ST. LOUIS - July 27, 2017 - Cass Information Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASS), the nation's leading provider of transportation, energy, telecom and waste invoice payment and information services, reported second quarter 2017 earnings of $.58 per diluted share, an increase of 12% from the $.52 per diluted share it earned in the second quarter of 2016. Net income for the period was $6.5 million, compared to $5.9 million in 2016.
*Includes Energy, Telecom and Waste
2017 2nd Quarter Recap
The increase in revenue and net income of 9% and 11%, respectively, was primarily attributable to the continued growth of the customer base in each market along with the development and expansion of new revenue-generating services. The solid bottom-line advances were achieved even as the company continued to commit significant funds to new technology and infrastructure in support of service growth.
Highlighting second quarter performance was a 19% increase in facility-related (electricity, gas, waste and telecom expense management) transactions. New customer wins, combined with increased volume from current accounts, fueled the increase. Facility expense dollar volume was also up 11% for the period.
In the transportation sector, a growing roster of clients and an increase in base activity boosted invoice volume by 5% and dollar volume by 7%.
Consolidated operating expenses were up $1.8 million (8%) due mainly to on-going strategic investment in the technology and staff required to win and support new business.
These operating results affirm the earnings potential of the significant investment we have made – and will continue to make – in our operating units,” said Eric H. Brunngraber, Cass chairman and chief executive officer. “We remain confident in our abilities to successfully navigate an ever-evolving marketplace and to grow the company in the years ahead.
Six-Month Recap
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2017 the company earned $1.13 per diluted share, an increase of 10% from the $1.03 per diluted share it earned in the same period in 2016. Net income was $12.8 million, compared to $11.7 million in 2016. Revenues rose 7%, from $61.7 million in 2016 to $66.0 million in 2017.
Consolidated operating expenses were up 7%, or $3.2 million, due to the cost of investing in staff and technology, as noted above.
Cash Dividend Declared
On July 25, 2017, the company’s board of directors declared a third quarter dividend of $.23 per share payable September 15, 2017 to shareholders of record September 5, 2017. Cass has continuously paid regularly scheduled cash dividends since 1934.
Additionally, over the past two years, Cass shareholders have benefited from the return of more than $13 million through the company’s share repurchase program.
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 nearly $44 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, 2016.
