IOWA CITY, Iowa, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MOFG) (“we”, “our”, or the "Company”) today reported results for the third quarter of 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Summary¹

• Completed a common equity capital raise, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $118.6 million to facilitate a balance sheet repositioning. $140.4 million of securities impairment related to the repositioning was recognized in pre-tax earnings.
• Subsequent to quarter-end:
  • Sold $1.0 billion of debt securities with a weighted average yield of 1.58%, and a weighted average life of 5.6 years.
  • Purchased $589.8 million of debt securities, with a weighted average yield of 4.65%, and paid in full $418.7 million of Bank Term Funding Program borrowings with a weighted average cost of 4.77%.
  • The estimated earn back period for the securities losses is 4.5 years.
• Recognized a net loss for the quarter of $95.7 million, or $(6.05) per diluted common share, reflecting the effects of the capital raise and balance sheet repositioning. Adjusted earnings were $9.1 million², or $0.58² per diluted common share, which included a $1.2 million fraud loss related to a single incident.
• Net interest margin (tax equivalent) expanded 10 basis points ("bps") to 2.51%.²
• Annualized loan growth of 3.9%.
• Noninterest bearing deposits increased 4.0% from the linked quarter.
• Nonperforming assets ratio improved 8 bps to 0.39%; classified loans declined $14.5 million to $134.8 million; net charge-off ratio was 0.16%.

CEO Commentary

Charles (Chip) Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "Our successful common equity capital raise and balance sheet repositioning are significant, transformational steps towards our goal of creating a high performing company. We were pleased with the market receptivity of the oversubscribed common equity offering and the balance sheet repositioning financial results exceeded our communicated expectations. We are appreciative of our existing and new shareholders who supported this transformation and our team who executed the strategy so well.”

Mr. Reeves continued, "We also kept our eye on the ball during the quarter, delivering positive results in a number of strategic initiatives. Our deposit franchise continues to show its strength as deposit costs rose minimally and our treasury management investments led to 4% linked quarter non-interest bearing deposit growth. Our commercial banking teams drove 4% annualized loan growth, improved asset quality, and good progress in our SBA lending and gain on sale initiatives. In addition, we continued to invest in our franchise, with both talent and technology, while maintaining expense discipline."

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_{¹Third Quarter Summary compares to the second quarter of 2024 (the "linked quarter") unless noted.
²Non-GAAP measure. See the separate Non-GAAP Measures section for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.}

REVENUE REVIEW

Total revenue for the third quarter of 2024 decreased $150.8 million from the second quarter of 2024 and decreased $137.3 million compared to the third quarter of 2023, due to lower noninterest income, partially offset by higher net interest income. Excluding the pre-tax securities loss of $140.4 million stemming from the balance sheet repositioning, total revenue for the third quarter was $47.5 million, a decline of $10.4 million from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of $3.1 million from the third quarter of 2023.

Net interest income of $37.5 million for the third quarter of 2024 increased $1.2 million from the second quarter of 2024, due to higher earning asset yields and lower funding volumes, partially offset by lower earning asset volumes and higher funding costs. When compared to the third quarter of 2023, net interest income increased $2.9 million, due to higher earning asset volumes and yields, partially offset by higher funding costs and volumes. We expect net interest income to be higher going forward as a result of the balance sheet repositioning.

The Company's tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.51%³ in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.41%³ in the second quarter of 2024, as higher earning asset yields more than offset increased funding costs. Total earning assets yield during the third quarter of 2024 increased 10 bps from the second quarter of 2024 due primarily to an increase in loan yields of 17 bps. Funding costs during the third quarter of 2024 increased 2 bps to 2.87%, due primarily to the 4 bps increase in interest bearing deposit costs to 2.58%, which was partially offset by a reduction in short-term borrowing costs and long-term debt of 10 bps and 4 bps, to 4.76% and 6.91%, respectively from the second quarter of 2024.

The Company's tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.51%³ in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.35%³ in the third quarter of 2023, driven by higher earning asset volumes and yields, partially offset by higher funding costs and volumes. Total earning assets yield increased 58 bps from the third quarter of 2023, primarily from a 67 bps increase in loan yields. Funding costs increased 54 bps to 2.87%, due to interest bearing deposit costs of 2.58%, short-term borrowing costs of 4.76%, and long-term debt costs of 6.91%, which increased 53 bps, 47 bps and 13 bps, respectively from the third quarter of 2023.

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_{³ Non-GAAP measure. See the separate Non-GAAP Measures section for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.}

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 decreased $151.9 million from the linked quarter, due primarily to the securities impairment of $140.4 million related to the Company's balance sheet repositioning and a decrease of $11.1 million in other revenue. The decrease in other revenue reflected the $11.1 million gain from the sale of our Florida banking operations in the second quarter of 2024 that did not recur in the third quarter of 2024. In addition, loan revenue decreased $765 thousand due to a $1.2 million unfavorable change in the value of our mortgage servicing rights, partially offset by an increase of $0.4 million in SBA gain on sale revenue.

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 decreased $140.2 million from the third quarter of 2023, due primarily to the balance sheet repositioning-related securities impairment previously noted. Also contributing to the decline in noninterest income was a decrease in loan revenue stemming from the unfavorable year-over-year change in the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights, which was partially offset by an increase of $0.5 million in SBA gain on sale. Partially offsetting these decreases in noninterest income was an increase of $0.4 million in investment services and trust activities revenue, driven by growth in assets under administration and transaction fees, and an increase of $0.3 million in bank-owned life insurance due primarily to $0.2 million of death benefits recognized in the third quarter of 2024.

EXPENSE REVIEW

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the linked quarter was stable at $35.8 million, with increases of $1.3 million and $0.2 million in other expense and foreclosed assets, net, respectively. The increase in other expense was primarily driven by a $1.2 million fraud loss related to a single instance recorded in the third quarter of 2024, while the increase in foreclosed assets, net, expense was attributable to a $0.3 million write-down and higher operating expenses of one other real estate owned relationship, partially offset by a $0.4 million gain on sale of a separate other real estate owned relationship. Partially offsetting these increases in noninterest expense were declines in all other noninterest expense categories, with the largest decrease in compensation and employee benefits, which stemmed from the sale of our Florida banking operations in the second quarter of 2024. Further decreases in noninterest expense categories were also driven by a $0.7 million decline in merger-related expenses.

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 increased $4.3 million from the third quarter of 2023 primarily due to increases in all noninterest expense categories, except marketing and communications. The largest contributors to the increase in noninterest expense were increases of $1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $0.6 million in other, compensation and employee benefits, and legal and professional expense, respectively. The increase in other expense was primarily driven by a $1.2 million fraud loss recorded in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in compensation and employee benefits expense was driven by annual compensation adjustments and increased incentive and commission expense. The increase in legal and professional expense stemmed from increased costs for legal fees, consulting, personnel procurement, merger-related expenses, and accounting and tax fees. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline of $0.2 million in marketing expense.

The Company's effective tax rate was 26.5% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 24.2% in the linked quarter. The increase in the effective tax rate reflected the impact of the investment security impairments recorded in the third quarter of 2024 related to the balance sheet repositioning. The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2024 and full year 2025 is expected to be 22-23%.

BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

Total assets were $6.55 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $6.58 billion at June 30, 2024 and $6.47 billion at September 30, 2023. The decrease from June 30, 2024 was primarily driven by lower securities balances stemming from impairment recognized in the third quarter of 2024 related to the balance sheet repositioning, fair value adjustments recognized in connection with the re-classification of securities from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale, and scheduled calls, maturities, and paydowns, partially offset by higher cash and loan balances. Compared to September 30, 2023, the increase was primarily driven by assets acquired in the Denver Bankshares, Inc. ("DNVB") transaction, as well as higher cash and loan balances, partially offset by the sale of assets associated with our Florida banking operations, and lower securities balances.

Loans held for investment, net of unearned income, increased $41.5 million, or 1.0%, to $4.33 billion from $4.29 billion at June 30, 2024. The increase from the second quarter of 2024 was driven primarily by organic loan growth and higher line of credit usage.

Loans held for investment, net of unearned income, increased $262.8 million, or 6.5%, to $4.33 billion from $4.07 billion at September 30, 2023. The increase from the third quarter of 2023 was driven primarily by the loans acquired in the DNVB transaction, organic loan growth, and higher line of credit usage. Partially offsetting these identified increases was a decline stemming from the sale of loans associated with our Florida banking operations.

Investment securities at September 30, 2024 were $1.62 billion, decreasing $201.0 million from June 30, 2024 and $335.4 million from September 30, 2023. The decrease from the second quarter of 2024 stemmed from impairment recognized in the third quarter of 2024 related to the balance sheet repositioning, fair value adjustments recognized in the third quarter of 2024 in connection with the re-classification of held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale, and principal cash flows received from scheduled payments, calls, and maturities. The decrease from the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to the balance sheet repositioning executed in the fourth quarter of 2023, impairment recognized in the third quarter of 2024 related to the balance sheet repositioning, fair value adjustments recognized in the third quarter of 2024 in connection with the re-classification of held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale, and principal cash flows received from scheduled payments, calls, and maturities.

Total deposits declined $43.7 million, or 0.8%, to $5.37 billion, from $5.41 billion at June 30, 2024. Noninterest bearing deposits increased $35.2 million, while core deposits increased $40.5 million from June 30, 2024. Time deposits over $250 decreased $88.2 million from June 30, 2024, primarily as a result of a decline in public funds. Total deposits increased $5.4 million, or 0.1%, from $5.36 billion at September 30, 2023, primarily due to $224.2 million of deposits assumed in the DNVB acquisition, partially offset by $133.3 million of deposits divested as part of the sale of our Florida banking operations and a decline of $20.1 million in brokered deposits.

Borrowed funds were $525.7 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.8 million from June 30, 2024 and an increase of $27.2 million from September 30, 2023. The decrease compared to the linked quarter was due to a decrease in overnight borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") and scheduled payments on long-term debt, partially offset by an increase in long-term FHLB borrowings. The increase compared to September 30, 2023 was due to higher Bank Term Funding Program borrowings, partially offset by lower overnight borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and scheduled payments on long-term debt.

Total shareholders' equity at September 30, 2024 increased $19.0 million from June 30, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in the balance of common stock and additional paid-in-capital stemming from the common stock capital raise executed in the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by a decline in retained earnings. Total shareholders' equity at September 30, 2024 increased $56.8 million from September 30, 2023, primarily due to increases in common stock and additional paid-in-capital stemming from the common stock issuance previously described and decreases in accumulated other comprehensive loss and treasury stock, partially offset by a decline in retained earnings.

On October 23, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.2425 per common share. The dividend is payable December 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024.

No common shares were repurchased by the Company during the period June 30, 2024 through September 30, 2024 or for the subsequent period through October 24, 2024. The current share repurchase program allows for the repurchase of up to $15.0 million of the Company's common shares. As of September 30, 2024, $15.0 million remained available under this program.

CREDIT QUALITY REVIEW

Compared to the linked quarter, the nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets ratios each declined 8 bps, to 0.51% and 0.39%, respectively, due to the proactive resolution of several large troubled assets. Special mention/watch loan balances increased $31.0 million, or 21%, from the linked quarter, while classified loan balances decreased $14.5 million, or 10%, from the linked quarter. When compared to the same period of the prior year, the nonperforming loans and nonperforming asset ratios decreased 20 bps and 6 bps, respectively. The net charge-off ratio increased 11 bps from the linked quarter and increased 12 bps from the same period in the prior year.

As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $54.0 million and the allowance for credit losses ratio was 1.25%, compared with $53.9 million and 1.26%, respectively, at June 30, 2024. Credit loss expense of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 reflected an additional reserve taken to support organic loan growth, offset by a reduction of $0.3 million in the reserve for unfunded loan commitments.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company will host a conference call for investors at 11:00 a.m. CT on Friday, October 25, 2024. To participate, you may pre-register for this call utilizing the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=e1a9f566&confId=71942.

After pre-registering for this event you will receive your access details via email. On the day of the call, you are also able to dial 1-833-470-1428 using an access code of 019041 at least fifteen minutes before the call start time. If you are unable to participate on the call, a replay will be available until January 23, 2025 by calling 1-866-813-9403 and using the replay access code of 718549. A transcript of the call will also be available on the Company’s web site (www.midwestonefinancial.com) within three business days of the call.

ABOUT MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa. MidWestOne is the parent company of MidWestOne Bank, which operates banking offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. MidWestOne provides electronic delivery of financial services through its website, MidWestOne.bank. MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MOFG”.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We and our representatives may, from time to time, make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking” and provide information other than historical information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the factors listed below. 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 “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plans,” “goals,” “intend,” “project,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “may” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events, except as required under federal securities law.

Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors that could have an impact on our ability to achieve operating results, growth plan goals and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the risks of mergers or branch sales (including the recent sale of our Florida banking operations and the acquisition of DNVB), including, without limitation, the related time and costs of implementing such transactions, integrating operations as part of these transactions and possible failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions; (2) credit quality deterioration, pronounced and sustained reduction in real estate market values, or other uncertainties, including the impact of inflationary pressures on economic conditions and our business, resulting in an increase in the allowance for credit losses, an increase in the credit loss expense, and a reduction in net earnings; (3) the effects of changes in interest rates, including on our net income and the value of our securities portfolio; (4) changes in the economic environment, competition, or other factors that may affect our ability to acquire loans or influence the anticipated growth rate of loans and deposits and the quality of the loan portfolio and loan and deposit pricing; (5) fluctuations in the value of our investment securities; (6) governmental monetary and fiscal policies; (7) changes in and uncertainty related to benchmark interest rates used to price loans and deposits; (8) legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities, trade, and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators, and any changes in response to the failures of other banks; (9) the ability to attract and retain key executives and employees experienced in banking and financial services; (10) the sufficiency of the allowance for credit losses to absorb the amount of actual losses inherent in our existing loan portfolio; (11) our ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to compete effectively in the marketplace; (12) credit risks and risks from concentrations (by geographic area and by industry) within our loan portfolio; (13) the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds, financial technology companies, and other financial institutions operating in our markets or elsewhere or providing similar services; (14) the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for credit losses and estimation of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities; (15) volatility of rate-sensitive deposits; (16) operational risks, including data processing system failures or fraud; (17) asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks; (18) the costs, effects and outcomes of existing or future litigation; (19) changes in general economic, political, or industry conditions, nationally, internationally or in the communities in which we conduct business, including the risk of a recession; (20) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (21) war or terrorist activities, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, widespread disease or pandemic, or other adverse external events, which may cause deterioration in the economy or cause instability in credit markets; (22) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches, or failures of our or our third-party vendors' information security controls or cyber-security related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools; (23) the imposition of tariffs or other domestic or international governmental policies impacting the value of the agricultural or other products of our borrowers; (24) potential changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election; (25) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients, including those who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits; (26) the effects of recent developments and events in the financial services industry, including the large-scale deposit withdrawals over a short period of time that resulted in recent bank failures; and (27) other risk factors detailed from time to time in Securities and Exchange Commission filings made by the Company.

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FIVE QUARTER CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FIVE QUARTER CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
FINANCIAL STATISTICS

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD ANALYSIS

MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD ANALYSIS

Non-GAAP Measures

This earnings release contains non-GAAP measures for tangible common equity, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible equity, net interest margin (tax equivalent), core net interest margin, loan yield (tax equivalent), core yield on loans, efficiency ratio, adjusted earnings, and adjusted earnings per share. Management believes these measures provide investors with useful information regarding the Company’s profitability, financial condition and capital adequacy, consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s financial performance. The following tables provide a reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure.