ConnectOne's assets now stand at nearly $14 billion, with $11.2 billion in loans and $11.3 billion of deposits, and a market capitalization exceeding $1.2 billion.
Core deposit growth was strong, including gains in DTA balances from both existing and newly acquired relationships.
Loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 99% at the end of Q2, down from 106% as of March 31.
Loan-to-deposit ratio improved to just below 100%, with expectations to operate around that threshold going forward.
Net interest margin was 3.06% in Q2, with expectations to increase to about 3.25% by year-end and continue expanding through 2026.
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased by more than $100 million since March 31, approximately 15% annualized.
Nonperforming asset ratio improved to 0.28% from 0.51% a year ago, and charge-offs remained reasonable at 22 basis points.
Provision for credit losses was $35.7 million in Q2, including a $27.4 million day 1 provision from the merger and an $8.3 million operating provision, higher than usual due to merger-related adjustments.
Tangible common equity ratio stands above 8% at 8.1%, with the bank CET ratio above 12%, slightly down due to the acquisition.
Total deposits were up an annualized 8%, with true core balances increasing by more than $500 million or 17% annualized after factoring in a $200 million decline in brokered deposits.
Strategic Focus on Portfolio Diversification and Yield Enhancement
Management emphasized ongoing efforts to diversify the loan portfolio, including a $22 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, a $12 million rise in construction loans, and a $76 million increase in consumer loans, primarily credit-enhanced.
The strategy aims to improve risk-adjusted returns and drive earnings growth, with a focus on higher-yield asset classes.
Loan pipeline remains healthy with over $40 million in commercial lending letters of intent, expected to yield above 7%.
Portfolio shifts are aligned with long-term value creation and supporting local businesses.
Adjusted operating margin was 18.5% for the quarter, a 150 basis point improvement over prior year, driven by strong organic growth and expense management.
Free cash flow for the first half of 2025 was $217 million, down $88 million from prior year due to increased incentive costs, retirement program redesign, higher cash taxes, and absence of TRANZACT cash inflows.
Health, Wealth & Career (HWC) segment revenue grew 4% with strong growth in Health at 8%, Wealth at 3%, Career at 1%, and flat growth in Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (BD&O).
HWC operating margin increased 190 basis points to 23.8%, and R&B operating margin improved 60 basis points to 21.2%, or 100 basis points excluding foreign exchange impact.
Returned $591 million to shareholders via $500 million in share repurchases and $91 million in dividends during the quarter.
Risk & Broking (R&B) segment revenue grew 6%, with Corporate Risk & Broking (CRB) growing 6% or 7% excluding book of business activity and fiduciary interest income.
WTW delivered 5% organic revenue growth and 150 basis points of adjusted operating margin expansion in Q2 2025, with adjusted EPS of $2.86, up roughly 20% year-over-year.
Dafinchi