Today Exchange Bank announced results for the third quarter of 2015 with a net profit after tax of $5.14 million, compared to $4.56 million in the third quarter of 2014. This represents an increase of $582 thousand or 13% over the same period a year ago. “The 2015 third quarter earnings for the most part reflect core earnings – that is earnings that are materially free of non‑recurring events. Core earnings represent the expansion of the Bank’s net interest income as well as a focus on controlling operating expenses”, said Greg Jahn, Executive Vice President and CFO. The Bank’s earnings are tied to the continued economic expansion of the communities in which we serve. The growth in net interest income is a result of loan growth of approximately $73 million over the similar period in 2014 funded by deposit growth, which is up approximately $180 million or 11% over the previous 12-months. “Growth in deposits is an indication of the confidence our customers have in Exchange Bank and we remain grateful for the support of our community”, stated Gary Hartwick, President and CEO.
The singular element of non‑recurring revenue during the quarter was a recapture of $300 thousand of provision for loan loss. “The reversal of provision for loan loss during the third quarter was the result of the continued improvement in the credit quality of the Bank’s loan portfolio and the recovery of loans that had been previously charged off” said Mr. Jahn. The Bank’s level of reserves to support future loan losses remains strong in comparison to industry standards and is supported by the continued improvement in asset quality. The recapture of provision for loan loss of $300K during the third quarter of 2015 was for the most part offset by additional expenses to more conservatively reflect the value of long‑term employee benefit plans. The decline in operating expenses of approximately $500 thousand for the quarter ending September 30, 2015, compared to the similar quarter ending 2014, was a result of lower incentive and employee benefit accruals recorded in 2015.
“The Bank is proud to be a partner in the economic growth and vitality of the communities we serve and we will continue to be responsive to the financing needs of the consumers and small businesses necessary to continue moving economic growth forward”, stated Mr. Hartwick.
Exchange Bank paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share on common stock outstanding to shareholders on September 18, 2015. 51% of the cash dividend goes to the Doyle Trust, which funds the Doyle Scholarships at the Santa Rosa Junior College.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:
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This press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company, including descriptions of plans or objectives of its management for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings or other measures of economic performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.”
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