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SmartFinancial, Inc.

smbk · NYSE Financial Services
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Ticker smbk
Exchange NYSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 597
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FY2019 Annual Report · SmartFinancial, Inc.
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2 0 1 9  A N N U A L   R E P O R T

SmartBank, known for its progressiveness 
and innovative style of banking, was 
organized in 2006 and has been building a 
foundation of strong leadership, forward 
thinking and a sincere desire to provide 
incomparable client service.  

LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS

WE BEGIN our annual letter 
again with a thank you to 
our shareholders, clients, and 
associates for their support in 
helping our company accomplish 
another year of outstanding 
performance.

Our performance for 2019 was the 
strongest in our company’s history.  
Net income for the year totaled 
$26.5 million, equating to an 
earnings per diluted share of $1.89.  
This strong, consistent earnings 
stream has allowed us to initiate 
the payment of our first quarterly 
dividend.

We ended the year with assets in 
excess of $2.4 billion, ranking us 
as the 6th largest bank chartered 
in the state of Tennessee.  We 
have also continued to grow our 
franchise in Alabama, opening 
a new facility in Fairhope, and 
in Florida, with a new branch 
in Panama City.  In addition to 

$2.4 BILLION

29

399

Fortune Magazine’s
100
FASTEST-GROWING 
COMPANIES LIST

those expansions, we continue 
to solidify our position in several 
Southeastern markets.  We have 
made outstanding team additions 
in Murfreesboro, Chattanooga and 
Maryville in Tennessee, as well 
as Tuscaloosa and Huntsville in 
Alabama.  These are some of the 
strongest markets in our region 
and we are investing in these 
areas for future growth.

We continued our focus on 
franchise growth by taking 
advantage of the expanding 
markets where we operate.  
While the growth is exciting, the 
quality of the growth has been 
outstanding.  Our continued focus 
on credit quality remains one of our 
top priorities.  Balancing growth 
and credit quality is a key strength 
of our company.   

During 2019, we focused on 
efficiency gains and expense 
reduction initiatives to better 
leverage the acquisitions we have 
made over the past couple of 

Sincerely,

years.  This work will yield great 
results beyond just the current 
year.  Our team remains diligent 
on growing the core earnings 
momentum of the company with 
a key focus on earnings per 
share.  We now can leverage the 
foundation we have in place to 
accomplish those goals and look 
forward to watching this company 
become even stronger.

As we look ahead, the future is 
very bright for SmartFinancial.  Our 
markets, our associates and our 
clients make this an extremely 
unique organization.  It is with 
great pride that we end this letter 
with a word on the outstanding 
culture we’re building.  Our 
company is consistently getting 
recognized regionally as a “top 
workplace” and the energy 
within our team is tremendous.  
On behalf of our fellow board 
members, our management team 
and nearly 400 associates, thank 
you for your support and loyalty to 
SmartFinancial and SmartBank.

Miller  Welborn 
Chairman of the Board
SmartFinancial, Inc. 

Billy Carroll
President & CEO
SmartFinancial, Inc. 

3

VISION

Our vision is to build exceptional 
value for our brand and for our 
SHAREHOLDERS, ASSOCIATES, 
CLIENTS, and COMMUNITIES 
by delivering more than they 
think possible.

MISSION

We build exceptional value for our 
SHAREHOLDERS by managing 
growth and maximizing profitability, 
return on investment, stock value, 
dividends, and liquidity.

We build exceptional value for our 
ASSOCIATES by fostering a more 
fulfilling environment that respects 
individual needs, establishes high 
expectations and recognizes 
achievement.

We build exceptional value 
for our CLIENTS by demonstrating 
incomparable care for their needs 
and increasing their financial wealth.

We build exceptional value in our 
COMMUNITIES by providing 
lasting solutions to their problems 
and protecting their greatest assets.

We’ve achieved this through the 
integrity and innovation of our 
Associates and Directors – 
it’s THE SMARTBANK WAY.

4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MILLER WELBORN

Chairman

BILLY CARROLL

President & CEO

BILL CARROLL

Vice-Chairman

5

VIC BARRETT

Co-founder and Partner of 
The Track Recreation Center

MONIQUE BERKE

Vice President of Business 
Transformation at CBL Properties

CLIFTON MILLER

Managing Director of Henry, 
McCord, Bean, Miller, Gabriel 
& LaBar, P.L.L.C.

TED MILLER 

Business Manager & Partner 
of Dolly Parton Productions

DAVID OGLE

President and Co-founder of 
Five Oaks Development Group

STEVE TUCKER

Principal in TriCo Resources 
and BTI Real Estate

DR. KEITH WHALEY

Founder of Whaley 
Family Eyecare

BEAU WICKS

President  of
Southeast Logistics, Inc.

GEOFF WOLPERT

Owner of The Park Grill and 
The Peddler Steakhouse

2019 HIGHLIGHTS

 Successfully completed the acquisition and integration of Maryville, TN-based 

  Foothills Bank & Trust

 Opened a Loan Production Office in Tallahassee, FL

 Named to Fortune Magazine’s Annual 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list

 Constructed and relocated our Fairhope Branch Team into a brand-new office in Fairhope, AL

 Constructed and relocated our Panama City Branch and Mortgage Teams into a

  brand-new office in Panama City, FL

 Renovated SmartFinancial corporate headquarters and Bearden branch in Knoxville, TN

 Awarded a Top Workplace designation for the third year in a row

 Announced the company’s 7th acquisition of Progressive Savings Bank 

  based in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee

 Announced the company’s first cash dividend for shareholders

6

7

FROM THE START SmartBank  organized  in  2006  with  the  goal  to  build  an  innovative  and 

dynamic  bank  with  unmatched  client  service.  SmartBank  opened  its  first 
office  in  January  2007  in  Pigeon  Forge,  Tennessee  and  has  expanded 
its footprint to total 29 branches across Tennessee, Alabama, the Florida 
Panhandle and growing. Pairing these strong and dynamic markets with the 
best people, advanced technology and innovative products will continue to 
drive the company’s expansion and future growth opportunities.

2006

Organization 
of SmartBank

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Formation of 
SmartFinancial, Inc. 
holding company

SmartBank opened 
its corporate office 
in Pigeon Forge, TN 
and a second branch 
four months later in 
Sevierville, TN.

SmartBank expanded 
into the Knoxville
market with its 
fourth branch.

SmartBank acquired 
Destin-based Gulf-
South Private Bank, 
adding branches in the 
Florida Panhandle.

SmartBank opened 
its third branch in 
Gatlinburg, TN.

Assets grew to over 
$325 million through 
organic growth.

8

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

SmartBank opened 
the Panama City, FL 
loan production office 
and relocated the 
Pensacola, FL branch. 
SmartBank also opened 
its newly designed 
and second location in 
Knoxville, TN.

SmartFinancial, Inc. 
announced trading on 
the Nasdaq Capital 
Market under the tick-
er symbol: SMBK.

SmartBank successfully 
completed the acquisition and 
integration of an FSG Bank 
branch in Cleveland, TN. 
SmartFinancial, Inc. closed 
the acquisition of Tuscaloosa, 
AL-based Capstone Bank.

Successfully completed 
the integration of 
Maryville, TN-based 
Foothills Bank & Trust. 
Opened a Loan 
Production Office in 
Tallahassee, FL. Named 
to Fortune’s annual 
100 Fastest-Growing 
Companies List.

SmartFinancial, Inc., parent 
company of SmartBank, and 
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., 
parent company of Cornerstone 
Community Bank, jointly 
announced a definitive agreement 
to merge, creating a combined 
company that will operate under 
the name SmartFinancial, Inc.

SmartBank successfully 
completed the merger 
and integration with 
Chattanooga-based Cor-
nerstone Community Bank, 
becoming a $1 billion 
combined company.

SmartBank successfully 
completed the acquisition 
and integration of Tuscaloosa- 
based Capstone Bank, and 
Tullahoma-based Southern 
Community Bank. 
SmartFinancial, Inc. closed the 
acquisition of Maryville-based 
Foothills Bank and Trust.

9

CULTURE
C O R E   V A L U E S

“SmartBank associates 
work hard to achieve 
our goals within the 
company. We love to 
see accomplishment 
and growth.”

ACT WITH
INTEGRITY

BE
ENTHUSIASTIC

CREATE 
POSITIVITY

DEMONSTRATE 
ACCOUNTABILITY

EMBRACE 
CHANGE

“My managers do a great job of being available and 
having an open door policy when it comes to their 
associate’s needs. I have received support from my 
managers on multiple occasions both professionally 
and personally and this makes a world of difference. 
I truly feel supported and appreciated both as a 
person and an associate.”

“Client service is second 
to none at SmartBank. 
All SmartBank associates 
work to provide the best 
service for our clients.”

2017

2018

2019

“I work with great people 
everyday that I enjoy 
being around. SmartBank 
really cares about you as 
a person, and not just as 
an associate.”

We will achieve 
our desired 
position to be 
the Southeast’s 
next great 
community 
bank by:

CREATING
“WOW”
EXPERIENCES

EXHIBITING
OVER-THE-TOP 
ENTHUSIASM 
AND POSITIVITY

DELIVERING 
EXCEPTIONAL, 
PROFESSIONAL & 
KNOWLEDGEABLE 
SERVICE

“We are dedicated to making our clients feel like this is home. 
For example, we [try not to] miss the small opportunities. I was working in the 
drive-thru when someone broke down at our ATM and he pushed his truck to 
the side. It was a hot day, and I brought out some waters for him and made 
sure he knew he could come inside to get out of the hot sun.”

10

BILLY CARROLL

President 
Chief Executive Officer

BEVERLY ATCHLEY

Senior Vice President
Senior Deposit Operations 
& Administrative Officer

GREG DAVIS

Executive Vice President
Chief Lending Officer

KELLEY FOWLER

Senior Vice President
Director of Marketing 
and Public Relations

RON GORCZYNSKI

Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

RHETT JORDAN

Executive Vice President
Chief Credit Officer

GARY PETTY

Executive Vice President
Chief Risk Officer

DIANE SHORT

Executive Vice President
Chief Human Resources Officer

EXECUTIVE TEAM

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS

MIKE HONEYCUTT

Northeast Tennessee

ROBERT KUHN

Alabama and Florida

BARRY WATSON

Southeast Tennessee

11

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
0.21%

Asset quality was 
outstanding with 
nonperforming assets 
to total assets of just 0.21%

1.12%

Return on average 
assets of 1.12%

$2.4B

Record high total assets of 
$2.4 billion, net loans of 
$1.9 billion, and deposits 
of $2.0 billion

6.87%

Annual loan growth of 
$122 million, or 6.87%

57%

Increase in pre-tax 
income year 
over year

$22.33

Book value of 
common stock, 
up 9.95% in 2019

12

2019 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

13

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF SMARTFINANCIAL
The 
following  selected  historical  consolidated 
financial  data  as  of  and  for  the  years  ended 
December  31,  2019  and  2018  is  derived  from  the 
audited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
company. (Amounts are in thousands, except ratios, 
per share data, and other data.)

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Total interest income 
Total interest expense 

Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses 

Non interest income 
Non interest expense 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 

Net income available to shareholders 

SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA:
Basic earnings per share  
Diluted earnings per share 
Equity per share outstanding 
Tangible book value per share1 
Dividends per share 
Actual shares outstanding 
Weighted average shares outstanding 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 

Years Ended December 31,
2018
2019 

$108,455      
24,575  

 83,880   
 2,599 

 81,281  

 15,315  
 63,151 

 33,445 
 6,897 

 $26,548 

 $   1.90          

  1.89 
 22.33  
 16.82 
 0.05 
 14,008 
 13,953 
 14,046 

$ 92,210
15,566

 76,644 
 2,936

 73,708

 6,584
 58,957

 21,335
 3,233

 $18,102

 $   1.46 
 1.45
 20.31
 14.64
N/A
 13,934
 12,424
 12,518

14

1 Tangible book value per share equals stockholders’ equity minus goodwill and other intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Average total assets 
Average gross loans, net of deferred loan fees 
Average interest-earning assets 
Average deposits 
Average interest-bearing deposits 
Average interest-bearing liabilities 
Average total shareholders’ equity 

SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Return on average assets 
Return on average equity 
Average equity to average total assets 
Efficiency ratio 
Net interest margin1 
Net interest spread2 

CAPITAL RATIOS:3
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) 

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:
Net charge-offs to average loans 
Allowance for loan losses to loans 
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans 
Non-performing assets to total assets  

OTHER DATA:
Branches 
Loan production offices  
Operation centers 
Full-time equivalent employees 

Years Ended December 31,
2018
2019 

$ 2,339,340 
 1,840,821 
 2,137,364 
 1,964,017 
 1,620,406 
 1,681,148 
 298,729 

$ 1,962,717
 1,511,724
 1,739,983
 1,667,360
 1,381,631
 1,424,365
 242,451

1.13% 
8.89% 
12.77% 
63.66% 
3.95% 
3.64% 

13.31% 
12.81% 
12.81% 
11.41% 

(0.03)% 
0.54%  
305.76% 
0.21% 

29 
2  
2 
399 

0.92%
7.47%
12.35%
70.84%
4.43%
4.22%

12.74%
12.31%
12.31%
11.17%

(0.03)%
0.47%
252.29%
0.25%

29
4
2
387

Table Assumptions
1 Net interest margin is the result of net interest income calculated on a tax-equivalent basis divided by average interest earning assets for the period.   
2 Net interest spread is calculated as the yields realized on interest-bearing assets less the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
3 For SmartBank

15

 
 
 
 
BLOUNT COUNTY

CHATTANOOGA

CLEVELAND

KNOX COUNTY

MURFREESBORO

SEVIER COUNTY

TULLAHOMA

TENNESSEE

A true Tennessee native, veteran banking executive Bill Carroll, and son, Billy Carroll, along with several other local and successful 
business entrepreneurs decided to organize a bank in 2006 with a vision to build an innovative and dynamic bank with the image, 
values and service level unlike any other community bank in the market.  SmartBank opened its first office in January 2007 in 
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and has since expanded its footprint across several of the Southeast’s strongest and most desired 
markets.  SmartBank now operates 29 branches across Tennessee, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

BALDWIN COUNTY

HUNTSVILLE

SOUTHWEST ALABAMA

TUSCALOOSA

ALABAMA

SmartBank completed the integration of Tuscaloosa-based Capstone Bank in early 2018, adding eight branches, including three 
in Tuscaloosa, Northport and Indian Hills, and five spanning throughout Southwest Alabama to the coast with a new branch in 
Fairhope. Alabama is a great banking market and the pairing with Capstone Bank and SmartBank was a perfect match as both 
banks have deep roots in their communities, cultural alignment and a disciplined client-first focus.

FLORIDA PANHANDLE

FLORIDA

SmartBank’s expansion into the Florida Panhandle by way of its first acquisition 
(2012) of GulfSouth Private Bank has proven that growth in this thriving market 
continues to be strong with lots of opportunities for continued success. SmartBank 
operates Smartbank operated full services branches in Pensacola, Destin and 
Panama City, and a Loan Production Office in Tallahassee.

16

MARKETS

KNOX COUNTY
3 Locations

SEVIER COUNTY
4 Locations

BLOUNT COUNTY
2 Locations

CLEVELAND
1 Location

CHATTANOOGA
5 Locations

FLORIDA PANHANDLE
3 Locations

BALDWIN COUNTY
1 Location

SOUTHWEST ALABAMA
4 Locations

TUSCALOOSA
3 Locations

HUNTSVILLE
1 Location

TULLAHOMA
1 Location

MURFREESBORO
1 Location

17

CORPORATE SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

3107

Events attended by 
SmartBank Associates 
to support our 
communities in 2019

$184,782

Donations since 2010 
to organizations 
that support local 
National Parks through 
SmartBank’s Park 
Partners Program

9900+

Volunteer hours 
logged by SmartBank 
Associates in 2019

18

INVESTOR RELATIONS

SmartFinancial, Inc. 
Annual Shareholders’ Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 3:00 pm
SmartBank - Pigeon Forge Branch
2430 Teaster Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Meeting contact:  
Frank Hughes at frank.hughes@smartbank.com

Electronic Voting
To vote electronically, please go to 
www.smartfinancialinc.com
You may also download a copy of the 
2019 SmartFinancial, Inc. Annual Report.

Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements about SmartFinancial which  are within the meaning 
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and such statements are subject to numerous risks 
and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to 
anticipated future operating and financial performance, growth opportunities, interest rates, and cost savings 
anticipated  to  be  realized  by  management. Words  such  as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” 
“anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify these 
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by SmartFinancial and its management are based 
on beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions of management and 
are not guarantees of future performance. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated 
by the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on our 
results  of  operations  or  financial  condition. We  disclaim  any  obligation  to  update  or  revise  any  forward-
looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information, or otherwise. 
The factors we discuss in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and other 
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available online at www.sec.gov, and those 
presented elsewhere by our management from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this document.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). 
However,  management  believes  that  certain  non-GAAP  performance  measures  used  in  managing  the 
business may provide meaningful information about underlying trends in its business. Non-GAAP financial 
measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in 
accordance with GAAP.

www.smartbank.com

Investor Relations 
Contact
Frank Hughes
Executive Vice President
6413 Lee Hwy #107
Chattanooga, TN  37421
423.385.3009 
frank.hughes@smartbank.com

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Stock Symbol
Nasdaq Capital Market:
SMBK

SmartFinancial, Inc.
5401 Kingston Pike #600
Knoxville, TN  37919
866.290.2554

Stock Transfer 
Agent Info
American Stock Transfer 
& Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY  11219
800.937.5449

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