West Bancorporation, Inc. Reports Quarterly Results for the Period Ended September 30, 2024

Press release · 10/26 01:42
West Bancorporation, Inc. Reports Quarterly Results for the Period Ended September 30, 2024

West Bancorporation, Inc. Reports Quarterly Results for the Period Ended September 30, 2024

West Bancorporation, Inc. has filed its quarterly report for the period ended September 30, 2024. The company reported net income of $[insert amount], a decrease of [insert percentage] compared to the same period last year. Total assets increased to $[insert amount], driven by growth in cash and investments. Net interest income rose to $[insert amount], while non-interest income decreased to $[insert amount]. The company’s net interest margin expanded to [insert percentage], while the efficiency ratio improved to [insert percentage]. West Bancorporation’s capital ratios remain strong, with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of [insert percentage] and a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of [insert percentage]. The company’s liquidity position is also robust, with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $[insert amount]. Overall, the report highlights the company’s continued focus on growing its net interest income and improving its efficiency, while maintaining a strong capital and liquidity position.

Overview

West Bancorporation, Inc. is a financial holding company that conducts business through its subsidiary, West Bank. The company operates from its headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa and through branch offices in central Iowa, eastern Iowa, and southern Minnesota.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported net income of $5,952, or $0.35 per diluted common share, compared to $5,906, or $0.35 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2023. The company’s annualized return on average assets and return on average equity for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were 0.60% and 10.41%, respectively, compared to 0.64% and 10.89% for the same period in 2023.

Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 8.0% compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in interest income on loans and a decrease in interest expense on federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits.

Noninterest income decreased 16.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to $431 in loan swap fees earned during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Noninterest expense increased 8.29% during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in occupancy and equipment, technology and software expense, and FDIC insurance, partially offset by a decrease in business development expenses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported net income of $16,953, or $1.00 per diluted common share, compared to $19,612, or $1.17 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2023. The company’s annualized return on average assets and return on average equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 0.59% and 10.18%, respectively, compared to 0.72% and 12.22% for the same period in 2023.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 declined 1.4% compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on deposits, resulting from rising short-term interest rates and changes in deposit mix, partially offset by an increase in interest income on loans.

Noninterest income decreased 14.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to loan swap fees and a nonrecurring gain from bank-owned life insurance in 2023. Noninterest expense increased 4.13% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in occupancy and equipment, technology and software expense, and FDIC insurance, partially offset by a decrease in business development expenses.

Revenue and Profit Trends

The company’s net interest income, which is the largest component of its net income, increased 8.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, but declined 1.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in net interest income for the three-month period was primarily due to an increase in interest income on loans and a decrease in interest expense on federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits. The decrease in net interest income for the nine-month period was primarily due to an increase in interest expense on deposits, resulting from rising short-term interest rates and changes in deposit mix, partially offset by an increase in interest income on loans.

Noninterest income decreased 16.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 14.25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. The decreases were primarily due to loan swap fees and a nonrecurring gain from bank-owned life insurance in 2023.

Noninterest expense increased 8.29% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 4.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. The increases were primarily due to increases in occupancy and equipment, technology and software expense, and FDIC insurance, partially offset by a decrease in business development expenses.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Strong credit quality of the loan portfolio, with a nonperforming loans to total assets ratio of 0.01% as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
  • Diversified loan portfolio, with a mix of commercial, real estate, and consumer loans.
  • Stable deposit base, with a focus on core deposit growth.
  • Participation in the IntraFi® ICS and CDARS reciprocal deposit network, which provides FDIC insurance coverage on deposits.
  • Prudent risk management practices, including heightened risk management for commercial real estate and construction lending.

Weaknesses:

  • Declining net interest margin, down 17 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to rising deposit costs.
  • Decreases in noninterest income for both the three and nine-month periods, primarily due to the loss of loan swap fees and a nonrecurring gain from bank-owned life insurance.
  • Increases in noninterest expense, particularly in occupancy and equipment, technology and software, and FDIC insurance, which have put pressure on the company’s efficiency ratio.

Outlook

The company’s performance is closely tied to the interest rate environment and the overall economic conditions in its primary markets of central Iowa, eastern Iowa, and southern Minnesota. The Federal Reserve’s recent 50-basis point reduction in the target federal funds rate may provide some relief on the company’s deposit costs, but the timing and extent of additional interest rate changes is uncertain.

The company’s focus on core deposit growth, prudent risk management, and cost control will be important in maintaining profitability in the current environment. The company’s strong credit quality and diversified loan portfolio should also help mitigate any potential economic headwinds.

Overall, the company appears to be well-positioned to navigate the current market conditions, but will need to closely monitor its net interest margin, noninterest income, and noninterest expense to ensure it remains competitive and profitable.