Saehan Bancorp Reports Third Quarter Results

Saehan Bancorp (OTCBB:SAEB) today reported results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2012, reflecting continued modest profitability and a sharp decrease in nonperforming loans.

The company reported net income of $302,000, or $0.001 per share, for the third quarter of 2012 compared with $720,000, or $0.004 per share, a year ago. The return on average equity for the third quarter of 2012 was 2.10 percent and the return on average assets was 0.20 percent compared with 6.28 percent and 0.52 percent, respectively, for the third quarter of 2011.

Other highlights for the third quarter of 2012 included:

• Total assets at September 30, 2012 increased 9.8 percent to $619.0 million from $563.6 million a year ago.
• Net loans were $349.2 million at September 30, 2012 compared with $370.3 million last year.
• Total deposits at September 30, 2012 increased 12.9 percent to $536.8 million from $475.6 million at September 30, 2011.
• Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2012 was 2.82 percent compared with 3.29 percent reported in the same period a year ago.
• Efficiency for the third quarter of 2012 was 94.6 percent compared with 90.2 percent in the third quarter of 2011.
• Nonperforming loans at September 30, 2012 decreased to $6.1 million from $20.5 million at September 30, 2011.

“Third quarter results reflect a continued focus on the execution and implementation of strategies to improve the bank’s asset quality and achieve higher profitability. We realized both of these internal targets despite ongoing challenges in the economy, and look forward to reporting further progress in our turnaround initiatives,” said Dong Il Kim, president and chief executive officer.

Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $3.9 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared with $4.5 million in the same period a year ago. Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2012 was 2.82 percent compared with 3.29 percent in the third quarter a year earlier. Yield on earning assets for the third quarter of 2012 was 3.57 percent compared with 4.50 percent for the third quarter of 2011. Cost of funds for the third quarter of 2012 was 1.18 percent compared with 1.43 percent for the third quarter of 2011.

Noninterest income in the third quarter of 2012 totaled $1.7 million compared with $1.8 million a year ago. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $367,000 loss on the sale of OREOs, partially offset by an increase in gain on sale of loans in the third quarter of 2012.

Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2012 was $5.3 million compared with $5.6 million for the third quarter of 2011. The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2012 was 94.6 percent compared with 90.2 percent in the third quarter of 2011.

Nonperforming loans were $6.1 million at September 30, 2012 -- down $14.4 million from $20.5 million at September 30, 2011. Nonperforming loans and OREO represented 1.3 percent of total assets at September 30, 2012 compared with 4.5% at September 30, 2011.

Total assets were $619.0 million as of September 30, 2012 -- representing an increase of $55.4 million, or 9.8 percent, from the $563.6 million in total assets reported on September 30, 2011. Total deposits as of September 30, 2012 increased $61.2 million, or 12.9 percent, to $536.8 million from $475.6 million as of September 30, 2011. Shareholders’ equity was $58.4 million at September 30, 2012 compared with $58.5 million at September 30, 2011. The Leverage Ratio, Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio and Total Risk-based Capital Ratio at September 30, 2012 were 12.6 percent, 20.0 percent and 21.4 percent, respectively, compared with 13.9 percent, 19.5 percent and 21.0 percent, respectively, at September 30, 2011.

About Saehan Bancorp

Saehan Bancorp is a bank holding company with headquarters in Los Angeles, California. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Saehan Bank, offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions to meet the needs of multi-ethnic communities in the U.S. Saehan Bancorp is committed to satisfying customers and creating shareholder value. Its ten retail branch offices, International Department, and SBA Department of Saehan Bank focus on fulfilling these commitments to customers and shareholders.

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