EX-99.1 2 earningsrelease_20240331xe.htm EX-99.1 Document

Exhibit 99.1
image.jpg
Isabella Bank Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Loan, Deposit and Wealth Asset Growth continue in 2024
MT. PLEASANT, MICHIGAN — April 18, 2024 — Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: ISBA) (the “Company”) reported first quarter 2024 net income of $3.1 million or $0.42 per diluted share compared to $5.3 million or $0.70 per diluted share in the same quarter of 2023.
FIRST QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS (compared to first quarter 2023, unless otherwise stated)
Total commercial loan growth of 8% annualized, compared to 0.4%
Earning asset yield of 4.45%, compared to 3.89%
Wealth management income increased 19%
Nonperforming loans to total loans ratio of 0.09%
"Earnings declined year-over-year because of continued interest rate pressure. However, the bank recorded positive results in loans, deposits and wealth management assets as a result of continuing to attract new customers while retaining strong loyalty among our current customers," according to Chief Executive Officer Jerome Schwind. "We’ve also maintained excellent liquidity and strong credit quality among loan customers, factors that fuel our underlying strength and resilience during continued high interest rates.
"As previously announced, the corporation paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share of common stock, which continues to provide an attractive dividend yield for shareholders.”
FINANCIAL CONDITION (March 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023)
Total assets were $2.06 billion at the end of both the first quarter 2024 and year-end 2023, primarily due to loan growth, which were offset by lower balances in cash and securities. Excess cash, security amortization, and strong deposit growth provided the funding for loan growth and borrowing payoffs during the quarter.
Total loans grew $16 million to $1.37 billion at the end of first quarter 2024. Total commercial loans, which include advances to mortgage brokers and agricultural loans, increased $18.3 million as the Company selectively expanded its book of business across many industries, but most notably in construction and real estate sectors. Residential loan volume remained stable during the quarter as originations kept pace with paydowns, as well as a few sales in the secondary market. Demand for mortgages remains low given prevailing market rates, housing prices and low inventory.
Securities available for sale decreased $10.6 million to $517.6 million at the end of the first quarter 2024, primarily due to amortization from collateralized mortgage obligations and higher unrealized losses on the total portfolio. Unrealized losses on securities totaled $34.8 million, or 6.3% of the portfolio, at the end of the first quarter 2024 versus $31.8 million at year-end 2023, reflecting an increase in market rates.
The allowance for credit losses increased $282 thousand to $13.4 million at the end of the first quarter 2024 due to loan growth and specific reserves on a few small commercial loans whose credit ratings were downgraded. Nonaccruing loans increased $301 thousand to $1.3 million, principally due to one commercial credit that is expected to be settled in the near-term. Past due accounts between 30 to 89 days as a percentage of total loans was 0.62% during the first quarter 2024, compared to 0.31% at year-end 2023. The increase primarily is due to a group of customers that typically make payments about 30 days in arrears, which becomes overdue when the 31st



day lands on a business day. Accordingly, the increase is not believed to be an indication of deteriorating credit quality. Overall, credit quality remains strong, and there are not any negative trends.
Total deposits increased $44.6 million to $1.77 billion at the end of the first quarter 2024. Demand for retail certificates of deposits (CDs) continues based on the rate environment, resulting in a $19.8 million increase in the balance during the quarter. Other interest-bearing deposits increased $40.1 million, which underscores strong relationships the bank continues to build in the communities in which it serves. Demand deposits decreased $15.2 million, which is consistent in seasonal trends in the markets. Additionally, the strong inflow of deposits provided the opportunity to payoff $40.0 million of higher cost Federal Home Loan Bank advances during the quarter.
The Company's tangible book value per share was $20.35 as of March 31, 2024, compared to $20.59 on December 31, 2023. Unrealized losses on securities, net of taxes, reduced tangible book value per share by $3.67 and $3.36 at the end of those respective periods.
The Bank is considered a “well-capitalized” institution, as its capital ratios exceeded the minimum designated requirements. As of March 31, 2024, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 8.61%, Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 12.10%, and Total Capital Ratio was 13.05% — well above the minimum requirements of 5.0%, 8.0%, and 10.0%, respectively.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2023 quarterly comparison)
Net interest margin was 2.78% compared to 3.22% in the first quarter 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by a higher cost of funds. The book yield from securities was 2.25% and 2.29% at March 31, 2024 and 2023. The yield includes the effect of the investment of excess cash in shorter term US treasury securities following the COVID pandemic in 2021 and 2022. As a result, these securities will mature over the next 2 to 5 years, and the proceeds are expected to be reinvested in market rate loans and securities. The yield on loans expanded to 5.36% in the first quarter 2024, up from 4.70% in the same quarter of 2023. Approximately 46% of commercial loans are fixed at rates that are lower than current market rates but will contractually reprice to variable rates over the next 3 to 5 years which will improve the overall yield on earning assets. Costs of interest-bearing liabilities increased to 2.27% from 0.95% in the first quarter 2023, reflecting a higher level of retail CDs and overall deposit relationship pricing.
The provision for credit losses was $392 thousand in the first quarter of 2024 and was $41 thousand in the same quarter of 2023. The change was largely due to loan growth and a few specific reserves on commercial loans that were downgraded in the first quarter of 2024.
Noninterest income was $3.5 million in the first quarter 2024, up 5% as compared to the same quarter 2023. Customer service fees grew by $68 thousand to $2.0 million as compared to the same quarter of 2023 on a higher number of transactional accounts. Wealth management income increased by $153 thousand to $939 thousand from the prior year quarter due to an increase of $89.2 million in assets under management (AUM). Wealth AUM increased by $19.6 million to $660.6 million from $641.0 million as of fourth quarter 2023 primarily due to new accounts and higher security valuations in the first quarter 2024.
Noninterest expense was $12.7 million in the first quarter 2024 compared to $12.2 million in the first quarter 2023. Compensation and benefit expenses increased $426 thousand from the comparative quarter in 2023. The increase reflects annual merit increases and medical claim adjustments totaling $225 thousand.



About the Corporation
Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: ISBA) is the parent holding company of Isabella Bank, a state-chartered community bank headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Isabella Bank was established in 1903 and has been committed to serving its customers' and communities' local banking needs for over 120 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust, and estate planning services. The Bank has locations throughout eight Mid-Michigan counties: Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw.
For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Investor Relations link at www.isabellabank.com. Isabella Bank Corporation common stock is quoted on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s electronic quotation system (www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol “ISBA.” The Corporation’s investor relations firm is Stonegate Capital Partners, Inc. (www.stonegateinc.com).
Contact
Lori Peterson, Director of Marketing Phone: 989-779-6333 Fax: 989-775-5501
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements. To the extent that the foregoing information refers to matters that may occur in the future, please be aware that such forward-looking statements may differ materially from the actual results. Additional information concerning some of the factors that could cause materially different results is included in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” set forth in Isabella Bank Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference facilities and from its website at www.sec.gov.



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and demand deposits due from banks$22,987 $25,628 
Fed Funds sold and interest bearing balances due from banks2,231 8,044 
Total cash and cash equivalents25,218 33,672 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value517,585 528,148 
Mortgage loans available-for-sale366 — 
Loans1,365,508 1,349,463 
Less allowance for credit losses13,390 13,108 
Net loans1,352,118 1,336,355 
Premises and equipment27,951 27,639 
Bank owned life insurance policies34,131 33,892 
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values15,848 15,848 
Goodwill and other intangible assets48,284 48,284 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets36,075 35,130 
TOTAL ASSETS$2,057,576 $2,058,968 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits
Noninterest bearing$413,272 $428,505 
Interest bearing demand deposits349,401 320,737 
Certificates of deposit under $250 and other savings881,528 857,768 
Certificates of deposit over $250124,106 116,685 
Total deposits1,768,307 1,723,695 
Borrowed funds
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements42,998 46,801 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances— 40,000 
Subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs29,357 29,335 
Total borrowed funds72,355 116,136 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities16,240 16,735 
Total liabilities1,856,902 1,856,566 
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock — no par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 7,488,101 shares (including 169,677 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2024 and 7,485,889 shares (including 150,581 shares held in the Rabbi Trust) in 2023126,656 127,323 
Shares to be issued for deferred compensation obligations3,890 3,693 
Retained earnings98,318 97,282 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(28,190)(25,896)
Total shareholders’ equity200,674 202,402 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY$2,057,576 $2,058,968 



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended 
 March 31
 20242023
Interest income
Loans, including fees$18,057 $14,889 
Available-for-sale securities
Taxable2,258 2,502 
Nontaxable626 718 
Federal funds sold and other439 486 
Total interest income21,380 18,595 
Interest expense
Deposits7,163 2,829 
Borrowings
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements321 149 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances388 — 
Subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs266 266 
Total interest expense8,138 3,244 
Net interest income13,242 15,351 
Provision for credit losses392 41 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses12,850 15,310 
Noninterest income
Service charges and fees2,046 1,978 
Wealth management fees939 786 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance policies243 226 
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans34 67 
Other206 236 
Total noninterest income3,468 3,293 
Noninterest expenses
Compensation and benefits7,015 6,589 
Furniture and equipment1,675 1,597 
Occupancy1,031 1,005 
Other2,955 3,007 
Total noninterest expenses12,676 12,198 
Income before federal income tax expense3,642 6,405 
Federal income tax expense511 1,084 
NET INCOME$3,131 $5,321 
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.42 $0.70 
Diluted$0.42 $0.70 
Cash dividends per common share$0.28 $0.28 



AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST RATE, AND NET INTEREST INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
The following schedules present the daily average amount outstanding for each major category of interest earning assets, non-earning assets, interest bearing liabilities, and noninterest bearing liabilities. These schedules also present an analysis of interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. All interest income is reported on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%. Loans in nonaccrual status, for the purpose of the following computations, are included in the average loan balances. Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and Federal Home Loan Bank restricted equity holdings are included in other interest earning assets.
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024March 31, 2023
Average
Balance
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
Average
Yield /
Rate
Average
Balance
Tax
Equivalent
Interest
Average
Yield /
Rate
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
Loans (1)
$1,348,749 $18,057 5.36 %$1,268,269 $14,889 4.70 %
Taxable investment securities467,974 2,228 1.90 %504,889 2,471 1.96 %
Nontaxable investment securities89,056 902 4.05 %106,240 1,021 3.84 %
Fed funds sold— 5.69 %17 — 4.50 %
Other37,972 439 4.62 %60,583 486 3.21 %
Total earning assets1,943,758 21,626 4.45 %1,939,998 18,867 3.89 %
NONEARNING ASSETS
Allowance for credit losses(13,100)(12,660)
Cash and demand deposits due from banks24,018 25,039 
Premises and equipment28,022 25,864 
Accrued income and other assets84,059 71,063 
Total assets$2,066,757 $2,049,304 
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
Interest bearing demand deposits$345,842 413 0.48 %$379,717 146 0.15 %
Savings deposits633,904 3,333 2.10 %645,987 1,466 0.91 %
Time deposits357,541 3,417 3.82 %267,463 1,217 1.82 %
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements40,623 321 3.16 %39,709 149 1.50 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances27,692 388 5.60 %— — — %
Subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs
29,342 266 3.63 %29,253 266 3.64 %
Total interest bearing liabilities1,434,944 8,138 2.27 %1,362,129 3,244 0.95 %
NONINTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
Demand deposits412,228 486,491 
Other16,151 13,094 
Shareholders’ equity203,434 187,590 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,066,757 $2,049,304 
Net interest income (FTE)$13,488 $15,623 
Net yield on interest earning assets (FTE)2.78 %3.22 %
(1) Includes loans and mortgage loans available-for-sale
Three Months Ended




SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
September 30
2023
June 30
2023
March 31
2023
PER SHARE
Basic earnings$0.42 $0.51 $0.59 $0.62 $0.70 
Diluted earnings$0.42 $0.51 $0.58 $0.61 $0.70 
Dividends$0.28 $0.28 $0.28 $0.28 $0.28 
Tangible book value (1)
$20.35 $20.59 $18.27 $18.69 $19.24 
Quoted market value
High$21.74 $22.00 $23.00 $26.00 $25.10 
Low$18.25 $19.75 $19.61 $19.13 $22.08 
Market price (1)
$19.40 $21.50 $21.05 $20.50 $24.80 
Common shares outstanding (1)
7,488,101 7,485,889 7,490,557 7,496,826 7,540,015 
Average number of common shares outstanding7,493,334 7,492,532 7,495,168 7,498,584 7,556,585 
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding7,507,739 7,526,514 7,570,374 7,567,527 7,634,417 
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average total assets0.61 %0.74 %0.86 %0.91 %1.04 %
Return on average shareholders' equity6.16 %8.05 %9.24 %9.47 %11.35 %
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity8.07 %10.82 %12.37 %12.58 %15.28 %
Net interest margin yield (FTE)2.78 %2.85 %3.02 %3.11 %3.22 %
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (1)
Loans sold with servicing retained$244,829 $248,756 $252,176 $254,934 $259,512 
Assets managed by Isabella Wealth$660,645 $641,027 $590,666 $593,530 $571,453 
Total assets under management$2,963,050 $2,948,751 $2,961,332 $2,890,912 $2,915,589 
ASSET QUALITY (1)
Nonaccrual loans$1,283 $982 $520 $414 $488 
Foreclosed assets$579 $406 $509 $405 $414 
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)$46 $381 $(254)$(3)$(9)
Nonperforming loans to gross loans0.09 %0.08 %0.04 %0.04 %0.04 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.09 %0.07 %0.05 %0.05 %0.05 %
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans0.98 %0.97 %0.96 %0.96 %0.99 %
CAPITAL RATIOS (1)
Shareholders' equity to assets9.75 %9.83 %8.74 %9.23 %9.27 %
Tier 1 leverage8.80 %8.76 %8.77 %8.70 %8.58 %
Common equity tier 1 capital12.36 %12.54 %12.43 %12.39 %12.71 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital12.36 %12.54 %12.43 %12.39 %12.71 %
Total risk-based capital15.31 %15.52 %15.39 %15.37 %15.77 %
(1) At end of period



SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31
2024
March 31
2023
March 31
2022
PER SHARE
Basic earnings$0.42 $0.70 $0.63 
Diluted earnings$0.42 $0.70 $0.62 
Dividends$0.28 $0.28 $0.27 
Tangible book value (1)
$20.35 $19.24 $19.56 
Quoted market value
High$21.74 $25.10 $26.00 
Low$18.25 $22.08 $24.50 
Market price (1)
$19.40 $24.80 $25.85 
Common shares outstanding (1)
7,488,101 7,540,015 7,542,758 
Average number of common shares outstanding7,493,334 7,556,585 7,533,711 
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding7,507,739 7,634,417 7,639,688 
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average total assets0.61 %1.04 %0.92 %
Return on average shareholders' equity6.16 %11.35 %9.02 %
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity8.07 %15.28 %11.72 %
Net interest margin yield (FTE)2.78 %3.22 %2.86 %
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (1)
Loans sold with servicing retained$244,829 $259,512 $275,556 
Assets managed by Isabella Wealth$660,645 $571,453 $501,829 
Total assets under management$2,963,050 $2,915,589 $2,838,318 
ASSET QUALITY (1)
Nonaccrual loans$1,283 $488 $747 
Foreclosed assets$579 $414 $187 
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)$46 $(9)$(64)
Nonperforming loans to gross loans0.09 %0.04 %0.06 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.09 %0.05 %0.05 %
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans0.98 %0.99 %0.76 %
CAPITAL RATIOS (1)
Shareholders' equity to assets9.75 %9.27 %9.50 %
Tier 1 leverage8.80 %8.58 %8.12 %
Common equity tier 1 capital12.36 %12.71 %12.83 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital12.36 %12.71 %12.83 %
Total risk-based capital15.31 %15.77 %15.84 %
(1) At end of period



SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
September 30
2023
June 30
2023
March 31
2023
Commercial and industrial$226,281 $209,738 $195,814 $194,914 $189,185 
Commercial real estate561,123 564,244 566,639 564,254 566,410 
Advances to mortgage brokers29,688 18,541 24,807 39,099 — 
Agricultural93,695 99,994 99,233 96,689 94,760 
Residential real estate356,658 356,418 348,196 343,474 336,186 
Consumer98,063 100,528 99,985 95,972 84,110 
Gross loans$1,365,508 $1,349,463 $1,334,674 $1,334,402 $1,270,651 
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
September 30
2023
June 30
2023
March 31
2023
Noninterest bearing demand deposits$413,272 $428,505 $445,043 $458,845 $478,829 
Interest bearing demand deposits349,401 320,737 363,558 335,922 383,602 
Savings deposits639,491 628,079 628,795 606,644 662,495 
Certificates of deposit366,143 346,374 332,078 313,537 288,602 
Internet certificates of deposit— — — — — 
Total deposits$1,768,307 $1,723,695 $1,769,474 $1,714,948 $1,813,528 
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
September 30
2023
June 30
2023
March 31
2023
U.S. Treasury$214,226 $214,801 $209,182 $209,353 $212,086 
States and political subdivisions90,470 92,876 89,773 95,242 108,719 
Auction rate money market preferred3,013 2,931 2,570 2,637 2,716 
Mortgage-backed securities31,044 32,815 32,923 35,532 37,797 
Collateralized mortgage obligations171,831 177,775 175,630 180,996 200,252 
Corporate7,001 6,950 6,819 6,737 7,080 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value$517,585 $528,148 $516,897 $530,497 $568,650 
March 31
2024
December 31
2023
September 30
2023
June 30
2023
March 31
2023
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase without stated maturity dates$42,998 $46,801 $52,330 $37,102 $31,995 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances— 40,000 65,000 55,000 — 
Subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs29,357 29,335 29,312 29,290 29,267 
Total borrowed funds$72,355 $116,136 $146,642 $121,392 $61,262 



SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31
20242023
Service charges and fees
ATM and debit card fees$1,215 $1,160 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts614 611 
Freddie Mac servicing fee150 159 
Net mortgage servicing rights income (loss)(37)(36)
Other fees for customer services104 84 
Total service charges and fees2,046 1,978 
Wealth management fees939 786 
Earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies243 226 
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans34 67 
Other206 236 
Total noninterest income$3,468 $3,293 
Three Months Ended March 31
20242023
Compensation and benefits$7,015 $6,589 
Furniture and equipment1,675 1,597 
Occupancy1,031 1,005 
Other
Audit, consulting, and legal fees513 535 
ATM and debit card fees469 400 
FDIC insurance premiums252 228 
Marketing costs244 245 
Memberships and subscriptions228 240 
Loan underwriting fees183 215 
Donations and community relations182 184 
Director fees176 204 
All other708 756 
Total other noninterest expenses2,955 3,007 
Total noninterest expenses$12,676 $12,198