Carolina Financial Corporation Reports Results for Second Quarter of 2017

CHARLESTON, S.C., July 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carolina Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CARO) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2017. 

Operational highlights for the three months ended June 30, 2017 include:

• Carolina Financial Corporation (the “Company” or “Carolina Financial”) announced the execution of an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated June 9, 2017, by and between the Company and First South Bancorp, Inc. (“First South”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, First South will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company as the surviving corporation in the Merger.  The Merger Agreement provides that immediately following the Merger, First South’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First South Bank, a North Carolina-chartered bank, will merge with and into the Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, CresCom Bank, a South Carolina-chartered bank (the “Bank Merger”), with CresCom Bank as the surviving entity in the Bank Merger. 
• In April 2017, the Company completed the operational conversion of its acquisition of Greer Bancshares Incorporated (“Greer”).

Financial highlights at and for the three months ended June 30, 2017, include:

• Net income for the second quarter 2017 increased 229.3% to $9.3 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, from $2.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2016.  Included in earnings are pretax merger-related expenses of $0.3 million and $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
• Operating earnings for the second quarter of 2017, which exclude certain non-operating income and expenses, increased 78.8% to $9.1 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, from $5.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, from the second quarter of 2016.
• Included in operating earnings for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 are tax benefits of $1.2 million ($0.07 per diluted share), and $0.4 million ($0.03 per diluted share), respectively, related to excess stock-based compensation.
• Performance ratios Q2 2017 compared to Q2 2016:
  - Return on average assets improved to 1.72% compared to 0.76%.
  - Operating return on average assets improved to 1.69% compared to 1.38%.
  - Return on average tangible equity was 16.02% compared to 7.96%.
  - Operating return on average tangible equity improved to 15.65% compared to 14.32%.
• Loans receivable, excluding Greer loans acquired in March 2017, grew $62.5 million, or at an annualized rate of 10.6%, since December 31, 2016.
• Nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.31% at June 30, 2017 compared to 0.40% at December 31, 2016.
• Total deposits, excluding Greer deposits acquired in March 2017, increased $94.4 million since December 31, 2016. Core deposits, excluding Greer core deposits acquired, increased $67.4 million since December 31, 2016.

“We are very pleased to announce the signing of a merger agreement with First South. We view this relationship as strategic to our stated objective to be acquisitive, while maximizing shareholder value.  This transaction gives us access to a number of high growth markets, including Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, and provides a strong core deposit franchise.  In addition, our overall operating results for the second quarter of 2017 continued to improve with an increase in operating earnings of 78.8% compared to the second quarter of 2016,” stated Jerry Rexroad, Chief Executive Officer.             

Financial Results

Carolina Financial Corporation

• The Company reported an increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 of $9.3 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, as compared to $2.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Included in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $0.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively.  The Company reported increased net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 of $14.2 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, as compared to $6.5 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Included in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $1.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively. 
• Operating earnings for the second quarter of 2017, which excludes certain non-operating income and expenses, increased 78.8% to $9.1 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, from $5.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, from the second quarter of 2016. Operating earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2017, which excludes certain non-operating income and expenses, increased 72.5% to $14.9 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, from $8.7 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, from the same period of 2016.
• The Company’s net interest margin-tax equivalent increased to 4.03% for the second quarter of 2017 compared to 3.64% for the second quarter of 2016.
• The Company reported book value per common share of $17.55 and $13.23 as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Tangible book value per common share was $14.74 and $12.59 as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
• At June 30, 2017, the Company’s regulatory capital ratios exceeded the minimum levels currently required.  Stockholders’ equity totaled $281.8 million as of June 30, 2017 compared to $163.2 million at December 31, 2016. Tangible equity to tangible assets at June 30, 2017 was 11.0% compared to 9.3% at December 31, 2016.
• Included in operating earnings for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 are tax benefits of $1.2 million ($0.07 per diluted share), and $0.4 million ($0.03 per diluted share), respectively, related to excess stock-based compensation. Included in operating earnings for six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are tax benefits of $1.4 million ($0.09 per diluted share), and $0.4 million ($0.03 per diluted share), respectively, related to excess stock-based compensation.

Community Banking

• Community banking segment net income increased 290.5% to $8.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Included in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $0.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  The community banking segment net income increased 132.3% to $13.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Included in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $1.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. 
• Community banking segment operating earnings increased 88.2% to $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Included in earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $0.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  The community banking segment operating earnings increased 73.4% to $13.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $7.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Included in earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were pretax merger related expenses of $1.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. 
• No provision for loan loss was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2017 or 2016.   This was primarily due to continued excellent asset quality, as well as net recoveries to average loans receivable of (0.01%) and (0.03%) for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
• Non-performing assets were 0.31% and 0.40% of total assets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
• Loans receivable, gross increased to $1.4 billion at June 30, 2017 compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2016.
• The number of checking accounts increased at an annualized rate of 11.0%, excluding Greer checking accounts acquired, since December 31, 2016.  Total deposits, excluding acquired deposits from the Greer acquisition, increased $94.4 million since December 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, core deposits, defined as checking, savings and money market, comprised approximately 64.9% and 60.6%, respectively, of total deposits.

Wholesale Mortgage Banking

• Net income for the wholesale mortgage banking segment was $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $919,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Net income was $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
• Net margin was 1.69% for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 1.74% for the three months ended June 30, 2016. Originations for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were $219.8 million and $200.2 million, respectively. Net margin was 1.74% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to 1.66% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. Originations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were $400.6 million and $387.0 million, respectively.
• Net interest income for the wholesale mortgage banking segment was $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016.  Net interest income for the wholesale mortgage banking segment was $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
• Mortgage loan servicing income, net of amortization of mortgage servicing rights and subservicing expense, for the wholesale mortgage banking segment was $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.  Mortgage loan servicing income, net of amortization of mortgage servicing rights and subservicing expense, for the wholesale mortgage banking segment was $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.  At June 30, 2017, loans serviced for third parties totaled $2.4 billion, compared to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2016.

Conference Call

A conference call will be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time on July 21, 2017. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (866) 464-9448 or (213) 660-0874 and requesting the Carolina Financial Corporation earnings call. The conference ID number is 52128528. Listeners should dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.  The live webcast and presentation slides will be available on www.haveanicebank.com under Investor Relations, “Investor Presentations.”

A replay of the webcast will be available on www.haveanicebank.com under Investor Relations, “Investor Presentations” approximately three hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and requesting conference number 52128528.

About Carolina Financial Corporation

Carolina Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CARO) is the holding company of CresCom Bank, which also owns and operates Atlanta-based Crescent Mortgage Company.  As of June 30, 2017, Carolina Financial Corporation had approximately $2.2 billion in total assets and Crescent Mortgage Company was licensed to originate loans in 48 states partnering with community banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers.  On June 11, 2016, Carolina Financial completed its acquisition of Congaree Bancshares Inc.  On January 5, 2017, the Company closed a public offering of approximately 1.8 million shares of its common stock with net proceeds of approximately $47.7 million, net of related expenses. On March 18, 2017, Carolina Financial completed its acquisition of Greer Bancshares Incorporated.   On June 9, 2017, Carolina Financial Corporation announced the execution of an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization by and between the Company and First South Bancorp, Inc. (“First South”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, First South will merge with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation.

Addendum to News Release – Use of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Such statements should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.  This news release and the accompanying tables discuss financial measures, including but not limited to, core deposits, tangible book value, operating earnings and net income related to segments of the Company, which are non-GAAP measures.  We believe that such non-GAAP measures are useful because they enhance the ability of investors and management to evaluate and compare the Company’s operating results from period to period in a meaningful manner.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP.  Investors should consider the Company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company.  Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.

Please refer to the Non-GAAP reconciliation tables later in this release for additional information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future plans and expectations, and are thus prospective.  Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements with respect to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, and other statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” and “projects,” as well as similar expressions.  Such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate.  Therefore, we can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized.  The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly and have an effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; (2) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations may be different than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in the credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the Company’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses; (3) the rate of delinquencies and amounts of charge-offs, the level of allowance for loan loss, the rates of loan growth, or adverse changes in asset quality in our loan portfolio, which may result in increased credit risk-related losses and expenses; (4) the risk that the preliminary financial information reported herein and our current preliminary analysis will be different when our review is finalized; (5) changes in the U.S. legal and regulatory framework including, but not limited to, the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted thereunder; (6) adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets (including changes in interest rate conditions) could have a negative impact on the Company; (7) the business related to acquisitions may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; (8) the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from acquisitions may not be fully realized within expected timeframes; and (9) disruption from acquisitions may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates, or suppliers.  Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our reports (such as our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.  We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.