Friendly Hills Bank Reports Fourth Quarter Results;

WHITTIER, Calif., Feb. 08, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Friendly Hills Bank (the “Company”) (OTCBB: FHLB) reported results for the fourth quarter of 2018. 

For the twelve month period ending December 31, 2018, the Company reported net income of $907,000 or $0.46 per diluted share of common stock. The Company reported net income of $596,000 or $0.31 per diluted share of common stock for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. This figure includes a $130,000 increase in deferred tax and AOCI tax bill adjustments as the result of a change in the federal tax rate which was recognized as additional income tax expense in December, 2017.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company reported total assets of $153.0 million, a 1% decrease from $154.5 million as of December 31, 2017.  The Company’s loan portfolio, net of unearned income, increased 11% from $77.3 million as of December 31, 2017, to $86.1 million as of December 31, 2018.  The portfolio remains diversified with $26.8 million or 31% in Commercial & Industrial Loans to local businesses (including $16.7 million in Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans), $21.9 million or 25% in Residential Real Estate Loans to investors and $31.5 million or 37% in Commercial Real Estate Loans to investors.  The Company has an additional $25.8 million in unfunded loan commitments.

The Company’s overall deposit base has increased 7% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, from $113.9 million as of December 31, 2017, to $122.2 million as of December 31, 2018.  Non-interest bearing deposits remain a substantial part of the deposit base (36%), although decreasing from $47.1 million to $44.3 million as of December 31, 2018.  During the same time period interest-bearing deposits increased from $66.9 million to $77.9 million on December 31, 2018.   The Company has no deposits which were sourced through brokers. 

At December 31, 2018, shareholders’ equity was $17.0 million and the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 18%, significantly exceeding the “well-capitalized” level of 10% prescribed under regulatory requirements. The Company also continues to maintain a substantial liquidity position supplemented by the availability of collateralized borrowings and other potential sources of liquidity.

“We are pleased to report another strong year of earnings growth for the Company in 2018,” commented Jeffrey K. Ball, Chief Executive Officer.  “This growth in earnings was attributable to an increase in loans outstanding and the continued strength of our core deposit base.  Asset quality continues to be very strong with solid overall liquidity and diverse sources of funding supplemented by a strong capital base which can support continued opportunistic growth.”

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Michael J. Foley as a Director of the Company.  Mr. Foley is an Executive Managing Director with Cushman and Wakefield focused on Industrial properties in the Southern California Region.  Mr. Foley has over 35 years of experience working in the Commercial Real Estate market serving a variety of industries.  “We are delighted to have Mike join our Board of Directors,” commented Willam C. Greenbeck, Chairman of the Board.  “He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge from his many years of business experience and will be a valuable contributor to our oversight of the Company’s continued development.”  Mr. Foley’s appointment to the board became effective on December 3, 2018.

Company Profile: Friendly Hills Bank is a community bank which was formed to primarily serve the Southern California communities of eastern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County.  The Company was established in 2006 by prominent members of the local community who were seeking an alternative to the larger financial institutions in the area.  The Company is headquartered in Whittier, California with an additional branch office in Santa Fe Springs, California.  For more information on the Company, please visit www.friendlyhillsbank.com or call 562-947-1920.

Forward Looking Statements: The numbers in this press release are unaudited. Statements such as those regarding the anticipated development and expansion of Friendly Hills Bank's business, and the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers, are "forward looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the local and national economy, the Company's performance, including its ability to generate loan and deposit growth, changes in interest rates, and regulatory matters.

Contacts: Jeffrey K. Ball (President & CEO) Viktor Uehlinger (EVP & CFO) (562) 947-1920