Royal Financial, Inc. Announces Record Earnings for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021, a $42MM drop in COVID-19 loan deferrals, and the 2020 Annual Meeting Results


CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQX: RYFL), incorporated under the laws of Delaware on December 15, 2004, for the purpose of serving as the holding company of Royal Savings Bank (the “Bank”), announced record earnings for the second quarter end of fiscal year 2021, an update on loan deferrals, and annual meeting results.

Net Income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 was $1.3 million, or $0.50 per common share, compared to $782,000, or $0.31 per common share, in the same period of fiscal 2020.

The Company also reported total assets of $518.3 million and stockholders’ equity of $45.2 million as of December 31, 2020. As of the same date, the Company’s book value per share was $17.63 and tangible book value per share was $16.71.

Comparison of Results of Operation for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The Company reported net income of $1.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $782,000 in the same period of fiscal 2020, an increase of $511,000 (65%). The increase was caused by an increase in total interest income, a decrease in total interest expense, offset by an increase in non-interest expense and an increase in provision for income taxes.

Total interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, increased $407,000 (9%) from December 31, 2019. Total interest income from loans, including fees, increased $549,000 (14%), offset by decreases in interest income from securities of $70,000 (28%) and federal funds sold decreased $72,000 (87%) from the prior year. The increase in interest income was the result of an increase in mortgage loan interest income of $643,000, offset by an increase in the mortgage loan premium expense of $352,000, which is from the purchase of the two loan pools, and the increase of $100,000 in commercial loan interest income, as well as the recognition of $227,000 of fee income from the forgiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Total interest expense decreased $394,000 (39%) due to lower cost of funds for borrowings and deposit account balances. Total deposit interest expense decreased $336,000 (37%) from the prior year due to the falling rate environment. Total borrowing expense decreased $59,000 (50%) due to the decrease in rate for the notes payable.

Total non-interest income decreased $12,000 (6%) from December 31, 2019. This decrease was due to decreases in secondary mortgage market fees of $13,000 (97%) and a decrease of $7,000 (14%) in rental income, offset by the one-time loss in the sale of fixed assets of $8,000 last fiscal year.

Total non-interest expense increased $30,000 (1%) from December 31, 2019. This increase in non-interest expense is due to the increase in occupancy and equipment costs of $12,000 (2%), an increase in data processing costs of $10,000 (4%), an increase in professional services of $15,000 (12%), an increase in Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”) expenses of $87,000, and an increase in acquisition expenses of $13,000 (12%). The increase in the FDIC expense was a result of the FDIC assessment credits issued last fiscal year as the FDIC reserve requirement was met as of June 30, 2019. These increases were offset by decreases in salaries and employee benefits of $52,000 (5%) due to the expiration of expense for the 2005 Options program issued in 2015 and a decrease in vacation and employee compensation, a gain in the sale of other real estate (“OREO”) of $13,000, offset by expenses of $3,000, and in other expenses of $34,000 (16%). During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, the Company incurred a loss of $47,000 as a result of federal and state tax payments not being made by the Company’s former payroll provider. These taxes have since been paid and the Company has filed a claim to recover this loss. The Company estimates this to not be recoverable.

The total provision to the allowance for loan losses this quarter was $60,000.

For quarter end December 31, 2020, the provision for income taxes was $568,000, an increase of $189,000 (50%) from the prior year.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020

The Company’s total assets increased $84.2 million (19%), to $518.3 million at December 31, 2020, from $434.1 million at June 30, 2020.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $7.8 million (53%) to $22.5 million at December 31, 2020, from $14.8 million at June 30, 2020, due to the increase in deposits.

Securities available for sale increased $377,000 (1%), to $31.7 million at December 31, 2020 from $31.3 million at June 30, 2020. The unrealized gains in the municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios increased by $300,000 (35%) and $9,000 (10%), respectively, and were offset by the decrease in the unrealized loss in the agency portfolio of $72,000 (26%), and a net change in balances to the portfolios of $140,000.

Loans, net of allowance, increased $78.6 million (22%) to $435.3 million at December 31, 2020, from $356.7 million at June 30, 2020. Commercial loans increased $29.5 million and mortgage loans increased $45.5 million from June 30, 2020, which was the result of the purchase of a $69.5 million single family, owner occupied ARM purchase, offset by $24.1 million in loan pay-offs.

The allowance for loan losses was $3.6 million, or 0.82% of total loans, at December 31, 2020, as compared to $3.2 million, or 0.87% of total loans, at June 30, 2020. In addition to the allowance for loan losses, net purchase discount on acquired loans was $409,000 at December 31, 2020 compared to $478,000 at June 30, 2020.  Individual loan discounts are being accreted into interest income over the life of the loans; however, they can offset loan losses upon loan default. Nonperforming loans totaled $2.0 million, or 0.47% of outstanding loans, at December 31, 2020 compared to $2.0 million or 0.56%, at June 30, 2020. 

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) decreased $289,000 (97%) from June 30, 2020 to $9,000. The Company sold the property for a small gain of $13,000.

The Deferred Tax Asset (“DTA”) decreased $1.7 million (25%) to $5.1 million at December 31, 2020, from $6.7 million at June 30, 2020. The Bank has a $500,000 valuation allowance for the State of Illinois DTA as of December 31, 2020, as it is more likely than not that Company will be unable to utilize all of the $64.4 million in State Net Operating Losses (NOLs) that expire between 2021 and 2028. In fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the Company has NOLs of $17.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively, scheduled to expire. The Bank paid $800,000 in taxes to the Holding Company as of December 31, 2020. The Bank has no remaining Federal DTA.

The Core Deposit Intangibles (“CDI”) held by the Company decreased $70,000 (10%) as of December 31, 2020. The decrease was the result of two quarters of amortization.

Other assets decreased $880,000 (31%) to $1.9 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease was caused by a decrease in the purchased loan principal and interest payments in process of $1.4 million, offset by an increase in the reserve for taxes of $800,000.

Total deposits increased $81.4 million (22%) to $454.7 million at December 31, 2020, from $373.3 million at June 30, 2020. The increase was $60.0 million in brokered certificates of deposits and an increase of $16.8 million in deposit listing certificates of deposit, an increase in money market accounts of $5.4 million, an increase of $6.0 million in savings accounts, and an increase of $3.7 million in non-interest checking accounts, offset by $10.3 million in certificate of deposit maturities. The brokered deposits have $10.0 million blocked laddered maturities over the next five years and a weighted average rate of 0.47%; the first $10 million block will mature in July 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $4.0 million Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding. The advance is 0% interest and has a maturity of May 3, 2021.

Notes payable decreased $250,000 (3%) due to the Company’s quarterly payment. The Company currently has outstanding $7.5 million on the amortizing note payable. The Company made an interest only payment in August for the note. The note will amortize in full over 7.75 years with quarterly payments of $250,000 in principal reduction and interest at the rate of 0.25% below the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate; however, the interest rate will not be below 3% per annum.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $2.4 million (6%), to $45.2 million at December 31, 2020, from $42.8 million at June 30, 2020, which was primarily a result of the net income of $2.1 million earned in the period, an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $187,000 (19%), an increase in additional paid in capital of $124,000 (1%), and a decrease in treasury stock of $23,000 (5%). The Bank paid a cash dividend of $91,000 to the Company in the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

The Bank is “well capitalized” under prompt corrective action regulations. This classification requires the Bank to maintain regulatory capital that meets or exceeds the following ratios: Tier 1 Capital leverage of 5.00%, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital of 6.50%, Tier 1 Capital of 8.00%, and Total Capital of 10.00%. At December 31, 2020, the Bank exceeded each of these requirements with ratios of 8.80%, 12.94%, 12.94% and 13.99%, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, the book value per common share was $17.63 compared to the book value per common share of $16.75 at June 30, 2020, for shares outstanding of 2,565,663 and 2,556,518, respectively. The tangible book value per share was $16.71 at December 31, 2020, compared to tangible book value per share of $15.80 at June 30, 2020. Total treasury shares as of December 31, 2020 is 79,337 shares, compared to June 30, 2020, with treasury shares at 88,482. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company issued 7,000 grants, to be vested over a two year period, to the Board of Directors and to Senior Management in July, 2020. In addition, Mr. Szwajkowski, the Company President and CEO, exercised 1,040 vested options from the 2005 Option plan. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, Andrew Morua, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, exercised 455 vested options from the 2005 Option Plan; Richard Nichols, Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, exercised 325 vested options from the 2005 Option Plan; and Toni Gonzalez, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, exercised 325 vested options from the 2005 Option Plan. All of the vested options of the 2005 Option plan for the management team have been exercised.

In August, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to 76,849 shares of its outstanding common stock. The Company repurchased a total of 7,633 shares during fiscal year 2020. The Company repurchased 75 shares during the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 at a weighted cost of $14.15 per share.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, Mr. Szwajkowski purchased a total of 300 shares at market value of $11.80. Other insiders purchased a total of 87 shares at a weighted average price of $11.62. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, Mr. Szwajkowski purchased a total of 300 shares at a weighted average price of $13.56.

The complete audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019 are available at www.royalbankweb.com

The COVID-19 Pandemic Update on Business Operations.

As of November 18, 2020, the Company has temporarily closed all branch lobbies and continues to implement social distancing measures as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and continues to follow guidance from all local, state, and federal authorities. The Company has expensed roughly $75,000 on COVID related safety measures and enhancements, not including added labor or benefits.

Lending operations and accommodations to borrowers

In response to the pandemic, the Company is offering fee waivers, payment deferrals for up to 120 days, and other expanded assistance for mortgage, commercial real estate, small business and personal lending customers. Secondary payment deferral assistance is limited to 60 days requiring a hardship letter and payment of any required escrows. The Bank’s forbearance program as of June 30, 2020, assisted 8.8% of borrowers for a total of $42.2 million in loans. As of December 31, 2020, a total of 3 borrowers, totaling $497,000 in loans, remain on the forbearance program. As of January 14, 2021, a total of 2 borrowers, totaling $242,000 in loans, remain on the forbearance program. Additionally, the Company made accommodations to 21 commercial loan customers with balances of $38.5 million in March, 2020. The Company has no outstanding accommodation requests at December 31, 2020.

The Company has designated staff to assist customers to access funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act passed at the end of the first quarter, including the PPP, for which the Bank received SBA approval and has funded 153 loans totaling approximately $11.7 million. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has received forgiveness for 51 loans, totaling $5.3 million in SBA loans. The Company has booked $288,000 in fee income for the current fiscal year. The remaining $185,000 will be accreted over the life of the remaining PPP loans. The Company will participate in the next round of PPP loan funding.

Asset valuation

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused material economic weakness and declines in the market value of bank equity. However, the Company’s market value premium above tangible book value and the current outlook of the Company’s financial performance indicate that the Goodwill intangible assets are not impaired at December 31, 2020. Economic conditions will continue to be monitored and financial projections will be updated as the impacts of the pandemic and the fiscal and monetary stimulus are realized through the remainder of the year. Management’s assessment is that the Goodwill of $1.8 million is not impaired at December 31, 2020.

Civil Unrest

In late May and early June, 2020, the Company’s property and business was affected by civil disturbances that occurred at some of its Chicagoland market area offices. The events led to a full Bank closure on June 1, 2020. On June 2, 2020, all locations opened with the exception of two locations that experienced the most damage and posed the highest employee risk. The Bank Disaster Recovery Team made the decision to return the Bank to full operation on June 3, 2020. Damages to the locations affected, including ATM machines, are estimated at $250,000. The Company received reimbursement for the repairs to the ATM machines, lobby damages, and additional security expense incurred. This will be the final update.

Update on Litigation Matters.

North Shore Bank, FSB Matter

In October, 2019, the Company announced that the Bank entered a definitive purchase and assumption agreement to acquire two Illinois State Bank branch banking centers located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois and McHenry, Illinois. The Bank terminated the purchase and assumption agreement in April, 2020. North Shore Bank, FSB subsequently filed suit against the Bank, alleging such termination was in breach of the agreement. In June, 2020, the Bank filed its Answer to the Complaint along with its Counterclaim against North Shore Bank FSB, alleging multiple material violations of the purchase and assumption agreement, which ultimately led to the April, 2020 termination. The Bank continues to work with Howard and Howard Attorneys, PLLC, to steadfastly represent the Company in this matter and seek breach damages of $500,000, legal fees, along with other monetary damages to the Bank and Company in the mid to high seven figure range.

The Bank is currently in the initial discovery phase of the claim and believes that the likelihood of an adverse event occurring is remote. As a result of the limited knowledge of the facts and circumstances of the situation to date and that a loss is neither considered probable or estimable at this point, a loss contingency does not need to be recorded, nor disclosed, in the financial statements. Accounting guidance supports the accrual of probable and reasonably estimable legal fees that relate to loss contingencies. Management concludes that it is probable that legal fees will be incurred, and those fees are reasonably estimable (based on communications from the attorney’s handing the matter). The Bank has been receiving updated estimates monthly from Howard and Howard and continues to accrue for those expenses on a monthly basis. As of June 30, 2020, the Bank has met its $50,000 deductible and the expense has been recorded with the year end June 30, 2020 financial statements. Any future legal costs for defense expense are expected to be reimbursed by the Company bond. The Company expects that a recovery from the insurance bond, for previous period accruals, is estimated during the next quarter, in the low six figure range.

Fraudulent Loan Matter

From the March 31, 2020 quarter, the Company continues to monitor and work through a $1.7 million dollar commercial relationship that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early in June. Prior to this Chapter 11 bankruptcy, collection efforts included the use of the courts in DuPage County, IL. The case was converted by the court to a full Chapter 7 whereby the Bank continues to hold senior priority lien rights on remaining assets. In addition, the Bank holds personal guarantees of the three principals. Through discovery the Company believes its collateral position was diluted through misappropriated acts by the borrower, which was identified in the first 30 days by the Bank, and is now being investigated by the US Trustee. As a result, the Company has taken $1.1 million in write downs and made the appropriate provisions to the ALLL. The Company believes there will be some level of recovery in the future as the situation continues resolution through the court process. The remaining $639,000, which the Bank holds, is guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The Bank is in the process of a SBA buyback of that remaining $639,000 balance. The SBA has been cooperative, has approved their portion of legal fees, and is seeking a referral to the SBA Office of Inspector General for further criminal investigation. Concurrently, since February 2020, the Company is a Plaintiff in DuPage County, Illinois, for the personal guarantees. Management is estimating and aware of a recovery of $400,000 during the next six month period, as the funds are currently with the Trustee. Furthermore, management is aware of two small recoveries, $79,000 and $59,000, that will occur in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholder Results

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on October 20, 2020, at the Company’s main location on 9226 S. Commercial Avenue. Mr. Fitch, Chairman of the Board of Directors, led the meeting and highlighted the financial operating results of fiscal year 2020 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the following matters were submitted to and approved by a vote of the stockholders:

1)   The election of three Class I directors for a three-year term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2023:

DirectorsC. Michael McLarenPhilip J. TimyanRobert W. Youman
Total votes for1,718,7091,705,1661,718,709
Total votes withheld2,72316,2662,723

The following directors continue to serve after the Annual Meeting:

Continuing DirectorTerm Expires
James A. Fitch, Jr.2021
Roger L. Hupe2021
Leonard Szwajkowski2022
John T. Dempsey2022

2)   Ratification of the appointment of Crowe, LLP as the Company’s independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021:

Total votes for1,950,840
Total votes against95,011
Total votes abstaining 109,034

About Royal Financial, Inc.

Royal Savings Bank offers a range of checking and savings products and a full line of home and commercial lending solutions. Royal Savings Bank has been operating continuously in the Chicagoland area since 1887, and currently has nine branches and lending centers in Homewood and St. Charles, Illinois. Visit Royal Financial, Inc. and Royal Savings Bank at www.royalbankweb.com.

Safe–Harbor

Forward Looking Statements: This press release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on the operations and future prospects of the Company and the Bank include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates; the economic health of the local real estate market; general economic conditions, including but not limited to the coronavirus outbreak; continued credit deterioration in our loan portfolio that would cause us to further increase our allowance for loan losses; legislative/regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality or composition of the loan and securities portfolios; demand for loan products in our market areas; deposit flows; competition; demand for financial services in our market areas; and changes in accounting principles, policies, and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Contact: Mr. Leonard Szwajkowski
President and CEO
Telephone: (773) 382-2111
E-mail: lszwajkowski@royal-bank.us



Royal Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three and Six months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31,
  
  2020   2019   2020   2019 
        
Interest income       
Loans, including fees$4,609,384  $4,060,435  $9,072,329  $8,271,812 
Securities 175,452   245,387   354,023   496,371 
Federal funds sold and other 10,271   82,156   20,919   171,453 
Total interest income 4,795,107   4,387,978   9,447,272   8,939,636 
        
Interest expense       
Deposits 569,152   904,666   1,254,040   1,896,943 
Borrowings 57,604   116,258   117,197   259,182 
Total interest expense 626,756   1,020,924   1,371,237   2,156,125 
        
Net interest income 4,168,350   3,367,054   8,076,035   6,783,511 
        
Provision for loan losses 60,000   -   560,000   - 
        
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 4,108,350   3,367,054   7,516,035   6,783,511 
        
Non-interest income       
Service charges on deposit accounts 154,583   153,730   321,735   320,991 
Secondary mortgage market fees 348   13,598   348   22,620 
Rental Income 44,536   51,900   92,761   111,035 
Loss on sale of fixed assets -   (8,185)  -   (8,185)
Other 237   304   451   466 
Total non-interest income 199,703   211,347   415,294   446,927 
        
Non-interest expense       
Salaries and employee benefits 1,048,379   1,100,559   2,207,755   2,283,636 
Occupancy and equipment 524,012   512,225   1,061,627   1,015,225 
Data processing 238,602   228,770   489,125   447,642 
Professional services 138,699   123,551   255,429   286,865 
Director fees 42,000   42,000   84,000   84,000 
Marketing 27,346   29,059   53,075   53,294 
FDIC insurance expense (income) 79,534   (7,508)  149,934   (10,695)
Insurance premiums 24,643   23,093   48,937   45,641 
Other Real Estate Owned Expense (income), net (9,551)  11,390   (11,707)  19,269 
Acquisition Expense 119,472   106,571   191,726   119,456 
Core Deposit Intangibles Amortization 35,207   35,207   70,413   70,413 
Other 178,331   211,699   423,582   497,380 
Total non-interest expense 2,446,673   2,416,616   5,023,894   4,912,127 
        
Income before income taxes 1,861,380   1,161,785   2,907,435   2,318,312 
        
Provision for income taxes 568,000   379,500   829,000   739,000 
Net Income$ 1,293,380  $ 782,285  $ 2,078,435  $ 1,579,312 
        
Basic earnings per share$0.50  $0.31  $0.81  $0.62 
Diluted earnings per share$0.50  $0.30  $0.80  $0.61 
        
        
This report has not been prepared in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")  
rules applicable to SEC registrant companies and is not intended to comply with such rules.  


Royal Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
 December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 
(Unaudited) 
    
 December 31, 2020June 30, 2020 
    
Assets   
    
Cash and non-interest bearing balances in financial institutions$3,567,577 $3,757,301  
Interest bearing balances in financial institutions 18,859,652  10,872,461  
Federal funds sold 101,555  133,515  
Total cash and cash equivalents$22,528,783 $14,763,277  
    
Investment certificates of deposit$672,000 $672,000  
Securities available for sale 31,732,751  31,355,841  
Loans Receivable, net of Allowance for loan losses 435,347,590  356,735,349  
of $3,622,766 at December 31, 2020, $3,150,808 at June 30, 2020  
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost 836,300  836,300  
Premises and equipment, net 15,563,208  15,694,976  
Accrued interest receivable 2,239,710  1,788,867  
Other real estate owned 8,544  297,544  
Deferred tax asset 5,058,209  6,736,969  
Core deposit intangibles 608,593  679,006  
Goodwill 1,755,189  1,755,189  
Other assets 1,919,486  2,799,407  
Total Assets$ 518,270,363 $ 434,114,725  
    
    
Liabilities & Stockholders Equity   
Deposits$454,768,647 $373,340,219  
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance 5,354,218  4,876,363  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 4,000,000  4,000,000  
Notes payable 7,500,000  7,750,000  
Accrued interest payable and other Liabilities 1,420,815  1,333,685  
Total Liabilities$473,043,679 $391,300,267  
    
Stockholder's Equity   
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, authorized   
1,000,000 shares, no issues are outstanding$- $-  
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, authorized 5,000,000  
shares, 2,645,000 shares issued at June 30, 2020 and 2019 26,450  26,450  
Additional Paid-In Capital 24,048,727  23,924,787  
Retained Earnings 20,431,375  18,352,940  
Treasury Stock, 79,337 shares as of December 31, 2020 and   
88,482 shares as of June 30, 2020, at cost (427,712) (450,370) 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,147,842  960,651  
Total Capital$45,226,683 $42,814,458  
    
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity$ 518,270,363 $ 434,114,725  
    
    
This report has not been prepared in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules applicable
to SEC registrant companies and is not intended to comply with such rules.