CIVB Civista Bancshares Inc

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Civista Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIVB) ("Civista") announced its unaudited financial results for the three- and twelve-month periods ending December 31, 2024.

Fourth quarter and full-year 2024 highlights:

• Net income of $9.9 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $9.7 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Net income of $31.7 million, or $2.01 per diluted share, compared to $43.0 million, or $2.73 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
• Replaced nearly $5.2 million in non-interest income, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This includes reductions in overdraft fees ($1.4 million), tax refund processing revenue ($2.4 million), and the 2023 MasterCard renewal fee ($1.5 million). Despite these reductions, non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, is $0.6 million higher than the same period in 2023.
• Cost of deposits of 220 basis points and total funding costs of 242 basis points for the quarter.
• Based on the December 31, 2024, market close share price of $21.04, the $0.16 fourth quarter dividend is equivalent to an annualized yield of 3.04% and a dividend payout ratio of 25.5%.

CEO Commentary:

"We're pleased with our fourth-quarter earnings and overall full-year performance. This quarter, we maintained a disciplined approach to loan and deposit pricing, successfully continuing our downward beta strategy. Our results reflect the positive impact of our deposit initiatives we launched earlier in the year. These initiatives and strategies, along with another quarter of strong non-interest income, have significantly contributed to our financial success, resulting in Earnings Per Share of $0.63, up from $0.53 last quarter.  Our strong earnings and recently announced increase in our quarterly dividend, reflects our confidence in Civista's financial strength and our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders.", said Dennis G. Shaffer, CEO and President of Civista.

"Our credit quality remains solid as we continue to support lending and strengthen our customer relationships. We are committed to meeting the growing demand for housing and construction financing, ensuring we address the needs of our customers and communities.  Our strategic focus on these areas has allowed us to deepen our engagement with customers and provide then with the necessary financial support.",  said Shaffer.

"Furthermore, with a strong fourth quarter and the expansion in our net interest margin, we are well-positioned for a successful 2025.  Our team's dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving these results, and we are confident in our ability to sustain this momentum as we remain focused on executing our strategic initiatives and driving sustainable growth for the long term.  We continue to prioritize our customers' needs and adapt to the evolving market conditions to deliver consistent value and growth.", said Shaffer.

Results of Operations:

For the three-month periods ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

Net interest income increased $2.1 million, or 7.3%, for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2024. 

Interest income increased $0.5 million attributed to average interest-earning assets increasing $33 million coupled with a 1 basis point increase in asset yield.

The increase in interest income was aided by a $1.6 million decrease in interest expense. This was due to a reduction in the average balance of higher costing FHLB borrowings of $174.1 million mostly offset by $226.8 million growth in deposits ($177.4 million in average balances), resulting in a net increase of $3.9 million in average interest-bearing liabilities when comparing Q4 2024 to Q3 2024.

When comparing the fourth quarter of 2024 to the same period of 2023.  Net interest income increased $1.3 million.  Interest income increased $4.6 million while interest expense increased $3.3 million.

Net interest margin decreased 8 basis points to 3.36% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.44% for the same period a year ago.

The increase in interest income was primarily due to a $289.3 million increase in average interest-earning assets resulting in a $4.0 million increase in interest income.

Interest expense increased $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 11 basis points, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $355.8 million to fund growth.  The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was $236.5 million in time-deposits, $183.0 million in demand and savings, partially offset by a decrease of $63.8 million in FHLB borrowings.  This shift in the funding mix, as well as rising rates, is driving the increase in the funding rate.  The 11-basis point increase in funding yield led to $0.7 million additional interest expense.  Additionally, the $355.8 million of additional funds led to $2.6 million of additional interest expense. 

For the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Net interest income decreased $8.8 million, or 7.0%, compared to the same period in 2023.

Interest income increased $24.0 million, or 13.1%, for the twelve months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.  Average interest-earning assets increased $263.6 million.  Average yields increased 27 basis points.  The increase in volume is due to organic loan growth. 

Interest expense increased $32.7 million, or 57.2%, for the twelve months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.  Average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 79 basis points compared to 2023.  Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $428.6 million for the twelve months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.  Demand, Savings and Time deposits increased $450.5 million, collectively, and FHLB borrowings increased $60.7 million for the twelve months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 to fund growth.

Net interest margin decreased of 49 basis points to 3.21% for the twelve months of 2024, compared to 3.70% for the same period a year ago. 

Provision for credit losses (including provision for unfunded commitments) for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $0.7 million compared to $2.3 million for the same period of 2023. 

Year-to-date 2024 provision for credit losses (including provision for unfunded commitments) was $5.4 million compared to $4.4 million for the same period of 2023.

The Allowance to total loans ratio as of December 31, 2024 was 1.29%, down from 1.36% on September 30, 2024 and down from 1.30% at December 31, 2023.  The decreased reserve requirement is attributed to an improvement in the qualitative factors as we see economic improvements in the markets we serve as well as in general economic conditions.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, noninterest income totaled $9.0 million, a decrease of $0.7 million or 6.9% from third quarter 2024 and an increase of $0.2 million, or 2.2%, compared to the prior year's fourth quarter.    

Service charges for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased year over year as we have eliminated our re-presentment fees as well as reduced our overdraft charges, the effect of which was partially offset by an increase in service fees in consumer and treasury management.

Net gain/(loss) on equity securities change was the result of a market valuation adjustment.

Net gain on sale of loans includes gain/loss on sale of mortgages, adjustments to mortgage service rights (MSR), and gain/loss on sales of loans and leases from the Civista Leasing and Finance division; which continues to provide a strong and consistent revenue source for Civista.

Wealth management fees increased from strong financial markets and organic growth in the trust and investment services business.

Lease revenue and residual income decreased due to lower lease originations in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) increased due to a death benefit on an insured individual in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Other income decreased in the fourth quarter mainly related to lower volumes in loan fees, loan servicing fees, and leasing rental income, partially offset by a gain of $0.2 million from the sale of an OREO property.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, noninterest income totaled $37.7 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 1.6%, compared to the same period in 2023.  This reflects the replacement of the tax refund processing business exited in 2023.

Service charges for the full-year 2024 decreased resulting from the elimination of our re-presentment fees coupled with reducing our overdraft charges, the effect of which was partially offset by an increase in service fees in consumer and treasury management.

Net gain/loss on equity securities change was the result of a market valuation adjustment.   

Net gain on sale of loans increased primarily due to an increase in the volume of mortgage and Civista Leasing and Finance leases as well as loans sold.

Wealth management fees increased from strong markets and organic growth in the trust and investment services business.

Lease revenue and residual income increased from prior year as we shifted from operating leases to more finance leases, resulting in higher residual income.

Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) increased due to death benefit on three insured individuals in 2024.

Tax Refund Processing Fee income is now zero as we exited our relationship with a third-party processor in 2023 that was in the tax refund processing business.

Other income – includes $1.1 million of loan servicing fees and $1.5 million of leasing rental income in 2024.  For 2023, a $1.5 million fee was collected with the renewal of the company's contract with MasterCard.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, noninterest expense totaled $28.3 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.1% when compared to the third quarter of 2024.  When compared to the prior years' fourth quarter, noninterest expense increased $3.0 million, or 11.8%.

Compensation expense increased primarily due to a merit increases, employee insurance, and other payroll-related expenses.  The quarter-to-date average number of full time equivalent (FTE) employees was 519 at December 31, 2024, compared with an average number of 532 for the same period in 2023. 

Equipment maintenance and depreciation expense decreased $631 thousand primarily due to depreciation associated with Civista Leasing and Finance as operating leases mature.

Software maintenance expense increased $198 thousand due to increases in both software maintenance contracts as well as the implementation of the new digital banking platform.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, other expenses include a $0.5 million reserve to address a reconciling item related to a leasing system conversion, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

The efficiency ratio was 68.3% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 63.3% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.  The change in the efficiency ratio is primarily due to a 11.8% increase in noninterest expenses; partially offset by a 4.3% increase in net interest income and a 2.2% increase in noninterest income.

Civista's effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 13.1% compared to 14.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.  

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, noninterest expense totaled $112.5 million, an increase of $4.9 million, or 4.6%, compared to the same period in the prior year. 

Compensation expense increased primarily due to merit increases, employee insurance, and other payroll-related expenses. The year-to-date average number of full time equivalent (FTE) employees was 531 for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2024, compared with an average number of 510 for the same period in 2023. 

Equipment maintenance and depreciation expense decreased by $1.5 million, primarily from a decrease in depreciation of equipment on operating leases as operating leases mature.

Software maintenance expense increased due to increases in both software maintenance contracts as well as the implementation of the new digital banking platform.   

Other expenses include a $1.2 million reserve to address a reconciling item related to a leasing system conversion, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

The efficiency ratio was 70.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to 64.2% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.  The change in the efficiency ratio is primarily due to an 4.6% increase in noninterest expense and a 7.0% decrease in net interest income, partially offset by an 1.6% increase in noninterest income.

Civista's effective income tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was 13.4% compared to 15.1% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. 

Balance Sheet

Total assets at December 31, 2024, were $4.1 billion, an increase of $237.1 million, or 6.1%, from December 31, 2023.

End of period loan and lease balances

Loan and lease balances increased $219.5 million, or 7.7% since December 31, 2023.

Growth was tempered in 2024 as the company continued its diligent focus on rate, margin, deposits and reduce dependency on wholesale funding. 

Commercial Real Estate continued to grow due to consistent demand in the non-owner occupied category, especially in the multi-family area in the major Ohio metropolitan areas.  Real Estate Construction has increased with consistent demand for more projects across the state of Ohio. 

Residential Real Estate has grown primarily due to more home construction loans as we meet the demand for housing and construction financing by our customers and communities.

Deposits

Total deposits at December 31, 2024 were $3.2 billion, an increase of $226.8 million, or 7.6%, from December 31, 2023. 

The $76.6 million decrease in noninterest-bearing demand deposits was primarily due to a $51.4 million decrease in noninterest-bearing accounts related to the former tax refund processing program.  Also, included is $9.8 million decrease in noninterest-bearing business accounts and $10.6 million decrease in noninterest-bearing personal accounts as customers migrate deposits to interest-bearing accounts.

The $29.9 million decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits was primarily due to a $10.9 million decrease in interest-bearing personal accounts, a $9.8 million decrease in interest-bearing public fund accounts, and a $8.2 million decrease in interest-bearing business accounts.

The $272.9 million increase in savings and money market deposits was primarily due to a $45.0 million increase in business money market accounts, $121.9 million increase in public funds money markets, partially offset by a $15.9 million decrease in statement savings coupled with a $8.2 million decrease in business savings accounts.  Included in the growth are the $97.0 million of trust cash deposits brought onto the balance sheet in the third quarter, and $95.7 million of deposits associated with the Ohio Home Buyers Program.

The $77.4 million increase in time deposits was primarily due to a $22.7 million increase in Jumbo time certificates, a $23.5 million increase in retail time certificates, and a $26.9 million increase in time certificates over $250 thousand.    

FHLB overnight advances totaled $339.0 million on December 31, 2024, up $52.0 million from $287.0 million on September 30, 2024 and up slightly from $338.0 million on December 31, 2023.  FHLB term advances totaled $1.5 million on December 31, 2024, down from $2.4 million on December 31, 2023.

Stock Repurchase Program

Civista did not repurchase any shares in 2024, leaving the entire $13.5 million of the current repurchase authorization remaining.  The current repurchase plan will expire in May 2025.  In January 2024, Civista liquidated 8,262 shares held by employees, at $18.38 per share, to satisfy tax obligations stemming from vesting of restricted shares.

Shareholders' Equity

Total shareholders' equity at December 31, 2024, totaled $388.5 million, an increase of $16.5 million from December 31, 2023.  This resulted from an increase of $21.6 million in retained earnings and a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $5.8 million.    

Asset Quality

Civista recorded net charge-offs of $3.4 million for the twelve months of 2024 compared to net charge-offs of $1.0 million for the same period of 2023.  The allowance for credit losses to loans ratio was 1.29% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.36% at September 30, 2024 and 1.30% at December 31, 2023.     

Non-performing assets at December 31, 2024 were $31.9 million, an increase of $16.7 million or 111%, from December 31, 2023.  The non-performing assets to assets ratio was 0.78% at December 31, 2024 and 0.39% at December 31, 2023.  The allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans decreased from 245.67% at December 31, 2023 to 124.49% at December 31, 2024.  

Conference Call and Webcast
Civista Bancshares, Inc. will also host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2025.  Interested parties can access the live webcast of the conference call through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.civb.com. Participants can also listen to the conference call by dialing 800-836-8184 and ask to be joined into the Civista Bancshares, Inc. fourth quarter 2024 earnings call.  Please log in or dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start time to ensure a connection.  An archive of the webcast will be available for one year on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website (www.civb.com).

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies of Civista.  For these statements, Civista claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.   Statements in this press release should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Civista, including the information in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance.  The forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.  We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will" and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.  Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risk factors relating to the banking industry and the other factors detailed from time to time in Civista' reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in "Item 1A Risk Factors" of Part I of Civista's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and any additional risks identified in the Company's subsequent Form 10-Q's.  Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  Civista does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the events or circumstances after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made, or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

Civista Bancshares, Inc., is a $4.1 billion financial holding company headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio.  Its primary subsidiary, Civista Bank, was founded in 1884 and provides full-service banking, commercial lending, mortgage, and wealth management services.  Today, Civista Bank operates 42 locations across Ohio, Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky.  Civista Bank also offers commercial equipment leasing services for businesses nationwide through its Civista Leasing and Finance Division.  Civista Bancshares' common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "CIVB".  Learn more at www.civb.com.

For additional information, contact:
Dennis G. Shaffer 
CEO and President
Civista Bancshares, Inc.
888-645-4121