/EINPresswire.com/ -- STATEN ISLAND, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 07/13/16 -- VSB Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: VSBN) reported net income of $559,268 for the second quarter of 2016, an increase of $263,983, or 89.4%, from the second quarter of 2015. The following unaudited figures were released today. Pre-tax income was $860,456 in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $682,452 for the second quarter of 2015. Net income for the quarter was $559,268, or basic income of $0.32 per common share, compared to a net income of $295,285, or $0.17 basic net income per common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Return on average assets increased from 0.41% in the second quarter of 2015 to 0.66% in the second quarter of 2016, while return on average equity increased from 4.19% to 7.24%.

The $263,983 increase in net income was due to an increase in net interest income of $179,798, a decrease in non-interest expenses of $124,180 and an decrease in the provision for income taxes of $85,979, due to a lower effective tax rate (the 2015 period had a $155,266 valuation allowance recorded against the New York City portion of our existing net deferred tax asset due to a change in New York City tax laws in April 2015), partially offset by an increase in pre-tax income. The increase was partially offset by an increase in the provision for loan loss of $115,000 due to loan growth and loan charge-offs and a decrease in non-interest income of $10,974.

The $179,798 increase in net interest income for the second quarter of 2016 occurred primarily because our interest income increased by $230,484, while our cost of funds increased by $50,686. The rise in interest income resulted from an $183,520 increase in income from loans ($116,681 included in the 2015 period was due to a recovery of interest income on a previously non-performing loan), due to a $20.2 million increase in average loan balance between the periods, partially offset by a 7 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 21.2% as we implemented our strategy to increase our loan portfolio, which helped improve our average asset yields. Income from investment securities increased slightly by $18,193, as the 9 basis point increase in the yield was partially offset by the $3.4 million decrease in the average balance, as we looked to deploy lower yielding assets into loans.

Interest income from other interest earning assets (principally overnight investments) increased by $28,771 due to a $16.9 million increase in the average balance and a 25 basis point increase in the average yield. Overall, average interest-earning assets increased by $33.7 million from the second quarter of 2015 to the second quarter of 2016.

The increase in interest expense was principally due to a $41,900 increase in the cost of money market accounts, due to a 20 basis point increase in average cost and a $8.8 million increase in the average balance. There was also a $12,161 increase in interest on time accounts, as the average cost increased by 9 basis points while the average balance between periods decreased by $1.4 million. We also experienced a $8,862 increase in interest on NOW accounts. These increases were partially offset by $12,237 drop in the cost of savings accounts, as the average balance between periods decreased by $2.4 million and the average cost decreased by 18 basis points. Our overall average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased by 8 basis points as the Federal Reserve increased the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points in December 2015, resulting in upward pressure on deposit rates generally.

Average demand deposits, an interest free source of funds for us to invest, increased $18.3 million from the second quarter of 2015 and represented approximately 40% of average total deposits for the second quarter of 2016. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $12.7 million, resulting in an overall $31.0 million increase in average total deposits from the second quarter of 2015 to the second quarter of 2016.

The average yield on earning assets rose by 8 basis points while the average cost of funds rose by 8 basis points. The increase in the yield on assets was principally due to the change in asset mix as we redeployed lower yielding investments into loans. Our interest rate margin increased by 4 basis points from 3.05% to 3.09% when comparing the second quarter of 2016 to the same quarter in 2015, while our interest rate spread remained flat at 2.86%. The margin increased because of a combination of multiple factors. Loans increased as a percentage of interest-earning assets from 33.6% in the second quarter of 2015 to 36.4% in the second quarter of 2016. In addition, the yield we were able to obtain on the average balance of our investment securities increased as the increase in the federal funds rate drove an increase in market yields available on such securities. The resulting 8 basis point increase in average yield on earning assets had a positive effect margin due to an increase in earnings from assets funded by non-interest bearing demand deposits and capital. However, the effect of the increase in yield on reported spread was restrained by the corresponding rise in the cost of deposits as market expectations, although lessened, of additional increases in the federal funds rate this year increased competition for deposits at current rates before rates increase.

Non-interest income decreased slightly to $754,525 in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $765,499 in the same quarter in 2015. The decrease was a result of a $73,611 decrease in other income as we had $68,718 in non-interest income recorded upon the settlement of pending litigation in the 2015 period, a $46,379 reduction in service charges on deposits, which consist mainly of fees on items being presented for payment against insufficient funds, which are inherently volatile and a $12,788 decrease in rental income as we collected all rents past due in the 2nd quarter of 2015. This was partially offset by a $120,751 gain on the sale of REO property in the 2016 period.

Comparing the second quarter of 2016 with the same quarter in 2015, non-interest expense decreased by $124,180, totaling $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2016. Non-interest expense decreased for various business reasons including: (i) an $185,094 decrease in other expenses (due to $167,372 more in collection expenses in the 2015 period related principally to the sale of the two non-performing loans in the second quarter of 2015); and (ii) a $30,883 decrease in occupancy expenses due to a lower level of repairs and the retirement of certain fixed assets; and (iii) a $19,000 decrease in FDIC assessments due to a reduction in the rate charged. The decreases were partially offset by an $112,085 increase in salary and benefit costs due to a higher level of staff.

Total assets increased to $327.3 million at June 30, 2016, an increase of $20.9 million, or 6.8%, from December 31, 2015. The significant component of this increase was a $14.8 million increase in loans and a $14.4 million increase in cash and other liquid assets, which was partially offset by a $7.5 million decrease in investment securities. Our non-performing loans decreased from $1.9 million at December 31, 2015 to $1.2 million at June 30, 2016, due primarily to the payoff of $730,548 of non-performing loans, and the charge-off of $140,741 in non-accrual loans in 2016. Total OREO stood at $54,000 at June 30, 2016. Total deposits, including escrow deposits, increased to $295.9 million, an increase of $19.6 million, or 7.1% during 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $17.4 million in demand and checking deposits, $7.7 million in NOW accounts, and $1.1 million in saving accounts, partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in money market accounts and a $2.8 million decrease in time deposits.

Our total stockholders' equity increased by $1.1 million, principally due to $863,443 in retained earnings, $298,104 in other comprehensive income, a net decrease in treasury stock of $271,630 (due to the issuance of 50,000 common shares to the RRP shares from Treasury Shares and the repurchase of 18,200 shares of common stock during 2016) and $50,062 of amortization of our ESOP loan. These increases were partially offset by a $344,804 decrease in additional paid in capital, due to the net change in treasury shares. We are currently in our fourth stock repurchase program. VSB Bancorp's Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.15% at June 30, 2016. Book value per common share increased from $16.00 at year end 2015 to $16.37 at June 30, 2016.

For the first six months of 2016, pre-tax income increased to $1.7 million from $1.1 million for the first six months of 2015, an improvement of $590,127, or 52.9%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $1.1 million, or basic net income of $0.64 per common share, as compared to net income of $546,630, or basic net income of $0.31 per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was attributable principally to a $547,285 increase in net interest income and a $44,288 decrease in non-interest expenses partially offset by a $28,093 increase in the provision for income taxes. The tax effect of the increase in pre-tax income was partially offset because our effective tax rate was lower in 2016 than in 2015, due to the $155,266 valuation allowance we recorded against of our deferred tax asset in the 2015 period, as discussed above.

The decrease in non-interest expense of $44,288 was due primarily to a $123,307 decrease in other expenses (due to $153,256 more collection expenses in the 2015 period principally related to the sale of the two non-performing loans), a $46,461 decrease in legal fees due to lower collection costs, a $43,000 decrease in FDIC assessments due to a reduction in the rate charged and a $38,023 decrease in occupancy expenses due to a lower level of repairs and the retirement of certain fixed assets. These decreases were partially offset by a $211,214 increase in salary and benefit costs due to a higher level of staff. The net interest margin increased by 8 basis points to 3.10% for the six months ended June 30, 2016 from 3.02% in the same period in 2015, as the average balance of our loans grew by 30%, the average balance on our investment securities dropped by 14%. Average interest earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased by $33.3 million, or 11.9%, from the same period in 2015.

Raffaele (Ralph) M. Branca, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s President and CEO, stated, "The increases in our loan portfolio have helped us to generate a higher net interest margin. Our deposit mix remains strong, as demand deposits continue to be a major portion of our base." Joseph J. LiBassi, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s Chairman, stated, "Our return on assets and return on equity have steadily increased over the past year. Our book value per share rose to $16.37. Our philosophy of delivering the best in customer service has been responsible for our long term success."

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 $29.9 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).

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, 2016
                                (unaudited)

                                                   June 30,    December 31,
                                                     2016          2015
                                                 ------------  ------------

Assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents                      $ 29,213,498  $ 14,845,096
  Investment securities, available for sale        53,764,431    58,096,583
  Investment securities, held to maturity         117,417,396   120,585,784
  Loans receivable                                119,093,573   104,341,670
    Allowance for loan loss                        (1,368,396)   (1,290,563)
                                                 ------------  ------------
      Loans receivable, net                       117,725,177   103,051,107
  Bank premises and equipment, net                  1,390,341     1,528,914
  Accrued interest receivable                         731,598       743,375
  Bank owned life insurance                         5,255,624     5,194,945
  Other assets                                      1,762,744     2,361,325
                                                 ------------  ------------
        Total assets                             $327,260,809  $306,407,129
                                                 ============  ============

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:

Liabilities:
  Deposits:
    Demand and checking                          $119,044,958  $101,659,731
    NOW                                            39,114,065    31,428,768
    Money market                                   56,970,063    60,912,775
    Savings                                        22,245,678    21,136,015
    Time                                           58,284,696    61,110,374
                                                 ------------  ------------
      Total Deposits                              295,659,460   276,247,663
  Escrow deposits                                     224,013        56,600
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses             1,439,609     1,303,575
                                                 ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities                           297,323,082   277,607,838
                                                 ------------  ------------


Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, ($.0001 par value, 10,000,000
   shares authorized 2,086,509 issued, 1,829,198
   outstanding at June 30, 2016 and 2,078,509
   issued, 1,799,398 outstanding at December 31,
   2015)                                                  209           208
  Additional paid in capital                       10,167,237    10,512,041
  Retained earnings                                22,884,450    22,021,007
  Treasury stock, at cost (257,311 shares at
   June 30, 2016 and 279,111 at December 31,
   2015)                                           (2,704,545)   (2,976,175)
  Unearned ESOP shares                               (784,313)     (834,375)
  Accumulated other comprehensive gain, net of
   taxes of $201,756 and $41,238, respectively        374,689        76,585
                                                 ------------  ------------

      Total stockholders' equity                   29,937,727    28,799,291
                                                 ------------  ------------

      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $327,260,809  $306,407,129
                                                 ============  ============


                              VSB Bancorp, Inc.
                    Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                June 30, 2016
                                 (unaudited)

                         Three months  Three months  Six months   Six months
                             ended         ended       ended        ended
                           June 30,      June 30,     June 30,     June 30,
                             2016          2015         2016         2015
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
Interest and dividend
 income:
  Loans receivable       $  1,751,010  $  1,567,490 $ 3,448,605  $ 2,847,372
  Investment securities       884,336       866,143   1,783,522    1,772,263
  Other interest earning
   assets                      36,151         7,380      65,512       14,753
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Total interest
     income                 2,671,497     2,441,013   5,297,639    4,634,388

Interest expense:
  NOW                          20,107        11,245      34,162       21,721
  Money market                115,136        73,236     239,809      144,508
  Savings                      11,972        24,209      23,513       47,922
  Time                         86,450        74,289     172,838      140,205
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Total interest
     expense                  233,665       182,979     470,322      354,356

Net interest income         2,437,832     2,258,034   4,827,317    4,280,032
Provision for loan loss       145,000        30,000     195,000      190,000
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Net interest income
     after provision for
     loan loss              2,292,832     2,228,034   4,632,317    4,090,032

Non-interest income:
  Loan fees                    11,724        10,671      24,590       21,337
  Service charges on
   deposits                   510,961       557,340   1,027,917    1,085,861
  Net rental income            24,475        37,263      38,029       41,102
  Other income                207,365       160,225     305,615      244,297
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Total non-interest
     income                   754,525       765,499   1,396,151    1,392,597

Non-interest expenses:
  Salaries and benefits     1,133,048     1,020,963   2,256,679    2,045,465
  Occupancy expenses          312,342       343,225     648,158      686,181
  Legal expense                43,988        50,977      86,275      132,736
  Professional fees            92,325        87,300     180,656      181,628
  Computer expense             98,223        95,822     193,675      190,664
  Director fees                61,275        63,000     118,725      125,475
  FDIC and NYSBD
   assessments                 47,000        66,000      89,000      132,000
  Other expenses              398,700       583,794     749,582      872,889
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Total non-interest
     expenses               2,186,901     2,311,081   4,322,750    4,367,038

      Income before
       income taxes           860,456       682,452   1,705,718    1,115,591
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------

Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes:
  Current                     337,266        64,484     679,752      314,070
  Deferred                    (36,078)      322,683     (82,698)     254,891
                         ------------  ------------ -----------  -----------
    Total provision for
     income taxes             301,188       387,167     597,054      568,961

        Net income       $    559,268  $    295,285 $ 1,108,664  $   546,630
                         ============  ============ ===========  ===========

Basic net income per
 common share            $       0.32  $       0.17 $      0.64  $      0.31
                         ============  ============ ===========  ===========

Diluted net income per
 share                   $       0.32  $       0.17 $      0.64  $      0.31
                         ============  ============ ===========  ===========

Book value per common
 share                   $      16.37  $      15.68 $     16.37  $     15.68
                         ============  ============ ===========  ===========

Contact Name:
Ralph M. Branca
President & CEO
(718) 979-1100

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.