CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: CFB) reported strong third quarter 2021 results with net income of $21.0 million or $0.41 per diluted share, marking a significant increase from $8.0 million in Q3 2020. Year-to-date net income reached $48.6 million, influenced by a $10 million release from reserves amid improving credit quality. Despite a 2% decline in total assets year-over-year, the company saw a 27% growth in non-interest-bearing deposits. The Board also approved a $30 million stock repurchase program, emphasizing their commitment to shareholder value.

Positive

• Net income increased to $21.0 million in Q3 2021, representing substantial growth of 162% compared to Q3 2020.
• Return on Average Assets (ROAA) improved to 1.54% from 0.58% year-over-year.
• Release of $10 million from reserves due to enhanced credit quality.
• Authorized a $30 million stock repurchase program, reinforcing commitment to shareholder returns.
• Non-interest-bearing deposits grew by 27% from September 30, 2020, now representing 22% of total deposits.

Negative

• Net interest income decreased by 2% from Q3 2020, indicating difficulties in loan performance.
• Average loans decreased by 5% year-over-year due to PPP loan forgiveness.
• Non-interest income fell by 127% compared to Q3 2020, largely due to a $6.2 million impairment loss.
• Efficiency ratio worsened to 59.06% from 53.03% year-over-year.

Third Quarter 2021 Key Financial Performance Metrics

Net Income		ROAA			Net Interest Margin (FTE)			Diluted EPS			ROE
$21.0 million		1.54%			3.20%			$0.41			12.92%

LEAWOOD, Kan., Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: CFB), the bank holding company for CrossFirst Bank, today reported its results for the third quarter of 2021, with net income of $21.0 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, and year-to-date net income of $48.6 million, or $0.93 per diluted share. Results this quarter included a $6.2 million asset impairment relating to an equity investment and a $10 million release from reserves due to continuing improvement in credit quality. Subsequent to quarter end, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $30 million of common stock over time.

CEO Commentary:

"We had another quarter of strong profitability and have continued our strong earnings momentum as the economy accelerates and credit quality improves from last year’s low points," said CrossFirst’s CEO and President, Mike Maddox. "We continue to take a long-term view that will best serve our constituents well into the future by investing in talent to grow our top-line revenue and by investing in technology to better serve our clients. At the same time, we remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders and are pleased to be able to continue the return of capital with the new buyback program."

2021 Third Quarter Highlights:

• $5.4 billion of assets with 162% net income growth compared to the third quarter of 2020
• Return on Average Assets of 1.54% and a Return on Equity of 12.92% with a non-GAAP Core Return on Average Assets of 1.90% and non-GAAP Return on Equity of 15.94%
• Efficiency ratio of 59.06% for the third quarter of 2021 and a non-GAAP core efficiency ratio of 50.45% after adjusting for nonrecurring or non-core items and tax equivalent interest
• Net Interest Margin (Fully Tax-Equivalent) of 3.20% compared to 3.12% in the previous quarter
• Non-interest-bearing deposit growth of 27% from September 30, 2020 which accounts for 22% of total deposits
• Book value per share of $12.79 at September 30, 2021 compared to $11.84 at September 30, 2020

		Quarter-to-Date							Year-to-Date
		September 30,							September 30,
(Dollars in millions except per share data)		2021			2020				2021			2020
Operating revenue(1)	$	40.7		$	43.4			$	134.1		$	127.5
Net income	$	21.0		$	8.0			$	48.6		$	4.5
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.41		$	0.15			$	0.93		$	0.09
Return on average assets		1.54	%		0.58	%			1.16	%		0.11	%
Return on average common equity		12.92	%		5.19	%			10.24	%		0.98	%
Non-GAAP core return on average tangible common equity(2)		15.94	%		5.19	%			10.99	%		2.62	%
Net interest margin		3.14	%		2.93	%			3.05	%		3.08	%
Net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent(3)		3.20	%		2.98	%			3.10	%		3.13	%
Efficiency ratio		59.06	%		53.03	%			54.18	%		59.44	%
Non-GAAP core operating efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent(2)(3)		50.45	%		52.23	%			51.15	%		53.14	%

(1) Net interest income plus non-interest income.

(2) Represents a non-GAAP measure. See "Table 5. Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of these measures.

(3) Tax exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-free municipal securities are exempt from federal income taxes. The incremental federal income tax rate used is 21.0%.

Income from Operations

Net Interest Income

Interest income was $47.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, a decrease of 2% from the third quarter of 2020 and a 1% decrease from the previous quarter. Interest income was down from the third quarter of 2020 as a result of lower average loans outstanding. Average earning assets totaled $5.3 billion for the third quarter of 2021, a decrease of $68 million or 1% from the same quarter in 2020. The tax-equivalent yield on earning assets increased from 3.57% to 3.62% during the third quarter of 2021, and was down from 3.66% in the third quarter of 2020, primarily due to the movement of variable rate assets indexed to market rates. Year-to-date, interest income was $143.9 million, which declined compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to the yield movements on earning assets.

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2021 was $5.5 million, or 40% lower than the third quarter of 2020 and 10% lower than the previous quarter. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased to $3.5 billion in the third quarter of 2021, or a 3% decrease from the same prior year period. Cost of funds for the quarter was 0.46%, compared to 0.49% for the second quarter of 2021. Year-to-date, interest expense was $18.7 million, a decrease of 47% from the same period in the prior year due to lower market rates.

Net interest income totaled $41.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 or 1% lower than the second quarter of 2021, and 6% higher than the third quarter of 2020. Tax-equivalent net interest margin increased to 3.20% in the current quarter, from 3.12% in the previous quarter, and increased from 2.98% in the same quarter in 2020.   During the third quarter of 2021, CrossFirst realized $1.7 million in fees from the forgiveness of $88 million of PPP loans. Including fees recognized, the PPP loans yielded 5.50% for the current quarter and the Company will continue to recognize fees over the life of the loans or as the loans are forgiven. The tax-equivalent adjustment, which accounts for income taxes saved on the interest earned on nontaxable securities and loans, was $0.7 million for the third quarter of 2021. Year-to-date net interest income grew to $125.2 million, an increase of 6% from the same period in the prior year, while tax-equivalent net interest margin declined to 3.10% from 3.13% for the same prior year period.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income decreased $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2021 or 127% compared to the same quarter of 2020 and decreased $6.9 million compared to the second quarter of 2021. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $6.2 million impairment loss related to an equity investment that was received as part of a restructured loan agreement, which was partially offset by increases of $0.3 million in credit card fees and $0.4 million in service charge income as compared to the same quarter of 2020. Year-to-date non-interest income was up $0.1 million or 1% compared to the same period in the prior year.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2021 was $24.0 million, which increased 4% compared to the third quarter of 2020 and decreased 7% from the second quarter of 2021. Salaries and benefit costs were lower in the current quarter by $0.3 million compared to the prior quarter and $0.8 million higher than the same quarter in the prior year mainly due to increased hiring for market expansion.   Year-to-date non-interest expense decreased $3.6 million or 5% from the same period in the prior year primarily due to a $7.4 million goodwill impairment recorded in the second quarter of 2020. This decrease was partly offset by a $1.6 million increase in salary and employee benefits, $1.0 million increase in occupancy, and $1.5 million increase in other non-interest expense as compared to the same period in the prior year.

CrossFirst’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2021 was 21% as compared to 16% for the third quarter of 2020. The 2021 quarter-to-date income tax expense was impacted by a $17.2 million increase in income before income taxes that increased taxes at the statutory rate by $3.6 million. For both of the comparable periods, the Company continued to benefit from the tax-exempt municipal bond portfolio and bank-owned life insurance. The tax-exempt benefit diminishes as the Company’s pre-tax income improves.

Balance Sheet Performance & Analysis

During the third quarter of 2021, total assets increased by $90 million or 2% compared to June 30, 2021 and decreased $105 million or 2% compared to September 30, 2020. The total assets change was negatively impacted by the $88 million in PPP loans that were forgiven in the third quarter. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $142 million compared to June 30, 2021, which was the main driver of the cost of funds 3 basis points decrease. During the third quarter of 2021, available-for-sale investment securities decreased $4 million to $708 million compared to June 30, 2021, while the overall average for the third quarter was $730 million. The securities yields decreased 6 basis points to a tax equivalent yield of 2.87% for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the prior quarter.

Loan Results

The Company experienced a decrease in average loans of 4% since June 30, 2021 and a decrease of 5% year-over-year from September 30, 2020. The reduction in average loans was primarily a result of PPP loan forgiveness. Loan yields increased slightly to 4.00% during the third quarter and increased 10 basis points over the last twelve months.

		3Q21				2Q21				1Q21				4Q20				3Q20			QoQ Growth ($)				QoQ Growth (%)(1)				YoY Growth ($)				YoY Growth (%)(1)
	(Dollars in millions)
Average loans (gross)
Commercial	$	1,233			$	1,221			$	1,329			$	1,367			$	1,308			$	12			1		%		$	(75	)		(6	)	%
Energy		311				341				351				381				393				(30	)		(9	)				(82	)		(21	)
Commercial real estate		1,213				1,203				1,183				1,194				1,169				10			1					44			4
Construction and land development		611				633				598				585				617				(22	)		(3	)				(6	)		(1	)
Residential and multifamily real estate		659				659				688				664				583				0			0					76			13
Paycheck Protection Program		147				296				308				258				362				(149	)		(50	)				(215	)		(59	)
Consumer		57				56				50				45				45				1			2					12			27
Total	$	4,231			$	4,409			$	4,507			$	4,494			$	4,477			$	(178	)		(4	)	%		$	(246	)		(5	)	%
Yield on average loans for the period ending		4.00	%			3.99	%			3.94	%			4.00	%			3.90	%
(1) Actual unrounded values are used to calculate the reported percent disclosed. Accordingly, recalculations using the amounts in millions as disclosed in this release may not produce the same amounts.

Deposit & Other Borrowing Results

The Company experienced a reduction in average deposits of 6% since June 30, 2021, and increased average deposits 2% year-over-year from September 30, 2020. The deposit decrease for the quarter was driven by a continued decrease in time deposits and a reduction in money market accounts. In addition, the Company continued to improve the overall cost of deposits, which declined 3 basis points during the third quarter of 2021, reflective of average non-interest-bearing deposit increases. The cost of interest-bearing deposits has declined 33 basis points over the last twelve months primarily as a result of the lower interest rate environment.

		3Q21				2Q21				1Q21				4Q20				3Q20			QoQ Growth ($)				QoQ Growth (%)(1)				YoY Growth ($)				YoY Growth (%)(1)
	(Dollars in millions)
Average deposits
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	910			$	802			$	731			$	732			$	714			$	108			13		%		$	196			27		%
Transaction deposits		511				665				717				575				460				(154	)		(23	)				51			11
Savings and money market deposits		2,276				2,385				2,422				2,158				1,995				(109	)		(5	)				281			14
Time deposits		752				869				972				1,087				1,175				(117	)		(13	)				(423	)		(36	)
Total	$	4,449			$	4,721			$	4,842			$	4,552			$	4,344			$	(272	)		(6	)	%		$	105			2		%
Cost of deposits for the period ending		0.38	%			0.41	%			0.48	%			0.58	%			0.67	%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits for the period ending		0.47	%			0.50	%			0.57	%			0.69	%			0.80	%
(1) Actual unrounded values are used to calculate the reported percent disclosed. Accordingly, recalculations using the amounts in millions as disclosed in this release may not produce the same amounts.

At September 30, 2021, other borrowings totaled $278 million, as compared to $284 million at June 30, 2021, and $351 million at September 30, 2020.  

Asset Quality Position

Credit quality metrics generally improved during the third quarter of 2021 as classified assets decreased $47 million and the ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to 0.92% from 1.09% in the previous quarter. The improvements in credit metrics were primarily driven by upgrades in COVID-19 impacted segments and the Energy portfolio. Net charge-offs were $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2021 as compared to $2.6 million for the second quarter of 2021. The charge-offs for the current quarter were related to energy and commercial and industrial credits.

The overall decrease in the allowance for loan losses for the current quarter reflects a relatively minor change in net period-end loan balances, stabilization in the Company’s economic outlook and improved credit performance. These factors resulted in a $10 million release of reserves during the third quarter. The following table provides information regarding asset quality.

Asset quality (Dollars in millions)		3Q21					2Q21				1Q21				4Q20				3Q20
Non-accrual loans	$	48.1				$	54.7			$	63.3			$	75.1			$	75.6
Other real estate owned		1.1					1.7				2.3				2.3				2.3
Nonperforming assets		49.8					58.1				68.9				78.4				82.2
Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing		0.5					1.8				3.2				1.0				4.3
Loans 30 - 89 days past due		37.6					18.8				11.0				18.1				45.4
Net charge-offs (recoveries)		1.3					2.6				8.2				11.6				6.0
Asset quality metrics (%)		3Q21					2Q21				1Q21				4Q20				3Q20
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.92		%			1.09	%			1.15	%			1.39	%			1.49	%
Allowance for loan loss to total loans		1.51					1.78				1.65				1.70				1.70
Allowance for loan loss to nonperforming loans		132					134				112				99				95
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans(1)		0.13					0.23				0.74				1.03				0.54
Provision to average loans(1)		(0.94	)				0.32				0.67				0.96				0.97
Classified Loans / (Total Capital + ALLL)		17.3					24.0				38.2				40.9				43.2
(1) Interim periods annualized.

Capital Position

At September 30, 2021, stockholders' equity totaled $652 million, or $12.79 per share, compared to $624 million, or $12.08 per share, at December 31, 2020. Subsequent to quarter end, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $30 million of common stock over time. The actual timing, number and value of shares of common stock repurchased under the stock repurchase program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the market price of the Company's common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. Stock repurchases under the program may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice. Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase its common stock in the open market, through block trades, in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to a trading plan separately adopted in the future, or by other means, in accordance with federal securities laws and other applicable laws.

The ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was approximately 13% and the total capital to risk-weighted assets was approximately 14% at September 30, 2021. The Company remains well-capitalized.

Conference Call and Webcast

CrossFirst will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss third quarter 2021 results on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 10 a.m. CDT / 11 a.m. EDT. The conference call and webcast may also include discussion of Company developments, forward-looking statements and other material information about business and financial matters. Investors, news media, and other participants should register for the call or audio webcast at https://investors.crossfirstbankshares.com. To access the call, dial toll-free (877) 621-5851 from anywhere in the U.S. or +1 (470) 495-9492 for international callers and provide conference number 8025119. Participants are encouraged to dial into the call or access the webcast approximately 15 minutes prior to the start time.

A replay of the call will be available two hours after the conclusion of the live call. To access the replay, dial (855) 859-2056 and provide conference number 8025119, passcode 9067. International callers should dial +1 (404) 537-3406 and enter the same confirmation number. A replay of the webcast will also be available for 90 days on the company’s website https://investors.crossfirstbankshares.com.

Cautionary Notice about Forward-Looking Statements

The financial results in this press release reflect preliminary, unaudited results, which are not final until the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed. This earnings release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to, among other things, future events and its financial performance. Any statements about management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this earnings release may turn out to be inaccurate. The inclusion of forward-looking information in this earnings release should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Such factors include, without limitation, those listed from time to time in reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this communication, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by law.

About CrossFirst Bank

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: CFB) is a Kansas corporation and a registered bank holding company for its wholly owned subsidiary CrossFirst Bank, which is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. CrossFirst has nine full-service banking locations in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona that offer products and services to businesses, professionals, individuals, and families.

Unaudited Financial Tables

• Table 1. Consolidated Balance Sheets
• Table 2. Consolidated Statements of Operations
• Table 3. 2020 - 2021 Year-to-Date Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income
• Table 4. 2020 - 2021 Quarterly Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income
• Table 5. Non-GAAP Financial Measures

TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	316,722			$	408,810
Available-for-sale securities - taxable		168,182				177,238
Available-for-sale securities - tax-exempt		539,924				477,350
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $64,152 and $75,295 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		4,168,965				4,366,602
Premises and equipment, net		66,598				70,509
Restricted equity securities		12,885				15,543
Interest receivable		15,928				17,236
Foreclosed assets held for sale		1,148				2,347
Bank-owned life insurance		67,104				67,498
Other		43,695				56,170
Total assets	$	5,401,151			$	5,659,303
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing	$	960,999			$	718,459
Savings, NOW and money market		2,774,477				2,932,799
Time		701,121				1,043,482
Total deposits		4,436,597				4,694,740
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements		-				2,306
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		276,600				293,100
Other borrowings		997				963
Interest payable and other liabilities		34,550				43,766
Total liabilities		4,748,744				5,034,875
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
authorized - 200,000,000 shares, issued - 52,576,504 and 52,289,129 shares at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		526				523
Treasury stock, at cost:
1,573,806 and 609,613 shares held at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		(20,000	)			(6,061	)
Additional paid-in capital		525,676				522,911
Retained earnings		126,299				77,652
Accumulated other comprehensive income		19,906				29,403
Total stockholders’ equity		652,407				624,428
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	5,401,151			$	5,659,303

     

TABLE 2. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2021				2020			2021				2020
	(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Interest Income
Loans, including fees	$	42,664			$	43,929		$	130,268			$	138,591
Available-for-sale securities - taxable		803				1,042			2,423				4,174
Available-for-sale securities - tax-exempt		3,562				3,186			10,410				9,758
Deposits with financial institutions		121				47			359				583
Dividends on bank stocks		161				248			488				808
Total interest income		47,311				48,452			143,948				153,914
Interest Expense
Deposits		4,211				7,298			14,789				29,975
Fed funds purchased and repurchase agreements		-				54			3				162
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		1,275				1,749			3,838				4,980
Other borrowings		24				24			72				85
Total interest expense		5,510				9,125			18,702				35,202
Net Interest Income		41,801				39,327			125,246				118,712
Provision for Loan Losses		(10,000	)			10,875			1,000				45,825
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses		51,801				28,452			124,246				72,887
Non-Interest Income (Loss)
Service charges and fees on customer accounts		1,196				792			3,330				1,947
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities		1,046				1,012			1,043				1,725
Unrealized gains (losses), net on equity securities		(6,210	)			-			(6,243	)			53
Income from bank-owned life insurance		427				464			3,088				1,373
Swap fees and credit valuation adjustments, net		31				121			156				80
ATM and credit card interchange income		1,735				1,482			5,569				2,863
Other non-interest income		670				192			1,921				751
Total non-interest income (loss)		(1,105	)			4,063			8,864				8,792
Non-Interest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits		15,399				14,628			44,612				43,022
Occupancy		2,416				2,144			7,307				6,274
Professional fees		618				1,132			2,538				3,098
Deposit insurance premiums		927				1,096			2,995				3,151
Data processing		700				652			2,136				2,065
Advertising		596				147			1,334				870
Software and communication		999				959			3,098				2,772
Foreclosed assets, net		(35	)			20			680				1,174
Goodwill impairment		-				-			-				7,397
Other non-interest expense		2,416				2,233			7,967				6,421
Total non-interest expense		24,036				23,011			72,667				76,244
Net Income Before Taxes		26,660				9,504			60,443				5,435
Income tax expense		5,660				1,498			11,831				928
Net Income	$	21,000			$	8,006		$	48,612			$	4,507
Basic Earnings Per Share	$	0.41			$	0.15		$	0.95			$	0.09
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.41			$	0.15		$	0.93			$	0.09

TABLE 3. YEAR-TO-DATE ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2021										2020
	Average Balance				Interest Income / Expense			Average Yield / Rate(3)			Average Balance				Interest Income / Expense			Average Yield / Rate(3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Securities - taxable	$	207,691			$	2,911		1.87	%		$	285,363			$	4,982		2.33	%
Securities - tax-exempt(1)		507,986				12,596		3.32				443,506				11,807		3.56
Federal funds sold		-				-		-				1,364				18		1.73
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		390,588				359		0.12				170,316				566		0.44
Gross loans, net of unearned income(2)		4,381,213				130,268		3.98				4,248,520				138,591		4.36
Total interest-earning assets(1)		5,487,478			$	146,134		3.56	%			5,149,069			$	155,964		4.05	%
Allowance for loan losses		(76,726	)									(64,896	)
Other non-interest-earning assets		214,752										218,797
Total assets	$	5,625,504									$	5,302,970
Interest-bearing liabilities
Transaction deposits	$	629,959			$	936		0.20	%		$	404,967			$	1,391		0.46	%
Savings and money market deposits		2,360,559				6,402		0.36				1,938,669				11,689		0.81
Time deposits		863,592				7,451		1.15				1,178,632				16,895		1.91
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,854,110				14,789		0.51				3,522,268				29,975		1.14
FHLB and short-term borrowings		285,371				3,841		1.80				456,048				5,145		1.51
Trust preferred securities, net of fair value adjustments		976				72		9.80				933				82		11.81
Non-interest-bearing deposits		814,924				-		-				668,208				-		-
Cost of funds		4,955,381			$	18,702		0.50	%			4,647,457			$	35,202		1.01	%
Other liabilities		35,385										42,731
Stockholders’ equity		634,738										612,782
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	5,625,504									$	5,302,970
Net interest income(1)					$	127,432									$	120,762
Net interest spread(1)								3.06	%									3.04	%
Net interest margin(1)								3.10	%									3.13	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-free municipal securities are exempt from federal income taxes. The incremental income tax rate used is 21.0%.
⁽²⁾ Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.
⁽³⁾ Actual unrounded values are used to calculate the reported yield or rate disclosed. Accordingly, recalculations using the amounts in thousands as disclosed in this release may not produce the same amounts.

YEAR-TO-DATE VOLUME & RATE VARIANCE TO NET INTEREST INCOME (UNAUDITED)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2021 over 2020
	Average Volume				Yield/Rate				Net Change(2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Income
Securities - taxable	$	(1,200	)		$	(871	)		$	(2,071	)
Securities - tax-exempt(1)		1,627				(838	)			789
Federal funds sold		(18	)			-				(18	)
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		390				(597	)			(207	)
Gross loans, net of unearned income		4,176				(12,499	)			(8,323	)
Total interest income(1)		4,975				(14,805	)			(9,830	)
Interest Expense
Transaction deposits		555				(1,010	)			(455	)
Savings and money market deposits		2,185				(7,472	)			(5,287	)
Time deposits		(3,795	)			(5,649	)			(9,444	)
Total interest-bearing deposits		(1,055	)			(14,131	)			(15,186	)
FHLB and short-term borrowings		(2,169	)			865				(1,304	)
Trust preferred securities, net of fair value adjustments		4				(14	)			(10	)
Total interest expense		(3,220	)			(13,280	)			(16,500	)
Net interest income(1)	$	8,195			$	(1,525	)		$	6,670

(1) Tax exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-free municipal securities are exempt from federal income income taxes. The incremental income income tax rate used is 21.0%.

(2) The change in interest not due solely to volume or rate has been allocated in proportion to the respective absolute dollar amounts of the change in volume or rate.

TABLE 4. 2020 - 2021 QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME (UNAUDITED)

		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2021										2020
	Average Balance				Interest Income / Expense			Average Yield / Rate(3)			Average Balance				Interest Income / Expense			Average Yield / Rate(3)
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Securities - taxable	$	194,929			$	964		1.96	%		$	257,637			$	1,290		1.99	%
Securities - tax-exempt(1)		534,917				4,310		3.20				440,669				3,855		3.48
Federal funds sold		-				-		-				-				-		-
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		313,188				121		0.15				166,423				47		0.11
Gross loans, net of unearned income(2)		4,230,553				42,664		4.00				4,477,211				43,929		3.90
Total interest-earning assets(1)		5,273,587			$	48,059		3.62	%			5,341,940			$	49,121		3.66	%
Allowance for loan losses		(75,103	)									(75,970	)
Other non-interest-earning assets		210,500										220,282
Total assets	$	5,408,984									$	5,486,252
Interest-bearing liabilities
Transaction deposits	$	510,823			$	259		0.20	%		$	460,420			$	260		0.22	%
Savings and money market deposits		2,276,436				1,907		0.33				1,995,307				2,301		0.46
Time deposits		752,012				2,045		1.08				1,174,555				4,737		1.60
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,539,271				4,211		0.47				3,630,282				7,298		0.80
FHLB and short-term borrowings		278,154				1,275		1.82				479,475				1,803		1.50
Trust preferred securities, net of fair value adjustments		988				24		9.63				944				24		10.19
Non-interest-bearing deposits		909,750				-		-				714,337				-		-
Cost of funds		4,728,163			$	5,510		0.46	%			4,825,038			$	9,125		0.75	%
Other liabilities		36,106										47,304
Stockholders’ equity		644,715										613,910
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	5,408,984									$	5,486,252
Net interest income(1)					$	42,549									$	39,996
Net interest spread(1)								3.16	%									2.91	%
Net interest margin(1)								3.20	%									2.98	%

(1) Tax exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-free municipal securities are exempt from federal income taxes. The incremental income tax rate used is 21.0%.

(2) Average gross loan balances include non-accrual loans. (3) Actual unrounded values are used to calculate the reported yield or rate disclosed. Accordingly, recalculations using the amounts in thousands as disclosed in this release may not produce the same amounts.

QUARTER-TO-DATE VOLUME & RATE VARIANCE TO NET INTEREST INCOME (UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2021 over 2020
	Average Volume				Yield/Rate				Net Change(2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Income
Securities - taxable	$	(307	)		$	(19	)		$	(326	)
Securities - tax-exempt(1)		782				(327	)			455
Federal funds sold		-				-				-
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks		51				23				74
Gross loans, net of unearned income		(2,403	)			1,138				(1,265	)
Total interest income(1)		(1,877	)			815				(1,062	)
Interest Expense
Transaction deposits		26				(27	)			(1	)
Savings and money market deposits		304				(698	)			(394	)
Time deposits		(1,414	)			(1,278	)			(2,692	)
Total interest-bearing deposits		(1,084	)			(2,003	)			(3,087	)
FHLB and short-term borrowings		(863	)			335				(528	)
Trust preferred securities, net of fair value adjustments		1				(1	)			-
Total interest expense		(1,946	)			(1,669	)			(3,615	)
Net interest income(1)	$	69			$	2,484			$	2,553

(1) Tax exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-free municipal securities are exempt from federal income taxes. The incremental income tax rate used is 21.0%.

(2) The change in interest not due solely to volume or rate has been allocated in proportion to the respective absolute dollar amounts of the change in volume or rate.

TABLE 5. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to disclosing financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, the Company discloses non-GAAP financial measures in this release. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release reflect industry conventions, or standard measures within the industry, and provide useful information to the Company's management, investors and other parties interested in the Company's operating performance. These measurements should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. We have defined below each of the non-GAAP measures we use in this release, but these measures may not be synonymous to similar measurement terms used by other companies.

CrossFirst provides reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures below. The measures used in this release include the following:

• We calculate ‘‘non-GAAP core operating income’’ as net income adjusted to remove non-recurring or non-core income and expense items related to:
  
  
  • Goodwill impairment - We performed an interim review of goodwill as of June 30, 2020. The book value of goodwill exceeded its fair market value and resulted in a full $7.4 million impairment.
    
    
  • Charges and adjustments associated with the full vesting of a former executive - We incurred additional charges in the second quarter of 2021 related to the acceleration of $0.7 million of certain cash, stock-based compensation, and employee costs.
    
    
  • Bank Owned Life Insurance - We obtain bank owned life insurance on key employees throughout the organization and received a $1.8 million benefit in the second quarter of 2021.
    
    
  • Unrealized loss on equity security – During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a $6.2 million impairment loss related to an equity investment that was received as part of a restructured loan agreement.
    
    

The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for non-GAAP core operating income is net income.

• We calculate "core return on average tangible common equity" as Non-GAAP core operating income (as defined above) divided by average tangible common equity. Average tangible common equity is calculated as average common equity less average goodwill and intangibles and average preferred equity. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is return on average common equity.
• We calculate "Non-GAAP core operating return on average assets" as non-GAAP core operating income (as defined above) divided by average assets. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is return on average assets, which is calculated as net income divided by average assets.
• We calculate ‘‘non-GAAP core operating return on average common equity’’ as non-GAAP core operating income (as defined above) less preferred dividends divided by average common equity. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is return on average common equity, which is calculated as net income less preferred dividends divided by average common equity.
• We calculate "tangible common stockholders' equity" as total stockholders' equity less goodwill and intangibles and preferred equity. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is total stockholders' equity.
• We calculate ‘‘tangible book value per share’’ as tangible common stockholders' equity (as defined above) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is book value per share.
• We calculate "non-GAAP core operating efficiency ratio - fully tax equivalent (FTE)" as non-interest expense adjusted to remove non-recurring, or non-core, non-interest expenses as defined above under non-GAAP core operating income divided by net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis plus non-interest income adjusted to remove non-recurring, or non-core, non-interest income as defined above under non-GAAP core operating income. The most directly comparable financial measure is the efficiency ratio.
• We calculate "non-GAAP pre-tax pre-provision profit" as net income before taxes plus the provision for loan losses.
  
  

		Quarter Ended																				Nine Months Ended
	9/30/2021				6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020				9/30/2021				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands)
Non-GAAP core operating income:
Net income	$	21,000			$	15,577			$	12,035			$	8,094			$	8,006			$	48,612			$	4,507
Add: Unrealized loss on equity security		6,200				-				-				-				-				6,200				-
Less: Tax effect(2)		1,302				-				-				-				-				1,302				-
Unrealized loss on equity security, net of tax		4,898				-				-				-				-				4,898				-
Add: Goodwill impairment(1)		-				-				-				-				-				-				7,397
Add: Accelerated employee benefits		-				719				-				-				-				719				-
Less: Tax effect(3)		-				210				-				-				-				210				-
Accelerated employee benefits, net of tax		-				509				-				-				-				509				-
Less: BOLI settlement benefits(1)		-				1,841				-				-				-				1,841				-
Non-GAAP core operating income	$	25,898			$	14,245			$	12,035			$	8,094			$	8,006			$	52,178			$	11,904
(1) No tax effect.
(2) Represents the tax impact of the adjustments at a tax rate of 21.0%.
(3) Represents the tax impact of the adjustments above at a tax rate of 21.0%, plus a permanent tax benefit associated with stock-based grants.

		Quarter Ended																				Nine Months Ended
		9/30/2021				6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020				9/30/2021				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands)
Non-GAAP core return on average tangible common equity:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	21,000			$	15,577			$	12,035			$	8,094			$	8,006			$	48,612			$	4,507
Non-GAAP core operating income		25,898				14,245				12,035				8,094				8,006				52,178				11,904
Average common equity		644,715				633,417				625,875				620,496				613,910				634,738				612,782
Less: average goodwill and intangibles		160				179				199				218				238				179				5,138
Average tangible common equity	$	644,555			$	633,238			$	625,676			$	620,278			$	613,672			$	634,559			$	607,644
Return on average common equity		12.92	%			9.86	%			7.80	%			5.19	%			5.19	%			10.24	%			0.98	%
Non-GAAP core return on average tangible common equity		15.94	%			9.02	%			7.80	%			5.19	%			5.19	%			10.99	%			2.62	%

		Quarter Ended																				Nine Months Ended
		9/30/2021				6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020				9/30/2021				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands)
Non-GAAP core operating return on average assets:
Net income	$	21,000			$	15,577			$	12,035			$	8,094			$	8,006			$	48,612			$	4,507
Non-GAAP core operating income		25,898				14,245				12,035				8,094				8,006				52,178				11,904
Average assets	$	5,408,984			$	5,673,638			$	5,798,167			$	5,523,196			$	5,486,252			$	5,625,504			$	5,302,970
Return on average assets		1.54	%			1.10	%			0.84	%			0.58	%			0.58	%			1.16	%			0.11	%
Non-GAAP core operating return on average assets		1.90	%			1.01	%			0.84	%			0.58	%			0.58	%			1.24	%			0.30	%

		Quarter Ended
	9/30/2021				6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
Tangible common stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders' equity	$	652,407			$	637,190			$	628,834			$	624,428			$	617,883
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets		149				169				188				208				227
Tangible common stockholders' equity	$	652,258			$	637,021			$	628,646			$	624,220			$	617,656
Tangible book value per share:
Tangible common stockholders' equity	$	652,258			$	637,021			$	628,646			$	624,220			$	617,656
Shares outstanding at end of period		51,002,698				50,958,680				51,678,669				51,679,516				52,195,778
Book value per share	$	12.79			$	12.50			$	12.17			$	12.08			$	11.84
Tangible book value per share	$	12.79			$	12.50			$	12.16			$	12.08			$	11.83

		Quarter Ended																					Nine Months Ended
		9/30/2021					6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020				9/30/2021				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands)
Non-GAAP Core Operating Efficiency Ratio - Fully Tax Equivalent (FTE)
Non-interest expense	$	24,036				$	25,813			$	22,818			$	23,732			$	23,011			$	72,667			$	76,244
Less: Accelerated employee benefits		-					719				-				-				-				719				-
Less: goodwill impairment		-					-				-				-				-				-				7,397
Adjusted Non-interest expense (numerator)	$	24,036				$	25,094			$	22,818			$	23,732			$	23,011			$	71,948			$	68,847
Net interest income		41,801					42,328				41,117				41,537				39,327				125,246				118,712
Tax equivalent interest income(1)		748					734				704				683				669				2,186				2,050
Non-interest income (loss)		(1,105	)				5,825				4,144				2,949				4,063				8,864				8,792
Add: Unrealized loss on equity security		6,200					-				-				-				-				6,200				-
Less: BOLI settlement benefits		-					1,841				-				-				-				1,841				-
Total tax-equivalent income (denominator)	$	47,644				$	47,046			$	45,965			$	45,169			$	44,059			$	140,655			$	129,554
Efficiency Ratio		59.06		%			53.61	%			50.41	%			53.35	%			53.03	%			54.18	%			59.44	%
Non-GAAP Core Operating Efficiency Ratio - Fully Tax Equivalent (FTE)		50.45		%			53.34	%			49.64	%			52.54	%			52.23	%			51.15	%			53.14	%
(1) Tax exempt income (tax-free municipal securities) is calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The incremental tax rate used is 21.0%.

		Quarter Ended																					Nine Months Ended
	9/30/2021					6/30/2021				3/31/2021				12/31/2020				9/30/2020				9/30/2021				9/30/2020
		(Dollars in thousands)
Non-GAAP Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Profit
Net income before taxes	$	26,660				$	18,840			$	14,943			$	9,879			$	9,504			$	60,443			$	5,435
Add: Provision for loan losses		(10,000	)				3,500				7,500				10,875				10,875				1,000				45,825
Non-GAAP Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Profit	$	16,660				$	22,340			$	22,443			$	20,754			$	20,379			$	61,443			$	51,260

CROSSFIRST BANKSHARES, INC. CONTACT:
Heather Worley, Investor Relations / Media Contact
Heather@crossfirst.com / (214) 442-5898
https://investors.crossfirstbankshares.com

FAQ

What were CrossFirst Bankshares' financial results for Q3 2021?

CrossFirst Bankshares reported a net income of $21.0 million for Q3 2021, a significant increase from $8.0 million in Q3 2020.

How did CrossFirst Bankshares perform in terms of Return on Assets in Q3 2021?

The Return on Average Assets (ROAA) was 1.54% for Q3 2021, up from 0.58% in the same quarter of 2020.

What is the stock repurchase program announced by CrossFirst Bankshares?

The Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $30 million to enhance shareholder value.

What was the trend in non-interest income for CrossFirst Bankshares in Q3 2021?

Non-interest income decreased by 127% compared to Q3 2020, mainly due to a $6.2 million impairment loss.

How did average loan levels change for CrossFirst Bankshares in Q3 2021?

Average loans decreased by 5% year-over-year due to forgiveness of PPP loans.