Five Star Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2023 Results

Five Star Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2023 Results

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., April 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) (the “Company” or “Five Star”), the holding company for Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $13.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $13.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Financial Highlights

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

  • Pre-tax income, pre-tax, pre-provision income, net income, and earnings per share were as follows for the periods indicated:
 Three months ended
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 March 31,
2022
Return on average assets (“ROAA”) 1.65%  1.70%  1.53%
Return on average equity (“ROAE”) 20.94%  21.50%  17.07%
Pre-tax income$18,501  $18,769  $13,522 
Pre-tax, pre-provision income(1)$19,401  $20,019  $14,472 
Net income$13,161  $13,282  $9,862 
Basic earnings per common share$0.77  $0.77  $0.58 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.77  $0.77  $0.58 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 17,150,174   17,143,920   17,102,508 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 17,194,884   17,179,863   17,164,519 
Shares outstanding at end of period 17,258,904   17,241,926   17,246,199 

(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:

“Disruption in the market historically leads to opportunities at Five Star Bank and recent events in the banking industry are no exception. In the first quarter of 2023, we experienced record deposit growth with the onboarding of new customers and the opening of new accounts. We attribute this growth to seizing opportunities, the strength of our brand, and our differentiated customer experience, which have earned us the trust of our customers, community, and employees. We will continue to expand our verticals to meet this demand in the markets we serve and will focus on disciplined business practices to endure any market condition.

This quarter, we declared an increased dividend of $0.20 per share, which exemplifies our focus on shareholder value. We are also pleased to have earned the #1 ranking on the S&P Global Market Intelligence annual rankings of 2022’s best-performing community banks in the nation with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion.”

  • Total deposits increased by 4.97%, or $138.4 million, in the three months ended March 31, 2023. Total deposits increased by $21.9 million during the month of March 2023.
  • Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 were $347.9 million, representing 11.91% of total deposits at March 31, 2023, compared to 9.35% as of December 31, 2022.
  • Adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and all subsequent amendments that modified ASU 2016-13 (collectively, “ASC 326”) on January 1, 2023. ASC 326 replaced the former “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model. The impact of the adoption included an increase to the allowance for credit losses of approximately $5.3 million, as well as an increase to the reserve for unfunded commitments of approximately $1.1 million. The impact of the adoption also included a decrease in retained earnings, net of tax effect, of approximately $4.5 million. For purposes of regulatory capital calculations, an election was made to phase-in the day one impact of adopting ASC 326 on retained earnings over three years. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the provision for credit losses was $0.9 million.
  • Net interest margin of 3.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was consistent with expectations, as the effective federal funds rate increased to 4.83% as of March 31, 2023.
  • Other comprehensive income improved by $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as unrealized losses, net of tax effect, declined on available-for-sale debt securities from $13.4 million to $11.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively. Total held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2023 represented 0.11% and 3.46% of total interest-earning assets, respectively.
  • Consistent, disciplined management of expenses contributed to our efficiency ratio of approximately 36.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
  • Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.02% and 8.99% as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 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, 2023 was as follows:
(dollars in thousands)March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Loans held for investment$2,869,848  $2,791,326  $78,522  2.81%
Non-interest-bearing deposits 836,673   971,246   (134,573) (13.86)%
Interest-bearing deposits 2,083,733   1,810,758   272,975  15.08%
        
(dollars in thousands)March 31,
2023
 March 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Loans held for investment$2,869,848  $2,080,158  $789,690  37.96%
Non-interest-bearing deposits 836,673   941,285   (104,612) (11.11)%
Interest-bearing deposits 2,083,733   1,561,807   521,926  33.42%
               
  • At March 31, 2023, the Company reported total loans held for investment, total assets, and total deposits of $2.9 billion, $3.4 billion, and $2.9 billion, respectively, as compared to $2.8 billion, $3.2 billion, and $2.8 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2022.
  • The ratio of nonperforming loans to loans held for investment, or total loans at period end, remained consistent at 0.01% at December 31, 2022 compared to 0.01% at March 31, 2023.
  • The Company’s Board of Directors declared, and the Company subsequently paid, a cash dividend of $0.15 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share on April 20, 2023, representing an increase of 33.33% over the most recent cash dividend declared.
  • For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net interest margin was 3.75%, as compared to 3.83% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 3.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Summary Results

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2022

The Company’s net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022 remained relatively consistent, due to a decrease in non-interest income attributable to lower loan production and a corresponding increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by a lower provision for credit loss due to lower loan growth. Non-interest expense grew due to an increase in salaries and benefits, partially offset by a decrease in other operating expenses.

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

The increase in the Company’s net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily due to an increase in net interest income of $7.3 million, driven by loan growth and increased yields. The overall increase in net interest income was partially offset by a decrease in non-interest income and higher non-interest expenses due to growth at the Bank.

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

  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Selected operating data:        
Net interest income $29,148  $29,135  $13  0.04%
Provision for credit losses  900   1,250   (350) (28.00)%
Non-interest income  1,371   1,601   (230) (14.37)%
Non-interest expense  11,118   10,717   401  3.74%
Pre-tax income  18,501   18,769   (268) (1.43)%
Provision for income taxes  5,340   5,487   (147) (2.68)%
Net income $13,161  $13,282  $(121) (0.91)%
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.77  $0.77  $  %
Diluted $0.77  $0.77  $  %
Performance and other financial ratios:        
ROAA  1.65%  1.70%    
ROAE  20.94%  21.50%    
Net interest margin  3.75%  3.83%    
Cost of funds  1.53%  1.16%    
Efficiency ratio  36.43%  34.87%    
         
  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
2023
 March 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Selected operating data:        
Net interest income $29,148  $21,883  $7,265  33.20%
Provision for credit losses  900   950   (50) (5.26)%
Non-interest income  1,371   2,164   (793) (36.65)%
Non-interest expense  11,118   9,575   1,543  16.11%
Pre-tax income  18,501   13,522   4,979  36.82%
Provision for income taxes  5,340   3,660   1,680  45.90%
Net income $13,161  $9,862  $3,299  33.45%
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.77  $0.58  $0.19  32.76%
Diluted $0.77  $0.58  $0.19  32.76%
Performance and other financial ratios:        
ROAA  1.65%  1.53%    
ROAE  20.94%  17.07%    
Net interest margin  3.75%  3.60%    
Cost of funds  1.53%  0.17%    
Efficiency ratio  36.43%  39.82%    
             

Balance Sheet Summary

(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Selected financial condition data:        
Total assets $3,397,308  $3,227,159  $170,149  5.27%
Cash and cash equivalents  347,939   259,991   87,948  33.83%
Total loans held for investment  2,869,848   2,791,326   78,522  2.81%
Total investments  118,654   119,744   (1,090) (0.91)%
Total liabilities  3,136,652   2,974,334   162,318  5.46%
Total deposits  2,920,406   2,782,004   138,402  4.97%
Subordinated notes, net  73,640   73,606   34  0.05%
Total shareholders’ equity  260,656   252,825   7,831  3.10%
                
  • Insured and collateralized deposits were approximately $1.9 billion, representing approximately 64.53% of total deposits as of March 31, 2023.
  • Commercial and consumer deposit accounts constituted approximately 75% of total deposits. Deposit relationships of at least $5 million represented approximately 64% of total deposits and had an average age of approximately 9.8 years as of March 31, 2023.
  • Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 were $347.9 million, representing 11.91% of total deposits at March 31, 2023, compared to 9.35% as of December 31, 2022.
  • The Federal Reserve created the Bank Term Funding Program in response to recent events, which allows any federally insured deposit institution to pledge its investment portfolio at par as collateral value. At March 31, 2023, there had been no need for the Bank’s use of the facility.
  • Total liquidity (consisting of cash and cash equivalents and unused and available borrowing capacity as set forth below) was approximately $892.7 million as of March 31, 2023.
 March 31, 2023 Available
(dollars in thousands)Line of Credit Borrowings 
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) advances$398,145  $120,000  $278,145 
Federal Reserve discount window 76,665      76,665 
Correspondent bank lines of credit 190,000      190,000 
Cash and cash equivalents       347,939 
Total$664,810  $120,000  $892,749 
            

The increase in total assets from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023 was primarily due to an $87.9 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and a $78.5 million increase in total loans held for investment. The increase in cash and cash equivalents primarily resulted from net cash provided from financing activities of $155.8 million, partially offset by net cash used in investing activities of $68.6 million. The $78.5 million increase in total loans held for investment between December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 was a result of $135.0 million in loan originations, partially offset by $56.5 million in loan payoffs and paydowns.

The increase in total liabilities from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to an increase in FHLB advances of $20.0 million and an increase in deposits of $138.4 million, largely due to increases in money market, interest checking, and time deposits over $250 thousand of $220.8 million, $33.6 million, and $30.9 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in non-interest-bearing and savings of $134.6 million and $11.5 million, respectively.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $7.8 million from $252.8 million at December 31, 2022 to $260.7 million at March 31, 2023. The increase in total shareholders’ equity was primarily a result of net income recognized of $13.2 million and $1.5 million in other comprehensive income, partially offset by $2.6 million in cash distributions paid during the period and a reduction to retained earnings of $4.5 million, net of tax effect, due to the adoption of ASC 326.

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    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Interest and fee income $40,311  $37,402  $2,909  7.78%
Interest expense  11,163   8,267   2,896  35.03%
Net interest income $29,148  $29,135  $13  0.04%
Net interest margin  3.75%  3.83%    
         
  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 March 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Interest and fee income $40,311  $22,871  $17,440  76.25%
Interest expense  11,163   988   10,175  1,029.86%
Net interest income $29,148  $21,883  $7,265  33.20%
Net interest margin  3.75%  3.60%    
             

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

  Three months ended
  March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 March 31, 2022
(dollars 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 with banks $200,541  $2,167  4.38% $200,395  $1,841  3.64% $339,737  $192  0.23%
Investment securities  119,489   650  2.21%  117,364   643  2.17%  148,736   567  1.54%
Loans held for investment and sale  2,836,070   37,494  5.36%  2,703,865   34,918  5.12%  1,977,509   22,112  4.53%
Total interest-earning assets  3,156,100   40,311  5.18%  3,021,624   37,402  4.91%  2,465,982   22,871  3.76%
Interest receivable and other assets, net  69,253       73,664       150,116     
Total assets $3,225,353      $3,095,288      $2,616,098     
                   
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                  
Interest-bearing transaction accounts $379,593  $433  0.46% $223,473  $174  0.31% $276,690  $70  0.10%
Savings accounts  155,233   545  1.42%  136,753   247  0.72%  90,815   25  0.11%
Money market accounts  1,087,122   5,436  2.03%  1,060,597   3,652  1.37%  920,767   367  0.16%
Time accounts  300,952   2,964  3.99%  299,771   2,467  3.26%  128,183   83  0.26%
Subordinated debt and other borrowings  125,691   1,785  5.76%  114,858   1,727  5.96%  28,393   443  6.33%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,048,591   11,163  2.21%  1,835,452   8,267  1.79%  1,444,848   988  0.28%
Demand accounts  901,491       997,815       922,128     
Interest payable and other liabilities  20,344       17,002       14,800     
Shareholders’ equity  254,927       245,019       234,322     
Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity $3,225,353      $3,095,288      $2,616,098     
                   
Net interest spread     2.97%     3.12%     3.48%
Net interest income/margin   $29,148  3.75%   $29,135  3.83%   $21,883  3.60%
                            

Factors affecting interest income and yields

Interest income increased during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022, due to the following:

  • Rates. The average yields on interest-earning assets were 5.18% and 4.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in yields period-over-period was primarily due to increased rates earned on loans held for investment and sale originated in the current environment of rising rates, and increases in yields earned on interest-earning deposits with banks.
  • Volume. Average interest-earning assets increased by approximately $134.5 million period-over-period, primarily driven by new loan originations which drove increases in the average daily balances of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Interest income increased during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, due to the following:

  • Rates. The average yields on interest-earning assets were 5.18% and 3.76% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in yields period-over-period was primarily due to increased rates earned on loans held for investment and sale originated in the current environment of rising rates, and increases in yields earned on interest-earning deposits with banks.
  • Volume. Average interest-earning assets increased by approximately $690.1 million period-over-period, driven by new loan originations which drove increases in the average daily balances of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Factors affecting interest expense and rates

Interest expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022, due to the following:

  • Rates. The average costs of interest-bearing liabilities were 2.21% and 1.79% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in cost period-over-period was due to increases in the rates paid on interest-bearing deposit accounts, with the most significant rate increases in time and savings accounts. The average cost of subordinated debt and other borrowings decreased from 5.96% to 5.76% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively, due to a lower rate on subordinated debt outstanding in the three months ended March 31, 2023 as subordinated debt expense in the three months ended December 31, 2022 consisted of debt redeemed in December 2022 at higher rates, partially offset by an increase in rates on FHLB advances during the same time period. Additionally, the cost of funds increased from 1.16% for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to 1.53% for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
  • Volume. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $213.1 million period-over-period, primarily driven by increases in average balances for interest-bearing deposit accounts, with the most substantial average balance increase in interest-bearing transaction accounts. Average subordinated debt and other borrowings increased by $10.8 million period-over-period, due to an increase in the average balance of FHLB advances that was partly offset by a decrease in the average balance of subordinated debt.

Interest expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, due to the following:

  • Rates. The average costs of interest-bearing liabilities were 2.21% and 0.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in cost period-over-period was due to increases in the rates paid on interest-bearing deposit accounts, with the most significant increases in time and money market accounts. The average cost of subordinated debt and other borrowings decreased from 6.33% to 5.76% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively, due to a reduction of interest expenses as a percentage of the average balance during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Additionally, the cost of funds increased from 0.17% for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 to 1.53% for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
  • Volume. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $603.7 million period-over-period, primarily driven by increases in average balances for interest-bearing deposit accounts, with the most substantial average balance increases in time accounts. Average subordinated debt and other borrowings increased by $97.3 million period-over-period, consisting of FHLB advances which did not occur during the three months ended March 31, 2022, combined with an increase in the average balance of subordinated debt.

Asset Quality

Allowance for Credit Losses

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326, which replaced the former “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Utilizing CECL may have an impact on our allowance for credit losses going forward and resulted in a lack of comparability between 2022 and 2023 quarterly periods. Refer to information below on the provision for credit losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

At March 31, 2023, the Company’s allowance for credit losses was $34.2 million, as compared to $28.4 million at December 31, 2022. The $5.8 million increase in the allowance is due to a $5.3 million adjustment recorded in connection with the adoption of CECL and a $0.9 million provision for credit losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023, partially offset by net charge-offs of $0.4 million during the same period.

The Company’s ratio of nonperforming loans to loans held for investment remained consistent at 0.01% at December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023. Loans designated as substandard remained largely unchanged at $0.4 million at both December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023. The provision for credit losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily related to loan growth. There were no loans with doubtful risk grades at March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

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

  March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands) Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Real estate:        
Commercial $26,846  78.56% $19,216  67.69%
Commercial land and development  224  0.66%  54  0.19%
Commercial construction  1,423  4.16%  645  2.27%
Residential construction  173  0.51%  49  0.17%
Residential  179  0.52%  175  0.62%
Farmland  217  0.64%  644  2.27%
Commercial:        
Secured  4,215  12.33%  7,098  25.00%
Unsecured  150  0.44%  116  0.41%
Consumer and other  400  1.17%  347  1.22%
Unallocated  345  1.01%  45  0.16%
Total allowance for credit losses $34,172  100.00% $28,389  100.00%
               

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment, or total loans at period end, was 1.19% at March 31, 2023, as compared to 1.02% at December 31, 2022.

Non-interest Income

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2022

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

  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $117  $97  $20  20.62%
Gain on sale of loans  598   637   (39) (6.12)%
Loan-related fees  308   407   (99) (24.32)%
FHLB stock dividends  193   193     %
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  102   119   (17) (14.29)%
Other income  53   148   (95) (64.19)%
Total non-interest income $1,371  $1,601  $(230) (14.37)%
                

Gain on sale of loans. The decrease in gain on sale of loans resulted primarily from a decline in the volume of loans sold. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, loans totaling $12.7 million were sold with an effective yield of 4.72% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022, when loans totaling $14.5 million were sold with an effective yield of 4.40%.

Loan-related fees. The decrease in loan-related fees resulted primarily from a decline of approximately $0.1 million of fee income earned on SBA 7(a) loans during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.

Other income. The decrease in other income resulted primarily from a $0.1 million gain recorded on a distribution received on an investment in a venture-backed fund during the three months ended December 31, 2022, which did not recur during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

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

  Three months ended   
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 March 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $117  $108  $9  8.33%
Net gain on sale of securities     5   (5) (100.00)%
Gain on sale of loans  598   918   (320) (34.86)%
Loan-related fees  308   596   (288) (48.32)%
FHLB stock dividends  193   102   91  89.22%
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  102   90   12  13.33%
Other income  53   345   (292) (84.64)%
Total non-interest income $1,371  $2,164  $(793) (36.65)%
                

Gain on sale of loans. The decrease in gain on sale of loans related primarily to an overall decline in the effective yields on loans sold during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, approximately $12.7 million of loans were sold with an effective yield of 4.72%, as compared to approximately $11.7 million of loans sold with an effective yield of 7.84% during the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Loan-related fees. The decrease in loan-related fees was primarily a result of $0.3 million of swap referral fees recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2022 which did not recur in the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Other income. The decrease in other income resulted primarily from a $0.3 million gain recorded on a distribution received on an investment in a venture-backed fund during the three months ended March 31, 2022 which did not recur during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Non-interest Expense

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2022

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

  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Salaries and employee benefits $6,618  $5,698  $920  16.15%
Occupancy and equipment  523   511   12  2.35%
Data processing and software  872   839   33  3.93%
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance  402   245   157  64.08%
Professional services  631   553   78  14.10%
Advertising and promotional  418   568   (150) (26.41)%
Loan-related expenses  255   358   (103) (28.77)%
Other operating expenses  1,399   1,945   (546) (28.07)%
Total non-interest expense $11,118  $10,717  $401  3.74%
                

Salaries and employee benefits. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily a result of: (i) a $0.6 million increase in salaries, insurance, and benefits as a result of a 1.69% increase in headcount and recognition of employer taxes and 401(k) contributions recorded for bonuses and commissions paid during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022; (ii) a $0.7 million decrease in loan origination costs due to lower loan production; and (iii) a $0.2 million increase in estimated bonus expense based on increased headcount and salaries. These increases were partially offset by $0.6 million of lower commission expenses due to lower loan production during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.

FDIC insurance. The increase related primarily to a final rule adopted by the FDIC to increase initial base deposit insurance assessment rates for insured depository institutions by two basis points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023.

Advertising and promotional. The decrease related primarily to an overall decline in events attended and donations made, as more events were scheduled during the three months ended December 31, 2022 than the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Loan-related expenses. Loan-related expenses decreased primarily as a result of a net overall decrease in loan expenses incurred to support loan production during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022, including decreased expenses for insurance and taxes, environmental reports, and inspections.

Other operating expenses. The decrease in other operating expenses was primarily due to $0.3 million of subordinated debt issuance costs recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2022 in connection with the redemption of subordinated notes in December 2022, combined with a $0.2 million decrease in travel, conference fees, and professional membership fees during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

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

  Three months ended    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 March 31,
2022
 $ Change % Change
Salaries and employee benefits $6,618  $5,675  $943  16.62%
Occupancy and equipment  523   520   3  0.58%
Data processing and software  872   716   156  21.79%
FDIC insurance  402   165   237  143.64%
Professional services  631   554   77  13.90%
Advertising and promotional  418   344   74  21.51%
Loan-related expenses  255   278   (23) (8.27)%
Other operating expenses  1,399   1,323   76  5.74%
Total non-interest expense $11,118  $9,575  $1,543  16.11%
                

Salaries and employee benefits. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily a result of: (i) a $0.7 million increase in salaries, insurance, and benefits as a result of a 7.10% increase in headcount and recognition of employer taxes and 401(k) contributions recorded for bonuses and commissions paid during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022; (ii) a $0.7 million decrease in loan origination costs due to lower loan production; and (iii) a $0.3 million increase in estimated bonus expense based on increased headcount and salaries. These increases were partially offset by $0.7 million of lower commission expenses due to lower loan production during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Data processing and software. Data processing and software increased, 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) increased number of licenses required for new users on our loan origination and documentation system.

FDIC insurance. The increase related primarily to a final rule adopted by the FDIC to increase initial base deposit insurance assessment rates for insured depository institutions by two basis points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. FDIC insurance also increased for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 due to a $539.7 million increase in the assessment base period-over-period.

Provision for Income Taxes

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended December 31, 2022

Provision for income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 decreased by $0.2 million, or 2.68%, to $5.3 million, as compared to $5.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, which was primarily due to the decrease in pre-tax income recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

Provision for income taxes increased by $1.6 million, or 45.90%, to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Additionally, the provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included a provision to tax return true-up of approximately $0.3 million relating to the 2021 tax return filed in 2022, which did not recur during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Webcast Details

Five Star Bancorp will host a live webcast for analysts and investors on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 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. Five Star Bank has seven branches and one loan production office 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, 2022 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
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 March 31,
2022
Revenue and Expense Data      
Interest and fee income $40,311  $37,402  $22,871 
Interest expense  11,163   8,267   988 
Net interest income  29,148   29,135   21,883 
Provision for credit losses  900   1,250   950 
Net interest income after provision  28,248   27,885   20,933 
Non-interest income:      
Service charges on deposit accounts  117   97   108 
Gain on sale of securities        5 
Gain on sale of loans  598   637   918 
Loan-related fees  308   407   596 
FHLB stock dividends  193   193   102 
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance  102   119   90 
Other income  53   148   345 
Total non-interest income  1,371   1,601   2,164 
Non-interest expense:      
Salaries and employee benefits  6,618   5,698   5,675 
Occupancy and equipment  523   511   520 
Data processing and software  872   839   716 
FDIC insurance  402   245   165 
Professional services  631   553   554 
Advertising and promotional  418   568   344 
Loan-related expenses  255   358   278 
Other operating expenses  1,399   1,945   1,323 
Total non-interest expense  11,118   10,717   9,575 
Income before provision for income taxes  18,501   18,769   13,522 
Provision for income taxes  5,340   5,487   3,660 
Net income $13,161  $13,282  $9,862 
       
Comprehensive Income      
Net income $13,161  $13,282  $9,862 
Net unrealized holding loss (gain) on securities available-for-sale during the period  2,140   3,714   (9,438)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income        (5)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (income) loss  632   1,098   (2,791)
Other comprehensive income (loss)  1,508   2,616   (6,652)
Total comprehensive income $14,669  $15,898  $3,210 
       
Share and Per Share Data      
Earnings per common share:      
Basic $0.77  $0.77  $0.58 
Diluted $0.77  $0.77  $0.58 
Book value per share $15.10  $14.66  $13.40 
Tangible book value per share(1) $15.10  $14.66  $13.40 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding  17,150,174   17,143,920   17,102,508 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding  17,194,884   17,179,863   17,164,519 
Shares outstanding at end of period  17,258,904   17,241,926   17,246,199 
       
Credit Quality      
Allowance for credit losses to period end nonperforming loans  8,167.68%  7,027.38%  1,799.99%
Nonperforming loans to loans held for investment  0.01%  0.01%  0.06%
Nonperforming assets to total assets  0.01%  0.01%  0.05%
Nonperforming loans plus performing problem loan modifications to loans held for investment  0.01%  0.01%  0.06%
       
Selected Financial Ratios      
ROAA  1.65%  1.70%  1.53%
ROAE  20.94%  21.50%  17.07%
Net interest margin  3.75%  3.83%  3.60%
Loan to deposit  98.66%  100.67%  83.52%

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


(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 March 31,
2022
Balance Sheet Data      
Cash and due from financial institutions $26,556  $32,561  $66,747 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  321,383   227,430   438,217 
Time deposits in banks  9,617   9,849   14,464 
Securities - available-for-sale, at fair value  115,140   115,988   134,813 
Securities - held-to-maturity, at amortized cost  3,514   3,756   4,486 
Loans held for sale  11,315   9,416   10,386 
Loans held for investment  2,869,848   2,791,326   2,080,158 
Allowance for credit losses - loans  (34,172)  (28,389)  (23,904)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance for credit losses  2,835,676   2,762,937   2,056,254 
FHLB stock  10,890   10,890   6,667 
Operating leases, right-of-use asset  5,175   3,981   4,718 
Premises and equipment, net  1,677   1,605   1,836 
Bank-owned life insurance  16,771   14,669   14,343 
Interest receivable and other assets  39,594   34,077   25,318 
Total assets $3,397,308  $3,227,159  $2,778,249 
       
Non-interest-bearing deposits $836,673  $971,246  $941,285 
Interest-bearing deposits  2,083,733   1,810,758   1,561,807 
Total deposits  2,920,406   2,782,004   2,503,092 
Subordinated notes, net  73,640   73,606   28,403 
FHLB advances  120,000   100,000    
Operating lease liability  5,433   4,243   4,987 
Interest payable and other liabilities  17,173   14,481   10,706 
Total liabilities  3,136,652   2,974,334   2,547,188 
       
Common stock  219,785   219,543   218,721 
Retained earnings  52,817   46,736   19,558 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net  (11,946)  (13,454)  (7,218)
Total shareholders’ equity  260,656   252,825   231,061 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $3,397,308  $3,227,159  $2,778,249 
       
Quarterly Average Balance Data      
Average loans held for investment and sale $2,836,070  $2,703,865  $1,977,509 
Average interest-earning assets  3,156,100   3,021,624   2,465,982 
Average total assets  3,225,353   3,095,288   2,616,098 
Average deposits  2,824,391   2,718,409   2,338,583 
Average total equity  254,927   245,019   234,322 
       
Capital Ratios      
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets  7.67%  7.83%  8.32%
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets(1)  7.67%  7.83%  8.32%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  12.61%  12.46%  13.07%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)  9.02%  8.99%  10.70%
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)  9.02%  8.99%  10.70%
Tier 1 leverage ratio  8.54%  8.60%  9.02%

(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:

Pre-tax, pre-provision income
(dollars in thousands)
 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 March 31,
2022
Pre-tax income $18,501  $18,769  $13,522 
Add: provision for credit losses  900   1,250   950 
Pre-tax, pre-provision income $19,401  $20,019  $14,472 
             

Media Contact:
Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer
Five Star Bancorp
(916) 626-5008
[email protected]

Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer
Five Star Bancorp
(916) 284-7827
[email protected]