VSB Bancorp, Inc. Second Quarter 2013 Results of Operations


STATEN ISLAND, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 11, 2013) - VSB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSBN) reported net income of $223,069 for the second quarter of 2013, a decrease of $148,788, or 40.0%, from the second quarter of 2012. The following unaudited figures were released today. Pre-tax income was $411,241 in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $685,495 for the second quarter of 2012. Net income for the quarter was $223,069, or basic net income of $0.13 per common share, compared to a net income of $371,857, or $0.21 basic net income per common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

The $148,788 decrease in net income was due to a decrease in net interest income of $215,863, an increase of non-interest expense of $121,098, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $50,000, and a decrease in the provision for income taxes of $125,466.

The $215,863 decrease in net interest income for the second quarter of 2013 occurred primarily because our interest income decreased by $205,803, and our cost of funds increased by $10,060. The decline in interest income resulted from a $143,725 decrease in income from investment securities, due to a 63 basis point decrease in average yield, as new securities were purchased at market rates significantly below the rates on securities repaid or matured, and partially offset by a $7.2 million increase in the average balance between the periods. The decrease in net interest income was also due to an $81,194 decrease in interest income on loans, due to a $7.1 million decrease in the average balance of loans, partially offset by a 6 basis point increase in yield from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013. Our average non-performing loans decreased $1.3 million, from $6.7 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2012, to $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2013. The level of non-performing loans declined from $6.4 million at December 31, 2012 to $5.7 million at March 31, 2013 and to $5.1 million at June 30, 2013.

Interest income from other interest earning assets (principally overnight investments) increased by $19,116 due to a 1 basis point increase in yield, and a $29.6 million increase in average balance from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013. Overall, average interest-earning assets increased by $29.7 million from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013 due to a recent influx of deposits.

The most significant components of the increase in interest expense was a $13,335 increase in interest on time deposits due to the $8.9 million increase in the average balance between the periods, even as the average cost declined by 1 basis point, and the $9,837 increase in the cost of savings accounts due to 12 basis point increase in the average cost and the $5.3 million increase in the average balance between the periods. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by an $8,640 decrease in the cost of money market accounts, as the average cost declined by 17 basis points and a $4,472 decrease in the cost of NOW accounts, as the average cost declined by 6 basis points, due to a continuation of low market interest rates and despite the higher average balances in both these categories. Average demand deposits, an interest free source of funds for us to invest, increased $12.1 million, or 15.7%, from the second quarter of 2012, representing approximately 35% of average total deposits for the second quarter of 2013. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $18.6 million, resulting in an overall $30.6 million increase in average total deposits from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013.

The average yield on interest-earning assets declined by 74 basis points, while the average cost of funds declined by 3 basis points from the second quarter of 2012 to the second quarter of 2013. The reduction in the yield on assets was principally due to the 63 basis point drop in the yield on investment securities partially offset by the 6 basis point increase in the yield on loans. The decline in the cost of funds was driven principally by a 17 basis point drop in the cost of money market account deposits, and a 6 basis point drop in the cost of NOW deposits partially offset by a 12 basis point increase in the cost of saving account deposits. Our interest rate margin decreased by 72 basis points from 3.38% to 2.66% when comparing the second quarter of 2013 to the same quarter in 2012, while our interest rate spread decreased by 71 basis points from 3.17% to 2.46%. The spread and margin both decreased because of the combined effect of the decline in earnings we were able to obtain on our investments securities, the increased average balance of low yielding other interest-earning assets and the adverse effect of the non-receipt of interest received on non-performing loans. These declines could not be offset by corresponding declines in the cost of deposits because the rates we paid on deposits were already low due to low markets rates so that we could not reduce them as much as the decline in the earnings on investment securities and loans. Non-interest income increased by $12,707 to $640,938 in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $628,231 for the same quarter in 2012.

Comparing the second quarter of 2013 with the same quarter in 2012, non-interest expense increased by $121,098, totaling $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2013. Non-interest expense increased for various business reasons including (i) a $104,334 increase in other non-interest expenses due to increased costs of holding real estate acquired in foreclosure, increased costs of regulatory filings, foreclosure costs, ATM and forgery costs; (ii) a $62,569 increase in salary and benefit costs due to the acceleration of stock benefits due to a retirement and the accrual for severance expenses; and (iii) a $13,868 increase in computer expenses due to a recent rise in software contract expenses. These increases were partially offset by a $30,734 decrease in occupancy expenses due to insurance payouts on monies expensed in the remediation of damage to our Dongan Hills branch from Superstorm Sandy and reduced fixed asset costs, a $18,978 decrease in legal fees due to a recovery of a past due loan on which the legal fees had been expensed, and a $4,100 decrease in director fees because of a reduced number of meetings in 2013.

For the first six months of 2013, pre-tax income decreased to $798,114 from $1,204,656 for the first six months of 2012, a decline of $406,542, or 33.8%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $432,940, or basic net income of $0.24 per common share, as compared to a net income of $653,485, or basic net income of $0.37 per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The $220,545 reduction in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was attributable principally to a $457,481 decrease in net interest income, and a $56,644 increase in non-interest expenses partially offset by a $105,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses. The increase in non-interest expense of $56,644 was due primarily to (i) a $133,264 in increased costs of holding real estate acquired in foreclosure, costs of regulatory filings, foreclosure costs, ATM and forgery costs; (ii) a $36,155 increase in computer expenses due to a recent rise in software contract expenses; and (iii) a $23,649 increase in employee salary and benefit costs due to the acceleration of stock benefits resulting from a retirement and employee termination expenses. These increases were partially offset by a $74,136 decrease in occupancy expenses due to insurance payouts on monies expensed in the remediation of damage to our Dongan Hills branch from Superstorm Sandy and reduced fixed asset costs, a $36,824 decrease in legal fees due to a recovery of a past due loan on which the legal fees had been expensed, a $20,875 decrease in director fees due to reduced number of meetings, and a $6,500 decrease in FDIC and NYSBD assessments. Income tax expense decreased $185,997 due to the $406,542 decrease in pre-tax income. The net interest margin decreased by 73 basis points from the six months ended June 30, 2013 to 2.72% from 3.45%, in the same period in 2012, as the yield on our investment securities declined dramatically and we had very low earnings on our substantial level of overnight deposits. Average interest earning assets, for the six months ended June 30, 2013, increased by $31.8 million, or 13.1%, from the same period in 2012.

Total assets increased to $297.3 million at June 30, 2013, an increase of $27.6 million, or 10.2%, from December 31, 2012. The significant components of this increase were a $22.2 million increase in investment securities, and a $10.1 million increase in cash and other liquid assets, partially offset by a $4.7 million decrease in loans, net. Our non-performing loans decreased from $6.4 million at December 31, 2012 to $5.1 million at June 30, 2013, due primarily to the payoff of a loan previously on non-accrual and a charge-off of a loan that was in foreclosure. Total deposits, including escrow deposits, increased to $268.7 million, an increase of $28.0 million, or 11.6%. We had increases in demand and checking deposits of $12.6 million, $4.9 million in money market accounts, $4.4 million in NOW accounts, $3.1 million increase in savings deposits and $2.8 million in time deposits from year end 2012. The Bancorp's Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.35% at June 30, 2013.

Raffaele (Ralph) M. Branca, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s President and CEO, stated, "Our earnings are being constrained by the low interest rates. The recent news, however, from the Federal Reserve about tapering their purchases of bonds in the latter half of this year has boosted intermediate and long interest rates and should allow us more investment opportunities at higher yields. We are actively seeking loan participations to supplement our loan originations." Joseph J. LiBassi, VSB Bancorp, Inc.'s Chairman, stated, "We continue to pay our cash dividend even in this tough economic climate. We have grown over 10% in assets and deposits this year through our philosophy of building customer relationships. Our book value stands strong at $15.29 per common share."

VSB Bancorp, Inc. ("Company") is the one-bank holding company for Victory State Bank. Victory State Bank, a Staten Island based commercial bank, which commenced operations on November 17, 1997. The Bank's initial capitalization of $7.0 million was primarily raised in the Staten Island community. The Bancorp's total equity has increased to $27.3 million primarily through the retention of earnings. The Bank operates five full service locations in Staten Island: the main office in Great Kills, and branches on Forest Avenue (West Brighton), Hyatt Street (St. George), Hylan Boulevard (Dongan Hills) and on Bay Street (Rosebank).

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to adverse changes in local, regional or national economic conditions, fluctuations in market interest rates, changes in laws or government regulations, weaknesses of other financial institutions, changes in customer preferences, and changes in competition within our market area. When used in this release or in any other written or oral statements by the Company or its directors, officers or employees, words or phrases such as "will result in," "management expects that," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "projected," or similar expressions, and other terms used to describe future events, are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date of the statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. This statement is included for the express purpose of protecting the Company under the PSLRA's safe harbor provisions.

   
   
VSB Bancorp, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition  
June 30, 2013  
(unaudited)  
   
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2013     2012  
                 
Assets:                
                 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 87,870,716     $ 77,728,426  
Investment securities, available for sale     47,231,181       106,825,570  
Investment securities, held to maturity     81,806,710       -  
Loans receivable     76,817,882       81,971,571  
  Allowance for loan loss     (1,251,587 )     (1,753,521 )
    Loans receivable, net     75,566,295       80,218,050  
Bank premises and equipment, net     2,102,024       2,097,356  
Accrued interest receivable     547,978       617,833  
Deferred tax asset     1,042,666       617,501  
Other assets     1,155,171       1,599,635  
      Total assets   $ 297,322,741     $ 269,704,371  
                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                
                 
Liabilities:                
  Deposits:                
    Demand and checking   $ 94,477,102     $ 81,881,173  
    NOW     37,816,814       33,394,785  
    Money market     37,917,280       33,023,373  
    Savings     23,949,976       20,871,593  
    Time     74,270,972       71,452,704  
        Total Deposits     268,432,144       240,623,628  
Escrow deposits     293,478       77,578  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     1,303,011       1,249,194  
      Total liabilities     270,028,633       241,950,400  
                 
                 
Stockholders' equity:                
  Common stock, ($.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized 1,989,509 issued, 1,785,309 outstanding at June 30, 2013 and at December 31, 2012)     199       199  
  Additional paid in capital     9,310,065       9,257,167  
  Retained earnings     19,555,654       19,336,280  
  Treasury stock, at cost (204,200 shares at June 30, 2013 and at December 31, 2012)     (2,068,898 )     (2,068,898 )
  Unearned ESOP shares     (140,899 )     (225,438 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive gain, net of taxes of $538,026 and $1,226,742, respectively     637,987       1,454,661  
                 
      Total stockholders' equity     27,294,108       27,753,971  
                 
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 297,322,741     $ 269,704,371  
                       
                       
                       
VSB Bancorp, Inc.  
Consolidated Statements of Operations  
June 30, 2013  
(unaudited)  
                     
    Three months   Three months     Six months   Six months  
    ended   ended     ended   ended  
    June 30, 2013   June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013   June 30, 2012  
Interest and dividend income:                            
  Loans receivable   $ 1,426,556   $ 1,507,750     $ 2,825,697   $ 3,004,198  
  Investment securities     646,140     789,865       1,276,051     1,582,435  
  Other interest earning assets     43,534     24,418       84,059     48,072  
    Total interest income     2,116,230     2,322,033       4,185,807     4,634,705  
                             
Interest expense:                            
  NOW     16,870     21,342       32,193     43,558  
  Money market     49,519     58,159       100,115     114,871  
  Savings     19,429     9,592       37,933     19,200  
  Time     117,232     103,897       245,823     229,852  
    Total interest expense     203,050     192,990       416,064     407,481  
                             
Net interest income     1,913,180     2,129,043       3,769,743     4,227,224  
Provision for loan loss     15,000     65,000       135,000     240,000  
    Net interest income after provision for loan loss     1,898,180     2,064,043       3,634,743     3,987,224  
                             
Non-interest income:                            
  Loan fees     11,276     10,582       23,733     19,592  
  Service charges on deposits     511,880     548,557       1,020,631     1,101,275  
  Net rental income     18,250     14,219       35,236     24,278  
  Other income     99,532     54,873       171,939     103,811  
    Total non-interest income     640,938     628,231       1,251,539     1,248,956  
                             
Non-interest expenses:                            
  Salaries and benefits     1,001,721     939,152       1,951,084     1,927,435  
  Occupancy expenses     326,602     357,336       654,345     728,481  
  Legal expense     51,298     70,276       113,160     149,984  
  Professional fees     82,200     86,061       170,972     169,061  
  Computer expense     79,048     65,180       152,823     116,668  
  Director fees     67,900     72,000       124,250     145,125  
  FDIC and NYSBD assessments     58,000     60,000       115,000     121,500  
  Other expenses     461,108     356,774       806,534     673,270  
    Total non-interest expenses     2,127,877     2,006,779       4,088,168     4,031,524  
                                 
      Income before income taxes     411,241     685,495       798,114     1,204,656  
                             
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:                            
  Current     99,330     431,673       101,623     728,919  
  Deferred     88,842     (118,035 )     263,551     (177,748 )
    Total provision for income taxes     188,172     313,638       365,174     551,171  
                                 
      Net income   $ 223,069   $ 371,857     $ 432,940   $ 653,485  
                             
Basic net income per common share   $ 0.13   $ 0.21     $ 0.24   $ 0.37  
                             
Diluted net income per share   $ 0.13   $ 0.21     $ 0.24   $ 0.37  
                             
Book value per common share   $ 15.29   $ 15.30     $ 15.29   $ 15.30  

Contact Information:

Contact Name:
Ralph M. Branca
President & CEO
(718) 979-1100