SAN JOSE, Calif., April 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heritage Commerce Corp (Nasdaq: HTBK), the holding company (the “Company”) for Heritage Bank of Commerce (the “Bank”), today announced first quarter 2021 net income of $11.2 million, or $0.19 per average diluted common share, compared to $1.9 million, or $0.03 per average diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2020, and $11.6 million, or $0.19 per average diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2020. First quarter 2021 results included the recapture of $1.5 million of provision for credit losses on loans, compared to a provision for credit losses on loans of $13.3 million for the first quarter of 2020. All results are unaudited.

“While facing prolonged challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, and the related economic uncertainty, the Company has continued to generate solid financial results, and the first quarter 2021 earnings were no exception,” said Walter Kaczmarek, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Total deposits grew by 27%, year-over-year, fueled by successful deposit gathering efforts that attracted over $900 million. Gross loans also increased 6%, year-over-year, and by 3% on a linked quarter basis. Our return on assets improved to 0.99% in the first quarter compared to 0.19% a year ago. Our year-over-year improvement in first quarter results benefited from our higher than usual provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2020 taken in light of a downturn in the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and from our decision to adopt the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) rate methodology early in 2020,” said Mr. Kaczmarek.

Mr. Kaczmarek continued, “Our positive credit trends continue with nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) decreasing (54%) to $5.6 million at March 31, 2021, versus $12.1 million a year earlier, and declining (29%) from $7.9 million on a linked quarter basis. We had net loan recoveries of $1.4 million from previously charged-off accounts, compared to net charge-offs of $422,000 for the first quarter a year ago.” The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) to total loans declined slightly to 1.64%, and the ratio of ACLL to total loans, excluding PPP loans, was 1.88%, at March 31, 2021, compared to 1.70% and 1.91%, respectively, at December 31, 2020.

“Our local markets and customers have been negatively impacted by government actions necessary to contain the health crisis, and we are closely tracking our loan portfolio and responding to the needs of our customers,” said Mr. Kaczmarek. “In the meantime, our capital, ACLL, and excess liquidity positions all remain strong. The total capital ratio was 16.5% and leverage ratio was 9.1% for the Company, and 15.8% and 9.5%, respectively, for the Bank, at March 31, 2021. Notably, despite the adverse impact to the economy brought on by the pandemic, the Company’s total assets increased 23% from a year ago and surpassed the milestone of $5 billion at quarter-end. With a solid earnings performance, a large core deposit base, and excellent credit quality, we believe we have a solid foundation on which to grow as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In response to economic stimulus laws passed by Congress in 2020 and 2021, Heritage Bank of Commerce has now funded two rounds of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Payment Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. At March 31, 2021, after accounting for loan payoffs and SBA loan forgiveness, Round 1 PPP loans were $170.4 million and Round 2 PPP loans were $179.3 million. In total the Bank had $349.7 million in outstanding PPP loan balances at quarter-end. These loans generated $784,000 in interest income, $3.4 million in net deferred fee revenue ($2.4 million from loans forgiven or paid off and $969,000 from net deferred fees), and $766,000 in deferred origination costs on Round 2 PPP loans during the first quarter of 2021. At March 31, 2021, the PPP loan portfolio had remaining deferred fees of ($8.8) million and deferred costs of $1.1 million.

On April 7, 2020, the U.S. banking agencies issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus. The statement describes accounting for COVID-19-related loan modifications, including clarifying the interaction between current accounting rules and the temporary relief provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The Bank made accommodations for initial payment deferrals for a number of customers with a window of up to 90 days, with the potential of an additional 90 days of payment deferral (180 days maximum) upon application. The Bank also waived all customary applicable fees. Of the loans for which deferrals were originally granted, nearly all have returned to regular payment status.

The following table shows the remaining deferments at March 31, 2021 by category:

On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the “Act”) which revised rules regarding PPP loans, provided supplemental PPP loan funding for new and existing borrowers and expanded the types of business expenses that are forgivable under the PPP program. On January 6, 2021, Treasury issued new Interim Final Rules (“IFRs”) to address the Act’s creation of PPP Second Draw Loans as well as other changes to the PPP program requirements. The IFRs codified aspects of the PPP program not specifically addressed in the Act:

• Extending the application deadline to submit a PPP loan application to May 31, 2021, and the SBA approval deadline to June 30, 2021.

• Allowing new PPP borrowers to use either 2019 or 2020 for business records in determining maximum loan amount.

• Maintaining a $2 million loan amount necessity certification safe harbor.

• Allowing borrowers who returned or did not originally accept PPP loan proceeds to reapply for receipt of those funds.

In addition to its portfolio of SBA PPP loans, the Bank also has a portfolio of SBA 7(a) loans totaling $45.9 million as of April 12, 2021 (the most recent available data). The following table reflects the status of these SBA 7(a) loans as of April 12, 2021:

The CARES Act was amended in December 2020 to include $3.5 billion of extended debt relief payments for SBA borrowers. The program was subsequently modified by the SBA to provide two additional monthly payments of principal and interest totaling a maximum of $9,000 per month and an additional three payments to borrowers considered “underserved” as defined in the amended legislation.

Credit Quality and Performance

At March 31, 2021, NPAs declined by ($6.5) million, or (54%), to $5.6 million, compared to $12.1 million at March 31, 2020, and decreased by ($2.3) million, or (29%) from $7.9 million at December 31, 2020. The decrease in NPAs at March 31, 2021, compared to March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2020, was primarily from the sale of properties that resulted in the payoff of loans and other paid down loans, which were partially offset by additional loans that went on NPA status during the first quarter of 2021. Classified assets decreased to $33.4 million, or 0.67% of total assets, at March 31, 2021, compared to $39.6 million, or 0.97% of total assets, at March 31, 2020, and $34.0 million, or 0.73% of total assets, at December 31, 2020.

The Company continues to monitor portfolio loans made to commercial customers with businesses in higher risk sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following table provides a breakdown of such loans as a percentage of total loans for the periods indicated:

The increase in higher risk sector loans at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, compared to March 31, 2020, was primarily due to the addition of PPP loans after the first quarter of 2020.

Capital and Liquidity

The Company’s and the Bank’s consolidated capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution, and the Basel III minimum regulatory requirements at March 31, 2021.

Our liquidity position supports our ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations, meet all of our financial obligations and commitments, and accommodate unexpected sudden changes in balances of loans and deposits in a timely manner. At various times the Company requires funds to meet short term cash requirements brought about by loan growth or deposit outflows, the purchase of assets, or repayment of liabilities. An integral part of the Company’s ability to manage its liquidity position appropriately is derived from its large base of core deposits, which are generated by offering traditional banking services in its service area and which have historically been a stable source of funds.

At March 31, 2021, the Company had a strong liquidity position with $1.44 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and $783.7 million in available borrowing capacity from sources including the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Federal funds facilities with several financial institutions, and a line of credit with a correspondent bank. The Company also had $465.6 million (at fair market value) in unpledged securities available at March 31, 2021.

The loan to deposit ratio was 63.21% at March 31, 2021, compared to 75.86% at March 31, 2020, and 66.91% at December 31, 2020.

First Quarter Ended March 31, 2021
Operating Results, Balance Sheet Review, Capital Management, and Credit Quality
(as of, or for the periods ended March 31, 2021, compared to March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2020, except as noted):

Operating Results:

• Diluted earnings per share were $0.19 for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $0.03 for the first quarter of 2020, and $0.19 for the fourth quarter of 2020.
  

• The following table indicates the ratios for the return on average tangible assets and the return on average tangible equity for the periods indicated:
  

• Net interest income, before provision for credit losses on loans, decreased (9%) to $35.0 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $38.6 million for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to decreases in the prime rate and decreases in yields on investment securities and overnight funds, which were partially offset by interest income and fees on PPP loans. Net interest income increased 2% to $35.0 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $34.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to higher fees on PPP loans and an increase in the accretion of the loan purchase discount into interest income from acquired loans.
  
  

  • The fully tax equivalent (“FTE”) net interest margin contracted 103 basis points to 3.22% for the first quarter of 2021, from 4.25% for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to declines in the average yields on loans, investment securities, and overnight funds, partially offset by a decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities and higher interest income and fees on PPP loans. The FTE net interest margin increased seven basis points for the first quarter of 2021 from 3.15% for the fourth quarter of 2020.
    

• The following tables present the average balance of loans outstanding, interest income, and the average yield for the periods indicated:
  
  

  • The average yield on the total loan portfolio decreased to 5.24% for the first quarter of 2021, compared to 5.57% for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decline in the prime rate and new average balances of lower yielding PPP loans, partially offset by interest income and fees on PPP loans.

• The average cost of total deposits was 0.12% for the first quarter of 2021, compared to 0.22% for the first quarter of 2020 and 0.14% for the fourth quarter of 2020.
  

• During the first quarter of 2021, there was a recapture of ($1.5) million in provision for credit losses on loans, primarily due to recoveries on previously charged-off loans, compared to a $13.3 provision for credit losses on loans taken in the first quarter of 2020, and the recapture of ($1.3) million to the provision for credit losses on loans taken in the fourth quarter of 2020.
  
  

  • The higher provision for credit losses on loans for the first quarter of 2020 was driven primarily by a significantly deteriorated economic outlook resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic. Ongoing impacts of the CECL methodology will be dependent upon changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, portfolio duration, and other factors.

• Total noninterest income was $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a gain on the disposition of foreclosed assets and from higher service charges and fees on deposit accounts for the first quarter of 2020. Total noninterest income increased to $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2021 from $2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to an increase in gains on the sale of SBA loans and servicing income.

• Total noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2021 decreased to $23.2 million, compared to $25.8 million for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower merger-related costs, partially offset by higher severance expense during the first quarter of 2021. For the fourth quarter of 2020, total noninterest expense was $21.6 million.
  
  

  • The following table reflects pre-tax merger-related costs resulting from the merger with Presidio for the periods indicated:

• The efficiency ratio was 62.38% for the first quarter of 2021, compared to 61.70% for the first quarter of 2020, and 59.45% for the fourth quarter of 2020.

• Income tax expense was $4.3 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $868,000 for the first quarter of 2020, and $4.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 27.8%, compared to 31.8% for the first quarter of 2020, and 27.6% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The higher effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to an increase in tax expense for forfeited stock options and merger-related stock options. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2020 would have been 26.8% without these items.
  
  

  • The difference in the effective tax rate for the periods reported compared to the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate of 29.6% is primarily the result of the Company’s investment in life insurance policies whose earnings are not subject to taxes, tax credits related to investments in low-income housing limited partnerships (net of low-income housing investment losses), and tax-exempt interest income earned on municipal bonds.
    

Balance Sheet Review, Capital Management and Credit Quality:

• Total assets reached $5.00 billion at March 31, 2021, an increase of 23% from $4.08 billion at March 31, 2020, and increased 8% from $4.63 billion at December 31, 2020.
  

• Securities available-for-sale, at fair value, totaled $196.7 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $373.6 million at March 31, 2020, and $235.8 million at December 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021, the Company’s securities available-for-sale portfolio was comprised of $151.5 million of agency mortgage-backed securities (all issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities), and $45.2 million of U.S. Treasury securities. The pre-tax unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2021 was $4.9 million, compared to a pre-tax unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale of $9.4 million at March 31, 2020, and a pre-tax unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale of $5.8 million at December 31, 2020. All other factors remaining the same, when market interest rates are decreasing, the Company will experience a higher unrealized gain (or a lower unrealized loss) on the securities portfolio.

• At March 31, 2021, securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost, totaled $306.5 million, compared to $348.0 million at March 31, 2020, and $297.4 million at December 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021, the Company’s securities held-to-maturity portfolio was comprised of $242.7 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, and $63.8 million of tax-exempt municipal bonds. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company purchased $40.4 million of agency mortgage-backed securities (securities held-to-maturity), with a book yield of 1.54% and an average life of 5.6 years.

• The loan portfolio remains well-diversified as reflected in the following table which summarizes the distribution of loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, and the percentage of distribution in each category for the periods indicated:
  

• The following table summarizes the distribution of deposits and the percentage of distribution in each category for the periods indicated:

• The Company’s consolidated capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the regulatory guidelines under the Basel III prompt corrective action (“PCA”) regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution, and the Basel III minimum regulatory requirements at March 31, 2021, as reflected in the following table:
  

The following table reflects the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, for the periods indicated:

• Tangible equity was $398.1 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $384.5 million at March 31, 2020, and $393.6 million at December 31, 2020. Tangible book value per share was $6.64 at March 31, 2021, compared to $6.46 at March 31, 2020, and $6.57 at December 31, 2020.
  

Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established in October 1997, is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce, established in 1994 and headquartered in San Jose, CA with full-service branches in Danville, Fremont, Gilroy, Hollister, Livermore, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Rafael, Sunnyvale, and Walnut Creek. Heritage Bank of Commerce is an SBA Preferred Lender. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in San Jose, CA and provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.heritagecommercecorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control and our actual results could differ materially from our projected results. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our financial performance to differ materially from our goals, plans, expectations and projections expressed in forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the following: (1) current and future economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in the communities we serve, including the effects of declines in property values and overall slowdowns in economic growth should these events occur; (2) effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board; (3) our ability to anticipate interest rate changes and manage interest rate risk; (4) changes in inflation, interest rates, and market liquidity which may impact interest margins and impact funding sources; (5) volatility in credit and equity markets and its effect on the global economy; (6) our ability to effectively compete with other banks and financial services companies and the effects of competition in the financial services industry on our business; (7) our ability to achieve loan growth and attract deposits; (8) risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans; (9) the relative strength or weakness of the commercial and real estate markets where our borrowers are located, including related asset and market prices; (10) other than temporary impairment charges to our securities portfolio; (11) changes in the level of NPAs and charge offs and other credit quality measures, and their impact on the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for credit losses and the Company’s provision for credit losses; (12) increased capital requirements for our continual growth or as imposed by banking regulators, which may require us to raise capital at a time when capital is not available on favorable terms or at all; (13) regulatory limits on Heritage Bank of Commerce’s ability to pay dividends to the Company; (14) changes in our capital management policies, including those regarding business combinations, dividends, and share repurchases; (15) operational issues stemming from, and/or capital spending necessitated by, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which we are highly dependent; (16) our inability to attract, recruit, and retain qualified officers and other personnel could harm our ability to implement our strategic plan, impair our relationships with customers and adversely affect our business, results of operations and growth prospects; (17) possible adjustment of the valuation of our deferred tax assets; (18) our ability to keep pace with technological changes, including our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks such as data security breaches, “denial of service” attacks, “hacking” and identity theft; (19) inability of our framework to manage risks associated with our business, including operational risk and credit risk; (20) risks of loss of funding of SBA or SBA loan programs, or changes in those programs; (21) compliance with governmental and regulatory requirements, including the Dodd-Frank Act and others relating to banking, consumer protection, securities, accounting and tax matters; (22) significant changes in applicable laws and regulations, including those concerning taxes, banking and securities; (23) effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; (24) costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, including resolution of regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; (25) the expense and uncertain resolution of litigation matters whether occurring in the ordinary course of business or otherwise; (26) availability of and competition for acquisition opportunities; (27) risks resulting from domestic terrorism; (28) risks of natural disasters (including earthquakes) and other events beyond our control; (29) the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, on the Bank’s customers, employees, businesses, liquidity, financial results and overall condition and which has created significant uncertainties in U.S. and global markets, including our customers' ability to make timely payments on obligations, and operating expense due to alternative approaches to doing business; (30) changes in governmental policy and regulation, including measures taken in response to economic, business, political and social conditions, such as the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Federal Reserve Board's efforts to provide liquidity to the financial system and provide credit to private commercial and municipal borrowers, and other programs designed to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; (31) the Bank's participation as a lender in the PPP and similar programs and its effect on the Bank's liquidity, financial results, businesses and customers, including the availability of program funds and the ability of customers to comply with requirements and otherwise perform with respect to loans obtained under such programs; (32) our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing factors.

Member FDIC

For additional information, contact:
Debbie Reuter
EVP, Corporate Secretary
Direct: (408) 494-4542
Debbie.Reuter@herbank.com