FRESNO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FFB Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTCQX: FFBB), the parent company of FFB Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $7.57 million, or $2.38 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $7.62 million, or $2.42 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2022, and decreased 15% from $8.87 million, or $2.79 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2023.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income increased 27% to $33.56 million, or $10.56 per diluted share, compared to $26.52 million, or $8.44 per diluted share, for the same period in 2022. All results are unaudited.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights: As of, or for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2022:

  • Pre-tax, pre-provision income increased 4% to $10.49 million.
  • Net income decreased 1% to $7.57 million.
  • Return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 25.75%.
  • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 2.24%.
  • Net interest margin expanded 40 basis points to 5.19% from 4.79% a year earlier.
  • Gross revenue (net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, plus non-interest income) increased 22% to $22.31 million.
  • Total assets increased 5% to $1.36 billion.
  • Total portfolio of loans increased 10% to $928.34 million.
  • Total deposits increased 6% to $1.15 billion.
  • Shareholder equity increased 42% to $130.70 million.
  • Book value per common share increased 40% to $41.21.
  • The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 9.58%, while the Bank’s regulatory leverage capital ratio was 13.58% and total risk-based capital ratio was 19.76%, at December 31, 2023.

“Fourth quarter 2023 results capped a stellar year for our Company which delivered record earnings for the full year of 2023,” said Steve Miller President & CEO. “Driving fourth quarter results was core deposit growth, which supported robust year-over-year organic loan growth of 10%, and 3% on a linked quarter basis. While customers continue to seek higher yielding accounts, our deposit mix is diverse, with non-interest-bearing deposits remaining steady and accounting for 68% of total deposits at quarter end.”

“Credit quality remains strong, with nonperforming assets to total assets at 0.44%, slightly lower than the preceding quarter end,” said Miller. “We continue to strengthen our balance sheet and added $769,000 to our allowance for credit loss during the quarter, reflecting prudent credit risk management, loan portfolio growth, and accounting for the net charge-offs we took during the quarter.” Net charge-offs for the quarter totaled $766,000.

“Together with our solid earnings capacity and strong capital and ample liquidity levels, we remain focused on positioning our franchise for further success as we head into 2024,” said Miller.

Results of Operations

Operating revenue, consisting of net interest income before the provision for credit losses and non-interest income, increased 22% to $22.31 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $18.22 million for the fourth quarter a year ago, and increased from $22.29 million from the third quarter of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, operating revenue increased 38% to $88.58 million, compared to $64.03 million for the same period in 2022.

Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased 14% to $16.38 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $14.31 million for the same quarter a year ago, and increased 3% from $15.98 million for the preceding quarter. “The increase in net interest income in the fourth quarter was mainly due to growth in average loan portfolio balances, partially offset by an increase in funding costs,” said Bhavneet Gill, Chief Financial Officer. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net interest income before the provision for credit losses increased 32% to $63.53 million, compared to $48.09 million for the same period in 2022.

The Company’s net interest margin (“NIM”) improved by 40 basis points to 5.19% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 4.79% for the fourth quarter of 2022, and decreased 2 basis points from 5.21% for the preceding quarter. “Our yield on earning assets expanded 11 basis points in the fourth quarter with new loan production and investment purchases at higher rates, however, that was more than offset by the 13 basis point increase in the cost of funds. Our interest-bearing deposit balances increased 8% quarter over quarter and the cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 24 basis points in the fourth quarter due to continued pressure on deposit rates,” said Gill.

The yield on earning assets was 6.13% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 5.14% for the fourth quarter a year ago, and 6.01% for the linked quarter. The cost of funds increased to 0.93% for the fourth quarter of 2023, as customers continue to seek higher deposit rates in the current higher rate environment. The cost of funds was 0.35% for the same quarter a year earlier, and 0.80% for the preceding quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the yield on earning assets was 5.86% compared to 4.61% for the same period in 2022, while the cost to fund earning assets was 0.74% year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 0.28% for the same period in 2022.

Total non-interest income was $5.92 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $3.92 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, and $6.32 million for the preceding quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2023, non-interest income increased 57% to $25.05 million compared to $15.95 million for the same period in 2022. The year-over-year growth in non-interest income during the fourth quarter of 2023, and in the year ended December 31, 2023, was largely due to the increase in merchant services revenue and to a lesser extent deposit fee income. The increases in merchant services revenue and deposit fee income are partially offset by losses on sale of investment securities recognized during 2023. The decrease in non-interest income from the preceding quarter was a result of $1.11 million loss on sale of investment securities recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023. Proceeds from the investment sales were reinvested in new purchases at higher yields to improve 2024 earnings.

Merchant services revenue increased 40% to $4.83 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $3.44 million from the fourth quarter a year earlier, and increased 2% from $4.71 million for the preceding quarter. The increase in merchant service income from the preceding quarter was primarily due to an increase in volume related to FFB Payments, our own organic ISO. For the year ended December 31, 2023, merchant services income grew 90% to $20.93 million, compared to $11.04 million for the same period in 2022. Gross expenses related to organic FFB Payments lines of business are recognized in non-interest expense.

“We continue to see growth across our ISO partner sponsorships and from our own organic ISO, FFB Payments,” said Miller. “We added two new ISO partners during the fourth quarter and our team continues to build a solid pipeline of payment related partners to support further revenue expansion. Our strategic initiatives for 2024 and beyond are focused on ensuring that the bank and our partners capitalize on current and future payment rails. Payments for FFB is no longer just debit and credit, but instead we must remain agnostic to the payment rails our customers want to utilize and focus on providing a simple connection to the rail that best fits their needs.”

Merchant ISO Processing Volumes (in thousands)
SourceQ4 2022Q1 2023Q2 2023Q3 2023Q4 2023
ISO Partner Sponsorship$2,909,360$3,486,203$3,891,828$3,491,321$3,812,386
FFB Payments- Sub-ISO Merchants 3,701 19,683 13,665 12,382 20,992
FFB Payments - Direct Merchants 43,013 42,725 119,948 61,987 93,443
Total volume$2,956,074$3,548,611$4,025,441$3,565,690$3,926,821


Merchant ISO Processing Revenues (in thousands)
Source of RevenueQ4 2022Q1 2023Q2 2023Q3 2023Q4 2023
Net Revenue*:     
ISO Partner Sponsorship$1,864$1,961$2,116$2,169$1,916
      
Gross Revenue:     
FFB Payments- Sub-ISO Merchants 144 223 496 466 539
FFB Payments - Direct Merchants 1,431 1,513 4,761 2,078 2,693
  1,575 1,736 5,257 2,544 3,232
Gross Expense:     
FFB Payments- Sub-ISO Merchants 80 149 321 361 455
FFB Payments - Direct Merchants 938 1,095 2,468 1,428 1,720
  1,018 1,244 2,789 1,789 2,175
Net Revenue:     
FFB Payments- Sub-ISO Merchants 64 74 175 105 84
FFB Payments - Direct Merchants 493 418 2,293 650 973
FFB Payments Net Revenue 557 492 2,468 755 1,057
Net Merchant Services Income:$2,421$2,453$4,584$2,924$2,973

*ISO Partnership Sponsorship is recognized net of expense in Merchant Services Income. FFB Payments revenues are recognized gross in Merchant Services Income and Merchant Services expenses are recognized in Non-Interest Expense. Reclassifications have been made between Non-interest income and Non-interest expense in prior periods for the change.

Total deposit fee income increased 31% to $783,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $600,000 for the fourth quarter of 2022, and increased 3% from $757,000 for the preceding quarter. Year-to-date, total deposit fee income increased 32% to $2.93 million, compared to $2.22 million for the same period in 2022. The year over year and quarterly increase in deposit fee income is attributed to higher service charge income on demand deposit accounts.

There was a $464,000 gain on sale of loans during the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a loss on sale of loans of $309,000 during the fourth quarter 2022, and a gain on sale of loans of $406,000 in the linked quarter. There was a loss on sale of investments of $1.11 million during the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a loss of $305,000 during the fourth quarter 2022, and no loss in the linked quarter. “We monitor the sale of loans and investment securities and manage concentrations accordingly. During the fourth quarter, we sold $20.17 million in non-agency securities and reinvested the proceeds into higher-yielding agency-backed securities. This strategy has served us well in positioning our balance sheet for improved long-term earnings and reducing credit exposure in the investment portfolio,” added Gill.

Non-interest expense increased 41% to $11.05 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $7.85 million for the fourth quarter 2022, and increased 11% from $9.97 million for the linked quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2023, operating expenses increased by 47% to $40.61 million from $27.67 million for the same period in 2022. “The higher operating expenses incurred from a year ago and for the year ended December 31, 2023 were partially related to the increase in merchant operating expense, as a result of higher merchant operating revenue. Excluding the impact of merchant operating expense, operating expenses are up 30% year over year,” said Miller. “In addition to an increase in merchant operating expense, operating expenses were significantly impacted by higher salaries and employee benefits as we continued to invest in key talent and technology.”

“With the continued bank consolidation impacting our markets, we see great opportunity to secure talent, but this will carry a revenue lag throughout 2024 as we focus on supporting our expansion through the state. The opportunities in what we refer to as the 'payment ecosystem' are vast as well but this will require specific tech related talent to execute on our plan,” said Miller. Full-time employees increased to 139 at December 31, 2023, compared to 103 full-time employees a year earlier, and 127 full-time employees from the linked quarter. As a result of the increased headcount, salaries and employee benefits increased 38% to $5.60 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $4.07 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, and increased 11% from $5.02 million in the linked quarter.

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased 3% from a year ago, representing 5% of non-interest expense, and decreased 33% from the preceding quarter. The year-over-year increase in occupancy and equipment expense is driven by higher rent expense due to additional leased space and higher depreciation expense. Other operating expense increased 34% to $3.28 million from a year earlier and increased 22% from the preceding quarter. Increases in data processing expense, software licenses and subscriptions, professional fees, and marketing expense were all primary drivers of the year-over-year increase. Merchant operating expense totaled $1.85 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $1.02 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 and $1.79 million for the preceding quarter. The year-over-year increase in merchant operating expense is attributed to an increase in volume and revenue for the FFB Payments lines of business. Merchant operating expenses include interchange fees, chargebacks, partnership fees, and other card brand fees.

The efficiency ratio was 47.17% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 42.34% for the same quarter a year ago, and 44.73% for the preceding quarter. The efficiency ratio can fluctuate period over period based on changes in merchant services gross revenues and associated expenses. The Company also calculates an adjusted efficiency ratio where the merchant services gross expense, which is included in noninterest expense, is netted against merchant services revenue in noninterest income. The adjusted efficiency ratio was 42.63% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 38.99% for the same quarter a year ago, and 39.91% for the linked quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the efficiency ratio was 44.27%, compared to 43.00% for the same period ended December 31, 2022. The adjusted efficiency ratio was 38.95%, compared to 40.59% for the same period ended December 31, 2022.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased 5% to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.29 billion at December 31, 2022, and increased 4% from $1.31 billion at September 30, 2023.

The total portfolio of loans increased 10%, or $82.88 million, to $928.34 million, compared to $845.46 million at December 31, 2022, and grew 3%, or $30.60 million, from $897.75 million on a linked quarter basis. The remaining SBA-PPP loans decreased to $151,000 at December 31, 2023, representing a fraction of the total loan portfolio. “We recorded a $464,000 gain on sale of $7.73 million in SBA loans and $8.02 million in multi-family loans during the fourth quarter,” said Gill.

Commercial real estate loans increased 13% year-over-year to $556.24 million, representing 60% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The CRE portfolio includes approximately $247.83 million in multi-family loans originated by the Southern California team that the Company may consider selling at some point in the future for liquidity and concentration management. The multi-family portfolio includes $78.83 million in short-term bridge loans for transitional projects of multi-family properties. The short-term bridge loans are conservatively underwritten with minimum DSCR and liquidity requirements. Approximately 62.7% of the bridge loan portfolio will come due during the first half of 2024 to roll off or get refinanced and sold. The remaining bridge loans will come due in the third or fourth quarter of 2024. Real estate construction and land development loans increased 20% from a year ago to $75.77 million, representing 8% of total loans, while residential RE 1-4 family loans totaled $17.36 million, or 2% of loans, at December 31, 2023.

The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio increased 3% to $218.75 million, at December 31, 2023, compared to $211.92 million a year earlier, and increased 5% from $209.21 million at September 30, 2023. C&I loans represented 24% of total loans at December 31, 2023. Agriculture loans represented 6% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the SBA, USDA, and other government agencies guaranteed loans totaled $56.65 million, or 6.1% of the loan portfolio.

The investment portfolio decreased 5% to $326.01 million at December 31, 2023, from $343.84 million a year earlier, and increased 12% compared to $290.01 million at September 30, 2023. The investment portfolio consists of mortgage-backed and municipal securities, both tax exempt and taxable, treasury securities as well as other domestic debt. The quarterly increase in the investment portfolio balance is attributed to new investment purchases of $56.6 million and a reduction in unrealized loss on fair value, partially offset by investment sales of $20.17 million and regular paydowns. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a net unrealized loss position on its investment securities portfolio of $27.75 million, compared to a net unrealized loss of $41.93 million at September 30, 2023. The Company’s investment securities portfolio had an effective duration of 5.41 years at December 31, 2023, compared to 5.31 years at September 30, 2023.

Total deposits increased 6%, or $63.94 million, to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.08 billion from a year earlier, and increased 1% from $1.13 billion at September 30, 2023. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 5% to $775.51 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $737.08 million at December 31, 2022, and increased 5% from $737.37 million at September 30, 2023. Non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 68% of total deposits at December 31, 2023. Included in non-interest bearing deposits are $77.7 million from ISO partners for merchant reserves, $152.0 million from ISO partners for settlement, and $23.9 million in ISO partner operating accounts.

There were $34.00 million in short-term borrowings at December 31, 2023, compared to none at September 30, 2023, and $65.00 million at December 31, 2022.

The following table summarizes the Company's primary and secondary sources of liquidity which were available at December 31, 2023:

Liquidity Source (in thousands)December 31, 2023September 30, 2023
   
Cash and cash equivalents$62,603$70,741
Unpledged investment securities, fair value 84,506 90,474
FHLB advance capacity 275,679 233,569
Federal Reserve discount window capacity 179,836 197,299
Correspondent bank unsecured lines of credit 91,500 91,500
 $694,124$683,583

The total primary and secondary liquidity of $694.12 million at December 31, 2023 represents an increase of $10.5 million in primary and secondary liquidity quarter over quarter.

Shareholders’ equity increased 42% to $130.70 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $92.36 million from a year ago, and grew 16% from $112.89 million at September 30, 2023. Book value per common share increased 40% to $41.21, at December 31, 2023, compared to $29.41 at December 31, 2022, and increased 16% from $35.59 at September 30, 2023.

“The tangible common equity ratio was 9.58% at December 31, 2023, compared to 7.13% a year earlier, and 8.63% at September 30, 2023,” stated Gill. “Our tangible common equity and book value increased during the fourth quarter as a result of quarterly net income and the reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (‘AOCI’) related to the investment portfolio.”

At the Bank level, unrealized losses and gains reflected in AOCI are not included in regulatory capital. As a result, Tier-1capital at the Bank for regulatory purposes was $186.14 million at quarter end excluding the unrealized loss. The regulatory leverage capital ratio was 13.58% for the current quarter, while the total risk-based capital ratio was 19.76% exceeding regulatory minimums to be considered well-capitalized.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets declined to $6.01 million, or 0.44% of total assets, at December 31, 2023, compared to $6.03 million, or 0.46% of total assets, from the preceding quarter. Of the $6.01 million nonperforming loans, $4.34 million are covered by SBA guarantees. Total delinquent loans totaled $2.62 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.70 million at September 30, 2023, and were primarily related to government guaranteed loans purchased by the Bank.

Past due loans 30-60 days were $1.08 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $321,000 at September 30, 2023, and $364,000 at December 31, 2022. There were $199,000 past due loans from 60-90 days at December 31, 2023, compared to zero at September 30, 2023 and $397,000 past due loans from 60-90 days a year earlier. Past due loans 90+ days at quarter end totaled $1.3 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $11.99 million, at December 31, 2022. Of the $2.62 million in past due loans, $1.60 million were purchased government guaranteed loans with an unconditional guarantee.

The Bank holds $20.3 million of the government guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and USDA loans originated by other banks. Many of these purchased loans were placed into a Direct Registration (“DR”) form by the SBA’s transfer agent, Colson Inc. Under the DR program, Colson was required to remit monthly payments to the investor holding the guaranteed balance, whether or not a payment had actually been received from the borrower. When Colson lost the contract in 2020 as the SBA’s fiscal transfer agent, they began transitioning servicing over to the new company called Guidehouse. By late 2021, Guidehouse, under their contract with the SBA, declined to continue the DR program. As a result, all payments under the DR, and several similar programs, were being held by Guidehouse until the DR program could be unwound and the DR holdings converted into normal SBA pass through certificates. In addition, Colson started requesting investors, who had received payments in advance of the borrower, to return advanced funds before they would process the conversion of certificates, which caused further delays. A reconciliation between Guidehouse, Colson and the Bank has taken place, and all are in agreement. The Bank has submitted all paperwork and original certificates to Colson | Guidehouse for processing and is awaiting reissue of the certificates and payment. The Bank is fully guaranteed; however, until the unwind process is completed it will continue to carry these loans as past due. The balance of these past due loans decreased from $12.19 million at December 31, 2022 to $1.60 million at December 31, 2023 as the Bank continues to receive payments.

“As detailed in the chart below, a majority of the delinquencies are purchased government guaranteed loans, which are guaranteed by the SBA for the full payment of the principal plus interest,” commented Gill. “The SBA continues to deal with backlogs and consequently we continue to incur delays in payments; the backlogs, however, are improving and full payment is expected.” The chart below breaks out the government guaranteed portion compared to organic delinquencies.

Delinquent Loan SummaryOrganic

Purchased Govt. Guaranteed

Total

(in thousands)
    
Delinquent accruing loans 30-59 days$1,018$58$1,076
Delinquent accruing loans 60-90 days  199 199
Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days  1,345 1,345
Total delinquent accruing loans$1,018$1,602$2,620
    
Non-Accrual Loan SummaryOrganic

Purchased Govt. Guaranteed

Total

(in thousands)
    
Loans on non-accrual$6,006$$6,006
Non-accrual loans with SBA guarantees 4,343  4,343
Net Bank exposure to non-accrual loans$1,663$$1,663

There was a $769,000 provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $300,000 provision for loan losses in the fourth quarter a year ago, and a $152,000 provision for credit losses booked in the third quarter of 2023.

“We incurred net charge offs of $766,000 during the current quarter, compared to $124,000 net charge offs in the third quarter a year ago, and $71,000 in net charge offs in the preceding quarter,” said Miller. “Our loan portfolio increased 10% from a year ago with commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans representing 60% of the total loan portfolio. Within the CRE portfolio, there are $43.22 million in loans for CRE office as shown in the table below. Since the majority of our CRE office exposure is concentrated in the Central Valley, we feel the volatility that the city center markets are experiencing is not as prominent in the Central Valley. Our credit metrics remain strong as we continue to maintain conservative underwriting standards.”

(in thousands)CRE Office Exposure of December 31, 2023
RegionOwner-OccupiedNon-Owner OccupiedTotal
Central Valley$17,528$15,955$33,483
Southern California 2,317 359 2,676
Other California 2,348 4,172 6,520
Total California 22,193 20,486 42,679
Out of California  544 544
Total CRE Office$22,193$21,030$43,223

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.08% at December 31, 2023, compared to 1.17% a year earlier and 1.10% at September 30, 2023.

“The SBA portfolio is a segment we are watching very closely since rates have increased so rapidly over the last 12-18 months,” added Miller. “A portion of the portfolio consists of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Government. This group of loans consists of fully guaranteed loans the Company has purchased, as well as organic SBA and USDA loans the Bank has originated. When the effect of these guarantees is considered relative to the loan portfolio, the ratio of allowance for credit losses to the total, non-guaranteed, loan portfolio was 1.14%, as of December 31, 2023, and our total unguaranteed exposure on these SBA loans is $31.99 million spread over 190 loans.”

About FFB Bancorp
FFB Bancorp, formerly Communities First Financial Corporation, a bank holding company established in 2014, is the parent company of FFB Bank, founded in 2005 in Fresno, California. As a leading SBA Lender in California’s Central Valley and one of the few direct acquiring banks in the United States, FFB Bank offers clients a range of personal and business checking accounts, payment processes, and loan programs. Among the Bank’s awards and accomplishments, it was ranked #4 on American Banker’s list of the Top 200 Publicly Traded Banks under $2 Billion in Assets for 2022. For 2022, the Bank was also ranked by S&P Global as the #18 best performing community bank under $3 billion in assets. The Company has also received recognition as part of the OTCQX Best 50 Companies for 2019, 2023, and 2024. For additional information, you can visit the Company’s website at www.ffb.bank or by contacting a representative at 559-439-0200.

Forward Looking Statements
This earnings release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on managements’ expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; and, in particular, actions taken by the Federal Reserve to try and control inflation; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Company’s business; international developments; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact: Steve Miller - President & CEO
Bhavneet Gill – EVP & CFO
(559) 439-0200

                                                                                Member FDIC

Select Financial Information and Ratios
For the Quarter Ended: Year to Date as of:
December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
BALANCE SHEET- ENDING BALANCES:         
Total assets$1,364,312  $1,308,866  $1,294,464     
Total portfolio loans 928,344   897,746   845,463     
Investment securities 326,006   290,011   343,843     
Total deposits 1,145,170   1,132,045   1,081,228     
Shareholders equity, net 130,700   112,892   92,358     
          
INCOME STATEMENT DATA         
Gross revenue 22,305   22,290   18,224   88,577   64,032 
Operating expense 11,047   9,971   7,846   40,606   27,666 
Pre-tax, pre-provision income 11,258   12,319   10,378   47,971   36,366 
Net income after tax 7,565   8,872   7,618   33,558   26,519 
          
SHARE DATA         
Basic earnings per share$2.39  $2.79  $2.43  $10.57  $8.50 
Fully diluted EPS$2.38  $2.79  $2.42  $10.56  $8.44 
Book value per common share$41.21  $35.59  $29.41     
Common shares outstanding 3,171,690   3,172,108   3,139,880     
Fully diluted shares 3,173,401   3,177,277   3,146,117     
FFBB - Stock price$75.98  $68.98  $60.50     
          
RATIOS         
Return on average assets 2.24%  2.72%  2.41%  2.55%  2.28%
Return on average equity 25.75%  31.56%  34.87%  31.33%  31.30%
Efficiency ratio 47.17%  44.73%  42.34%  44.27%  43.00%
Adjusted Efficiency ratio 42.63%  39.91%  38.99%  38.95%  40.59%
Yield on earning assets 6.13%  6.01%  5.14%  5.86%  4.61%
Yield on investment securities 4.61%  4.53%  3.94%  4.42%  3.26%
Yield on portfolio loans 6.58%  6.51%  5.65%  6.37%  5.32%
Cost to fund earning assets 0.93%  0.80%  0.35%  0.74%  0.28%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits 2.40%  2.16%  0.54%  1.88%  0.33%
Net Interest Margin 5.19%  5.21%  4.79%  5.12%  4.34%
Equity to assets 9.58%  8.63%  7.13%    
Net loan to deposit ratio 81.07%  79.30%  78.19%    
Full time equivalent employees 139   127   103     
          
BALANCE SHEET- AVERAGES         
Total assets 1,341,435   1,293,998   1,255,212   1,315,351   1,162,667 
Total portfolio loans 917,620   871,931   810,811   880,374   746,099 
Investment securities 294,060   300,285   342,132   313,601   320,736 
Total deposits 1,150,441   1,118,876   1,091,317   1,138,190   1,015,238 
Shareholders equity, net 116,545   111,530   86,687   107,128   84,714 
                    


Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)December 31, 2023

 September 30, 2023

 December 31, 2022

(in thousands)  
ASSETS     
Cash and due from banks$30,147  $10,372  $19,558 
Interest bearing deposits in banks 32,456   60,369   37,415 
CDs in other banks 1,673   2,136   2,983 
Investment securities 326,006   290,011   343,843 
Loans held for sale       11,063 
      
Construction & land development 75,773   78,414   63,265 
Residential RE 1-4 family 17,355   16,759   17,802 
Commercial real estate 556,239   534,817   493,358 
Agriculture 59,961   58,319   58,494 
Commercial and industrial 218,745   209,208   211,915 
SBA PPP Loans 151   168   242 
Consumer and other 120   61   387 
Portfolio loans 928,344   897,746   845,463 
Deferred fees & discounts (3,631)  (3,542)  (2,910)
Allowance for credit losses (9,980)  (9,896)  (9,914)
Loans, net 914,733   884,308   832,639 
      
Non-marketable equity investments 7,125   7,131   5,554 
Cash value of life insurance 12,029   11,941   8,592 
Accrued interest and other assets 40,143   42,598   32,817 
Total assets$1,364,312  $1,308,866  $1,294,464 
      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     
Non-interest bearing deposits$775,507  $737,366  $737,078 
Interest checking 52,203   73,375   41,816 
Savings 51,880   56,928   77,311 
Money market 160,205   156,668   169,901 
Certificates of deposits 105,375   107,708   55,122 
Total deposits 1,145,170   1,132,045   1,081,228 
Short-term borrowings 34,000      65,000 
Long-term debt 39,599   39,560   39,441 
Other liabilities 14,843   24,369   16,437 
Total liabilities 1,233,612   1,195,974   1,202,106 
      
Common stock 36,178   35,875   34,369 
Retained earnings 113,991   106,426   80,469 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (19,469)  (29,409)  (22,480)
Shareholders’ equity 130,700   112,892   92,358 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,364,312  $1,308,866  $1,294,464 


Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)Quarter ended: Year ended:
(in thousands)December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
          
INTEREST INCOME:         
Loan interest income$15,208  $14,303 $11,545  $56,102  $39,666 
Investment income 3,418   3,431  3,401   13,859   10,450 
Int. on fed funds & CDs in other banks 583   534  309   2,327   765 
Dividends from non-marketable equity 118   166  105   367   262 
Total interest income 19,327   18,434  15,360   72,655   51,143 
          
INTEREST EXPENSE:         
Int. on deposits 2,359   1,966  458   6,750   1,068 
Int. on short-term borrowings 123   29  129   515   132 
Int. on long-term debt 464   464  464   1,858   1,858 
Total interest expense 2,946   2,459  1,051   9,123   3,058 
Net interest income 16,381   15,975  14,309   63,532   48,085 
PROVISION OF CREDIT LOSSES 769   152  300   1,750   300 
Net interest income after provision 15,612   15,823  14,009   61,782   47,785 
          
NON-INTEREST INCOME:         
Total deposit fee income 783   757  600   2,933   2,217 
Debit / credit card interchange income 161   160  137   613   539 
Merchant services income 4,825   4,713  3,439   20,931   11,043 
Gain (loss) on sale of loans 464   406  (309)  1,906   1,613 
Loss on sale of investments (1,114)    (305)  (3,142)  (305)
Other operating income 805   279  353   1,804   840 
Total non-interest income 5,924   6,315  3,915   25,045   15,947 
          
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:         
Salaries & employee benefits 5,598   5,022  4,067   20,162   15,341 
Occupancy expense 313   468  305   1,554   1,124 
Merchant services operating expense 1,852   1,789  1,018   7,997   2,608 
Other operating expense 3,284   2,692  2,456   10,893   8,593 
Total non-interest expense 11,047   9,971  7,846   40,606   27,666 
          
Income before provision for income tax 10,489   12,167  10,078   46,221   36,066 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 2,924   3,295  2,460   12,663   9,547 
Net income$7,565  $8,872 $7,618  $33,558  $26,519 

        

ASSET QUALITYDecember 31, 2023

 September 30, 2023

 December 31, 2022

(in thousands)  
Delinquent accruing loans 30-60 days$1,076  $321  $364 
Delinquent accruing loans 60-90 days 199      397 
Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days 1,345   1,379   11,989 
Total delinquent accruing loans$2,620  $1,700  $12,750 
      
Loans on non-accrual$6,006  $6,027  $6,373 
Other real estate owned        
Nonperforming assets$6,006  $6,027  $6,373 
      
Delinquent 30-60 / Total Loans 0.12%  0.04%  0.04%
Delinquent 60-90 / Total Loans 0.02%  %  0.05%
Delinquent 90+ / Total Loans 0.14%  0.15%  1.42%
Delinquent Loans / Total Loans 0.28%  0.19%  1.51%
Non-accrual / Total Loans 0.65%  0.67%  0.75%
Nonperforming assets to total assets 0.44%  0.46%  0.49%
      
Year-to-date charge-off activity     
Charge-offs$1,445  $678  $187 
Recoveries 73   72   16 
Net charge-offs$1,372  $606  $171 
Annualized net loan losses to average loans 0.15%  0.07%  0.02%
      
CREDIT LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:     
Allowance for credit losses$9,980  $9,896  $9,914 
      
Total loans$928,344  $897,746  $845,463 
Purchased govt. guaranteed loans$20,276  $20,650  $29,906 
Originated govt. guaranteed loans$36,371  $34,674  $45,519 
      
ACL / Total loans 1.08%  1.10%  1.17%
ACL / Loans less 100% govt. gte. loans (Purchased) 1.10%  1.13%  1.22%
ACL / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans 1.14%  1.17%  1.29%
ACL / Total assets 0.73%  0.76%  0.77%
            


SELECT FINANCIAL TREND INFORMATION

For the Quarter Ended:
Dec. 31, 2023Sept. 30, 2023June 30, 2023Mar. 31, 2023Dec. 31, 2022
BALANCE SHEET- PERIOD END     
Total assets$1,364,312 $1,308,866 $1,303,909 $1,278,514 $1,294,464 
Loans held for sale         11,063 
Loans held for investment 928,344  897,746  875,180  861,181  845,463 
Investment securities 326,006  290,011  304,043  328,575  343,843 
      
Non-interest bearing deposits 775,507  737,366  723,007  759,417  737,078 
Interest bearing deposits 369,663  394,679  356,032  339,894  344,150 
Total deposits 1,145,170  1,132,045  1,079,039  1,099,311  1,081,228 
Short-term borrowings 34,000    55,000  22,000  65,000 
Long-term debt 39,599  39,560  39,520  39,481  39,441 
      
Total equity 150,169  142,301  133,006  123,240  114,838 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (19,469) (29,409) (23,450) (22,254) (22,480)
Shareholders' equity 130,700  112,892  109,556  100,986  92,358 
      
QUARTERLY INCOME STATEMENT     
Interest income$19,327 $18,434 $18,377 $16,516 $15,360 
Interest expense 2,946  2,459  1,985  1,734  1,051 
Net interest income 16,381  15,975  16,392  14,782  14,309 
Non-interest income 5,924  6,315  8,117  4,555  3,915 
Gross revenue 22,305  22,290  24,509  19,337  18,224 
      
Provision for credit losses 769  152  612  217  300 
      
Non-interest expense 11,047  9,971  10,704  8,748  7,846 
Net income before tax 10,489  12,167  13,193  10,372  10,078 
Tax provision 2,924  3,295  3,770  2,674  2,460 
Net income after tax 7,565  8,872  9,423  7,698  7,618 
      
BALANCE SHEET- AVERAGE BALANCE     
Total assets$1,341,435 $1,293,998 $1,361,187 $1,264,171 $1,255,212 
Loans held for sale     59  1,132  1,971 
Loans held for investment 917,620  871,931  885,590  845,659  810,811 
Investment securities 294,060  300,285  325,002  335,662  342,132 
      
Non-interest bearing deposits 760,153  757,118  853,044  748,111  754,832 
Interest bearing deposits 390,288  361,758  341,269  340,553  336,486 
Total deposits 1,150,441  1,118,876  1,194,313  1,088,664  1,091,318 
Short-term borrowings 9,805  1,571  4,231  25,384  14,060 
Long-term debt 39,580  39,541  39,502  39,462  39,423 
      
Shareholders' equity 116,545  111,530  104,083  96,081  86,687 

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Source: FFB Bancorp

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