FREEHOLD, NJ - (NewMediaWire) - August 18, 2015 - New Jersey Community Bank (OTCQB: NJCB) (the "Bank") reported a net loss of $41 thousand, or ($0.02) per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to earnings of $51 thousand, or $0.03 per common share in the second quarter of 2014. For the first six months of 2015, the Bank reported net loss of $87 thousand, or ($0.05) per common share compared with net income of $42 thousand, or $0.02 per common share for the same period in the prior year. The earnings for first six months and the second quarter 2014 were positively impacted by a reversal of $500 thousand in litigation expense recorded at year-end 2013, as the Bank reached a settlement ending the legal proceeding.

The results for the quarter were negatively impacted by a decline in interest income on loans as a result of a decrease in total loans, coupled with a decline in fee income on deposit accounts. The decline in interest income was largely offset by decreases in interest expense on deposits and provision for loan loss. Net interest margin declined 9 basis points year over year primarily due to a decline in yield on earning assets resulting from the reduction in interest income on loans. 

Management continues to focus on reducing certain concentrations of commercial real estate loans while attempting to increase the commercial and industrial loans segment. In addition, management is taking steps to repair the classified assets in an effort to improve asset quality and credit metrics. While management is focused on making certain enhancements to its infrastructure, including those related to its online banking capability, it continues to seek out additional efficiencies within its operations. 

Balance Sheet Summary At June 30, 2015, total assets were $132.1 million, an increase of $10.0 million from December 31, 2014. Total cash and cash equivalents and due from banks-time deposits increased $9.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, compared to year end 2014, primarily as a result of increase in total deposits. Total investment securities increased $3.3 million from year-end 2014, as management tries to seek avenues to improve interest income while utilizing excess liquidity. Total loans receivable decreased $4.2 million compared to year end 2014, reflecting principal payoffs exceeding new loan originations, as the Bank continues to focus on resolving existing credit issues.

Total deposits increased $10.1 million compared to the levels at year end 2014. Of the total increase, non-interest bearing deposits increased $5.6 million and savings, NOW and money market deposits combined increased $5.2 million, partially offset by $0.7 million decline in total time deposits resulting from maturing time deposits which were not renewed.

Shareholders' equity totaled $14.4 million at June 30, 2015, decreasing moderately from year-end 2014 due to the reported net loss. The Bank's capital ratios remain strong and exceed the regulatory requirements to be deemed a well-capitalized financial institution.

Results of Operations For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, net interest income totaled $1.0 million, decreasing $106 thousand over the same period in the prior year. The decrease in net interest income was a direct result of declining average loans receivables which impacted the interest income on loans. Net interest margin decreased 9 basis points to 3.27% for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, over the comparable quarter in 2014. Average yield on earning assets was 4.12%, decreasing 13 basis points over the prior year and average rate on paying liabilities was 0.85%, a moderate decline over the comparable quarter in the prior year.

The Bank did not record any provision for loan loss during the second quarter 2015 primarily due to declining balances in the loan portfolio. Compared to the second quarter 2014, the provision for loan loss decreased $275 thousand. The allowance for loan loss at period-end was $1.6 million, or 1.94% of total loans. Asset quality continues to be monitored and management estimates the current level of allowance for loan loss to be adequate.

Non-interest income totaled $86 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, a decline of $33 thousand compared with the same quarter in the prior year resulting from decreased levels of fees and service charges on deposit accounts. 

Non-interest expense totaled $1.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $299 thousand from the year-ago same quarter. The increase in non-interest expense was directly related to the reversal of $500 thousand in a litigation expense recorded in the second quarter of 2014 related to a judgment that was subsequently settled at a cost lower than the accrued expense. Had it not been for this one-time adjustment to the operating expenses in 2014, non-interest expenses would have decreased $200 thousand year over year.

Salaries and employee benefits decreased $44 thousand due to a reduction in executive level compensation. Data processing costs decreased $36 thousand quarter over quarter as a result of onetime expenses associated with the installation of a new core processing system in 2014. Professional and other fees decreased $84 thousand, in part due to consulting services utilized by the Bank in connection with complying with the Consent Order among the Bank, the FDIC and the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance during 2014. All other expenses increased $468 thousand primarily due to absence of a non-recurring litigation cost reversal of $500 thousand recorded during the second quarter of 2014.

The Bank also announced that Mr. Robert D. O'Donnell is no longer serving as Chairman of the Board of the Bank. Mr. William H. Placke, President and CEO, has been named Chairman as the Bank continues its previously announced search for a new President and CEO. Mr. O'Donnell remains on the Board of Directors of the Bank.

About the Bank New Jersey Community Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Freehold, New Jersey. The Bank opened for business in July 2008 and operates three full-service banking offices in the central New Jersey counties of Monmouth and Middlesex. The Bank provides traditional commercial and retail banking services to small businesses and consumers. For additional information about New Jersey Community Bank, please visit www.njcbk.com or call 732-431-2265.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry, and specifically the financial condition and results of operations, including without limitation, statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Bank, as well as its operations, markets and products. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated. Among the important factors that could cause results to differ materially are interest rate changes, change in economic climate, which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans, changes in the mix of the Bank's business, competitive pressures, changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements, resolution of tax reviews, and those risk factors detailed in the Bank's periodic reports. The Bank undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.