SANTA ROSA, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summit State Bank (NASDAQ:SSBI) today reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $10,822,000, or $1.62 per diluted share, a decrease of $6,146,000, or 36%, compared to net income of $16,968,000, or $2.54 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, net income was $1,901,000, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to $4,553,000 or $0.68 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022.

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share on January 29, 2024. The quarterly dividend will be paid on February 15, 2024 to shareholders of record on February 8, 2024.

"We closed out the year with solid operating results despite the challenges across the entire banking industry," said Brian Reed, President and CEO. "The persistently high interest rate environment continued to impact net interest income growth with higher interest expense on deposits and borrowings, which affected our operating performance for the fourth quarter and the full year 2023. However, we continue to see steady loan demand in our markets, and total deposit balances have increased compared to a year ago. Further, our capital levels and excess liquidity positions remain strong, and together with revenue generation we have a solid foundation upon which to continue to grow in the year ahead."

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights (at or for the three months ended December 31, 2023)

Net income was $1,901,000, or $0.28 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $4,553,000, or $0.68 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2022 and $1,821,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Reversal of net credit losses was $65,000, compared to a provision for net credit losses of $662,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago and a reversal of net credit losses of $5,000 at September 30, 2023.
Net interest margin was 2.85%, compared to 4.29% in the fourth quarter a year ago and 2.80% in the preceding quarter.
Fourth quarter revenues (interest income plus noninterest income) decreased 6.0% to $15,333,000, compared to $16,320,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago and decreased 6.7% compared to $16,427,000 in the preceding quarter.
Annualized return on average assets was 0.67%, compared to 1.69% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 0.63% in the preceding quarter.
Annualized return on average equity was 8.02%, compared to 20.84% in the fourth quarter a year ago and 7.70% in the preceding quarter.
Net loans increased $24,919,000 to $938,626,000 at December 31, 2023, compared to $913,707,000 one year earlier and increased $6,400,000 compared to $932,226,000 three months earlier.
Total deposits increased 5% to $1,009,693,000 at December 31, 2023 compared to $962,655,000 at December 31, 2022 and decreased 2% when compared to the prior quarter end of $1,030,836,000.
The Bank's nonperforming loans to gross loans increased to 4.63% at December 31, 2023 compared to 3.72% at September 30, 2023 and 0.40% at December 31, 2022. Additionally, nonperforming assets to total assets increased to 3.94%, at December 31, 2023 compared to 3.09% at September 30, 2023 and 0.34% at December 31, 2022.
Book value increased to $14.40 per share, compared to $13.15 per share a year ago.
Declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022.

Operating Results

For the fourth quarter of 2023, the annualized return on average assets was 0.67% and the annualized return on average equity was 8.02%. This compared to an annualized return on average assets of 1.69% and an annualized return on average equity of 20.84%, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2022.

"Following an unprecedented rise in funding costs that has affected the entire banking industry over the past year, our net interest margin started to stabilize during the fourth quarter; expanding five basis points compared to the prior quarter," said Reed. "We are working hard to retain rate sensitive customer deposits, and while deposit pricing pressure persists, we continue to benefit from new loan growth as well as existing loans repricing at higher rates." Summit's net interest margin was 2.85% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 2.80% in the preceding quarter and 4.29% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Interest and dividend income increased 6% to $15,036,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $14,188,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in interest income is attributable to a $312,000 increase in loan interest yield primarily driven by increased loan volume and secondarily by increased rates, $423,000 increase in interest on deposits with banks and $113,000 increase in investment interest.

Non-interest income decreased in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $297,000 compared to $2,132,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Bank recognized no gains on sales of SBA guaranteed loan balances in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $1,762,000 in gains on sales of SBA and USDA guaranteed loan balances in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Operating expenses decreased in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $5,483,000 compared to $6,395,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a $741,000 decrease in stock appreciation rights expense, a $570,000 decrease in annual bonus payout, offset by a one-time expense of $470,000 for a cyber fraud loss.

Balance Sheet Review

Net loans increased 3% to $938,626,000 at December 31, 2023 compared to $913,707,000 at December 31, 2022 and increased 1% compared to September 30, 2023.

Total deposits increased 5% to $1,009,693,000 at December 31, 2023 compared to $962,655,000 at December 31, 2022 and decreased 2% when compared to the prior quarter end. Most of the deposit growth year-over-year was due to the Bank's ongoing focus on growing local deposits organically. At December 31, 2023, noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts decreased 20% compared to a year ago and represented 20% of total deposits; savings, NOW and money market accounts increased 47% compared to a year ago and represented 51% of total deposits, and CDs decreased 18% compared to a year ago and comprised 29% of total deposits. The average cost of deposits was 2.79% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 1.06% in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 2.63% in the third quarter of 2023.

Shareholders' equity was $97,678,000 at December 31, 2023, compared to $93,439,000 three months earlier and $88,547,000 a year earlier. The increase in shareholders' equity compared to a year ago was primarily due to an increase of $7,571,000 in retained earnings and a decrease of $1,269,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss; this change was related to a decrease in the unrealized loss on available for sale securities reflecting the decrease in market interest rates during the year. At December 31, 2023, book value was $14.40 per share, compared to $13.77 three months earlier, and $13.15 at December 31, 2022.

Summit State Bank continues to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as "well-capitalized" with tangible equity to tangible assets of 8.38% at December 31, 2023, compared to 8.24% at September 30, 2023, and 8.10% at December 31, 2022.

Credit Quality

"Identifying and resolving problem credits and maintaining an adequate reserve balance remains a top priority," said Reed. Nonperforming assets were $44,206,000, or 3.94% of total assets, at December 31, 2023, and consisted of eighteen loans; one loan totaling $6,449,000 is a real estate secured commercial loan, two loans totaling $5,690,000 are real estate secured construction and land loans and fifteen loans totaling $32,067,000 are commercial and agriculture secured loans. All nonperforming assets were individually assessed, many of which are sufficiently collateralized, resulting in a corresponding reserve of $1,613,000. There were $35,267,000 in nonperforming assets at September 30, 2023, and $3,756,000 in nonperforming assets at December 31, 2022.

Due to minimal projected change in expected losses, the Bank recorded a $65,000 reversal of net credit loss expense for unfunded commitments in the fourth quarter of 2023. This compared to $662,000 provision for net credit loss expense in the fourth quarter of 2022. The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.60% on December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The real estate portfolio, which accounts for a majority of the Bank's loan portfolio, has an average loan-to-value of 50% and debt service coverage ratio of 1.92% as of December 31, 2023.

During challenging economic times, we remain focused on our mission of providing exceptional service to our customers and meeting all of their financial needs," said Reed.

About Summit State Bank

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Sonoma County, Summit State Bank (NASDAQ:SSBI), is an award-winning community bank servicing the North Bay. The Bank serves small businesses, nonprofits, and the community, with total assets of $1,123 million and total equity of $98 million at December 31, 2023. The Bank has built its reputation over the past 40 years by specializing in providing exceptional customer service and customized financial solutions to aid in the success of its customers.

Summit State Bank is dedicated to investing in and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents of its employees to create high performance and support the evolving needs of its customers and community it serves. The Bank has been consistently recognized for its achievements and has been awarded Best Places to Work in the North Bay, Top Community Bank Loan Producer, Raymond James Bankers Cup, Super Premier Performing Bank, the Piper Sandler SM-ALL Star Award, the Independent Community Bankers of America's Best-Performing Community Banks, and the San Francisco Business Times' 2023 Bay Area Corporate Philanthropists. For more information, visit www.summitstatebank.com.

Forward-looking Statements

The financial results in this release are preliminary. Final financial results and other disclosures will be reported in Summit State Bank's annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023 and may differ materially from the results and disclosures in this release due to, among other things, the completion of final review procedures, the occurrence of subsequent events or the discovery of additional information.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank will be conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)


				Three Months Ended						Year Ended
				December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
				(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans			$	13,409		$	13,097		$	52,560		$	46,124
	Interest on deposits with banks				792			369			4,410			596
	Interest on investment securities				712			624			2,855			1,935
	Dividends on FHLB stock				123			98			416			301
		Total interest and dividend income			15,036			14,188			60,241			48,956
Interest expense:
	Deposits				7,113			2,380			24,227			4,942
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances				-			463			177			1,212
	Junior subordinated debt				94			94			375			375
		Total interest expense			7,207			2,937			24,779			6,529
		Net interest income before provision for credit losses			7,829			11,251			35,462			42,427
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans					(31	)		807			342			2,683
Reversal of credit losses on unfunded loan commitments					(65	)		(145	)		(68	)		(142	)
Provision for credit losses on investments					31			-			58			-
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
			losses, unfunded loan commitments and investments		7,894			10,589			35,130			39,886
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts				219			219			872			859
	Rental income				54			37			193			199
	Net gain on loan sales				-			1,762			2,481			5,839
	Net (loss) gain on securities				-			(3	)		-			4
	Other income				24			117			1,655			594
		Total non-interest income			297			2,132			5,201			7,495
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits				3,044			3,873			15,399			14,651
	Occupancy and equipment				386			506			1,713			1,716
	Other expenses				2,053			2,016			7,938			7,144
		Total non-interest expense			5,483			6,395			25,050			23,511
		Income before provision for income taxes			2,708			6,326			15,281			23,870
Provision for income taxes					807			1,773			4,459			6,902
		Net income		$	1,901		$	4,553		$	10,822		$	16,968

Basic earnings per common share				$	0.28		$	0.68		$	1.62		$	2.54
Diluted earnings per common share				$	0.28		$	0.68		$	1.62		$	2.54

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding					6,698			6,688			6,695			6,687
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding					6,698			6,688			6,698			6,687

SUMMIT STATE BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)

				December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
				(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks				$	57,789	$	77,567
			Total cash and cash equivalents		57,789		77,567

Investment securities:
	Available-for-sale, less allowance for credit losses of $58 and $0
		(at fair value; amortized cost of $97,034 in 2023 and $98,017 in 2022)			84,546		83,785

Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $15,221 and $14,839					938,626		913,707
Bank premises and equipment, net					5,316		5,461
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost					5,541		4,737
Goodwill					4,119		4,119
Affordable housing tax credit investments					8,405		8,881
Accrued interest receivable and other assets					18,166		17,086

			Total assets	$	1,122,508	$	1,115,343

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Deposits:
	Demand - non interest-bearing			$	201,909	$	252,033
	Demand - interest-bearing				244,748		143,767
	Savings				54,352		67,117
	Money market				212,278		137,362
	Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit				63,159		141,691
	Other time deposits				233,247		220,685
			Total deposits		1,009,693		962,655

Federal Home Loan Bank advances					-		41,000
Junior subordinated debt, net					5,920		5,905
Affordable housing commitment					4,094		4,677
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities					5,123		12,560

			Total liabilities		1,024,830		1,026,797

			Total shareholders' equity		97,678		88,546

			Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,122,508	$	1,115,343

Financial Summary
(In thousands except per share data)

	As of and for the						As of and for the
	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	7,829		$	11,251		$	35,462		$	42,427
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans		(31	)		807			342			2,683
Reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(65	)		(145	)		(68	)		(142	)
Provision for credit losses on investments		31			-			58			-
Non-interest income		297			2,132			5,201			7,495
Non-interest expense		5,483			6,395			25,050			23,511
Provision for income taxes		807			1,773			4,459			6,902
Net income	$	1,901		$	4,553		$	10,822		$	16,968

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.28		$	0.68		$	1.62		$	2.54
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.28		$	0.68		$	1.62		$	2.54
Dividend per share	$	0.12		$	0.12		$	0.48		$	0.48
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.40		$	13.15		$	14.40		$	13.15

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,122,508		$	1,115,343		$	1,122,508		$	1,115,343
Loans, net		938,626			913,707			938,626			913,707
Deposits		1,009,693			962,655			1,009,693			962,655
Average assets		1,123,057			1,070,000			1,142,790			1,005,186
Average earning assets		1,089,808			1,040,154			1,110,801			978,169
Average shareholders' equity		94,096			86,675			93,621			86,038
Nonperforming loans		44,206			3,756			44,206			3,756
Total nonperforming assets		44,206			3,756			44,206			3,756

Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.67	%		1.69	%		0.95	%		1.69	%
Return on average common shareholders' equity (2)		8.02	%		20.84	%		11.56	%		19.72	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		67.47	%		47.77	%		61.60	%		47.10	%
Net interest margin (2)		2.85	%		4.29	%		3.19	%		4.34	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		10.15	%		9.41	%		10.15	%		9.41	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		10.15	%		9.41	%		10.15	%		9.41	%
Total capital ratio		12.00	%		11.27	%		12.00	%		11.27	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		8.85	%		8.53	%		8.85	%		8.53	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		42.63	%		17.72	%		30.05	%		19.01	%
Average shareholders' equity to average assets		8.38	%		8.10	%		8.19	%		8.56	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		4.63	%		0.40	%		4.63	%		0.40	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		3.94	%		0.34	%		3.94	%		0.34	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.60	%		1.60	%		1.60	%		1.60	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		34.43	%		395.09	%		34.43	%		395.09	%

(1) Total shareholders' equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

Contact: Brian Reed, President and CEO, Summit State Bank (707) 568-4908

Summit State Bank Reports Net Income of $10.8 Million for the Year 2023; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.12 Per Common Share