Q1 2026 USCB Financial Holdings Inc Earnings Call

April 24, 2026

Operator 2: Good morning everyone, and welcome to the Q1 2026 USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. earnings conference call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star and then one on your touchtone telephones. To withdraw your questions, you may press star and two. Please also note today's event is being recorded. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference call over to Lou de la Aguilera, Chairman, President, and CEO. Sir, please go ahead.

Operator: Good morning everyone, and welcome to the Q1 2026 USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. earnings conference call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star and then one on your touchtone telephones. To withdraw your questions, you may press star and two. Please also note today's event is being recorded. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference call over to Lou de la Aguilera, Chairman, President, and CEO. Sir, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Should you need assistance, please say no to the conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone telephones. To withdraw your question, you may press star then two.

Speaker #2: Please also note today's event is being recorded. At this time, I'd like to turn the conference call over to Lou De La Aguilera, Chairman, President, and CEO.

Speaker #2: Sir, please go ahead. Good morning, and thank you for joining us for the USCB Financial Holdings first quarter 2026 earnings call. I'm Lou De La Aguilera, Chairman, President, and CEO of USCB Financial Holdings.

Luis de la Aguilera: Good morning, and thank you for joining us for the USCB Financial Holdings Q1 2026 Earnings Call. I'm Lou de la Aguilera, Chairman, President, and CEO of USCB Financial Holdings. Joining me today are Rob Anderson, our Chief Financial Officer, and Bill Turner, our Chief Credit Officer. Rob will walk you through our financial results in detail, and Bill will review credit quality and portfolio trends. We are very pleased to report on another record quarter, highlighted by strong core earnings, disciplined balance sheet execution, and our continued focus on maintaining strong credit quality. For the quarter ending 31 March 2026, the company generated net income of $9.4 million or $0.51 per diluted share on a GAAP basis. On an operating or adjusted basis, diluted EPS was $0.47. Operating ROAA was 1.25%, ROAE was 15.92%, and an efficiency ratio of 52.36%.

Speaker #2: Joining me today are Rob Anderson, our Chief Financial Officer, and Bill Turner, our Chief Credit Officer. Rob will walk you through our financial results in detail, and Bill will review credit quality and portfolio trends.

Speaker #2: We are very pleased to report on another record quarter, highlighted by strong core earnings, disciplined balance sheet execution, and our continued focus on maintaining strong credit quality.

Speaker #2: For the quarter ending March 31, 2026, the company generated net income of $9.4 million, or $0.51 per diluted share on a GAAP basis.

Speaker #2: On an operating or adjusted basis, diluted EPS was $0.47, operating ROAA was 1.25%, ROAE was 15.92%, and the efficiency ratio was 52.36%. These results reflect consistent execution of our long-term business model focused on disciplined growth, prudent risk management, and sustainable profitability.

Luis de la Aguilera: These results reflect consistent execution of our long-term business model focused on disciplined growth, prudent risk management, and sustainable profitability. At a high level, total assets reached $2.8 billion, up 6.3% year over year. Loans increased 10.1% year over year from $2.2 billion, driven by continued strong diversified production. Deposits grew 8% year over year to $2.5 billion, supported by specialized business verticals as well as well-diversified deposit base. Our deposit-focused business verticals, namely Association Banking, our Private Client Group, and Correspondent Banking have steadily grown to 30% of deposits or $747 million as of 31 March 2026, a $62 million quarter over quarter increase. Net interest margin expanded to 3.27%, up from 3.1% the prior year, reflecting effective asset deployment and improving funding costs. Importantly, this growth has not come at the expense of credit quality.

Speaker #2: At a high level, total assets reached $2.8 billion, up 6.3% year over year. Loans increased 10.1% year over year from $2.2 billion, driven by continued strong diversified production.

Speaker #2: Deposits grew 8% year over year to 2.5 billion, supported by specialized business verticals as well as well-diversified deposit base. Our deposit-focused business verticals, namely Associate Banking, are private client group and correspondent banking have delivered have I'm sorry, have steadily grown to 30% of deposits or 747 million as of March 31, 2026.

Speaker #2: A $62 million quarter-over-quarter increase. Net interest margin expanded to 3.27%, up from 3.10% the prior year, reflecting effective asset deployment and improving funding costs.

Speaker #2: Importantly, this growth has not come at the expense of credit quality. Non-performing loans remain exceptionally low at 0.16% of total loans, and net charge-offs were effectively zero for the quarter.

Luis de la Aguilera: Non-performing loans remain exceptionally low at 0.16% of total loans, and net charge-offs were effectively zero for the quarter. Our Q1 performance demonstrates the benefits of actions we have taken over the past several quarters to enhance earning power and balance sheet resilience. Loan production was strong during the quarter, with $188 million in gross loan production, over half of which occurred in March, positioning us for continued momentum into Q2. While the timing of production limited full quarter earnings contribution, the pipeline supports future net interest income expansion. On the funding side, we continue to see the benefits of our specialized deposit franchises. Average deposits increased by nearly $212 million year-over-year, while deposit costs declined to 2.2%, improving by 29 basis points from Q1 of last year. Capital remains a key strength of the company.

Speaker #2: Our first quarter’s performance demonstrates the benefits of actions we have taken over the past several quarters to enhance earning power and balance sheet resilience.

Speaker #2: Loan production was strong during the quarter, with $188 million in gross loan production. Over half of this occurred in March, positioning us for continued momentum into the second quarter.

Speaker #2: While the timing of production limited full-quarter earnings contribution, the pipeline supports future net interest income expansion. On the funding side, we continue to see the benefits of our specialized deposit franchises.

Speaker #2: Average deposits increased by nearly $212 million year over year, while deposit costs declined to 2.2% from the first quarter of last year. Capital remains a key strength of the company.

Speaker #2: During April, our board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per share, reflecting confidence in our earning durability and capital generation. Tangible book value per share increased to $12.23, an 8.9% year-over-year increase, even after absorbing the market-related AOCI impacts.

Luis de la Aguilera: During April, our board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share, reflecting confidence in our earning durability and capital generation. Tangible book value per share increased to $12.23, an 8.9% year-over-year increase even after absorbing the market-related AOCI impacts. Overall, this was a balanced quarter with strong earnings, solid growth, stable margins, and strong credit quality, all while maintaining conservative capital levels. The following page is self-explanatory, directionally highlighting nine select historical trends since recapitalization. Consistent, efficient, profitable performance based on conservative risk management is what a team focuses on consistently delivering. Noting this overview, I'll now turn over the call to Rob to review our financial results in greater detail.

Speaker #2: Overall, this was a balanced quarter with strong earnings, solid growth, stable margins, and strong credit quality—all while maintaining conservative capital levels. The following page is self-explanatory.

Speaker #2: Directionally highlighting nine select historical trends since recapitalization. Consistent, efficient, profitable performance based on conservative risk management is what our team focuses on consistently delivering.

Speaker #2: Noting this overview, I'll now turn over the call to Rob to review our financial results in greater detail. Okay. Thank you, Lou, and good morning, everyone.

Robert Anderson: Okay. Thank you, Lou, and good morning, everyone. Looking at pages 5 and 6, I would describe Q1 2026 as a highly successful quarter for USCB. The team posted very solid results, which I'm proud to share with you today. The balance sheet, specifically the loan book, continues to grow within our stated range of high single- to low double-digit growth. Deposits increased this quarter, outpacing loan growth and ensuring sufficient liquidity for future lending. Credit remains solid, and our profitability ratios came in line with internal projections. While we made $0.51 on a GAAP basis, the company recognized a $619,000 income tax benefit in the quarter due to an adjustment of the deferred tax asset relating to 2025. Adjusting our GAAP figures for this one item, you'll find the operating or adjusted numbers on page 6.

Rob Anderson: Okay. Thank you, Lou, and good morning, everyone. Looking at pages 5 and 6, I would describe Q1 2026 as a highly successful quarter for USCB. The team posted very solid results, which I'm proud to share with you today. The balance sheet, specifically the loan book, continues to grow within our stated range of high single- to low double-digit growth. Deposits increased this quarter, outpacing loan growth and ensuring sufficient liquidity for future lending. Credit remains solid, and our profitability ratios came in line with internal projections. While we made $0.51 on a GAAP basis, the company recognized a $619,000 income tax benefit in the quarter due to an adjustment of the deferred tax asset relating to 2025. Adjusting our GAAP figures for this one item, you'll find the operating or adjusted numbers on page 6.

Speaker #2: Looking at pages five and six, I would describe the first quarter of 2026 as a highly successful quarter for USCB. The team posted very solid results, which I'm proud to share with you today.

Speaker #2: The balance sheet, specifically the loan book, continues to grow within our stated range of high single to low double-digit growth. Deposits increased this quarter, outpacing loan growth and ensuring sufficient liquidity for future lending.

Speaker #2: Credit remains solid, and our profitability ratios came in line with internal projections. While we made $0.51 on a GAAP basis, the company recognized a $619,000 income tax benefit in the quarter, due to an adjustment of the deferred tax asset relating to 2025.

Speaker #2: Adjusting our gap figures for this one item, you'll find the operating or adjusted numbers on page six. This includes operating return on average assets of 1.25%, operating return on average equity of 15.92%, an efficiency ratio of 52.36%, operating diluted earnings per share of $0.47, NPA to assets of 0.13%, allowance for credit losses stable at 1.16%, total risk-based capital at 14.09%, and, lastly, tangible book value per share at $12.23.

Robert Anderson: This includes operating return on average assets of 1.25%, operating return on average equity of 15.92%, efficiency ratio of 52.36%, operating diluted earnings per share of $0.47, NPA to assets of 0.13%, allowance for credit losses stable at 1.16%, total risk-based capital at 14.09%, and last tangible book value per share at $12.23. With that overview, let's discuss deposits on the next page. Average deposits for the quarter totaled approximately $2.4 billion, representing an increase of $212 million year over year. On a linked quarter basis, average deposits declined by $26 million, and that sequential movement requires some context. Late in Q4, a large commercial client withdrew approximately $130 million, which reduced our average balance deposit entering Q1. Importantly, this was anticipated and managed outflow. At the end of the period chart demonstrates we have since recovered from that decline.

Rob Anderson: This includes operating return on average assets of 1.25%, operating return on average equity of 15.92%, efficiency ratio of 52.36%, operating diluted earnings per share of $0.47, NPA to assets of 0.13%, allowance for credit losses stable at 1.16%, total risk-based capital at 14.09%, and last tangible book value per share at $12.23. With that overview, let's discuss deposits on the next page. Average deposits for the quarter totaled approximately $2.4 billion, representing an increase of $212 million year over year. On a linked quarter basis, average deposits declined by $26 million, and that sequential movement requires some context. Late in Q4, a large commercial client withdrew approximately $130 million, which reduced our average balance deposit entering Q1. Importantly, this was anticipated and managed outflow. At the end of the period chart demonstrates we have since recovered from that decline.

Speaker #2: So, with that overview, let's discuss deposits on the next page. Average deposits for the quarter totaled approximately $2.4 billion, representing an increase of $212 million year over year.

Speaker #2: On a linked-quarter basis, average deposits declined by $26 million, and that sequential movement requires some context. Late in the fourth quarter, a large commercial client withdrew approximately $130 million, which reduced our average deposit balance entering the first quarter.

Speaker #2: Importantly, this was anticipated and managed outflow. And at the end of the period, the chart demonstrates we have since recovered from that decline. On an end-of-period basis, total deposits increased by $149 million during the quarter.

Robert Anderson: On an end-of-period basis, total deposits increased by $149 million during the quarter, highlighting both the resilience of our franchise and our ability to respond quickly to large discrete client movements. Equally important is the deposit pricing. Total deposit cost declined eight basis points quarter-over-quarter to 2.2%, which played a meaningful role in allowing us to keep the net interest margin stable. With ongoing rate volatility, we anticipate deposit costs will stay near current levels. Although some competitors are offering higher rates, our relationship-driven deposit base should ensure stable pricing and funding. With that, let's move on to the loan book. On an average basis, loans increased $46.8 million quarter-over-quarter, which equates to an 8.9% annualized growth rate. Year-over-year, average loans grew 9.6%, and well within management's expectations.

Rob Anderson: On an end-of-period basis, total deposits increased by $149 million during the quarter, highlighting both the resilience of our franchise and our ability to respond quickly to large discrete client movements. Equally important is the deposit pricing. Total deposit cost declined eight basis points quarter-over-quarter to 2.2%, which played a meaningful role in allowing us to keep the net interest margin stable. With ongoing rate volatility, we anticipate deposit costs will stay near current levels. Although some competitors are offering higher rates, our relationship-driven deposit base should ensure stable pricing and funding. With that, let's move on to the loan book. On an average basis, loans increased $46.8 million quarter-over-quarter, which equates to an 8.9% annualized growth rate. Year-over-year, average loans grew 9.6%, and well within management's expectations.

Speaker #2: Highlighting both the resilience of our franchise and our ability to respond quickly to large, discrete client movements. Equally important is the deposit pricing. Total deposit costs declined eight basis points quarter over quarter to 2.2%, which played a meaningful role in allowing us to keep the net interest margins stable.

Speaker #2: With ongoing rate volatility, we anticipate deposit costs will stay near current levels. Although some competitors are offering higher rates, our relationship-driven deposit base should ensure stable pricing and funding.

Speaker #2: So with that, let's move on to the loan book. On an average basis, loans increased $46.8 million quarter over quarter, which equates to an 8.9% annualized growth rate.

Speaker #2: Year over year, average loans grew 9.6%, and well within management's expectations. Net loan growth at the end of the period was $52 million, showing strong production momentum, and two key dynamics stood out on this.

Robert Anderson: Net loan growth at the end of the period was $52 million, showing strong production momentum, and two key dynamics stood out on this. First, a significant portion of our loan production occurred late in the quarter, and second, loan payoffs occurred early in the quarter. This timing is visible in the chart and translates to a lower earnings impact in the quarter. More specifically, on page nine, gross loan production totaled $188 million during the quarter, with $114 million or 60% closing in March. Additionally, SOFR rates were lower for most of the quarter, further influencing loan yield metrics. Correspondent Banking loans represented 30% of quarterly production and carried a new loan yield of 5.13%. Excluding this segment, the weighted average yield on the new loan production was 6.2% for the quarter.

Rob Anderson: Net loan growth at the end of the period was $52 million, showing strong production momentum, and two key dynamics stood out on this. First, a significant portion of our loan production occurred late in the quarter, and second, loan payoffs occurred early in the quarter. This timing is visible in the chart and translates to a lower earnings impact in the quarter. More specifically, on page nine, gross loan production totaled $188 million during the quarter, with $114 million or 60% closing in March. Additionally, SOFR rates were lower for most of the quarter, further influencing loan yield metrics. Correspondent Banking loans represented 30% of quarterly production and carried a new loan yield of 5.13%. Excluding this segment, the weighted average yield on the new loan production was 6.2% for the quarter.

Speaker #2: First, a significant portion of our loan production occurred late in the quarter, and second, loan payoffs occurred early in the quarter. This timing is visible in the chart and translates to a lower earnings impact in the quarter.

Speaker #2: More specifically, on page nine, gross loan production totaled $188 million during the quarter, with $114 million, or 60%, closing in March. Additionally, so far rates were lower for most of the quarter, further influencing loan yield metrics.

Speaker #2: Correspondent banking loans represented 30% of quarterly production and carried a new loan yield of 5.13%. Excluding this segment, the weighted average yield on the new loan production was 6.2% for the quarter.

Speaker #2: It's important to remember that these correspondent loans are short-term in nature, typically 180 days, tied to SOPA, and serve a strategic purpose by adding asset sensitivity and optionality to the balance sheet.

Robert Anderson: It's important to remember that these correspondent loans are short-term in nature, typically 180 days, tied to SOFR, and serve a strategic purpose by adding asset sensitivity and optionality to the balance sheet. Additionally, these banks have over $250 million in low-cost deposits with significant wire volume, a very profitable business vertical for USCB. Looking ahead, we expect new loan production yields to remain around these levels. Turning to page 10, net interest margin was flat at 3.27% for the quarter. Despite successfully lowering deposit costs, overall margin was impacted by lower than expected loan interest income, largely driven by timing and volatility rather than structural pressure. Specifically, interest income was constrained, as mentioned before, by a combination of factors: loan closings that occurred late in the quarter, elevated payoffs early in the period, and lower SOFR rates throughout much of the quarter.

Rob Anderson: It's important to remember that these correspondent loans are short-term in nature, typically 180 days, tied to SOFR, and serve a strategic purpose by adding asset sensitivity and optionality to the balance sheet. Additionally, these banks have over $250 million in low-cost deposits with significant wire volume, a very profitable business vertical for USCB. Looking ahead, we expect new loan production yields to remain around these levels. Turning to page 10, net interest margin was flat at 3.27% for the quarter. Despite successfully lowering deposit costs, overall margin was impacted by lower than expected loan interest income, largely driven by timing and volatility rather than structural pressure. Specifically, interest income was constrained, as mentioned before, by a combination of factors: loan closings that occurred late in the quarter, elevated payoffs early in the period, and lower SOFR rates throughout much of the quarter.

Speaker #2: Additionally, these banks have over $250 million in low-cost deposits with significant wire volume. A very profitable business vertical for USCB. Looking ahead, we expect new loan production yields to remain around these levels.

Speaker #2: Turning to page 10, net interest margin was flat at 3.27% for the quarter. Despite successfully lowering deposit costs, overall margin was impacted by lower-than-expected loan interest income, largely driven by timing and volatility rather than structural pressure.

Speaker #2: Specifically, interest income was constrained, as mentioned before, by a combination of factors: loan closings that occurred late in the quarter, elevated payoffs early in the period, and lower SOPA rates throughout much of the quarter.

Speaker #2: These pressures were partially offset by improvements in deposit pricing and higher yields in the securities portfolio, which helped stabilize our margin. Importantly, we have now expanded the NIM quarter after quarter, and the underlying trajectory remains intact.

Robert Anderson: These pressures were partially offset by improvements in deposit pricing and higher yields in the securities portfolio, which helped stabilize our margin. Importantly, we have now expanded NIM quarter after quarter and the underlying trajectory remains intact. As recently originated loans season into earnings, we expect incremental improvement in interest income, which should support a very modest margin expansion later this year. That said, ongoing rate volatility may limit the degree to which deposit costs can move materially lower from here, and our focus remains on disciplined pricing, balance sheet mix, and execution, all aimed at protecting the margin while positioning the franchise for improved profitability. With that, let me pass it over to Bill to discuss asset quality.

Rob Anderson: These pressures were partially offset by improvements in deposit pricing and higher yields in the securities portfolio, which helped stabilize our margin. Importantly, we have now expanded NIM quarter after quarter and the underlying trajectory remains intact. As recently originated loans season into earnings, we expect incremental improvement in interest income, which should support a very modest margin expansion later this year. That said, ongoing rate volatility may limit the degree to which deposit costs can move materially lower from here, and our focus remains on disciplined pricing, balance sheet mix, and execution, all aimed at protecting the margin while positioning the franchise for improved profitability. With that, let me pass it over to Bill to discuss asset quality.

Speaker #2: As recently originated loans season into earnings, we expect incremental improvement in interest income, which should support a very modest margin expansion later this year.

Speaker #2: That said, ongoing rate volatility may limit the degree to which deposit costs can move materially lower from here, and our focus remains on disciplined pricing, balance sheet mix, and execution.

Speaker #2: All aimed at protecting the margin while positioning the franchise for improved profitability. So with that, let me pass it over to Bill to discuss asset quality.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Rob. Good morning, everyone. As you can see from page 11, the first graph shows the allowance for credit losses increased to $26.1 million at the end of the first quarter, and that an adequate 1.16% of the loan portfolio.

William Turner: Thank you, Rob, and good morning, everyone. As you can see from page 11, the first graph shows the allowance for credit losses increased to $26.1 million at the end of Q1 and at an adequate 1.16% of the loan portfolio. We made a $602,000 loan provision to the allowance that was driven mostly by the $52 million in net loan growth. There were no loan losses during the quarter. The remaining graphs on page 11 show the non-performing loans at quarter end grew by six basis points or almost $500,000. The non-performing ratio stands at 0.16% of the portfolio, and these loans are well-covered by the allowance and compare favorably to peer banks at year-end 2025. The increase was related to two past due residential real estate loans that are in the process of collection. All non-performing loans are well collateralized, and no loss is expected.

Bill Turner: Thank you, Rob, and good morning, everyone. As you can see from page 11, the first graph shows the allowance for credit losses increased to $26.1 million at the end of Q1 and at an adequate 1.16% of the loan portfolio. We made a $602,000 loan provision to the allowance that was driven mostly by the $52 million in net loan growth. There were no loan losses during the quarter. The remaining graphs on page 11 show the non-performing loans at quarter end grew by six basis points or almost $500,000. The non-performing ratio stands at 0.16% of the portfolio, and these loans are well-covered by the allowance and compare favorably to peer banks at year-end 2025. The increase was related to two past due residential real estate loans that are in the process of collection. All non-performing loans are well collateralized, and no loss is expected.

Speaker #1: We made a $602,000 loan provision to the allowance that was driven mostly by the $52 million in net loan growth. There were no loan losses during the quarter.

Speaker #1: The remaining graphs on page 11 show the non-performing loans at quarter-end grew by six basis points, or almost $500,000. The non-performing ratio stands at 0.16% of the portfolio, and these loans are well covered by the allowance and compare favorably to peer banks at year-end 2025.

Speaker #1: The increase was related to two past-due residential real estate loans that are in the process of collection. All non-performing loans are well collateralized, and no loss is expected.

Speaker #1: Classified loans also increased during the quarter to $6.8 million, or 0.3% of the portfolio, and represent 2.2% of capital. The increase is related to the two non-performing residential loans previously mentioned.

William Turner: Classified loans also increased during the quarter to $6.8 million, or 0.3% of the portfolio, and represent 2.2% of capital. The increase is related to the two non-performing residential loans previously mentioned. No losses are expected from the classified loan pool. The bank continues to have no other real estate. Overall, the quality of the loan portfolio is good. Now let me turn it back over to Rob.

Bill Turner: Classified loans also increased during the quarter to $6.8 million, or 0.3% of the portfolio, and represent 2.2% of capital. The increase is related to the two non-performing residential loans previously mentioned. No losses are expected from the classified loan pool. The bank continues to have no other real estate. Overall, the quality of the loan portfolio is good. Now let me turn it back over to Rob.

Speaker #1: No losses are expected from the classified loan pool. The bank continues to have no other real estate. Overall, the quality of the loan portfolio is good.

Speaker #1: Now, let me turn it back over to Rob.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Bill. Total non-interest income for Q1 was $4.2 million, up from the previous quarter, and accounting for 15.8% of total revenue. Service fee income reached $3.1 million, mainly driven by record swap fees of $1.6 million amid strong loan activity and strong sales execution with rate volatility in the quarter.

Robert Anderson: Thank you, Bill. Total non-interest income for Q1 was $4.2 million, up from the previous quarter and accounting for 15.8% of total revenue. Service fee income reached $3.1 million, mainly driven by record swap fees of $1.6 million amid strong loan activity and strong sales execution with rate volatility in the quarter. While fee performance was exceptional this quarter, we expect swap-related fees to normalize in Q2 as market conditions stabilize. Overall, non-interest income performance in the quarter highlights the diversification of our revenue streams and the value of our fee-based capabilities. Let's take a look at our expenses. Our total expenses amounted to $13.7 million, which is $564,000 less than the previous quarter, predominantly due to various one-time items in Q4 of last year. The efficiency ratio stood at 52.4% for the quarter, which is consistent with prior periods.

Rob Anderson: Thank you, Bill. Total non-interest income for Q1 was $4.2 million, up from the previous quarter and accounting for 15.8% of total revenue. Service fee income reached $3.1 million, mainly driven by record swap fees of $1.6 million amid strong loan activity and strong sales execution with rate volatility in the quarter. While fee performance was exceptional this quarter, we expect swap-related fees to normalize in Q2 as market conditions stabilize. Overall, non-interest income performance in the quarter highlights the diversification of our revenue streams and the value of our fee-based capabilities. Let's take a look at our expenses. Our total expenses amounted to $13.7 million, which is $564,000 less than the previous quarter, predominantly due to various one-time items in Q4 of last year. The efficiency ratio stood at 52.4% for the quarter, which is consistent with prior periods.

Speaker #2: While fee performance was exceptional this quarter, we expect swap-related fees to normalize in Q2 as market conditions stabilize. Overall, non-interest income performance in the quarter highlights the diversification of our revenue streams and the value of our fee-based capabilities.

Speaker #2: Let's take a look at our expenses. Our total expenses amounted to $13.7 million, which is $564,000 less than the previous quarter, predominantly due to various one-time items in Q4 of last year.

Speaker #2: The efficiency ratio stood at 52.4% for the quarter, which is consistent with prior periods. Additionally, headcount increased this quarter and more hires are planned for Q2.

Robert Anderson: Additionally, headcount increased this quarter and more hires are planned for Q2. You should expect expenses to increase, but at a measured pace, and the efficiency ratio should remain in the low 50% range. In a minute, Lou will speak about some specific strategies that will tie this together. With that, let's move on to capital. Capital ratios remain robust and continue to strengthen. Total risk-based capital currently stands at 14.09%. The dividend remains at $0.125, and given our projected earnings and capital generation profile, we anticipate further improvement in capital ratios over coming quarters. With that, let me turn it back to Lou for some closing comments.

Rob Anderson: Additionally, headcount increased this quarter and more hires are planned for Q2. You should expect expenses to increase, but at a measured pace, and the efficiency ratio should remain in the low 50% range. In a minute, Lou will speak about some specific strategies that will tie this together. With that, let's move on to capital. Capital ratios remain robust and continue to strengthen. Total risk-based capital currently stands at 14.09%. The dividend remains at $0.125, and given our projected earnings and capital generation profile, we anticipate further improvement in capital ratios over coming quarters. With that, let me turn it back to Lou for some closing comments.

Speaker #2: You should expect expenses to increase, but at a measured pace, and the efficiency ratio should remain in the low 50% range. In a minute, Lou will speak about some specific strategies that will tie this together.

Speaker #2: So with that, let's move on to capital. Capital ratios remain robust and continue to strengthen. Total risk-based capital currently stands at 14.09%. The dividend remains at 12.5 cents, and given our projected earnings and capital generation profile, we anticipate further improvement in capital ratios over the coming quarters.

Speaker #2: So with that, let me turn it back to Lou for some closing comments.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Rob. Before we conclude, I would like to briefly expand on how our operating model is translating into tangible growth opportunities across South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Luis de la Aguilera: Thank you, Rob. Before we conclude, I would like to briefly expand on how our operating model is translating into tangible growth opportunities across South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. In March of this year, we launched a new lending team located in our recently remodeled Doral headquarters banking center. This new production unit will focus on developing one of Miami-Dade's densest small business high growth areas, the Airport West market, encompassing the adjacent cities of Doral, Hialeah, and Medley. U.S. Century Bank has banking centers in each of these markets, and this new lending team will partner with each respective branch to leverage business development opportunities. Led by a proven senior lender as team leader, along with two business development officers and supported by a portfolio manager and lending assistant, existing staff has been reassigned to largely field this team.

Speaker #3: In March of this year, we launched a new lending team located in our recently remodeled Doral headquarters banking center. This new production unit will focus on developing one of Miami-Dade's densest small business high-growth areas, the Airport West Market.

Speaker #3: Encompassing the adjacent cities of Doral, Hialeah, and Medley, US Century Bank has banking centers in each of these markets, and this new lending team will partner with each respective branch to leverage business development opportunities.

Speaker #3: Led by a proven senior lender, S team leader, along with two business development officers, and supported by a portfolio manager and a lending assistant, existing staff has been reassigned to largely field this team.

Speaker #3: To round off this new production unit, a new senior CNI lender has been hired. In effect, this new team will have a total of two new production hires, as the rest is composed from current team members.

Luis de la Aguilera: To round off this new production unit, a new senior C&I lender has been hired. In effect, this new team will have a total of two new production hires as the rest is composed from current team members. Another production unit which is expanding is our Association Banking team, which was launched as a business vertical focused on the deposit-rich condominium market. This unit has grown to serve over 470 condominium associations in the Tri-County market, of which 136 are in the Broward Palm Beach markets. At quarter end 2026, this business unit totaled $160 million in deposits, posting a 29% year-over-year deposit growth rate. The Association Banking team also closed Q1 2026 with $126 million in loans, reflecting an 11.5% annual growth rate.

Speaker #3: Another production unit, which is expanding, is our association banking team, which was launched as a business vertical focused on the deposit-rich condominium market. This unit has grown to serve over 470 condominium associations in the Tri-County market, of which 136 are in the Broward and Palm Beach markets.

Speaker #3: At quarter end 2026, this business unit totaled $160 million in deposits, posting a 29% year-over-year deposit growth rate. The association banking team also closed Q1 2026 with $126 million in loans, reflecting an 11.5% annual growth rate.

Speaker #3: Led by an experienced Senior Vice President, the Association Banking unit has hired a new Production Officer who will focus on developing Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.

Luis de la Aguilera: Led by an experienced senior vice president, the Association Banking unit has hired a new production officer who will focus on developing Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, from Port St. Lucie north to Vero Beach. The Tri-County Miami-Dade MSA reports approximately 13,000 condominium associations housing over 600,000 condo units, denoting a clear opportunity for growth. Since 2015, U.S. Century Bank has tactically adopted a branch-light technology-enabled model, consolidating our physical footprint from 18 locations to 10, while more than tripling the size of our balance sheet. This approach has allowed us to scale efficiently, deploy capital productively, and service clients through a relationship-driven, high-touch model without the overhead associated with a traditional large branch network. Our investments in digital capabilities and centralized operations enable our bankers to focus on what matters most, local market knowledge, speed of execution, and client service.

Speaker #3: From Port St. Lucie north to Vero Beach, the Tri-County Miami-Dade MSA reports approximately 13,000 condominium associations housing over 600,000 condo units, denoting a clear opportunity for growth.

Speaker #3: Since 2015, US Century Bank has tactically adopted a branch-light, technology-enabled model, consolidating our physical footprint from 18 locations to 10, while more than tripling the size of our balance sheet.

Speaker #3: This approach has allowed us to scale efficiently, deploy capital productively, and service clients through a relationship-driven, high-touch model, without the overhead associated with a traditional, large branch network.

Speaker #3: Our investments in digital capabilities and centralized operations enable our bankers to focus on what matters most: local market knowledge, speed of execution, and client service.

Speaker #3: The results in Broward and Palm Beach counties provide compelling proof of concept. As of March 31, 2026, the banks serve over 2,100 clients across these two counties.

Luis de la Aguilera: The results in Broward and Palm Beach Counties provide compelling proof of concept. As of 31 March 2026, the bank serves over 2,100 clients across these two counties, with approximately $445 million in loans and $415 million in deposits, despite operating only one physical branch location between them. In Broward County alone, we have built a base of 1,850 customers supported by $234 million in loans, $259 million in deposits. While Palm Beach County has grown to 253 customers, $122 million in loans, and $156 million in deposits. Importantly, this growth has been driven primarily through referral activity, direct calling efforts, and our specialized verticals rather than reliance on a legacy branch traffic. These metrics reinforce our belief that there is substantial unmet demand for a commercially focused, relationship-driven bank led by local decision-makers who understand the market.

Speaker #3: With approximately $445 million in loans and $415 million in deposits, despite operating only one physical branch location between them. In Broward County alone, we have built a base of 1,850 customers, supported by $234 million in loans and $259 million in deposits, while Palm Beach County has grown to 253 customers, $122 million in loans, and $156 million in deposits.

Speaker #3: Importantly, this growth has been driven primarily through referral activity, direct calling efforts, and our specialized verticals, rather than reliance on legacy branch traffic.

Speaker #3: These metrics reinforce our belief that there is substantial unmet demand for a commercially focused, relationship-driven bank led by local decision makers who understand the market.

Speaker #3: As a result, we believe the time is right to thoughtfully extend our physical presence by opening two to four strategically located branches in Broward and Palm Beach counties over the next three years.

Luis de la Aguilera: As a result, we believe the time is right to thoughtfully extend our physical presence by opening 2 to 4 strategically located branches in Broward and Palm Beach Counties over the next 3 years. These locations will be designed to complement, not duplicate, our existing branch-light strategy and will be staffed by proven local talent with deep market relationships, allowing us to further capture market share, deepen client penetration, and accelerate organic growth while maintaining strict discipline around returns and expense efficiency. We view this next phase of expansion not as a departure from our model, but as a natural evolution, deploying physical offices where the data already demonstrates scale, profitability, and long-term opportunity. The three strategies I have just outlined align well with the USCB's relationship-driven business model. Growth in professional firms, closely held businesses, and income-producing real estate continues to generate high-quality loans and deposit opportunities.

Speaker #3: These locations will be designed to complement, not duplicate, our existing branch-light strategy, and will be staffed by proven local talent with deep market relationships.

Speaker #3: Allowing us to further capture market share, deepen client penetration, and accelerate our granular growth, while maintaining strict discipline around returns and expense efficiency.

Speaker #3: We view this next phase of expansion not as a departure from our model, but as a natural evolution—deploying physical offices where the data already demonstrates scale, profitability, and long-term opportunity.

Speaker #3: The three strategies I have just outlined align well with USCB’s relationship-driven business model. Growth in professional firms, closely held businesses, and income-producing real estate continues to generate high-quality loans and deposit opportunities.

Speaker #3: Our specialized verticals and conservative underwriting allow us to participate in this growth while maintaining excellent credit quality. Simply put, Florida's strength maintains a powerful headwind for USCB, and while we believe the state's long-term fundamentals continue to support sustainable growth opportunities for our franchise.

Luis de la Aguilera: Our specialized verticals and conservative underwriting allow us to participate in this growth while maintaining excellent credit quality. Simply put, Florida's strength maintains a powerful tailwind for USCB, while we believe the state's long-term fundamentals continue to support sustainable growth opportunities for our franchise. With that said, operator, we are now ready to open the line for Q&A.

Speaker #3: With that said, operator, we are now ready to open the line for Q&A.

Speaker #2: At this time, we'll begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then one using a touch-tone telephone.

Operator 2: At this time, we'll begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then one using a touch-tone telephone. To withdraw your question, you may press star and two. If you are using a speakerphone, we do ask that you please pick up your handset prior to pressing the keys to ensure the best sound quality. Once again, that is star and then one to join the question queue. Our first question today comes from William Jones from KBW. Please go ahead with your question.

Operator: At this time, we'll begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star and then one using a touch-tone telephone. To withdraw your question, you may press star and two. If you are using a speakerphone, we do ask that you please pick up your handset prior to pressing the keys to ensure the best sound quality. Once again, that is star and then one to join the question queue. Our first question today comes from William Jones from KBW. Please go ahead with your question.

Speaker #2: To withdraw your question, you may press star and two. If you are using a speakerphone, we do ask that you please pick up your handset prior to pressing the keys to ensure the best sound quality.

Speaker #2: Once again, that is star, and then one, to join the question queue. Our first question today comes from Will Jones from KBW. Please go ahead with your question.

Speaker #4: Yeah, hey, thanks. Good morning, guys.

William Jones: Yeah. Hey, thanks. Good morning, guys.

Speaker #5: Good morning.

Luis de la Aguilera: Morning.

Rob Anderson: Morning.

Speaker #4: Hey, Rob, I wanted to start firstly on the margin. This quarter, it felt like just with some of the loan dynamics with the payoffs early and the growth late, that we didn't really get to

William Jones: Hey, Rob, I wanted to start firstly on the margin. This quarter, it felt like just with some of the loan dynamics, with the payoffs early and the growth late, that we didn't really get to see or realize fully optimized margin just from the bond restructure that you guys did and some of the liquidity deployment that you guys had planned. Is there a way to look at what a March NIM would have looked like, just as we think about a good starting point for the margin going forward?

Speaker #1: See , you know , realize full , fully optimized margin just from the bond structure that you guys did . And some of the liquidity deployment that you guys had planned .

Speaker #1: Is there a way to look at like , like what a march Nim would have look like ? Just , just as we think about , you know , a good starting point for the margin going forward

Speaker #2: Yeah , on the margin , I mean , our net interest income was down slightly . I mean , you had the day count in there .

Luis de la Aguilera: Yeah. On the margin, our net interest income was down slightly. You had the day count in there, of course. Also we had elevated payoffs real early in the quarter. We had some clients that sold some properties that left, and then hovering around 60% of our loan production occurred in March. The March margin was right around 328. It's been pretty steady for the three months. I would anticipate all the additional earning assets that came in mainly in the last two weeks of March to help fuel the net interest income for Q2. We have a very strong pipeline right now, probably one of the strongest we've seen. April activity was strong on the loan side as well. I would anticipate flat to slightly higher margin given what we're doing on the deposits. We don't have to pay up for deposits either.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. On the margin, our net interest income was down slightly. You had the day count in there, of course. Also we had elevated payoffs real early in the quarter. We had some clients that sold some properties that left, and then hovering around 60% of our loan production occurred in March. The March margin was right around 328. It's been pretty steady for the three months. I would anticipate all the additional earning assets that came in mainly in the last two weeks of March to help fuel the net interest income for Q2. We have a very strong pipeline right now, probably one of the strongest we've seen. April activity was strong on the loan side as well. I would anticipate flat to slightly higher margin given what we're doing on the deposits. We don't have to pay up for deposits either.

Speaker #2: Of course, but also we had elevated payoffs real early in the quarter. We had some properties, clients that sold some properties that left.

Speaker #2: And then over around 60% of our loan production occurred in March . You know , the March margin was right around 328 . So it's been pretty steady for the for the three months .

Speaker #2: I would anticipate all the additional earning assets that came in mainly in the last two weeks of March to help fuel the net interest income for the second quarter. We have a very strong pipeline right now, probably one of the strongest we've seen. April activity was strong on the loan side as well.

Speaker #2: So I would anticipate flat to slightly higher margin, given what we're doing on the deposits. And we don't have to pay up for deposits either.

Speaker #2: So you know , I would model flat to slightly up near term You know , in the meantime , you know , we decreased the cost of the entire deposit book by eight basis points in the quarter .

Luis de la Aguilera: I would model flat to slightly up near-term.

Rob Anderson: I would model flat to slightly up near-term.

William Jones: Yeah. Do you have that, just the new incremental deposit this quarter, just what that's costing and kind of what the competitive dynamics are looking like today?

Luis de la Aguilera: Yeah. We grew about $149 million in the quarter, and it was very broad-based. Lou mentioned about $62 million of that came from our specialty verticals, meaning the Private Client Group, Correspondent Banking, and our Homeowners Association, which you know we've been emphasizing and will continue to put a lot of resources behind.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. We grew about $149 million in the quarter, and it was very broad-based. Lou mentioned about $62 million of that came from our specialty verticals, meaning the Private Client Group, Correspondent Banking, and our Homeowners Association, which you know we've been emphasizing and will continue to put a lot of resources behind.

Robert Anderson: The balance of it came across the board. In the meantime, we decreased the cost of the entire deposit book by 8 basis points in the quarter. It's not like we were paying up for that funding. Our DDA has been strong in the early parts of April, so we feel pretty confident about maintaining kind of our deposit costs in or around the current levels. I could tell you, the specialty verticals have a much lower deposit cost than overall. For instance, our Private Client Group deposit costs in that book, which is about a little over 2%. Correspondent Banking is probably around 165, and our HOA loans are probably around a similar amount.

Rob Anderson: The balance of it came across the board. In the meantime, we decreased the cost of the entire deposit book by 8 basis points in the quarter. It's not like we were paying up for that funding. Our DDA has been strong in the early parts of April, so we feel pretty confident about maintaining kind of our deposit costs in or around the current levels. I could tell you, the specialty verticals have a much lower deposit cost than overall. For instance, our Private Client Group deposit costs in that book, which is about a little over 2%. Correspondent Banking is probably around 165, and our HOA loans are probably around a similar amount.

Speaker #2: So it's not like we were paying up up for that funding . You know , our , our DD is , has been strong in the early parts of April .

Speaker #2: So , you know , we feel pretty confident about maintaining kind of our deposit costs in or around the current levels . And I could tell you , you know , the specialty verticals have a much lower deposit cost than overall .

Speaker #2: For instance , our private client group , the deposit costs in that book , which is about a little over 2% correspondent banking is probably around 165 .

Speaker #2: And our HOA loans are probably around a similar amount.

Speaker #1: Yeah . All right . That's great . That's very helpful . Color . And then I guess just , just kind of a little on some , some of your final thoughts there .

William Jones: Yeah. All right. That's great. That's a very helpful color. I guess just kind of curtailing, Lou, on some of your final thoughts there. It feels like the next 2, 3, 4, or 5 years is going to be a pretty transformational period for you guys, just in terms of what you want to do with the growth of the franchise. I guess within that comes a little bit of upfront investment, as you guys talked about. It still feels like you're going to carry some pretty solid revenue momentum just from that growth. What is the right way to think about operating leverage as we look out maybe over this year and next? Maybe curtail that on just some near-term profitability goals that you guys might have.

Speaker #1: It feels , feels like the next , you know , two , two , three , 4 or 5 years is going to be a pretty transformational period for you guys just in terms of what you want to do with , with growth of the franchise .

Speaker #1: And I guess within that , you know , comes a little bit of , you know , upfront investment as you guys talked about .

Speaker #1: But it still feels like you're going to carry some pretty solid revenue momentum . Just just from that growth . So , so what is the right way to think about operating leverage as we look out maybe over this year and next , you know , and then maybe curtail that on just , you know , some , some near-term profitability goals that , that you guys might have .

Speaker #2: Yeah , it's a good question . Well , we've been modeling that out , but we do have a really strong three year strategic plan .

Robert Anderson: Yeah. It's a good question, Will, and we've been modeling that out. We do have a really strong three-year strategic plan. It does involve some investments, mainly moving up to Broward and Palm Beach, in addition to investing heavily in Miami-Dade. I think the word that I would use will be measured. We're clocking a 125 ROA, 16% on equity. I do not see those materially moving down. Of course, asset quality has been our cornerstone, but we will be making investments. I think you can expect the expenses to tick up, but we're still growing the balance sheet at a double-digit pace and compounding our equity around 16%. That should translate into good earnings and returns for our shareholders that are well within kind of what I'd say is our current performance.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. It's a good question, Will, and we've been modeling that out. We do have a really strong three-year strategic plan. It does involve some investments, mainly moving up to Broward and Palm Beach, in addition to investing heavily in Miami-Dade. I think the word that I would use will be measured. We're clocking a 125 ROA, 16% on equity. I do not see those materially moving down. Of course, asset quality has been our cornerstone, but we will be making investments. I think you can expect the expenses to tick up, but we're still growing the balance sheet at a double-digit pace and compounding our equity around 16%. That should translate into good earnings and returns for our shareholders that are well within kind of what I'd say is our current performance.

Speaker #2: It does involve some investments, mainly moving up to Broward and Palm Beach in addition to investing heavily in Miami-Dade. I think the word that I would use will be 'measured.'

Speaker #2: You know , we're clocking a 125 ROA 16% on equity . You know , I do not see those materially moving down . Of course , asset quality has been our cornerstone , but we will be making investments .

Speaker #2: I think you can expect the expenses to tick up, but we're still growing the balance sheet at a double-digit pace and compounding our equity around 16%.

Speaker #2: So that should translate into good earnings and, you know, returns for our shareholders that are well within kind of what I would say is our current performance.

Speaker #2: And we'll .

Luis de la Aguilera: Will, to add to that. This is Lou. To add to that, the fact that we've built out in Broward and Palm Beach the portfolios we have in loans and deposits, over $445 million in loans, over $415 in deposits. That is as large as some smaller banks that are up there that have multiple branches. We already have the demand. It's clear that proof of concept. Over 2,100 customers. We feel that strategically opening banking centers, we can not only service those customers more readily, but also attract new ones. As you know, over the last decade, there's been a lot of M&A activity in Broward and Palm Beach, and there's, I think, a wide-open opportunity for us.

Speaker #3: Add to that the this is to add to that , you the fact that we've built out in Broward and Palm Beach , the the portfolios we have in loans and deposits , over 445 million in loans , over 415 in deposits , you know , that is as large as some smaller banks that are up there that have multiple branches .

Speaker #3: So we already have the demand . It's clear that proof of concept , over 2100 customers . And we feel that strategically opening banking centers , we can not only service those customers more readily , but also attract new ones .

Speaker #3: As you know , over the last decade , there's been a lot of M&A activity in in Broward and Palm Beach . And there's , I think a wide open opportunity for us

Speaker #1: Yeah. Well, it's certainly a fun growth story to cover. So, I look forward to seeing what you guys do over the next few years.

William Jones: Yeah. Well, it's certainly a fun growth story to cover. Look forward to seeing what you guys do over the next few years. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #1: Thanks guys .

Speaker #2: Thanks , will

Robert Anderson: Thank you, Will.

Rob Anderson: Thank you, Will.

Speaker #4: Our next question comes from Michael Rose from Raymond James. Please go ahead with your question.

Luis de la Aguilera: Thanks.

Operator 2: Our next question comes from Michael Rose from Raymond James. Please go ahead with your question.

Operator: Our next question comes from Michael Rose from Raymond James. Please go ahead with your question.

Speaker #5: Hey good morning guys . Thanks for taking my questions . Just wanted to follow up on , you know , kind of the , you some of the deposit commentary and , you know , I know that was kind of your , your number one priority coming into the year .

Michael Rose: Hey, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking my questions. Just wanted to follow up on kind of some of the deposit commentary. I know that was kind of your number one priority coming into the year. You guys really executed both on the interest bearing front, but especially on the NIB front. Mix remained relatively stable. Just as we think about some of the efforts to ramp up or continue loan growth at kind of higher levels, and I think, Lou, you did a really good job kind of outlining some of the priorities and strategies as we move forward. I know you described some of the deposit aspects as well, but should we anticipate any change in that mix? Then maybe just from a shorter-term perspective, Rob, what are you assuming in terms of rate cuts, if any?

Speaker #5: You guys really , you know , executed both on the , you know , interest bearing front , but especially on the , the nib front mix , you know , remain relatively stable , just as we think about , some of the efforts to , to ramp up or continue loan growth at kind of higher levels .

Speaker #5: And I think , Lou , you did a really good job kind of outlining some of the priorities and strategies as we move forward And I know you described some of the deposit , you aspects as well , but , you know , should we anticipate any change in that mix and then maybe just for from a shorter term perspective , Rob I mean , what are you assuming in terms of , you know , rate cuts , if any ?

Speaker #5: It seems like the forward curve doesn't have any in there , just the ability to kind of , you know , put a cap on , on deposit costs for some of the growth in some of the specialty verticals .

Michael Rose: It seems like the forward curve doesn't have any in there. Just the ability to kind of put a cap on deposit costs with some of the growth in some of the specialty verticals. I know there's a lot in there, but just trying to kind of frame up the deposit conversation. Thanks.

Speaker #5: I know there's a lot in there, but just trying to kind of frame up the deposit conversation. Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah . So maybe I'll start , you know , I would say early in the quarter , you know , February time frame .

Robert Anderson: Yeah. Maybe I'll start. I would say early in the quarter, February timeframe, it seemed like rates were starting to move down. March hit and rates started moving back up. We're not anticipating rate cuts near term, but they're still, I think, one in the forward curve going forward. As a reminder, we still profile liability sensitive just slightly, which I think would benefit us, and we've been able to outperform our modeling. I think if we do get the rate cuts, that will be beneficial to the margin. We have put a lot of emphasis on our deposit book because we feel that's where we add franchise value, is having small, granular, low-cost deposits across the board.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. Maybe I'll start. I would say early in the quarter, February timeframe, it seemed like rates were starting to move down. March hit and rates started moving back up. We're not anticipating rate cuts near term, but they're still, I think, one in the forward curve going forward. As a reminder, we still profile liability sensitive just slightly, which I think would benefit us, and we've been able to outperform our modeling. I think if we do get the rate cuts, that will be beneficial to the margin. We have put a lot of emphasis on our deposit book because we feel that's where we add franchise value, is having small, granular, low-cost deposits across the board.

Speaker #2: I mean, it seemed like rates were starting to move down, and then March hit and, you know, rates started moving back up.

Speaker #2: You know , we're not anticipating rate cuts near term , but they're still , I think one in the forward in the forward curve going forward .

Speaker #2: As a reminder , you know we still profile liability sensitive . You know just slightly , which I think would benefit us . And we've been able to outperform our modeling .

Speaker #2: So I think if we do get the rate rate cuts , that will be beneficial to the margin , we have put a lot of emphasis on our deposit book because we feel that's where we add franchise value is having small , granular , low cost deposits across the board .

Speaker #2: So we've made investments in our private client group and our HOA space and our correspondent banking . And of course , in our , our business banking and just how we price and go after deposits across the board .

Robert Anderson: We've made investments in our Private Client Group, in our HOA space, in our Correspondent Banking, and of course in our business banking and just how we price and go after deposits across the board. We're talking to the sales team constantly, whether it's in pipeline meetings or monthly leadership meetings. That is a heavy focus for us. I think you can continue to see both the loans and deposits growing at double digits. We've given that guidance before. This quarter was a little outsized on the deposit side, but we needed that given what we had at year-end. I don't think the deposit cost is going to move materially next quarter unless we have a rate cut, which isn't anticipated at this time. I would stop with that color, unless Lou wants to add anything else to it.

Rob Anderson: We've made investments in our Private Client Group, in our HOA space, in our Correspondent Banking, and of course in our business banking and just how we price and go after deposits across the board. We're talking to the sales team constantly, whether it's in pipeline meetings or monthly leadership meetings. That is a heavy focus for us. I think you can continue to see both the loans and deposits growing at double digits. We've given that guidance before. This quarter was a little outsized on the deposit side, but we needed that given what we had at year-end. I don't think the deposit cost is going to move materially next quarter unless we have a rate cut, which isn't anticipated at this time. I would stop with that color, unless Lou wants to add anything else to it.

Speaker #2: We're talking to the sales team constantly, whether it's in pipeline meetings or monthly leadership meetings. That is a heavy focus for us.

Speaker #2: But I think you can continue to see both the loans and deposits growing at double digits. We've given that guidance before.

Speaker #2: This quarter was a little outsized on the deposit side , but we needed that given what we had at year end . But I don't think the deposit cost is going to move materially next quarter unless we have a rate cut , which isn't anticipated at this time .

Speaker #2: So I would stop with that, that that color, unless Lou wants to add anything else to it.

Speaker #3: No . But

Luis de la Aguilera: No, I'm good.

Speaker #5: Okay . Perfect . I appreciate it . And then just , you know , I think I heard Rob earlier that you expect swap fees to normalize , not , not surprised there .

Michael Rose: Okay, perfect. I appreciate it. Just, I think I heard, Rob earlier that you expect swap fees to normalize. Not surprised there. I think you've kind of previously talked, and the service charges were up this quarter, which was nice to see. I think previously you talked about a $4 to $4.5 million a quarter kind of run rate for fee income. I know it's a smaller piece relative to spread income for sure, but any updated thoughts there as we kind of move forward and you kind of grow out on the deposit side? Thanks.

Speaker #5: You know, I think you kind of previously talked, and the service charges were up this quarter, which was nice to see.

Speaker #5: You know, I think previously we talked about a $4 million or $4.5 million a quarter, you know, kind of run rate for fee income.

Speaker #5: I know it's a smaller piece relative to spread income for sure . But you know , any updated thoughts there as we kind of move forward and you kind of grow out , you know , on the deposit side .

Speaker #5: Thanks .

Speaker #2: Yeah . On the noninterest income on the on the fee side , the swaps were the outstanding , you know , item in the quarter .

Robert Anderson: Yeah. On the non-interest and on the fee side, the swaps were the outstanding item in the quarter. I think the sales team really knows how to work with their customers, position that as a product where they can choose either a fixed rate or a swap. That was elevated in February. We had a fair amount that locked in at a little bit tighter spreads. March came in a little tighter, but February was a good month. I think you'll see the swap number come back down to maybe $700,000 a quarter, and that would put maybe total fees, all else being equal, right around maybe $3.7 million, somewhere around there for the quarter. Certainly, $4.1 million was a nice quarter for us and a standout, and the team did a great job.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. On the non-interest and on the fee side, the swaps were the outstanding item in the quarter. I think the sales team really knows how to work with their customers, position that as a product where they can choose either a fixed rate or a swap. That was elevated in February. We had a fair amount that locked in at a little bit tighter spreads. March came in a little tighter, but February was a good month. I think you'll see the swap number come back down to maybe $700,000 a quarter, and that would put maybe total fees, all else being equal, right around maybe $3.7 million, somewhere around there for the quarter. Certainly, $4.1 million was a nice quarter for us and a standout, and the team did a great job.

Speaker #2: I think the sales team really knows how to , to work with their , customers position that as a product where they can choose either a fixed rate or a swap , and , you know , that was elevated February .

Speaker #2: We had a fair amount that locked in at a little bit tighter spreads. March came in a little tighter, but February was a good month.

Speaker #2: I think you'll see the swap number come back down to maybe 700,000 a quarter. And that would put maybe total fees, all else being equal, right around maybe $3.7 million, somewhere around there for the quarter.

Speaker #2: But certainly , you know , 4.1 was , was a nice quarter for us and a standout . And the team did a great job

Speaker #5: Okay . Great . And maybe just one final one for me . You know , obviously you guys continue to have really strong you know capital levels .

Michael Rose: Okay, great. Maybe just one final one for me. Obviously, you guys continue to have really strong capital levels. They bumped up higher this quarter despite pretty strong balance sheet growth. Any sort of thoughts around normalized capital levels as you kind of execute upon these growth plans and maybe what that could translate to from either a ROIC or an ROA perspective just over the next kind of intermediate to longer term as we think about the story playing out with all the growth initiatives that you talked about earlier? Thanks.

Speaker #5: They bumped up higher this quarter despite , you know , pretty strong balance sheet growth . Any sort of thoughts around , you know , normalized capital levels as you kind of execute upon these , these growth plans and , you know , maybe what that could translate to from either a Rothesay or an ROA perspective , you just over the next , you know , kind of the intermediate to longer term as we think about the story playing out with all the growth initiatives that you talked about earlier .

Speaker #5: Thanks .

Speaker #2: Yeah, you know, this year we increased our dividend to 12.5 cents a quarter. I think that that will remain at that level for the current time.

Robert Anderson: Yeah. This year we increased our dividend to $0.125 a quarter. I think that will remain at that level for current time. Our capital is really supporting our growth, but when we're compounding our capital at 16%, 17%, which I think is a great return for a bank our size, we're going to build capital. We're growing our earnings faster than our balance sheet, so that should continue to grow our capital levels. I think our capital levels are good from where they are, but we'll continue deployment at a profitable pace as well. We may rethink the dividend, but I would say that's pretty safe at the current levels for the balance of the year.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. This year we increased our dividend to $0.125 a quarter. I think that will remain at that level for current time. Our capital is really supporting our growth, but when we're compounding our capital at 16%, 17%, which I think is a great return for a bank our size, we're going to build capital. We're growing our earnings faster than our balance sheet, so that should continue to grow our capital levels. I think our capital levels are good from where they are, but we'll continue deployment at a profitable pace as well. We may rethink the dividend, but I would say that's pretty safe at the current levels for the balance of the year.

Speaker #2: You know , our capital is really supporting our growth . But when we're compounding our capital at 16 or 17% , which I think is a great return for a bank , our size , you know , we're going to build capital .

Speaker #2: You know , we're growing our earnings faster than than our balance sheet . So that should continue to grow our capital levels . And I think our capital levels are good from where they are .

Speaker #2: But you know , we'll continue to deploy them . And at a profitable pace as well . So , you know , we may rethink the dividend , but , you know , I would say that's pretty safe at the current levels for the balance of the year

Speaker #5: Great . Definitely a high class problem . Thanks for taking my questions , guys .

Michael Rose: Great. Definitely a high-class problem. Thanks for taking my questions, guys.

Speaker #2: Thank you . Michael .

Robert Anderson: Thank you, Michael.

Rob Anderson: Thank you, Michael.

Speaker #4: Our next question comes from Ted Strickland from Howdy. Please go ahead with your question.

Operator 2: Our next question comes from Feddie Strickland from Hovde. Please go ahead with your question.

Operator: Our next question comes from Feddie Strickland from Hovde. Please go ahead with your question.

Speaker #5: Hey. Good morning. It sounds like there's maybe still a little bit of room for the margin to grow from here, maybe on the yield side.

Feddie Strickland: Hey, good morning. It sounds like there's maybe still a little bit of room for the margin to grow from here, maybe on the yield side. It looks like the weighted average yield on new production, I think, was around 6.20 is what you had in the deck. What's the pickup you're seeing there versus what you're seeing in the loans rolling off, particularly maybe fixed rate CRE coming up for repricing?

Speaker #5: And it looks like the weighted average yield on new production, I think, was around 6.20 — is what you had in the deck.

Speaker #5: What's the pickup you're seeing there versus what you're seeing on loans rolling off, particularly maybe fixed-rate CRE coming up for repricing?

Speaker #2: Yeah , it's a good question . I mean , I think our production I mentioned this the pipeline is really strong right now .

Robert Anderson: Yeah. It's a good question. I think our production, I mentioned this, the pipeline is really strong right now. It's probably one of the strongest that we've had in a long time, and it's more balanced earlier in the quarter. Outside of the correspondent piece, which was a little bit lower this past quarter, the yields were around 6.20%. I think today they're hovering right around that for really solid gold-plated CRE type properties. But I would anticipate that we would be right around the same level. I don't see that moving significantly higher or significantly lower on the loan yield. We haven't changed our pricing significantly, and our pipeline's really strong at those levels. We tend to want to keep the sales team fixed with volume and pricing that is in the market today where we don't have to go chase stuff.

Rob Anderson: Yeah. It's a good question. I think our production, I mentioned this, the pipeline is really strong right now. It's probably one of the strongest that we've had in a long time, and it's more balanced earlier in the quarter. Outside of the correspondent piece, which was a little bit lower this past quarter, the yields were around 6.20%. I think today they're hovering right around that for really solid gold-plated CRE type properties. But I would anticipate that we would be right around the same level. I don't see that moving significantly higher or significantly lower on the loan yield. We haven't changed our pricing significantly, and our pipeline's really strong at those levels. We tend to want to keep the sales team fixed with volume and pricing that is in the market today where we don't have to go chase stuff.

Speaker #2: It's probably one of the strongest that we've had in a long time. And it's more balanced earlier in the quarter. You know, the outside of the correspondent piece, which was a little bit lower this past quarter.

Speaker #2: You know , the yields were around 620 , I think today they're hovering right around that for really solid gold plated CRE type properties .

Speaker #2: But I would anticipate that we would be right around the same level. I don't see that moving significantly higher or significantly lower on the loan yield.

Speaker #2: We haven't changed our pricing significantly , and our pipeline is really strong at those levels . So we tend to , you know , want to keep the sales team , you know , fixed with with volume and pricing that is in the market today where we don't have to go chase stuff .

Speaker #2: And I think given where we are in terms of our growth and what we're putting on , you know , we don't have to go out and and chase a lot of lower , lower yielding assets .

Robert Anderson: I think given where we are in terms of our growth and what we're putting on, we don't have to go out and chase a lot of lower yielding assets. I would say at or near the current levels would be good for modeling, Feddie.

Rob Anderson: I think given where we are in terms of our growth and what we're putting on, we don't have to go out and chase a lot of lower yielding assets. I would say at or near the current levels would be good for modeling, Feddie.

Speaker #2: So I would say at or near the current levels would be good for modeling. Fetty

Speaker #5: And Rob, just what I was trying to get at is, do you have anything that's coming off at lower rates that's been replaced with that?

Feddie Strickland: Rob, just what I was trying to get at is, do you have anything that's coming off at lower rates that's being replaced with that 6.20 or so? That's what I'm curious about.

Speaker #5: Six, 20 or so? That's what I'm curious about.

Speaker #2: Yeah , yeah , we do . We have some stuff that , you know , we're originating and you know , 21 that , that we're still at lower rates that that will be be moving off .

Robert Anderson: Yeah, we do. We have some stuff that we were originating in 2021 that we're still at lower rates that will be moving off. I think we had a payoff the other day. I think it was at 4.85. That was probably maybe $7 to $10 million loan that came off. I don't have the exact number that's rolling off. We would anticipate we had over $50 million of net loan growth. I think that's a good number to model for the coming quarter as well, given our pipeline is similar to what we had, maybe a little bit more elevated.

Rob Anderson: Yeah, we do. We have some stuff that we were originating in 2021 that we're still at lower rates that will be moving off. I think we had a payoff the other day. I think it was at 4.85. That was probably maybe $7 to $10 million loan that came off. I don't have the exact number that's rolling off. We would anticipate we had over $50 million of net loan growth. I think that's a good number to model for the coming quarter as well, given our pipeline is similar to what we had, maybe a little bit more elevated.

Speaker #2: I think we had to pay off the other day. I think it was at 485. That was probably maybe 7 to 10, $10 million loan.

Speaker #2: You know , that that came off . But we do do . I don't have the exact number that that's rolling off , but you know , we would anticipate we had over $50 million of net loan growth .

Speaker #2: I think that's a good model, a number to model for the coming quarter as well. Given our pipeline is similar to what we had—maybe a little bit more elevated.

Speaker #5: Appreciate that . That's helpful . And then on the correspondent banking side , obviously super , super strong growth there this quarter . Was that kind of expected or seasonal or was any of that driven by some of the , you geopolitical turmoil we've seen lately ?

Feddie Strickland: Appreciate that. That's helpful. On the Correspondent Banking side, obviously super strong growth there this quarter. Was that kind of expected or seasonal, or was any of that driven by some of the geopolitical turmoil we've seen lately? Maybe you had some customers come in more there. Is that not really a direct impact?

Speaker #5: Maybe you had some some customers come in more . There ? Is that that not really a direct impact ?

Speaker #3: No , that's that was planned . Fetty . We we we want to grow that book responsibly . Our focus is the Caribbean basin and Central America to that effect .

Luis de la Aguilera: No, that was planned, Fedi. We want to grow that responsibly. Our focus is the Caribbean Basin and Central America. To that effect, we have onboarded three new banks in this quarter, and we are looking at an additional five. Our team just visited with one, with our lead director, Central America. We do kind of quarterly visits. Just like a domestic customer, they are eager for customer service execution. I think that we're poised to do that. Again, on the loans, keep in mind that the term of these loans are 180 days, and the business is really relationship-driven because the loans, not all the banks borrow, but all of them have deposits, and they're low-cost deposits. We do a tremendous amount of wire activity.

Speaker #3: We have onboarded three new banks in this quarter, and we are looking at an additional five. Our team just visited with one, with our Lead Director, Central America.

Speaker #3: We do kind of quarterly visits and just like a domestic customer , they're eager for customer service execution . And I think that we're , we're , we're poised to do that .

Speaker #3: And again , on the loans , keep in mind that the , the term of these loans are 180 days . And the business is really relationship driven because the loans , not all the banks borrow , but all of them have deposits and they're low cost deposits .

Speaker #3: And we do a tremendous amount of wire activity . So for us , it's a very good business . And it gives us diversity on the loan side , cheap funding .

Luis de la Aguilera: For us, it's a very good business, and it gives us diversity on the loan side, cheap funding, and these are very established banks. We look very carefully at country risk. The banks, by and large, are very well capitalized and very established.

Speaker #3: And and these are very established banks . We we look very carefully at country risk . And , and the banks , by and large are very well capitalized .

Speaker #3: And, and, and very, very established.

Speaker #5: Great color . Thanks for that . And just one last quick one here , Rob . I know you guys had a one time tax item this quarter .

Feddie Strickland: Great color. Thanks for that, Lou. Just one last quick one here, Rob. I know you guys had a one-time tax item this quarter. What should we expect as a good kind of normalized tax rate going forward?

Speaker #5: What should we expect as a good kind of normalized tax rate going forward?

Speaker #2: Yeah. For modeling, I'd use about 26.4%. I think that's a good, good rate to use going forward.

Robert Anderson: Yeah, for modeling, I'd use about 26.4%. I think that's a good rate to use going forward.

Rob Anderson: Yeah, for modeling, I'd use about 26.4%. I think that's a good rate to use going forward.

Speaker #5: All right. Perfect. Thanks for taking my questions.

Feddie Strickland: All right, perfect. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you .

Robert Anderson: Thank you, Fedi.

Rob Anderson: Thank you, Fedi.

Speaker #4: Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star and then one to queue your questions. You may press star.

Operator 2: Our next question comes from Howard Feinglass from Priam Capital. Please go ahead with your question.

Speaker #4: And two, our next question comes from Howard Feinglass from Priam Capital. Please go ahead with your question.

Operator: Once again to ask a question please press star, then one. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. Our next question comes from Howard Feinglass from Priam Capital. Please go ahead with your question.

Howard Feinglass: I hit it by accident, guys, sorry.

Speaker #6: I hit it by accident, guys. Sorry.

Speaker #4: Mr. Feinglass, please, please proceed with your question.

Operator 2: Mr. Feinglass, please proceed with your question.

Operator: Mr. Feinglass, please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: I believe he said that, you guys.

Luis de la Aguilera: I believe he said that he.

Howard Feinglass: It was by accident, guys. Sorry.

Speaker #6: Sorry .

Speaker #3: It was by accident .

Luis de la Aguilera: It was by accident.

Operator 2: Got you. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star and one. It's showing no additional questions at this time. I'd like to turn the floor back over to the management group for any closing comments.

Operator: Got you. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star and one. It's showing no additional questions at this time. I'd like to turn the floor back over to the management group for any closing comments.

Speaker #4: And once again , if you would like to ask a question , please press star and one . And in showing no additional questions at this time , I'd like to turn the floor back over to the management group for any closing comments .

Speaker #3: Thank you . In closing , the first quarter was an excellent start to 2026 . Effectively a strong kickoff to our three year strategic plan .

Luis de la Aguilera: Thank you. In closing, Q1 was an excellent start to 2026, effectively a strong kickoff to our three-year strategic plan. We delivered record earnings, continued to grow the balances prudently, maintaining strong margins, and preserved outstanding credit quality while returning capital to shareholders. Our franchise remains well-positioned in one of the most attractive banking markets in the country, supported by a differentiated business model, specialized vertical, and a proven management team. We appreciate the continued confidence and support of our shareholders, clients, and employees, and look forward to speaking with you in the next quarter. I wish you all a great day, and thank you for your continued confidence in U.S. Century Bank.

Speaker #3: We delivered record earnings and continue to grow, balancing prudently, maintaining strong margins, and preserving outstanding credit quality while returning capital to shareholders.

Speaker #3: Our franchise remains well positioned in one of the most attractive banking markets in the country , supported by a differentiated business model , specialized , vertical and a proven management team .

Speaker #3: We appreciate the continued confidence and support of our shareholders, clients, and employees, and look forward to speaking with you in the next quarter.

Speaker #3: So I wish you all a great day, and thank you for your continued confidence in U.S. Century Bank.

Operator 2: With that, we'll be concluding today's conference call and presentation. We thank you for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.

Operator: With that, we'll be concluding today's conference call and presentation. We thank you for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.

Q1 2026 USCB Financial Holdings Inc Earnings Call

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