Southside Bancshares (SBSI) Tops Q4 EPS by 25c

Southside Bancshares (NASDAQ: SBSI) reported Q4 EPS of $0.89, $0.25 better than the analyst estimate of $0.64.

• Record fourth quarter net income of $29.6 million, an increase of 70.6%, compared to the same period in 2019;
• Record annual net income of $82.2 million, an increase of 10.2%, compared to the same period in 2019;
• Annualized return on fourth quarter average assets of 1.64%;
• Annualized return on fourth quarter average tangible equity of 18.71%(1); and
• Nonperforming assets remained low at 0.25% of total assets.

“The ability to report record annual net income, combined with strong asset quality metrics, during a year challenged by a pandemic and the related uncertainties, while implementing ASU 2016-13(2) (“CECL”), in my opinion, makes 2020 by far the best year in the history of the bank,” stated Lee R. Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southside. “The $12.2 million increase in net income for the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2019, was driven by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in provision for credit losses. During the fourth quarter, we expensed approximately $1.0 million related to branch closures. Asset quality metrics remained strong with nonperforming assets to total assets at year end of 0.25%. As of January 25, 2021, and since the release of our second quarter results in July, total modified loans due to the impact of COVID-19 have decreased approximately $291 million, or 89%, from $326 million as of July 20, to $35 million, or 1.0% of total loans, net of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. On a linked quarter basis, our net interest margin(1) increased 18 basis points to 3.20%, of which approximately 14 basis points was attributable to additional accretion income on PPP loans forgiven by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) during the quarter. Despite the extremely low interest rate environment during much of 2020, we were able to successfully maintain and slightly increase Southside’s net interest margin(1) when compared to 2019.”

“During the fourth quarter, loans decreased $132.2 million primarily due to the $88 million decrease in PPP loans and a few large payoffs in commercial real estate loans. Our loan pipeline continues to grow as lending opportunities in our markets are steadily increasing. We anticipate further forgiveness of PPP loans and additional large payoffs will challenge overall loan growth during the first quarter of 2021. Our balance sheet, capital position and underlying earnings continue to be a source of strength, as reflected in our fourth quarter results.”

“On November 9, 2020, we announced the successful completion of Southside’s $100 million subordinated debt offering. Through the issuance of the notes bearing a coupon of 3.875%, we were able to raise low cost capital without dilution to existing shareholders.”

“The pandemic continues to impact the markets we serve and uncertainties remain, however we are encouraged by the vaccine rollout and the increased economic activity in our markets. I am extremely proud of the dedication and professionalism consistently shown by our team members as they safely and efficiently served our customers and they deserve the credit for this outstanding year.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Southside Bancshares (SBSI) click here.

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