For the Third Quarter of 2021: Strong Revenue and Income Growth, Continued Solid

Asset Quality Metrics, Effective Management of Non-Interest Expense

HAMILTON, N.J., Oct. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Bank (Nasdaq Global Market: FRBA) today announced results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Net income for the third quarter of 2021 was $9.0 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to $5.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2020. Return on average assets, return on average equity and return on average tangible equityⁱ for the third quarter of 2021 were 1.46%, 13.86% and 14.90%, respectively, compared to 1.03%, 10.20% and 11.08%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2020. Net income for the first nine months of 2021 was $27.6 million, an increase of $14.3 million, or 108.2%, compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2020. Diluted earnings per share for the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2021 were $1.39, an increase of $0.73, or 109.5%, compared to $0.66 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2020.

Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2021 Performance Highlights:

Total net revenue (net interest income plus non-interest income) of $22.7 million for the quarter increased $3.1 million, or 15.9%, compared to $19.6 million for the prior year quarter and was up $919,000, or 4.2%, compared to the linked second quarter of 2021.
Total loans of $2.00 billion at September 30, 2021 decreased $49.6 million, or 2.4%, from the end of the linked second quarter of 2021, and were down $43.3 from December 31, 2020. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans decreased $62.2 million and $59.4 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. PPP loans outstanding at September 30, 2021 were $77.8 million.
Total deposits of $2.05 billion at September 30, 2021 increased $142.3 million, or 7.5%, from December 31, 2020 and $9.7 million, or 0.5%, from June 30, 2021. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased to 26.3% of total deposits at September 30, 2021 compared to 22.3% at December 31, 2020 while time deposits decreased from 27.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2020 to 20.6% at September 30, 2021.
Asset quality metrics remained solid during the quarter, with net recoveries of $121,000 during the third quarter of 2021, compared to net charge-offs of $633,000 during the third quarter of 2020. Nonperforming loans were $11.5 million at September 30, 2021, $12.7 million on September 30, 2020, and $9.6 million on June 30, 2021. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.57% at September 30, 2021, down six basis points from 0.63% at September 30, 2020, and up 10 basis points from 0.47% at June 30, 2021.
Continued effective non-interest expense management was reflected in the third quarter 2021 efficiency ratioⁱⁱ of 45.75%, improved from 49.31% for third quarter 2020, and 46.66% for the linked second quarter of 2021.

"We're pleased that the positive trends that were evident at mid-year carried through the third quarter, driving continued strong performance for First Bank," said Patrick L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our funding cost continued to trend lower, enabling us to maintain a stable net interest margin. Throughout 2021, we have continued to grow lower cost core deposits while reducing higher cost time deposits. Our credit metrics remained solid as evidenced by net recoveries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021."

Mr. Ryan continued, "we maintained our focus on successfully managing non-interest expense and, as a result, reported an efficiency ratio below 50% for the third consecutive quarter. Effective expense control is an important element of our strategy to drive stronger profitability on a continuous basis."

"We are encouraged by our robust lending pipeline and anticipate stronger loan growth in the fourth quarter of 2021. We also believe that the acquisition of two additional branches, which is expected to close in December 2021, will introduce us to new customers that will help to drive our future growth. Our ability to grow First Bank has been driven by our focus on business banking and commercial lending and our commitment to servicing this sector remains very strong. Our U.S. Small Business Administration loan activity continues to be very active, reflecting the steps we have taken to expand this line of business that we enhanced through our Grand Bank acquisition."

"In August, the Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) again affirmed our investment grade credit ratings. Their report cited the continued successful execution of our strategic plan, which is focused on building scale within our footprint through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth and enhancing the core deposit franchise, two strategies that have tremendously improved our earnings capacity. We believe KBRA's expectation that our bottom-line results will remain favorable in the near-term provides additional validation of our approach to building franchise value for our shareholders. We remain focused on opportunities to provide additional value to our shareholders and we believe the recently announced dividend increase and share repurchase program meet this objective."

"Our team continues to provide quality customer service and we proved throughout the pandemic that we would go the extra mile to help our customers through a very challenging time. That commitment is attracting new customers to First Bank and helping us expand relationships, which, in turn, has been the catalyst for increased revenue and earnings during 2021. Our very strong 2021 profitability is up substantially from prior years and provides a solid foundation on which we can build in the fourth quarter and into 2022."

Income Statement

First Bank's net interest income for the third quarter of 2021 was $20.8 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 17.9%, compared to $17.6 million in the third quarter of 2020. This increase was driven by a $2.1 million decrease in total interest expense, along with a $1.0 million increase in interest and dividend income. The reduction in interest expense was primarily a result of a 98-basis point reduction in the average rates paid on time deposits, along with a decrease of $130.4 million in the average balance of time deposits. As a result of a significantly lower interest rate environment, interest expense on all other interest bearing deposits also declined for the comparative period. Interest income increased primarily due to a $40.8 million increase in average loans compared with the third quarter of 2020, along with a 10-basis point increase in the average yield on the loan portfolio. Interest income from loans was enhanced by $1.8 million in PPP loan fee income during the third quarter of 2021 compared to $1.3 million in third quarter 2020, and $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. Also impacting loan interest income was prepayment penalty income of $166,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 compared to $184,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and $730,000 in the second quarter of 2021.

Nine-month 2021 net interest income totaled $61.2 million, an increase of $11.4 million, or 22.9%, compared to $49.8 million for the same period in 2020. The increase in the 2021 year-to-date net interest income was also primarily a result of lower interest paid on interest bearing deposits, primarily time deposits. The average rate for time deposits declined by 116 basis points, and the average balance declined by $144.7 million compared to the same period in 2020. Interest and dividend income for the nine-month period increased by $2.5 million, driven by solid growth in average loans, which increased by $157.9 million, or 8.4%, from the prior year period, partially offset by a 16-basis-point decrease in the average yield on loans.

The third quarter 2021 tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.54%, an increase of 31 basis points compared to the prior year quarter and a decrease of three basis points compared to the linked second quarter of 2021. The increase compared to third quarter 2020 was primarily the result of a 58-basis-point reduction in the average interest rate paid on interest bearing deposits. The decrease in the average cost of interest bearing deposits is reflective of the continued repricing of interest bearing deposits in the current lower interest rate environment. Additionally, our deposit mix has improved with non-interest bearing deposits 26.3% of total deposits at September 30, 2021 while higher cost time deposits represent only 20.6% of total deposits. The modest decline in the margin compared to the second quarter of 2021 was primarily a result of an eight-basis-point decrease in interest earning asset yields, partially offset by a seven-basis-point decrease in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities, primarily interest bearing deposits. The year-to-date 2021 tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.57%, an increase of 38 basis points compared to the prior year period. The increase in the nine-month net interest margin was principally a result of the lower cost of interest bearing deposits, partially offset by a 24-basis point decline in interest earning asset yields.

First Bank reported a provision for loan losses of $158,000 for the third quarter of 2021, compared to a provision for loan losses of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2020. The provision for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was reflective of a continued improvement in the economic outlook combined with continued stable asset quality metrics. For the year-to-date period, the Bank reported a credit to the provision for loan losses of $1.1 million, compared to provision expense of $7.9 million for the same period in 2020. The difference in the nine-month provision for loan losses for 2021 was primarily due to the same factors as discussed for the three-month period.

Third quarter 2021 non-interest income of $1.9 million was relatively flat compared to the third quarter 2020. The $45,000, or 2.3%, decrease between the periods was primarily the result of a $543,000 decrease in loan fees, comprised mostly of loan swap fees, and a $330,000 decrease in gains on recovery of acquired loans, partially offset by an increase of gains on sale of loans of $586,000 and other non-interest income of $180,000. Non-interest income totaled $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $5.0 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $503,000, or 10.0%. This increase in non-interest income for the first nine months of 2021 was primarily a result of an increase of $1.3 million in gains on the sale of loans and higher other non-interest income of $288,000. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 gain on sale of loans included increased income from our growing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business, as well as gains on the sale of problem loan assets totaling $364,000. Other non-interest income included a $159,000 gain on the sale of a former branch facility for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Non-interest expense for third quarter 2021 of $10.5 million increased $869,000, or 9.0%, compared to $9.7 million for the prior year quarter. The higher non-interest expense compared to third quarter 2020 was primarily a result of increased salaries and employee benefits expense reflecting higher employee benefit cost, merit-based salary increases and increased expense associated with performance related compensation, along with merger-related expenses of $145,000 related to our pending acquisition of two OceanFirst Bank branches, partially offset by reduced occupancy and equipment costs.

On a linked quarter basis, third quarter 2021 non-interest expense increased $367,000 compared to $10.2 million for the second quarter of 2021. The higher non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2021 was due principally to an increase in performance-based compensation and merger-related costs associated with our upcoming branch acquisition.

Non-interest expense for the first nine months of 2021 totaled $31.3 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 6.8%, compared to $29.3 million for the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily a result of increased salaries and employee benefits, data processing costs and marketing expense, partially offset by lower other expense.

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $3.0 million with an effective tax rate of 24.7%, compared to $2.0 million with an effective tax rate of 25.5% for the third quarter of 2020 and $2.9 million with an effective tax rate of 24.4% for the second quarter of 2021. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $8.9 million with an effective tax rate of 24.5%, compared to $4.4 million for the first nine months of 2020 with an effective tax rate of 24.8%. The increase in the income tax expense is primarily due to higher pre-tax income for the current periods.

Balance Sheet

Total assets at September 30, 2021 were $2.44 billion, an increase of $128.1 million, or 5.5%, compared to $2.31 billion at September 30, 2020, and an increase of $91.8 million, or 3.9%, from December 31, 2020. Total loans were flat at $2.00 billion at September 30, 2021 compared to September 30, 2020, and decreased $43.3 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2020. Total loans as of September 30, 2021 decreased $49.6 million, or 2.4%, from $2.05 billion at June 30, 2021, reflecting organic, net non-PPP loan growth of $12.5 million, offset by a net decline in PPP loans of $62.2 million.

Total deposits were $2.05 billion at September 30, 2021, an increase of $9.7 million, or 0.5%, compared to $2.04 billion at June 30, 2021, and an increase of $142.3 million, or 7.5%, from December 31, 2020. Non-interest bearing deposits totaled $536.9 million at September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.4 million, or 0.5%, from June 30, 2021, reflective of continued growth in commercial deposits primarily related to expanded business banking relationships.

Stockholders' equity was $260.2 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $238.1 million on December 31, 2020. The growth in stockholders' equity was primarily a result of year-to-date net income of $27.6 million, partially offset by treasury stock repurchases of $4.1 million and cash dividends paid of $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2021, the Bank continued to exceed all regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized, with a Tier 1 Leverage ratio of 9.89%, a Tier 1 Risk-Based capital ratio of 11.15%, a Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio of 11.15%, and a Total Risk-Based capital ratio of 13.59%.

Asset Quality

First Bank's asset quality metrics have remained stable and favorable during the past 12 months. Net recoveries were $121,000 for the third quarter of 2021, compared to net charge-offs of $633,000 for the third quarter of 2020 and net charge-offs of $116,000 for the second quarter of 2021. Net recoveries as an annualized percentage of average loans were 0.02% in third quarter 2021, compared to net charge-offs of 0.13% in third quarter 2020 and net charge-offs of 0.02% for the second quarter of 2021. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans at September 30, 2021 were 0.57%, compared with 0.63% at September 30, 2020 and 0.47% at June 30, 2021. Nonperforming loans were $11.5 million at September 30, 2021, down from $12.7 million on September 30, 2020, and up from $9.6 million on June 30, 2021. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 199.57% at September 30, 2021, compared with 179.66% at the end of third quarter 2020, and 236.95% at June 30, 2021.

COVID-19 Response

First Bank participated in the PPP, established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), during 2020 and 2021. The PPP is a specialized low-interest loan program funded by the U.S. Treasury Department and administered by the SBA. The PPP provides borrower guarantees for lenders, as well as loan forgiveness incentives for borrowers that utilize the loan proceeds to cover compensation and other business-related operating costs. The PPP ended on May 31, 2021 but the PPP loan forgiveness process is ongoing. As of September 30, 2021, First Bank had 540 PPP loans with outstanding balances of $77.8 million. During 2021, prior to the end of the PPP on May 31, 2021, First Bank originated 783 new PPP loans totaling $107.9 million. During the first nine months of 2021, PPP loans totaling $167.3 million were forgiven. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Bank realized $4.7 million in fee income on these loans as any deferred fees remaining on the forgiven loans were accelerated. As of September 30, 2021, the Bank had $2.8 million in remaining unamortized fees associated with outstanding balances of PPP loans.

First Bank continues to monitor and analyze its COVID-19 related financial hardship payment deferrals (COVID-19 deferrals) based on asset class and borrower type. As of September 30, 2021, the Bank's population of COVID-19 deferrals was $10.3 million, or 0.52% of total loans, down from $11.7 million, or 0.57% of total loans, at June 30, 2021.

Branch Acquisition

On August 4, 2021, First Bank announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire two New Jersey branch locations from OceanFirst Bank, including the owned premises and equipment, all deposits associated with the branches, which totaled approximately $124 million as of June 30, 2021, as well as selected performing loans totaling approximately $14 million as of June 30, 2021. First Bank has received the required regulatory approval and the closing of the acquisition and customer conversion is expected to take place in early December 2021.

Share Repurchase Program

On October 26, 2021, the Bank received regulatory approval for the repurchase of up to 1.3 million shares of First Bank common stock in the open market for an aggregate repurchase amount of up to $18.2 million. This new share repurchase program was also approved by the Bank's Board of Directors and will expire on September 30, 2022. The Company purchased 218,000 shares during the third quarter 2021, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.8 million, or an average share price of $13.03, under its preexisting share repurchase program that was approved in third quarter 2020 and ended on September 30, 2021.

Cash Dividend Declared

On October 19, 2021, First Bank's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share to common stockholders of record at the close of business on November 5, 2021, payable on November 19, 2021. This reflects a 100% increase from the dividend declared during the linked and prior year quarters and represents an annualized yield of 1.57% based on upon the $15.25 closing price of the Bank's stock on October 19, 2021.

Conference Call

First Bank will host its earnings call on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 9:00 AM eastern time. The direct dial toll free number for the live call is 1-844-200-6205 and the access code is 592319. For those unable to participate in the call, a replay will be available by dialing 1-866-813-9403 (access code 658656) from one hour after the end of the conference call until November 28, 2021. Replay information will also be available on First Bank's website at www.firstbanknj.com under the "About Us" tab. Click on "Investor Relations" to access the replay of the conference call.

About First Bank

First Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with 16 full-service branches in Cinnaminson, Cranbury, Delanco, Denville, Ewing, Flemington, Hamilton, Lawrence, Pennington, Randolph, Somerset and Williamstown, New Jersey and Doylestown, Trevose, Warminster and West Chester, Pennsylvania. With $2.44 billion in assets as of September 30, 2021, First Bank offers a full range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses throughout the New York City to Philadelphia corridor. First Bank's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "FRBA."

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, either express or implied, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information regarding First Bank's future financial performance, business and growth strategy, projected plans and objectives, and related transactions, integration of acquired businesses, ability to recognize anticipated operational efficiencies, and other projections based on macroeconomic and industry trends, which are inherently unreliable due to the multiple factors that impact economic trends, and any such variations may be material. Such forward-looking statements are based on various facts and derived utilizing important assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about First Bank, any of which may change over time and some of which may be beyond First Bank's control. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may" and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. Further, certain factors that could affect our future results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: whether First Bank can: successfully implement its growth strategy, including identifying acquisition targets and consummating suitable acquisitions; continue to sustain its internal growth rate; provide competitive products and services that appeal to its customers and target markets; difficult market conditions and unfavorable economic trends in the United States generally, and particularly in the market areas in which First Bank operates and in which its loans are concentrated, including the effects of declines in housing market values; the impact of disease pandemics, including COVID-19, on First Bank, its operations and its customers and employees; an increase in unemployment levels and slowdowns in economic growth; First Bank's level of nonperforming assets and the costs associated with resolving any problem loans including litigation and other costs; changes in market interest rates may increase funding costs and reduce earning asset yields thus reducing margin; the impact of changes in interest rates and the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of First Bank's investment securities portfolio; the extensive federal and state regulation, supervision and examination governing almost every aspect of First Bank's operations including changes in regulations affecting financial institutions, and expenses associated with complying with such regulations; uncertainties in tax estimates and valuations, including due to changes in state and federal tax law; First Bank's ability to comply with applicable capital and liquidity requirements, including First Bank's ability to generate liquidity internally or raise capital on favorable terms, including continued access to the debt and equity capital markets; possible changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations and other activities of governments, agencies, and similar organizations. For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in First Bank's Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors set forth in First Bank's proxy statement, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if First Bank's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what First Bank anticipates. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and First Bank does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this communication are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that First Bank or persons acting on First Bank's behalf may issue.

CONTACT: Patrick L. Ryan, President and CEO

(609) 643-0168, patrick.ryan@firstbanknj.com

ⁱ Return on average tangible equity is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing net income by average tangible equity (average equity minus average goodwill and other intangible assets). For a reconciliation of this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, along with the other non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in this press release, to their comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see the financial reconciliations at the end of this press release.

ⁱⁱ The efficiency ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing non-interest expense less merger-related expenses by adjusted total revenue (net interest income plus non-interest income). For a reconciliation of this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, along with the other non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in this press release, to their comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see the financial reconciliations at the end of this press release.

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except for share data)


			September 30, 2021
			(unaudited)			December 31, 2020
Assets
Cash and due from banks			$	36,282		$	24,203
Interest bearing deposits with banks				158,351			71,270
		Cash and cash equivalents		194,633			95,473
Interest bearing time deposits with banks				3,472			4,371
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value				93,814			61,731
Investment securities held to maturity (fair value of $39,584
	at September 30, 2021 and $38,319 at December 31, 2020)			39,235			37,593
Restricted investment in bank stocks				6,093			8,545
Other investments				6,545			6,498
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs				2,004,289			2,047,572
	Less: Allowance for loan losses			22,927			23,974
		Net loans		1,981,362			2,023,598
Premises and equipment, net				9,012			10,736
Other real estate owned, net				479			575
Accrued interest receivable				5,625			6,806
Bank-owned life insurance				56,247			50,197
Goodwill				16,253			16,253
Other intangible assets, net				1,667			1,745
Deferred income taxes				11,574			11,394
Other assets				12,009			10,755
		Total assets	$	2,438,020		$	2,346,270

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits			$	536,905		$	424,119
Interest bearing deposits				1,509,061			1,479,498
		Total deposits		2,045,966			1,903,617
Borrowings				87,100			161,135
Subordinated debentures				29,592			29,508
Accrued interest payable				819			561
Other liabilities				14,364			13,341
		Total liabilities		2,177,841			2,108,162
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $2 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
	no shares issued and outstanding			-			-
Common stock, par value $5 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 20,843,530
	shares issued and 19,464,388 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021 and
	20,742,158 shares issued and 19,707,474 outstanding at December 31, 2020			103,627			103,135
Additional paid-in capital				79,312			78,887
Retained earnings				89,253			63,431
Accumulated other comprehensive income				306			839
Treasury stock, 1,379,142 shares at September 30, 2021 and 1,034,684 shares
	at December 31, 2020			(12,319	)		(8,184	)
		Total stockholders' equity		260,179			238,108
		Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,438,020		$	2,346,270

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except for share data, unaudited)


		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2021		2020			2021			2020
Interest and Dividend Income
Investment securities—taxable		$	571	$	567		$	1,596		$	1,729
Investment securities—tax-exempt			40		66			133			220
Interest bearing deposits with banks,
Federal funds sold and other			168		146			524			772
Loans, including fees			22,150		21,142			66,345			63,393
	Total interest and dividend income		22,929		21,921			68,598			66,114

Interest Expense
Deposits			1,266		3,265			4,579			13,216
Borrowings			442		586			1,449			1,695
Subordinated debentures			440		440			1,321			1,374
	Total interest expense		2,148		4,291			7,349			16,285
Net interest income			20,781		17,630			61,249			49,829
Provision for loan losses			158		1,997			(1,057	)		7,906
	Net interest income after provision for loan losses		20,623		15,633			62,306			41,923

Non-Interest Income
Service fees on deposit accounts			173		153			514			440
Loan fees			139		682			954			1,580
Income from bank-owned life insurance			378		336			1,050			1,272
Gains on sale of loans			651		65			1,500			218
Gains on recovery of acquired loans			170		500			681			974
Other non-interest income			390		210			844			556
	Total non-interest income		1,901		1,946			5,543			5,040

Non-Interest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits			6,477		5,516			18,175			16,208
Occupancy and equipment			1,260		1,633			4,497			4,597
Legal fees			139		218			639			673
Other professional fees			451		460			1,510			1,485
Regulatory fees			189		293			685			803
Directors' fees			220		219			655			649
Data processing			537		424			1,680			1,418
Marketing and advertising			150		113			525			338
Travel and entertainment			44		18			83			132
Insurance			191		187			483			505
Other real estate owned expense, net			16		(227	)		97			(16	)
Merger-related expenses			145		-			145			-
Other expense			703		799			2,153			2,543
	Total non-interest expense		10,522		9,653			31,327			29,335
Income Before Income Taxes			12,002		7,926			36,522			17,628
Income tax expense			2,966		2,023			8,932			4,375
Net Income		$	9,036	$	5,903		$	27,590		$	13,253

Basic earnings per common share		$	0.46	$	0.30		$	1.40		$	0.67
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.46	$	0.30		$	1.39		$	0.66
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.03	$	0.03		$	0.09		$	0.09

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding			19,629,134		19,542,231			19,659,227			19,835,359
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding			19,842,817		19,603,919			19,851,429			19,981,325

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS WITH INTEREST AND AVERAGE RATES
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,
		2021								2020
	Average						Average		Average						Average
	Balance			Interest			Rate (5)		Balance			Interest			Rate (5)
Interest earning assets
Investment securities (1) (2)	$	122,494		$	619		2.00	%	$	114,481		$	647		2.25	%
Loans (3)		2,030,351			22,150		4.33	%		1,989,565			21,142		4.23	%
Interest bearing deposits with banks,
Federal funds sold and other		163,386			62		0.15	%		55,188			42		0.30	%
Restricted investment in bank stocks		6,833			90		5.23	%		6,837			89		5.18	%
Other investments		6,542			16		0.97	%		6,479			15		0.92	%
Total interest earning assets (2)		2,329,606			22,937		3.91	%		2,172,550			21,935		4.02	%
Allowance for loan losses		(23,388	)							(22,184	)
Non-interest earning assets		150,399								138,937
Total assets	$	2,456,617							$	2,289,303

Interest bearing liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits	$	225,546		$	51		0.09	%	$	157,845		$	84		0.21	%
Money market deposits		657,058			424		0.26	%		545,569			730		0.53	%
Savings deposits		185,093			178		0.38	%		143,817			250		0.69	%
Time deposits		446,865			613		0.54	%		577,259			2,201		1.52	%
Total interest bearing deposits		1,514,562			1,266		0.33	%		1,424,490			3,265		0.91	%
Borrowings		103,055			442		1.70	%		148,588			586		1.57	%
Subordinated debentures		29,576			440		5.95	%		29,464			440		5.97	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		1,647,193			2,148		0.52	%		1,602,542			4,291		1.07	%
Non-interest bearing deposits		534,586								441,103
Other liabilities		16,242								15,536
Stockholders' equity		258,596								230,122
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,456,617							$	2,289,303
Net interest income/interest rate spread (2)					20,789		3.39	%					17,644		2.95	%
Net interest margin (2) (4)							3.54	%							3.23	%
Tax equivalent adjustment (2)					(8	)							(14	)
Net interest income				$	20,781							$	17,630

(1) Average balance of investment securities available for sale is based on amortized cost.
(2) Interest and average rates are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(3) Average balances of loans include loans on nonaccrual status.
(4) Net interest income divided by average total interest earning assets.
(5) Annualized.

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS WITH INTEREST AND AVERAGE RATES
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2021								2020
	Average						Average		Average						Average
	Balance			Interest			Rate (5)		Balance			Interest			Rate (5)
Interest earning assets
Investment securities (1) (2)	$	113,586		$	1,757		2.07	%	$	103,901		$	1,995		2.56	%
Loans (3)		2,037,460			66,345		4.35	%		1,879,604			63,393		4.51	%
Interest bearing deposits with banks,
Federal funds sold and other		130,189			202		0.21	%		88,816			385		0.58	%
Restricted investment in bank stocks		7,784			275		4.72	%		6,646			291		5.85	%
Other investments		6,526			47		0.96	%		6,452			96		1.99	%
Total interest earning assets (2)		2,295,545			68,626		4.00	%		2,085,419			66,160		4.24	%
Allowance for loan losses		(23,829	)							(19,910	)
Non-interest earning assets		139,743								131,472
Total assets	$	2,411,459							$	2,196,981

Interest bearing liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits	$	212,518		$	165		0.10	%	$	161,032		$	377		0.31	%
Money market deposits		617,249			1,368		0.30	%		507,031			3,358		0.88	%
Savings deposits		179,184			574		0.43	%		135,447			840		0.83	%
Time deposits		478,934			2,472		0.69	%		623,599			8,641		1.85	%
Total interest bearing deposits		1,487,885			4,579		0.41	%		1,427,109			13,216		1.24	%
Borrowings		126,220			1,449		1.53	%		118,486			1,695		1.91	%
Subordinated debentures		29,547			1,321		5.96	%		27,990			1,374		6.55	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		1,643,652			7,349		0.60	%		1,573,585			16,285		1.38	%
Non-interest bearing deposits		501,809								378,954
Other liabilities		15,798								16,269
Stockholders' equity		250,200								228,173
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,411,459							$	2,196,981
Net interest income/interest rate spread (2)					61,277		3.40	%					49,875		2.86	%
Net interest margin (2) (4)							3.57	%							3.19	%
Tax equivalent adjustment (2)					(28	)							(46	)
Net interest income				$	61,249							$	49,829

(1) Average balances of investment securities available for sale are based on amortized cost.
(2) Interest and average rates are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(3) Average balances of loans include loans on nonaccrual status.
(4) Net interest income divided by average total interest earning assets.
(5) Annualized.

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(in thousands, except for share and employee data, unaudited)

	As of or For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2021			6/30/2021			3/31/2021			12/31/2020			9/30/2020
EARNINGS
Net interest income	$	20,781		$	20,421		$	20,047		$	19,724		$	17,630
Provision for loan losses		158			(162	)		(1,053	)		1,633			1,997
Non-interest income		1,901			1,342			2,300			1,312			1,946
Non-interest expense		10,522			10,155			10,650			11,052			9,653
Income tax expense		2,966			2,877			3,089			2,156			2,023
Net income		9,036			8,893			9,661			6,195			5,903

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets (1)		1.46	%		1.48	%		1.66	%		1.06	%		1.03	%
Return on average equity (1)		13.86	%		14.26	%		16.21	%		10.44	%		10.20	%
Return on average tangible equity (1) (2)		14.90	%		15.37	%		17.52	%		11.30	%		11.08	%
Net interest margin (1) (3)		3.54	%		3.57	%		3.60	%		3.56	%		3.23	%
Total cost of deposits (1)		0.25	%		0.30	%		0.39	%		0.50	%		0.70	%
Efficiency ratio (2)		45.75	%		46.66	%		47.66	%		52.54	%		49.31	%

SHARE DATA
Common shares outstanding		19,464,388			19,678,528			19,663,065			19,707,474			19,694,892
Basic earnings per share	$	0.46		$	0.45		$	0.49		$	0.31		$	0.30
Diluted earnings per share		0.46			0.45			0.49			0.31			0.30
Tangible book value per share (2)		12.45			12.02			11.59			11.17			10.88
Book value per share		13.37			12.94			12.51			12.08			11.79

MARKET DATA
Market value per share	$	14.09		$	13.54		$	12.17		$	9.38		$	6.20
Market value / Tangible book value		113.21	%		112.61	%		104.97	%		83.98	%		57.01	%
Market capitalization	$	274,253		$	266,447		$	239,300		$	184,856		$	122,108

CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
Tangible stockholders' equity / tangible assets (2)		10.01	%		9.76	%		9.55	%		9.45	%		9.35	%
Stockholders' equity / assets		10.67	%		10.42	%		10.23	%		10.15	%		10.06	%
Loans / deposits		97.96	%		100.87	%		102.62	%		107.56	%		109.22	%

ASSET QUALITY
Net (recoveries) charge-offs	$	(121	)	$	116		$	(5	)	$	465		$	633
Nonperforming loans		11,488			9,558			10,676			10,234			12,694
Nonperforming assets		11,967			10,038			11,251			10,809			13,397
Net (recoveries) charge offs / average loans (1)		(0.02	%)		0.02	%		0.00	%		0.09	%		0.13	%
Nonperforming loans / total loans		0.57	%		0.47	%		0.53	%		0.50	%		0.63	%
Nonperforming assets / total assets		0.49	%		0.41	%		0.47	%		0.46	%		0.58	%
Allowance for loan losses / total loans		1.14	%		1.10	%		1.13	%		1.17	%		1.14	%
Allowance for loan losses / total loans (excluding PPP loans)		1.19	%		1.18	%		1.24	%		1.25	%		1.25	%
Allowance for loan losses / nonperforming loans		199.57	%		236.95	%		214.74	%		234.26	%		179.66	%

OTHER DATA
Total assets	$	2,438,020		$	2,443,047		$	2,405,576		$	2,346,270		$	2,309,897
Total loans		2,004,289			2,053,938			2,022,187			2,047,572			2,004,650
Total deposits		2,045,966			2,036,228			1,970,491			1,903,617			1,835,427
Total stockholders' equity		260,179			254,571			245,997			238,108			232,300
Number of full-time equivalent employees (4)		209			215			211			204			204

(1) Annualized.
(2) Non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that we believe provides management and investors with information that is useful in understanding our financial performance and condition. See accompanying table, "Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures", for calculation and reconciliation.
(3) Tax equivalent using a federal income tax rate of 21%.
(4) Includes 4 full-time equivalent seasonal interns as of June 30, 2021 and 2020.

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

		As of the Quarter Ended
		9/30/2021			6/30/2021			3/31/2021			12/31/2020			9/30/2020
LOAN COMPOSITION
Commercial and industrial		$	308,991		$	379,916		$	432,869		$	388,886		$	430,722
Commercial real estate:
	Owner-occupied		444,635			427,094			399,042			407,089			402,147
	Investor		832,727			814,762			771,599			778,958			721,029
	Construction and development		112,112			127,329			123,930			149,284			146,057
	Multi-family		145,245			142,015			125,493			144,527			133,778
	Total commercial real estate		1,534,719			1,511,200			1,420,064			1,479,858			1,403,011
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage and first lien home equity loans		103,890			108,842			117,756			120,018			117,530
	Home equity–second lien loans and revolving lines of credit		29,998			29,422			29,306			33,575			27,600
	Total residential real estate		133,888			138,264			147,062			153,593			145,130
Consumer and other			31,946			31,584			29,213			30,368			32,531
	Total loans prior to deferred loan fees and costs		2,009,544			2,060,964			2,029,208			2,052,705			2,011,394
Net deferred loan fees and costs			(5,255	)		(7,026	)		(7,021	)		(5,133	)		(6,744	)
	Total loans	$	2,004,289		$	2,053,938		$	2,022,187		$	2,047,572		$	2,004,650

LOAN MIX
Commercial and industrial			15.4	%		18.5	%		21.4	%		19.0	%		21.5	%
Commercial real estate:
	Owner-occupied		22.2	%		20.8	%		19.7	%		19.9	%		20.1	%
	Investor		41.5	%		39.7	%		38.2	%		38.0	%		36.0	%
	Construction and development		5.6	%		6.2	%		6.1	%		7.3	%		7.3	%
	Multi-family		7.2	%		6.9	%		6.2	%		7.0	%		6.6	%
	Total commercial real estate		76.5	%		73.5	%		70.2	%		72.2	%		70.0	%
Residential real estate:
	Residential mortgage and first lien home equity loans		5.2	%		5.3	%		5.8	%		5.9	%		5.8	%
	Home equity–second lien loans and revolving lines of credit		1.5	%		1.4	%		1.4	%		1.6	%		1.4	%
	Total residential real estate		6.7	%		6.7	%		7.2	%		7.5	%		7.2	%
Consumer and other			1.7	%		1.6	%		1.5	%		1.6	%		1.6	%
Net deferred loan fees and costs			(0.3	%)		(0.3	%)		(0.3	%)		(0.3	%)		(0.3	%)
	Total loans		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

		As of the Quarter Ended
		9/30/2021			6/30/2021			3/31/2021			12/31/2020			9/30/2020
DEPOSIT COMPOSITION
Non-interest bearing demand deposits		$	536,905		$	534,475		$	500,008		$	424,119		$	445,514
Interest bearing demand deposits			241,869			211,074			208,443			201,881			156,059
Money market and savings deposits			845,607			817,424			767,603			753,640			695,224
Time deposits			421,585			473,255			494,437			523,977			538,630
	Total Deposits	$	2,045,966		$	2,036,228		$	1,970,491		$	1,903,617		$	1,835,427

DEPOSIT MIX
Non-interest bearing demand deposits			26.3	%		26.3	%		25.4	%		22.3	%		24.3	%
Interest bearing demand deposits			11.8	%		10.4	%		10.6	%		10.6	%		8.5	%
Money market and savings deposits			41.3	%		40.1	%		38.9	%		39.6	%		37.9	%
Time deposits			20.6	%		23.2	%		25.1	%		27.5	%		29.3	%
	Total Deposits		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-U.S. GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in thousands, except for share data, unaudited)

	As of or For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2021			6/30/2021			3/31/2021			12/31/2020			9/30/2020
Return on Average Tangible Equity
Net income (numerator)	$	9,036		$	8,893		$	9,661		$	6,195		$	5,903

Average stockholders' equity	$	258,596		$	250,143		$	241,674		$	236,099		$	230,122
Less: Average Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		17,937			18,001			18,023			18,062			18,156
Average Tangible stockholders' equity (denominator)	$	240,659		$	232,142		$	223,651		$	218,037		$	211,966

Return on Average Tangible equity		14.90	%		15.37	%		17.52	%		11.30	%		11.08	%

Tangible Book Value Per Share
Stockholders' equity	$	260,179		$	254,571		$	245,997		$	238,108		$	232,300
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		17,920			17,965			18,024			17,998			18,108
Tangible stockholders' equity (numerator)	$	242,259		$	236,606		$	227,973		$	220,110		$	214,192

Common shares outstanding (denominator)		19,464,388			19,678,528			19,663,065			19,707,474			19,694,892

Tangible book value per share	$	12.45		$	12.02		$	11.59		$	11.17		$	10.88


Tangible Equity / Assets
Stockholders' equity	$	260,179		$	254,571		$	245,997		$	238,108		$	232,300
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		17,920			17,965			18,024			17,998			18,108
Tangible stockholders' equity (numerator)	$	242,259		$	236,606		$	227,973		$	220,110		$	214,192

Total assets	$	2,438,020		$	2,443,047		$	2,405,576		$	2,346,270		$	2,309,897
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		17,920			17,965			18,024			17,998			18,108
Tangible total assets (denominator)	$	2,420,100		$	2,425,082		$	2,387,552		$	2,328,272		$	2,291,789

Tangible stockholders' equity / tangible assets		10.01	%		9.76	%		9.55	%		9.45	%		9.35	%


Efficiency Ratio
Non-interest expense	$	10,522		$	10,155		$	10,650		$	11,052		$	9,653
Less: Merger-related expenses		145			-			-			-			-
Adjusted non-interest expense (numerator)	$	10,377		$	10,155		$	10,650		$	11,052		$	9,653

Net interest income	$	20,781		$	20,421		$	20,047		$	19,724		$	17,630
Non-interest income		1,901			1,342			2,300			1,312			1,946
Total revenue	$	22,682		$	21,763		$	22,347		$	21,036		$	19,576

Efficiency ratio		45.75	%		46.66	%		47.66	%		52.54	%		49.31	%

First Bank Reports Third Quarter 2021 Net Income of $9.0 Million