Bank of Commerce Holdings Announces Second Quarter Results

REDDING, Calif., July 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Randall S. Eslick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Commerce Holdings (Nasdaq:BOCH), a $963.7 million bank holding company and parent company of Redding Bank of Commerce and Sacramento Bank of Commerce (a division of Redding Bank of Commerce) (the "Bank"), today reported net income available to common shareholders of $2.2 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.16 for the second quarter 2014.

Financial highlights for the quarter:

• Net income available to common shareholders was $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared with $2.0 million for the same period a year ago.
• Gross portfolio loans increased $12.4 million compared to the prior quarter and $2.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2013. The sequential quarter over quarter increase was centered in commercial real estate and consumer loan originations.
• Total impaired loans decreased $1.2 million or 3% compared to the prior quarter and decreased $6.7 million or 16% compared to the second quarter of 2013.
• Average non maturing core deposits increased $54.2 million or 12% compared to the same period a year ago.
• The Company's Tier 1 Leverage and Total Risk Based ratios are significantly above "Well Capitalized" levels at 12.10% and 16.39%, respectively.

Randall S. Eslick, President and CEO commented: "We are pleased with this quarter's core performance, especially in light of solid growth in our loan portfolio which was funded exclusively with core deposits. With our well capitalized position, we look forward to continuing these positive trends for the foreseeable future."

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly press release includes forward-looking information, which is subject to the "safe harbor" created by the Securities Act of 1933, and Securities Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements (which involve the Company's plans, beliefs and goals, refer to estimates or use similar terms) involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

• Competitive pressure in the banking industry and changes in the regulatory environment
• Changes in the interest rate environment and volatility of rate sensitive assets and liabilities
• A decline in the health of the economy nationally or regionally which could further reduce the demand for loans or reduce the value of real estate collateral securing most of the Company's loans
• Credit quality deterioration which could cause an increase in the provision for loan losses
• Asset/Liability matching risks and liquidity risks
• Changes in the securities markets

For additional information concerning risks and uncertainties related to the Company and its operations please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and under the heading: "Risk Factors" and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Table 1 below shows summary financial information for the quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and March 31, 2014.

Bank of Commerce Holdings (the "Company") and the Bank continued to meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. At June 30, 2014, the Company's Tier 1 and Total risk based capital ratios measured 15.14% and 16.39% respectively, while the leverage ratio was 12.10%.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the current quarter was 0.91% and 8.73%, respectively, compared with 0.84% and 7.40%, respectively, for the same period a year ago. The increase in ROA and ROE during the current quarter compared to the same period a year ago is primarily attributed to reclassification adjustments recorded in other noninterest income. The adjustments were partially offset by increased other noninterest expense and a decrease in the gains recognized on securities compared to the second quarter of 2013.

The increase in ROA in the current quarter compared to the same period a year ago is also partially offset by an increase in the total average assets for the quarter ending June 30, 2014 compared to the same period one year ago. The increase in ROE is partially due to a decrease in the quarterly average shareholders' equity for the quarter ending June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago due primarily to the Company's publically announced stock buyback plans.

During the three months ended June 30, 2014 the Company repurchased the remaining 259,185 shares out of the 700,000 common stock shares authorized for repurchase during the first quarter of 2014. The shares were repurchased at a weighted average price of $6.52 per share and all shares repurchased were retired subsequent to purchase.  

Balance Sheet Overview

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had total consolidated assets of $963.7 million, total net portfolio loans of $609.7 million, allowance for loan and lease losses of $9.9 million, total deposits of $755.0 million, and stockholders' equity of $100.7 million.

The Company recorded net portfolio loans of $609.7 million at June 30, 2014, compared with $604.6 million at June 30, 2013, an increase of $5.1 million. The increase in net portfolio loans during the six months ending June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to an increase in commercial real estate loans and the purchase of consumer loan pools partially offset by principal pay downs on a commercial secured borrowing line. The $3.3 million decrease in the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (ALLL) compared to the same period a year ago is primarily due to charge offs in the first quarter of 2014 related to two significant borrowing relationships.  

The Company continued to maintain a strong liquidity position during the reporting period. As of June 30, 2014, the Company maintained cash positions at the Federal Reserve Bank and correspondent banks in the amount of $50.7 million. The Company also held certificates of deposits with other financial institutions in the amount of $16.1 million.

Available-for-sale investment securities totaled $188.7 million at June 30, 2014, compared with $204.0 million at March 31, 2014. The Company's available-for-sale investment portfolio is currently being utilized as a secondary source of liquidity to fund other higher yielding asset opportunities, such as commercial and commercial real estate loan originations when required. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company purchased seventeen securities with a par value of $21.0 million and weighted average yield of 2.82%, and sold thirty securities with a par value of $30.3 million and weighted average yield of 2.56%. The net sales activity resulted in $39 thousand realized loss.

The Company's purchases continue to focus on moderate term maturity securities, taking advantage of the steepness of the yield curve which moderates the Company's exposure to rising interest rates, while still providing an acceptable yield. Sales were focused on longer term municipal and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities with extended cash flows or with a high probability of cash flows extending as interest rates increase.

Overall, management's investment strategy reflects the continuing expectation of rising rates across the yield curve. As such, management will continue to actively seek out opportunities to reduce the overall duration of the portfolio and improve cash flows. Given the current shape of the yield curve, this strategy could entail absorbing small losses within the portfolio to meet this longer term objective.

At June 30, 2014, the Company's net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities were $1.3 million compared with $643 thousand net unrealized losses at March 31, 2014. The favorable change in net unrealized losses was primarily due to increases in the fair values of the Company's municipal bond, corporate bond, and mortgage backed securities portfolios. The increases in the fair values of the Company's investment securities portfolio were primarily driven by the narrowing of market spreads and changes in market interest rates.

During the second quarter, average total deposits increased 10% or $69.4 million to $759.2 million compared to the same period a year ago. Average non maturing core deposits increased $54.2 million or 12% compared to the same period a year ago. Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) deposits totaling $31.8 million as of June 30, 2014 are included in interest bearing demand. The ICS deposits are locally generated funds, and as such, management considers this funding source as stable. However, the regulatory bodies consider these deposits as noncore.

Brokered certificates of deposits totaled $13.7 million at June 30, 2014, and were structured with both fixed rate terms and adjustable rate terms, and had remaining maturities ranging from less than one month to 6.00 years. Furthermore, brokered certificates of deposits with adjustable rate terms were structured with call features allowing the Company to redeem the certificates should interest rates dictate such action. These call features are generally exercisable within six to twelve months of issuance date and quarterly thereafter.

Operating Results for the Second quarter of 2014

Net income was $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared with $565 thousand for the prior quarter and $2.0 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in net income in the current quarter compared to the same period a year ago was primarily driven by reclassification of gains recorded in other noninterest income. The gains were partially offset by increased other noninterest expense and a decrease in the gains recognized on securities compared to the second quarter of 2013.

Diluted EPS was $0.16 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared with $0.13 for the same period a year ago, and $0.04 for the prior period. EPS increased during the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago primarily due to a decrease in the weighted average shares. The decrease in weighted average shares directly resulted from the repurchase of 2.0 million common shares through two separate repurchase plans announced and completed in 2013 and 700,000 common shares repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2014 under the plan announced March 20, 2014. All repurchased shares were retired subsequent to purchase. As such, the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding decreased by 750 thousand during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

The Company declared cash dividends of $0.03 per share for the second quarter of 2014, consistent with the quarterly dividends in the prior quarter and the same period a year ago.

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $8.2 million compared to $8.3 million during the same period a year ago and $8.2 million for the prior quarter. Average quarterly securities balances and weighted average tax equivalent yields at June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $240.4 million and 3.51% compared to $253.4 million and 3.15%, respectively.

The net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets) on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 3.75% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a decrease of 6 basis points (bp) as compared to the same period a year ago. The decrease in net interest margin primarily resulted from a 7 bp decline in yield on average earning assets partially offset by a 1 bp decrease in interest expense to average earning assets. With decreasing elasticity in managing our funding costs and historically low interest rates, maintaining our net interest margin in the foreseeable future will continue to be challenging. Accordingly, management will continue to pursue organic loan growth, wholesale loan purchases, and actively manage the investment securities portfolio within our accepted risk tolerance to maximize yield on earning assets.

Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $2.1 million, an increase of $1.1 million when compared to the same period a year ago. The following table presents the key components of noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and March 31, 2014:

Service charges on deposit accounts decreased $13 thousand or 24% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago due to decreased fees on demand deposit accounts.

Bank owned life insurance earnings increased $50 thousand or 45% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago, and increased $36 thousand or 29% for the current quarter compared to the prior quarter. The increase was due to the purchase of additional key man policies during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Gains on the sale of investment securities decreased $445 thousand to a net loss of $39 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to net gains of $406 thousand for the same period a year ago. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased seventeen securities with weighted average yields of 2.82%, and sold thirty securities with weighted average yields 2.56%. Generally, securities purchased had relatively short durations with solid credit quality.

Other income increased $1.6 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 compared to the prior quarter and increased $1.5 million compared to the same period a year ago. The increase was due to $1.6 million in hedge gains related to forecasted interest payments associated with FHLB advances which are no longer probable to occur.

Noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $6.1 million, an increase of $1 million or 19% compared to the same period a year ago. The following table presents the key elements of noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and March 31, 2014:

Salaries and related benefits expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $3.4 million, an increase of $343 thousand or 11% compared to the same period a year ago. The increase in salaries and related benefits was primarily driven by an increase in the number of employees and the related costs related to the addition of a new SBA Lending Department.

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $149 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago, due to increased rent expenses and increased furniture fixture and equipment costs related to the expansion of the Sacramento Bank of Commerce office, and renovation expenses associated with the Churn Creek office.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 management determined that further impairment was necessary for an improved commercial land property in the amount of $290 thousand. The property was transferred to OREO in 2010 and was written down to its fair value in anticipation of its pending sale.

The decrease in FDIC assessments of $56 thousand or 23% to $189 thousand during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 resulted from certain true-up adjustments to record additional premium expenses deemed necessary upon receipt of final prepaid premium reimbursement from the FDIC in June of 2013.

Data processing expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $218 thousand an increase of $82 thousand or 60% compared to the same period a year ago. The increases in data processing expense compared to the same periods a year ago is primarily driven by increases in software maintenance and licensing expenses. The Bank continues to strive to make improvements in network infrastructure and systems, and expects to see continued increased costs in these expenses for the foreseeable future.

Professional service fees, which encompass audit, legal and consulting fees increased $44 thousand to $338 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same period a year ago and increased $74 thousand 28% compared to the previous quarter. The increases are due to increased fees for external audit and professional services.

Deferred compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $115 thousand, an increase of $115 thousand compared to the same period a year ago. The increase was due to certain true-up adjustments recorded during the same period a year ago. For disclosure purposes, in the table above and in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations, the prior year credit balance in deferred compensation expense is included in the line item other expenses.

Other expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased compared to the prior year as the current year includes $221 thousand of additional amortization expense for affordable housing investments purchased during 2013 compared to $0 for the prior year. Other expenses decreased $1.3 million in the current quarter compared prior quarter which reflected a $1.4 million in pretax loss from the negotiated settlement of the note from the Company's former mortgage subsidiary.

The Company realized net charge offs of $1.3 million in the current quarter compared with net charge offs of $4.4 million in the prior quarter and net recoveries of $383 thousand in the same period a year ago. Charge offs in the current quarter are primarily due to $1 million in charge offs related to one Commercial Real Estate loan relationship.

The Company continues to monitor credit quality, and adjust the ALLL accordingly to ensure that the ALLL is maintained at a level that is adequate to cover estimated credit losses in the loan and lease portfolios. As such, the Company made $1.5 million additional provisions for loan losses during the second quarter of 2014, compared with $1.4 million during the same period a year ago. The Company's ALLL as a percentage of gross portfolio loans was 1.60% at June 30, 2014 compared to 1.61% as of June 30, 2013.

During the first six months of 2014, the Bank's loan portfolio reflected higher charge off rates relative to the previous quarters. The charge offs in during the first six months of 2014 were centered in three borrowing relationships previously identified as impaired. Management is cautiously optimistic that given continuing improvement in local and national economic conditions, the Company's impaired assets will continue to trend down. However, the commercial real estate and commercial loan portfolios continue to be influenced by weak real estate values, the effects of relatively high unemployment levels, and less than robust economic conditions. At June 30, 2014, management believes the Company's ALLL is adequately funded given the current level of credit risk.

At June 30, 2014, the recorded investment in loans classified as impaired totaled $35.5 million, with a corresponding valuation allowance (included in the ALLL) of $1.0 million compared to impaired loans of $36.7 million, with a corresponding valuation allowance (included in the ALLL) of $1.8 million at March 31, 2014. The valuation allowance on impaired loans represents the impairment reserves on performing restructured loans, other accruing loans, and nonaccrual loans. The decrease in classified loans during the three months ended June 30, 2014 is primarily due to the aforementioned borrowing relationship.

Loans are reported as troubled debt restructurings (TDR) when the Bank grants a concession(s) to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that it would not otherwise consider. Examples of such concessions include a reduction in the note rate, forgiveness of principal or accrued interest, extending the maturity date(s) significantly, or providing a lower interest rate than would be normally available for a transaction of similar risk. As a result of these concessions, restructured loans are impaired as the Bank will not collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, in accordance with the terms of the original loan agreement. Impairment reserves on non collateral dependent restructured loans are measured by comparing the present value of expected future cash flows of the restructured loans, discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loan agreement. These impairment reserves are recognized as a specific component to be provided for in the ALLL.

During the current quarter, the Company restructured two loans to grant a rate concession. The loans were classified as TDR and placed on nonaccrual status. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $27.9 million in TDRs compared to $29.2 million as of March 31, 2014. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had one hundred and eighteen restructured loans that qualified as TDRs, of which one hundred three were performing according to their restructured terms. TDRs represented 4.50% of gross portfolio loans as of June 30, 2014 compared with 4.81% at March 31, 2014. 

Nonperforming loans, which include nonaccrual loans and accruing loans past due over 90 days, totaled $27.5 million or 4.43% of portfolio loans as of June 30, 2014, compared to $24.7 million, or 3.99% of portfolio loans at March 31, 2014. The increase in nonperforming loans in the current quarter is primarily due to $ 3.0 million in loans for one relationship moved to nonaccrual during the quarter ending June 30, 2014. Nonperforming assets, which include nonperforming loans and other real estate owned ("OREO"), totaled $28.3 million, or 2.94% of total assets as of June 30, 2014, compared with $25.3 million, or 2.63% of total assets as of March 31, 2014. As of June 30, 2014, nonperforming assets of $28.3 million have been written down by 36%, or $10.2 million, from their original balance of $42.8 million. 

At June 30, 2014, and March 31, 2014, the recorded investment in OREO was $826 thousand and $623 thousand, respectively. The June 30, 2014 OREO balance consists of five properties, of which three are secured by 1-4 family residential real estate in the amount of $204 thousand, one commercial nonfarm residential property in the amount of $162 thousand and one piece of improved commercial land in the amount of $460 thousand.

About Bank of Commerce Holdings

Bank of Commerce Holdings is a bank holding company headquartered in Redding, California and is the parent company for Redding Bank of Commerce which operates under two separate names (Redding Bank of Commerce and Sacramento Bank of Commerce, a division of Redding Bank of Commerce). The Bank is an FDIC insured California banking corporation providing commercial banking and financial services through four offices located in Northern California. The Bank opened on October 22, 1982. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market and trades under the symbol "BOCH".

Investment firms making a market in BOCH stock are: