Cass Information Systems Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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Cass Information Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASS) reported first quarter 2024 earnings of $0.52 per diluted share, with net income of $7.2 million. The company maintained exceptional credit quality, with no non-performing loans or charge-offs. Despite a freight recession impacting revenue and profitability, Cass onboarded new facility clients successfully. Transportation dollar volumes decreased, but processing fees and facility expense dollar volumes increased. The company saw growth in loans, but a decrease in average deposits and accounts payable.

Positive

• Net income of $7.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share
• Return on average equity and assets of 12.66% and 1.20%, respectively
• Increase in facility expense transaction volumes of 23.0%
• Processing fee growth of 8.9%
• Maintained exceptional credit quality, with no non-performing loans or charge-offs
• Transportation dollar volumes decreased by 12.9%
• Processing fees increased by 8.9%
• Financial fees decreased by 4.3%
• Net interest income decreased by 2.5%
• Personnel expenses increased by 1.9%
• Non-personnel expenses declined by 2.7%
• Ending loans increased by $22.7 million, or 2.2%
• Average deposits decreased by $65.2 million, or 5.7%
• Average accounts and drafts payable decreased by $59.3 million, or 5.4%
• Total shareholders’ equity decreased by $322,000

Negative

• Transportation dollar volumes decreased by 12.9%
• Financial fees decreased by 4.3%
• Net interest income decreased by 2.5%
• Average deposits decreased by $65.2 million, or 5.7%
• Average accounts and drafts payable decreased by $59.3 million, or 5.4%
• Total shareholders’ equity decreased by $322,000

Financial Analyst

The reported net income for Cass Information Systems demonstrates a marginal year-over-year increase, which suggests the company is maintaining profitability despite economic challenges, including a freight recession. The notable increase in facility expense transaction volumes against the backdrop of limited operating expense growth indicates operational leverage and efficient scalability in their business model. This cost-control is commendable in the current economic climate and suggests management effectiveness in handling expenses.

However, the decline in transportation dollar volumes is concerning as it reflects the direct impact of the broader economic downturn on the company's core business. With transportation volumes being a key revenue driver, any sustained downturn in this sector could adversely impact future earnings. Investors should monitor this metric closely, as it could signal trends that might affect the company's performance.

From the details provided, the company's shift to higher deposit rates to counter deposit attrition signals a response to competitive pressures in the banking industry. While this may help in retaining and attracting clients, it could also compress net interest margin over time if interest rates continue to rise. Strategic decisions like these reflect a proactive management stance but come with potential trade-offs that could impact the bottom line.

Credit Risk Analyst

The provision for credit losses, albeit modestly increased, should be a focal point for investors as it provides insights into management's expectations for credit quality and potential defaults. It's positive to note there were no non-performing loans or charge-offs, which indicates strong credit quality amidst economic uncertainty. Strategic growth in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio warrants attention to ensure that credit quality does not deteriorate as the loan book expands.

In light of the cyber event impacting CassPay, investors should seek clarity on the company's cyber risk mitigation strategies and the potential financial implications of such events. Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a critical factor in evaluating a company's risk profile, especially for firms handling significant transaction volumes and financial data.

Market Research Analyst

The increase in the number of facility clients indicates successful market penetration and possibly an effective sales strategy. However, the company's performance is not isolated from external market forces, as evidenced by the impact of lower energy prices and the freight recession on revenues. Investors could benefit from deeper insights into the company's business diversification strategies to assess how well-positioned Cass Information Systems is to navigate sector-specific downturns.

Furthermore, the mention of robust new business pipelines suggests potential future growth, an aspect that could be underpinned by the aforementioned technology platform upgrades. This hints at an investment in infrastructure that could facilitate efficiency and support expansion, aligning with long-term growth objectives. Nonetheless, the actual conversion of these pipelines into revenue-generating clients will be key to realizing the benefits of such strategic investments.

First Quarter Results

(All comparisons refer to the first quarter of 2023, except as noted)

• Net income of $7.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share.
• Return on average equity and assets of 12.66% and 1.20%, respectively.
• Increase in facility expense transaction volumes of 23.0%.
• Processing fee growth of 8.9%.
• Limited operating expense growth to 0.7% despite facility expense transaction volume increase.
• Maintained exceptional credit quality, with no non-performing loans or charge-offs.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cass Information Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASS), (the Company or Cass) reported first quarter 2024 earnings of $0.52 per diluted share, as compared to $0.51 in the first quarter of 2023 and $0.61 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income for the period was $7.2 million, an increase of 0.5% from $7.1 million in the same period in 2023 and a decrease of $1.3 million, or 15.0%, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

Martin Resch, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, noted, “We successfully onboarded a significant number of new facility clients during the first quarter which we could not have accomplished as effectively without the technology platform upgrades we have completed over the last several quarters. Facility transaction volumes increasing 23.0% and operating expenses increasing only 0.7% show that we are becoming more scalable.” Resch added, “While current revenue and profitability levels are certainly not where we would like them to be due to the ongoing freight recession and other external events, we have robust new business pipelines throughout our lines of business which should place us in a good position to grow clients and transactions.”

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

Transportation Dollar Volumes – Transportation dollar volumes were $8.9 billion during the first quarter of 2024, decreases of 12.9% as compared to the first quarter of 2023 and 1.2% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The average dollars per transaction declined to $1,019 during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to $1,036 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $1,129 in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of lower fuel costs and overall freight rates. Transportation dollar volumes are key to the Company’s revenue as higher volumes generally lead to an increase in payment float, which generates interest income, as well as an increase in payments in advance of funding, which generates financial fees.

Facility Expense Dollar Volumes – Facility expense dollar volumes totaled $5.3 billion during the first quarter of 2024, increases of 0.3% as compared to the first quarter of 2023 and 9.9% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The slight increase as compared to the first quarter of 2023 is largely reflective of new client volume, partially offset by lower energy prices. The increase as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 is reflective of new client onboarding and related transaction growth.

Processing Fees – Processing fees increased $1.7 million, or 8.9%, over the same period in the prior year. The increase in processing fees was largely driven by an increase in facility transaction volumes of 23.0%. The Company has experienced recent success in winning facility clients with high transaction volumes. Transportation invoice volumes decreased 3.6% over the same period. The decline in transportation volumes is largely due to the on-going freight recession.

Financial Fees – Financial fees, earned on a transactional level basis for invoice payment services when making customer payments, decreased $482,000, or 4.3%. The decrease in financial fee income was primarily due to a decline in transportation dollar volumes of 12.9% in addition to changes in the manner certain vendors receive payments, partially offset by the increase in short-term interest rates between the periods.

Net Interest Income – Net interest income decreased $422,000, or 2.5%. The decrease in net interest income was attributable to a decline in average interest-earning assets of $99.5 million, or 4.6%. The Company’s net interest margin improved to 3.26% as compared to 3.23% in the same period last year.

The Company’s net interest margin declined 4 basis points as compared to 3.30% in the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily driven by a $91.6 million decrease in average non-interest bearing funding, consisting of $17.0 million in average non-interest bearing deposits and $74.6 million in average accounts and drafts payable. A cyber event at a CassPay client reduced payment volumes and related accounts and drafts payable during the first quarter of 2024.

Provision for Credit Losses - The Company recorded a provision of credit losses of $95,000 during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to a release of credit losses of $340,000 in the first quarter of 2023. The provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2024 was largely driven by the increase in total loans of $22.7 million, or 2.2%, as compared to December 31, 2023.

Personnel Expenses - Personnel expenses increased $581,000, or 1.9%. Salaries and commissions increased $1.4 million, or 6.1%, as a result of merit increases and an increase in average full-time equivalent employees (“FTEs”) of 5.2% due to strategic investments in various technology initiatives. Share-based compensation decreased $724,000 reflecting the Company’s financial performance and the impact on performance-based restricted stock between the periods.

Non-Personnel Expenses - Non-personnel expenses declined $282,000, or 2.7%. Certain expense categories related to technology declined as the Company transitioned to new technology platforms for data entry.

Loans - When compared to December 31, 2023, ending loans increased $22.7 million, or 2.2%. The Company experienced growth in its commercial and industrial loan portfolio during the first quarter of 2024.

Payments in Advance of Funding – Average payments in advance of funding decreased $46.6 million, or 19.3%, primarily due to a 12.9% decrease in transportation dollar volumes, which led to fewer dollars advanced to freight carriers.

Deposits – Average deposits decreased $65.2 million, or 5.7%, when compared to the first quarter of 2023 and increased $22.5 million, or 2.1%, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Total deposits at March 31, 2024 decreased $61.7 million, or 5.4% as compared to December 31, 2023. The Company experienced deposit attrition subsequent to the first quarter of 2023 as larger commercial depository clients moved their funds to higher interest rate alternatives outside of the banking system. However, the Company has experienced recent growth in its average deposit balances as a result of higher deposit rates and increased depositor confidence across the banking industry.

Accounts and Drafts Payable - Average accounts and drafts payable decreased $59.3 million, or 5.4%. The decrease in these balances, which are non-interest bearing, are primarily reflective of the decrease in transportation dollar volumes of 12.9%. In addition, a cyber event at a CassPay client reduced payment volumes and related average accounts and drafts payable. Accounts and drafts payable are a significant source of funding generated by payment float from transportation, facility and CassPay clients.

Shareholders’ Equity - Total shareholders’ equity has decreased $322,000 since December 31, 2023 as a result of an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.7 million primarily related to the fair value of available-for-sale investment securities, dividends of $4.0 million and the repurchase of Company stock of $1.0 million, partially offset by net income of $7.2 million.

About Cass Information Systems

Cass Information Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated information and payment management solutions. Cass enables enterprises to achieve visibility, control and efficiency in their supply chains, communications networks, facilities and other operations. Disbursing over $90 billion annually on behalf of clients, and with total assets of $2.3 billion, Cass is uniquely supported by Cass Commercial Bank. Founded in 1906 and a wholly owned subsidiary, Cass Commercial Bank provides sophisticated financial exchange services to the parent organization and its clients. Cass is part of the Russell 2000^®. More information is available at www.cassinfo.com.

Forward Looking Information

This information contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include future financial and operating results, expectations, intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the impact of economic and market conditions, inflationary pressures, risks of credit deterioration, interest rate changes, governmental actions, market volatility, security breaches and technology interruptions, energy prices and competitive factors, among others, as set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Note to Investors

The Company has used, and intends to continue using, the Investors portion of its website to disclose material non-public information and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors are encouraged to monitor Cass’s website in addition to following press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
($ and numbers in thousands, except per share data)
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2024				Quarter Ended December 31, 2023				Quarter Ended March 31, 2023
Processing fees	$	21,253			$	20,728			$	19,513
Financial fees		10,777				11,467				11,259
Total fee revenue	$	32,030			$	32,195			$	30,772
Interest and fees on loans		12,776				12,796				12,235
Interest and dividends on securities		4,437				4,352				4,794
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments		4,441				4,573				3,113
Total interest income	$	21,654			$	21,721			$	20,142
Interest expense		5,178				4,687				3,244
Net interest income	$	16,476			$	17,034			$	16,898
(Provision for) release of credit losses		(95	)			215				340
(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities		—				(13	)			39
Other		1,267				1,305				1,296
Total revenues	$	49,678			$	50,736			$	49,345
Salaries and commissions		23,976				23,861				22,605
Share-based compensation		1,226				342				1,950
Net periodic pension cost		195				434				100
Other benefits		5,210				4,963				5,371
Total personnel expenses	$	30,607			$	29,600			$	30,026
Occupancy		861				890				855
Equipment		1,881				1,950				1,650
Other		7,322				7,941				7,841
Total operating expenses	$	40,671			$	40,381			$	40,372
Income from operations before income taxes	$	9,007			$	10,355			$	8,973
Income tax expense		1,855				1,945				1,856
Net income	$	7,152			$	8,410			$	7,117
Basic earnings per share	$	.53			$	.62			$	.52
Diluted earnings per share	$	.52			$	.61			$	.51
Share data:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding		13,530				13,467				13,599
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		13,785				13,755				13,863

Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands)
	(unaudited) March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				(unaudited) March 31, 2023
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	192,803			$	372,468			$	210,478
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		621,929				627,117				703,037
Loans		1,036,997				1,014,318				1,070,373
Less: Allowance for credit losses		(13,299	)			(13,089	)			(13,254	)
Loans, net	$	1,023,698			$	1,001,229			$	1,057,119
Payments in advance of funding		221,552				198,861				259,819
Premises and equipment, net		32,613				30,093				20,967
Investments in bank-owned life insurance		49,496				49,159				48,278
Goodwill and other intangible assets		20,463				20,654				21,240
Accounts and drafts receivable from customers		32,856				110,651				37,288
Other assets		98,169				68,390				69,163
Total assets	$	2,293,579			$	2,478,622			$	2,427,389
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Deposits
Non-interest bearing	$	412,879			$	524,359			$	585,323
Interest-bearing		666,213				616,455				530,827
Total deposits	$	1,079,092			$	1,140,814			$	1,116,150
Accounts and drafts payable		944,793				1,071,369				1,051,435
Other liabilities		40,207				36,630				42,304
Total liabilities	$	2,064,092			$	2,248,813			$	2,209,889
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	$	7,753			$	7,753			$	7,753
Additional paid-in capital		204,361				208,007				206,614
Retained earnings		148,845				145,782				134,822
Common shares in treasury, at cost		(82,316	)			(84,264	)			(79,419	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(49,156	)			(47,469	)			(52,270	)
Total shareholders’ equity	$	229,487			$	229,809			$	217,500
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,293,579			$	2,478,622			$	2,427,389

Average Balances (unaudited)
($ in thousands)
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2024			Quarter Ended December 31, 2023			Quarter Ended March 31, 2023
Average interest-earning assets	$	2,063,239		$	2,075,651		$	2,162,734
Average loans		1,016,246			1,025,259			1,076,221
Average securities available-for-sale		635,422			615,666			724,839
Average short-term investments		352,163			356,887			295,150
Average payments in advance of funding		194,338			209,364			240,890
Average assets		2,381,582			2,414,665			2,499,341
Average non-interest bearing deposits		447,900			464,924			553,644
Average interest-bearing deposits		631,622			592,055			591,102
Average borrowings		11			11			5,834
Average interest-bearing liabilities		631,633			592,066			596,936
Average accounts and drafts payable		1,035,833			1,110,415			1,095,182
Average shareholders’ equity	$	226,669		$	207,834		$	209,791

Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)
($ and numbers in thousands, except ratios)
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2024		Quarter Ended December 31, 2023		Quarter Ended March 31, 2023
Return on average equity	12.66 %		16.06 %		13.76 %
Return on average assets	1.20 %		1.38 %		1.15 %
Net interest margin (1)	3.26 %		3.30 %		3.23 %
Average interest-earning assets yield (1)	4.27 %		4.20 %		3.84 %
Average loan yield	5.06 %		4.95 %		4.61 %
Average investment securities yield (1)	2.71 %		2.63 %		2.62 %
Average short-term investment yield	5.07 %		5.08 %		4.28 %
Average cost of total deposits	1.93 %		1.76 %		1.15 %
Average cost of interest-bearing deposits	3.30 %		3.14 %		2.18 %
Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities	3.30 %		3.14 %		2.20 %
Allowance for credit losses to loans	1.28 %		1.29 %		1.24 %
Non-performing loans to total loans	-- %		-- %		-- %
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to loans	-- %		-- %		-- %
Common equity tier 1 ratio	14.84 %		14.73 %		13.76 %
Total risk-based capital ratio	15.60 %		15.49 %		14.49 %
Leverage ratio	11.34 %		10.71 %		10.01 %
(1) Yields are presented on tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21%.
Transportation invoice volume	8,771		8,733		9,098
Transportation dollar volume	$ 8,939,646		$ 9,044,772		$ 10,268,451
Facility expense transaction volume	4,264		3,505		3,468
Facility expense dollar volume	$ 5,329,566		$ 4,848,064		$ 5,313,385

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240418079671/en/

Cass Investor Relations

ir@cassinfo.com

Source: Cass Information Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What was Cass Information Systems' net income for the first quarter of 2024?

Cass Information Systems reported a net income of $7.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

How did Cass Information Systems' transportation dollar volumes change in the first quarter of 2024?

Cass Information Systems' transportation dollar volumes decreased by 12.9% in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the percentage increase in facility expense transaction volumes for Cass Information Systems in the first quarter of 2024?

Cass Information Systems experienced a 23.0% increase in facility expense transaction volumes in the first quarter of 2024.

Did Cass Information Systems maintain exceptional credit quality in the first quarter of 2024?

Yes, Cass Information Systems maintained exceptional credit quality in the first quarter of 2024 with no non-performing loans or charge-offs.

How did Cass Information Systems' processing fees change in the first quarter of 2024?

Cass Information Systems' processing fees increased by 8.9% in the first quarter of 2024.