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8-K - 8-K - Solera National Bancorp, Inc.a11-9406_28k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

SOLERA NATIONAL BANCORP, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2011 RESULTS

 

Performance Highlights

 

·                  Net loss of $183,000 in 1Q 2011, or ($0.07) per share.

 

·                  Net interest income increased 11% versus prior year.

 

·                  Net interest margin increased 22 basis points year-over-year to 3.25%.

 

·                  Loan portfolio grew 3% to $58.2 million at March 31, 2011 compared to $56.3 million at March 31, 2010.

 

·                  Total assets of $139.8 million in first quarter 2011 compared to $137.5 million in first quarter 2010.

 

·                  Solera National Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 11.3% and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 18.7% at March 31, 2011 substantially exceeded the regulatory requirements of a well-capitalized bank.

 

LAKEWOOD, CO — April 28, 2011 - Solera National Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SLRK), the parent Company of Solera National Bank, reported a first quarter 2011 net loss of $183,000 or ($0.07) per share compared with net income of $416,000 or $0.16 per share in fourth quarter 2010 and net income of $103,000 or $0.04 per share in first quarter 2010.

 

“Although we had a relatively small net loss in the first quarter, our net interest margin, a primary driver for us, continued to improve reflecting a key focus we have in 2011 on growing income from core operations,” said Douglas Crichfield, President and CEO.  “Throughout 2010, we successfully re-priced both our savings accounts and interest-bearing demand accounts while maintaining a competitive rate and retaining customers.  We have experienced a great deal of customer loyalty, in part reflecting our commitment to the particular needs and preferences of the Hispanic market.”

 

“These accounts are not only an important source of core funding, but are also an excellent customer acquisition tool for us and provide effective cross-selling opportunities.  We were very pleased with the growth in savings and money market accounts to $64.4 million from $57.1 million in the prior quarter, aided in part by the efforts of the directors’ business development committee.”

 

“Lack of loan portfolio growth for much of 2010 into the first quarter of this year, as well as an increase in non-performing assets during 2010, was a drag on earnings.  Fortunately, we have begun to see a considerable increase in loan demand recently as well as stabilization in non-performing assets, both of which provide encouragement for improving financial results.”

 

Operating Performance

 

The Company generated total interest income of $1.51 million in first quarter 2011, which was down slightly compared with both fourth quarter 2010 and first quarter 2010.  However, interest expense in the first quarter declined 28% compared with the prior year’s first quarter, contributing to an 11% rise in net interest income before provision for loan losses to $1.08 million in the first quarter 2011 compared with $974,000 in the first quarter 2010.

 



 

Net interest income after the provision for loan losses increased to $1.08 million in first quarter 2011 compared with $859,000 in the prior year’s first quarter and $1.06 million in fourth quarter 2010.  The Bank’s net interest margin, which was 3.25% in first quarter 2011, was essentially unchanged from fourth quarter 2010 but 22 basis points higher than first quarter 2010.

 

“During the past two years, despite the weak economy, we have had meaningful improvement in our financial results,” noted Crichfield.  “Our core deposits now give us a sound foundation for increasing our loan portfolio and we have the capacity to lend.  As the economic recovery takes hold, we aim to grow the loan portfolio.”

 

Solera generated noninterest income of $16,000 in the first quarter of 2011, compared with $494,000 in fourth quarter 2010 and $280,000 in first quarter 2010.  In previous quarters, the Company capitalized on favorable market conditions, recognizing a $475,000 net gain on the sale of securities during the fourth quarter of 2010 and $263,000 a year ago. Noninterest expense was $1.28 million in first quarter 2011 compared with $1.14 million in fourth quarter 2010 and $1.04 million in first quarter 2010.

 

Total assets at March 31, 2011 were $139.8 million, 2% higher than assets of $137.5 million at March 31, 2010, and essentially flat to fourth quarter 2010.  Customer deposits were $114.5 million at March 31, 2011, up 3% from the fourth quarter 2010 and 4% from the prior year.  Core deposits, which exclude time deposits, comprised 68% of total deposits at March 31, 2011 an increase from 62% of total deposits at March 31, 2010.

 

Total loans of $58.2 million at March 31, 2011 represented a 3% increase compared with $56.3 million at March 31, 2010.

 

“Commercial loan demand throughout most of the first quarter was weaker than we hoped, although we weren’t surprised because small businesses were still moving cautiously” said Robert J. Fenton, Executive Vice President and CFO.  “As loan demand picks up, we will continue to exercise great care in our credit and underwriting practices.  As with many community banks, we have the opportunity to attract quality relationship customers from mega-banks that are primarily focused on serving larger accounts.”

 

Asset Quality

 

Non-performing assets were 3.24% of total assets at March 31, 2011 compared to 2.79% of total assets at December 31, 2010 and 0.73% of total assets at March 31, 2010.  The allowance for loan losses was 2.02% of total loans at March 31, 2011, 2.00% at December 31, 2010 and 1.68% of total loans at March 31, 2010.

 

The Company did not record a provision for loan losses in first quarter 2011, reflecting lending trends and also stabilizing asset quality.  This compares to a provision for loan losses of $35,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010, and $115,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

Fenton explained that the Bank has seen stabilization in troubled credits, and is positioned to effectively move foreclosed assets.  At March 31, 2011, there was one property in other real estate owned which is under contract with an anticipated closing in early May.

 



 

Capital

 

The Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio was 11.3% at March 31, 2011, while its Total Risk-Based Capital was 18.7% — both well in excess of commonly accepted regulatory standards for well-capitalized institutions.  At March 31, 2011, the Company’s tangible book value per share was $7.05.

 

Crichfield concluded: “Our ability to steadily grow the Bank’s intrinsic value and maintain a strong capital position in this economic environment is a meaningful accomplishment.  Investors continue to take a cautious stance on the entire community banking sector, which has resulted in companies like Solera trading at a deep discount to tangible book value.  With our focus on the Hispanic and small business markets, and our strong balance sheet, Solera is well positioned to capitalize on a rebound in economic activity.”

 

About Solera National Bancorp, Inc.

 

Solera National Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 to organize and serve as the holding Company for Solera National Bank which opened for business on September 10, 2007.  Solera National Bank is a traditional, community, commercial bank with a specialized focus serving the Hispanic market.  It prides itself in delivering personalized customer service — welcoming, inclusive and respectful — combined with leading-edge banking capabilities.  The Bank is also actively involved in the community in which it serves.

 

For more information, visit http://www.solerabank.com.

 

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts and that relate to future plans or projected results of Solera National Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Solera National Bank (“Bank”), are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied.  These risks and uncertainties can include the risks associated with the ability to grow the Bank and the services it provides, the ability to successfully integrate new business lines and expand into new markets, competition in the marketplace, general economic conditions and many other risks described in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  The most significant of these uncertainties are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q all of which any reader of this release is encouraged to study (including all amendments to those reports) and exhibits to those reports, and include (but are not limited to) the following: the Company has a limited operating history upon which to base an estimate of its future financial performance; general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, causing an adverse impact on our financial performance; and the Company is subject to extensive regulatory oversight, which could restrain its growth and profitability.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.  Readers of this release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

For more information contact:

 

Douglas Crichfield, President & CEO, 303-937-6429

Robert J. Fenton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 303-202-0933

 

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

 



 

SOLERA NATIONAL BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

($000s)

 

12/31/10

 

3/31/11

 

3/31/10

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

936

 

$

1,058

 

$

1,114

 

Federal funds sold

 

 

 

4,605

 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

 

266

 

266

 

1,848

 

Investment securities, available-for-sale

 

76,313

 

76,682

 

71,302

 

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stocks, at cost

 

1,168

 

1,115

 

1,113

 

Gross loans

 

58,897

 

58,199

 

56,331

 

Net deferred (fees)/expenses

 

(75

)

(68

)

(123

)

Allowance for loan losses

 

(1,175

)

(1,175

)

(945

)

Net loans

 

57,647

 

56,956

 

55,263

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

731

 

691

 

841

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

759

 

703

 

675

 

Other real estate owned

 

1,838

 

1,838

 

 

Other assets

 

489

 

448

 

772

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

140,147

 

$

139,757

 

$

137,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

 

$

1,891

 

$

2,369

 

$

2,640

 

Interest-bearing demand deposits

 

11,605

 

11,567

 

5,864

 

Savings and money market deposits

 

57,132

 

64,416

 

59,366

 

Time deposits

 

40,327

 

36,100

 

42,248

 

TOTAL DEPOSITS

 

110,955

 

114,452

 

110,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased

 

343

 

957

 

110

 

Accrued interest payable

 

91

 

79

 

83

 

Accounts payable

 

260

 

329

 

220

 

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

 

10,000

 

5,500

 

7,750

 

Other liabilities

 

173

 

162

 

197

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

121,822

 

121,479

 

118,478

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

26

 

26

 

26

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

25,980

 

26,041

 

25,814

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(7,882

)

(8,065

)

(7,913

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

201

 

276

 

1,128

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

18,325

 

18,278

 

19,055

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

140,147

 

$

139,757

 

$

137,533

 

 



 

SOLERA NATIONAL BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended:

 

($000s, except per share data)

 

12/31/10

 

3/31/11

 

3/31/10

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and fees on loans

 

$

878

 

$

824

 

$

726

 

Federal funds sold

 

 

 

1

 

Investment securities

 

698

 

673

 

829

 

Dividends on bank stocks

 

9

 

9

 

12

 

Other

 

1

 

1

 

5

 

Total interest income

 

1,586

 

1,507

 

1,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

429

 

369

 

518

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased

 

3

 

2

 

2

 

FHLB borrowings

 

59

 

57

 

76

 

Capital leases

 

2

 

2

 

3

 

Total interest expense

 

493

 

430

 

599

 

Net interest income

 

1,093

 

1,077

 

974

 

Provision for loan losses

 

35

 

 

115

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

1,058

 

1,077

 

859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer service and other fees

 

19

 

18

 

17

 

Gain (loss) on available for sale securities

 

475

 

(2

)

263

 

Total noninterest income

 

494

 

16

 

280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

569

 

705

 

544

 

Occupancy

 

140

 

133

 

139

 

Professional fees

 

107

 

126

 

130

 

Other general and administrative

 

320

 

312

 

223

 

Total noninterest expense

 

1,136

 

1,276

 

1,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

416

 

$

(183

)

$

103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of deposit accounts

 

1,615

 

1,615

 

1,603

 

Number of loan accounts

 

178

 

178

 

173

 

Total accounts

 

1,793

 

1,793

 

1,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Quality:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to total loans

 

3.53

%

4.63

%

1.78

%

Non-performing assets to total loans and OREO

 

6.45

%

7.55

%

1.78

%

Non-performing assets to total assets

 

2.79

%

3.24

%

0.73

%

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 

2.00

%

2.02

%

1.68

%

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

 

56.57

%

43.63

%

94.50

%

Other real estate owned

 

$

1,838

 

$

1,838

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Financial Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

(0.07

)

$

0.04

 

Net interest margin

 

3.22

%

3.25

%

3.03

%

Efficiency ratio

 

102.2

%

116.5

%

104.5

%

Tangible book value per share

 

$

7.10

 

$

7.05

 

$

7.02

 

Tier 1 leverage ratio (1)

 

11.2

%

11.3

%

11.4

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (1)

 

17.4

%

17.5

%

18.2

%

Total risk-based capital ratio (1)

 

18.7

%

18.7

%

19.3

%

 


(1) Solera National Bank only