Alerus Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: ALRS), or the Company,
reported net loss of $14.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023,
or ($0.73) per diluted common share, compared to net income of $9.2
million, or $0.45 per diluted common share, for the third quarter
of 2023, and net income of $10.9 million, or $0.53 per diluted
common share, for the fourth quarter of 2022.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company sold $172.3
million of available-for-sale (AFS) securities in a balance sheet
repositioning. The sale resulted in a one-time pre-tax net loss of
$24.6 million. Proceeds from the sale were reinvested into loans to
new and existing clients throughout the communities the Company
serves, in addition to paying down borrowings. Adjusted
pre-provision net revenue (see non-GAAP reconciliation) was $9.0
million, compared to $8.9 million for the third quarter 2023.
CEO Comments
President and Chief Executive Officer Katie Lorenson said, “2023
was an extraordinary year that brought both challenges and
opportunities. During the year, we completed several restructurings
and added over 120 new team members to our organization while
reducing overall headcount. The resulting transformation of our
commercial wealth bank is evident, with exceptional deposit growth
supporting high quality loan growth during the quarter. In
addition, the well-executed balance sheet repositioning in December
has provided the Company with continued momentum to improve
financial performance heading into 2024 and beyond.
The ongoing successful execution of our One Alerus strategy
resulted in new and expanded client relationships in all our
diversified business lines. Our net interest margin expanded during
the quarter and fee income remained a differentiator in the
industry with a robust contribution of 54% of total revenues.
Returning financial performance to top tier profitability levels
through ongoing expense management remains a priority, and we
continued to prudently manage credit quality while maintaining
healthy reserves, capital, and liquidity levels.
We are focused on continued value creation for our shareholders,
our clients, and our communities. During the quarter, we grew
tangible book value per share 8.0% and returned over $5.8 million
to shareholders through dividends and our expanded share buyback
program. I want to thank our Alerus team members for building on
our solid foundation and all that was accomplished in 2023.”
Fourth Quarter Highlights
- Total deposits were $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, an
increase of $223.4 million, or 7.8%, from September 30, 2023
- Total loans were $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2023, an
increase of $149.7 million, or 5.7%, from September 30, 2023
- The loan to deposit ratio as of December 31, 2023 was 89.0%,
compared to 90.7% as of September 30, 2023, brokered deposits
remained at $0
- Net interest margin expanded 10 basis points from 2.27% in the
third quarter to 2.37% in the fourth quarter of 2023
- Net interest income increased 5.7%, from $20.4 million in the
third quarter to $21.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023
- Total assets under administration/management were $40.7
billion, a 6.3% increase from the third quarter of 2023
- Net recoveries to average loans of 0.04%, compared to net
recoveries to average loans of 0.09% for the third quarter of
2023
- Repurchased $2.1 million of the Company’s outstanding stock at
an average purchase price of $17.65, reducing common shares
outstanding by 118,000 at quarter end, along with recent board
approval to repurchase up to a total of 1 million shares of common
stock
- Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) was $15.46, an
8.0% increase from the third quarter of 2023
- Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of
December 31, 2023 was 11.82%, compared to 13.01% as of September
30, 2023, and continues to be well above the minimum threshold to
be well capitalized of 6.50%
- Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) was 7.96%
as of December 31, 2023, compared to 7.47% as of September 30,
2023
Full Year 2023 Highlights
- Noninterest expense of $150.2 million, a decrease of $8.6
million, or 5.4%, compared to $158.8 million in 2022
- Average loans of $2.5 billion, an increase of $475.6 million,
or 23.1%, from 2022
- Average deposits of $2.9 billion, an increase of $48.6 million,
or 1.69%, from 2022
- Total deposits increased $180.1 million to $3.1 billion as of
December 31, 2023, compared to $2.9 billion as of December 31,
2022
- Loan to deposit ratio as of December 31, 2023 was 89.0%,
compared to 83.8% as of December 31, 2022, brokered deposits
remained at $0
- Yield on interest earning assets increased 109 basis points
from 3.52% for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 4.61% for the
year ended December 31, 2023
- Total assets under administration/management were $40.7
billion, a 14.0% increase from December 31, 2022
- Net recoveries to average loans of 0.04%, compared to net
charge-offs to average loans of 0.03% for the year ended December
31, 2022
- Dividends paid per common share increased from $0.70 for the
year ended December 31, 2022 to $0.75 for the year ended December
31, 2023
- Repurchased $6.2 million of the Company’s outstanding stock at
an average purchase price of $17.48, reducing common shares
outstanding by 356,474 for the year ended December 31, 2023
- Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) was $15.46 as
of December 31, 2023, compared to $14.37 as of December 31,
2022
- Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) was 7.96%
as of December 31, 2023, compared to 7.74% as of December 31,
2022
Selected Financial Data (unaudited)
As of and for the
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
(dollars and shares in thousands, except
per share data)
2023
2023
2022
2023
2022
Performance Ratios
Return on average total assets
(1.51)
%
0.95
%
1.17
%
0.31
%
1.14
%
Return on average common equity
(16.75)
%
10.05
%
12.37
%
3.26
%
11.55
%
Return on average tangible common equity
(1)
(18.85)
%
13.51
%
16.63
%
5.37
%
15.09
%
Noninterest income as a % of revenue
3.54
%
58.21
%
48.62
%
47.74
%
52.72
%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)
2.37
%
2.27
%
3.09
%
2.46
%
3.04
%
Efficiency ratio (1)
165.40
%
73.37
%
69.62
%
85.85
%
72.86
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (1)
79.07
%
73.37
%
69.62
%
74.91
%
72.86
%
Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average
loans
(0.04)
%
(0.09)
%
(0.03)
%
(0.04)
%
0.02
%
Dividend payout ratio
(26.03)
%
42.22
%
33.96
%
129.31
%
33.33
%
Per Common Share
Earnings per common share - basic
$
(0.74)
$
0.46
$
0.54
$
0.59
$
2.12
Earnings per common share - diluted
$
(0.73)
$
0.45
$
0.53
$
0.58
$
2.10
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.19
$
0.19
$
0.18
$
0.75
$
0.70
Book value per common share
$
18.71
$
17.60
$
17.85
Tangible book value per common share
(1)
$
15.46
$
14.32
$
14.37
Average common shares outstanding -
basic
19,761
19,872
19,988
19,922
18,640
Average common shares outstanding -
diluted
19,996
20,095
20,232
20,143
18,884
Other Data
Retirement and benefit services assets
under administration/management
$
36,682,425
$
34,552,569
$
32,122,520
Wealth management assets under
administration/management
$
4,018,846
$
3,724,091
$
3,582,648
Mortgage originations
$
65,488
$
109,637
$
126,254
$
364,114
$
812,314
____________________
(1)
Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP
Financial Measures.”
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $21.6
million, a $1.2 million, or 5.7%, increase from the third quarter
of 2023 due to interest income growth and stabilizing interest
expense resulting from slowing deposit cost increases and lower
short-term borrowings due to strong deposit growth. Net interest
income decreased $5.4 million, or 20.1%, from $27.0 million for the
fourth quarter of 2022 due to heightened deposit competition, the
impact of rising short-term interest rates on indexed money market
deposits, and clients moving deposits out of noninterest bearing
products into interest-bearing products. Interest income increased
$2.7 million, or 6.3%, from the third quarter of 2023, primarily
driven by a 23 basis point increase in yield on interest earning
assets mostly attributable to higher yields on new loans and strong
organic loan growth. The increase in interest income was offset by
a $1.5 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to an
increase in rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. While the
increase was the lowest quarterly increase in 2023, interest
expense paid on deposits was still impacted due to heightened
deposit competition, the impact of rising short-term interest rates
on indexed money market deposits, and clients moving deposits out
of noninterest bearing products into interest-bearing products.
Net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis), was 2.37% for
the fourth quarter of 2023, a 10 basis point increase from 2.27%
for the third quarter of 2023, and a 72 basis point decrease from
3.09% for the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in net interest
margin from the prior quarter reflected higher yields on new loans,
partially offset by the impact of rising interest rates on our
interest-bearing liabilities.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $0.8
million, a $27.6 million, or 97.2%, decrease from the third quarter
of 2023. The quarter over quarter decrease was driven by the
previously announced balance sheet repositioning, as a result of
which a $24.6 million loss on the sale of investment securities was
recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted non-interest
income (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $25.4 million,
a 0.8% decrease from the third quarter of 2023. Retirement and
benefit services revenue decreased to $15.3 million, a 17.7%
decrease from third quarter results mainly due to a $2.8 million
gain recognized on the divestiture of the ESOP trustee business in
the third quarter of 2023. Assets under administration/management
in retirement and benefit services grew 6.2% due to improved equity
and bond markets. Wealth management revenues grew $0.7 million, a
12.7% increase from the third quarter of 2023 as assets under
administration/management grew 7.9% during that same period.
Mortgage saw a $1.2 million seasonal decrease in mortgage banking
revenue with mortgage originations of $65.5 million for the fourth
quarter of 2023, compared to originations of $109.6 million in the
third quarter of 2023.
Adjusted noninterest income (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of
2023 was $25.4 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.3%, from
$25.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. While overall
noninterest income was stable year over year, mortgage banking
revenues declined $0.9 million, or 41.1%, from $2.2 million in the
fourth quarter of 2022 as mortgage originations declined 48.1%
during that time period due to the impact of higher interest rates.
Offsetting this decline, wealth management revenues grew $0.8
million, or 15.5%, from $5.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022
as assets under administration/management grew 12.2% during that
time period.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $38.7
million, a $1.4 million, or 3.7%, increase from the third quarter
of 2023. Compensation expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
$19.2 million, which included severance expense of $0.4 million.
Business services, software and technology expense was $5.7 million
for the fourth quarter of 2023, a $0.9 million increase from the
third quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by seasonally higher
contract renewals due to inflationary pressures and equipment
purchases. Professional fees and assessments expense was $2.3
million, a $0.6 million increase from the third quarter of 2023
driven primarily by higher fees resulting from increased audit,
examination, and other professional fees. Marketing and advertising
expense was $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, a $0.3
million increase from the third quarter of 2023 due to a one-time
donation resulting in future tax credits.
Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased
$0.7 million, or 1.9%, from $37.9 million in the fourth quarter of
2022. The increase was primarily driven by inflationary pressures
in business services, software and technology expense and higher
professional fees and assessments due to higher auditing fees and
an increase in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
assessments.
Financial Condition
Total assets were $3.9 billion as of December 31, 2023, an
increase of $117.2 million, or 3.1%, from December 31, 2022. The
increase was primarily due to a $312.1 million increase in loans
and a $64.2 million increase in cash and cash equivalents,
partially offset by a decrease of $253.0 million in investment
securities.
Loans
Total loans were $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2023, an
increase of $312.1 million, or 12.8%, from December 31, 2022. The
increase was primarily driven by a $245.2 million increase in
commercial real estate loans, a $47.3 million increase in
residential real estate loans, a $26.2 million increase in real
estate construction loans, and an $11.0 million increase in
commercial and industrial loans, offset by a $21.3 million decrease
in other consumer revolving and installment loans.
The following table presents the composition of our loan
portfolio as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Commercial
Commercial and industrial
$
594,827
$
582,387
$
551,860
$
553,578
$
583,876
Real estate construction
124,034
97,742
78,428
108,776
97,810
Commercial real estate
1,126,912
1,025,014
1,003,821
934,324
881,670
Total commercial
1,845,773
1,705,143
1,634,109
1,596,678
1,563,356
Consumer
Residential real estate first mortgage
726,879
717,793
707,630
698,002
679,551
Residential real estate junior lien
154,134
152,677
157,231
152,281
150,479
Other revolving and installment
29,302
30,817
34,552
39,664
50,608
Total consumer
910,315
901,287
899,413
889,947
880,638
Total loans
$
2,756,088
$
2,606,430
$
2,533,522
$
2,486,625
$
2,443,994
Deposits
Total deposits were $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, an
increase of $180.1 million, or 6.2%, from December 31, 2022.
Interest-bearing deposits increased $313.0 million, while
noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $132.9 million, from
December 31, 2022. The increase in total deposits was due to new
and expanded commercial deposit relationships along with time
deposit and synergistic deposit growth. Time deposit balances
increased as higher short-term CD rates attracted primarily new
deposits to the Company. The Company continued to have $0 of
brokered deposits as of December 31, 2023.
The following table presents the composition of our deposit
portfolio as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
728,082
$
717,990
$
715,534
$
792,977
$
860,987
Interest-bearing
Interest-bearing demand
840,711
759,812
753,194
817,675
706,275
Savings accounts
82,485
88,341
93,557
99,742
99,882
Money market savings
1,032,771
959,106
986,403
1,076,166
1,035,981
Time deposits
411,562
346,935
304,167
245,418
212,359
Total interest-bearing
2,367,529
2,154,194
2,137,321
2,239,001
2,054,497
Total deposits
$
3,095,611
$
2,872,184
$
2,852,855
$
3,031,978
$
2,915,484
Asset Quality
Total nonperforming assets were $8.8 million as of December 31,
2023, an increase of $4.9 million, or 129.3%, from December 31,
2022. This increase was primarily driven by one loan. As of
December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses on loans was
$35.8 million, or 1.30% of total loans, compared to $31.1 million,
or 1.27% of total loans, as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents selected asset quality data as of
and for the periods indicated:
As of and for the three months
ended
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
Nonaccrual loans
$
8,596
$
9,007
$
2,233
$
2,118
$
3,794
Accruing loans 90+ days past due
139
—
347
—
—
Total nonperforming loans
8,735
9,007
2,580
2,118
3,794
OREO and repossessed assets
32
3
—
—
30
Total nonperforming assets
$
8,767
$
9,010
$
2,580
$
2,118
$
3,824
Net charge-offs/(recoveries)
(238)
(594)
(403)
170
(178)
Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average
loans
(0.04)
%
(0.09)
%
(0.07)
%
0.03
%
(0.03)
%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
0.32
%
0.35
%
0.10
%
0.09
%
0.16
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.22
%
0.23
%
0.07
%
0.05
%
0.10
%
Allowance for credit losses on loans to
total loans
1.30
%
1.39
%
1.41
%
1.41
%
1.27
%
Allowance for credit losses on loans to
nonperforming loans
410
%
403
%
1,384
%
1,657
%
821
%
For the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company had net recoveries
of $238 thousand, compared to net recoveries of $594 thousand for
the third quarter of 2023 and $178 thousand for the fourth quarter
of 2022.
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.5
million for the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily driven by strong
loan growth and unfunded commitments. Beginning on January 1, 2023,
the allowance for credit losses on loans is computed under the
current expected credit loss, or CECL, accounting standard; prior
to that, the allowance for credit losses was computed using the
incurred loss method. The unearned fair value adjustments on the
acquired Metro Phoenix Bank loan portfolio were $5.2 million and
$7.1 million, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Capital
Total stockholders’ equity was $369.1 million as of December 31,
2023, an increase of $12.3 million from December 31, 2022. This
change was driven by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive
loss of $25.0 million. Tangible book value per common share, a
non-GAAP financial measure, increased to $15.46 as of December 31,
2023, from $14.37 as of December 31, 2022. Tangible common equity
to tangible assets, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased to
7.96% as of December 31, 2023, from 7.74% as of December 31, 2022.
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets decreased to
11.85% as of December 31, 2023, from 13.39% as of December 31,
2022.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased
approximately $2.1 million of its outstanding stock at an average
purchase price of $17.65, which reduced common shares outstanding
by 118,000 at quarter end.
The following table presents our capital ratios as of the dates
indicated:
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
2023
2023
2022
Capital Ratios(1)
Alerus Financial Corporation
Consolidated
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets
11.82
%
13.01
%
13.39
%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
12.10
%
13.30
%
13.69
%
Total capital to risk weighted assets
14.76
%
16.10
%
16.48
%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
10.57
%
11.14
%
11.25
%
Tangible common equity / tangible assets
(2)
7.96
%
7.47
%
7.74
%
Alerus Financial, N.A.
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets
11.40
%
12.68
%
12.76
%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
11.40
%
12.68
%
12.76
%
Total capital to risk weighted assets
12.51
%
13.86
%
13.83
%
Tier 1 capital to average assets
9.92
%
10.72
%
10.48
%
____________________
(1)
Capital ratios for the current quarter are to be considered
preliminary until the Call Report for Alerus Financial, N.A. is
filed.
(2)
Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP
Financial Measures.”
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Central
Time on Thursday, January 25, 2024, to discuss its financial
results. The call can be accessed via telephone at (844) 200-6205,
using access code 454002. A recording of the call and transcript
will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at
investors.alerus.com following the call.
About Alerus Financial Corporation
Alerus Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services
company with corporate offices in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and
the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area. Through its
subsidiary, Alerus Financial, N.A., the Company provides innovative
and comprehensive financial solutions to business and consumer
clients through four distinct business segments—banking, retirement
and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. The Company
provides clients with a primary point of contact to help fully
understand the unique needs and delivery channel preferences of
each client. Clients are provided with competitive products,
valuable insight and sound advice supported by digital solutions
designed to meet the clients’ needs. The Company has banking,
mortgage, and wealth management offices in Grand Forks and Fargo,
North Dakota, the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota metropolitan
area, and Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa Arizona. Alerus retirement
and benefit services plan administration hubs are located in
Minnesota, Michigan, and Colorado.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Some of the financial measures included in this press release
are not measures of financial performance recognized by U.S.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP. These non-GAAP
financial measures include the ratio of tangible common equity to
tangible assets, tangible common equity per share, return on
average tangible common equity, net interest margin
(tax-equivalent), efficiency ratio, adjusted efficiency ratio,
pre-provision net revenue, adjusted pre-provision net revenue, and
adjusted noninterest income. Management uses these non-GAAP
financial measures in its analysis of its performance, and believes
financial analysts and investors frequently use these measures, and
other similar measures, to evaluate capital adequacy and financial
performance. Reconciliations of non-GAAP disclosures used in this
press release to the comparable GAAP measures are provided in the
accompanying tables. Management, banking regulators, many financial
analysts and other investors use these measures in conjunction with
more traditional bank capital ratios to compare the capital
adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of
goodwill or other intangible assets, which typically stem from the
use of the purchase accounting method of accounting for mergers and
acquisitions.
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for total stockholders’ equity, total
assets, book value per share, return on average assets, return on
average equity, or any other measure calculated in accordance with
GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which the Company calculates these
non-GAAP financial measures may differ from that of other companies
reporting measures with similar names.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements include, without limitation, statements concerning
plans, estimates, calculations, forecasts and projections with
respect to the anticipated future performance of Alerus Financial
Corporation. These statements are often, but not always, identified
by words such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”,
“potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”,
“seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would”,
“annualized”, “target” and “outlook”, or the negative version of
those words or other comparable words of a future or
forward-looking nature. Examples of forward-looking statements
include, among others, statements the Company makes regarding our
projected growth, anticipated future financial performance,
financial condition, credit quality, management’s long-term
performance goals and the future plans and prospects of Alerus
Financial Corporation.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor
assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on
our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding our
business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated
events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because
forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject
to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that
are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our
control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ
materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements.
Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking
statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results
and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated
in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
interest rate risk, including the effects of recent and potential
additional rate increases by the Federal Reserve; our ability to
successfully manage credit risk and maintain an adequate level of
allowance for credit losses; new or revised accounting standards;
business and economic conditions generally and in the financial
services industry, nationally and within our market areas,
including continued rising rates of inflation and possible
recession; the effects of recent developments and events in the
financial services industry, including the large-scale deposit
withdrawals over a short-period of time at Silicon Valley Bank,
Signature Bank and First Republic Bank that resulted in the failure
of those institutions; the overall health of the local and national
real estate market; concentrations within our loan portfolio; the
level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; our ability to
implement our organic and acquisition growth strategies, including
the integration of Metro Phoenix Bank which the Company acquired in
2022; the impact of economic or market conditions on our fee-based
services; our ability to continue to grow our retirement and
benefit services business; our ability to continue to originate a
sufficient volume of residential mortgages; the occurrence of
fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our or our third party
vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related
incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using
artificial intelligence and similar tools; interruptions involving
our information technology and telecommunications systems or
fourth-party servicers; potential losses incurred in connection
with mortgage loan repurchases; the composition of our executive
management team and our ability to attract and retain key
personnel; rapid technological change in the financial services
industry; increased competition in the financial services industry
from non-banks such as credit unions and Fintech companies,
including digital asset service providers; our ability to
successfully manage liquidity risk, including our need to access
higher cost sources of funds such as fed funds purchased and
short-term borrowings; the concentration of large deposits from
certain clients, who have balances above current FDIC insurance
limits; the effectiveness of our risk management framework; the
commencement and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings
and regulatory actions against us or to which the Company may
become subject; potential impairment to the goodwill the Company
recorded in connection with our past acquisitions, including the
acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank; the extensive regulatory
framework that applies to us; the impact of recent and future
legislative and regulatory changes, including in response to the
recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First
Republic Bank in 2023; fluctuations in the values of the securities
held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes
in interest rates; governmental monetary, trade and fiscal
policies; risks related to climate change and the negative impact
it may have on our customers and their businesses; severe weather,
natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics; acts of war or
terrorism, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the
Russian invasion of Ukraine, or other adverse external events; any
material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting; changes to U.S. or state tax laws, regulations and
guidance, including the new 1.0% excise tax on stock buybacks by
publicly traded companies; potential changes in federal policy and
at regulatory agencies as a result of the upcoming 2024
presidential election; talent and labor shortages and employee
turnover; our success at managing the risks involved in the
foregoing items; and any other risks described in the “Risk
Factors” sections of the reports filed by Alerus Financial
Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release
is based only on information currently available to us and speaks
only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement,
whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time,
whether as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise.
Alerus Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share and
per share data)
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2022
Assets
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
122,485
$
58,242
Investment securities
Available-for-sale, at fair value
486,736
717,324
Held-to-maturity, at carrying value
(allowance for credit losses of $213 at December 31, 2023)
299,515
321,902
Loans held for sale
11,497
9,488
Loans
2,756,088
2,443,994
Allowance for credit losses on loans
(35,843
)
(31,146
)
Net loans
2,720,245
2,412,848
Land, premises and equipment, net
17,940
17,288
Operating lease right-of-use assets
5,436
5,419
Accrued interest receivable
15,700
12,869
Bank-owned life insurance
33,236
33,991
Goodwill
46,783
47,087
Other intangible assets
17,158
22,455
Servicing rights
2,052
2,643
Deferred income taxes, net
34,595
42,369
Other assets
83,433
75,712
Total assets
$
3,896,811
$
3,779,637
Liabilities and Stockholders’
Equity
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing
$
728,082
$
860,987
Interest-bearing
2,367,529
2,054,497
Total deposits
3,095,611
2,915,484
Short-term borrowings
314,170
378,080
Long-term debt
58,956
58,843
Operating lease liabilities
5,751
5,902
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
53,196
64,456
Total liabilities
3,527,684
3,422,765
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 2,000,000
shares authorized: 0 issued and outstanding
—
—
Common stock, $1 par value, 30,000,000
shares authorized: 19,734,077 and 19,991,681 issued and
outstanding
19,734
19,992
Additional paid-in capital
150,343
155,095
Retained earnings
272,705
280,426
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(73,655
)
(98,641
)
Total stockholders’ equity
369,127
356,872
Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity
$
3,896,811
$
3,779,637
Alerus Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of
Income
(dollars and shares in thousands, except
per share data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2023
2022
2023
2022
Interest Income
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Loans, including fees
$
37,731
$
34,986
$
29,248
$
136,918
$
89,907
Investment securities
Taxable
6,040
6,146
5,813
24,262
23,260
Exempt from federal income taxes
182
182
210
740
848
Other
742
724
541
2,963
1,562
Total interest income
44,695
42,038
35,812
164,883
115,577
Interest Expense
Deposits
17,169
14,436
5,675
53,387
9,169
Short-term borrowings
5,292
6,528
2,545
20,976
4,339
Long-term debt
682
679
628
2,681
2,340
Total interest expense
23,143
21,643
8,848
77,044
15,848
Net interest income
21,552
20,395
26,964
87,839
99,729
Provision for credit losses
1,507
—
—
2,057
—
Net interest income after provision for
credit losses
20,045
20,395
26,964
85,782
99,729
Noninterest Income
Retirement and benefit services
15,317
18,605
16,599
65,294
67,135
Wealth management
5,940
5,271
5,144
21,855
20,870
Mortgage banking
1,279
2,510
2,170
8,411
16,921
Service charges on deposit accounts
341
328
282
1,280
1,434
Net gains (losses) on investment
securities
(24,643
)
—
—
(24,643
)
—
Other
2,557
1,693
1,322
8,032
4,863
Total noninterest income
791
28,407
25,517
80,229
111,223
Noninterest Expense
Compensation
19,214
19,071
19,189
76,290
80,656
Employee taxes and benefits
4,578
4,895
4,887
20,051
21,915
Occupancy and equipment expense
1,858
1,883
1,892
7,477
7,605
Business services, software and technology
expense
5,686
4,774
4,405
21,053
19,487
Intangible amortization expense
1,324
1,324
1,324
5,296
4,754
Professional fees and assessments
2,345
1,716
1,454
6,743
8,367
Marketing and business development
1,002
692
950
3,027
3,254
Supplies and postage
521
410
634
1,796
2,440
Travel
313
322
356
1,189
1,182
Mortgage and lending expenses
501
689
606
1,902
2,183
Other
1,312
1,484
2,251
5,333
6,927
Total noninterest expense
38,654
37,260
37,948
150,157
158,770
Income (loss) before income tax expense
(benefit)
(17,818
)
11,542
14,533
15,854
52,182
Income tax expense (benefit)
(3,064
)
2,381
3,624
4,158
12,177
Net income (loss)
$
(14,754
)
$
9,161
$
10,909
$
11,696
$
40,005
Per Common Share Data
Earnings (loss) per common share
$
(0.74
)
$
0.46
$
0.54
$
0.59
$
2.12
Diluted earnings (loss) per common
share
$
(0.73
)
$
0.45
$
0.53
$
0.58
$
2.10
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.19
$
0.19
$
0.18
$
0.75
$
0.70
Average common shares outstanding
19,761
19,872
19,988
19,922
18,640
Diluted average common shares
outstanding
19,996
20,095
20,232
20,143
18,884
Alerus Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and
Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)
(dollars and shares in thousands, except
per share data)
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
2023
2023
2022
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible
Assets
Total common stockholders’ equity
$
369,127
$
349,402
$
356,872
Less: Goodwill
46,783
46,783
47,087
Less: Other intangible assets
17,158
18,482
22,455
Tangible common equity (a)
305,186
284,137
287,330
Total assets
3,896,811
3,869,138
3,779,637
Less: Goodwill
46,783
46,783
47,087
Less: Other intangible assets
17,158
18,482
22,455
Tangible assets (b)
3,832,870
3,803,873
3,710,095
Tangible common equity to tangible assets
(a)/(b)
7.96
%
7.47
%
7.74
%
Tangible Book Value Per Common
Share
Total common stockholders’ equity
$
369,127
$
349,402
$
356,872
Less: Goodwill
46,783
46,783
47,087
Less: Other intangible assets
17,158
18,482
22,455
Tangible common equity (c)
305,186
284,137
287,330
Total common shares issued and outstanding
(d)
19,734
19,848
19,992
Tangible book value per common share
(c)/(d)
$
15.46
$
14.32
$
14.37
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2023
2022
2023
2022
Return on Average Tangible Common
Equity
Net income (loss)
$
(14,754
)
$
9,161
$
10,909
$
11,696
$
40,005
Add: Intangible amortization expense (net
of tax)
1,046
1,046
1,046
4,184
3,756
Net income (loss), excluding intangible
amortization (e)
(13,708
)
10,207
11,955
15,880
43,761
Average total equity
349,382
361,735
349,812
358,267
346,355
Less: Average goodwill
46,783
46,882
46,283
46,959
39,415
Less: Average other intangible assets (net
of tax)
14,067
15,109
18,243
15,624
17,018
Average tangible common equity
(f)
288,532
299,744
285,286
295,684
289,922
Return on average tangible common equity
(e)/(f)
(18.85
)
%
13.51
%
16.63
%
5.37
%
15.09
%
Efficiency Ratio
Noninterest expense
$
38,654
$
37,260
$
37,948
$
150,157
$
158,770
Less: Intangible amortization expense
1,324
1,324
1,324
5,296
4,754
Adjusted noninterest expense
(g)
37,330
35,936
36,624
144,861
154,016
Net interest income
21,552
20,395
26,964
87,839
99,729
Noninterest income
791
28,407
25,517
80,229
111,223
Tax-equivalent adjustment
226
180
124
671
429
Total tax-equivalent revenue
(h)
22,569
48,982
52,605
168,739
211,381
Efficiency ratio (g)/(h)
165.40
%
73.37
%
69.62
%
85.85
%
72.86
%
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio
Noninterest expense
$
38,654
$
37,260
$
37,948
$
150,157
$
158,770
Less: Intangible amortization expense
1,324
1,324
1,324
5,296
4,754
Adjusted noninterest expense
(i)
37,330
35,936
36,624
144,861
154,016
Net interest income
21,552
20,395
26,964
87,839
99,729
Noninterest income
791
28,407
25,517
80,229
111,223
Tax-equivalent adjustment
226
180
124
671
429
Less: Net gains (losses) on investment
securities
(24,643
)
—
—
(24,643
)
—
Total tax-equivalent revenue
(j)
47,212
48,982
52,605
193,382
211,381
Adjusted efficiency ratio
(i)/(j)
79.07
%
73.37
%
69.62
%
74.91
%
72.86
%
Alerus Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and
Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)
(dollars and shares in thousands, except
per share data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2023
2022
2023
2022
Pre-Provision Net Revenue
Income (loss) before taxes
$
(17,818
)
$
11,542
$
14,533
$
15,854
$
52,182
Add: Provision for credit losses
1,507
—
—
2,057
—
Pre-provision net revenue
$
(16,311
)
$
11,542
$
14,533
$
17,911
$
52,182
Adjusted Pre-Provision Net
Revenue
Pre-provision net revenue
$
(16,311
)
$
11,542
$
14,533
$
17,911
$
52,182
Add: Net gains (losses) on investment
securities
(24,643
)
—
—
(24,643
)
—
Add: Minnesota Housing donation
250
—
—
250
—
Less: Severance and signing bonus
expense
416
147
669
2,337
1,942
Less: Gain on sale of ESOP business
—
2,775
—
2,775
—
Less: BOLI mortality proceeds
—
—
—
1,196
—
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue
$
8,998
$
8,914
$
15,202
$
41,170
$
54,124
Adjusted Noninterest Income
Noninterest income
$
791
$
28,407
$
25,517
$
80,229
$
111,223
Add: Net gains (losses) on investment
securities
(24,643
)
—
—
(24,643
)
—
Less: Gain on sale of ESOP business
—
2,775
—
2,775
—
Less: BOLI mortality proceeds
—
—
—
1,196
—
Adjusted noninterest income
$
25,434
$
25,632
$
25,517
$
100,901
$
111,223
Alerus Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries
Analysis of Average Balances, Yields,
and Rates (unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Average
Yield/
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
Balance
Rate
Interest Earning Assets
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
$
33,920
3.22
%
$
29,450
3.09
%
$
26,510
2.16
%
$
35,395
3.40
%
$
58,149
1.01
%
Investment securities (1)
921,555
2.70
%
971,913
2.60
%
1,046,441
2.30
%
983,545
2.56
%
1,135,426
2.14
%
Fed funds sold
—
—
%
—
—
%
7,119
3.40
%
—
—
%
7,313
2.63
%
Loans held for sale
11,421
6.01
%
16,518
5.55
%
14,505
4.54
%
13,217
5.46
%
24,497
3.49
%
Loans
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial
573,174
6.89
%
555,649
6.61
%
561,252
5.80
%
558,429
6.62
%
507,040
5.13
%
Real estate construction
117,765
8.12
%
88,450
8.52
%
96,189
6.02
%
99,315
7.66
%
63,296
5.21
%
Commercial real estate
1,053,812
5.47
%
998,636
5.25
%
838,466
4.85
%
980,667
5.20
%
713,102
4.16
%
Total commercial
1,744,751
6.12
%
1,642,735
5.89
%
1,495,907
5.28
%
1,638,411
5.84
%
1,283,438
4.59
%
Consumer
Residential real estate first mortgage
724,110
4.00
%
714,874
3.89
%
665,135
3.64
%
706,626
3.85
%
587,443
3.50
%
Residential real estate junior lien
155,137
7.86
%
154,939
7.69
%
146,912
6.46
%
154,036
7.56
%
136,483
5.29
%
Other revolving and installment
29,510
6.33
%
32,288
6.11
%
51,836
5.62
%
35,971
6.06
%
52,071
4.85
%
Total consumer
908,757
4.73
%
902,101
4.62
%
863,883
4.24
%
896,633
4.58
%
775,997
3.91
%
Total loans (1)
2,653,508
5.64
%
2,544,836
5.44
%
2,359,790
4.90
%
2,535,044
5.39
%
2,059,435
4.33
%
Federal Reserve/FHLB stock
24,780
7.48
%
28,761
6.83
%
19,603
6.80
%
25,246
6.98
%
13,824
5.67
%
Total interest earning assets
3,645,184
4.89
%
3,591,478
4.66
%
3,473,968
4.10
%
3,592,447
4.61
%
3,298,644
3.52
%
Noninterest earning assets
223,022
230,123
232,754
224,480
202,011
Total assets
$
3,868,206
$
3,821,601
$
3,706,722
$
3,816,927
$
3,500,655
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
798,634
1.65
%
$
751,455
1.34
%
$
692,217
0.50
%
$
768,238
1.29
%
$
692,287
0.22
%
Money market and savings deposits
1,092,656
3.53
%
1,073,297
3.20
%
1,185,502
1.39
%
1,118,815
2.92
%
1,113,426
0.55
%
Time deposits
383,715
4.27
%
327,264
3.94
%
214,264
1.20
%
303,746
3.58
%
221,997
0.70
%
Fed funds purchased
189,568
5.71
%
312,121
5.50
%
86,350
3.78
%
287,768
5.31
%
63,296
2.46
%
Short-term borrowings
200,000
5.09
%
173,913
5.02
%
178,533
3.82
%
113,973
5.00
%
89,932
3.10
%
Long-term debt
58,943
4.59
%
58,914
4.57
%
58,830
4.24
%
58,900
4.55
%
58,864
3.98
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
2,723,516
3.37
%
2,696,964
3.18
%
2,415,696
1.45
%
2,651,440
2.91
%
2,239,802
0.71
%
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits
719,895
692,742
870,948
737,365
851,821
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
75,413
70,160
70,266
69,855
62,677
Stockholders’ equity
349,382
361,735
349,812
358,267
346,355
Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity
$
3,868,206
$
3,821,601
$
3,706,722
$
3,816,927
$
3,500,655
Net interest rate spread
1.52
%
1.48
%
2.65
%
1.70
%
2.81
%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent
(1)
2.37
%
2.27
%
3.09
%
2.46
%
3.04
%
____________________
(1)
Taxable-equivalent adjustment was
calculated utilizing a marginal income tax rate of 21.0%.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240124065715/en/
Alan A. Villalon, Chief Financial Officer 952.417.3733
(Office)
Alerus Financial (NASDAQ:ALRS)
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