Farmer Mac Reports 2023 Results
- Significant growth in net interest income by 21% year-over-year to $327.5 million.
- Net effective spread increased by 28% to a record $327.0 million.
- Net income attributable to common stockholders was $172.8 million, reflecting 14% growth from the previous year.
- Record core earnings of $171.2 million, or $15.65 per diluted common share, showing a 38% growth year-over-year.
- Total core capital of $1.5 billion and a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 15% as of December 31, 2023.
- The quarterly common stock dividend raised by 27% to $1.40 per share, the thirteenth consecutive annual increase.
- Declared dividends on preferred stock, including Series C, D, E, F, and G, with varying rates per share.
- Conference call scheduled to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results on February 23, 2024.
- Access the earnings conference call via telephone or live webcast on Farmer Mac's website.
- None.
Insights
The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation's (Farmer Mac) announcement of a 27% increase in its quarterly dividend signals a robust financial performance and confidence in its future earnings potential. This development is particularly noteworthy for income-focused investors, as dividends are a tangible return on investment. The reported year-over-year growth in net interest income and net effective spread indicates a strong core business operation and efficient management of assets and liabilities. Furthermore, the consistent increase in dividends over thirteen years demonstrates a reliable and shareholder-friendly capital allocation policy.
From a financial analysis perspective, the record core earnings and the substantial growth in diluted earnings per share (EPS) reflect operational efficiency and profitability. The Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 15% showcases a solid capital structure, which is crucial for the stability of financial institutions. Investors might view these metrics as indicators of financial health and potential resilience against economic downturns. However, it is essential to consider the broader economic environment, including interest rates and agricultural market conditions, which could impact Farmer Mac's future performance.
The performance of Farmer Mac, as a secondary market provider for agricultural and rural financing, is indicative of the broader agricultural economy's health. The significant growth in business volume suggests an increased demand for financing within the agricultural sector, which could be attributed to various factors such as market expansion, higher commodity prices, or increased capital expenditures by farmers. The reported metrics imply that the agricultural sector is experiencing a period of prosperity, which could have positive ripple effects on the rural economy, including job creation and infrastructure development.
It is important to note that the agricultural sector's performance is cyclical and heavily influenced by external factors such as weather patterns, trade policies and global supply-demand dynamics. Thus, while the current figures present a strong picture, stakeholders should remain cognizant of the potential volatility in this sector. An economist would also consider the impact of inflation and interest rate changes on Farmer Mac's cost of capital and the affordability of loans for borrowers, which are critical factors for sustained growth.
The announcement by Farmer Mac can be seen as a positive signal in the financial markets, potentially leading to increased investor confidence in the company's stock. The substantial dividend increase and record financial metrics could attract both value and growth investors. The company's strategic initiatives and organizational alignment, as mentioned by the CEO, may resonate with investors looking for companies with a clear vision and effective execution.
For market research analysts, the performance of Farmer Mac could also serve as a barometer for the secondary market for agricultural finance. The company's success might encourage competitors to innovate and expand their services, potentially leading to a more competitive landscape. Moreover, Farmer Mac's efforts to expand its marketing and branding could enhance its visibility and reputation, which is crucial in attracting new business and retaining existing clients. Analysts would also monitor the company's performance relative to its peers to assess its market position and potential for growth.
- Announces
- Outstanding Business Volume of
"In 2023, Farmer Mac recorded another year of remarkable success, marked by double-digit earnings growth, record net effective spread, and outstanding business volume," said President and Chief Executive Officer, Brad Nordholm. "This achievement builds on our consistent performance over the past several years, with a dedication to strategic initiatives and organizational alignment. Our team's disciplined execution of our strategy, effective asset-liability management decisions, and successful business development efforts have driven our success. The health and resilience of our business model combined with our recent efforts to expand our marketing and branding approach positions us well in 2024 to highlight our distinctive position as a secondary market partner that fuels growth, innovation, and prosperity in America's rural and agricultural communities."
Full Year 2023 and Recent Highlights
- Net interest income grew
21% year-over-year to$327.5 million - Net effective spread1 increased
28% from the prior-year period to a record$327.0 million - Net income attributable to common stockholders was
$172.8 million $151.0 million - Record core earnings1 of
$171.2 million $15.65 38% growth year-over-year - Total core capital of
$1.5 billion 15% as of December 31, 2023 - On February 21, 2024, Farmer Mac's Board of Directors raised the quarterly common stock dividend by
27% to$1.40
$ in thousands, except per share amounts | Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, | Dec. 31, | YoY | Dec. 31, | Dec. 31, |
| |
Net Change in Business Volume | N/A | N/A | ||||
Net Interest Income (GAAP) | 12 % | 21 % | ||||
Net Effective Spread (Non-GAAP) | 19 % | 28 % | ||||
Diluted EPS (GAAP) | 11 % | 14 % | ||||
Core EPS (Non-GAAP) | 30 % | 37 % | ||||
1 Non-GAAP Measure | ||||||
Dividends
On February 21, 2024, Farmer Mac's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of
Farmer Mac's Board of Directors also declared a dividend on each of Farmer Mac's five classes of preferred stock. The quarterly dividend of
Earnings Conference Call Information
The conference call to discuss Farmer Mac's fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results will be held beginning at 8:30 a.m. eastern time on Friday, February 23, 2024, and can be accessed by telephone or live webcast as follows:
Telephone (Domestic): (800) 836-8184
Telephone (International): (646) 357-8785
Webcast: https://www.farmermac.com/investors/events-presentations/
When dialing in to the call, please ask for the "Farmer Mac Earnings Conference Call." The call can be heard live and will also be available for replay on Farmer Mac's website for two weeks following the conclusion of the call.
More complete information about Farmer Mac's performance for 2023 is in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed today with the SEC.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
In the accompanying analysis of its financial information, Farmer Mac uses "non-GAAP measures," which are measures of financial performance that are not presented in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, Farmer Mac uses the following non-GAAP measures: "core earnings," "core earnings per share," and "net effective spread." Farmer Mac uses these non-GAAP measures to measure corporate economic performance and develop financial plans because, in management's view, they are useful alternative measures in understanding Farmer Mac's economic performance, transaction economics, and business trends. The non-GAAP financial measures that Farmer Mac uses may not be comparable to similarly labeled non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by other companies. Farmer Mac's disclosure of these non-GAAP measures is intended to be supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as more important than, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Core Earnings and Core Earnings Per Share
The main difference between core earnings and core earnings per share (non-GAAP measures) and net income attributable to common stockholders and earnings per common share (GAAP measures) is that those non-GAAP measures exclude the effects of fair value fluctuations. These fluctuations are not expected to have a cumulative net impact on Farmer Mac's financial condition or results of operations reported in accordance with GAAP if the related financial instruments are held to maturity, as is expected. Another difference is that these two non-GAAP measures exclude specified infrequent or unusual transactions that we believe are not indicative of future operating results and that may not reflect the trends and economic financial performance of Farmer Mac's core business.
Net Effective Spread
Farmer Mac uses net effective spread to measure the net spread Farmer Mac earns between its interest-earning assets and the related net funding costs of these assets. As further explained below, net effective spread differs from net interest income and net interest yield by excluding certain items from net interest income and net interest yield and including certain other items that net interest income and net interest yield do not contain.
Farmer Mac excludes from net effective spread the interest income and interest expense associated with the consolidated trusts and the average balance of the loans underlying these trusts to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns on the related Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities owned by third parties is effectively a guarantee fee. Accordingly, the excluded interest income and interest expense associated with consolidated trusts is reclassified to guarantee and commitment fees in determining Farmer Mac's core earnings. Farmer Mac also excludes from net effective spread the fair value changes of financial derivatives and the corresponding assets or liabilities designated in fair value hedge accounting relationships because they are not expected to have an economic effect on Farmer Mac's financial performance, as we expect to hold the financial derivatives and corresponding hedged items to maturity.
Net effective spread also differs from net interest income and net interest yield because it includes the accrual of income and expense related to the contractual amounts due on financial derivatives that are not designated in hedge accounting relationships ("undesignated financial derivatives"). Farmer Mac uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk exposure by synthetically modifying the interest rate reset or maturity characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. The accrual of the contractual amounts due on interest rate swaps designated in hedge accounting relationships is included as an adjustment to the yield or cost of the hedged item and is included in net interest income. For undesignated financial derivatives, Farmer Mac records the income or expense related to the accrual of the contractual amounts due in "Gains on financial derivatives" on the consolidated statements of operations. However, the accrual of the contractual amounts due for undesignated financial derivatives are included in Farmer Mac's calculation of net effective spread.
Net effective spread also differs from net interest income and net interest yield because it includes the net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives, which consist of: (1) the net effects of cash settlements on agency forward contracts on the debt of other GSEs and
More information about Farmer Mac's use of non-GAAP measures is available in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations" in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed today with the SEC. For a reconciliation of Farmer Mac's net income attributable to common stockholders to core earnings and of earnings per common share to core earnings per share, and net interest income and net interest yield to net effective spread, see "Reconciliations" below.
Forward-Looking Statements
Management's expectations for Farmer Mac's future necessarily involve assumptions and estimates and the evaluation of risks and uncertainties. Various factors or events, both known and unknown, could cause Farmer Mac's actual results to differ materially from the expectations as expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this release, including uncertainties about:
- the availability to Farmer Mac of debt and equity financing and, if available, the reasonableness of rates and terms;
- legislative or regulatory developments that could affect Farmer Mac, its sources of business, or agricultural or rural infrastructure industries;
- fluctuations in the fair value of assets held by Farmer Mac and its subsidiaries;
- the level of lender interest in Farmer Mac's products and the secondary market provided by Farmer Mac;
- the general rate of growth in agricultural mortgage and rural infrastructure indebtedness;
- the effect of economic conditions stemming from disruptive global events or otherwise on agricultural mortgage or rural infrastructure lending, borrower repayment capacity, or collateral values, including inflation, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in
U.S. trade policies, fluctuations in export demand forU.S. agricultural products and foreign currency exchange rates, supply chain disruptions, increases in input costs, labor availability, and volatility in commodity prices; - the degree to which Farmer Mac is exposed to interest rate risk resulting from fluctuations in Farmer Mac's borrowing costs relative to market indexes;
- developments in the financial markets, including possible investor, analyst, and rating agency reactions to events involving government-sponsored enterprises, including Farmer Mac;
- the effects of the Federal Reserve's efforts to achieve monetary policy normalization to respond to inflation and employment levels; and
- other factors that could hinder agricultural mortgage lending or borrower repayment capacity, including the effects of severe weather, flooding and drought, climate change, or fluctuations in agricultural real estate values.
Other risk factors are discussed in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC today. Considering these potential risks and uncertainties, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements expressed in this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this release represent management's expectations as of the date of this release. Farmer Mac undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of revisions to any forward-looking statements included in this release to reflect new information or any future events or circumstances, except as otherwise required by applicable law. The information in this release is not necessarily indicative of future results.
About Farmer Mac
Farmer Mac is a vital part of the agricultural credit markets and was created to increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for the benefit of American agricultural and rural communities. As the nation's secondary market for agricultural credit, we provide financial solutions to a broad spectrum of the agricultural community, including agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, and other institutions that can benefit from access to flexible, low-cost financing and risk management tools. Farmer Mac's customers benefit from its low cost of funds, low overhead costs, and high operational efficiency. More information about Farmer Mac (including the Annual Report on Form 10-K referenced above) is available on Farmer Mac's website at www.farmermac.com.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) | |||
As of | |||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||
(in thousands) | |||
Assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 888,707 | $ 861,002 | |
Investment securities: | |||
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of | 4,918,931 | 4,579,564 | |
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost | 53,756 | 45,032 | |
Other investments | 6,817 | 3,672 | |
Total Investment Securities | 4,979,504 | 4,628,268 | |
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | |||
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of | 5,532,479 | 7,607,226 | |
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost | 4,213,069 | 1,021,154 | |
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities | 9,745,548 | 8,628,380 | |
USDA Securities: | |||
Trading, at fair value | 1,241 | 1,767 | |
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost | 2,354,171 | 2,409,834 | |
Total USDA Securities | 2,355,412 | 2,411,601 | |
Loans: | |||
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost | 9,623,119 | 9,008,979 | |
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost | 1,432,261 | 1,211,576 | |
Allowance for losses | (16,031) | (15,089) | |
Total loans, net of allowance | 11,039,349 | 10,205,466 | |
Financial derivatives, at fair value | 37,478 | 37,409 | |
Accrued interest receivable (includes | 287,128 | 229,061 | |
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable | 49,832 | 47,151 | |
Deferred tax asset, net | 8,470 | 18,004 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 132,954 | 266,768 | |
Total Assets | $ 29,524,382 | $ 27,333,110 | |
Liabilities and Equity: | |||
Liabilities: | |||
Notes payable | $ 26,336,542 | $ 24,469,113 | |
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties | 1,351,069 | 1,181,948 | |
Financial derivatives, at fair value | 117,131 | 175,326 | |
Accrued interest payable (includes | 181,841 | 117,887 | |
Guarantee and commitment obligation | 47,563 | 46,582 | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 76,662 | 68,863 | |
Reserve for losses | 1,711 | 1,433 | |
Total Liabilities | 28,112,519 | 26,061,152 | |
Commitments and Contingencies | |||
Equity: | |||
Preferred stock: | |||
Series C, par value | 73,382 | 73,382 | |
Series D, par value | 96,659 | 96,659 | |
Series E, par value | 77,003 | 77,003 | |
Series F, par value | 116,160 | 116,160 | |
Series G, par value | 121,327 | 121,327 | |
Common stock: | |||
Class A Voting, | 1,031 | 1,031 | |
Class B Voting, | 500 | 500 | |
Class C Non-Voting, shares outstanding, respectively | 9,311 | 9,270 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 132,919 | 128,939 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (40,145) | (50,843) | |
Retained earnings | 823,716 | 698,530 | |
Total Equity | 1,411,863 | 1,271,958 | |
Total Liabilities and Equity | $ 29,524,382 | $ 27,333,110 | |
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) | |||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Years Ended | ||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
Interest income: | |||||||
Investments and cash equivalents | $ 77,715 | $ 44,162 | $ 287,144 | $ 82,659 | |||
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities | 147,601 | 114,538 | 590,250 | 283,769 | |||
Loans | 126,057 | 109,027 | 514,894 | 350,420 | |||
Total interest income | 351,373 | 267,727 | 1,392,288 | 716,848 | |||
Total interest expense | 269,204 | 194,092 | 1,064,741 | 445,908 | |||
Net interest income | 82,169 | 73,635 | 327,547 | 270,940 | |||
Release of/(provision for) losses | 626 | (2,022) | (858) | (1,323) | |||
Net interest income after release of/(provision for) losses | 82,795 | 71,613 | 326,689 | 269,617 | |||
Non-interest income/(expense): | |||||||
Guarantee and commitment fees | 3,770 | 3,489 | 16,712 | 13,040 | |||
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives | (1,881) | 1,080 | 2,882 | 22,631 | |||
Gains/(losses) on trading securities | 10 | 24 | 24 | (51) | |||
(Provision for)/release of reserve for losses | (51) | 77 | (278) | 517 | |||
Other income | 932 | 746 | 4,171 | 2,551 | |||
Non-interest income | 2,780 | 5,416 | 23,511 | 38,688 | |||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Compensation and employee benefits | 15,523 | 12,105 | 58,914 | 48,766 | |||
General and administrative | 8,916 | 8,055 | 34,963 | 29,772 | |||
Regulatory fees | 725 | 832 | 3,222 | 3,269 | |||
Real estate owned operating costs, net | — | 819 | — | 819 | |||
Operating expenses | 25,164 | 21,811 | 97,099 | 82,626 | |||
Income before income taxes | 60,411 | 55,218 | 253,101 | 225,679 | |||
Income tax expense | 12,792 | 11,800 | 53,098 | 47,535 | |||
Net income | 47,619 | 43,418 | 200,003 | 178,144 | |||
Preferred stock dividends | (6,791) | (6,791) | (27,165) | (27,165) | |||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ 40,828 | $ 36,627 | $ 172,838 | $ 150,979 | |||
Earnings per common share: | |||||||
Basic earnings per common share | $ 3.77 | $ 3.39 | $ 15.97 | $ 14.00 | |||
Diluted earnings per common share | $ 3.73 | $ 3.36 | $ 15.81 | $ 13.87 | |||
Reconciliations
Reconciliations of Farmer Mac's net income attributable to common stockholders to core earnings and core earnings per share are presented in the following tables along with information about the composition of core earnings for the periods indicated:
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders to Core Earnings | |||||
For the Three Months Ended | |||||
December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ 40,828 | $ 51,345 | $ 36,627 | ||
Less reconciling items: | |||||
(Losses)/gains on undesignated financial derivatives due to fair value changes | (836) | 2,921 | 1,596 | ||
(Losses)/gains on hedging activities due to fair value changes | (3,598) | 3,210 | (148) | ||
Unrealized (losses)/gains on trading assets | (37) | 1,714 | 31 | ||
Net effects of amortization of premiums/discounts and deferred gains on assets consolidated at fair value | 88 | 29 | 57 | ||
Net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | (800) | (79) | 1,268 | ||
Income tax effect related to reconciling items | 1,089 | (1,638) | (590) | ||
Sub-total | (4,094) | 6,157 | 2,214 | ||
Core earnings | $ 44,922 | $ 45,188 | $ 34,413 | ||
Composition of Core Earnings: | |||||
Revenues: | |||||
Net effective spread(1) | $ 84,551 | $ 83,424 | $ 71,103 | ||
Guarantee and commitment fees(2) | 4,865 | 4,828 | 4,677 | ||
Other(3) | 767 | 1,056 | 390 | ||
Total revenues | 90,183 | 89,308 | 76,170 | ||
Credit related expense (GAAP): | |||||
(Release of)/provision for losses | (575) | (181) | 1,945 | ||
REO operating expenses | — | — | 819 | ||
Total credit related expense | (575) | (181) | 2,764 | ||
Operating expenses (GAAP): | |||||
Compensation and employee benefits | 15,523 | 14,103 | 12,105 | ||
General and administrative | 8,916 | 9,100 | 8,055 | ||
Regulatory fees | 725 | 831 | 832 | ||
Total operating expenses | 25,164 | 24,034 | 20,992 | ||
Net earnings | 65,594 | 65,455 | 52,414 | ||
Income tax expense(4) | 13,881 | 13,475 | 11,210 | ||
Preferred stock dividends (GAAP) | 6,791 | 6,792 | 6,791 | ||
Core earnings | $ 44,922 | $ 45,188 | $ 34,413 | ||
Core earnings per share: | |||||
Basic | $ 4.14 | $ 4.17 | $ 3.19 | ||
Diluted | $ 4.10 | $ 4.13 | $ 3.16 | ||
(1) | Net effective spread is a non-GAAP measure. See "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" above for an explanation of net effective spread. See below for a reconciliation of net interest income to net effective spread. |
(2) | Includes interest income and interest expense related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified from net interest income to guarantee and commitment fees to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee on the consolidated Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. |
(3) | Reflects reconciling adjustments for the reclassification to exclude expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives, and reconciling adjustments to exclude fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets and the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities. |
(4) | Includes the tax impact of non-GAAP reconciling items between net income attributable to common stockholders and core earnings. |
Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders to Core Earnings | |||
For the Years Ended | |||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ 172,838 | $ 150,979 | |
Less reconciling items: | |||
Gains on undesignated financial derivatives due to fair value changes | 5,142 | 13,495 | |
(Losses)/gains on hedging activities due to fair value changes | (5,394) | 5,343 | |
Unrealized gains/(losses) on trading assets | 1,979 | (917) | |
Net effects of amortization of premiums/discounts and deferred gains on assets consolidated at fair value | 175 | 39 | |
Net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | 227 | 15,794 | |
Income tax effect related to reconciling items | (447) | (7,089) | |
Sub-total | 1,682 | 26,665 | |
Core earnings | $ 171,156 | $ 124,314 | |
Composition of Core Earnings: | |||
Revenues: | |||
Net effective spread(1) | $ 326,980 | $ 255,529 | |
Guarantee and commitment fees(2) | 18,928 | 18,144 | |
Other(3) | 3,299 | 1,684 | |
Total revenues | 349,207 | 275,357 | |
Credit related expense (GAAP): | |||
Provision for losses | 1,136 | 806 | |
REO operating expenses | — | 819 | |
Total credit related expense | 1,136 | 1,625 | |
Operating expenses (GAAP): | |||
Compensation and employee benefits | 58,914 | 48,766 | |
General and administrative | 34,963 | 29,772 | |
Regulatory fees | 3,222 | 3,269 | |
Total operating expenses | 97,099 | 81,807 | |
Net earnings | 250,972 | 191,925 | |
Income tax expense(4) | 52,651 | 40,446 | |
Preferred stock dividends (GAAP) | 27,165 | 27,165 | |
Core earnings | $ 171,156 | $ 124,314 | |
Core earnings per share: | |||
Basic | $ 15.80 | $ 11.52 | |
Diluted | $ 15.65 | $ 11.42 | |
(1) | Net effective spread is a non-GAAP measure. See "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" above for an explanation of net effective spread. See below for a reconciliation of net interest income to net effective spread. |
(2) | Includes interest income and interest expense related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified from net interest income to guarantee and commitment fees to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee on the consolidated Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. |
(3) | Reflects reconciling adjustments for the reclassification to exclude expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives, and reconciling adjustments to exclude fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets and the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities. |
(4) | Includes the tax impact of non-GAAP reconciling items between net income attributable to common stockholders and core earnings. |
Reconciliation of GAAP Basic Earnings Per Share to Core Earnings Basic Earnings Per Share | |||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||
GAAP - Basic EPS | $ 3.77 | $ 4.74 | $ 3.39 | $ 15.97 | $ 14.00 | ||||
Less reconciling items: | |||||||||
(Losses)/gains on undesignated financial derivatives due to fair value changes | (0.08) | 0.27 | 0.15 | 0.49 | 1.25 | ||||
(Losses)/gains on hedging activities due to fair value changes | (0.33) | 0.30 | (0.01) | (0.50) | 0.50 | ||||
Unrealized gains/(losses) on trading securities | — | 0.16 | 0.01 | 0.18 | (0.08) | ||||
Net effects of amortization of premiums/discounts and deferred gains on assets consolidated at fair value | 0.01 | — | 0.01 | 0.02 | — | ||||
Net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | (0.07) | (0.01) | 0.11 | 0.02 | 1.47 | ||||
Income tax effect related to reconciling items | 0.10 | (0.15) | (0.07) | (0.04) | (0.66) | ||||
Sub-total | (0.37) | 0.57 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 2.48 | ||||
Core Earnings - Basic EPS | $ 4.14 | $ 4.17 | $ 3.19 | $ 15.80 | $ 11.52 | ||||
Shares used in per share calculation (GAAP and Core Earnings) | 10,841 | 10,839 | 10,801 | 10,829 | 10,791 | ||||
Reconciliation of GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share to Core Earnings Diluted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||
GAAP - Diluted EPS | $ 3.73 | $ 4.69 | $ 3.36 | $ 15.81 | $ 13.87 | ||||
Less reconciling items: | |||||||||
(Losses)/gains on undesignated financial derivatives due to fair value changes | (0.08) | 0.27 | 0.15 | 0.47 | 1.24 | ||||
(Losses)/gains on hedging activities due to fair value changes | (0.33) | 0.29 | (0.01) | (0.49) | 0.49 | ||||
Unrealized gains/(losses) on trading securities | — | 0.16 | 0.01 | 0.18 | (0.08) | ||||
Net effects of amortization of premiums/discounts and deferred gains on assets consolidated at fair value | 0.01 | — | 0.01 | 0.02 | — | ||||
Net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | (0.07) | (0.01) | 0.11 | 0.02 | 1.45 | ||||
Income tax effect related to reconciling items | 0.10 | (0.15) | (0.07) | (0.04) | (0.65) | ||||
Sub-total | (0.37) | 0.56 | 0.20 | 0.16 | 2.45 | ||||
Core Earnings - Diluted EPS | $ 4.10 | $ 4.13 | $ 3.16 | $ 15.65 | $ 11.42 | ||||
Shares used in per share calculation (GAAP and Core Earnings) | 10,952 | 10,938 | 10,894 | 10,937 | 10,883 | ||||
The following table presents a reconciliation of net interest income and net yield to net effective spread for the periods indicated:
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Interest Income/Yield to Net Effective Spread | |||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Years Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | ||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income/yield | $ 82,169 | 1.12 % | $ 87,643 | 1.22 % | $ 73,635 | 1.08 % | 1.15 % | 1.04 % | |||||||||||
Net effects of consolidated trusts | (1,048) | 0.02 % | (1,024) | 0.02 % | (1,195) | 0.02 % | (4,171) | 0.02 % | (4,239) | 0.02 % | |||||||||
Expense related to undesignated financial derivatives | (846) | (0.01) % | (805) | (0.01) % | (2,122) | (0.03) % | (4,845) | (0.02) % | (7,756) | (0.03) % | |||||||||
Amortization of premiums/discounts on assets consolidated at fair value | (104) | — % | (24) | — % | (53) | — % | (175) | — % | (24) | — % | |||||||||
Amortization of losses due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | 782 | 0.01 % | 844 | 0.01 % | 688 | — % | 3,230 | 0.01 % | 2,413 | 0.01 % | |||||||||
Fair value changes on fair value hedge relationships | 3,598 | 0.05 % | (3,210) | (0.04) % | 150 | — % | 5,394 | 0.02 % | (5,805) | (0.02) % | |||||||||
Net effective spread | $ 84,551 | 1.19 % | $ 83,424 | 1.20 % | $ 71,103 | 1.07 % | 1.18 % | 1.02 % | |||||||||||
The following table presents core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the three months ended December 31, 2023:
Core Earnings by Business Segment | |||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
Agricultural Finance | Rural Infrastructure | Treasury | Corporate | ||||||||||||||
Farm & | Corporate | Rural Utilities | Renewable | Funding | Investments | Reconciling Adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Net interest income | $ 34,408 | $ 8,382 | $ 7,415 | $ 1,540 | $ 29,827 | $ 597 | $ — | $ — | $ 82,169 | ||||||||
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3) | (1,079) | — | (73) | — | 3,534 | — | — | (2,382) | — | ||||||||
Net effective spread | 33,329 | 8,382 | 7,342 | 1,540 | 33,361 | 597 | — | (2,382) | — | ||||||||
Guarantee and commitment fees | 4,455 | 90 | 292 | 28 | — | — | — | (1,095) | 3,770 | ||||||||
Other income/(expense)(3) | 736 | 23 | — | — | — | 12 | (4) | (1,706) | (939) | ||||||||
Total revenues | 38,520 | 8,495 | 7,634 | 1,568 | 33,361 | 609 | (4) | (5,183) | 85,000 | ||||||||
Release of/(provision for) losses | 9 | 727 | 71 | (181) | — | — | — | — | 626 | ||||||||
(Provision for)/release of reserve for losses | (58) | — | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | (51) | ||||||||
Operating expenses | — | — | — | — | — | — | (25,164) | — | (25,164) | ||||||||
Total non-interest expense | (58) | — | 7 | — | — | — | (25,164) | — | (25,215) | ||||||||
Core earnings before income taxes | 38,471 | 9,222 | 7,712 | 1,387 | 33,361 | 609 | (25,168) | (5,183) | (4) | 60,411 | |||||||
Income tax (expense)/benefit | (8,078) | (1,937) | (1,620) | (292) | (7,005) | (128) | 5,179 | 1,089 | (12,792) | ||||||||
Core earnings before preferred stock dividends | 30,393 | 7,285 | 6,092 | 1,095 | 26,356 | 481 | (19,989) | (4,094) | (4) | 47,619 | |||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | — | — | — | (6,791) | — | (6,791) | ||||||||
Segment core earnings/(losses) | $ 30,393 | $ 7,285 | $ 6,092 | $ 1,095 | $ 26,356 | $ 481 | $ (4,094) | (4) | $ 40,828 | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ 15,052,606 | $ 1,566,906 | $ 7,002,620 | $ 443,772 | $ — | $ — | |||||||||||
Total on- and off- balance sheet program assets at principal balance | $ 18,808,801 | $ 1,693,979 | $ 7,480,723 | $ 487,521 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ — | |||||||||
(1) | Includes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. |
(2) | Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. |
(3) | Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "Gains on financial derivatives" on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. |
(4) | Net adjustments to reconcile to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. |
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth information about outstanding volume in each of Farmer Mac's lines of business as of the dates indicated:
Outstanding Business Volume | ||||||
On or Off Balance Sheet | As of December 31, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Agricultural Finance: | ||||||
Farm & Ranch: | ||||||
Loans | On-balance sheet | $ 5,133,450 | $ 5,150,750 | |||
Loans held in consolidated trusts: | ||||||
Beneficial interests owned by third-party investors (Pass-Through)(1) | On-balance sheet | 870,912 | 914,918 | |||
Beneficial interests owned by third-party investors (Structured)(1) | On-balance sheet | 561,349 | 296,658 | |||
IO-FMGS(2) | On-balance sheet | 9,409 | 10,622 | |||
USDA Securities | On-balance sheet | 2,368,872 | 2,407,302 | |||
AgVantage Securities(1) | On-balance sheet | 5,835,000 | 5,605,000 | |||
LTSPCs and unfunded loan commitments | Off-balance sheet | 2,999,943 | 2,822,309 | |||
Other Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities(3) | Off-balance sheet | 452,602 | 500,953 | |||
Loans serviced for others | Off-balance sheet | 577,264 | 20,280 | |||
Total Farm & Ranch | $ 18,808,801 | $ 17,728,792 | ||||
Corporate AgFinance: | ||||||
Loans | On-balance sheet | $ 1,259,723 | $ 1,166,253 | |||
AgVantage Securities(1) | On-balance sheet | 288,879 | 359,600 | |||
Unfunded loan commitments | Off-balance sheet | 145,377 | 77,654 | |||
Total Corporate AgFinance | $ 1,693,979 | $ 1,603,507 | ||||
Total Agricultural Finance | $ 20,502,780 | $ 19,332,299 | ||||
Rural Infrastructure Finance: | ||||||
Rural Utilities: | ||||||
Loans | On-balance sheet | $ 3,094,477 | $ 2,801,696 | |||
AgVantage Securities(1) | On-balance sheet | 3,898,468 | 3,044,156 | |||
LTSPCs and unfunded loan commitments | Off-balance sheet | 487,778 | 512,592 | |||
Other Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities(3) | Off-balance sheet | — | 1,169 | |||
Total Rural Utilities | $ 7,480,723 | $ 6,359,613 | ||||
Renewable Energy: | ||||||
Loans | On-balance sheet | $ 440,286 | $ 219,570 | |||
Unfunded loan commitments | Off-balance sheet | 47,235 | 10,600 | |||
Total Renewable Energy | $ 487,521 | $ 230,170 | ||||
Total Rural Infrastructure Finance | $ 7,968,244 | $ 6,589,783 | ||||
Total | $ 28,471,024 | $ 25,922,082 | ||||
(1) | A type of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Security. |
(2) | An interest-only Farmer Mac Guaranteed Security retained as part of a structured securitization. |
(3) | Other categories of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities that were sold by Farmer Mac to third parties. |
The following table presents the quarterly net effective spread (a non-GAAP measure) by segment:
Net Effective Spread(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agricultural Finance | Rural Infrastructure Finance | Treasury | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Farm & Ranch | Corporate | Rural Utilities | Renewable | Funding | Investments | Net Effective | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | Dollars | Yield | ||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the quarter ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023(2) | $ 33,329 | 0.98 % | 2.06 % | 0.43 % | 1.69 % | $ 33,361 | 0.47 % | $ 597 | 0.04 % | $ 84,551 | 1.19 % | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 | 32,718 | 0.97 % | 8,250 | 2.05 % | 6,362 | 0.39 % | 1,150 | 1.46 % | 34,412 | 0.49 % | 532 | 0.04 % | 83,424 | 1.20 % | |||||||||||||
June 30, 2023 | 34,388 | 1.03 % | 7,444 | 1.92 % | 5,808 | 0.38 % | 1,100 | 1.47 % | 32,498 | 0.48 % | 594 | 0.04 % | 81,832 | 1.20 % | |||||||||||||
March 31, 2023 | 32,465 | 0.97 % | 7,148 | 1.94 % | 5,507 | 0.36 % | 858 | 1.53 % | 31,738 | 0.47 % | (543) | (0.04) % | 77,173 | 1.15 % | |||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | 32,770 | 0.98 % | 7,471 | 1.94 % | 4,960 | 0.34 % | 935 | 1.76 % | 27,656 | 0.42 % | (2,689) | (0.19) % | 71,103 | 1.07 % | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 | 33,343 | 1.04 % | 7,600 | 1.99 % | 4,220 | 0.30 % | 705 | 1.97 % | 22,564 | 0.36 % | (2,791) | (0.21) % | 65,641 | 1.03 % | |||||||||||||
June 30, 2022 | 32,590 | 1.05 % | 6,929 | 1.87 % | 3,733 | 0.27 % | 468 | 1.78 % | 18,508 | 0.30 % | (1,282) | (0.10) % | 60,946 | 0.99 % | |||||||||||||
March 31, 2022 | 30,354 | 1.02 % | 7,209 | 1.96 % | 3,159 | 0.23 % | 375 | 1.69 % | 16,738 | 0.28 % | 4 | — % | 57,839 | 0.97 % | |||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 | 28,998 | 0.99 % | 6,321 | 1.84 % | 2,521 | 0.19 % | 356 | 1.53 % | 15,979 | 0.28 % | 158 | 0.01 % | 54,333 | 0.94 % | |||||||||||||
(1) | Farmer Mac excludes the Corporate segment in the presentation above because the segment does not have any interest-earning assets. |
(2) | See above for a reconciliation of GAAP net interest income by line of business to net effective spread by line of business for the three months ended December 31, 2023. |
The following table presents quarterly core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders:
Core Earnings by Quarter Ended | |||||||||||||||||
December 2023 | September 2023 | June 2023 | March 2023 | December 2022 | September 2022 | June 2022 | March 2022 | December 2021 | |||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
Net effective spread | $ 84,551 | $ 83,424 | $ 81,832 | $ 77,173 | $ 71,103 | $ 65,641 | $ 60,946 | $ 57,839 | $ 54,333 | ||||||||
Guarantee and commitment fees | 4,865 | 4,828 | 4,581 | 4,654 | 4,677 | 4,201 | 4,709 | 4,557 | 4,637 | ||||||||
Gains on sale of mortgage loans | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6,539 | ||||||||
Other | 767 | 1,056 | 409 | 1,067 | 390 | 473 | 307 | 514 | 241 | ||||||||
Total revenues | 90,183 | 89,308 | 86,822 | 82,894 | 76,170 | 70,315 | 65,962 | 62,910 | 65,750 | ||||||||
Credit related expense/(income): | |||||||||||||||||
(Release of)/provision for losses | (575) | (181) | 1,142 | 750 | 1,945 | 450 | (1,535) | (54) | (1,428) | ||||||||
REO operating expenses | — | — | — | — | 819 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Total credit related expense/(income) | (575) | (181) | 1,142 | 750 | 2,764 | 450 | (1,535) | (54) | (1,428) | ||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
Compensation and employee benefits | 15,523 | 14,103 | 13,937 | 15,351 | 12,105 | 11,648 | 11,715 | 13,298 | 11,246 | ||||||||
General and administrative | 8,916 | 9,100 | 9,420 | 7,527 | 8,055 | 6,919 | 7,520 | 7,278 | 8,492 | ||||||||
Regulatory fees | 725 | 831 | 831 | 835 | 832 | 812 | 813 | 812 | 812 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | 25,164 | 24,034 | 24,188 | 23,713 | 20,992 | 19,379 | 20,048 | 21,388 | 20,550 | ||||||||
Net earnings | 65,594 | 65,455 | 61,492 | 58,431 | 52,414 | 50,486 | 47,449 | 41,576 | 46,628 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 13,881 | 13,475 | 12,539 | 12,756 | 11,210 | 10,303 | 9,909 | 9,024 | 9,809 | ||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | 6,791 | 6,792 | 6,791 | 6,791 | 6,791 | 6,791 | 6,792 | 6,791 | 6,792 | ||||||||
Core earnings | $ 44,922 | $ 45,188 | $ 42,162 | $ 38,884 | $ 34,413 | $ 33,392 | $ 30,748 | $ 25,761 | $ 30,027 | ||||||||
Reconciling items: | |||||||||||||||||
(Losses)/gains on undesignated financial derivatives due to fair value changes | $ (836) | $ 2,921 | $ 2,141 | $ 916 | $ 1,596 | $ 6,441 | $ 2,846 | $ 2,612 | $ (1,242) | ||||||||
(Losses)/gains on hedging activities due to fair value changes | (3,598) | 3,210 | (4,901) | (105) | (148) | (624) | 428 | 5,687 | (2,079) | ||||||||
Unrealized (losses)/gains on trading assets | (37) | 1,714 | (57) | 359 | 31 | (757) | (285) | 94 | (76) | ||||||||
Net effects of amortization of premiums/discounts and deferred gains on assets consolidated at fair value | 88 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 57 | 24 | (62) | 20 | 71 | ||||||||
Net effects of terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives | (800) | (79) | 583 | 523 | 1,268 | (3,522) | 2,536 | 15,512 | (429) | ||||||||
Income tax effect related to reconciling items | 1,089 | (1,638) | 464 | (362) | (590) | (327) | (1,148) | (5,024) | 789 | ||||||||
Net income attributable to common stockholders | $ 40,828 | $ 51,345 | $ 40,421 | $ 40,244 | $ 36,627 | $ 34,627 | $ 35,063 | $ 44,662 | $ 27,061 | ||||||||
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SOURCE Farmer Mac
FAQ
What was the percentage increase in net interest income year-over-year for Farmer Mac (AGM)?
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When will the quarterly common stock dividend be payable for Farmer Mac (AGM)?
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