GlobeNewswire Inc | Jul 27, 2020 04:00PM EDT

July 27, 2020

NEWBURGH, N.Y., July 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ES Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: ESBS) (the Company) the holding company for Empire State Bank, (the Bank) today announced net income of $372 thousand, or $0.06 per basic common share on 6.6 million shares outstanding for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as compared to net income of $418 thousand, or $0.10 per basic common share on 4.1 million shares outstanding for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was largely driven by a $750 thousand provision for loan losses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to $95 thousand in the comparable 2019 period, offset by an $793 thousand increase in net interest income. The increased provision for loan loss was related to a Pandemic Stress Testing initiative of the loan portfolio under several stress scenarios to build reserves pending the credit impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A decrease in non-interest income further contributed to the decrease in net income.

The increase in net interest income for the three month period ended June 30, 2020 was largely driven by an increase in volume of loans and deposits outstanding, including a $61.0 million, or 101.7% increase in non-interest bearing deposits coupled with a $9.2 million decrease in interest bearing deposits. Further, an improvement in the net interest margin to 2.94% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 from 2.90% for the comparable 2019 period.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $277 thousand, or $0.05 per basic share compared to $832 thousand, or $0.20 per basic share for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease was largely driven by a $1.7 million provision for loan losses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2020 compared to $180 thousand for the comparable 2019 period. The increased provision for loan loss was related to a Pandemic Stress Testing initiative of the loan portfolio under several stress scenarios to build reserves pending the credit impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was partially offset by a $997 thousand increase in net interest income primarily due to an $70.5 million increase in loans outstanding year over year and an increase in the net interest margin to 2.95% for the six month period ended June 30, 2020 compared to 2.90% for the comparable 2019 period.

Chief Executive Officer Philip Guarnieri stated, We are excited with the success in growing our non-interest-bearing checking deposits over the past year. This has improved our level of core deposits and has continued with our participation in the SBA PPP loan program this quarter. He continued, The Bank originated over $60 million of these loans to help small business and played a large part in the creation of over 9,000 jobs.

President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Sperzel stated, The Bank originated over 600 SBA PPP loans that has resulted in the successful opening of many new checking accounts through the program. Further he stated, The Bank has also participated under the CARES Act in loan deferments to help borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program was greeted warmly by borrowers who have now begun to return to active status as the local economies have begun to re-open.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

-- Net income of $372 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to $418 thousand for the comparable period in 2019, representing a decrease of $46 thousand, or 11.0%. -- Net income of $277 thousand for the year to date ended June 30, 2020 compared to $832 thousand for the comparable period in 2019. -- Additional provision for loan loss in conjunction with a Pandemic Stress Testing initiative of the loan portfolio under several stress scenarios to build reserves pending the credit impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provision for loan losses of $750 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $95 thousand for the comparable period in 2019.Provision for loan losses of $1.7 million for the year to date ended June 30, 2020, compared to $180 thousand for the comparable period in 2019. -- Origination of over $60 million of SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans generating over $2.4 million in fees. -- Net income before taxes of $483 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to $552 thousand for the comparable period in 2019, representing a decrease of $69 thousand, or 12.5%. -- Net income before taxes of $377 thousand for the year to date ended June 30, 2020 compared to $1.1 million for the comparable period in 2019, representing a decrease of $721 thousand, or 65.7%. -- Net interest income of $3.59 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to $2.80 million for the comparable period in 2019, representing an increase of $793 thousand, or 28.4% -- Net margin of 2.94% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 compared to 2.90% for the comparable period in 2019, representing an increase of 4 bps, or 1.4%. -- Capital ratios of 8.6%, 13.9% and 15.1% for each of the Tier 1 Leverage ratio, Tier 1 Risk Based Capital ratio and Total risk Based Capital ratio, respectively.

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Total assets at June 30, 2020, amounted to $511.7 million, representing an increase of $90.9 million, or 21.6%, from $420.8 million at December 31, 2019. The increase in assets consisted primarily of increases in total loans receivable, net of $63.8 million and cash and cash equivalents of $34.9 partially offset by a decrease in total securities of $7.8 million. The increase in loans receivable, net is largely due to the origination of over $60 million of SBA PPP loans. The increase in cash and cash equivalents is primarily due to an increase in deposits and borrowings of $43.7 million and $46.5 million, respectively. The increase in deposits was partially due to SBA PPP loan funds held on deposit and an increase in other DDA accounts. This was offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit. The increase in borrowings was primarily due to $55.5 million in new Federal Reserve Bank Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility advances which was offset by a $9.0 million decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank Advances.

Loans receivable, net, increased $63.8 million, or 17.5%, to $429.5 million at June 30, 2020 from $365.7 million at December 31, 2019. Commercial loans and commercial lines of credit increased $58.4 million, or 280.7%, from $20.8 million to $79.2 million. This increase was largely due to the Banks participation in the SBA PPP loan program. The Bank originated over $60 million of these loans in the quarter ended June 30, 2020. Commercial and multifamily real estate loans increased $4.8 million, or 2.7%, from $176.6 million to $181.4 million. Residential real estate mortgage loans increased $4.1 million, or 2.4%, from $166.0 million to $170.1 million. Home equity and consumer loans decreased $415 thousand to $2.7 million at June 30, 2020. Management continues to emphasize the origination of high quality loans for retention in the loan portfolio.

Deposits increased by $43.7 million to $371.5 million at June 30, 2020 from $327.8 million at December 31, 2019. Interest bearing deposits decreased $9.7 million and non-interest-bearing deposits increased $53.3 million. The increase in non-interest-bearing deposits was largely due to new accounts opened for PPP loan customers. Over this six-month period the net deposit activity consisted mainly of increases in DDA and NOW accounts of $53.8 million, savings accounts of $6.5 million, and in money market accounts of $1.1 million partially offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit of $17.7 million.

Borrowings increased by $46.5 million to $98.0 million at June 30, 2020 from $51.5 million at December 31, 2019. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances decreased $9.0 million from to $35.0 million at June 30, 2020 from $44.0 million at December 31, 2019. Federal Reserve Advances from the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility increased to $55.5 million at June 30, 2020. There were no such advances at December 31, 2019.

Stockholders equity increased by $575 thousand to $33.8 million at June 30, 2020, from $33.2 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to a $277 thousand increase in retained earnings and a $290 thousand increase in accumulated other comprehensive income from available for sale securities. The ratio of stockholders equity to total assets decreased to 6.60% at June 30, 2020 from 7.90% at December 31, 2019. Book value per share increased to $5.08 at June 30, 2020, from $5.00 at December 31, 2019.

ES BANCSHARES, INC.STATEMENTS OF CONDITION(In Thousands) (Unaudited) 6/30/2020 3/31/2020 12/31/2019 9/30/2019ASSETS Cash and cash $ 60,147 $ 38,043 $ 25,275 $ 24,722 equivalents: Securities -Available For 7,776 8,386 3,304 3,435 SaleSecurities -Held To - - 12,265 12,188 MaturityTotal 7,776 8,386 15,569 15,623 Securities Loans 434,556 373,411 369,194 369,450 Less:allowance for (5,069 ) (4,491 ) (3,539 ) (3,643 )loan lossesLoans, net 429,487 368,920 365,655 365,807 Premises and 4,437 4,488 4,606 4,706 equipment, netOther assets 9,903 9,453 9,718 10,929 Total Assets $ 511,750 $ 429,290 $ 420,823 $ 421,787 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand and NOWdeposit $ 134,623 $ 95,358 $ 80,789 $ 79,559 accountsMoney market 10,706 9,697 9,624 8,424 accountsSavings 124,473 122,386 118,000 110,173 accountsCertificates 101,736 112,031 119,449 128,203 of depositTotal Deposits 371,538 339,472 327,862 326,359 Borrowings 98,042 49,500 51,500 63,500 Other 8,369 6,939 8,235 8,880 LiabilitiesTotal 477,949 395,911 387,597 398,739 Liabilities TotalShareholders' 33,801 33,379 33,226 23,048 EquityTotalLiabilitiesand $ 511,750 $ 429,290 $ 420,823 $ 421,787 Shareholders'Equity

Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019

General. For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized net income of $372 thousand, or $0.06 per basic share, as compared to net income of $418 thousand, or $0.10 per basic share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $4.74 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to $4.41 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

The average balance of the loan portfolio increased to $417.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 from $360.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 while the average yield decreased to 4.41% for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 from 4.67% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The average balance and yield of the Banks investment securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 was $7.8 million and 2.66%, respectively, as compared to an average balance of $17.7 million and a yield of 2.97% for the comparable quarter ended one-year earlier. Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 decreased by $470 thousand to $1.1 million from $1.6 million for the prior year period. Average balances of total interest-bearing liabilities increased $37.2 million to $344.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, from $306.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The average cost for those liabilities decreased to 1.34% from 2.11% for the same respective period one year earlier.

The average balances of the Banks certificates of deposit portfolio decreased to $105.4 million at an average cost of 2.00% over the quarter ended June 30, 2020, from $142.0 million at an average cost of 2.30% over the same quarter ended one-year earlier. Regular savings account average balances increased to $126.5 million, from $93.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. These had an average cost of 0.88% for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to an average cost of 1.87% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Average money market account balances increased $803 thousand to $10.8 million at an average cost of 0.30% for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, from $10.0 million at an average cost of 0.64% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the average balance of the Companys borrowed funds was $85.1 million with an average cost of 1.49%, as compared to $47.4 million and an average cost of 2.82% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income was approximately $3.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $2.8 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Our average interest rate spread increased to 2.54% for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, from 2.46% for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, while our net interest margin increased to 2.94%, from 2.90% over the same respective periods.

Provision for Loan Losses. For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, management recorded a $750 thousand provision for loan losses. Comparatively, there was a $95 thousand provision for loan loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The Bank has taken an additional provision for loan loss in conjunction with a Pandemic Stress Testing initiative of the loan portfolio under several stress scenarios to build reserves pending the credit impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the CARES Act, during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Bank granted loan deferments for as much as $123.4 million. $60.9 million of these deferments were to commercial real estate loans, $40.2 million to non-owner-occupied residential loans, $9.8 million to commercial loans, $8.5 million to multifamily loans, $2.1 million to taxi medallion loans, $1.6 million to owner occupied residential loans and $300 thousand to consumer and other loans. The Bank continued to accrue interest on these loans while under deferment, and in accordance with Interagency Guidance has not needed to apply troubled debt restructuring accounting.

Beginning in early July 2020, $69.3 million of the loans placed on deferment have resumed making payments with an additional $29.4 million expected to resume in August 2020, and the remainder by October 2020. Further, of the $54.1 million of loans remaining on deferment, $26.6 million represent owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans with businesses in the following industries:

Type Industry Loan Amount No. (in thousands)Retail $ 13,816 20Restaurant 3,554 8Office 3,819 10Professional 2,990 8Auto Dealership 1,273 1Residential 1,164 1Total $ 26,616 48

With loan to value ratios on the commercial real estate portfolio in the 50-55% range, sound underwriting criteria, and the strong creditworthiness of the borrowers, the Bank is encouraged as loans have begun to resume making payments.

Management records loan loss provision to reflect the overall growth in the portfolio as well as the evaluated risk in the portfolio. The provision recorded during the period was done so in conjunction with the Banks allowance for loan loss methodology. It is calculated using a historical charge-off basis as well as other qualitative factors which reflect managements overall perceived risk in the portfolio.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 was $100 thousand as compared to $299 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. This was primarily due to decreases in deposit account service charges of $85 thousand and loan fee income of $81 thousand.

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 increased $8 thousand when compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $111 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 as compared to $134 thousand for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019

General. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized net income of $277 thousand, or $0.05 per basic share, as compared to net gain of $824 thousand, or $0.20 per basic share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Interest Income. Interest income increased by $404 thousand, from $8.8 million to $9.2 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. This increase was primarily attributable to increase in interest income from loans of $514 thousand partially offset by a decrease in securities of $140 thousand.

The average balance of the loan portfolio increased to $394.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 from $361.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, while the average yield decreased from 4.63% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 to 4.51% for the six ended June 30, 2020. The average balance and yield of the Banks investment securities for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was $10.9 million and 2.75%, respectively, as compared to an average balance of $18.8 million and a yield of 3.08% for the comparable six month period one-year earlier.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by $593 thousand, from $3.2 million to $2.6 million, when compared to the prior year period. Average balances of total interest-bearing liabilities increased $19.3 million to $326.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $306.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The average cost for those liabilities decreased to 1.59% from 2.08% for the same respective period one year earlier.

The average balances of the Banks certificates of deposit portfolio decreased to $111.1 million at an average cost of 2.06% over the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $132.2 million at an average cost of 2.22% over the same period one-year earlier. Regular savings account average balances increased by $34.5 million to $123.6 million. These had an average cost of 1.20% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to an average cost of 1.75% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Average money market account balances decreased $921 thousand to $9.8 million at an average cost of 0.41% for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $10.7 million at an average cost of 0.56% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the average balance of the Companys borrowed funds was $66.0 million, and its average cost was 1.89%, as compared to $61.3 million and an average cost of 2.77% for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income was approximately $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $5.7 million for the same period in the prior year. Our interest rate spread increased to 2.50% for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from 2.43% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, while our net interest margin increased to 2.95% from 2.90%, over the same respective periods.

Provision for Loan Losses. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 the Company recorded a $1.7 million provision for loan losses. Comparatively, the provision was $180 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The Bank has taken an additional provision for loan loss in conjunction with a Pandemic Stress Testing initiative of the loan portfolio under several stress scenarios to build reserves pending the possible credit impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the CARES Act, during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Bank granted loan deferments for as much as $123.4 million. $60.9 million of these deferments were to commercial real estate loans, $40.2 million to non-owner-occupied residential loans, $9.8 million to commercial loans, $8.5 million to multifamily loans, $2.1 million to taxi medallion loans, $1.6 million to owner occupied residential loans and $300 thousand to consumer and other loans. The Bank continued to accrue interest on these loans while under deferment, and in accordance with Interagency Guidance has not needed to apply troubled debt restructuring accounting.

Beginning in early July 2020, $69.3 million of the loans placed on deferment have resumed making payments with an additional $29.4 million expected to resume in August 2020, and the remainder by October 2020. Further, of the $54.1 million of loans remaining on deferment, $26.6 million represent owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans with businesses in the following industries:

Type Industry Loan Amount No. (in thousands)Retail $ 13,816 20Restaurant 3,554 8Office 3,819 10Professional 2,990 8Auto Dealership 1,273 1Residential 1,164 1Total $ 26,616 48

With loan to value ratios on the commercial real estate portfolio in the 50-55% range, sound underwriting criteria, and the strong creditworthiness of the borrowers, the Bank is encouraged as loans have begun to resume making payments.

Management records loan loss provision to reflect the overall growth in the portfolio as well as the evaluated risk in the portfolio. The provision recorded during the period was done so in conjunction with the Banks allowance for loan loss methodology. It is calculated using a historical charge-off basis as well as other qualitative factors which reflect managements overall perceived risk in the portfolio.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 increased $31 thousand to approximately $482 thousand as compared to $451 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This increase was primarily the result of a net increases in gain on securities sales of $194 thousand in the six months ended June 30, 2020, and loss on loan sales of $97 thousand in the six months ended June 30, 2019. This was partially offset by net decreases loan fee income of $133 thousand, deposit account service charges of $94 thousand and other income of $33 thousand.

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 increased $228 thousand when compared to the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily the result of net increase in other expense of $208 thousand.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $100 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to $266 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily due to a lower level in pre-tax income for the period ended June 30, 2020.

ES BANCSHARES, INC. STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Quarter to Quarter to Year to Year to Date Date Date Date 6/30/2020 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 6/30/ 2019 Total interest income $ 4,736 $ 4,413 $ 9,243 $ 8,839Total interest expense 1,147 1,617 2,564 3,157Net interest income 3,589 2,796 6,679 5,682Provision for loan losses 750 95 1,701 180 Net interest income after provision for loan loss 2,839 2,701 4,978 5,502 Total non-interest income 100 299 482 451 Compensation and benefits 1,237 1,297 2,589 2,620Occupancy and equipment 457 412 871 796Professional fees 149 104 303 252Data processing service fees 180 156 356 304NYS Banking & FDIC Assessment 48 97 127 199Other operating expenses 385 382 837 684Total non-interest expense 2,456 2,448 5,083 4,855 Net Income Before Taxes 483 552 377 1,098 Provision for income taxes 111 134 100 266Net income 372 418 277 832

Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Ended Ended Ended Ended 6/30/ 3/31/2020 12/31/2019 9/30/ 2020 2019 Total interest income $ 4,736 $ 4,507 $ 4,497 $ 4,570Total interest expense 1,147 1,417 1,664 1,683Net interest income 3,589 3,090 2,833 2,887Provision for loan losses 750 951 40 105 Net interest income after provision for loan loss 2,839 2,139 2,793 2,782 Other non-interest income 100 382 314 230 Compensation and benefits 1,237 1,352 1,339 1,324Occupancy and equipment 457 414 437 445Professional fees 149 154 138 145Data processing service fees 180 176 153 159NYS Banking & FDIC 48 79 61 41AssessmentOther operating expenses 385 452 468 400Total non-interest expense 2,456 2,627 2,596 2,514 Net Income Before Taxes 483 (106 ) 511 498 Provision for income taxes 111 (11 ) 124 122Net income 372 (95 ) 387 376 Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.06 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.09 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.05 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.09

ESBANCSHARES, INC.OTHERFINANCIAL MEASURES(In Thousands)(Unaudited) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Ended Ended Ended Ended 6/30/2020 3/31/2020 12/31/2019 9/30/2019Asset Quality Allowance for $ 5,069 $ 4,491 $ 3,539 $ 3,643 Loan LossesNonperformingLoans / Total 0.42% 0.48% 0.46% 0.40% LoansNonperformingAssets / 0.40% 0.47% 0.46% 0.52% Total AssetsALLL /Nonperforming 279.44% 251.46% 206.72% 248.67% LoansALLL / Loans, 1.17% 1.20% 0.96% 0.99% GrossALLL / Loans,Gross (excl 1.36% SBA PPPloans) Capital Shares Issue 6,648,320 6,648,320 6,648,320 4,120,613 - BasicBook Value $ 5.08 $ 5.02 $ 5.00 $ 5.59 per ShareTangible BookValue per $ 5.00 $ 4.93 $ 4.91 $ 5.45 ShareTier 1 8.59% 9.28% 9.26% 7.41% Capital RatioTier 1 RiskBased Capital 13.87% 13.73% 13.62% 10.38% RatioTotal RiskBased Capital 15.12% 14.98% 14.86% 11.63% Ratio Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended 6/30/2020 3/31/2020 12/31/2019 9/30/2019Profitability Yield onAverage 3.88% 4.40% 4.39% 4.61% EarningAssetsCost of Avg.Interest 1.34% 1.85% 2.12% 2.12% BearingLiabilitiesNet Spread 2.54% 2.55% 2.26% 2.49% Net Margin 2.94% 3.02% 2.74% 2.92%

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as may, will, expect, believe, anticipate, estimate or continue or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within Empire State Banks control. The forward looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date of this report. We have no intention, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:Philip Guarnieri, CEOThomas Sperzel, President & COOFrank J. Gleeson, SVP & CFO(845) 451-7800