MBRG Middleburg Financial Corp.

MIDDLEBURG, Va., July 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Middleburg Financial Corporation (the "Company") (Nasdaq: MBRG), today announced record net income of $2.65 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Second quarter 2016 highlights include:

• Net income for the quarter increased by 29.10% to $2.65 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to $2.06 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the previous quarter and by 16.36%, compared to $2.28 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the same period in 2015.
• Net interest margin expanded by 2 basis points ("bp") to 3.26%, compared to the previous quarter and compared to the same period in 2015.
• Cost of funds declined to 38 bp, when compared to 39 bp in the previous quarter.
• Total revenue increased by 3.19% to $12.34 million compared to the previous quarter and was higher by 6.82% compared to the same period in 2015.
• Net interest income increased by 2.26% to $9.97 million compared to the previous quarter and was higher by 7.04% compared to the same period in 2015.
• Non-interest expense declined by 2.92% to $8.75 million, compared to the previous quarter and by 1.46% compared to the same period in 2015.
• The efficiency ratio improved to 70.08%, compared to 73.22% for the previous quarter and 74.88% for the same period in 2015.
• Loans held-for-investment grew at an annualized rate of 12.16% to $854.65 million from $805.68 million on December 31, 2015.
• Total assets increased to $1.31 billion, higher by 1.50% since December 31, 2015.
• Total deposits increased to $1.06 billion, higher by 1.50% since December 31, 2015.
• The loan to deposit ratio increased to 80.90% compared to 77.41% on December 31, 2015.
• Asset quality improved with nonaccrual loan balances declining by 20.58% compared to December 31, 2015.
• The allowance for loan losses was 1.35% of total loans compared to 1.37% as of December 31, 2015.
• Dividends per share increased by 30% to $0.13 per share in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $0.10 per share for the same period in 2015.
• Capital ratios continue to be strong: Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 17.34%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 16.08%, Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 15.44% and Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 9.45% at June 30, 2016.

"We are pleased with our strong second quarter performance, as continued growth in loans and deposits, disciplined expense management and improved asset quality led to a substantial increase in net income over both the prior quarter and prior year period.  We continue to make progress against our strategic goals, and are encouraged by our ability to drive profitability and lower costs while improving our asset quality," said Gary R. Shook, President and CEO of Middleburg Financial Corporation.  "Looking forward to the rest of 2016, we feel confident in our ability to continue to create value for shareholders as we execute on our strategic initiatives to enhance profitability, improve efficiency and manage risk.  We are also pleased to be able to return additional capital to shareholders via our stock repurchase program as well as through our increased dividend."

STRATEGIC FOCUS FOR 2016

The Company remains focused on a number of strategic initiatives intended to grow the business and enhance shareholder value. Following is an update on the Company's progress toward those goals.

Enhance Profitability

• Expand net interest margin
  • Net interest margin expanded by 2 basis points ("bp") to 3.26%, compared to the previous quarter and to the same period in 2015.
• Increase the loans to deposits ratio
  • The loan to deposit ratio increased to 80.90% compared to 77.41% on December 31, 2015.
• Lower cost of funds further through growth in non-interest bearing deposits
  • Cost of funds declined to 38 bp, when compared to 39 bp in the previous quarter.
• Replace higher cost borrowings with lower cost core deposits
  • Paid off maturing brokered deposits and FHLB advances replacing them with lower core deposits.
• Growth in fee income from our wealth management subsidiary
  • Total revenue generated by Middleburg Investment Group ("MIG") declined by 2.25% to $1.13 million compared to the previous quarter due to lower market value of assets under administration.

Improve Efficiency

• Lower operating costs by continuing to exercise good expense control
  • Non-interest expense declined by 2.92% to $8.75 million, compared to the previous quarter and by 1.46% compared to the same period in 2015.
• More efficient use of resources
  • The efficiency ratio improved to 70.08%, compared to 73.22% for the previous quarter and 74.88% for the same period in 2015.

Focus on Asset Quality

• Lower nonaccrual loans relative to total loans
  • Nonaccrual loans declined by 20.58% to $6.98 million compared to $8.78 million as of December 31, 2015 and declined by 12.89% when compared to $8.01 million as of June 30, 2015.
• Efficient management of other real estate owned properties
  • Costs related to other real estate owned (OREO) decreased by $178,000 when compared to the prior quarter and decreased by $36,000 when compared to the same period in 2015.

ADDITIONAL SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Additional operational highlights during the second quarter include:

• The Company's addition to the Russell 3000® Index and the reception of a Five-Star "Superior" Rating from BauerFinancial Inc., highlighting the continued strength, stability and security of Middleburg Bank;
• The enhancement of the Company's Treasury Management Offering, including opening a dedicated Treasury Management line of business; and
• The announcement of a 4th quarter opening of a new Financial Service Center in Clarke County, which further extends the Company's services into one of the strongest banking markets in the United States.

TOTAL REVENUE

Total revenue, which is composed of net interest income and non-interest income (before any provision for loan and lease losses), was $12.34 million for the second quarter of 2016, higher by 3.19% compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 6.82% compared to the same period in 2015.

Net Interest Income

The Company recorded net interest income of $9.97 million for the second quarter of 2016, an increase of 2.26% compared to the previous quarter and higher by 7.04% compared to the same period in 2015.  The net interest margin in the second quarter of 2016 was 3.26%, higher by 2 bp compared to the previous quarter and compared to the same period in 2015.

The following factors contributed to the changes in net interest margin during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the previous quarter:

• Yields on earning assets increased by 3 bp compared to the previous quarter as we sold securities and redeployed the proceeds into higher yielding loans.
• Yields on investment securities decreased by 3 bp compared to the previous quarter.
• Yields on loans increased by 2 bp compared to the previous quarter.
• Cost of funds declined to 38 bp, compared to 39 bp in the previous quarter as we paid off some brokered deposits and FHLB advances and replaced maturing CD's with lower cost core deposits.

The following table analyzes changes in net interest income comparing the second quarter of 2016 to the previous quarter and to the quarter ended June 30, 2015.

Comparing the second quarter of 2016 to the previous quarter, the table shows the decrease in interest income for investments was driven by runoff in the securities portfolio, including sales during the quarter that was redeployed into higher yielding loans.   We continue to manage the investment portfolio with a focus on liquidity while retaining a balance between fixed and floating rate investments.  The increase in interest income from loans was due to strong growth in loan balances.  The changes in interest income in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the same quarter in 2015 reflected increased interest income from investments driven by higher securities balances and lower premium amortization while the higher interest income from loans was largely due to growth in loan balances that more than offset lower loan rates. Competition for good credits continues to pressure loan rates.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased by 7.34% compared to the previous quarter and was higher by 5.90% compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2015.

• Total revenue generated by our wealth management group, Middleburg Investment Group ("MIG") declined by 2.25% to $1.13 million compared to the previous quarter and decreased by 8.93% compared to the same quarter in 2015. Fee income is based primarily upon the market value of assets under administration which were $1.86 billion at June 30, 2016 and $1.97 billion at June 30, 2015.
• Net gains on securities available for sale were $210,000 and $373,000 for the quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2016. Securities were sold in order to fund loan growth.
• Other operating income was $213,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, an increase of 48.95% compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 30.67% compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Other operating income was $356,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016, a decrease of 63.75% compared to the same period in 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, there was a substantial recovery of approximately $500,000 in expenses related to a loan that had previously been charged off that was included in other operating income. Other operating income generally includes revenue from prepayment penalties, safe deposit charges, wire fees and other miscellaneous adjustments.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
Non-interest expenses decreased by 2.92% compared to the previous quarter and by 1.46% compared to the same period in 2015.  Principal categories of non-interest expenses that changed were the following: 

• Salaries and employee benefit expenses decreased by 4.14% when compared to the previous quarter and decreased by 7.24% when compared to the same period in 2015. Salaries and employee benefit expenses decreased by 4.03% for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015.
• Costs related to other real estate owned (OREO) decreased $178,000 when compared to the prior quarter and decreased $36,000 when compared to the same period in 2015 due to two sales that resulted in gains. Costs related to OREO increased 69.57% for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a valuation adjustment of $189,000 for one property resulting from an updated appraisal.
• Computer operations expense decreased to $598,000 for the current quarter compared to $720,000 for the prior quarter and increased from $522,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Computer operations expense increased by 30.24% for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. The primary reasons for these changes were termination costs for converting to a new on-line banking platform.
• Other operating expenses increased by 29.47% compared to the prior quarter and increased by 14.48% when compared to the same period in 2015. Other operating expenses increased by 4.22% for the six month period ended June 30, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. This category includes meals and entertainment expenses, advisory expenses and legal costs.

ASSET QUALITY
Asset quality of the balance sheet improved in the second quarter with total nonperforming assets of $24.16 million as of June 30, 2016 compared to $25.51 million at December 31, 2015 and $24.77 million at June 30, 2015.

• Nonaccrual loans declined by 20.58% to $6.98 million compared to $8.78 million as of December 31, 2015 and declined by 12.89% when compared to $8.01 million as of June 30, 2015.
• Restructured loans that were accruing were $12.41 million compared to $12.06 million as of December 31, 2015 and $12.14 million as of June 30, 2015.
• Other real estate owned was $3.55 million compared to $3.35 million as of December 31, 2015 and $3.40 million as of June 30, 2015.
• Loans past due 90+ days and still accruing were $179,000 as of June 30, 2016 compared to $278,000 as of December 31, 2015 and $173,000 as of June 30, 2015.

The Company increased its allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") to $11.53 million or 1.35% of total loans at June 30, 2016 compared to $11.05 million or 1.37% of total loans at December 31, 2015.  The increase was largely due to loan growth which increased general reserves.  The provision for loan losses was $50,000 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to a provision of $300,000 in the previous quarter and a recovery of provision of $425,000 for the same period in 2015.

CONSOLIDATED ASSETS
Total consolidated assets at June 30, 2016 were $1.31 billion, higher by 1.50% since December 31, 2015.  Changes in major asset categories were as follows:

• Cash balances and deposits with other banks decreased by $6.61 million compared to December 31, 2015.
• The securities portfolio decreased by $20.87 million compared to December 31, 2015.
• Loans held-for-investment grew to $854.65 million as of June 30, 2016 compared to $805.68 million on December 31, 2015, an increase of $48.97 million from December 31, 2015.

CONSOLIDATED LIABILITIES
Total consolidated liabilities at June 30, 2016 were $1.19 billion, an increase of 1.28% compared to December 31, 2015.  Deposit growth continues to be strong with total deposits increasing by $15.57 million from December 31, 2015 to $1.06 billion as of June 30, 2016.  Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") borrowings decreased by $5.50 million from December 31, 2015 to $79.50 million at June 30, 2016.  The majority of FHLB borrowings mature in less than one year.  We expect to retire those advances as they mature and replace them with core deposits.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND CAPITAL
Shareholders' equity at June 30, 2016 was $128.04 million, compared to $123.55 million at December 31, 2015.  Retained earnings at June 30, 2016 were $63.26 million compared to $60.39 million at December 31, 2015.  On September 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company's common stock, or approximately 8% of the Company's outstanding shares. The repurchase program was effective immediately and runs through December 31, 2017. This program replaced the previous repurchase program adopted in 1999, pursuant to which the Company had 24,084 shares remaining eligible for repurchase.  As of June 30, 2016, the Company had repurchased a total of 104,300 shares under the current plan, at a total cost of $1.91 million and for a weighted average price of $18.33.  The tangible book value of the Company's common stock at June 30, 2016 was $17.53 per share versus $16.93 per share at December 31, 2015.

The Company's capital ratios remain well above regulatory minimum capital ratios as of June 30, 2016:

• Tier 1 Leverage ratio was 9.45%, 5.45% over the regulatory minimum of 4.00% to be well capitalized.
• Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio was 15.44%, 8.44% over the regulatory minimum of 7.00% to be well capitalized.
• Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 16.08%, 7.58% over the regulatory minimum of 8.50% to be well capitalized.
• Total Risk Based Capital Ratio was 17.34%, 6.84% over the regulatory minimum of 10.50% to be well capitalized.

Caution about Forward Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this discussion may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements relate to the Company's future operations and are generally identified by phrases such as "the Company expects," "the Company believes" or words of similar import.  Although the Company believes that its expectations with respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reliable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements of the Company will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For details on factors that could affect expectations, see the risk factors and other cautionary language included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Middleburg Financial Corporation

Middleburg Financial Corporation is headquartered in Middleburg, Virginia and has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Middleburg Bank and Middleburg Investment Group, Inc.  Middleburg Bank serves communities in Virginia with financial centers in Ashburn, Gainesville, Leesburg, Marshall, Middleburg, Purcellville, Reston, Richmond, Warrenton and Williamsburg.  Middleburg Investment Group owns Middleburg Trust Company, which is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia with offices in Middleburg, Alexandria and Williamsburg.