Heritage Financial CorporationNASDAQ: HFWA

Heritage Financial announces fourth quarter and annual 2023 results and declares regular cash dividend

· Issued by Heritage Financial Corporation via PR Newswire
  • Net income was $6.2 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $18.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023.
  • Significant items in the fourth quarter of 2023 results include a loss on sale of securities totaling $10.0 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, and costs relating to expense management measures totaling $2.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.
  • Book value per share increased to $24.44 at December 31, 2023, compared to $23.31 at September 30, 2023. Tangible book value per share increased to $17.40 at December 31, 2023, compared to $16.25 at September 30, 2023(1).
  • Capital remains strong with a leverage ratio of 10.0% and a total capital ratio of 14.1% at December 31, 2023.
  • Loans receivable increased $68.8 million, or 1.6%, during the fourth quarter of 2023 and $284.8 million, or 7.0% during the year ended December 31, 2023.
  • Net interest margin was 3.41% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 3.47% for the third quarter of 2023.
  • Cost of total deposits was 1.01% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 0.83% for the third quarter of 2023.
  • Declared a regular cash dividend of $0.23 per share on January 24, 2024, an increase of 4.5% from the $0.22 regular cash dividend per share declared in the fourth quarter of 2023.

(1) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section herein.

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Financial Corporation (NASDAQ GS: HFWA) (the "Company" or "Heritage"), the parent company of Heritage Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income of $6.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $18.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 and $22.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $0.18 compared to $0.51 for the third quarter of 2023 and $0.64 for the fourth quarter of 2022. Net income for the year ended 2023 totaled $61.8 million, or $1.75 per diluted share as compared to $81.9 million, or $2.31 per diluted share for 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company incurred a pre-tax loss of $10.0 million on the sale of investment securities due to the strategic repositioning of its investment portfolio, which affected diluted earnings per share by $0.22 for the quarter.  The Company sold $151.8 million in investment securities with an estimated weighted average book yield of 2.41% and purchased $140.7 million of investment securities with an estimated weighted average book yield of 6.08%. The remaining proceeds from sales were invested in interest earning deposits. As a result of these actions, we anticipate an estimated annualized improvement of $5.3 million in interest income.

Further, costs relating to expense management measures totaling $2.0 million were recognized in the fourth quarter relating to contract renewal negotiations, contract cancellations and severance payments which were undertaken to improve future earnings. These noninterest expenses impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.04 for the quarter. These costs, in addition to approximately $1.2 million of severance costs incurred in the first quarter of 2024 due to staff reductions, are expected to provide annualized costs savings of approximately $5.3 million in future periods.

Jeffrey J. Deuel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage, commented, "We are pleased with our accomplishments in the fourth quarter which included strong loan growth, expense management measures and repositioning of our investment portfolio. Although costs related to these activities are impacting current earnings, we expect enhanced earnings in future periods. We believe these actions, coupled with our strong balance sheet, will provide sustainable long-term returns for our shareholders.

We are also pleased to report that Heritage Bank is partnering with Community Roots Housing on the renovation of the historic Devonshire Apartments. This project will preserve 62 units of affordable housing in Seattle's Belltown Neighborhood. Heritage provided a $16.9 million construction loan and $2.6 million permanent loan to update the building, which was originally built in 1925. The renovations will provide significant seismic upgrades, make the building more energy efficient and improve living conditions for residents, all while preserving the historic brickwork façade. The project will continue to provide affordable housing, serving residents earning 50% to 60% of the Area Median Income. Heritage is proud to be a partner in preserving aging affordable housing stock in Seattle."

Financial Highlights

The following table provides financial highlights at the dates and for the periods indicated:

As of or for the Quarter Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net income

$            6,233

$          18,219

$          22,544

Pre-tax, pre-provision income(1)

$            8,001

$          20,919

$          29,299

Diluted earnings per share

$               0.18

$               0.51

$               0.64

Return on average assets(2)

0.35 %

1.00 %

1.26 %

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

0.44 %

1.15 %

1.64 %

Return on average common equity(2)

3.04 %

8.80 %

11.46 %

Return on average tangible common equity(1)(2)

4.69 %

12.90 %

17.21 %

Net interest margin(2)

3.41 %

3.47 %

3.98 %

Cost of total deposits(2)

1.01 %

0.83 %

0.16 %

Efficiency ratio

84.2 %

66.2 %

58.0 %

Noninterest expense to average total assets(2)

2.37 %

2.25 %

2.26 %

Total assets

$     7,174,957

$     7,150,588

$     6,980,100

Loans receivable, net

$     4,287,628

$     4,219,911

$     4,007,872

Total deposits

$     5,599,872

$     5,635,187

$     5,924,840

Loan to deposit ratio(3)

77.4 %

75.7 %

68.4 %

Book value per share

$            24.44

$            23.31

$            22.73

Tangible book value per share(1)

$            17.40

$            16.25

$            15.66

(1)

See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section herein.

(2)

Annualized.

(3)

Loans receivable divided by total deposits.

Balance Sheet

Total investment securities decreased $20.6 million, or 1.1%, to $1.87 billion at December 31, 2023 from $1.89 billion at September 30, 2023. As previously discussed, the Company sold $151.8 million in investment securities at a loss of $10.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. These funds were redeployed in investment purchases of $140.7 million and interest earning deposits.

The following table summarizes the Company's investment securities at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

$ Change in Fair Value

Amortized Cost

Net Unrealized Loss

Fair Value

AmortizedCost

NetUnrealized Loss

Fair Value

(Dollars in thousands)

Investment securities available for sale:

U.S. government and agency securities

$    16,047

$         (2,297)

$    13,750

$    23,533

$         (3,109)

$    20,424

$         (6,674)

Municipal securities

92,231

(12,706)

79,525

126,763

(19,958)

106,805

(27,280)

Residential CMO and MBS(1)

555,518

(43,469)

512,049

468,174

(66,993)

401,181

110,868

Commercial CMO and MBS(1)

538,910

(34,652)

504,258

651,713

(54,500)

597,213

(92,955)

Corporate obligations

7,745

(132)

7,613

4,000

(220)

3,780

3,833

Other asset-backed securities

17,336

(178)

17,158

18,317

(173)

18,144

(986)

Total

$  1,227,787

$       (93,434)

$  1,134,353

$  1,292,500

$     (144,953)

$  1,147,547

$       (13,194)

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

$ Change in Amortized Cost

Amortized Cost

Net

Unrecognized Loss

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

Net

Unrecognized Loss

Fair Value

(Dollars in thousands)

Investment securities held to maturity:

U.S. government and agency securities

$  151,075

$       (27,701)

$  123,374

$  151,040

$       (35,221)

$ 115,819

$                 35

Residential CMO and MBS(1)

267,204

(14,101)

253,103

273,609

(27,445)

246,164

(6,405)

Commercial CMO and MBS(1)

321,163

(35,190)

285,973

322,196

(47,922)

274,274

(1,033)

Total

$  739,442

$       (76,992)

$  662,450

$  746,845

$     (110,588)

$ 636,257

$         (7,403)

Total investment securities

$  1,967,229

$     (170,426)

$  1,796,803

$  2,039,345

$     (255,541)

$  1,783,804

(1)

U.S. government agency and government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.

Loans receivable increased $68.8 million, or 1.6%, to $4.34 billion at December 31, 2023 from $4.27 billion at September 30, 2023. New loans funded in the fourth quarter of 2023 and third quarter of 2023 totaled $113.4 million and $98.5 million, respectively. Loan prepayments decreased slightly during the fourth quarter of 2023 to $42.8 million, compared to $60.6 million during the third quarter of 2023.

Commercial and industrial loans increased $27.0 million, or 3.9%, due primarily to new loan production of $54.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 offset partially by repayments. Commercial and multifamily construction loans increased $25.8 million, or 8.3% due primarily to advances on outstanding commitments.

The following table summarizes the Company's loans receivable, net at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

Change

Balance

% of Total

Balance

% of Total

$

%

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial business:

Commercial and industrial

$       718,291

16.6 %

$       691,318

16.2 %

$         26,973

3.9 %

Owner-occupied commercial real estate      ("CRE")

958,620

22.1

953,779

22.4

4,841

0.5

Non-owner occupied CRE

1,697,574

39.1

1,690,099

39.5

7,475

0.4

Total commercial business

3,374,485

77.8

3,335,196

78.1

39,289

1.2

Residential real estate

375,342

8.7

377,448

8.8

(2,106)

(0.6)

Real estate construction and land development:

Residential

78,610

1.8

70,804

1.7

7,806

11.0

Commercial and multifamily

335,819

7.7

310,024

7.3

25,795

8.3

Total real estate construction and land      development

414,429

9.5

380,828

9.0

33,601

8.8

Consumer

171,371

4.0

173,386

4.1

(2,015)

(1.2)

Loans receivable

4,335,627

100.0 %

4,266,858

100.0 %

68,769

1.6

Allowance for credit losses on loans

(47,999)

(46,947)

(1,052)

2.2

Loans receivable, net

$    4,287,628

$    4,219,911

$         67,717

1.6 %

Total deposits decreased $35.3 million, or 0.6%, to $5.60 billion at December 31, 2023 from $5.64 billion at September 30, 2023. Certificates of deposit increased $64.4 million, or 10.2%, from September 30, 2023 primarily due to transfers from non-maturity deposit accounts as customers moved balances to higher yielding accounts.

The following table summarizes the Company's total deposits at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

Change

Balance

% of Total

Balance

% ofTotal

$

%

(Dollars in thousands)

Noninterest demand deposits

$    1,715,847

30.7 %

$    1,789,293

31.7 %

$        (73,446)

(4.1) %

Interest bearing demand deposits

1,608,745

28.7

1,630,007

28.9

(21,262)

(1.3)

Money market accounts

1,094,351

19.5

1,081,253

19.2

13,098

1.2

Savings accounts

487,956

8.7

506,028

9.0

(18,072)

(3.6)

Total non-maturity deposits

4,906,899

87.6

5,006,581

88.8

(99,682)

(2.0)

Certificates of deposit

692,973

12.4

628,606

11.2

64,367

10.2

Total deposits

$    5,599,872

100.0 %

$    5,635,187

100.0 %

$        (35,315)

(0.6) %

The Company discontinued offering securities sold under agreement to repurchase during the fourth quarter of 2023. Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $23.2 million at September 30, 2023.

Total borrowings were $500.0 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $450.0 million at September 30, 2023. Borrowings of $50.0 million at a rate 5.09% were paid off and were offset by advances of $100.0 million at a rate of 4.89% during the fourth quarter of 2023. All borrowings were from the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP"). The BTFP offers loans of up to one year in length to institutions pledging eligible investment securities. The advance rate on the collateral is at par value.

Total stockholders' equity increased $39.7 million, or 4.9%, to $853.3 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $813.5 million at September 30, 2023 due primarily to a decrease of $40.2 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a result of increasing fair values of investment securities available for sale and $6.2 million of net income recognized for the quarter offset partially by $7.7 million in dividends paid to common shareholders.

The Company and Bank continue to maintain capital levels in excess of the applicable regulatory requirements for them both to be categorized as "well-capitalized".

The following table summarizes capital ratios for the Company at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

Change

Stockholders' equity to total assets

11.9 %

11.4 %

0.5 %

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)

8.8

8.2

0.6

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio (2)

12.9

12.9

—

Leverage ratio (2)

10.0

9.9

0.1

Tier 1 capital ratio (2)

13.3

13.3

—

Total capital ratio (2)

14.1

14.1

—

(1)

See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section herein.

(2)

Current quarter ratios are estimates pending completion and filing of the Company's regulatory reports.

Allowance for Credit Losses and Provision for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") on loans as a percentage of loans receivable was 1.11% at December 31, 2023 compared to 1.10% at September 30, 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a $1.7 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared to a $635,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on loans during the third quarter of 2023. The provision for credit losses on loans during the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by loan growth during the quarter.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a $246,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments compared to a $243,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments during the third quarter of 2023. The reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments during the fourth quarter of 2023 was due primarily to a $39.0 million  decrease in the unfunded exposure on construction loans.

The following table provides detail on the changes in the ACL on loans and the ACL on unfunded, and the related provision for (reversal of) credit losses for the periods indicated:

As of or for the Quarter Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

ACL on Loans

ACL on Unfunded

Total

ACL on Loans

ACL on Unfunded

Total

ACL onLoans

ACL on Unfunded

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance, beginning of      period

$ 46,947

$      1,534

$ 48,481

$ 46,408

$      1,777

$ 48,185

$ 42,089

$      1,023

$ 43,112

Provision for (reversal      of) credit losses

1,670

(246)

1,424

(635)

(243)

(878)

689

721

1,410

(Net charge-offs) net      recoveries

(618)

—

(618)

1,174

—

—

1,174

208

—

208

Balance, end of period

$ 47,999

$      1,288

$ 49,287

$ 46,947

$      1,534

$ 48,481

$ 42,986

$      1,744

$ 44,730

Credit Quality

The percentage of classified loans to loans receivable increased slightly to 1.61% at December 31, 2023, compared to 1.47% at September 30, 2023. Classified loans include loans rated substandard or worse. Total classified loans and loans designated as special mention increased by $14.9 million to $149.7 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $134.8 million at September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to the transfer of a $7.1 million commercial and industrial loan to special mention and a $6.0 million commercial and industrial lending relationship to substandard offset partially by repayments and transfers of previously classified and special mention loans to a pass rating.

The following table illustrates total loans by risk rating and their respective percentage of total loans at the dates indicated:

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

Balance

% of Total

Balance

% of Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Risk Rating:

Pass

$    4,185,893

96.6 %

$    4,132,053

96.8 %

Special Mention

79,977

1.8

72,152

1.7

Substandard

69,757

1.6

62,653

1.5

Total

$    4,335,627

100.0 %

$    4,266,858

100.0 %

Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable was 0.10% and 0.07% at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Nonaccrual loans increased primarily due to the addition of a $2.1 million commercial and industrial loan during the fourth quarter of 2023 which is 100% government guaranteed. Changes in nonaccrual loans during the periods indicated were as follows:

Quarter Ended

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

(In thousands)

Balance, beginning of period

$               3,065

$               4,630

$               6,234

Additions

2,149

440

605

Net principal payments and transfers to accruing status

(333)

(81)

(828)

Payoffs

(413)

(1,924)

(105)

Balance, end of period

$               4,468

$               3,065

$               5,906

Liquidity

Total liquidity sources available at December 31, 2023 were $2.86 billion. This includes internal as well as external sources of liquidity. The Company has access to FHLB advances, the FRB Discount Window and BTFP. The Company's available liquidity sources at December 31, 2023 represented a coverage ratio of 51.1% of total deposits and 136.3% of estimated uninsured deposits.

The following table summarizes the Company's available liquidity:

Quarter Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

(Dollars in thousands)

FRB borrowing availability

$           819,492

$           823,117

FHLB borrowing availability(1)

1,417,518

1,202,172

Unencumbered investment securities available for sale(2)

756,258

779,871

Cash and cash equivalents

224,973

220,503

Fed funds line borrowing availability with correspondent banks

145,000

145,000

Total sources of liquidity

3,363,241

3,170,663

Less: Borrowings outstanding

(500,000)

(450,000)

Total available liquidity

$        2,863,241

$        2,720,663

(1)

Includes FHLB total borrowing availability of $1.42 billion at December 31, 2023 based on pledged assets, however, maximum credit capacity is 45% of the Bank's total assets one quarter in arrears or $3.22 billion.

(2)

Investment securities available for sale at fair value.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 3.1%, during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023 due primarily to an increase of $2.5 million in interest expense partially offset by a $795,000 increase in interest income. Net interest margin decreased six basis points to 3.41% during the fourth quarter of 2023 from 3.47% during the third quarter of 2023.

The cost of interest bearing deposits increased 25 basis points to 1.48% for the fourth quarter of 2023 from 1.23% for the third quarter of 2023.

This increase was primarily due to customers transferring balances from non-maturity deposits to higher rate certificates of deposit. The yield on interest earning assets increased 12 basis points to 4.70% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 4.58% for the third quarter of 2023. The yield on loans receivable, net increased five basis points to 5.35% during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 5.30% during the third quarter of 2023 due to higher rates on new and renewed loans and recoveries of interest on loans classified as nonaccrual loans that paid off during the quarter which contributed three basis points to the yield on loans receivable. The yield on taxable securities increased 15 basis points to 3.15% during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 3.00% during the third quarter of 2023 due to sales of $151.8 million of lower yielding investments with a weighted average yield of 2.41% offset by purchases of $140.7 million of higher yielding investments with a weighted average yield of 6.08%.

Net interest income decreased $9.2 million, or 14.6%, during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 and the net interest margin decreased 57 basis points from 3.98% during this same period. The decrease was due primarily to an increase in interest expense due to an increase in deposit rates and borrowing expense partially offset by an increase in yields earned on interest earning assets following increases in market interest rates.

The following table provides relevant net interest income information for the periods indicated:

Quarter Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Average

Balance

Interest

Earned/

Paid

AverageYield/Rate (1)

Average

Balance

Interest

Earned/

Paid

AverageYield/Rate (1)

Average

Balance

Interest

Earned/

Paid

AverageYield/Rate (1)

(Dollars in thousands)

Interest Earning Assets:

Loans receivable, net (2)(3)

$ 4,233,743

$ 57,092

5.35 %

$ 4,201,554

$ 56,119

5.30 %

$ 3,963,042

$ 48,513

4.86 %

Taxable securities

1,824,205

14,488

3.15

1,931,649

14,590

3.00

1,983,178

14,655

2.93

Nontaxable securities (3)

37,382

300

3.18

60,654

448

2.93

123,430

843

2.71

Interest earning deposits

174,475

2,382

5.42

169,186

2,310

5.42

222,538

2,010

3.58

Total interest earning assets

6,269,805

74,262

4.70 %

6,363,043

73,467

4.58 %

6,292,188

66,021

4.16 %

Noninterest earning assets

871,071

849,689

808,656

Total assets

$ 7,140,876

$ 7,212,732

$ 7,100,844

Interest Bearing Liabilities:

Certificates of deposit

$    638,101

$   6,261

3.89 %

$    553,015

$   4,585

3.29 %

$    299,364

$      455

0.60 %

Savings accounts

497,484

231

0.18

523,882

172

0.13

632,536

107

0.07

Interest bearing demand and      money market accounts

2,713,482

7,846

1.15

2,764,251

7,120

1.02

2,946,425

1,895

0.26

Total interest bearing deposits

3,849,067

14,338

1.48

3,841,148

11,877

1.23

3,878,325

2,457

0.25

Junior subordinated debentures

21,729

553

10.10

21,649

540

9.90

21,430

410

7.59

Securities sold under agreement      to repurchase

17,511

5

0.11

31,729

38

0.48

43,694

41

0.37

Borrowings

459,784

5,495

4.74

451,032

5,394

4.74

543

6

4.38

Total interest bearing      liabilities

4,348,091

20,391

1.86 %

4,345,558

17,849

1.63 %

3,943,992

2,914

0.29 %

Noninterest demand deposits

1,772,261

1,859,374

2,239,806

Other noninterest bearing      liabilities

207,141

186,306

136,645

Stockholders' equity

813,383

821,494

780,401

Total liabilities and      stockholders' equity

$ 7,140,876

$ 7,212,732

$ 7,100,844

Net interest income and spread

$ 53,871

2.84 %

$ 55,618

2.95 %

$ 63,107

3.87 %

Net interest margin

3.41 %

3.47 %

3.98 %

(1)

Annualized; average balances are calculated using daily balances.

(2)

Average loans receivable, net includes loans held for sale and loans classified as nonaccrual, which carry a zero yield. Interest earned on loans receivable, net includes the amortization of net deferred loan fees of $832,000, $940,000 and $723,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023, third quarter of 2023 and fourth quarter of 2022, respectively.

(3)

Yields on tax-exempt loans and securities have not been stated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income decreased $9.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the third quarter of 2023 and decreased $9.7 million from the same period in 2022 due primarily to a $10.0 million pre-tax loss on the sale of investment securities available for sale. Card revenue decreased during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023 due to annual incentives of $250,000 recognized in the third quarter of 2023 as well as general declines in income due to lower transaction account volume. Other income decreased during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023 due to a $610,000 gain on sale of the Ellensburg branch which was recognized in the third quarter of 2023.

The following table presents the key components of noninterest income and the change for the periods indicated:

Quarter Ended

Quarter Over Quarter Change

Prior Year Quarter Change

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

$

%

$

%

(Dollars in thousands)

Service charges and other fees

$              2,804

$               2,856

$              2,651

$      (52)

(1.8) %

$     153

5.8 %

Card revenue

1,944

2,273

2,111

(329)

(14.5)

(167)

(7.9)

Loss on sale of investment securities

(10,005)

(1,940)

(256)

(8,065)

415.7

(9,749)

3808.2

Gain on sale of loans, net

36

157

40

(121)

(77.1)

(4)

(10.0)

Interest rate swap fees

—

62

19

(62)

(100.0)

(19)

(100.0)

Bank owned life insurance income

654

734

565

(80)

(10.9)

89

15.8

Other income

1,420

2,129

1,454

(709)

(33.3)

(34)

(2.3)

Total noninterest income

$            (3,147)

$               6,271

$              6,584

$  (9,418)

(150.2) %

$  (9,731)

(147.8) %

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense increased $1.8 million, or 4.3%, during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the third quarter of 2023. Compensation and employee benefits expenses decreased primarily due to a reduction in employees and included $148,000 in severance costs. Data processing expenses increased due primarily to a $320,000 accrual for the early termination of a technology-related contract. Marketing expenses increased due to an increase in marketing efforts during the fourth quarter of 2023. Professional services increased due primarily to a $1.5 million expense related to renewal of the core vendor contract during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Noninterest expense increased $2.3 million, or 5.8%, during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Occupancy and equipment expense increased due primarily to our expansion into Boise, Idaho and annual increases in lease expenses. Federal deposit insurance premiums increased due to the increase in the assessment rate starting in January 2023. Data processing expenses and professional services increased primarily due to the same reasons stated above.

The following table presents the key components of noninterest expense and the change for the periods indicated:

Quarter Ended

Quarter OverQuarter Change

Prior Year Quarter Change

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

$

%

$

%

(Dollars in thousands)

Compensation and employee      benefits

$            24,758

$            25,008

$            24,856

$   (250)

(1.0) %

$     (98)

(0.4) %

Occupancy and equipment

4,784

4,814

4,541

(30)

(0.6)

243

5.4

Data processing

4,863

4,366

4,369

497

11.4

494

11.3

Marketing

698

389

675

309

79.4

23

3.4

Professional services

2,266

582

630

1,684

289.3

1,636

259.7

State/municipal business and use      taxes

909

1,088

1,008

(179)

(16.5)

(99)

(9.8)

Federal deposit insurance premium

847

818

490

29

3.5

357

72.9

Amortization of intangible assets

593

595

671

(2)

(0.3)

(78)

(11.6)

Other expense

3,005

3,310

3,152

(305)

(9.2)

(147)

(4.7)

Total noninterest expense

$            42,723

$            40,970

$            40,392

$ 1,753

4.3 %

$ 2,331

5.8 %

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in income before income taxes. Additionally, the effective income tax rate was lower during the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting from a decrease in annual pre-tax income for the year ended 2023 which increased the impact of favorable permanent tax items such as tax-exempt investments, investments in bank owned life insurance and tax credits. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 15.3% as compared to 17.7% for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following table presents the income tax expense and related metrics and the change for the periods indicated:

Quarter Ended

Change

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

Quarter OverQuarter

Prior Year Quarter

(Dollars in thousands)

Income before income taxes

$           6,577

$         21,797

$         27,889

$    (15,220)

$       (21,312)

Income tax expense

$              344

$           3,578

$           5,345

$       (3,234)

$         (5,001)

Effective income tax rate

5.2 %

16.4 %

19.2 %

(11.2) %

(14.0) %

Dividends

On January 24, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share. The dividend is payable on February 22, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 8, 2024.

Earnings Conference Call

The Company will hold a telephone conference call to discuss this earnings release on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time. To access the call, please dial (833) 470-1428 -- access code 290327 a few minutes prior to 10:00 a.m. Pacific time. The call will be available for replay through February 1, 2024 by dialing (866) 813-9403 -- access code 301843.

About Heritage Financial

Heritage Financial Corporation is an Olympia-based bank holding company with Heritage Bank, a full-service commercial bank, as its sole wholly-owned banking subsidiary. Heritage Bank has a branch network of 50 banking offices in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Heritage Bank does business under the Whidbey Island Bank name on Whidbey Island. Heritage's stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HFWA". More information about Heritage Financial Corporation can be found on its website at www.hf-wa.com and more information about Heritage Bank can be found on its website at www.heritagebanknw.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations and forecasts regarding future events, many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially, from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include but are not limited to, the following: changes in general economic conditions nationally or in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company's business operations or financial markets including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth, or increased political instability due to acts of war; changes in the interest rate environment, including prior increases in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") benchmark rate and duration at which such increased interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the value of assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of continuing inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; the effects of any federal government shutdown; changes in the interest rate environment; the quality and composition of our securities portfolio and the impact of any adverse changes including market liquidity within the securities markets; legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities and tax law, in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; credit and interest rate risks associated with the Company's businesses, customers, borrowings, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; fluctuations in deposits; liquidity issues, including our ability to borrow funds or raise additional capital, if necessary; disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; effects of critical accounting policies and judgments, including the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; and other factors described in Heritage's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") which are available on our website at www.heritagebanknw.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this press release or the documents we file with or furnish to the SEC are based only on information then actually known to the Company and upon management's beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made which may turn out to be wrong because of inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors described above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except shares)

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31, 2022

Assets

Cash on hand and in banks

$             55,851

$             61,568

$             74,295

Interest earning deposits

169,122

158,935

29,295

Cash and cash equivalents

224,973

220,503

103,590

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of      $1,227,787, $1,292,500 and  $1,460,033, respectively)

1,134,353

1,147,547

1,331,443

Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of      $662,450, $636,257 and $673,434, respectively)

739,442

746,845

766,396

Total investment securities

1,873,795

1,894,392

2,097,839

Loans held for sale

—

263

—

Loans receivable

4,335,627

4,266,858

4,050,858

Allowance for credit losses on loans

(47,999)

(46,947)

(42,986)

Loans receivable, net

4,287,628

4,219,911

4,007,872

Premises and equipment, net

74,899

76,436

76,930

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

4,186

8,373

8,916

Bank owned life insurance

125,655

123,639

122,059

Accrued interest receivable

19,518

18,794

18,547

Prepaid expenses and other assets

318,571

341,952

296,181

Other intangible assets, net

4,793

5,386

7,227

Goodwill

240,939

240,939

240,939

Total assets

$       7,174,957

$       7,150,588

$       6,980,100

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Deposits

$       5,599,872

$       5,635,187

$       5,907,420

Deposits held for sale

—

—

17,420

Total deposits

5,599,872

5,635,187

5,924,840

Borrowings

500,000

450,000

—

Junior subordinated debentures

21,765

21,692

21,473

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

—

23,158

46,597

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

200,059

207,005

189,297

Total liabilities

6,321,696

6,337,042

6,182,207

Common stock

549,748

548,652

552,397

Retained earnings

375,989

377,522

345,346

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

(72,476)

(112,628)

(99,850)

Total stockholders' equity

853,261

813,546

797,893

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$       7,174,957

$       7,150,588

$       6,980,100

Shares outstanding

34,906,233

34,901,076

35,106,697

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Quarter Ended

Year Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31, 2022

December 31,2023

December 31,2022

Interest Income

Interest and fees on loans

$             57,092

$             56,119

$             48,513

$          217,284

$           174,275

Taxable interest on investment      securities

14,488

14,590

14,655

58,509

40,627

Nontaxable interest on investment      securities

300

448

843

1,854

3,488

Interest on interest earning deposits

2,382

2,310

2,010

6,818

9,067

Total interest income

74,262

73,467

66,021

284,465

227,457

Interest Expense

Deposits

14,338

11,877

2,457

39,350

6,772

Junior subordinated debentures

553

540

410

2,074

1,156

Securities sold under agreement to      repurchase

5

38

41

153

138

Borrowings

5,495

5,394

6

17,733

6

Total interest expense

20,391

17,849

2,914

59,310

8,072

Net interest income

53,871

55,618

63,107

225,155

219,385

Provision for (reversal of) credit losses

1,424

(878)

1,410

4,280

(1,426)

Net interest income after      provision for (reversal of)      credit losses

52,447

56,496

61,697

220,875

220,811

Noninterest Income

Service charges and other fees

2,804

2,856

2,651

10,966

10,390

Card revenue

1,944

2,273

2,111

8,340

8,885

Loss on sale of investment securities,      net

(10,005)

(1,940)

(256)

(12,231)

(256)

Gain on sale of loans, net

36

157

40

343

633

Interest rate swap fees

—

62

19

230

402

Bank owned life insurance income

654

734

565

2,934

3,747

Gain on sale of other assets, net

—

—

—

2

469

Other income

1,420

2,129

1,454

8,079

5,321

Total noninterest income

(3,147)

6,271

6,584

18,663

29,591

Noninterest Expense

Compensation and employee benefits

24,758

25,008

24,856

100,083

92,092

Occupancy and equipment

4,784

4,814

4,541

19,156

17,465

Data processing

4,863

4,366

4,369

18,071

16,800

Marketing

698

389

675

1,930

1,643

Professional services

2,266

582

630

4,227

2,497

State/municipal business and use      taxes

909

1,088

1,008

4,059

3,634

Federal deposit insurance premium

847

818

490

3,312

2,015

Amortization of intangible assets

593

595

671

2,434

2,750

Other expense

3,005

3,310

3,152

13,351

12,070

Total noninterest expense

42,723

40,970

40,392

166,623

150,966

Income before income taxes

6,577

21,797

27,889

72,915

99,436

Income tax expense

344

3,578

5,345

11,160

17,561

Net income

$               6,233

$             18,219

$             22,544

$             61,755

$             81,875

Basic earnings per share

$                 0.18

$                 0.52

$                 0.64

$                 1.76

$                 2.33

Diluted earnings per share

$                 0.18

$                 0.51

$                 0.64

$                 1.75

$                 2.31

Dividends declared per share

$                 0.22

$                 0.22

$                 0.21

$                 0.88

$                 0.84

Average shares outstanding - basic

34,902,029

35,022,676

35,104,701

35,022,247

35,103,465

Average shares outstanding - diluted

35,084,635

35,115,165

35,480,848

35,258,189

35,463,896

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FINANCIAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Nonperforming Assets and Credit Quality Metrics:

Quarter Ended

Year Ended

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

December 31,2023

December 31,2022

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans:

Balance, beginning of period

$         46,947

$         46,408

$         42,089

$         42,986

$         42,361

Provision for (reversal of) credit      losses on loans

1,670

(635)

689

4,736

(563)

Charge-offs:

Commercial business

(543)

(15)

—

(719)

(316)

Residential real estate

—

—

—

—

(30)

Real estate construction and land      development

—

—

—

—

—

Consumer

(166)

(123)

(151)

(586)

(547)

Total charge-offs

(709)

(138)

(151)

(1,305)

(893)

Recoveries:

Commercial business

30

1,253

53

1,372

929

Residential real estate

—

—

—

—

3

Real estate construction and land      development

—

—

210

—

384

Consumer

61

59

96

210

765

Total recoveries

91

1,312

359

1,582

2,081

Net (charge-offs) / recoveries

(618)

1,174

208

277

1,188

Balance, end of period

$         47,999

$         46,947

$         42,986

$         47,999

$         42,986

Net charge-offs (recoveries) on loans      to average loans receivable, net(1)

0.06 %

(0.11) %

(0.02) %

(0.01) %

(0.03) %

(1)

Annualized.

December 31, 2023

September 30,2023

December 31,2022

Nonperforming Assets:

Nonaccrual loans:

Commercial business

$            4,468

$            3,065

$            5,869

Real estate construction and land development

—

—

37

Total nonaccrual loans

4,468

3,065

5,906

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

1,293

2,158

1,615

Total nonperforming loans

5,761

5,223

7,521

Other real estate owned

—

—

—

Nonperforming assets

$            5,761

$            5,223

$            7,521

ACL on loans to:

Loans receivable

1.11 %

1.10 %

1.06 %

Nonaccrual loans

1,074.28 %

1,531.71 %

727.84 %

Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable

0.10 %

0.07 %

0.15 %

Nonperforming loans to loans receivable

0.13 %

0.12 %

0.19 %

Nonperforming assets to total assets

0.08 %

0.07 %

0.11 %

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FINANCIAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Average Balances, Yields, and Rates Paid:

Year Ended December 31,

2023

2022

Average

Balance

Interest

Earned/

Paid

AverageYield/Rate (1)

Average

Balance

Interest

Earned/

Paid

AverageYield/Rate (1)

Interest Earning Assets:

Loans receivable, net(2)(3)

$ 4,155,722

$  217,284

5.23 %

$ 3,852,604

$  174,275

4.52 %

Taxable securities

1,937,603

58,509

3.02

1,646,058

40,627

2.47

Nontaxable securities(3)

63,051

1,854

2.94

135,004

3,488

2.58

Interest earning deposits

129,807

6,818

5.25

913,374

9,067

0.99

Total interest earning assets

6,286,183

284,465

4.53 %

6,547,040

227,457

3.47 %

Noninterest earning assets

853,841

774,415

Total assets

$ 7,140,024

$ 7,321,455

Interest Bearing Liabilities:

Certificates of deposit

$    491,653

$ 14,554

2.96 %

$    313,712

$   1,407

0.45 %

Savings accounts

543,096

701

0.13

646,565

381

0.06

Interest bearing demand and money market accounts

2,771,981

24,095

0.87

3,036,031

4,984

0.16

Total interest bearing deposits

3,806,730

39,350

1.03

3,996,308

6,772

0.17

Junior subordinated debentures

21,615

2,074

9.60

21,322

1,156

5.42

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

32,976

153

0.46

46,209

138

0.30

Borrowings

369,665

17,733

4.80 %

137

6

4.38 %

Total interest bearing liabilities

4,230,986

59,310

1.40 %

4,063,976

8,072

0.20 %

Noninterest demand deposits

1,899,317

2,326,178

Other noninterest bearing liabilities

191,679

119,359

Stockholders' equity

818,042

811,942

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 7,140,024

$ 7,321,455

Net interest income and spread

$  225,155

3.13 %

$  219,385

3.27 %

Net interest margin

3.58 %

3.35 %

(1)

Average balances are calculated using daily balances.

(2)

Average loans receivable, net includes loans held for sale and loans classified as nonaccrual, which carry a zero yield. Interest earned on loans receivable, net includes the amortization of net deferred loan fees of $3.3 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(3)

Yields on tax-exempt loans and securities have not been stated on a tax-equivalent basis.

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Quarter Ended

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

June 30,2023

March 31,2023

December 31,2022

Earnings:

Net interest income

$         53,871

$         55,618

$         55,824

$         59,842

$         63,107

Provision for (reversal of) credit losses

1,424

(878)

1,909

1,825

1,410

Noninterest income

(3,147)

6,271

7,281

8,258

6,584

Noninterest expense

42,723

40,970

41,325

41,605

40,392

Net income

6,233

18,219

16,846

20,457

22,544

Pre-tax, pre-provision net income (3)

8,001

20,919

21,780

26,495

29,299

Basic earnings per share

$              0.18

$              0.52

$              0.48

$              0.58

$              0.64

Diluted earnings per share

$              0.18

$              0.51

$              0.48

$              0.58

$              0.64

Average Balances:

Loans receivable, net (1)

$    4,233,743

$    4,201,554

$    4,145,556

$    4,039,395

$    3,963,042

Total investment securities

1,861,587

1,992,303

2,061,100

2,090,232

2,106,608

Total interest earning assets

6,269,805

6,363,043

6,297,410

6,213,003

6,292,188

Total assets

7,140,876

7,212,732

7,142,865

7,061,959

7,100,844

Total interest bearing deposits

3,849,067

3,841,148

3,755,005

3,780,570

3,878,325

Total noninterest demand deposits

1,772,261

1,859,374

1,900,640

2,068,688

2,239,806

Stockholders' equity

813,383

821,494

824,742

812,500

780,401

Financial Ratios:

Return on average assets (2)

0.35 %

1.00 %

0.95 %

1.17 %

1.26 %

Pre-tax, pre-provision return on      average assets (2)(3)

0.44

1.15

1.22

1.52

1.64

Return on average common equity (2)

3.04

8.80

8.19

10.21

11.46

Return on average tangible common      equity (2) (3)

4.69

12.90

12.04

15.05

17.21

Efficiency ratio

84.2

66.2

65.5

61.1

58.0

Noninterest expense to average total      assets (2)

2.37

2.25

2.32

2.39

2.26

Net interest spread (2)

2.84

2.95

3.11

3.66

3.87

Net interest margin (2)

3.41

3.47

3.56

3.91

3.98

(1)

Average loans receivable, net includes loans held for sale.

(2)

Annualized.

(3)

See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section herein.

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATISTICS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

As of or for the Quarter Ended

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

June 30,2023

March 31,2023

December 31,2022

Select Balance Sheet:

Total assets

$    7,174,957

$    7,150,588

$    7,115,410

$    7,236,806

$    6,980,100

Loans receivable, net

4,287,628

4,219,911

4,204,936

4,083,003

4,007,872

Total investment securities

1,873,795

1,894,392

2,030,826

2,078,235

2,097,839

Deposits

5,599,872

5,635,187

5,595,543

5,789,022

5,924,840

Noninterest demand deposits

1,715,847

1,789,293

1,857,492

1,982,909

2,099,464

Stockholders' equity

853,261

813,546

819,733

826,082

797,893

Financial Measures:

Book value per share

$            24.44

$            23.31

$            23.39

$            23.53

$            22.73

Tangible book value per share (1)

17.40

16.25

16.34

16.48

15.66

Stockholders' equity to total assets

11.9 %

11.4 %

11.5 %

11.4 %

11.4 %

Tangible common equity to tangible      assets (1)

8.8

8.2

8.3

8.3

8.2

Loans to deposits ratio

77.4

75.7

76.0

71.3

68.4

Regulatory Capital Ratios:(2)

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio

12.9 %

12.9 %

12.8 %

12.9 %

12.8 %

Leverage ratio

10.0

9.9

9.9

9.9

9.7

Tier 1 capital ratio

13.3

13.3

13.2

13.3

13.2

Total capital ratio

14.1

14.1

14.1

14.1

14.0

Credit Quality Metrics:

ACL on loans to:

Loans receivable

1.11 %

1.10 %

1.09 %

1.08 %

1.06 %

Nonperforming loans

1,074.3

1,531.7

1,002.3

923.6

727.8

Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable

0.10

0.07

0.11

0.12

0.15

Nonperforming loans to loans receivable

0.13

0.12

0.16

0.17

0.19

Nonperforming assets to total assets

0.08

0.07

0.10

0.10

0.11

Net charge-offs (recoveries) on loans      to average loans receivable, net(3)

0.06

(0.11)

—

0.02

(0.02)

Criticized Loans by Credit Quality Rating:

Special mention

$         79,977

$         72,152

$         84,623

$         96,832

$         69,449

Substandard

69,757

62,653

58,653

48,824

65,765

Other Metrics:

Number of banking offices

50

50

51

51

50

Deposits per branch

$       111,997

$       112,704

$       109,717

$       113,510

$       118,497

Average number of full-time      equivalent employees

803

821

813

809

806

Average assets per full-time      equivalent employee

8,893

8,785

8,786

8,729

8,810

(1)

See Non-GAAP Financial Measures section herein.

(2)

Current quarter ratios are estimates pending completion and filing of the Company's regulatory reports.

(3)

Annualized.

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONNON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

This earnings release contains certain financial measures not presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in addition to financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company's capital, performance and asset quality reflected in the current quarter and comparable period results and to facilitate comparison of its performance with the performance of its peers. These non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are presented below.

The Company considers the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and tangible book value per share to be useful measurements of the adequacy of the Company's capital levels.

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

June 30,2023

March 31,2023

December 31,2022

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share:

Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)

$       853,261

$       813,546

$       819,733

$       826,082

$       797,893

Exclude intangible assets

(245,732)

(246,325)

(246,920)

(247,543)

(248,166)

Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)

$       607,529

$       567,221

$       572,813

$       578,539

$       549,727

Total assets (GAAP)

$    7,174,957

$    7,150,588

$    7,115,410

$    7,236,806

$    6,980,100

Exclude intangible assets

(245,732)

(246,325)

(246,920)

(247,543)

(248,166)

Tangible assets (non-GAAP)

$    6,929,225

$    6,904,263

$    6,868,490

$    6,989,263

$    6,731,934

Stockholders' equity to total assets      (GAAP)

11.9 %

11.4 %

11.5 %

11.4 %

11.4 %

Tangible common equity to tangible      assets (non-GAAP)

8.8 %

8.2 %

8.3 %

8.3 %

8.2 %

Shares outstanding

34,906,233

34,901,076

35,047,800

35,108,120

35,106,697

Book value per share (GAAP)

$            24.44

$            23.31

$            23.39

$            23.53

$            22.73

Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)

$            17.40

$            16.25

$            16.34

$            16.48

$            15.66

HERITAGE FINANCIAL CORPORATIONNON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

The Company considers the return on average tangible common equity ratio to be a useful measurement of the Company's ability to generate returns for its common shareholders. By removing the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization and tax effects, the performance of the Company's ongoing business operations can be evaluated.

Quarter Ended

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

June 30,2023

March 31,2023

December 31,2022

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity, annualized:

Net income (GAAP)

$            6,233

$         18,219

$         16,846

$         20,457

$         22,544

Add amortization of intangible      assets

593

595

623

623

671

Exclude tax effect of adjustment

(125)

(125)

(131)

(131)

(141)

Tangible net income (non-GAAP)

$            6,701

$         18,689

$         17,338

$         20,949

$         23,074

Average stockholders' equity (GAAP)

$       813,383

$       821,494

$       824,742

$       812,500

$       780,401

Exclude average intangible      assets

(246,022)

(246,663)

(247,278)

(247,922)

(248,560)

Average tangible common      stockholders' equity (non-GAAP)

$       567,361

$       574,831

$       577,464

$       564,578

$       531,841

Return on average common equity,      annualized (GAAP)

3.04 %

8.80 %

8.19 %

10.21 %

11.46 %

Return on average tangible common      equity, annualized (non-GAAP)

4.69 %

12.90 %

12.04 %

15.05 %

17.21 %

The Company believes that presenting pre-tax pre-provision income, which reflects its profitability before income taxes and provision for credit losses, and the pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets are useful measurements in assessing its operating income and expenses by removing the volatility that may be associated with credit loss provisions.

Quarter Ended

December 31,2023

September 30,2023

June 30,2023

March 31,2023

December 31,2022

Pre-tax, Pre-provision Income and Pre-tax, Pre-provision Return on Average Assets, annualized:

Net income (GAAP)

$            6,233

$         18,219

$         16,846

$         20,457

$         22,544

Add income tax expense

344

3,578

3,025

4,213

5,345

Add/(subtract) provision for      (reversal of) credit losses

1,424

(878)

1,909

1,825

1,410

Pre-tax, pre-provision income (non-     GAAP)

$            8,001

$         20,919

$         21,780

$         26,495

$         29,299

Average total assets (GAAP)

$    7,140,876

$    7,212,732

$    7,142,865

$    7,061,959

$    7,100,844

Return on average assets, annualized      (GAAP)

0.35 %

1.00 %

0.95 %

1.17 %

1.26 %

Pre-tax, pre-provision return on      average assets (non-GAAP)

0.44 %

1.15 %

1.22 %

1.52 %

1.64 %

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SOURCE Heritage Financial Corporation