Franklin Financial Reports First Quarter 2024 Results; Declares Dividend

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Franklin Financial Services reported its first quarter 2024 results, with net income at $3.4 million, a decrease of 3.2% compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 2.1% from the same period last year. The declared a $0.32 per share cash dividend for the second quarter of 2024. Total assets exceeded $2.0 billion for the first time in a quarterly report. Total net loans and deposits increased, while the Bank's borrowings totaled $280.0 million. Return on Average Assets (ROA) was 0.67%, Return on Average Equity (ROE) was 10.21%, and the Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 2.88%. The is well-capitalized and saw growth in assets, loans, and deposits, along with maintaining stellar loan quality and non-interest income. Additional information is available on their website.

Positive

• Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $3.4 million, decreasing by 3.2% from the previous quarter.
• Total assets exceeded $2.0 billion for the first time in a quarterly report.
• The declared a $0.32 per share cash dividend for the second quarter of 2024.
• Return on Average Assets (ROA) was 0.67%, Return on Average Equity (ROE) was 10.21%, and the Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 2.88%.
• Total net loans increased by 1.6% from the end of 2023, while total deposits increased by 1.4%.
• The is well-capitalized and saw growth in assets, loans, and deposits, along with maintaining stellar loan quality and non-interest income.

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

Franklin Financial Services Corporation's Q1 2024 report indicates a slight decline in net income and diluted EPS compared to the previous quarter but an improvement year-over-year. This mixed outcome highlights the dynamic nature of the banking environment, where profitability can be influenced by interest rate fluctuations, lending activities and deposit growth. The noted increase in shareholder equity and assets exceeding $2 billion are positive indicators of growth. However, investors should consider the reduced ROA and ROE alongside the increased cost of deposits from 0.92% to 1.70%, as these factors could signal rising funding costs that may impact future profitability. The Bank's strategic borrowing activities, including repaying BTFP funding and taking a three-year term loan, are aimed at supporting growth, but they could also affect net interest margins and earnings in the short term. As a retail investor, it's important to balance these developments with the Bank's long-term growth strategy as reflected in its asset expansion.

Market Research Analyst

The banking sector is sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, such as interest rates and regulatory changes. Franklin Financial's asset growth exceeding $2 billion underscores the bank's expansion in its market area, demonstrating the potential for increased market share. The strategic focus on commercial real estate loans could capitalize on real estate market dynamics within south-central Pennsylvania. However, with net interest margins compressing, investors should watch for how efficiently the bank can manage its interest-earning assets and liabilities, particularly under varying economic cycles. The bank's confidence is reflected in its dividend declaration, which is a sign of stability for income-focused investors. Nonetheless, the operational costs increase, especially in salaries and data processing, suggest an investment in human capital and technology which could improve service delivery but requires monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Credit Analyst

Loan portfolio expansion and the provision for credit losses are essential facets of a bank's financial health. Franklin Financial's increased net loans imply active lending, potentially driving future revenue. The increase in the provision for credit losses aligns with the growth in the loan book and shows prudent risk management. With the bank maintaining the ACL (Allowance for Credit Losses) ratio, it indicates a stable risk appetite. The detailed breakdown of the loan portfolio, particularly the prominence of commercial real estate loans, suggests a focused approach on this sector. For investors, the loan diversity and associated risks should be scrutinized, especially amid fluctuating economic conditions which can affect real estate valuations and borrowers' repayment capabilities.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Franklin Financial Services Corporation (the Corporation) (NASDAQ: FRAF), the bank holding company of F&M Trust (the Bank) headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, reported its first quarter 2024 financial results.  A summary of operating results as of or for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 follows:

• Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $3.4 million compared to $3.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 (a decrease of 3.2%) and $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2023 (an increase of 2.1%). Diluted earnings per share were $0.77, $0.79, and $0.75, for the respective periods.
• For the first quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses was $452 thousand compared to $788 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $529 thousand for the first quarter of 2023.
• Total assets were $2.011 billion, exceeding $2.0 billion for the first time on a quarterly report.
• Total net loans increased 1.6% from December 31, 2023.
• Total deposits increased 1.4% from the end of 2023. At March 31, 2024, borrowings from the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB) totaled $280.0 million.
• Return on Average Assets (ROA) was 0.67%, Return on Average Equity (ROE) was 10.21% and the Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 2.88%; compared to an ROA of 0.80%, ROE of 11.33%, and NIM of 3.41% for the same period in 2023.
• On April 11, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a $0.32 per share regular quarterly cash dividend for the second quarter of 2024 to be paid on May 22, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 2, 2024.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Total assets at March 31, 2024 were $2.011 billion, up 9.5% from $1.836 billion at December 31, 2023. Changes in the balance sheet from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 include: 

• Debt securities available for sale decreased $9.6 million (2.0%) due to paydowns.
• Net loans increased $20.1 million (1.6%) over the year-end 2023 balance, primarily from an increase of $17.6 million in commercial real estate loans. At March 31, 2024, commercial real estate loans totaled $721.3 million, with the largest collateral segments being: apartment buildings ($127.7 million), office buildings ($87.7 million), and hotels and motels ($87.1 million) primarily in the Bank's market area of south-central Pennsylvania.
• Total deposits increased $21.3 million (1.4%) from year-end 2023. Time deposits and money management accounts and noninterest checking increased $75.4 million in total, but this increase was partially offset by a decrease in interest-bearing checking and savings accounts. Time deposits increased in part due to a net increase of $14.0 million in brokered time deposits. For the first quarter of 2024, the cost of total deposits was 1.70%, compared to 0.92% for the same period in 2023. On March 31, 2024, the Bank estimated that approximately 90% of its deposits were FDIC insured or collateralized.
• On March 31, 2024, the Bank had borrowings of $280.0 million comprised of $40.0 million from the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) and $240.0 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB). During the first quarter of 2024, the Bank borrowed $200.0 million on a three-year term loan from FHLB and has $40.0 million maturing at FHLB in 2024. The Bank paid-off $50.0 million in BTFP funding during the first quarter of 2024 and the outstanding balance is due in 2025. No new advances can be taken from the BTFP. The Bank has additional funding capacity with the Federal Reserve, FHLB and correspondent banks.
• Shareholders' equity increased $2.1 million to $134.2 million at March 31, 2024 from year-end 2023. Retained earnings increased $2.0 million, net of dividends of $1.4 million. The accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI) increased $294 thousand during the first quarter to $41.2 million. On March 31, 2024, the book value of the Corporation's common stock was $30.55 per share and tangible book value was $28.50 per share (1). In December 2023, an open market repurchase plan was approved to repurchase 150,000 shares over a one-year period. No shares have been repurchased thus far in 2024 under the approved plan. The Bank is considered to be well-capitalized under regulatory guidance as of March 31, 2024.
• Average interest-earning assets for 2024 were $1.920 billion compared to $1.565 billion for the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 22.7%. In 2024, the average balance of interest-earning cash balances increased $132.6 million (303.5%) due to an increase in borrowings during the first quarter that has not been fully invested into loans. The average balance of the investment portfolio increased $6.2 million (1.3%), while the average balance of the loan portfolio increased $216.5 million (20.6%), over the prior year averages. Within the loan portfolio, average commercial loan balances (including commercial real estate) increased $156.9 million during the year and the average balance of first-lien residential mortgages increased $56.5 million. Total deposits averaged $1.537 billion for 2024, an increase of $32.7 million (2.2%) from the average balance for the first quarter of 2023. On a year-to-date comparison, the yield on earning assets increased from 4.38% in 2023 to 5.03% for 2024, while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased from 1.22% to 2.59% over the same period.

Income Statement Highlights

• Net interest income was $13.6 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $13.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $12.8 million for the first quarter of 2023. The net interest margin (NIM) was 2.88% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 3.24% in the prior quarter and 3.41% for the first quarter of 2023. The compression in NIM is the result of higher funding costs and excess cash balances not yet fully invested.
• For the first quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses on loans was $490 thousand compared to $732 for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $467 thousand for the first quarter of 2023. The provision for loan loss was necessary due to growth in the loan portfolio. The ACL ratio for loans was 1.29% on March 31, 2024, compared to 1.28% on December 31, 2023. For the first quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments was a reversal of $38 thousand compared to $56 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $62 thousand for the first quarter of 2023. The ACL for unfunded commitments was $2.0 million on March 31, 2024, compared to $2.0 million on December 31, 2023.
• Noninterest income totaled $4.2 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 (an increase of 2.5%), and $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2023 (an increase of 29.9%). The increase over the first quarter of 2023 was due primarily to an increase of $192 thousand in wealth management fees and $602 thousand loss on the sale of securities in the first quarter of 2023 that did not occur in 2024. Excluding the effect of the securities loss in 2023, the increase in noninterest income in 2024 would have been 9.3%.
• Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2024 was $13.3 million compared to $13.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 (an increase of 1.2%) and $12.0 million (an increase of 10.7%) for the first quarter of 2023. Contributing to the year-over-year increase was an increase of $791 thousand in salaries and benefits (primarily salaries due to a highly competitive labor market, and wage increases), and an increase of $363 thousand in data processing expenses primarily from increased software expense.
• The effective federal income tax rate was 15.7% for 2024 and 6.3% for the first quarter of 2023. The 2023 rate reflects the benefit of $280 thousand in tax credits recorded in the first quarter of 2023. Without the tax credits, the 2023 rate would have been 14.3%.

"In the first quarter of 2024, we took several steps to ensure our ability to grow the company over the course of the year. Some of these steps, such as our FHLB borrowing, will have an initial negative effect on earnings but provide us additional support from which to continue our growth", said Tim Henry, President and CEO. "During the quarter, we saw company assets go over the $2 billion threshold, grew both loans and deposits, maintained stellar loan quality, and saw growth in non-interest income. We also announced a new community office in Dauphin County that should go live by the end of the year. All-in-all, I am pleased with the first quarter of 2024 and how we are set up for the rest of the year."

Additional information on the Corporation is available on our website at: www.franklinfin.com/Presentations. 

Franklin Financial is the largest independent, locally owned and operated bank holding company headquartered in Franklin County with assets of more than $2.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, F&M Trust, has twenty-two community banking locations in Franklin, Cumberland, Fulton and Huntingdon Counties PA, and Washington County MD. Franklin Financial stock is trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol FRAF. Please visit our website for more information, www.franklinfin.com. 

Management considers subsequent events occurring after the balance sheet date for matters which may require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the consolidated financial statements.  The review period for subsequent events extends up to and including the filing date of a public company's consolidated financial statements when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, the financial information in this announcement is subject to change.

Certain statements appearing herein which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements refer to a future period or periods, reflecting management's current views as to likely future developments, and use words "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," or similar terms.  Because forward-looking statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors over which Franklin Financial Services Corporation has no direct control, actual results could differ materially from those contemplated in such statements.  These factors include (but are not limited to) the following: changes in interest rates, changes in the rate of inflation, general economic conditions and their effect on the Corporation and our customers, changes in the Corporation's cost of funds, changes in government monetary policy, changes in government regulation and taxation of financial institutions, changes in technology, the intensification of competition within the Corporation's market area, and other similar factors.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. They only reflect management's analysis as of this date. The Corporation does not revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or changed circumstances. Please carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Corporation files from time to time with the SEC, including the Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and any Current Reports on Form 8-K. 

FRANKLIN FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
Earnings Summary			For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		3/31/2024			12/31/2023			3/31/2023
Interest income		$	23,809		$	21,516		$	16,583
Interest expense			10,256			7,616			3,746
Net interest income			13,553			13,900			12,837
Provision for credit losses - loans			490			732			467
Provision for credit losses - unfunded commitments			(38)			56			62
Total provision for credit losses			452			788			529
Noninterest income			4,188			4,085			3,225
Noninterest expense			13,304			13,148			12,019
Income before income taxes			3,985			4,049			3,514
Income taxes			624			578			222
Net income		$	3,361		$	3,471		$	3,292
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.77		$	0.79		$	0.75
Regular cash dividends declared		$	0.32		$	0.32		$	0.32
Balance Sheet Highlights (as of )		3/31/2024			12/31/2023			3/31/2023
Total assets		$	2,011,614		$	1,836,039		$	1,711,285
Debt securities available for sale			462,951			472,503			458,154
Loans, net			1,261,062			1,240,933			1,063,337
Other borrowings			280,000			130,000			-
Deposits			1,559,312			1,537,978			1,502,110
Shareholders' equity			134,237			132,136			123,583
Assets Under Management (fair value)
Wealth Management			1,107,611			1,094,747			942,025
Held at third party brokers			151,465			135,423			124,483
		As of or for the Three Months Ended
Performance Ratios		3/31/2024			12/31/2023			3/31/2023
Return on average assets*			0.67 %			0.75 %			0.80 %
Return on average equity*			10.21 %			11.81 %			11.33 %
Dividend payout ratio			41.62 %			40.23 %			42.68 %
Net interest margin*			2.88 %			3.24 %			3.41 %
Net loans (charged-off) recovered/average loans*			0.00 %			-0.07 %			0.00 %
Nonperforming loans / gross loans			0.04 %			0.01 %			0.02 %
Nonperforming assets / total assets			0.02 %			0.01 %			0.01 %
Allowance for credit losses / loans			1.29 %			1.28 %			1.31 %
Book value, per share		$	30.55		$	30.23		$	28.07
Tangible book value (1)		$	28.50		$	28.17		$	26.02
Market value, per share		$	26.20		$	31.55		$	29.64
Market value/book value ratio			85.76 %			104.37 %			105.59 %
Market value/tangible book value ratio			91.94 %			112.01 %			113.91 %
Price/earnings multiple*			8.51			9.98			9.88
Current quarter dividend yield*			4.89 %			4.06 %			4.32 %
* Annualized
(1) Non-GAAP measurement.  See GAAP versus Non-GAAP disclosure

GAAP versus non-GAAP Presentations – The Corporation supplements its traditional GAAP measurements with certain non-GAAP measurements to evaluate its performance and to eliminate the effect of intangible assets.  By eliminating intangible assets (Goodwill), the Corporation believes it presents a measurement that is comparable to companies that have no intangible assets or to companies that have eliminated intangible assets in similar calculations. However, not all companies may use the same calculation method for each measurement. The non-GAAP measurements are not intended to be used as a substitute for the related GAAP measurements. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.  In the event of such a disclosure or release, the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation G requires: (i) the presentation of the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and (ii) a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure presented and the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The following table shows the calculation of the non-GAAP measurements.

Non-GAAP
(Dollars in thousands, except per share)		As of			As of			As of
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			March 31, 2023
Tangible Book Value (per share) (non-GAAP)
Shareholders' equity		$	134,237		$	132,136		$	123,583
Less intangible assets			(9,016)			(9,016)			(9,016)
Tangible book value (non-GAAP)			125,221			123,120			114,567
Shares outstanding (in thousands)			4,394			4,371			4,403
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)		$	28.50		$	28.17		$	26.02

 

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SOURCE Franklin Financial Services Corporation

FAQ

What was the net income for Franklin Financial in the first quarter of 2024?

Franklin Financial reported a net income of $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of 3.2% from the previous quarter.

What was the total assets of Franklin Financial at the end of March 31, 2024?

Franklin Financial's total assets exceeded $2.0 billion for the first time in a quarterly report as of March 31, 2024.

What cash dividend per share was declared for the second quarter of 2024 by Franklin Financial?

Franklin Financial declared a $0.32 per share cash dividend for the second quarter of 2024.

What was the Return on Average Assets (ROA) for Franklin Financial in the first quarter of 2024?

The Return on Average Assets (ROA) for Franklin Financial was 0.67% in the first quarter of 2024.

How much did total net loans increase by from the end of 2023 for Franklin Financial?

Total net loans for Franklin Financial increased by 1.6% from the end of 2023.

Where can additional information on Franklin Financial be found?

Additional information on Franklin Financial is available on their website at www.franklinfin.com.