Friendly Hills Bank Reports Fourth Quarter Results


WHITTIER, Calif., Feb. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Friendly Hills Bank (the “Company”) (OTCBB: FHLB) reported results for the fourth quarter of 2019. 

For the twelve month period ending December 31, 2019, the Company reported net income of $1.1 million or $0.55 per diluted share of common stock. This figure includes a $125,000 provision for loan losses. The Company reported net income of $907,000 or $0.47 per diluted share of common stock for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, without any provision for loan losses.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company reported total assets of $158.9 million, a 4% increase from $152.6 million as of December 31, 2018. The Company’s loan portfolio, net of unearned income, increased 9% from $86.1 million as of December 31, 2018, to $94.0 million as of December 31, 2019. The portfolio remains diversified with $27.8 million or 30% in Commercial & Industrial Loans to local businesses (including $18.7 million in Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans), $17.7 million or 19% in Residential Real Estate Loans to investors and $44.0 million or 47% in Commercial Real Estate Loans to investors. The Company has an additional $24.9 million in unfunded loan commitments.

The Company’s overall deposit base has decreased 3% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, from $122.2 million as of December 31, 2018, to $118.2 million as of December 31, 2019. Non-interest bearing deposits remain a substantial part of the deposit base (46%), increasing from $43.8 million to $54.3 million as of December 31, 2019. During the same time period interest-bearing deposits decreased from $78.4 million to $63.9 million on December 31, 2019. The Company has no deposits which were sourced through brokers. 

At December 31, 2019, shareholders’ equity was $19.0 million and the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 18%, significantly exceeding the “well-capitalized” level of 10% prescribed under regulatory requirements. The Company also continues to maintain a substantial liquidity position supplemented by the availability of collateralized borrowings and other potential sources of liquidity.

“We are pleased to report another solid year of earnings growth for the Company in 2019,” commented Jeffrey K. Ball, Chief Executive Officer. “Our increased income is a reflection of the strong loan growth we experienced during the year while maintaining strength in our core deposit base. Book value per share has increased over 11% in the past year as the capital base continues to be well above regulatory guidelines supporting continued selective growth of the company while we maintain a consistent approach to underwriting.”

Company Profile:
Friendly Hills Bank is a community bank which was formed to primarily serve the Southern California communities of eastern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County. The Company was established in 2006 by prominent members of the local community who were seeking an alternative to the larger financial institutions in the area. The Company is headquartered in Whittier, California with an additional branch office in Santa Fe Springs, California. For more information on the Company, please visit www.friendlyhillsbank.com or call 562-947-1920.

Forward Looking Statements:
The numbers in this press release are unaudited. Statements such as those regarding the anticipated development and expansion of Friendly Hills Bank's business, and the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers, are "forward looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the local and national economy, the Company's performance, including its ability to generate loan and deposit growth, changes in interest rates, and regulatory matters.

Contacts:
Jeffrey K. Ball (President & CEO)
Viktor Uehlinger (EVP & CFO)
(562) 947-1920


Friendly Hills Bank
Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share information)
 
 12/31/19 12/31/18
ASSETS
       
Cash and due from Banks$3,203  $3,278 
Interest bearing deposits with other financial institutions 20,855   3,450 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 24,058   6,728 
Investment securities available-for-sale 32,778   53,462 
Federal Home Loan Bank and other restricted stock 2,705   2,590 
Loans, net of unearned income 93,988   86,135 
Allowance for loan losses (1,332)  (1,525)
Net Loans 92,656   84,610 
Premises and equipment, net 566   335 
Bank Owned Life Insurance 4,730   3,637 
Deferred tax asset 440   177 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets 995   1,074 
Total Assets$158,928  $152,613 
        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY       
Liabilities
       
Deposits
       
Noninterest-bearing deposits$54,281  $43,803 
Interest-bearing deposits 63,932   78,438 
Total Deposits 118,213   122,241 
FHLB advances 20,531   12,750 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 1,138   629 
Total Liabilities 139,882   135,620 
Shareholders’ Equity       
Common stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized:       
1,997,993 shares issued and outstanding as of 12/31/19 15,958   15,958 
1,979,993 shares issued and outstanding as of 12/31/18       
Additional paid-in-capital 1,470   1,293 
Accumulated deficit 1,660   557 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (42)  (815)
Total Shareholders’ Equity 19,046   16,993 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$158,928  $152,613 
        
Book Value Per Share$9.53  $8.58 
        


Friendly Hills Bank
Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share information)
 
 For the twelve For the twelve
 months ended months ended
 12/31/19 12/31/18
Interest Income$6,144  $5,500 
Interest Expense 656   469 
Net Interest Income 5,488   5,031 
Provision for Loan Losses 125   0 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses 5,363   5,031 
        
Noninterest Income 537   468 
Noninterest Expense 4,416   4,241 
Non-Recurring Items 50   1 
Income before Provision for Income Taxes 1,534   1,259 
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes (431)  (352)
Net Income$1,103  $907 
        
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share$0.55  $0.47