Exhibit 99.1
1Q 2023
SmartFinancial Announces Results for the First Quarter 2023
Highlights for the First Quarter of 2023
| ● | Operating earnings1 of $11.5 million, or $0.68 per diluted common share |
| ● | Operating earnings1 increase of 34% compared to the same prior year quarter |
| ● | Deposit growth of $152.4 million – 15% annualized quarter-over-quarter |
| ● | Net organic loan and lease growth of $53.0 million - 7% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase2 |
| ● | Credit quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.11% |
KNOXVILLE, TN – April 24, 2023 - SmartFinancial, Inc. ("SmartFinancial" or the "Company"; NASDAQ: SMBK), today announced net income of $11.5 million, or $0.68 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2023, compared to net income of $8.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2022, and compared to prior quarter net income of $13.0 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share. Operating earnings1, which excludes securities gains and merger related and restructuring expenses, net of tax adjustments, totaled $11.5 million, or $0.68 per diluted common share, in the first quarter of 2023, compared to $8.6 million, or $0.51 per diluted common share, in the first quarter of 2022, and compared to $12.9 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Billy Carroll, President & CEO, stated: “I am extremely pleased with our start to 2023, especially considering the volatile banking environment we experienced during the quarter. The stability of our balance sheet and solid earnings performance through such an unpredictable period not only reaffirmed the strength of our company, but also the fortitude of our associates. The loyalty of our client base has been outstanding as demonstrated by our quarterly deposit growth. We look forward to showing that same loyalty back to our clients as we continue to support their future financial needs.”
SmartFinancial's Chairman, Miller Welborn, concluded: "We could not be prouder of the grit and determination our associates showed this quarter. The company’s solid performance would not have been possible without management’s steady stewardship and our associates’ calm handling of client relationships. Our continued balance sheet growth with no wholesale fundings or borrowings is a tremendous testament to our effective client focused business model and the professionals in this organization."
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income was $36.0 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $37.6 million for the prior quarter. Average earning assets totaled $4.43 billion, an increase of $156.8 million from the prior quarter. The increase in average earnings assets was primarily driven by an increase average loans and leases of $108.0 million and average interest-earning cash of $55.3 million. Partially offsetting the increase in average earning assets was a decrease in average securities of $6.4 million. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $260.5 million from the prior quarter, attributable to an increase in average deposits of $261.9 million, offset by a decrease in average borrowings of $1.5 million.
The tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.31% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.51% for the prior quarter. The tax equivalent net interest margin was negatively impacted by the continued rise in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from rising Federal Reserve rates and increased pricing competition. The yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter was positively impacted by $1.4 million in deferred fees from the payoff of an acquired loan.
1 Non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and see the Non-GAAP reconciliation
27% annualized organic loan growth based on Q1 ’23 net balance loan growth of $53 million divided by Q4 ’22 loans of $3.25 billion less a $24.6 million loan participation included in the Q4 ’22 loan balance that was subsequently removed on 1/1/23.