OSWEGO, N.Y., April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. ("Company") (NASDAQ:PBHC), the holding company for Pathfinder Bank ("Bank"), announced first quarter 2024 net income available to common shareholders of $2.1 million, or $0.34 per basic and diluted share, compared to $2.6 million, or $0.43 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2023. The Company's total revenue, which is comprised of net interest income, before provision for credit losses, and total noninterest income, for the first quarter of 2024 was $11.1 million, a decrease of $423,000, or 3.7%, when compared to the same quarter in 2023. Performance Highlights for Three Months Ended March 31, 2024:  The Bank's Board of Directors announced an 11.1% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.10 per share. Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. reported an increase in interest and dividend income of 23.7% to $18.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, up from $15.0 million in the same period of 2023. Total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to $9.2 million, up 81.5% from $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2023. Net interest income after provision for credit losses totaled $8.7 million for the quarter, a decrease from the $9.3 million after provision reported for the corresponding quarter of 2023. Net interest margin for the quarter decreased to 2.75%, a 27 basis points change from 3.02% reported in the same prior year quarter. Noninterest income for the quarter reached $1.7 million and reflected modest growth from $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2023. Noninterest expenses for the quarter totaled $7.7 million, a slight increase from $7.5 million in the same period last year. The Company's net income for the quarter decreased to $2.1 million from the $2.6 million reported in the same period of 2023. Total loans decreased to $891.5 million at the end of the first quarter of 2024, down $18.6 million, or 2.0%, from March 31, 2023, and $5.7 million or 0.6% from December 31, 2023. Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. entered the first quarter of 2024 with a foundation grounded in effective risk management and guided by its measured plans for continued strategic growth. In a financial landscape marked by elevated interest rates and frequent shifts in economic forecasts, the Bank has adeptly navigated these challenges, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing shareholder value.  James A. Dowd, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Leveraging proactive financial management and strategic foresight, we successfully navigated the complexities of this quarter, affirming our path toward continued progress." Dowd noted that the Treasury yield curve remained inverted (short term interest rates higher than long term interest rates) for the entirety of the first quarter of 2024, as it was in all of 2023.  The Treasury yield curve was inverted by an average of 0.37% for the quarter between the 2-year and 5-year tenors.  He further stated that the average effective Fed funds rate of 5.33% remained well above the prevailing rates of all term Treasury rates throughout the quarter creating another significant element of yield curve inversion.  "This has been a difficult environment for the vast majority of depository institutions. Our adept handling of fluctuating interest rates demonstrates the benefits of our market insights and our risk management focus," added Dowd. "The Company's financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, were notably strong, considering this economic backdrop, displaying a significant 23.7% increase in interest and dividend income to $18.6 million, up from $15.0 million the previous year. This growth, fueled by a diverse portfolio of interest-earning assets, underscores our balance sheet's built-in resilience and our capacity to generate profitability within a broad range of interest rate environments. Despite interest expenses nearly doubling to $9.2 million from $5.1 million, reflecting the industry's broader trend of rising funding costs, our net interest income, before provisions for credit losses remained relatively stable at $9.4 million." Dowd stated that the relatively modest decline in net income to $2.1 million from $2.6 million the previous year underscores the effectiveness of the Company's strategic initiatives and comprehensive risk management protocols, including a prudent provision for credit losses of $726,000. Dowd elaborated on the Bank's asset quality, noting a modest deterioration in nonperforming loans to period-end loans at 2.20%, which he characterized as transitory, that has been conservatively accounted for within in the Company's allowance for credit losses to period-end loans, which stand at 1.87%. "These figures reflect our rigorous management of the loan portfolio and our commitment to stringent risk management practices," he remarked. Despite quarter-over-quarter decreases in key profitability metrics - return on average assets at 0.59% and return on average common equity at 7.01%, along with a net interest margin of 2.75%, the Bank continues to demonstrate a focused commitment to long-term financial health and responsible management, as Dowd highlighted. Dowd further stated that "Our balance sheet reflects the Bank's financial strength, with total assets reaching $1.45 billion and shareholders' equity increasing to $121.8 million. Tangible book value per common share grew to $19.21, further emphasizing our ongoing success in increasing that measure of underlying shareholder value." Looking forward, Dowd expressed optimism, "We remain strategically positioned at the forefront of emerging opportunities within our markets in 2024 and beyond, and are focused on maintaining superior asset quality, making sound credit decisions, and responding to our customers' evolving needs. Although direct comparisons year-over-year should be viewed in the context of current market conditions, our core strengths and the adaptability of our dedicated team prepare us to confront immediate challenges and seize the opportunities on the horizon." He highlighted recent strategic initiatives, including a significant branch acquisition announced in the first quarter of 2024, and discussed below, that underscores the Company's commitment to excellence in all facets of our operations. "As Central New York undergoes what we believe will be a very impressive economic revitalization, Pathfinder is primed to leverage its significant regional investments," Dowd stated. "Moreover, our operational efficiency is evident in the stable management of noninterest expenses, highlighting our cost control measures and investments in technological solutions poised to enhance future operational efficiency. Additionally, the competitive landscape, with pressures from non-local deposit gathering entities, challenges us to maintain deposit levels, prioritizing liquidity to support a base for continued growth and service enhancement." "Pathfinder's forward-looking statements are grounded in recent strategic actions, most notably, the announced signing of a purchase and assumption agreement for a branch in East Syracuse.  The branch will add nearly $200 million in established deposits and provide an outstanding service location for the Bank's new and existing customers.  This acquired branch is viewed as being ideally located with respect to the Bank's current Syracuse branch network and will not only complement the Bank's existing geographic footprint but also tap into high-potential market areas.  Subject to regulatory approval, associated system conversion timelines, and satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, the purchase is expected to be completed in the third quarter 2024.  This branch expansion, coupled with our strong capital position, evidenced by an 11.1% increase in our declared quarterly dividend, also announced in this quarter, underscores Pathfinder's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders and enhancing its longer term market competitiveness." "Looking ahead, the Bank's management and Board of Directors maintain a positive outlook, bolstered by recent strategic successes like the pending East Syracuse branch acquisition and an increasingly robust presence in the swiftly evolving Central New York economic landscape. The Bank's leadership remains committed to navigating the ongoing economic challenges while seizing the opportunities for growth and profitability that will undoubtedly arise. With careful management of assets, liabilities, and a steady approach to cost control, Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. is poised to continue its trajectory of responsible growth and shareholder value enhancement," Mr. Dowd concluded. Income Statement for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024 Net income for the quarter was $2.1 million, marking a decline from the $2.6 million reported in the first quarter of the previous year. This represented a decrease of $479,000 or approximately 18.4%. Net interest income before the provision for credit losses saw a decrease to $9.4 million, down by 5.7% from the $10.0 million reported in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in net interest income was largely due to an 81.5% increase in interest expenses, totaling $9.2 million, which considerably exceeded the previous year's $5.1 million. Partially offsetting the sharp increase in interest expenses, was a 23.7% growth in interest and dividend income which reached $18.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, up from $15.0 million in the first quarter of 2023, due in large part to a diversified and performing portfolio of loans and securities. The provision for credit losses for the quarter stood marginally higher at $726,000 compared to $692,000 in the prior year, mirroring the Bank's cautious yet assertive strategy in managing its credit exposure. This provision resulted in net interest income after provision for credit losses of $8.7 million, slightly lower than the $9.3 million recorded for the same period in the previous year.  Noninterest income experienced modest growth, rising to $1.7 million from $1.6 million, which represents a 9.1% increase. This uptick was propelled by higher service charges on deposit accounts, net realized gains on marketable equity securities, and other operating income. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in debit card interchange fees and losses on sales and redemption of investment securities compared to the previous year.  Total revenues, after considering the provision for credit losses, were reported at $10.4 million, reflecting a modest decline from $10.9 million in the prior year's first quarter. Noninterest expense witnessed a slight escalation to $7.7 million, which is an increase of 2.4% over the first quarter of 2023. The higher expenses were in line with generally reported inflationary trends, especially in the labor markets. In addition, the Bank continued to manage investments in strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its market reach and operational efficiency. The Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to diligently evaluate strategic solutions aimed at reducing noninterest expenses in upcoming quarters. As the quarter closed, key profitability ratios such as the return on average assets were calculated at 0.59%, and the return on average common equity was at 7.01%, both reflecting the competitive and operational pressures of the period. These figures underscored a modest compression from the prior year's ratios, primarily attributable to the compressed net interest margins in a highly competitive deposits environment. Components of Net Interest Income During the first quarter of 2024 Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. navigated through a financial environment with mixed outcomes reflected in its net interest income components. The Company's net interest income before provision for credit losses experienced a downturn and contracted by $568,000, or 5.7%, to $9.4 million when compared with the corresponding period in 2023. The interest and dividend income for the quarter stood at $18.6 million, a considerable increase of $3.6 million, or 23.7%, from the $15.0 million reported in the first quarter of 2023. This increase was multifaceted; a $1.6 million increase was noted in loan interest income, supplemented by a $1.9 million increase in interest income from taxable and tax-exempt securities. Contributing to these figures was a 74 basis points increase in the average yield of the loan portfolio, only slightly offset by a marginal decline of $3.9 million in the average balance of outstanding loans. In the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the yields on taxable investment securities increased by 117 basis points, accompanied by a $62.7 million increase in their average balance, when compared to the same quarter in 2023. However, these positive trends were counterbalanced by a pronounced increase in total interest expense, which increased to $9.2 million, a steep increase of 81.5% from the $5.1 million seen in the first quarter of the preceding year. This emanated primarily from an elevated average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which increased by 138 basis points, and was further compounded by a $50.4 million augmentation in the average balance of such liabilities. This upsurge in interest expenses was largely attributed to the intensified cost of deposits, fueled by escalating competition in the rising interest rate environment. A notable change in the deposit composition was observed with a $69.4 million increase in average time deposit balances, in conjunction with a 163 basis points increase in the paid interest rates on those deposits.  Many deposit customers, while still remaining with the Bank, have elected to move significant portions of their deposits to time deposits as a component of their personal financial management strategies. The Bank's internal tracking indicated that approximately 15.3% of the Bank's time deposit growth for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 has been the result of an internal shift from nonmaturity deposits to time deposits when compared to the same period in 2023.    The net result was a net interest margin of 2.75% for the quarter, a decline of 27 basis points from the net interest margin of 3.02% in the first quarter of 2023.  The Bank's management team has been actively adjusting the institution's asset and liability management strategies to uphold the net interest margin in a challenging and evolving rate landscape. Provision for Credit Losses Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. demonstrated its cautious and prudent risk management philosophy, and reported a provision for credit losses of $726,000 for the first quarter of 2024. This figure represents a slight increase of $34,000, or 4.9%, from the $692,000 provision for credit losses recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. Such an increment is indicative of the Bank's vigilant approach to the current economic conditions and its commitment to conservative financial practices. The Bank's management continues to diligently monitor credit portfolios, particularly those considered sensitive to prevailing economic stressors. The Bank steadfastly applies conservative loan classification and reserve building methodologies, which are deeply ingrained in its operational framework. This steadfast approach is deemed essential in maintaining the integrity of the loan portfolio and in safeguarding the Bank's long-term financial stability. Noninterest Income In the first quarter of 2024, Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. demonstrated a notable advancement in its financial strategy, as evidenced by the growth in noninterest income to $1.7 million. This represents an increase of 9.1% over the same quarter last year, underscoring a successful period of revenue diversification and enhancement of customer-centric services. The surge in service charges on deposit accounts is a clear indication of the Bank's expanding customer engagement and the effective adoption of fee-based products. Enhancements to the Bank's noninterest income streams, which exclude the less predictable components such as market-driven gains or losses on securities, point to Pathfinder's commitment to fortifying its revenue base against economic fluctuations. A deepened focus on areas such as wealth management, payment processing services, and treasury management has been central to this growth. Notably, other operating income has seen a healthy increase, likely bolstered by the Bank's strategic initiatives in technological innovation and expanded service offerings. This steady growth in noninterest income highlights the efficacy of the Bank's strategies in an environment where interest-based revenue can be uncertain. Pathfinder Bancorp's deliberate emphasis on broadening its income-generating activities demonstrates foresight and adaptability, ensuring that it can continue to thrive even amidst shifting financial tides. Looking to the future, the Bank is well-positioned to continue this trajectory, with plans to invest further in areas that promise robust fee income potential. As Pathfinder Bancorp harnesses opportunities in digital banking, asset management, and other emergent financial services, it maintains a solid foundation to support sustainable growth. The Bank is resolute in its commitment to leveraging its strengths in these areas to continue providing value to its shareholders and enhancing its market competitiveness. The increased noninterest income reflects not just the Bank's ability to adapt to changing economic landscapes, but also its proactive approach in seeking out and capitalizing on new revenue opportunities. As the Bank moves forward with its growth strategy, noninterest income is anticipated to play an increasingly vital role in maintaining a well-balanced and resilient financial profile. The following table details the components of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023:     For the three months ended,   (In thousands)   March 31, 2024     March 31, 2023     Change   Service charges on deposit accounts   $ 309     $ 267     $ 42       15.7 % Earnings and gain on bank owned life insurance     157       158       (1 )     -0.6 % Loan servicing fees     88       72       16       22.2 % Debit card interchange fees     119       321       (202 )     -62.9 % Insurance agency revenue     397       420       (23 )     -5.5 % Other charges, commissions and fees     444       256       188       73.4 % Noninterest income before gains     1,514       1,494       20       1.3 % (Losses) gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities     (148 )     73       (221 )     -302.7 % Gain on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate     18       25       (7 )     -28.0 % Non-recurring gain on lease renegotiations     245       -       245     100%+   Gains on marketable equity securities     108       -       108     100%+   Total noninterest income   $ 1,737     $ 1,592     $ 145       9.1 % The aggregate increase of $145,000, or 9.1%, in noninterest income during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the same quarter in 2023, was the result of a $20,000, or 1.3%, net increase in recurring noninterest income, supplemented by a $125,000 aggregate increase in all other categories of noninterest income. Within the category of recurring noninterest income, year over year revenues increased $222,000, or 18.9%, excluding debit interchange fees.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net debit card interchange fees of $202,000, or 62.9%.  Debit card interchange income declined in the first quarter of 2024, as compared to the same quarter in 2023, as a result of reduced gross interchange revenues related to declining levels of consumer activity and increased rewards program expenses in the higher interest rate environment. Other charges, commissions and fees increased by $188,000, or 73.4%, in the quarter ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the same three month period in 2023, primarily as a result of New York State cumulative mortgage recording tax refunds in the amount of $141,000 and other miscellaneous fees. The $125,000, or 127.6%, year-over-year increase in all other (nonrecurring) categories of noninterest income was primarily due to the recognition of a $245,000 refund received from cumulative lessor related pass-through operating expense charges for a leased branch location.  This nonrecurring gain was partially offset by a $221,000 decline in either gains recognized on the sale or early redemption of investment securities, which were a loss of $148,000 in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to a gain of $73,000 in the same quarter of the previous year.  This reduction in the gains recorded related to the sale or early redemption of investment securities was partially offset by a $108,000 year over year increase in realized gains on marketable equity securities.      Noninterest Expense Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. experienced a modest increase in total noninterest expenses, which climbed to $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, marking an uptick of $182,000, or 2.4%, compared to the same period last year. This rise was driven primarily by a $146,000, or 3.5%, increase in salaries and employee benefits. The adjustments to salary structures and commissions, particularly tied to insurance and investment services, reflect the Bank's strategic efforts to enhance its competitive edge in the market and address the demands of an inflationary environment with respect to attracting and retaining employees. The remainder of the increase in noninterest expenses during the first quarter of 2024, as compared to the first quarter of 2023, totaling $36,000, or 1.0%, was distributed across various categories, reflecting the Bank's ongoing investments in operational efficiency and technology enhancements. These investments are critical to sustaining the Bank's agility and responsiveness to market conditions and customer needs. Pathfinder anticipates further increases in personnel expenses as it continues to fill vacancies and make targeted compensation adjustments. These planned investments in its workforce are key to retaining top talent and ensuring the Bank's personnel are well-equipped to deliver exceptional service. Such strategic staffing enhancements are integral to maintaining Pathfinder Bancorp's competitive position and achieving long-term success in the dynamic banking landscape. Overall, the Bank's prudent management of noninterest expenses, coupled with strategic investments in its branches and staff, underscores its commitment to operational excellence and robust financial health. As Pathfinder Bancorp continues to expand and refine its operations, these expenditures are expected to yield significant benefits in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency thereby supporting the Bank's broader strategic objectives. The following table details the components of noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023: Unaudited   For the three months ended   (In thousands)   March 31, 2024     March 31, 2023     Change   Salaries and employee benefits   $ 4,329     $ 4,183     $ 146       3.5 % Building and occupancy     816       852       (36 )     -4.2 % Data processing     528       553       (25 )     -4.5 % Professional and other services     562       536       26       4.9 % Advertising     105       206       (101 )     -49.0 % FDIC assessments     229       219       10       4.6 % Audits and exams     170       159       11       6.9 % Insurance agency expense     285       261       24       9.2 % Community service activities     52       30       22       73.3 % Foreclosed real estate expenses     25       14       11       78.6 % Other expenses     605       511       94       18.4 % Total noninterest expenses   $ 7,706     $ 7,524     $ 182       2.4 % Statement of Financial Condition at March 31, 2024 As of March 31, 2024, Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.'s statement of financial condition reflects total assets of $1.45 billion. This represents a slight decrease from the $1.47 billion recorded at December 31, 2023, a marginal contraction of $12.1 million, or 0.8%. The observed reduction in assets since December 31, 2023 is primarily due to a decrease in total loan balances, which declined from $897.2 million to $891.5 million, representing a decrease of $5.7 million or approximately 0.6%. This contraction in the loan portfolio reflects both normal fluctuations in loan repayments and a strategic recalibration in response to the prevailing economic environment. Additionally, interest-earning deposits experienced a significant reduction since December 31, 2023 from $36.4 million to $15.7 million, contributing to the decrease in total cash and cash equivalents, which fell from $48.7 million to $29.2 million. Conversely, the Bank saw growth in its available-for-sale securities from $258.7 million to $279.0 million, at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively, and an increase in other assets, which grew by $1.9 million in the current quarter. With respect to liabilities, total deposits demonstrated strength, growing by $26.0 million or 2.3%, from $1.12 billion at December 31, 2023 to $1.15 billion at March 31, 2024. This growth was supported by an increase in interest-bearing deposits from $949.9 million to $969.7 million and noninterest-bearing deposits, which increased from $170.2 million to $176.4 million. These increases in deposits underscore Pathfinder's strategic emphasis on cultivating a stable and dependable liquidity profile, critical for supporting its lending and operational activities. Shareholders' equity saw a rise of $2.3 million or about 1.9%, increasing from $119.5 million at the end of 2023 to $121.8 million by the end of March 2024. This uptrend is primarily fueled by the Bank's profitable operations, with net income contributing to the increment in retained earnings, which increased from $76.1 million to $77.6 million, net of dividends distributed to shareholders. As previously noted, the quarter also saw Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. continue its growth strategy with the execution of an agreement to acquire an existing branch from another financial institution exiting the market.  This branch has a large deposit base and will extend The Bank's market presence and enhance accessibility for its customers. The strategic addition of this branch is anticipated to foster new customer relationships, deepen community ties, and stimulate future growth in both deposits and loan originations. Asset Quality Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. remains vigilant in its oversight of asset quality, a cornerstone of the Bank's risk management framework. As of the end of first quarter of 2024, the Bank has observed an improvement in asset quality metrics, indicative of effective credit risk controls and strategic loan portfolio management. The Bank reported an increase in the nonperforming loans ratio from 1.92% at the end of December 2023 to 2.20% at the end of March 2024, indicating a modestly deteriorating trend in overall loan portfolio health. This modest decline in asset quality was recognized within the Company's robust allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans ratio, which was 84.75% at March 31, 2024.  The Company's ACL to non-performing loans ratio at March 31, 2024 remains reflective of Pathfinder Bancorp's commitment to a conservative and transparent approach to credit risk. This commitment is fundamental to the Bank's promise to uphold strong asset quality and to safeguard its financial standing against the dynamic backdrop of the current economic environment. This substantial reserve underscores the Bank's prudent approach to potential credit risks and its capacity to absorb potential loan losses. Management continues to proactively monitor and address asset quality, including the close surveillance of nonaccrual loans. The reported ACL as of March 31, 2024, incorporates management's estimates of future collectability, adjusting for current conditions and forward-looking economic forecasts. The Bank's strategies, including the ongoing refinement of its credit risk practices, aim to bolster the loan portfolio against future uncertainties. The following table summarizes nonaccrual loans by category and status at March 31, 2024: (In thousands)                             Loan Type Collateral Type Number of Loans     Loan Balance