MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Business Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”, the “Bank”, or “First Business Bank”) (Nasdaq:FBIZ) reported record net income of $9.7 million, or $1.12 diluted earnings per share, in the first quarter 2021, compared to $6.1 million or $0.71 in the fourth quarter of 2020, and $3.3 million or $0.38 in the first quarter of 2020.
 
“Record earnings for the quarter and exceptional growth across our company are reflections of First Business Bank’s commitment to helping our clients succeed, and consistently expanding our client base,” President and Chief Executive Officer Corey Chambas said. “This performance is a direct result of our long record of investing in innovative niche financial services offerings, technology, and talent as well as our active focus on asset quality improvement. We believe we are very well-positioned for sustained double-digit loan and revenue growth and continued asset quality improvement.”
 
Quarterly Highlights
  • Record Earnings. Net income hit a record $9.7 million for the quarter. While boosted by the impact of asset quality improvement and net loan recoveries, ongoing fundamental performance was also very strong. Driven by continued loan and fee income growth, top-line revenue was $28.1 million, a 20% increase from this time last year, and pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets was 1.65% for the quarter.
  • Continued Differentiated Loan Growth. Loans, excluding SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, grew $46.9 million, or 10% annualized in the first quarter. This continued the exceptional growth from 2020 driven by investments tied to our strategic plan to expand niche lending business lines and enhance and expand the business development teams across all our business lines and geographies.
  • Asset Quality Continues to Improve. Non-performing assets declined 29% to $19.0 million, the second consecutive quarterly reduction of more than 25%. Over this two-quarter period, non-performing assets have declined $17.6 million from the 2020 peak in the third quarter of $36.7 million. The decrease in non-accrual loans for the quarter was principally due to loan payoffs and loans returning to accrual status.
  • Fee Income. Fee income grew an impressive 23% annualized for the quarter and again exceeded our goal of 25% or more of total revenue. Private wealth continued to lead the way with fees earned on a record $2.4 billion in assets under management and administration. In addition, gain on sale of Small Business Administration loans exceeded $1 million again this quarter.
  • PPP Update. Our participation in PPP has been a tremendous benefit to our clients and we are actively participating in the second phase of the program. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $272.7 million in gross PPP loans outstanding and deferred processing fees outstanding of $5.1 million yet to be recognized into income. During the quarter, $2.2 million of processing fees were recognized.
  • Tangible Book Value Increases. Tangible Book Value (“TBV”) per share grew by 11% annualized in the quarter. This is a continuation of strong and consistent TBV growth. TBV has increased for 18 consecutive years, at a compound annual growth rate of 8% over that time.