NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

FB Financial Corporation (“FB Financial”) (NYSE: FBK), parent company of FirstBank, reported its results today for the first quarter of 2017.

President and CEO Christopher T. Holmes stated, “Our continued momentum from 2016 allowed us to start 2017 with 11.5% annualized loan growth producing solid earnings for the first quarter of 2017. Our earnings also benefited from improving credit quality metrics and higher net interest margin, which we expected. We continue to execute our strategy by serving our customers each and every day across our markets.”

For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company reported net income of $9.8 million, or $0.40 per diluted common share, compared to $14.6 million, or $0.85 per diluted common share, for 2016 (or $9.8 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share on a pro forma C-Corporation tax basis).

First Quarter Key Highlights

• Total revenues increased to $61.3 million for the quarter, up 7.7% from the first quarter of 2016
• Net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis (NIM) rose to 4.28%, up 25 basis points from the first quarter of 2016
• Loans held for investment (HFI) grew to $1.90 billion, up 11.5% on an annualized basis from December 31, 2016, and 11.0% from March 31, 2016
• Total deposits grew to $2.70 billion, up 4.5% on an annualized basis from December 31, 2016 and 9.4% from March 31, 2016
• Interest rate lock commitment (IRLC) mortgage volume was $1.60 billion during the quarter, an increase of 9.2% from the fourth quarter of 2016 and an increase of 31.0% from the first quarter of 2016
• Nonperforming assets to total assets improved to 0.56% at the end of the quarter from 0.83% at March 31, 2016
• Book value per share and tangible book value per share ended the quarter at $14.16 and $12.05, respectively
• Shareholders’ equity to assets and tangible common equity to tangible assets ended the quarter at 10.81% and 9.34%, respectively
• Announced the pending acquisition of Clayton Bank and Trust and American City Bank from Clayton HC, Inc. (the “Clayton Banks”)

Holmes continued, “During the first quarter of 2017, we have continued delivering growth and profitability by executing our strategy. We are also excited about the pending acquisition of the Clayton Banks for the benefit of our customers, shareholders and associates. The acquisition builds on our presence in Knoxville and other key markets in Tennessee.”

Financial Summary

During the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded certain items, which it considers non-core items, impacting comparability between periods, as follows:

• $0.5 million net pre-tax charge related to the decrease in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) during the quarter together with a $0.6 million benefit, net of taxes, related to the initial election of fair value of MSRs recorded in retained earnings. This amount replaces MSR amortization of $2.1 million and $1.5 million and MSR impairment recovery of $3.4 million and an impairment expense of $0.8 million for the fourth and first quarters of 2016, respectively;
• $0.7 million net pre-tax gain on sales of other real estate owned compared to a $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2016;
• $0.5 million net pre-tax merger related charges associated with the pending acquisition of the Clayton Bank compared to $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2016 related to the acquisition of Northwest Georgia Bank;
• $1.0 thousand gain on sale of securities compared to $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2016; and
• $0.6 million pre-tax variable compensation expense related to cash settled incentive restricted stock awards issued in periods prior to the IPO.

Adjusting net income for pre-tax, non-core net expenses totaling $0.9 million, core net income was $10.3 million, or $0.42 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2017, compared to pro forma (C-Corporation basis) core net income of $9.7 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2016.

Additionally, as previously disclosed, effective December 31, 2016, FB Financial early adopted FASB Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Stock Compensation Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Activity, which allows the tax effect of the vesting and distribution of equity grants to be included in income tax expense rather than additional paid in capital. The tax benefit for the first quarter totaled $194.9 thousand, reducing our effective tax rate to 35.74%.

Customer-Focused Balance Sheet Growth Drives Interest Income and NIM

Loans held for investment at March 31, 2017, rose to $1.90 billion, an increase of $52.2 million, or 11.5% annualized, from December 31, 2016. This compares to an increase of $188.6 million, or 11.0%, from March 31, 2016. Average loans held for investment for the first quarter of 2017 were $1.87 billion, an increase of $165.0 million, or 9.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2016.

Total deposits increased to $2.70 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $2.47 billion at March 31, 2016, reflecting an annual growth rate of 9.4%. Average deposit balances were $2.68 billion for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $262.9 million, or 10.9%, from the first quarter of 2016. Average noninterest bearing deposit balances increased to $708.6 million for the first quarter of 2017, from $605.6 million for the first quarter of 2016. Cost of total deposits was 0.32% for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 0.29% for the first quarter of 2016.

Loans held for sale, generated by our mortgage operations, decreased to $365.2 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $507.4 million at December 31, 2016, and up from $233.1 million at March 31, 2016. Average loans held for sale for the first quarter of 2017 were $381.9 million compared to $510.2 million and $250.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2016, respectively.

Our NIM increased to 4.28% for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 3.99% and 4.03% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2016, respectively. Excluding accretion related to acquired loans, our NIM was 4.12% compared to 3.94% and 3.90% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2016, respectively. Net interest income was $30.3 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $29.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2016 and $25.9 million for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 16.6%.

“Our growth reflects our strategy of creating a customer-focused balance sheet which delivers strong profitability, driven by a strong net interest margin and credit quality that reflects our outstanding customer base. The current interest rate environment enabled a net interest margin of 4.28% for the first quarter, which was driven primarily by improved asset yields, accretion and controlled deposit costs,” Holmes said.

Noninterest Income Stable

Noninterest income was $31.1 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $31.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016 and $ 31.0 million for the first quarter of 2016.

Mortgage banking revenues were up 2.4% to $25.1 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $24.5 million for the same period in 2016. Net gains from mortgage sales increased 66.0% to $27.6 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2016. Mortgage IRLC volume rose 31.0% to $1.60 billion during the quarter compared to $1.22 billion in the same period in 2016. Our mortgage loan interest rate lock commitment pipeline decreased from $532.9 million at December 31, 2016, to $449.0 million at March 31, 2017, resulting in a net fair value loss of $4.7 million compared to a loss of $7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Mortgage servicing revenue was $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2016 and $3.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2016.

Wilburn J. (“Wib”) Evans, President of FB Ventures, stated, “After a challenging fourth quarter, we have continued to mature our correspondent lending delivery channel and adjusted Consumer Direct’s focus to more purchase money financing. The execution of our strategy is working, leading to an increase over the prior year in mortgage loan volumes while shifting our overall origination mix to 60% overall purchase financing.”

Noninterest Expense Increases, but Remains Stable

Noninterest expense was $46.4 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $41.3 million for the first quarter of 2016. Excluding the non-core items, core noninterest expense was $45.3 million for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $40.0 million for the first quarter of 2016. The primary drivers of the increase in noninterest expense was the impact of mortgage-related commissions and other costs associated with a 79.4% increase in closings over 2016.

Our efficiency ratio was 75.67% for the first quarter of 2017 compared to 72.57% for the first quarter of 2016. Our core efficiency ratio, which excludes the non-core items previously discussed, was 73.3% for the first quarter of 2017 compared to 71.6% for the first quarter of 2016. Our Banking Segment core efficiency ratio was 64.4% for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 66.7% for the first quarter of 2016, while our Mortgage Segment core efficiency ratio was 88.7% and 81.5%, respectively, for the same periods. See “GAAP Reconciliation and Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

“During the quarter, mortgage has worked to adjust its operating model to reflect the current environment while we continue to create operating leverage across our banking footprint,” commented James R. Gordon, Chief Financial Officer.

Continued Asset Quality Improvement

Asset quality improved in the latest quarter as nonperforming assets declined to $17.8 million, or 0.56% of total assets, at March 31, 2017, from $23.7 million, or 0.83%, at March 31, 2016.

The allowance for loan losses equaled 1.20% of loans HFI at March 31, 2017, compared to 1.18% at December 31, 2016, and 1.43% at March 31, 2016. Net recoveries were $1.4 million or 0.31%, compared to net charge-offs of $791 thousand or 0.17% and $20 thousand or 0.0% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2016, respectively.

The provision for loan losses was a reversal of $257 thousand for the first quarter of 2017 compared to a reversal of $752 thousand and $9 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2016, respectively.

“Our asset quality continues to show strength and stability, reflecting the current economies of the markets we serve. Net recoveries in the quarter were driven by a $1.7 million single recovery, lower classified loans and nonaccrual loans. We continue to monitor the portfolio given the environment and feel optimistic about credit quality in the near-term,” commented Gordon.

Capital Strength for Future Growth

The Company ended the quarter with a shareholders’ equity to assets ratio and a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 10.81% and 9.34%, respectively, and a book value per common share and tangible book value per common share of $14.16 and $12.05, respectively. This compares to 8.87% and 7.14% and $14.74 and $11.65, respectively, at March 31, 2016. Our common equity tier one ratio improved to 11.14% at March 31, 2017, from 8.35% at March 31, 2016. See “GAAP Reconciliation and Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Summary

“Again, we are excited about our results to start 2017 and believe the remainder of this year will benefit from this momentum, both organically and through the acquisition of the Clayton Banks,” Holmes concluded.

WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

The live broadcast of FB Financial Corporation’s conference call will begin at 8:00 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, and the earnings conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at http://services.choruscall.com/links/fbk170428AWsp51Nq.html. A 30-day online replay will be available approximately an hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast. Additionally, the Company has posted a Presentation of First Quarter 2017 Results on its website, which can be found at https://investors.firstbankonline.com/.

ABOUT FB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK) is a bank holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. FB Financial operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank, the third largest Tennessee-headquartered bank, with 45 full-service bank branches across Tennessee, North Alabama and North Georgia, and a national mortgage business with offices across the Southeast. FirstBank serves five of the largest metropolitan markets in Tennessee and has approximately $3.2 billion in total assets.

CORRESPONDING FINANCIAL TABLES AND INFORMATION

Investors are encouraged to review the foregoing summary and discussion of the Company’s earnings and financial condition in conjunction with the detailed financial tables and information which the Company has also included in the earnings release and in its forthcoming Form 10-Q. This information is also included in a current report on Form 8-K furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS

The Company has included its business segment financial tables as part of this release. A detailed discussion of the business segment results is included in the Company’s December 31, 2016, Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through the Company’s use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “should,” “predicts,” “could,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the banking and mortgage industry and economy in general and the Company’s proposed acquisition of the Clayton Banks and the anticipated timing, benefits, cost, and financial impact thereof. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the information known to, and current beliefs and expectations of, the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this news release including, without limitation, the risks and other factors set forth in the Company’s December 31, 2016 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017, under the captions “Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements” and “Risk factors.” Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. The Company believes the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date that they are made. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise may be required by law.

GAAP RECONCILIATION AND USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This news release contains certain financial measures that are not measures recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures include, without limitation, net income, diluted earnings per share, total revenues, return on average assets, return on average equity, return on average tangible common equity, noninterest expense and efficiency ratio, in each case excluding certain income and expense items that the Company’s management considers to be non-core in nature. The Company refers to these non-GAAP measures as core measures. This news release also uses tangible book value per common share and the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, which are non-GAAP measures that exclude the impact of goodwill and other intangibles. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company’s performance, financial condition and the efficiency of its operations as management believes such measures facilitate period-to-period comparisons and provide meaningful indications of its operating performance as they eliminate both gains and charges that management views as non-recurring or not indicative of operating performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods as well as demonstrating the effects of significant non-core gains and charges in the current and prior periods. The Company’s management also believes that investors find these non-GAAP financial measures useful as they assist investors in understanding our underlying operating performance and in the analysis of ongoing operating trends. In addition, because intangible assets such as goodwill and other intangibles, and the other items excluded each vary extensively from company to company, the Company believes that the presentation of this information allows investors to more easily compare the Company’s results to the results of other companies. However, the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. You should understand how such other banking organizations calculate their financial measures similar or with names similar to the non-GAAP financial measures we have discussed herein when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures. The following tables provide a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

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