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8-K - CURRENT REPORT - Kentucky First Federal Bancorpf8k020718_kentuckyfirst.htm

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp

 

Hazard, Frankfort, Danville, and Lancaster, Kentucky

For Immediate Release February 7, 2018

Contact: Kentucky First Federal Bancorp

Don Jennings, President

Clay Hulette, Vice President

(502) 223-1638

 

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp Releases Earnings

 

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp (Nasdaq: KFFB), the holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Hazard and First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky, announced net earnings of $869,000 or $0.11 diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to net earnings of $254,000 or $0.03 diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $615,000 or 242.1%. Net earnings were $1.1 million or $0.14 diluted earnings per share for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to net earnings of $551,000 or $0.07 diluted earnings per share for the six months ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $598,000 or 108.5%.

 

The increase in net earnings on a quarter-to-quarter basis was primarily attributable to increased non-interest income and lower income tax expense.

 

Non-interest income increased $360,000 to $436,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily because of an increase in earnings on bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”). During the quarter just ended the Bank received BOLI insurance proceeds on policies maintained under its long-standing overall employee benefits program pursuant to the passing of a covered individual.

 

The Company recorded a net income tax benefit of $160,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to federal income tax expense of $139,000 in the prior year quarter. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily related to a change in income tax law. Recently-enacted tax reform has reduced the top income tax rate for corporations beginning January 1, 2018. Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles the effect of changes in tax laws or rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period in which the legislation is enacted. The Company recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $268,000 related to lower tax rates expected to be applied to its net deferred tax liabilities in the future.

 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $12,000 or 0.5% to $2.5 million for the three-month period just ended. Interest income increased by $173,000, or 6.2%, to $3.0 million, while interest expense increased $161,000 or 47.2% to $502,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Costs associated with the Company’s funding sources are increasing as short-term interest rates continue to rise. The Company recorded a $3,000 provision for losses on loans during the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to a provision of $52,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Non-interest expense increased $105,000 or 5.0% and totaled $2.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017.

 

 

The increase in net earnings on a six-month basis was also primarily attributable to increased non-interest income and lower income tax expense.

 

Non-interest income increased $332,000 to $576,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily because of an increase in BOLI earnings. Federal income taxes decreased $324,000 or 108.4% as the Company’s income tax benefit totaled $25,000 for the recently-ended six-month period compared to income tax expense of $299,000 in the prior year period, primarily because of the change in income tax law.

 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses decreased $16,000 or 0.3% to $4.9 million for the six-month period just ended. Interest income increased by $285,000, or 5.1%, to $5.9 million, while interest expense increased $301,000 or 45.0% to $970,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2017. The Company recorded a $3,000 provision for losses on loans during the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to a provision of $56,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2016. Non-interest expense increased $95,000 or 2.2% and totaled $4.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017.

 

At December 31, 2017 assets increased $955,000 or 0.3% to $309.4 million compared to $308.5 million at June 30, 2017. This increase is attributable primarily to increases in loans and time deposits, which were partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Total liabilities increased $436,000 or 0.2% to $241.8 million at December 31, 2017, primarily as a result of an increase in deposits, which increased $8.5 million or 4.6% to $191.3 million at December 31, 2017. The Company has been successful in competing for and attracting deposits in its local markets as short-term interest rates have risen. FHLB advances decreased $7.2 million or 12.8% and totaled $48.6 million at quarter end.

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company reported its book value per share as $8.01.

 

This press release may contain statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 or the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors including, but not limited to, real estate values, the impact of interest rates on financing, changes in general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes that adversely affect the business of the Company, changes in the securities markets and the Risk Factors described in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, and the making of such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that results expressed therein will be achieved.

 

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp is the parent company of First Federal Savings and Loan Association, which operates one banking office in Hazard, Kentucky, and First Federal Savings Bank, which operates six banking offices in Kentucky, including three in Frankfort, two in Danville, and one in Lancaster. Kentucky First Federal Bancorp shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol KFFB. At December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 8,444,515 shares outstanding of which approximately 56.0% was held by First Federal MHC.

 

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SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   December 31,   June 30, 
   2017   2017 
   (In thousands, except share data) 
   (Unaudited) 
Assets        
Cash and Cash Equivalents  $9,360   $12,804 
Time deposits in other financial institutions   6,681    4,201 
Investment Securities   1,315    1,558 
Loans Held for Sale   240    -- 
Loans, net   260,806    258,244 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure   806    358 
Other Assets   30,232    31,320 
Total Assets  $309,440   $308,485 
Liabilities          
Deposits  $191,303   $182,845 
FHLB Advances   48,627    55,780 
Deferred revenue   567    578 
Other Liabilities   1,278    2,136 
Total Liabilities   241,775    241,339 
Shareholders' Equity   67,665    67,146 
Total Liabilities and Equity  $309,440   $308,485 
Book Value Per Share  $8.01   $7.95 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except share data)

 

   Six months ended
December 31,
   Three months ended
December 31,
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
         
Interest Income  $5,885   $5,600   $2,984   $2,811 
Interest Expense   970    669    502    341 
Net Interest Income   4,915    4,931    2,482    2,470 
Provision for Losses on Loans   3    56    3    52 
Non-interest Income   576    244    436    76 
Non-interest Expense   4,364    4,269    2,206    2,101 
Income Before Income Taxes   1,124    850    709    393 
Income Taxes   (25)   299    (160)   139 
Net Income  $1,149   $551   $869   $254 
Earnings per share:                    
Basic and diluted  $0.14   $0.07   $0.11   $0.03 
Weighted average outstanding shares:                    
Basic and diluted   8,361,941    8,382,239    8,364,276    8,384,586 

 

 

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