Five Star Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire
Five Star Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2024 Results

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) (“Five Star” or the “Company”), a holding company that operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

First Quarter Highlights

Performance and operating highlights for the Company for the periods noted below included the following:

 Three months ended
(in thousands, except per share and share data)March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 March 31,
2023
Return on average assets (“ROAA”) 1.22%  1.26%  1.65%
Return on average equity (“ROAE”) 14.84%  15.45%  20.94%
Pre-tax income$14,961  $15,151  $18,501 
Pre-tax, pre-provision income(1) 15,861   15,951   19,401 
Net income 10,631   10,799   13,161 
Basic earnings per common share$0.62  $0.63  $0.77 
Diluted earnings per common share 0.62   0.63   0.77 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 17,190,867   17,175,445   17,150,174 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 17,272,994   17,193,114   17,194,884 
Shares outstanding at end of period 17,353,251   17,256,989   17,258,904 

(1) See the section entitled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)” for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure.

James E. Beckwith, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the financial results:

“In the first quarter of 2024, we announced the launch and pricing of an underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of our common stock with the intention of using the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, to support our continued growth, and for working capital. We are very pleased that the offering, which closed on April 2, 2024, was successful, which is a testimony to the strength of our organization and our reputation for providing a differentiated approach to purpose-driven banking. Following this offering, we look forward to the continued execution of our organic growth strategy as we focus on the San Francisco Bay Area market. We have hired seasoned professionals who are committed to maintaining and enhancing the Bank’s reputation, which was built on trust, a speed to serve, and a certainty of execution in support of our clients’ success.

While there was continued margin compression in the first quarter, it is slowing compared to prior quarters. Our reliance on wholesale deposits decreased by $183.1 million, or 50.85%, during the first quarter of 2024 as a result of our strategy to grow less costly, non-wholesale deposits, which increased by $112.0 million, or 4.20%, during the first quarter. The continuation of disciplined business practices and expense management have resulted in an efficiency ratio of 44.50%.

In the first quarter, we were pleased to have declared another cash dividend of $0.20 per share, which exemplifies our focus on shareholder value. To safeguard this value, we diligently monitor changing market conditions and are confident in the Bank’s resilience in any interest rate environment. As we lean into 2024, we expect our forward momentum and accelerated growth to benefit our shareholders, employees, clients, and community.”

  • The Company’s San Francisco Bay Area team increased to 15 employees who generated deposit balances totaling $96.2 million at March 31, 2024, an increase of $22.5 million from December 31, 2023.
  • Cash and cash equivalents were $185.3 million, representing 6.27% of total deposits at March 31, 2024, as compared to 10.62% at December 31, 2023.
  • Total deposits decreased by $71.1 million, or 2.35%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to significant decreases in wholesale deposits, which the Company defines as brokered deposits and public time deposits. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, brokered deposits decreased by $58.1 million, or 58.06%, and public time deposits decreased by $125.0 million, or 48.08%. Non-wholesale deposits increased by $112.0 million, or 4.20%, during the same period.
  • The Company’s short-term borrowings decreased by $50.0 million, or 29.41%, from $170.0 million at December 31, 2023 to $120.0 million at March 31, 2024.
  • Consistent, disciplined management of expenses contributed to our efficiency ratio of 44.50% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
  • For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net interest margin was 3.14%, as compared to 3.19% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 3.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The effective Federal Funds rate remained at 5.33% as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and increased from 4.83% as of March 31, 2023.
  • Other comprehensive loss was $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Unrealized losses, net of tax effect, on available-for-sale securities were $12.4 million as of March 31, 2024. Total held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities represented 0.09% and 3.10% of total interest-earning assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2024.
  • The Company’s common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.13% and 9.07% as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Bank continues to meet all requirements to be considered “well-capitalized” under applicable regulatory guidelines.
  • Loan and deposit growth in the three months ended March 31, 2024 was as follows:
(in thousands)March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Loans held for investment$3,104,130 $3,081,719 $22,411  0.73 %
Non-interest-bearing deposits 817,388  831,101  (13,713) (1.65)%
Interest-bearing deposits 2,138,384  2,195,795  (57,411) (2.61)%
        
(in thousands)March 31,
2024
 March 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Loans held for investment$3,104,130 $2,869,848 $234,282  8.16 %
Non-interest-bearing deposits 817,388  836,673  (19,285) (2.30)%
Interest-bearing deposits 2,138,384  2,083,733  54,651  2.62 %
  • The ratio of nonperforming loans to loans held for investment at period end remained at 0.06% at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
  • The Company’s Board of Directors declared, and the Company subsequently paid, a cash dividend of $0.20 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company’s Board of Directors subsequently declared another cash dividend of $0.20 per share on April 18, 2024, which the Company expects to pay on May 13, 2024 to shareholders of record as of May 6, 2024.

Summary Results

Three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2023

The Company’s net income was $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Net interest income increased by $0.1 million as increases in interest income more than offset increases in interest expense, with an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets as the leading driver. The provision for credit losses increased by $0.1 million as increases in quantitative reserves more than offset reductions in reserves for qualitative factors in the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Non-interest income decreased by $0.1 million, primarily due to a reduction in gains from distributions on investments in venture-backed funds and the recognition of rate lock and swap referral fees, partially offset by a reduction in net losses on the sale of securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Non-interest expense increased by $53.0 thousand as decreases in advertising, promotional, and other operating expenses were more than offset by increases in all other expenses.

Three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2023

The Company’s net income was $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Net interest income decreased by $2.4 million as increases in interest expense exceeded increases in interest income, with increases in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities as the leading driver. The provision for credit losses remained at $0.9 million as increases in quantitative reserves offset reductions in reserves for qualitative factors in the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. Non-interest income increased by $0.5 million, primarily due to an increase in gains from distributions on investments in venture-backed funds, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) dividend income, and the recognition of rate lock and swap referral fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. Non-interest expense increased by $1.6 million with an increase in salaries and employee benefits related to the Company’s expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area as the leading driver.

The following is a summary of the components of the Company’s operating results and performance ratios for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended    
(in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Selected operating data:        
Net interest income $26,744  $26,678  $66  0.25 %
Provision for credit losses  900   800   100  12.50 %
Non-interest income  1,833   1,936   (103) (5.32)%
Non-interest expense  12,716   12,663   53  0.42 %
Pre-tax income  14,961   15,151   (190) (1.25)%
Provision for income taxes  4,330   4,352   (22) (0.51)%
Net income $10,631  $10,799  $(168) (1.56)%
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.62  $0.63  $(0.01) (1.59)%
Diluted  0.62   0.63   (0.01) (1.59)%
Performance and other financial ratios:        
ROAA  1.22 %  1.26 %    
ROAE  14.84 %  15.45 %    
Net interest margin  3.14 %  3.19 %    
Cost of funds  2.62 %  2.50 %    
Efficiency ratio  44.50 %  44.25 %    
         
  Three months ended    
(in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
2024
 March 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Selected operating data:        
Net interest income $26,744  $29,148  $(2,404) (8.25)%
Provision for credit losses  900   900      %
Non-interest income  1,833   1,371   462  33.70 %
Non-interest expense  12,716   11,118   1,598  14.37 %
Pre-tax income  14,961   18,501   (3,540) (19.13)%
Provision for income taxes  4,330   5,340   (1,010) (18.91)%
Net income $10,631  $13,161  $(2,530) (19.22)%
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.62  $0.77  $(0.15) (19.48)%
Diluted  0.62   0.77   (0.15) (19.48)%
Performance and other financial ratios:        
ROAA  1.22 %  1.65 %    
ROAE  14.84 %  20.94 %    
Net interest margin  3.14 %  3.75 %    
Cost of funds  2.62 %  1.53 %    
Efficiency ratio  44.50 %  36.43 %    
 

Balance Sheet Summary

(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Selected financial condition data:        
Total assets $3,476,360 $3,593,125 $(116,765) (3.25)%
Cash and cash equivalents  185,325  321,576  (136,251) (42.37)%
Total loans held for investment  3,104,130  3,081,719  22,411  0.73 %
Total investments  108,006  111,160  (3,154) (2.84)%
Total liabilities  3,183,780  3,307,351  (123,571) (3.74)%
Total deposits  2,955,772  3,026,896  (71,124) (2.35)%
Subordinated notes, net  73,786  73,749  37  0.05 %
Total shareholders’ equity  292,580  285,774  6,806  2.38 %
  • Insured and collateralized deposits were approximately $1.9 billion, representing approximately 63.02% of total deposits as of March 31, 2024. Net uninsured and uncollateralized deposits were approximately $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2024.
  • Commercial and consumer deposit accounts constituted approximately 76% of total deposits. Deposit relationships of at least $5 million represented approximately 58% of total deposits and had an average age of approximately 8.64 years as of March 31, 2024.
  • Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024 were $185.3 million, representing 6.27% of total deposits at March 31, 2024, as compared to 10.62% as of December 31, 2023.
  • Total liquidity (consisting of cash and cash equivalents and unused and immediately available borrowing capacity as set forth below) was approximately $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2024.
  March 31, 2024 Available

(in thousands) Line of Credit Letters of Credit Issued Borrowings 
FHLB advances $1,002,910 $571,500 $20,000 $411,410
Federal Reserve Discount Window  807,143    100,000  707,143
Correspondent bank lines of credit  175,000      175,000
Cash and cash equivalents        185,325
Total $1,985,053 $571,500 $120,000 $1,478,878
 

The decrease in total assets from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a $136.3 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by a $22.4 million increase in total loans held for investment. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents primarily resulted from net cash used in financing and investing activities of $124.6 million and $11.9 million, respectively, partially offset by net cash provided from operating activities of $0.2 million. The $22.4 million increase in total loans held for investment between December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024 was a result of $149.9 million in loan originations, partially offset by $77.2 million and $50.3 million in loan payoffs and paydowns, respectively.

The decrease in total liabilities from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to decreases in deposits and other borrowings of $71.1 million and $50.0 million, respectively. The decrease in deposits was largely due to decreases in wholesale deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, and non-interest-bearing demand deposits of $183.1 million, $24.6 million, and $13.7 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in money market deposits of $150.6 million.

The increase in total shareholders’ equity from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was primarily a result of net income recognized of $10.6 million, partially offset by $3.5 million in cash distributions paid during the period and an increase of $0.7 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

The following is a summary of the components of net interest income for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended    
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Interest and fee income $47,541  $46,180  $1,361  2.95 %
Interest expense  20,797   19,502   1,295  6.64 %
Net interest income $26,744  $26,678  $66  0.25 %
Net interest margin  3.14 %  3.19 %    
         
  Three months ended    
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 March 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Interest and fee income $47,541  $40,311  $7,230  17.94 %
Interest expense  20,797   11,163   9,634  86.30 %
Net interest income $26,744  $29,148  $(2,404) (8.25)%
Net interest margin  3.14 %  3.75 %    
 

The following table shows the components of net interest income and net interest margin for the quarterly periods indicated:

  Three months ended
  March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2023
(in thousands) Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Yield/ Rate Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Yield/ Rate Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Yield/ Rate
Assets                  
Interest-earning deposits in banks $233,002 $3,102 5.35% $157,775 $2,100 5.28% $200,541 $2,167 4.38%
Investment securities  109,177  653 2.41%  106,483  651 2.43%  119,489  650 2.21%
Loans held for investment and sale  3,082,290  43,786 5.71%  3,055,042  43,429 5.64%  2,836,070  37,494 5.36%
Total interest-earning assets  3,424,469  47,541 5.58%  3,319,300  46,180 5.52%  3,156,100  40,311 5.18%
Interest receivable and other assets, net  93,983      80,360      69,253    
Total assets $3,518,452     $3,399,660     $3,225,353    
                   
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                  
Interest-bearing demand $300,325 $1,126 1.51% $291,967 $1,091 1.48% $379,593 $433 0.46%
Savings  124,561  861 2.78%  130,915  891 2.70%  155,233  545 1.42%
Money market  1,410,264  12,155 3.47%  1,347,111  10,824 3.19%  1,087,122  5,436 2.03%
Time  429,586  5,369 5.03%  417,434  5,322 5.06%  300,952  2,964 3.99%
Subordinated debt and other borrowings  82,775  1,286 6.25%  88,401  1,374 6.16%  125,691  1,785 5.76%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,347,511  20,797 3.56%  2,275,828  19,502 3.40%  2,048,591  11,163 2.21%
Demand accounts  842,105      821,651      901,491    
Interest payable and other liabilities  40,730      24,886      20,344    
Shareholders’ equity  288,106      277,295      254,927    
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity $3,518,452     $3,399,660     $3,225,353    
                   
Net interest spread     2.02%     2.12%     2.97%
Net interest income/margin   $26,744 3.14%   $26,678 3.19%   $29,148 3.75%
 

Net interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $66.0 thousand compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Net interest margin decreased 5 basis points compared to the prior quarter. Interest income increased $1.4 million compared to the prior quarter due to increases in interest rates on and average balances of both interest-earning deposits in banks and loans. The average yield on interest-earning deposits in banks increased 7 basis points compared to the prior quarter, while average balances increased 47.68%. Average loan yields increased 7 basis points compared to the prior quarter, while average balances increased 0.89%. The increase in interest income compared to the prior quarter was partially offset by an additional $1.3 million in interest expense. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 17 basis points compared to the prior quarter, while average balances increased 3.53%.

As compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, net interest income decreased $2.4 million and net interest margin decreased 61 basis points. The decrease in net interest income is primarily attributable to an additional $10.1 million in interest expense on deposits due to increases in interest rates and average balances compared to the same quarter of the prior year. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 148 basis points compared to the same quarter of the prior year, while average balances increased 17.78%. In addition, the average balance of non-interest-bearing deposits decreased by $59.4 million compared to the same quarter of the prior year. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by an increase in total interest income of $7.2 million, as compared to the same quarter of the prior year. Average loan yields increased 35 basis points compared to the same quarter of the prior year, while average balances increased 8.68%.

Loans by Type

The following table provides loan balances, excluding deferred loan fees, by type as of March 31, 2024:

(in thousands)  
Real estate:  
Commercial $2,687,456 
Commercial land and development  14,678 
Commercial construction  62,513 
Residential construction  18,141 
Residential  28,685 
Farmland  51,422 
Commercial:  
Secured  143,273 
Unsecured  26,175 
Consumer and other  73,917 
Net deferred loan fees  (2,130)
Total loans held for investment $3,104,130 
 

Interest-bearing Deposits

The following table provides interest-bearing deposit balances by type as of March 31, 2024:

(in thousands)  
Interest-bearing demand accounts $295,799
Money market accounts  1,433,000
Savings accounts  121,417
Time accounts  288,168
Total interest-bearing deposits $2,138,384
 

Asset Quality

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

At March 31, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses was $34.7 million, as compared to $34.4 million at December 31, 2023. The $0.3 million increase in the allowance is due to a $1.1 million provision for credit losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024, partially offset by net charge-offs of $0.8 million, mainly attributable to commercial and industrial loans, during the same period.

The Company’s ratio of nonperforming loans to loans held for investment remained at 0.06% at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Loans designated as watch increased from $39.6 million to $51.9 million between December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Loans designated as substandard decreased from $2.0 million to $1.9 million between December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024. There were no loans with doubtful risk grades at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

A summary of the allowance for credit losses by loan class is as follows:

  March 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
(in thousands) Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Real estate:        
Commercial $28,895 83.40% $29,015 84.27%
Commercial land and development  164 0.47%  178 0.52%
Commercial construction  697 2.01%  718 2.08%
Residential construction  114 0.33%  89 0.26%
Residential  164 0.47%  151 0.44%
Farmland  438 1.26%  399 1.16%
   30,472 87.94%  30,550 88.73%
Commercial:        
Secured  3,262 9.41%  3,314 9.62%
Unsecured  259 0.75%  189 0.55%
   3,521 10.16%  3,503 10.17%
Consumer and other  660 1.90%  378 1.10%
Total allowance for credit losses $34,653 100.00% $34,431 100.00%
 

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.12% at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Non-interest Income

The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended    
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $188 $165  $23  13.94%
Net loss on sale of securities    (167)  167  (100.00)%
Gain on sale of loans  369  317   52  16.40%
Loan-related fees  429  667   (238) (35.68)%
FHLB stock dividends  332  314   18  5.73%
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  142  155   (13) (8.39)%
Other income  373  485   (112) (23.09)%
Total non-interest income $1,833 $1,936  $(103) (5.32)%
 

Net loss on sale of securities. The increase related to the sale of two municipal securities with a par value of approximately $0.8 million for a loss of approximately $0.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2023, which did not occur during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Gain on sale of loans. The increase resulted from an increase in the effective yield of loans sold during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, approximately $5.2 million of loans were sold with an effective yield of 7.08%, as compared to approximately $5.9 million of loans sold with an effective yield of 5.41% during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Loan-related fees. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.1 million decline in rate lock fees and a $0.1 million decline in swap referral fees earned for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Other income. The decrease resulted primarily from a $0.3 million gain recorded for distributions received on investments in venture-backed funds during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $0.4 million during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended   
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 March 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $188 $117 $71  60.68 %
Gain on sale of loans  369  598  (229) (38.29)%
Loan-related fees  429  308  121  39.29 %
FHLB stock dividends  332  193  139  72.02 %
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  142  102  40  39.22 %
Other income  373  53  320  603.77 %
Total non-interest income $1,833 $1,371 $462  33.70 %
 

Gain on sale of loans. The decrease related primarily to an overall decline in the volume of loans sold, partially offset by an improvement in the effective yield of loans sold during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, approximately $5.2 million of loans were sold with an effective yield of 7.08%, as compared to approximately $12.7 million of loans sold with an effective yield of 4.72% during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Loan-related fees. The increase related to the recognition of $0.1 million of swap referral fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024, which did not occur during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

FHLB stock dividends. The increase related to increases in the annualized dividend rate and total average shares outstanding from 7.00% and 108,901 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to 8.75% and 150,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Other income. The increase related to a $0.3 million gain recorded for distributions received on investments in venture-backed funds during the three months ended March 31, 2024, which did not occur during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Non-interest Expense

The following table presents the key components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended    
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Salaries and employee benefits $7,577 $7,182 $395  5.50%
Occupancy and equipment  626  583  43  7.38%
Data processing and software  1,157  1,110  47  4.23%
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance  400  370  30  8.11%
Professional services  707  658  49  7.45%
Advertising and promotional  460  717  (257) (35.84)%
Loan-related expenses  297  268  29  10.82%
Other operating expenses  1,492  1,775  (283) (15.94)%
Total non-interest expense $12,716 $12,663 $53  0.42%
 

Salaries and employee benefits. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023, related primarily to: (i) a $0.2 million increase in bonus expense related to increased base salaries used to calculate bonus payouts; (ii) a $0.1 million increase in salaries and benefits for new employees hired to support expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area; and (iii) a $0.1 million increase in commissions related to increased deposit production.

Advertising and promotional. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 related primarily to an overall decline in sponsorships and donations made, as fewer events were sponsored and attended as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Other operating expenses. The decrease in other operating expenses was primarily due to a $0.2 million decline in travel, conference fees, and professional membership fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

  Three months ended    
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 March 31,
2023
 $ Change % Change
Salaries and employee benefits $7,577 $6,618 $959  14.49 %
Occupancy and equipment  626  523  103  19.69 %
Data processing and software  1,157  872  285  32.68 %
FDIC insurance  400  402  (2) (0.50)%
Professional services  707  631  76  12.04 %
Advertising and promotional  460  418  42  10.05 %
Loan-related expenses  297  255  42  16.47 %
Other operating expenses  1,492  1,399  93  6.65 %
Total non-interest expense $12,716 $11,118 $1,598  14.37 %
 

Salaries and employee benefits. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 related primarily to: (i) a $0.6 million increase in salaries and benefits for new employees hired since June 2023 to support expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area; (ii) a $0.2 million increase in commissions earned, largely due to commissions paid to the San Francisco Bay Area team, which did not exist during the three months ended March 31, 2023; and (iii) a $0.1 million decrease in loan origination costs due to lower loan production period-over-period.

Occupancy and equipment. The $0.1 million increase related to rent expense for temporary office space to support the San Francisco Bay Area expansion during the three months ended March 31, 2024, which did not exist during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Data processing and software. The increase was primarily due to: (i) increased usage of our digital banking platform; (ii) higher transaction volumes related to the increased number of loan and deposit accounts; and (iii) an increased number of licenses required for new users on our loan origination and documentation system.

Other operating expenses. The increase was primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in IntraFi Network fees resulting from an overall increase in balances carried in the network.

Provision for Income Taxes

Three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2023

Provision for income taxes decreased slightly to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, primarily driven by an overall decrease in taxable income. The effective tax rate was 28.94% and 28.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2023

Provision for income taxes decreased by $1.0 million, or 18.91%, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily driven by an overall decrease in taxable income. The effective tax rate was 28.94% and 28.86% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.

Webcast Details

Five Star Bancorp will host a live webcast for analysts and investors on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT) to discuss its first quarter financial results. To view the live webcast, visit the “News & Events” section of the Company’s website under “Events” at https://investors.fivestarbank.com/news-events/events. The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for a period of 90 days.

About Five Star Bancorp

Five Star is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Five Star operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The Bank has seven branches in Northern California.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections, and statements of the Company’s beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “aim,” “intend,” “plan,” or words or phases of similar meaning. The Company cautions that the forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company’s control. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions (some of which may be beyond the Company’s control) and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which change over time, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict their occurrence or how they will affect the Company. If one or more of the factors affecting the Company’s forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release. Therefore, the Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking information and 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 “Risk Factors,” and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

The Company disclaims any duty to revise or update the forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking statements, except as specifically required by law.

Condensed Financial Data (Unaudited)

  Three months ended
(in thousands, except per share and share data) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 March 31,
2023
Revenue and Expense Data      
Interest and fee income $47,541  $46,180  $40,311 
Interest expense  20,797   19,502   11,163 
Net interest income  26,744   26,678   29,148 
Provision for credit losses  900   800   900 
Net interest income after provision  25,844   25,878   28,248 
Non-interest income:      
Service charges on deposit accounts  188   165   117 
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities     (167)   
Gain on sale of loans  369   317   598 
Loan-related fees  429   667   308 
FHLB stock dividends  332   314   193 
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  142   155   102 
Other income  373   485   53 
Total non-interest income  1,833   1,936   1,371 
Non-interest expense:      
Salaries and employee benefits  7,577   7,182   6,618 
Occupancy and equipment  626   583   523 
Data processing and software  1,157   1,110   872 
FDIC insurance  400   370   402 
Professional services  707   658   631 
Advertising and promotional  460   717   418 
Loan-related expenses  297   268   255 
Other operating expenses  1,492   1,775   1,399 
Total non-interest expense  12,716   12,663   11,118 
Income before provision for income taxes  14,961   15,151   18,501 
Provision for income taxes  4,330   4,352   5,340 
Net income $10,631  $10,799  $13,161 
       
Comprehensive Income      
Net income $10,631  $10,799  $13,161 
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale during the period  (955)  5,744   2,140 
Reclassification for net (gain) loss on sale of securities included in net income     167    
Less: Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income (loss)  (282)  1,747   632 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  (673)  4,164   1,508 
Total comprehensive income $9,958  $14,963  $14,669 
       
Share and Per Share Data      
Earnings per common share:      
Basic $0.62  $0.63  $0.77 
Diluted  0.62   0.63   0.77 
Book value per share  16.86   16.56   15.10 
Tangible book value per share(1)  16.86   16.56   15.10 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding  17,190,867   17,175,445   17,150,174 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding  17,272,994   17,193,114   17,194,884 
Shares outstanding at end of period  17,353,251   17,256,989   17,258,904 
       
Credit Quality      
Allowance for credit losses to period end nonperforming loans  1,806.73%  1,752.70%  8,167.68%
Nonperforming loans to loans held for investment  0.06%  0.06%  0.01%
Nonperforming assets to total assets  0.06%  0.05%  0.01%
Nonperforming loans plus performing loan modifications to loans held for investment  0.06%  0.06%  0.01%
       
Selected Financial Ratios      
ROAA  1.22%  1.26%  1.65%
ROAE  14.84%  15.45%  20.94%
Net interest margin  3.14%  3.19%  3.75%
Loan to deposit  105.37%  102.19%  98.66%

(1) See the section entitled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)” for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure.


(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 March 31,
2023
Balance Sheet Data      
Cash and due from financial institutions $29,750  $26,986  $26,556 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  155,575   294,590   321,383 
Time deposits in banks  5,878   5,858   9,617 
Securities - available-for-sale, at fair value  105,006   108,083   115,140 
Securities - held-to-maturity, at amortized cost  3,000   3,077   3,514 
Loans held for sale  10,243   11,464   11,315 
Loans held for investment  3,104,130   3,081,719   2,869,848 
Allowance for credit losses - loans  (34,653)  (34,431)  (34,172)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance for credit losses  3,069,477   3,047,288   2,835,676 
FHLB stock  15,000   15,000   10,890 
Operating leases, right-of-use asset  6,932   5,284   5,175 
Premises and equipment, net  1,569   1,623   1,677 
Bank-owned life insurance  18,872   17,180   16,771 
Interest receivable and other assets  55,058   56,692   39,594 
Total assets $3,476,360  $3,593,125  $3,397,308 
       
Non-interest-bearing deposits $817,388  $831,101  $836,673 
Interest-bearing deposits  2,138,384   2,195,795   2,083,733 
Total deposits  2,955,772   3,026,896   2,920,406 
Subordinated notes, net  73,786   73,749   73,640 
Other borrowings  120,000   170,000   120,000 
Operating lease liability  7,320   5,603   5,433 
Interest payable and other liabilities  26,902   31,103   17,173 
Total liabilities  3,183,780   3,307,351   3,136,652 
       
Common stock  220,804   220,505   219,785 
Retained earnings  84,216   77,036   52,817 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes  (12,440)  (11,767)  (11,946)
Total shareholders’ equity  292,580   285,774   260,656 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $3,476,360  $3,593,125  $3,397,308 
       
Quarterly Average Balance Data      
Average loans held for investment and sale $3,082,290  $3,055,042  $2,836,070 
Average interest-earning assets  3,424,469   3,319,300   3,156,100 
Average total assets  3,518,452   3,399,660   3,225,353 
Average deposits  3,106,841   3,009,078   2,824,391 
Average total equity  288,106   277,295   254,927 
       
Capital Ratios      
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets  8.42%  7.95%  7.67%
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets(1)  8.42%  7.95%  7.67%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  12.34%  12.30%  12.50%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)  9.13%  9.07%  9.02%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)  9.13%  9.07%  9.02%
Tier 1 leverage ratio  8.63%  8.73%  8.53%

(1) See the section entitled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)” for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure.


Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)

The Company uses financial information in its analysis of the Company’s performance that is not in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP. However, the Company acknowledges that its non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, investors should not view these disclosures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, these non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other banking companies use. Other banking companies may use names similar to those the Company uses for the non-GAAP financial measures the Company discloses, but may calculate them differently. Investors should understand how the Company and other companies each calculate their non-GAAP financial measures when making comparisons.

Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets is defined as total equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total shareholders’ equity to total assets. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets at the end of any period indicated. As a result, tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets is the same as total shareholders’ equity to total assets at the end of each of the periods indicated.

Tangible book value per share is defined as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the outstanding number of common shares at the end of the period. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is book value per share. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets at the end of any period indicated. As a result, tangible book value per share is the same as book value per share at the end of each of the periods indicated.

Pre-tax, pre-provision income is defined as pre-tax income plus provision for credit losses. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is pre-tax income.

The following reconciliation table provides a more detailed analysis of this non-GAAP financial measure:

  Three months ended
(in thousands) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 March 31,
2023
Pre-tax, pre-provision income      
Pre-tax income $14,961 $15,151 $18,501
Add: provision for credit losses  900  800  900
Pre-tax, pre-provision income $15,861 $15,951 $19,401
 

Investor Contact:
Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer
Five Star Bancorp
(916) 626-5008
hluck@fivestarbank.com

Media Contact:
Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer
Five Star Bancorp
(916) 284-7827
swetton@fivestarbank.com