STATEN ISLAND, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 12, 2017) -  VSB Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: VSBN) reported net income of $892,553 for the second quarter of 2017, an increase of $333,285, or 59.6%, from the second quarter of 2016. The following unaudited figures were released today. Pre-tax income was $1,373,321 in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $860,456 for the second quarter of 2016. Net income for the quarter was $892,553, or basic income of $0.50 per common share, compared to net income of $559,268, or $0.32 basic net income per common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. Return on average assets increased from 0.66% in the second quarter of 2016 to 0.79% in the second quarter of 2017, while return on average equity increased from 7.24% to 8.98%.

The $333,285 increase in net income was due to an increase in net interest income of $627,889 and a decrease in the provision for loan loss of $145,000. We did not record a provision for loan loss in the second quarter as we recovered over $160,000 on three loans that were previously charged off. The increase in net income was partially offset by a $179,580 increase in the provision for income taxes, due to the increase in pre-tax income, a $147,340 increase in non-interest expense, and a decrease in non-interest income of $112,684.

The $627,889 increase in net interest income for the second quarter of 2017 occurred primarily because our interest income increased by $625,044, while our cost of funds decreased by $2,845. The rise in interest income resulted from a $366,558 increase in income from loans. The 2017 period included $187,143 in interest we received in 2017 on loans that were non-performing or charged-off in prior periods. In addition, we had a $15.0 million increase in average loan balance between the periods, partially offset by a 2 basis point decrease in yield between the periods, as we booked new loans at lower rates due to a more competitive environment. The average balance of loans increased by 13.0% as we implemented our strategy to increase our loan portfolio, which helped improve our earnings. Income from investment securities increased by $167,002, as approximately half of a 15 basis point increase in the average yield resulted from $139,622 of interest included in the 2017 period due to prepayment of interest on a FNMA security that paid off prior to its maturity.

Interest income from other interest earning assets (principally overnight investments) increased by $91,484 due to a $21.0 million increase in the average balance and a 53 basis point increase in the average yield. This average yield increase corresponded to the Federal Reserve's increase in the target federal funds rate between the periods. Overall, average interest-earning assets increased by $35.3 million from the second quarter of 2016 to the second quarter of 2017.

The modest decrease in interest expense was principally due to a $14,757 decrease in the cost of time accounts, due to a 5 basis point decrease in average cost and to a $5.8 million decrease in the average balance. There was a $11,586 increase in interest on NOW accounts, as the average cost increased by 4 basis points while the average balance between periods increased by $11.7 million. Our overall average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 3 basis points. The Federal Reserve increased the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points in June 2017, which may result in an upward pressure on deposit rates generally.

Average demand deposits, an interest free source of funds for us to invest, increased $23.7 million from the second quarter of 2016 and represented approximately 43% of average total deposits for the second quarter of 2017. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $10.0 million, resulting in an overall $33.8 million increase in average total deposits from the second quarter of 2016 to the second quarter of 2017.

The average yield on earning assets rose by 8 basis points while the average cost of funds fell by 3 basis points. The increase in the yield on assets was principally due to the receipt of $326,765 in non-recurring interest income from loans and investment securities in the second quarter of 2017, as discussed above. Without the non-recurring income, our average yield increased by 3 basis points. Our interest rate margin increased by 12 basis points from 3.09% to 3.21% when comparing the second quarter of 2017 to the same quarter in 2016, while our interest rate spread increased by 11 basis points from 2.86% to 2.97% in the same period. We estimate that without the non-recurring income, the spread would have increased by 2 basis points and the margin would have increased by 3 basis points. The margin increased because of a combination of factors. We received $326,765 in non-recurring interest income in the second quarter of 2017, our average loan balance increased by $15.0 million and we continue to have an increase in earnings from assets funded by non-interest bearing demand deposits and capital. However, while our current cost of deposits has not risen, additional increases in the federal funds rate this year has increased competition for deposits, as more banks raise their interest rates to attract new deposits, and may necessitate an increase in future deposit rates.

Non-interest income decreased to $641,841 in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $754,525 in the same quarter in 2016. The decrease was a result of a $122,192 decrease in other income, as we had a $120,751 gain on the sale of REO property in the 2016 period, and a $31,386 reduction in service charges on deposits, which consist mainly of fees on items being presented for payment against insufficient funds, which are inherently volatile. This was partially offset by a $47,353 increase in loan fees as we collected prepayment income and exit fees on loans that were repaid ahead of maturity. 

Comparing the second quarter of 2017 with the same quarter in 2016, non-interest expense increased by $147,340, totaling $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2017. Non-interest expense increased for various business reasons including: (i) a $58,620 increase in salary and benefit costs due to a higher level of staff; (ii) a $37,625 increase in occupancy expenses due principally to the commencement of rent payments on a proposed new branch; (iii) a $36,310 increase in legal fees due to higher litigation and collection costs; and (iv) a $22,647 increase in professional fees due to higher recruitment fees and the engagement of a third party review firm for bank secrecy act compliance. The increases were partially offset by a $20,728 decrease in other expenses for various reasons.

Total assets increased to $355.7 million at June 30, 2017, an increase of $22.7 million, or 6.8%, from December 31, 2016. The latest components of this increase were a $15.2 million increase in investment securities, as we redeployed cash, and a $9.2 million increase in loans, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in cash and other liquid assets. Our non-performing loans decreased from $1.8 million at December 31, 2016 to $1.2 million at June 30, 2017, due primarily to the payoff of $580,370 in non-performing loans in 2017. Total OREO stood at $51,000 at June 30, 2017. Total deposits, including escrow deposits, increased to $322.1 million, an increase of $21.2 million, or 7.1% during 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $13.3 million in NOW accounts, $8.3 million in demand and checking deposits, and $3.2 million in saving accounts, partially offset by a $4.0 million decrease in time deposits. 

Our total stockholders' equity increased by $1.5 million, principally due to $1.2 million in retained earnings, $200,311 in additional paid in capital, $50,062 of amortization of our ESOP loan, and $31,847 in other comprehensive income. VSB Bancorp's Tier 1 capital ratio was 8.81% at June 30, 2017. Book value per common share increased from $16.72 at year end 2016 to $17.51 at June 30, 2017. 

For the first six months of 2017, pre-tax income increased to $2.3 million from $1.7 million for the first six months of 2017, an improvement of $621,178, or 36.4%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $1.5 million, or basic net income of $0.85 per common share, as compared to net income of $1.1 million, or basic net income of $0.64 per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 was attributable principally to a $854,512 increase in net interest income (due to the non-recurring interest income in the second quarter and the higher average loan balance), a $180,000 reduction in the provision for loan loss, and a $217,469 increase in the provision for income taxes. These increases were partially offset by a $328,208 increase in non-interest expenses and an $85,126 decrease in other income.

The increase in non-interest expense of $328,208 was due primarily to (i) a $176,962 increase in salary and benefit costs due to the acceleration of stock option expenses as a result of a director resignation, severance paid to a departing employee and a higher level of staff; (ii) a $83,818 increase in legal expenses due to an increase in collection and litigation; (iii) a $61,695 increase in professionals fees because we hired our new human resource manager through a recruitment agency and we retained a third party to review some of our bank secrecy act compliance systems; and (iv) a $37,108 increase in occupancy expenses due principally to the payment of partial rent on a proposed new branch. The increases were partially offset by a $40,347 decrease in other expenses for various reasons. The net interest margin increased by 11 basis points to 3.21% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 from 3.10% in the same period in 2016, as the average balance of our loans grew by 15%. Without the effect of the non-interest income, the net interest margin increased by 3 basis points. Average interest earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased by $34.7 million, or 11.1%, from the same period in 2016.

Raffaele (Ralph) M. Branca, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s President and CEO, stated, "Our earnings results demonstrate solid core earnings growth. We have reduced our non-performing loans and we have increased our loan portfolio. This is expected to translate into higher income in the future." Joseph J. LiBassi, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s Chairman, stated, "We are continuing to implement our strategic plan, which has added more value to our stockholders. We paid our thirtieth-ninth consecutive cash dividend and our book value per share has now reached $17.51 by delivering the best in personal service, we have set ourselves apart from our competitors."

VSB Bancorp, Inc. is the one-bank holding company for Victory State Bank. Victory State Bank, a Staten Island based commercial bank, which commenced operations on November 17, 1997. The Bank's initial capitalization of $7.0 million was primarily raised in the Staten Island community. The Bancorp's total equity has increased to $32.1 million primarily through the retention of earnings. The Bank operates five full service locations in Staten Island: the main office in Great Kills, and branches on Forest Avenue (West Brighton), Hyatt Street (St. George), Hylan Boulevard (Dongan Hills) and on Bay Street (Rosebank). We are planning to open a sixth branch in Meiers Corners section of Staten Island, subject to regulatory and building department approvals.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to adverse changes in local, regional or national economic conditions, fluctuations in market interest rates, changes in laws or government regulations, weaknesses of other financial institutions, changes in customer preferences, and changes in competition within our market area. When used in this release or in any other written or oral statements by the Company or its directors, officers or employees, words or phrases such as "will result in," "management expects that," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "projected," or similar expressions, and other terms used to describe future events, are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date of the statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. This statement is included for the express purpose of protecting the Company under the PSLRA's safe harbor provisions.

VSB Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
June 30, 2017
(unaudited)
					June 30,				December 31,
					2017				2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents					$	35,730,575			$	37,240,361
Investment securities, available for sale						46,057,792				42,588,960
Investment securities, held to maturity						130,737,343				118,979,809
Loans receivable						135,370,082				126,196,441
	Allowance for loan loss					(1,570,520	)			(1,374,567	)
		Loans receivable, net				133,799,562				124,821,874
Bank premises and equipment, net						1,260,193				1,418,054
Accrued interest receivable						815,067				756,277
Bank owned life insurance						5,376,112				5,316,199
Other assets						1,951,823				1,951,425
			Total assets		$	355,728,467			$	333,072,959
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Liabilities:
	Deposits:
		Demand and checking			$	131,836,329			$	123,572,468
		NOW				54,813,278				41,489,564
		Money market				56,035,291				55,644,761
		Savings				26,006,269				22,774,931
		Time				53,149,489				57,146,886
			Total Deposits			321,840,656				300,628,610
	Escrow deposits					266,948				244,784
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses					1,538,718				1,627,210
			Total liabilities			323,646,322				302,500,604
Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock, ($.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized 2,090,676 issued, 1,832,465 outstanding at June 30, 2017 and 2,086,509 issued, 1,828,298 outstanding at December 31, 2016)					209				209
	Additional paid in capital					10,469,765				10,269,454
	Retained earnings					24,997,134				23,769,564
	Treasury stock, at cost (258,211 shares at June 30, 2017 and at December 31, 2016)					(2,717,128	)			(2,717,128	)
	Unearned ESOP shares					(684,188	)			(734,250	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes of $8,805 and ($8,343), respectively					16,353				(15,494	)
		Total stockholders' equity				32,082,145				30,572,355
			Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	355,728,467			$	333,072,959

VSB Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
June 30, 2017
(unaudited)
							Three months			Three months				Six months				Six months
							ended			ended				ended				ended
							June 30, 2017			June 30, 2016				June 30, 2017				June 30, 2016
Interest and dividend income:
	Loans receivable						$	2,117,568		$	1,751,010			$	3,998,314			$	3,448,605
	Investment securities							1,051,338			884,336				1,922,849				1,783,522
	Other interest earning assets							127,635			36,151				221,171				65,512
			Total interest income					3,296,541			2,671,497				6,142,334				5,297,639
Interest expense:
	NOW							31,693			20,107				55,022				34,162
	Money market							113,736			115,136				225,812				239,809
	Savings							13,698			11,972				26,424				23,513
	Time							71,693			86,450				153,247				172,838
			Total interest expense					230,820			233,665				460,505				470,322
Net interest income								3,065,721			2,437,832				5,681,829				4,827,317
Provision for loan loss								-			145,000				15,000				195,000
		Net interest income after provision for loan loss						3,065,721			2,292,832				5,666,829				4,632,317
Non-interest income:
	Loan fees							59,077			11,724				123,044				24,590
	Service charges on deposits							479,575			510,961				986,585				1,027,917
	Net rental income							18,016			24,475				28,817				38,029
	Other income							85,173			207,365				172,579				305,615
			Total non-interest income					641,841			754,525				1,311,025				1,396,151
Non-interest expenses:
	Salaries and benefits							1,191,668			1,133,048				2,433,641				2,256,679
	Occupancy expenses							349,967			312,342				685,266				648,158
	Legal expense							80,298			43,988				170,093				86,275
	Professional fees							114,972			92,325				242,351				180,656
	Computer expense							106,476			98,223				210,305				193,675
	Director fees							61,888			61,275				120,067				118,725
	FDIC and NYSBD assessments							51,000			47,000				80,000				89,000
	Other expenses							377,972			398,700				709,235				749,582
			Total non-interest expenses					2,334,241			2,186,901				4,650,958				4,322,750
				Income before income taxes				1,373,321			860,456				2,326,896				1,705,718
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
	Current							477,281			337,266				845,636				679,752
	Deferred							3,487			(36,078	)			(31,113	)			(82,698	)
			Total provision for income taxes					480,768			301,188				814,523				597,054
					Net income		$	892,553		$	559,268			$	1,512,373			$	1,108,664
Basic net income per common share							$	0.50		$	0.32			$	0.85			$	0.64
Diluted net income per share							$	0.50		$	0.32			$	0.85			$	0.64
Book value per common share							$	17.51		$	16.37			$	17.51			$	16.37