Preferred Bk Los Angeles Ca Stock Price, News & Analysis

LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) reported its recent financial update highlighting a rise in total deposits to $5.622 billion, up from $5.557 billion year-end. Cash and cash equivalents exceed $900 million, representing 13.9% of total assets. The bank maintains strong asset quality, with no exposure to venture capital or cryptocurrency. Total securities available for sale are $422.5 million, with a negative mark of $29.8 million. The bank also has multiple sources of borrowing capacity that are not currently utilized.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022, with a net income of $39.6 million, or $2.71 per diluted share, representing a 49.7% increase year-over-year. The increase was primarily driven by a 50.0% rise in net interest income, totaling $74.1 million. For the full year, net income rose to $128.8 million, a 35.3% increase compared to 2021. Key metrics included a return on average assets (ROA) of 2.48% and a net interest margin of 4.75%. However, challenges in deposit growth and rising costs are anticipated in 2023, with deposit growth slowing significantly. The bank's efficiency ratio stood at 26.0%, indicating strong operational performance.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) will release its fourth-quarter financial results for the period ended December 31, 2022, on January 18, 2023. A conference call will take place on January 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, featuring key executives such as Chairman and CEO Li Yu and CFO Edward J. Czajka. The call will provide insights into the bank's financial performance and outlook. Participants can join by phone or via a live webcast on the bank's website. Replays will be available until February 2, 2023.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share, an increase of 28% from the previous $0.43 per share. The dividend is payable on January 20, 2023 to shareholders of record on January 6, 2023. Chairman and CEO Li Yu stated this increase reflects the bank's strong performance and earnings growth throughout 2022.

Preferred Bank (PFBC) reported a strong third quarter for 2022, achieving a net income of $35.2 million or $2.40 per diluted share, marking a 34.6% increase year-over-year and 25.4% compared to the previous quarter. This growth is mainly driven by a 39.9% surge in net interest income, aided by Federal interest rate hikes. For the year-to-date, net income totaled $89.3 million, a 29.7% increase from 2021. The Bank's efficiency ratio improved to 25.2%, despite rising operational costs. However, credit quality remains stable with a provision for credit losses of $2.7 million.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) will announce its third-quarter financial results for the period ending September 30, 2022, after market close on October 19, 2022. A conference call to discuss these results will be held on October 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, accessible via phone or live webcast. Key executives, including CEO Li Yu and CFO Edward J. Czajka, will present the financial outcomes and future outlook. A replay of the call will be available until November 3, 2022.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.43 per share, scheduled for payment on October 21, 2022. Shareholders on record as of October 7, 2022 will receive this dividend. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Preferred Bank focuses on providing a wide range of banking services to both commercial and consumer clients, operating multiple branches across California and one in New York. The Bank is chartered by the State of California and its deposits are FDIC insured.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) has successfully completed its $32 million stock repurchase program, acquiring 464,438 shares for nearly $32 million. CEO Li Yu indicated that there may be future repurchases, contingent upon shareholder and regulatory approval. He emphasized that the market undervalues banks based on earnings multiples, which complicates capital management via stock buybacks. This strategic move reflects the bank's strong earnings power and capital levels, aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) reported strong financial results for Q2 2022, with net income of $28.1 million or $1.87 per diluted share, marking a 30.7% year-over-year increase. The boost was primarily due to a $13.1 million rise in net interest income, driven by higher interest rates and loan growth. Total loans reached $4.92 billion, up 11.2% year-to-date, while deposits grew $5.41 billion. Despite increasing competition, underwriting standards were tightened, maintaining asset quality. The stock repurchase program is on track, with $12.97 million spent thus far.