Communities First Financial Corporation 2Q17 Profits Increase 24% from 2Q16; Net Interest Margin Expands to 4.27%

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FRESNO, Calif., July 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Communities First Financial Corporation (the "Company") CFST the parent company of Fresno First Bank (the "Bank"), today announced solid profits for the second quarter and first half of 2017.  Net income was $915,000, or $0.32 per diluted share, an increase of 24% over net income of $737,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2016, and grew 9% from $837,000, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2017.  For the first six months ended June 30, 2017, net income increased 22% to $1.8 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the first six months ended June 30, 2016.

"With increasing profitability, our second quarter results demonstrate our success in building a sustainable franchise in California's Central Valley," said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Our net interest income increased 21% from a year ago.  We are growing our loan portfolio, increasing core deposits and generating strong margins." 

"Asset quality remains sound, despite an increase in nonaccrual loans in the quarter," added Miller.  "Nonperforming assets consist of a series of loans isolated to one borrower totaling $2.9 million, which migrated from 30 days past due status to nonaccrual this quarter.  We are working diligently with this borrower to return these loans to performing status.  In the meantime, the loans are well-collateralized with high-value agricultural acreage and quality commercial buildings at a very conservative loan to value ratio."  Nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.83% and reserves to total loans were 1.22% at June 30, 2017.

Second Quarter 2017 Highlights (as of, or for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, except where noted):

  • Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.32, compared to $0.27, for the second quarter a year ago, and 0.29 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2017.  Year-to-date, diluted EPS were $0.61, compared to $0.52 for the first six months of 2016.
  • Return on average assets ("ROAA") was 1.05% and return on average equity ("ROAE") was 11.51% for the second quarter of 2017.  ROAA and ROAE were well above the average of 0.78% and 7.95%, respectively, generated by the 544 banks in the SNL MicroCap U.S. Bank Index, for the first quarter of 2017.
  • Net interest income, after the provision for loan losses, increased 20% to $3.2 million for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $2.7 million for the second quarter of 2016.  Net interest income was $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2017.  Year-to-date, net interest income grew 24% from the first six months of 2016.
  • Noninterest income grew 27% to $570,000 for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $449,000 for the second quarter of 2016.  Noninterest income was up 82% from $313,000 on a linked quarter basis.  For the first six months of 2017, noninterest income was $882,000, up 5% from $838,000 for the first six months of 2016.  Gains on sale of loans generated the majority of the increase during the quarter compared to both the linked and year-ago quarter. 
  • Net interest margin ("NIM") was 4.27%, compared to 4.25% for the second quarter a year ago, and improved 21 basis point from 4.06% for the first quarter of 2017.
  • Total deposits grew 24% to $318.3 million from $257.4 million a year earlier.
  • Total loans increased 19% to $247.6 million compared to $207.8 million a year ago.
  • The efficiency ratio, measuring overhead to revenue, improved to 54.91% for the second quarter of 2017, compared to 56.24% for the second quarter a year earlier, and 61.52% for the preceding quarter, reflecting improving top line growth and improving operating efficiencies, even after investing in new talent last year.
  • Nonperforming loans, as a percentage of total loans, were 1.18%.  In spite of the increase in nonperforming loans at quarter end, asset quality remained sound with total nonperforming assets representing only 0.83% of total assets.
  • The allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") as a percentage of total loans was 1.22% at June 30, 2017, net of all government guarantees, the ALLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.74%.
  • Capital ratios remain strong with a ratio of tangible shareholders' equity to total assets of 9.33% at June 30, 2017, compared to 8.95 % at March 31, 2017.

Results of Operations

Net interest income increased 21% to $3.6 million for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2016, primarily reflecting strong year-over-year loan growth.  On a linked quarter basis, net interest income grew 5% from $3.5 million.  For the first six months of 2017, net interest income increased 21% to $7.1 million, compared to $5.9 million for the first six months of 2016.

Non-interest income was $570,000 for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $449,000 for the second quarter of 2016, and $313,000 for the first quarter of 2017.  The increase in non-interest income, both year-over-year and on a linked quarter basis, was primarily due to the gain on sale of SBA loans. Merchant services income was also up 18% from the second quarter a year ago, and 12% for the first six months of 2017, which added to non-interest income. "We periodically decide to sell a portion of our SBA loans, as we did in this quarter, in our efforts to maintain a diverse mix of loans in our portfolio," said Steve Canfield, Chief Financial Officer.

The net interest margin was 4.27% for the second quarter of 2017, compared to 4.25% a year earlier, and 4.06% for the first quarter of 2017.  "Our robust net interest margin was primarily due to our strong loan balances and investments which replaced lower yielding overnight funds," commented Canfield.  The net interest margin continues to remain well above the average of 3.57% generated by the SNL MicroCap U.S. Bank Index at March 31, 2017.  For the first six months of 2017, the net interest margin was 4.16%, compared to 4.12% for the like period a year ago.

On a linked quarter basis, operating expenses remained the same at $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2017.  Operating expenses totaled $1.9 million for the second quarter a year ago.  "The year-over-year higher noninterest expense was primarily due to the hiring of key additional business development officers and associated compensation as we continue to implement our strategic plan for growth," said Canfield.

The efficiency ratio improved to 54.91% for the second quarter of 2017, compared to 56.24% a year ago, and 61.53% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.  "The improvement in our efficiency ratio was primarily due to the investments we made last year which are generating strong loan and revenue growth," added Canfield.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets increased 20% to $352.0 million at June 30, 2017, compared to $292.3 million at June 30, 2016, and remained unchanged from the preceding quarter.  

Total loans grew 19% to $247.6 million at June 30, 2017, from $207.8 million a year ago, and grew 1% from $245.1 million at March 31, 2017.

The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio totaled $113.7 million, representing 46% of total loans at June 30, 2017.  Commercial real estate (CRE) loans totaled $78.7 million, or 32% of total loans.  Agriculture and land loans totaled $24.8 million, denoting 10% of loans; residential home loans were $13.5 million, or 5% of loans, and real estate construction and land development loans were $16.9 million, or 7% of loans.

"We are very active in the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program, and have been the largest Community Bank SBA lender by volume in California's Central Valley for the last four consecutive years," added Miller.  "Approximately $74.5 million or 30% of our loans have a guarantee from the U.S. Government either through the SBA, USDA or FSA.  These guarantees substantially reduce the credit risk on a significant portion of our loan portfolio and are a factor when determining our overall reserve and capital levels." See chart below:

                
Loan Loss Reserve (unaudited)   June 30,
2017
    Mar. 31,
2017
    June 30,
2016
 
                
LOAN LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:               
Reserve for loan losses  $3,028   $2,959   $4,081 
                
Total loans  $247,637   $245,130   $207,785 
Purchased govt. guaranteed loans  $47,108   $46,468   $24,049 
Originated govt. guaranteed loans  $26,885   $28,076   $25,019 
                
LLR / Total loans   1.22%   1.21%   1.96%
LLR / Loans less purchased govt. guaranteed loans   1.51%   1.49%   2.22%
LLR / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans   1.74%   1.73%   2.57%
LLR / Total assets   .86%   .84%   1.40%
                

Total deposits increased 24% to $318.3 million at June 30, 2017, compared to $257.4 million from a year earlier and were relatively unchanged from $319.2 million at March 31, 2017, primarily due to the seasonality of certain client segments.  "We expect deposit and asset growth will increase in the second half of the year due to the normal seasonality of our portfolio and due to the fact that our year-to-date acquisition rate for new customers is running 22% ahead of the first half of 2016," stated Miller.

Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 47% to $173.2 million at June 30, 2017, representing 54% of total deposits, compared to $118.0 million, or 46% of total deposits a year ago.  The ratio of loans to deposits was 77.79% at June 30, 2017, compared to 80.72% one year earlier and 76.79% at March 31, 2017.

Total stockholder equity was $32.8 million at June 30, 2017, compared to $28.8 million a year ago.  Book value per common share increased 10% to $11.65 at June 30, 2017, compared to $10.56 a year ago.

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Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets ("NPAs") totaled $2.9 million at June 30, 2017, compared to $2.4 million one year earlier.  There were no nonperforming assets at March 31,2017.  Loans delinquent 30-60 days declined to $250,000.  "As previously discussed, the increase in NPAs represents a series of loans isolated to one borrower," said Miller.  "We are well secured from the business cash flow and assets of this borrower."

The provision for loan losses was $395,000 for the second quarter of 2017, compared to $315,000 for the second quarter of 2016 and $80,000 for the preceding quarter.  "Because of our strong loan growth and the increase in NPAs, we prudently added to reserves," said Canfield.  The provision for loan losses was $475,000 for the first six months of 2017, compared to a provision of $525,000 for the first six months of 2016.

Net charge-offs were $327,000, or 0.27% of total average loans for the second quarter of 2017, compared to no charge-offs for the second quarter a year ago.  Net charge-offs of $1,000 were booked in the first quarter of 2017.

The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was 1.22% at June 30, 2017, compared to 1.96% a year earlier and 1.21% at March 31, 2017. 

About Communities First Financial Corporation

Communities First Financial Corporation, a bank holding company established in 2014, is the parent company of Fresno First Bank, founded in 2005 in Fresno, California.  Fresno First Bank is a leading SBA Bank Lender in California's Central Valley. The Bank was named by Forbes as one of the Best 25 Small Businesses in America for 2016, and received the All-Star Performance Award from the Great Game of Business in 2015. Additional information is available from the Company's website at www.fresnofirstbank.com or call 559-439-0200.

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This earnings release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Company's ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Company's business; international developments; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 
SELECT FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND
RATIOS (unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended: Percentage Change From: Year to Date as of:
June 30,
2017
Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 June 30,
2017
June 30,
2016
Percent
Change
BALANCE SHEET DATA - PERIOD END BALANCES:                   
 Total assets$352,023 $352,027 $292,318  0%20%         
 Total Loans 247,637  245,131  207,785  1%19%         
 Investment securities 67,320  67,503  66,369  0%1%         
 Total deposits 318,325  319,225  257,425  0%24%         
 Shareholders equity, net$32,836 $31,508 $28,835  4%14%         
                         
SELECT INCOME STATEMENT DATA:          
 Gross revenue$4,210 $3,767 $3,462  12%22% $7,976 $6,713 19%
 Operating expense 2,312  2,312  1,946  0%19%  4,624  3,846 20%
 Pre-tax, pre-provision income 2,293  1,535  1,831  49%25%  3,827  3,392 13%
 Net income after tax$915 $837 $737  9%24% $1,752 $1,438 22%
            
SHARE DATA:         
 Fully diluted earnings per share$0.32 $0.29 $0.27  10%19% $0.61 $0.52 17%
 Book value per common share$11.65 $11.18 $10.56  4%10%    
 Common shares outstanding 2,818,066  2,818,066  2,730,898  0%3%    
 Fully diluted shares 2,910,808  2,891,581  2,749,969  1%6%    
 CFST - Stock price$15.00 $13.75 $9.86  9%52%    
            
RATIOS:          
 Return on average assets 1.05%.97% 1.01% 9%4%  1.01% .97%4%
 Return on average equity 11.51% 11.12% 10.65% 4%8%  11.32% 10.36%9%
 Efficiency ratio 54.91% 61.53% 56.24% -11%-2%  58.03% 57.29%1%
 Yield on earning assets 4.39% 4.20% 4.40% 5%0%  4.29% 4.27%0%
 Cost to fund earning assets 0.13% 0.13% 0.15% -6%-18%  0.13% 0.15%-13%
 Net Interest Margin 4.27% 4.06% 4.25% 5%0%  4.16% 4.12%1%
 Equity to assets 9.33% 8.95% 9.86% 4%-5%    
 Loan to deposits ratio 77.79% 76.79% 80.72% 1%-4%    
 Full time equivalent employees 41  42  37  -2%11%    
            
BALANCE SHEET DATA - AVERAGES:        
 Total assets$349,221  351,658 $292,852  -1%19% $350,424 $295,394 19%
 Total loans 248,380  239,583  199,996  4%24%  244,005  195,315 25%
 Investment securities 67,103  68,522  66,164  -2%1%  67,809  67,378 1%
 Deposits 316,255  319,725  263,790  -1%20%  318,084  266,937 19%
 Shareholders equity, net$32,293 $30,725 $28,320  5%14% $31,301 $27,756 13%
            
ASSET QUALITY:          
 Total delinquent accruing loans$250 $3,638 $118  -93%112%    
 Nonperforming assets$2,931 $0 $2,360  Inf 24%    
 Non Accrual / Total Loans 1.18% .00% 1.14% Inf 4%    
 Nonperforming assets to total assets .83% .00% .81% Inf 3%    
 LLR / Total loans 1.22% 1.21% 1.96% 1%-38%    
            

 

STATEMENT OF INCOME ($ in thousands)For the Quarter Ended: Percentage Change From: For the Year Ended
(unaudited)June 30,
2017
Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 June 30,
2017
June 30,
2016
Percent
Change
Interest Income         
 Loan interest income$3,286$3,093$2,710 6%21% $6,379$5,27521%
 Investment income 350 342 319 2%10%  692 61712%
 Int. on fed funds & CDs in other banks 79 96 57 -18%39%  175 13629%
 Dividends from non-marketable equity 33 38 36 -13%-8%  71 668%
 Interest income 3,748 3,569 3,122 5%20%  7,317 6,09420%
 Total interest expense 108 115 109 -6%-1%  223 2192%
 Net interest income 3,640 3,454 3,013 5%21%  7,094 5,87521%
 Provision for loan losses 395 80 315 394%25%  475 525-10%
 Net interest income after provision 3,245 3,374 2,698 -4%20%  6,619 5,35024%
            
Non-Interest Income:          
 Total deposit fee income 82 83 66 -1%24%  165 13324%
 Debit / credit card interchange inc. 31 29 25 7%24%  60 583%
 Merchant services income 130 111 110 17%18%  240 21412%
 Gain on sale of loans 264 17 191 1453%38%  281 326-14%
 Other operating income 63 73 57 -14%11%  136 10727%
 Non-interest income 570 313 449 82%27%  882 8385%
           
Non-Interest Expense:         
 Salaries & employee benefits 1,341 1,387 1,157 -3%16%  2,728 2,23622%
 Occupancy expense 183 133 123 38%49%  316 25822%
 Other operating expense 788 792 666 -1%18%  1,580 1,35217%
 Non-interest expense 2,312 2,312 1,946 0%19%  4,624 3,84620%
           
 Net income before tax 1,503 1,375 1,201 9%25%  2,877 2,34223%
 Tax provision 588 538 464 9%27%  1,125 90424%
 Net income after tax$915$837$737 9%24% $1,752$1,43822%
            

 

BALANCE SHEET  ($ in thousands )   End of Period: Percentage Change From: 
(unaudited)June 30,
2017
Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 
ASSETS       
 Cash and due from banks$7,627 $5,160 $7,716  48%-1% 
 Fed funds sold and deposits in banks 21,103  26,346  4,516  -20%367% 
 CDs in other banks 5,199  5,199  5,695  0%-9% 
 Investment securities 67,320  67,503  66,369  0%1% 
 Total loans outstanding:      
 RE constr & land development 16,875  15,633  15,693  8%8% 
 Residential RE 1-4 Family 13,515  12,844  13,701  5%-1% 
 Commercial Real Estate 78,702  74,737  68,424  5%15% 
 Agriculture 24,838  23,035  23,026  8%8% 
 Commercial and Industrial 113,677  118,377  86,813  -4%31% 
 Consumer and Other 30  505  128  -94%-77% 
 Total Loans 247,637  245,131  207,785  1%19% 
 Deferred fees & discounts 292  330  (319) -12%-192% 
 Allowance for loan losses (3,028) (2,959) (4,081) 2%-26% 
 Loans, net 244,901  242,502  203,385  1%20% 
 Non-marketable equity investments 1,990  1,918  1,808  4%10% 
 Accrued interest and other assets 3,883  3,399  2,829  14%37% 
 Total assets$352,023 $352,027 $292,318  0%20% 
        
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY       
 Non-interest bearing deposits$173,188 $177,052 $117,984  -2%47% 
 Interest checking 11,783  11,108  7,828  6%51% 
 Savings 35,954  38,114  34,780  -6%3% 
 Money Market 58,937  56,925  55,436  4%6% 
 Certificates of Deposit 38,463  36,026  41,397  7%-7% 
 Total deposits 318,325  319,225  257,425  0%24% 
 Borrowings -  -  5,538  0%0% 
 Other liabilities 862  1,294  520  -33%66% 
 Total liabilities 319,187  320,519  263,483  0%21% 
        
 Common, preferred & paid in capital 27,757  27,642  26,980  0%3% 
 Retained earnings (deficit) 4,528  3,612  1,138  25%298% 
 Total equity 32,285  31,254  28,118  3%15% 
 Accumulated other comprehensive income 551  254  717  117%-23% 
 Shareholders equity, net 32,836  31,508  28,835  4%14% 
 Total Liabilities and shareholders' equity$352,023 $352,027 $292,318  0%20% 
         

 

ASSET QUALITY ($ in thousands)Period Ended:
(unaudited)June 30,
2017
Mar. 31,
2017
June 30,
2016
 Delinquent accruing loans 30-60 days$250 $3,323 $0 
 Delinquent accruing loans 60-90 days$0 $315 $118 
 Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days$0 $0 $0 
 Total delinquent accruing loans$250 $3,638 $118 
     
 Loans on non accrual$2,931 $0 $2,360 
 Other real estate owned$0 $0 $0 
 Nonperforming assets$2,931 $0 $2,360 
     
 Performing restructured loans$31 $31 $31 
     
     
 Delq 30-60 / Total Loans .10% 1.36% .00%
 Delq 60-90 / Total Loans .00% .13% .06%
 Delq 90+ / Total Loans .00% .00% .00%
 Delinquent Lns / Total Lns .10% 1.48% .06%
 Non Accrual / Total Loans 1.18% .00% 1.14%
 Nonperforming assets to total assets .83% .00% .81%
     
     
 Year-to-date charge-off activity   
 Charge-offs$327 $1 $0 
 Recoveries$0 $0 $0 
 Net charge-offs$327 $1 $0 
 Annualized net loan losses (recoveries) to average loans .27% .00% .00%
     
 LOAN LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:  
 Reserve for loan losses$3,028 $2,959 $4,081 
     
 Total loans$247,637 $245,130 $207,785 
 Purchased govt. guaranteed loans$47,108 $46,468 $24,049 
 Originated govt. guaranteed loans$26,885 $28,076 $25,019 
     
 LLR / Total loans 1.22% 1.21% 1.96%
 LLR / Loans less purchased govt. guaranteed loans 1.51% 1.49% 2.22%
 LLR / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans 1.74% 1.73% 2.57%
 LLR / Total assets .86% .84% 1.40%
     

 

Contact: 
Steve Miller – President & CEO
Steve Canfield – Executive Vice President & CFO
(559) 439-0200
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