ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Jan. 23, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:NRIM) today reported total assets crossed the $1 billion mark at year end 2007 following the fourth quarter completion of its acquisition of Alaska First Bank & Trust, N.A. Profits in 2007 benefited from core deposit and other operating income growth along with a strong net interest margin, which helped offset higher loan loss provisions. In 2007, net income totaled $11.7 million or $1.80 per diluted share, compared to $13.0 million, or $1.99 per diluted share, in 2006. Reflecting the addition of $3.0 million to reserves, earnings in the fourth quarter of 2007 were $2.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, in the like period a year ago. All per share results reflect the payment of a 5% stock dividend in October 2007 and the ongoing share repurchase program.
"The state of Alaska generated its twentieth consecutive year of employment growth in 2007, and state labor economists are forecasting continued modest job growth for 2008," said Marc Langland, Chairman, President and CEO. "Overall there are a number of factors supporting Alaska's economy. Recent increases in oil taxes, along with historically high oil prices, have resulted in a $1.4 billion surplus in state government revenues. The $38 billion Alaska Permanent Fund distributed $1,654 to each eligible Alaskan in October, for a total of $1 billion in payments. Also, the proposed $30 billion natural gas pipeline appears to be making some progress."
"The completion of our acquisition of Alaska First Bank & Trust in the fourth quarter contributed to our balance sheet growth and brought in an attractive deposit base," said Chris Knudson, Chief Operating Officer. "This acquisition added $58 million to our assets, helping to push us over the $1 billion milestone in total assets, and also added $48 million in primarily low cost deposits. The conversion of their operations to our systems went smoothly, and we are in the process of consolidating their branch locations into our network. We expect the cost savings from the closing of two branches to provide synergies in the next few quarters. We were able to add a number of their employees into our system by filling open positions and have only increased headcount by two employees through this business combination."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (at or for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006)
* Net interest margin was 5.89%, equal to a year ago. * Revenues grew 8% to $59.7 million, boosted by a 28% rise in other operating income. * Book value per share grew 8% to $16.09. * Tangible book value grew 5% to $14.51 per share. * Core deposits grew 9%, with money market balances up 37%.
BALANCE SHEET PERFORMANCE
Total assets grew 10% to $1.01 billion at December 31, 2007, compared to $926 million a year ago. The loan portfolio totaled $715 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $717 million at December 31, 2006. Commercial loans, which accounted for 40% of the loan portfolio, were down 1% year over year. Commercial real estate loans, which accounted for 34% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2007, grew 2% and construction loans, which accounted for 19% of the loan portfolio, declined 10% from a year ago. Consumer loans, which accounted for 7% of the portfolio, grew 21% at December 31, 2007, compared to a year ago, as a result of the growth in overall consumer accounts.
"The residential housing market in our market area continues to be stable, with standing inventories at manageable levels. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, Alaska home loans that are 90 days past due or in foreclosure total 1.25%, less than half the national average of 2.95%," said Joe Beedle, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. "While we believe the Alaska economy, in general, and our housing markets specifically, are currently stable, our nonperforming assets increased significantly during the fourth quarter primarily due to a single relationship with an Anchorage builder. In connection with that relationship, during the fourth quarter we added $4.2 million to Other Real Estate Owned and $3.9 million to non accrual loans. We have moved quickly to recognize the issues with this borrower and are working aggressively to address the problem."
Nonperforming assets increased to $15.8 million, or 1.56% of total assets at December 31, 2007, from $7.3 million, or 0.79% of assets at December 31, 2006. In addition, Northrim recognized net charge-offs of $3.6 million and added $3.0 million to its loan loss provision for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2007 to maintain an adequate reserve for loan losses. This compares to net charge-offs of $1.3 million and a loan loss provision of $800,000 for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2006. The total provision for loan losses at December 31, 2007 is $5.5 million, compared to $2.6 million at December 31, 2006.
"The $4.2 million project that was moved to Other Real Estate Owned is for a duplex-style condominium development in the greater Anchorage market. Over the course of this year, we plan to complete and market this development," Beedle continued. "The other project of this borrower, which added $3.9 million to non accrual loans in the fourth quarter of 2007, is a single-family housing development. With both projects, we believe that the units and lots are priced competitively for their type and location. We will have additional costs to complete the duplex-style condominium development and have included those additional estimated costs in our assessment of expected losses on this project."
"Our lending portfolio includes a number of large loans, and as a result, we have experienced higher levels of nonperforming assets from time to time," said Langland. "I am confident our lending professionals will be able to efficiently resolve these problem credits. In the meantime, we have increased our loan loss provision and remain well capitalized."
The allowance for loan losses totaled $11.7 million, or 1.64% of gross loans and 104% of nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2007, compared to $12.1 million, or 1.69% of gross loans and 183% of nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2006. Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2007, were 0.5%, or 50 basis points, as a percentage of average loans, compared to 19 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2006. In 2007, net charge-offs totaled $6.1 million, or 86 basis points of average loans, compared to $1.1 million, or 16 basis points of average loans in 2006.
Total deposits increased 9% to $867 million at December 31, 2007, compared to $795 million at December 31, 2006. "Strong growth in checking, savings and money market deposits helped offset a decline in balances of the Alaska CD. We are continuing to generate growth in new checking accounts from the success of our High Performance Checking program," said Knudson. "Our strong organic growth in deposits was augmented by the solid deposit base gained from the acquisition of Alaska First."
At December 31, money market balances accounted for 25% of total deposits at December 31, 2007, up from 20% a year ago. Alaska CDs, a unique and flexible savings account, accounted for 20% of total deposits at December 31, 2007, compared to 26% a year ago. Non interest bearing demand deposits represented 26% and interest bearing demand deposits were 11% of the deposit mix at both December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006. Time deposits were 12% of deposits at year end 2007 up from 11% of deposits a year ago.
Shareholders' equity increased 6% to $101 million, or $16.09 per share, at December 31, 2007, compared to $95 million, or $14.87 per share, at December 31, 2006. Tangible book value per share at December 31, 2007, was $14.51 compared to $13.80 at December 31, 2006. All per share calculations reflect the 5% stock dividend declared on September 6, 2007 and distributed to shareholders on October 5, 2007. In addition, these calculations reflect the repurchase of 25,000 shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007 and 137,500 shares for the full year ended December 31, 2007.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income) grew 8% in 2007 to $59.7 million from $55.2 million in 2006. Revenue was up 5% to $15.6 million in the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2007, compared to $14.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Net interest income before the provision for loan losses in 2007 grew 5% to $49.8 million from $47.5 million in 2006. In the fourth quarter of 2007 net interest income grew to $12.9 million, from $12.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.
"Organic deposit growth, combined with core deposits acquired in the Alaska First transaction contributed to our strong net interest margin," said Joe Schierhorn, CFO. "Last year, we had a recovery of interest from two loans that had been in a non-accrual status that paid off, which added 24 basis points to our fourth quarter 2006 margin." Net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets on a tax equivalent basis) was 5.79% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared to 6.11% in the fourth quarter a year ago. Net interest margin for all of 2007 was 5.89%, equivalent to the net interest margin posted in 2006.
In 2007, net interest income after provision for loan losses was $44.3 million, compared to $45.0 million in 2006. After the $3.0 million provision for loan losses, fourth quarter 2007 net interest income was down 17% to $9.9 million from $12.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2006.
Other operating income grew 30% in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 28% for the full year as compared to the fourth quarter of 2006 and the prior year, reflecting the Bank's initiatives to expand the financial services it offers, directly and through affiliates. Total other operating income increased in the fourth quarter of 2007 to $2.7 million compared to $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other operating income rose to $9.8 million in 2007, compared to $7.7 million in 2006. Deposit account service charge income in 2007 grew 58% to $3.1 million compared to $2.0 million a year ago. In the fourth quarter of 2007, deposit account service income grew 67% to $847,000 as compared to $507,000 for the fourth quarter of 2006, reflecting the growth in new accounts and fees associated with new services. Purchased receivable income grew 36% to $2.5 million in 2007, up from $1.9 million in 2006. Purchased receivables contributed $699,000 to fourth quarter 2007 revenue, up 37% from the $510,000 generated in the fourth quarter of 2006. Employee benefit plan income also grew 7% in 2007 to $1.2 million from $1.1 million a year ago, and was up 7% in the fourth quarter of 2007 to $304,000 from $284,000 in the fourth quarter of 2006. "As was the case last quarter, our mortgage affiliate's contribution declined in the fourth quarter of 2007, dropping to $64,000 from $177,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago. For the full year in 2007, our mortgage affiliate contributed $454,000, compared to $649,000 in 2006," said Knudson.
Other operating expenses rose 10% in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 11% in 2007 with higher occupancy costs, compensation, and other expenses, which include costs associated with investments in low income housing partnerships tied to the receipt of investment tax credits, operational charge-offs, internet banking, and professional fees. In addition, the company incurred a $245,000 loss on one of its purchased receivable accounts in the first quarter ended March 31, 2007, which was included in other expenses. Other operating expense in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $8.8 million compared to $8.0 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. Other operating expense in 2007 was $34.9 million compared to $31.4 million a year ago.
The efficiency ratio during the fourth quarter of 2007 was 55.82% up from 53.30% a year ago. In 2007, the efficiency ratio was 57.99% compared to 55.97% in 2006. The efficiency ratio, calculated by dividing noninterest expense (excluding intangible asset amortization expense) by net interest income and noninterest income, measures overhead costs as a percentage of total revenues.
About Northrim BanCorp
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. is the parent company of Northrim Bank, a commercial bank that provides personal and business banking services through locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and Fairbanks, Alaska, and an asset based lending division in Washington. The bank differentiates itself with a "Customer First Service" philosophy. Affiliated companies include Elliott Cove Capital Management, LLC; Residential Mortgage, LLC; Northrim Benefits Group, LLC; and Pacific Wealth Advisors, LLC.
The Northrim BanCorp, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3818
www.northrim.com Income Statement ---------------- (Dollars in thousands, Quarter Ended December 31: except per -------------------------------------- share data) 2007 2006 % Change -------------------------------------- (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Interest Income: Interest and fees on loans $ 16,093 $ 17,182 -6% Interest on portfolio investments 1,670 948 76% Interest on overnight investments 479 523 -8% -------------------------------------- Total interest income 18,242 18,653 -2% Interest Expense: Interest expense on deposits 4,859 5,468 -11% Interest expense on borrowings 455 425 7% -------------------------------------- Total interest expense 5,314 5,893 -10% -------------------------------------- Net interest income 12,928 12,760 1% Provision for loan losses 3,000 800 275% -------------------------------------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 9,928 11,960 -17% Other Operating Income: Service charges on deposit accounts 847 507 67% Purchased receivable income 699 510 37% Employee benefit plan income 304 284 7% Equity in earnings from mortgage affiliate 64 177 -64% Other income 791 598 32% -------------------------------------- Total other operating income 2,705 2,076 30% Other Operating Expense: Salaries and other personnel expense 5,174 5,051 2% Occupancy, net 810 639 27% Equipment expense 310 327 -5% Intangible asset amortization expense 88 120 -27% Other expense 2,432 1,891 29% -------------------------------------- Total other operating expense 8,814 8,028 10% -------------------------------------- Income before income taxes and minority interest 3,819 6,008 -36% -------------------------------------- Minority interest in subsidiaries 75 78 -4% -------------------------------------- Pre tax income 3,744 5,930 -37% -------------------------------------- Provision for income taxes 1,583 2,241 -29% -------------------------------------- Net income $ 2,161 $ 3,689 -41% ====================================== Basic EPS $ 0.34 $ 0.57 -40% Diluted EPS $ 0.34 $ 0.56 -39% Average basic shares 6,343,736 6,442,080 -2% Average diluted shares 6,396,208 6,539,749 -2% Income Statement ---------------- (Dollars in thousands, Twelve Months Ended December 31: except per -------------------------------------- share data) 2007 2006 % Change -------------------------------------- Interest Income: (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Interest and fees on loans $ 66,463 $ 65,347 2% Interest on portfolio investments 4,619 2,799 65% Interest on overnight investments 1,985 1,375 44% -------------------------------------- Total interest income 73,067 69,521 5% Interest Expense: Interest expense on deposits 21,402 20,318 5% Interest expense on borrowings 1,835 1,681 9% -------------------------------------- Total interest expense 23,237 21,999 6% -------------------------------------- Net interest income 49,830 47,522 5% Provision for loan losses 5,513 2,564 115% -------------------------------------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 44,317 44,958 -1% Other Operating Income: Service charges on deposit accounts 3,116 1,975 58% Purchased receivable income 2,519 1,855 36% Employee benefit plan income 1,194 1,113 7% Equity in earnings from mortgage affiliate 454 649 -30% Other income 2,537 2,066 23% -------------------------------------- Total other operating income 9,820 7,658 28% Other Operating Expense: Salaries and other personnel expense 20,700 19,277 7% Occupancy, net 2,823 2,503 13% Equipment expense 1,350 1,350 0% Intangible asset amortization expense 337 482 -30% Other expense 9,719 7,756 25% -------------------------------------- Total other operating expense 34,929 31,368 11% Income before income taxes and minority interest 19,208 21,248 -10% -------------------------------------- Minority interest in subsidiaries 290 296 -2% -------------------------------------- Pre tax income 18,918 20,952 -10% -------------------------------------- Provision for income taxes 7,260 7,978 -9% -------------------------------------- Net income $ 11,658 $ 12,974 -10% ====================================== Basic EPS $ 1.82 $ 2.02 -10% Diluted EPS $ 1.80 $ 1.99 -10% Average basic shares 6,400,974 6,426,002 0% Average diluted shares 6,485,972 6,516,117 0% Balance Sheet ------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Annual 2007 2006 % Change -------------------------------------- (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Assets: Cash and due from banks $ 30,767 $ 25,565 20% Overnight investments 33,039 18,717 77% Portfolio investments 161,713 100,325 61% Loans: Commercial loans 284,686 287,155 -1% Commercial real estate 243,245 237,599 2% Construction loans 138,070 153,059 -10% Consumer loans 51,139 42,140 21% Other loans 405 126 221% Unearned loan fees (2,744) (3,023) -9% ------------------------------------ Total loans 714,801 717,056 0% Allowance for loan losses (11,735) (12,125) -3% ------------------------------------ Net loans 703,066 704,931 0% Purchased receivables, net 19,437 21,183 -8% Premises and equipment, net 15,621 12,874 21% Goodwill and intangible assets 9,946 6,903 44% Other real estate owned 4,445 717 520% Other assets 36,680 34,405 7% ------------------------------------ Total assets $1,014,714 $925,620 10% ==================================== Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Demand deposits $ 224,986 $206,343 9% Interest-bearing demand 96,455 89,476 8% Savings deposits 55,285 48,330 14% Alaska CDs 171,341 207,492 -17% Money market deposits 215,819 157,345 37% Time deposits 103,490 85,918 20% ------------------------------------ Total deposits 867,376 794,904 9% Borrowings 16,770 6,502 158% Junior subordinated debentures 18,558 18,558 0% Other liabilities 10,595 10,209 4% ------------------------------------ Total liabilities 913,299 830,173 10% Minority interest in subsidiaries 24 29 -17% Shareholders' equity 101,391 95,418 6% ------------------------------------ Total liabilities and equity $1,014,714 $925,620 10% ==================================== Financial Ratios and Other Data ------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2007 2006 --------------------------- (unaudited) (unaudited) Asset Quality: Non accrual loans $9,673 $5,176 Loans 90 days past due 1,665 708 Restructured loans -- 748 -------------------------- Total non-performing loans 11,338 6,632 Other real estate owned 4,445 717 -------------------------- Total non-performing assets $15,783 $7,349 -------------------------- Non-performing loans / portfolio loans 1.59% 0.92% Non-performing assets / assets 1.56% 0.79% Allowance for loan losses / portfolio loans 1.64% 1.69% Allowance / non-performing loans 103.50% 182.83% Loan (recoveries) charge-offs, net for the quarter $3,559 $1,322 Loan (recoveries) charge-offs, net year-to-date $6,123 $1,145 Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs / average loans, quarter 0.50% 0.19% Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs / average loans, annualized 0.86% 0.16% Capital Data (At quarter end): Book value per share $16.09 $14.87 Tangible book value per share $14.51 $13.80 Tier 1 / Risk Adjusted Assets 12.32% 12.95% Total Capital / Risk Adjusted Assets 13.57% 14.21% Tier 1 /Average Assets 11.10% 11.71% Shares outstanding 6,300,256 6,414,976 Unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities, net of income taxes $225 ($287) Profitability Ratios (For the quarter): Net interest margin (tax equivalent) 5.79% 6.11% Efficiency ratio* 55.82% 53.30% Return on average assets 0.86% 1.60% Return on average equity 8.32% 15.55% Profitability Ratios (Year-to-date): Net interest margin (tax equivalent) 5.89% 5.89% Efficiency ratio* 57.99% 55.97% Return on average assets 1.24% 1.46% Return on average equity 11.70% 14.45% *excludes intangible asset amortization expense Average Balances ---------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Annual 2007 2006 % Change ------------------------------------- (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Average Quarter Balances Loans $710,398 $703,678 1% Total earning assets 891,617 831,314 7% Total assets 992,473 917,559 8% Non-interest bearing deposits 213,345 198,193 8% Interest bearing deposits 627,410 590,184 6% Total deposits 840,755 788,377 7% Shareholders' equity 103,056 94,149 9% Average Year-to-date Balances Loans $710,959 $712,130 0% Total earning assets 849,263 810,946 5% Total assets 941,328 888,697 6% Non-interest bearing deposits 196,313 185,959 6% Interest bearing deposits 602,655 579,569 4% Total deposits 798,968 765,528 4% Shareholders' equity 99,665 89,797 11%
This release may contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as of the date hereof. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our financial position, business strategy and management's plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," and "intend" and words or phrases of similar meaning, as they relate to Northrim or management, are intended to help identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that management's expectations as reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure readers that those expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from our expectations as indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to maintain or expand our market share or net interest margins, and to implement our marketing and growth strategies. Further, actual results may be affected by our ability to compete on price and other factors with other financial institutions; customer acceptance of new products and services; the regulatory environment in which we operate; and general trends in the local, regional and national banking industry and economy as those factors relate to our cost of funds and return on assets. In addition, there are risks inherent in the banking industry relating to collectibility of loans and changes in interest rates. Many of these risks, as well as other risks that may have a material adverse impact on our operations and business, are identified in our other filings with the SEC. However, you should be aware that these factors are not an exhaustive list, and you should not assume these are the only factors that may cause our actual results to differ from our expectations.