Preferred Bank reports Q3 EPS $1.15, consensus $1.05

Li Yu, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to report third quarter net income of $17.1 million or $1.15 per share. Our earnings compare favorably with the previous two quarters. In fact, on a pre-tax, pre-provision (PTPP) basis, our third quarter and YTD earnings reached a record high. The primary reasons for the performance was significantly reduced interest cost and effective overhead control. The Bank's third quarter efficiency ratio clocked in at 29.88%. Our net interest margin, however, compressed slightly from the previous quarter due to a larger balance sheet and much higher level of cash. Under the current interest rate environment, excess cash reduces our profitability. Deposits continued to grow in the third quarter as we saw a $64.2 million or 1.5% increase from June 30, 2020. However, our loan balances came in $14 million below the previous quarter. The prolonged shut down of our trade area has reduced the opportunities for new loans. The uncertainties further make many new opportunities proportionately less attractive. Our main focus at present is credit management. We elected to charge-off portions of the two loans which were placed on nonaccrual status last quarter in addition to fully reserving for any amounts which may not be collectible. In addition, due to the ongoing economic disruption caused by the pandemic, our provision for credit losses is again elevated this quarter. The allowance for credit loss to total loans now stands at 1.58% (excluding PPP loans). A great deal of the credit management effort was also spent on loans modified under the CARES Act. These loans totaled $199.5 million at September 30, 2020 which represented a $267.6 million or 57% reduction from the $467.1 million reported on June 30, 2020. We have also been in contact with substantially all of these borrowers inquiring about their plan of resumption of scheduled payments. We are encouraged to learn that loans under modification at December 31, 2020 could be a very modest amount. The pandemic has resulted in unprecedented uncertainties for our citizens, our economy and the banking industry. Preferred Bank's outstanding operating metrics and earnings power will provide an additional resource in meeting the challenges ahead."