Friendly Hills Bank Reports First Quarter Results

WHITTIER, Calif., May 05, 2017 -- Friendly Hills Bank (the “bank”) (OTCBB:FHLB) reported results for the first quarter of 2017.

For the three month period ending March 31, 2017, the bank reported net income of $162,000 or $0.08 per diluted share of common stock.  The bank reported net income of $80,000 or $0.04 per diluted share of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2016.    

As of March 31, 2017, the bank reported total assets of $155.7 million, a 23% increase from $127.0 million as of March 31, 2016.  The bank’s loan portfolio, net of unearned income, increased 20% from $69.4 million as of March 31, 2016, to $83.0 million as of March 31, 2017.  The portfolio remains diversified with $30.5 million or 37% in Commercial & Industrial Loans to local businesses (including $18.5 million in Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans), $22.6 million or 27% in Residential Real Estate Loans to investors and $24.0 million or 29% in Commercial Real Estate Loans to investors.  The bank has an additional $23.1 million in unfunded loan commitments.

The bank’s overall deposit base has increased 23% in the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, from $100.0 million as of March 31, 2016, to $123.2 million as of March 31, 2017.  Non-interest bearing deposits continue to form a substantial part of the deposit base (42%), growing from $46.0 million as of March 31, 2016, to $51.5 million as of March 31, 2017.  During the same time period interest-bearing deposits increased from $54.0 million as of March 31, 2016, to $71.7 million on March 31, 2017.   The bank has no deposits which were sourced through brokers or other wholesale funding sources. 

At March 31, 2017, shareholders’ equity was $16.0 million and the bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 17%, significantly exceeding the “well-capitalized” level of 10% prescribed under regulatory requirements. The bank also continues to maintain substantial liquidity positions, retaining significant balances of liquidity as well as available collateralized borrowings and other potential sources of liquidity.

“The bank is off to a strong start this year with continued growth in loans and deposits,” commented Jeffrey K. Ball, Chief Executive Officer. “We have always been focused on the strength and quality of our balance sheet with consistent loan underwriting and an emphasis on core deposits. We believe this strategy, coupled with our focus on increasing fee income through our payroll division, will serve to continue building long-term shareholder value while providing a sound business alternative for the markets we serve.”

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 bank 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 bank is headquartered in Whittier, California with an additional branch office in Santa Fe Springs, California.  For more information on the bank, 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 bank, 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 bank's performance, including its ability to generate loan and deposit growth, changes in interest rates, and regulatory matters.

Contacts:
Jeffrey K. Ball (President & CEO)
Daniel L. Erickson (EVP & CFO)
(562) 947-1920