BNCCORP, INC. Reports Third Quarter Net Income Of $2.1 Million, Or $0.58 Per Diluted Share

BISMARCK, N.D., Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

2017 Third Quarter Highlights

• Net income in the 2017 third quarter was $2.1 million, a decrease of $206 thousand compared to the third quarter of 2016
• Net interest income increased $625 thousand, or 9.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2016
• Non-interest expense decreased by $1.1 million, or 10.7%, compared to the third quarter of 2016
• Non-interest income decreased by $2.6 million due to lower mortgage banking revenues
• Total assets rose $55.8 million and total deposits increased $84.4 million since year-end 2016
• Loans held for investment increased $14.1 million from year-end 2016
• Non-performing assets were 0.21% of total assets as of September 30, 2017
• Book value per share increased $1.69, or 7.9%, to $23.16 at September 30, 2017, compared to $21.47 at December 31, 2016

BNCCORP, INC. (BNC or the Company) (OTCQX Markets: BNCC), which operates community banking and wealth management businesses in North Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota, and has mortgage banking offices in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and North Dakota, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Net income in the third quarter of 2017 was $2.053 million, a decrease of $206 thousand versus $2.259 million in the same period of 2016. Third quarter 2017 diluted earnings per share was $0.58, compared to $0.64 in the third quarter of 2016. The comparison between the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 mainly reflect higher net interest income and lower non-interest expenses, offset by lower non-interest income largely due to lower mortgage banking revenues.

Net interest income in the 2017 third quarter increased by $625 thousand, or 9.4%, from the same quarter in 2016, due primarily to the growth of loans held for investment and higher yields and balances on investment securities.

Non-interest income in the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $2.579 million, or 33.2%, from the same period in 2016, primarily due to lower mortgage banking revenues.

Non-interest expense in the third quarter of 2017 decreased $1.142 million, or 10.7%, compared to the third quarter of the prior year due to decreases in costs related to salaries and employee benefits, professional services, and marketing and promotions.

The provision for credit losses was $100 thousand in the third quarter of 2017 and $400 thousand in the third quarter of 2016. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to 0.21% at September 30, 2017, from 0.29% at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses was 1.83% of loans held for investment at September 30, 2017, compared to 2.00% at December 31, 2016.

Book value per common share at September 30, 2017 rose to $23.16, from $21.47 at December 31, 2016 and $22.51 at September 30, 2016. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, book value per common share at September 30, 2017 was $22.27, compared to $20.98 at December 31, 2016 and $20.49 at September 30, 2016.

Management Comments

Timothy J. Franz, BNC President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The third quarter was our best quarter in 2017. All parts of our business are improved since earlier in the year, driven by a continued focus on profitable growth and good control over expenses and asset quality. Net interest income was 9.4% better than the same quarter in 2016 reflecting continued growth of loans and investments, along with higher yields. The 10.7% decrease in non-interest expenses resulted from our work to control costs throughout BNC, particularly in mortgage banking which is operating in an environment quite different from a year ago. Importantly, our credit quality metrics remain very good."

Mr. Franz continued, "We announced a branch sale in the third quarter and anticipate the transaction will close in the fourth quarter resulting in a gain on sale. Our book value per share has increased by 7.9% since the beginning of the year and we will continue working to increase shareholder value.

Third Quarter 2017 Comparison to Third Quarter 2016

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2017 was $7.257 million, an increase of $625 thousand, or 9.4%, from $6.632 million in the same period of 2016. Overall, the net interest margin increased to 3.08% in the third quarter of 2017 from 3.05% in the third quarter of 2016.

Interest income increased by $811 thousand, or 10.9%, to $8.219 million, for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $7.408 million in the third quarter of 2016. This increase is the result of higher yields and average balances of taxable investments, loans held for investment, and funds held at the Federal Reserve resulting from successful deposit generation. The average balance of interest earning assets increased by $70.8 million. The average balance of loans held for investment increased by $22.0 million, resulting in $318 thousand more interest income. The average balance of investment securities increased by $44.9 million, resulting in $594 thousand more interest income. These increases were partially offset by the $25.4 million decrease in the average balances of mortgage loans held for sale. The $30.4 million increase in the average balance of interest bearing cash balances yielded 1.26% and earned $100 thousand in the third quarter 2017. The yield on average interest earning assets increased to 3.46% in the third quarter of 2017 from 3.41% in the third quarter of 2016 as yields rose in all asset classes.

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2017 was $962 thousand, an increase of $186 thousand from the same period in 2016 due to increased average deposit balances, partially offset by lower borrowings. Average interest bearing deposit balances increased $106.3 million while the average balance of FHLB short-term advances decreased $45.9 million. The cost of total interest bearing liabilities increased to 0.51% in the current quarter compared to 0.45% in the same period of 2016. The cost of core deposits in the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 was 0.32% and 0.24%, respectively. The higher cost of funds is a result of higher balances and rates of money market accounts and consumer certificates of deposits.

Provision for credit losses was $100 thousand in the third quarter of 2017 and $400 thousand in the third quarter of 2016.

Non-interest income in the third quarter of 2017 was $5.180 million, a decrease of $2.579 million, or 33.2%, from $7.759 million in the third quarter of 2016. Mortgage banking revenues were $3.062 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $6.163 million in the third quarter of 2016, as higher interest rates had a dampening effect on mortgage demand. During the third quarter 2017, slightly higher margins and cost reductions improved the results of mortgage banking operations. Gains on sales of loans and investment securities aggregated $876 thousand in the third quarter 2017, compared to $302 thousand in the prior year third quarter, as these revenues can vary significantly from period to period.

Non-interest expense decreased $1.142 million, or 10.7%, to $9.576 million in the third quarter of 2017, from $10.718 million in the third quarter of 2016. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $585 thousand from the third quarter 2016. The number of full time equivalent employees ("FTEs") at September 30, 2017 was 263, down by 28 FTE's, or 9.6%, since December 31, 2016. Employee headcount decreased by 43, or 14%, since December 31, 2016; headcount decreased by 6 during the third quarter of 2017. Much of the headcount decrease related to mortgage support staff as the business is being right-sized to fit current revenues. Professional services in the third quarter of 2017 were down $276 thousand, or 22.3%, primarily due to reduced mortgage banking activities and legal expenses. Marketing costs decreased $145 thousand or 15.7% quarter to quarter.

In the third quarter of 2017, income tax expense was $708 thousand, compared to $1.014 million in the third quarter of 2016. The effective tax rate was 25.6% in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 31.0% in the same period of 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a higher percentage of pretax income from tax-exempt securities as compared to the prior year third quarter.

Net income was $2.053 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017. Net income in the third quarter of 2016 was $2.259 million, or $0.64 per diluted share.

Nine Months Ended 2017 Comparison to Nine Months Ended 2016

Net interest income in the first nine months of 2017 was $20.829 million, an increase of $1.439 million, or 7.4%, from $19.390 million in the same period of 2016. Overall, the net interest margin increased to 3.04% in the first nine months of 2017 from 3.02% in the first nine months of 2016.

Interest income increased by $1.505 million, or 6.9%, to $23.434 million, in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $21.929 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016. This increase is the result of higher yields on taxable investments, higher average balances of loans held for investment, and increased funds held at the Federal Reserve. The yield on average interest earning assets decreased to 3.41% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 compared to 3.42% in the same period of 2016 due to the higher proportion of earning assets being held at the Federal Reserve compared to the prior year. The average balance of interest earning assets increased by $59.0 million. The average balance of loans held for investment increased by $22.6 million, yielding $693 thousand of additional interest income, while the average balance of mortgage loans held for sale was $19.9 million lower than the same period of 2016. The average balance of investment securities was $14.3 million higher in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. The average balance of cash held at the Federal Reserve increased by $42.8 million when comparing the two periods, and yielded an additional $350 thousand during the first nine months of 2017.

Interest expense in the first nine months of 2017 was $2.605 million, an increase of $66 thousand from the same period in 2016. The cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased to 0.48% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 0.50% in the same period of 2016. In the first nine months of 2016, the Company redeemed the remaining balances of outstanding brokered certificates of deposit; resulting in brokered certificate of deposit interest expense of $477 thousand during the first nine months of 2016 that did not recur in 2017. Interest expense increased in other categories of deposits, driven largely by increased volume and cost of consumer certificates of deposit and money market accounts. The cost of core deposits in the first 9 months of 2017 and 2016 was 0.28% and 0.22%, respectively. Due to lower mortgage loan funding levels and increased deposit balances in the first nine months of 2017, the Company's FHLB short-term advances outstanding averaged $2.5 million compared to $35.8 million in the first nine months of 2016.

Provision for credit losses was $250 thousand in the first nine months of 2017 and $800 thousand in the first nine months of 2016.

Non-interest income for the first nine months of 2017 was $15.084 million, a decrease of $5.821 million, or 27.8%, from $20.905 million in the first nine months of 2016. Mortgage banking revenues were $8.638 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $15.892 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $7.254 million, or 45.6%. During 2016, we experienced higher loan volume, as interest rates were generally lower. Mortgage banking revenues have been lower in 2017 as rates moved higher, dampening demand and compressing margins. While margins improved in the third quarter, our margins and volumes remain subdued compared to 2016. Mortgage banking revenues tend to decline in the fourth quarter due to seasonally related matters. Gains on sales of loans and investment securities aggregated $1.935 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $962 thousand in the first nine months of the prior year impacted by increased SBA loan production and the timing of sales of investment securities. Gains on sale of assets can vary significantly from period to period.

Non-interest expense for the first nine months of 2017 decreased $1.627 million, or 5.2%, to $29.565 million, from $31.192 million in the first nine months of 2016. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $997 thousand from the first nine months of 2016 due to lower staffing levels as noted above. Professional services decreased compared to the first nine months of 2016 by approximately $331 thousand, or 9.6%, primarily due reduce mortgage banking volumes while marketing and promotion expenses are down $264 thousand, or 9.3%.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was $1.549 million, compared to $2.594 million in the first nine months of 2016. The effective tax rate was 25.4% in the first nine months of 2017, compared to 31.2% in the same period of 2016. The decrease is primarily due to a higher percentage of pretax income from tax-exempt securities.

Net income was $4.549 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net income in the first nine months of 2016 was $5.709 million, or $1.62 per diluted share.

Assets, Liabilities and Equity

Total assets were $966.2 million at September 30, 2017, an increase of $55.8 million, or 6.1%, compared to $910.4 million at December 31, 2016. Loans held for investment aggregated $428.8 million at September 30, 2017, an increase of $14.1 million, or 3.4%, since December 31, 2016. Loans held for investment in North Dakota are experiencing notable prepayments as our borrowers with excess liquidity are deleveraging. Loans held for sale as of September 30, 2017 were down $7.6 million from December 31, 2016 due to reduced mortgage banking volume. Investment balances increased $50.0 million from year-end 2016 as we deployed funds related to higher deposits.

Total deposits were $837.0 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $752.6 million at December 31, 2016. Core deposits, which include recurring customer repurchase agreement balances, have increased by $87.9 million, or 11.5%, to $853.1 million at September 30, 2017 from $765.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The growth in deposits during 2017 has notably improved the results of operations and created value for shareholders. Core deposit growth in the non-Bakken North Dakota branches was $57.7 million, or 15.0%, since December 31, 2016, and a significant portion of this growth was predominantly the result of significant cash generating transactions by our customers during the first quarter of 2017. During the third quarter, core deposits decreased by $38.1 million; we converted more than $20 million of deposits to wealth management assets under management and customers have begun to redeploy deposits made earlier in 2017. In 2016, BNC generally utilized Federal Home Loan Bank short-term advances as flexible borrowings. In early 2017, such advances were paid down as deposits increased.

The table below shows total deposits since 2013:

Trust assets under management or administration increased 15.5%, or $42.3 million, to $314.4 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $272.1 million at September 30, 2016. During the third quarter assets under management increased by $28.8 million as we have been able to convert commercial deposits to wealth management customers.

Capital

Banks and bank holding companies operate under separate regulatory capital requirements.

At September 30, 2017, our capital ratios exceeded all regulatory capital thresholds, including thresholds that incorporate fully phased-in conservation buffers.

Due to significant deposit growth and a related increase in funds held at the Federal Reserve, our Tier 1 leverage ratios and tangible common equity decreased since the beginning of the year. Risk based capital ratios did not experience similar decreases as funds held at the Federal Reserve are assigned a zero percent risk weighting in determining risk-weighted assets. A summary of our capital ratios at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented below:

The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, which is generally a comparison of a bank's core equity capital to its total risk weighted assets, is a measure of the current risk profile of our asset base from a regulatory perspective. The Tier 1 leverage ratio, which is based on average assets, does not consider the mix of risk-weighted assets. In recent periods, regulators have required Tier 1 leverage ratios that significantly exceed "Well Capitalized" ratio levels. As a result, management believes the Bank's Tier 1 leverage ratio is our most restrictive capital measurement and we are managing the Tier 1 leverage ratio to levels significantly above the "Well Capitalized" ratio threshold.

In addition to regulatory risk based capital standards, we believe that regulators and investors also monitor the capital ratio of tangible common equity to total period end assets. As this ratio is based on total period end assets, it has decreased from prior periods due the significant deposit growth.

The Company routinely evaluates the sufficiency of its capital in order to ensure compliance with regulatory capital standards and to provide a source of strength for the Bank. We manage capital by assessing the composition of capital and the amounts available for growth, risk or other purposes.

Book value per common share of the Company was $23.16 as of September 30, 2017, compared to $21.47 at December 31, 2016. Book value per common share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, was $22.27 as of September 30, 2017, compared to $20.98 at December 31, 2016.

Asset Quality

The allowance for credit losses was $7.8 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $8.3 million at December 31, 2016. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans at September 30, 2017 was 1.70%, compared to 1.82% at December 31, 2016. The allowance as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at September 30, 2017 was 1.83%, and at December 31, 2016 was 2.00%.

Nonperforming assets were $2.1 million at September 30, 2017, down from $2.7 million at December 31, 2016. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.21% at September 30, 2017 and 0.29% at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming loans were $2.1 million at September 30, 2017, down from $2.4 million at December 31, 2016.

At September 30, 2017, BNC had $11.3 million of classified loans, $2.1 million of loans on non-accrual, no other real estate owned, and $13 thousand of repossessed assets. At December 31, 2016, BNC had $12.9 million of classified loans, $2.4 million of loans on non-accrual, $214 thousand of other real estate owned, and $4 thousand of repossessed assets. BNC had $8.6 million of potentially problematic loans, which are risk rated "watch list", at September 30, 2017, compared with $8.1 million as of December 31, 2016.

The economic activity in western North Dakota continues to be affected by challenging conditions in the agricultural and energy industries. In particular, the areas near Dickinson, Williston and Minot are believed to be more adversely affected by the economic conditions than other areas of North Dakota. Prolonged periods of lower agricultural and energy prices as well as more recent drought conditions in the region could have an adverse economic impact on the North Dakota economy, commodity dependent businesses, and our loan portfolio.

BNCCORP, INC., headquartered in Bismarck, N.D., is a registered bank holding company dedicated to providing banking and wealth management services to businesses and consumers in its local markets. The Company operates community banking and wealth management businesses in North Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota from 17 locations. BNC also conducts mortgage banking from 14 offices in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and North Dakota.

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of BNC. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "could", "should", "future" and other expressions relating to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our belief that we have exceptional liquidity, our expectations regarding future market conditions and our ability to capture opportunities and pursue growth strategies, our expected operating results such as revenue growth and earnings and our expectations of the effects of the regulatory environment on our earnings for the foreseeable future. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the impact of current and future regulation; the risks of loans and investments, including dependence on local and regional economic conditions; competition for our customers from other providers of financial services; possible adverse effects of changes in interest rates, including the effects of such changes on mortgage banking revenues and derivative contracts and associated accounting consequences; risks associated with our acquisition and growth strategies; and other risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. In addition, all statements in this news release, including forward-looking statements, speak only of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

This press release contains references to financial measures which are not defined in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such non-GAAP financial measures include the Company's tangible equity to assets ratio and information presented excluding nonrecurring transactions. These non-GAAP financial measures have been included as the Company believes they are helpful for investors to analyze and evaluate the Company's financial condition.

 (Financial tables attached)

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SOURCE BNCCORP, INC.