HARRISBURG, Pa., July 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Riverview Financial Corporation ("Riverview") (OTCQX: RIVE), today reported unaudited financial results at and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.  Riverview, which completed a merger with CBT Financial Corp. ("CBT") on October 1, 2017, reported net income of $2.8 million, or $0.31 per basic and diluted weighted average common share, for the second quarter of 2018, compared to net income of $179 thousand, or $0.04 per basic and diluted weighted average common share, for the comparable period of 2017.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, Riverview reported net income of $5.6 million, or $0.62 per basic and diluted weighted average common share, compared to a net loss of $388 thousand, or $(0.08) per basic and diluted weighted average common share, for the same period last year. The results for the first six months ended June 30, 2018 include pre-tax merger related costs of $461 thousand. The earnings increase was primarily a result of the inclusion of the results of operations for both Riverview and CBT for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to Riverview on a standalone basis for the same period last year. The year over year improvement was also a function of the recognition of higher loan interest income from achieving significant organic loan growth in 2017, excluding acquired loans from the merger, and the recognition of net accretion income on acquired assets and assumed liabilities. 

In addition to evaluating its results of operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), Riverview routinely supplements its evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as tangible book value per share and return on average tangible stockholders' equity. Riverview believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding its operating performance and trends. Where non-GAAP disclosures are used in this press release, a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure is provided in the accompanying tables. The non-GAAP financial measures Riverview uses may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures other financial institutions use to measure their results of operations.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Successful completion of the conversion of the core processing system and rebranding of all products and services in the second quarter of 2018 as a result of combining systems and processes from the merger.
• Successful deployment of new online and mobile banking platforms bankwide, resulting in a 100% increased enrollment in mobile banking customers during the second quarter of 2018.
• Annualized return on average assets and return on average stockholders' equity were 0.97% and 10.17%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2018.
• Tangible book value per share improved $0.49 or 5.8% to $8.99 at the end of the second quarter of 2018 compared to $8.50 at year end 2017.
• Tax-equivalent net interest margin improved to 3.94% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 3.58% for the same period last year.
• Noninterest income improved to $2.5 million in the second quarter of 2018 compared to $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $0.8 million for the second quarter last year.
• Income from trust and wealth management services totaled $454 thousand for the second quarter of 2018 compared to $225 thousand for the same period last year, an increase of 101.8%.
• Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $13.2 million in the second quarter of 2018, or 33.8% annualized.
• Continued asset quality improvement as nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans, net and other real estate owned declined to 0.89% at June 30, 2018 compared to 1.41% at June 30, 2017.

"We are pleased to report continued momentum in exceeding our earning expectations for the first six months of 2018 comparing actual results versus our proforma projections of the merger with CBT. With the successful conversion of the core processing system and rebranding of all products and services, we look forward to achieving operating efficiencies to increase long term shareholder value along with providing benefits for our customers by being able to offer new and enhanced products and services," said Kirk D. Fox, Chief Executive Officer. "We reinstated our dividend in the second quarter of 2018 after suspending it in the first quarter as a result of incurring significant one-time expenses in the fourth quarter of 2017. These expenses included those related to the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets from the enactment of new tax legislation along with acquisition costs from the merger with CBT. It is our goal to continue to pay a reasonable dividend without disrupting the delicate balance we must maintain between the payment of a dividend to shareholders and remaining a well-capitalized institution, which is critical in our dedicated efforts to continue building long term value for shareholders. The payment of a second quarter cash dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.2% based on the closing price of our stock on the dividend declaration date," concluded Fox.

Brett D. Fulk, President, added, "While we are certainly pleased to report record earnings for the year to date period ending June 30, 2018, perhaps even more gratifying from a long term perspective are the results of a successful data conversion during the second quarter.  From all indications, our customer base experienced limited disruption and the seamless transition was favorably received. Our fantastic team of highly dedicated employees has proven, once again, that a merger of equals is not only possible, but highly effective for the future benefit of your Company. Evidence of this stated success is net growth in the number of total deposit accounts during the second quarter, which was achieved following the aforementioned data conversion." Fulk continued, "as stated previously, we will continue to focus internally for as long as necessary to ensure the ongoing success of our merger with CBT, now operating as a division of Riverview Bank.  Additionally, we will continue to dedicate significant attention to balance sheet management, interest margin preservation, maintaining our current level of credit quality, as well as an ongoing review and analysis of our efficiency ratio.  While the continued flattening of the interest rate yield curve presents challenges, it is important to note that our loan generation opportunities remain robust, however we continue to stress credit quality and pricing over quantity.  Riverview will not yield to the temptation created during this economic cycle to grow by compromising appropriate pricing or credit standards."  In a final comment Fulk stated "while we have experienced increased interest in our stock since our 2017 capital raise and the merger with CBT, as evidenced by a marked increase in average daily trade volume, management continues to explore opportunities to create additional exposure for our stock and increased average trading volume."      

INCOME STATEMENT REVIEW

Tax-equivalent net interest income for the three and six months ended June 30 were $10.4 million and $21.9 million in 2018 compared to $5.0 million and $9.5 million in 2017.  The increase in tax-equivalent net interest income was primarily attributable to the growth in average earning assets from the merger and organic loan growth along with an improvement in the tax equivalent net interest margin. For the three months ended June 30, the tax-equivalent net interest margin increased to 3.94% in 2018 from 3.58% in 2017. The loan portfolio yield on a tax-equivalent basis improved to 4.95% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 4.35% for the same period last year. The cost of funds increased 20 basis points comparing the second quarter of 2018 and 2017. Average earning asset growth outpaced that of average interest-bearing liabilities by $96.5 million comparing the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The tax-equivalent net interest margin for the six months ended June 30 was 4.16% in 2018 compared to 3.58% in 2017. The tax-equivalent net interest margin excluding purchase accounting adjustments would have been 3.62% in the first six months of 2018. The tax-equivalent yield on earnings assets was 4.86% and the cost of funds was 0.84% in the first six months of 2018. The tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased to 5.16% in 2018 compared to 4.32% in 2017. The tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio would have been 4.60% in the first half of 2018 excluding loan accretion of $2.6 million included in loan interest income related to acquired loans. Investments yielded 2.78% on a tax-equivalent basis in the first half of 2018 compared to 3.46% for the same period last year. The cost of deposits increased 18 basis points to 0.76% in 2018 from 0.58% in 2017. The growth in average earning assets outpaced that of average interest-bearing liabilities by $89.8 million comparing the first half of 2018 and 2017. Loans, net averaged $939.6 million in 2018 and $447.7 million in 2017. Average investments totaled $92.3 million in 2018 and $74.2 million in 2017. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased to $881.7 million in 2018 from $446.5 million in 2017.

For the quarter ended June 30, there was no provision for loan losses in 2018 compared to $519 thousand for the same period in 2017.  The provision for loan losses totaled $390 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1,124 thousand in 2017. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in 2018 was primarily influenced by a decrease in the net volume of loans originated in the first six months of 2018 versus 2017, coupled with continuing solid results and positive trends in asset quality.

 For the quarter ended June 30, noninterest income totaled $2,533 thousand in 2018, an increase of $1,731 thousand from $802 thousand in 2017. The increase in noninterest income for the quarter was due primarily to increases in services charges, fees and commissions of $1,359 thousand, trust income of $204 thousand, and bank owned life insurance investment income of $125 thousand.  For the six months ended June 30, noninterest income increased to $4,486 thousand in 2018 compared to $1,581 thousand in 2017. Wealth management income decreased $79 thousand comparing the first half of 2018 and 2017 due to the dissolution of a business acquired in 2016. Service charges and fees, and commissions and trust income improved $2,250 thousand and $384 thousand, respectively, comparing the first half of 2018 and 2017. Mortgage banking income in the first two quarters of 2018 improved to $359 thousand as compared to $229 thousand in 2017. Income from bank owned life insurance increased to $390 thousand in the first six months of 2018 compared to $147 thousand for the comparable period in 2017.

Noninterest expense increased $4,367 thousand, or 86.6%, to $9,408 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $5,041 thousand for the same period last year.  The increase in noninterest expense for the quarter was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense of $2,464 thousand and other expenses of $1,512 thousand.  The increases were primarily attributable to the merger with CBT due to increased operating costs of the larger company.  For the six months ended June 30, noninterest expense increased to $18,944 thousand in 2018 compared to $10,204 thousand in 2017. The majority of this increase relates to salaries and employee benefit expense, which was a result of the merger with CBT and related costs. Additions to facilities as a result of the CBT merger along with offices to support the lending teams were primarily responsible for the $854 thousand, or 66.7%, increase in occupancy and equipment costs. The majority of the $2,903 thousand increase in other expenses comparing the first six months of 2018 and 2017 was a result of the business combination with CBT.

BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

Total assets, loans, net and deposits totaled $1.2 billion, $939.9 million, and $1.0 billion, respectively, at June 30, 2018. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, total assets and deposits declined $19.4 million and $20.9 million, respectively, while loans, net increased $5.7 million. Year to date, loans, net decreased $16.1 million comparing the end of the second quarter of 2018 to year end 2017. Decreases in commercial loans of $9.6 million and residential loans of $9.5 million offset partially by an increase of $8.7 million in commercial real estate loans were primarily responsible for the majority of the decline. Loan originations in the first half of 2018 represented a more moderate pace as compared to the same period of 2017.  The reduction in loan growth was a result of management's decision to focus on improving margins on loan originations and maintaining strong underwriting standards.  Total investments were $87.9 million at June 30, 2018, compared to $93.2 million at December 31, 2017. Total deposits decreased $8.8 million in the first six months of 2018. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $14.3 million, while interest-bearing deposits decreased $23.1 million.

Stockholders' equity totaled $110.5 million or $12.15 per share at June 30, 2018, $108.4 million or $11.93 per share at March 31, 2018, and $106.3 million or $11.72 per common share at December 31, 2017. The increase in equity in the first six months of 2018 was a result primarily of net income of $5.6 million offset partially by an increase of $793 thousand in the accumulated other comprehensive loss. Tangible stockholders' equity per common share increased to $8.99 per share at June 30, 2018, compared to $8.75 per share at March 31, 2018 and $8.50 per share at year-end 2017.  Dividends declared for the second quarter of 2018 amounted to $0.10 per share representing a dividend payout ratio of 32.3%.

ASSET QUALITY REVIEW

Nonperforming assets were $8.4 million, or 0.89% of loans, net and foreclosed assets at June 30, 2018 compared to $8.4 million or 0.90% at March 31, 2018 and $8.2 million, or 0.85% at December 31, 2017. This asset quality ratio remains significantly improved from 1.41%, at June 30, 2017. Adjusting for accruing restructured loans, nonperforming assets were $3.7 million, or 0.39% of loans, net and foreclosed assets at June 30, 2018, $3.1 million or 0.33% at March 31, 2018 and $2.7 million, or 0.28%, at December 31, 2017. The allowance for loan losses equaled $6.4 million, or 0.68% of loans, net at June 30, 2018, compared to $6.5 million or 0.70% at March 31, 2018 and $6.3 million, or 0.66% at December 31, 2017. Adding purchase accounting adjustments for credit deterioration on acquired loans to the allowance for loan losses would result in a ratio of 1.85% as a percentage of loans, net at June 30, 2018. The coverage ratio, allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming assets, was 76.3% at June 30, 2018. Excluding accruing restructured loans, the coverage ratio would be 173.2% at June 30, 2018. Loans charged-off, net of recoveries, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, equaled $114 thousand and $295 thousand, compared to $14 thousand and $22 thousand for the same period last year. 

Riverview Financial Corporation is the parent company of Riverview Bank and its operating divisions Citizens Neighborhood Bank, CBT Bank, Riverview Wealth Management and CBT Financial and Trust Management. An independent community bank, Riverview Bank serves the Pennsylvania market areas of Berks, Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Lebanon, Lycoming, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill and Somerset Counties through 30 community banking offices and three limited purpose offices. Each office, interdependent with the community, offers a comprehensive array of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and government entities. The Wealth Management and Trust divisions, with assets under management exceeding $350 million, provide trust and investment advisory services to the general public. Riverview's business philosophy includes offering direct access to senior management and other officers and providing friendly, informed and courteous service, local and timely decision making, flexible and reasonable operating procedures and consistently applied credit policies. The Company's common stock trades on the OTCQX Market under the symbol "RIVE". The Investor Relations site can be accessed at https://www.riverviewbankpa.com/ .

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements:

We make statements in this press release, and we may from time to time make other statements regarding our outlook or expectations for future financial or operating results and/or other matters regarding or affecting Riverview Financial Corporation, Riverview Bank, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Riverview") that may be considered "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," "intend" and "potential." For these statements, Riverview claims the protection of the statutory safe harbors for forward-looking statements.

Riverview cautions you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to: prevailing economic and political conditions, particularly in our market area; credit risk associated with our lending activities; changes in interest rates, loan demand, real estate values and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, and guidelines; changes in any applicable law, rule, regulation or practice with respect to tax or legal issues; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting Riverview' operations, pricing, products and services and other factors that may be described in Riverview' Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

In addition to these risks, acquisitions and business combinations present risks other than those presented by the nature of the business acquired. Acquisitions and business combinations may be substantially more expensive to complete than originally anticipated, and the anticipated benefits may be significantly harder-or take longer-to achieve than expected. As regulated financial institutions, our pursuit of attractive acquisition and business combination opportunities could be negatively impacted by regulatory delays or other regulatory issues. Regulatory and/or legal issues related to the pre­acquisition operations of an acquired or combined business may cause reputational harm to Riverview following the acquisition or combination, and integration of the acquired or combined business with ours may result in additional future costs arising as a result of those issues. 

The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, Riverview assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

In addition to evaluating its results of operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), Riverview routinely presents and supplements its evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as tangible stockholders' equity and core net income ratios. The reported results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, contain items which Riverview considers non-core, namely net gains on sales of investment securities available-for-sale, acquisition related expenses and the adjustment to tax expense due to the enactment of the Tax Act. Riverview presents the non-GAAP financial measures because it believes that these measures provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Riverview's results of operation.  Presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how Riverview evaluates its performance internally and these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in evaluation of companies in Riverview's industry. Where non-GAAP measures are used in this press release, reconciliations to the comparable GAAP measures are provided in the accompanying tables. The non-GAAP financial measures Riverview uses may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other financial institutions.  These non-GAAP financial measures would not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures, and Riverview strongly encourages a review of its condensed consolidated financial statements in their entirety.  Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are presented in the tabular material that follows.

[TABULAR MATERIAL FOLLOWS]

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SOURCE Riverview Financial Corporation