ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBI) (“Company”), the holding company of HomeTrust Bank (“Bank”), today announced preliminary net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase in its quarterly cash dividend, and its updated response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year:

• net income was $5.8 million, compared to $8.8 million;
• diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) was $0.35, compared to $0.49;
• return on assets (“ROA”) was 0.62%, compared to 0.99%;
• return on equity (“ROE”) was 5.74%, compared to 8.57%;
• provision for credit losses was $950,000, compared to no provision;
• noninterest income increased $979,000, or 12.8% to $8.6 million from $7.7 million;
• organic net loan growth, which excludes one-to-four family loans transferred to held for sale, U.S. Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, and
• purchases of home equity lines of credit, was $10.4 million, or 1.6% annualized compared to $73.0 million, or 11.3% annualized; and
• quarterly cash dividends continued at $0.07 per share totaling $1.1 million.

Earnings during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 continues to be negatively impacted by an economy weakened by COVID-19 as well as a lower interest rate margin due to the decrease in interest rates over the past year.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share, reflecting a $0.01, or 14% increase over the previous quarter’s dividend. This is the second increase of the quarterly dividend since the Company initiated cash dividends in November 2018. The dividend is payable on December 3, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 19, 2020.

COVID-19 Update

Loan Programs. The Company continues to offer a variety of relief options designed to support its customers and communities, including participating in the SBA PPP. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had originated $80.8 million of PPP loans for 290 customers. Net origination fees on these loans were approximately $2.1 million which were deferred and are being accreted into interest income over the life of the loans. Due to demand exceeding its capacity, the Company partnered with a third party to process and fund additional PPP loans, which to date total $32.1 million for almost 1,000 customers. The Company also continues to work with its clients to assist them with accessing other borrowing options, including the Main Street Lending Program and other government sponsored lending programs, as appropriate.

Loan Modifications. The Company is closely monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on its loan portfolio and will continue to monitor all the associated risks to minimize any potential losses. The Bank is offering payment and financial relief programs for borrowers impacted by COVID-19. These programs include loan payment deferrals for up to 90 days, waived late fees, and suspension of foreclosure proceedings and repossessions. Since March, the Company has received numerous requests from borrowers for some type of payment relief, however, the majority of these payment deferrals have ended and borrowers are again making regular loan payments. The breakout of loans deferred by loan type as of the dates indicated is as follows:

Payment Deferrals by Loan Type
		September 30, 2020							August 31, 2020							June 30, 2020
		Deferral				Percent of Total Loan Portfolio			Deferral				Percent of Total Loan Portfolio			Deferral				Percent of Total Loan Portfolio
Lodging		$	60,782			2.2	%		$	64,686			2.4	%		$	108,171			4.0	%
Other commercial real estate, construction and development, and commercial and industrial		27,169				1.0			43,056				1.6			367,443				13.7
Equipment finance		2,187				0.1			4,547				0.2			33,693				1.3
One-to-four family		684				—			2,360				0.1			36,821				1.4
Other consumer loans		422				—			589				—			5,203				0.2
Total		$	91,244			3.3	%		$	115,238			4.3	%		$	551,331			20.5	%

The Company believes the steps it is taking are necessary to effectively manage its portfolio and assist its customers through the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the duration, impact and government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Company will continue to work with its customers to determine the best option for repayment of accrued interest on the deferred payments.

Branch Operations. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Company has taken various steps to ensure the safety of its customers and its team members by limiting branch activities to appointment only and use of its drive-up facilities, and by encouraging the use of its digital and electronic banking channels, all the while adjusting for evolving State and Federal guidelines. On October 13, 2020, the Company reopened the lobbies of all its branches across its four state footprint with appropriate protective measures to help ensure the safety of its customers and retail banking employees.

“We were diligent in working with our customers to provide loan payment deferrals during the highest level of uncertainty of the pandemic as they adjusted their business plans to manage in the best way possible going forward,” said Dana Stonestreet, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “In turn, our customers have been outstanding in moving back to their regular payment schedules. The 83% decline in loan payment deferrals since June 30 speaks well of our asset quality and the strength of our customers and banking markets.

“In addition, we are pleased with the positive accomplishments during this first quarter of our 2021 fiscal year. We set a new quarterly record of $96.0 million of mortgage loans originated for sale, which resulted in a gain on sale of $2.2 million. Coupled with a $1.1 million gain from the sales of SBA and home equity loans, we achieved a 41% increase in the gain on sale of loans over the prior quarter and a 45% increase over the same quarter last year. Diversifying our lines of business in recent years continues to pay dividends in operating results during this challenging pandemic operating environment. The energy, enthusiasm, and confidence of our team will continue to drive our success as we focus on maturing all of our newer and diversified lines of business to achieve financial results that create shareholder value.”

Income Statement Review

Net interest income decreased to $25.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to $27.1 million for the comparative quarter in fiscal 2020. The $1.6 million, or 5.8% decrease was due to a $5.8 million decrease in interest and dividend income primarily driven by lower rates on loans and commercial paper as a result of lower federal funds and other market interest rates, which was partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease in interest expense. Average interest-earning assets increased $147.6 million, or 4.5% to $3.4 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average balance of total loans receivable increased by $125.8 million, or 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year due to organic loan growth and PPP loan originations. The average balance of commercial paper and deposits in other banks increased $61.0 million, or 16.8% driven by increases in commercial paper investments as a result of the Company’s increased liquidity between the periods. The Company’s investments in commercial paper have short-term maturities and limited exposure of $15.0 million or less per each highly-rated company. The overall increase in interest-earning assets was partially funded by a $158.2 million, or 48.5% increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits partially offset by a $10.0 million, or 0.4% decrease in total interest-bearing liabilities as compared to the same quarter last year. Net interest margin (on a fully taxable-equivalent basis) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 decreased to 3.00% from 3.32% for the same period a year ago.

Total interest and dividend income decreased $5.8 million, or 16.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the same period last year, which was primarily driven by a $3.7 million, or 11.4% decrease in loan interest income, a $1.4 million, or 60.9% decrease in interest income from commercial paper and deposits in other banks, a $384,000, or 46.2% decrease in interest income on other interest-earning assets, and a $368,000, or 41.1% decrease in interest income on securities available for sale. The lower interest income in each category was primarily driven by the decrease in yields caused by the significant reduction in current market rates. Average loan yields decreased 72 basis points to 4.02% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 from 4.74% in the corresponding quarter last year. Average yields on commercial paper and deposits in other banks decreased 165 basis points to 0.83% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 from 2.48% in the corresponding quarter last year.

Total interest expense decreased $4.2 million, or 46.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period last year. The decrease was driven by a $2.6 million, or 44.4% decrease in interest expense on deposits and a $1.6 million, or 49.2% decrease in interest expense on borrowings. Average interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 increased $198.4 million, or 9.6%, but was more than offset by the corresponding cost of funds decrease of 56 basis points down to 0.57% compared to 1.13%. Average borrowings for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 decreased $208.4 million, or 30.5% along with a 52 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings compared to the same period last year. The increase in average deposits (interest and noninterest-bearing) was due to successful deposit gathering campaigns and funds from PPP loans and other government stimulus. The decrease in the average cost of borrowing was driven by the lower federal funds rate during the current quarter compared to the prior year. The overall average cost of funds decreased 61 basis points to 0.72% for the current quarter compared to 1.33% in the same quarter last year due primarily to the impact of the lower amount of borrowings and rates.

Noninterest income increased $979,000, or 12.8% to $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $7.7 million for the same period in the previous year primarily due to a $1.0 million, or 45.5% increase in gain on the sale of loans, a $853,000, or 63.7% increase in other noninterest income, partially offset by a $408,000, or 46.3% decrease in loan income and fees and a $346,000, or 14.2% decrease in service charges and fees on deposit accounts. The increase in gain on the sale of loans was driven by an increase in sales of mortgage loans, home equity loans, and SBA loans. There were $96.0 million of residential mortgage loans originated for sale which were sold with gains of $2.2 million compared to $55.2 million sold and gains of $1.3 million in the corresponding quarter in the prior year. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, $15.1 million of the guaranteed portion of SBA commercial loans were sold with gains of $1.0 million compared to $12.7 million sold and gains of $1.0 million in the corresponding quarter in the prior year. In addition, $20.0 million of home equity loans were sold during the quarter for a gain of $100,000. The increase in other noninterest income primarily related to operating lease income from the equipment finance line of business. The decrease in loan income and fees is primarily a result of lower fees from our adjustable rate conversion program and prepayment fees on equipment finance loans. The decrease in service charges on deposit accounts was a result of fewer transactions as customers have decreased spending during the pandemic.

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 increased $2.5 million, or 10.5% to $26.0 million compared to $23.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to a $1.3 million, or 9.3% increase in salaries and employee benefits as a result of new positions, mortgage loan origination incentives, and annual salary increases; a $1.1 million, or 35.9% increase in other expenses, mainly driven by depreciation from our equipment finance line of business; a $511,000, or 100% increase in deposit insurance premiums as a result of credits being issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the prior year period, and a $283,000, or 14.0% increase in computer services. Partially offsetting these increases was a cumulative decrease of $716,000, or 16.9% in net occupancy expense; marketing and advertising expense; telephone, postage, and supplies expense; and core deposit intangible amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period last year.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company’s income tax expense decreased $951,000, or 39.7% to $1.4 million from $2.4 million as a result of lower taxable income. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 20.1% and 21.4%, respectively.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets and liabilities remained at $3.7 billion and $3.3 billion, at September 30, 2020 as compared to June 30, 2020, respectively. The cumulative decrease of $82.0 million, or 14.8% in cash and cash equivalents, commercial paper, and securities available for sale was mainly used to fund the $47.8 million, or 61.9% increase in loans held for sale and the $43.7 million, or 1.6% decrease in deposits. The increase in loans held for sale primarily relates to home equity loans originated for sale during the period.

On July 1, 2020, the Company adopted the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) accounting standard in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The cumulative effect adjustment from this change in accounting policy resulted in an increase in our allowance for credit loss for loans of $14.8 million, additional deferred tax assets of $3.9 million, additional reserve for unfunded loan commitments of $2.3 million, and a reduction to retained earnings of $13.2 million. In addition, an allowance for credit loss for commercial paper was established for $250,000 with a deferred tax asset of $58,000. The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on available for sale debt securities for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2020 decreased $7.9 million, or 1.9% to $400.4 million compared to $408.3 million at June 30, 2020. Changes within stockholders’ equity included $5.8 million in net income and $506,000 in stock-based compensation, offset by $13.4 million related to the adoption of the new CECL accounting standard and $1.1 million related to cash dividends declared. As of September 30, 2020, the Bank and the Company were considered “well capitalized” in accordance with their regulatory capital guidelines and exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.

Asset Quality

The allowance for credit losses was $43.1 million, or 1.56% of total loans, at September 30, 2020 compared to $28.1 million, or 1.01% of total loans, at June 30, 2020. The allowance for credit losses to total gross loans excluding PPP loans was 1.61% at September 30, 2020, compared to 1.04% at June 30, 2020. The overall increase was driven by additional allowance stemming from the Company’s adoption of the new CECL accounting standard.

There was a $950,000 provision for credit losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to no provision for the corresponding period in fiscal year 2020. The increase in the current quarter provision was primarily driven by changes in the mix of loans. Net loan charge-offs totaled $699,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $115,000 for the same period last year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.10% and 0.02% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Nonperforming assets decreased by $1.7 million, or 10.4% to $14.6 million, or 0.40% of total assets at September 30, 2020 compared to $16.3 million, or 0.44% of total assets at June 30, 2020. Nonperforming assets included $14.4 million in nonaccruing loans and $144,000 in REO at September 30, 2020, compared to $15.9 million and $337,000 in nonaccruing loans and REO, respectively, at June 30, 2020. Included in nonperforming loans are $5.3 million of loans restructured from their original terms of which $4.2 million were current at September 30, 2020, with respect to their modified payment terms. Nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.52% at September 30, 2020 and 0.58% at June 30, 2020.

The ratio of classified assets to total assets decreased to 0.73% at September 30, 2020 from 0.84% at June 30, 2020 due to the decrease in classified loans during fiscal 2021. Classified assets decreased to $26.9 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $31.1 million at June 30, 2020 primarily due to $2.1 million in payoffs and $1.8 million in charge-offs during the quarter. The Company’s overall asset quality metrics continue to demonstrate its commitment to growing and maintaining a loan portfolio with a moderate risk profile; however, the Company will remain diligent in its review of the portfolio and overall economy as it continues to maneuver through the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.

About HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for HomeTrust Bank. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had assets of $3.7 billion. The Bank, founded in 1926, is a North Carolina state chartered, community-focused financial institution committed to providing value added relationship banking with over 40 locations as well as online/mobile channels. Locations include: North Carolina (including the Asheville metropolitan area, the “Piedmont” region, Charlotte, and Raleigh/Cary), Upstate South Carolina (Greenville), East Tennessee (including Kingsport/Johnson City/Bristol, Knoxville, and Morristown) and Southwest Virginia (including the Roanoke Valley). The Bank is the 2nd largest community bank headquartered in North Carolina.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s current expectations and forecasts regarding future events, many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially, from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions and other uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the extent and duration of the impact on public health, the U.S. and global economies, and consumer and corporate customers, including economic activity, employment levels and market liquidity; increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors described in HomeTrust’s latest annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission – which are available on our website at www.htb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These risks could cause our actual results for fiscal 2021 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect our operating and stock performance. Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this press release or the documents we file with or furnish to the SEC are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors described above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

WEBSITE: WWW.HOMETRUSTBANCSHARES.COM

Contact:
Dana L. Stonestreet – Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Tony J. VunCannon – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer
828-259-3939