Lighthouse Bank's Strong Performance Continues

News provided by

Lighthouse Bank

Jan 17, 2014, 03:01 ET

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Jan. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Locally owned Lighthouse Bank (OTCBB: LGHT) today released unaudited financial results for the 4th quarter-ended December 31, 2013. The Bank posted a $590 thousand profit for the period, representing the 18th successive quarter of profitable operations for the six-year-old Bank. Profit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 was a record $2.3 million and represented a 26% increase in earnings compared to the same period-ended December 31, 2012. For the 12-month period, shareholders' equity increased by 10% to $22.9 million. The Bank experienced solid growth in loans, up 5% from December 31, 2012. Deposits decreased 9% year-over-year, due largely to the departure of a single multimillion dollar short-term account during the 1st quarter of 2013. Overall positive performance continued to be driven by the Bank's control of overhead expenses and growth in the loan portfolio.

The Bank's loan loss reserve of 2.78% of gross loans remained significantly above the industry average of 1.75% for banks under $1 billion in size. The Bank had no nonperforming loans and no past due loans in excess of 30 days at December 31, 2013 and experienced no loan losses for the year.

During 2013, the Bank announced the $1.5 million purchase of 2020 N. Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. The property is located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz and following renovation and expansion will serve as the Bank's new headquarters. The purchase transaction is set to close on January 31, 2014, and has received the consent of both state and federal regulators.

To accommodate ongoing growth, the Bank added to its lending staff in 2013. The Bank's staffing is positioned well for the upcoming year and will continue to serve the lending needs within the Santa Cruz County market and further the Bank's mission of direct community support.

A milestone during the year, the Bank declared a 5% stock dividend in the first quarter, representing the second stock dividend granted by the Bank. Since opening, Lighthouse Bank's consistently strong financial results continue to place it at the top of the industry in a variety of categories including asset quality, capital adequacy, return on equity and operational efficiency. Activity in the Bank's stock increased significantly during the year. The Bank's stock (LGHT) is actively traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board via the Bank's market makers and online and full-service brokerage providers. More information on the Bank's stock and historical financial performance may be located on the Bank's website at http://lighthousebank.net/Company/StockInformation/tabid/2477/Default.aspx.

The Bank is rated by Bauer Financial as Five-Star "Superior" for strong financial performance, the top rating given by the independent bank rating firm. Lighthouse Bank is the only locally owned institution in Santa Cruz County with a Five-Star rating. The Findley Reports, a well known banking publication named the Bank as a "Super Premier" performing bank, their highest ranking, and FMC Consulting named Lighthouse Bank the top rated state chartered bank on the Central Coast. Lighthouse Bank has no financial relationship with any of these rating agencies.

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE BANK:
Lighthouse Bank is a locally owned and operated full-service commercial bank located in Santa Cruz, CA. The Bank marked its 6th anniversary on October 29, 2013. Lighthouse Bank offers a full array of banking products and services to businesses, professionals, individuals, developers and commercial property owners. The Bank is dedicated to providing exceptional personalized service and access to decision makers who are always close at hand. The Bank offers a unique worldwide ATM fee rebate program and complimentary business courier service which expands the geographical reach of its banking office location throughout Santa Cruz County. Lighthouse Bank is committed to operating an open, ethical and financially successful company without engaging in the corporate excesses that have come to characterize the financial services industry. All decisions are intended to contribute to the long-term success of its clients, employees, owners and the community it serves. The Bank received no TARP funds and has neither accepted nor requested government assistance of any kind. Lighthouse Bank has never been subject to either formal or informal regulatory action. 

Lighthouse Bank is located at 111 Mission Street in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA. Lighthouse Bank's common stock is listed on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board under the stock symbol LGHT. More Information on the Bank may be obtained through its website www.lighthousebank.net or by calling 831-600-4000.

Selected Financial Data (unaudited)

Quarter-Ended

Change

Quarter-Ended

Change

Year-to-Date Ended

Change

12/31/2013

9/30/2013

%

12/31/2012*

%

12/31/2013

12/31/2012*

%











Balance Sheet




















  Total assets

$157,974,526

$160,699,244

-2%

$168,777,638

-6%



  Gross loans

103,530,539

100,119,098

3%

98,242,730

5%



  Allowance for loan losses

2,874,031

2,874,031

0%

2,863,302

0%



  Non interest-bearing deposits

30,290,175

33,021,385

-8%

37,314,564

-19%



  Total deposits

134,494,698

137,647,912

-2%

147,123,984

-9%



  Shareholders' equity

22,858,980

22,270,053

3%

20,817,779

10%














Income Statement




















  Interest income

1,862,763

2,036,849

-9%

1,841,818

1%

$7,564,194

$7,103,011

6%

  Interest expense

97,981

106,932

-8%

133,886

-27%

427,030

579,993

-26%

      Net interest income

1,764,782

1,929,917

-9%

1,707,932

3%

7,137,164

6,523,018

9%











  Provision for loan losses

-

-

0%

40,000

-100%

-

238,000

-100%

  Non-interest income

79,833

105,810

-25%

83,054

-4%

348,317

352,646

-1%

  Non-interest expense

910,873

978,861

-7%

860,419

6%

3,787,105

3,627,489

4%

      Net income before taxes

933,742

1,056,866

-12%

890,567

5%

3,698,376

3,010,176

23%

  Income tax expense (benefit)

344,180

403,749

-15%

381,745

-10%

1,374,882

1,161,811

18%











      Net income

$        589,562

$        653,117

-10%

$       508,822

16%

$2,323,494

$1,848,364

26%











Earnings per share (basic) *

$              0.28

$              0.31

-10%

$              0.24

17%

$          1.09

$          0.86

27%

Book value per share *

$            10.68

$            10.41

3%

$              9.73

10%

$        10.68

$          9.73

10%











Ratios









  Net interest margin

4.64%

4.91%

4.16%




  Equity capital-to-total assets

14.5%

13.9%

12.3%




  Return on Average Assets

1.48%

1.59%

1.19%




  Return on Average Equity

10.31%

11.76%

9.75%




  Allowance for Loan Losses-to-Total Loans

2.78%

2.87%

2.91%




  Non-Performing Assets-to-Total Assets

0.22%

0.21%

0.52%




  Efficiency Ratio

49.4%

48.1%

48.1%















* - adjusted for 5% stock dividend of 3/8/13

SOURCE Lighthouse Bank

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

icon3
440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers
icon1
9k+
Digital Media
Outlets
icon2
270k+
Journalists
Opted In
GET STARTED