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Overview of FS Bancorp Inc
FS Bancorp Inc (symbol: FSBW) is a Washington-based holding company for 1st Security Bank, a diversified lender that seamlessly blends commercial banking with comprehensive home lending services. The company operates through a dual-segment structure, serving a broad spectrum of customers across home mortgage, commercial real estate, consumer, and marine loan markets. With multiple branch locations spread across key counties and regions in Washington and parts of Oregon, FS Bancorp emphasizes personalized service and community relationships while maintaining a robust and versatile loan portfolio.
Business Segments and Model
The company is organized into two primary operating segments:
- Commercial and Consumer Banking Segment: This segment delivers a wide range of financial products and services through convenient access channels including branch networks, ATMs, online platforms, and mobile applications. It focuses on providing banking solutions such as deposit products, various consumer loans including indirect home improvement loans (fixture secured), marine loans, and commercial business loans. Through these offerings, the company addresses the needs of local businesses, individual consumers, and niche market players.
- Home Lending Segment: Focused on the origination of one-to-four-family residential mortgage loans, this segment funds its activities with the goal of selling loans into the secondary markets as well as retaining select assets for investment purposes. The specialized focus in the home lending arena underscores the company’s commitment to supporting communities with tailored mortgage products that meet diverse home financing needs.
Operational Footprint and Community Involvement
Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, FS Bancorp’s operations are deeply ingrained in the communities it serves. The company maintains a sizable network of neighborhood branches strategically located in areas with strong regional identities, allowing it to forge lasting relationships with customers, local contractors, builders, and community partners. This regional focus underscores the bank’s belief that personalized service and community engagement are critical to long-term business success.
Product Offerings and Lending Services
FS Bancorp’s product portfolio is both diversified and specialized. It offers a spectrum of loan products that include:
- Commercial real estate loans
- Residential mortgage loans focusing on one-to-four-family properties
- Home equity financing options
- Consumer loans that cater to personal financial needs
- Marine loans specifically designed for boat dealerships and maritime financing
This diversity enables the company to meet a wide variety of financing requirements, reflecting its expertise in underwriting risk while supporting local economies. By integrating advanced financial technology through its digital banking platforms, FS Bancorp ensures that its services are accessible, efficient, and aligned with modern consumer expectations.
Share Repurchase Program and Capital Management
FS Bancorp has established a share repurchase program which underscores an active capital management strategy. The program is designed to repurchase shares in open market or private transactions under a systematic trading plan, adhering strictly to regulatory guidelines. This carefully managed strategy reflects management’s aim to optimize capital allocation while balancing market conditions and alternative investment opportunities. The policy is administered with a focus on maintaining financial prudence and enhancing shareholder value, subject to prevailing market dynamics and internal performance metrics.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Operating in a competitive regional banking environment, FS Bancorp distinguishes itself through a commitment to community banking combined with a diversified financial product mix. The bank’s strong local presence, longstanding relationships, and tailored lending solutions contribute to its robust market position. In a landscape where customer service and local engagement are key differentiators, FS Bancorp leverages its operational expertise to serve a diverse client base, including home buyers, local contractors, and small businesses.
Commitment to Expertise and Trustworthiness
FS Bancorp’s extensive history and strategic focus on community banking are at the heart of its operations. By consistently aligning its products with the demands of evolving market conditions and leveraging innovative digital banking solutions, the company demonstrates its dedication to informed financial practices. This approach not only reinforces its operational strengths but also instills trust and reliability among customers and industry observers alike.
Overall, FS Bancorp Inc stands as a multifaceted financial institution that combines traditional community banking values with modern financial engineering. Its expansive product offerings and strategic capital management practices continue to define its role in the financial services industry, making it a noteworthy subject of analysis for investors and industry experts.
FS Bancorp has announced a two-for-one stock split through a 100% stock dividend, effective July 14, 2021, for shareholders of record as of July 6, 2021. This move will double the outstanding shares from approximately 4.2 million to 8.4 million, maintaining a par value of $0.01 per share. The recent quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 is set to be reduced to $0.14 post-split. CEO Joe Adams stated that this stock split aims to enhance liquidity and attract new investors while maintaining a commitment to long-term profitability and dividends.
FS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSBW) announced on June 9, 2021, that its subsidiary, 1st Security Bank, will increase its minimum wage to $20.00 per hour effective June 24th. This adjustment results in an annualized wage of $41,600 for full-time employees, positively impacting over 20% of the workforce. CEO Joe Adams emphasized that providing a livable wage supports employee success and aligns with the company’s commitment to financial security during the pandemic. The initiative aims to ensure employees can meet basic needs, reflecting the Bank's Vision Statement.
1st Security Bank has appointed John Hill as the new Director of Community & Business Banking. With over 30 years of banking experience in Western Washington, Hill has previously held positions as a branch manager and senior vice president at Umpqua Bank. His focus on innovation and customer service aligns with the bank's goals to enhance its community banking division. Hill is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and has a notable history of community involvement, including leadership roles in local organizations.
FS Bancorp (NASDAQ:FSBW) reported a strong first quarter for 2021, achieving $11.9 million in net income, up from $5.2 million year-over-year. Diluted earnings per share rose to $2.70, reflecting increased core deposit growth and diversified lending. The board announced a dividend increase to $0.27 per share. Total gross loans grew by $50.9 million to $1.63 billion, with deposits up $106.7 million to $1.78 billion. The company also renewed its $15 million share repurchase plan, aiming to enhance shareholder returns.
FS Bancorp, Inc. (FSBW) has successfully issued $50 million in subordinated notes as part of a private placement transaction. The notes carry an initial fixed interest rate of 3.75% and mature on February 15, 2031, with a callable option starting from February 15, 2026. The net proceeds will support the Bank's growth, including potential acquisitions and share repurchase activities. CEO Joe Adams emphasized the positive impact of this capital raise on operational flexibility and capital enhancement. The offering involves a Registration Rights Agreement for future exchange of the notes.
FS Bancorp (NASDAQ:FSBW) has appointed Pamela M. Andrews to its Board of Directors effective January 28, 2021. The decision was ratified by the Board following a proposal from the Nominating & ESG Committee. Andrews, President of the law firm Andrews Skinner, P.S., brings a wealth of experience in legal and insurance matters, which is expected to enhance the Board's capabilities. The CEO, Joe Adams, expressed optimism about her contributions to the Board. FS Bancorp operates 1st Security Bank of Washington, serving small- and middle-market businesses and individuals across Western Washington.
FS Bancorp reported a strong 2020 performance with total net income of $39.3 million or $8.97 per diluted share, a significant increase from $22.7 million a year prior. Fourth quarter net income rose to $11.4 million. The Board approved a $0.26 quarterly cash dividend, to be paid on February 25, 2021. The company experienced a 20.2% increase in deposits and a 16.4% increase in loans, bolstered by participation in the Paycheck Protection Program. Despite challenges from COVID-19, asset growth was 2.9% to $2.11 billion. However, the allowance for loan losses increased to 1.66% of gross loans.
1st Security Bank has appointed Brian J. Kunkel as the new Director of Commercial Lending, effective immediately. Kunkel has been with the bank since 2016 and has played a vital role in its commercial lending growth over the years. In his new position, he will oversee the entire commercial lending platform, managing both the commercial and industrial lending teams and the treasury management team. His extensive 20 years of banking experience, including 15 years in commercial lending, positions him well for this leadership role.
FS Bancorp reported a strong third quarter for 2020, with net income increasing to $12.7 million or $2.94 per diluted share, up from $7.1 million a year earlier. The company's loan portfolio grew by $50.5 million to $1.52 billion, and they approved a $0.21 cash dividend, payable on November 19, 2020. Notably, the allowance for loan losses rose to 1.63% of gross loans. FS Bancorp funded 471 PPP loans totaling $74.1 million. Total assets reached $2.05 billion, reflecting a strong performance despite the pandemic.
1st Security Bank has promoted Robert Nesbitt to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader, based in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. This strategic move comes as a response to the Bank's rapid client growth, largely attributed to Nesbitt's leadership in commercial lending. With over 20 years in the banking sector, including 15 in commercial lending, he will oversee the Bank's commercial lending relationship managers to enhance the Commercial and Industrial lending portfolio. This promotion underscores the Bank's commitment to client service and business growth.