Exhibit 99.1
![Graphic](https://capedge.com/proxy/8-K/0001558370-23-016630/smbk-20231023xex99d1003.jpg)
3Q 2023
SmartFinancial Announces Results for the Third Quarter 2023
KNOXVILLE, TN – October 23, 2023 - SmartFinancial, Inc. ("SmartFinancial" or the "Company"; NASDAQ: SMBK), today announced net income of $2.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2023, compared to net income of $11.5 million, or $0.68 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2022, and compared to prior quarter net income of $8.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share. Operating earnings1, which excludes securities gains (losses) and merger related and restructuring expenses, net of tax adjustments, totaled $7.2 million, or $0.43 per diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $11.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2022, and compared to $8.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of 2023.
Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2023
| ● | Operating earnings1 of $7.2 million, or $0.43 per diluted common share |
| ● | Repositioned $159.6 million of available-for-sale securities, moving into higher yielding assets |
| ● | Net organic loan and lease growth of $42 million - 5% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase |
| ● | Credit quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.12% |
| ● | Deposit growth of $46.9 million – 4.5% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase |
Billy Carroll, President & CEO, stated: “Our Company and employees continue to operate at a high level, providing excellent client service while tactfully navigating a difficult operating landscape. During September, we strategically took advantage of a balance sheet optimization opportunity, reallocating $160 million from low-yielding investments into higher yielding assets. We felt it prudent to capitalize on the current rate environment and better position our balance sheet as we look toward 2024. Our team continues to grow new loan and deposit relationships despite the higher rate headwinds, a testament to their professionalism and reputations within their respective markets. As our Bank absorbs and moves through the impacts of the recent Fed rate increases, we look forward to continued revenue expansion and remain bullish on our Company outlook.”
SmartFinancial's Chairman, Miller Welborn, concluded: "The entire SmartBank team worked diligently over the past quarter and, quite frankly, over the entire year to exceed client expectations and drive consistent growth. However, this quarter I was especially pleased that SmartBank was once again honored with the “Top Workplace” designation as voted on by employees for the seventh year in a row! I’m so proud of where we are as a company and extremely optimistic about the future.”
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income was $31.0 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $31.6 million for the prior quarter. Average earning assets totaled $4.40 billion, an increase of $58.5 million from the prior quarter. The increase in average earnings assets was primarily driven by an increase in average loans and leases of $52.1 million and average interest-earning cash of $34.2 million, offset by a decrease in average securities of $27.8 million. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $73.5 million from the prior quarter, attributable to an increase in average deposits of $82.1 million, offset by a decrease in average borrowings of $8.6 million.
The tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.81% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 2.93% for the prior quarter. The tax equivalent net interest margin was negatively impacted by the continued rise in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities and increased pricing competition. The yield on loans and leases, excluding loan fees was 5.52% for the third quarter, compared to 5.39% for the prior quarter.
1 Non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and see the Non-GAAP reconciliation