CW Bancorp Reports Strong First Quarter 2022 Results

EPS of $1.15 up 16%, ROTE of 23.45% up 10% and Net Income of $4.1 million up 11%

Irvine, California – April 28, 2022 – CW Bancorp (OTCQX: CWBK), the parent company (“the Company”) of CommerceWest Bank (the “Bank”) reported consolidated net income for the first quarter of 2022 of $4,058,000 or $1.15 a share as compared to $3,647,000 or $0.99 a share for the first quarter of 2021, an EPS increase of 16%.

Key Financial Results for the three months ended March 31, 2022:

  • Net income growth of 11%
  • EPS of $1.15 up 16%
  • ROTE of 23.45% up 10%
  • ROA of 1.27%
  • Total asset growth of $106 million up 9%
  • Loan growth of $113 million up 17%
  • Deposit growth of $88 million up 8%
  • Noninterest-bearing deposits as percent of total deposits at 60%
  • Loan to deposit ratio of 69%, up 8%
  • Cost of deposits of 0.06% down 47%
  • Efficiency ratio of 41.73%
  • Net interest income up 19%
  • Zero nonperforming loans
  • ALLL to total loans ratio (net of PPP loans) of 1.28%
  • 49 quarters of consecutive profits

Mr. Ivo Tjan, Chairman and CEO said, “The Company had double digit growth in earnings per share, net income, and return on tangible equity for the first quarter of 2022.  In an economic environment with a heightened level of uncertainty, we consider this quite an achievement.  We continue to demonstrate the strength of the Bank’s business model and  our team’s execution, while maintaining a fortress balance sheet.”  Mr. Tjan continued, “The team has successfully transitioned PPP loan portfolio forgiveness into higher yielding loans and investment securities increasing the net interest margin year over year by over 8%.  The Bank is positioned well to serve the needs of the California business community in 2022.”   

Total assets increased $106.0 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 9% as compared to the same period one year ago. Total loans increased $113 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 17% over the prior year.  Total loans net of PPP loans increased $243 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 46%.  Cash and due from banks decreased $122 million or 29% from the prior year with the deployment of funds into loans and investment securities.  Total investment securities increased $105 million, an increase of 137% from the prior year.

Total deposits increased $88 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 8% from March 31, 2021.  Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $46 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 7% over the prior year.  Interest bearing deposits increased $43 million as of March 31, 2022, an increase of 10% over the prior period. 

Interest income was $9,172,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 as compared to $7,568,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 21%. Interest expense was $636,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 as compared to $372,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 71% due to the Company adding $50 million in subordinated debt during 2021.

Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $8,536,000 as compared to $7,196,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 19%.  The net interest margin increased for the three months ended March 31, 2022.  It increased from 2.63% in 2021 to 2.85% in 2022, an increase of 8.37%.

Provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $125,000 compared to zero for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The allowance for loan losses (net of PPP loans) to total loans ratio decreased from 1.79% as of March 31, 2021 to 1.28% as of March 31, 2022.

Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $1,394,000 compared to $1,107,000 for the same period last year, an increase of 26%. 

Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $4,186,000 compared to $3,499,000 for the same period last year, an increase of 20%.

The efficiency ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was 41.73% compared to 41.78% in 2021, which represents a decrease of 0.13%.   The efficiency ratio illustrates that for every dollar made for the three-month period ending March 31, 2022, it cost $0.4173 to make it, as compared to $0.4178 one year ago.

Capital ratios for the Bank remain above the levels required for a “well capitalized” institution as designated by regulatory agencies.  As of March 31, 2022, the tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.98%, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 15.02%, the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 15.02% and the total risk-based capital ratio was 16.27%.

CommerceWest Bank is determined to redefine banking for small and medium sized businesses by delivering on customized products and services.  Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the Bank serves businesses throughout the state of California with our digital banking platform.   By employing a strategically selected team of experienced professionals, we will provide flexibility, create a complete, safe and sound banking experience for each client.  We provide a wide range of commercial banking services, including remote deposit solution, NetBanker online bankingmobile bankinglines of credit, M&A / working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans and treasury management services.

Mission Statement: CommerceWest Bank will create a complete banking experience for each client, catering to businesses and their specific banking needs, while accommodating our clients and providing them high-quality, low stress and personally tailored banking and financial services. 

Please visit www.cwbk.com to learn more about the bank.  “BANK ON THE DIFFERENCE”