DEFIANCE, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SB Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBFG) (“SB Financial” or the “Company”), a diversified financial services company providing full-service community banking, mortgage banking, wealth management, private client and title insurance services today reported earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Third Quarter 2026 Highlights compared to the third quarter of the prior year and linked quarter include:

• GAAP net income and Diluted Earnings per Share (“DEPS”) were $3.9 million, or $0.63 per DEPS, a slight decline from the $4.0 million, or $0.64 per DEPS in the prior-year quarter.
  
• Total loans reached $1.22 billion, reflecting an increase of $108.2 million, or 9.7 percent, from the prior-year quarter and an improvement of $29.2 million, or 2.5 percent, from the linked quarter. The performance this quarter marks SBFG's tenth consecutive quarter of expansion in our loan portfolio.
  
• Total deposits climbed to $1.38 billion, increasing by $120.3 million, or 9.5 percent, from the prior year quarter, and down $8.3 million, or 0.6 percent, from the linked quarter.
  
• Tangible book value (“TBV”) per common share finished the quarter at $18.65, climbing $1.44 per share, or 8.3 percent, from $17.21 in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted tangible book value excluding AOCI advanced to $23.03 at quarter end.
  

Nine months ended September 30, 2026 Highlights compared to the same period of the prior-year:

• GAAP net income increased to $12.7 million, a 26.7 percent expansion compared to $10.1 million reported for the previous nine months, and diluted EPS was $2.04, an improvement of 31.1 percent from $1.56, same period last year.
  
• Net interest income rose to $39.1 million, representing a 9.4 percent improvement from the $35.7 million reported in the prior-year period.
  
• Noninterest income increased by 7.1 percent to $14.4 million compared to $13.4 million reported in the previous nine months.
  
• Noninterest expense expanded, increasing by 4.1 percent to $37.2 million from $35.8 million in the prior-year period. YTD operating leverage was strong at 1.7 times.
  

"Net income for the third quarter of 2026 was stable at $3.9 million, a 2.5 percent decrease from the prior-year quarter, with GAAP DEPS of $0.63, a decrease of 1.6 percent," said Mark A. Klein, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. While our bottom-line results were slightly lower compared to the prior year, this marks our 63rd consecutive quarter of profitability. Our performance this quarter reflects the continued resilience of our core community banking operations—highlighted by our tenth consecutive quarter of loan growth—and dynamic contributions from our fee-based business lines, which helped mitigate the impact of elevated operating expenses and broader economic pressures.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Total operating revenue for the third quarter of 2026 was $18.1 million, an increase of 9.0 percent year-over-year and slightly improved from the linked quarter. This revenue growth was primarily driven by steady gains in our loan portfolio and resilience in noninterest income categories. Net interest income was $13.4 million for the third quarter of 2026, an increase from $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $13.0 million in the second quarter of 2026. Total interest income rose to $20.5 million, propelled by robust loan volume and repricing dynamics. Total interest expense was $7.1 million, a 9.7 percent increase from the prior-year period as deposit costs adjusted to the current rate environment. As a result, net interest margin was 3.50 percent, expanding 2 basis points from the third quarter of 2025.

Total loans increased $108.2 million, or 9.7 percent, from the prior-year quarter and $29.2 million, or 2.5 percent, from the linked quarter. Total deposits at quarter end expanded $120.3 million, or 9.5 percent, year-over-year to $1.38 billion, anchored by durable core customer relationships and ongoing deposit gathering initiatives across our footprint, despite a minor linked-quarter decrease of $8.3 million. Overall quarterly performance demonstrated disciplined balance sheet management, robust credit quality, and the strategic resilience of our diversified revenue streams.

Mortgage Loan Business

Net mortgage banking revenue for the quarter reached $1.8 million, an increase of $293,000 from the prior-year quarter. Loan servicing fees added $946,000 for the quarter, an increase from the prior-year period. The OMSR valuation adjustment for the third quarter of 2026 was a recapture of $43,000, compared to a negative adjustment of $301,000 in the third quarter of 2025.

Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest income for the third quarter of 2026 was $4.7 million, up 9.6 percent from the $4.2 million reported in the third quarter of 2025. The year-over-year expansion was driven primarily by higher net mortgage banking revenue, supported by increased loan servicing fees of $946,000 and a positive OMSR valuation recapture, alongside steady, consistent contributions from our Wealth Management and Title Insurance divisions. "The resilience of our fee based revenue stream validates our diversified business model, as cross-functional referral strategies continue to anchor our above median level of growth," Klein noted.

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2026 increased 14.4 percent to $13.2 million from $11.5 million in the prior-year quarter, driven by an increase of $1.14 million in salaries and employee benefits, which totaled $7.3 million, reflecting higher incentive costs and medical expenses. Data processing fees for the quarter stood at $1.12 million compared to $723,000 in the prior-year quarter, while marketing expenses increased to $358,000 from $174,000 in 3Q25. Both of these categories reflect higher costs related to several pending client and product conversions. These increases were partially offset by disciplined reductions in other expenses, which declined $95,000, and employee expenses, which decreased $41,000 from the prior-year period. “Our core efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2026 was 72.46 percent, compared to 69.00 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and 67.32 percent in the linked quarter,” stated Mr. Klein. “While overhead was elevated this quarter, our fundamental focus on positive operating leverage and disciplined expense management remains a vital pillar as we proactively fund expansion across our growth markets.”

Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2026, SB Financial reported total assets of $1.61 billion, representing an increase of $69.1 million from December 31, 2025, and $118.2 million, or 7.9 percent, from September 30, 2025. The year-over-year asset growth was primarily driven by steady organic loan generation across our commercial and real estate lines. Cash and due from banks increased by $17.4 million from the prior-year period to $102.4 million, normalizing during the quarter as funds were strategically deployed into the loan portfolio. Key balance-sheet metrics for the quarter included a loan-to-deposit ratio of 88.1 percent and a loan-to-asset ratio of 75.5 percent, both of which remained well-aligned with our target operating bands.

Total deposits at quarter end reached $1.38 billion, an increase of $120.3 million, or 9.5 percent, from the prior-year quarter, supported by a competitive community banking footprint and durable client retention efforts. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits totaled $270.0 million, accounting for 19.5 percent of the total deposit portfolio. Shareholders’ equity finished the period at $144.3 million, representing an increase of $7.4 million, or 5.4 percent from the prior-year period, providing a solid foundation for ongoing organic loan growth initiatives.

During the third quarter of 2026, SB Financial repurchased approximately 6,700 shares of its common stock, reflecting a measured approach to capital allocation and ongoing evaluation of corporate priorities during the period. The Company remains committed to a prudent capital allocation strategy, supporting shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks while preserving the financial flexibility to fund organic expansion, strategic initiatives, and capital stability.

“In summary, as we enter the final quarter of 2026, SB Financial continues to operate from a position of fundamental strength, anchored by robust capital levels, exceptional credit quality, and a durable core deposit franchise,” stated Mr. Klein. “Achieving our tenth consecutive quarter of loan expansion demonstrates the strength of our relationship-based community banking model and localized lending expertise. Meanwhile, our nonperforming assets remain near historic lows at 0.27 percent of total assets, backed by strong reserve coverage that reflects our unyielding commitment to disciplined credit administration. Positioned with a resilient deposit base, growing fee-generating business lines, and careful overhead control, we remain focused on finishing 2026 with strong momentum and driving long-term value for our shareholders.”

Asset Quality

As of September 30, 2026, SB Financial continued to focus on maintaining strong asset quality metrics. Nonperforming assets totaled $4.3 million, representing 0.27 percent of total assets, an improvement of $574,000 compared to $4.9 million, or 0.32 percent of total assets, in the prior-year quarter, and relatively stable compared to the linked-quarter balance of $4.4 million, or 0.27 percent of total assets. Total nonaccruing loans declined significantly to $3.2 million from $4.6 million in the prior-year period, while foreclosed properties and repossessed assets stood at $1.1 million.

The allowance for credit losses remained strong at 1.34 percent of total loans, providing 508.9 percent coverage of nonperforming loans—a substantial increase from 345.4 percent in 3Q25 and consistent with 470.3 percent in the linked quarter, reflecting a conservative approach to risk management. Annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans remained exceptionally modest at less than 1 basis point, improving from 6 basis points in the linked quarter and comparable to less than 1 basis point in the prior year quarter, with net charge-offs totaling $17,000.

“Our asset quality metrics embody our commitment to disciplined risk management within a dynamic economic environment,” stated Mr. Klein. “With nonperforming assets down year-over-year and our allowance providing over 500 percent coverage of nonperforming loans, our reserve position underscores the inherent quality of our loan portfolio and the strength of our client relationships. We remain dedicated to balancing our conservative credit discipline with proactive support for high-quality loan growth across all nine of our major markets.”

Webcast and Conference Call

The Company will hold the third quarter 2026 earnings conference call and webcast on October 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. EST. Interested parties may access the conference call by dialing 1-888-338-9469. The webcast can be accessed at ir.yourstatebank.com. An audio replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website.

About SB Financial Group

Headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, SB Financial is a diversified financial services holding company for the State Bank & Trust Company (State Bank) and SBFG Title, LLC dba Peak Title (Peak Title). State Bank provides a full range of financial services for consumers and small businesses, including wealth management, private client services, mortgage banking and commercial and agricultural lending, operating through a total of 27 offices: 25 in eleven Ohio counties and two in Northeast, Indiana, and 27 ATMs. State Bank has four Residential loan production offices located throughout Ohio and Indiana. Peak Title provides title insurance and title opinions throughout the Tri-State and Kentucky. SB Financial’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the ticker symbol “SBFG”.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements within this document, which are not statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in the national and regional banking industry, changes in economic conditions in the market areas in which SB Financial and its subsidiaries operate, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, changes in accounting standards and policies, changes in tax laws, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in the market areas in which SB Financial and its subsidiaries operate, increases in FDIC insurance premiums, changes in the competitive environment, losses of significant customers, geopolitical events, the loss of key personnel and other risks identified in SB Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and documents subsequently filed by SB Financial with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and SB Financial undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made, except as required by law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to SB Financial or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures, specifically pre-tax, pre-provision income, tangible common equity, tangible assets, tangible book value per common share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, return on average tangible common equity, total interest income – FTE, net interest income – FTE and net interest margin – FTE are used by the Company’s management to measure the strength of its capital and analyze profitability, including its ability to generate earnings on tangible capital invested by its shareholders. In addition, the Company excludes the OMSR valuation adjustment and any gain on sale of assets from net income to report a non-GAAP adjusted net income level. Although management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors by providing a greater understanding of its business, they should not be considered a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

Investor Contact Information:

Mark A. Klein
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer
Mark.Klein@YourStateBank.com

Anthony V. Cosentino
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer
Tony.Cosentino@YourStateBank.com