Bank of Commerce Holdings Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank of Commerce Holdings BOCH (the "Company"), a $1.3 billion asset bank holding company and parent company of Redding Bank of Commerce (the "Bank"), today announced financial results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2017. Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $7 thousand or $0.00 per share – diluted, compared with net income of $2.3 million or $0.17 per share – diluted for the same period of 2016. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $7.3 million or $0.48 per share – diluted compared with $5.3 million or $0.39 per share – diluted for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Significant Item – Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

The 2017 results include the $2.5 million negative net impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017("Act") for both the fourth quarter ($0.15 per share – diluted) and for the year ($0.16 per share – diluted). The Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and required the Company to revalue its deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management believes that our financial results are more comparative excluding the impact of these deferred tax asset and liability revaluations.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with information useful in understanding the Company's financial performance; however, readers of this document are urged to review these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with the GAAP results as reported.

Randall S. Eslick, President and CEO commented: "In 2017 we continued executing on our corporate vision and strategic plan to earn our independence. I am especially proud of the hard work and dedication of our employees as they delivered extraordinary growth in loans and deposits and enhanced returns to our shareholders. Our company is well positioned to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming year and I look forward to our continued growth and success."

Financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2017:

• Average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $1.0 billion, an increase of $115.1 million (12%) compared to average deposits for the prior year.
• Average loans for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $818.1 million, an increase of $65.2 million (9%) compared to average loans for the prior year.
• Average earning assets totaled $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $116.8 million (12%) compared to average earning assets for the prior year.
• Net income of $7.3 million or $0.48 per share – diluted for the year ended December 31, 2017 was an increase of $2.1 million (40%) from $5.3 million or $0.39 per share – diluted earned during the same period in the prior year. Net income for 2016 was negatively impacted by $3.0 million of branch acquisition and balance sheet restructuring costs, a $546 thousand other-than-temporary-impairment of an investment security and the write-off of a $363 thousand deferred tax asset.
• Return on average assets improved to 0.61% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 0.49% for the prior year.
• Return on average equity improved to 6.34% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 5.68% for the prior year.
• The Company's efficiency ratio was 67.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 81.9% for the prior year.
• Net interest income increased $5.1 million (14%) to $41.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $36.2 million for the prior year.
• Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2017 totaled $5.8 million or 0.46% of total assets, a decrease of $6.3 million (52%) compared to December 31, 2016.
• Tangible book value per common share was $7.70 at December 31, 2017 compared to $6.83 at December 31, 2016.

Financial highlights for the fourth quarter of 2017:

• Average deposits for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of $28.7 million (11% annualized) compared to average deposits for the prior quarter.
• Average loans for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $839.0 million, an increase of $33.9 million (17% annualized) compared to average loans for the prior quarter.
• Average earning assets for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of $31.9 million (11% annualized) compared to average earning assets for the prior quarter.
• Net income of $7 thousand or $0.00 per share – diluted for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was a decrease of $2.3 million (100%) from $2.3 million or $0.17 per share – diluted earned during the same period in the prior year.
• Return on average assets declined to 0.00% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 0.81% for the same period in the prior year.
• Return on average equity declined to 0.02% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 9.69% for the same period in the prior year.
• The Company's efficiency ratio was 64.9% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 73.2% during the same period in 2016.
• Net interest income increased $1.4 million (15%) to $10.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $9.4 million for the same period in the prior year.
• Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2017 totaled $5.8 million or 0.46% of total assets, a decrease of $2.5 million since September 30, 2017.
  

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly press release includes forward-looking information, which is subject to the "safe harbor" created by the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements (which involve our plans, beliefs and goals, refer to estimates or use similar terms) involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

• Competitive pressure in the banking industry and changes in the regulatory environment
• Changes in the interest rate environment and volatility of rate sensitive assets and liabilities
• A decline in the health of the economy nationally or regionally which could reduce the demand for loans or reduce the value of real estate collateral securing most of our loans
• Credit quality deterioration which could cause an increase in the provision for loan and lease losses
• Asset/Liability matching risks and liquidity risks
• Changes in the securities markets

For additional information concerning risks and uncertainties related to the Company and its operations, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 under the heading "Risk Factors" and to subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision or update to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date the statements were made.

BALANCE SHEET OVERVIEW

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had total consolidated assets of $1.3 billion, gross loans of $879.8 million, allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") of $11.9 million, total deposits of $1.1 billion, and shareholders' equity of $127.3 million.

The Company recorded gross loan balances of $879.8 million at December 31, 2017, compared with $804.2 million and $824.9 million at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, an increase of $75.6 million and $55.0 million, respectively. The increase in gross loans compared to the same period a year ago and the prior period was driven by organic loan originations and is the result of investments in our SBA division and in our expanded Sacramento commercial banking group.

Average loan balances were $839.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared with $778.5 for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and $805.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $60.5 million or 8% and an increase of $33.9 million or 17% annualized, respectively.

The average yield on loans during the quarter was 4.77% compared to 4.69% and 4.87% for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The prior quarter included $161 thousand of interest income from a nonaccrual loan that was repaid during the quarter and enhanced the average yield by eight basis points.

As of December 31, 2017, we maintained noninterest-bearing cash positions of $18.0 million and interest-bearing deposits of $49.0 million at the Federal Reserve Bank and correspondent banks. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we deployed liquidity provided by the sale of common stock and strong organic deposit growth into organic loan originations, and AFS securities.

During the fourth quarter, we reclassified the entire HTM securities portfolio to AFS. At the date of the reclassification the HTM securities portfolio was recorded at an amortized cost of $30.3 million. The reclassification of securities between categories was accounted for at fair value. At the date of the reclassification, the securities had a fair value of $31.4 million and unrealized holding gains of $1.2 million which were recorded in other comprehensive income.

Investment securities totaled $268.0 million at December 31, 2017, compared with $206.4 million and $263.2 million at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Our investment securities portfolio provides us with a secondary source of liquidity to fund higher yielding asset opportunities, such as loan originations. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we purchased 20 securities with a par value of $29.6 million and weighted average yield of 2.71% and sold 19 securities with a par value of $16.0 million and weighted average yield of 2.33%. The sales activity on available-for-sale securities resulted in $2 thousand in net realized losses. There were no purchases or sales of held-to-maturity securities during the fourth quarter of 2017. During the same period, we received $7.4 million in proceeds from principal payments, calls and maturities within the investment securities portfolio. Average securities balances and weighted average tax equivalent yields for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $272.0 million and 2.94% compared to $197.2 million and 3.02%, respectively.

At December 31, 2017, our net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were $452 thousand compared with net unrealized losses of $1.3 million and net unrealized gains of $630 thousand at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The changes in the net unrealized gain or loss on the investment securities portfolio are primarily due to changes in market interest rates and the reclassification of all HTM securities to AFS during the fourth quarter of 2017.

Total deposits at December 31, 2017, increased $98.1 million or 10% to $1.1 billion compared to December 31, 2016, and increased $39.9 million or 15% annualized compared to September 30, 2017. Total non-maturing deposits increased $124.2 million or 16% compared to the same date a year ago and increased $51.2 million or 24% annualized compared to September 30, 2017. Certificates of deposit decreased $26.1 million or 12% compared to the same date a year ago and decreased $11.2 million or 23% annualized compared to September 30, 2017.

In accordance with regulatory Call Report instructions, the Bank will file (or has filed) quarterly Call Reports which list brokered deposits of $66.3 million, $65.2 million and $56.2 million at December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

INCOME STATEMENT OVERVIEW

Fourth Quarter of 2017 Compared With Fourth Quarter of 2016

Income before provision for income taxes for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $941 thousand compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. In the current quarter, net interest income was $1.4 million higher and noninterest income was $22 thousand higher. These positive changes were offset by provision for loan and lease losses that was $450 thousand higher and noninterest expense that was $66 thousand higher.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income increased $1.4 million compared to the same period a year ago.

Interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $1.5 million or 15% to $12.0 million. Interest and fees on loans increased $902 thousand due to a $60.5 million increase in average loan balances and an eight basis point increase in the average yield on the loan portfolio. Interest on securities increased $513 thousand due to a $74.8 million increase in average securities balances and a six basis point increase in the average yield on the securities portfolio. Interest on interest-bearing deposits due from banks increased $114 thousand primarily due to a 75 basis point increase in average yield resulting from increased fed funds rates.

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $94 thousand or 9% to $1.2 million. The increase was primarily caused by a two basis point increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits and a $60.7 million increase in average interest-bearing demand deposits.

Provision for loan and lease loss

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 the company recorded a provision for loan and lease losses of $450 thousand reflecting growth in the loan portfolio. There was no provision for loan and lease losses during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $22 thousand compared to the fourth quarter for 2016. Net Gains on sale of OREO properties increased $336 thousand while FHLB dividends decreased $272 thousand (a special dividend was recorded during the prior year).

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $66 thousand compared to the same period a year previous. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to the following negative items:

• Compensation costs increased $286 thousand
• Premises and equipment costs increased $51 thousand

These increases were partially offset by the following positive items:

• Professional service fees decreased $202 thousand
• Data processing fees decreased $78 thousand

The Company's efficiency ratio was 64.9% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 73.2% during the same period in 2016.

Income Tax Provision

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, our income tax provision of $3.8 million on pre-tax income of $3.8 million was an effective tax rate of 99.8%. The income tax provision was composed of a $2.5 million write-down of our deferred tax assets and a $1.3 million tax provision on pre-tax net operating income of $3.8 million (34.5%). The $2.5 million write-down occurred when we revalued our deferred tax assets and liabilities to account for the future impact of lower corporate tax rates resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017.

This compares with a provision for income taxes of $572 thousand (19.9% effective tax rate) for the three months ended December 31, 2016. This effective tax rate benefited from a decrease in the amortization  of our investments in affordable housing partnerships.

Fourth Quarter of 2017 Compared With Third Quarter of 2017

Income before provision for income taxes for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased $493 thousand compared to the third quarter of 2017. In the current quarter, net interest income was $285 thousand higher and noninterest income was $206 thousand higher. These positive changes were offset by a provision for loan and lease losses that was $450 thousand higher and noninterest expenses that were $534 thousand higher.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income increased $285 thousand over the prior quarter.

Interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $282 thousand or 2% to $12.0 million. Interest and fees on loans increased $196 thousand due to a $33.9 million increase in average loan balances. Interest on investment securities increased $140 thousand due to a $15.3 million increase in average securities balances and a seven basis point increase in average yield on the securities portfolio. Interest on interest-bearing deposits due from banks decreased $54 thousand due to a $17.3 million decrease in average balances.

Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 decreased $3 thousand or less than 1% to $1.2 million. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased 1 basis point to 42 basis points. Average interest-bearing demand deposit balances increased $24.3 million while average certificate of deposit balances decreased $9.2 million.

Provision for loan and lease loss

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 the company recorded a provision for loan and lease losses of $450 thousand reflecting growth in the loan portfolio. There was no provision for loan and lease losses during the prior quarter.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $206 thousand. During the current quarter gains on sale of OREO increased $265 thousand.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $534 thousand compared to the third quarter of 2017. The increase in noninterest expense included the following items:

• Loan origination cost deferrals decreased $110 thousand
• Employee incentive and other compensation-related costs increased $122 thousand
• Postage and supplies increased $80 thousand due to costs associated with the annual deposit account disclosures
• Recruiting costs increased $82 thousand

The Company's efficiency ratio was 64.9% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 63.1% during the prior quarter.

Income Tax Provision

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, our income tax provision of $3.8 million on pre-tax income of $3.8 million was an effective tax rate of 99.8%. The income tax provision was composed of a $2.5 million write-down of our deferred tax assets and a $1.3 million tax provision on pre-tax net operating income of $3.8 million (34.5%). The $2.5 million write-down occurred when we revalued our deferred tax assets and liabilities to account for the future impact of lower corporate tax rates resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. This compares with a provision for income taxes of $1.4 million (33.2% effective tax rate) for the prior quarter.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share were $0.00 for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the $2.5 million negative net impact of the net deferred tax asset revaluation, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.15 for the three months ended December 31, 2017. This compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.17 for the same period a year ago and diluted earnings per share of $0.18 for the prior period. Net income and weighted average shares used to calculate earnings per share – diluted are summarized in table 6 and the table of "Selected Non-GAAP Financial Information" presented earlier in this press release.

We continue to monitor credit quality and adjust the ALLL to ensure that the ALLL is maintained at a level that is adequate to cover estimated credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio. A combination of net loan losses and loan portfolio growth supported management's decision to record a provision of $450 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2017. There were no provisions for loan and lease losses during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 or the quarter ended December 31, 2016. Our ALLL as a percentage of gross loans was 1.36% as of December 31, 2017 compared to 1.44% as of December 31, 2016 and 1.42% as of September 30, 2017. Based on the Bank's ALLL methodology, which uses criteria such as risk factors and historical loss rates, and given the ongoing improvements in asset quality, management believes the Company's ALLL is adequate at December 31, 2017. There is, however, no assurance that future loan and lease losses will not exceed the levels provided for in the ALLL and could possibly result in future charges to the provision for loan and lease losses.

At December 31, 2017, the recorded investment in loans classified as impaired totaled $13.1 million, with a corresponding specific reserve of $1.2 million compared to impaired loans of $18.8 million with a corresponding specific reserve of $1.5 million at December 31, 2016 and impaired loans of $14.2 million, with a corresponding specific reserve of $918 thousand at September 30, 2017. The decrease in loans classified as impaired compared to the prior quarter is primarily due to one residential real estate equity loan that was paid off during the quarter. The increase in the specific reserve on impaired loans compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to one commercial loan.

There were no new troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, we had 116 restructured loans that qualified as troubled debt restructurings, of which 110 were performing according to their restructured terms.

The December 31, 2017 OREO balance consists of one 1-4 family residential real estate property in the amount of $35 thousand. The decrease in the OREO balance compared to the prior quarter is due to the disposition of one nonfarm nonresidential property, one undeveloped commercial property and one 1-4 family residential property. Net gains on sale of OREO in the current quarter were $346 thousand compared to net gains of $10 thousand and $81 thousand in the same quarter a year ago and in the prior quarter, respectively. Net gains on sale of OREO property in the current quarter were primarily due to one nonfarm nonresidential property that had a carrying value of $565 thousand and sold for $923 thousand resulting in a gain of $358 thousand.