Peoples Bancorp Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) reported fourth quarter and full year 2023 results, including net earnings of $15.5 million for the year, a decrease in net interest income, and an increase in non-interest income. The net interest margin was 3.51% for the year, compared to 3.22% in 2022.
The reported financial results of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. indicate a mixed performance with a decrease in net earnings for both the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023. This is highlighted by the decrease from $4.1 million to $3.4 million in Q4 and from $16.1 million to $15.5 million for the full year. A key factor contributing to this reduction is the increase in interest expense, which outpaced the growth in interest income despite a rise in total loans and higher Federal Reserve rates. This dynamic is particularly important as it suggests margin compression, a common concern for banks in a rising rate environment.
Furthermore, the increase in the provision for credit losses, albeit modest, reflects a cautious outlook on loan performance amid changing economic conditions. This is a prudent approach under the new CECL accounting standard, which requires more forward-looking loss estimates. The effective tax rate also saw an uptick, which could impact profitability. Investors should note the shift in deposit composition, with a significant increase in time deposits, indicating a possible strategic move to lock in funding costs in anticipation of further rate hikes. The decline in core deposits as a percentage of total deposits could suggest a need for increased liquidity management scrutiny.
Overall, the report suggests that Peoples Bancorp is navigating a challenging interest rate landscape, with efforts to manage credit risk and funding sources. The bank's ability to adapt to these conditions will be critical for future profitability and stock performance.
Peoples Bancorp's operational strategy, as evidenced by the closure of a branch lease and the adjustments in its investment portfolio, demonstrates an emphasis on cost management and risk mitigation. The bank's decision to sell municipal securities early in the year to reduce risk and enhance loan growth flexibility indicates a tactical response to market conditions. This move, combined with the reported increase in non-interest income from appraisal management fees and deferred compensation plans, reflects a diversified approach to revenue generation.
However, the decrease in non-interest income year-over-year, driven by a net loss on securities sales and a decrease in appraisal management fee income, aligns with broader national real estate trends and suggests potential vulnerabilities in the bank's revenue stream. The bank's performance in adapting its service offerings and managing operational expenses in response to these trends will be a key indicator of its resilience and competitive standing in the regional banking sector.
Peoples Bancorp's adoption of the CECL accounting standard represents a significant shift in how the bank estimates credit losses. The initial reduction to retained earnings and the increase in the allowance for credit losses reflect a more conservative stance on potential future losses. The slight increase in non-performing assets, while still a small percentage of total assets, warrants attention as it could signal emerging credit quality issues.
The bank's capital position, as indicated by the increase in shareholders' equity, suggests a solid buffer for potential stress, which is reassuring for stakeholders. The reported expansion in the bank's loan production offices could indicate a strategic push for growth, but it also comes with inherent risks associated with loan portfolio expansion, especially in a potentially cooling economic environment.
Investors and analysts will likely monitor how the bank's loan portfolio performs in the context of its increased allowance for credit losses and the broader economic conditions that could affect borrower repayment abilities. The bank's strategic moves, including branch optimization and investment portfolio adjustments, will also be scrutinized for their effectiveness in maintaining profitability and managing risk.
01/22/2024 - 10:00 AM
NEWTON, NC / ACCESSWIRE / January 22, 2024 / Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEBK) (the "Company"), the parent company of Peoples Bank (the "Bank"), reported fourth quarter and full year 2023 results with highlights as follows:
Fourth quarter 2023 highlights:
Net earnings were $3.4 million or $0.64 per share and $0.62 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $4.1 million or $0.76 per share and $0.74 per diluted share for the same period one year ago. Net interest margin was 3.32% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.78% for three months ended December 31, 2022. Full year 2023 highlights:
Net earnings were $15.5 million or $2.87 per share and $2.77 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $16.1 million or $2.94 per share and $2.85 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash dividends were $0.91 per share during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $0.87 per share for the prior year. Total loans were $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023, as compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2022. Non-performing assets were $3.9 million or 0.24% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to $3.7 million or 0.23% at December 31, 2022. Total deposits were $1.4 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Core deposits, a non-GAAP measure, were $1.2 billion or 89.30% of total deposits at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.4 billion or 98.14% of total deposits at December 31, 2022. Net interest margin was 3.51% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.22% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net earnings were $3.4 million or $0.64 per share and $0.62 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $4.1 million or $0.76 per share and $0.74 per diluted share for the prior year period. Lance A. Sellers, President and Chief Executive Officer, attributed the decrease in fourth quarter net earnings to a decrease in net interest income, which was partially offset by a decrease in the provision for credit losses, an increase in non-interest income and a decrease in non-interest expense, compared to the prior year period, as discussed below.
Net interest income was $13.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $15.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in net interest income is due to a $4.7 million increase in interest expense, partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in interest income. The increase in interest income is due to a $2.5 million increase in interest income and fees on loans and a $255,000 increase in interest income on investment securities, which were partially offset by a $60,000 decrease in interest income on balances due from banks. The increase in interest income and fees on loans is primarily due to an increase in total loans and rate increases by the Federal Reserve. The increase in interest income on investment securities is primarily due to higher yields on securities purchased during the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease in interest income on balances due from banks is primarily due to a reduction in balances outstanding. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to an increase in time deposits and an increase in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income after the provision for credit losses was $12.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $14.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The provision for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $405,000 , compared to $583,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in the provision for credit losses is primarily attributable to a reduction in reserves on unfunded loan commitments, which was partially offset by an increase in reserves on loans, driven by an increase in loan balances, as well as adjustments to reserves due to economic conditions and other factors at December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022.
Non-interest income was $6.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase in non-interest income is primarily attributable to a $116,000 increase in appraisal management fee income due to an increase in appraisal volume and a $341,000 increase in miscellaneous non-interest income due to an increase in deferred compensation income due to an increase in valuations for the assets in the deferred compensation plan.
Non-interest expense was $14.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $15.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in non-interest expense is primarily attributable to a $529,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense primarily due to a reduction in supplemental retirement plan expense and a $183,000 decrease in occupancy expense primarily due to a reduction in rental expense primarily due to a branch lease termination in December 2022, which were partially offset by a $195,000 increase in other non-interest expenses due to an increase in deferred compensation expense due to an increase in valuations for the assets in the deferred compensation plan.
Net earnings were $15.5 million or $2.87 per share and $2.77 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $16.1 million or $2.94 per share and $2.85 per diluted share for the prior year. The decrease in net earnings is primarily attributable to a decrease in non-interest income and an increase in the provision for credit losses, which were partially offset by an increase in net interest income, compared to the prior year period, as discussed below.
Net interest income was $54.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net interest income is due to a $17.4 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $13.8 million increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income is due to a $12.4 million increase in interest income and fees on loans and a $5.0 million increase in interest income on investment securities. The increase in interest income and fees on loans is primarily due to an increase in total loans and rate increases by the Federal Reserve, partially offset by a $948,000 decrease in fee income on SBA PPP loans. The increase in interest income on investment securities is primarily due to higher yields on securities purchased during the third and fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to an increase in time deposits and an increase in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income after the provision for credit losses was $53.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $49.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1.6 million , compared to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the provision for credit losses is primarily attributable to an increase in reserves on loans, driven by an increase in loan balances, as well as adjustments to reserves due to economic conditions and other factors at December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022.
Non-interest income was $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in non-interest income is primarily attributable to a $2.5 million net loss on the sales of securities and a $2.1 million decrease in appraisal management fee income due to a decrease in appraisal volume related to national trends in real estate purchases, which were partially offset by a $723,000 increase in miscellaneous non-interest income primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation income due to an increase in valuations for the assets in the deferred compensation plan. The securities sales referenced above were executed in January and February 2023 to reduce risk in the investment portfolio, at a time when favorable sale conditions had developed for municipal securities. These sales also provided the Bank with more flexibility to support loan growth and reduce the need for other borrowings.
Non-interest expense was $56.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. A $1.7 million decrease in appraisal management fee expense due to a decrease in appraisal volume related to national trends in real estate purchases, was offset by a $1.4 million increase in other non-interest expenses primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation expense due to an increase in valuations for the assets in the deferred compensation plan and a $510,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits expense primarily due to a reduction in the amortization of loan origination costs.
Income tax expense was $984,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The effective tax rate was 22.24% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 20.99% for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Income tax expense was $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The effective tax rate was 21.97% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 20.56% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a reduction in non-taxable investments.
Total assets were $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Available for sale securities were $391.9 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $445.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Total loans were $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, compared to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2022.
Non-performing assets were $3.9 million or 0.24% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to $3.7 million or 0.23% at December 31, 2022. Non-performing assets include $3.4 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $464,000 in other loans at December 31, 2023, compared to $3.7 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $8,000 in other loans at December 31, 2022.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326 ("CECL"), which replaced incurred loss methodology with current expected loss methodology. This new guidance resulted in an initial reduction to retained earnings of $838,000 , net of tax, due to a $1.1 million increase in the allowance for credit losses, comprised of a $2.3 million increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments and a $1.2 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $11.0 million or 1.01% of total loans at December 31, 2023, compared to $10.5 million or 1.02% at December 31, 2022. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments was $1.8 million at December 31, 2023 using the Company's CECL calculation methodology, compared to zero at December 31, 2022 using the Company's incurred loss calculation methodology. Management believes the current level of the allowance for credit losses is adequate; however, there is no assurance that additional adjustments to the allowance will not be required because of changes in economic conditions, regulatory requirements or other factors.
Deposits were $1.4 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Core deposits, a non-GAAP measure, which include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, NOW, MMDA, savings and non-brokered certificates of deposit of denominations of $250,000 or less, were $1.2 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2022. Management believes it is useful to calculate and present core deposits because of the positive impact this low cost funding source provides to the Bank's overall cost of funds and profitability. Certificates of deposit in amounts of more than $250,000 t otaled $148.9 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $31.0 million at December 31, 2022. Other time deposits totaled $190.2 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $67.0 million at December 31, 2022. The increases in certificates of deposit in amounts of more than $250,000 and other time deposits are primarily due to promotional rates offered on select certificate of deposit products during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $86.7 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $47.7 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase is primarily due to customers transferring funds from deposits to securities sold under agreements to repurchase during the year ended December 31, 2023. Junior subordinated debentures were $15.5 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Shareholders' equity was $121.0 million , or 7.40% of total assets, at December 31, 2023, compared to $105.2 million , or 6.49% of total assets, at December 31, 2022.
Peoples Bank operates 17 banking offices in North Carolina, with offices in Catawba, Alexander, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Wake Counties. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Forsyth Counties. The Company's common stock is publicly traded and is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "PEBK."
Statements made in this earnings release, other than those concerning historical information, should be considered forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management and on the information available to management at the time that this release was prepared. These statements can be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "believe," variations of these words and other similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, (1) competition in the markets served by the Bank, (2) changes in the interest rate environment, (3) general national, regional or local economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans, (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, (5) significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment and tax laws, (6) the impact of changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws, rules and regulations and (7) other risks and factors identified in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks
$ 32,819 $ 50,061 Interest-bearing deposits
49,556 21,535 Cash and cash equivalents
82,375 71,596
Investment securities available for sale
391,924 445,394 Other investments
2,874 2,656 Total securities
394,798 448,050
Mortgage loans held for sale
686 211
Loans
1,093,066 1,032,608 Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans
(11,041 ) (10,494 ) Net loans
1,082,025 1,022,114
Premises and equipment, net
16,702 18,205 Cash surrender value of life insurance
18,134 17,703 Accrued interest receivable and other assets
41,190 43,048 Total assets
$ 1,635,910 $ 1,620,927
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand
$ 432,687 $ 523,088 Interest-bearing demand, MMDA & savings
620,244 814,128 Time, over $250,000
148,904 31,001 Other time
190,210 66,998 Total deposits
1,392,045 1,435,215
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
86,715 47,688 Junior subordinated debentures
15,464 15,464 Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
20,670 17,365 Total liabilities
1,514,894 1,515,732
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized
5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
- - Common stock, no par value; authorized
20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
5,534,499 shares at 12/31/23,
5,636,830 shares at 12/31/22
50,625 52,636 Common stock held by deferred compensation trust,
at cost; 163,702 shares at 12/31/23, 169,094 shares
at 12/31/22
(1,910 ) (2,181 ) Deferred compensation
1,910 2,181 Retained earnings
109,756 100,156 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(39,365 ) (47,597 ) Total shareholders' equity
121,016 105,195
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$ 1,635,910 $ 1,620,927
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three months ended Years ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans
$ 14,812 $ 12,350 $ 55,507 $ 43,077 Interest on due from banks
710 770 2,216 2,223 Interest on investment securities:
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,497 1,870 9,365 4,150 State and political subdivisions
695 1,066 2,949 4,075 Other
442 443 1,825 906 Total interest income
19,156 16,499 71,862 54,431
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest-bearing demand, MMDA & savings deposits
1,843 756 6,731 2,019 Time deposits
3,250 141 7,916 562 Junior subordinated debentures
288 205 1,079 529 Other
505 96 1,417 213 Total interest expense
5,886 1,198 17,143 3,323
NET INTEREST INCOME
13,270 15,301 54,719 51,108 PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
405 583 1,566 1,472 NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
12,865 14,718 53,153 49,636
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Service charges
1,415 1,290 5,496 5,290 Other service charges and fees
187 194 697 734 Loss on sale of securities
- - (2,488 ) - Mortgage banking income
97 35 301 393 Insurance and brokerage commissions
204 236 929 945 Appraisal management fee income
2,123 2,007 9,592 11,663 Miscellaneous
2,101 1,760 8,387 7,664 Total non-interest income
6,127 5,522 22,914 26,689
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
Salaries and employee benefits
7,132 7,661 26,640 26,130 Occupancy
1,979 2,162 7,962 8,048 Appraisal management fee expense
1,678 1,584 7,559 9,264 Other
3,779 3,584 13,983 12,588 Total non-interest expense
14,568 14,991 56,144 56,030
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
4,424 5,249 19,923 20,295 INCOME TAXES
984 1,102 4,377 4,172
NET EARNINGS
$ 3,440 $ 4,147 $ 15,546 $ 16,123
PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Basic net earnings
$ 0.64 $ 0.76 $ 2.87 $ 2.94 Diluted net earnings
$ 0.62 $ 0.74 $ 2.77 $ 2.85 Cash dividends
$ 0.19 $ 0.18 $ 0.91 $ 0.87 Book value
$ 22.53 $ 19.24 $ 22.53 $ 19.24
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three months ended Years ended December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES:
Available for sale securities
$ 444,754 $ 509,362 $ 454,823 $ 467,484 Loans
1,086,403 1,020,383 1,061,075 949,175 Earning assets
1,585,966 1,618,034 1,561,825 1,601,168 Assets
1,618,053 1,657,925 1,605,386 1,663,665 Deposits
1,387,224 1,488,566 1,395,265 1,480,113 Shareholders' equity
107,322 99,864 116,295 123,886
SELECTED KEY DATA:
Net interest margin (tax equivalent) (1)
3.32 % 3.78 % 3.51 % 3.22 % Return on average assets
0.84 % 0.99 % 0.97 % 0.97 % Return on average shareholders' equity
12.72 % 16.48 % 13.37 % 13.01 % Average shareholders' equity to total average assets
6.63 % 6.02 % 7.24 % 7.45 %
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (Audited) ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES:
Allowance for credit losses on loans
$ 11,041 $ 10,494 Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments
1,770 - Provision for credit losses (2)
1,566 1,472 Charge-offs (2)
(698 ) (752 ) Recoveries (2)
392 419
ASSET QUALITY:
Non-accrual loans
$ 3,887 $ 3,728 90 days past due and still accruing
- - Other real estate owned
- - Total non-performing assets
$ 3,887 $ 3,728 Non-performing assets to total assets
0.24 % 0.23 % Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing assets
284.05 % 281.49 % Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans
1.01 % 1.02 %
LOAN RISK GRADE ANALYSIS:
Percentage of loans by risk grade
Risk Grade 1 (excellent quality)
0.30 % 0.45 % Risk Grade 2 (high quality)
19.78 % 19.70 % Risk Grade 3 (good quality)
72.96 % 73.03 % Risk Grade 4 (management attention)
5.59 % 5.49 % Risk Grade 5 (watch)
0.84 % 0.68 % Risk Grade 6 (substandard)
0.53 % 0.65 % Risk Grade 7 (doubtful)
0.00 % 0.00 % Risk Grade 8 (loss)
0.00 % 0.00 %
At December 31, 2023, including non-accrual loans, there were two relationships exceeding $1.0 million in the Watch risk grade, which totaled $4.9 million . There were no relationships exceeding $1.0 million in the Substandard risk grade.
(1) This amount reflects the tax benefit that the Company receives related to its tax-exempt loans and securities, which carry interest rates lower than similar taxable investments due to their tax-exempt status. This amount has been computed using an effective tax rate of 22.98% and is reduced by the related nondeductible portion of interest expense.
(2) For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Contact:
Jeffrey N. Hooper
SOURCE: Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
press release on accesswire.com
What were the net earnings for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) in 2023?
The net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $15.5 million or $2.87 per share and $2.77 per diluted share.
What was the net interest margin for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) in 2023?
The net interest margin was 3.51% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 3.22% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
What were the total loans for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) at the end of 2023?
Total loans were $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2022.
What were the non-performing assets for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) at the end of 2023?
Non-performing assets were $3.9 million or 0.24% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to $3.7 million or 0.23% at December 31, 2022.
Where is Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) listed?
The Company's common stock is publicly traded and is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol 'PEBK.'
