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8-K - FORM 8-K - Bank First Corptm213562d1_8k.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

NEWS
release
 
   

 

P.O. Box 10, Manitowoc, WI 54221-0010

For further information, contact:

Kevin M LeMahieu, Chief Financial Officer

Phone: (920) 652-3200 / klemahieu@bankfirstwi.bank

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Bank First Announces Net Income for the Fourth Quarter of 2020

 

·Net income of $11.5 and $38.0 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020
   
·Earnings per common share of $1.49 and $5.07 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020
   
·Annualized return on average assets of 1.71% and 1.52% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020
   
·Quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share declared, matching prior quarter and an increase of 5.0% from prior-year fourth quarter

 

MANITOWOC, Wis, January 19, 2021 -- Bank First Corporation (NASDAQ: BFC) (“Bank First” or the “Bank”), the holding company for Bank First, N.A., reported net income of $11.5 million, or $1.49 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with net income of $7.5 million, or $1.05 per share, for the respective prior-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Bank First earned $38.0 million, or $5.07 per share, compared to $26.7 million, or $3.91 per share for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Operating Results

 

Net interest income (“NII”) during the fourth quarter of 2020 was $24.5 million, up $1.5 million from the previous quarter and up $5.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2019. NII for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $86.8 million, up from $69.7 million during the prior year.

 

NII related to purchase accounting entries, resulting from Bank First’s purchases of Waupaca Bancorporation, Inc. (“Waupaca”) during the fourth quarter of 2017, Partnership Community Bancshares, Inc. (“Partnership”) during the third quarter of 2019, and Tomah Bancshares, Inc. (“Tomah”) during the second quarter of 2020 increased net income (after tax) during the fourth quarter of 2020 by $0.5 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to $1.1 million, or $0.16 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the impact of these purchase accounting entries increased net income (after tax) by $3.1 million, or $0.41 per share, and $5.1 million, or $0.74 per share, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 4.01% for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 3.85% for the fourth quarter of 2019. The aforementioned purchase accounting entries added 0.12% and 0.30% to NIM for each of these periods, respectively. NIM was 3.84% for the year ended December 31, 2020, including 0.18% from the impact of purchase accounting entries, compared to 3.95%, including 0.37% from the impact of purchase accounting entries, for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Bank First recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2019. Provision expense was $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $5.3 million for the prior year. Net loan charge-offs totaled $0.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 and $0.9 million for the full year ended December 31, 2020. Management continues to monitor the stress on the overall economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as specific impacts on Bank First customers. These factors will guide assessments of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in future quarters. As discussed later in this release, these impacts were minimal through the end of 2020.

 

Noninterest income was $6.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $3.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. During December 2020 Bank First sold its Chetek, Wisconsin branch location to another institution, resulting in a gain on sale of $1.7 million. Expenses related to this sale totaled $0.3 million during the quarter, and are included in noninterest expense. As in other quarters during 2020, strong activity in sales of mortgage loans to the secondary market led to a large year-over-year increase in net gains on these sales, totaling $2.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $0.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2019. Service charges earned by the Bank increased from $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2019 to $1.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, continuing to reflect the increased scale resulting from the Bank’s recent acquisitions. Income from Bank First’s ownership in Ansay & Associates, LLC, totaled $0.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, comparing favorably to $0.1 million during the prior-year fourth quarter, but declining from the first three quarters of 2020. The agency’s top three carriers had negative claim trends during 2020 that had a corresponding negative impact on the agency’s projected contingency income for the year, leading to an unfavorable adjustment in the fourth quarter. Finally, servicing fee income was negatively impacted during the fourth quarter of 2020 by an adjustment to the value of mortgage servicing rights on Bank First’s balance sheet totaling $0.4 million.

 

 

 

 

Noninterest expense was $14.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $12.2 million during the previous quarter and $11.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2019. Personnel expense totaled $7.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $6.6 million during the prior quarter, and $5.9 million during the prior year fourth quarter. Personnel expenses during the fourth quarter of 2020 included approximately $0.7 million in one-time bonus accruals and payments for employees who have incentive compensation tied to Bank profitability goals. These adjustments were necessary based on the Bank’s strong financial results for 2020. Occupancy, equipment and office expenses were elevated during the fourth quarter of 2020 as the Bank took advantage of branch closures to complete large scale remodel projects in several of our branch locations. Data processing expense continued to be elevated during the fourth quarter of 2020 due to higher “per-account” charges as a result of additional customer relationships from the acquisitions of Partnership and Tomah, as well as accounts and relationships added during the origination of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. In addition to these items, a one-time charge to data processing expense of $0.1 million was incurred as a result of booking PPP loans earlier in the year. As mentioned previously in this release, costs associated with the sale of the Chetek location marginally increased personnel, data processing, outside service fee and amortization expense.

 

Balance Sheet

 

Total assets were $2.72 billion at December 31, 2020, up $507.8 million from December 31, 2019. Total loans were $2.19 billion at December 31, 2020, up $455.1 million from December 31, 2019. Purchased loan balances included in the acquisition of Tomah during May 2020 totaled $111.9 million. Of the $279.6 million in PPP loans originated by Bank First during the second and third quarters of 2020, $171.2 million remained at year-end. Excluding the impact of acquired and PPP loans, Bank First experienced 9.5% loan growth during 2020, including annualized growth of 22.3% during the fourth quarter, as it gained market share in its communities by capitalizing on new relationships formed through its ability to assist businesses during the first half of 2020 when their former financial institutions were unresponsive. Total deposits, nearly all of which remain core deposits, were $2.32 billion at December 31, 2020, up $477.7 million from December 31, 2019. Deposit balances assumed during the acquisition of Tomah in May 2020 totaled $171.1 million. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $242.8 million during 2020, comprising 31.2% of total deposits at December 31, 2020 compared to 26.2% one year earlier.

 

 

 

 

Asset Quality

 

Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2020 totaled $14.0 million, down from $20.8 million at the end of the prior quarter, but up from $11.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2019. Nonperforming assets to total assets ended the fourth quarter of 2020 at 0.52%, down from 0.79% at the end of the prior quarter, and matching the level at the end of fourth quarter of 2019. This quarter-over-quarter improvement continues the trend of improving asset quality that started during the third quarter of 2020. After ending the second quarter of 2020 at $23.0 million, nonaccrual loans declined to $10.8 million at year end. As noted in Bank First’s third quarter 2020 earnings update, the remaining balance of nonaccrual loans relates primarily to one commercial real estate loan in northern Wisconsin totaling $7.2 million which was moved to nonaccrual status in June 2020. While payments have remained current on this loan through year-end, the move to nonaccrual status was deemed prudent by management due to the loss of a significant tenant in the underlying commercial property.

 

Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bank First has proactively worked with its customers to ensure that, consistent with the guidance of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, it is partnering with them to navigate the economic shocks resulting from legislative actions intended to slow the spread of the virus. As part of this process, payment deferrals were granted to over 625 Bank First customers on loans totaling over $271.5 million. At December 31, 2020, Bank First had less than $20.0 million remaining that were in some stage of deferral in coordination with the CARES Act.

 

Capital Position

 

Stockholders’ equity totaled $294.9 million at December 31, 2020, an increase of $64.6 million from the end of 2019. The acquisition of Tomah during May 2020 added $29.4 million to capital. Bank First’s repurchase of 74,462 shares at an average price of $58.65 during 2020 reduced capital by $4.4 million. Finally, continued strong earnings offset by dividends totaling $6.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, led to a majority of the remaining increase in capital year-to-date. Tangible book value per share of Bank First’s common stock saw an annualized increase of 16.9% during the fourth quarter of 2020, and an increase of 18.6% for the full year of 2020.

 

 

 

 

Dividend Declaration

 

Bank First’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share, payable on April 7, 2021, to shareholders of record as of March 24, 2021.

 

Bank First Corporation provides financial services through its subsidiary, Bank First, which was incorporated in 1894. The Bank is an independent community bank with 22 banking locations in Wisconsin. The Bank has grown through both acquisitions and de novo branch expansion. The Bank offers loan, deposit and treasury management products at each of its banking offices. Insurance services are available through our bond with Ansay & Associates, LLC. Trust, investment advisory and other financial services are offered through the Bank’s partnership with Legacy Private Trust, an alliance with Morgan Stanley and an affiliation with McKenzie Financial Services, LLC. The Bank is a co-owner of a data processing subsidiary, UFS, LLC, which provides data and technology services to banks in the Midwest. The Company employs approximately 314 full-time equivalent staff and has assets of approximately $2.7 billion. Further information about Bank First Corporation is available by clicking on the Investor Relations tab at www.BankFirstWI.bank.

 

# # #

 

Forward Looking Statements: This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” that represent Bank First Corporation’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Such forward-looking statements are about matters that are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this news release or made elsewhere from time to time by Bank First Corporation or on its behalf. Bank First Corporation disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. In addition, statements regarding historical stock price performance are not indicative of or guarantees of future price performance.

 

 

 

Bank First Corporation

Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited)

 

   At or for the Three Months Ended   At or for the Year Ended 
(In thousands, except per share data)  12/31/2020   9/30/2020   6/30/2020   3/31/2020   12/31/2019   12/31/2020   12/31/2019 
Results of Operations:                            
Interest income  $27,094   $25,928   $24,382   $23,296   $23,795   $100,700   $89,165 
Interest expense   2,623    3,003    3,586    4,653    5,015    13,865    19,498 
Net interest income   24,471    22,925    20,796    18,643    18,780    86,835    69,667 
Provision for loan losses   1,650    1,350    3,150    975    1,125    7,125    5,250 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   22,821    21,575    17,646    17,668    17,655    79,710    64,417 
Noninterest income   6,744    5,115    7,764    3,897    3,211    23,520    12,632 
Noninterest expense   13,972    12,202    14,438    12,741    11,182    53,353    42,760 
Income before income tax expense   15,593    14,488    10,972    8,824    9,684    49,877    34,289 
Income tax expense   4,063    3,534    2,676    1,558    2,225    11,831    7,595 
Net income  $11,530   $10,954   $8,296   $7,266   $7,459   $38,046   $26,694 
                                    
Earnings per common share - basic  $1.49   $1.42   $1.11   $1.03   $1.05   $5.07   $3.91 
Earnings per common share - diluted   1.49    1.42    1.11    1.02    1.04    5.07    3.87 
                                    
Common Shares:                                   
Basic weighted average   7,659,904    7,673,572    7,395,199    7,028,690    7,084,728    7,441,256    6,820,225 
Diluted weighted average   7,682,101    7,691,326    7,405,995    7,128,247    7,182,854    7,481,077    6,902,616 
Outstanding   7,709,497    7,729,762    7,733,457    7,155,955    7,084,728    7,709,497    7,084,728 
                                    
Noninterest income / noninterest expense:                                   
Service charges  $1,586   $1,343   $1,158   $916   $1,110   $5,003   $3,506 
Income from Ansay   169    970    710    891    55    2,740    1,792 
Income from UFS   599    720    850    897    842    3,066    2,935 
Loan servicing income   194    538    226    462    (291)   1,420    550 
Net gain on sales of mortgage loans   2,214    1,304    1,332    460    627    5,310    1,401 
Net gain on sales of securities   -    -    3,233    -    611    3,233    868 
Noninterest income from strategic alliances   26    16    16    17    21    75    95 
Other noninterest income   1,956    224    239    254    236    2,673    1,485 
Total noninterest income  $6,744   $5,115   $7,764   $3,897   $3,211   $23,520   $12,632 
                                    
Personnel expense  $7,604   $6,609   $6,608   $6,452   $5,918   $27,273   $22,903 
Occupancy, equipment and office   1,352    1,171    921    1,275    1,103    4,719    3,860 
Data processing   1,519    1,463    1,334    1,199    1,478    5,515    4,509 
Postage, stationery and supplies   204    219    277    172    141    872    591 
Net (gain) loss on sales and valuations of other real estate owned   (16)   (32)   467    976    36    1,395    (73)
Advertising   61    41    69    55    88    226    268 
Charitable contributions   214    110    127    123    69    574    566 
Outside service fees   1,029    888    1,394    801    204    4,112    3,041 
Amortization of intangibles   522    418    362    334    373    1,636    1,069 
Penalty for early extinguishment of debt   -    -    1,323    -    -    1,323    - 
Other noninterest expense   1,483    1,315    1,556    1,354    1,772    5,708    6,026 
Total noninterest expense  $13,972   $12,202   $14,438   $12,741   $11,182   $53,353   $42,760 
                                    
Period-end balances:                                   
Loans  $2,191,460   $2,193,228   $2,115,023   $1,765,242   $1,736,343   $2,191,460   $1,736,343 
Allowance for loan losses   17,658    16,318    16,071    12,967    11,396    17,658    11,396 
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value   165,039    173,334    174,067    172,070    181,506    165,039    181,506 
Investment securities held-to-maturity, at cost   6,669    6,670    9,579    43,732    43,734    6,669    43,734 
Goodwill and other intangibles, net   64,639    65,110    65,559    52,789    53,122    64,639    53,122 
Total assets   2,718,016    2,639,247    2,657,911    2,200,320    2,210,168    2,718,016    2,210,168 
Deposits   2,320,963    2,271,040    2,263,145    1,847,209    1,843,311    2,320,963    1,843,311 
Stockholders' equity   294,857    286,104    276,100    237,682    230,211    294,857    230,211 
Book value per common share   38.25    37.01    35.70    33.21    32.49    38.25    32.49 
Tangible book value per common share   30.35    29.12    27.76    26.44    25.60    30.35    25.60 
                                    
Average balances:                                   
Loans  $2,206,207   $2,140,008   $2,034,738   $1,744,576   $1,718,705   $2,032,157   $1,565,261 
Interest-earning assets   2,465,713    2,423,168    2,329,097    2,011,382    1,976,420    2,308,095    1,809,099 
Total assets   2,671,967    2,626,136    2,520,882    2,196,662    2,160,080    2,504,682    1,954,353 
Deposits   2,316,793    2,260,065    2,130,100    1,843,039    1,835,430    2,135,107    1,684,566 
Interest-bearing liabilities   1,663,642    1,636,606    1,589,127    1,476,814    1,373,320    1,588,650    1,242,788 
Goodwill and other intangibles, net   60,836    61,276    53,836    48,606    49,071    56,191    31,525 
Stockholders' equity   289,916    281,656    256,529    233,470    228,404    265,504    203,178 
                                    
Financial ratios:                                   
Return on average assets   1.71%   1.67%   1.32%   1.32%   1.37%   1.52%   1.37%
Return on average common equity   15.78%   15.56%   12.94%   12.45%   12.96%   14.33%   13.14%
Average equity to average assets   10.85%   10.73%   10.18%   10.63%   10.57%   10.60%   10.40%
Stockholders' equity to assets   10.85%   10.84%   10.39%   10.80%   10.42%   10.85%   10.42%
Tangible equity to tangible assets   8.80%   8.73%   8.27%   8.79%   8.39%   8.80%   8.39%
Loan yield   4.62%   4.65%   4.66%   5.07%   5.22%   4.69%   5.30%
Earning asset yield   4.44%   4.33%   4.29%   4.74%   4.86%   4.44%   5.02%
Cost of funds   0.63%   0.73%   0.91%   1.27%   1.45%   0.87%   1.57%
Net interest margin, taxable equivalent   4.01%   3.84%   3.67%   3.81%   3.85%   3.84%   3.95%
Net loan charge-offs to average loans   0.01%   0.20%   0.01%   -0.14%   -0.01%   0.04%   0.39%
Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.57%   0.84%   1.09%   0.42%   0.31%   0.57%   0.31%
Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.52%   0.79%   0.94%   0.51%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%
Allowance for loan losses to loans   0.81%   0.74%   0.76%   0.73%   0.66%   0.81%   0.66%