UBNC UB Bancorp (QX)

the little bank (OTCBB: LTLB) reports a record year of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The little bank (the “Company”), is pleased to report record annual net income for fiscal year 2014. Unaudited net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2,925,000, or $0.95 per basic share, compared to $2,788,000, or $0.91 per basic share, in the prior year. This represents a 4.9% increase in earnings and a 9.29% return on average equity. After adjusting for dividends and the accretion of discount on preferred stock outstanding, net income available to common shareholders increased 9.5% to $2,925,000, or $0.95 per basic share, for fiscal year 2014 compared to $2,672,000, or $0.87 per basic share, for the prior year. The little bank repurchased and retired all remaining shares of its preferred stock outstanding during June 2013, as was previously reported.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, unaudited net income increased 9.6% to $753,000, or $0.24 per basic share. This compares favorably to the $687,000, or $0.22 per basic share, reported in the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

Total assets as of December 31, 2014 were $339.2 million, compared to total assets of $312.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Total loans, net of reserves, were $242.5 million and deposits were $277.4 million, representing increases of 10.7% and 6.1%, respectively, over the December 31, 2013 levels. Currently, 3,074,021 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding. The little bank currently pays a semi-annual cash dividend totaling $0.15 per share annually.

Rob Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are pleased to report record annual net income for the third consecutive year.” Jones continued, ”Our decision to invest in lending personnel in the second half of fiscal year 2013 provided the momentum to grow our business in 2014. Loan production was excellent as evidenced by the growth of our loan portfolio during the year.”

The little bank’s common stock had a tangible book value per share of approximately $10.58 at December 31, 2014. On May 19, 2014 the Company announced the continuation of its share repurchase plan whereby the Company could repurchase shares of its common stock in the open market and retire such shares. The Company continues to make open market purchases of its shares and will continue such a policy, within certain regulatory thresholds, until the Board of Directors feels that the shares’ market price are reflective of the value of the shares outstanding. During 2014, the Company has repurchased approximately 46,806 shares.

The little bank is headquartered in Kinston, North Carolina and currently serves the Lenoir, Wayne, Onslow, Pitt, Craven and New Hanover county markets. The Bank prides itself on the special care with which it serves its customers. The Bank’s website is www.thelittlebank.com. The little bank stock can be found on the Over-the-Counter Electronic Bulletin Board trading under the symbol “LTLB”.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements in reliance on the “safe-harbor” provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements.

the little bank

Summary of Operations (un-audited)

(000’s omitted except per share data)

        Three Months Three Months Twelve Months Twelve Months Ended Ended Ended Ended December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 *   Interest Income $ 3,247 $ 3,025

$

12,652

$ 11,862   Interest Expense   326   374  

1,352

  1,637   Net interest income 2,921 2,651

11,300

10,225   Provision for loan losses   -  

(57)

 

150

 

(57)

  Net interest income after Provision for losses   2,921   2,708   11,150   10,282   Non-interest income 363 334 1,447 1,443   Non-interest expense   2,147   2,023  

8,142

 

7,543

  Income before taxes 1,137 1,019 4,455 4,182   Income taxes   384   332   1,530   1,394   Net Income 753 687 2,925 2,788 Preferred Stock Dividends - - - (78) Accretion of Discount, net   -  

-

 

-

 

(38)

  Net Income available

for common shareholders

$ 753 $ 687 $ 2,925 $ 2,672 Net Income available

per basic common share

$ 0.24 $ 0.22 $ 0.95 $ 0.87

the little bank

Balance Sheets

(000’s omitted except per share data)

      December 31, September 30, December 31, 2014 2014 2013 * (un-audited) (un-audited) Assets   Cash and due from banks $ 10,792 $ 5,842 $ 5,896 Overnight investments 3,717 7,177 3,825 Investment securities AFS 65,606 65,370 68,118   Loans 246,147 248,024 222,830 Less Allowance for loan losses   (3,688)   (3,984)   (3,850) Net Loans 242,459 244,040 218,980   Other Real Estate Owned 350 386 520   Other Assets   16,245   15,682   14,620 Total Assets $ 339,169 $ 338,497 $ 311,959     Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity   Liabilities Deposits $ 277,432 $ 275,680 $ 261,393 FHLB Advances 28,500 30,000 20,000 Other liabilities   703  

842

  838 Total liabilities 306,635 306,522 282,231   Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, Series A & B $ - $ - $ - Common stock, no par value 28,262 26,819 27,107 Retained earnings 4,101 5,151 3,198 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  

171

 

5

  (577) Total stockholders' equity $ 32,534 $ 31,975 $ 29,728   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 339,169 $ 338,497 $ 311,959  

* Derived from audited financial statements

the little bankDoyle M. Thigpen, Chief Financial Officer252-317-2804