Exhibit 99.1
![Graphic](https://capedge.com/proxy/8-K/0001558370-24-000413/smbk-20240122xex99d1003.jpg)
4Q 2023
SmartFinancial Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter 2023
KNOXVILLE, TN – January 22, 2024 - SmartFinancial, Inc. ("SmartFinancial" or the "Company"; NYSE: SMBK), today announced net income of $6.2 million, or $0.37 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to net income of $13.0 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2022, and compared to prior quarter net income of $2.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted common share. Operating earnings1, which excludes non-recurring expenses related to a Community Reinvestment Act donation of a former branch location and accruals in respect of pending litigation, net of tax adjustments, totaled $6.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $12.9 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter of 2022, and compared to $7.2 million, or $0.43 per diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2023.
Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2023
| ● | Operating earnings1 of $6.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted common share |
| ● | Net organic loan and lease growth of $66 million - 8% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase |
| ● | Credit quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.20% |
| ● | Deposit growth of $21.3 million – 2.0% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase |
| ● | SmartFinancial celebrates successful debut on the New York Stock Exchange |
| ● | Chief Banking Officer position added in fourth quarter 2023 |
| ● | SmartBank President and CEO elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Board of Directors |
Billy Carroll, President & CEO, stated: “Our Company closed 2023 with positive momentum despite persistent operating environment challenges. The fourth quarter was highlighted by continued growth in our balance sheet with loans growing at 8% and deposits growing at 2%, annualized, respectively quarter over quarter. Our operating earnings were bolstered by stabilization of our net interest margin, as well as continued expense control. Despite the headwinds our industry faced during the year, our team responded incredibly well, positioning SmartBank to continue its upward trajectory.”
SmartFinancial's Chairman, Miller Welborn, concluded: “We are extremely proud of the entire SmartBank family for its efforts this year. Once again, this year showed that our team’s steadfast commitment to clients, even in the face of adversity, continues to be a winning formula. And while our growth in 2023 was good, I am especially pleased with the various operational enhancements we implemented throughout the year. Our associates work tirelessly to make SmartBank better and it’s through these initiatives that we improved our organization and ready us for 2024 and beyond. Thank you!”
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income was $31.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $31.0 million for the prior quarter. Average earning assets totaled $4.38 billion, a decrease of $17.3 million from the prior quarter. The decrease in average earnings assets was primarily driven by a decrease in average securities of $125.5 million, offset by an increase in average loans and leases of $47.8 million and average interest-earning cash of $60.4 million. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $19.7 million from the prior quarter, attributable to an increase in average deposits of $22.5 million, offset by a decrease in average borrowings of $2.8 million.
The tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.86% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 2.81% for the prior quarter. The tax equivalent net interest margin was positively impacted by the increased yield on interest-earning assets coupled with a slower rise in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, quarter over quarter. The yield on loans and leases, excluding loan fees, was 5.61% for the fourth quarter, compared to 5.52% for the prior quarter.
1 Non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and see the Non-GAAP reconciliation