FinWise Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

FinWise Bancorp (NASDAQ: FINW) reported a net income of $3.3 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.25 for the first quarter of 2024. Despite a decrease in loan originations and net interest income compared to the prior quarter, the company highlighted robust loan origination and credit quality performance. However, the efficiency ratio and annualized return on average equity decreased, and non-performing loans increased. The company remains focused on strategic initiatives, including share repurchase programs, to enhance long-term growth.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Reviewing the first quarter 2024 financial results of FinWise Bancorp, the data indicates a mixed financial performance. A notable decline in net income to $3.3 million from $4.2 million in the previous quarter and $3.9 million year-over-year stands out. This dip reflects a concerted shift away from high-yield loans, impacting net interest income, which saw a decrease from $14.4 million to $14.0 million. However, the bank's strategy to diversify loan originations has led to robust activity with $1.1 billion in loan originations, only slightly down from the $1.2 billion in the preceding quarter, showcasing resilience in their core business operations.

It's paramount to consider the increased efficiency ratio, which rose to 60.6%, up from 55.8%. This indicates that expenses are consuming a larger portion of revenue, which could be a concern if the trend continues. Conversely, the ROAE decrease to 8.4% from 10.8% suggests a diminishing return on equity, a key performance indicator that could signal reduced profitability for shareholders.

Investors should also note the stable provision for credit losses at $3.2 million, which, along with a marginal decrease in non-performing loans, points to a proactive approach to credit risk management despite an increase in nonperforming assets year-over-year. The effective tax rate saw a minor reduction, which may have a slight positive impact on future earnings. The bank's balance sheet growth, driven by an increase in total assets to $610.8 million, is underpinned by the growth in deposits, which rose to $424.1 million. While this is a strength, it is imperative to monitor the sustainability of such deposit growth in conjunction with asset quality.

Market Research Analyst

When dissecting FinWise Bancorp's strategic approach, it's clear that the company is pursuing a diversification strategy. This is evident through the reference to newly announced lending and payment agreements and the establishment of a Payments Hub and BIN Sponsorship platform. Given the financial sector's competitive landscape, these initiatives could potentially open up new revenue streams and partnerships going forward.

The introduction of a share repurchase program also signals management's confidence in the intrinsic value of the company, a move often interpreted positively by the market as it can indicate undervaluation. However, it's essential for investors to juxtapose this against the backdrop of the reported earnings dip, as it could also reflect an attempt to bolster EPS amidst a period of reduced profitability. The strategic investment in Business Funding Group (BFG) is suggestive of a pursuit of growth through equity investments, which could bear fruit but also introduces an element of risk and reliance on the performance of these external entities.

In the immediate future, stakeholders should closely watch the potential impact of the bank's shift away from high-yield loans on interest income and margins, as well as the execution and performance of new strategic initiatives. The bank's asset quality will be another key focus area, given the notable year-over-year increase in non-performing loans despite a slight quarterly reduction.

Banking Sector Analyst

FinWise Bancorp's tactical shift from high-interest consumer loans seems to be a calculated response to the current economic environment, potentially aimed at reducing risk exposure. The bank's tangible book value per share growth from $11.26 to $12.70 is a strong point, indicative of an underlying asset value increase. The leverage ratio's decrease to 20.6% from 24.0% year-over-year could be seen as a consequence of the bank's assertive loan portfolio expansion, yet it remains well above regulatory well-capitalized requirements, signifying a robust capital position.

In light of the broader economic context, with interest rates affecting consumer and business lending behaviors, FinWise Bancorp's growth in loan originations and shift in portfolio composition may position it to manage interest rate volatility adeptly. The bank's stable provision for credit losses and asset quality ratios suggest a prudent approach to credit risk, an important consideration for investors as it influences long-term stability.

From a retail investor's perspective, while the decrease in EPS to $0.25 from $0.29 year-over-year might raise concerns, the bank's strategic growth initiatives, stable asset quality and strong balance sheet development could be seen as positive indicators for future performance. However, the banking sector's competitive and regulatory environment necessitates a vigilant approach to these investments and their subsequent influence on the bank's financial health.

- Net Income of $3.3 Million for First Quarter of 2024 -

- Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.25 for First Quarter of 2024 -

MURRAY, Utah, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FinWise Bancorp (NASDAQ: FINW) (“FinWise” or the “Company”), parent company of FinWise Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Loan originations were $1.1 billion, compared to $1.2 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and $0.9 billion for the first quarter of the prior year
• Net interest income was $14.0 million, compared to $14.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and $12.1 million for the first quarter of the prior year
• Net Income was $3.3 million, compared to $4.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and $3.9 million for the first quarter of the prior year
• Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) were $0.25 for the quarter, compared to $0.32 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and $0.29 for the first quarter of the prior year
• Efficiency ratio was 60.6%, compared to 55.8% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and 52.5% for the first quarter of the prior year ⁽¹⁾
• Annualized return on average equity (ROAE) was 8.4%, compared to 10.8% in the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and 11.1% in the first quarter of the prior year
• Non-performing loans were $26.0 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $27.1 million as of December 31, 2023, and $1.8 million as of March 31, 2023⁽²⁾
  

(1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.
(2) Of the non-performing loans $14.8 million, $15.0 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and March 31, 2023 is guaranteed by the SBA.

"We are pleased with the first quarter’s robust loan originations and encouraging credit quality performance, which highlights the resiliency of our differentiated business model,” said Kent Landvatter, Chief Executive Officer of FinWise. “We also remained laser focused on executing our strategic initiatives during the quarter as we announced new lending and payments agreements, continued to build out our Payments Hub and BIN Sponsorship platform and deepened our executive bench. In addition, given our strong balance sheet and earnings power, we announced a new share repurchase program. We remain on track to deliver on our target to further diversify our business model, which we expect will continue to enhance the Company’s long-term growth.”

Selected Financial Data
		For the Three Months Ended
($s in thousands, except per share amounts)		3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Net Income		$	3,315			$	4,156			$	3,861
Diluted EPS		$	0.25			$	0.32			$	0.29
Return on average assets			2.2	%			2.9	%			3.8	%
Return on average equity			8.4	%			10.8	%			11.1	%
Yield on loans			14.80	%			16.21	%			17.24	%
Cost of deposits			4.71	%			4.82	%			3.18	%
Net interest margin			10.12	%			10.61	%			12.51	%
Efficiency ratio(1)			60.6	%			55.8	%			52.5	%
Tangible book value per share(2)		$	12.70			$	12.41			$	11.26
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets(2)			26.6	%			26.5	%			32.6	%
Leverage Ratio (Bank under CBLR)			20.6	%			20.7	%			24.0	%
Full-time Equivalent (FTEs)			175				162				140

(1) This measure is not a measure recognized under United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and is therefore considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of this measure to its most comparable GAAP measure. The efficiency ratio is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The Company believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.
(2) This measure is not a measure recognized under GAAP and is therefore considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. Tangible shareholders’ equity is defined as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total shareholder’s equity. The Company had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. The Company has not considered loan servicing rights or loan trailing fee asset as intangible assets for purposes of this calculation. As a result, tangible shareholders’ equity is the same as total shareholders’ equity as of each of the dates indicated.

Net Income

Net income was $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $4.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease from the prior quarter was primarily due to a decrease in non-interest income resulting from a decline in the fair value of the Company’s investment in Business Funding Group (“BFG”) and lower strategic program fees, an increase in non-interest expense due to increases in salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses driven by increased spending on business infrastructure, and a decrease in net interest income as our exposure to high rate consumer loans continues to decline. The decrease from the prior year period was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense and other expenses driven by increased spending on business infrastructure and was offset in part by increases in net interest income driven by growth in the loans held for investment portfolio and non-interest income resulting from higher fees and gains on sale of loans.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income was $14.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $14.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $12.1 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease from the prior quarter was primarily due to lower yields earned on the Bank’s loan balances as the Bank continues to step away from high yield loans, partially offset by increases on the Bank’s average balances for the loans held for investment portfolio. The increase from the prior year period was primarily due to increases in the Bank’s average balances for the loans held for investment portfolio, partially offset by increased interest rates paid on deposits and increased average interest-bearing deposit balances.

Loan originations totaled $1.1 billion for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $1.2 billion for the prior quarter and $0.9 billion for the prior year period. Through the first four weeks of April, originations are tracking at roughly the same level as first quarter of 2024 originations.

Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2024 was 10.12%, compared to 10.61% for the prior quarter and 12.51% for the prior year period. The decrease from the prior quarter is primarily attributable to the decreased yields and average balances in the loans held for sale portfolio and was partially offset by volume increases in the loans held for investment portfolio. The decrease from the prior year period was primarily due to increases in net earning assets while the yield on those assets declined coupled with an increase in the funding costs.

Provision for Credit Losses

The Company’s provision for credit losses was $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $3.2 million for the prior quarter and $2.7 million for the prior year period. The provision remained stable when compared to the prior quarter as we continue to reduce the Strategic Program loans held for investment while growing our loan portfolio. Provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2024 increased when compared to the prior year period due primarily to qualitative factor adjustments based on the increase in nonperforming assets primarily related to the SBA portfolio toward the latter part of 2023. Non-performing assets stabilized in the first quarter of 2024 compared to recent quarters.

Non-interest Income

	For the Three Months Ended
($ in thousands)	3/31/2024				12/31/2023			3/31/2023
Noninterest income:
Strategic Program fees	$	3,965			$	4,229		$	3,685
Gain on sale of loans		415				440			187
SBA loan servicing fees		466				450			591
Change in fair value on investment in BFG		(124	)			200			(300	)
Other miscellaneous income		742				716			364
Total noninterest income	$	5,464			$	6,035		$	4,527

Non-interest income was $5.5 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $6.0 million for the prior quarter and $4.5 million for the prior year period. The decrease from the prior quarter was primarily due to the change in the fair value of the Company’s investment in BFG and a decrease in Strategic Program fees primarily due to lower originations. The increase from the prior year period was mainly due to an increase in miscellaneous income related to increased revenue from growth in the Company’s commercial operating lease portfolio and higher Strategic Program fees and gain on sales.

Non-interest Expense

	For the Three Months Ended
($ in thousands)	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Non-interest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	$	7,562			$	7,396			$	5,257
Professional services		1,567				1,433				1,474
Occupancy and equipment expenses		980				923				712
(Recovery) impairment of SBA servicing asset		(198	)			(122	)			(253	)
Other operating expenses		1,896				1,751				1,547
Total noninterest expense	$	11,807			$	11,381			$	8,737

Non-interest expense was $11.8 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $11.4 million for the prior quarter and $8.7 million for the prior year period. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses driven by spending to develop the business infrastructure to stand up the new initiatives and support our growing business. The increase from the prior year period was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses driven by increased spending on business infrastructure along with an increase in occupancy and equipment expenses reflecting the growth in our business.

Reflecting the expenses incurred to develop our business infrastructure build, the Company’s efficiency ratio was 60.6% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 55.8% for the prior quarter and 52.5% for the prior year period.

Tax Rate

The Company’s effective tax rate was 26.5% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 28.5% for the prior quarter and 26.1% for the prior year period. The decrease from the prior quarter was due primarily to resolution of state tax matters in the prior quarter.

Balance Sheet

The Company’s total assets were $610.8 million as of March 31, 2024, an increase from $586.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and $442.3 million as of March 31, 2023. The increase from December 31, 2023 was primarily due to continued growth in the Company’s commercial leases, SBA, and Strategic Program loans held-for-sale loan portfolios. The increase in total assets compared to March 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in deposits to support growth in the Company’s SBA, commercial leases, Strategic Program loans held-for-sale, and owner occupied commercial real estate loan portfolios. Also contributing to the total asset increase for both comparison periods was the Company’s ownership increase in its investment in Business Funding Group (“BFG”). The growth in the loan assets was funded in large part by the growth in deposits.

The following table shows the gross loans held for investment balances as of the dates indicated:

	3/31/2024						12/31/2023						3/31/2023
($s in thousands)	Amount			% of total loans			Amount			% of total loans			Amount			% of total loans
SBA	$	247,810		63.4	%		$	239,922		64.5	%		$	178,663		65.6	%
Commercial leases		46,690		11.9	%			38,110		10.2	%			15,057		5.5	%
Commercial, non-real estate		2,077		0.5	%			2,457		0.7	%			2,833		1.0	%
Residential real estate		39,006		10.0	%			38,123		10.2	%			30,994		11.4	%
Strategic Program loans		17,216		4.4	%			19,408		5.2	%			21,393		7.9	%
Commercial real estate:
Owner occupied		21,300		5.4	%			20,798		5.6	%			15,161		5.6	%
Non-owner occupied		2,155		0.6	%			2,025		0.5	%			1,861		0.7	%
Consumer		14,689		3.8	%			11,372		3.1	%			6,351		2.3	%
Total period end loans	$	390,943		100.0	%		$	372,215		100.0	%		$	272,313		100.0	%

Note: SBA loans as of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023 include $141.7 million, $131.7 million and $75.9 million, respectively, of SBA 7(a) loan balances that are guaranteed by the SBA. The held for investment balance on Strategic Programs with annual interest rates below 36% as of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023 was $2.7 million, $3.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Total gross loans held for investment as of March 31, 2024 were $390.9 million, an increase from $372.2 million and $272.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The increase compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in the commercial leases, SBA 7(a), and consumer loan portfolios. The increase compared to March 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in the SBA 7(a), commercial leases, consumer, and residential real estate loan portfolios.

The following table shows the Company’s deposit composition as of the dates indicated:

	As of
​	3/31/2024						12/31/2023						3/31/2023
($s in thousands)	Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	107,076		25.2	%		$	95,486		23.6	%		$	79,930		28.3	%
Interest-bearing deposits:
Demand		48,279		11.4	%			50,058		12.4	%			42,031		14.8	%
Savings		11,206		2.6	%			8,633		2.1	%			7,963		2.8	%
Money market		9,935		2.3	%			11,661		2.8	%			12,993		4.6	%
Time certificates of deposit		247,600		58.4	%			238,995		59.0	%			140,276		49.5	%
Total period end deposits	$	424,096		100.0	%		$	404,833		100.0	%		$	283,193		100.0	%

Total deposits as of March 31, 2024 increased to $424.1 million from $404.8 million and $283.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The increase from December 31, 2023 was driven primarily by an increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and brokered time certificates of deposit. The increase from March 31, 2023 was driven primarily by an increase in brokered time certificate of deposits and noninterest-bearing demand deposits. As of March 31, 2024, 32.4% of deposits at the Bank level were uninsured, compared to 31.1% as of December 31, 2023, and 36.1% as of March 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024, 5.9% of total deposits at the Bank were required under the Company’s Strategic Program agreements and an additional 9.6% were associated with other accounts owned by the Company or the Bank.

Total shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2024 increased $7.4 million to $162.5 million from $155.1 million at December 31, 2023. Compared to March 31, 2023, total shareholders’ equity increased by $18.1 million from $144.4 million. The increase from December 31, 2023 was primarily due to the additional capital issued in exchange for the Company’s increased ownership in BFG as well as the Company’s net income. The increase from March 31, 2023 was primarily due to the Company’s net income as well as the aforementioned BFG transaction, partially offset by the repurchase of common stock under the Company’s various repurchase programs.

Bank Regulatory Capital Ratios

The following table presents the leverage ratios for the Bank as of the dates indicated as determined under the Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:

​	As of
Capital Ratios	3/31/2024			12/31/2023			3/31/2023			Well-Capitalized Requirement
Leverage Ratio	20.6	%		20.7	%		24.0	%		9.0	%

The leverage ratio decrease from the prior year period primarily results from the growth in the loan portfolio. The Bank’s capital levels remain significantly above well-capitalized guidelines as of March 31, 2024.

Share Repurchase Program

As of March 31, 2024, the Company has repurchased a total of 17,697 shares for $0.2 million under the Company’s share repurchase program announced in March 2024.

Definitive Agreement

The Company entered into a definitive agreement, dated as of July 25, 2023, as amended, with BFG and four members of BFG to acquire an additional 10% of its nonvoting ownership interests in exchange for 339,176 shares of the Company’s stock, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. On February 5, 2024, the transaction closed increasing the Company’s total equity ownership of BFG to 20%.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming loans were $26.0 million, or 6.6% of total loans receivable, as of March 31, 2024, compared to $27.1 million or 7.3% of total loans receivable, as of December 31, 2023 and $1.8 million or 0.7% as of March 31, 2023. Of the $26.0 million, $27.1 million, and $1.8 million nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and March 31, 2023, respectively, $14.8 million, $15.0 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, are guaranteed by the SBA and $11.2 million, $12.1 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, is the balance of loans which do not carry SBA guarantees. The decrease in nonperforming loans from the prior quarter was primarily attributable to loans returning to performing status and charge-offs. The increase in nonperforming loans from the prior year was primarily attributable to several loans in the SBA 7(a) loan portfolio moving to non-accrual status due mainly to the negative impact of elevated interest rates on the Company’s small business borrowers. The Company’s allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment was 3.2% as of March 31, 2024 compared to 3.5% as of December 31, 2023 and 4.4% as of March 31, 2023. The Company’s increased retention of most of the originated guaranteed portions in its SBA 7(a) loan program has been the primary factor in the decrease in this ratio from the prior quarter and year.

For the first quarter of 2024, the Company’s net charge-offs were $3.4 million consistent with the net charge-offs recorded during the prior quarter and $2.9 million for the prior year period. The increase compared to the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to increased charge-offs related to the Company’s SBA portfolio, lease financing receivables and consumer loans.

The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for credit losses and asset quality ratios for the periods indicated:

	For the Three Months Ended
​($s in thousands)	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Allowance for Credit Losses:
Beginning Balance(1)	$	12,888			$	12,986			$	11,985
Impact of ASU 2016-13 Adoption		—				—				257
Adjusted Beginning Balance		12,888				12,986				12,242
Provision for Credit Losses(2)		3,145				3,272				2,668
Charge offs
Construction and land development		—				—				—
Residential real estate		(64	)			(104	)			—
Residential real estate multifamily		—				—				—
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied		(525	)			(561	)			(122	)
Non-owner occupied		—				—				—
Commercial and industrial		(54	)			(281	)			(18	)
Consumer		(41	)			(22	)			—
Lease financing receivables		(111	)			—				—
Strategic Program loans		(2,946	)			(2,656	)			(3,025	)
Recoveries
Construction and land development		—				—				—
Residential real estate		53				3				3
Residential real estate multifamily		—				—				—
Commercial real estate
Owner occupied		3				—				—
Non-owner occupied		—				(11	)			—
Commercial and industrial		—				1				2
Consumer		—				—				—
Lease financing receivables		—				—				—
Strategic Program loans		284				261				284
Ending Balance	$	12,632			$	12,888			$	12,034
Asset Quality Ratios	As of and For the Three Months Ended
($s in thousands, annualized ratios)	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Nonperforming loans*	$	25,996			$	27,127			$	1,809
Nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment		6.6	%			7.3	%			0.7	%
Net charge offs to average loans held for investment		3.5	%			3.8	%			4.4	%
Allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment		3.2	%			3.5	%			4.4	%
Net charge offs	$	3,401			$	3,370			$	2,876

(1) The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023.

(2) Excludes the provision for unfunded commitments.

*Nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and March 31, 2023 include $14.8 million, $15.0 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, of SBA 7(a) loan balances that are guaranteed by the SBA.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

FinWise will host a conference call today at 5:30 PM ET to discuss its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. A simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations section of the website here.  

The dial-in number for the conference call is (877) 423-9813 (toll-free) or (201) 689-8573 (international). The conference ID is 13745237. Please dial the number 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

A webcast replay of the call will be available at investors.finwisebancorp.com for six months following the call.

Website Information

The Company intends to use its website, www.finwisebancorp.com, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Such disclosures will be included in the Company’s website’s Investor Relations section. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations portion of the Company’s website, in addition to following its press releases, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), public conference calls, and webcasts. To subscribe to the Company’s e-mail alert service, please click the “Email Alerts” link in the Investor Relations section of its website and submit your email address. The information contained in, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into or a part of this document or any other report or document it files with or furnishes to the SEC, and any references to the Company’s website are intended to be inactive textual references only.

About FinWise Bancorp

FinWise is reshaping the Banking value chain through Fintech enablement. The Company is at a key expansion point as it incorporates Payments Hub and BIN Sponsorship offerings into its current platforms, creating an integrated Fintech banking solutions provider. Its existing Strategic Program Lending business, done through scalable API-driven infrastructure, powers deposit, lending and payments programs for leading Fintech brands. FinWise also manages other Lending programs such as SBA 7(a), Real Estate, and Leasing, which provide optionality for disciplined balance sheet growth. FinWise is well positioned to help Fintechs through its compliance oversight and risk management-first culture.

Contacts

investors@finwisebank.com

media@finwisebank.com

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, future events and its financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “projection,” “forecast,” “budget,” “goal,” “target,” “would,” “aim” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry and management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. The inclusion of these forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that such expectations, estimates and projections will be achieved. Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

There are or will be important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) the success of the financial technology industry, as well as the continued evolution of the regulation of this industry; (b) the ability of the Company’s Strategic Program or Fintech Banking Solutions service providers to comply with regulatory regimes, and the Company’s ability to adequately oversee and monitor its Strategic Program and Fintech Banking Solutions service providers; (c) the Company’s ability to maintain and grow its relationships with its service providers; (d) changes in the laws, rules, regulations, interpretations or policies relating to financial institutions, accounting, tax, trade, monetary and fiscal matters, including the application of interest rate caps or maximums; (e) the Company’s ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the industry or implement new technology effectively; (f) system failure or cybersecurity breaches of the Company’s network security; (g) potential exposure to fraud, negligence, computer theft and cyber-crime and other disruptions in the Company’s computer systems relating to its development and use of new technology platforms; (h) the Company’s reliance on third-party service providers for core systems support, informational website hosting, internet services, online account opening and other processing services; (i) general economic and business conditions, either nationally or in the Company’s market areas; (j) increased national or regional competition in the financial services industry; (k) the Company’s ability to measure and manage its credit risk effectively and the potential deterioration of the business and economic conditions in the Company’s primary market areas; (l) the adequacy of the Company’s risk management framework; (m) the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for credit losses (“ACL”); (n) the financial soundness of other financial institutions; (o) new lines of business or new products and services; (p) changes in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) rules, regulations and loan products, including specifically the Section 7(a) program or changes to the status of the Bank as an SBA Preferred Lender; (q) the value of collateral securing the Company’s loans; (r) the Company’s levels of nonperforming assets; (s) losses from loan defaults; (t) the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and the risks it faces with respect to claims and litigation initiated against the Company; (u) the Company’s ability to implement its growth strategy; (v) the Company’s ability to launch new products or services successfully; (w) the concentration of the Company’s lending and depositor relationships through Strategic Programs in the financial technology industry generally; (x) interest-rate and liquidity risks; (y) the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and its ability to remediate any future material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting; (z) dependence on our management team and changes in management composition; (aa) the sufficiency of the Company’s capital; (bb) compliance with laws and regulations, supervisory actions, the Dodd-Frank Act, capital requirements, the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering laws, predatory lending laws, and other statutes and regulations; (cc) results of examinations of the Company by its regulators; (dd) the Company’s involvement from time to time in legal proceedings; (ee) natural disasters and adverse weather, acts of terrorism, pandemics, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, and other matters beyond the Company’s control; (ff) future equity and debt issuances; (gg) that the anticipated benefits new lines of business that the Company may enter or investments or acquisitions the Company may make are not realized within the expected time frame or at all as a result of such things as the strength or weakness of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where the Company and such other businesses operate; and (hh) other factors listed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict their occurrence. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each risk and uncertainty on its business or the extent to which any risk or uncertainty, or combination of risks and uncertainties, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

FINWISE BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
($s in thousands)

​	As of
	3/31/2024			12/31/2023			3/31/2023
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from banks	$	3,944		$	411		$	384
Interest-bearing deposits		111,846			116,564			105,225
Total cash and cash equivalents		115,790			116,975			105,609
Investment securities held-to-maturity, at cost		14,820			15,388			13,880
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost		349			238			449
Strategic Program loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value		54,947			47,514			25,413
Loans receivable, net		377,101			358,560			260,221
Premises and equipment, net		15,098			14,630			9,198
Accrued interest receivable		3,429			3,573			2,174
Deferred taxes, net		—			—			1,319
SBA servicing asset, net		4,072			4,231			5,284
Investment in Business Funding Group (BFG), at fair value		8,200			4,200			4,500
Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets		4,104			4,293			4,855
Income tax receivable, net		2,400			2,400			—
Other assets		10,523			14,219			9,397
Total assets	$	610,833		$	586,221		$	442,299
​
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing	$	107,076		$	95,486		$	79,930
Interest-bearing		317,020			309,347			203,262
Total deposits		424,096			404,833			283,192
Accrued interest payable		588			619			117
Income taxes payable, net		3,207			1,873			2,511
Deferred taxes, net		508			748			—
PPP Liquidity Facility		158			190			283
Operating lease liabilities		6,046			6,296			6,781
Other liabilities		13,748			16,606			5,062
Total liabilities		448,351			431,165			297,946
​
Shareholders’ equity
Common Stock		13			12			13
Additional paid-in-capital		55,304			51,200			54,827
Retained earnings		107,165			103,844			89,513
Total shareholders’ equity		162,482			155,056			144,353
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	610,833		$	586,221		$	442,299

FINWISE BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
($s in thousands, except per share amounts; Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	16,035			$	16,192			$	12,342
Interest on securities		101				101				72
Other interest income		1,509				1,759				987
Total interest income		17,645				18,052				13,401
Interest expense
Interest on deposits		3,639				3,685				1,295
Total interest expense		3,639				3,685				1,295
Net interest income		14,006				14,367				12,106
Provision for credit losses		3,154				3,210				2,671
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		10,852				11,157				9,435
Non-interest income
Strategic Program fees		3,965				4,229				3,685
Gain on sale of loans, net		415				440				187
SBA loan servicing fees		466				450				591
Change in fair value on investment in BFG		(124	)			200				(300	)
Other miscellaneous income		742				716				364
Total non-interest income		5,464				6,035				4,527
Non-interest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		7,562				7,396				5,257
Professional services		1,567				1,433				1,474
Occupancy and equipment expenses		980				923				712
(Recovery) impairment of SBA servicing asset		(198	)			(122	)			(253	)
Other operating expenses		1,896				1,751				1,547
Total non-interest expense		11,807				11,381				8,737
Income before income tax expense		4,509				5,811				5,225
Provision for income taxes		1,194				1,655				1,364
Net income	$	3,315			$	4,156			$	3,861
Earnings per share, basic	$	0.26			$	0.33			$	0.30
Earnings per share, diluted	$	0.25			$	0.32			$	0.29
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		12,502,448				12,261,101				12,708,326
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		13,041,605				12,752,051				13,172,288
Shares outstanding at end of period		12,793,555				12,493,565				12,824,572

FINWISE BANCORP
AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS, AND RATES
($s in thousands; Unaudited)

​	For the Three Months Ended
​	3/31/2024									12/31/2023										3/31/2023
	Average Balance			Interest			Average Yield/Rate			Average Balance			Interest			Average Yield/Rate				Average Balance				Interest			Average Yield/Rate
Interest earning assets:
Interest bearing deposits	$	111,911		$	1,509		5.42	%		$	125,462		$	1,759		5.56	%			$	88,038			$	987		4.55	%
Investment securities		15,174			101		2.67	%			15,670			101		2.56	%				14,142				72		2.07	%
Strategic Program loans held for sale		42,452			3,475		32.93	%			45,370			4,307		37.66	%				31,041				3,061		39.99	%
Loans held for investment		387,300			12,560		13.04	%			350,852			11,885		13.44	%				259,383				9,281		14.51	%
Total interest earning assets		556,837			17,645		12.74	%			537,354			18,052		13.33	%				392,604				13,401		13.84	%
Non-interest earning assets		39,123									32,202										22,813
Total assets	$	595,960								$	569,556									$	415,417
Interest bearing liabilities:
Demand	$	51,603		$	503		3.92	%		$	47,784		$	562		4.67	%			$	41,532			$	385		3.76	%
Savings		9,301			19		0.83	%			8,096			13		0.65	%				8,313				10		0.50	%
Money market accounts		10,200			66		2.60	%			13,419			53		1.55	%				12,089				58		1.96	%
Certificates of deposit		239,577			3,051		5.12	%			234,088			3,057		5.18	%				103,225				842		3.31	%
Total deposits		310,681			3,639		4.71	%			303,387			3,685		4.82	%				165,159				1,295		3.18	%
Other borrowings		172			—		0.35	%			206			—		0.35	%				297				—		0.35	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		310,853			3,639		4.71	%			303,593			3,685		4.82	%				165,456				1,295		3.18	%
Non-interest bearing deposits		100,507									92,767										91,701
Non-interest bearing liabilities		25,446									21,099										16,602
Shareholders’ equity		159,154									152,097										141,658
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	595,960								$	569,556									$	415,417
Net interest income and interest rate spread				$	14,006		8.04	%					$	14,367		8.51	%							$	12,106		10.67	%
Net interest margin							10.12	%								10.61	%										12.51	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest- bearing liabilities							179.13	%								177.00	%										237.29	%

  

FINWISE BANCORP
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
($s in thousands, except per share amounts; Unaudited)

	As of and for the Three Months Ended
	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
Selected Loan Metrics
Amount of loans originated	$	1,091,479			$	1,177,704			$	908,190
Selected Income Statement Data
Interest income	$	17,645			$	18,052			$	13,401
Interest expense		3,639				3,685				1,295
Net interest income		14,006				14,367				12,106
Provision for credit losses		3,154				3,210				2,671
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		10,852				11,157				9,435
Non-interest income		5,464				6,035				4,527
Non-interest expense		11,807				11,381				8,737
Provision for income taxes		1,194				1,655				1,364
Net income		3,315				4,156				3,861
Selected Balance Sheet Data
Total Assets	$	610,833			$	586,221			$	442,299
Cash and cash equivalents		115,789				116,975				105,609
Investment securities held-to-maturity, at cost		14,820				15,388				13,880
Loans receivable, net		377,101				358,560				260,221
Strategic Program loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value		54,947				47,514				25,413
SBA servicing asset, net		4,072				4,231				5,284
Investment in Business Funding Group, at fair value		8,200				4,200				4,500
Deposits		424,096				404,833				283,192
Total shareholders' equity		162,482				155,056				144,353
Tangible shareholders’ equity(1)		162,482				155,056				144,353
Share and Per Share Data
Earnings per share - basic	$	0.26			$	0.33			$	0.30
Earnings per share - diluted	$	0.25			$	0.32			$	0.29
Book value per share	$	12.70			$	12.41			$	11.26
Tangible book value per share(1)	$	12.70			$	12.41			$	11.26
Weighted avg outstanding shares - basic		12,502,448				12,261,101				12,708,326
Weighted avg outstanding shares - diluted		13,041,605				12,752,051				13,172,288
Shares outstanding at end of period		12,793,555				12,493,565				12,824,572
Capital Ratios
Total shareholders' equity to total assets		26.6	%			26.5	%			32.6	%
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets(1)		26.6	%			26.5	%			32.6	%
Leverage Ratio (Bank under CBLR)		20.6	%			20.7	%			24.0	%

(1) This measure is not a measure recognized under United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and is therefore considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of this measure to its most comparable GAAP measure. Tangible shareholders’ equity is defined as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total shareholder’s equity. We had no goodwill or other intangible assets as of any of the dates indicated. We have not considered loan servicing rights or loan trailing fee asset as intangible assets for purposes of this calculation. As a result, tangible shareholders’ equity is the same as total shareholders’ equity as of each of the dates indicated.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

Efficiency ratio	Three Months Ended
	3/31/2024				12/31/2023				3/31/2023
​($s in thousands)
Non-interest expense	$	11,807			$	11,381			$	8,737
Net interest income		14,006				14,367				12,106
Total non-interest income		5,464				6,035				4,527
Adjusted operating revenue	$	19,470			$	20,403			$	16,633
Efficiency ratio		60.6	%			55.8	%			52.5	%

FAQ

What was FinWise Bancorp's net income for the first quarter of 2024?

FinWise Bancorp reported a net income of $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What were the diluted earnings per share for FinWise Bancorp in the first quarter of 2024?

Diluted earnings per share for FinWise Bancorp were $0.25 for the first quarter of 2024.

How did loan originations in the first quarter of 2024 compare to previous quarters?

Loan originations were $1.1 billion for the first quarter of 2024, slightly lower than the prior quarter.

What was the efficiency ratio for FinWise Bancorp in the first quarter of 2024?

The efficiency ratio was 60.6% for FinWise Bancorp in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the annualized return on average equity for FinWise Bancorp in the first quarter of 2024?

The annualized return on average equity was 8.4% for FinWise Bancorp in the first quarter of 2024.