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8-K - 8-K - First Bancorp, Inc /ME/fnlc-20201021.htm

Exhibit 99.1
The First Bancorp Reports Third Quarter Earnings
DAMARISCOTTA, ME, October 21, 2020 – The First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNLC), parent company of First National Bank, today announced operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Unaudited net income was $7.1 million, a new quarterly record for the Company, and up $807,000 or 12.8% from the $6.3 million reported for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Earnings per common share for the period on a fully diluted basis were up $0.07 to $0.65 per share, an increase of 12.1% from the prior year. The Company also reported results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Net income was $20.2 million, up $1.3 million or 7.0% from the first nine months of 2019, with earnings per share on a fully diluted basis of $1.84, up $0.11 or 6.4% from the same period in 2019.

“With great appreciation for the team of dedicated professionals at The First Bancorp, I'm pleased to report that the Company posted strong operating results in the third quarter", commented Tony C. McKim, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "Earnings of $7.1 million for the period increased $526,000 from the second quarter, and marked a new quarterly earnings record. Net interest income before loan loss provision increased $254,000 from the second quarter and $1.5 million from the third quarter of 2019. Non-interest revenue increased $204,000 from the second quarter, and $1.3 million, or 36.0%, year-over-year, driven by continued strong mortgage banking revenue. Operating expenses in the third quarter remained controlled as demonstrated by an efficiency ratio of 45.97% for the quarter, down from 52.08% for the same period a year ago."
Mr. McKim continued, "The Company continues to support our customers and community partners in addressing the impact of COVID-19. First National Bank granted over 1,700 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with more than $97 million disbursed to Maine small businesses at an average loan size of less than $60,000. We are now working with those borrowers and the Small Business Administration towards forgiveness of loan balances per program guidelines. The Bank has also worked with nearly 1,100 borrowers economically impacted by the virus, to modify or defer loan payments during this crisis.
The lobbies of our sixteen banking offices re-opened in mid-June to serve customers under appropriate safety and social distancing protocols; currently approximately 25% of our staff continues to work remotely.
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And lastly, I am excited to share that on September 3rd, 2020 we announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a retail banking branch in Belfast, pending regulatory approval. The branch in Belfast would be our 17th and take us into Waldo County, bridging the gap between Knox and Hancock counties. We look forward to bringing First National Bank's brand of "Dream First" banking to the area later this year."
THIRD QUARTER 2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Net income increased 12.8% compared to the third quarter of 2019.
Pre-tax, pre-provision net income (non-GAAP) increased 33.1% compared to the third quarter of 2019
Total Assets increased $29.5 million in the third quarter to $2.3 billion.
Low-cost deposits as of September 30, 2020 totaled $1.0 billion, an increase of $102.7 million in the quarter.
Tangible Book Value increased to $17.32 per share, up from $17.07 at June 30, 2020 and $16.39 at September 30, 2019.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets at September 30, 2020 were $2.3 billion, up $29.5 million in the third quarter and up $263.4 million from a year ago. Earning assets increased $31.5 million during the quarter and have increased $258.8 million year-over-year. Loan balances fell $15.0 million in the third quarter, while investments increased $18.6 million. Commercial real estate and construction loans increased $14.8 million during the period, offset by an $18.7 million drop in other commercial loans, a $5.5 million reduction in municipal loans, and a $4.0 million decline in home equity line of credit balances. Overall loan growth excluding PPP has totaled $42.2 million, or 3.26%, year-to-date, and $75.8 million, or 6.0%, year-over-year. PPP loans totaled $97.3 million at the end of the third quarter.
Total deposits at September 30, 2020 were $1.8 billion, up $22.9 million during the quarter, and up $139.8 million or 8.6% from September 30, 2019. Low-cost deposits increased $102.7 million in the third quarter, a level consistent with the seasonal lift experienced in the third quarter over the past several years. The increase in low-cost deposits allowed for a decrease in higher cost funding sources; Certificate of Deposit balances were down $66.7 million for the quarter.
The Company’s capital position remained strong as of September 30, 2020, with an estimated total risk-based capital ratio of 15.53%, and an estimated leverage capital ratio of 8.42%. The total capital ratio compares favorably to 15.03% as of June 30, 2020 and 15.44% as of September 30, 2019. The leverage capital ratio is level with the immediate prior quarter end, and is down from
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8.82% at September 30, 2019, the result of asset growth, including the $97.3 million in PPP loan balances. The Company is eligible and enrolled to participate in the Federal Reserve's Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF), but to date has elected not to do so. Had PPPLF been utilized to its fullest extent, the leverage capital ratio as of September 30, 2020 is estimated to have been 8.80%. Each of the Company’s capital ratios remain well in excess of regulatory requirements.
ASSET QUALITY & PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
Asset quality remains stable. As of September 30, 2020, the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.43%, up slightly from 0.41% at June 30, 2020, and improved from 0.84% at September 30, 2019. Net charge-offs for the quarter were an annualized 0.15% of total loans; the year-to-date annualized charge-off rate of 0.08% of total loans is in line with the 0.07% experienced in the year ended December 31, 2019. Past due loans were 0.89% of total loans as of September 30, 2020, up modestly from 0.66% of total loans at June 30, 2020, and 0.78% as of September 30, 2019.
The provision for loan losses totaled $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared with $250,000 for the same period in 2019. Despite stable non-performing asset levels, continued positive charge-off metrics, and modest changes in the level of past due loans, management continues to view it prudent to consider the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19 and the potential impact to borrowers in its provision analysis. The allowance for loan losses stood at 1.07% of total loans as of September 30, 2020, up from the 0.97% of total loans at June 30, 2020, and 0.93% of loans at September 30, 2019. If PPP loan balances are excluded, the allowance as of September 30, 2020 would stand at 1.14% of total loans.
Through September 30, 2020, the Bank had processed 996 loan modification requests for interest-only payments or deferred payments in conformance with the CARES Act or inter-agency guidance issued in March, representing $279.7 million in loan balances, or approximately 20.8% of the loan portfolio excluding PPP balances. Of the $279.7 million total, $228.1 million were in the commercial and municipal loan portfolios, $50.5 million were residential real estate secured loans, and $1.1 million were consumer loans.
As of September 30, 2020, loans totaling $81.0 million, or 6% of all loans, remained in either their original modification or a subsequent modification.



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Modification statuses in the two primary segments are summarized below:
Commercial/Municipal Loan Modifications
UnitsPercentageBalance (000's)Percentage
Paid Off346%$6,0313%
Subsequent Modification417%20,4439%
Still in Original Modification559%30,18813%
Out of Modification45278%171,40775%
Total582100%$228,069100%
Residential Real Estate Modifications
UnitsPercentageBalance (000's)Percentage
Paid Off175%$3,1026%
Subsequent Modification9728%13,85727%
Still in Original Modification12535%15,56531%
Out of Modification11132%17,94936%
Total350100%$50,473100%

Consumer loans totaling $967,000 also remain in modification as of September 30, 2020.

OPERATING RESULTS
Net Income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $7.1 million, up $807,000 or 12.8% from the three months ended September 30, 2019. The Company’s Return on Average Assets of 1.24% for the quarter was level with the third quarter of 2019. On a Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision (non-GAAP) basis, the third quarter 2020 Return on Assets was 1.79%, up from 1.52% the prior year. Return on Average Tangible Common Equity was improved year-over-year, at 14.81% for the third quarter of 2020, up from 14.01% for the third quarter of 2019. The Company's Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) was 45.97% in the third quarter of 2020, down from 46.23% in the immediately preceding quarter and from 52.08% in the third quarter of 2019. Year-to-date in 2020, the efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) stands at 50.00%, down from 51.12% for the first nine months of 2019. (GAAP Efficiency Ratio was 47.45% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, and 50.60% for the nine months then ended).
Contributing factors to the Company’s operating results in the three months ended September 30, 2020 included:
Earning asset growth led to a $1.5 million increase in net interest income from the third quarter of 2019, an increase of 11.5%.
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Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2020 was 2.82%, down six basis points from the same period in 2019.
Non-interest income was $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, up $1.3 million or 36.0% from the three months ended September 30, 2019. Strong purchase and refinance volume led to secondary market mortgage banking revenue increasing $1.3 million, or 232.3% year-over-year. Revenue increased $87,000, or 10.6% year-over-year, at First National Wealth Management, the Bank’s trust and investment management division. Service charge income and other income were both negatively impacted by lower transaction volume related to COVID-19.
Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $9.3 million, up $236,000 or 2.6% from the three months ended September 30, 2019. Employee salary and benefit expense increased a modest 3.4% from the prior year; a 22.2% period to period increase in Furniture & Equipment expense reflects recent building and technology investments. FDIC insurance premium was fully offset by small bank assessment credits in the third quarter of 2019; all credits having been applied, the year-to-year increase is $189,000. Third quarter 2020 savings in other operating expenses versus the prior year reflect the cost of an asset disposition in 2019.
As mentioned previously, the Bank had $97.3 million in PPP loan balances as of September 30, 2020, comprised of 1,707 loans, representing an average loan size at origination of $56,960. The Company has accrued $3.80 million in associated origination fees, of which $382,000 were recognized in interest income in the second quarter, and $468,000 were recognized in the third quarter.
DIVIDEND
On September 24, 2020 the Company's Board of Directors declared a third quarter dividend of 31 cents per share. The third quarter dividend represents a payout to shareholders of 47.69% of earnings per share for the period, and was paid on October 16, 2020 to shareholders of record as of October 6, 2020.



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ABOUT THE FIRST BANCORP
The First Bancorp, the parent company of First National Bank, is based in Damariscotta, Maine. Founded in 1864, First National Bank is a full-service community bank with $2.27 billion in assets. The Bank provides a complete array of commercial and retail banking services through sixteen locations in mid-coast and eastern Maine. First National Wealth Management, a division of the Bank, provides investment management and trust services to individuals, businesses, and municipalities. More information about The First Bancorp, First National Bank and First National Wealth Management may be found at www.thefirst.com.
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The First Bancorp
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
In thousands of dollars, except per share dataSeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019September 30, 2019
Assets
Cash and due from banks$22,742 $14,433 $21,418 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks48,111 11,310 16,714 
Securities available for sale340,140 360,520 326,798 
Securities to be held to maturity331,962 281,606 298,786 
Restricted equity securities, at cost10,545 8,982 8,982 
Loans held for sale6,387 154 852 
Loans1,436,646 1,297,075 1,263,459 
Less allowance for loan losses15,371 11,639 11,765 
Net loans1,421,275 1,285,436 1,251,694 
Accrued interest receivable10,249 7,167 7,636 
Premises and equipment27,110 21,305 21,232 
Other real estate owned777 279 279 
Goodwill29,805 29,805 29,805 
Other assets47,523 47,799 49,031 
Total assets$2,296,626 $2,068,796 $2,033,227 
Liabilities
Demand deposits$248,444 $169,777 $171,623 
NOW deposits492,223 393,569 400,514 
Money market deposits156,948 161,000 148,689 
Savings deposits275,513 236,141 240,691 
Certificates of deposit252,461 277,225 319,292 
Certificates $100,000 to $250,000269,881 345,241 278,050 
Certificates $250,000 and over67,589 67,513 64,431 
Total deposits1,763,059 1,650,466 1,623,290 
Borrowed funds283,787 184,955 181,417 
Other liabilities30,340 20,867 20,031 
Total Liabilities2,077,186 1,856,288 1,824,738 
Shareholders' equity
Common stock109 109 109 
Additional paid-in capital64,943 63,964 63,602 
Retained earnings154,783 144,839 141,509 
Net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale5,520 3,657 3,686 
Net unrealized loss on securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity(139)(182)(189)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging derivative instruments(5,800)97 (265)
Net unrealized gain on postretirement costs24 24 37 
Total shareholders' equity219,440 212,508 208,489 
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$2,296,626 $2,068,796 $2,033,227 
Common Stock
Number of shares authorized18,000,000 18,000,000 18,000,000 
Number of shares issued and outstanding10,942,959 10,899,210 10,896,331 
Book value per common share$20.05 $19.50 $19.13 
Tangible book value per common share$17.32 $16.75 $16.39 
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The First Bancorp
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 For the nine months ended September 30,For the quarter ended September 30,
In thousands of dollars, except per share data2020201920202019
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans$44,124 $44,450 $14,109 $14,993 
Interest on deposits with other banks87 145 8 48 
Interest and dividends on investments13,775 14,399 4,389 4,863 
     Total interest income57,986 58,994 18,506 19,904 
Interest expense
Interest on deposits11,613 17,739 2,866 5,983 
Interest on borrowed funds2,219 2,180 895 695 
     Total interest expense13,832 19,919 3,761 6,678 
Net interest income44,154 39,075 14,745 13,226 
Provision for loan losses4,550 875 1,800 250 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses39,604 38,200 12,945 12,976 
Non-interest income
Investment management and fiduciary income2,712 2,459 909 822 
Service charges on deposit accounts1,257 1,747 375 577 
Net securities gains1,179 15  15 
Mortgage origination and servicing income3,802 1,227 1,914 576 
Other operating income4,677 4,833 1,607 1,542 
     Total non-interest income13,627 10,281 4,805 3,532 
Non-interest expense
Salaries and employee benefits14,719 13,698 5,032 4,865 
Occupancy expense2,117 1,931 709 644 
Furniture and equipment expense3,438 2,969 1,184 969 
FDIC insurance premiums548 439 189 — 
Amortization of identified intangibles32 32 10 10 
Other operating expense8,382 7,099 2,152 2,552 
     Total non-interest expense29,236 26,168 9,276 9,040 
Income before income taxes23,995 22,313 8,474 7,468 
Applicable income taxes3,836 3,474 1,379 1,180 
Net Income$20,159 $18,839 $7,095 $6,288 
Basic earnings per share$1.86 $1.74 $0.65 $0.58 
Diluted earnings per share$1.84 $1.73 $0.65 $0.58 
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The First Bancorp
Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
   
As of and for the nine months ended September 30,As of and for the quarter ended September 30,
Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts2020201920202019
Summary of Operations
Interest Income$57,986 $58,994 $18,506 $19,904 
Interest Expense13,832 19,919 3,761 6,678 
Net Interest Income44,154 39,075 14,745 13,226 
Provision for Loan Losses4,550 875 1,800 250 
Non-Interest Income13,627 10,281 4,805 3,532 
Non-Interest Expense29,236 26,168 9,276 9,040 
Net Income20,159 18,839 7,095 6,288 
Per Common Share Data
Basic Earnings per Share$1.86 $1.74 $0.65 $0.58 
Diluted Earnings per Share1.84 1.73 0.65 0.58 
Cash Dividends Declared0.92 0.89 0.31 0.30 
Book Value per Common Share20.05 19.13 20.05 19.13 
Tangible Book Value per Common Share17.32 16.39 17.32 16.39 
Market Value21.07 27.49 21.07 27.49 
Financial Ratios
Return on Average Equity (a)12.32 %12.49 %12.80 %11.99 %
Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (a)14.27 %14.67 %14.81 %14.01 %
Return on Average Assets (a)1.22 %1.26 %1.24 %1.24 %
Average Equity to Average Assets9.89 %10.11 %9.65 %10.33 %
Average Tangible Equity to Average Assets8.54 %8.61 %8.34 %8.84 %
Net Interest Margin Tax-Equivalent (a)2.93 %2.90 %2.82 %2.88 %
Dividend Payout Ratio49.46 %51.15 %47.69 %51.72 %
Allowance for Loan Losses/Total Loans1.07 %0.93 %1.07 %0.93 %
Non-Performing Loans to Total Loans0.63 %1.33 %0.63 %1.33 %
Non-Performing Assets to Total Assets0.43 %0.84 %0.43 %0.84 %
Efficiency Ratio50.00 %51.12 %45.97 %52.08 %
At Period End
Total Assets$2,296,626 $2,033,227 $2,296,626 $2,033,227 
Total Loans1,436,646 1,263,459 1,436,646 1,263,459 
Total Investment Securities682,647 634,566 682,647 634,566 
Total Deposits1,763,059 1,623,290 1,763,059 1,623,290 
Total Shareholders' Equity219,440 208,489 219,440 208,489 
(a) Annualized using a 366-day basis for 2020 and a 365-day basis for 2019


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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Certain information in this release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management uses these “non-GAAP” measures in its analysis of the Company's performance (including for purposes of determining the compensation of certain executive officers and other Company employees) and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods and with other financial institutions, as well as demonstrating the effects of significant gains and charges in the current period, in light of the disclosure practices employed by many other publicly-traded financial institutions. The Company believes that a meaningful analysis of its financial performance requires an understanding of the factors underlying that performance. Management believes that investors may use these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze financial performance without the impact of unusual items that may obscure trends in the Company's underlying performance. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.
In several places net interest income is calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis. Specifically included in interest income was tax-exempt interest income from certain investment securities and loans. An amount equal to the tax benefit derived from this tax-exempt income has been added back to the interest income total which, as adjusted, increased net interest income accordingly. Management believes the disclosure of tax-equivalent net interest income information improves the clarity of financial analysis, and is particularly useful to investors in understanding and evaluating the changes and trends in the Company's results of operations. Other financial institutions commonly present net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. This adjustment is considered helpful in the comparison of one financial institution's net interest income to that of another institution, as each will have a different proportion of tax-exempt interest from its earning assets. Moreover, net interest income is a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, other financial institutions generally use tax-equivalent net interest income to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution. The Company follows these practices.
The following table provides a reconciliation of tax-equivalent financial information to the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. A 21.0% tax rate was used in both 2020 and 2019.
 For the nine months endedFor the quarters ended
In thousands of dollarsSeptember 30, 2020September 30, 2019September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Net interest income as presented$44,154 $39,075 $14,745 $13,226 
Effect of tax-exempt income1,741 1,723 587 572 
Net interest income, tax equivalent$45,895 $40,798 $15,332 $13,798 

The Company presents its efficiency ratio using non-GAAP information which is most commonly used by financial institutions. The GAAP-based efficiency ratio is non-interest expenses divided by net interest income plus non-interest income from the Consolidated Statements of Income. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio excludes securities losses and other-than-temporary impairment charges from non-interest expenses, excludes securities gains from non-interest income, and adds the tax-
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equivalent adjustment to net interest income. The following table provides a reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratio:
 For the nine months endedFor the quarters ended
In thousands of dollarsSeptember 30, 2020September 30, 2019September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Non-interest expense, as presented$29,236 $26,168 $9,276 $9,040 
Net interest income, as presented44,154 39,075 14,745 13,226 
Effect of tax-exempt interest income1,741 1,723 587 572 
Non-interest income, as presented13,627 10,281 4,805 3,532 
Effect of non-interest tax-exempt income124 124 41 41 
Net securities gains(1,179)(15) (15)
Adjusted net interest income plus non-interest income$58,467 $51,188 $20,178 $17,356 
Non-GAAP efficiency ratio50.00 %51.12 %45.97 %52.08 %
GAAP efficiency ratio50.60 %53.02 %47.45 %53.94 %
The Company presents certain information based upon average tangible common equity instead of total average shareholders' equity. The difference between these two measures is the Company's intangible assets, specifically goodwill from prior acquisitions. Management, banking regulators and many stock analysts use the tangible common equity ratio and the tangible book value per common share 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, typically stemming from the use of the purchase accounting method in accounting for mergers and acquisitions. The following table provides a reconciliation of average tangible common equity to the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles:
 For the nine months endedFor the quarters ended
In thousands of dollarsSeptember 30, 2020September 30, 2019September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Average shareholders' equity as presented$218,603 $201,655 $220,465 $208,040 
Less intangible assets(29,920)(29,963)(29,934)(29,978)
Tangible average shareholders' equity$188,683 $171,692 $190,531 $178,062 

To provide period-to-period comparison of operating results prior to consideration of credit loss provision and income taxes, the non-GAAP measure of Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Net Income is presented. The following table provides a reconciliation to Net Income:

For the nine months endedFor the quarters ended
In thousands of dollarsSeptember 30, 2020September 30, 2019September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
Net Income, as presented$20,159 $18,839 $7,095 $6,288 
Add: provision for loan losses4,550 875 1,800 250 
Add: income taxes3,836 3,474 1,379 1,180 
Pre-Tax, pre-provision net income$28,545 $23,188 $10,274 $7,718 



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Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially, as discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Richard M. Elder, The First Bancorp's Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, at 207.563.3195.
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