Irvine, California – April 26, 2024 – CW Bancorp (OTCQX: CWBK), the parent company (“the Company”) of CommerceWest Bank (the “Bank”) reported consolidated net income for the first quarter of 2024 of $2,993,000 or $0.96 per diluted share as compared to $4,618,000 or $1.37 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2023, an EPS decrease of 30%.
Key Financial Results for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
- EPS of $0.96
- Return on Assets of 1.18%
- Return on Tangible Equity of 15.74%
- ACL to total loans ratio of 1.61%
- Liquid funds to total deposits ratio of 18%
- No outstanding FRB or FHLB borrowings
- Non-interest-bearing deposits to total deposits of 61%
- Strong leverage ratio of 12.58% and total risk-based capital ratio of 19.99%
- 57 quarters of consecutive profits
Mr. Ivo A. Tjan, Chairman and CEO commented, “The Bank’s fortress balance sheet remains strong, with strong capital ratios, ample liquidity, and a strong credit loss reserve.” Mr. Tjan added, “We are positioned well in the face of higher for longer interest rates, persistent inflationary pressures, and global unrest. Our team is focused in 2024 on acquiring new client relationships and growing existing client relationships by providing them customized and tailor-made solutions.”
Total asset decreased $39.1 million as of March 31, 2024, a decrease of 3% as compared to the same period one year ago. Total loans decreased $48.2 million as of March 31, 2024, a decrease of 6% from the prior year. Borrowers have been paying down loans with excess liquidity. This has caused both loan and deposit balances to decrease. In addition, the Bank remains prudent and conservative about credit quality. Cash and due from banks increased $11.4 million or 6% from the prior year. Total investment securities decreased $3.2 million, a decrease of 2% from prior year. Total deposits decreased $46.3 million as of March 31, 2024, a decrease of 5% from March 31, 2023. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $4.8 million as of March 31, 2024, an increase of 1% over the prior year. Interest bearing deposits decreased $51.1 million as of March 31, 2024, a decrease of 12% from the prior period.
Interest income was $12,242,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $12,004,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, an increase of 2%. Interest expense was $3,114,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $2,145,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, an increase of 45%. Interest expense was up for the quarter due to the rising cost of deposits.
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $9,128,000 compared to $9,859,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of 7%. The net interest margin decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2024. It decreased from 3.91% in 2023 to 3.79% in 2024, a decrease of 3%.
The Bank had no provision for credit losses during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $75,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of 100%.
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $1,208,000 compared to $1,253,000 for the same period last year, a decrease of 4%.
Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $6,177,000 compared to $4,867,000 for the same period last year, an increase of 27%.
The efficiency ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 59.42% compared to 42.81% in 2023, which represents an increase of 39%. The efficiency ratio illustrates that for every dollar made for the three-month period ending March 31, 2024, it costs $0.5942 to make it, as compared to $0.4281 one year ago.
Capital ratio for the Bank remain above the level required for a “well capitalized” institution as designated by regulatory agencies. As of March 31, 2024, the tier 1 leverage ratio was 12.58%, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 18.74%, the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 18.74% and the total risk-based capital ratio was 19.99%.
CommerceWest Bank is determined to redefine banking for small and medium sized businesses by delivering on customized products and services. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the Bank serves businesses throughout the state of California with our digital banking platform. By employing a strategically selected team of experienced professionals, we will provide flexibility, create a complete, safe and sound banking experience for each client. We provide a wide range of commercial banking services, including remote deposit solution, NetBanker online banking, mobile banking, lines of credit, M&A / working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans and treasury management services.
Mission Statement: CommerceWest Bank will create a complete banking experience for each client, catering to businesses and their specific banking needs, while accommodating our clients and providing them high-quality, low stress and personally tailored banking and financial services.
Please visit www.cwbk.com to learn more about the bank. “BANK ON THE DIFFERENCE”