The ratio of non-interest expense to average assets was 3.11% during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 2.28% during the linked quarter and 1.68% for the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of merger expenses and transaction costs, loss on extinguishment of debt, and curtailment loss on pension plans, the ratio of adjusted non-interest expense to average assets was 1.56% during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 1.53% during the linked quarter and 1.64% for the first quarter of 2020. (see “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” table at the end of this news release).
The efficiency ratio was 117.5% during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 73.4% during the linked quarter and 58.2% during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding the impact of merger expenses and transaction costs, loss on extinguishment of debt, curtailment loss on pension plans, amortization of core deposit intangible, loss on termination of derivatives, and gain on securities and other assets, the adjusted efficiency ratio was 48.0% during the first quarter of 2021, compared to 44.8% during the linked quarter and 56.7% during the first quarter of 2020. (see “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” table at the end of this news release).
Income Tax Expense
The reported effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 25.2%, compared to 31.5% for the fourth quarter of 2020, and 21.6% for the first quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate for the remainder of 2021 is expected to be approximately 27%.
Credit Quality
Non-performing loans at March 31, 2021 were $35.5 million, or 0.34% of total loans. Non-performing loans, excluding acquired PCD loans, would have been $25.9 million, or 0.25% of total loans excluding acquired PCD loans.
The Company’s adoption of the CECL Standard resulted in an after-tax cumulative-effect adjustment decrease of $1.7 million to retained earnings as of January 1, 2021.
A credit loss provision of $15.8 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2021, compared to $6.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, and $8.0 million during the first quarter of 2020. The $15.8 million credit loss provision for the first quarter of 2021 was primarily associated with the provision for credit losses recorded on acquired Non-PCD loans which totaled $20.3 million, and a provision for UFC totaling $3.1 million. The provision on the remainder of the portfolio was negative $7.6 million primarily as a result of improvement in forecasted macroeconomic conditions.
The allowance for credit losses and the reserve for UFC as a percentage of total loans was 0.98% at March 31, 2021 as compared to 0.74% at December 31, 2020. Excluding PPP loans, the ratio of allowance for credit losses and the reserve for UFC to total loans at March 31, 2021 would have been 1.13%.
Loans with Payment Deferrals
The Company continues to see positive trends in its portfolio of loans that had payment deferrals. As of March 31, 2021, Principal and Interest (“P&I”) deferrals decreased to 0.6% of the total loan portfolio.
Capital Management
The Company’s regulatory capital ratios continued to be in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements.
Mr. O’Connor commented, “Excluding the impact of PPP loans, our tangible equity to tangible assets ratio would have been 8.82% at March 31, 2021. As part of our merger transaction, we have fortified our allowance for credit losses and have done detailed third-party reviews of our loan portfolio as well as comprehensive stress testing analysis. We are pleased to announce that we expect to resume our share repurchase plan in the month of May.”
Dividends per common share were $0.24 during the first quarter of 2021.
Book value per common share was $25.43 and tangible common book value per share (common equity less goodwill divided by number of shares outstanding) (see “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” tables at the end of this news release) was $21.43 at March 31, 2021.
Including the impact of the unrecognized fees on PPP loans, net of tax, adjusted tangible common book value per share would have been $21.84. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” tables at the end of this news release for details.
Earnings Call Information
The Company will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) on April 30, 2021, during which Chief Executive Officer, Kevin M. O’Connor will discuss the Company’s first quarter performance, with a question and answer session to follow. Dial-in information for