Southern States Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Jul 22, 2024

Second Quarter 2024 Performance and Operational Highlights

  • Net income of $8.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share
  • Core net income(1) of $9.1 million, or $1.00 per diluted share(1)
  • Net interest income of $21.6 million, an increase of $740,000 from the prior quarter
  • Net interest margin (“NIM”) of 3.56%, down 3 basis points from the prior quarter
  • NIM of 3.57% on a fully-taxable equivalent basis (“NIM - FTE”)(1)
  • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.29%; return on average stockholders’ equity (“ROAE”) of 14.55%; and return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”)(1) of 15.79%
  • Core ROAA(1) of 1.43%; and core ROATCE(1) of 17.44%
  • Efficiency ratio of 49.78%; and core efficiency ratio of 44.75%
  • Linked-quarter loans grew 10.3% annualized
  • Linked-quarter total deposits grew 12.6% annualized
  • Linked-quarter total deposits, excluding brokered deposits, grew 15.2% annualized
(1) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

ANNISTON, Ala., July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southern States Bancshares, Inc. ( SSBK) (“Southern States” or the “Company”), the holding company for Southern States Bank, an Alabama state-chartered commercial bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $8.2 million, or $0.90 diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024. This compares to net income of $8.1 million, or $0.90 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2024, and net income of $8.8 million, or $0.98 diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2023. The Company reported core net income of $9.1 million, or $1.00 diluted core earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024. This compares to core net income of $8.1 million, or $0.90 diluted core earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2024, and core net income of $7.1 million, or $0.79 diluted core earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2023 (see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”).

CEO Commentary
Mark Chambers, Chief Executive Officer and President of Southern States said, “We generated consistent growth in the second quarter with continued progress in business development adding high-quality loans and core deposits. We are seeing well-balanced loan growth across all our major areas of lending. Our total loan growth of 10.3% (annualized from the prior quarter) and total deposit growth of 12.6% reflected our ability to perform well through economic cycles.”
“We continue to be a high-performing bank with strong profitability metrics including ROATCE of 15.79%. Effective expense management resulted in our second highest core efficiency ratio of 44.75%.”
“Consistent with our prudent approach to risk management, we have a strong and durable foundation with high levels of capital reserves and strong credit quality. The addition of CBB Bancorp, which we expect to close on August 1, will strengthen our platform, drive loan and deposit growth, and expand our franchise in growing and attractive Georgia markets. Our two organizations are culturally aligned with a ‘Customer First’ mindset and we are excited to realize all the synergies that will benefit our customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities we serve.”
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Three Months Ended% Change June 30, 2024 vs.
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Average interest-earning assets$2,440,425$2,336,369$2,091,9984.5%16.7%
Net interest income$21,579$20,839$19,4323.6%11.0%
Net interest margin3.56%3.59%3.73%(3)bps(17)bps

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2024 was $21.6 million, an increase of 3.6% from $20.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by a higher yield on interest-earning assets resulting from growth at higher interest rates, which more than offset a higher cost of interest-bearing deposits due to both higher interest rates and competition.

Relative to the second quarter of 2023, net interest income increased $2.1 million, or 11.0%. The increase was mainly driven by growth, which offset the slight decline in net interest margin.

Net interest margin for the second quarter of 2024 was 3.56%, compared to 3.59% for the first quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits, which was greater than the increase in the yield on interest-earning assets.

Relative to the second quarter of 2023, net interest margin decreased from 3.73%. The decrease was primarily the result of the increase in interest rates, which accelerated the cost of interest-bearing liabilities at a greater pace than the yield received on interest-earning assets. A shift from noninterest-bearing deposits into interest-bearing deposits also had a negative impact on net interest margin.

Noninterest Income
Three Months Ended% Change June 30, 2024 vs.
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts$462$463$456(0.2)%1.3%
Swap fees415173(73.3)%(97.7)%
SBA/USDA fees586466(9.4)%(12.1)%
Mortgage origination fees9296188(4.2)%(51.1)%
Net gain (loss) on securities20(12)(45)(266.7)%(144.4)%
Employee retention credit and related revenue (“ERC”)5,100N/AN/A
Other operating income73264292414.0%(20.8)%
Total noninterest income$1,368$1,268$6,8627.9%(80.1)%

Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2024 was $1.4 million, an increase of 7.9% from $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increase primarily reflected the purchase of additional bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) that resulted in increased BOLI income, a realized net gain on securities during the second quarter of 2024 compared to a net loss on securities during the first quarter of 2024, and an increase in interchange fees.

Relative to the second quarter of 2023, noninterest income decreased 80.1% from $6.9 million. In the second quarter of 2023, the Company received $5.1 million in ERC from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), which was subsequently returned in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of revised IRS eligibility guidelines. Other operating income decreased as a result of the Company receiving less nonrecurring income from a third party during the second quarter of 2024. In addition, there was a decline in swap fees during the second quarter of 2024, substantially as a result of the Company not participating in any swap transactions.

Noninterest Expense
Three Months Ended% Change June 30, 2024 vs.
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits$6,112$6,231$7,863(1.9)%(22.3)%
Equipment and occupancy expenses667689694(3.2)%(3.9)%
Data processing fees6866436466.7%6.2%
Regulatory assessments3753601804.2%108.3%
Professional fees related to ERC1,243N/AN/A
Other operating expenses3,5712,4522,80645.6%27.3%
Total noninterest expenses$11,411$10,375$13,43210.0%(15.0)%

Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2024 was $11.4 million, an increase of 10.0% from $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. The second quarter of 2024 included a $1.2 million wire fraud loss. This was not a systematic issue with systems, only a procedural incident. The increase was partially offset by a reduction in salaries and benefits during the second quarter of 2024, substantially due to higher payroll taxes and 401k matching brought about by incentive expense paid during the first quarter of 2024.

Relative to the second quarter of 2023, noninterest expense decreased 15.0% from $13.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in salaries and benefits, substantially as a result of one-time retirement-related expenses of $1.6 million paid to our former CEO in May 2023 and professional fees paid to a third party during the second quarter of 2023 related to ERC, which were subsequently refunded during the third quarter of 2023. These decreases were significantly offset by the wire fraud loss the Company incurred during the second quarter of 2024. As previously mentioned, this was not a systematic issue with systems, only a procedural incident.

Loans and Credit Quality
Three Months Ended% Change June 30, 2024 vs.
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross loans$2,021,877$1,971,396$1,722,2782.6%17.4%
Unearned income(6,443)(6,247)(5,766)3.1%11.7%
Loans, net of unearned income (“Loans”)2,015,4341,965,1491,716,5122.6%17.4%
Average loans, net of unearned (“Average loans”)$1,987,533$1,916,288$1,676,8163.7%18.5%
Nonperforming loans (“NPL”)$3,784$3,446$1,0109.8%274.7%
Provision for credit losses$1,067$1,236$1,557(13.7)%(31.5)%
Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”)$25,828$25,144$21,3852.7%20.8%
Net charge-offs$383$470$27(18.5)%1318.5%
NPL to gross loans0.19%0.17%0.06%
Net charge-offs to average loans(1)0.08%0.10%0.01%
ACL to loans1.28%1.28%1.25%
(1) Ratio is annualized.

Loans, net of unearned income, were $2.0 billion at June 30, 2024, up $50.3 million from March 31, 2024 and up $298.9 million from June 30, 2023. The linked-quarter and year-over-year increases in loans were primarily attributable to new business growth across our footprint.

Nonperforming loans totaled $3.8 million, or 0.19% of gross loans, at June 30, 2024, compared with $3.4 million, or 0.17% of gross loans, at March 31, 2024, and $1.0 million, or 0.06% of gross loans, at June 30, 2023. The $338,000 net increase in nonperforming loans in the second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to a commercial and industrial loan that was added to nonaccrual status and partially offset by a commercial and industrial loan that was charged-off. The $2.8 million net increase in nonperforming loans from June 30, 2023, was primarily attributable to a significant commercial real estate loan and two commercial and industrial loans that were added to nonaccrual status.

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2024. Provision in the second quarter of 2024 was based primarily on loan growth along with qualitative economic factors and individually analyzed loans.

Net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2024 were $383,000, or 0.08% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to net charge-offs of $470,000, or 0.10% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the first quarter of 2024, and net charge-offs of $27,000, or 0.01% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the second quarter of 2023. The charge-offs recorded during the the first and second quarters of 2024 were substantially related to the charge-off of approximately 70% of a purchased pool of consumer loans, as the borrower has filed for bankruptcy. This was a conservative approach based on uncertainty.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses was 1.28% of total loans and 682.56% of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2024, compared with 1.28% of total loans and 729.66% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2024. Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments was $1.2 million at June 30, 2024.

Deposits
Three Months Ended% Change June 30, 2024 vs.
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing deposits$416,068$416,704$449,433(0.2)%(7.4)%
Interest-bearing deposits1,759,6101,693,0941,474,4783.9%19.3%
Total deposits$2,175,678$2,109,798$1,923,9113.1%13.1%
Uninsured deposits$645,283$610,122$553,0845.8%16.7%
Uninsured deposits to total deposits29.66%28.92%28.75%
Noninterest deposits to total deposits19.12%19.75%23.36%

Total deposits were $2.2 billion at June 30, 2024, up from $2.1 billion at March 31, 2024 and $1.9 billion at June 30, 2023. The $65.9 million increase in total deposits in the second quarter was primarily due to an increase of $66.5 million in interest-bearing deposits, which included a $2.7 million decrease in brokered deposits, partially offset by a $636,000 decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits. Total brokered deposits were $288.3 million at June 30, 2024, compared to 291.0 million at March 31, 2024.

Capital
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
CompanyBankCompanyBankCompanyBank
Tier 1 capital ratio to average assets8.72%11.52%8.79%11.67%8.70%11.82%
Risk-based capital ratios:
Common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio9.54%12.61%9.39%12.47%9.11%12.37%
Tier 1 capital ratio9.54%12.61%9.39%12.47%9.11%12.37%
Total capital ratio14.50%13.77%14.42%13.63%14.42%13.47%

As of June 30, 2024, total stockholders’ equity was $230.6 million, up from $222.9 million at March 31, 2024. The increase of $7.7 million was substantially due to earnings growth.

About Southern States Bancshares, Inc.

Headquartered in Anniston, Alabama, Southern States Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company that operates primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern States Bank. The Bank is a full service community banking institution, which offers an array of deposit, loan and other banking-related products and services to businesses and individuals in its communities. The Bank operates 13 branches in Alabama and Georgia and two loan production offices in Atlanta.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. This may be especially true given recent events and trends in the banking industry and the inflationary environment. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the dates made, we cannot give any assurance that such expectations will prove correct and actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.

These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “can,” “should,” “could,” “to be,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “likely,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “project,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other similar words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and may include statements about our acquisition of Century Bank of Georgia, business strategy and prospects for growth, operations, ability to pay dividends, competition, regulation and general economic conditions.

Contact Information
Lynn JoyceMargaret Boyce
(205) 820-8065(310) 622-8247
[email protected][email protected]
SELECT FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
Results of Operations
Interest income$41,007$38,736$32,185$79,743$60,884
Interest expense19,42817,89712,75337,32521,906
Net interest income21,57920,83919,43242,41838,978
Provision for credit losses1,0671,2361,5572,3032,738
Net interest income after provision20,51219,60317,87540,11536,240
Noninterest income1,3681,2686,8622,6368,648
Noninterest expense11,41110,37513,43221,78623,590
Income tax expense2,2712,3772,5494,6484,871
Net income$8,198$8,119$8,756$16,317$16,427
Core net income(1)$9,058$8,128$7,058$17,186$14,339
Share and Per Share Data
Shares issued and outstanding8,908,1308,894,7948,738,8148,908,1308,738,814
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic8,957,6088,913,4778,763,6358,935,5428,763,046
Diluted9,070,5689,043,1228,950,8479,062,5489,001,600
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.91$0.91$1.00$1.82$1.87
Diluted0.900.900.981.801.82
Core - diluted(1)1.000.900.791.901.59
Book value per share25.8825.0622.5725.8822.57
Tangible book value per share(1)23.9123.0720.5223.9120.52
Cash dividends per common share0.090.090.090.180.18
Performance and Financial Ratios
ROAA1.29%1.33%1.60%1.31%1.56%
ROAE14.55%14.87%18.15%14.71%17.43%
Core ROAA(1)1.43%1.34%1.29%1.38%1.36%
ROATCE(1)15.79%16.17%20.01%15.98%19.25%
Core ROATCE(1)17.44%16.19%16.13%16.83%16.80%
NIM3.56%3.59%3.73%3.57%3.89%
NIM - FTE(1)3.57%3.60%3.74%3.58%3.90%
Net interest spread2.59%2.63%2.86%2.60%3.08%
Yield on loans7.17%7.06%6.61%7.11%6.50%
Yield on interest-earning assets6.76%6.67%6.17%6.71%6.08%
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities4.17%4.04%3.31%4.11%3.00%
Cost of funds(2)3.41%3.27%2.58%3.34%2.31%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits4.07%3.92%3.12%4.00%2.79%
Cost of total deposits3.27%3.12%2.38%3.20%2.11%
Noninterest deposits to total deposits19.12%19.75%23.36%19.12%23.36%
Core deposits to total deposits81.78%81.45%86.43%81.78%86.43%
Uninsured deposits to total deposits29.66%28.92%28.75%29.66%28.75%
Total loans to total deposits92.63%93.14%89.22%92.63%89.22%
Efficiency ratio49.78%46.90%51.00%48.36%50.02%
Core efficiency ratio(1)44.75%46.90%49.96%45.81%49.38%

(1) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
(2) Includes total interest-bearing liabilities and noninterest deposits.

SELECT FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
Financial Condition (ending)
Total loans$2,015,434$1,965,149$1,716,512$2,015,434$1,716,512
Total securities204,131197,006182,717204,131182,717
Total assets2,572,0112,510,9752,277,8032,572,0112,277,803
Total noninterest-bearing deposits416,068416,704449,433416,068449,433
Total core deposits(1)1,779,2531,718,3331,662,8551,779,2531,662,855
Total deposits2,175,6782,109,7981,923,9112,175,6781,923,911
Total borrowings136,873146,773131,472136,873131,472
Total liabilities2,341,4302,288,0942,080,5532,341,4302,080,553
Total shareholders’ equity230,581222,881197,250230,581197,250
Financial Condition (average)
Total loans$1,987,533$1,916,288$1,676,816$1,951,910$1,643,376
Total securities210,678208,954196,731209,816194,552
Total other interest-earning assets242,214211,127218,451226,671182,447
Total interest-earning assets2,440,4252,336,3692,091,9982,388,3972,020,375
Total assets2,553,0102,447,2782,200,8432,500,1442,129,328
Total noninterest-bearing deposits420,885416,141438,987418,513438,862
Total interest-bearing deposits1,729,6821,633,3071,412,0471,681,4941,356,648
Total deposits2,150,5672,049,4481,851,0342,100,0071,795,510
Total borrowings143,189148,771131,411145,980118,229
Total interest-bearing liabilities1,872,8711,782,0781,543,4581,827,4741,474,877
Total shareholders’ equity226,527219,622193,516223,075190,096
Asset Quality
Nonperforming loans$3,784$3,446$1,010$3,784$1,010
Other real estate owned (“OREO”)$33$33$2,870$33$2,870
Nonperforming assets (“NPA”)$3,817$3,479$3,880$3,817$3,880
Net charge-offs to average loans(2)0.08%0.10%0.01%0.09%0.03%
Provision for credit losses to average loans(2)0.22%0.26%0.37%0.24%0.34%
ACL to loans1.28%1.28%1.25%1.28%1.25%
ACL to gross loans1.28%1.28%1.24%1.28%1.24%
ACL to NPL682.56%729.66%2117.33%682.56%2117.33%
NPL to loans0.19%0.18%0.06%0.19%0.06%
NPL to gross loans0.19%0.17%0.06%0.19%0.06%
NPA to gross loans and OREO0.19%0.18%0.22%0.19%0.22%
NPA to total assets0.15%0.14%0.17%0.15%0.17%
Regulatory and Other Capital Ratios
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets8.97%8.88%8.66%8.97%8.66%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets(3)8.34%8.23%7.94%8.34%7.94%
Tier 1 capital ratio to average assets8.72%8.79%8.70%8.72%8.70%
Risk-based capital ratios:
CET1 capital ratio9.54%9.39%9.11%9.51%9.11%
Tier 1 capital ratio9.54%9.39%9.11%9.51%9.11%
Total capital ratio14.50%14.42%14.42%14.45%14.42%

(1) We define core deposits as total deposits excluding brokered deposits and time deposits greater than $250,000.
(2) Ratio is annualized.
(3) See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
June 30,
2023
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Audited)(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and due from banks$21,598$20,470$19,710$21,299
Interest-bearing deposits in banks140,440129,917134,846159,818
Federal funds sold76,33486,73696,09584,812
Total cash and cash equivalents238,372237,123250,651265,929
Securities available for sale, at fair value184,510177,379179,000163,075
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost19,62119,62719,63219,642
Other equity securities, at fair value3,6583,6383,6493,762
Restricted equity securities, at cost4,6335,1085,6843,862
Loans held for sale1,7164254501,589
Loans, net of unearned income2,015,4341,965,1491,884,5081,716,512
Less allowance for credit losses25,82825,14424,37821,385
Loans, net1,989,6061,940,0051,860,1301,695,127
Premises and equipment, net26,19226,26226,42626,957
Accrued interest receivable9,6549,5618,7117,372
Bank owned life insurance33,00030,07529,88429,521
Annuities15,91815,93915,03615,359
Foreclosed assets3333332,870
Goodwill16,86216,86216,86216,862
Core deposit intangible7358178991,062
Other assets27,50128,12129,61624,814
Total assets$2,572,011$2,510,975$2,446,663$2,277,803
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing$416,068$416,704$437,959$449,433
Interest-bearing1,759,6101,693,0941,580,2301,474,478
Total deposits2,175,6782,109,7982,018,1891,923,911
Other borrowings8,0007,99726,994(13)
FHLB advances42,00052,00070,00045,000
Subordinated notes86,87386,77686,67986,485
Accrued interest payable2,0241,8051,5191,063
Other liabilities26,85529,71828,31824,107
Total liabilities2,341,4302,288,0942,231,6992,080,553
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock44,81344,74644,47943,831
Capital surplus79,24879,28278,36177,101
Retained earnings117,233109,838102,52388,603
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(8,333)(8,401)(8,379)(10,799)
Unvested restricted stock(826)(1,030)(466)(709)
Vested restricted stock units(1,554)(1,554)(1,554)(777)
Total stockholders' equity230,581222,881214,964197,250
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,572,011$2,510,975$2,446,663$2,277,803
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Interest income:
Loans, including fees$35,421$33,628$27,630$69,049$52,965
Taxable securities2,0391,9811,6414,0203,024
Nontaxable securities231229228460519
Other interest and dividends3,3162,8982,6866,2144,376
Total interest income41,00738,73632,18579,74360,884
Interest expense:
Deposits17,51115,90610,99833,41718,766
Other borrowings1,9171,9911,7553,9083,140
Total interest expense19,42817,89712,75337,32521,906
Net interest income21,57920,83919,43242,41838,978
Provision for credit losses1,0671,2361,5572,3032,738
Net interest income after provision for credit losses20,51219,60317,87540,11536,240
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts462463456925906
Swap fees41517319169
SBA/USDA fees586466122200
Mortgage origination fees9296188188288
Net gain (loss) on securities20(12)(45)8469
Employee retention credit and related revenue5,1005,100
Other operating income7326429241,3741,516
Total noninterest income1,3681,2686,8622,6368,648
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits6,1126,2317,86312,34314,174
Equipment and occupancy expenses6676896941,3561,377
Data processing fees6866436461,3291,239
Regulatory assessments375360180735522
Professional fees related to ERC1,2431,243
Other operating expenses3,5712,4522,8066,0235,035
Total noninterest expenses11,41110,37513,43221,78623,590
Income before income taxes10,46910,49611,30520,96521,298
Income tax expense2,2712,3772,5494,6484,871
Net income$8,198$8,119$8,756$16,317$16,427
Basic earnings per share$0.91$0.91$1.00$1.82$1.87
Diluted earnings per share$0.90$0.90$0.98$1.80$1.82
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST MARGIN
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
Average
Balance
InterestYield/RateAverage
Balance
InterestYield/RateAverage
Balance
InterestYield/Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income(1)$1,987,533$35,4217.17%$1,916,288$33,6287.06%$1,676,816$27,6306.61%
Taxable securities165,1412,0394.97%163,5861,9814.87%151,1071,6414.36%
Nontaxable securities45,5372312.04%45,3682292.03%45,6242282.00%
Other interest-earnings assets242,2143,3165.51%211,1272,8985.52%218,4512,6864.93%
Total interest-earning assets$2,440,425$41,0076.76%$2,336,369$38,7366.67%$2,091,998$32,1856.17%
Allowance for credit losses(25,332)(24,313)(20,154)
Noninterest-earning assets137,917135,222128,999
Total Assets$2,553,010$2,447,278$2,200,843
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction accounts85,976210.10%85,858260.12%92,245200.09%
Savings and money market accounts929,9309,2293.99%902,3618,8043.92%845,7426,8723.26%
Time deposits713,7768,2614.65%645,0887,0764.41%474,0604,1063.47%
FHLB advances48,3745964.96%53,1216554.96%45,0005294.72%
Other borrowings94,8151,3215.60%95,6501,3365.62%86,4111,2265.69%
Total interest-bearing liabilities$1,872,871$19,4284.17%$1,782,078$17,8974.04%$1,543,458$12,7533.31%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits$420,885$416,141$438,987
Other liabilities32,72729,43724,882
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities$453,612$445,578$463,869
Stockholders’ Equity226,527219,622193,516
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$2,553,010$2,447,278$2,200,843
Net interest income$21,579$20,839$19,432
Net interest spread(2)2.59%2.63%2.86%
Net interest margin(3)3.56%3.59%3.73%
Net interest margin - FTE(4)(5)3.57%3.60%3.74%
Cost of funds(6)3.41%3.27%2.58%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits4.07%3.92%3.12%
Cost of total deposits3.27%3.12%2.38%

(1) Includes nonaccrual loans.
(2) Net interest spread is the difference between interest rates earned on interest-earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) Net interest margin is a ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets for the same period.
(4) Net interest margin - FTE is a ratio of fully-taxable equivalent net interest income to average interest-earning assets for the same period. It assumes a 24.0% tax rate.
(5) Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(6) Includes total interest-bearing liabilities and noninterest deposits.

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST MARGIN
(Dollars in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
Average
Balance
InterestYield/RateAverage
Balance
InterestYield/Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income(1)$1,951,910$69,0497.11%$1,643,376$52,9656.50%
Taxable securities164,3634,0204.92%145,3443,0244.20%
Nontaxable securities45,4534602.04%49,2085192.13%
Other interest-earnings assets226,6716,2145.51%182,4474,3764.84%
Total interest-earning assets$2,388,397$79,7436.71%$2,020,375$60,8846.08%
Allowance for credit losses(24,822)(20,315)
Noninterest-earning assets136,569129,268
Total Assets$2,500,144$2,129,328
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction accounts85,917480.11%93,093400.09%
Savings and money market accounts916,14518,0323.96%825,98211,9112.91%
Time deposits679,43215,3374.54%437,5736,8153.14%
FHLB advances50,7471,2514.96%31,8626884.35%
Other borrowings95,2332,6575.61%86,3672,4525.73%
Total interest-bearing liabilities$1,827,474$37,3254.11%$1,474,877$21,9063.00%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits$418,513$438,862
Other liabilities31,08225,493
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities$449,595$464,355
Stockholders’ Equity223,075190,096
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$2,500,144$2,129,328
Net interest income$42,418$38,978
Net interest spread(2)2.60%3.08%
Net interest margin(3)3.57%3.89%
Net interest margin - FTE(4)(5)3.58%3.90%
Cost of funds(6)3.34%2.31%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits4.00%2.79%
Cost of total deposits3.20%2.11%

(1) Includes nonaccrual loans.
(2) Net interest spread is the difference between interest rates earned on interest-earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) Net interest margin is a ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets for the same period.
(4) Net interest margin - FTE is a ratio of fully-taxable equivalent net interest income to average interest-earning assets for the same period. It assumes a 24.0% tax rate.
(5) Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(6) Includes total interest-bearing liabilities and noninterest deposits.

LOAN COMPOSITION
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
June 30,
2023
Amount% of grossAmount% of grossAmount% of grossAmount% of gross
Real estate mortgages:
Construction and development$242,57312.0%$252,93412.8%$242,96012.9%$228,23613.3%
Residential249,49812.3%238,70212.1%224,60311.9%214,89712.5%
Commercial1,222,73960.5%1,182,63460.0%1,144,86760.5%1,011,81558.7%
Commercial and industrial297,50114.7%288,70114.7%269,96114.3%259,19515.0%
Consumer and other9,5660.5%8,4250.4%8,2860.4%8,1350.5%
Gross loans2,021,877100.0%1,971,396100.0%1,890,677100.0%1,722,278100.0%
Unearned income(6,443)(6,247)(6,169)(5,766)
Loans, net of unearned income2,015,4341,965,1491,884,5081,716,512
Allowance for credit losses(25,828)(25,144)(24,378)(21,385)
Loans, net$1,989,606$1,940,005$1,860,130$1,695,127
DEPOSIT COMPOSITION
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
June 30,
2023
Amount% of totalAmount% of totalAmount% of totalAmount% of total
Noninterest-bearing transaction$416,06819.1%$416,70419.7%$437,95921.7%$449,43323.3%
Interest-bearing transaction1,006,68746.3%974,07946.2%946,34746.9%922,83548.0%
Savings32,5271.5%33,9091.6%35,4121.7%41,5742.2%
Time deposits, $250,000 and under612,29928.1%584,65827.7%500,40624.8%438,22822.8%
Time deposits, over $250,000108,0975.0%100,4484.8%98,0654.9%71,8413.7%
Total deposits$2,175,678100.0%$2,109,798100.0%$2,018,189100.0%$1,923,911100.0%
Nonperforming Assets
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
June 30,
2023
Nonaccrual loans$3,784$3,446$1,017$1,010
Past due loans 90 days or more and still accruing interest160
Total nonperforming loans3,7843,4461,1771,010
OREO3333332,870
Total nonperforming assets$3,817$3,479$1,210$3,880
Financial difficulty modification loans – nonaccrual(1)647675907724
Financial difficulty modification loans – accruing1,0931,2831,0951,328
Financial difficulty modification loans$1,740$1,958$2,002$2,052
Allowance for credit losses$25,828$25,144$24,378$21,385
Loans, net of unearned income at the end of the period$2,015,434$1,965,149$1,884,508$1,716,512
Gross loans outstanding at the end of period$2,021,877$1,971,396$1,890,677$1,722,278
Total assets$2,572,011$2,510,975$2,446,663$2,277,803
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans682.56%729.66%2071.20%2117.33%
Nonperforming loans to loans, net of unearned income0.19%0.18%0.06%0.06%
Nonperforming loans to gross loans0.19%0.17%0.06%0.06%
Nonperforming assets to gross loans and OREO0.19%0.18%0.06%0.22%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.15%0.14%0.05%0.17%
Nonaccrual loans by category:
Real estate mortgages:
Construction & Development$$$$33
Residential Mortgages393246252297
Commercial Real Estate Mortgages2,1822,422765671
Commercial & Industrial1,2097789
Consumer and other
Total$3,784$3,446$1,017$1,010

(1) Financial difficulty modifications loans are excluded from nonperforming loans unless they otherwise meet the definition of nonaccrual loans or are more than 90 days past due.

Allowance for Credit Losses
(Dollars in thousands)


Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30, 2023
Average loans, net of unearned income$1,987,533$1,916,288$1,676,816$1,951,910$1,643,376
Loans, net of unearned income2,015,4341,965,1491,716,5122,015,4341,716,512
Gross loans2,021,8771,971,3961,722,2782,021,8771,722,278
Allowance for credit losses at beginning of the period25,14424,37819,85524,37820,156
Impact of adoption of ASC 326(1,285)
Charge-offs:
Construction and development
Residential1111
Commercial112738
Commercial and industrial38444244826262
Consumer and other1015256
Total charge-offs40549544900268
Recoveries:
Construction and development
Residential68171428
Commercial
Commercial and industrial15163114
Consumer and other1122
Total recoveries2225174744
Net charge-offs$383$470$27$853$224
Provision for credit losses$1,067$1,236$1,557$2,303$2,738
Balance at end of the period$25,828$25,144$21,385$25,828$21,385
Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments at beginning of the period$1,288$1,239$1,285$1,239$
Impact of adoption of ASC 3261,285
(Credit) provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments(82)49210(33)210
Balance at the end of the period$1,206$1,288$1,495$1,206$1,495
Allowance to loans, net of unearned income1.28%1.28%1.25%1.28%1.25%
Allowance to gross loans1.28%1.28%1.24%1.28%1.24%
Net charge-offs to average loans, net of unearned income(1)0.08%0.10%0.01%0.09%0.03%
Provision for credit losses to average loans, net of unearned income(1)0.22%0.26%0.37%0.24%0.34%

(1) Ratio is annualized.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Noninterest Expense

In addition to reporting GAAP results, the Company reports non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release and other disclosures. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors since these measures permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that our management uses to evaluate our performance. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our performance, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for or superior to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
Net income$8,198$8,119$8,756$16,317$16,427
Add: One-time retirement related expenses1,5711,571
Add: Professional fees related to ERC1,2431,243
Add: Wire fraud loss1,1551,155
Add: Net OREO (gain) loss(3)7(3)7
Less: Employee retention related revenue5,1005,100
Less: Net gain (loss) on securities20(12)(45)8469
Less: Tax effect2723(536)275(660)
Core net income$9,058$8,128$7,058$17,186$14,339
Average assets$2,553,010$2,447,278$2,200,843$2,500,144$2,129,328
Core return on average assets1.43%1.34%1.29%1.38%1.36%
Net income$8,198$8,119$8,756$16,317$16,427
Add: One-time retirement related expenses1,5711,571
Add: Professional fees related to ERC1,2431,243
Add: Wire fraud loss1,1551,155
Add: Net OREO (gain) loss(3)7(3)7
Add: Provision1,0671,2361,5572,3032,738
Less: Employee retention related revenue5,1005,100
Less: Net gain (loss) on securities20(12)(45)8469
Add: Income taxes2,2712,3772,5494,6484,871
Pretax pre-provision core net income$12,668$11,744$10,628$24,412$21,288
Average assets$2,553,010$2,447,278$2,200,843$2,500,144$2,129,328
Pretax pre-provision core return on average assets2.00%1.93%1.94%1.96%2.02%
Net interest income$21,579$20,839$19,432$42,418$38,978
Add: Fully-taxable equivalent adjustments(1)737365146143
Net interest income - FTE$21,652$20,912$19,497$42,564$39,121
Net interest margin3.56%3.59%3.73%3.57%3.89%
Effect of fully-taxable equivalent adjustments(1)0.01%0.01%0.01%0.01%0.01%
Net interest margin - FTE3.57%3.60%3.74%3.58%3.90%
Total stockholders' equity$230,581$222,881$197,250$230,581$197,250
Less: Intangible assets17,59717,67917,92417,59717,924
Tangible common equity$212,984$205,202$179,326$212,984$179,326
(1) Assumes a 24.0% tax rate.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,
2024
March 31,
2024
June 30,
2023
June 30,
2024
June 30,
2023
Core net income$9,058$8,128$7,058$17,186$14,339
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding9,070,5689,043,1228,950,8479,062,5489,001,600
Diluted core earnings per share$1.00$0.90$0.79$1.90$1.59
Common shares outstanding at year or period end8,908,1308,894,7948,738,8148,908,1308,738,814
Tangible book value per share$23.91$23.07$20.52$23.91$20.52
Total assets at end of period$2,572,011$2,510,975$2,277,803$2,572,011$2,277,803
Less: Intangible assets17,59717,67917,92417,59717,924
Adjusted assets at end of period$2,554,414$2,493,296$2,259,879$2,554,414$2,259,879
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.34%8.23%7.94%8.34%7.94%
Total average shareholders equity$226,527$219,622$193,516$223,075$190,096
Less: Average intangible assets17,64617,73017,97417,68818,014
Average tangible common equity$208,881$201,892$175,542$205,387$172,082
Net income to common shareholders$8,198$8,119$8,756$16,317$16,427
Return on average tangible common equity15.79%16.17%20.01%15.98%19.25%
Average tangible common equity$208,881$201,892$175,542$205,387$172,082
Core net income$9,058$8,128$7,058$17,186$14,339
Core return on average tangible common equity17.44%16.19%16.13%16.83%16.80%
Net interest income$21,579$20,839$19,432$42,418$38,978
Add: Noninterest income1,3681,2686,8622,6368,648
Less: Employee retention related revenue5,1005,100
Less: Net gain (loss) on securities20(12)(45)8469
Operating revenue$22,927$22,119$21,239$45,046$42,057
Expenses:
Total noninterest expense$11,411$10,375$13,432$21,786$23,590
Less: One-time retirement related expenses1,5711,571
Less: Professional fees related to ERC1,2431,243
Less: Wire fraud loss1,1551,155
Less: Net OREO (gain) loss(3)7(3)7
Adjusted noninterest expenses$10,259$10,375$10,611$20,634$20,769
Core efficiency ratio44.75%46.90%49.96%45.81%49.38%
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