Jimmy Tallent Success Quotations

Our operating efficiency ratio of 58.80% for the quarter is within our long-term efficiency goal of 58% to 60%, reflecting the success of our recent expansion efforts and the continued strength of our existing franchise.

This is a significant milestone and our first public equity offering. We're very pleased with the investor community's positive response. This additional capital will allow us to continue to pursue and execute our successful balanced growth strategy.

Once again we met our performance goals of double-digit earnings per share growth and a return on tangible equity above 18% for the year. This year was exceptional. We took an opportunity to leverage our strong earnings performance by making strategic investments in the future growth of our company through a significant de novo expansion. We grew deposits faster than loans while expanding our margin. We raised additional capital through a very successful equity offering during the fourth quarter. And most importantly, this was all done while continuing to meet our primary financial goals.