News Details

Q3 2012 Summary:

• $18.4 million net income available to common stockholders, or $0.24 per diluted common share
• $195 million net increase in gross loans receivable, or 5% linked quarter
• $41 million increase in non-interest bearing deposits, or 4% linked quarter
• Company reinstates quarterly cash dividend at $0.05 per common share

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BBCN Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BBCN), the holding company of BBCN Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income available to common stockholders of $18.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share, for third quarter 2012. This compares with net income available to common stockholders of $8.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted common share, for third quarter 2011, and net income available to common stockholders of $15.6 million, or $0.20 per diluted common share, for second quarter 2012.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the reinstatement of a quarterly cash dividend. All stockholders of record as of November 1, 2012 will be paid a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share, payable on or about November 12, 2012.

“The reinstatement of a quarterly cash dividend reflects our growing confidence in BBCN as the leading Korean American bank in the nation,” said Alvin D. Kang, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This confidence is supported by the Company’s overall financial performance, with strong core earnings, increasing loan production and steadily improving asset quality trends. In particular, new loan originations were very strong this quarter at $313 million, resulting in a 5% linked quarter increase in gross loans. We are pleased that the Company’s financial strength and sustainable earnings power positions us to return profits to our shareholders, while at the same time investing in new growth opportunities.”

The Company noted that its merger with Center Financial Corporation (“Center”), completed on November 30, 2011, impacts the comparability of operating results for third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011 and the preceding second quarter 2012. The Company includes in this press release supplemental information to help in understanding past financial performance.

Financial Highlights

Operating Results for Third Quarter 2012

As previously mentioned, the comparability of operating results with past performance is impacted by the merger. The Company believes the following supplemental information will be helpful in understanding past financial performance. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 include the following pre-tax acquisition accounting adjustments related to the merger.

The increase (decrease) of major adjustments to pre-tax income is summarized below. The impact which these adjustments have to certain yields and costs are described in subsequent sections of this release.

In addition to the items listed above, acquisition accounting adjustments had the effect of reducing the yield on the securities portfolio in third quarter and second quarter 2012. The acquired Center securities portfolio of approximately $291 million was adjusted to fair value of $293 million as of the merger date, resulting in interest income on investment securities for that portfolio being recognized at a lower average yield, compared with the yield on the balance of the Company’s securities portfolio.

Operating results were also impacted by merger and integration related expenses, which amounted to $183,000, $1.3 million and $574,000, for third quarter 2012, second quarter 2012 and third quarter 2011, respectively.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. The following table summarizes the reported net interest income before provision for loan losses.

Third quarter 2012 net interest income before provision for loan losses rose 88% over third quarter 2011, principally reflecting the higher level of interest earning assets following the merger and net growth in loans receivable. Compared with second quarter 2012, net interest income before provision for loan losses declined 2%, reflecting reductions in the weighted average loan portfolio yield and lower levels of accretion of discount on the acquired portfolio relative to the preceding second quarter.

The net interest margin and the impact of acquisition accounting adjustments are summarized in the following table:

Third quarter 2012 net interest margin (net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) was 4.79%, reflecting a 50 basis point improvement over third quarter 2011, largely attributable to the accretion of discounts on acquired loans. Excluding the effect of acquisition accounting adjustments, the core net interest margin for third quarter 2012 decreased 15 basis points from third quarter 2011 to 4.14%. Compared with preceding second quarter, third quarter 2012 net interest margin declined 23 basis points, but declined only 1 basis point on a core basis, when excluding the effect of acquisition accounting.

The weighted average yield on loans and the impact of acquisition accounting adjustments are summarized in the following table:

The weighted average yield on loans for third quarter 2012 decreased 5 basis points from third quarter 2011 and 77 basis points excluding acquisition accounting adjustments. The reduction in yield, excluding the effect of acquisition accounting adjustments, is primarily attributed to the lower yielding acquired loan portfolio and continued pricing pressures in the market place.

Compared with preceding second quarter 2012, the weighted average yield on loans declined 42 basis points, and 20 basis points, excluding the acquisition accounting adjustments. The decrease, excluding the acquisition accounting adjustments, reflects continuing pricing pressures in the market place. The weighted average yield on new loans originated during third quarter 2012 was 4.53%, compared with 4.66% for second quarter 2012.

The composition of fixed and variable rate loans and the associated weighted average yield, excluding loan discount accretion, is summarized in the following table:

The declining composition of fixed rate loans as a percentage of total loans reflects the Company’s focus on variable rate business loans.

The weighted average yield on securities available for sale is summarized in the following table:

The weighted average yield on securities available-for-sale for third quarter 2012 declined 93 basis points from third quarter 2011 and 22 basis points from second quarter 2012. The reductions are primarily attributable to the replacement of maturing securities with lower yielding investments as market interest rates declined.

The weighted average duration and average life of the securities available-for-sale are summarized in the following table:

The weighted average cost of deposits and the impact of acquisition accounting adjustments are summarized in the following table:

The weighted average cost of deposits for third quarter 2012 improved 36 basis points to 0.52% from third quarter 2011, and improved 3 basis points from second quarter 2012. Excluding the amortization of premium on time deposits assumed in the Center merger, the weighted average cost of deposits for third quarter 2012 improved 29 basis points from third quarter 2011, and 4 basis points from second quarter 2012. In addition to the acquisition accounting adjustments, the third quarter 2012 weighted average cost of deposits benefited from slight reductions in the cost of all categories of interest-bearing demand deposits.

The weighted average cost of FHLB advances and the impact of acquisition accounting adjustments are summarized in the following table:

For third quarter 2012, the weighted average cost of FHLB advances decreased 167 basis points to 1.56% from third quarter 2011, largely due to decreases in market interest rates. Excluding acquisition accounting adjustments, the weighted average cost of FHLB advances decreased 136 basis points, reflecting the addition of $175.0 million in new FHLB borrowings at a weighted average rate of 0.54%, which is substantially lower than the weighted average rate of the rest of the borrowings. The weighted average original maturity of the new borrowings was 2.10 years. In addition, a total of $85.0 million of FHLB borrowings, with weighted average rates of 1.64%, matured during the quarter.

Compared with the preceding second quarter, the weighted average cost of FHLB advances decreased 39 basis points, and 121 basis points, excluding acquisition accounting adjustments.

Non-interest Income. Total non-interest income for third quarter 2012 amounted to $7.7 million, a 80% increase from $4.3 million for third quarter 2011, and a 25% decrease from $10.2 million for second quarter 2012.

The various non-interest income items are summarized in the following table:

The increase in non-interest income over third quarter 2011 largely reflects operations as a combined Company. In addition, the Company elected not to sell any SBA loan sales during third quarter 2012. As previously indicated, the Company will consider capital, liquidity and other factors in determining on a quarterly basis whether to sell or hold such SBA loans.

Compared with second quarter 2012, non-interest income declined $2.6 million and is primarily attributed to the reduction in gains on sales of SBA loans, as explained above.

Non-interest Expense. Total non-interest expense for third quarter 2012 rose 71% to $28.8 million from third quarter 2011, due largely to the combined operations of the new BBCN. Compared with preceding second quarter 2012, total non-interest expense declined 7%.

The various non-interest expense items are summarized in the following table:

Salaries and benefits expense for third quarter 2012 increased 78% over third quarter 2011, due to the combined operations as BBCN. The number of full time equivalent employees (FTEs) was 684, 653 and 377 as of September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, and September 30, 2011, respectively. The FTEs as of September 30, 2011 on a pro forma basis was 696. The adjusted number of FTEs, as of the merger closing date of November 30, 2011, was 690. Notwithstanding an increase in FTEs from June 30, 2012, salaries and benefits expense decreased 7%, reflecting the high volume of vacations taken during the summer, which had the effect of reducing the accrued vacation liability and compensation expense, and capitalization of increased payroll-related deferred loan origination costs associated with the strong loan production during the quarter.

The FDIC assessment for third quarter 2012 amounted to $644,000, compared with $983,000 for third quarter 2011 and $51,000 for second quarter 2012. The Company previously commented that its second quarter 2012 FDIC assessment reflected the recognition of a $650,000 assessment rate reduction for fourth quarter 2011 as a result of an upgrade of the Company’s risk category.

Income Tax Provision. The effective tax rate for third quarter 2012 was 39.1%, compared with 34.6% for third quarter 2011 and 38.5% for second quarter 2012.

Balance Sheet Summary

Gross loans receivable totaled $4.07 billion at September 30, 2012, an increase of 5% compared with $3.87 billion at June 30, 2012 and an increase of 9% compared with $3.74 billion at December 31, 2011. Total loan originations for third quarter 2012 amounted to $312.7 million, including SBA loan originations of $63.7 million. In comparison, new loan production during second quarter 2012 equaled $241.5 million, including SBA loan originations of $67.1 million.

Sales of SBA loans to the secondary market and gains derived from those sales are based substantially on the production of SBA 7(a) loans. Production of SBA 7(a) loans amounted to $33.9 million for third quarter 2012, compared with $49.9 million for second quarter 2012. No SBA loans were sold during the quarter.

Aggregate loan pay-offs, pay-downs, amortization and other adjustments totaled $118.2 million during third quarter 2012, compared with $49.9 million during third quarter 2011 and $107.3 million during second quarter 2012.

Total deposits amounted to $4.05 billion at September 30, 2012, reflecting an increase of 4%, compared $3.88 billion at June 30, 2012, and a 3% increase, compared with $3.94 billion at December 31, 2011. The increases reflect higher balances in non-interest bearing demand deposits and jumbo time deposits. The growth in total deposits was partially attributed to the net addition of $153 million in wholesale deposits to help fund the strong loan growth. Non-interest bearing deposits at September 30, 2012 totaled $1.11 billion, or 27% of total deposits, compared with $1.06 billion at June 30, 2012, or 27% of total deposits.

Credit Quality

The provision for loan losses for third quarter 2012 was $6.9 million, compared with $3.5 million for third quarter 2011 and $7.2 million for preceding second quarter 2012. The third quarter 2012 provision reflects the net charge-offs, the strong overall loan growth, and increased allowance related to higher concentration risk resulting from stronger growth occurring in the CRE portfolio.

For a more detailed understanding of the changes in the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”), the composition of the ALLL has been segmented for disclosure purposes between loans accounted for under the amortized cost method (referred to as “BBCN” loans) and loans acquired in the Center merger (referred to as “Acquired” loans). The acquired loans are further segregated between performing and credit impaired loans.

The composition of ALLL for the three months ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

Following are the Special Mention, Classified and Total Watchlist loan balances as of September 30 and June 30, 2012:

Non-performing loans (defined as loans past due 90 days or more and on non-accrual status, acquired loans past due 90 days or more and on accrual status, and accruing restructured loans) at September 30, 2012 was $74.0 million, or 1.82% of total loans, compared with $83.3 million, or 2.15% of total loans, at June 30, 2012. The reduction in the dollar amount of non-performing loans is largely attributed to charge-offs and pay-offs during the quarter.

Non-performing assets at September 30, 2012 were $78.1 million, or 1.47% of total assets, compared with $90.0 million, or 1.78% of total assets, at June 30, 2012, due principally to the decrease in non-performing loans.

Net loan charge-offs during third quarter 2012 totaled $6.5 million, or 0.64% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared with $4.0 million, or 0.41%, during second quarter 2012.

The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2012 was $66.0 million, or 1.62% of gross loans receivable (excluding loans held for sale), compared with $65.5 million, or 1.69%, at June 30, 2012. The coverage ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (excluding acquired loans past due 90 days or more on accrual status) was 128% at September 30, 2012, compared with 105% at June 30, 2012.

Impaired loans (defined as loans for which it is probable that not all principal and interest payments due will be collectible in accordance with the contractual terms) decreased to $82.3 million at September 30, 2012, from $91.4 million at June 30, 2012. The reduction in impaired loans was partially attributed to total charge-offs during third quarter 2012 of $7.8 million.

Specific reserves for impaired loans were $8.7 million, or 10.6% of the aggregate impaired loan amount at September 30, 2012, compared with $13.2 million, or 14.4%, at June 30, 2012. The decrease in specific reserves largely reflects charge-offs, loan migrations, pay-offs and pay-downs. Excluding specific reserves for impaired loans, the allowance coverage on the remaining loan portfolio was 1.44% at September 30, 2012, compared with 1.38% at June 30, 2012.

Capital

At September 30, 2012, the Company continued to exceed all regulatory capital requirements to be classified as a “well-capitalized” institution, as summarized in the following table.

Tangible common equity per share and as a percentage of tangible assets improved over prior comparable periods, as summarized in the following table:

During third quarter 2012, the Company completed the repurchase of an outstanding warrant held by the United States Department of the Treasury for a purchase price of $2.2 million. The Warrant was issued on November 21, 2008 and entitled the Treasury to purchase 521,266 shares of BBCN common stock at an exercise price of $9.64 per share. Another warrant that was issued in connection with the merger for the purchase of 337,480 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $12.22 per share remains outstanding.

Investor Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time / 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time to review financial results for third quarter 2012. Investors and analysts may access the conference call by dialing 800-299-9630 (domestic) or 617-786-2904 (international), passcode 87270337. Other interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of BBCN Bancorp’s website at www.BBCNbank.com.

After the live webcast, a replay will be archived in the Investor Relations section of BBCN Bancorp’s website for one year. A telephonic replay of the call will be available at 888-286-8010 (domestic) or 617-801-6888 (international) through October 30, 2012, passcode 44139349.

About BBCN Bancorp, Inc.

BBCN Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of BBCN Bank, the largest Korean American bank in the nation with $5.3 billion in assets as of September 30, 2012. The Company is a result of the merger of equals of Nara Bancorp, Inc. and Center Financial Corporation completed on November 30, 2011. Headquartered in Los Angeles and serving a diverse mix of customers mirroring its communities, BBCN operates 40 branches in California, New York, New Jersey, Washington and Illinois, along with five loan production offices in Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta and Northern California. BBCN specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and business lending, SBA lending and international trade financing. BBCN Bank is a California-chartered bank and its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. BBCN is an Equal Opportunity Lender.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about future operations and projected full-year financial results that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services, and pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect the Company’s financial results and business, described in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and particularly the discussions of business considerations and certain factors that may affect results of operations and stock price set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.