Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and its banking subsidiary Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announced net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 of $2.9 million, or $0.75 diluted earnings per share, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
The $0.7 million, or 29%, growth in net income resulted primarily from $0.7 million higher net interest income combined with $0.1 million reduction in the provision for income taxes, partially offset by $0.1 million higher operating expenses.
The Company experienced $72.5 million, or 9%, growth in average interest-earning assets funded by $42.3 million growth in average deposits, $25.1 million in average borrowings and $4.5 million growth in average shareholders’ equity during the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017. This balance sheet growth increased the third quarter’s income before income taxes by $0.5 million, or 19%.
Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) were 1.22% and 12.65%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2018 and 1.03% and 10.36%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2017.
“We are very pleased that that the third quarter and 2018 year-to-date financial results posted record net income,” stated Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The record results reflect the Fidelity Bankers’ commitment to building relationships and partnering with our clients to achieve financial success. We continue to increase deposits, loans, and non-interest income, while effectively managing expenses.”
Net income increased $1.8 million, or 28%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to $8.2 million from $6.4 million for the same 2017 period. The year-to-date increase was primarily driven by 8% higher total revenue from a $1.7 million increase in net interest income and $0.5 million more non-interest income.
The 8% increase in net interest income was the result of $59.2 million growth in average interest-earning assets at five basis points higher fully-taxable equivalent (FTE) yields. This total revenue growth more than offset the $0.7 million in additional non-interest expenses and a $0.2 million higher provision for loan losses.
Earnings per share on a diluted basis were $2.15 and $1.72 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.