Earnings per diluted shares of $0.78 for the first quarter of 2021 increased 36.8% from the first quarter of 2020 primarily as a result of a widening net interest margin, coupled with stable credit quality and well-controlled operating efficiency, as evidenced by an improved efficiency ratio.

At March 31, 2021, excluding the impact of government stimulus initiatives as well as the impact of our Bank of Akron acquisition, our loan portfolio had net organic growth of 1.3% from March 31, 2020.

At March 31, 2021, total deposits of $4.4 billion increased 40.6% from March 31, 2020 as a result of organic growth, coupled with the impact of government stimulus initiatives and our acquisition of Bank of Akron.

Our Wealth and Asset business continues to enhance diversification in our revenue stream as Assets Under Management reached $1.2 billion, at March 31, 2021, representing an increase of 23.6% from March 31, 2020.