind of the criteria that we look through.

Speaker #5: So, and we're active in building relationships throughout that geography. If you think about a pure acquisition, given our size, you're talking about banks probably in the $1 to $6, $7 billion range.

Speaker #5: Makes sense from a size standpoint. And that's been our focus very, very focused on quality of the core deposit franchise. Cultural fit, ability to accelerate growth in the company are kind of the criteria that we look through.

Speaker #7: Understood. Thank you for the color. And then, just moving to credit, nice to see the charge-offs move much lower; led to quite a bit of a lower provision than what I was expecting.

Tyler Cacchiarella: Understood. Thank you for the color. Just moving to credit. Nice to see the charge-offs move much lower. Led to quite a bit of a lower provision than what I was expecting. Maybe just talk about what you're seeing from a credit perspective going forward and what levels of charge-offs you're comfortable running the bank at. Just trying to get a sense of how to model the provision from here.

Tyler Cacciatori: Understood. Thank you for the color. Just moving to credit. Nice to see the charge-offs move much lower. Led to quite a bit of a lower provision than what I was expecting. Maybe just talk about what you're seeing from a credit perspective going forward and what levels of charge-offs you're comfortable running the bank at. Just trying to get a sense of how to model the provision from here.

Speaker #7: Maybe just talk about what you're seeing from a credit perspective going forward, and what levels of charge-offs you're comfortable running the bank at. Just trying to get a sense of how to model the provision from here.

Speaker #5: Yeah. I think in total, for 2026, we expect similar total results relative to 2025. Level of charge-offs kind of NPLs we're targeting to reduce from where we are now modestly.

David Antolik: Yeah. I think in total for 2026, we would expect similar total results relative to 2025. Level of charge-offs, kind of NPLs we're targeting to reduce from where we are now modestly. As I mentioned in the comments, we did see a slight uptick in our criticized and classified assets. It didn't have a significant impact on provisioning or a large increase in the ACL. There's nothing outside that we anticipate, just normal movements. We're a commercial-focused bank, so when something happens negatively from a credit perspective, it tends to be a little larger than a bank that might have a larger consumer base. We acknowledge that. We have really fine-tuned our methodology and spent a lot of time, obviously, internally as a management team, talking about the impact of asset quality and how we can get ahead of things and forecast better.

Dave Antolik: Yeah. I think in total for 2026, we would expect similar total results relative to 2025. Level of charge-offs, kind of NPLs we're targeting to reduce from where we are now modestly. As I mentioned in the comments, we did see a slight uptick in our criticized and classified assets. It didn't have a significant impact on provisioning or a large increase in the ACL. There's nothing outside that we anticipate, just normal movements. We're a commercial-focused bank, so when something happens negatively from a credit perspective, it tends to be a little larger than a bank that might have a larger consumer base. We acknowledge that. We have really fine-tuned our methodology and spent a lot of time, obviously, internally as a management team, talking about the impact of asset quality and how we can get ahead of things and forecast better.

Speaker #5: As I mentioned in the comments, though, we did see a slight uptick in our criticized classified assets. It didn't have a significant impact on provisioning or a large increase in the ACL.

Speaker #5: So, there's nothing outside that we anticipate—just normal movements. We're a commercial-focused bank, so when something happens negatively from a credit perspective, it tends to be a little larger than a bank that might have a larger consumer base.

Speaker #5: So, we acknowledge that. But we have really fine-tuned our methodology and spent a lot of time, obviously, internally as a management team talking about the impact of asset quality and how we can get ahead of things and forecast better.

Speaker #5: And obviously, in addition to that, it's just the external environment, right? I mean, you see the run-up in gas prices and oil prices and things like that.

Christopher McComish: Obviously, in addition to that is just the external environment, right? I mean, you see the run-up in gas prices, oil prices, and things like that. We believe that that has not really impacted the economy dramatically right now in the short term, but it continues this way. You could see things impacting it for all of us down the road. We're not outsized one way or another, but there's a lot that we also don't control that we have to pay attention to.

Chris McComish: Obviously, in addition to that is just the external environment, right? I mean, you see the run-up in gas prices, oil prices, and things like that. We believe that that has not really impacted the economy dramatically right now in the short term, but it continues this way. You could see things impacting it for all of us down the road. We're not outsized one way or another, but there's a lot that we also don't control that we have to pay attention to.

Speaker #5: And we believe that that has not really impacted the economy dramatically right now in the short term, but if it continues this way, you could see things impacting it for all of us down the road.

Speaker #5: And we're not outsized one way or another, but there's a lot that we also don't control that we have to pay attention to.

Tyler Cacchiarella: Understood. Thank you. Just a real quick one on deposit costs, if you have the detail. Do you have the spot cost of deposits at quarter end or in the month of March?

Tyler Cacciatori: Understood. Thank you. Just a real quick one on deposit costs, if you have the detail. Do you have the spot cost of deposits at quarter end or in the month of March?

Speaker #7: Understood, thank you. And then, just a real quick one on deposit costs—if you have the detail—do you have the spot cost of deposits at quarter-end or in the month of March?

Speaker #5: I have the margin was for the March was at where we did for the—we ended for that quarter on the deposit, on the overall deposit number for the month.

Mark Kochvar: The margin for March was at where we ended for that quarter on the overall deposit number, for the month. That would've been right around, if I have it right, so my total deposits, right around 2. This is costing only 247.

Speaker #5: That would have been right around—did I have it right for my total deposits? Right around a 2, and this is costing only $247.

Speaker #7: Great. Thank you. I'll step back here.

Tyler Cacchiarella: Great. Thank you. I'll stand back here.

Tyler Cacciatori: Great. Thank you. I'll stand back here.

Speaker #5: Okay, Tyler. Thank you.

Christopher McComish: Okay. Tyler, thank you.

Chris McComish: Okay. Tyler, thank you.

Speaker #8: Thank you.

David Antolik: Thank you.

Dave Antolik: Thank you.

Speaker #1: And as a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question, press star one. We'll go next to David Bishop at HUFDI Group.

Operator: As a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question, press star one. We'll go next to David Bishop at Hovde Group.

Speaker #9: Hey, good afternoon, Chris. Excited for the draft as well down here. Excited for the draft down here.

David Bishop: Hey, good afternoon, Chris. Excited for

David Bishop: Hey, good afternoon, Chris. Excited for. The draft as well down here. Excited for the draft down here.

Christopher McComish: Hey, Dave

David Bishop: The draft as well down here. Excited for the draft down here.

Christopher McComish: We're not going to say anything about Baltimore, Dave.

Chris McComish: We're not going to say anything about Baltimore, Dave.

Speaker #5: We're not going to say anything about Baltimore days.

Speaker #9: Come on. You got it, you got it. I'm sure you're waving your terrible towel out there.

David Bishop: Come on. You got it. I'm sure you're waving your Terrible Towel out there.

Christopher McComish: That's right. Well, Dave Matula has his eye black on right now.

Chris McComish: That's right. Well, Dave Matula has his eye black on right now.

Speaker #5: That's right. Well, Dave Antolik has his eye black on right now.

David Antolik: Exactly. He's locked in. I'm wearing the Steelers helmet as well.

Dave Antolik: Exactly. He's locked in. I'm wearing the Steelers helmet as well.

Speaker #8: Exactly. He's locked in. I'm wearing Steeler's helmet as well.

David Bishop: I love it. Hey, a lot of my questions have been asked and answered. Curious, you had the good growth in deposits and maybe some cash flows from the loan portfolio sitting in the cash at the end of the quarter. Is that sort of earmarked for funding expected loan growth? I don't know if you see any line of sight of maybe temporary deposits outflowing. Just curious how we should think about cash levels moving into H2.

Speaker #9: I love it. Love it. Hey, a lot of my questions have been asked and answered, but to be curious, you had the good growth in deposits and maybe some cash flows from the loan portfolio sitting in cash at the end of the quarter.

Speaker #9: Is that sort of earmarked for funding expected loan growth? I don't know if you see any line of sight to maybe temporary deposits outflowing.

Speaker #9: Just curious. I always should think about cash levels moving into the back half of the year.

Speaker #5: And we do expect those to decrease. We still have some wholesale borrowings that we have an opportunity to reduce, so that would be the first priority.

Mark Kochvar: I think we do expect those to decrease. We still have some wholesale borrowings that we have an opportunity to reduce. That'd be the first priority. Then as Chris mentioned, we do expect some of that to potentially roll off at least temporarily in Q2. We'll keep some cash powder dry for that and then return some loan growth in Q2, but then perhaps more in the back half of the year. I think that cash will not stay at those levels for a combination of all those things, reducing wholesale and then the natural deposit fluctuations and then return to loan growth.

Speaker #5: And then, as Chris mentioned, we do expect some of that to potentially roll off here, at least temporarily, in the second quarter.

Speaker #5: So we'll keep some cash powder dry for that, and then the return of some loan growth in the second quarter, but then perhaps more in the back half of the year.

Speaker #5: So, we think that cash will not stay at those levels for a combination of all those things: reducing wholesale, and then the natural deposit fluctuation, and then a return to loan growth.

Speaker #9: Got it. Then I guess, final question. As you look across your fee income, segments, and categories, are there any areas, with all the changes you've implemented here, you're most bullish about for augmentation as you look out into the rest of the year?

David Bishop: Got it. I guess final question, as you look across your fee income segments and categories, any areas with all the changes you've implemented here, you're most bulled up about for augmentation as you look out into the rest of the year? Thanks.

Speaker #9: Thanks.

Speaker #5: We have seen some—it's sometimes hard to see it in numbers—but we have seen some encouraging pickups on the Treasury management side that we talked about.

Mark Kochvar: It's sometimes hard to see it in numbers, but we have seen some encouraging pickup on the treasury management side that we talked about. There's a group within that, kind of the non-

Speaker #5: There's a group within that, kind of the non-account analysis group, that we've seen some improvement on, especially in the last couple of quarters. And there's a renewed emphasis for that in the bank, and especially in our business banking group.

Mark Kochvar: Analysis group that we've seen some improvement on, especially in the last couple of quarters, and there's a renewed emphasis for that in the bank, and especially in our business banking group. That's something that we have higher expectations for. Just on the basic treasury management side, on the account analysis, we did some price adjustments that helped in Q1. That group is making some headway in the market as well. I think that the deposits fee on the treasury management AA side probably offers some potential. Financial services has been solid for us as well.

Speaker #5: So that's something that we have higher expectations for. And then, just on the basic Treasury management side, on the account analysis, we did some price adjustments that have helped in the first quarter.

Speaker #5: And that group is making some headway in the market as well. So I think that the deposit fee on the Treasury management AA side probably offers some potential.

Speaker #5: And then in financial services, it's been solid for us as well.

Speaker #8: And Dave, the non-analyzed Treasury management services—that's really the result of work that we started a couple of years ago. We built a product for the small business, business banking space that provided a combination of, call it, six to eight important Treasury management products—anything from information reporting to collection and disbursement services, fraud protection, those kinds of things—packaged them into basically one price.

Christopher McComish: Dave, the non-analyzed treasury management services, that's really the result of work that we started a couple of years ago. We built a product for the small business banking space that provided a combination of, call it 6 to 8 important treasury management products, anything from information reporting to collection and disbursement services, fraud protection, those kinds of things, packaged them into basically one price. What we've seen, and then we rolled that out a couple of years ago, trained our teams, put it in the market. We believed at the time it was a differentiating factor. We're seeing balance growth come from it as well as some treasury management fee income and you know the annuity nature of that. It's nice to see something going from concept to reality and starting to see some results.

Chris McComish: Dave, the non-analyzed treasury management services, that's really the result of work that we started a couple of years ago. We built a product for the small business banking space that provided a combination of, call it 6 to 8 important treasury management products, anything from information reporting to collection and disbursement services, fraud protection, those kinds of things, packaged them into basically one price. What we've seen, and then we rolled that out a couple of years ago, trained our teams, put it in the market. We believed at the time it was a differentiating factor. We're seeing balance growth come from it as well as some treasury management fee income and you know the annuity nature of that. It's nice to see something going from concept to reality and starting to see some results.

Speaker #8: And so what we've seen, and then we rolled that out a couple of years ago, trained our teams, put it in the market. We believe that at the time it was a differentiating factor.

Speaker #8: And we're seeing balanced growth come from it, as well as some Treasury management fee income and the annuity nature of that. So it's nice to see something going from concept to reality and starting to see some results.

Speaker #9: Got it. That's great, Tyler. That was all I had. Thanks.

David Bishop: Got it. That's great color. That was all I had. Thanks.

Christopher McComish: Sure thing.

Chris McComish: Sure thing.

Speaker #8: Sure thing.

Speaker #1: And that concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Chief Executive Officer Chris McComish for closing remarks.

Operator: That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Chief Executive Officer, Chris McComish, for closing remarks.

Speaker #8: Well, as we always say, thank you for your interest in our company and your good questions and the relationships that you've built with us.

Christopher McComish: Well, as we always say, thank you for your interest in our company and your good questions, and the relationships that you've built with us. It's really, really important to us. We're again, really proud of the performance that we're showing, looking for continued growth and impact in the marketplace. Spring is here, so the weather has turned, and there's a lot of optimism in the air. Thanks, all for your time, and have a great rest of the day.

Chris McComish: Well, as we always say, thank you for your interest in our company and your good questions, and the relationships that you've built with us. It's really, really important to us. We're again, really proud of the performance that we're showing, looking for continued growth and impact in the marketplace. Spring is here, so the weather has turned, and there's a lot of optimism in the air. Thanks, all for your time, and have a great rest of the day.

Speaker #8: It's really, really important to us. We're, again, really proud of the performance that we're showing. Looking for continued growth and impact in the marketplace.

Speaker #8: And spring is here. So the weather has turned, and there's a lot of optimism in the air. So thanks all for your time, and have a great rest of the day.

Operator: That concludes today's conference. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

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