California BanCorp Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — California BanCorp (NASDAQ: CALB), whose subsidiary is California Bank of Commerce, announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

The Company reported net income of $3.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, which was consistent with the third quarter of 2021 and represented an increase of $1.4 million, or 78%, compared to $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, net income was $13.4 million which represented an increase of $9.1 million, or 211%, compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2020.

Diluted earnings per share of $0.38 for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $0.39 for the third quarter of 2021 and $0.22 for the fourth quarter of 2020. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, diluted earnings per share of $1.61 compared to $0.53 for the same period in 2020.

“Our fourth quarter performance completed a year in which we delivered on all of the goals we set to continue enhancing the value of our franchise,” Steven Shelton, President and CEO of California BanCorp. “Our successful new business development efforts enabled us to surpass $2 billion in total assets during 2021 despite the runoff of PPP loans. Our balance sheet growth produced a strong increase in revenue that enabled us to continue realizing more operating leverage, improve our level of profitability, and grow our book value per share by 10% in 2021. During the fourth quarter, we had 33% annualized loan growth, excluding PPP loans, which was our highest level of growth in 2021 and reflects our continued success in taking market share in our targeted industries and asset classes. We believe we are very well positioned to deliver another strong performance in 2022. Our markets are healthy and showing increasing loan demand, our business development efforts continue to generate consistent growth in loans and low-cost deposits, and the composition of our balance sheet with a high percentage of noninterest-bearing deposits, variable rate loans, and cash and cash equivalents positions us well to benefit from higher interest rates. We believe that the combination of our continued balance sheet growth, asset sensitivity, and improving operating efficiencies should result in further improvement in our core earnings power and profitability in 2022.”

“We continue to strike an effective balance between new business development and prudent risk management, as we are generating strong balance sheet growth while maintaining outstanding asset quality and our targeted level of interest rate sensitivity,” said Thomas A. Sa, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of California BanCorp. “As we start 2022, we continue to have strong capital and liquidity positions to support the profitable growth of the Company.”

Financial Highlights:

Profitability – three months ended December 31, 2021 compared to September 30, 2021

  • Net income of $3.2 million and $0.38 per diluted share, compared to $3.2 million and $0.39 per diluted share, respectively.
  • Revenue of $15.0 million decreased $182,000, or 1%, compared to $15.1 million for the third quarter of 2021.
  • Net fees from Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans contributed $708,000 to net interest income compared to $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2021.
  • Provision for loan losses of $504,000 increased $204,000, or 68%, primarily as a result of growth in the loan portfolio.
  • Non-interest expense, excluding capitalized loan origination costs, of $11.6 million decreased $100,000, or 1%, compared to $11.7 million for the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to lower headcount during the quarter resulting from the impact of the current competitive labor market.

Profitability – twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020

  • Net income of $13.4 million and $1.61 per diluted share, compared to $4.3 million and $0.53 per diluted share, respectively.
  • Revenue of $58.9 million increased $10.0 million, or 20%, compared to $48.9 million in the prior year.
  • Net fees from PPP loans contributed $5.5 million to net interest income compared to $3.3 million in the prior year.
  • Provision for loan losses decreased $4.9 million primarily due to a charge-off recognized in the second quarter of 2020 related to a legacy problem loan as well as our continued assessment of qualitative reserves regarding the general macroeconomic changes related to COVID-19 as it pertains to our overall loan portfolio.
  • Non-interest expense, excluding capitalized loan origination costs, of $46.0 million compared to $45.7 million for the same period in the prior year.

Financial Position – December 31, 2021 compared to September 30, 2021

  • Total assets decreased by $34.1 million, or 2%, to $2.02 billion.
  • Total gross loans increased by $74.7 million, or 6% to $1.38 billion. Excluding the impact of PPP loans forgiven by the SBA, total gross loans increased during the fourth quarter by $99.6 million, or 8%, to $1.30 billion.
  • Total deposits decreased by $61.9 million, or 4%, to $1.68 billion. Average deposits increased $41.1 million, or 2%, to $1.76 billion.
  • Borrowing arrangements increased by $21.9 million, or 16%, to $160.4 million.
  • Capital ratios remained strong with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.23%, Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.62% and total risk-based capital ratio of 12.75%.

Net Interest Income and Margin:

Net interest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 was $14.0 million, an increase of $126,000, or 1%, over $13.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and an increase of $1.2 million, or 9%, over $12.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net interest income compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily attributable to a higher yield on loans as a result of new loan originations replacing the PPP loans that were forgiven during the current quarter, combined with growth in other earning assets due to excess liquidity.

Net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $54.7 million, an increase of $9.8 million, or 22% over $44.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in interest income as the result of growth in earning assets and amortization of fees received on PPP loans offset, in part, by a decline in short-term interest rates and higher liquidity.

The Company’s net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 was 2.81% compared to 2.87% for the third quarter of 2021 and 2.66% for the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease in margin compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to excess liquidity and a decline in accelerated deferred fees on PPP loans granted forgiveness by the SBA. The increase in margin compared to the fourth quarter one year ago was primarily due to higher recognition of accelerated deferred fees on PPP loans granted forgiveness by the SBA, offset in part by a decrease in short-term interest rates.

The Company’s net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was 2.89% compared to 2.76% for the same period in 2020. The increase in margin compared to the prior year was primarily due to an increase in fees recognized on PPP loans, partially offset by a decrease in short-term interest rates and higher liquidity.

Non-Interest Income:

The Company’s non-interest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020 was $994,000, $1.3 million and $916,000, respectively. The decrease in noninterest income from the prior quarter was primarily due to prepayment penalties on loans recognized during the third quarter of 2021, partially offset by an increase in service charges and other fees.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, non-interest income was $4.2 million compared to $4.0 million for the same period of 2020. The increase in non-interest income from the prior year was primarily the result of an increase in service charges and loan related fees.

Net interest income and non-interest income comprised total revenue of $15.0 million, $15.1 million, and $13.7 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $58.9 million and $48.9 million, respectively.

Non-Interest Expense:

The Company’s non-interest expense for the quarters ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020 was $10.0 million, $10.5 million, and $10.4 million, respectively. The decrease in non-interest expense during the fourth quarter of 2021 was primarily a result of increased deferred loan origination costs associated with the growth in the loan portfolio. Excluding capitalized loan origination costs, non-interest expenses for the fourth and third quarters of 2021 and the fourth quarter of 2020 were $11.6 million, $11.7 million, and $11.6 million, respectively.

Non-interest expense of $40.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to $37.8 million for the same period of 2020. Excluding capitalized loan origination costs, non-interest expense was $46.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and $45.7 million for the same period in 2020 which reflects the Company’s continued focus on managing expenses and leveraging the recent investment in infrastructure to support the continued growth of the Company.

The Company’s efficiency ratio, the ratio of non-interest expense to revenues, was 66.90%, 69.42%, and 76.15% for the quarters ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s efficiency ratio was 68.65% and 77.27%, respectively.

Balance Sheet:

Total assets of $2.02 billion as of December 31, 2021, represented a decrease of $34.1 million, or 2%, compared to $2.05 billion at September 30, 2021 and an increase of $109.2 million, or 6%, compared to $1.91 billion at December 31, 2020. The decrease in total assets from the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to a reduction in liquidity resulting from the seasonal outflow of deposits related to tax planning distributions made by certain commercial clients, partially offset by growth in the loan and investment portfolios. The year-over-year increase in total assets was primarily due to excess liquidity generated from growth in the deposit portfolio as the result of funding additional PPP loans combined with organic growth.

Total gross loans increased by $74.7 million, or 6%, to $1.38 billion at December 31, 2021 compared to $1.30 billion at September 30, 2021 and increased by $7.6 million, or 1%, compared to $1.37 billion at December 31, 2020.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, commercial and real estate other loans increased by $46.1 million and $33.0 million, respectively, due to organic growth. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2021 the Company purchased, net of discount, $22.7 million of residential solar loans. Partially offsetting these increases within the total loan portfolio, SBA loans decreased by $25.7 million primarily due to PPP loan forgiveness.

Year-over-year, commercial and real estate other loans increased by $59.7 million and $146.5 million, respectively, due to organic growth. The Company also purchased two portfolios of residential solar loans totaling approximately $42.7 million, net of discount. Partially offsetting these increases within the total loan portfolio, SBA loans decreased by $236.2 million primarily due to PPP loan forgiveness.

As a result of the CARES Act PPP, which was launched in April 2020 and re-launched in January 2021, the Company funded approximately $491.3 million in loans. Approximately $418.8 million of those balances have been granted forgiveness by the SBA as of December 31, 2021.

Total deposits decreased by $61.9 million, or 4%, to $1.68 billion at December 31, 2021, from $1.74 billion at September 30, 2021 and increased by $147.9 million, or 10%, over $1.53 billion at December 31, 2020. The decrease in total deposits from the end of the third quarter of 2021 was primarily due to a reduction in noninterest- bearing demand deposits of $19.4 million and a reduction in money market and savings deposits of $32.6 million.

Compared to the same period last year, deposit growth was primarily concentrated in noninterest-bearing demand and money market deposits as the result of funding PPP loans combined with organic growth. Noninterest-bearing deposits, consisting primarily of commercial business operating accounts, represented 46% of total deposits at December 31, 2021, compared to 45% at September 30, 2021 and 44% at December 31, 2020.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had borrowing arrangements, excluding junior subordinated debt securities, of $106.4 million compared to $79.5 million at September 30, 2021 and $189.0 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase in borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2021 was comprised primarily of a $50.0 million short-term FHLB advance, partially offset by a $23.1 million reduction in PPPLF activity.

Asset Quality:

The provision for loan losses increased to $504,000 for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $300,000 for the third quarter of 2021 and decreased from $700,000 for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net loan recoveries in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $6,000, or 0.00% of gross loans, compared to net recoveries of $31,000, or 0.00% of gross loans, in the third quarter of 2021 and net recoveries of $26,000, or 0.00% of gross loans, in the fourth quarter 2020.

Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) to total assets of 0.01% at December 31, 2021 compared to 0.06% at September 30, 2021 and 0.01% at December 31, 2020, with non-performing loans of $232,000, $1.2 million, and $234,000 respectively, on those dates. The decrease in NPAs at December 31, 2021 compared to the September 30, 2021 primarily related to one commercial real estate loan that was paid off in full by the borrower.

The allowance for loan losses increased by $510,000 to $14.1 million, or 1.02% of total loans, at December 31, 2021, compared to $13.6 million, or 1.04% of total loans, at September 30, 2021 and decreased by $30,000 compared to $14.1 million, or 1.03% of total loans, at December 31, 2020. The increase in the allowance for loan losses in the quarter ended December 31, 2021 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was primarily the result of growth in the loan portfolio throughout the core segments of our business. The allowance as a percentage of total loans in the quarters ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020 remained consistent and reflects the Company’s continued assessment of the qualitative reserves in response to general macroeconomic impacts related to COVID-19 combined with continued strong credit quality.

Capital Adequacy:

At December 31, 2021, shareholders’ equity totaled $150.8 million compared to $147.2 million at September 30, 2021 and $136.4 million one year ago. As a result, the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and Tier 1 leverage ratio of 12.75%, 8.62%, and 7.23%, respectively, were all substantially above the regulatory standards for “well-capitalized” institutions of 10.00%, 8.00% and 5.00% respectively.

About California BanCorp:

California BanCorp, the parent company for California Bank of Commerce, offers a broad range of commercial banking services to closely held businesses and professionals located throughout Northern California. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select marketplace under the symbol CALB. For more information on California BanCorp, call us at (510) 457-3751, or visit us at www.californiabankofcommerce.com.

Contacts:

Steven E. Shelton, (510) 457-3751
President and Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

Thomas A. Sa, (510) 457-3775
Senior Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information:

This press release contains both financial measures based on GAAP and non-GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures are used where management believes them to be helpful in understanding the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in this press release. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

Forward-Looking Information:

Statements in this news release regarding expectations and beliefs about future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in the Company’s business and markets are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that the Company makes about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond the Company’s control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause the Company to make changes to future plans. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of incurring loan losses, which is an inherent risk of the banking business; the risk that the Company will not be able to continue its internal growth rate; the risk that the United States economy will experience slowed growth or recession or will be adversely affected by domestic or international economic conditions and risks associated with the Federal Reserve Board taking actions with respect to interest rates, any of which could adversely affect, among other things, the values of real estate collateral supporting many of the Company’s loans, interest income and interest rate margins and, therefore, the Company’s future operating results; risks associated with changes in income tax laws and regulations; and risks associated with seeking new client relationships and maintaining existing client relationships. Readers of this news release are encouraged to review the additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business is subject that are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Additional information will be set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which we expect to file with the SEC during the first quarter of 2022, and readers of this release are urged to review the additional information that will be contained in that report.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic and financial disruptions that have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, operations, financial performance and prospects. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, it is possible that the U.S. and other major economies experience or continue to experience a prolonged recession, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operations, financial performance and prospects. Statements about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations, financial performance and prospects may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impacts may differ, possibly materially, from what is reflected in those forward-looking statements due to factors and future developments that are uncertain, unpredictable and in many cases beyond our control, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic, and the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on our customers, third parties and us.

Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of today’s date, or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.


FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) – PROFITABILITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                               
                               
            Change         Change

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   $   %     Q4 2020   $   %
                               
Interest income   $ 15,543     $ 15,539     $ 4     0 %     $ 14,748     $ 795     5 %
Interest expense     1,576       1,698       (122 )   -7 %       1,985       (409 )   -21 %
Net interest income     13,967       13,841       126     1 %       12,763       1,204     9 %
                               
Provision for loan losses     504       300       204     68 %       700       (196 )   -28 %
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     13,463       13,541       (78 )   -1 %       12,063       1,400     12 %
                               
Non-interest income     994       1,302       (308 )   -24 %       916       78     9 %
Non-interest expense     10,009       10,513       (504 )   -5 %       10,416       (407 )   -4 %
Income before income taxes     4,448       4,330       118     3 %       2,563       1,885     74 %
                               
Income tax expense     1,267       1,114       153     14 %       778       489     63 %
Net income   $ 3,181     $ 3,216     $ (35 )   -1 %     $ 1,785     $ 1,396     78 %
                               
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.38     $ 0.39     $ (0.01 )   -3 %     $ 0.22     $ 0.16     73 %
                               
Net interest margin     2.81 %     2.87 %   -6 Basis Points       2.66 %   +15 Basis Points
                               
Efficiency ratio     66.90 %     69.42 %   -252 Basis Points       76.15 %   -925 Basis Points
                               
                               
                               
                               
        Change              

YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHLIGHTS:
    2021       2020     $   %              
                               
Interest income   $ 61,293     $ 53,019     $ 8,274     16 %              
Interest expense     6,563       8,102       (1,539 )   -19 %              
Net interest income     54,730       44,917       9,813     22 %              
                               
Provision for loan losses     4       4,880       (4,876 )   -100 %              
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     54,726       40,037       14,689     37 %              
                               
Non-interest income     4,173       4,012       161     4 %              
Non-interest expense     40,437       37,809       2,628     7 %              
Income before income taxes     18,462       6,240       12,222     196 %              
                               
Income tax expense     5,094       1,937       3,157     163 %              
Net income   $ 13,368     $ 4,303     $ 9,065     211 %              
                               
Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.61     $ 0.53     $ 1.08     204 %              
                               
Net interest margin     2.89 %     2.76 %   +13 Basis Points              
                               
Efficiency ratio     68.65 %     77.27 %   -862 Basis Points              
                               



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) – FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                               
                               
            Change         Change

PERIOD-END HIGHLIGHTS:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   $   %     Q4 2020   $   %
                               
Total assets   $ 2,014,996     $ 2,049,079     $ (34,083 )   -2 %     $ 1,905,779     $ 109,217     6 %
Gross loans     1,376,649       1,301,972       74,677     6 %       1,369,070       7,579     1 %
Deposits     1,680,138       1,742,054       (61,916 )   -4 %       1,532,206       147,932     10 %
Tangible equity     143,241       139,715       3,526     3 %       128,856       14,385     11 %
                               
Tangible book value per share   $ 17.37     $ 16.93     $ 0.44     3 %     $ 15.77     $ 1.60     10 %
                               
Tangible equity / total assets     7.11 %     6.82 %   +29 Basis Points       6.76 %   +35 Basis Points
Gross loans / total deposits     81.94 %     74.74 %   +720 Basis Points       89.35 %   -741 Basis Points
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits     45.90 %     45.39 %   +51 Basis Points       43.93 %   +197 Basis Points
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               

QUARTERLY AVERAGE
          Change         Change

HIGHLIGHTS:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   $   %     Q4 2020   $   %
                               
Total assets   $ 2,054,490     $ 1,985,894     $ 68,596     3 %     $ 1,993,661     $ 60,829     3 %
Total earning assets     1,971,558       1,912,697       58,861     3 %       1,910,656       60,902     3 %
Gross loans     1,330,044       1,316,080       13,964     1 %       1,375,664       (45,620 )   -3 %
Deposits     1,759,592       1,718,525       41,067     2 %       1,516,441       243,151     16 %
Tangible equity     142,118       138,833       3,285     2 %       127,981       14,137     11 %
                               
Tangible equity / total assets     6.92 %     6.99 %   -7 Basis Points       6.42 %   +50 Basis Points
Gross loans / total deposits     75.59 %     76.58 %   -99 Basis Points       90.72 %   -1,513 Basis Points
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits     45.24 %     45.17 %   +7 Basis Points       44.68 %   +56 Basis Points
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               

YEAR-TO-DATE AVERAGE
          Change              

HIGHLIGHTS:
    2021       2020     $   %              
                               
Total assets   $ 1,968,884     $ 1,713,416     $ 255,468     15 %              
Total earning assets     1,891,234       1,629,615       261,619     16 %              
Gross loans     1,368,960       1,219,324       149,636     12 %              
Deposits     1,664,352       1,308,564       355,788     27 %              
Tangible equity     136,623       126,343       10,280     8 %              
                               
Tangible equity / total assets     6.94 %     7.37 %   -43 Basis Points              
Gross loans / total deposits     82.25 %     93.18 %   -1,093 Basis Points              
                           
Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits     44.93 %     43.31 %   +162 Basis Points              
                               



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
SELECTED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) – ASSET QUALITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
                     
                     

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:
  12/31/21   09/30/21   06/30/21   03/31/21   12/31/20
                     
                     
Balance, beginning of period   $ 13,571     $ 13,240     $ 14,577     $ 14,111     $ 13,385  
Provision for loan losses, quarterly     504       300       (1,100 )     300       700  
Charge-offs, quarterly                 (278 )            
Recoveries, quarterly     6       31       41       166       26  
Balance, end of period   $ 14,081     $ 13,571     $ 13,240     $ 14,577     $ 14,111  
                     
                     
                     
                     

NONPERFORMING ASSETS:
  12/31/21   09/30/21   06/30/21   03/31/21   12/31/20
                     
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis   $ 232     $ 1,233     $ 1,234     $ 234     $ 234  
Loans with principal or interest contractually past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest                              
Nonperforming loans   $ 232     $ 1,233     $ 1,234     $ 234     $ 234  
Other real estate owned                              
Nonperforming assets   $ 232     $ 1,233     $ 1,234     $ 234     $ 234  
                     
Loans restructured and in compliance with modified terms                              
Nonperforming assets and restructured loans   $ 232     $ 1,233     $ 1,234     $ 234     $ 234  
                     
                     
Nonperforming loans by asset type:                    
Commercial   $     $     $     $     $  
Real estate other           1,000       1,000              
Real estate construction and land                              
SBA     232       233       234       234       234  
Other                              
Nonperforming loans   $ 232     $ 1,233     $ 1,234     $ 234     $ 234  
                     
                     
                     
                     

ASSET QUALITY:
  12/31/21   09/30/21   06/30/21   03/31/21   12/31/20
                     
Allowance for loan losses / gross loans     1.02 %     1.04 %     0.98 %     0.99 %     1.03 %
Allowance for loan losses / nonperforming loans     6069.40 %     1100.65 %     1072.93 %     6229.49 %     6030.34 %
Nonperforming assets / total assets     0.01 %     0.06 %     0.07 %     0.01 %     0.01 %
Nonperforming loans / gross loans     0.02 %     0.09 %     0.09 %     0.02 %     0.02 %
Net quarterly charge-offs / gross loans     -0.00 %     -0.00 %     0.02 %     -0.01 %     -0.00 %
                     



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
                     
                     
    Three months ended   Twelve months ended
    12/31/21   09/30/21   12/31/20   12/31/21   12/31/20
                     
INTEREST INCOME                    
Loans   $ 14,520     $ 14,870     $ 14,305     $ 58,677     $ 51,401  
Federal funds sold     216       199       131       587       685  
Investment securities     807       470       312       2,029       933  
Total interest income     15,543       15,539       14,748       61,293       53,019  
                     
INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Deposits     937       1,152       1,359       4,418       6,341  
Other     639       546       626       2,145       1,761  
Total interest expense     1,576       1,698       1,985       6,563       8,102  
                     
Net interest income     13,967       13,841       12,763       54,730       44,917  
Provision for loan losses     504       300       700       4       4,880  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     13,463       13,541       12,063       54,726       40,037  
                     
NON-INTEREST INCOME                    
Service charges and other fees     1,038       905       662       3,222       2,949  
Other non-interest income     (44 )     397       254       951       1,063  
Total non-interest income     994       1,302       916       4,173       4,012  
                     
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Salaries and benefits     6,370       6,920       7,072       26,031       22,122  
Premises and equipment     1,320       1,372       1,125       5,098       4,755  
Other     2,319       2,221       2,219       9,308       10,932  
Total non-interest expense     10,009       10,513       10,416       40,437       37,809  
                     
Income before income taxes     4,448       4,330       2,563       18,462       6,240  
Income taxes     1,267       1,114       778       5,094       1,937  
                     
NET INCOME   $ 3,181     $ 3,216     $ 1,785     $ 13,368     $ 4,303  
                     
EARNINGS PER SHARE                    
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.39     $ 0.39     $ 0.22     $ 1.63     $ 0.53  
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.38     $ 0.39     $ 0.22     $ 1.61     $ 0.53  
Average common shares outstanding     8,255,340       8,244,154       8,152,052       8,222,749       8,131,325  
Average common and equivalent shares outstanding     8,342,032       8,310,799       8,203,931       8,292,942       8,169,082  
                     
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                    
Return on average assets     0.61 %     0.64 %     0.36 %     0.68 %     0.25 %
Return on average equity     8.43 %     8.72 %     5.25 %     9.27 %     3.22 %
Return on average tangible equity     8.88 %     9.19 %     5.55 %     9.78 %     3.41 %
Efficiency ratio     66.90 %     69.42 %     76.15 %     68.65 %     77.27 %
                     



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
                     
                     
    12/31/21   09/30/21   06/30/21   03/31/21   12/31/20
                     
ASSETS                    
Cash and due from banks   $ 4,539     $ 22,424     $ 26,159     $ 18,475     $ 22,485  
Federal funds sold     465,917       578,626       366,347       342,305       396,032  
Investment securities     103,278       82,108       61,142       58,105       55,093  
Loans:                    
Commercial     474,281       428,169       425,643       439,044       414,548  
Real estate other     697,212       664,202       616,451       573,520       550,690  
Real estate construction and land     43,194       41,312       41,558       45,550       37,193  
SBA     81,403       107,096       204,734       364,273       317,564  
Other     80,559       61,193       64,253       47,926       49,075  
Loans, gross     1,376,649       1,301,972       1,352,639       1,470,313       1,369,070  
Unearned fee income     1,688       760       (629 )     (1,569 )     523  
Allowance for loan losses     (14,081 )     (13,571 )     (13,240 )     (14,577 )     (14,111 )
Loans, net     1,364,256       1,289,161       1,338,770       1,454,167       1,355,482  
Premises and equipment, net     4,405       4,227       5,089       5,452       5,778  
Bank owned life insurance     24,412       24,247       24,085       23,920       23,718  
Goodwill and core deposit intangible     7,513       7,524       7,534       7,544       7,554  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   40,676       40,762       39,937       37,620       39,637  
Total assets   $ 2,014,996     $ 2,049,079     $ 1,869,063     $ 1,947,588     $ 1,905,779  
                     
LIABILITIES                    
Deposits:                    
Demand noninterest-bearing   $ 771,205     $ 790,646     $ 791,580     $ 742,574     $ 673,100  
Demand interest-bearing     37,250       39,679       36,268       33,022       34,869  
Money market and savings     717,480       750,112       674,390       670,517       623,603  
Time     154,203       161,617       177,534       183,602       200,634  
Total deposits     1,680,138       1,742,054       1,679,772       1,629,715       1,532,206  
                     
Junior subordinated debt securities     54,028       59,009       24,745       24,729       24,994  
Other borrowings     106,387       79,536             134,819       189,043  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   23,689       21,241       20,805       19,147       23,126  
Total liabilities     1,864,242       1,901,840       1,725,322       1,808,410       1,769,369  
                     
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
Common stock     109,473       109,009       108,417       108,430       107,948  
Retained earnings     41,189       38,008       34,792       30,630       27,821  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)     92       222       532       118       641  
Total shareholders’ equity     150,754       147,239       143,741       139,178       136,410  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,014,996     $ 2,049,079     $ 1,869,063     $ 1,947,588     $ 1,905,779  
                               
CAPITAL ADEQUACY                    
Tier I leverage ratio     7.23 %     7.29 %     7.53 %     7.46 %     7.49 %
Tier I risk-based capital ratio     8.62 %     9.17 %     9.35 %     9.47 %     10.11 %
Total risk-based capital ratio     12.75 %     13.92 %     11.93 %     12.34 %     13.22 %
Total equity/ total assets     7.48 %     7.19 %     7.69 %     7.15 %     7.16 %
Book value per share   $ 18.28     $ 17.85     $ 17.47     $ 16.99     $ 16.69  
                     
Common shares outstanding     8,246,300       8,250,109       8,229,116       8,189,598       8,171,734  
                                         



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
                         
                         
    Three months ended December 31,


  Three months ended September 30,


    2021   2021
                         
        Yields   Interest       Yields   Interest
    Average   or   Income/   Average   or   Income/
    Balance   Rates   Expense   Balance   Rates   Expense
ASSETS                        
Interest earning assets:                        
Loans (1)   $ 1,330,044     4.33 %   $ 14,520     $ 1,316,080     4.48 %   $ 14,870  
Federal funds sold     536,503     0.16 %     216       530,806     0.15 %     199  
Investment securities     105,011     3.05 %     807       65,811     2.83 %     470  
Total interest earning assets     1,971,558     3.13 %     15,543       1,912,697     3.22 %     15,539  
                       
Noninterest-earning assets:                        
Cash and due from banks     18,886               18,627          
All other assets (2)     64,046               54,570          
TOTAL   $ 2,054,490             $ 1,985,894          
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Deposits:                        
Demand   $ 37,379     0.10 %   $ 9     $ 36,696     0.09 %   $ 8  
Money market and savings     766,826     0.40 %     769       735,785     0.52 %     961  
Time     159,420     0.40 %     159       169,849     0.43 %     183  
Other     122,722     2.07 %     639       102,287     2.12 %     546  
Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,086,347     0.58 %     1,576       1,044,617     0.64 %     1,698  
                         
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
Demand deposits     795,967               776,195          
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     22,539               18,719          
Shareholders’ equity     149,637               146,363          
TOTAL   $ 2,054,490             $ 1,985,894          
                         
Net interest income and margin (3)       2.81 %   $ 13,967         2.87 %   $ 13,841  
                         
                         
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan fees of $125,000 and $1.0 million, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for loan losses of $13.6 million and $13.3 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.          
                         



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
                         
                         
    Three months ended December 31,
    2021   2020
                         
        Yields   Interest       Yields   Interest
    Average   or   Income/   Average   or   Income/
    Balance   Rates   Expense   Balance   Rates   Expense
ASSETS                        
Interest earning assets:                        
Loans (1)   $ 1,330,044     4.33 %   $ 14,520     $ 1,375,664     4.14 %   $ 14,305  
Federal funds sold     536,503     0.16 %     216       480,790     0.11 %     131  
Investment securities     105,011     3.05 %     807       54,202     2.29 %     312  
Total interest earning assets     1,971,558     3.13 %     15,543       1,910,656     3.07 %     14,748  
                       
Noninterest-earning assets:                        
Cash and due from banks     18,886               20,616          
All other assets (2)     64,046               62,389          
TOTAL   $ 2,054,490             $ 1,993,661          
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Deposits:                        
Demand   $ 37,379     0.10 %   $ 9     $ 33,674     0.13 %   $ 11  
Money market and savings     766,826     0.40 %     769       604,578     0.74 %     1,118  
Time     159,420     0.40 %     159       200,606     0.46 %     230  
Other     122,722     2.07 %     639       318,570     0.78 %     626  
Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,086,347     0.58 %     1,576       1,157,428     0.68 %     1,985  
                         
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
Demand deposits     795,967               677,583          
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     22,539               23,466          
Shareholders’ equity     149,637               135,184          
TOTAL   $ 2,054,490             $ 1,993,661          
                         
Net interest income and margin (3)       2.81 %   $ 13,967         2.66 %   $ 12,763  
                         
                         
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan fees of $125,000 and $494,000, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for loan losses of 13.6 million and $13.4 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.          
                         



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
                         
                         
    Twelve months ended December 31,
    2021   2020
                         
        Yields   Interest       Yields   Interest
    Average   or   Income/   Average   or   Income/
    Balance   Rates   Expense   Balance   Rates   Expense
ASSETS                        
Interest earning assets:                        
Loans (1)   $ 1,368,960     4.29 %   $ 58,677     $ 1,219,324     4.22 %   $ 51,401  
Federal funds sold     450,898     0.13 %     587       371,476     0.18 %     685  
Investment securities     71,376     2.84 %     2,029       38,815     2.40 %     933  
Total interest earning assets     1,891,234     3.24 %     61,293       1,629,615     3.25 %     53,019  
                       
Noninterest-earning assets:                        
Cash and due from banks     17,642               20,810          
All other assets (2)     60,008               62,991          
TOTAL   $ 1,968,884             $ 1,713,416          
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Deposits:                        
Demand   $ 35,623     0.11 %   $ 38     $ 28,559     0.13 %   $ 36  
Money market and savings     705,621     0.51 %     3,627       547,592     0.88 %     4,795  
Time     175,240     0.43 %     753       165,630     0.91 %     1,510  
Other     139,011     1.54 %     2,145       249,474     0.71 %     1,761  
Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,055,495     0.62 %     6,563       991,255     0.82 %     8,102  
                         
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
Demand deposits     747,868               566,783          
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     21,363               21,843          
Shareholders’ equity     144,158               133,535          
TOTAL   $ 1,968,884             $ 1,713,416          
                         
Net interest income and margin (3)       2.89 %   $ 54,730         2.76 %   $ 44,917  
                         
                         
(1) Nonperforming loans are included in average loan balances. No adjustment has been made for these loans in the calculation of yields. Interest income on loans includes amortization of net deferred loan fees of $3.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
(2) Other noninterest-earning assets includes the allowance for loan losses of $13.9 million and $12.3 million, respectively.
(3) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.          
                         



CALIFORNIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED NON GAAP DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands)
                     
                     

REVENUE:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   Q2 2021   Q1 2021   Q4 2020
                     
Net interest income   $ 13,967     $ 13,841     $ 13,586     $ 13,336     $ 12,763  
Non-interest income     994       1,302       956       921       916  
Total revenue   $ 14,961     $ 15,143     $ 14,542     $ 14,257     $ 13,679  
                     
                     
                     

PPP RELATED DEFERRED FEES
              Amortization


  Deferred

AND COSTS:
  Deferred Balance at Origination   of Deferred   Balance
    2021 Program 2020 Program Total   Balance   Remaining
                     
PPP fees   $ 4,479     $ 9,086     $ 13,565     $ 11,429     $ 2,136  
PPP capitalized loan origination costs     540       2,451       2,991       2,650     $ 341  
Net PPP fees   $ 3,939     $ 6,635     $ 10,574     $ 8,779     $ 1,795  
                     
                     

IMPACT OF PPP ACTIVITY REFLECTED
  Amortization of Deferred Balance

IN NET INTEREST INCOME:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   Q2 2021   Q1 2021   Q4 2020
                     
PPP fees   $ 817     $ 1,909     $ 2,185     $ 2,222     $ 2,083  
PPP capitalized loan origination costs     109       348       514       633       527  
Net PPP fees   $ 708     $ 1,561     $ 1,671     $ 1,589     $ 1,556  
                     
                     
                     
                     

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
  Q4 2021   Q3 2021   Q2 2021   Q1 2021   Q4 2020
                     
Total non-interest expense   $ 10,009     $ 10,513     $ 9,835     $ 10,080     $ 10,416  
Total capitalized loan origination costs     1,601       1,197       1,217       1,513       1,198  
Total operating expenses, before capitalization of loan origination costs   $ 11,610     $ 11,710     $ 11,052     $ 11,593     $ 11,614  
                     
                     
                     
                     

GROSS LOANS:
  12/31/21   09/30/21   06/30/21   03/31/21   12/31/20
                     
Gross loans   $ 1,376,649     $ 1,301,972     $ 1,352,639     $ 1,470,313     $ 1,369,070  
PPP loans     72,527       97,451       194,472       353,426       306,373  
Gross loans, excluding PPP loans   $ 1,304,122     $ 1,204,521     $ 1,158,167     $ 1,116,887     $ 1,062,697