Exhibit 99.1
Heritage Commerce Corp Reports Earnings of $11.6 Million for the Fourth Quarter of 2020 and $35.3 Million for 2020
San Jose, CA — January 28, 2021 — Heritage Commerce Corp (Nasdaq: HTBK), the holding company (the “Company”) for Heritage Bank of Commerce (the “Bank”), today announced fourth quarter 2020 net income of $11.6 million, or $0.19 per average diluted common share, compared to $5.7 million, or $0.10 per average diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2019, and $11.2 million, or $0.19 per average diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income was $35.3 million, or $0.59 per average diluted common share, compared to $40.5 million, or $0.84 per average diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2019. All results are unaudited.
“We generated solid earnings, for the full year of 2020, fueled by a year-over-year increase in net interest income, total deposits, and gains on sales of SBA loans,” said Mr. Keith Wilton, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our results in the midst of this challenging economic environment are a testament to our resilient bankers, our customers and our communities. Our participation in the initial rounds of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), helped meet the financial needs of our customers who were significantly impacted by the pandemic and we are actively participating in this newest round of PPP funding.”
“Credit quality improved with nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) declining (20%) year-over-year and (23%) on a linked quarter basis, to $7.9 million at year end,” said Mr. Wilton. “In fact, we released $1.3 million of our provision for credit losses on loans largely due to recoveries of previously charged off accounts and the successful resolution of a nonperforming credit resulting in the release of specific reserves. This brings our allowance for credits losses on loans (“ACLL”) to total loans to 1.70%, and the ACLL to total loans, excluding PPP loans, to 1.91% at December 31, 2020. Further, capital and liquidity positions remain strong with a total risk-based capital ratio and leverage for the Company (consolidated) at 16.5% and 9.1% respectively, and 15.8% and 9.5% respectively, for the Bank, at December 31, 2020,” added Mr. Wilton.
“During the fourth quarter of 2020, we completed the final touches to our new San Jose corporate headquarters at 224 Airport Parkway and finalized the move of our San Mateo branch and administrative offices to newly renovated facilities,” commented Mr. Wilton. “These combined facilities represent over 50% of the Company’s office footprint and include modifications and upgrades to meet enhanced energy saving requirements, further representing our Company’s commitment to lowering our carbon footprint.”
“The past year presented many challenges to members of the communities we serve. During 2020, we were proud of our employees who volunteered their time to many local organizations that assist minority, disenfranchised and underrepresented groups in our community, and we congratulate them for their service. In addition, we are proud of our Company’s continued ability to provide grants and sponsorships to support these community groups,” said Mr. Wilton.
In response to two economic stimulus laws passed by Congress in the first half of the 2020, Heritage Bank of Commerce funded 1,105 PPP loans, with total principal balances of $333.4 million. Through 2020, PPP loan payoffs totaled $9.1 million while SBA loan forgiveness totaled $33.7 million and the Bank ended the fourth quarter of 2020 with $290.7 million in outstanding PPP loan balances. These loans generated $2.2 million in interest income and $3.9 million in net deferred fee revenue during 2020. At December 31, 2020, total loans included remaining deferred fees on PPP loans of ($6.8) million and deferred costs of $783,000.
On April 7, 2020, the U.S. banking agencies issued an Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus. The statement describes accounting for COVID-19-related loan modifications, including clarifying the interaction between current accounting rules and the temporary relief provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES Act”). The Bank made accommodations for initial payment deferrals for a number of customers of up to 90 days, generally, with the potential, upon application, of an additional 90 days of payment deferral (180 days maximum). The Bank also waived all normal applicable fees. As well, most of the deferrals we originally granted have returned to regular payments. The following table shows the deferments at December 31, 2020 by category: