Stellar Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “Stellar”) (NYSE: STEL) today reported net income of $29.8 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.56, for the second quarter of 2024 compared to net income of $26.1 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.49, for the first quarter of 2024.
“We are pleased to announce our second quarter 2024 results,” said Robert R. Franklin, Jr., Stellar’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our disciplined focus on capital, credit and liquidity gives us strength and optionality as we move into the back half of the year. Although many anticipate lower interest rates in September, we are prepared if that does not come to pass,” said Mr. Franklin. “Stellar Bank is well-positioned for either outcome.”
“In addition to building capital, we have reduced our commercial real estate exposure and are pursuing a more balanced approach to our lending through new additions to our team to help us build our commercial and industrial portfolio. Our credit quality remains steady as the economy in our markets remains solid. We operate in some of, if not the best, markets in the country and they have shown resilience throughout this tightening cycle,” Mr. Franklin continued.
“Our focus on capital, credit and liquidity will not change. We will continue to monitor effects of higher interest rates and the contentious presidential election on our markets. We believe that building and maintaining a strong balance sheet, positions us to take advantage of opportunities that arise from this economic cycle. Our focus remains on building long-term shareholder value as we embark on the second half of 2024 and the future is bright,” concluded Mr. Franklin.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
- Solid Profitability: Second quarter 2024 net income of $29.8 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.56, translated into an annualized return on average assets of 1.13%, an annualized return on average equity of 7.78% and an annualized return on average tangible equity of 12.82%(1).
- Meaningful Regulatory Capital Build: Total risk-based capital ratio increased to 15.34% at June 30, 2024 from 14.62% at March 31, 2024 and Tier 1 leverage ratio increased to 10.93% at June 30, 2024 from 10.55% at March 31, 2024.
- Strong Net Interest Margin: Tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.24% for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 4.26% for the first quarter of 2024. The tax equivalent net interest margin, excluding purchase accounting accretion (“PAA”), was 3.82%(1) for the second quarter of 2024 compared to 3.91%(1) for the first quarter of 2024.
- Stable Credit Performance: Net charge-offs of $715 thousand, or 0.02%, for the year-to-date 2024.
