BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foundation Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB:FDNB), the holding company for Foundation Bank, today reported it earned $551,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to a net loss of $3.0 million, or ($0.89) per diluted share, in the fourth quarter a year ago. For all of 2012, Foundation Bancorp earned $2.2 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.0 million, or ($1.48) per diluted share, in 2011.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Highlights:

• Sixth consecutive quarterly reduction in non-performing assets (NPAs) with a year-over-year reduction of 29%.
• Net interest margin increased to 3.91% for the fourth quarter and 4.01% for the year, compared to 3.87% and 3.72% for the respective periods a year ago.
• Gross loans increased 10% year-over-year to $288.9 million, excluding the decrease in non-accrual loans, loans increased 16%.
• Return on average equity of 8.28% for the fourth quarter and 8.59% for the year.
• Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 39% and total deposits increased 15% year-over-year.

"Foundation's performance has improved dramatically. We greatly improved our operating results while reducing the adverse effects of non-performing assets," said Diane Dewbrey, President and CEO. "In 2012 we improved net interest income by increasing lending activity and adding deposits, despite the continued pressure on loan yields. Profitability strengthened even further as we continued to substantially reduce legal costs and other expenses related to repossessed properties throughout the year. Another highlight of the year was gaining approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for trading our shares on the electronic OTC Markets. This proved to be an excellent strategic move for our shareholders and is already starting to add liquidity for the stock."

Asset Quality

Non-accrual loans were $17.6 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $18.1 million three months earlier and $29.8 million a year ago. Of the $17.6 million in loans classified as non-accrual, 71% or $12.5 million of these loans are paying as agreed on a revised schedule. Foreclosed Assets (include OREO and Other Property Owned) declined during the quarter to $9.2 million at year end, compared to $10.3 million at September 30, 2012. The OREO balance of $8.2 million consists of eight properties with one property accounting for 47% of the total. Of the total amount in OREO, $5.5 million is paying rent/lease payments.

Non-performing assets (NPAs), consisting of non-accrual loans and other real estate owned (OREO) were $25.8 million, or 7.08% of total assets, at December 31, 2012 compared to $36.4 million, or 11.40% of total assets, a year ago. The overall credit quality of the loan portfolio continued to show steady improvements year-over-year and assets classified as performing, but internally risk rated special mention and substandard also continued to improve.

"During the fourth quarter we reported net loan recoveries of $286,000, compared to net charge-offs of $371,000 in the preceding quarter and net charge-offs of $5.0 million in the fourth quarter a year ago," said Dewbrey. 

Balance Sheet Review

"We are gaining traction and were successful in increasing lending activity," Dewbrey said. "Part of this is our focus on SBA lending which is gaining traction and can be seen in both new loans and increased SBA loan sale income."

Gross loans increased 10% to $288.9 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $262.6 million a year ago. Excluding the reduction in non-accrual loans, loans increased 16% year-over-year. Commercial real estate (CRE) loans totaled $182.0 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $161.7 million a year earlier and comprise 65.1% of the total loan portfolio. Business loans secured by the property on which the business operates are classified as owner occupied CRE. Owner occupied CRE loans comprised $35.0 million or 19.2% of the total CRE portfolio. Construction and land loans decreased 14.1% while the financing of completed commercial buildings increased. As a percent of total loans, the C&I portfolio represented 36.9% of the total loan portfolio compared to 36.3% a year ago.

Total deposits increased $42.5 million, or 15% year-over-year. At December 31, 2012 total deposits were $325.5 million compared to $283.0 million a year ago. "We continue to grow low cost non-interest bearing demand deposits while letting higher cost CDs run off," said Dewbrey. And, non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 39% to $111.1 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $80.1 million a year ago. 

Core deposits, defined as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking and savings accounts and money market accounts, improved and now represent 82% of total deposits at year end, compared to 75% of total deposits a year earlier. Certificates of deposit declined to $58.2 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $71.3 million a year ago.

Boosted by earnings and the $6.9 million capital raise completed in the first quarter of 2012, total shareholder equity increased 11% to $26.3 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $23.8 million a year ago. Book value per share was $7.47 at December 31, 2012 compared to $7.04 at December 31, 2011. Foundation's tangible common equity ratio was 7.2% at year end.

Results of Operations

Fourth quarter net interest income before provision for loan losses increased modestly to $3.3 million, compared to $3.2 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. For all of 2012, Foundation's net interest income before provision increased to $13.2 million compared to $12.9 million for 2011. 

"Our net interest margin expanded slightly during the quarter despite the continued downward pressure on loan yields," said Dewbrey. Foundation's fourth quarter net interest margin was 3.91%, a 10 basis point improvement from the preceding quarter and a four basis point improvement compared to the fourth quarter a year ago. For the full year, Foundation's net interest margin increased 29 basis points to 4.01%, when compared to 2011. 

Non-interest income increased substantially during the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter last year, primarily as a result of the increase in SBA loan sales. For 2012, non-interest income increased to $1.3 million, compared to $571,000 in 2011. This increase was primarily due to SBA loan sales and the one time sale of securities of $361,000.  

"Because we have made good progress in resolving problem loans, legal expenses and other costs associated with OREO, non-interest expense is sharply lower in 2012," Dewbrey said. Foundation's total non-interest expense declined 14% to $3.2 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $3.7 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. Expenses related to Foreclosed Assets are 58% lower in 2012 compared to a year ago.

Capital

Foundation Bank continues to remain well capitalized by regulatory guidelines. Capital ratios for the Bank are presented as follows:                                            

Safe Harbor Statement. This release contains comments or information that constitutes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices; levies and assessments; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in the national and local economy; and other factors, including risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Randy Cloes, EVP & CFO
425 691 5014
www.foundationbank.com