BHB - Bar Harbor Bankshares Reports Second Quarter Results; Declares Dividend

BAR HARBOR, ME / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2021 / Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American:BHB) reported second quarter 2021 net income of $9.0 million or $0.60 per share from $8.5 million or $0.55 per share in the same quarter of 2020, an increase of 9% in earnings per share. Core earnings (non-GAAP) were $9.4 million, or $0.63 per share, compared to $8.6 million, or $0.56 per share for the same periods. Non-core items (non-GAAP) reduced net income in the second quarter 2021 by $384 thousand, or $0.02 per share.

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (compared to the second quarter 2020, unless otherwise noted)

• 9% growth in earnings per share, 13% growth in core earnings (non-GAAP)
• 0.97% return on assets; 1.01% core return on assets (non-GAAP)
• 8% annualized total commercial loan growth, excluding PPP loans
• 14% annualized increase in core deposits
• 13% increase in fee income
• Exceptional credit quality

President and Chief Executive Officer, Curtis C. Simard stated, "We had another quarter of double-digit core earnings growth and core return on assets of over 1.00%. Profitability increased on higher fee income driven from growth in core deposits and assets under management (AUM). Customer service income returned to pre-pandemic levels suggesting a potentially meaningful recovery in regional activity, augmented by a lift from our previously announced fee strategies implemented at the start of this year. The 8% annualized growth in commercial loans during the quarter, excluding PPP, reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of our existing customers and developing new relationships as we navigate past PPP activities. Our Wealth Management business continues to be a significant contributor to total non-interest income while our Retail and Commercial loan teams continue to generate new core deposit accounts, especially in DDA categories. More than 1,000 new banking relationships were created in the second quarter, highlighting both existing customer retention efforts and new customer initiatives. With the increase in mortgage rates late in the first quarter, we chose to opportunistically add balances to the balance sheet which helped stem the attrition. However, a focus on IRR management remains top of mind."

Mr. Simard continued, "We continued to organically grow our capital levels expanding tangible equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) to 8.23%, while maintaining exceptional credit quality. All credit metrics remain strong and further improved in the quarter, primarily marked by lower past dues, minimal net charge-offs and improved coverage ratios. Overall, we continue to see favorable migration in risk ratings across most loan categories. Loan modification concessions made during the pandemic have essentially all resumed normal repayment schedules as of the end of the quarter."

Mr. Simard stated, "As we think about net interest margin (NIM) quarter over quarter, the second quarter had substantially less PPP fee acceleration and was further impacted by the excess cash on hand. Of note, $105 million of wholesale deposits matured on the last day of the quarter which will benefit our cost of funds going forward. We are starting to see a leveling off of NIM, excluding non-recurring items, as reliance on wholesale borrowings continues to be reduced and DDA growth continues. Given our overall asset sensitive balance sheet position and a more core-funded profile, we are well positioned for when rates start to move back up. Excluding the effects of one-time items, our second quarter NIM was 2.95% compared with the same adjusted metric of 2.86% in the first quarter 2021."

Mr. Simard commented, "In the first quarter, we announced the initiation of a comprehensive review of our non-interest expenses which included an annual reduction to salary and benefits of more than $3.0 million, along with additional cost savings associated with vendor contracts and process efficiencies. While some savings have been immediately realized in our second quarter run-rates, others will be phased in depending on contract timelines. As we continue to resume business-as-usual activities, we are also rolling out cost containment initiatives to absorb any potential increases associated with pandemic-delayed expenses. Lastly, we evaluate profitability at each branch within our footprint, at least annually, taking into consideration the unique geography of Northern New England and our customer needs."

Mr. Simard concluded, "As we move into the second half of the year, we are encouraged by an improving economic outlook and better operating conditions. Our collective resilience has prepared and positioned us to move forward with the same resolve that has sustained us throughout the pandemic. We have a unique complementary footprint that is enabling us to utilize all earnings levers that align with our model and strategy. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities in the way they are accustomed to."

DIVIDEND DECLARED
The Board of Directors voted to declare a cash dividend of $0.24 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 17, 2021, payable on September 17, 2021. This dividend equates to a 3.35% annualized yield based on the $28.62 closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the second quarter of 2021.

FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets were $3.6 billion at the end of the second quarter as the Company leveraged excess cash liquidity to reduce maturing brokered deposits of $104.7 million during the quarter. Loans decreased $35.5 million during the quarter, or 6% on an annualized basis, primarily due to PPP loan forgiveness and prepayments on residential loans.

During the quarter we developed 76 new commercial relationships, resulting in commercial real estate loan growth of 6% on an annualized basis and commercial and industrial loan growth 13% on an annualized basis, exclusive of PPP loans. PPP loan balances totaled $65.9 million at quarter-end, consisting of $62.7 million of 2021 originations and $3.2 million from 2020. Unearned deferred fee balances on PPP loans totaled $3.7 million at the end of the quarter. These balances are expected to be realized through early 2022. COVID loan modifications totaled $19.0 million, down from $43.0 million at the end of the first quarter 2021, as 97% of modified loans have resumed normal payment schedules. Total residential loans decreased $47.5 million, which includes $84.0 million of originations, $56.0 million of sales in the secondary market and $75.5 million of prepayments/amortization. Total originations during the quarter included $51.0 million that was sold on the secondary market and $33.0 million that was recorded on the balance sheet.

The allowance for credit losses decreased to $22.8 million during the second quarter due to stronger economic forecasts, offset by changes in overall loan mix. Net charge offs totaled $73 thousand, or less than 0.01% of the total loan portfolio, and non-accruing loans decreased to $13.6 million, or 0.54% of the total loans. The ratio of past due loans to total loans improved to 0.15% of total loans at June 30, 2021, decreasing from 0.44% in the first quarter of 2021. Commercial past due loans totaled $1.9 million at quarter end, which is the lowest level since 2016 when the portfolio was approximately 36% of its current size.

Total deposits decreased $90.0 million to $2.8 billion during the quarter, due to lower time deposits, offset by significant growth in core deposits. Core deposits increased $77.8 million, or 14% on an annualized basis, during the quarter. Over 1,000 new customer relationships were added in the quarter. Time deposits decreased $167.7 million during the quarter, primarily due to $104.7 million of brokered deposits not being replaced upon maturity due to excess liquidity. Retail time deposits decreased $63.0 million as customers moved funds to transactional accounts upon contractual maturity.

The Company's book value per share was $27.76 at June 30, 2021, compared with $27.13 at the end of the first quarter 2021. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP measure) was $19.30 at the end of the second quarter 2021, compared to $18.64 at the end of the first quarter 2021, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14%. Other comprehensive income included unrealized gains on securities totaling $7.2 million in the second quarter 2021 compared to $4.5 million at the end of the first quarter 2021.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income in the second quarter 2021 was $9.0 million, or $0.60 per share, compared to $8.5 million, or $0.55 per share, in the same quarter of 2020. Net income benefited from higher fee income and a credit provision recapture in the quarter. Core earnings totaled $9.4 million or $0.63 per share, compared to $8.6 million, or $0.56 per share, in the same quarter of 2020. Non-core items (non-GAAP) reduced net income by $384 thousand and $119 thousand in second quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Net interest margin equaled 2.74% compared to 2.93% in the same period of 2020. PPP loans contributed 7 basis points to NIM during the quarter as the majority of the remaining 2020 originations were forgiven. Accretion on PPP loans originated in 2021 are not expected to materially affect NIM until loans are forgiven starting in the third quarter 2021. Interest-bearing cash balances, held mostly at the Federal Reserve Bank, reduced NIM by 19 basis points. The yield on earning assets totaled 3.26% compared to 3.73% in the second quarter 2020. Excluding the impact of PPP and excess cash, the yield on earning assets totaled 3.44% and 3.98% for the same periods. Costs of funds decreased to 0.66% from 0.96% in the second quarter 2020 due to lower deposit rates and reductions to wholesale funding afforded by significant growth in core deposits. Brokered deposits that matured during second quarter carried 9 basis points of the total funding cost.

The provision for credit losses for the quarter was a benefit of $765 thousand, compared to an expense of $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2020. The provision recapture in the second quarter 2021 is attributable to improving economic forecasts and strong credit quality, offset by shifts in our loan mix.

Non-interest income in the second quarter 2021 equaled $9.5 million, compared to $9.7 million in the same quarter of 2020. Non-interest income, excluding gain on sales of securities, increased 13% on higher customer service fees, wealth management income, and gains on loan sales. Wealth management income increased 20% over the same quarter of 2020 as assets under management increased to $2.4 billion or 12% compared to the same period of 2020. Customer service fees increased $818 thousand compared to the second quarter of 2020 as customer activity and transactions now exceed pre-pandemic levels. Mortgage banking activities continue to contribute a significant amount of fee income, increasing to $1.6 million, compared to $1.1 million in the same period of 2020.

Non-interest expense improved to $21.7 million in the second quarter 2021 from $22.3 million in the same quarter of 2020. Salaries and benefits expense decreased 5% due to implementing workforce reduction programs at the beginning of the second quarter. Non-core expenses (non-GAAP) in the second quarter 2021 totaled $553 thousand and were mostly one-time reduction in workforce. In the same quarter of 2020 non-core expenses (non-GAAP) totaled $1.5 million and included costs to consolidate our wealth management systems and a loss on debt extinguishment.

BACKGROUND
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its clients for over 130 years. Bar Harbor provides full-service community banking with office locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For more information, visit www.barharbor.bank .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements under the headings "SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS", "FINANCIAL CONDITION" and "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" contained in this document, that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this earnings release the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "plan," "potential," "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "expect," "target" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including among other things, changes in general economic and business conditions, increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, legislative and regulatory change, changes in the financial markets, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Because of these and other uncertainties, the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company's past results of operations do not necessarily indicate future results. You should not place undue reliance on any of the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. The Company is not undertaking an obligation to update forward-looking statements, even though its situation may change in the future, except as required under federal securities law. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This document contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide the reader with additional supplemental perspectives on operating results, performance trends, and financial condition. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company's GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided below. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders. An item which management excludes when computing non-GAAP core earnings can be of substantial importance to the Company's results for any particular quarter or year. The Company's non-GAAP core earnings information set forth is not necessarily comparable to non- GAAP information which may be presented by other companies. Each non-GAAP measure used by the Company in this report as supplemental financial data should be considered in conjunction with the Company's GAAP financial information.

The Company utilizes the non-GAAP measure of core earnings in evaluating operating trends, including components for core revenue and expense. These measures exclude amounts which the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations, including gains/losses on securities, premises, equipment and other real estate owned, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, legal settlements, and systems conversion costs. Non-GAAP adjustments are presented net of an adjustment for income tax expense.

The Company also calculates core earnings per share based on its measure of core earnings. The Company views these amounts as important to understanding its operating trends, particularly due to the impact of accounting standards related to acquisition activity. Analysts also rely on these measures in estimating and evaluating the Company's performance. Management also believes that the computation of non-GAAP core earnings and core earnings per share may facilitate the comparison of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry. The Company also adjusts certain equity related measures to exclude intangible assets due to the importance of these measures to the investment community.

CONTACTS
Josephine Iannelli; EVP
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
(207) 288-3314

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES

SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - UNAUDITED

(1) Core measurements are non-GAAP financial measures adjusted to exclude net non-operating charges primarily related to acquisitions, restructurings, system conversions, loss on debt extinguishment and gain or loss on sale of securities, other real estate owned and premises and equipment. Refer to the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures in table J for additional information.
(2) Non-GAAP financial measure.
(3) All performance ratios are based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable.
(4) Fully taxable equivalent considers the impact of tax-advantaged investment securities and loans.
(5) Core net interest margin excludes Paycheck Protection Program loans.
(6) Earning assets includes non-accruing loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. Securities are valued at amortized cost.

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES

LOAN ANALYSIS

DEPOSIT ANALYSIS

*Indicates ratios of 100% or greater.

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES