Cass Information Systems Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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Cass Information Systems' Q3 2024 results present a mixed picture. The earnings per share of $0.21 is significantly lower than the $0.54 in Q3 2023, primarily due to a $6.6 million bad debt expense on a facility client's funding receivable. However, there are several positive indicators:

Net interest margin increased to 3.55%, up from 3.24% in Q3 2023
Facility expense transaction volumes up by 26.3% year-over-year
Transportation transaction volumes up 2.6% year-over-year
Loan growth and asset re-pricing contributing to improved interest income

The company's ability to process increased volumes without adding staff demonstrates improved operational efficiency. The quarterly dividend increase to $0.31 per share signals management's confidence in future performance. However, investors should monitor the impact of expected Federal Funds rate cuts on net interest margin and the outcome of the litigation related to the bad debt expense.

Cass Information Systems' Q3 results reveal both challenges and opportunities in its market positioning. The 26.3% increase in facility expense transaction volumes indicates strong client acquisition in this segment, potentially expanding market share. The company's success in winning high-volume facility clients is a positive trend for future growth.

However, the 1.8% decrease in transportation dollar volumes suggests some headwinds in this sector. The decline in average dollars per transaction (from $1,038 to $993) may indicate pricing pressures or changes in the mix of services provided.

The new Multiple Award Schedule contract with the General Services Administration for Freight Audit and Payment opens up potential government sector opportunities, diversifying the company's client base. This could be a significant growth driver if leveraged effectively.

The market should closely watch how Cass navigates the changing interest rate environment and its impact on net interest income, which has been a bright spot in these results.

10/17/2024 - 08:30 AM

Third Quarter Results

(All comparisons refer to the third quarter of 2023, except as noted)

Net income of $2.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted common share (includes $6.6 million of bad debt expense on a funding receivable related to a facility client).
Increase in net interest margin to 3.55%.
Increase in facility expense transaction volumes of 26.3%.
Increased quarterly dividend to $0.31 per share.
Repurchased 64,471 shares of Company stock.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cass Information Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASS), (the Company or Cass) reported third quarter 2024 earnings of $0.21 per diluted share, as compared to $0.54 in the third quarter of 2023 and $0.32 in the second quarter of 2024. Net income for the period was $2.9 million, as compared to $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. Net income and earnings per diluted share were negatively impacted by $6.6 million of bad debt expense taken on a funding receivable related to a facility client.

Martin Resch, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, noted, “Despite having to take bad debt expense on a funding receivable, I am pleased with our third quarter results. Our net interest margin increased to 3.55% compared to 3.32% in the second quarter and 3.24% in the same quarter last year reflecting loan growth and asset re-pricing to current market interest rates. Facility and Transportation transaction volumes are up year over year by 26.3% and 2.6%, respectively, demonstrating our ability to attract new clients in our core business lines. Importantly, we are able to process this additional volume with the same full-time equivalent employee count as we had in September 2023, reflecting our ability to leverage the new technology platforms to gain operating efficiencies. Lastly, we have opened ourselves to additional opportunities in Transportation by receiving a Multiple Award Schedule contract for Freight Audit and Payment with the General Services Administration.”

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

Transportation Dollar Volumes – Transportation dollar volumes were $9.1 billion during the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 1.8% as compared to the third quarter of 2023 and an increase of 0.2% as compared to the second quarter of 2024. The average dollars per transaction declined to $993 during the third quarter of 2024 as compared to $1,023 in the second quarter of 2024 and $1,038 in the third quarter of 2023. Transportation dollar volumes are key to the Company’s revenue as higher volumes generally lead to an increase in payment float, which generates interest income, as well as an increase in payments in advance of funding, which generates financial fees.

Facility Expense Dollar Volumes – Facility expense dollar volumes totaled $5.8 billion during the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 13.4% as compared to the third quarter of 2023 and an increase of 14.7% as compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase as compared to the third quarter of 2023 is largely reflective of new client volume.

Processing Fees – Processing fees increased $114,000, or 0.6%, as compared to the third quarter of 2023. The increase in processing fees was largely driven by an increase in facility transaction volumes of 26.3%, partially offset by a decrease in ancillary processing fees unrelated to transaction volumes, such as implementation fees. The Company has experienced recent success in winning facility clients with high transaction volumes.

Financial Fees – Financial fees, earned on a transactional level basis for invoice payment services when making customer payments, decreased $420,000, or 3.6%. The decrease in financial fee income was primarily due to a decline in transportation dollar volumes of 1.8%, in addition to changes in the manner certain vendors receive payments.

Net Interest Income – Net interest income increased $1.1 million, or 6.5%. The increase in net interest income was attributable to an increase in the net interest margin to 3.55% in the third quarter of 2024 from 3.24% in the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by a decline in average interest-earning assets of $58.1 million, or 2.8%. The expansion in the net interest margin is largely due to an increase in the weighted-average yield on loans to 5.40% from 4.88% in the same quarter last year due to loan growth and re-pricing of loans in a higher interest rate environment. The recent decline in the Federal Funds rate of 50 basis points and expected continued cuts in the Federal Funds rate could hinder continued net interest margin expansion in the short-term.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans - The Company recorded a release of credit losses on loans of $140,000 during the third quarter of 2024 as compared to a provision for credit losses on loans of $125,000 in the third quarter of 2023.

Personnel Expenses - Personnel expenses increased $231,000, or 0.8%. Salaries and commissions increased $459,000, or 2.0%, primarily as a result of merit increases and $280,000 of severance recorded during the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by a decrease in employee profit sharing due to the decline in net income.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company expects to record one-time termination expenses of between approximately $4-6 million through operating expense related to the termination of its noncontributory defined-benefit pension plan. The successful termination of the plan is expected to reduce run rate operating expense by approximately $1.0 million on an annual basis.

Non-Personnel Expenses - Non-personnel expenses increased $6.6 million. Included in non-personnel expenses for the third quarter of 2024 is $6.6 million of bad debt expense on a funding receivable related to a facility client. While the Company is in the process of litigation to collect the receivable, a full write-off to bad debt expense was recorded as a result of a credit analysis.

Loans - When compared to June 30, 2024, ending loans increased $16.4 million, or 1.5%. The Company experienced growth in its franchise restaurant and faith-based portfolios during the third quarter of 2024.

Payments in Advance of Funding – Average payments in advance of funding decreased $31.7 million, or 13.5%, primarily due to a 1.8% decrease in transportation dollar volumes, which led to fewer dollars advanced to freight carriers, as well as the continued consolidation of freight carriers.

Deposits – Average deposits decreased $37.5 million, or 3.5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2023. The Company has experienced a migration of client funds from non-interest bearing to interest-bearing driven by the higher interest rate environment prior to the recent 50 basis point decline in the Federal Funds rate.

Accounts and Drafts Payable - Average accounts and drafts payable decreased $37.0 million, or 3.5%. The decrease in these balances, which are non-interest bearing, are primarily reflective of a cyber event at a CassPay client during the first quarter of 2024, which decreased average balances by approximately $100.0 million, and a decrease in transportation dollar volumes of 1.8%, partially offset by an increase in facility dollar volumes of 13.4%. Accounts and drafts payable are a significant source of funding generated by payment float from transportation and facility clients.

Shareholders’ Equity - Total shareholders’ equity has increased $7.8 million since December 31, 2023 as a result of net income of $14.6 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $8.4 million, partially offset by dividends of $12.3 million and the repurchase of Company stock of $3.7 million.

Dividend - The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.30 to $0.31 per share.

About Cass Information Systems

Cass Information Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated information and payment management solutions. Cass enables enterprises to achieve visibility, control and efficiency in their supply chains, communications networks, facilities and other operations. Disbursing over $90 billion annually on behalf of clients, and with total assets of $2.3 billion, Cass is uniquely supported by Cass Commercial Bank. Founded in 1906 and a wholly owned subsidiary, Cass Commercial Bank provides sophisticated financial exchange services to the parent organization and its clients. Cass was recently named as one of America’s best midsize companies by a leading publication and is part of the Russell 2000^®. More information is available at www.cassinfo.com.

Forward Looking Information

This information contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include future financial and operating results, expectations, intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the impact of economic and market conditions, inflationary pressures, risks of credit deterioration, interest rate changes, governmental actions, market volatility, security breaches and technology interruptions, energy prices and competitive factors, among others, as set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Note to Investors

The Company has used, and intends to continue using, the Investors portion of its website to disclose material non-public information and to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors are encouraged to monitor Cass’s website in addition to following press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

($ and numbers in thousands, except per share data)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2024		Quarter Ended June 30, 2024			Quarter Ended September 30, 2023			Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2024			Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2023
Processing fees	$	20,053	$	21,103		$	19,939		$	62,409		$	58,838
Financial fees		11,177		10,628			11,597			32,582			34,518
Total fee revenue	$	31,230	$	31,731		$	31,536		$	94,991		$	93,356

Interest and fees on loans		14,567		13,592			12,863			40,935			38,029
Interest and dividends on securities		4,007		4,383			4,392			12,827			13,863
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments		4,200		3,267			3,934			11,908			9,147
Total interest income	$	22,774	$	21,242		$	21,189		$	65,670		$	61,039
Interest expense		5,156		5,312			4,641			15,646			11,579
Net interest income	$	17,618	$	15,930		$	16,548		$	50,024		$	49,460
Release of (provision for) credit losses on loans		140		(400	)		(125	)		(355	)		335
Loss on sale of investment securities		--		(13	)		--			(13	)		(160	)
Other		1,562		1,342			1,264			4,171			3,784
Total revenues	$	50,550	$	48,590		$	49,223		$	148,818		$	146,775
Salaries and commissions		23,850		24,259			23,391			72,085			69,613
Share-based compensation		898		474			938			2,598			3,796
Other benefits		5,119		5,124			5,307			15,648			15,685
Total personnel expenses	$	29,867	$	29,857		$	29,636		$	90,331		$	89,094
Occupancy		890		826			908			2,577			2,670
Equipment		2,107		1,988			1,789			5,976			5,188
Bad debt expense		6,559		1,288			--			7,847			--
Other		7,475		8,834			7,730			23,631			22,822
Total operating expenses	$	46,898	$	42,793		$	40,063		$	130,362		$	119,774
Income from operations before income taxes	$	3,652	$	5,797		$	9,160		$	18,456		$	27,001
Income tax expense		714		1,313			1,766			3,882			5,352
Net income	$	2,938	$	4,484		$	7,394		$	14,574		$	21,649
Basic earnings per share	$	.22	$	.33		$	.55		$	1.08		$	1.60
Diluted earnings per share	$	.21	$	.32		$	.54		$	1.06		$	1.56

Share data:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding		13,504		13,538			13,501			13,524			13,551
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		13,786		13,822			13,793			13,798			13,836

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands)
	(unaudited) September 30, 2024			(unaudited) June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	230,556		$	223,727		$	372,468
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		550,756			540,802			627,117
Loans		1,078,387			1,061,991			1,014,318
Less: Allowance for credit losses		(13,447	)		(13,633	)		(13,089	)
Loans, net	$	1,064,940		$	1,048,358		$	1,001,229
Payments in advance of funding		207,202			214,581			198,861
Premises and equipment, net		34,295			33,469			30,093
Investments in bank-owned life insurance		49,885			49,840			49,159
Goodwill and other intangible assets		20,098			20,281			20,654
Accounts and drafts receivable from customers		30,892			78,407			110,651
Other assets		72,136			73,131			68,390
Total assets	$	2,260,760		$	2,282,596		$	2,478,622

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Deposits
Non-interest bearing	$	392,573		$	372,031		$	524,359
Interest-bearing		654,750			640,315			616,455
Total deposits	$	1,047,323		$	1,012,346		$	1,140,814
Accounts and drafts payable		936,463			996,832			1,071,369
Other liabilities		39,327			43,493			36,630
Total liabilities	$	2,023,113		$	2,052,671		$	2,248,813

Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	$	7,753		$	7,753		$	7,753
Additional paid-in capital		205,026			204,128			208,007
Retained earnings		148,092			149,236			145,782
Common shares in treasury, at cost		(84,139	)		(81,554	)		(84,264	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(39,085	)		(49,638	)		(47,469	)
Total shareholders’ equity	$	237,647		$	229,925		$	229,809
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,260,760		$	2,282,596		$	2,478,622

Average Balances (unaudited)

($ in thousands)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2024		Quarter Ended June 30, 2024		Quarter Ended September 30, 2023		Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2024		Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2023
Average interest-earning assets	$	2,001,740	$	1,958,427	$	2,059,801	$	2,007,781	$	2,077,392
Average loans		1,072,824		1,039,461		1,045,967		1,042,953		1,065,915
Average securities available-for-sale		535,423		589,480		634,835		586,588		681,820
Average short-term investments		338,464		265,291		310,770		318,712		263,774
Average payments in advance of funding		202,976		213,185		234,684		203,498		243,458
Average assets		2,340,870		2,308,045		2,395,264		2,343,489		2,421,274
Average non-interest bearing deposits		404,364		407,079		480,472		419,724		528,677
Average interest-bearing deposits		630,204		638,328		591,556		633,373		563,994
Average borrowings		11		11		11		11		2,993
Average interest-bearing liabilities		630,215		638,339		591,567		633,384		566,987
Average accounts and drafts payable		1,033,070		996,944		1,070,057		1,021,988		1,071,414
Average shareholders’ equity	$	231,785	$	225,265	$	212,591	$	227,920	$	212,159

Consolidated Financial Highlights (unaudited)

($ and numbers in thousands, except ratios)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2024			Quarter Ended June 30, 2024			Quarter Ended September 30, 2023			Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2024			Nine-Months Ended September 30, 2023
Return on average equity		5.04	%		8.01	%		13.80	%		8.54	%		13.64	%
Return on average assets		0.50	%		0.78	%		1.22	%		0.83	%		1.20	%
Net interest margin ⁽¹⁾		3.55	%		3.32	%		3.24	%		3.38	%		3.24	%
Average interest-earning assets yield ⁽¹⁾		4.57	%		4.41	%		4.13	%		4.42	%		3.98	%
Average loan yield		5.40	%		5.26	%		4.88	%		5.24	%		4.77	%
Average investment securities yield ⁽¹⁾		2.86	%		2.84	%		2.62	%		2.80	%		2.63	%
Average short-term investment yield		4.94	%		4.95	%		5.02	%		4.99	%		4.64	%
Average cost of total deposits		1.98	%		2.04	%		1.72	%		1.98	%		1.42	%
Average cost of interest-bearing deposits		3.25	%		3.35	%		3.11	%		3.30	%		2.72	%
Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities		3.25	%		3.35	%		3.11	%		3.30	%		2.73	%
Allowance for credit losses to loans		1.25	%		1.28	%		1.28	%		1.25	%		1.28	%
Non-performing loans to total loans		--	%		--	%		--	%		--	%		--	%
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to loans		--	%		--	%		--	%		--	%		--	%
Common equity tier 1 ratio		14.54	%		14.32	%		14.53	%		14.54	%		14.53	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		15.31	%		15.08	%		15.30	%		15.31	%		15.30	%
Leverage ratio		11.05	%		11.32	%		10.61	%		11.05	%		10.61	%
⁽¹⁾Yields are presented on tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21%.

Transportation invoice volume		9,160			8,879			8,925			26,810			27,216
Transportation dollar volume	$	9,097,739		$	9,081,343		$	9,263,453		$	27,118,728		$	29,243,706
Facility expense transaction volume		4,316			4,337			3,417			12,917			10,352
Facility expense dollar volume	$	5,778,291		$	5,039,283		$	5,096,882		$	16,147,139		$	14,988,757

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241017462927/en/

Cass Investor Relations

ir@cassinfo.com

Source: Cass Information Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What was Cass Information Systems' (CASS) earnings per share in Q3 2024?

Cass Information Systems reported earnings of $0.21 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024.

How did CASS's net income in Q3 2024 compare to the previous year?

Net income for Q3 2024 was $2.9 million, compared to $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, showing a significant decrease.

What was the main factor affecting CASS's Q3 2024 financial results?

The main factor was a $6.6 million bad debt expense taken on a funding receivable related to a facility client, which negatively impacted net income and earnings per share.

How did CASS's net interest margin change in Q3 2024?

The net interest margin increased to 3.55% in Q3 2024, up from 3.24% in the same quarter last year.

What change did CASS make to its quarterly dividend in Q3 2024?

Cass Information Systems increased its quarterly dividend from $0.30 to $0.31 per share.

Cass Information Systems Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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What was Cass Information Systems' (CASS) earnings per share in Q3 2024?

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How did CASS's net interest margin change in Q3 2024?

What change did CASS make to its quarterly dividend in Q3 2024?

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Cass Information Systems Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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