PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Nov. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:PBIP), the holding company for Prudential Bank, reported net income of $548,000, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $2.6 million, or $0.30 per basic share and $0.29 per diluted share, for the same quarter in fiscal 2019. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported net income of $9.6 million, or $1.12 per basic and diluted share as compared to $9.5 million, or $1.09 per basic and $1.07 per diluted share, for fiscal 2019.

Dennis Pollack, President and CEO, commented, “As we continue to serve our customers and communities in this challenging time, we are maintaining our focus on credit quality and being well capitalized, due to the on-going economic volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our overall operating performance remained solid, while we continued to prudently provision an additional $1.6 million during the fourth quarter due to the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic and to strengthen the balance sheet.” Mr. Pollack continued, “We are striving to create additional operational efficiencies in our organization to offset margin compression and increased provisioning. We are continuing to closely monitor the rapidly challenging environment surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic but remain confident in our long-term strength and stability and our ability to weather the storm of this crisis. I also want to thank our dedicated staff who have continued to go the extra mile to help our customers and community during these challenging times.”

Highlights for the Fiscal Year and Quarter Ended September 30, 2020

• Record level of net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
• Dividends for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 totaled $0.71 per share as compared to $0.65 per share for fiscal 2019.
• Our efficiency ratio improved significantly during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, improving to 54.1% as compared to 58.4% for fiscal 2019.
• On a linked quarter basis, our net interest margin improved to 1.89% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 1.83% for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
• The Company repurchased 829,388 shares of common stock at a weighted average cost of $12.70, well below the Company’s book value per share.
• The Company’s tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $15.07 per share at September 30, 2020 as compared to $14.97 at September 30, 2019.
• The Company announced a new stock repurchase program to repurchase up to 5% (407,000 shares) of its outstanding shares of common stock over a one-year period or such longer period of time as may be necessary to complete such repurchases.
• The Company originated 63 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling approximately $5.1 million. These loans were subsequently sold at a gain of $111,000.
• Based on management’s evaluation and taking into account the estimated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, provisions for loan losses totaling $1.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were established.
• The allowance for loan losses increased to $8.3 million or 1.4% of total loans as of September 30, 2020 as compared to $5.4 million or 0.9% of total loans as of September 30, 2019.

Net Interest Income:

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, net interest income decreased by $831,000 to $5.4 million as compared to $6.2 million for the same period in fiscal 2019. The decrease reflected the effects of a $2.0 million, or 17.5%, decrease in interest income partially offset by a decrease of $1.2 million, or 22.1%, in interest paid on deposits and borrowings. The decline in net interest income continued to primarily reflect the effects of margin compression. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets decreased by 47 basis points, to 3.38% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 from the comparable period in 2019 due to the decline in market yields of interest, in particular as a result of the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee’s action to reduce the Federal Funds Rate earlier in the year. The weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 1.99% to 1.62% as we continued our efforts to reduce the Company’s reliance on wholesale funds, which are generally a more expensive funding source.

In addition, with the unexpected significant decline in the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate (“WSJ Prime”) during the second half of fiscal 2020 as a result of actions taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant portion of the Company’s commercial real estate and construction loan loans which bear adjustable rates experienced downward adjustments in the interest rates borne by such loans during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, net interest income was $22.8 million as compared to $24.8 million for the same period in fiscal 2019. The decrease primarily was due to a decrease of $1.6 million, or 6.0%, in interest on loans combined with a$136,000 or 0.7% increase in interest expense. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets decreased by 37 basis points, to 3.54%, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 from 3.92% for fiscal 2019 primarily due to the reduction in market yields of interest which created downward pressure on our yields in all interest-earning asset categories, in particular commercial real estate and construction loans. The increase in interest expense was due to a $74.7 million increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to fund growth during fiscal 2020. The weighted average cost of borrowings and deposits decreased by 12 basis points to 1.79% for fiscal 2020 from 1.91% for fiscal 2019.

For the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the net interest margin was 1.89% and 1.92%, respectively, compared to 2.05% and 2.20%, respectively, for the same periods in fiscal 2019. The margin compression experienced in the 2020 periods in large part reflected the more rapid decline in asset yields as compared to declines in liability costs as a result of the declining interest rate environment. As part of the Company’s strategic lending initiatives, the Company has increased its involvement in commercial real estate and construction lending. The yields on such loans are typically tied to the WSJ Prime and adjust rapidly with changes in the WSJ Prime. As a result of the implementation of the Company’s strategic lending initiatives, its interest-earning assets are more rate sensitive than its interest-bearing liabilities and as a result, adjust more rapidly to changes in interest rates than its interest-bearing liabilities.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, net interest income increased by $62,000 to $5.4 million as compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease reflected the effects of a decrease of $253,000, or 5.6%, in interest paid on deposits and borrowings, partially offset by a decrease of $22,000, or 2.0% in interest earned on interest-earning assets. The weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 1.73% to 1.62% as we continued our efforts to reduce the Company’s reliance on wholesale funds.

Non-Interest Income:

Non-interest income amounted to $841,000 and $8.1 million for the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to $985,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, for the comparable periods in fiscal 2019. The increase experienced in fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the gain on sale of investment securities totaling $6.0 million compared to gains of totaling $1.1 million during fiscal 2019. The investment securities sales were consummated to recognize gains in the portfolio in order to take advantage of the historically low interest rate environment which has resulted in significant appreciation in the fair value of such investments.

Non-Interest Expenses:

For the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, non-interest expense increased $306,000 or 7.8%, and $455,000 or 2.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2019. The increase was due in large part to the hiring of additional personnel in our lending operations to support our expanded lending activities. Partially offsetting this increase for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was a decrease in occupancy and advertising expense as the Company maintained its focus on the continued implementation of operating efficiencies. The continued improvement of the Company’s efficiency ratio reflects the success of management’s efforts. The efficiency ratio for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 improved to 54.1% from 58.4% for fiscal 2019.

Income Taxes:

For the three months and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $239,000 and income tax expense of $1.6 million, respectively, compared to income tax expense of $554,000 and $1.9 million, respectively, for the same periods in fiscal 2019. The decrease in both 2020 periods was primarily due to tax benefits recognized as a result of stock compensation plans.

Balance Sheet:

The Company had total assets of $1.2 billion at September 30, 2020 compared to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2019. At September 30, 2020, the investment portfolio decreased by $138.3 million to $443.2 million as compared to $581.5 million at September 30, 2019 primarily as a result of investment securities sales, calls and paydowns of amortizing mortgage-backed securities. Net loans receivable increased slightly by $1.7 million to $587.2 million at September 30, 2020 from $585.5 million at September 30, 2019 due primarily to the continued intense competition for quality loans combined with the uncertain economic climate created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Company sold a $14.0 million package of long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans as part of its strategy to address interest-rate margin compression as well as sold the PPP loans generated in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

Total liabilities were $1.1 billion at both September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. Deposits increased by $25.5 million to $770.9 million at September 30, 2020 from $745.4 million at September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily in demand deposit and money market products. FHLB borrowings decreased by $91.7 million to $285.3 million at September 30, 2020 from $376.9 million at September 30, 2020 as the Company allowed higher costing FHLB borrowings to run-off as they mature in order to reduce its cost of funds.

Total stockholders’ equity decreased by $10.5 million to $129.1 million at September 30, 2020 from $139.6 million at September 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to treasury stock purchases, net of stock plan activity, totaling $9.5 million. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the Company repurchased 829,388 shares at an average cost of $12.70, which is well below book value per share. Also contributing to the decrease were dividend payments totaling $6.2 million combined with an aggregate $4.1 million decrease in the fair market value of interest rate swaps and available for sale securities which significantly reduced other comprehensive income (loss). The decrease in the fair value of the interest rate swaps was due to the large decrease in market rates of interest during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2020. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $9.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.

Asset Quality:

At September 30, 2020, the Company’s non-performing assets totaled $13.0 million or 1.1% of total assets as compared to $14.3 million or 1.1% of total assets at September 30, 2019. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2020 included five construction loans aggregating $8.5 million, 28 one-to-four family residential loans aggregating $3.1 million and four commercial real estate loans aggregating $1.4 million. There was no real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu as of September 30, 2020. At September 30, 2020, the Company had four loans totaling $5.0 million that were classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). One TDR is on non-accrual and consists of a $415,000 loan secured by a single-family residential property and is performing in accordance with the restructured terms. The three remaining TDRs totaling $4.6 million are also classified as non-accrual and are part of a lending relationship totaling $10.4 million (after taking into account the previously disclosed $1.9 million write-down recognized during the quarter ending March 31, 2017 related to this borrowing relationship). The primary project of the borrower (the development of a 169-unit townhouse project in Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania) is the subject of litigation between the Bank and the borrower. As previously disclosed, subsequent to the commencement of the litigation, the borrower filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 (Reorganization) of the federal bankruptcy code in June 2017. The Bank has moved the underlying litigation noted above with the borrower and the Bank from state court to the federal bankruptcy court in which the bankruptcy proceeding is being heard. The state litigation is stayed pending the resolution of the bankruptcy proceedings. Nine units have been sold in the project and a portion of the proceeds have been applied against the outstanding debt.

The Company recorded provisions for loan losses of $1.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, compared to a $100,000 provision for loan losses for the same periods in fiscal 2019, primarily due to the continued uncertainty associated with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in light of the increasing level of cases of COVID-19 in recent months, and the potential credit deterioration caused thereby. Minimal delinquencies have occurred as of September 30, 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no loan deferments outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and all existing deferrals had ended by September 30, 2020 compared to loans on deferral totaling $149.7 million, or 21.6% of total loans at June 30, 2020. Two participation interests in commercial real estate loans aggregating $10.0 million, or 1.5% of total loans, each entered into a subsequent deferral period during October 2020. With respect to one of the two loan participations on deferral in the amount of $3.0 million, the Company was granted a put option as an integral part of the purchase of the participation from the lead lender. The Company has notified the lead lender that it is exercising the put option. These deferments were not considered to be TDRs as of September 30, 2020 as all applicable borrowers were current as of December 31, 2019 and the request for the deferments were related to the current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and not by underlying weaknesses within the respective loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company believes there is a material risk that credit losses and non-performing assets may increase due to current economic conditions. During the quarter and fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, the Company recorded charge offs of $50,000 and $145,000, respectively. During the three months and fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded recoveries aggregating $12,000 and $30,000, respectively. During the three months and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded two charge offs amounting to $38,000. Recoveries of $2,000 and $166,000 were recognized during the quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $8.3 million, or 1.4% of total loans and 63.7% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2020 as compared to $5.4 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 38.7% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2019. The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2020 was sufficient to cover all inherent and known losses associated with the loan portfolio at such date.

COVID-19 Related Information

As noted above, in response to the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is providing assistance to its customers in a variety of ways. The Company participated in the Paycheck Protection Program offered under the CARES Act as a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lender. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, we had originated 63 requests for PPP loans totaling approximately $5.1 million. These loans were sold during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 at a net gain of $111,000. We are working closely with our loan customers to effectively manage our portfolio through the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the duration, impact and government response to the crisis.

The primary method of relief is to allow the borrower to defer their loan payments for three months (and extending the term of the loan accordingly). The CARES Act and regulatory guidelines suspend temporarily the determination of certain loan modifications related to the COVID19 pandemic from being treated as TDRs. See “Asset Quality” above”.

While the Company’s banking operations were not restricted by the government stay-at-home orders, the Company took steps to protect its employees and customers by providing for remote working for many employees, enhancing cleaning procedures for the Company’s offices, in particular its branch offices, requiring face masks to be worn by employees and maintaining appropriate social distancing in our offices. The Company continues to assess and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will take additional such steps as are necessary to protect its employees and assist its depositor and borrower customers during this difficult time.

About Prudential Bancorp, Inc.:

Prudential Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Prudential Bank. Prudential Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered, FDIC-insured savings bank that was originally organized in 1886. The Bank conducts business from its headquarters and main office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as nine additional full-service financial centers, seven of which are in Philadelphia, one in Drexel Hill, Delaware County, and one in Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.