PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRBK), the holding company for Republic Bank, today announced its financial results for the period ended September 30, 2020.

Q3-2020Financial Highlights

• Republic Bank was named as America’s # 1 Bank for Service in a recent national Forbes survey.
• Total deposits increased by $1.2 billion, or 43%, to $3.9 billion as of September 30, 2020 compared to $2.7 billion as of September 30, 2019. Excluding the impact of the PPP loan program deposits grew $1.0 billion, or 38%, year over year.
• Total loans grew $1.1 billion, or 68%, to $2.6 billion as of September 30, 2020 compared to $1.6 billion at September 30, 2019. Excluding the impact of the PPP loan program loans grew $393 million, or 25%, year over year.
• Earnings were impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $5.0 million resulting in a net loss of $1.0 million, or $(0.02) per share, during the third quarter of 2020. This impairment charge is a non-cash accounting transaction which had no impact on liquidity and minimally increased regulatory capital ratios as of September 30, 2020. This is a complete write-off of all goodwill on the balance sheet.
• The non-recurring goodwill impairment charge overshadows the improvement in operating results despite the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy. Excluding the goodwill impairment, earnings for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 were $4.7 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.0 million, or $(0.02) per share, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019.
• The improvement in operating results was driven by the Company’s focus on cost control initiatives while driving revenue growth. During the third quarter of 2020 total revenue increased 27% and non-interest expense, excluding goodwill impairment, increased 3% compared to the third quarter of 2019. During the nine month period ended September 20, 2020 total revenue increased 19% and non-interest expense, excluding goodwill impairment, increased by 7% compared to the nine month period ended September 30, 2019.
• Asset quality continues to improve as the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets declined to 0.27% as of September 30, 2020. Only 2% of our loan customers were deferring loan payments at the end of the third quarter. These deferrals relate to approximately 6% of outstanding loan balances excluding PPP loans.
• We originated $684 million in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) providing crucial funding for small businesses throughout our footprint. Origination fees were earned through this program which will be recognized as interest income over the life of the loans. Approximately $16 million in origination fees will be recognized in the future as the PPP loans are repaid or forgiven. During the third quarter we began processing forgiveness applications for our customers which will be submitted to the SBA for approval.

Vernon W. Hill, II, Chairman of Republic First Bancorp said:

“America’s #1 Bank for Service continues to deliver exceptional growth results even in a challenging economic environment caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“These organic growth results demonstrate the success we are capable of achieving through our unwavering commitment to extraordinary customer service and convenience. The goal of our model is to create FANS NOT CUSTOMERS, who join our brand, remain loyal and refer family and friends. We are clearly achieving this goal across all delivery channels.”

“During the third quarter we were also pleased to announce the successful completion of the sale of $50 million of convertible preferred stock. This offering provides the capital resources necessary to support our continued growth and expansion strategy.”

Harry D. Madonna, President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic First Bancorp added:

“Our ongoing focus on cost control measures continues to drive positive operating leverage. Total revenue increased by 27% while non-interest expense increased by just 3% excluding goodwill impairment during the third quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2019. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge during the third quarter primarily as a result of a prolonged decline in our stock price which unfortunately obscures the improvement in core earnings. We have consistently stated that it is our goal to deliver best in class service across all delivery channels…..in-store, by phone, online and mobile options....as we strive to create new FANS each and every day. We are focused on meeting that goal in the most efficient manner possible.”

Loss Mitigation and Loan Portfolio Analysis

Management has continued to analyze and assess the key performance indicators related to the loan portfolio. Our commercial lending team has initiated contact with many of our loan customers to discuss the impact that the pandemic has had on their businesses to date and the expected ramifications that may be felt in the future. We have granted payment deferrals for customers that made a request and had an immediate need for assistance.

Management believes exposure in the loan portfolio to the high risk industries most impacted by the current economic conditions is limited. Loans to customers in the accommodations and food services industry (i.e. hotels and restaurants) amount to 7% of the total loans outstanding as of September 30, 2020.

We believe the combination of ongoing communication with our customers, loan payment deferrals, increased focus on risk management practices, and access to government programs such as the PPP Loan Program should help mitigate potential future period losses.

Loan balances with deferred payments have declined to $115 million, or 6% of total loans, as of September 30, 2020 compared to $444 million, or 24% of total loans as of June 30, 2020. The most significant decrease occurred in the deferral of principal and interest payments. Those deferrals declined to $50 million as of September 30, 2020 compared to $268 million as of June 30, 2020.

Financial Summary for the Period Ended September 30, 2020

The changes in the balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 were significantly impacted by the effect of the PPP loan program. A portion of the increase in cash balances, outstanding loans, demand deposits and short-term borrowings will be short-term in nature and will change as the borrowers that received PPP loans submit applications for forgiveness to the SBA in the coming months.

Additional Financial Highlights

• A $50 million capital raise was completed during the third quarter through a registered direct offering of the Company’s convertible preferred stock.
• Total assets increased by $1.9 billion, or 61%, to $5.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 compared to $3.1 billion as of September 30, 2019. Excluding the impact of the PPP loan program total assets increased by $1.1 billion, or 36%, year over year.

• We have thirty-one convenient store locations open today. During the third quarter of 2020 we opened a new store in Bensalem, PA. There are also multiple sites in various stages of development for future store locations.
• Excluding the impact of goodwill impairment, profitability improved quarter to quarter as we recognized net income of $2.8 million, or $0.04 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.04 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2020. We reported a net loss of $1.8 million, or $(0.03) per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
• Excluding the impact of goodwill impairment, profitability also improved year over year. Net income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 was $4.7 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.0 million, or $(0.02) per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
• The net interest margin decreased by 47 basis points to 2.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2.82% for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decline in the margin was driven by the impact of the PPP loans that were added to the balance sheet during the second quarter of 2020, along with the lower interest rate environment as a result of rate reductions by the Federal Reserve Bank during the first quarter. Excluding the impact of the PPP loan program the net interest margin would have been 2.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
• During the first quarter we entered into a branding agreement with Visa to convert all ATM and debit cards to Visa cards which will provide a number of opportunities to enhance revenue growth in the coming years. In the second quarter we entered into another agreement with Visa to handle the processing of all ATM and debit card transactions. This agreement is expected to reduce the cost associated with the processing of these transactions. Conversion to the Visa platform is currently in process.
• The Company’s residential mortgage division, Oak Mortgage, is serving the home financing needs of customers throughout its footprint. Loan production during the first nine months of 2020 was strong despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pipeline for the remainder of the year looks equally as promising. The Oak Mortgage team has originated more than $600 million in mortgage loans over the last twelve months.
• The Company’s Total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 13.98% and Tier I Leverage Ratio was 8.81% at September 30, 2020.
• Book value per common share increased to $4.33 as of September 30, 2020 compared to $4.26 as of September 30, 2019.

The Company reported a net loss of $1.0 million, or $(0.02) per share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2020, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.04 per share for the three month period ended June 30, 2020 and a net loss of $1.8 million, or $(0.03) per share, for the three month period ended September 30, 2019.

Earnings in the third quarter of 2020 were impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $5.0 million. This impairment charge represents a non-cash accounting transaction which had no impact on liquidity and minimally increased regulatory capital ratios. A prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impact led to recognition of the impairment pursuant to management’s completion of a goodwill impairment analysis as of September 30, 2020. This is a complete write-off of all goodwill on the balance sheet at the present time.

The Company continues to demonstrate progress with operating leverage. Total revenue increased by 27% while non-interest expense increased by 3%, excluding goodwill impairment, during the third quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2019. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 total revenue increased by 19% while non-interest expense increased by 7%, excluding goodwill impairment, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Interest income increased by $2.4 million, or 9%, to $28.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to $26.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase in interest income is attributable to the growth in interest-earning assets over the last twelve months driven by the Company’s “Power of Red is Back” expansion strategy. We also began to amortize the fees associated with the origination of PPP loans during the second quarter which is reported as interest income. $2.3 million in PPP fees were recorded as income during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 with the remaining balance to be recognized over the life of the loans.

Interest expense decreased by $1.2 million, or 18%, to $5.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to $6.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in interest expense was primarily driven by a reduction in the cost of deposits as a result of the decrease in the Fed Funds rate during the first quarter of 2020.

The net interest margin for the three month period ended September 30, 2020 decreased by 47 basis points to 2.35% compared to 2.82% for the three month period ended September 30, 2019. The interest rate on the loans originated under the PPP loan program is 1.00% which caused a decline in the yield on interest earning assets in the third quarter of 2020. In addition, the rate cuts enacted by the Federal Reserve Bank during the first quarter of 2020 has created a lower interest rate environment. The net interest margin excluding the impact of the PPP loan program would have been 2.41%.

Non-interest income increased by $3.5 million, or 53%, to $10.0 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2020, compared to $6.6 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2019. The increase is attributable to higher mortgage banking income driven by mortgage loan originations, and higher service fees on deposit accounts which is driven by growth in deposit balances and an increase in the number of deposit accounts in addition to the impact of the branding and processing agreements with VISA.

Excluding the goodwill charge, non-interest expense increased by 3%, to $28.6 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to $27.8 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The growth in expenses were mainly caused by an increase in occupancy and equipment expenses associated with our growth strategy.

Deposits increased to $3.9 billion at September 30, 2020 compared to $2.7 billion at September 30, 2019. This increase can be attributed to our growth strategy to increase the number of stores and expand the reach of our banking model which focuses on high levels of customer service and convenience and drives the gathering of low-cost, core deposits. We recognized strong growth in demand deposit balances, including an increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits of 76%, year over year as a result of the successful execution of our strategy. The increase in demand deposits during the third quarter is also a result of our participation in the PPP loan program. Many of the PPP loans originated were for small businesses that were previously not customers. Many of these small businesses have chosen to move their entire banking relationship to Republic as a result of the outstanding level of service and cooperation they experienced during the PPP loan process. Commercial deposits were 47% of total deposits as of September 30, 2020.

Lending

Gross loans increased by $1.1 billion, or 68%, to $2.6 billion at September 30, 2020 compared to $1.6 billion at September 30, 2019. The most significant increase was driven by the loans originated through the PPP loan program during the second quarter of 2020. In addition, we continue to see results from the continued success with the relationship banking model which has driven a steady flow in quality loan demand over the last twelve months. Excluding the addition of the PPP loans in 2020, loans still grew $393 million, or 25%, when compared to the balance as of September 30, 2019. We experienced strong growth across all loan categories.

Asset Quality

The percentage of non-performing assets to total assets decreased to 0.27% at September 30, 2020, compared to 0.61% at September 30, 2019. The ratio of non-performing assets to capital and reserves decreased to 4% at September 30, 2020 compared to 7% at September 30, 2019 primarily as a result of decreases in non-performing assets and increases in capital and reserves over the last 12 months.

Capital

Total shareholders’ equity increased to $303 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $251 million at September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily driven by a capital raise during the third quarter of 2020. The Company issued $50 million of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock in August 2020. The preferred stock has a dividend of 7.00% payable on a quarterly basis and is convertible into shares of common stock at a price of $3.00 per share. Book value per common share increased to $4.33 at September 30, 2020 compared to $4.26 per share at September 30, 2019.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to evaluating the Company’s financial results of operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”), management periodically supplements its evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures that are intended to provide the reader with additional perspectives on operating results, financial conditions, and performance trends, while facilitating comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures, rather, they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information.

The Company believes that disclosing non-GAAP financial measures is both useful internally and is expected by our investors and analysts in order to better understand the overall performance of the Company. Other companies may calculate and define their non-GAAP financial measures and supplemental data differently. A reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures and other performance ratios, as adjusted, are included in a table following the financial schedules included with this press release.

About Republic Bank

Republic Bank, a subsidiary of Republic First Bancorp, Inc., is a full-service, state-chartered commercial bank, whose deposits are insured up to the applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Bank provides diversified financial products through its thirty-one stores located in Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and New York City. Republic Bank stores are open 7 days a week, 361 days a year, with extended lobby and drive-thru hours providing customers with some of the most convenient hours compared to any bank in its market. The Bank offers free checking, free coin counting, ATM/Debit cards issued on the spot and access to more than 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide via the Allpoint Network. The Bank also offers a wide range of residential mortgage products through its mortgage division which does business under the name of Oak Mortgage Company. For more information about Republic Bank, visit www.myrepublicbank.com.