First Bank

10/28/2014 | Press release | Archived content

First Bank Reports Third Quarter 2014 Earnings of $1.1 Million; Total Assets Reach $643 Million

HAMILTON, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 10/28/14 --

First Bank (NASDAQ: FRBA) today announced third quarter 2014 results. Net income for the quarter was $1.1 million or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $492,000 or $0.10 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013 and $923,000 or $0.10 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2014.

Third quarter results were primarily effected by three items: i) $116,000 in merger related expenses for our acquisition of Heritage Community Bank ("HCB"), ii) $857,000 in gains on recovery of acquired loans, and iii) a higher provision for loan losses of $977,000. The higher provision for loan losses in the third quarter was driven by strong loan growth late in the quarter and higher net loan charge offs. Book value per share was $6.79 at the end of the third quarter of 2014, an increase of $0.11 compared to book value of $6.68 at the end of the second quarter of 2014.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $5.3 million compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2013, an increase of $3.9 million or 275.8%. Diluted earnings per share for the comparative periods were $0.57 and $0.30, respectively. For the year over year comparison the increase in net income was due primarily to the bargain purchase gain from the Heritage Community Bank acquisition, reflected in increases in net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by higher non-interest expense and a higher provision for loan losses. The growth in our organic loan portfolio also contributed to the increase in net income for the comparable periods.

President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Ryan discussed the results: "As we expected, strong deposit and loan growth returned in the third quarter. Balance sheet growth more than offset some margin compression, pushing net interest income slightly higher. Certain non-ordinary income and expense items had a significant impact on net results for the quarter. Namely, we collected $857,000 on loans acquired and marked down to zero during the HCB acquisition. Offsetting this income boost was a larger than usual provision for loan losses in the quarter. The higher provision was partly related to incremental additional charge offs during the quarter (mostly related to acquired HCB loans) and partly related to strong commercial loan growth.

"Strategically we made good progress in the quarter. We received approval for our 9th branch, located in Cranbury, New Jersey. Consistent with our low-overhead branching model, the former Yardville National Bank/PNC site is a 2,200 square foot facility with minimal additional investment required. I'm happy to report the branch opened for business on October 20, 2014. Furthermore, we started to enjoy loan growth from our new Bucks County, Pennsylvania lending team. And, importantly, our Northern New Jersey team made continued progress stabilizing the legacy HCB portfolio and the pipeline of new deals is starting to grow."

Ryan continued, "Our post integration analysis of cost savings from the HCB transaction estimates total annualized cost savings of just under $1.0 million. As a point of reference, that is slightly less than 20% of the HCB pre-merger expense base and almost two times our initial merger model estimates of $500,000. Some of those savings started to materialize in the third quarter, while other savings will accrue as we move forward.

"Like many of our competitors, we saw margin compression during the quarter. The rate environment in our markets is not ideal. In addition to continued downward pressure on loan rates, we are now seeing upward pressure on deposit rates. If this continues, margin reductions may work to reduce the operating leverage benefits we expect from the HCB acquisition and continued organic growth."

Highlights

  • Balance Sheet
    • Total assets at September 30, 2014 were $643.5 million, an increase of $32.9 million or 5.4% compared to June 30, 2014, and an increase of $217.8 million or 51.2% compared to September 30, 2013.
    • Total loans reached $505.0 million at September 30, 2014, an increase of $38.1 million or 8.2% compared to June 30, 2014 and an increase of $191.0 million or 60.8% compared to September 30, 2013.
    • Total deposits reached $563.4 million at September 30, 2014, an increase of $31.3 million or 5.9% compared to June 30, 2014 and an increase of $185.2 million or 48.9% compared to September 30, 2013. Non-interest bearing deposits increased to $86.3 million or 15.3% of total deposits at September 30, 2014.
    • Stockholders' equity increased to $63.9 million at September 30, 2014.
    • Book value per share was $6.79 at September 30, 2014 compared to $6.68 per share at June 30, 2014 and $6.73 per share at September 30, 2013. Tangible book value per share was $6.75 at September 30, 2014, compared to $6.64 per share at June 30, 2014 and $6.73 per share at September 30, 2013.
  • Quarterly Income Statement
    • Net interest income for the third quarter of 2014 totaled $5.5 million, an increase of $86,000 or 1.6% compared to $5.4 million for the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $2.0 million or 58.5% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
    • Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2014 totaled $1.1 million, an increase of $762,000 or 241.1% compared to $316,000 for the second quarter of 2014. When compared to the third quarter of 2013, non-interest income increased $992,000 or 1,153.5%.
    • Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2014 totaled $4.1 million, a decrease of $7,000 or 0.2% compared to $4.1 million for the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $1.7 million or 69.5% compared to $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2013.
    • Pre-tax income for the third quarter of 2014 totaled $1.5 million, an increase of $214,000 or 16.8% compared to $1.3 million for the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $655,000 or 78.4% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
    • Net income for the third quarter of 2014 totaled $1.1 million, an increase of $166,000 or 18.0% compared to $923,000 in the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $597,000 or 121.3% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter totaled $0.12, an increase of $0.02 per share or 20.0% compared to $0.10 per share in the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $0.02 per share or 20.0% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
    • The provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2014 totaled $977,000, an increase of $641,000 or 190.8% compared to $336,000 for the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $681,000 or 230.1% compared to the third quarter of 2013.
    • Pre-provision net revenue1 for the third quarter was $1.7 million, a decrease of $11,000 or 0.6% compared to $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2014, and an increase of $595,000 or 52.6% compared to the third quarter of 2013.

1 A non-GAAP metric defined by SNL Financial as net interest income before provision for loan losses plus non interest income excluding non-ordinary items (e.g. gains on sale of investment securities, gains on recovery of acquired loans, and bargain purchase gains) minus non-interest expense excluding non-ordinary items (e.g. merger related expenses).

  • Year to Date Income Statement
    • Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $15.1 million, an increase of $5.5 million or 57.7% compared to $9.6 million for the same period in 2013.
    • Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $4.1 million, an increase of $3.7 million or 908.0% compared to $410,000 for the same period in 2013.
    • Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $11.5 million, an increase of $4.5 million or 65.5% compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2013.
    • The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $1.5 million, an increase of $681,000 or 84.1% compared to $810,000 for the same period in 2013.
  • Other items
    • The tax equivalent net interest margin ("NIM") for the third quarter of 2014 was 3.72% compared to 3.81% for the second quarter of 2014 and 3.57% for the third quarter of 2013.
    • Non-performing assets ("NPAs") were $7.0 million or 1.09% of total assets at September 30, 2014 compared to $5.7 million or 0.94% of total assets at June 30, 2014.
      • Non-accrual loans totaled $4.3 million or 0.85% of total loans at September 30, 2014 compared to non-accrual loans of $3.3 million or 0.71% of total loans at June 30, 2014.
      • Loans 30-89 days past due totaled $8.5 million at September 30, 2014 compared to $7.8 million at June 30, 2014. We had 4 loans over 90 days past due and still accruing at September 30, 2014 totaling $354,000.
      • Other real estate owned (including other repossessed assets) totaled $2.3 million at September 30, 2014.
    • Regulatory capital ratios at September 30, 2014:
      • Tier 1 Leverage ratio of 10.05%
      • Tier 1 Risk-Based capital ratio of 11.38%
      • Total Risk-Based capital ratio of 12.39%
    • The allowance for loan losses ("ALLL") to total loans at September 30, 2014 was 1.09% compared to 1.08% at June 30, 2014. The increase in the ALLL ratio related primarily to an increase in our organic portfolio and payoffs/reductions in the loan portfolio acquired in the Heritage transaction that currently carries no loan loss reserve because of the mark to market accounting treatment on that portfolio at the time of acquisition.
    • 89 full-time equivalent employees ("FTEs") at September 30, 2014, compared to 95 FTEs at June 30, 2014.

About First Bank

First Bank (www.firstbanknj.com) is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with nine full-service branches in Cranbury, Denville, Ewing, Hamilton, Lawrence, Randolph (2), Somerset and Williamstown, New Jersey. With $643 million in assets as of September 30, 2014, First Bank offers a traditional range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses throughout the New York City to Philadelphia, PA corridor. First Bank's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "FRBA".

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, either expressed or implied, which are provided to assist the reader in understanding anticipated future financial performance. These statements may be identified by use of terms such as "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects", "projects", or similar expressions. These statements involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management, which are subject to factors beyond First Bank's control and could impede its ability to achieve these goals. These factors include those listed in our Annual Report on Form 10K under the caption "Item 1A-Risk Factors", and general economic conditions, trends in interest rates, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, and results of regulatory exams, among other factors. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. First Bank does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

                        FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                (in thousands, except share data, unaudited)


                                              September 30,    December 31,
                                                   2014            2013
                                              -------------   -------------
Assets
Cash and due from banks                       $       8,007$       9,787
Interest bearing deposits with banks                 21,637          13,927
                                              -------------   -------------
    Cash and cash equivalents                        29,644          23,714
                                              -------------   -------------
Interest bearing time deposits with banks             5,183           4,903
Investment securities available for sale             41,519          65,017
Investment securities held to maturity (fair
 value of $31,497 at September 30, 2014 and
 $15,353 at December 31, 2013)                       31,240          15,414
Restricted investment in bank stocks                  1,304           1,131
Other investments                                     5,000           5,000
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs               505,008         339,975
  Less: Allowance for loan losses                     5,511           4,675
                                              -------------   -------------
    Net loans                                       499,497         335,300
Premises and equipment, net                           3,439           1,787
Other real estate owned, net                          2,260           1,664
Accrued interest receivable                           1,547           1,232
Bank-owned life insurance                            14,036           8,805
Intangible assets, net                                  375               -
Deferred income taxes                                 7,229           2,352
Other assets                                          1,226             473
                                              -------------   -------------
    Total assets                              $     643,499$     466,792
                                              =============   =============

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits:
  Non-interest bearing                        $      86,252$      48,186
  Interest bearing                                  477,181         350,927
                                              -------------   -------------
    Total deposits                                  563,433         399,113
Long-term borrowings                                 14,000          14,000
Accrued interest payable                                319             156
Other liabilities                                     1,852           1,016
                                              -------------   -------------
    Total liabilities                               579,604         414,285
                                              -------------   -------------
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $2 per share;
 authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares
 issued and outstanding                                   -               -
Common stock, par value $5 per share;
 authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and
 outstanding 9,408,491 shares at September
 30, 2014 and 8,520,299 shares at December
 31, 2013                                            47,042          42,602
Additional paid-in capital                           14,252          13,052
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)               2,960          (2,290)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss                   (359)           (857)
                                              -------------   -------------
    Total stockholders' equity                       63,895          52,507
                                              -------------   -------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                   $     643,499$     466,792
                                              =============   =============
                         FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                (in thousands, except share data, unaudited)


                                Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                                  September 30,           September 30,
                             ----------------------- -----------------------
                                 2014        2013        2014        2013
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Interest and Dividend Income
Investment securities -
 taxable                     $       276$       241$       981$       666
Investment securities - tax-
 exempt                               75          34         205          86
Federal funds sold                     -           -           2           -
Interest bearing deposits
 with banks and other                 63          40         180         118
Loans, including fees              6,129       4,026      16,729      11,214
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total interest and
     dividend income               6,543       4,341      18,097      12,084
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Interest Expense
Deposits                             987         817       2,796       2,341
Borrowings                            55          53         163         144
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total interest expense         1,042         870       2,959       2,485
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net interest income                5,501       3,471      15,138       9,599
Provision for loan losses            977         296       1,491         810
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net interest income after
 provision for loan losses         4,524       3,175      13,647       8,789
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Non-Interest Income
Service fees on deposit
 accounts                             26          21         106          57
Loan fees                              8           7          18          29
Title insurance fees                   -           8           5          23
Income from bank-owned life
 insurance                           103          37         231         110
Gains on sale of investment
 securities, net                       -           -          34          18
Gains on sale of loans held
 for sale                             23           -          37         134
Gain on acquisition of
 Heritage Community Bank               -           -       2,606           -
Gains on recovery of
 acquired loans                      857           -         954           -
Other non-interest income             61          13         142          39
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total non-interest
     income                        1,078          86       4,133         410
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Non-Interest Expense
Salaries and employee
 benefits                          2,125       1,169       5,690       3,500
Occupancy and equipment              523         442       1,429       1,041
Legal fees                            77          72         246         185
Other professional fees              252         227         839         383
Regulatory fees                      165           3         389         170
Directors' fees                      102          57         236         174
Data processing                      196         101         543         306
Marketing and advertising            131          95         320         199
Travel and entertainment              58          36         163         103
Insurance                             36          24         109          85
Other real estate owned
 expense, net                        106          83         300         351
Merger-related expenses              116          39         579          51
Other expense                        225          78         609         371
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total non-interest
     expense                       4,112       2,426      11,452       6,919
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income Before Income Taxes         1,490         835       6,328       2,280
Income tax expense                   401         343       1,078         883
                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Income                   $     1,089$       492$     5,250$     1,397
                             =========== =========== =========== ===========

Basic earnings per share     $      0.12$      0.10$      0.57$      0.30
Diluted earnings per share   $      0.12$      0.10$      0.57$      0.30

Basic weighted average
 common shares outstanding     9,408,491   4,686,965   9,188,573   4,686,965
Diluted weighted average
 common shares outstanding     9,469,294   4,744,088   9,256,116   4,720,805
                                 Three Months Ended September 30,
                      -----------------------------------------------------
                                 2014                        2013
                      --------------------------  -------------------------
                       Average           Average   Average          Average
                                           Rate                       Rate
                       Balance  Interest   (5)     Balance Interest   (5)
                      --------  -------- -------  -------- -------- -------
                                      (dollars in thousands)
Interest earning
 assets
Investment securities
 (1) (2)              $ 66,441$    377    2.25% $ 58,462$    287    1.94%
Loans (3)              478,249     6,129    5.08%  305,633    4,026    5.23%
Federal funds sold
 and interest
bearing deposits with
 banks                  37,729        28    0.29%   17,020       13    0.30%
Restricted investment
 in bank stocks          1,369        14    4.06%    1,084        9    3.29%
Other investments        5,000        21    1.67%    5,000       18    1.43%
                      --------  --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   earning assets (2)  588,788     6,569    4.43%  387,199    4,353    4.46%
Allowance for loan
 losses                 (5,224)                     (4,442)
Non-interest earning
 assets                 38,594                      19,295
                      --------                    --------
  Total assets        $622,158$402,052
                      ========                    ========

Interest bearing
 liabilities
Interest bearing
 demand deposits      $ 19,326        17    0.35% $ 11,932$     10    0.33%
Money market deposits   90,830       119    0.52%   73,855      130    0.70%
Savings deposits       118,611       179    0.60%   87,381      166    0.75%
Time deposits          230,964       672    1.15%  144,383      511    1.40%
                      --------  --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   bearing deposits    459,731       987    0.85%  317,551      817    1.02%
Borrowings              14,000        55    1.56%   12,990       53    1.62%
                      --------  --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   bearing
   liabilities         473,731     1,042    0.87%  330,541      870    1.04%
Non-interest bearing
 deposits               82,866                      38,782
Other liabilities        1,769                       1,286
Stockholders' equity    63,792                      31,443
                      --------                    --------
  Total liabilities
   and stockholders'
   equity             $622,158$402,052
                      ========                    ========
Net interest
 income/interest rate
 spread (2)                        5,527    3.56%             3,483    3.42%
Net interest margin
 (4)                                        3.72%                      3.57%
Tax-equivalent
 adjustment (2)                      (26)                       (12)
                                --------                   --------
Net interest income             $  5,501$  3,471
                                ========                   ========

---------------------

(1) Average balances of investment securities available for sale are based on amortized cost.
(2) Interest and average rates are tax equivalent using a Federal income tax rate of 34 percent.
(3) Average balances of loans include loans on nonaccrual status.
(4) Net interest income divided by average total interest earning assets.
(5) Average rates are annualized.

                                  Nine Months Ended September 30,
                       ----------------------------------------------------
                                  2014                       2013
                       -------------------------  -------------------------
                        Average          Average   Average          Average
                                           Rate                       Rate
                        Balance Interest   (5)     Balance Interest   (5)
                       -------- -------- -------  -------- -------- -------
                                      (dollars in thousands)
Interest earning
 assets
Investment securities
 (1) (2)               $ 73,624$  1,256    2.28% $ 56,114$    781    1.86%
Loans (3)               434,163   16,729    5.15%  285,366   11,214    5.25%
Federal funds sold and
 interest bearing
 deposits with banks     32,124       76    0.32%   17,265       35    0.27%
Restricted investment
 in bank stocks           1,348       40    3.97%      952       24    3.37%
Other investments         5,000       66    1.76%    5,000       59    1.58%
                       -------- --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   earning assets (2)   546,259   18,167    4.45%  364,697   12,113    4.44%
Allowance for loan
 losses                  (4,943)                    (4,326)
Non-interest earning
 assets                  33,621                     19,107
                       --------                   --------
  Total assets         $574,937$379,478
                       ========                   ========

Interest bearing
 liabilities
Interest bearing
 demand deposits       $ 16,972       45    0.35% $ 11,433       30    0.35%
Money market deposits    87,995      364    0.55%   68,706      358    0.70%
Savings deposits        116,097      555    0.64%   86,098      498    0.77%
Time deposits           205,342    1,832    1.19%  132,879    1,455    1.46%
                       -------- --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   bearing deposits     426,406    2,796    0.88%  299,116    2,341    1.05%
Borrowings               14,000      163    1.56%   11,112      144    1.73%
                       -------- --------          -------- --------
  Total interest
   bearing liabilities  440,406    2,959    0.90%  310,228    2,485    1.07%
Non-interest bearing
 deposits                72,690                     36,802
Other liabilities         1,487                        910
Stockholders' equity     60,354                     31,538
                       --------                   --------
  Total liabilities
   and stockholders'
   equity              $574,937$379,478
                       ========                   ========
Net interest
 income/interest rate
 spread (2)                       15,208    3.55%             9,628    3.37%
Net interest margin
 (4)                                        3.72%                      3.53%
Tax-equivalent
 adjustment (2)                      (70)                       (29)
                                --------                   --------
Net interest income             $ 15,138$  9,599
                                ========                   ========

(1) Average balances of investment securities available for sale are based on amortized cost.
(2) Interest and average rates are tax equivalent using a Federal income tax rate of 34 percent.
(3) Average balances of loans include loans on nonaccrual status.
(4) Net interest income divided by average total interest earning assets.
(5) Average rates are annualized.

FIRST BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(in thousands, except share
 data, unaudited)

                                3Q2014   2Q2014   1Q2014   4Q2013   3Q2013
                               -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
EARNINGS
  Net interest income          $  5,501$  5,415$  4,222$  3,607$  3,471
  Provision for loan losses         977      336      178      733      296
  Non-interest income             1,078      316    2,739      102       86
  Non-interest expense            4,112    4,119    3,221    2,469    2,426
  Income tax expense                401      353      324      196      343
  Net income                      1,089      923    3,238      311      492

PER SHARE DATA
  Basic earnings per share     $   0.12$   0.10$   0.37$   0.04$   0.10
  Diluted earnings per share       0.12     0.10     0.37     0.04     0.10
  Book value                       6.79     6.68     6.54     6.16     6.73
  Tangible book value              6.75     6.64     6.50     6.16     6.73

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
  Return on average assets         0.69%    0.61%    2.63%    0.27%    0.49%
  Return on average equity         6.77%    5.95%   23.79%    2.32%    6.21%
  Net interest margin (tax
   equivalent basis)               3.72%    3.81%    3.61%    3.47%    3.57%
  Efficiency ratio                70.12%   68.98%   74.20%   69.20%   68.20%

MARKET DATA
  Market value per share -
   period end                  $   6.15$   6.00$   6.50$   6.34$   6.00
  Market value / book value
   (x)                             0.91     0.90     0.99     1.03     0.89
  Period-end common shares
   outstanding                    9,408    9,408    9,395    8,520    4,687
  Market capitalization        $ 57,859$ 56,448$ 61,068$ 54,017$ 28,122

CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
  Tangible equity / assets         9.87%   10.23%   10.19%   11.25%    7.41%
  Equity / assets                  9.93%   10.29%   10.26%   11.25%    7.41%
  Loans / deposits                89.63%   87.73%   86.27%   85.18%   83.01%

ASSET QUALITY
  Net charge offs              $    490$    165$    124$    600$    104
  Annualized net charge offs /
   average loans                   0.41%    0.14%    0.14%    0.71%    0.14%
  Nonperforming loans          $  4,666$  3,411$  3,175$  3,336$  2,953
  Nonperforming loans / total
   loans                           0.92%    0.73%    0.70%    0.98%    0.94%
  Nonperforming assets         $  7,014$  5,745$  5,539$  5,087$  4,727
  Nonperforming assets / total
   assets                          1.09%    0.94%    0.92%    1.09%    1.11%
  Allowance for loan losses /
   total loans                     1.09%    1.08%    1.05%    1.38%    1.45%

PERIOD-END DATA
  Total assets                 $643,499$610,645$599,212$466,792$425,699
  Total loans                   505,008  466,878  450,424  339,975  314,008
  Total deposits                563,433  532,147  522,102  399,113  378,283
  Total stockholders' equity     63,895   62,847   61,453   52,507   31,561
  Full-time equivalent
   employees                         89       95       91       59       58
   CONTACT:  Patrick L. Ryan President and CEO                                                                             (609) 643-0168  [email protected]

Source: First Bank