Coastal Financial reports Q4 EPS 66c, consensus 73c

Total assets increased $75.1 million, or 2.0%, to $3.75 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $3.68 billion at September 30, 2023. “We saw a lot of changes is 2023, with increases in interest rates, bank failures, and other economic challenges. We were able to meet those challenges by being flexible and adjusting our strategy to meet the changing environment. During this turbulent time we were able to reduce uninsured deposits by providing additional FDIC deposit insurance coverage through reciprocal deposits, bringing peace of mind to customers, maintain adequate liquidity and borrowing capacity and still grow both loans and deposits. “Credit quality was a top priority, and during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 we started the process of optimizing our CCBX loan portfolio by selling higher yielding loans that have a higher potential for credit deterioration or letting such loans mature. As a result of this strategy we are seeing pressure on our margin, but we are on track with repositioning our portfolio and results are in line with our expectations. “As we look forward to 2024, our focus will be on reducing costs through automation and by leveraging the gains in efficiencies afforded to us in the systems and technology that we continue investing in. We have made progress on reducing expenses in the three months ended December 31, 2023 and will keep working to manage expenses going forward. We will continue our strategy of focusing on larger partners and companies, selecting partnerships that align with our long term profitability and growth objectives. Additionally, we will continue working to optimize our CCBX loan portfolio and manage credit risk. We will work to achieve this by continuing to sell higher yielding loans that have a higher potential for credit deterioration or letting such loans mature, while simultaneously working to strengthen the CCBX portfolio with new loans that meet enhanced credit standards. “We expect that this strategy will result in lower earnings in the short term with lower loan yields and compressed margins, but will provide for long term stability and profitability,” stated Eric Sprink, the CEO of the Company and the Bank. Reported CET1 ratio 9.10%.