Commencement Bancorp Inc Announces First Quarter Earnings

May 9, 2024
First Quarter Earnings

Commencement Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:CBWA) reported quarterly net income of $738 thousand, or $0.19 per share, for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, compared to $720 thousand and $0.18 per share for first quarter 2023. Total non-interest income increased 8%, while non-interest expense recorded an increase of 13% year-over-year. As stated during recent quarters, the Bank has continued with expansion plans and technology upgrades resulting in higher-than-normal expenses. Additionally, the Bank recorded a $440 thousand extraordinary expense for accrued legal fees that were reclassified following the settlement of two nonperforming credits in late 2023.

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A $500K reverse provision from the Bank’s Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL) was recognized in first quarter 2024. During 2023, the Bank successfully recovered $711 thousand from previously recorded loan losses. Given the overall portfolio performance, expected future loan growth, and significant recoveries, the ACL was overallocated and the recapture of the reserves brought the ACL coverage in line with allowance methodology and the Bank’s peers. 

“Our loan portfolio continues to perform well under the stresses of higher interest rates. Based on that performance and the significant recoveries collected in 2023, the ACL was overallocated. The recapture of the funds brings our loan loss reserves in line with our allowance methodology and the Bank’s peers,” said John E. Manolides, Chief Executive Officer.

Total assets ended the quarter at $590 million with no significant variation to report. Total loan balances were $447 million at quarter end, an increase of 3%, or $12 million, compared to first quarter 2023. Asset quality improved based on net recoveries, which resulted in an improved Texas Ratio (a measurement of problem loans and bank-owned properties to capital) of 0.7% compared to 4.0% one year prior.

Total deposits increased 4%, to $536 million, compared to first quarter 2023. While 4% growth appears modest, this number contains no brokered deposits or overnight borrowings, which were all eliminated over the course of 2023 despite the challenging rate environment. More notably, the Bank improved its deposit portfolio mix with a 14% increase in non-interest bearing deposits and 15% reduction in interest bearing deposits.

Yield on earning assets increased 49 basis points year-over-year and cost of funds rose 62 basis points over the same period. These increases resulted in a slight corresponding decrease in net interest margin.

The Bank recently announced that the Tacoma headquarters will be moving in early 2025 to a new location at 1313 Broadway, also in downtown Tacoma, Wash. The new building will be situated close to the existing headquarters and is owned by a prominent, local real estate investor. This move will take place after the opening of the Bank’s new branch location in Gig Harbor, Wash., where they have operated out of a temporary office since August 2023. Amidst the many events over the quarter, the bank successfully onboarded 130 new client relationships, continuing the momentum from previous quarters.

“I’m extremely proud of our bankers’ continued resilience and steadfast approach in navigating through a very challenging interest rate environment.  Our relationship-centric approach has contributed to a high-quality deposit franchise with stable low-cost deposits. These efforts will position the Bank for continued success when interest rates and earnings stabilize,” said Nigel L. English, President and Chief Operating Officer.

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2024 First Quarter Financial Highlights:

  • Total loans ended the quarter at $446.8 million, a $11.7 million increase year-over-year.
  • Interest income increased 13% year-over-year to $6.9 million.
  • Non-interest income recognized an 8% increase compared to one year earlier.
  • Eliminated all borrowed funds and brokered certificates of deposit from first quarter 2023 to first quarter 2024.
  • Nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to 0.09% from 0.45% compared to one year earlier.
  • Tangible book value per share increased from $12.11 in first quarter 2023 to $12.29 in first quarter 2024.
  • Capital ratios remained well above regulatory requirements.

 

For further discussion, please contact the following:

John E. Manolides, Chief Executive Officer | 253-284-1802

Nigel L. English, President & Chief Operating Officer | 253-284-1801

Thomas L. Dhamers, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | 253-284-1803

 

Forward-Looking Statement Safe Harbor: This news 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. Forward-looking statements describe Commencement Bancorp, Inc.’s projections, estimates, plans and expectations of future results and can be identified by words such as “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “likely,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “looking forward,” and other similar expressions. They are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in these forward-looking statements, which because of their forward-looking nature, are difficult to predict. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, and should consider factors that might cause differences including but not limited to the degree of competition by traditional and nontraditional competitors, declines in real estate markets, an increase in unemployment or sustained high levels of unemployment; changes in interest rates; greater than expected costs to integrate acquisitions, adverse changes in local, national and international economies; changes in the Federal Reserve’s actions that affect monetary and fiscal policies; changes in legislative or regulatory actions or reform, including without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; demand for products and services; changes to the quality of the loan portfolio and our ability to succeed in our problem-asset resolution efforts; the impact of technological advances; changes in tax laws; and other risk factors. Commencement Bancorp, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or clarify any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.