STILLWATER, Okla., July 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southwest Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:OKSB), ("Southwest"), today reported net income for the second quarter of 2014 of $6.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2014. Included in the second quarter of 2014 results is a pre-tax net gain of $4.4 million from the sale of three community bank branches in Anthony, Harper, and Overland Park, Kansas. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $9.8 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Southwest announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share payable August 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of August 1, 2014.

Mark Funke, President and CEO, stated, "The positive results of the second quarter reflect our focus on the strategic objective to grow loans, complete the sale of branches in non-strategic markets, and to continue to improve asset quality. Our efforts produced several highlights for the quarter.

• The previously announced sales of three of our Kansas branches were successfully completed in the second quarter and resulted in a $4.4 million pre-tax net gain. These sales included the sale of $27.9 million in loans and $130.6 million in deposits.
• Loan growth in the second quarter was $59.5 million, adjusted for loans sold with the branch sales.
• The quarterly net interest margin improved to 3.34% (normalized) at June 30, 2014 compared to 3.21% (normalized) at March 31, 2014 and 3.07% at June 30, 2013.
• Asset quality improved as nonperforming loans stabilized and potential problem loans decreased $7.6 million, or 8%, during the second quarter. The improved asset quality resulted in a negative provision of $0.4 million."

"These positive results and actions reflect the good work of our associates at Bank SNB and a growing customer base. We will continue to focus our company on future growth through the expansion of our revenue base while prudently managing our expenses. We are encouraged by the momentum we have throughout our company."

Financial Overview

Condition: During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, total assets of $1.9 billion decreased $126.9 million from March 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the branch sales. Total loans of $1.4 billion increased $31.6 million from March 31, 2014 and total investment securities of $385.9 million remained flat compared to March 31, 2014. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2014 were $115.2 million, down $151.4 million from March 31, 2014, primarily due to the branch sales that occurred during the quarter.

At June 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $33.1 million, a decrease of $7.3 million when compared to a year ago, and a decrease of $1.8 million when compared to March 31, 2014. The allowance for loan losses to portfolio loans was 2.46% as of June 30, 2014, compared to 3.08% as of June 30, 2013 and 2.66% as of March 31, 2014. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 200.77% as of June 30, 2014, compared to 123.87% as of June 30, 2013 and 217.13% as of March 31, 2014. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, Southwest collected a $1.3 million recovery of a prior period loan loss and a $6.8 million payoff of a related restructured potential problem loan.

Nonperforming loans decreased by $16.1 million in a year over year comparison, and remained stable during the quarter with only an increase of $0.4 million. Other real estate at June 30, 2014 was $4.3 million, an increase of $2.5 million from June 30, 2013, but a decrease of $0.4 million when compared to March 31, 2014. Nonperforming assets were $20.8 million, or 1.54% of portfolio loans and other real estate, as of June 30, 2014, compared to $34.4 million, or 2.62% of portfolio loans and other real estate, as of June 30, 2013, and $20.7 million, or 1.57% of portfolio loans and other real estate, as of March 31, 2014.

Total core funding, which includes all non-brokered deposits and sweep repurchase agreements, comprised 95% and 98% of total funding as of June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. Wholesale funding, including FHLB borrowings, federal funds purchased, and brokered deposits, accounted for 5% and 2% of total funding at June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectively. See Table 7 for details on core funding and non-brokered deposits, which are non-GAAP financial measures.

The capital ratios of Southwest and Bank SNB, National Association, ("Bank SNB"), Southwest's banking subsidiary, as of June 30, 2014, exceeded the criteria for regulatory classification as "well-capitalized". Southwest's total regulatory capital was $329.6 million, for a total risk-based capital ratio of 21.43%, and Tier 1 capital was $309.6 million, for a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 20.13%. Southwest's capital exceeded the minimum to be classified as "well-capitalized" by $175.8 million. Bank SNB had total regulatory capital of $282.9 million, for a total risk-based capital ratio of 18.48%, and Tier 1 capital of $263.5 million, for a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 17.21%. Bank SNB exceeded the minimum to be classified as "well-capitalized" by $129.8 million. Designation as a well-capitalized institution under regulations does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Federal bank regulators.

Second Quarter Results:

Summary: For the second quarter of 2014, net income was $6.2 million, compared to $4.4 million for the second quarter of 2013 and $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2014. 

The $1.7 million increase in our net income compared to the second quarter of 2013 was primarily the result of a $1.4 million increase in net interest income, primarily driven by lower interest expense on deposits and a reduction in interest costs due to the redemption of the 10.5% Trust Preferred Securities in third quarter of 2013, and the $4.8 million increase in noninterest income, primarily driven by the pre-tax net gain on the sale of the community bank branches, offset in part by a $0.5 million decline in the negative provision for loan losses and a $2.5 million increase in noninterest expense. 

The $2.5 million increase in net income compared to the first quarter of 2014 was primarily due to the $0.6 million increase in net interest income resulting from loan growth combined with the recognition of accelerated discount accretion attributable to the sale of loans covered by the loss share agreement and the $5.2 million increase in noninterest income, which included the $4.4 million pre-tax net gain recognized on the branch sales and $0.6 million recognized on the sale of a stock that was acquired in a prior year repossession. Partially offsetting these increases were a $0.6 million decrease in the negative provision for loan losses and a $1.2 million increase in noninterest expense.

Net Interest Income: Net interest income totaled $16.6 million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $15.1 million for the second quarter of 2013, an increase of $1.4 million, or 10%, and to $16.0 million for the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $0.6 million, or 4%.  Net interest margin was 3.50% for the second quarter of 2014, compared to 3.07% for the second quarter of 2013 and 3.33% for the first quarter of 2014. Included in interest income for the second quarter of 2014 was $0.8 million due to accelerated discount accretion attributable to the sale of loans covered by the loss share agreement, and included in interest income for the first quarter of 2014 was $0.6 million due to the interest recognition resulting from loans returning to accrual status. The net effects of these adjustments on the net interest margin were a 16 basis point increase in the second quarter of 2014 and a 12 basis point increase in the first quarter of 2014. Loans (including loans held for sale) increased $33.6 million, or 3%, when compared to June 30, 2013, and $31.6 million, or 2%, when compared to March 31, 2014.

Provision for Loan Losses and Net Charge-offs: The provision for loan losses is the amount that is required to maintain the allowance for losses at an appropriate level based upon the inherent risks in the loan portfolio after the effects of net charge-offs or net recoveries for the period. The provision for loan losses was a negative provision (or credit) of $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to a negative provision of $0.9 million for the second quarter of 2013, and a negative provision of $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, charge-offs totaled $2.0 million and recoveries totaled $0.5 million. Therefore, the second quarter of 2014 net charge-offs totaled $1.5 million, or 0.45% (annualized) of average portfolio loans, compared to net charge-offs of $1.6 million, or 0.50% (annualized) of average portfolio loans for the second quarter of 2013 and net charge-offs of $0.8 million, or 0.24% (annualized) of average portfolio loans for the first quarter of 2014. 

Noninterest Income: Noninterest income totaled $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $3.5 million for the second quarter of 2013 and to $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2014. The $4.8 million increase from second quarter 2013 included the $4.4 million recognized as the gain on sales of the community bank branches and $0.6 million gain on the sale of a stock investment that was acquired in a prior year repossession, offset in part by $0.4 million decrease in gain on sales of mortgage loans. Excluding the gain on sale of branches, the $0.8 million increase from first quarter of 2014 included a $0.2 million increase in gain on sale of mortgage loans and a $0.5 million increase in the gain on the sale of investment securities. 

Noninterest Expense: Noninterest expense totaled $15.3 million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $12.8 million for the second quarter of 2013 and to $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2014. The $2.5 million increase in noninterest expense from second quarter of 2013 consisted of a $1.9 million increase in other real estate expense due to net gains on sales of other real estate properties recognized in the prior year, a $0.4 million increase in employee benefit expense, and a $0.4 million increase in other general and administrative expense, primarily increased legal fees and contingencies on several legal matters, offset in part by a $0.2 million decrease in the provision for unfunded loan commitments.  

The $1.2 million increase in noninterest expense from first quarter of 2014 was due to a $0.6 million increase in other general and administrative expense, primarily legal fees and contingencies and marketing expenses, a $0.4 million increase in other real estate expense due to write-downs that occurred during the second quarter, and a $0.3 million increase employee benefit expense.  

Income Tax: Income tax expense totaled $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2013 and for the first quarter of 2014 each respectively. The income tax expense fluctuates in relation to pre-tax income levels. The second quarter of 2014 effective tax rate was 37.50%.

Year-to-date Results:

Summary: Net income was $9.8 million as of June 30, 2014, compared to $6.8 million as of June 30, 2013. The $3.0 million increase in net income from 2013 is the result of a $1.8 million increase in net interest income, primarily driven by lower interest expense on deposits and a reduction in interest expense due to the redemption of the 10.5% Trust Preferred Securities in third quarter of 2013, a $1.0 million increase in the negative provision for loan losses, resulting from improved asset quality, a $4.2 million increase in noninterest income, primarily the pre-tax net gain on sale of community bank branches, offset in part by a $2.2 million increase in noninterest expense due to decreased gains recognized on sale of other real estate properties and increased employee benefit expenses.

Net Interest Income: Net interest income totaled $32.6 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to $30.7 million for the first six months of 2013, an increase of $1.8 million, or 6%, primarily driven by lower interest expense on deposits and a reduction in interest expense due to the redemption the 10.5% Trust Preferred Securities in third quarter of 2013. Year-to-date net interest margin was 3.42%, compared to 3.12% for 2013. Included in interest income for the first six months of 2014 was $0.8 million due to accelerated discount accretion attributable to the sale of loans covered by the loss share agreement and $0.6 million due to the interest recognition resulting from loans returning to accrual status. The net effect of these adjustments on the net interest margin was an 14 basis point increase for the first six months of 2014. With the rate environment remaining low, earning assets are repricing at lower rates.

Provision for Loan Losses and Net Charge-offs: The provision for loan losses is the amount of expense that is required to maintain the allowance for losses at an appropriate level based upon the inherent risks in the loan portfolio after the effects of net charge-offs for the period. The provision for loan losses was a credit (or negative) of $1.3 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to a credit of $0.4 million for the first six months of 2013. Net charge-offs totaled $2.2 million, or 0.35% (annualized) of average portfolio loans year-to-date as of June 30, 2014, compared to $6.0 million, or 0.91% (annualized) of average portfolio loans for the same period 2013.  

Noninterest Income: Noninterest income totaled $11.3 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to $7.0 million for the first six months of 2013. The increase consists of the $4.4 million recognized as the pre-tax net gain on sales of the community bank branches and the $0.8 million in gain on sale of investment securities, offset in part by the $1.0 million decline in gains on sales of mortgage loans. 

Noninterest Expense: Noninterest expense totaled $29.4 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to $27.2 million for the first six months of 2013. The increase consists of a $1.6 million increase in other real estate expense, which is primarily due to net gains recognized during the prior year on the sale of other real estate properties, a $0.4 million increase in employee benefit expenses, a $0.3 million increase in occupancy expense, and a $0.3 million increase in other general and administrative expense, primarily the result of increased legal fees and contingencies on several matters, offset in part by a decrease in the provision for unfunded loan commitments.

Income Tax: Income tax expense totaled $5.9 million for the first six months of 2014, compared to $4.1 million for the first six months of 2013. The income tax expense fluctuates in relation to pre-tax income levels. The year-to-date effective tax rate was 37.50% as of June 30, 2014.

Conference Call

Southwest will host a conference call to review these results on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (8:30 a.m. Central Time). Investors, news media, and others may pre-register for the call using the following link to receive a special dial-in number and PIN: http://dpregister.com/10048892. Telephone participants who are unable to pre-register may access the call by telephone at 866-218-2402 (toll-free) or 412-902-4190 (international). Participants are encouraged to dial into the call approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time. The call and corresponding presentation slides will be webcast live on Southwest's website at www.oksb.com or http://services.choruscall.com/links/oksb140723.html. An audio replay will be available one hour after the call at 877-344-7529 (toll-free) or 412-317-0088 (international), conference number 10048892. Telephone replay access will be available until 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 20, 2014.

Southwest Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Southwest is the holding company for Bank SNB, National Association ("Bank SNB").  Bank SNB offers commercial and consumer lending, deposit and investment services, specialized cash management, and other financial services from offices in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Bank SNB was chartered in 1894 and Southwest was organized in 1981 as the holding company. At June 30, 2014, Southwest had total assets of $1.9 billion, deposits of $1.5 billion, and shareholders' equity of $271.4 million.

Southwest's area of expertise focuses on the special financial needs of healthcare and health professionals, businesses and their managers and owners, commercial lending, energy banking, and commercial real estate borrowers. The strategic focus on healthcare lending was established in 1974. Southwest and its banking subsidiary provide credit and other services, such as deposits, cash management, and document imaging for physicians and other healthcare practitioners to start or develop their practices and finance the development and purchase of medical offices, clinics, surgical care centers, hospitals, and similar facilities. As of June 30, 2014, approximately $398.7 million, or 29%, of loans were loans to individuals and businesses in the healthcare industry. Regular market reviews are conducted of (i) current and potential healthcare lending business, and (ii) the appropriate concentrations within healthcare based upon economic and regulatory conditions.

Southwest's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol OKSB. 

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

Southwest makes forward-looking statements in this news release that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements include: 

• Statements of Southwest's goals, intentions, and expectations;
• Estimates of risks and of future costs and benefits;
• Expectations regarding Southwest's future financial performance and the financial performance of its operating segments;
• Expectations regarding regulatory actions;
• Expectations regarding Southwest's ability to utilize tax loss benefits;
• Assessments of loan quality, probable loan losses, and the amount and timing of loan payoffs;
• Estimates of the value of assets held for sale or available for sale; and
• Statements of Southwest's ability to achieve financial and other goals.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant uncertainties because they are based upon: the amount and timing of future changes in interest rates, market behavior, and other economic conditions; future laws, regulations, and accounting principles; changes in regulatory standards and examination policies, and a variety of other matters. These other matters include, among other things, the direct and indirect effects of economic conditions on interest rates, credit quality, loan demand, liquidity, and monetary and supervisory policies of banking regulators. Because of these uncertainties, the actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, Southwest's past growth and performance do not necessarily indicate future results. For other factors, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates and projections contained in forward-looking statements, please read Southwest's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, specifically those under the heading "Risk Factors".

The cautionary statements in this release also identify important factors and possible events that involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Southwest does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, whether as a result of differences in actual results, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting such statements, except as required by law.

Southwest is required under generally accepted accounting principles to evaluate subsequent events and their impact, if any, on its financial statements as of June 30, 2014 through the date its financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The June 30, 2014 financial statements included in this release will be adjusted if necessary to properly reflect the impact of subsequent events on estimates used to prepare those statements. 

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