Communities First Financial Corporation Reports Record 2Q16 and YTD Earnings
FRESNO, Calif., July 19, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Communities First Financial Corporation (the “Company”) (OTCQX:CFST), Fresno, CA, the parent company of Fresno First Bank (the “Bank”), today reported record profits for the second quarter and first half of 2016. Net income increased 5.3% to $738,000, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $701,000, or $0.26 per diluted share, on a linked quarter basis and grew 8.9% from $677,000, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months ended June 30, 2016, net income increased 8.7% to $1.4 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, from $1.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, for the first six months ended June 30, 2015.
“We achieved record profits for the second quarter and first half of 2016, reflecting the overall strength and diversity of our business in Central California. Highlighting our strong operating performance were solid gross revenue growth, strong year-over-year deposit and loan growth and an expanding net interest margin,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy to grow our customer base is gaining momentum with our new customer acquisition rate running approximately 25% ahead of 2015.
“Overall loan growth continued to be brisk at 16% year-over-year and 8% on a linked quarter basis. Growth in most of our loan categories demonstrates our ability to deepen and grow customer relationships, as well as gain new customers and market share,” added Miller. “We, again, achieved above average performance with a return on average assets at 1.01%, return on average equity at 10.65%, and an efficiency ratio of 57.35% for Q2 2016.” The 627 banks in the SNL MicroCap Index, which includes CFST, averaged an ROAA of 0.73%, an ROAE of 7.12%, and an efficiency ratio of 71.36%, at March 31, 2016.
Second quarter 2016 Highlights (as of, or for the period ended June 30, 2016, except where noted)
- Revenue (net interest income before provision for loan losses, plus non-interest income) grew 12.4% to $6.7 million, year-over-year.
- Primarily as a results of strong loan growth funded by noninterest-bearing checking accounts, net interest income increased 13.2% to $5.88 million for the first half of 2016, compared to $5.19 million for the first half of 2015. For the second quarter of 2016, net interest income increased 5.3% to $3.01 million from $2.86 million for the preceding quarter and grew 15.1% compared to $2.62 million for the second quarter a year ago.
- Non-interest income increased 7.3% to $838,000 for the first six months of 2016, compared to $781,000 for the like period a year ago. For the second quarter of 2016, non-interest income grew 15% to $448,000 from $390,00 for the preceding quarter, and increased 12.5% from $398,000 year-over-year.
- Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 4.25% in the second quarter, compared to 3.99% in the preceding quarter and 4.27% in the second quarter a year earlier. For the first half of 2016, NIM was 4.12% compared to 4.26% for the first half of 2015.
- Efficiency ratio continued to improve, dropping to 57.35% in 2Q16 from 58.54% in 1Q16 and 59.99% in 2Q15. YTD, the efficiency ratio was 57.94% compared to 60.34% for the first six months of 2015.
- Total deposits grew 12% to $257.4 million at June 30, 2016, from $230.1 million a year ago.
- Total loans increased 16% to $207.8 million compared to $179.5 million a year earlier.
- The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) was 1.96% of total loans at June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, compared to 1.97% at June 30, 2015.
- Capital ratios remain strong with a tangible shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets ratio of 9.86% at June 30, 2016.
FRESNO, CA Update:
As reported by the Economic Expansion Act earlier this year, initiatives are moving forward to build infrastructure to support the Fresno economy. The report cited three major projects underway locally: $600 million worth of water infrastructure projects, 700 acres of ‘shovel-ready’ industrial land in the City of Fresno, and a discounted power rate approved by the Public Utilities Commission for companies who want to locate or expand in the San Joaquin Valley.
These investments provide a significant boost to the local economy. Fresno’s unemployment rate has been cut nearly in half over the last 5 years, and a 4.5% growth rate in 2014 made Fresno one of the best job creating metro economies in the U.S. Fresno has enjoyed a 20% increase in tech jobs since 2011, according to the Progressive Policy Institute’s July 2015 research.
http://www.fresno.gov/News/PressReleases/2016/eea.htm
Results of Operations
Net interest income increased 5% to $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $2.9 million on a linked quarter basis, and grew 15% from $2.6 million for the second quarter a year ago, primarily as a result of strong year-over-year loan growth. For the first six months of 2016, net interest income grew 13% to $5.9 million, from $5.2 million for the first six months of 2015.
The provision for loan losses totaled $315,000 for the second quarter of 2016, compared to a $210,000 provision for the first quarter of 2016, and a $125,000 provision in the second quarter of 2015. “We continue to build reserves based on strong loan growth. In addition, we believe that we have elevated risk in our non-accrual portfolio, because all of our $2.4 million in nonperforming loans are concentrated with a single borrower,” said Steve Canfield, Chief Financial Officer.
Non-interest income increased 15% to $448,000 for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $390,000 for the first quarter of 2016 and grew 13% from $398,000 for the second quarter of 2015, reflecting an increase in sales of SBA loans, a larger portfolio of loans being serviced, and increased Merchant Services income volumes. Offsetting the increase in non-interest income was a decline in miscellaneous dividend and fee income year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of investment securities in 2015.
Net interest margin expanded 26 basis points to 4.25% for the second quarter of 2016, compared to 3.99% for the first quarter of 2016, and contracted 2 basis points from 4.27% a year ago. The improvement in the net interest margin from the first quarter of 2016 was mainly due to higher volumes of loans and investments which replaced lower yielding overnight funds. “Our net interest margin remains well above the average of 3.53% generated by the 627 banks in the SNL MicroCap Index at March 31, 2016,” said Canfield.
Total operating expenses increased 2.4% to $1.9 million for the second quarter of 2016 on a linked quarter basis, and grew 8.8% from $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2015. Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016, increased 8.4% to $3.8 million, compared to $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher compensation costs that resulted from hiring additional staff. Lower occupancy cost and regulatory assessments partially offset these expenses.
The efficiency ratio for the second quarter of 2016 improved to 57.35%, compared to 58.54% for the first quarter of 2016 and 59.99% for the second quarter of 2015. Year-to-date, the efficiency ratio improved to 57.94% compared to 60.34% for the first six months of 2015.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets were $292.3 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $297.2 million at March 31, 2016 and $256.6 million a year earlier. The total loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale, increased 8% to $207.8 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $192.2 million three months earlier, and increased 16% compared to $179.5 million year-over-year.
The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio, an area of specialty for Fresno First Bank, totaled $86.8 million and represented 42% of the total loans at June 30, 2016. Commercial real estate (CRE) loans totaled $68.4 million and comprise 33% of loans. Agriculture and land loans totaled $23.0 million represented 11% of loans, residential home loans were $13.7 million, or 7% of loans and, real estate construction and land development loans were $15.7 million, or 7% of loans.
Total deposits increased 12% reaching $257.4 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $230.1 million from a year earlier. “In addition to normal seasonality in our deposit flow, we lost one large deposit during the second quarter, which was expected, causing a 4% decline on a linked quarter basis,” added Canfield. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 17% to $118.0 million, representing 46% of total deposits, compared to $100.5 million, or 44% of deposits a year ago.
The ratio of loans to deposits was 80.72% at June 30, 2016, compared to 71.48% in the preceding quarter and 78.03% one year earlier.
Total stockholder equity was $28.8 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $25.8 million a year ago. Book value per share was $10.57 at June 30, 2016, compared to $9.78 a year ago.
Asset Quality
“We are seeing very stable pricing in our local real estate market, for both residential and commercial properties. Demand remains strong while supply is growing, but not at an accelerated pace,” said Miller. Non-performing assets consisted of one commercial and industrial loan relationship totaling $2.4 million at June 30, 2016, unchanged from both March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2015. Total delinquent loans (30 to 90 days past due and still accruing) were $118,000 at the end of the quarter compared to $2,000 on a linked quarter basis. There were no delinquent loans a year ago. Loan loss reserves were 1.96% of total loans and 1.40% of total assets at June 30, 2016, compared to 1.96% of loans and 1.27% of assets at March 31, 2016 and 1.97% of loans and 1.38% of assets at June 30, 2015.
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.
Quarterly Select Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands, except per share data) | June 30, 2016 |
Mar 31, 2016 | Three Month Change |
June 30, 2015 |
One Year % Change |
|||||||||||
STATEMENT OF INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Income | ||||||||||||||||
Loan interest income | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,565 | 5.7 | % | $ | 2,342 | 15.7 | % | ||||||
Investment income | 319 | 298 | 7.1 | % | 279 | 14.4 | % | |||||||||
Interest on overnight funds and deps. in other banks | 57 | 79 | -27.0 | % | 31 | 88.4 | % | |||||||||
Dividends from non-marketable equity | 36 | 30 | 19.8 | % | 67 | -46.2 | % | |||||||||
Interest income | 3,123 | 2,971 | 5.1 | % | 2,718 | 14.9 | % | |||||||||
Total Interest expense | 109 | 110 | -0.9 | % | 99 | 10.1 | % | |||||||||
Net Interest Income | 3,014 | 2,861 | 5.3 | % | 2,619 | 15.1 | % | |||||||||
Provision for loan losses | (315 | ) | (210 | ) | (125 | ) | 152.0 | % | ||||||||
Net interest income after provision | 2,699 | 2,651 | 1.8 | % | 2,494 | 8.2 | % | |||||||||
Non-interest income | 448 | 390 | 14.9 | % | 398 | -100.0 | % | |||||||||
Non-Interest Expense: | ||||||||||||||||
Salaries & employee benefits | 1,157 | 1,080 | 7.1 | % | 957 | 20.8 | % | |||||||||
Occupancy expense | 123 | 135 | -8.9 | % | 140 | -12.1 | % | |||||||||
Other operating expense | 666 | 685 | -2.8 | % | 692 | -3.7 | % | |||||||||
Non-interest expense | 1,946 | 1,900 | 2.4 | % | 1,789 | 8.8 | % | |||||||||
Net income before tax | 1,201 | 1,141 | 5.3 | % | 1,103 | 8.9 | % | |||||||||
Tax provision (benefit) | 464 | 440 | 5.5 | % | 426 | 8.9 | % | |||||||||
Net income after tax | $ | 738 | $ | 701 | 5.1 | % | $ | 677 | 8.9 | % | ||||||
SHARE DATA: | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Fully diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 | 5.0 | % | $ | 0.25 | 8.0 | % | ||||||
Book Value per Common Share (Assumes Conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Preferred) | $ | 10.41 | $ | 10.09 | 3.2 | % | $ | 9.40 | 10.8 | % | ||||||
Common shares outstanding | 2,727,019 | 2,725,917 | 1,973,653 | |||||||||||||
Fully diluted shares | 2,746,090 | 2,746,555 | 2,706,064 | |||||||||||||
CFST - Stock Price | $ | 9.86 | $ | 9.95 | $ | 10.20 | ||||||||||
SELECTED RATIOS: | ||||||||||||||||
Return on average assets | 1.01 | % | .96% | 1.08 | % | |||||||||||
Return on average equity | 10.65 | % | 10.58 | % | 10.75 | % | ||||||||||
Equity to assets | 9.86 | % | 9.41 | % | 9.86 | % | ||||||||||
Net interest margin | 4.25 | % | 3.99 | % | 4.27 | % | ||||||||||
Efficiency ratio | 57.35 | % | 58.54 | % | 59.99 | % | ||||||||||
Year to Year Financial Data | ||||||||||
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, 2016 | June 30, 2015 | % Change | ||||||||
STATEMENT OF INCOME | ||||||||||
Interest Income | ||||||||||
Loan interest income | $ | 5,275 | $ | 4,631 | 13.9 | % | ||||
Investment income | 617 | 611 | 1.0 | % | ||||||
Interest on overnight funds and deps. in other banks | 136 | 59 | 132.1 | % | ||||||
Dividends from non-marketable equity | 66 | 96 | -31.7 | % | ||||||
Interest income | 6,094 | 5,397 | 12.9 | % | ||||||
Total Interest expense | 219 | 206 | 6.1 | % | ||||||
Net Interest Income | 5,875 | 5,191 | 13.2 | % | ||||||
Provision for loan losses | (525 | ) | (270 | ) | 94.4 | % | ||||
Net interest income after provision | 5,350 | 4,921 | 8.7 | % | ||||||
Non-interest income | 838 | 781 | 7.3 | % | ||||||
Non-Interest Expense: | ||||||||||
Salaries & employee benefits | 2,236 | 1,999 | 11.9 | % | ||||||
Occupancy expense | 258 | 283 | -8.8 | % | ||||||
Other operating expense | 1,352 | 1,265 | 6.9 | % | ||||||
Non-interest expense | 3,846 | 3,547 | 8.4 | % | ||||||
Net income before tax | 2,342 | 2,155 | 8.7 | % | ||||||
Tax provision (benefit) | 904 | 832 | 8.7 | % | ||||||
Net income after tax | $ | 1,438 | $ | 1,323 | 8.7 | % | ||||
SHARE DATA: | ||||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||
Fully diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.49 | 8.0 | % | ||||
SELECTED RATIOS: | ||||||||||
Return on average assets | 0.98 | % | 1.06 | % | ||||||
Return on average equity | 10.62 | % | 10.70 | % | ||||||
Net interest margin | 4.12 | % | 4.26 | % | ||||||
Efficiency ratio | 57.94 | % | 60.34 | % | ||||||
BALANCE SHEET DATA: ($ in thousands ) | ||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2016 |
Mar 31, 2016 | Three Month Change |
June 30, 2015 |
One Year % Change |
||||||||||||
ASSETS - PERIOD END BALANCES: | ||||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 7,716 | $ | 9,272 | -16.8 | % | $ | 7,621 | 1.2 | % | ||||||
Fed funds sold and deps in banks | 4,516 | 22,738 | -80.1 | % | 5,505 | -18.0 | % | |||||||||
CDs in Other Banks | 5,695 | 5,699 | -0.1 | % | 5,450 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||
Investment securities | 66,369 | 67,071 | -1.0 | % | 5,733 | 1057.7 | % | |||||||||
Total loans outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
RE Constr & Land Development | 15,693 | 12,885 | 21.8 | % | 9,729 | 61.3 | % | |||||||||
Residential RE 1-4 Family | 13,701 | 15,388 | -11.0 | % | 15,625 | -12.3 | % | |||||||||
Commercial Real Estate | 68,424 | 64,553 | 6.0 | % | 58,835 | 16.3 | % | |||||||||
Agriculture | 23,026 | 19,790 | 16.3 | % | 19,049 | 20.9 | % | |||||||||
Commercial and Industrial | 86,813 | 79,484 | 9.2 | % | 76,224 | 13.9 | % | |||||||||
Consumer and Other | 128 | 85 | 49.7 | % | 73 | 75.0 | % | |||||||||
Total Loans | 207,785 | 192,186 | 8.1 | % | 179,535 | 15.7 | % | |||||||||
Deferred fees & discounts | (319 | ) | (341 | ) | (216 | ) | 47.5 | % | ||||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (4,081 | ) | (3,766 | ) | 8.4 | % | (3,540 | ) | 15.3 | % | ||||||
Loans, net | 203,384 | 188,078 | 8.1 | % | 175,779 | 15.7 | % | |||||||||
Non marketable equity investments | 1,808 | 1,653 | 9.4 | % | 1,649 | 9.6 | % | |||||||||
Accrued interest and other assets | 2,667 | 2,585 | 3.2 | % | 2,585 | 3.2 | % | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 292,317 | $ | 297,238 | -1.7 | % | $ | 256,555 | 13.9 | % | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||
Deposits: | ||||||||||||||||
Non-interest bearing deposits | $ | 117,984 | $ | 111,694 | 5.6 | % | $ | 100,512 | 17.4 | % | ||||||
Interest Checking | 7,828 | 7,439 | 5.2 | % | 6,023 | 30.0 | % | |||||||||
Savings | 34,780 | 46,196 | -24.7 | % | 39,096 | -11.0 | % | |||||||||
Money Market | 55,436 | 66,664 | -16.8 | % | 50,743 | 9.2 | % | |||||||||
Certificates of Deposit | 41,397 | 36,889 | 12.2 | % | 33,721 | 22.8 | % | |||||||||
Total Deposits | 257,425 | 268,881 | -4.3 | % | 230,095 | 11.9 | % | |||||||||
Borrowings | 5,538 | - | - | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 520 | 385 | 35.1 | % | 625 | -16.7 | % | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 263,483 | 269,267 | -2.1 | % | 230,719 | 14.2 | % | |||||||||
Common, preferred & paid in capital | 26,980 | 26,943 | 0.1 | % | 26,875 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||
Retained earnings (deficit) | 1,138 | 400 | 184.5 | % | (1,365 | ) | -183.4 | % | ||||||||
Total equity | 28,118 | 27,343 | 2.8 | % | 25,510 | 10.2 | % | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 717 | 628 | 14.2 | % | 325 | 120.6 | % | |||||||||
Shareholders equity, net | 28,835 | 27,971 | 3.1 | % | 25,835 | 11.6 | % | |||||||||
Total Liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 292,318 | $ | 297,238 | -1.7 | % | $ | 256,554 | 13.9 | % | ||||||
BALANCE SHEET DATA - AVERAGES: | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 292,852 | $ | 297,991 | -1.7 | % | $ | 253,291 | 15.6 | % | ||||||
Total loans | 199,996 | 190,531 | 5.0 | % | 173,062 | 15.6 | % | |||||||||
Investment securities | 66,164 | 68,620 | -3.6 | % | 57,612 | 14.8 | % | |||||||||
Deposits | 263,555 | 269,902 | -2.4 | % | 226,772 | 16.2 | % | |||||||||
Shareholders equity, net | $ | 28,373 | $ | 27,626 | 2.7 | % | $ | 25,766 | 10.1 | % | ||||||
Loans to deposits | 75.88 | % | 70.59 | % | 76.32 | % | ||||||||||
ASSET QUALITY ($ in thousands) | June 30, 2016 | Mar 31, 2016 | June 30, 2015 | ||||||
Loans on Non Accrual | $ | 2,360 | $ | 2,360 | $ | 2,442 | |||
Other real estate owned | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | |||
Nonperforming Assets | $ | 2,360 | $ | 2,360 | $ | 2,442 | |||
Non Accrual / Total Loans | 1.14 | % | 1.23 | % | 1.36 | % | |||
Nonperforming assets to total assets | .81 | % | .79 | % | .95 | % | |||
Charge-Offs | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 66 | |||
Recoveries | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 275 | |||
Net Charge-Offs/Recoveries | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 209 | |||
Net loan losses (recoveries) to average loans | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | |||
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses | |||||||||
ALLL / Total Loans | 1.96 | % | 1.96 | % | 1.97 | % | |||
ALLL / Total Assets | 1.40 | % | 1.27 | % | 1.38 | % | |||
Delinquent loans 30-90 days | $ | 118 | $ | 2 | $ | 0 | |||
Contact Steve Miller - CEO or Steve Canfield – CFO 559-439-0200 The Cereghino Group IR CONTACT: 206-388-5785
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