“Year-to-date, we have invested $2.2 million to repurchase 49,416 shares of our common stock, while declaring $2.7 million of dividends through our quarterly dividend payments. In addition, Middlefield’s Board recently declared atwo-for-one stock split that will be effective on November 8, 2019 and will increase the number of shares outstanding to approximately 6.4 million shares. We are also investing in our platform and continue to attract, develop, and retain experienced bankers that are committed to supporting the success of our local communities. All of these efforts, combined with our profit focused strategic plan, demonstrate Middlefield’s focus on creating long-term, sustainable value for shareholders,” concluded Mr. Caldwell.
Income Statement
For the 2019 nine months, net interest income increased 3.6% to $31.1 million, compared to $30.0 million for the same period last year.Year-to-date, the net interest margin was 3.69%, compared to 3.77% for the same period last year. Net interest income for the 2019 third quarter was $10.6 million, compared to $10.3 million for the 2018 third quarter. The 3.2% increase in net interest income for the 2019 third quarter was largely a result of an increase in interest and fees on loans. The net interest margin for the 2019 third quarter was 3.72%, compared to 3.72% for the same period of 2018.
For the 2019 nine months, noninterest income increased 28.5% to $3.5 million, compared to $2.8 million for the same period last year. Noninterest income for the 2019 third quarter increased 16.6% to $1.1 million, compared to $0.9 million for the same period last year.
For the 2019 nine months, noninterest expense increased 5.4% to $22.7 million, compared to $21.5 million for the same period last year. Noninterest expense in the 2019 third quarter increased 8.2% to $7.7 million from $7.1 million for the 2018 third quarter.
“Competition for both loans and deposits within many of our markets remains high and we have seen aggressive pricing dynamics from some of our competitors,” said Donald L. Stacy, Chief Financial Officer. “While this is likely to impact near-term loan and deposit growth, we remain focused on managing risk and pricing on loans, while prudently controlling our funding costs on deposits. Our loans to deposits ratio was 96.6% at September 30, 2019, compared to 96.0% at September 30, 2018, while our equity to assets increased 19 basis points over the past three months to 10.61%. In addition, I am encouraged by our growth in tangible book value(1) which has increased 12.1% to a record $36.96 per share. Our strong asset quality, ample liquidity, and compelling capitalization continues to provide us with the flexibility to pursue our growth opportunities, while supporting our business through various economic cycles.”
Balance Sheet
Total assets at September 30, 2019, increased 6.2% to $1.28 billion from over $1.21 billion at September 30, 2018. Net loans at September 30, 2019, were $992.3 million, compared to $965.5 million at September 30, 2018, and $984.7 million at December 31, 2018. The 2.8% year-over-year improvement in net loans was primarily a result of a 1.9% increase in commercial mortgage loans, a 5.5% increase in residential mortgage loans, and a 17.7% increase in real estate construction loans, partially offset by a 7.8% decline in commercial and industrial loans and a 13.8% decline in consumer installment loans.
Total deposits at September 30, 2019, were $1.03 billion, compared to $1.01 billion at September 30, 2018. The 2.0% year-over-year increase in deposits was primarily a result of higher interest-bearing demand and time deposits, offset by decreases in money market and savings accounts. The investment portfolio, which is entirely classified as available for sale, was $105.0 million at September 30, 2019, compared with $99.7 million at September 30, 2018.
Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends
At the end of the 2019 third quarter, shareholders’ equity increased 9.4% to $135.9 million compared to $124.2 million at September 30, 2018. On a per share basis, shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2019, increased 10.3% to $42.32 from $38.38 for the same period last year. Tangible stockholders’ equity(1) increased 11.3% to $118.7 million for the 2019 third quarter, compared to $106.7 million at September 30, 2018. On aper-share basis, tangible stockholders’ equity(1) increased 12.1% to $36.96 at September 30, 2019, from $32.96 at September 30, 2018.