ST. LOUIS-(BUSINESS WIRE) - October 20, 2016 - Cass Information Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASS), the nation’s leading provider of transportation, energy, telecom and waste invoice payment and information services, reported third quarter 2016 earnings of $.55 per diluted share, an increase of 8% from the $.51 per diluted share it earned in the third quarter of 2015. Net income for the period was $6.2 million, compared to $5.9 million in 2015.
*Includes Energy, Telecom and Waste
2016 3rd Quarter Recap
The increase in revenue and net income of 3% and 6%, respectively, was primarily the result of the continued growth of the company’s customer list in each of its markets along with the development and expansion of new revenue-generating services. These successes overcame persistent economic headwinds and a significant investment in technology and infrastructure required to support this expansion.
A particularly bright spot of Cass’ third quarter performance was the substantial increase in facility related transactions (electricity, gas, waste and telecom expense management), which grew 16%. New customer acquisition, including several large accounts that switched from competitors, was the primary driver of the increase. Facility expense dollar volume was also up for the quarter.
In the transportation market, new accounts boosted transaction volume, but multiple factors continued to challenge dollar volume growth. A continuing impediment was declining activity from existing customers, especially those involved in oil and gas production. Transportation sector dollar volume was also retarded by lower fuel prices which reduced average invoice amounts. The decrease in dollar volume generated smaller investable balances that reduced investment income, and more significantly, lowered fees from carrier services.
Consolidated operating expenses were up $900,000 (4%) due mainly to continued strategic investment in staff and technology to win and support new business.
“Although economic challenges, in particular low interest rates and depressed volume from existing transportation sector clients continue to persist, our ability to add new accounts and expand our service lines demonstrates the value of our services,” said Eric H. Brunngraber, Cass chairman and chief executive officer.
Nine-Month 2016 Recap
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 the company earned $1.58 per diluted share, an increase of 8% from the $1.47 per diluted share it earned in the same period in 2015. Net income was $17.9 million, compared to $17.0 million in 2015. Revenues rose 3%, from $90.5 million in 2015 to $93.4 million in 2016.
Consolidated operating expenses were up 3%, or $1.9 million, due to the increased investment in staff and technology, as noted above.
5% Increase in Cash Dividend
On October 17, 2016, the company’s board of directors declared a fourth quarter dividend of $.23 per share payable December 15, 2016 to shareholders of record December 5, 2016. The new quarterly dividend is one cent or 5% higher than the previous pay-out of 22 cents per share. Cass has continuously paid regularly scheduled cash dividends since 1934.
Additionally, after repurchasing more than 210,000 shares of common stock in the past 12 months, the board voted to restore the capacity of the company’s stock repurchase program to 500,000 shares.
“Our history of dividend payments combined with the return of nearly $21 million to shareholders through share repurchase activity over the past 24 months reflects our solid operating performance, strong capital base and the board’s continued optimism about the company’s long-term prospects,” said Brunngraber.
About Cass Information Systems
Cass Information Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated information and payment management solutions. Cass enables enterprises to achieve visibility, control and efficiency in their supply chains, communications networks, facilities and other operations. Disbursing $40 billion annually on behalf of clients, and with total assets of $1.5 billion, Cass is uniquely supported by Cass Commercial Bank. Founded in 1906 and a wholly owned subsidiary, Cass Bank provides sophisticated financial exchange services to the parent organization and its clients. Cass is part of the Russell 2000®.
Note to Investors
Certain matters set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such performance involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. For a discussion of certain factors that may cause such forward-looking statements to differ materially from the company’s actual results, see the company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
