SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summit State Bank (the "Bank") (NASDAQ:SSBI) today reported net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 of $626,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1,821,000, or $0.27 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Net operating income before credit loss provision and income tax was $2,122,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to $2,520,000 for the third quarter ended 2023.

In September 2024 the Bank declared its eighty-third consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, the Board is focused on balancing its commitment to shareholders while also building capital, increasing liquidity and positioning the Bank to create long-term value," said Brian Reed, President and CEO. "As such, the Bank is not announcing a dividend for the third quarter of 2024."

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights (at or for the three months ended September 30, 2024)

Net operating income before credit loss provision and income tax increased quarter-to-date to $2,122,000 for Q3 2024 when compared to $1,955,000 in Q1 2024 to $1,267,000 in Q2 2024.
Operating expenses decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $6,181,000 compared to $6,926,000 in the third quarter of 2023.
The improvement in net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 was offset by a $1,320,000 provision for credit losses.
Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $626,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to $1,821,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023 and $928,000, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.66% on September 30, 2024 which is based on estimating credit losses for the life of the loans in the portfolio.
The Bank maintained strong total liquidity of $458,554,000, or 41.0% of total assets as of September 30, 2024. This includes on balance sheet liquidity (cash and equivalents and unpledged available-for-sale securities) of $148,499,000 or 13.3% of total assets, plus available borrowing capacity of $310,055,000 or 27.7% of total assets.
The Bank remains well-capitalized and all regulatory capital ratios were well above minimum requirements on September 30, 2024.
Net loans decreased $14,832,000 to $917,367,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $932,199,000 one year earlier and increased $3,853,000 compared to $913,514,000 three months earlier.
Total deposits decreased 3% to $1,002,770,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $1,030,836,000 at September 30, 2023, and increased 4% when compared to the prior quarter end of $966,587,000.
Book value was $14.85 per share, compared to $13.77 per share a year ago and $14.44 in the preceding quarter.

Operating Results

For the third quarter of 2024, the annualized return on average assets was 0.23% and the annualized return on average equity was 2.48%. This compared to an annualized return on average assets of 0.63% and an annualized return on average equity of 7.59%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023.

Summit's net interest margin was 2.71% in the third quarter of 2024 and 2.80% in the third quarter of 2023. Interest and dividend income increased 0.3% to $14,977,000 in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $14,931,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The slight increase in interest income is attributable to a $763,000 increase in interest on loans offset by a decrease of $671,000 in interest on deposits with banks and a decrease in interest on investment securities of $45,000.

"Our earnings have been substantially impacted by the high interest rate environment that continues to put upward pressure on our funding costs," said Reed. "The cost of deposits was 3.05% during the third quarter, compared to 2.95% during the preceding quarter, as customers continue to focus on higher yields. The recent rate decrease by the Federal Reserve will help alleviate some of the pricing pressures, but rates remain elevated. We have been actively implementing programs to reduce cost of funds while preserving our local deposit relationships."

Noninterest income decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $1,030,000 compared to $1,496,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease is primarily attributed to the Bank recognizing $474,000 in gains on sales of SBA and USDA guaranteed loan balances in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1,046,000 in gains on sales of SBA and USDA guaranteed loan balances in the third quarter of 2023.

Operating expenses decreased in the third quarter of 2024 to $6,181,000 compared to $6,926,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the accrual employee bonus expenses of $238,000, a reduction in stock appreciation rights expense of $179,000, a decrease in marketing expense of $113,000 and a decrease of $75,000 in legal expense.

Balance Sheet Review

Net loans decreased 2% to $917,367,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $932,199,000 at September 30, 2023, and decreased 0.4% compared to June 30, 2024. The Bank's largest loan types are commercial real estate loans which make up 78% of the portfolio, "secured by farmland" totaling 9% of the portfolio, and 8% in commercial and industrial loans. Of the commercial real estate total, approximately 32% or $235,000,000 is owner occupied and the remaining 68% or $491,000,000 is non-owner occupied. The portfolio is well diversified between industries with no significant concentrations, including office space which totals $116,300,000.

Total deposits decreased 3% to $1,002,770,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $1,030,836,000 at September 30, 2023, and increased 4% when compared to the prior quarter end. At September 30, 2024, noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts decreased 9% compared to a year ago and represented 19% of total deposits; savings, NOW and money market accounts increased 6% compared to a year ago and represented 48% of total deposits, and CDs decreased 10% compared to a year ago and comprised 33% of total deposits. The decrease in deposits is a result of the Bank managing its liquidity levels and asset growth. The average cost of deposits was 3.05% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.63% in the third quarter of 2023.

Shareholders' equity was $100,662,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $97,949,000 three months earlier and $93,439,000 a year earlier. The increase in shareholders' equity compared to a year ago was primarily due to a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss on securities of $4,790,000 and an increase of $2,145,000 in retained earnings. At September 30, 2024 book value was $14.85 per share, compared to $14.44 three months earlier, and $13.77 at September 30, 2023.

Summit State Bank continues to maintain capital levels in excess of the requirements to be categorized as "well-capitalized" with average equity to assets of 9.10% at September 30, 2024, compared to 9.04% at June 30, 2024, and 8.24% at September 30, 2023. The increase compared to September 2023 was due to the Bank's retention of capital which is exceeding asset growth.

Credit Quality

"Our primary focus has been managing asset quality and reducing portfolio risk," said Reed. "Our nonperforming loans, which are concentrated in the "secured by farmland" category, remain elevated as we work with our customers to cure or payoff these loans. The Bank is committed to acting so it can replace this segment of the portfolio with performing loans. Our commercial real estate portfolios continue to perform well."

Nonperforming assets were $41,971,000, or 3.75% of total assets, at September 30, 2024. This compared to $40,994,000 in nonperforming assets at June 30, 2024, and $35,267,000 in nonperforming assets at September 30, 2023. There are three specific relationships totaling $32,200,000, and one real estate owned for $5,130,000, that together make up 89% of nonperforming assets portfolio. These three relationships are "secured by farmland" and the Bank has specific reserves set aside based on current appraised values net of any costs.

There were no net charge-offs during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $1,347,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and net recoveries of $10,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were related to a loan taken into real estate owned.

For the third quarter of 2024, consistent with factors within the allowance for credit losses, the Bank recorded a $1,320,000 provision for credit loss expense for loans, a $8,000 reversal of credit losses for unfunded loan commitments and a $19,000 reversal of credit losses on investments. This compared to a $27,000 reversal of credit loss expense on loans, a $5,000 reversal of credit losses on unfunded loan commitments and a $27,000 provision for credit losses on investments in the third quarter of 2023.

The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.66% on September 30, 2024, and 1.61% on September 30, 2023. The increase is due to a provision for credit losses on loans of $1,320,000 recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The provision covers a $1,000,000 specific loan reserve and $300,000 general pool loan reserve.

About Summit State Bank

Summit State Bank, a local community bank, has total assets of $1.1 billion and total equity of $101 million at September 30, 2024. Headquartered in Sonoma County, the Bank specializes in providing exceptional customer service and customized financial solutions to aid in the success of local small businesses and nonprofits throughout Sonoma County.

Summit State Bank is committed to embracing the diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents of its employees to create high performance and support the evolving needs of its customers and community it serves. At the center of diversity is inclusion, collaboration, and a shared vision for delivering superior service to customers and results for shareholders. Presently, 60% of management are women and minorities with 60% represented on the Executive Management Team. Through the engagement of its team, Summit State Bank has received many esteemed awards including: Top Performing Community Bank by American Banker, Best Places to Work in the North Bay by North Bay Business Journal, Corporate Philanthropy Award by the San Francisco Business Times, Hall of Fame by North Bay Biz Magazine, and Diversity in Business. Summit State Bank's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol SSBI. Further information can be found at www.summitstatebank.com.

Forward-looking Statements

The financial results in this release are preliminary. Final financial results and other disclosures will be reported in Summit State Bank's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024 and may differ materially from the results and disclosures in this release due to, among other things, the completion of final review procedures, the occurrence of subsequent events or the discovery of additional information.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank will be conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Contact: Brian Reed, President and CEO, Summit State Bank (707) 568-4908


SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)


			Three Months Ended
			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	13,594		$	13,083		$	12,831
	Interest on deposits with banks			592			451			1,263
	Interest on investment securities			663			709			708
	Dividends on FHLB stock			128			128			129
		Total interest and dividend income		14,977			14,371			14,931
Interest expense:
	Deposits			7,563			7,046			6,895
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances			4			137			10
	Junior subordinated debt			138			94			94
		Total interest expense		7,705			7,277			6,999
		Net interest income before provision for credit losses		7,272			7,094			7,932
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans				1,320			6			(27	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments				(8	)		(26	)		(5	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments				(19	)		4			27
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
		losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments		5,979			7,110			7,937
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			241			227			231
	Rental income			60			60			61
	Net gain on loan sales			474			270			1,046
	Other income			255			244			158
		Total non-interest income		1,030			801			1,496
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			3,988			4,039			4,362
	Occupancy and equipment			420			443			432
	Other expenses			1,773			2,145			2,132
		Total non-interest expense		6,181			6,627			6,926
		Income before provision for income taxes		828			1,284			2,507
Provision for income taxes				202			356			686
		Net income	$	626		$	928		$	1,821

Basic earnings per common share			$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Diluted earnings per common share			$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,697
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,719			6,719			6,705


SUMMIT STATE BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except earnings per share data)


			Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Interest and dividend income:
	Interest and fees on loans		$	39,952		$	39,152
	Interest on deposits with banks			1,405			3,618
	Interest on investment securities			2,084			2,143
	Dividends on FHLB stock			386			293
		Total interest and dividend income		43,827			45,206
Interest expense:
	Deposits			21,396			17,114
	Federal Home Loan Bank advances			332			177
	Junior Subordinated Debt			325			281
		Total interest expense		22,053			17,572
		Net interest income before provision for credit losses		21,774			27,634
Provision for credit losses on loans				1,311			373
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments				(99	)		(3	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments				(20	)		27
		Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit
		losses on loans, unfunded loan commitments and investments		20,582			27,237
Non-interest income:
	Service charges on deposit accounts			701			653
	Rental income			180			139
	Net gain on loan sales			1,257			2,481
	Other income			641			1,630
		Total non-interest income		2,779			4,903
Non-interest expense:
	Salaries and employee benefits			12,210			12,354
	Occupancy and equipment			1,348			1,326
	Other expenses			5,651			5,886
		Total non-interest expense		19,209			19,566
		Income before provision for income taxes		4,152			12,574
Provision for income taxes				1,203			3,652
		Net income	$	2,949		$	8,922

Basic earnings per common share			$	0.44		$	1.33
Diluted earnings per common share			$	0.44		$	1.33

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,712			6,694
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding				6,712			6,697


SUMMIT STATE BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)


			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks			$	80,928		$	40,142		$	86,604
		Total cash and cash equivalents		80,928			40,142			86,604

Investment securities:
	Available-for-sale, less allowance for credit losses of $38, $57 and $0
	(at fair value; amortized cost of $86,225, $96,407 and $97,099)			76,205			83,105			80,312

Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $15,466, $14,145 and $15,243				917,367			913,514			932,199
Bank premises and equipment, net				5,251			5,306			5,334
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock (FHLB), at cost				5,889			5,889			5,541
Goodwill				4,119			4,119			4,119
Other Real Estate Owned				5,130			5,130			-
Affordable housing tax credit investments				7,698			7,942			8,360
Accrued interest receivable and other assets				16,204			16,898			19,705

		Total assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Deposits:
	Demand - non interest-bearing		$	192,371		$	183,181		$	210,258
	Demand - interest-bearing			212,214			218,124			201,516
	Savings			45,845			42,974			54,317
	Money market			219,593			212,750			193,080
	Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit			80,801			74,744			72,836
	Other time deposits			251,946			234,814			298,829
		Total deposits		1,002,770			966,587			1,030,836

Federal Home Loan Bank advances				-			3,500			-
Junior subordinated debt				5,931			5,927			5,916
Affordable housing commitment				4,061			4,061			4,435
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities				5,367			4,021			7,548

		Total liabilities		1,018,129			984,096			1,048,735

Shareholders' equity
	Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
	no shares issued and outstanding			-			-			-
	Common stock, no par value; shares authorized - 30,000,000 shares;
	issued and outstanding 6,776,563, 6,784,099 and 6,784,099			37,677			37,623			37,389
	Retained earnings			70,012			69,651			67,867
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net			(7,027	)		(9,325	)		(11,817	)

		Total shareholders' equity		100,662			97,949			93,439

		Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174

Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

	As of and for the
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	7,272		$	7,094		$	7,932
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans		1,320			6			(27	)
(Reversal of) credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(8	)		(26	)		(5	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments		(19	)		4			27
Non-interest income		1,030			801			1,496
Non-interest expense		6,181			6,627			6,926
Provision for income taxes		202			356			686
Net income	$	626		$	928		$	1,821

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27
Dividend per share	$	0.04		$	0.12		$	0.12
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.85		$	14.44		$	13.77

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,082,045		$	1,142,174
Loans, net		917,367			913,514			932,199
Deposits		1,002,770			966,587			1,030,836
Average assets		1,098,469			1,078,700			1,155,007
Average earning assets		1,063,476			1,049,254			1,123,951
Average shareholders' equity		99,962			97,548			95,180
Nonperforming loans		36,841			35,864			35,267
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		-			(1,067	)		10
Other real estate owned		5,130			5,130			-
Total nonperforming assets		41,971			40,994			35,267

Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.23	%		0.35	%		0.63	%
Return on average common shareholders' equity (2)		2.48	%		3.82	%		7.59	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		74.45	%		83.94	%		73.46	%
Net interest margin (2)		2.71	%		2.71	%		2.80	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		10.22	%		9.65	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		10.22	%		9.65	%
Total capital ratio		11.66	%		12.08	%		11.49	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.18	%		9.31	%		8.47	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		42.34	%		87.96	%		43.82	%
Average shareholders' equity to average assets		9.10	%		9.04	%		8.24	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		3.95	%		3.87	%		3.72	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		3.75	%		3.79	%		3.09	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.66	%		1.52	%		1.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		41.98	%		39.44	%		43.22	%

(1) Total shareholders' equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

Financial Summary
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

	As of and for the
	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Statement of Income Data:
Net interest income	$	21,774		$	27,634
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on loans		1,311			373
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments		(99	)		(3	)
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses on investments		(20	)		27
Non-interest income		2,779			4,903
Non-interest expense		19,209			19,566
Provision for income taxes		1,203			3,652
Net income	$	2,949		$	8,922

Selected per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.44		$	1.33
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.44		$	1.33
Dividend per share	$	0.28		$	0.36
Book value per common share (1)	$	14.85		$	13.77

Selected Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	1,118,791		$	1,142,174
Loans, net		917,367			932,199
Deposits		1,002,770			1,030,836
Average assets		1,088,413			1,149,441
Average earning assets		1,056,714			1,117,877
Average shareholders' equity		98,333			93,461
Nonperforming loans		36,841			35,267
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(1,066	)		31
Other real estate owned		5,130			-
Total nonperforming assets		41,971			35,267

Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.36	%		1.04	%
Return on average common shareholders' equity (2)		4.00	%		12.76	%
Efficiency ratio (3)		78.23	%		60.13	%
Net interest margin (2)		2.74	%		3.31	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		9.65	%
Tier 1 capital ratio		9.94	%		9.65	%
Total capital ratio		11.66	%		11.49	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		9.18	%		8.47	%
Common dividend payout ratio (4)		64.23	%		27.36	%
Average shareholders' equity to average assets		9.03	%		8.13	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		3.95	%		3.72	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		3.75	%		3.09	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.66	%		1.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		41.98	%		43.22	%

(1) Total shareholders' equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Non-interest expenses to net interest and non-interest income, net of securities gains.
(4) Common dividends divided by net income available for common shareholders.

Summit State Bank Reports Net Income of $626,000 for Third Quarter 2024