Andrew Taylor's questions to ESXB leadership • Q1 2017
Question
Andrew Taylor asked for details on the net interest margin, specifically the drivers of the linked-quarter increase in core loan yields, the forward outlook for the margin, the expense run rate after recent branch openings, and a suitable tax rate for modeling purposes.
Answer
CEO Rex Smith explained that the company is maintaining loan yields by avoiding underpriced deals amidst competition, focusing on full-relationship customers over sheer volume. CFO Bruce Thomas clarified that the Q1 expense run rate is a good baseline, though it might decrease slightly after Q2 as a CDI expense ends. He also noted the Q1 FDIC assessment reflects the new run rate after a Q4 adjustment and suggested a 28% tax rate would be a good target going forward.