First Citizens BancShares Reports Earnings For First Quarter 2020

RALEIGH, N.C. — First Citizens BancShares Inc. ("BancShares") (Nasdaq: FCNCA) reported earnings for the first quarter of 2020 which were impacted by the global spread of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") and its effects on the economic environment. Key results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, are presented below:

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Net income for the first quarter of 2020 totaled $57.2 million, a decrease of $54.2 million, or 48.7% compared to the same quarter in 2019. Net income per common share decreased to $5.46 in the first quarter of 2020, from $9.67 per share during the same quarter in 2019. First quarter 2020 earnings were impacted by a $51.4 million ($39.7 million net of tax) decline in fair value in the equity securities portfolio, as well as $21.5 million ($16.6 million net of tax) additional provision expense for the potential impact of COVID-19.
• Return on average assets for the first quarter of 2020 was 0.57%, down from 1.27% in the same quarter in 2019. Return on average equity for the first quarter of 2020 was 6.24%, down from 12.86% in the same period of 2019. The impact of the adjustments described above reduced the first quarter ROA and ROE by 0.56% and 6.14%, respectively.
• BancShares reported total net interest income of $338.4 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $17.9 million, or 5.6% compared to the same quarter in 2019. The taxable-equivalent net interest margin ("NIM") was 3.55% for the first quarter of 2020, down 31 basis points from 3.86% during the same quarter in 2019.
• The allowance for credit losses was $209.3 million at March 31, 2020, compared to $225.1 million at December 31, 2019. The $15.8 million change was due primarily to the $37.9 million reduction in the allowance as a result of adopting the Current Expected Credit Loss standard ("CECL"), partially offset by a $21.5 million increase as a result of COVID-19. 
• Total loans grew to $29.24 billion, an increase of $359.5 million, or 5.0% on an annualized basis since December 31, 2019. Excluding acquired loans, total loans increased $224.2 million since December 31, 2019, or by 3.1% on an annualized basis. The net charge-off ratio was 0.10% for the first quarter of 2020, down from 0.11% for the same quarter in 2019.
• Total deposits grew to $35.35 billion, an increase of $915.5 million, or 10.7% on an annualized basis since December 31, 2019. Excluding acquired deposits, total deposits increased $697.5 million since December 31, 2019, or by 8.1% on an annualized basis.
• During the first quarter of 2020, BancShares successfully completed a $695 million capital raise, which consisted of $350 million of subordinated notes and $345 million of Series A preferred stock. BancShares additionally repurchased 349,390 shares of its Class A common stock totaling approximately $159.7 million. At March 31, 2020, BancShares remained well capitalized with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.7%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.4%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 10.4%, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.0%. 

COVID-19 CRISIS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

Chairman and CEO, Frank B. Holding, Jr. Comments

"We know the coronavirus and prevention measures are directly impacting everyone in a deeply personal way. We understand that it's a stressful and challenging time for many and we're here to assist. We're working day and night to help our associates, customers and communities through this. At First Citizens, our financial position is strong. We've been in business for 122 years and continue to focus strategically on the long-term. We're a bank people can count on for strength, stability and sustainability. Our branches are open for business, and we're able to provide meaningful relief options to our customers in their time of need.

"I want to thank our dedicated associates for their expertise in keeping our operations running smoothly as we respond to the many challenges we are facing in the current environment. I am very proud of them. My gratitude also goes out to everyone on the front lines, including our first responders and health care professionals."

Broad and Extensive Response

BancShares' strong capital and liquidity positions, along with a history of sound risk management, provide flexibility and stability to navigate this crisis. At the onset, BancShares assembled a cross-functional leadership team to ensure business continuity, protect the safety of our associates, and support our customers and communities. Our continued investment in technology allowed our team to respond to customers without interruption. Digital account openings and virtual logins increased approximately 25% from pre-COVID-19 levels and we have successfully deployed a remote work strategy for numerous associates. Our leadership team, with the help of all our dedicated associates, has been working diligently to ensure our high standards of customer service continue while also protecting the safety and soundness of our organization and the health and welfare of our stakeholders.

Supporting Our Associates

• More than 90% of associates at our corporate locations are working remotely.
• Branches transitioned to drive-thru and lobby by appointment only service to limit exposure to our associates and our customers.
• Increased access to employee assistance programs, including emotional support and assistance with childcare and eldercare services.
• Offering paid leave and medical treatment for associates with COVID-19-related illnesses.
• Established an internal COVID-19 platform to provide daily communication across the company.

Supporting Our Customers

• Ensuring the majority of our branches remain operational for our customers with appropriate safety protocols.
• Waiving early withdrawal penalties on certificates of deposit when customers need the funds for relief.
• Offering 90-day payment deferrals for qualified borrowers with no late fees.
• Increasing access to funds through our traditional lending products and offering special unsecured loans for up to 24 months with a low fixed interest rate and no payments for 90 days.
• Participating in the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program ("SBA-PPP").

Diversified Loan Portfolio and Ongoing Monitoring of Credit Risk

While we understand that helping our customers through this trying time may defer a full understanding of the impact of COVID-19, we are actively monitoring our loan portfolio for areas of increased risk. As of April 24, 2020, we have approved or processed loan payment extensions on approximately $5.9 billion in loans (approximately $180 million in deferred payments) for customers in good standing who have been affected by COVID-19. BancShares has a well-diversified loan portfolio by geography and industry, however, extensions have been concentrated in industries impacted the most by the pandemic which includes our dental and medical portfolios, as well as the hospitality industry. The risk profile is somewhat mitigated as our typical customer's dental or medical practice is well established and actively managed. Social distancing requirements had an immediate impact on both of these industries; however, they should also see immediate demand for services once those restrictions are lessened. Through April 24, 2020, we have not seen significant shifts in credit line utilization or overall declines in credit quality. BancShares continues to have solid credit performance that has matched or exceeded its peer group net charge-off ratios over time.

We are actively participating in the SBA-PPP program, which will provide much needed funds to our small business customers. In March, we put together a detailed and comprehensive framework to enable us to accept applications from our customers to help them in this time of need. As of April 24, 2020, we have processed approximately 5,000 SBA-PPP loan applications, securing funding for our customers of approximately $1.8 billion.

Strong Liquidity Position and Low Cost Funding Sources

We maintain a strong level of liquidity, which positions us well to adapt to stresses posed by this environment. As of March 31, 2020, we had liquid assets (available cash and unencumbered high quality liquid assets at market value) totaling approximately $5.5 billion. This represented 13.2% of consolidated assets as of March 31, 2020.

In addition to liquid assets, we had contingent sources of liquidity totaling approximately $11.3 billion in the form of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing capacity, Federal Reserve Discount Window availability, fed funds lines and a committed line of credit.

Our funding base is composed of 94.8% deposits, of which 38.7% are demand deposit accounts. Of our total deposits, 97.7% are core deposits. As of March 31, 2020, our loan to deposit ratio was 83.7% and our cost of total deposits was 0.28%.

Strong Capital Position

In accordance with our capital plan, we operate with a level of capital above regulatory established well-capitalized limits. This plan considers an assessment of internal and external risk factors and is further informed by combined idiosyncratic and market-stressed scenarios.

At March 31, 2020, BancShares' regulatory capital ratios were well in excess of Basel III capital requirements to withstand these market-stressed scenarios with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.7%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.4%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 10.4%, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.0%, and a capital conservation buffer of 5.4%, twice the required level of 2.5%.

RECENT MERGER ACTIVITY

On February 1, 2020, BancShares' bank subsidiary First Citizens Bank & Trust Company ("FCB") completed the merger of Duluth, Georgia-based Community Financial Holding Co. Inc. ("Community Financial") and its bank subsidiary, Gwinnett Community Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, total cash consideration of $2.3 million was paid to the shareholders of Community Financial. FCB acquired $221.4 million in assets, $134.0 million in loans and $209.3 million in deposits.

On April 17, 2020, FCB completed the previously announced sale of three Entegra Bank branches to Select Bank & Trust Company.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2020 totaled $338.4 million, an increase of $17.9 million, or 5.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2019. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase of $34.6 million in interest earned on loans driven by loan growth, partially offset by increases in interest expense on deposits of $11.3 million and borrowings of $3.4 million. The taxable-equivalent NIM was 3.55% during the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 31 basis points from 3.86% for the comparable quarter in the prior year. The primary drivers of the margin decline were an increase in the rates paid on interest bearing deposits, largely in time deposits and money market accounts, and a decline in the yield on interest earning assets.

Net interest income increased $11.3 million, or 3.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The change in interest income was primarily due to loan growth, partially offset by increased volume in deposits and borrowings. The taxable equivalent NIM decreased 4 basis points from 3.59% in the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily due to a decline in the yield on non-purchased credit deteriorated ("non-PCD") loans and investment securities, and an increase in borrowings, partially offset by a higher yield on purchased credit deteriorated ("PCD") loans.

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Provision expense was $28.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2020, as compared to $11.8 million and $7.7 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in the current period was primarily COVID-19 related. Loss estimates consider the potential impact of slower economic activity with increasing unemployment, as well as potential mitigating impacts from the government stimulus and loan modification programs. The increase in provision was mostly related to commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate.

Total net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2020 were $7.5 million, compared with $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2019, and $9.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. The net charge-off ratio was 0.10% for the three month period ended March 31, 2020, compared to 0.14% and 0.11% for the three month periods ended December 31, 2019, and March 31, 2019, respectively.

NONINTEREST INCOME

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2020 totaled $64.0 million, a decrease of $39.7 million, or 38.3% compared to the first quarter of 2019. Excluding fair value adjustments on marketable equity securities and realized gains on available for sale securities sales, noninterest income was $95.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $92.3 million for the same period in 2019. This $3.3 million increase was primarily driven by increases in mortgage income, cardholder services income and wealth advisory services income of $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Noninterest expense totaled $300.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, a $32.3 million, or 12.1% increase compared to the same period in 2019. The increase was largely driven by an $18.8 million increase in personnel-related expenses primarily due to increased salaries and wages as a result of net staff additions, including personnel from acquisitions, and merit increases. This was coupled with increases in processing fees paid to third parties and merger-related expenses of $3.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense totaled $16.9 million and $33.4 million for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 22.8% and 23.1% for the respective periods.

LOANS AND DEPOSITS

At March 31, 2020, loans totaled $29.24 billion, an increase of $359.4 million since December 31, 2019. Of this growth, $135.2 million was related to the acquisition of Community Financial. Excluding acquired loans, total loans increased $224.2 million since December 31, 2019, or by 3.1% on an annualized basis.

At March 31, 2020, deposits totaled $35.35 billion, an increase of $915.5 million since December 31, 2019. Of this growth, $218.0 million was related to the acquisition of Community Financial. Excluding acquired deposits, total deposits increased $697.5 million since December 31, 2019, or by 8.1% on an annualized basis.

ADOPTION OF CECL & ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

On January 1, 2020, BancShares adopted CECL, which resulted in a net decrease of $37.9 million in the allowance for credit losses ("ACL") which included a decrease of $56.9 million in the ACL on non-PCD loans, offset by an increase of $19.0 million in the ACL on PCD loans. The $56.9 million reduction in the ACL on non-PCD loans, partially offset by an $8.9 million increase in the reserve for unfunded commitments, net of deferred taxes, resulted in an increase in retained earnings of $36.9 million. The $19.0 million increase in the ACL on PCD loans resulted in a gross up of loan balances by this same amount and did not have any effect on retained earnings.

The largest changes in the ACL, affecting beginning retained earnings as a result of the adoption, were decreases in the ACL on commercial loan segments as these portfolios have exhibited strong historical credit performance and have relatively short average lives. The reduction in ACL on this segment was partially offset by increases in ACL on our consumer loan segment primarily due to longer average lives.

The ACL was $209.3 million at March 31, 2020, compared to $225.1 million at December 31, 2019. The ACL as a percentage of total loans was 0.72% at March 31, 2020, compared to 0.78% at December 31, 2019. The $15.8 million change was due primarily due to the $37.9 million reduction in the ACL as a result of adopting CECL, partially offset by a $21.5 million increase in provision expense as a result of potential COVID-19 impact.

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

Nonperforming assets, including nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned, were $230.3 million, or 0.79% of total loans and other real estate owned at March 31, 2020, compared to $168.3 million or 0.58% at December 31, 2019. The increase was largely due to the dissolution of purchased credit impaired ("PCI") pools as part of the adoption of CECL, which moved $47.0 million in loans from performing PCI pools, not previously considered nonaccrual, into nonaccrual status.

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

On March 4, 2020, BancShares completed the public offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.375% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030. On March 12, 2020, BancShares issued and sold an aggregate of 13,800,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share, of 5.375% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $1,000 per share of Series A Preferred Stock). The capital raise provides liquidity for general corporate purposes, which may include, but is not limited to, providing capital to support our growth organically or through strategic acquisitions, financing investments and capital expenditures, for funding investments in First Citizens Bank as regulatory capital, and redeeming or repurchasing our common stock.

During the first quarter of 2020, BancShares repurchased 349,390 shares of Class A common stock for $159.7 million at an average cost per share of $457.05 compared to a total of 243,000 shares of Class A common stock for $100.7 million at an average cost per share of $414.58 for the first three months of 2019. All Class A common stock repurchases completed in 2020 and 2019 were consummated under previously approved authorizations.

On April 28, 2020, the Board authorized share repurchases of up to 500,000 of BancShares' Class A common stock for the period May 1, 2020, through July 31, 2020. This authority will supersede all previously approved authorities.

ABOUT FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES

BancShares is the financial holding company for Raleigh, North Carolina-headquartered First Citizens Bank. First Citizens Bank provides a broad range of financial services to individuals, businesses, professionals and the medical community through branch offices in 19 states, including digital banking, mobile banking, ATMs and telephone banking. As of March 31, 2020, BancShares had total assets of $41.59 billion.

For more information, visit First Citizens' website at firstcitizens.com. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

The discussions included in this Press Release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995, including Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. For the purposes of these discussions, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "plans," "projects," or other statements concerning opinions or judgments of the Registrant and its management about future events. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. The accuracy of such forward-looking statements could be affected by factors beyond the Registrant's control, including, but not limited to, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, the financial success or changing conditions or strategies of the Registrant's customers or vendors, fluctuations in interest rates, actions of government regulators, the availability of capital and personnel, the delay in closing (or failure to close) one or more of our previously announced acquisition transaction(s), the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of our previously announced acquisition transaction(s), or general competitive, economic, political, and market conditions. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this Press Release, and the Registrant undertakes no obligation to revise or update these statements following the date of this Press Release, except as may be required by law.

Download the First Citizens BancShares First Quarter 2020 Financials (PDF).

Contact Information:

Barbara Thompson
919-716-2716
First Citizens Bank