VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”) today reported earnings of $6.4 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021 compared to $5.8 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter and $2.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

In the first six months of fiscal 2022, net income increased to $12.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the first six months of fiscal 2021.

“We delivered strong second fiscal quarter operating results, driven by an increase in net interest income, and higher operating income, which resulted in a return on average assets of 1.52% and a return on average equity of 15.96% for the quarter,” stated Kevin Lycklama, president and chief executive officer. “We had exceptional net loan growth during the quarter and our loan pipeline remains strong. Core deposits continue to reach record levels, which has supported the new loan growth. As we continue to move through these latter stages of the pandemic, we are encouraged with the increased business activity in Southwest Washington and Oregon, and the increased loan growth opportunities ahead.”

Second Quarter Highlights (at or for the period ended September 30, 2021)

• Net income increased to $6.4 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to $5.8 million, or $0.26 per diluted share in the preceding quarter and $2.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the second quarter a year ago.

• Pre-tax, pre-provision for loan losses income (non-GAAP) was $7.3 million for the quarter compared to $5.7 million in the preceding quarter and $5.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

• Net interest income increased to $12.4 million compared to $11.3 million in the preceding quarter and $11.1 million in the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

• Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.12%.

• Riverview recorded a recapture of loan losses of $1.1 million during the quarter.

• The allowance for loan losses was $16.5 million, or 1.80% of total loans. The allowance for loan losses excluding SBA purchased and SBA PPP loans (non-GAAP) was 1.97% of total loans.

• There were no loan modifications as of September 30, 2021.

• Total loans increased $25.1 million, or 11.2% annualized, during the quarter. The net increase consisted of a decrease of $22.8 million in SBA PPP loans and an increase of $47.9 million in non-PPP loans.

• Total deposits increased $93.7 million, or 26.3% annualized, during the quarter to $1.51 billion.

• Non-performing assets were 0.03% of total assets.

• Total risk-based capital ratio was 17.42% and Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.08%.

• Increased its quarterly cash dividend to $0.055 per share, generating a current dividend yield of 3.05% based on the share price at close of market on October 27, 2021.

Income Statement Review

Riverview’s net interest income increased to $12.4 million in the current quarter compared to $11.3 million in the preceding quarter and $11.1 million in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. Interest income increased compared to prior quarters due to strong loan growth, an increase in net fees on loan prepayments and an increase in investment securities during the quarter. In the first six months of fiscal 2022, net interest income was $23.7 million compared to $22.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2021.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, $928,000 of interest and net fee income was earned through PPP loan forgiveness and normal amortization. This compared to $892,000 of interest and net fee income on PPP loans during the preceding quarter and $691,000 in the second quarter of the prior year.

Riverview’s NIM was 3.12% for the second quarter of fiscal 2022, a five basis-point increase compared to 3.07% in the preceding quarter and a 21 basis-point decrease compared to 3.33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. “The NIM expansion during the quarter compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to new loan originations replacing SBA PPP loan payoffs, higher levels of loan fee amortization on PPP loans and an increase in net fees on loan prepayments, which were partially offset by excess liquidity on the balance sheet due to record deposit growth,” said David Lam, executive vice president and chief financial officer. In the first six months of fiscal 2022, the net interest margin was 3.09% compared to 3.48% in the same period a year earlier.

During the second fiscal quarter of 2022, net fees on loan prepayments, which included purchased SBA loan premiums, increased net interest income by $485,000 and increased the NIM by 13 basis points. This compared to $43,000 in net fees on loan prepayments adding two basis points to NIM in the preceding quarter. The interest accretion on purchased loans totaled $89,000 and resulted in a three basis point increase in the NIM during the second quarter, compared to $71,000 and a two basis point increase in the NIM during the preceding quarter. For the second fiscal quarter of 2022, SBA PPP loan interest and fees added 15 basis points to the NIM compared to 8 basis points for the preceding quarter. The increase in the current quarter was due primarily to the recognition of PPP loan fees as a part of the loan forgiveness process. The average overnight cash balances increased to $345.8 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 compared to $272.3 million in the preceding quarter and $204.4 million for the second fiscal quarter a year ago, due to the growth in deposits. Without the increase in overnight cash balances, NIM would have been 79 basis points higher in the current quarter, 69 basis points higher in the prior quarter and 66 basis points higher in the second quarter a year ago. These items resulted in a core-NIM (non-GAAP) of 3.60% in the current quarter compared to 3.64% in the preceding quarter and 4.04% in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. The following table represents the components of (non-GAAP) Core NIM:

During the second fiscal quarter of 2022, Riverview continued the deployment of excess cash into its investment portfolio. Investment securities totaled $350.3 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $308.1 million at June 30, 2021. During the quarter, the Company purchased $54.8 million in new securities with a weighted average yield of 1.37%. Investment purchases were comprised primarily of agency securities, MBS backed by government agencies and municipal securities.

Average securities balances for the quarters ended September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020 were $326.1 million, $279.0 million and $129.1 million, respectively. The weighted average yields on securities balances for those same periods were 1.47%, 1.53% and 1.62%, respectively.

Average PPP loans were $46.2 million in the second quarter compared to $80.3 million in the preceding quarter and $110.6 million in the second quarter a year ago. During the quarter, the Company recorded $118,000 in interest income on PPP loans and $810,000 in loan fee amortization into income. This compared to $203,000 in interest income on PPP loans and $689,000 in loan fee amortization during the preceding quarter and $283,000 in interest income on PPP loans and $408,000 in loan fee amortization during the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

Loan yields increased 44 basis points during the quarter to 5.11% compared to 4.67% in the preceding quarter due primarily to an increase in net fees on loan prepayments along with low-rate PPP loans being removed from the loan portfolio at the time of forgiveness or payoff. Loan yields were 4.58% in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. Loan yields excluding PPP loans were 4.95% for the quarter compared to 4.69% in the preceding quarter and 4.84% in the year-ago quarter.

Riverview’s cost of deposits decreased to 0.11% during the second fiscal quarter compared to 0.13% in the preceding quarter and 0.22% in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. The sequential decrease in deposit costs during the quarter reflects the continued low interest rate environment and are expected to decrease further as certificates of deposit reprice at maturity. Certificate of deposit maturities over the next quarter and twelve months are $30.4 million and $80.7 million, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.09% and 0.84%.

Non-interest income was $3.1 million during the quarter compared to $3.6 million in the preceding quarter and $2.8 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2021. Non-interest income decreased during the quarter as a result of a $479,000 BOLI death benefit recorded in the preceding quarter that was not present during the current quarter. Interchange and merchant bankcard fee income during the quarter remained strong due to the continued increase in economic activity in Oregon and Washington and brokered loan fee income also remained strong due to the increased activity in the mortgage and refinance market. In the first six months of fiscal 2022, non-interest income was $6.7 million compared to $5.4 million in the same period a year ago.

Asset management fees were $928,000 during the second fiscal quarter compared to $976,000 in the preceding quarter and $883,000 in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. The decrease in the sequential quarter was due to the seasonal tax preparation fees collected during the prior quarter. Riverview Trust Company’s assets under management remained at $1.3 billion at September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021.

Non-interest expense was $8.2 million during the quarter compared to $9.1 million in the preceding quarter and $8.8 million in the second fiscal quarter a year ago. The decrease in the sequential quarter was due to Riverview recognizing a $1.0 million gain on sale of a former branch property that closed in May 2021. Excluding that gain on sale, non-interest expense increased $50,000 from the prior linked quarter. Riverview continues to manage its non-interest expenses in the current economic environment and look for opportunities to improve operating efficiencies. Year-to-date, non-interest expense was $17.3 million compared to $17.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2021.

Return on average assets was 1.52% in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to 1.46% in the preceding quarter. Return on average equity and return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP) was 15.96% and 19.31%, respectively, compared to 14.89% and 18.13%, respectively, for the prior quarter. The efficiency ratio improved to 53.0% for the second fiscal quarter compared to 61.4% in the preceding quarter and 63.7% in the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

Riverview’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was 23.1% compared to 21.5% for the preceding quarter and 21.7% for the year ago quarter.

Balance Sheet Review

Riverview’s total loans were $914.5 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $889.5 million three months earlier and $975.2 million a year ago. The decrease in loan balances compared to the year ago quarter was primarily driven by forgiveness of SBA PPP loans. SBA PPP loans, net of fees, totaled $32.7 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $55.5 million at June 30, 2021 and $110.8 million at September 30, 2020. The Company also completed the purchase of a $21.7 million pool of mortgage loans to partially replace mortgage loans within its portfolio that paid down during the last year. Organic loan growth was strong during the quarter but continues to be impacted by loan payoffs as well as strong competition for high-quality loans in our markets.

Riverview’s loan pipeline totaled $104.5 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $84.2 million at the end of the prior quarter. The Company has placed an internal focus on loan originations and increased business development activities over the last few quarters with the improvement in economic activity in its primary markets of Oregon and Washington. “Based on our economic forecasts and outlook for our markets, we remain optimistic for continued loan growth for the remainder of our fiscal year as we deploy our excess liquidity into higher yielding assets,” said Lycklama.

Undisbursed construction loans totaled $28.2 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $14.0 million at June 30, 2021, with the majority of the undisbursed construction loans expected to fund over the next several quarters. Revolving commercial business loan commitments totaled $66.0 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $58.0 million three months earlier. Utilization on these loans totaled 8.6% at September 30, 2021 compared to 6.0% at June 30, 2021. The weighted average rate on loan originations during the quarter was 3.82% compared to 3.98% in the preceding quarter and 4.12% in the second quarter a year ago.

Total deposits increased $93.7 million, or 6.6%, to $1.51 billion at September 30, 2021 compared to the preceding quarter and increased $306.7 million, or 25.6%, compared to a year earlier. Non-interest bearing checking accounts increased $104.9 million, or 27.1% year-over-year, to $491.3 million at September 30, 2021. Checking accounts, as a percentage of total deposits, totaled 51.7% at September 30, 2021.

Shareholders’ equity increased to $159.8 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $157.0 million three months earlier and $149.0 million a year earlier. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) increased to $5.96 at September 30, 2021 compared to $5.80 at June 30, 2021 and $5.43 at September 30, 2020. Riverview paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.055 per share on October 19, 2021, which was a 10.0% increase over the dividend paid over the past seven quarters.

Credit Quality

Non-performing assets were $490,000, or 0.03% of total assets, at September 30, 2021 compared to $383,000, or 0.02% of total assets, three months earlier and $1.3 million, or 0.09% of total assets, at September 30, 2020. Riverview recorded net loan recoveries during the quarter of $10,000. This compared to net loan recoveries during the prior quarter of $12,000 and net loan charge-offs of $10,000 in the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

Due to the improvement in economic conditions, and the overall quality of the loan portfolio, Riverview recorded a recapture of loan losses of $1.1 million during the second fiscal quarter. This compared to a recapture of loan losses of $1.6 million in the prior quarter and a $1.8 million provision for loan losses during the second fiscal quarter a year ago.

At September 30, 2021, Riverview had no commercial loan modifications remaining on its books. This compared to one commercial loan totaling $563,000 at June 30, 2021. Riverview had no new commercial loan accommodation requests through the date of this press release. There were no consumer loan modifications as of September 30, 2021 or June 30, 2021.

Riverview’s hotel/motel portfolio performance has steadily improved over the last several quarters and at September 30, 2021 there were no remaining hotel/motel loans with COVID modifications. Loans in this portfolio are primarily concentrated in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington with a few properties located on the Oregon Coast and in the Columbia River Gorge. This portfolio is comprised of mainly flagged properties versus independent hotel/motels and are in the midscale and economy categories.

Classified assets were $10.3 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $8.6 million at June 30, 2021 and $4.8 million at September 30, 2020. The classified asset to total capital ratio was 6.2% at September 30, 2021 compared to 5.3% three months earlier and 3.2% a year earlier. Criticized assets decreased to $31.3 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $40.3 million at June 30, 2021, and $39.1 million at September 30, 2020. These balances are expected to further decline over the next several quarters as the Company receives updated financial statements from these borrowers. The criticized assets balance reflects risk rating changes primarily associated with loans that had been granted COVID-19 loan modifications. In general, borrowers whose loans were paying as agreed prior to COVID-19, remain well-secured and have provided acceptable plans for returning to full payment status were downgraded to a pass/watch rating. Modifications that extended beyond six months were generally downgraded to a special mention/criticized rating unless other mitigating considerations exist that lowered the bank’s credit risk. Borrowers who could not provide a plan or whose business was closed with no plan for re-opening in a reasonable timeframe, were moved to a substandard/classified rating. In addition, the risk rating was also downgraded for certain borrowers who were not granted COVID-19 loan modifications, but who still have been impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At September 30, 2021, the allowance for loan losses was $16.5 million, compared to $17.6 million at June 30, 2021 and $18.9 million one year earlier. The allowance for loan losses represented 1.80% of total loans at September 30, 2021, compared to 1.98% in the preceding quarter and 1.93% a year earlier. The allowance for loan losses to loans, net of SBA guaranteed loans (including SBA PPP loans) (non-GAAP), was 1.97% at September 30, 2021 compared to 2.22% at June 30, 2021 and 2.35% a year earlier. Included in the carrying value of loans are net discounts on the MBank purchased loans, which may reduce the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans because they are carried at an amount below the outstanding principal balance. The remaining net discount on these purchased loans was $562,000 at September 30, 2021 compared to $652,000 three months earlier.

Capital

Riverview continues to maintain capital levels well in excess of the regulatory requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized” with a total risk-based capital ratio of 17.42% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.08% at September 30, 2021. Tangible common equity to average tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) was 7.82% at September 30, 2021.

PPP Loans

During Round 1, Riverview originated 790 PPP loans totaling approximately $112.9 million, net of deferred fees, with an average loan size of $147,000. Unamortized PPP deferred loan fees at September 30, 2021 totaled $5,000 for Round 1. The following table presents the breakdown and balance, net of deferred fees, of Round 1 PPP loans at September 30, 2021:

In PPP Round 2, Riverview originated 414 PPP loans totaling approximately $54.1 million, net of deferred fees, with an average loan size of $131,000. Unamortized PPP deferred loan fees at September 30, 2021 totaled $1.2 million for Round 2. The following table presents the breakdown and balance, net of deferred fees, of Round 2 PPP loans at September 30, 2021:

In total, 924 PPP loans totaling $134.3 million (80.4%) have been forgiven by the SBA or repaid by the borrower.

Stock Repurchase Program

On June 10, 2021, Riverview announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase up to $5.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period beginning on June 21, 2021, and continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or the next six months. As of September 30, 2021, Riverview had purchased 249,908 shares at an average price of $6.89 per share under the existing plan.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Riverview's core operations reflected in the current quarter's results and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below.

About Riverview

Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon, on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.72 billion at September 30, 2021, it is the parent company of the 98-year-old Riverview Community Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial and retail clients through 16 branches, including 12 in the Portland-Vancouver area, and 3 lending centers. For the past 7 years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal and The Columbian.

“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial conditions and other uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the extent and duration of the impact on public health, the U.S. and global economies, and consumer and corporate customers, including economic activity, employment levels and market liquidity; the Company’s ability to raise common capital; the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in the Company’s allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in the Company’s market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, the Company’s net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in the Company’s market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of us by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase the Company’s reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change Riverview Community Bank’s regulatory capital position or affect the Company’s ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits; further increases in premiums for deposit insurance; the Company’s ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of the Company’s assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risks associated with the loans on the Company’s balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect the Company’s workforce and potential associated charges; computer systems on which the Company depends could fail or experience a security breach; the Company’s ability to retain key members of its senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel it may in the future acquire into its operations and the Company’s ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any future goodwill impairment due to changes in the Company’s business, changes in market conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors related thereto; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock; and interest or principal payments on its junior subordinated debentures; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products and services and the other risks described from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

Such forward-looking statements may include projections. Any such projections were not prepared in accordance with published guidelines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the Securities Exchange Commission regarding projections and forecasts nor have such projections been audited, examined or otherwise reviewed by independent auditors of the Company. In addition, such projections are based upon many estimates and inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of management of the Company. Accordingly, actual results may be materially higher or lower than those projected. The inclusion of such projections herein should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the projections will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for fiscal 2022 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us, and could negatively affect the Company’s operating and stock price performance.