The Empire Connection – ES Bancshares issues Spe

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On January 30, 2017, ES Bancshares (OTC:ESBS) released the following statement.

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

We are pleased to provide you this update to management’s strategic plan to enhance shareholder value through the effective delivery of financial products and services to the Bank’s retail and commercial customers. Effective January 12, 2017, Empire State Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to sell its New Paltz branch to Salisbury Bank and Trust Company. The decision was made keeping in mind our three most important stakeholders- shareholders, employees and customers. We believe we have achieved success in managing the concerns of all three.

The sale of the New Paltz branch will have a net financial benefit to the Bank and enhance operating efficiencies so that we can reallocate capital and resources to support the solid growth trends experienced in the last two years. We are confident the investor community will respond positively to the decision.

In our shareholder letter dated March 30, 2016 (enclosed in the 2015 Annual Report), we highlighted our focus on core earnings and balance sheet growth as a means to deliver shareholder value. Our 2016 financial performance has been consistent with these primary initiatives. During fiscal 2016, the loan portfolio grew by over $40 million, or approximately 24%. This was funded by deposit growth in excess of $48 million, or approximately 30%. As part of our strategic planning process, we continually evaluate our operations and focus to ensure we are utilizing our capital in the most effective and efficient manner. We also consider whether all aspects of our operations are consistent with our long term strategic plan and financial performance goals. And, of course, we consider whether our current operations maximize our ability to increase shareholder value.

We feel this is an exciting time full of opportunity for Empire State Bank and we hope you share our enthusiasm. And of course we thank you for your continued support and look forward to providing our Annual Report for 2016 in the coming quarter.

Sincerely,

David Freer Jr., Chairman

Philip Guarnieri Chief Executive Officer           

Thomas Sperzel President & Chief Operating Officer

Financial Highlights

Last year was an extraordinary year for our company. We delivered record results and exceeded our major financial commitments. Our company increased loan balances by 24.4% and deposit balances by 30.4%. We continue to invest for the future and provide more to our clients and communities. Our financial results reflected strong underlying performance across our business.

Investor Services

Financial information about ES Bancshares, Inc. can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations website at www.esbna.com/investor-relations