OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California BanCorp (NASDAQ: CALB) (the “Company”), whose subsidiary is California Bank of Commerce, announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

The Company reported net income of $5.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2023 and $7.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, net income was $21.6 million, representing an increase of $525,000, or 2%, compared to $21.1 million for the same period in 2022.

Diluted earnings per share were $0.63 for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $0.64 for the third quarter of 2023 and $0.91 for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, diluted earnings per share were $2.56, compared to $2.51 for the same period in 2022.

“Despite a challenging year for the banking industry, we generated a record level of earnings in 2023, which reflects the strength of the franchise we have built and our ability to perform well in a variety of economic conditions,” said Steven Shelton, Chief Executive Officer of California BanCorp. “While maintaining our conservative approach to new loan production and prudent balance sheet management, we continued to deliver strong financial performance in the fourth quarter with our return on assets remaining above 1%. As expected, our balance sheet remained relatively flat with the prior quarter, although we continue to have success in adding new full banking relationships that provide operating deposit accounts that have helped to offset seasonal outflows from existing clients and high-quality commercial lending opportunities that have offset the level of payoffs that we are seeing in the portfolio.”

“Given the strength of our balance sheet, with a high level of capital, liquidity, and reserves, along with a conservatively underwritten loan portfolio, we believe we are well positioned to continue delivering strong financial performance in 2024 even if the macroeconomic environment remains challenging. As the banking industry has stabilized, we are seeing more businesses looking to move their deposit relationships from the larger banks to a smaller commercial bank that provides a higher level of responsiveness and service. This is creating opportunities for us to add attractive new client relationships given the strong balance sheet, robust treasury management solutions, and superior level of service that we can provide. We have a strong deposit pipeline that we believe should result in continued growth in our client roster during 2024, further improvement in our level of profitability in the years ahead, and an increase in the value of our franchise,” said Mr. Shelton.

Financial Highlights:

Profitability - three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2023

  • Net income of $5.3 million and $0.63 per diluted share, compared to $5.4 million and $0.64 per diluted share, respectively.
  • Revenue was $19.9 million for both the fourth and third quarters of 2023.
  • Net interest income was $18.6 million for both the fourth and third quarters of 2023.
  • Provision for credit losses of $181,000 decreased $133,000, or 42%, from $314,000 for the third quarter of 2023.
  • Non-interest income was $1.3 million for both the fourth and third quarters of 2023.
  • Non-interest expense, excluding capitalized loan origination costs, of $13.0 million increased $523,000, or 4%, compared to $12.5 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Profitability - twelve months ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022

  • Net income of $21.6 million and $2.56 per diluted share, compared to $21.1 million and $2.51 per diluted share, respectively.
  • Revenue of $79.4 million increased $1.1 million, or 1%, compared to $78.3 million in the prior year.
  • Net interest income of $74.6 million increased $3.6 million, or 5%, compared to $71.0 million for the same period in the prior year.
  • Provision for credit losses of $1.3 million decreased $2.5 million, or 66%, from $3.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
  • Non-interest income of $4.9 million decreased $2.5 million, or 34%, from $7.4 million for the same period in the prior year.
  • Non-interest expense, excluding capitalized loan origination costs, of $50.4 million decreased $1.6 million, or 3%, compared to $48.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

Financial Position – December 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2023

  • Total assets increased by $2.0 million, or 0%, to $1.99 billion.
  • Total gross loans decreased by $13.6 million, or 1%, to $1.56 billion; average total gross loans increased by $20.3 million to $1.57 billion.
  • Total deposits decreased by $81.8 million, or 5%, to $1.63 billion; average total deposits decreased by $18.8 million to $1.70 billion.
  • Other borrowings were $75.0 million at December 31, 2023 compared to no balances outstanding at September 30, 2023.
  • Capital ratios remain healthy with a tier I leverage ratio of 9.61%, tier I capital ratio of 9.53% and total risk-based capital ratio of 13.16%.
  • Book value per share of $23.38 increased by $0.74, or 3%.
  • Tangible book value per share of $22.50 increased by $0.74, or 3%.

Net Interest Income and Margin:

Net interest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 was $18.6 million, compared to $21.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $74.6 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 5% over $71.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in net interest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 was primarily due to an increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits. The increase in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to an increase in interest income as the result of a more favorable mix of earning assets combined with higher yields on those assets.

The Company’s net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 3.88%, compared to 3.86% for the third quarter of 2023 and 4.32% for the same period in 2022. The decrease in margin from the same period last year was primarily the result of an increase in the cost of deposits, partially offset by a more favorable mix of earning assets with higher yields.

The Company’s net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was 3.92% compared to 3.79% for the same period in 2022. The increase in margin compared to prior year was primarily due to loan growth and increased yields on earnings assets, partially offset by an increase in the cost of deposits and other borrowings.

Non-Interest Income:

The Company’s non-interest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, non-interest income of $4.9 million compared to $7.4 million for the same period of 2022. The decrease in non-interest income from prior year was the result of a decrease in service charges and loan related fees combined with a $1.4 million gain recognized in the first quarter of 2022 on the sale of a portion of our solar loan portfolio.

Net interest income and non-interest income comprised total revenue of $19.9 million, $19.9 million, and $23.8 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. Total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $79.4 million and $78.3 million, respectively.

Non-Interest Expense:

The Company’s non-interest expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was $12.2 million, $11.9 million, and $11.7 million, respectively. The increase in non-interest expense from the third quarter of 2023 and fourth quarter of 2022 was primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits combined with an increase in premises and equipment, partially offset by a decrease in data processing expense. Excluding capitalized loan origination costs, non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2023, the third quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2022 was $13.0 million, $12.5 million, and $12.7 million, respectively.

Non-interest expense of $47.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 increased by $2.8 million, or 6%, compared to $44.7 million for the same period of 2022. Excluding capitalized loan origination costs, non-interest expense was $50.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and $48.8 million for the same period in 2022 which reflects investment in infrastructure to support the growth of the Company.

The Company’s efficiency ratio, the ratio of non-interest expense to revenues, was 61.36%, 59.64%, and 49.17% for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s efficiency ratio was 59.82% and 57.01%, respectively.

Balance Sheet:

Total assets of $1.99 billion as of December 31, 2023, represented an increase of $2.0 million, or 0%, compared to $1.98 billion at September 30, 2023 and a decrease of $56.3 million, or 3%, compared to $2.04 billion at December 31, 2022. Compared to the same period in the prior year, total assets decreased primarily due to conservative new loan production during 2023 and decreased liquidity as a result of a reduction in total deposits, partially offset by an increase in short-term borrowings.

Total gross loans decreased by $13.6 million, or 1%, to $1.56 billion at December 31, 2023, from $1.57 billion at September 30, 2023 and decreased by $33.9 million, or 2%, compared to $1.59 billion at December 31, 2022. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the reduction in gross loans was primarily the result of commercial loans decreasing by $16.6 million, or 1%, partially offset by an increase in construction and land loans of $4.2 million, or 10%. Compared to the same period in the prior year, the reduction in gross loans was primarily the result of construction and land loans decreasing by $19.5 million, or 31%, due to the completion of a large construction project.

Total deposits decreased by $81.8 million, or 5%, to $1.63 billion at December 31, 2023 from $1.71 billion at September 30, 2023, and decreased by $166.5 million, or 9%, from $1.79 billion at December 31, 2022. The decrease in total deposits from the end of the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in demand deposits of $31.2 million, or 4%, a decrease in money market and savings accounts of $41.1 million, of 6%, and a decrease in time deposits of $9.5 million, or 3%. Noninterest-bearing deposits, primarily commercial business operating accounts, represented 40.4% of total deposits at December 31, 2023, compared to 40.2% at September 30, 2023 and 45.3% at December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had $75.0 million in outstanding borrowings, excluding junior subordinated debt securities, compared to no outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Asset Quality:

The provision for credit losses on loans decreased to $87,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $121,000 for the third quarter of 2023, and $1.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company had loan recoveries of $20,000 during the fourth quarter of 2023, loan charge-offs of $156,000 and recoveries of $234,000 during the third quarter of 2023, and loan charge-offs of $650,000 and no recoveries during the fourth quarter of 2022.

Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) to total assets were 0.19% at December 31, 2023, 0.06% at September 30, 2023 and 0.06% at December 31, 2022, with non-performing loans of $3.8 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, on those dates. The increase in non-performing loans during the fourth quarter of 2023 was due to one loan relationship within our commercial portfolio. The borrower is currently in the process of liquidating its assets and the Company does not anticipate a loss associated with this loan as of December 31, 2023.

The allowance for credit losses on loans increased by $107,000 to $16.0 million, or 1.03% of total loans, at December 31, 2023, compared to $15.9 million, or 1.01% of total loans, at September 30, 2023 and $17.0 million, or 1.07% of total loans, at December 31, 2022. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the new current expected credit losses (CECL) standard. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was 0.95% upon adoption on January 1, 2023 compared to 1.07% at December 31, 2022.

The allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments increased by $120,000 to $2.2 million, or 0.32% of total unfunded loan commitments, at December 31, 2023, compared to $2.1 million, or 0.32% of total unfunded loan commitments, at September 30, 2023 and $430,000, or 0.07% of total unfunded loan commitments at December 31, 2022. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments was 0.28% upon the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023 compared to 0.07% at December 31, 2022.

Capital Adequacy:

At December 31, 2023, shareholders’ equity totaled $196.5 million compared to $190.1 million at September 30, 2023 and $172.3 million one year ago. As a result, the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio, tier I capital ratio and tier I leverage ratio of 13.16%, 9.53%, and 9.61%, respectively, were all above the regulatory standards for “well-capitalized” institutions of 10.00%, 8.00% and 5.00% respectively.

“With our strong financial performance and prudent balance sheet management, we continued to increase our capital ratios and tangible book value per share, and during 2023, our tangible book value per share increased 14%,” said Thomas A. Sa, President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of California BanCorp. “With our high level of capital, we are well positioned to continue growing our franchise and creating long-term value for shareholders.”

About California BanCorp:

California BanCorp, the parent company for California Bank of Commerce, offers a broad range of commercial banking services to closely held businesses and professionals located throughout Northern California. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select marketplace under the symbol CALB. For more information on California BanCorp, please visit our website at www.californiabankofcommerce.com.

Contacts:

Steven E. Shelton, (510) 457-3751
Chief Executive Officer
seshelton@bankcbc.com

Thomas A. Sa, (510) 457-3775
President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
tsa@bankcbc.com

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information:

This press release contains both financial measures based on GAAP and non-GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures are used where management believes them to be helpful in understanding the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in this press release, and a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure is provided on the final page of this press release. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Statements in this news release regarding expectations and beliefs about future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in the Company’s business and markets are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project," "outlook," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that the Company makes about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual future performance or financial results could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause the Company to make changes to future plans. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of incurring loan losses, which is an inherent risk of the banking business; the risk that the Company will not be able to continue its internal growth rate; the risk that the United States economy will experience slowed growth or recession or will be adversely affected by domestic or international economic conditions and risks associated with the Federal Reserve Board taking actions with respect to interest rates, any of which could adversely affect, among other things, the values of real estate collateral supporting many of the Company’s loans, interest income and interest rate margins and, therefore, the Company’s future operating results; the impacts of the failure of other depository institutions on investor and depositor sentiments and preferences; the Company’s ability to manage its liquidity; risks associated with changes in income tax laws and regulations; and risks associated with seeking new client relationships and maintaining existing client relationships. Readers of this news release are encouraged to review the additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business is subject that are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Additional information will be set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which we expect to file with the SEC during the first quarter of 2024, and readers of this release are urged to review the additional information that will be contained in that report.

Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of today's date, or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - PROFITABILITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
               
     Change    Change
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS:Q4 2023 Q3 2023 $ %  Q4 2022 $ %
               
Interest income$28,405  $28,094  $311  1%  $27,480  $925  3%
Interest expense 9,831   9,516   315  3%   5,620   4,211  75%
Net interest income 18,574   18,578   (4) -0%   21,860   (3,286) -15%
               
Provision for credit losses 181   314   (133) -42%   1,100   (919) -84%
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 18,393   18,264   129  1%   20,760   (2,367) -11%
               
Non-interest income 1,339   1,294   45  3%   1,962   (623) -32%
Non-interest expense 12,218   11,851   367  3%   11,713   505  4%
Income before income taxes 7,514   7,707   (193) -3%   11,009   (3,495) -32%
               
Income tax expense 2,173   2,306   (133) -6%   3,340   (1,167) -35%
Net income$5,341  $5,401  $(60) -1%  $7,669  $(2,328) -30%
               
Diluted earnings per share$0.63  $0.64  $(0.01) -2%  $0.91  $(0.28) -31%
               
Net interest margin 3.88%  3.86% +2 Basis Points   4.32% -44 Basis Points
               
Efficiency ratio 61.36%  59.64% +172 Basis Points   49.17% +1219 Basis Points
               
               
   Change       
YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHLIGHTS:2023 2022 $ %       
               
Interest income$109,210  $82,278  $26,932  33%       
Interest expense 34,655   11,306   23,349  207%       
Net interest income 74,555   70,972   3,583  5%       
               
Provision for credit losses 1,297   3,775   (2,478) -66%       
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 73,258   67,197   6,061  9%       
               
Non-interest income 4,875   7,374   (2,499) -34%       
Non-interest expense 47,515   44,665   2,850  6%       
Income before income taxes 30,618   29,906   712  2%       
               
Income tax expense 8,985   8,798   187  2%       
Net income$21,633  $21,108  $525  2%       
               
Diluted earnings per share$2.56  $2.51  $0.05  2%       
               
Net interest margin 3.92%  3.79% +13 Basis Points       
               
Efficiency ratio 59.82%  57.01% +281 Basis Points       



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
               
     Change    Change
PERIOD-END HIGHLIGHTS:Q4 2023 Q3 2023 $ %  Q4 2022 $ %
               
Total assets$1,985,905  $1,983,917  $1,988  0%  $2,042,215  $(56,310) -3%
Gross loans 1,559,533   1,573,115   (13,582) -1%   1,593,421   (33,888) -2%
Deposits 1,625,244   1,707,081   (81,837) -5%   1,791,740   (166,496) -9%
Tangible equity 189,029   182,673   6,356  3%   164,782   24,247  15%
               
Tangible book value per share$22.50  $21.76  $0.74  3%  $19.78  $2.72  14%
               
Tangible equity / tangible assets 9.55%  9.24% +31 Basis Points   8.10% +145 Basis Points
Gross loans / total deposits 95.96%  92.15% +381 Basis Points   88.93% +703 Basis Points
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits 40.44%  40.23% +21 Basis Points   45.30% -486 Basis Points
               
               
QUARTERLY AVERAGE    Change    Change
HIGHLIGHTS:Q4 2023 Q3 2023 $ %  Q4 2022 $ %
               
Total assets$1,984,337  $1,993,147  $(8,810) -0%  $2,088,206  $(103,869) -5%
Total earning assets 1,896,954   1,910,755   (13,801) -1%   2,007,243   (110,289) -5%
Gross loans 1,571,994   1,551,708   20,286  1%   1,621,322   (49,328) -3%
Deposits 1,700,625   1,719,416   (18,791) -1%   1,785,693   (85,068) -5%
Tangible equity 187,399   181,384   6,015  3%   161,919   25,480  16%
               
Tangible equity / tangible assets 9.48%  9.13% +35 Basis Points   7.78% +170 Basis Points
Gross loans / total deposits 92.44%  90.25% +219 Basis Points   90.80% +164 Basis Points
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits 41.46%  41.59% -13 Basis Points   44.47% -301 Basis Points
               
               
YEAR-TO-DATE AVERAGE    Change       
HIGHLIGHTS:Q4 2023 Q4 2022 $ %       
               
Total assets$1,983,964  $1,953,168  $30,796  2%       
Total earning assets 1,900,678   1,871,813   28,865  2%       
Gross loans 1,570,810   1,495,981   74,829  5%       
Deposits 1,701,046   1,649,512   51,534  3%       
Tangible equity 178,562   153,443   25,119  16%       
               
Tangible equity / tangible assets 9.03%  7.89% +114 Basis Points       
Gross loans / total deposits 92.34%  90.69% +165 Basis Points       
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits 42.14%  45.61% -347 Basis Points       



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - ASSET QUALITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
          
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (LOANS):12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
Balance, beginning of period$15,921  $15,722  $15,382  $17,005  $16,555 
CECL adjustment -   -   -   (1,840)  - 
Provision for credit losses, quarterly 87   121   340   464   1,100 
Charge-offs, quarterly -   (156)  -   (247)  (650)
Recoveries, quarterly 20   234   -   -   - 
Balance, end of period$16,028  $15,921  $15,722  $15,382  $17,005 
          
          
NONPERFORMING ASSETS:12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis$3,781  $1,236  $181  $222  $1,250 
Loans with principal or interest contractually past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest -   -   -   -   - 
Nonperforming loans$3,781  $1,236  $181  $222  $1,250 
Other real estate owned -   -   -   -   - 
Nonperforming assets$3,781  $1,236  $181  $222  $1,250 
          
Nonperforming loans by asset type:         
Commercial$3,728  $1,183  $-  $-  $1,028 
Real estate other -   -   -   -   - 
Real estate construction and land -   -   -   -   - 
SBA 53   53   181   222   222 
Other -   -   -   -   - 
Nonperforming loans$3,781  $1,236  $181  $222  $1,250 
          
          
ASSET QUALITY:12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
Allowance for credit losses (loans) / gross loans 1.03%  1.01%  0.99%  0.95%  1.07%
Allowance for credit losses (loans) / nonperforming loans 423.91%  1288.11%  8686.19%  6928.83%  1360.40%
Nonperforming assets / total assets 0.19%  0.06%  0.01%  0.01%  0.06%
Nonperforming loans / gross loans 0.24%  0.08%  0.01%  0.01%  0.08%
Net quarterly charge-offs / gross loans -0.00%  -0.00%  0.00%  0.02%  0.04%



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
          
 Three months ended
 Twelve months ended
 12/31/23 09/30/23 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/22
          
INTEREST INCOME         
Loans$24,523  $23,804  $23,972  $94,275  $74,240 
Federal funds sold 2,386   2,814   2,236   9,198   3,519 
Investment securities 1,496   1,476   1,272   5,737   4,519 
Total interest income 28,405   28,094   27,480   109,210   82,278 
          
INTEREST EXPENSE         
Deposits 9,234   8,961   4,536   31,710   7,810 
Other 597   555   1,084   2,945   3,496 
Total interest expense 9,831   9,516   5,620   34,655   11,306 
          
Net interest income 18,574   18,578   21,860   74,555   70,972 
Provision for credit losses 181   314   1,100   1,297   3,775 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 18,393   18,264   20,760   73,258   67,197 
          
NON-INTEREST INCOME         
Service charges and other fees 1,055   1,003   1,653   3,788   4,913 
Gain on sale of loans -   -   -   -   1,393 
Other non-interest income 284   291   309   1,087   1,068 
Total non-interest income 1,339   1,294   1,962   4,875   7,374 
          
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE         
Salaries and benefits 8,449   8,238   7,443   32,394   29,097 
Premises and equipment 1,554   1,155   1,249   5,057   5,093 
Other 2,215   2,458   3,021   10,064   10,475 
Total non-interest expense 12,218   11,851   11,713   47,515   44,665 
          
Income before income taxes 7,514   7,707   11,009   30,618   29,906 
Income taxes 2,173   2,306   3,340   8,985   8,798 
          
NET INCOME$5,341  $5,401  $7,669  $21,633  $21,108 
          
EARNINGS PER SHARE         
Basic earnings per share$0.64  $0.64  $0.92  $2.58  $2.54 
Diluted earnings per share$0.63  $0.64  $0.91  $2.56  $2.51 
Average common shares outstanding 8,398,497   8,390,138   8,330,145   8,374,614   8,306,282 
Average common and equivalent shares outstanding 8,525,420   8,455,917   8,463,738   8,453,423   8,404,317 
          
PERFORMANCE MEASURES         
Return on average assets 1.07%  1.08%  1.46%  1.09%  1.08%
Return on average equity 10.88%  11.35%  17.96%  11.63%  13.12%
Return on average tangible equity 11.31%  11.81%  18.79%  12.12%  13.76%
Efficiency ratio 61.36%  59.64%  49.17%  59.82%  57.01%



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
          
 12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
ASSETS         
Cash and due from banks$27,520  $17,128  $19,763  $15,121  $16,686 
Federal funds sold 184,834   181,854   187,904   198,804   215,696 
Investment securities 145,401   149,244   151,129   153,769   155,878 
Loans:         
Commercial 626,615   633,902   622,270   656,519   634,535 
Real estate other 849,306   858,611   856,344   853,431   848,241 
Real estate construction and land 44,186   40,003   60,595   63,928   63,730 
SBA 4,032   4,415   4,936   5,610   7,220 
Other 35,394   36,184   39,486   37,775   39,695 
Loans, gross 1,559,533   1,573,115   1,583,631   1,617,263   1,593,421 
Unamortized net deferred loan costs (fees) 1,107   1,312   1,637   1,765   2,040 
Allowance for credit losses (16,028)  (15,921)  (15,722)  (15,382)  (17,005)
Loans, net 1,544,612   1,558,506   1,569,546   1,603,646   1,578,456 
Premises and equipment, net 2,207   2,432   2,625   2,848   3,072 
Bank owned life insurance 25,878   25,697   25,519   25,334   25,127 
Goodwill and core deposit intangible 7,432   7,442   7,452   7,462   7,472 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets 48,021   41,614   41,708   43,790   39,828 
Total assets$1,985,905  $1,983,917  $2,005,646  $2,050,774  $2,042,215 
          
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:         
Demand noninterest-bearing$657,302  $686,723  $742,160  $740,650  $811,671 
Demand interest-bearing 26,715   28,533   29,324   30,798   37,815 
Money market and savings 631,015   672,119   633,620   616,864   671,016 
Time 310,212   319,706   333,192   329,298   271,238 
Total deposits 1,625,244   1,707,081   1,738,296   1,717,610   1,791,740 
          
Junior subordinated debt securities 54,291   54,256   54,221   54,186   54,152 
Other borrowings 75,000   -   -   75,000   - 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 34,909   32,465   28,894   25,417   24,069 
Total liabilities 1,789,444   1,793,802   1,821,411   1,872,213   1,869,961 
          
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY         
Common stock 113,227   112,656   112,167   111,609   111,257 
Retained earnings 84,165   78,824   73,423   68,082   62,297 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (931)  (1,365)  (1,355)  (1,130)  (1,300)
Total shareholders' equity 196,461   190,115   184,235   178,561   172,254 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,985,905  $1,983,917  $2,005,646  $2,050,774  $2,042,215 
          - 
CAPITAL ADEQUACY         
Tier I leverage ratio 9.61%  9.27%  9.01%  8.76%  7.98%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio 9.53%  9.34%  9.07%  8.54%  8.23%
Total risk-based capital ratio 13.16%  13.00%  12.73%  12.08%  11.77%
Total equity/ total assets 9.89%  9.58%  9.19%  8.71%  8.43%
Book value per share$23.38  $22.64  $21.98  $21.37  $20.67 
          
Common shares outstanding 8,402,482   8,395,483   8,383,772   8,355,378   8,332,479 



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
            
 Three months ended December 31,
 Three months ended September 30,
 2023
 2023
            
   Yields Interest   Yields Interest
 Average or Income/ Average or Income/
 Balance Rates Expense Balance Rates Expense
ASSETS           
Interest earning assets:           
Loans (1)$1,571,994  6.19% $24,523 $1,551,708  6.09% $23,804
Federal funds sold 177,331  5.34%  2,386  208,725  5.35%  2,814
Investment securities 147,629  4.02%  1,496  150,322  3.90%  1,476
Total interest earning assets 1,896,954  5.94%  28,405  1,910,755  5.83%  28,094
            
Noninterest-earning assets:           
Cash and due from banks 20,310       20,351     
All other assets (2) 67,073       62,041     
TOTAL$1,984,337      $1,993,147     
            
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY           
Interest-bearing liabilities:           
Deposits:           
Demand$28,678  0.29%  21 $28,766  0.33%  24
Money market and savings 638,623  3.02%  4,857  642,909  2.95%  4,775
Time 328,270  5.26%  4,356  332,662  4.96%  4,162
Other 56,715  4.18%  597  54,235  4.06%  555
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,052,286  3.71%  9,831  1,058,572  3.57%  9,516
            
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:           
Demand deposits 705,054       715,079     
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 32,161       30,665     
Shareholders' equity 194,836       188,831     
TOTAL$1,984,337      $1,993,147     
            
Net interest income and margin (3)  3.88% $18,574   3.86% $18,578
            
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan costs of $53,000 and $82,000, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for credit losses of $15.9 million and $15.8 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.     



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
            
 Three months ended December 31,
 2023
 2022
            
 Average Balance Yields or Rates Interest Income/Expense Average Balance Yields or Rates Interest Income/Expense
ASSETS           
Interest earning assets:           
Loans (1)$1,571,994 6.19% $24,523 $1,621,322 5.87% $23,972
Federal funds sold 177,331 5.34%  2,386  229,209 3.87%  2,236
Investment securities 147,629 4.02%  1,496  156,712 3.22%  1,272
Total interest earning assets 1,896,954 5.94%  28,405  2,007,243 5.43%  27,480
            
Noninterest-earning assets:           
Cash and due from banks 20,310      20,692    
All other assets (2) 67,073      60,271    
TOTAL$1,984,337     $2,088,206    
            
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY           
Interest-bearing liabilities:           
Deposits:           
Demand$28,678 0.29%  21 $39,582 0.06% $6
Money market and savings 638,623 3.02%  4,857  647,213 1.45%  2,359
Time 328,270 5.26%  4,356  304,784 2.83%  2,171
Other 56,715 4.18%  597  110,650 3.89%  1,084
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,052,286 3.71%  9,831  1,102,229 2.02%  5,620
            
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:           
Demand deposits 705,054      794,114    
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 32,161      22,467    
Shareholders' equity 194,836      169,396    
TOTAL$1,984,337     $2,088,206    
            
Net interest income and margin (3)  3.88% $18,574   4.32% $21,860
            
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan (costs) fees of $(53,000) and $1.0 million, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for credit losses of $15.9 million and $16.5 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.     



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
            
 Twelve months ended December 31,
 2023
 2022
            
 Average Balance Yields or Rates Interest Income/Expense Average Balance Yields or Rates Interest Income/Expense
ASSETS           
Interest earning assets:           
Loans (1)$1,570,810  6.00% $94,275 $1,495,981 4.96% $74,240
Federal funds sold 178,540  5.15%  9,198  220,084 1.60%  3,519
Investment securities 151,328  3.79%  5,737  155,748 2.90%  4,519
Total interest earning assets 1,900,678  5.75%  109,210  1,871,813 4.40%  82,278
            
Noninterest-earning assets:           
Cash and due from banks 19,500       19,838    
All other assets (2) 63,786       61,517    
TOTAL$1,983,964      $1,953,168    
            
            
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY           
Interest-bearing liabilities:           
Deposits:           
Demand$30,436  0.21%  64 $40,054 0.08%  31
Money market and savings 629,419  2.63%  16,529  651,429 0.70%  4,544
Time 324,439  4.66%  15,117  205,681 1.57%  3,235
Other 67,984  4.33%  2,945  121,464 2.88%  3,496
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,052,278  3.29%  34,655  1,018,628 1.11%  11,306
            
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:           
Demand deposits 716,752       752,348    
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 28,920       21,256    
Shareholders' equity 186,014       160,936    
TOTAL$1,983,964      $1,953,168    
            
Net interest income and margin (3)  3.92% $74,555   3.79% $70,972
            
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan (costs) fees of $(535,000) and $1.5 million, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for loan losses of $16.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.     



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED NON GAAP DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
          
REVENUE:Three months ended Twelve months ended
 12/31/23 09/30/23 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/22
          
Net interest income$18,574 $18,578 $21,860 $74,555 $70,972
Non-interest income 1,339  1,294  1,962  4,875  7,374
Total revenue$19,913 $19,872 $23,822 $79,430 $78,346
          
          
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:Three months ended Twelve months ended
 12/31/23 09/30/23 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/22
          
Total non-interest expense$12,218 $11,851 $11,713 $47,515 $44,665
Total capitalized loan origination costs 824  668  960  2,837  4,119
Total operating expenses, before capitalization of loan origination costs$13,042 $12,519 $12,673 $50,352 $48,784
          
          
TANGIBLE ASSETS:12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
Total assets$1,985,905 $1,983,917 $2,005,646 $2,050,774 $2,042,215
Goodwill and core deposit intangibles 7,432  7,442  7,452  7,462  7,472
Tangible assets$1,978,473 $1,976,475 $1,998,194 $2,043,312 $2,034,743
          
          
TANGIBLE EQUITY:12/31/23 09/30/23 06/30/23 03/31/23 12/31/22
          
Total shareholders' equity$196,461 $190,115 $184,235 $178,561 $172,254
Goodwill and core deposit intangibles 7,432  7,442  7,452  7,462  7,472
Tangible equity$189,029 $182,673 $176,783 $171,099 $164,782
          
          
BOOK VALUE PER SHARE:         
          
Total shareholders' equity$196,461 $190,115 $184,235 $178,561 $172,254
Common shares outstanding 8,402,482  8,395,483  8,383,772  8,355,378  8,332,479
          
Total shareholders' equity / common shares outstanding$23.38 $22.64 $21.98 $21.37 $20.67
          
          
TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE:         
          
Tangible equity$189,029 $182,673 $176,783 $171,099 $164,782
Common shares outstanding 8,402,482  8,395,483  8,383,772  8,355,378  8,332,479
          
Tangible equity / common shares outstanding$22.50 $21.76 $21.09 $20.48 $19.78

Primary Logo

Source: California BanCorp

2024 GlobeNewswire, Inc., source Press Releases