Alerus Financial Corporation Reports First Quarter 2021 Net Income of $15.2 Million

Alerus Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: ALRS) reported net income of $15.2 million for the first quarter of 2021, or $0.86 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $10.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2020, and net income of $5.4 million, or $0.30 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2020.

CEO Comments

Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Randy Newman said, “We are pleased to report our record performance of 2020 carried through into the first quarter of 2021. We believe Alerus continues to be well positioned for growth with our diversified business model, large and growing client base, and holistic, advisor-focused approach to serving clients. We started 2021 with several hiring initiatives and were pleased to have two high performing mortgage bankers join our Twin Cities team in the first quarter. We continue to focus on adding talent to our organization, especially in areas that will grow revenue.

Our fee income business lines delivered strong results lead by our mortgage division with mortgage originations exceeding $500 million for the quarter. Retirement and benefits revenue increased over 8% during the quarter as the integration of our recent acquisition of RPS/24HourFlex continues to perform as planned. Wealth management revenue grew almost 4% during the quarter as our advisors remained focused on proactive outreach to clients in our local footprint and nationwide.

On the banking side, we continued to see stable credit quality, strengthening local economies and low levels of loan deferrals during the quarter. Our reserve levels remain very robust at over 2% of loans (excluding Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP). In addition, we saw a modest uptick in commercial line utilization, solid loan demand, and building pipelines.

In addition to our emphases on growth, we are also focused on technology investments. Over the last several years, we have invested in new technology for both our business and consumer clients, and now, we continue to develop robotics and other automation processes to improve our efficiency and support our ongoing growth initiatives. Today, we have 26 automated process robots in production across our organization. Many of these robots were developed within the last year to support unprecedented mortgage volume and new loans under the PPP. Furthermore, we recently became one of 66 limited partners in a fund focused on the acceleration of technology for community banks. We believe this is a valued partnership that will allow us to stay abreast of emerging technology trends in the community banking landscape.

Also in the first quarter, we redeemed our previously issued subordinated debt with a rate of 5.75% and refinanced with subordinated debt issued to the Bank of North Dakota with an initial fixed annual rate of 3.50%. Our capital levels remain strong and we believe we have strong capital return potential with our proven ability to execute accretive M&A, our history of strong dividend yields, and our newly approved stock buyback plan. We believe our ability to execute a diversified business model in tandem with our strong financial foundation will maximize stockholder value long-term.”

Quarterly Highlights

  • Return on average total assets of 2.02%, compared to 1.34% for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Return on average tangible common equity(1) of 23.03%, compared to 15.13% for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(1) was 3.12%, compared to 3.23% for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Allowance for loan losses to total loans, excluding Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loans, was 2.01%, compared to 2.00% as of December 31, 2020
  • Efficiency ratio(1) of 66.43%, compared to 74.44% for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Noninterest income increased $2.2 million and was 64.97% of total revenue, compared to 62.57% for the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Mortgage originations totaled $518.0 million, a 14.7% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Investment securities increased $202.8 million, or 34.2%, from the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Loans held for sale decreased $43.8 million, or 35.8%, from the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Loans held for investment decreased $42.0 million, or 2.1%, from the fourth quarter of 2020
  • Deposits increased $145.6 million, or 5.7%, from the fourth quarter of 2020

(1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Selected Financial Data (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for the

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

Performance Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on average total assets

 

 

2.02

%

 

 

1.34

%

 

 

0.89

%

Return on average common equity

 

 

18.46

%

 

 

12.30

%

 

 

7.32

%

Return on average tangible common equity (1)

 

 

23.03

%

 

 

15.13

%

 

 

9.76

%

Noninterest income as a % of revenue

 

 

64.97

%

 

 

62.57

%

 

 

59.07

%

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) (1)

 

 

3.12

%

 

 

3.23

%

 

 

3.35

%

Efficiency ratio (1)

 

 

66.43

%

 

 

74.44

%

 

 

77.47

%

Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans

 

 

0.10

%

 

 

(0.30

)%

 

 

(0.14

)%

Dividend payout ratio

 

 

17.44

%

 

 

26.32

%

 

 

50.00

%

Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share - basic

 

$

0.87

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

$

0.31

 

Earnings per common share - diluted

 

$

0.86

 

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.30

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.15

 

Tangible book value per common share (1)

 

$

15.95

 

 

$

16.00

 

 

$

14.55

 

Average common shares outstanding - basic

 

 

17,145

 

 

 

17,122

 

 

 

17,070

 

Average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

17,465

 

 

 

17,450

 

 

 

17,405

 

Other Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement and benefit services assets under administration/management

 

$

34,774,650

 

 

$

34,199,954

 

 

$

27,718,026

 

Wealth management assets under administration/management

 

 

3,357,530

 

 

 

3,338,594

 

 

 

2,746,052

 

Mortgage originations

 

 

518,014

 

 

 

607,166

 

 

 

228,568

 

(1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2021 was $22.0 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 4.8%, from $23.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, and an increase of $3.2 million, or 17.0%, from $18.8 million for the first quarter of 2020. The linked quarter decrease in net interest income was primarily driven by a $2.0 million decrease in interest income from loans, the largest component of which was an $854 thousand decrease on interest and loan fees recognized on PPP loans. During the first quarter of 2021, average interest earning assets increased $10.5 million, primarily due to increases of $113.2 million in investment securities and $20.3 million in interest-bearing deposits with banks, partially offset by decreases of $82.5 million in loans held for investment and $40.6 million in loans held for sale. The change in the balance sheet mix resulted in a 21 basis point decrease in the average earning asset yield. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 16 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to continued downward repricing of time deposits. The balance in average long-term liabilities decreased $33.0 million due to the redemption of a $50.0 million subordinated note that was completed on January 29, 2021. On March 30, 2021, we issued a $50.0 million subordinated note to the Bank of North Dakota, and as a result we anticipate the average balance of long-term liabilities to increase in the second quarter of 2021.

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent), a non-GAAP financial measure, was 3.12% for the first quarter of 2021, an 11 basis point decrease from 3.23% for the fourth quarter of 2020, and a 23 basis point decrease from 3.35% in the first quarter of 2020. The linked quarter decrease was primarily due to lower yields on interest earning assets, partially offset by lower rates on interest-bearing liabilities. Excluding PPP loans, net interest margin was 2.95% for the first quarter of 2021, an 8 basis point decrease from 3.03% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The year over year decrease was primarily attributable to the historically low and flat yield curve and a more liquid balance sheet mix which resulted in a 81 basis point decrease in interest earning asset yields and compressed net interest margin.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2021 was $40.9 million, a $2.2 million, or 5.6%, increase from the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by a $1.3 million increase in retirement and benefit services revenue, a $351 thousand increase in mortgage banking revenue, and a $219 thousand increase in other noninterest income. The increase in retirement and benefit services income was primarily driven by the revenue attributable to the acquisition of Retirement Planning Services, Inc. (doing business as RPS Plan Administrators and 24HourFlex). The increase in mortgage banking revenue was primarily a result of a $3.0 million increase in the change in fair market value of the secondary market hedge, partially offset by a 28 basis point decrease in the gain on sale margin.

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2021 increased $13.7 million, or 50.4%, from $27.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. This increase was primarily due to a $12.1 million increase in mortgage banking revenue, as mortgage originations increased from $228.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 to $518.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, and a $1.6 million increase in the change in fair market value of the secondary market hedge.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2021 was $43.0 million, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 8.7%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreases of $2.8 million in compensation expense, $659 thousand in business services, software and technology expense, $506 thousand in other noninterest expense, and $458 thousand in mortgage and lending expenses, partially offset by an $851 thousand increase in employee taxes and benefits driven by seasonally higher payroll related taxes. The decrease in compensation expense was primarily due to a decrease in mortgage related compensation and incentives.

Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2021 increased $6.3 million, or 17.2%, from $36.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to increased compensation expense, employee taxes and benefits and mortgage and lending expenses, primarily as a result of the significant year over year increase in mortgage originations. Additional compensation expense and employee taxes and benefits also increased as a result of the acquisition of RPS.

Financial Condition

Total assets were $3.2 billion as of March 31, 2021, an increase of $138.0 million, or 4.6%, from December 31, 2020. The overall increase in total assets included increases of $202.8 million in available-for-sale investment securities and $17.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by a $43.8 million decrease in loans held for sale and a $42.0 million decrease in loans held for investment.

Loans

Total loans were $1.94 billion as of March 31, 2021, a decrease of $42.0 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to a $13.8 million decrease in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio, as approximately $93.6 million of PPP loans were forgiven, and $83.4 million of new PPP loans were originated and funded. The consumer loan portfolio decreased $30.7 million from December 31, 2020, due to high levels of refinancing and our strategic exit from indirect lending.

The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

(dollars in thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial (1)

 

$

678,029

 

$

691,858

 

$

789,036

 

$

794,204

 

$

502,637

Real estate construction

 

 

40,473

 

 

44,451

 

 

33,169

 

 

31,344

 

 

25,487

Commercial real estate

 

 

569,451

 

 

563,007

 

 

535,216

 

 

519,104

 

 

522,106

Total commercial

 

 

1,287,953

 

 

1,299,316

 

 

1,357,421

 

 

1,344,652

 

 

1,050,230

Consumer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential real estate first mortgage

 

 

454,958

 

 

463,370

 

 

469,050

 

 

456,737

 

 

457,895

Residential real estate junior lien

 

 

130,299

 

 

143,416

 

 

152,487

 

 

154,351

 

 

170,538

Other revolving and installment

 

 

64,135

 

 

73,273

 

 

79,461

 

 

78,457

 

 

79,614

Total consumer

 

 

649,392

 

 

680,059

 

 

700,998

 

 

689,545

 

 

708,047

Total loans

 

$

1,937,345

 

$

1,979,375

 

$

2,058,419

 

$

2,034,197

 

$

1,758,277

(1) Includes PPP loans of $256.8 million at March 31, 2021, $268.4 million at December 31, 2020, $348.9 million at September 30, 2020 and $347.3 million at June 30, 2020.

Deposits

Total deposits were $2.72 billion as of March 31, 2021, an increase of $145.6 million, or 5.7%, from December 31, 2020. Interest-bearing deposits increased $124.9 million while noninterest-bearing deposits increased $20.7 million. Key drivers of the increase included inflows from government stimulus programs and higher depositor balances due to the uncertain economic environment and volatile financial markets. The increase in interest-bearing deposits included increases of $55.6 million in interest-bearing demand deposits, a $58.1 million increase in money market accounts, a $7.6 million increase in savings accounts and a $3.6 million increase in time deposits. Although overall deposits increased, there was a $26.6 million decrease in synergistic deposits, primarily in the retirement and benefit services money market accounts. Excluding synergistic deposits, commercial transaction deposits increased $135.2 million, or 12.2%, while consumer transaction deposits increased $24.3 million, or 3.8%, since December 31, 2020. Noninterest-bearing deposits as a percentage of total deposits was 28.5% as of March 31, 2021 compared to 29.3% as of December 31, 2020.

The following table presents the composition of our deposit portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

(dollars in thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

Noninterest-bearing demand

 

$

775,434

 

$

754,716

 

$

693,450

 

$

700,892

 

$

608,559

Interest-bearing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing demand

 

 

674,466

 

 

618,900

 

 

590,366

 

 

579,840

 

 

477,752

Savings accounts

 

 

87,492

 

 

79,902

 

 

78,659

 

 

75,973

 

 

60,181

Money market savings

 

 

967,273

 

 

909,137

 

 

892,473

 

 

892,717

 

 

773,652

Time deposits

 

 

212,908

 

 

209,338

 

 

207,422

 

 

203,731

 

 

201,370

Total interest-bearing

 

 

1,942,139

 

 

1,817,277

 

 

1,768,920

 

 

1,752,261

 

 

1,512,955

Total deposits

 

$

2,717,573

 

$

2,571,993

 

$

2,462,370

 

$

2,453,153

 

$

2,121,514

Asset Quality

Total nonperforming assets were $4.9 million as of March 31, 2021, a decrease of $248 thousand, or 4.8%, from December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the allowance for loan losses was $33.8 million, or 1.74% of total loans, compared to $34.2 million, or 1.73% of total loans, as of December 31, 2020. Excluding PPP loans, the ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans was 2.01% as of March 31, 2021, compared to 2.00% as of December 31, 2020.

The following table presents selected asset quality data as of and for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for the three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

(dollars in thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

 

2020

Nonaccrual loans

 

$

4,756

 

 

$

5,050

 

 

$

4,795

 

 

$

5,328

 

 

$

6,959

 

Accruing loans 90+ days past due

 

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

Total nonperforming loans

 

 

4,756

 

 

 

5,080

 

 

 

4,795

 

 

 

5,328

 

 

 

6,970

 

OREO and repossessed assets

 

 

139

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

209

 

Total nonperforming assets

 

$

4,895

 

 

$

5,143

 

 

$

4,805

 

 

$

5,354

 

 

$

7,179

 

Net charge-offs/(recoveries)

 

 

488

 

 

 

(1,509

)

 

 

(581

)

 

 

3,264

 

 

 

(595

)

Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans

 

 

0.10

%

 

 

(0.30

)%

 

 

(0.11

)%

 

 

0.66

%

 

 

(0.14

)%

Nonperforming loans to total loans

 

 

0.25

%

 

 

0.26

%

 

 

0.23

%

 

 

0.26

%

 

 

0.40

%

Nonperforming assets to total assets

 

 

0.16

%

 

 

0.17

%

 

 

0.17

%

 

 

0.19

%

 

 

0.29

%

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 

 

1.74

%

 

 

1.73

%

 

 

1.52

%

 

 

1.34

%

 

 

1.54

%

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

 

 

710

%

 

 

674

%

 

 

654

%

 

 

512

%

 

 

388

%

For the first quarter of 2021, we had net charge-offs of $488 thousand compared to net recoveries of $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 and $595 thousand for the first quarter of 2020. The net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2021 were primarily due to a $452 thousand charge-off related to one commercial real estate client. Management does not believe that this charge-off was a result of economic uncertainties in the current environment.

The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2021 was zero, a decrease of $1.4 million from the fourth quarter of 2020 and a decrease of $2.5 million from the first quarter of 2020. Management decided additional provisions were not necessary in the first quarter of 2021 as credit quality indicators remained strong and loan balances decreased.

The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans at March 31, 2021 was 0.25%, and if PPP loans were excluded, this ratio would have been 0.28%. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 0.16% at March 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans, nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets would have been 0.17% at March 31, 2021.

Beginning in 2020, in accordance with the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions as issued on April 7, 2020, through March 31, 2021, we had entered into principal and interest deferrals on 582 loans, representing $154.0 million in total outstanding principal balances. Of those loans, 16 loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $7.6 million have been granted additional deferrals, 6 loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $767 thousand remain on the first deferral and the remaining loans have been returned to normal payment status. These loan modifications are not considered troubled debt restructurings.

Capital

Total stockholders’ equity was $329.2 million as of March 31, 2021, a decrease of $929 thousand from December 31, 2020. The tangible book value per common share, a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased to $15.95 as of March 31, 2021, from $16.00 as of December 31, 2020. Tangible common equity to tangible assets, a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased to 8.86% as of March 31, 2021, from 9.27% as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to a $13.6 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, excluding PPP loans, was 9.66% as of March 31, 2021.

The following table presents our capital ratios as of the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

 

Capital Ratios(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alerus Financial Corporation Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

13.48

%

 

12.75

%

 

12.36

%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

13.88

%

 

13.15

%

 

12.78

%

Total capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

17.54

%

 

16.79

%

 

16.55

%

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

 

9.59

%

 

9.24

%

 

10.62

%

Tangible common equity / tangible assets (2)

 

 

8.86

%

 

9.27

%

 

10.09

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alerus Financial, N.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

12.80

%

 

12.10

%

 

11.80

%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

12.80

%

 

12.10

%

 

11.80

%

Total capital to risk weighted assets

 

 

14.06

%

 

13.36

%

 

13.05

%

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

 

8.85

%

 

8.50

%

 

9.80

%

(1) Capital ratios for the current quarter are to be considered preliminary until the Call Report for Alerus Financial, N.A. is filed.

(2) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, April 29, 2021, to discuss its financial results. The call can be accessed via telephone at (888) 317-6016. A recording of the call and transcript will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at investors.alerus.com following the call.

About Alerus Financial Corporation

Alerus Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Grand Forks, ND. Through its subsidiary, Alerus Financial, N.A., Alerus provides innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to business and consumer clients through four distinct business segments—banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. Alerus provides clients with a primary point of contact to help fully understand the unique needs and delivery channel preferences of each client. Clients are provided with competitive products, valuable insight and sound advice supported by digital solutions designed to meet the clients’ needs. Alerus Financial banking and wealth management offices are located in Grand Forks and Fargo, ND, the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN metropolitan area, and Scottsdale and Mesa, AZ. Alerus Retirement and Benefits plan administration offices are located in St. Paul, MN, East Lansing, MI, and Littleton, CO.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible common equity per share, return on average tangible common equity, net interest margin (tax-equivalent), and the efficiency ratio. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of its performance, and believes financial analysts and investors frequently use these measures, and other similar measures, to evaluate capital adequacy. Reconciliations of non-GAAP disclosures used in this press release to the comparable GAAP measures are provided in the accompanying tables. Management, banking regulators, many financial analysts and other investors use these measures in conjunction with more traditional bank capital ratios to compare the capital adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of goodwill or other intangible assets, which typically stem from the use of the purchase accounting method of accounting for mergers and acquisitions.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for total stockholders’ equity, total assets, book value per share, return on average assets, return on average equity, or any other measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning plans, estimates, calculations, forecasts and projections with respect to the anticipated future performance of Alerus Financial Corporation. These statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, “seek”, “estimate”, “intend���, “plan”, “projection”, “would”, “annualized”, “target” and “outlook”, or the negative version of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, financial condition, credit quality, management’s long-term performance goals and the future plans and prospects of Alerus Financial Corporation.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effects on the economic environment, our clients, and our operations, as well as any changes to federal, state, or local government laws, regulations, or orders in response to the pandemic; our ability to successfully manage credit risk and maintain an adequate level of allowance for loan losses; new or revised accounting standards, including as a result of the implementation of the new Current Expected Credit Loss Standard; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our market areas; the overall health of the local and national real estate market; concentrations within our loan portfolio; the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; our ability to implement our organic and acquisition growth strategies; the impact of economic or market conditions on our fee-based services; our ability to continue to grow our retirement and benefit services business; our ability to continue to originate a sufficient volume of residential mortgages; the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; interruptions involving our information technology and telecommunications systems or third-party servicers; potential losses incurred in connection with mortgage loan repurchases; the composition of our executive management team and our ability to attract and retain key personnel; rapid technological change in the financial services industry; increased competition in the financial services industry; our ability to successfully manage liquidity risk; the effectiveness of our risk management framework; the commencement and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us or to which we may become subject; potential impairment to the goodwill we recorded in connection with our past acquisitions; the extensive regulatory framework that applies to us; the impact of recent and future legislative and regulatory changes; interest rate risks associated with our business; fluctuations in the values of the securities held in our securities portfolio; governmental monetary, trade and fiscal policies; severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic, acts of war or terrorism or other adverse external events; any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; developments and uncertainty related to the future use and availability of some reference rates, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate, as well as other alternative rates; changes to U.S. tax laws, regulations and guidance; our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items; and any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of the reports filed by Alerus Financial Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

Assets

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Audited)

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

190,217

 

 

$

172,962

 

Investment securities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

 

795,097

 

 

 

592,342

 

Loans held for sale

 

 

78,665

 

 

 

122,440

 

Loans

 

 

1,937,345

 

 

 

1,979,375

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

(33,758

)

 

 

(34,246

)

Net loans

 

 

1,903,587

 

 

 

1,945,129

 

Land, premises and equipment, net

 

 

19,605

 

 

 

20,289

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

6,293

 

 

 

6,918

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

9,271

 

 

 

9,662

 

Bank-owned life insurance

 

 

32,556

 

 

 

32,363

 

Goodwill

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

30,201

 

Other intangible assets

 

 

24,768

 

 

 

25,919

 

Servicing rights

 

 

1,952

 

 

 

1,987

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

 

13,700

 

 

 

9,409

 

Other assets

 

 

45,844

 

 

 

44,150

 

Total assets

 

$

3,151,756

 

 

$

3,013,771

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

$

775,434

 

 

$

754,716

 

Interest-bearing

 

 

1,942,139

 

 

 

1,817,277

 

Total deposits

 

 

2,717,573

 

 

 

2,571,993

 

Long-term debt

 

 

59,020

 

 

 

58,735

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

7,140

 

 

 

7,861

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

38,789

 

 

 

45,019

 

Total liabilities

 

 

2,822,522

 

 

 

2,683,608

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $1 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized: 0 issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized: 17,190,481 and 17,125,270 issued and outstanding

 

 

17,190

 

 

 

17,125

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

90,520

 

 

 

90,237

 

Retained earnings

 

 

224,480

 

 

 

212,163

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(2,956

)

 

 

10,638

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

329,234

 

 

 

330,163

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

3,151,756

 

 

$

3,013,771

 

Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

Interest Income

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Loans, including fees

 

$

20,567

 

$

22,549

 

$

20,542

Investment securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

 

2,401

 

 

2,301

 

 

1,759

Exempt from federal income taxes

 

 

236

 

 

237

 

 

235

Other

 

 

117

 

 

114

 

 

570

Total interest income

 

 

23,321

 

 

25,201

 

 

23,106

Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

995

 

 

1,210

 

 

3,392

Long-term debt

 

 

288

 

 

838

 

 

877

Total interest expense

 

 

1,283

 

 

2,048

 

 

4,269

Net interest income

 

 

22,038

 

 

23,153

 

 

18,837

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

 

1,400

 

 

2,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

 

22,038

 

 

21,753

 

 

16,337

Noninterest Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement and benefit services

 

 

17,255

 

 

15,922

 

 

16,220

Wealth management

 

 

4,986

 

 

4,807

 

 

4,046

Mortgage banking

 

 

17,132

 

 

16,781

 

 

5,045

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

 

338

 

 

334

 

 

423

Net gains (losses) on investment securities

 

 

114

 

 

15

 

 

Other

 

 

1,056

 

 

837

 

 

1,455

Total noninterest income

 

 

40,881

 

 

38,696

 

 

27,189

Noninterest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

23,698

 

 

26,522

 

 

18,731

Employee taxes and benefits

 

 

5,813

 

 

4,962

 

 

5,308

Occupancy and equipment expense

 

 

2,231

 

 

2,443

 

 

2,492

Business services, software and technology expense

 

 

4,976

 

 

5,635

 

 

4,543

Intangible amortization expense

 

 

1,151

 

 

990

 

 

990

Professional fees and assessments

 

 

1,472

 

 

1,531

 

 

1,056

Marketing and business development

 

 

676

 

 

1,045

 

 

610

Supplies and postage

 

 

531

 

 

544

 

 

707

Travel

 

 

26

 

 

21

 

 

261

Mortgage and lending expenses

 

 

1,332

 

 

1,790

 

 

1,141

Other

 

 

1,136

 

 

1,642

 

 

887

Total noninterest expense

 

 

43,042

 

 

47,125

 

 

36,726

Income before income taxes

 

 

19,877

 

 

13,324

 

 

6,800

Income tax expense

 

 

4,662

 

 

3,144

 

 

1,437

Net income

 

$

15,215

 

$

10,180

 

$

5,363

Per Common Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.87

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.31

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.86

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.30

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.15

Average common shares outstanding

 

 

17,145

 

 

17,122

 

 

17,070

Diluted average common shares outstanding

 

 

17,465

 

 

17,450

 

 

17,405

Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

$

329,234

 

 

$

330,163

 

 

$

293,608

 

Less: Goodwill

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

27,329

 

Less: Other intangible assets

 

 

24,768

 

 

 

25,919

 

 

 

17,401

 

Tangible common equity (a)

 

 

274,265

 

 

 

274,043

 

 

 

248,878

 

Total assets

 

 

3,151,756

 

 

 

3,013,771

 

 

 

2,512,078

 

Less: Goodwill

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

27,329

 

Less: Other intangible assets

 

 

24,768

 

 

 

25,919

 

 

 

17,401

 

Tangible assets (b)

 

 

3,096,787

 

 

 

2,957,651

 

 

 

2,467,348

 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (a)/(b)

 

 

8.86

%

 

 

9.27

%

 

 

10.09

%

Tangible Book Value Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

$

329,234

 

 

$

330,163

 

 

$

293,608

 

Less: Goodwill

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

27,329

 

Less: Other intangible assets

 

 

24,768

 

 

 

25,919

 

 

 

17,401

 

Tangible common equity (c)

 

 

274,265

 

 

 

274,043

 

 

 

248,878

 

Total common shares issued and outstanding (d)

 

 

17,190

 

 

 

17,125

 

 

 

17,106

 

Tangible book value per common share (c)/(d)

 

$

15.95

 

 

$

16.00

 

 

$

14.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

15,215

 

 

$

10,180

 

 

$

5,363

 

Add: Intangible amortization expense (net of tax)

 

 

909

 

 

 

782

 

 

 

782

 

Net income, excluding intangible amortization (e)

 

 

16,124

 

 

 

10,962

 

 

 

6,145

 

Average total equity

 

 

334,188

 

 

 

329,210

 

 

 

294,727

 

Less: Average goodwill

 

 

30,201

 

 

 

27,766

 

 

 

27,329

 

Less: Average other intangible assets (net of tax)

 

 

19,995

 

 

 

13,206

 

 

 

14,128

 

Average tangible common equity (f)

 

 

283,992

 

 

 

288,238

 

 

 

253,270

 

Return on average tangible common equity (e)/(f)

 

 

23.03

%

 

 

15.13

%

 

 

9.76

%

Net Interest Margin (tax-equivalent)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

$

22,038

 

 

$

23,153

 

 

$

18,837

 

Tax-equivalent adjustment

 

 

143

 

 

 

131

 

 

 

100

 

Tax-equivalent net interest income (g)

 

 

22,181

 

 

 

23,284

 

 

 

18,937

 

Average earning assets (h)

 

 

2,880,255

 

 

 

2,869,767

 

 

 

2,271,004

 

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) (g)/(h)

 

 

3.12

%

 

 

3.23

%

 

 

3.35

%

Efficiency Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest expense

 

$

43,042

 

 

$

47,125

 

 

$

36,726

 

Less: Intangible amortization expense

 

 

1,151

 

 

 

990

 

 

 

990

 

Adjusted noninterest expense (i)

 

 

41,891

 

 

 

46,135

 

 

 

35,736

 

Net interest income

 

 

22,038

 

 

 

23,153

 

 

 

18,837

 

Noninterest income

 

 

40,881

 

 

 

38,696

 

 

 

27,189

 

Tax-equivalent adjustment

 

 

143

 

 

 

131

 

 

 

100

 

Total tax-equivalent revenue (j)

 

 

63,062

 

 

 

61,980

 

 

 

46,126

 

Efficiency ratio (i)/(j)

 

 

66.43

%

 

 

74.44

%

 

 

77.47

%

Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

Analysis of Average Balances, Yields, and Rates (unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Yield/

 

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

Balance

 

Rate

Interest Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

 

$

184,376

 

0.12

%

 

$

164,052

 

0.12

%

 

$

163,351

 

1.24

%

Investment securities (1)

 

 

662,413

 

1.65

%

 

 

549,198

 

1.88

%

 

 

337,160

 

2.45

%

Loans held for sale

 

 

82,249

 

2.13

%

 

 

122,820

 

2.18

%

 

 

33,138

 

3.08

%

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

674,935

 

4.72

%

 

 

745,415

 

4.91

%

 

 

479,291

 

5.26

%

Real estate construction

 

 

45,264

 

4.22

%

 

 

40,009

 

4.31

%

 

 

26,723

 

5.03

%

Commercial real estate

 

 

560,986

 

3.79

%

 

 

545,432

 

3.82

%

 

 

508,164

 

4.61

%

Total commercial

 

 

1,281,185

 

4.30

%

 

 

1,330,856

 

4.45

%

 

 

1,014,178

 

4.93

%

Consumer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential real estate first mortgage

 

 

457,882

 

3.76

%

 

 

471,125

 

3.73

%

 

 

460,726

 

4.10

%

Residential real estate junior lien

 

 

137,745

 

4.86

%

 

 

149,456

 

4.72

%

 

 

173,436

 

5.17

%

Other revolving and installment

 

 

68,625

 

4.38

%

 

 

76,466

 

4.53

%

 

 

83,253

 

4.69

%

Total consumer

 

 

664,252

 

4.05

%

 

 

697,047

 

4.03

%

 

 

717,415

 

4.43

%

Total loans (1)

 

 

1,945,437

 

4.21

%

 

 

2,027,903

 

4.30

%

 

 

1,731,593

 

4.72

%

Federal Reserve/FHLB stock

 

 

5,780

 

4.49

%

 

 

5,794

 

4.46

%

 

 

5,762

 

4.75

%

Total interest earning assets

 

 

2,880,255

 

3.30

%

 

 

2,869,767

 

3.51

%

 

 

2,271,004

 

4.11

%

Noninterest earning assets

 

 

167,006

 

 

 

 

158,417

 

 

 

 

148,661

 

 

Total assets

 

$

3,047,261

 

 

 

$

3,028,184

 

 

 

$

2,419,665

 

 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing demand deposits

 

$

642,832

 

0.16

%

 

$

622,854

 

0.19

%

 

$

459,028

 

0.46

%

Money market and savings deposits

 

 

1,030,348

 

0.16

%

 

 

1,012,497

 

0.20

%

 

 

803,838

 

1.04

%

Time deposits

 

 

210,719

 

0.66

%

 

 

208,378

 

0.79

%

 

 

199,088

 

1.59

%

Long-term debt

 

 

25,677

 

4.55

%

 

 

58,726

 

5.68

%

 

 

58,755

 

6.00

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

1,909,576

 

0.27

%

 

 

1,902,455

 

0.43

%

 

 

1,520,709

 

1.13

%

Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing deposits

 

 

731,680

 

 

 

 

738,319

 

 

 

 

564,307

 

 

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

 

 

71,817

 

 

 

 

58,200

 

 

 

 

39,922

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

334,188

 

 

 

 

329,210

 

 

 

 

294,727

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

3,047,261

 

 

 

$

3,028,184

 

 

 

$

2,419,665

 

 

Net interest rate spread

 

 

 

 

3.03

%

 

 

 

 

3.08

%

 

 

 

 

2.98

%

Net interest margin, tax-equivalent (2)

 

 

 

 

3.12

%

 

 

 

 

3.23

%

 

 

 

 

3.35

%

(1) Taxable-equivalent adjustment was calculated utilizing a marginal income tax rate of 21.0%.

(2) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Contacts

Katie A. Lorenson, Chief Financial Officer

952.417.3725 (Office)

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