Atlantic Union Bankshares Reports Second Quarter Results

RICHMOND, Va., July 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (the “Company” or “Atlantic Union”) (Nasdaq: AUB) today reported net income of $48.8 million and earnings per share of $0.59 for its second quarter ended June 30, 2019. Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ were $57.1 million and operating earnings per share⁽¹⁾ were $0.70 for its second quarter ended June 30, 2019; these operating results exclude $8.3 million in after-tax merger and rebranding related costs but include after tax losses from discontinued operations of $85,000 and approximately $950,000 in after-tax branch closure costs.

Net income was $84.5 million and earnings per share were $1.06 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Net operating earnings⁽¹⁾ were $107.6 million and operating earnings per share⁽¹⁾ were $1.36 for the six months ended June 30, 2019; these operating results exclude $23.2 million in after-tax merger and rebranding related costs but include after tax losses from discontinued operations of $170,000 and approximately $950,000 in after-tax expenses related to branch closure costs.

“Atlantic Union followed up on our strong first quarter with a number of accomplishments during the second quarter that align with our stated strategic priorities - positioning us for profitable growth and the delivery of top tier financial metrics,” said John Asbury, President and CEO of Atlantic Union Bankshares. “This quarter’s major accomplishments included seamlessly converting the core data systems of Access National Corporation and successfully rebranding the Company to Atlantic Union.  In addition, we were pleased to achieve the number one ranking in the Mid-Atlantic region in the J.D. Power 2019 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study as we continue our transformation to become the preeminent mid-Atlantic regional bank.”

“With solid loan growth and meaningful improvements to our profitability metrics, on an operating basis, I believe our second quarter results signal the underlying strength and earnings potential of this uniquely valuable franchise.  We remain focused on achieving our 2019 priorities and generating above average investment returns for our shareholders.”

Select highlights for the second quarter of 2019

• Performance metrics
  • Return on Average Assets (“ROA”) was 1.15% compared to 0.92% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating ROA⁽¹⁾ was 1.35% compared to 1.31% in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Return on Average Equity (“ROE”) was 7.86% compared to 6.37% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating ROE⁽¹⁾ was 9.20% compared to 9.03% in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Operating ROTCE⁽¹⁾ was 16.58% compared to 16.37% in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Efficiency ratio improved to 62.43% from 69.99% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating efficiency ratio (FTE)⁽¹⁾ improved to 52.46% from 54.10% in the first quarter of 2019.
• On May 20, 2019, the Company re-branded to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation and successfully completed the integration of Access National Bank (“Access”) branches and operations into Atlantic Union Bank. Rebranding costs amounted to $4.0 million during the second quarter of 2019 and approximately $407,000 during the first quarter of 2019.

⁽¹⁾       These are financial measures not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see Alternative Performance Measures (non-GAAP) section of the Key Financial Results.

NET INTEREST INCOME

For the second quarter of 2019, net interest income was $138.6 million, an increase of $11.0 million from the first quarter of 2019. Net interest income (FTE)⁽¹⁾ was $141.5 million in the second quarter of 2019, an increase of $11.2 million from the first quarter of 2019. The increases in both net interest income and net interest income (FTE) were primarily the result of a $1.1 billion increase in average interest earning assets and a $598.1 million increase in average interest bearing liabilities from the acquisition of Access. The second quarter net interest margin decreased 1 basis point to 3.71% from 3.72% in the previous quarter, while the net interest margin (FTE)⁽¹⁾ decreased 2 basis points to 3.78% from 3.80% during the same periods. The decrease in the net interest margin and net interest margin (FTE) were principally due to an approximately 2 basis point increase in the cost of funds.

The Company’s net interest margin (FTE) includes the impact of acquisition accounting fair value adjustments. During the second quarter of 2019, net accretion related to acquisition accounting increased $2.0 million from the prior quarter to $7.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The first and second quarters of 2019, and the remaining estimated net accretion impact are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):

ASSET QUALITY/LOAN LOSS PROVISION

Overview

During the second quarter of 2019, the Company experienced increases in nonperforming asset (“NPA”) balances from the prior quarter, primarily due to nonaccrual additions of commercial real estate – owner occupied loans and mortgage loans which are attributable to several smaller credit relationships. Past due loan levels as a percentage of total loans held for investment at June 30, 2019 were lower than past due loan levels at March 31, 2019. Charge-off levels as a percentage of loans decreased slightly and the loan loss provision increased from the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to loan growth.

All nonaccrual and past due loan metrics discussed below exclude purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans totaling $101.3 million (net of fair value mark of $24.3 million) at June 30, 2019.

Nonperforming Assets

At June 30, 2019, NPAs totaled $34.0 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 5.5%, from March 31, 2019 and an increase of $1.1 million, or 3.2%, from June 30, 2018. NPAs as a percentage of total outstanding loans at June 30, 2019 were 0.28%, an increase of 1 basis point from 0.27% at March 31, 2019 and a decline of 7 basis points from 0.35% at June 30, 2018. As the Company’s NPAs have been at or near historic lows over the last several quarters, certain changes from quarter to quarter might stand out in comparison to one another but do not have a significant impact on the Company’s overall asset quality position.

⁽¹⁾ For a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure, see Alternative Performance Measures (non-GAAP) section of the Key Financial Results

The following table shows a summary of nonperforming asset balances at the quarter ended (dollars in thousands):

The following table shows the activity in nonaccrual loans for the quarter ended (dollars in thousands):

The following table shows the activity in foreclosed properties for the quarter ended (dollars in thousands):

⁽¹⁾       Includes subsequent measurement period adjustments.

Past Due Loans
Past due loans still accruing interest totaled $43.1 million, or 0.35% of total loans held for investment, at June 30, 2019 compared to $51.4 million, or 0.43% of total loans held for investment, at March 31, 2019 and $38.2 million, or 0.41% of total loans held for investment, at June 30, 2018. Of the total past due loans still accruing interest, $8.8 million, or 0.07% of total loans held for investment, were loans past due 90 days or more at June 30, 2019, compared to $11.0 million, or 0.09% of total loans held for investment, at March 31, 2019 and $6.9 million, or 0.07% of total loans held for investment, at June 30, 2018.

Net Charge-offs
For the second quarter of 2019, net charge-offs were $4.3 million, or 0.14% of total average loans on an annualized basis, compared to $4.2 million, or 0.15%, for the prior quarter and $1.8 million, or 0.07%, for the second quarter of 2018. The majority of net charge-offs in the second quarter of 2019 were related to consumer loans.

Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses for the second quarter of 2019 was $5.9 million, an increase of $1.9 million compared to the previous quarter and an increase of $3.2 million compared to second quarter of 2018. The increase in the provision for loan losses from the previous quarter and prior year was primarily driven by loan growth.

Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALL”)
The ALL increased $1.6 million from March 31, 2019 to $42.5 million at June 30, 2019 primarily due to loan growth during the quarter. The ALL as a percentage of the total loan portfolio was 0.35% at June 30, 2019, 0.34% at March 31, 2019, and 0.44% at June 30, 2018.

The ratio of the ALL to nonaccrual loans was 154.6% at June 30, 2019, compared to 164.4% at March 31, 2019 and 160.8% at June 30, 2018. The current level of the allowance for loan losses reflects specific reserves related to nonperforming loans, current risk ratings on loans, net charge-off activity, loan growth, delinquency trends, and other credit risk factors that the Company considers important in assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

NONINTEREST INCOME

Noninterest income increased $5.6 million to $30.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 from $24.9 million in the prior quarter primarily driven by loan-related swap fees and mortgage banking income which is seasonally higher in the second quarter. Also contributing to the increase in noninterest income in the second quarter of 2019 was the full quarter impact of the Access acquisition.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Noninterest expense decreased $1.1 million to $105.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 from $106.7 million in the prior quarter. Excluding merger-related costs, amortization of intangible assets, and rebranding costs, operating noninterest expense⁽¹⁾ increased $6.3 million, or 7.5%, in the second quarter of 2019, to $90.3 million when compared to the first quarter of 2019. The increase in operating noninterest expense was primarily due to the full quarter impact of the Access acquisition. In addition, operating noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2019 included $1.2 million in branch closure costs related to the Company’s decision to close four branches in the third quarter and approximately $800,000 in OREO valuation adjustments driven by updated appraisals received during the quarter.

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was 16.0% compared to 14.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate as compared to the previous quarter was primarily due to the decrease in merger-related expenses related to the acquisition of Access.

BALANCE SHEET

At June 30, 2019, total assets were $17.2 billion, an increase of $261.7 million, or approximately 6.0% (annualized), from March 31, 2019, primarily due to loan growth during the second quarter of 2019.

At June 30, 2019, loans held for investment (net of deferred fees and costs) were $12.2 billion, an increase of $268.2 million, or 9.0% (annualized), from March 31, 2019.

At June 30, 2019, total deposits were $12.5 billion, an increase of $26.2 million, or approximately 1.0% (annualized), from March 31, 2019.

The following table shows the Company’s capital ratios at the quarters ended:

⁽¹⁾       For a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure, see Alternative Performance Measures (non-GAAP) section of the Key Financial Results
⁽²⁾       All ratios at June 30, 2019 are estimates and subject to change pending the Company’s filing of its FR Y9-C. All other periods are presented as filed.

During the second quarter of 2019, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.23 per common share consistent with the first quarter of 2019 and an increase of $0.02, or approximately 10.0% compared to the second quarter of 2018. On July 10, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program to purchase up to $150 million of the Company’s common stock through June 30, 2021 in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions.

ABOUT ATLANTIC UNION BANKSHARES CORPORATION

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (Nasdaq: AUB) is the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank. Atlantic Union Bank has 153 branches, seven of which are operated as Xenith Bank, a division of Atlantic Union Bank, and approximately 200 ATMs located throughout Virginia, and in portions of Maryland and North Carolina. Middleburg Financial is a brand name used by Atlantic Union Bank and certain affiliates when providing trust, wealth management, private banking, investment advisory and brokerage products and services. Certain non-bank affiliates of Atlantic Union Bank include: Old Dominion Capital Management, Inc., and its subsidiary, Outfitter Advisors, Ltd., Dixon, Hubard, Feinour, & Brown, Inc., and Middleburg Investment Services, LLC, which provide investment advisory and/or brokerage services; and Union Insurance Group, LLC, which offers various lines of insurance products.

SECOND QUARTER 2019 EARNINGS RELEASE CONFERENCE CALL

Atlantic Union Bank will hold a conference call on Thursday, July 18th, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time during which management will review the second quarter 2019 financial results and provide an update on recent activities. Interested parties may participate in the call toll-free by dialing (877) 668‑4908; international callers wishing to participate may do so by dialing (973) 453‑3058. The conference ID number is 4593923.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In reporting the results of the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company has provided supplemental performance measures on a tax-equivalent, tangible, or operating basis. These non-GAAP financial measures are a supplement to GAAP, which is used to prepare the Company’s financial statements, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures of other companies. The Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein in its analysis of the Company’s performance. The Company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods and show the effects of significant gains and charges in the periods presented without the impact of items or events that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. For a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures and additional information about these non-GAAP financial measures, see Alternative Performance Measures (non-GAAP) section of the Key Financial Results.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results that are not statements of historical fact. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions as of the time they are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by words that convey projected future events or outcomes such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “view,” “opportunity,” “potential,” or words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of the Company and its management about future events. Although the Company believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance, or achievements of, or trends affecting, the Company will not differ materially from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual future results, performance, achievements or trends may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• changes in interest rates;
• general economic and financial market conditions in the United States generally and particularly in the markets in which the Company operates and which its loans are concentrated, including the effects of declines in real estate values, an increase in unemployment levels, and slowdowns in economic growth,
• the Company’s ability to manage its growth or implement its growth strategy;
• the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Access will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period, the expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the acquisition may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame, revenues following the acquisition may be lower than expected, or customer and employee relationships and business operations may be disrupted by the acquisition;
  
• the Company’s ability to recruit and retain key employees;
  
• the incremental cost and/or decreased revenues associated with exceeding $10 billion in assets;
  
• real estate values in the Bank’s lending area;
  
• an insufficient allowance for loan losses;
  
• the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios;
  
• concentrations of loans secured by real estate, particularly commercial real estate;
  
• the effectiveness of the Company’s credit processes and management of the Company’s credit risk;
  
• demand for loan products and financial services in the Company’s market area;
  
• the Company’s ability to compete in the market for financial services;
  
• technological risks and developments, and cyber threats, attacks, or events;
  
• performance by the Company’s counterparties or vendors;
  
• deposit flows;
  
• the availability of financing and the terms thereof;
  
• the level of prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities;
  
• legislative or regulatory changes and requirements;
  
• the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act"), including, but not limited to, the effect of the lower corporate tax rate, including on the valuation of the Company’s tax assets and liabilities;
  
• changes in the effect of the Tax Act due to issuance of interpretive regulatory guidance or enactment of corrective or supplement legislation;
  
• monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government including policies of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve;
  
• changes to applicable accounting principles and guidelines; and
  
• other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

Please refer to the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and comparable “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10‑Q and related disclosures in other filings, which have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein. The actual results or developments anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on the Company or its businesses or operations. Readers are cautioned not to rely too heavily on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update, revise or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(1) These are non-GAAP financial measures. Net interest income (FTE), which is used in computing net interest margin (FTE) and operating efficiency ratio (FTE), provides valuable additional insight into the net interest margin and the efficiency ratio by adjusting for differences in tax treatment of interest income sources. The entire FTE adjustment is attributable to interest income on earning assets, which is used in computing yield on earning assets. Interest expense and the related cost of interest-bearing liabilities and cost of funds ratios are not affected by the FTE components.

(2) These are non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible common equity is used in the calculation of certain profitability, capital, and per share ratios. The Company believes tangible common equity and the related ratios are meaningful measures of capital adequacy because they provide a meaningful base for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which the Company believes will assist investors in assessing the capital of the Company and its ability to absorb potential losses.

(3) These are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that ROTCE is a meaningful supplement to GAAP financial measures and useful to investors because it measures the performance of a business consistently across time without regard to whether components of the business were acquired or developed internally.

In periods prior to December 31,2018, the Company has not added amortization of intangibles, tax effected to operating net income (non-GAAP) when calculating operating ROTCE. The Company has adjusted its presentation for all periods in this release.

(4) These are non-GAAP financial measures. Operating measures exclude merger and rebranding-related costs unrelated to the Company’s normal operations. The Company believes these measures are useful to investors as they exclude certain costs resulting from acquisition activity and allow investors to more clearly see the combined economic results of the organization’s operations.

(5) All ratios at June 30, 2019 are estimates and subject to change pending the Company’s filing of its FR Y9‑C. All other periods are presented as filed.

(6) The operating efficiency ratio (FTE) excludes the amortization of intangible assets and merger-related costs. This measure is similar to the measure utilized by the Company when analyzing corporate performance and is also similar to the measure utilized for incentive compensation. The Company believes this measure is useful to investors as it excludes certain costs resulting from acquisition activity allowing for greater comparability with others in the industry and allowing investors to more clearly see the combined economic results of the organization’s operations.

In prior periods, the Company has not excluded the amortization of intangibles from noninterest expense when calculating the operating efficiency ratio (FTE). The Company has adjusted its presentation for all periods in this release to exclude the amortization of intangibles from noninterest expense.