Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FB Financial reported EPS of 84 cents and adjusted EPS of 85 cents for Q1 2025, with a tangible book value per share growth at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8% since its IPO in 2016 [14][15] - Pre-tax pre-provision net revenue was 51.1million,or52.2 million on an adjusted basis, with net interest income of 107.6millionandnon−interestincomeof23 million for the quarter [23][24] - The net interest margin increased by five basis points to 3.55%, while the cost of total interest-bearing deposits decreased by 24 basis points [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan balances grew by 169millionatanannualizedrateof7.1423 million, with mortgage banking income up by approximately 1.8millionduetolowermarketinterestrates[28]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChanges−ThecompanyoperatesasaregionalbankacrossfivestatesintheSoutheast,focusingoncustomerserviceandcommunityengagementduringeconomicuncertainty[20]−Economicuncertaintyhasincreased,butthecompanybelievesitpresentsopportunitiesfordisciplinedandpreparedorganizations[21]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirection−TheplannedcombinationwithSouthernStatesBankisexpectedtocloseinQ32025,withastrongconvictionintheculturalfitandmarketopportunityofthemerger[13][14]−ThecompanyaimstobalancegrowththroughorganicmeanswhileintegratingtheSouthernStatestransaction,emphasizingthestrengthofitsoperatingfoundation[17]Management′sCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlook−Managementnotedthateconomicuncertaintyisrising,butthecompany′smissionremainsunchanged,focusingonservingcustomersandcommunities[19][20]−Thecompanyispreparedforvariouseconomicenvironments,withastrongcapitalpositionandafocusonunderstandingcustomerneedsduringuncertaintimes[21][22]OtherImportantInformation−Theallowanceforcreditlossbalancedecreasedto151 million, with an annualized net charge-off rate of 0.14% driven by credit in the C&I portfolio [31] - The company maintains strong capital ratios, including a tangible common equity to total assets ratio of 10.5% and a preliminary common equity tier one ratio of 12.8% [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and customer sentiment - Management noted some reticence about major projects at a macro level, but pipelines remain robust with an outlook for high single to low double-digit growth [40][41] Question: Performance in new markets like Asheville and Tuscaloosa - Both markets are showing positive momentum, with strong starts in Tuscaloosa and improving conditions in Asheville [43][44] Question: Stock buyback strategy - The company has $73 million remaining on its stock buyback authorization and will consider buying back shares if they believe the stock is undervalued [51] Question: Balance sheet growth expectations - The company anticipates stronger balance sheet growth in Q2, driven by core customer deposits and managing higher-cost deposits [64][65] Question: Construction commitments and risks - The company is monitoring its construction commitments closely, particularly in Nashville, but maintains a healthy concentration ratio [70] Question: Charge-off expectations and credit quality - Management expects charge-offs to be lower than historical levels, with concerns primarily in the C&I portfolio rather than real estate [92][94] Question: Expense growth and efficiency - The company anticipates a slight increase in expenses due to higher compensation-related costs but expects to stabilize in the latter half of the year [109][111]