First Business Financial Services, Inc.NASDAQ: FBIZ

First Business Bank Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Net Income of $9.6 Million

· Issued by First Business Financial Services, Inc. via Business Wire

-- Robust deposit and loan growth and positive operating leverage support continued tangible book value expansion --

-- Private Wealth assets under management cross $3 billion milestone --

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Business Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”, the “Bank”, or “First Business Bank”) (Nasdaq:FBIZ) reported quarterly net income available to common shareholders of $9.6 million, or earnings per share of $1.15 on a diluted basis. This compares to net income available to common shareholders of $9.7 million, or $1.17 per share, in the third quarter of 2023 and $9.9 million, or $1.18 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“We had tremendous success attracting new client relationships in the fourth quarter, which again drove robust loan and deposit growth and resulted in record pre-tax, pre-provision income,” said Corey Chambas, Chief Executive Officer. “2023 marked the culmination of our five-year strategic plan in which First Business Bank committed to growing loans, deposits, and revenues at a 10% annual pace. We surpassed our own expectations by achieving a 17% increase in loans, a 29% increase in deposits, and a 13% increase in operating revenue. We outperformed our peers and delivered significant value to our shareholders by growing pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted earnings by 17% over 2022, while tangible book value per share rose 13%. Additionally, we grew Private Wealth assets under management and administration to record levels, exceeding $3 billion for the first time. Our team executed our plan with consistency and efficiency, producing outstanding results even as industry net interest margins narrowed and industry asset quality began to normalize away from the historically pristine levels seen in recent years.”

“We are pleased with our ability to manage net interest margin in the current interest rate environment,” Chambas added. “Much of our success stems from our relationship-based approach to deposit generation. This requires accepting incremental short-term costs due to marketplace pricing. The fourth quarter demonstrated the success of this long-held deposit-centric strategy, with deposit growth exceeding loan growth and new deposit account balances comprising nearly $70 million of the linked quarter increase.”

“Comprehensive planning has been underway for the past year to develop our strategies and establish our goals for the next five-year period,” Chambas continued. “It is expected this updated strategic plan will be rolled out company-wide in 2024. We expect our team to prioritize quality balance sheet and revenue growth while optimizing technology for the benefit of our clients and stakeholders, evolving with our industry in a manner that stays true to First Business Bank’s deep-rooted culture.”

Quarterly Highlights

  • Robust Deposit Growth. Total deposits grew $139.8 million, increasing 21.0% annualized from the third quarter and $628.6 million, or 29.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2022. In-market deposits grew to a record $2.339 billion, up $149.8 million, or 27.4% annualized, from the third quarter and $373.1 million, or 19.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2022. Successful execution of client deposit initiatives attracted new relationships, which drove in-market deposit growth. New relationships also contributed to increased gross Treasury Management service charges, which grew 16.8% to $1.5 million, compared to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Strong Loan Growth. Loans increased $86.2 million, or 12.5% annualized, from the third quarter of 2023, and $407.2 million, or 16.7%, from the fourth quarter of 2022, reflecting ongoing expansion across the Company’s products and geographies in the fourth quarter.
  • Net Interest Income Expansion. Net interest income grew 3.3% from the linked quarter and 7.6% from the prior year quarter. The Company’s continued success in driving double-digit loan and deposit growth supported this expansion, offsetting the ongoing impact of industry-wide net interest margin compression. Net interest margin of 3.69% declined seven basis points from the linked quarter. Recent deposit client acquisition and retention at higher deposit rates drove the decline during the quarter.
  • Record Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision (“PTPP”) Income. PTPP income grew to $15.3 million, up 8.4% from the linked quarter and 17.8% from the prior year quarter. This performance reflects solid growth across the Company’s balance sheet and efficient execution of the Company’s revenue growth strategies. PTPP adjusted return on average assets measured 1.77%, compared to 1.72% and 1.81% for the linked and prior year quarters, respectively.
  • Tangible Book Value Growth. The Company’s strong earnings generation produced a 13.9% annualized increase in tangible book value per common share compared to the linked quarter and 12.9% compared to the prior year quarter.

Quarterly Financial Results

(Unaudited)

As of and for the Three Months Ended

As of and for the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Net interest income

$

29,540

$

28,596

$

27,452

$

112,588

$

98,422

Adjusted non-interest income (1)

7,094

8,430

6,164

31,353

28,619

Operating revenue (1)

36,634

37,026

33,616

143,941

127,041

Operating expense (1)

21,374

22,943

20,658

87,788

79,155

Pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted earnings (1)

15,260

14,083

12,958

56,153

47,886

Less:

Provision for credit losses

2,573

1,817

702

8,182

(3,868

)

Net loss on repossessed assets

4

4

22

12

49

Contribution to First Business Charitable Foundation

—

—

809

—

809

SBA recourse provision

210

242

(322

)

775

(188

)

Tax credit investment impairment recovery

—

—

—

—

(351

)

Add:

Bank-owned life insurance claim

—

—

809

—

809

Net loss on sale of securities

—

—

—

(45

)

—

Income before income tax expense

12,473

12,020

12,556

47,139

52,244

Income tax expense

2,703

2,079

2,400

10,112

11,386

Net income

$

9,770

$

9,941

$

10,156

$

37,027

$

40,858

Preferred stock dividends

219

218

219

875

683

Net income available to common shareholders

$

9,551

$

9,723

$

9,937

$

36,152

$

40,175

Earnings per share, diluted

$

1.15

$

1.17

$

1.18

$

4.33

$

4.75

Book value per share

$

33.39

$

32.32

$

29.74

$

33.39

$

29.74

Tangible book value per share (1)

$

31.94

$

30.87

$

28.28

$

31.94

$

28.28

Net interest margin (2)

3.69

%

3.76

%

4.15

%

3.78

%

3.82

%

Adjusted net interest margin (1)(2)

3.50

%

3.66

%

3.94

%

3.63

%

3.63

%

Fee income ratio (non-interest income / total revenue)

19.36

%

22.77

%

20.26

%

21.76

%

23.02

%

Efficiency ratio (1)

58.34

%

61.96

%

61.45

%

60.99

%

62.31

%

Return on average assets (2)

1.11

%

1.19

%

1.39

%

1.13

%

1.46

%

Pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted return on average assets (1)(2)

1.77

%

1.72

%

1.81

%

1.75

%

1.74

%

Return on average common equity (2)

13.99

%

14.62

%

16.26

%

13.79

%

16.79

%

Period-end loans and leases receivable

$

2,850,261

$

2,764,014

$

2,443,066

$

2,850,261

$

2,443,066

Average loans and leases receivable

$

2,810,793

$

2,711,851

$

2,384,091

$

2,647,851

$

2,304,990

Period-end in-market deposits

$

2,339,071

$

2,189,264

$

1,965,970

$

2,339,071

$

1,965,970

Average in-market deposits

$

2,247,639

$

2,105,716

$

1,950,625

$

2,098,153

$

1,928,815

Allowance for credit losses, including unfunded commitment reserves

$

32,997

$

31,036

$

24,230

$

32,997

$

24,230

Non-performing assets

$

20,844

$

17,689

$

3,754

$

20,844

$

3,754

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans and leases

1.16

%

1.12

%

0.99

%

1.16

%

0.99

%

Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets

0.59

%

0.52

%

0.13

%

0.59

%

0.13

%

(1)

This is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes these measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators, and analysts to evaluate financial performance, provide greater understanding of ongoing operations, and enhance comparability of results with prior periods. See the section titled Non-GAAP Reconciliations at the end of this release for a reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures.

(2)

Calculation is annualized.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2023

Net interest income increased $944,000, or 3.3%, to $29.5 million.

  • The increase in net interest income was driven by an increase in average loans and leases receivable and fees in lieu of interest, partially offset by a decrease in net interest margin. Average loans and leases receivable increased $98.9 million, or 14.6% annualized, to $2.811 billion. Fees in lieu of interest, which vary from quarter to quarter based on client-driven activity, totaled $1.1 million, compared to $582,000 in the prior quarter. Excluding fees in lieu of interest, net interest income increased $450,000, or 1.6%.
  • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 14 basis points to 6.85% from 6.71%. Excluding fees in lieu of interest, the yield earned on average interest-earning assets increased 8 basis points to 6.71% from 6.63%. The daily average effective federal funds rate increased 7 basis points compared to the linked quarter, which equates to an average adjusted interest-earning asset beta of 118.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 104.8% in the linked quarter. The cumulative adjusted interest-earning asset beta since December 31, 2021 was 60.4%. The change in yield of the respective interest-earning asset or the rate paid on interest-bearing liability compared to the change in short-term market rates is commonly referred to as a beta.
  • The rate paid for average interest-bearing, in-market deposits increased 25 basis points to 3.99% from 3.74% due to heightened competition for deposits. Similarly, the rate paid for average total bank funding increased 20 basis points to 3.27% from 3.07%. Total bank funding is defined as total deposits plus Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. The cumulative bank funding beta since December 31, 2021 was 56.0%.
  • Net interest margin was 3.69%, down 7 basis points compared to 3.76% in the linked quarter. Adjusted net interest margin1 was 3.50%, down 16 basis points compared to 3.66% in the linked quarter. The decrease in adjusted net interest margin was due to an increase in the rate paid on total bank funding, partially offset by an increase in the yield on average interest earning assets.
  • Management believes net interest margin is nearing a floor, and based on current trends we believe our net interest margin should stabilize above our existing strategic plan goal of 3.50%.

The Bank reported a provision expense of $2.6 million, compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter provision expense included increases of $2.0 million in net specific reserves, $629,000 due to strong loan growth, and net charge-offs of $610,000. This expense was partially offset by a $432,000 reduction due to qualitative factor changes and a $260,000 reduction in general reserve due to an improved economic outlook in our model forecast compared to the prior period. Similar to the third quarter, the increase in specific reserves and charge-offs was primarily related to defaults by transportation and logistics borrowers in our Equipment Finance loan portfolio, which management believes is consistent with the cyclical nature of this industry, and to a lesser extent, the SBA portfolio. The Company expects continued stress within this group of borrowers in 2024.

Non-interest income decreased $1.3 million, or 15.8%, to $7.1 million.

  • Private Wealth and Company Retirement Plan (“Private Wealth”) fee income decreased $12,000, or 0.4% to $2.9 million. Private Wealth assets under management and administration measured $3.122 billion on December 31, 2023, up $206.9 million from the prior quarter. Fee income is based on overall asset levels and market value performance and is recognized on a one-month lag. The decrease in fourth quarter fees reflects weaker market performance in September and October, partially offset by improved performance in November.
  • Gains on sale of SBA loans decreased $567,000, or 66.6%, to $284,000 driven by the timing of loan sales. SBA gross loan production totaled $14.2 million for the first six months of 2023 and $26.6 million for the last six months of 2023.
  • Commercial loan swap fee income of $438,000 decreased by $554,000, or 55.8%. Swap fee income varies from period to period based on loan activity and the interest rate environment.
  • Other fee income decreased $299,000 to $1.7 million, compared to $2.0 million in the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower returns on the Company’s investments in mezzanine funds in the fourth quarter. Income from mezzanine funds was $860,000 in the fourth quarter, compared to $1.2 million in the linked quarter. Income from mezzanine funds varies from period to period based on changes in the realized and unrealized fair value of underlying investments. Frequency of the income recognized from mezzanine funds will occur quarterly, prospectively.

1 Adjusted net interest margin is a non-GAAP measure representing net interest income excluding fees in lieu of interest and other recurring, but volatile, components of net interest margin divided by average interest-earning assets less other recurring, but volatile, components of average interest-earning assets.

Non-interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 6.9%, to $21.6 million, while operating expense decreased $1.6 million, or 6.8%, to $21.4 million.

  • Compensation expense was $14.5 million, reflecting a decrease of $1.1 million, or 7.2%, from the linked quarter primarily due to a $563,000 decrease in the annual cash incentive bonus and profit sharing accruals, a $240,000 decrease in incentive compensation mainly due to timing of payouts on loan and deposit production, and a $101,000 decrease in Social Security expenses as employees met annual maximums in the prior quarter. Average full-time equivalents (“FTEs”) for the fourth quarter of 2023 were 343, down from 349 in the linked quarter. The Company’s compensation philosophy is to provide base salaries competitive with the market. Given the competitive job market and the critical importance to the Company of retaining employees, annual base salaries were increased an additional $1.5 million, or approximately 4.1%, in the aggregate for 2024. As of December 31, 2023, we had 15 open positions, 11 of which were filled in January 2024.
  • Professional fees were $1.3 million, decreasing $116,000, or 8.1%, from the linked quarter primarily due to a decrease in recruiting expenses.
  • FDIC insurance expense was $585,000, decreasing $95,000, or 14.0%, from the linked quarter primarily due to a decrease in the assessment rate.
  • Other non-interest expense decreased $231,000, or 14.6%, to $1.4 million from the linked quarter primarily due to a $570,000 decrease in liquidation expense related to an Asset-Based Lending (“ABL”) ABL loan relationship. In past loan resolutions, the Bank has been able to recover similar liquidation expenses. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in charitable contributions and travel expense.

Income tax expense increased $624,000, or 30.0%, to $2.7 million. The effective tax rate was 21.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 17.3% for the linked quarter. Management completed its analysis of the Wisconsin State Budget 2023, which included language that provides an exemption for state tax on certain loan income for loans to Wisconsin small businesses. Management estimates this law will eliminate the Bank’s Wisconsin state income tax in 2023 and the foreseeable future. This conclusion results in a 2023 benefit of $2.3 million more than offset by a one-time $2.8 million charge to state income tax expense to recognize a valuation allowance on deferred state income taxes. Based on expected earnings, reduction in state tax, and future tax credit investments, the Company expects to report an effective tax rate between 18% and 19% for 2024.

Total period-end loans and leases receivable increased $86.2 million, or 12.5% annualized, to $2.850 billion. Management expects loan growth to moderate to our long term target of 10% in future quarters. Management is evaluating loan sale and participation strategies as a means of adding to and further diversifying fee income while maintaining regulatory capital ratios at greater than well-capitalized levels. The average rate earned on average loans and leases receivable was 7.21%, up 15 basis points from 7.06% in the prior quarter. Additionally, $247.5 million of new and renewed loans were originated in the quarter at a weighted average yield of 7.86%.

  • Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) loans increased by $64.5 million, or 15.8% annualized, to $1.700 billion. The increase was primarily due to an increase in non-owner occupied CRE and multi-family loans.
  • Commercial & Industrial (“C&I”) loans increased $22.1 million, or 8.0% annualized, to $1.106 billion. The increase was due to growth across the majority of the Bank’s C&I products and geographies.

Total period-end in-market deposits increased $149.8 million, or 27.4% annualized, to $2.339 billion, compared to $2.189 billion. The average rate paid was 3.20%, up 23 basis points from 2.97% in the prior quarter.

  • The increase was due to growth in all major in-market deposit categories. During the quarter, non-maturity deposit balance increases were split between $68.3 million in growth from new accounts at a weighted average rate of 3.54% and $76.0 million in growth from existing accounts at a weighted average rate of 2.83%, compared to 2.72% in the linked quarter. Certificate of deposit runoff of $163.4 million at a weighted average rate of 4.22% was replaced by new and renewed certificates of deposit of $170.8 million at a weighted average rate of 4.69%.

Period-end wholesale funding, including FHLB advances, brokered deposits, and deposits gathered through internet deposit listing services, decreased $43.0 million, or 22.0% annualized, to $739.2 million.

  • Wholesale deposits decreased $10.0 million to $457.7 million, compared to $467.7 million, as in-market deposit growth exceeded earning asset growth . Consistent with the Bank’s long-held philosophy to manage interest rate risk, management will continue to utilize the most efficient and cost-effective source of wholesale funds to match-fund fixed-rate loans as necessary. The average rate paid on wholesale deposits decreased 8 basis points to 4.15% and the weighted average original maturity increased to 4.4 years from 4.0 years.
  • FHLB advances decreased $33.0 million to $281.5 million. The average rate paid on FHLB advances decreased 3 basis points to 2.45% and the weighted average original maturity was 5.2 years for both periods.

Non-performing assets increased $3.2 million to $20.8 million, or 0.59% of total assets, up from 0.52% in the prior quarter driven by Equipment Finance loans within the C&I portfolio. The increase in non-performing assets was primarily related to defaults by transportation and logistics borrowers in our Equipment Finance loan portfolio, which management believes is consistent with the cyclical nature of this industry. While we continue to expect full repayment of the one ABL loan that defaulted during the second quarter of 2023, the liquidation process has transitioned into Chapter 7 bankruptcy, likely delaying final resolution until the second half of 2024. Excluding the ABL loan, non-performing assets totaled $12.0 million, or 0.34% of total assets in the current quarter and $8.1 million, or 0.24% of total assets in the linked quarter.

The allowance for credit losses, including the unfunded credit commitments reserve, increased $2.0 million, or 6.3%, as increases in specific reserves and the general reserve from loan growth were partially offset by a decrease in the general reserve due a decrease in qualitative factors and an improved economic outlook in our model forecast. The allowance for credit losses, including unfunded credit commitment reserves, as a percent of total gross loans and leases was 1.16% compared to 1.12% in the prior quarter.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2022

Net interest income increased $2.1 million, or 7.6%, to $29.5 million.

  • The increase in net interest income primarily reflects an increase in average gross loans and leases, partially offset by lower fees in lieu of interest and net interest margin compression. Fees in lieu of interest decreased from $1.3 million to $1.1 million. Excluding fees in lieu of interest, net interest income increased $2.3 million, or 8.9%.
  • The yield on average interest-earning assets measured 6.85% compared to 5.79%. Excluding fees in lieu of interest, the yield on average interest-earning assets measured 6.71%, compared to 5.59%. This increase in yield was primarily due to the increase in short-term market rates and the reinvestment of cash flows from the securities and fixed rate loan portfolios in a rising rate environment. The daily average effective federal funds rate increased 168 basis points compared to the prior year quarter, which equates to an average adjusted interest-earning asset beta of 67.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year period.
  • The rate paid for average interest-bearing in-market deposits increased 198 basis points to 3.99% from 2.01%. The rate paid for average total bank funding increased 159 basis points to 3.27% from 1.67%. The total bank funding beta was 94.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year period.
  • Net interest margin decreased 46 basis points to 3.69% from 4.15%. Adjusted net interest margin decreased 44 basis points to 3.50% from 3.94%.

The Company reported a provision expense of $2.6 million, compared to $702,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase compared to the prior year quarter is mainly due to an increase in specific reserves related to the Equipment Finance lending portfolio.

Non-interest income of $7.1 million increased by $121,000, or 1.7%, from $7.0 million in the prior year period.

  • Private Wealth fee income increased $363,000, or 14.1%, to $2.9 million. Private Wealth assets under management and administration measured $3.122 billion at December 31, 2023, up $461.5 million, or 17.3%.
  • Commercial loan swap fee income of $438,000 decreased by $318,000, or 42.1%. Swap fee income varies from period to period based on loan activity and the interest rate environment.
  • Service charges on deposits increased $57,000, or 7.2%, to $848,000, driven by new in-market deposit relationships partially offset by an increase in the earnings credit rate commensurate with the rising rate environment.
  • Other fee income decreased $18,000, or 1.0%, to $1.7 million, primarily due to the recognition of a $809,000 bank-owned life insurance death benefit in the prior year quarter, partially offset by higher returns on the Company’s investments in mezzanine funds. Income from mezzanine funds was $860,000 in the fourth quarter, compared to $92,000 in the prior year quarter. Income on mezzanine funds varies from period to period based on changes in the value of underlying investments.

Non-interest expense increased $421,000, or 2.0%, to $21.6 million. Operating expense increased $0.7 million, or 3.5%, to $21.4 million.

  • Compensation expense decreased $817,000, or 5.4%, to $14.5 million. The decrease in compensation expense was primarily due to a lower estimated annual incentive cash bonus program accrual partially offset by an increase in average FTEs and annual merit increases and promotions. Average FTEs increased 2% to 343 in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 336 in the fourth quarter of 2022, as a result of expanded hiring efforts that have successfully driven growth while maintaining positive operating leverage.
  • FDIC insurance increased $382,000, or 188.2%, to $585,000, primarily due to an increase in the assessment rate and the assessable base.
  • Computer software expense increased $228,000, or 20.9%, to $1.3 million, primarily due to continued investment in technology to support the Company’s growth initiatives.
  • Data processing expense increased $130,000, or 16.1%, to $936,000, primarily due to an increase in core processing costs commensurate with loan and deposit account growth, as well as various project implementations.
  • Professional fees expense increased $103,000, or 8.5%, to $1.3 million, primarily due to an increase in recruiting expense and a general increase in other professional consulting services for various projects.
  • Marketing expense increased $83,000, or 12.9%, to $724,000, primarily due to an increase in business development efforts and advertising projects commensurate with our expanded sales force.
  • Other expenses increased $429,000, or 46.5%, to $1.4 million, primarily due to increases in SBA recourse provision, travel expenses, swap credit valuation, and liquidation expenses. This was partially offset by a decrease in donations and contributions due to a non-recurring contribution to First Business Charitable Foundation totaling $809,000 in the prior year quarter.

Total period-end loans and leases receivable increased $407.2 million, or 16.7%, to $2.850 billion.

  • C&I loans increased $252.5 million, or 29.6%, to $1.106 billion, due to growth across all products and geographies.
  • CRE loans increased $157.9 million, or 10.2%, to $1.700 billion, primarily due to increases in non-owner occupied CRE and multi-family loans.

Total period-end in-market deposits grew $373.1 million, or 19.0%, to $2.339 billion, and the average rate paid increased 177 basis points to 3.20%. The increase in rate paid on in-market deposits was primarily due to a change in product mix.

Period-end wholesale funding increased $120.6 million to $739.2 million.

  • Wholesale deposits increased $255.5 million to $457.7 million, as the Bank utilized more wholesale deposits in lieu of FHLB advances to build excess liquidity and to match-fund fixed rate assets. The average rate paid on wholesale deposits increased 49 basis points to 4.15% and the weighted average effective maturity increased to 4.4 years from 2.1 years. Consistent with our balance sheet strategy to use the most efficient and cost-effective source of wholesale funding, the Company has entered into several derivative contracts hedging a portion of the wholesale deposits to reduce the fixed rate funding costs.
  • FHLB advances decreased $134.9 million to $281.5 million. The average rate paid on FHLB advances increased 24 basis points to 2.45% and the weighted average original maturity decreased to 5.2 years from 3.7 years.

Non-performing assets increased to $20.8 million, or 0.59% of total assets, compared to $3.8 million, or 0.13% of total assets, driven by the ABL, SBA, and Equipment Finance loan portfolios within the C&I portfolio. Excluding one ABL loan for which we expect full repayment, non-performing assets totaled $12.0 million, or 0.34% of total assets.

The allowance for credit losses, including unfunded commitment reserves, increased $8.8 million to $33.0 million, compared to $24.2 million due to an increase in specific reserves, loan growth, and a change in accounting standard. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans and leases was 1.16%, compared to the allowance for loan losses of 0.99% under the incurred loss model.

Share Repurchase Program Update

As previously announced, effective January 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company of shares of its common stock with a maximum aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million, effective January 31, 2023 through January 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had repurchased a total of 65,112 shares for approximately $2.0 million at an average cost of $30.72 per share. At this time, the Company does not expect to renew the current plan or adopt a new plan upon its expiration due to strong balance sheet growth.

Investor Presentation

The Company has prepared investor presentation materials that management intends to use from time to time in discussions about the Company’s operations and performance. The presentation will be available for viewing in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at firstbusiness.bank and will also be furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2024.

About First Business Bank

First Business Bank® specializes in Business Banking, including Commercial Banking and Specialty Finance, Private Wealth, and Bank Consulting services, and through its refined focus delivers unmatched expertise, accessibility, and responsiveness. Specialty Finance solutions are delivered through First Business Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary First Business Specialty Finance, LLC®. First Business Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Business Financial Services, Inc®. (Nasdaq: FBIZ). For additional information, visit firstbusiness.bank.

This release may include forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect First Business Bank’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information, but rather are related to future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time the statements are made. Those statements are based on general assumptions and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the views, beliefs, and projections expressed in such statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including among other things:

  • Adverse changes in the economy or business conditions, either nationally or in our markets including, without limitation, inflation, supply chain issues, labor shortages, or any future public health epidemics.
  • Competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions nationally and in the Company’s markets.
  • Increases in defaults by borrowers and other delinquencies.
  • Management’s ability to manage growth effectively, including the successful expansion of our client service, administrative infrastructure, and internal management systems.
  • Fluctuations in interest rates and market prices.
  • Changes in legislative or regulatory requirements applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.
  • Changes in tax requirements, including tax rate changes, new tax laws, and revised tax law interpretations.
  • Fraud, including client and system failure or breaches of our network security, including the Company’s internet banking activities.
  • Failure to comply with the applicable SBA regulations in order to maintain the eligibility of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans.
  • Recent volatility in the banking sector may result in new legislation, regulations or policy changes that could subject the Company and the Bank to increased government regulation and supervision.
  • The proportion of the Company’s deposit account balances that exceed FDIC insurance limits may expose the Bank to enhanced liquidity risk.
  • The Company may be subject to increases in FDIC insurance assessments as a result of the recent bank failures.

For further information about the factors that could affect the Company’s future results, please see the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA

(Unaudited)

As of

(in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

139,510

$

132,915

$

112,809

$

185,973

$

102,682

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value

297,006

272,163

253,626

236,989

212,024

Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

8,503

8,689

9,830

11,461

12,635

Loans held for sale

4,589

4,168

2,191

2,697

2,632

Loans and leases receivable

2,850,261

2,764,014

2,674,583

2,539,363

2,443,066

Allowance for credit losses

(31,275

)

(29,331

)

(28,115

)

(26,140

)

(24,230

)

Loans and leases receivable, net

2,818,986

2,734,683

2,646,468

2,513,223

2,418,836

Premises and equipment, net

6,190

6,157

5,094

4,933

4,340

Repossessed assets

247

61

65

89

95

Right-of-use assets

6,559

6,800

7,049

7,355

7,690

Bank-owned life insurance

55,536

55,123

54,747

54,383

54,018

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

12,042

13,528

14,482

13,088

17,812

Goodwill and other intangible assets

12,023

12,110

12,073

12,160

12,159

Derivatives

55,597

93,702

70,440

54,612

68,581

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

91,058

78,751

76,864

67,448

63,107

Total assets

$

3,507,846

$

3,418,850

$

3,265,738

$

3,164,411

$

2,976,611

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

In-market deposits

$

2,339,071

$

2,189,264

$

2,073,744

$

2,054,752

$

1,965,970

Wholesale deposits

457,708

467,743

455,108

422,088

202,236

Total deposits

2,796,779

2,657,007

2,528,852

2,476,840

2,168,206

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings

330,916

363,891

370,113

341,859

456,808

Lease liabilities

8,954

9,236

9,499

9,822

10,175

Derivatives

51,949

78,696

61,147

49,012

61,419

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

29,660

29,262

23,495

20,297

19,363

Total liabilities

3,218,258

3,138,092

2,993,106

2,897,830

2,715,971

Total stockholders’ equity

289,588

280,758

272,632

266,581

260,640

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

3,507,846

$

3,418,850

$

3,265,738

$

3,164,411

$

2,976,611

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

As of and for the Three Months Ended

As of and for the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Total interest income

$

54,762

$

50,941

$

47,161

$

42,064

$

38,319

$

194,928

$

121,371

Total interest expense

25,222

22,345

19,414

15,359

10,867

82,340

22,949

Net interest income

29,540

28,596

27,747

26,705

27,452

112,588

98,422

Provision for credit losses

2,573

1,817

2,231

1,561

702

8,182

(3,868

)

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

26,967

26,779

25,516

25,144

26,750

104,406

102,290

Private wealth management service fees

2,933

2,945

2,893

2,654

2,570

11,425

10,881

Gain on sale of SBA loans

284

851

444

476

269

2,055

2,537

Service charges on deposits

848

835

766

682

791

3,131

3,849

Loan fees

869

786

905

803

847

3,363

3,010

Loss on sale of securities

—

—

(45

)

—

—

(45

)

—

Swap fees

438

992

977

557

756

2,964

1,793

Other non-interest income

1,722

2,021

1,434

3,238

1,740

8,415

7,358

Total non-interest income

7,094

8,430

7,374

8,410

6,973

31,308

29,428

Compensation

14,450

15,573

15,129

15,908

15,267

61,059

57,742

Occupancy

571

575

603

631

669

2,381

2,358

Professional fees

1,313

1,429

1,240

1,343

1,210

5,325

4,881

Data processing

936

953

1,061

875

806

3,826

3,197

Marketing

724

758

779

628

641

2,889

2,354

Equipment

340

349

355

295

359

1,340

1,091

Computer software

1,317

1,289

1,197

1,183

1,089

4,985

4,416

FDIC insurance

585

680

580

394

203

2,238

1,042

Other non-interest expense

1,352

1,583

1,087

510

923

4,532

2,393

Total non-interest expense

21,588

23,189

22,031

21,767

21,167

88,575

79,474

Income before income tax expense

12,473

12,020

10,859

11,787

12,556

47,139

52,244

Income tax expense

2,703

2,079

2,522

2,808

2,400

10,112

11,386

Net income

$

9,770

$

9,941

$

8,337

$

8,979

$

10,156

$

37,027

$

40,858

Preferred stock dividends

219

218

219

219

219

875

683

Net income available to common shareholders

$

9,551

$

9,723

$

8,118

$

8,760

$

9,937

$

36,152

$

40,175

Per common share:

Basic earnings

$

1.15

$

1.17

$

0.98

$

1.05

$

1.18

$

4.33

$

4.75

Diluted earnings

1.15

1.17

0.98

1.05

1.18

4.33

4.75

Dividends declared

0.2275

0.2275

0.2275

0.2275

0.1975

0.91

0.79

Book value

33.39

32.32

31.34

30.65

29.74

33.39

29.74

Tangible book value

31.94

30.87

29.89

29.19

28.28

31.94

28.28

Weighted-average common shares outstanding(1)

8,110,462

8,107,641

8,061,841

8,148,525

8,180,531

8,131,251

8,226,943

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding(1)

8,110,462

8,107,641

8,061,841

8,148,525

8,180,531

8,131,251

8,226,943

(1)

Excluding participating securities.

NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Average Balance

Interest

Average Yield/Rate(4)

Average Balance

Interest

Average Yield/Rate(4)

Average Balance

Interest

Average Yield/Rate(4)

Interest-earning assets

Commercial real estate and other mortgage loans(1)

$

1,675,926

$

27,359

6.53

%

$

1,605,464

$

25,623

6.38

%

$

1,515,975

$

20,948

5.53

%

Commercial and industrial loans(1)

1,089,558

22,751

8.35

%

1,059,512

21,635

8.17

%

819,766

14,972

7.31

%

Consumer and other loans(1)

45,309

577

5.09

%

46,875

610

5.21

%

48,350

514

4.25

%

Total loans and leases receivable(1)

2,810,793

50,687

7.21

%

2,711,851

47,868

7.06

%

2,384,091

36,434

6.11

%

Mortgage-related securities(2)

221,708

2,061

3.72

%

204,291

1,681

3.29

%

164,120

1,008

2.46

%

Other investment securities(3)

67,444

541

3.21

%

67,546

517

3.06

%

49,850

261

2.09

%

FHLB stock

12,960

279

8.61

%

14,770

323

8.75

%

16,281

301

7.40

%

Short-term investments

86,580

1,193

5.51

%

40,318

552

5.48

%

34,807

315

3.62

%

Total interest-earning assets

3,199,485

54,761

6.85

%

3,038,776

50,941

6.71

%

2,649,149

38,319

5.79

%

Non-interest-earning assets

255,167

237,464

218,326

Total assets

$

3,454,652

$

3,276,240

$

2,867,475

Interest-bearing liabilities

Transaction accounts

$

785,480

7,657

3.90

%

$

731,529

6,774

3.70

%

$

492,586

2,360

1.92

%

Money market

734,903

7,145

3.89

%

657,183

5,871

3.57

%

748,502

3,784

2.02

%

Certificates of deposit

278,438

3,160

4.54

%

282,674

2,986

4.23

%

148,949

849

2.28

%

Wholesale deposits

450,880

4,682

4.15

%

410,494

4,172

4.07

%

128,908

1,180

3.66

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

2,249,701

22,644

4.03

%

2,081,880

19,803

3.80

%

1,518,945

8,173

2.15

%

FHLB advances

301,773

1,851

2.45

%

342,117

2,117

2.48

%

389,310

2,149

2.21

%

Other borrowings

49,394

727

5.89

%

34,745

425

4.89

%

41,143

545

5.30

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,600,868

25,222

3.88

%

2,458,742

22,345

3.64

%

1,949,398

10,867

2.23

%

Non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts

448,818

434,330

560,588

Other non-interest-bearing liabilities

119,833

105,079

100,998

Total liabilities

3,169,519

2,998,151

2,610,984

Stockholders’ equity

285,133

278,089

256,491

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

3,454,652

$

3,276,240

$

2,867,475

Net interest income

$

29,539

$

28,596

$

27,452

Interest rate spread

2.97

%

3.07

%

3.56

%

Net interest-earning assets

$

598,617

$

580,034

$

699,751

Net interest margin

3.69

%

3.76

%

4.15

%

(1)

The average balances of loans and leases include non-accrual loans and leases and loans held for sale. Interest income related to non-accrual loans and leases is recognized when collected. Interest income includes net loan fees collected in lieu of interest.

(2)

Includes amortized cost basis of assets available for sale and held to maturity.

(3)

Yields on tax-exempt municipal obligations are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis in this table.

(4)

Represents annualized yields/rates.

NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS

(Unaudited)

For the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Average Balance

Interest

Average Yield/Rate(4)

Average Balance

Interest

Average Yield/Rate(4)

Interest-earning assets

Commercial real estate and other mortgage loans(1)

$

1,586,967

$

98,370

6.20

%

$

1,484,239

$

66,917

4.51

%

Commercial and industrial loans(1)

1,013,866

81,963

8.08

%

771,056

46,575

6.04

%

Consumer and other loans(1)

47,018

2,316

4.93

%

49,695

1,876

3.78

%

Total loans and leases receivable(1)

2,647,851

182,649

6.90

%

2,304,990

115,368

5.01

%

Mortgage-related securities(2)

200,383

6,433

3.21

%

173,495

3,486

2.01

%

Other investment securities(3)

62,921

1,770

2.81

%

51,700

986

1.91

%

FHLB stock

15,162

1,231

8.12

%

16,462

989

6.01

%

Short-term investments

54,311

2,845

5.24

%

30,845

542

1.76

%

Total interest-earning assets

2,980,628

194,928

6.54

%

2,577,492

121,371

4.71

%

Non-interest-earning assets

231,521

175,424

Total assets

$

3,212,149

$

2,752,916

Interest-bearing liabilities

Transaction accounts

$

689,500

23,727

3.44

%

$

503,668

3,963

0.79

%

Money market

681,336

22,129

3.25

%

761,469

6,241

0.82

%

Certificates of deposit

273,387

11,209

4.10

%

97,448

1,358

1.39

%

Wholesale deposits

346,285

14,353

4.14

%

48,825

1,616

3.31

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

1,990,508

71,418

3.59

%

1,411,410

13,178

0.93

%

FHLB advances

351,990

8,881

2.52

%

414,191

7,024

1.70

%

Other borrowings

38,891

2,041

5.25

%

43,818

2,243

5.12

%

Junior subordinated notes(5)

—

—

—

%

2,429

504

20.75

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,381,389

82,340

3.46

%

1,871,848

22,949

1.23

%

Non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts

453,930

566,230

Other non-interest-bearing liabilities

102,668

65,611

Total liabilities

2,937,987

2,503,689

Stockholders’ equity

274,162

249,227

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

3,212,149

$

2,752,916

Net interest income

$

112,588

$

98,422

Interest rate spread

3.08

%

3.48

%

Net interest-earning assets

$

599,239

$

705,644

Net interest margin

3.78

%

3.82

%

(1)

The average balances of loans and leases include non-accrual loans and leases and loans held for sale. Interest income related to non-accrual loans and leases is recognized when collected. Interest income includes net loan fees collected in lieu of interest.

(2)

Includes amortized cost basis of assets available for sale and held to maturity.

(3)

Yields on tax-exempt municipal obligations are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis in this table.

(4)

Represents annualized yields/rates.

(5)

The calculation for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes $236,000 in accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs.

ASSET AND LIABILITY BETA ANALYSIS

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Unaudited)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Average Yield/Rate(3)

Average Yield/Rate(3)

Increase (Decrease)

Average Yield/Rate(3)

Increase (Decrease)

Average Yield/Rate

Average Yield/Rate

Increase (Decrease)

Total loans and leases receivable (a)

7.21

%

7.06

%

0.15

%

6.11

%

1.10

%

6.90

%

5.01

%

1.89

%

Total interest-earning assets(b)

6.85

%

6.71

%

0.14

%

5.79

%

1.06

%

6.54

%

4.71

%

1.83

%

Adjusted total loans and leases receivable (1)(c)

7.06

%

6.97

%

0.09

%

5.89

%

1.17

%

6.78

%

4.78

%

2.00

%

Adjusted total interest-earning assets (1)(d)

6.71

%

6.63

%

0.08

%

5.59

%

1.12

%

6.43

%

4.50

%

1.93

%

Total in-market deposits(e)

3.20

%

2.97

%

0.23

%

1.43

%

1.77

%

2.72

%

0.60

%

2.12

%

Total bank funding(f)

3.27

%

3.07

%

0.20

%

1.67

%

1.60

%

2.87

%

0.84

%

2.03

%

Net interest margin(g)

3.69

%

3.76

%

(0.07

)%

4.15

%

(0.46

)%

3.78

%

3.82

%

(0.04

)%

Adjusted net interest margin(h)

3.50

%

3.66

%

(0.16

)%

3.94

%

(0.44

) %

3.63

%

3.63

%

—

%

Effective fed funds rate (2)(i)

5.33

%

5.26

%

0.07

%

3.65

%

1.68

%

5.02

%

1.69

%

3.33

%

Beta Calculations:

Total loans and leases receivable(a)/(i)

65.5

%

56.76

%

Total interest-earning assets(b)/(i)

63.1

%

54.98

%

Adjusted total loans and leases receivable (1)(c)/(i)

69.6

%

60.06

%

Adjusted total interest-earning assets (1)(d)/(i)

67.0

%

57.87

%

Total in-market deposits(e/i)

105.4

%

63.66

%

Total bank funding(f)/(i)

94.6

%

60.96

%

Net interest margin(g/i)

(27.4

)%

(1.20

)%

Adjusted net interest margin(h/i)

(26.2

)%

—

%

(1)

Excluding fees in lieu of interest.

(2)

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US), Effective Federal Funds Rate [DFF]. Retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Represents average daily rate.

(3)

Represents annualized yields/rates.

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSS COMPOSITION

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Change due to qualitative factor changes

$

(432

)

$

506

$

(50

)

$

9

$

85

$

33

$

(384

)

Change due to quantitative factor changes

(260

)

(1,372

)

(295

)

474

(930

)

(1,453

)

(2,012

)

Charge-offs

724

562

329

166

818

1,781

979

Recoveries

(114

)

(84

)

(245

)

(107

)

(203

)

(548

)

(4,741

)

Change in reserves on individually evaluated loans, net

2,008

1,265

1,093

(36

)

(50

)

4,330

146

Change due to loan growth, net

629

817

1,227

979

982

3,652

2,144

Change in unfunded commitment reserves

17

123

172

76

—

387

—

Total provision for credit losses

$

2,572

$

1,817

$

2,231

$

1,561

$

702

$

8,182

$

(3,868

)

PERFORMANCE RATIOS

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Unaudited)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Return on average assets (annualized)

1.11

%

1.19

%

1.04

%

1.17

%

1.39

%

1.13

%

1.46

%

Return on average common equity (annualized)

13.99

%

14.62

%

12.58

%

13.96

%

16.26

%

13.79

%

16.79

%

Efficiency ratio

58.34

%

61.96

%

61.68

%

62.02

%

61.45

%

60.99

%

62.31

%

Interest rate spread

2.97

%

3.07

%

3.15

%

3.19

%

3.56

%

3.08

%

3.48

%

Net interest margin

3.69

%

3.76

%

3.81

%

3.86

%

4.15

%

3.78

%

3.82

%

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

123.02

%

123.59

%

124.82

%

130.09

%

135.90

%

125.16

%

137.70

%

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS

(Unaudited)

As of

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Non-accrual loans and leases

$

20,597

$

17,628

$

15,721

$

3,412

$

3,659

Repossessed assets

247

61

65

89

95

Total non-performing assets

$

20,844

$

17,689

$

15,786

$

3,501

$

3,754

Non-accrual loans and leases as a percent of total gross loans and leases

0.72

%

0.64

%

0.59

%

0.13

%

0.15

%

Non-performing assets as a percent of total gross loans and leases plus repossessed assets

0.73

%

0.64

%

0.59

%

0.14

%

0.15

%

Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets

0.59

%

0.52

%

0.48

%

0.11

%

0.13

%

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans and leases

1.16

%

1.12

%

1.11

%

1.08

%

0.99

%

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-accrual loans and leases

160.21

%

176.06

%

188.90

%

807.44

%

662.20

%

NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES)

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Charge-offs

$

724

$

562

$

329

$

166

$

818

$

1,781

$

979

Recoveries

(114

)

(84

)

(245

)

(107

)

(203

)

(548

)

(4,741

)

Net charge-offs (recoveries)

$

610

$

478

$

84

$

59

$

615

$

1,233

$

(3,762

)

Net charge-offs (recoveries) as a percent of average gross loans and leases (annualized)

0.09

%

0.07

%

0.01

%

0.01

%

0.10

%

0.05

%

(0.16

)%

CAPITAL RATIOS

As of and for the Three Months Ended

(Unaudited)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

11.19

%

11.20

%

10.70

%

11.04

%

11.26

%

Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets

8.74

%

8.74

%

8.70

%

9.01

%

9.20

%

Common equity tier I capital to risk-weighted assets

8.38

%

8.37

%

8.32

%

8.61

%

8.79

%

Tier I capital to adjusted assets

8.43

%

8.65

%

8.80

%

9.00

%

9.17

%

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

7.60

%

7.53

%

7.64

%

7.69

%

7.98

%

LOAN AND LEASE RECEIVABLE COMPOSITION

(Unaudited)

As of

(in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Commercial real estate:

Commercial real estate - owner occupied (1)

$

256,479

$

236,058

$

244,039

$

233,725

$

268,354

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied (1)

773,494

753,517

715,309

675,087

687,091

Construction (1)

193,080

211,828

217,069

212,916

218,751

Multi-family (1)

450,529

409,714

392,297

384,043

350,026

1-4 family (1)

26,289

24,235

23,063

23,404

17,728

Total commercial real estate

1,699,871

1,635,352

1,591,777

1,529,175

1,541,950

Commercial and industrial (1)

1,105,835

1,083,698

1,036,921

963,328

853,327

Consumer and other (1)

44,312

44,808

45,743

46,773

47,938

Total gross loans and leases receivable

2,850,018

2,763,858

2,674,441

2,539,276

2,443,215

Less:

Allowance for credit losses

31,275

29,331

28,115

26,140

24,230

Deferred loan fees

(243

)

(156

)

(142

)

(87

)

149

Loans and leases receivable, net

$

2,818,986

$

2,734,683

$

2,646,468

$

2,513,223

$

2,418,836

(1)

On January 1, 2023, the Bank adopted ASU 2016-03 Financial Instruments - Credit losses (“ASC 326”). The Bank adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method which does not require restatement of prior periods. The balances as of March 31, 2023 reflect a reclassification of $43 million to commercial and industrial from commercial real estate, and $7 million from consumer and other to commercial real estate.

DEPOSIT COMPOSITION

(Unaudited)

As of

(in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Non-interest-bearing transaction accounts

$

445,376

$

430,011

$

419,294

$

471,904

$

537,107

Interest-bearing transaction accounts

895,319

779,789

719,198

612,500

576,601

Money market accounts

711,245

694,199

641,969

662,157

698,505

Certificates of deposit

287,131

285,265

293,283

308,191

153,757

Wholesale deposits

457,708

467,743

455,108

422,088

202,236

Total deposits

$

2,796,779

$

2,657,007

$

2,528,852

$

2,476,840

$

2,168,206

Uninsured deposits

$

994,687

$

916,083

$

867,397

$

974,242

$

967,465

Less: uninsured deposits collateralized by pledged assets

17,051

28,873

37,670

32,468

14,326

Total uninsured, net of collateralized deposits

977,636

887,210

829,727

941,774

953,139

% of total deposits

35.0

%

33.4

%

32.8

%

38.0

%

44.0

%

SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY

(Unaudited)

As of

(in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Short-term investments

$

107,162

$

109,612

$

80,510

$

159,859

$

76,871

Collateral value of unencumbered pledged loans

367,471

315,067

265,884

296,393

184,415

Market value of unencumbered securities

259,791

236,618

217,074

200,332

188,353

Readily available liquidity

734,424

661,297

563,468

656,584

449,639

Fed fund lines

45,000

45,000

45,000

45,000

45,000

Excess brokered CD capacity(1)

1,231,791

1,090,864

1,017,590

1,027,869

1,162,241

Total liquidity

$

2,011,215

$

1,797,161

$

1,626,058

$

1,729,453

$

1,656,880

Total uninsured, net of collateralized deposits

977,636

887,210

829,727

941,774

953,139

(1)

Bank internal policy limits brokered CDs to 50% of total bank funding when combined with FHLB advances.

PRIVATE WEALTH OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMPOSITION

(Unaudited)

As of

(in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Trust assets under management

$

2,898,516

$

2,715,801

$

2,707,390

$

2,615,670

$

2,483,811

Trust assets under administration

223,013

198,864

199,729

188,458

176,225

Total trust assets

$

3,121,529

$

2,914,665

$

2,907,119

$

2,804,128

$

2,660,036

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

Certain financial information provided in this release is determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (United States) (“GAAP”). Although the Company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of its business, these measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be presented by other companies.

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE

“Tangible book value per share” is a non-GAAP measure representing tangible common equity divided by total common shares outstanding. “Tangible common equity” itself is a non-GAAP measure representing common stockholders’ equity reduced by intangible assets, if any. The Company’s management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in period-to-period changes in book value per common share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. The information provided below reconciles tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to their most comparable GAAP measures.

(Unaudited)

As of

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Common stockholders’ equity

$

277,596

$

268,766

$

260,640

$

254,589

$

248,648

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets

(12,023

)

(12,110

)

(12,073

)

(12,160

)

(12,159

)

Tangible common equity

$

265,573

$

256,656

$

248,567

$

242,429

$

236,489

Common shares outstanding

8,314,778

8,315,186

8,315,465

8,306,270

8,362,085

Book value per share

$

33.39

$

32.32

$

31.34

$

30.65

$

29.74

Tangible book value per share

31.94

30.87

29.89

29.19

28.28

TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS

“Tangible common equity to tangible assets” (“TCE”) is defined as the ratio of common stockholders’ equity reduced by intangible assets, if any, divided by total assets reduced by intangible assets, if any. Adjusted TCE ratio is defined as TCE adjusted for net fair value adjustments of financial assets and liabilities. For more information on fair value adjustments please refer to Note 19 - Fair Value Disclosures in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in common equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. The information below reconciles tangible common equity and tangible assets to their most comparable GAAP measures.

(Unaudited)

As of

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Common stockholders’ equity

$

277,596

$

268,766

$

260,640

$

254,589

$

248,648

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets

(12,023

)

(12,110

)

(12,073

)

(12,160

)

(12,159

)

Tangible common equity (a)

$

265,573

$

256,656

$

248,567

$

242,429

$

236,489

Total assets

$

3,507,846

$

3,418,850

$

3,265,738

$

3,164,411

$

2,976,611

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets

(12,023

)

(12,110

)

(12,073

)

(12,160

)

(12,159

)

Tangible assets (b)

$

3,495,823

$

3,406,740

$

3,253,665

$

3,152,251

$

2,964,452

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

7.60

%

7.53

%

7.64

%

7.69

%

7.98

%

Fair Value Adjustments:

Financial assets - MTM (c)

$

(29,136

)

$

(45,489

)

$

(43,403

)

$

(24,764

)

$

(24,302

)

Financial liabilities - MTM (d)

$

11,945

$

23,436

$

21,916

$

17,334

$

17,328

Net MTM, after-tax e = (c-d)*(1-21%)

$

(13,581

)

$

(17,422

)

$

(16,975

)

$

(5,870

)

$

(5,509

)

Adjusted tangible equity f = (a-e)

$

251,992

$

239,234

$

231,592

$

236,559

$

230,980

Adjusted tangible assets g = (b-c)

$

3,466,687

$

3,361,251

$

3,210,262

$

3,127,487

$

2,940,150

Adjusted TCE ratio (f/g)

7.27

%

7.12

%

7.21

%

7.56

%

7.86

%

EFFICIENCY RATIO & PRE-TAX, PRE-PROVISION ADJUSTED EARNINGS

“Efficiency ratio” is a non-GAAP measure representing non-interest expense excluding the effects of the SBA recourse provision, impairment of tax credit investments, losses or gains on repossessed assets, amortization of other intangible assets and other discrete items, if any, divided by operating revenue, which is equal to net interest income plus non-interest income less realized gains or losses on securities, if any. “Pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted earnings” is defined as operating revenue less operating expense. In the judgment of the Company’s management, the adjustments made to non-interest expense and non-interest income allow investors and analysts to better assess the Company’s operating expenses in relation to its core operating revenue by removing the volatility that is associated with certain one-time items and other discrete items. The information provided below reconciles the efficiency ratio and pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted earnings to its most comparable GAAP measure.

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Total non-interest expense

$

21,588

$

23,189

$

22,031

$

21,767

$

21,167

$

88,575

$

79,474

Less:

Net loss (gain) on repossessed assets

4

4

(2

)

6

22

12

49

SBA recourse provision (benefit)

210

242

341

(18

)

(322

)

775

(188

)

Contribution to First Business Charitable Foundation

—

—

—

—

809

—

809

Tax credit investment impairment recovery

—

—

—

—

—

—

(351

)

Total operating expense (a)

$

21,374

$

22,943

$

21,692

$

21,779

$

20,658

$

87,788

$

79,155

Net interest income

$

29,540

$

28,596

$

27,747

$

26,705

$

27,452

$

112,588

$

98,422

Total non-interest income

7,094

8,430

7,374

8,410

6,973

31,308

29,428

Less:

Bank-owned life insurance claim

—

—

—

—

809

—

809

Net loss on sale of securities

—

—

(45

)

—

—

(45

)

—

Adjusted non-interest income

7,094

8,430

7,419

8,410

6,164

31,353

28,619

Total operating revenue (b)

$

36,634

$

37,026

$

35,166

$

35,115

$

33,616

$

143,941

$

127,041

Efficiency ratio

58.34

%

61.96

%

61.68

%

62.02

%

61.45

%

60.99

%

62.31

%

Pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted earnings (b - a)

$

15,260

$

14,083

$

13,474

$

13,336

$

12,958

$

56,153

$

47,886

Average total assets

$

3,454,652

$

3,276,240

$

3,127,234

$

2,984,600

$

2,867,475

$

3,212,149

$

2,752,916

Pre-tax, pre-provision adjusted return on average assets

1.77

%

1.72

%

1.72

%

1.79

%

1.81

%

1.75

%

1.74

%

ADJUSTED NET INTEREST MARGIN

“Adjusted Net Interest Margin” is a non-GAAP measure representing net interest income excluding the fees in lieu of interest and other recurring, but volatile, components of net interest margin divided by average interest-earning assets less other recurring, but volatile, components of average interest-earning assets. Fees in lieu of interest are defined as prepayment fees, asset-based loan fees, non-accrual interest, and loan fee amortization. In the judgment of the Company’s management, the adjustments made to net interest income allow investors and analysts to better assess the Company’s net interest income in relation to its core client-facing loan and deposit rate changes by removing the volatility that is associated with these recurring but volatile components. The information provided below reconciles the net interest margin to its most comparable GAAP measure.

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

For the Year Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Interest income

$

54,762

$

50,941

$

47,161

$

42,064

$

38,319

$

194,928

$

121,371

Interest expense

25,222

22,345

19,414

15,359

10,867

82,340

22,949

Net interest income (a)

29,540

28,596

27,747

26,705

27,452

112,588

98,422

Less:

Fees in lieu of interest

1,075

582

936

651

1,318

3,244

5,283

FRB interest income and FHLB dividend income

1,466

870

1,064

656

613

4,056

1,525

Adjusted net interest income (b)

$

26,999

$

27,144

$

25,747

$

25,398

$

25,521

$

105,288

$

91,614

Average interest-earning assets (c)

$

3,199,485

$

3,038,776

$

2,913,751

$

2,765,087

$

2,649,149

$

2,980,628

$

2,577,492

Less:

Average FRB cash and FHLB stock

99,118

54,677

76,678

45,150

50,522

69,014

46,708

Average non-accrual loans and leases

18,602

15,775

3,781

3,536

3,591

10,450

5,011

Adjusted average interest-earning assets (d)

$

3,081,765

$

2,968,324

$

2,833,292

$

2,716,401

$

2,595,036

$

2,901,164

$

2,525,773

Net interest margin (a / c)

3.69

%

3.76

%

3.81

%

3.86

%

4.15

%

3.78

%

3.82

%

Adjusted net interest margin (b / d)

3.50

%

3.66

%

3.63

%

3.74

%

3.93

%

3.63

%

3.63

%

First Business Financial Services, Inc. Brian D. Spielmann Chief Financial Officer 608-232-5977 bspielmann@firstbusiness.bank

Source: First Business Financial Services, Inc.