Norwood Financial Corp. Announces First Quarter Earnings


HONESDALE, Pa., April 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:NWFL) and its subsidiary, Wayne Bank, announced earnings of $3,129,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 which represents a $753,000, or 31.7%, increase from the $2,376,000 recorded during the same three-month period of last year.  The increase was principally due to a higher level of net interest income and reduced operating expenses.  Earnings per share on a fully diluted basis were $0.50 in the first quarter of this year compared to $0.38 in the first quarter of 2017, after adjusting for the 50% stock dividend declared in August, 2017.  The annualized return on average assets was 1.13% in the first quarter of 2018 and the annualized return on average equity was 11.00%, compared to 0.87% and 8.54%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2017.

Total assets were $1.127 billion as of March 31, 2018, an increase of $15.4 million compared to the prior year total.  Total loans increased $56.2 million compared to March 31, 2017, total deposits increased $8.7 million over the past twelve months, and stockholders’ equity increased $886,000 during the past year. 

Non-performing assets totaled $3.1 million or 0.28% of total assets at March 31, 2018 comprised of $1.7 million of non-performing loans and $1.4 million of foreclosed real estate owned, compared to $4.1 million of non-performing assets or 0.37% of total assets at December 31, 2017.  As of March 31, 2017, non-performing assets totaled $6.7 million, or 0.60% of total assets.  Net charge-offs for the three-month period ending March 31, 2018 were $84,000 compared to $162,000 of net charge-offs in the first quarter of last year.  Based on management’s analysis, the Company determined that it would be appropriate to provide additional reserves and added $550,000 to the allowance for loan losses in the current period compared to $600,000 during the same period of last year.  The allowance for loan losses was 1.04% of total loans outstanding on March 31, 2018 compared to 1.00% on December 31, 2017 and 0.96% on March 31, 2017.  As of March 31, 2018, the reserve for loan losses was 482% of non-performing loans, compared to 308% on December 31, 2017 and 345% on March 31, 2017.

Net interest income (fully taxable equivalent, or fte) was $9,083,000 during the first quarter of 2018 which is $40,000 higher than the comparable three-month period of last year, despite a lower tax-equivalent adjustment.  A $48.2 million increase in average loans outstanding contributed to the increased interest income.  Interest income fte was negatively impacted by the reduction in the corporate tax rate and a lower level of tax-exempt securities, as reflected in the $270,000 decrease in the tax-equivalent adjustment.  The fte yield on interest-earning assets improved 5 basis points compared to the prior year while the cost of funds increased 14 basis points.  As a result, the net interest margin (fte) decreased to 3.46% from 3.51% in the quarter ended March 31, 2017.  

Other income totaled $1,694,000 in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $1,643,000 during the same period of last year, notwithstanding a non-recurring gain of $209,000 in the 2017 period relating to the sale of the Bank’s former West Scranton Office.  The increase is attributable to a $136,000 increase in net gains on sales of securities as well as a higher level of service charges and fees and increased earnings on life insurance policies.

Operating expenses totaled $6,248,000 in the first quarter and were $366,000 lower than the $6,614,000 recorded in the same period of last year due primarily to a $591,000 decrease in foreclosed real estate costs.  All other operating expenses increased $225,000, or 3.7%, net.

Mr. Critelli stated, “Our first quarter results provide a good start for 2018 and are in-line with our budget.  Our annualized loan growth was over 6%, our core operating expenses remain well controlled, the reduced corporate tax rate had a positive impact on earnings and our capital base remains above regulatory “Well Capitalized” targets.  We continue to search out opportunities available to us, and we look forward to serving our growing base of stockholders and customers.”

Norwood Financial Corp. is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and twelve offices in the Southern Tier of New York.  The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.

Forward-Looking Statements.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 contains safe harbor provisions regarding forward-looking statements.  When used in this discussion, the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “contemplates”, “expects”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.  Those risks and uncertainties include changes in federal and state laws, changes in interest rates, risks associated with the acquisition of Delaware Bancshares, Inc., the ability to control costs and expenses, demand for real estate, government fiscal policies, cybersecurity and general economic conditions.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to those forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release references tax-equivalent net interest income, which is a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measure.  Tax-equivalent net interest income is derived from GAAP using an assumed tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 34% for 2017.  We believe the presentation of net interest income on a tax–equivalent basis ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with industry practice.  The following reconciles net interest income to net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis:

  
(dollars in thousands)Three months ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Net interest income$8,807 $8,497
Tax equivalent basis adjustment276 546
Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis$9,083 $9,043
     

Contact:

William S. Lance
Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
Norwood Financial Corp
570-253-8505
www.waynebank.com 

            
NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.       
Consolidated Balance Sheets        
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)       
(unaudited)           
 March 31       
 2018  2017        
ASSETS           
Cash and due from banks$10,103 $12,057        
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 2,039  7,785        
Cash and cash equivalents 12,142  19,842        
           
Securities available for sale 265,862  295,801        
Loans receivable 775,681  719,443        
Less: Allowance for loan losses 8,099  6,901        
Net loans receivable 767,582  712,542        
Regulatory stock, at cost 2,545  1,939        
Bank premises and equipment, net 13,808  13,073        
Bank owned life insurance 37,270  36,352        
Foreclosed real estate owned 1,436  4,703        
Accrued interest receivable 3,687  3,532        
Goodwill 11,331  11,331        
Other intangible assets 427  571        
Deferred tax asset 5,622  8,923        
Other assets 5,325  3,006        
TOTAL ASSETS$1,127,037 $1,111,615        
           
LIABILITIES           
Deposits:           
Non-interest bearing demand$204,027 $192,735        
Interest-bearing 736,122  738,678        
Total deposits 940,149  931,413        
Short-term borrowings 29,905  28,383        
Other borrowings 33,093  28,877        
Accrued interest payable 1,456  909        
Other liabilities 8,596  9,081        
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,013,199  998,663        
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY           
Common Stock, $.10 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares           
issued:  2018: 6,257,563 shares, 2017:  4,164,723 shares 626  416        
Surplus 47,548  47,678        
Retained earnings 72,179  68,268        
Treasury stock, at cost: 2018: 5,729 shares, 2017: 2,566 shares (188) (93)       
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,327) (3,317)       
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 113,838  112,952        
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY$1,127,037 $1,111,615        
           
            
            
           
NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.           
Consolidated Statements of Income          
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)           
(unaudited)         
 Three Months Ended March 31,    
 2018  2017        
INTEREST INCOME        
Loans receivable, including fees$8,487 $7,806        
Securities 1,524  1,618        
Other 18  10        
Total Interest income 10,029  9,434        
            
INTEREST EXPENSE           
Deposits 1,029  766        
Short-term borrowings 52  28        
Other borrowings 141  143        
Total Interest expense 1,222  937        
NET INTEREST INCOME 8,807  8,497        
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 550  600        
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 8,257  7,897        
            
OTHER INCOME           
Service charges and fees 980  936        
Income from fiduciary activities 137  106        
Net realized gains on sales of securities 142  6        
Gains on sale of deposits -  209        
Earnings and proceeds on life insurance policies 273  255        
Other 162  131        
Total other income 1,694  1,643        
            
OTHER EXPENSES           
Salaries and employee benefits 3,462  3,219        
Occupancy, furniture and equipment 892  911        
Data processing and related operations 319  344        
Taxes, other than income 175  233        
Professional fees 230  249        
FDIC Insurance assessment 92  95        
Foreclosed real estate (19) 572        
Amortization of intangibles 34  41        
Other 1,063  950        
Total other expenses 6,248  6,614        
            
INCOME BEFORE TAX 3,703  2,926        
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 574  550        
NET INCOME$3,129 $2,376        
            
Basic earnings per share *$0.50 $0.38        
            
Diluted earnings per share *$0.50 $0.38        
         
 * Per share data has been restated to give retroactive effect to the 50% stock dividend declared August 8, 2017.     
            
NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.         
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)           
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)           
            
For the Three Months Ended March 31 2018  2017        
           
Net interest income$8,807  $8,497        
Net income 3,129   2,376        
           
Net interest spread (fully taxable equivalent) 3.31% 3.40%       
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) 3.46% 3.51%       
Return on average assets 1.13% 0.87%       
Return on average equity 11.00% 8.54%       
Return on tangible equity 12.25% 9.57%       
Basic earnings per share *$0.50  $0.38        
Diluted earnings per share *$0.50  $0.38        
            
            
As of March 31         
         
Total assets$1,127,037  $1,111,615        
Total loans receivable 775,681   719,443        
Allowance for loan losses 8,099   6,901        
Total deposits 940,149   931,413        
Stockholders' equity 113,838   112,952        
Trust assets under management 153,190   143,055        
         
Book value per share *$18.45  $18.06        
Tangible book value per share *$16.56  $16.12        
Equity to total assets 10.10% 10.16%       
Allowance to total loans receivable 1.04% 0.96%       
Non-performing loans to total loans 0.22% 0.28%       
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.28% 0.60%       
           
 * Per share data has been restated to give retroactive effect to the 50% stock dividend declared August 8, 2017.     
           
NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP.           
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)       
(dollars in thousands) 
 March 31 December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 
 2018  2017  2017  2017  2017  
ASSETS 
Cash and due from banks$10,103 $16,212 $13,947 $16,055 $12,057  
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 2,039  485  368  348  7,785  
Cash and cash equivalents 12,142  16,697  14,315  16,403  19,842  
           
Securities available for sale 265,862  281,121  285,706  300,667  295,801  
Loans receivable 775,681  764,092  756,014  735,026  719,443  
Less: Allowance for loan losses 8,099  7,634  7,760  7,419  6,901  
Net loans receivable 767,582  756,458  748,254  727,607  712,542  
Regulatory stock, at cost 2,545  3,505  3,115  2,435  1,939  
Bank owned life insurance 37,270  37,060  36,839  36,575  36,352  
Bank premises and equipment, net 13,808  13,864  12,922  12,953  13,073  
Foreclosed real estate owned 1,436  1,661  4,243  4,523  4,703  
Goodwill and other intangibles 11,758  11,793  11,827  11,862  11,902  
Other assets 14,634  10,757  14,732  14,288  15,461  
TOTAL ASSETS$1,127,037 $1,132,916 $1,131,953 $1,127,313 $1,111,615  
           
LIABILITIES           
Deposits:           
Non-interest bearing demand$204,027 $205,138 $212,844 $200,364 $192,735  
Interest-bearing deposits 736,122  724,246  711,178  732,107  738,678  
Total deposits 940,149  929,384  924,022  932,471  931,413  
Other borrowings 62,998  78,475  79,000  67,522  57,260  
Other liabilities 10,052  9,318  11,239  11,153  9,990  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,013,199  1,017,177  1,014,261  1,011,146  998,663  
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 113,838  115,739  117,692  116,167  112,952  
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY$1,127,037 $1,132,916 $1,131,953 $1,127,313 $1,111,615  
 
           
           
NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
  March 31 December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 
Three months ended 2018  2017  2017  2017  2017  
INTEREST INCOME           
Loans receivable, including fees$8,487 $8,503 $8,289 $7,925 $7,806  
Securities 1,524  1,560  1,605  1,633  1,618  
Other 18  12  2  24  10  
Total interest income 10,029  10,075  9,896  9,582  9,434  
           
INTEREST EXPENSE           
Deposits 1,029  985  828  797  766  
Borrowings 193  206  198  129  171  
Total interest expense 1,222  1,191  1,026  926  937  
NET INTEREST INCOME 8,807  8,884  8,870  8,656  8,497  
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 550  400  600  600  600  
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION           
FOR LOAN LOSSES 8,257  8,484  8,270  8,056  7,897  
           
OTHER INCOME           
Service charges and fees 980  1,023  1,105  1,016  936  
Income from fiduciary activities 137  116  160  128  106  
Net realized gains on sales of securities 142  181  129  31  6  
Gains on sales of loans, net -  -  -  67  -  
Earnings and proceeds on life insurance policies 273  283  320  275  255  
Other 162  151  144  139  340  
Total other income 1,694  1,754  1,858  1,656  1,643  
           
OTHER EXPENSES           
Salaries and employee benefits 3,462  3,211  3,209  3,212  3,219  
Occupancy, furniture and equipment, net 892  841  799  809  911  
Foreclosed real estate (19) 136  303  152  572  
FDIC insurance assessment 92  94  97  91  95  
Other 1,821  1,604  1,831  1,866  1,817  
Total other expenses 6,248  5,886  6,239  6,130  6,614  
           
INCOME BEFORE TAX 3,703  4,352  3,889  3,582  2,926  
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 574  4,195  948  858  550  
NET INCOME$3,129 $157 $2,941 $2,724 $2,376  
           
Basic earnings per share$0.50 $0.03 $0.47 $0.44 $0.38  
            
Diluted earnings per share$0.50 $0.03 $0.47 $0.43 $0.38  
 
Book Value per share$18.45 $18.61 $18.46 $18.29 $18.06  
Tangible Book Value per share 16.56  16.71  16.54  16.37  16.12  
           
Return on average assets (annualized) 1.13% 0.05% 1.03% 0.97% 0.87% 
Return on average equity (annualized) 11.00% 0.52% 9.85% 9.45% 8.54% 
           
Net interest spread (fte) 3.31% 3.44% 3.48% 3.44% 3.40% 
Net interest margin (fte) 3.46% 3.56% 3.60% 3.54% 3.51% 
           
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 1.04% 1.00% 1.03% 1.01% 0.96% 
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) 0.04% 0.28% 0.14% 0.05% 0.09% 
Non-performing loans to total loans 0.22% 0.32% 0.27% 0.35% 0.28% 
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.28% 0.37% 0.55% 0.63% 0.60% 
           
 * Per share data has been restated to give retroactive effect to the 50% stock dividend declared August 8, 2017.