HTBK Heritage Commerce Corporation

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heritage Commerce Corp (Nasdaq: HTBK), (the “Company”), the holding company for Heritage Bank of Commerce (the “Bank”), today announced that its third quarter 2023 net income was $15.8 million, or $0.26 per average diluted common share, compared to $18.1 million, or $0.30 per average diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2022, and $16.4 million, or $0.27 per average diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net income increased 12% to $51.1 million, or $0.83 per average diluted common share, compared to $45.8 million, or $0.75 per average diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. All results are unaudited.

“We delivered strong third quarter of 2023 operating results allowing us to achieve record earnings for the first nine months of 2023,” said Clay Jones, President & Chief Executive Officer. “While our third quarter profits were impacted by the expected increased cost of deposits, our year-to-date net income increased 12% compared to the first nine months of 2022. These profits were fueled by a steady growth in deposits, moderate loan demand, and higher net interest income. The net interest margin contraction we experienced during the third quarter was primarily related to deposit pricing.”

“Our credits metrics remained strong during the third quarter,” said Mr. Jones. “We continued to maintain the strength on our balance sheet along with a solid allowance for credit losses on loans, reflecting our prudent credit risk management. Further, our strong liquidity position is enhanced by a well-diversified deposit profile and access to ample alternative funding sources. We are well positioned to navigate challenging economic headwinds and continue to grow the franchise.”

"Our commitment to delivering exceptional client service and meeting performance targets remains the driving force behind our success. I would like to express my appreciation to our committed Board of Directors and team members for their continued dedication to serving our clients, communities, and shareholders," stated Mr. Jones.

Current Financial Condition and Liquidity Position

The following are important factors in understanding our current financial condition and liquidity position:

Liquidity and Available Lines of Credit:

• The following table shows our liquidity and available lines of credit at September 30, 2023:
  

• The Company’s total liquidity and borrowing capacity was $3.189 billion, all of which remained available at September 30, 2023.
• The available liquidity and borrowing capacity was 70% of total deposits and approximately 150% of the Bank’s estimated uninsured deposits at September 30, 2023.
• The Bank increased its credit line availability from the FRB and the FHLB by $1.527 billion to $2.366 billion at September 30, 2023, from $839.5 million at December 31, 2022.
• The loan to deposit ratio was 71.81% at September 30, 2023, compared to 75.14% at December 31, 2022, and 73.07% at June 30, 2023, providing us with ample liquidity and capacity to provide future credit to the community.

Deposits:

• Total deposits increased $185.9 million, or 4%, to $4.575 billion at September 30, 2023 from $4.390 billion at December 31, 2022, and increased $74.7 million, or 2% from June 30, 2023.
• Migration of customer deposits resulted in an increase in Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”)/Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) deposits of $890.8 million to $921.2 million at September 30, 2023, compared to $30.4 million at December 31, 2022, and increased $97.1 million from $824.1 million at June 30, 2023.   
• Noninterest-bearing demand deposits decreased ($493.2) million, or (28%), to $1.244 billion at September 30, 2023 from December 31, 2022, and decreased ($76.3) million, or (6%) from June 30, 2023, largely in response to the interest rate environment.
• The Bank had 24,769 deposit accounts at September 30, 2023, with an average balance of $185,000, compared to 24,404 deposit accounts at June 30, 2023, with an average balance of $187,000. At December 31, 2022, the Company had 23,833 deposit accounts, with an average balance of $184,000.
• Deposits from the Bank’s top 100 client relationships totaled $2.185 billion, representing 48% of total deposits, with an average account size of $408,000, representing 22% of the total number of accounts at September 30, 2023.
  

Investment Securities:

• Investment securities totaled $1.122 billion at September 30, 2023, of which $457.2 million were in the securities available-for-sale portfolio (at fair value), and $664.7 million were in the securities held-to-maturity portfolio (at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses of $13,000).
• The weighted average life of the total investment securities portfolio was 4.72 years at September 30, 2023.
• The following are the projected cash flows from paydowns and maturities in the investment securities portfolio for the periods indicated based on the current interest rate environment:
  

Loans:

• Loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, decreased ($13.1) million to $3.285 billion at September 30, 2023 from $3.299 billion at December 31, 2022, and decreased ($3.3) million from $3.289 billion at June 30, 2023. Loans, excluding residential mortgages, increased $21.8 million, or 1%, to $2.782 billion at September 30, 2023, compared to $2.761 billion at December 31, 2022, and increased $7.7 million from $2.775 billion at June 30, 2023.  
• Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans totaled $1.798 billion at September 30, 2023, of which 33% were owner occupied and 67% were investor CRE loans.
• During the third quarter of 2023, 42 new CRE loans were originated totaling $86 million with a weighted average loan-to-value and debt-service coverage for the non-owner occupied portfolio of 43% and 2.37 times, respectively.
• The average loan size for all CRE loans was $1.6 million, and the average loan size for office CRE loans was also $1.6 million.
• The Company has personal guarantees on 91% of its CRE portfolio. A substantial portion of the unguaranteed CRE loans were made to credit-worthy non-profit organizations.
• Total office exposure in the CRE portfolio was $401 million, including 30 loans totaling approximately $76 million, in San Jose, 17 loans totaling approximately $26 million in San Francisco, and eight loans totaling approximately $16 million, in Oakland, at September 30, 2023.   Non-owner occupied CRE with office exposure totaled $316 million at September 30, 2023.
• Of the $401 million of CRE loans with office exposure, approximately $37 million, or 9%, are situated in the Bay Area downtown business districts of San Jose and San Francisco, with an average balance of $2.2 million.
• At September 30, 2023, the weighted average loan-to-value and debt-service coverage for the entire non-owner occupied office portfolio were 43.1% and 1.82 times, respectively. For the nine non-owner occupied office loans in San Francisco at September 30, 2023, the weighted average loan-to-value and debt-service coverage were 36% and 1.49 times, respectively.

Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2023
Operating Results, Balance Sheet Review, Capital Management, and Credit Quality

(as of, or for the periods ended September 30, 2023, compared to September 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, except as noted):

Operating Results:

• Diluted earnings per share were $0.26 for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $0.30 for the third quarter of 2022, and $0.27 for the second quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share were $0.83 for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $0.75 for the first nine months of 2022.
  
  
• The following table indicates the ratios for the return on average tangible assets and the return on average tangible common equity for the periods indicated:
  

• Net interest income decreased (6%) to $45.4 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $48.0 million for the third quarter of 2022. The fully tax equivalent (“FTE”) net interest margin decreased (16) basis points to 3.57% for the third quarter of 2023, from 3.73% for the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to a higher cost of funds, and a decrease in the average balances of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, partially offset by increases in the prime rate and the rate on overnight funds, and a shift in the mix of earning assets as the Company invested its excess liquidity into higher yielding loans and investment securities.
  
  
  • Net interest income decreased (2%) to $45.4 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $46.3 million for the second quarter of 2023. The FTE net interest margin decreased (19) basis points to 3.57% for the third quarter of 2023 from 3.76% for the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to a higher cost of funds, and a decrease in the average balances of noninterest bearing demand deposits, partially offset by increases in the prime rate and higher average yields on overnight funds, an increase in the average balance of loans, and a decrease in the average balances of short-term borrowings.
    
    
  • For the first nine months of 2023, the net interest income increased 10% to $140.9 million, compared to $128.1 million for the first nine months of 2022. The FTE net interest margin increased 41 basis points to 3.80% for the first nine months of 2023, from 3.39% for the first nine months of 2022, primarily due to increases in the prime rate and the rate on overnight funds, and a shift in the mix of earning assets as the Company invested its excess liquidity into higher yielding loans and investment securities, partially offset by a higher cost of funds, a decrease in the average balances of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, and an increase in the average balances of short-term borrowings.

• The following table, as of September 30, 2023, sets forth the estimated changes in the Company’s annual net interest income that would result from an instantaneous shift in interest rates from the base rate:

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(1) Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. These projections are forward-looking and should be considered in light of the Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer below. Actual rates paid on deposits may differ from the hypothetical interest rates modeled due to competitive or market factors, which could reduce any actual impact on net interest income.
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• The following tables present the average balance of loans outstanding, interest income, and the average yield for the periods indicated:
  
  
  • The average yield on the total loan portfolio was relatively flat at 5.46% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 5.47% for the second quarter of 2023, as lower average balances of Bay View Funding factored receivables, were mostly offset by increases in the prime rate.

• The average yield on the total loan portfolio increased to 5.46% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 4.90% for the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to increases in the prime rate.

• The following table presents the average balance of deposits and interest-bearing liabilities, interest expense, and the average rate for the periods indicated:
  

• During the third quarter of 2023, we recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $168,000, compared to a $1.0 million provision for credit losses on loans for the third quarter of 2022, and a provision for credit losses on loans of $260,000 for the second quarter of 2023. There was a provision for credit losses on loans of $460,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a $258,000 provision for credit losses on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
• Total noninterest income decreased (20%) to $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to lower service charges and fees on deposit accounts, a lower gain on sales of SBA loans and lower servicing income, partially offset by higher termination fees at Bay View Funding, and a gain on proceeds from company-owned life insurance during the third quarter of 2023. Total noninterest income increased 7% to $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher termination fees at Bay View Funding, and a gain on proceeds from company-owned life insurance during the third quarter of 2023.

• Total noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2023 increased to $25.2 million, compared to $23.9 million for the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher insurance, regulatory assessments, and information technology related expenses included in other noninterest expense, partially offset by lower professional fees and occupancy and equipment expense during the third quarter of 2023. Total noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2023 remained relatively flat at $25.2 million, compared to $25.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, as higher regulatory assessments, shareholders relations and insurance expense were mostly offset by lower professional fees.

• The efficiency ratio was 52.89% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 47.02% for the third quarter of 2022, and 51.67% for the second quarter of 2023. The efficiency ratio was 51.06% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 51.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher net interest income.
  
  
• Income tax expense was $6.5 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $7.8 million for the third quarter of 2022, and $6.7 million for the second quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate for both the third quarter of 2023 and second quarter of 2023 was 29.0%, compared to 30.3% for the third quarter of 2022. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $20.8 million, compared to $19.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 29.0%, compared to 29.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
  

Balance Sheet Review, Capital Management and Credit Quality:

• Total assets decreased (1%) to $5.403 billion at September 30, 2023, compared to $5.431 billion at September 30, 2022, and increased 2% from $5.312 billion at June 30, 2023.  
  
  
• The following table shows the balances of securities available-for-sale, at fair value, and the related pre-tax unrealized (loss) for the periods indicated:
  

• The following table shows the balances of securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost, and the related pre-tax unrecognized (loss) and allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:
  

• The unrealized and unrecognized losses in both the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios were due to higher interest rates at September 30, 2023 compared to when the securities were purchased. The issuers are of high credit quality and all principal amounts are expected to be repaid when the securities mature. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date and/or market rates decline.
  
  
• The loan portfolio remains well-diversified as reflected in the following table which summarizes the distribution of loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, and the percentage of distribution in each category for the periods indicated:

• The following table presents the maturity distribution of the Company’s loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, as of September 30, 2023. The table shows the distribution of such loans between those loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates and those with variable (floating) interest rates. Floating rates generally fluctuate with changes in the prime rate as reflected in the Western Edition of The Wall Street Journal, and contractual repricing dates.

• The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) for the periods indicated:
  

• The following is a breakout of nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) at the periods indicated:
  

• The following table summarizes the distribution of deposits and the percentage of distribution in each category for the periods indicated:
  

• The Company’s consolidated capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines under the Basel III prompt corrective action (“PCA”) regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution, and the Basel III minimum regulatory requirements at September 30, 2023, as reflected in the following table:

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• The following table reflects the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, for the periods indicated:
  

Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established in October 1997, is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce, established in 1994 and headquartered in San Jose, CA with full-service branches in Danville, Fremont, Gilroy, Hollister, Livermore, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Rafael, and Walnut Creek. Heritage Bank of Commerce is an SBA Preferred Lender. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in San Jose, CA and provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.heritagecommercecorp.com. The contents of our website are not incorporated into, and do not perform a part of, this release or of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may be deemed to include, among other things, statements relating to the Company’s future financial performance, projected cash flows of our investment securities portfolio, the performance of our loan portfolio, estimated net interest income resulting from a shift in interest rates, expectation of high credit quality issuers ability to repay, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations from expected developments or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control and our actual results could differ materially from our projected results. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our financial performance to differ materially from our goals, plans, expectations and projections expressed in forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the following: (1) factors that affect our liquidity and our ability to meet customer demands for deposit withdrawals, including our cash on hand and the availability of funds from our lines of credit, and media items and consumer confidence as those factors affect depositors’ confidence in the banking system generally and our bank in particular; (2) factors that affect the value and liquidity of our investment portfolios, particularly the values of securities available-for-sale; (3) the effect of our measures to assure adequate liquidity of deposits as those measures affect profitability, including increasing interest rates on deposits as a component of our interest expense; (4) our ability to estimate accurately, and to establish adequate reserves against, the risk of loss associated with our loan and lease portfolio; (5) the ability of issuers to repay the full principal amounts of securities, in both the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios, at maturity; (6) geopolitical and domestic political developments that can increase levels of political and economic unpredictability, contribute to rising energy and commodity prices, and increase the volatility of financial markets; (7) current and future economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in the communities we serve, including the effects of declines in property values and overall slowdowns in economic growth should these events occur; (8) effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and other factors that affect market interest rates generally; (9) inflationary pressures and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make, whether held in the portfolio or in the secondary market; (10) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge offs and other credit quality measures, and their impact on the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses and our provision for credit losses; (11) volatility in credit and equity markets and its effect on the global economy; (12) conditions relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, on our customers, employees, businesses, liquidity, financial results and overall condition including severity and duration of the associated uncertainties in U.S. and global markets; (13) our ability to compete effectively with other banks and financial services companies and the effects of competition in the financial services industry on our business; (14) our ability to achieve loan growth and attract deposits in our market area; (15) risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans; (16) the relative strength or weakness of the commercial and real estate markets where our borrowers are located, including related vacancy rates, and asset and market prices; (17) increased capital requirements for our continual growth or as imposed by banking regulators, which may require us to raise capital at a time when capital is not available on favorable terms or at all; (18) regulatory limits on Heritage Bank of Commerce’s ability to pay dividends to the Company; (19) operational issues stemming from, and/or capital spending necessitated by, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which we are highly dependent; (20) our inability to attract, recruit, and retain qualified officers and other personnel could harm our ability to implement our strategic plan, impair our relationships with customers and adversely affect our business, results of operations and growth prospects; (21) possible adjustment of the valuation of our deferred tax assets; (22) our ability to keep pace with technological changes, including our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks such as data security breaches, “denial of service” attacks, “hacking” and identity theft; (23) inability of our framework to manage risks associated with our business, including operational risk and credit risk; (24) risks of loss of funding of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) or SBA loan programs, or changes in those programs; (25) compliance with applicable laws and governmental and regulatory requirements, including the Dodd-Frank Act and others relating to banking, consumer protection, securities, accounting and tax matters; (26) effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; (27) the expense and uncertain resolution of litigation matters whether occurring in the ordinary course of business or otherwise; (28) availability of and competition for acquisition opportunities; (29) risks resulting from domestic terrorism; (30) risks resulting from social unrest and protests; (31) risks of natural disasters (including earthquakes, fires, and flooding) and other events beyond our control; and (32) our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing factors.

Member FDIC

For additional information, contact: 
Debbie Reuter 
EVP, Corporate Secretary
Direct: (408) 494-4542 
Debbie.Reuter@herbank.com