First National Corporation Announces Increase in Third Quarter Net Income to $1.8 Million


STRASBURG, Va., Oct. 25, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First National Corporation (the “Company” or “First National”) (OTC:FXNC) today reported net income of $1.8 million and earnings per share of $0.37 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. This was a $138 thousand, or 8%, increase when compared to net income of $1.7 million and earnings per share of $0.34 for the third quarter of 2016. The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income and a decrease in noninterest expenses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net income increased $905 thousand, or 21%, to $5.1 million and $1.04 per share, compared to net income of $4.2 million and $0.86 per share for the same period of 2016. The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income and a decrease in noninterest expenses.

Select highlights for the third quarter of 2017:

  • Return on equity of 12.78%
  • Return on average assets of 1.00%
  • Net loans increased 9% annualized during the quarter
  • Net interest income increased $573 thousand, or 10%
  • Net interest margin increased for the fourth consecutive quarter to 3.79%
  • Nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.32%
  • Efficiency ratio improved to 66.38%
  • Expanded to the Richmond, Virginia market with experienced banking team

“We are pleased with the continued growth of earnings and profitability.  Loan growth and disciplined pricing resulted in a $1.3 million increase in revenue from net interest income, while noninterest expenses decreased $590 thousand, when comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to the same period in the prior year,” said Scott Harvard, president and chief executive officer of First National.  Harvard added, “Earlier this month, the Company expanded its franchise with the addition of an experienced banking team and a branch office located in the Westhampton neighborhood of Richmond.  The recent expansion is expected to contribute to the continued growth of the Company, while diversifying our business into another attractive Virginia market.”

BALANCE SHEET

Total assets of First National increased $18.8 million to $731.5 million at September 30, 2017, compared to one year ago.  While total assets increased, the composition of the balance sheet changed as loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, increased $44.2 million, or 9%, and securities and interest-bearing deposits in banks decreased $24.5 million, or 13%.  The loan-to-asset ratio increased to 70% at September 30, 2017, up from 66% one year ago, and the loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 78% from 73%.

Total deposits increased $15.5 million, or 2%, to $656.3 million, compared to $640.7 million at September 30, 2016.  When comparing the composition of the deposit portfolio at September 30, 2017 to one year ago, noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $11.1 million, from 26% to 27% of total deposits, while time deposits decreased $5.6 million, from 21% to 19%.

Shareholders’ equity increased $6.6 million to $57.5 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $51.0 million one year ago, primarily from an increase in retained earnings. Tangible common equity totaled $56.5 million at the end of the third quarter, compared to $49.2 million at September 30, 2016. The Company’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary, First Bank, was considered well-capitalized based on regulatory requirements at the end of the third quarter.

ANALYSIS OF THE THREE MONTH PERIOD

Net interest income increased $573 thousand, or 10%, to $6.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. The increase resulted from a higher net interest margin and higher average earning asset balances. Average earning asset balances increased 3%, and the net interest margin increased 22 basis points to 3.79% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to 3.57% for the same period in 2016. The increase in the net interest margin resulted from a 28 basis point increase in the yield on total earning assets, which was partially offset by a 6 basis point increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets.

The higher yield on earning assets was attributable to an increase in yields from all earning asset classes and a change in the composition of earning assets.  Yields increased on loans, securities, and interest-bearing deposits in banks by 12 basis points, 17 basis points and 66 basis points, respectively.  A change in the asset composition also favorably impacted the earning asset yield as average loan balances increased to 75% of average earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to 71% of average earning assets for the same period in 2016.

The increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets was primarily attributable to higher interest rates paid on interest-bearing deposits, with the largest impact coming from a 17 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing checking accounts, when comparing the periods.

Noninterest income totaled $2.0 million, compared to $2.3 million for the same period of 2016. This was primarily a result of decreases in service charges on deposits and other operating income.  Service charges on deposits decreased $181 thousand, primarily from lower overdraft revenue.  The $113 thousand decrease in other operating income was primarily attributable to a $102 thousand life insurance benefit recorded during the third quarter of the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in wealth management revenue.

Noninterest expense decreased $46 thousand, or 1%, to $5.8 million. Amortization expense decreased $36 thousand, supplies expense decreased $27 thousand, ATM and check card expense decreased $24 thousand, and FDIC assessment decreased $22 thousand.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits of $38 thousand, legal and professional fees of $37 thousand, and bank franchise tax of $22 thousand.

ANALYSIS OF THE NINE MONTH PERIOD

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net interest income increased $1.3 million, or 8%, to $18.7 million, compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2016. The increase resulted from a higher net interest margin and higher average earning asset balances. Average earning asset balances increased 4%, and the net interest margin increased 13 basis points to 3.74% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 3.61% for the same period in 2016. The increase in the net interest margin resulted from a 17 basis point increase in the yield on total earning assets, which was partially offset by a 4 basis point increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets.

The higher yield on earning assets was attributable to an increase in yields from all earning asset classes and a change in the composition of earning assets.  Yields increased on loans, securities, and interest-bearing deposits in banks by 3 basis points, 14 basis points and 35 basis points, respectively.  A change in the asset composition also favorably impacted the earning asset yield, as average loan balances increased to 74% of average earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 70% of average earning assets for the same period in 2016.

The increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets was primarily attributable to higher interest rates paid on interest-bearing deposits, with the largest impact coming from a 16 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing checking accounts, when comparing the periods.

Noninterest income totaled $5.9 million, compared to $6.4 million for the same period of 2016. This was primarily a result of decreases in service charges on deposits and other operating income.  Service charges on deposits decreased $385 thousand, primarily from lower overdraft revenue.  The decrease in other operating income was primarily attributable to a $102 thousand life insurance benefit recorded in the prior year.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in wealth management revenue.

Noninterest expense decreased $590 thousand, or 3%, to $17.3 million. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $457 thousand, or 5%, FDIC assessment decreased $114 thousand, amortization expense decreased $112 thousand, and occupancy decreased $75 thousand. These decreases were partially offset by a $126 thousand increase in net other real estate owned expense and a $58 thousand increase in marketing expense. Other real estate owned expense totaled $6 thousand for the nine month period of 2017, compared to other real estate income of $120 thousand for the same period of 2016.

ASSET QUALITY/LOAN LOSS PROVISION

There was no provision for loan loss during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017. Net charge-offs totaled $143 thousand for the third quarter of 2017.  For the nine month period, net charge-offs totaled $20 thousand. Nonperforming assets totaled $2.4 million, or 0.32% of total assets at September 30, 2017, which was an improvement compared to $3.8 million, or 0.53% of total assets, one year ago. The allowance for loan losses totaled $5.3 million at September 30, 2017 and $5.6 million at September 30, 2016, representing 1.03% and 1.19% of total loans, respectively.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information contained in this discussion may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to the Company’s future operations and are generally identified by phrases such as “the Company expects,” “the Company believes” or words of similar import. Although the Company believes that its expectations with respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reliable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements of the Company will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For details on factors that could affect expectations, see the risk factors and other cautionary language included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION

First National Corporation (OTC:FXNC) is the parent company and bank holding company of First Bank, a community bank that first opened for business in 1907 in Strasburg, Virginia. The Bank offers loan and deposit products and services through its website, www.fbvirginia.com, its mobile banking platform, a network of ATMs located throughout its market area, two loan production offices, a customer service center in a retirement community, and 15 bank branch office locations located throughout the Shenandoah Valley and central regions of Virginia. In addition to providing traditional banking services, the Bank operates a wealth management division under the name First Bank Wealth Management.  First Bank also owns First Bank Financial Services, Inc., which invests in entities that provide investment services and title insurance.

CONTACTS

Scott C. Harvard  
President and CEO 
(540) 465-9121 
sharvard@fbvirginia.com

M. Shane Bell
Executive Vice President and CFO
(540) 465-9121
sbell@fbvirginia.com

FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Quarterly Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
 2016
 September 30,
 2016
Income Statement         
Interest income         
Interest and fees on loans$6,138  $5,933  $5,646  $5,556  $5,500 
Interest on deposits in banks92  86  61  55  73 
Interest on securities         
Taxable interest637  634  662  655  613 
Tax-exempt interest148  145  143  139  136 
Dividends on restricted securities21  21  20  21  20 
Total interest income$7,036  $6,819  $6,532  $6,426  $6,342 
Interest expense         
Interest on deposits$446  $405  $383  $353  $338 
Interest on subordinated debt91  89  89  91  91 
Interest on junior subordinated debt79  76  68  69  65 
Interest on other borrowings        1 
Total interest expense$616  $570  $540  $513  $495 
Net interest income$6,420  $6,249  $5,992  $5,913  $5,847 
Provision for loan losses         
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$6,420  $6,249  $5,992  $5,913  $5,847 
Noninterest income         
Service charges on deposit accounts$760  $735  $755  $877  $941 
ATM and check card fees516  527  501  505  529 
Wealth management fees359  355  347  353  339 
Fees for other customer services131  137  140  154  143 
Income from bank owned life insurance117  102  85  109  123 
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities11  13    (2) 4 
Net gains on sale of loans54  34  33  42  50 
Other operating income69  75  80  89  182 
Total noninterest income$2,017  $1,978  $1,941  $2,127  $2,311 
Noninterest expense         
Salaries and employee benefits$3,221  $3,122  $3,242  $2,897  $3,183 
Occupancy379  348  367  364  380 
Equipment400  400  408  402  406 
Marketing138  136  136  210  125 
Supplies81  105  91  138  108 
Legal and professional fees216  245  197  238  179 
ATM and check card fees205  229  162  211  229 
FDIC assessment84  77  79  72  106 
Bank franchise tax111  110  104  90  89 
Telecommunications expense95  108  110  112  110 
Data processing expense153  152  150  159  160 
Postage expense62  74  61  56  56 
Amortization expense151  160  169  179  187 
Other real estate owned expense (income), net  4  2    1 
Net loss on disposal of premises and equipment        8 
Other operating expense511  435  473  507  526 
Total noninterest expense$5,807  $5,705  $5,751  $5,635  $5,853 
Income before income taxes$2,630  $2,522  $2,182  $2,405  $2,305 
Income tax expense798  766  639  724  611 
Net income$1,832  $1,756  $1,543  $1,681  $1,694 


FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Quarterly Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
 2016
 September 30,
 2016
Common Share and Per Common Share Data         
Net income, basic$0.37  $0.36  $0.31  $0.34  $0.34 
Weighted average shares, basic4,943,301  4,940,904  4,935,421  4,927,728  4,925,753 
Net income, diluted$0.37  $0.36  $0.31  $0.34  $0.34 
Weighted average shares, diluted4,946,128  4,942,726  4,937,625  4,933,572  4,929,922 
Shares outstanding at period end4,945,056  4,941,604  4,940,766  4,929,403  4,926,546 
Tangible book value at period end$11.42  $11.08  $10.64  $10.26  $9.99 
Cash dividends$0.035  $0.035  $0.035  $0.03  $0.03 
          
Key Performance Ratios         
Return on average assets1.00% 0.96% 0.88% 0.94% 0.95%
Return on average equity12.78% 12.79% 11.78% 13.04% 13.44%
Net interest margin3.79% 3.73% 3.70% 3.60% 3.57%
Efficiency ratio (1)66.38% 66.71% 69.52% 67.05% 68.57%
          
Average Balances         
Average assets$729,651  $730,838  $714,714  $711,834  $710,005 
Average earning assets681,800  682,132  667,184  663,982  661,624 
Average shareholders’ equity56,857  55,068  53,132  51,295  50,160 
          
Asset Quality         
Loan charge-offs$243  $161  $106  $337  $195 
Loan recoveries100  154  236  48  71 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)143  7  (130) 289  124 
Non-accrual loans2,121  1,913  1,596  1,520  3,521 
Other real estate owned, net250  250  250  250  250 
Nonperforming assets2,371  2,163  1,846  1,770  3,771 
Loans 30 to 89 days past due, accruing1,960  1,368  2,606  2,583  2,036 
Loans over 90 days past due, accruing89  151  119  116  59 
Troubled debt restructurings, accruing287  291  296  300  392 
Special mention loans9,677  10,378  12,896  13,073  14,238 
Substandard loans, accruing9,218  9,295  7,877  8,056  8,273 
          
Capital Ratios (2)         
Total capital$71,318  $69,325  $67,264  $65,590  $65,759 
Tier 1 capital66,017  63,881  61,813  60,269  60,149 
Common equity tier 1 capital66,017  63,881  61,813  60,269  60,149 
Total capital to risk-weighted assets13.91% 13.82% 13.53% 13.47% 13.90%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets12.87% 12.73% 12.43% 12.38% 12.72%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets12.87% 12.73% 12.43% 12.38% 12.72%
Leverage ratio9.06% 8.76% 8.66% 8.48% 8.48%


FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Quarterly Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
 2016
 September 30,
 2016
Balance Sheet         
Cash and due from banks$9,162  $9,801  $10,593  $10,106  $8,955 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks24,480  40,937  35,246  30,986  47,902 
Securities available for sale, at fair value93,102  89,741  91,907  94,802  88,323 
Securities held to maturity, at carrying value49,376  50,824  51,999  53,398  55,263 
Restricted securities, at cost1,570  1,570  1,570  1,548  1,548 
Loans held for sale660  999    337  1,053 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses509,406  498,389  492,319  480,746  465,224 
Other real estate owned, net of valuation allowance250  250  250  250  250 
Premises and equipment, net20,510  20,501  20,709  20,785  20,852 
Accrued interest receivable1,886  1,728  1,753  1,746  1,631 
Bank owned life insurance14,232  14,115  14,013  13,928  13,808 
Core deposit intangibles, net1,071  1,222  1,382  1,551  1,730 
Other assets5,798  5,580  5,555  5,817  6,133 
Total assets$731,503  $735,657  $727,296  $716,000  $712,672 
          
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits$179,351  $176,780  $173,963  $168,076  $168,204 
Savings and interest-bearing demand deposits350,879  362,128  353,958  349,067  340,884 
Time deposits126,032  122,920  126,848  128,427  131,654 
Total deposits$656,262  $661,828  $654,769  $645,570  $640,742 
Other borrowings         
Subordinated debt4,943  4,939  4,934  4,930  4,926 
Junior subordinated debt9,279  9,279  9,279  9,279  9,279 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities3,485  3,644  4,336  4,070  6,742 
Total liabilities$673,969  $679,690  $673,318  $663,849  $661,689 
          
Preferred stock$  $  $  $  $ 
Common stock6,181  6,177  6,176  6,162  6,158 
Surplus7,238  7,177  7,155  7,093  7,046 
Retained earnings44,368  42,709  41,126  39,756  38,223 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(253) (96) (479) (860) (444)
Total shareholders’ equity$57,534  $55,967  $53,978  $52,151  $50,983 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$731,503  $735,657  $727,296  $716,000  $712,672 
          
Loan Data         
Mortgage loans on real estate:         
Construction and land development$37,182  $36,783  $36,024  $34,699  $34,518 
Secured by farm land657  666  676  688  695 
Secured by 1-4 family residential203,896  205,114  205,623  198,763  196,492 
Other real estate loans221,497  215,076  215,915  210,522  202,148 
Loans to farmers (except those secured by real estate)525  511  461  1,316  737 
Commercial and industrial loans (except those secured by real estate)33,922  30,690  28,731  28,665  25,114 
Consumer installment loans12,047  9,938  5,279  4,611  4,283 
Deposit overdrafts196  245  199  264  260 
All other loans4,785  4,810  4,862  6,539  6,587 
Total loans$514,707  $503,833  $497,770  $486,067  $470,834 
Allowance for loan losses(5,301) (5,444) (5,451) (5,321) (5,610)
Loans, net$509,406  $498,389  $492,319  $480,746  $465,224 


FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Quarterly Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
 2016
 September 30,
 2016
Reconciliation of Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income        
GAAP measures:         
Interest income – loans$6,138  $5,933  $5,646  $5,556  $5,500 
Interest income – investments and other898  886  886  870  842 
Interest expense – deposits(446) (405) (383) (353) (338)
Interest expense – subordinated debt(91) (89) (89) (91) (91)
Interest expense – junior subordinated debt(79) (76) (68) (69) (65)
Interest expense – other borrowings        (1)
Total net interest income$6,420  $6,249  $5,992  $5,913  $5,847 
Non-GAAP measures:         
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income – loans$18  $18  $19  $25  $26 
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income – municipal securities76  74  74  71  70 
Total tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income$94  $92  $93  $96  $96 
Total tax-equivalent net interest income$6,514  $6,341  $6,085  $6,009  $5,943 


FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Year-to-Date Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Income Statement   
Interest income   
Interest and fees on loans$17,717  $16,106 
Interest on deposits in banks239  183 
Interest on securities   
Taxable interest1,933  2,037 
Tax-exempt interest436  425 
Dividends on restricted securities62  60 
Total interest income$20,387  $18,811 
Interest expense   
Interest on deposits$1,234  $1,000 
Interest on federal funds purchased  3 
Interest on subordinated debt269  270 
Interest on junior subordinated debt223  190 
Interest on other borrowings  6 
Total interest expense$1,726  $1,469 
Net interest income$18,661  $17,342 
Provision for loan losses   
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$18,661  $17,342 
Noninterest income   
Service charges on deposit accounts$2,250  $2,635 
ATM and check card fees1,544  1,532 
Wealth management fees1,061  1,009 
Fees for other customer services408  427 
Income from bank owned life insurance304  316 
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities24  10 
Net gains on sale of loans121  102 
Other operating income224  335 
Total noninterest income$5,936  $6,366 
Noninterest expense   
Salaries and employee benefits$9,585  $10,042 
Occupancy1,094  1,169 
Equipment1,208  1,232 
Marketing410  352 
Supplies277  312 
Legal and professional fees658  646 
ATM and check card fees596  655 
FDIC assessment240  354 
Bank franchise tax325  282 
Telecommunications expense313  339 
Data processing expense455  434 
Postage expense197  182 
Amortization expense480  592 
Other real estate owned expense (income), net6  (120)
Other operating expense1,419  1,374 
Total noninterest expense$17,263  $17,853 
Income before income taxes$7,334  $5,855 
Income tax expense2,203  1,629 
Net income$5,131  $4,226 

      

FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
Year-to-Date Performance Summary
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Common Share and Per Common Share Data   
Net income, basic$1.04  $0.86 
Weighted average shares, basic4,939,905  4,923,598 
Net income, diluted$1.04  $0.86 
Weighted average shares, diluted4,942,189  4,926,380 
Shares outstanding at period end4,945,056  4,926,546 
Tangible book value at period end$11.42  $9.99 
Cash dividends$0.105  $0.09 
    
Key Performance Ratios   
Return on average assets0.95% 0.80%
Return on average equity12.47% 11.62%
Net interest margin3.74% 3.61%
Efficiency ratio (1)67.51% 72.41%
    
Average Balances   
Average assets$725,106  $703,173 
Average earning assets677,092  653,203 
Average shareholders’ equity55,029  48,572 
    
Asset Quality   
Loan charge-offs$510  $451 
Loan recoveries490  537 
Net charge-offs (recoveries)20  (86)
    
Reconciliation of Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income  
GAAP measures:   
Interest income – loans$17,717  $16,106 
Interest income – investments and other2,670  2,705 
Interest expense – deposits(1,234) (1,000)
Interest expense – federal funds purchased  (3)
Interest expense – subordinated debt(269) (270)
Interest expense – junior subordinated debt(223) (190)
Interest expense – other borrowings  (6)
Total net interest income$18,661  $17,342 
Non-GAAP measures:   
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income – loans$55  $76 
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income – municipal securities224  219 
Total tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income$279  $295 
Total tax-equivalent net interest income$18,940  $17,637 

(1) The efficiency ratio is computed by dividing noninterest expense excluding other real estate owned income/expense, amortization of intangibles, and gains and losses on disposal of premises and equipment by the sum of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and noninterest income, excluding gains and losses on sales of securities.  Tax-equivalent net interest income is calculated by adding the tax benefit realized from interest income that is nontaxable to total interest income then subtracting total interest expense. The tax rate utilized in calculating the tax benefit is 34%. See the tables above for tax-equivalent net interest income and reconciliations of net interest income to tax-equivalent net interest income.  The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes provides investors with important information regarding operational efficiency.  Such information is not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as such.  Management believes, however, such financial information is meaningful to the reader in understanding operational performance, but cautions that such information not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP.

(2) All capital ratios reported are for First Bank.