BayFirst Financial Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results; Third Quarter Net Income Increased 31.3% Over Prior Quarter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BAFN) (“BayFirst” or the “Company”), parent company of BayFirst National Bank (the “Bank”) today reported net income of $1.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 31.3% compared to $0.9 million, or $0.12 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of 2024.

“The highlight of the third quarter of 2024 was the 31% increase in net income compared to the preceding quarter, led by increases in net interest income and higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans,” stated Thomas G. Zernick, Chief Executive Officer. “Our Government Guaranteed Lending team had another good quarter, producing $94.4 million in new government guaranteed loans; however, this volume was below both the second quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2023. Our team is focused on meeting loan origination targets, while also adhering to prudently conservative credit quality metrics. The result of these efforts is better profitability reflected in lower net charge-offs, lower expenses compared to the third quarter last year, and faster revenue growth than expense growth compared to the second quarter of this year. While we made progress this quarter, we have much more work to do to improve profitability and consistently demonstrate high performing characteristics.”

“Our community bank business model, which includes serving individuals, families and small businesses, continues to build franchise value in our great community bank in Tampa Bay,” Zernick continued. “We were honored to be named the best bank in Florida in 2024 by Forbes Magazine which is a testament to our incredible customers and employees.”

Third Quarter 2024 Performance Review

• The Company’s government guaranteed loan origination team originated $94.4 million in new government guaranteed loans during the third quarter of 2024, a slight decrease from $98.7 million of loans produced in the previous quarter, and a decrease from $155.9 million of loans produced during the third quarter of 2023. Demand was down in the third quarter for the Company's Bolt loan program, an SBA 7(a) loan product designed to expeditiously provide working capital loans of $150 thousand or less to businesses throughout the country while the Bank's Core SBA 7(a) loan program had $9 million of higher production in the third quarter compared to the second quarter and $5 million higher production compared to the third quarter of 2023. As we mentioned earlier this year, we have taken proactive steps to strengthen the credit characteristics of this business which has contributed to the decrease in origination of Bolt loans; however, the volume is still significant compared to the SBA 7(a) small loans originated by our peers. Since the launch in 2022, the Company has originated 5,231 Bolt loans totaling $676.6 million, of which 502 Bolt loans totaling $65.2 million were originated during the quarter.
• Loans held for investment increased by $34.1 million, or 3.4%, during the third quarter of 2024 to $1.04 billion and increased $164.0 million, or 18.7%, over the past year. During the quarter, the Company originated $166.7 million of loans and sold $84.0 million of government guaranteed loan balances. The majority of the loan growth was to individuals and businesses across the Tampa Bay and Sarasota regions.
• Deposits increased $69.8 million, or 6.7%, during the third quarter of 2024 and increased $94.4 million, or 9.3%, over the past year to $1.11 billion.
• Book value and tangible book value at September 30, 2024 were $20.86 per common share, an increase from $20.54 at June 30, 2024.
• Net interest margin decreased by 9 basis points to 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, from 3.43% in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease was attributable to a one-time unamortized premium recognition related to a purchased USDA loan which prepaid during the quarter. Excluding this item, the net interest margin would have been down 1 basis point compared to the second quarter.

Results of Operations

Net Income

Net income was $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net income for the third quarter of 2024 from the preceding quarter was primarily the result of an increase in net interest income of $0.3 million and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $0.5 million partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense of $0.5 million. The decrease in net income from the third quarter of 2023 was due to a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $1.1 million and a decrease in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.0 million, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $1.1 million and lower compensation expense of $0.3 million.

In the first nine months of 2024, net income was $2.8 million, a decrease from $4.0 million for the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to higher provision for credit losses of $2.5 million, a decrease in government guaranteed fair value gains of $1.1 million, and higher noninterest expense of $2.2 million, partially offset by higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million and higher government guaranteed loan packaging fees of $1.3 million.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income from continuing operations was $9.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase from $9.2 million during the second quarter of 2024, and an increase from $8.4 million during the third quarter of 2023. The net interest margin decreased by 9 basis points to 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, from 3.43% in the second quarter of 2024.

The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the second quarter of 2024, was mainly due to an increase in loan interest income, including fees, of $1.0 million and a decrease in the interest cost on borrowings of $0.4 million, partially offset by higher interest cost on deposits of $1.2 million. The increase was partially offset by $0.3 million due to a one-time recognition of unamortized premium related to a purchased USDA government guaranteed loan which prepaid during the third quarter of 2024.

The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the year ago quarter, was mainly due to an increase in interest income of $3.8 million, partially offset by higher interest expense on deposits.

Net interest income from continuing operations was $27.4 million in the first nine months of 2024, a decrease from $27.6 million in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was mainly due to an increase in interest expense of $11.6 million, partially offset by an increase in interest income, including fees, of $11.4 million.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income from continuing operations was $12.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, which was an increase from $11.7 million in the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease from $14.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the second quarter of 2024, was primarily the result of an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $0.5 million. The decrease in the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2023, was the result of decreases in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.0 million, fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $1.1 million, government guaranteed loan packaging fees of $0.3 million, and other noninterest income of $0.2 million.

Noninterest income from continuing operations was $38.2 million for the first nine months of 2024, which was an increase from $35.1 million for the first nine months of 2023. The increase was primarily the result of increases in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million and government guaranteed loan packaging fees of $1.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $1.1 million.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $16.6 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $17.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the prior quarter, was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense of $0.5 million. The decrease in the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2023, was primarily due to lower compensation expense of $0.3 million and lower marketing and business development expenses of $0.4 million, partially offset by higher data processing expenses of $0.3 million.

Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $51.4 million for the first nine months of 2024 compared to $49.2 million for the first nine months of 2023. The increase was the result of increases in data processing expense of $0.8 million, loan origination and collection expense of $0.9 million, professional services expenses of $0.5 million, and other noninterest expenses of $0.6 million. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in marketing and business development expenses of $1.0 million.

Balance Sheet

Assets

Total assets increased $27.2 million, or 2.2%, during the third quarter of 2024 to $1.25 billion, mainly due to an increase of $34.1 million in loans held for investment. Compared to the third quarter last year, total assets increased $111.1 million, or 9.8%, driven by growth of loans held for investment of $164.0 million, or 18.7%, offset by lower excess cash and cash equivalents of $48.2 million, or 42.8%, from the year ago quarter.

Loans

Loans held for investment increased $34.1 million, or 3.4%, during the third quarter of 2024 and $164.0 million, or 18.7%, over the past year to $1.04 billion, due to originations in both conventional community bank loans and government guaranteed loans, partially offset by government guaranteed loan sales.

Deposits

Deposits increased $69.8 million, or 6.7%, during the third quarter of 2024 and increased $94.4 million, or 9.3%, from the third quarter of 2023, ending the third quarter of 2024 at $1.11 billion. During the third quarter, there were increases in noninterest-bearing deposit account balances of $2.0 million, interest-bearing transaction account balances of $11.5 million, savings and money market deposit account balances of $35.0 million and time deposit balances of $21.4 million. The majority of the deposits are generated through the community bank. At September 30, 2024, approximately 78% of total deposits were insured by the FDIC. At times, the Bank has brokered time deposit and non-maturity deposit relationships available to diversify its funding sources. At September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, the Company had $76.9 million, $60.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, of brokered deposits.

Asset Quality

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the third quarter of $3.1 million, compared to provisions of $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $3.0 million during the third quarter of 2023.

The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost was 1.48% at September 30, 2024, 1.50% as of June 30, 2024, and 1.68% as of September 30, 2023. The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, was 1.70% at September 30, 2024, 1.73% as of June 30, 2024, and 2.03% as of September 30, 2023.

Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2024 were $2.8 million, which was a decrease from $3.3 million for the second quarter of 2024 and an increase from $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans held for investment at amortized cost were 1.16% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 1.45% in the second quarter of 2024 and 1.13% in the third quarter of 2023. Nonperforming assets to total assets were 1.38% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 1.28% as of June 30, 2024, and 0.88% as of September 30, 2023. Nonperforming assets, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, to total assets were 0.88% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 0.82% as of June 30, 2024, and 0.71% as of September 30, 2023. As we discussed last quarter, the Bank developed an express modification program for SBA 7(a) borrowers to help those borrowers who are challenged with larger payments in the higher interest rate environment compared to interest rates at the time the loans were originated. To date 400 SBA 7(a) borrowers have been offered loan modification options. These efforts have helped and are expected to continue to help reduce net charge-offs.

Capital

The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.41% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 8.73% as of June 30, 2024, and 9.16% as of September 30, 2023. The CET 1 and Tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets were 10.14% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 10.54% as of June 30, 2024, and 12.21% as of September 30, 2023. The total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 11.39% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 11.79% as of June 30, 2024, and 13.47% as of September 30, 2023.

Liquidity

The Bank's overall liquidity position remains strong and stable with liquidity in excess of internal minimums as stated by policy and monitored by management and the Board. The on-balance sheet liquidity ratio at September 30, 2024 was 8.62%, as compared to 9.33% at December 31, 2023. The Bank has robust liquidity resources which include secured borrowings available from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Reserve, and lines of credit with other financial institutions. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank had $10.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB and no borrowings from the FRB or other financial institutions. This compares to $55.0 million and $10.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB and no borrowings from the FRB or other financial institutions at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Recent Events

Fourth Quarter Common Stock Dividend. On October 22, 2024, BayFirst’s Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.08 per common share. The dividend will be payable December 15, 2024 to common shareholders of record as of December 1, 2024. The Company has continuously paid quarterly common stock cash dividends since 2016.

Conference Call

BayFirst’s management team will host a conference call on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its third quarter results. Interested investors may listen to the call live under the Investor Relations tab at www.bayfirstfinancial.com. Investment professionals are invited to dial (800) 549-8228 to participate in the call using Conference ID 30458. A replay of the call will be available for one year at www.bayfirstfinancial.com.

About BayFirst Financial Corp.

BayFirst Financial Corp. is a registered bank holding company based in St. Petersburg, Florida which commenced operations on September 1, 2000. Its primary source of income is derived from its wholly owned subsidiary, BayFirst National Bank, a national banking association which commenced business operations on February 12, 1999. The Bank currently operates twelve full-service banking offices throughout the Tampa Bay-Sarasota region and offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services to businesses and individuals. It was named the best bank in Florida in 2024, according to Forbes and was the 5th largest SBA 7(a) lender by number of units originated and 11th largest by dollar volume nationwide through the SBA's fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, it was the 3rd largest SBA 7(a) lender in dollar volume in the 5 county Tampa Bay market for the SBA's 2024 fiscal year. As of September 30, 2024, BayFirst Financial Corp. had $1.25 billion in total assets.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to the historical information contained herein, this presentation includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of health crises, global military hostilities, weather events, or climate change, including their effects on the economic environment, our customers and our operations, as well as any changes to federal, state or local government laws, regulations or orders in connection with them; the ability of the Company to implement its strategy and expand its banking operations; changes in interest rates and other general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in business plans as circumstances warrant; risks related to mergers and acquisitions; changes in benchmark interest rates used to price loans and deposits, changes in tax laws, regulations and guidance; and other risks detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with the SEC, including, but not limited to those “Risk Factors” described in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included herein are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.

GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this report are not measures of financial condition or performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include tangible common shareholders' equity and tangible book value per common share. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of our performance, and we believe that providing this information to financial analysts and investors allows them to evaluate capital adequacy.

The following presents these non-GAAP financial measures along with their most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP:

Loan Composition

Nonperforming Assets (Unaudited)