ROCKVILLE, Md., July 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBNK), the holding company for Capital Bank, N.A., today reported net income of $4.8 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2020. By comparison, net income was $4.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019. Return on average assets was 1.19% for the second quarter of 2020, compared to 1.39% for the same period in 2019, and return on average equity was 13.70% for the second quarter of 2020, compared to 13.23% for the same period in 2019. Included in net income was a provision for loan losses of $3.3 million, attributable to factors related to COVID-19.

"Our diversified earnings model and entrepreneurial and technology-enabled culture continues to be a source of strength in these difficult times," said Ed Barry, CEO of Capital Bancorp. "We moved quickly to take advantage of market opportunities and dramatically increase OpenSky^® card growth and mortgage originations while supporting our borrowers and the community with loan deferrals and PPP loans. We are carefully monitoring credit quality while assisting borrowers affected by the disruption in the economy. While we are optimistic, we also acknowledge the elevated uncertainty in the market. Our loan loss provision reflects our prudent business practices and is supported by our strong core earnings."

Second Quarter 2020 Highlights

• Record Number of OpenSky^® Credit Card Accounts Opened - At June 30, 2020, the Bank had 401 thousand OpenSky^® credit card accounts. Growth was driven by a record 172 thousand new quarterly originations, as we launched several new marketing efforts in response to COVID-19 related changes in the competitive landscape. Card balances, which typically lag new card production, increased to $54.7 million from $41.9 million in the second quarter of 2019, while the related deposit account balances increased 64 percent to $131.9 million.
• Record Mortgage Originations and Revenues - In the second quarter of 2020, a record $315.2 million of mortgage loans were originated for sale, compared to $134.4 million in the second quarter of 2019. Mortgage banking revenue for the second quarter of 2020 was a record $10.1 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2019. Mortgage banking revenue benefited from higher levels of refinancing and recent strategic hires that enhanced our mortgage banking platform, including our expansion to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
• Net Income Supported by Business Diversification - In the second quarter of 2020, net income increased 18.4 percent to $4.8 million from $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2019, despite a $2.6 million increase in the provision for loan losses. Our strong operating results continue to demonstrate the benefits of our diversified business model.
• COVID-19 Related Deferrals - Through June 30, 2020, the Bank has granted requests for modifications on 204 loans, excluding credit cards, with $144.0 million in principal balances outstanding, which represents 10.0% of total loans.

  Of the modifications granted, 11.9% were interest-only deferrals based on balances outstanding, 85.7% were 60 to 90 day principal and interest deferrals, and 2.4% were other types of deferrals.

• Balance Sheet Supported By Robust Capital Ratios and Prudent Reserves - As of June 30, 2020, the Company reported a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 12.39% and ALLL to total loans of 1.30%, or 1.54% excluding PPP loans. The Bank is well-capitalized and has taken measures to navigate COVID-19 related disruptions, including taking prudent loan loss provisions and maintaining higher-than-normal levels of liquidity on the balance sheet.
• Stabilizing Core Net Interest Margin - Net interest margin ("NIM") decreased 107 basis points to 4.72% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 from 5.79% for the year earlier period. The decline in NIM was driven by a decline in interest rates and rapid growth of PPP loans. Adjusting for the impact of credit cards and PPP, second quarter 2020 core NIM was 3.96%, down 41 basis points from 4.37% in the prior year. Compared to March 30, 2020, the NIM excluding secured credit cards and PPP loans has remained steady at 3.96%. The Bank experienced a 77 basis point decline in asset yields, which was partially offset by a 35 basis point decline in the cost of interest bearing deposits combined with the effects of a $170 million increase in average noninterest bearing deposits.
• SBA Paycheck Protection Program - The Bank originated 1,220 PPP loans (612 to non-customers) having outstanding balances totaling $236.3 million at June 30, 2020 to new and existing customers, generating $8.1 million in fees to be recognized over the life of these loans. Existing customers received $113.0 million of these PPP loans, and new customers received $123.3 million of these PPP loans. Each new customer that received a PPP loan opened an account with the Bank. The Bank is currently working with its PPP loan recipients to facilitate various forms of loan-forgiveness in order to ensure compliance with SBA-mandated requirements.
• Stable Asset Quality - Non-performing assets remained flat at $9.2 million at both June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 0.50% at June 30, 2020 compared to 0.61% at March 31, 2020 primarily due to the Bank's increase in total assets. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets, excluding PPP loans, was 0.58%.
• Loan Growth Supported by PPP Activities - For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, total loans increased by $253.3 million, or 21.3 percent, to $1.44 billion compared to $1.19 billion at March 31, 2020. In addition to the increase of $236.3 million of PPP loans, commercial real estate loans increased by $3.5 million, or 1.0 percent, construction real estate loans increased by $8.9 million, or 4.4 percent, secured credit cards balances increased by $12.9 million, or 30.7 percent, while non-PPP commercial and industrial loans declined by $8.9 million, or 5.9 percent.
• Growth of Noninterest Bearing Deposits and Reduced Costs of Interest Bearing Liabilities - Noninterest bearing deposits increased by $200.6 million, or 55.2 percent, during the quarter ended June 30, 2020. This growth was primarily driven by PPP loan activity, an increase of $47.2 million in secured credit card deposits, and the Company's ongoing strategic initiative to improve the deposit portfolio mix by decreasing reliance on wholesale, internet and other non-core time deposits. The cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased from 1.73% to 1.38% as we moved to reduce rates in line with the market.
• Capitalized on Market Disruption to Attract Talent - Hired a team of seven commercial sales associates from a recently-merged competitor. Hired a mortgage banking team in the first quarter to facilitate mortgage production in an adjacent market.

Operating Results - Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2019

For the three months ended June 30, 2020, net interest income increased $2.1 million, or 12.7 percent, to $18.6 million from the same period in 2019, primarily due to a $442.3 million, or 38.6 percent, increase in average interest-earning assets. As a result of the declining interest rate environment, which began in the third quarter of 2019, and the rapid increase in PPP loans, net interest margin decreased 107 basis points to 4.72% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 from the same period in 2019. Net interest margin, excluding credit card and PPP loans was 3.96% for the second quarter of 2020 compared to 4.37% for the same period in 2019. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, average interest earning assets increased $442.3 million, or 38.6 percent, to $1.6 billion as compared to the same period in 2019, and the average yield on interest earning assets decreased 153 basis points. Period over period, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $212.8 million, or 27.5 percent, while the average cost decreased 57 basis points to 1.38% from 1.95%.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the COVID-19 related deterioration in the macro-economic environment resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $3.3 million. Net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2020 were $134 thousand, or 0.04% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to $111 thousand, or 0.04% of average loans on an annualized basis for the second quarter of 2019.

For the quarter ending June 30, 2020, noninterest income was $13.8 million, an increase of $7.9 million (133.2 percent) from $5.9 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was driven by significant growth in mortgage banking revenues (up $6.4 million) and credit card fees (up $943 thousand).

For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Bank originated 172 thousand new OpenSky^® secured credit card accounts, increasing the total number of open accounts to 401 thousand. This compares to 36 thousand new originations for the same period last year, which increased total open accounts to 211 thousand. As compared to the second quarter of 2019, card loan balances increased to $54.7 million from $40.1 million, while the related deposit account balances increased 79 percent to $131.9 million. The record growth in open accounts was primarily driven by enhanced marketing and economic conditions that led consumers to recognize the value and convenience of the Bank's secured credit card product. OpenSky^® launched a relief program in March 2020 for customers affected by COVID-19 that provides for payment deferral and relief without impacting our customers' credit history. As of June 30, 2020, 1,010 customers, or 0.26% of total customers, representing $303 thousand in balances outstanding, were participating in the relief program, a decrease from the peak of 3,164 customers early in the life of the program. Unprecedented economic conditions have resulted in lower levels of interest and late fee income as customers are managing their finances amid government stimulus checks, deferred rents and mortgage payments and changing spending habits.

The Company's efficiency ratio for the three months ended June 30, 2020 decreased to 69.7% compared 72.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, primarily resulting from the Company's higher levels of revenue.

Noninterest expense was $22.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $16.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 of $6.4 million, or 39.6 percent. The increase was primarily driven by a $3.2 million, or 39.3 percent, increase in salaries and benefits period over period. Included in this metric are commissions paid on mortgage originations, which increased from $682 thousand to $2.8 million primarily due to an increase in the number of mortgage originations. In the three month period ended June 30, 2020, $315.2 million of mortgage loans were originated for sale compared to $134.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2019. The Company's organic growth was supported by a 5.6 percent increase in employees to 244 at June 30, 2020, up from 231 at June 30, 2019. The increase was due to the addition of 13 new employees in the revenue producing teams of the commercial banking and mortgage banking divisions. In addition, there was an increase of $2.0 million in data processing expenses, given the higher volume of open credit cards and higher loan and deposit balances during the second quarter.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, Capital Bank's Results of Operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and include the deferral of $7.3 million of loan origination fees, net of costs, and the amortization of net fees of $592 thousand. There were no significant COVID-19 related noninterest expenses recorded during the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Operating Results - Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net interest income increased $5.0 million, or 16.1 percent, to $36.3 million from the same period in 2019 primarily due to a $363 million, or 32.4 percent, increase in average interest-earning assets. As a result of the declining interest rate environment, which began in the third quarter of 2019, and the rapid increase in PPP loans, net interest margin decreased 91 basis points to 4.72% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 from the same period in 2019. Net interest margin, excluding credit cards and PPP loans was 3.96% for the second quarter of 2020 compared to 4.34% for the same period in 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, average interest earning assets increased $363 million, or 32.4 percent, to $1.5 billion as compared to the same period in 2019, and the average yield on interest earning assets decreased 102 basis points. Period over period, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $206.4 million, or 27.2 percent, while the average cost decreased 40 basis points to 1.55% from 1.95%.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the COVID-19 related deterioration in the macro-economic environment resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $5.7 million. Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were $330 thousand, or 0.05% of average loans, annualized, compared to $192 thousand, or 0.04% of average loans, annualized, for the same period in 2019.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, noninterest income was $20.4 million, an increase of $10.4 million, or 103.7 percent, from the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by significant growth in mortgage banking revenues which were up $8.0 million and credit card fees which increased $1.5 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Bank originated 215 thousand new OpenSky^® secured credit card accounts, increasing the total number of open accounts to 401 thousand. This compares to 72 thousand new originations for the same period last year, which increased total open accounts to 211 thousand. As compared to the second quarter of 2019, card balances increased to $54.7 million from, while the related deposit account balances increased 79 percent to $131.9 million. The record growth in open accounts was primarily driven by enhanced marketing and economic conditions that led consumers to recognize the value and convenience of the Bank's secured credit card product.

The Company's efficiency ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2020 decreased to 71.36% compared to 73.96% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily resulting from the Company's higher levels of revenue.

Noninterest expense was $40.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $30.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, an increase of $9.9 million, or 32.5 percent. The increase was primarily driven by a $4.9 million, or 32.6 percent, increase in salaries and benefits period over period. Included in this metric are commissions paid on mortgage originations, which increased from $2.8 million to $5.4 million primarily due to an increase in the number of mortgage originations. In the six months ended June 30, 2020, $491.9 million of mortgage loans were originated for sale compared to $208.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2019. In addition, there was an increase of $2.8 million in data processing expenses, given the higher volume of open credit cards and higher loan and deposit balances during the second quarter.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, Capital Bank's Results of Operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and include the deferral of $7.3 million of loan origination fees, net of costs, and the amortization of net fees of $592 thousand. There were no significant COVID-19 related noninterest expenses recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Financial Condition

Total assets at June 30, 2020 were $1.82 billion, an increase of 47.7 percent as compared to $1.23 billion at June 30, 2019. Loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, totaled $1.44 billion as of June 30, 2020, an increase of 36.4 percent as compared to $1.1 billion at June 30, 2019. The increase in loans was primarily due to the $236.3 million increase in PPP loans.

Deposits at June 30, 2020 were $1.61 billion, an increase of 55.1 percent as compared to $1.04 billion at June 30, 2019. Noninterest bearing deposits increased by $285 million. These deposits include fiduciary accounts of title company and property management accounts, as well as PPP loans and the secured card deposits highlighted above. Interest bearing accounts increased by $287.2 million, mainly driven by a 47% increase in other fiduciary accounts.

Due primarily to the deterioration in the macro-economic environment as a result of the impact of COVID-19, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $5.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020, which increased our allowance for loan losses to $18.7 million, or 1.30% of total loans (1.54%, if excluding PPP loans, on a non-GAAP basis) at June 30, 2020. This level of reserve provides approximately 318 percent coverage of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2020, compared to a reserve of $11.9 million, or 1.13 percent, of total loans, and approximately 174% coverage of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2019. Nonperforming assets were $9.2 million, or 0.50% of total assets, as of June 30, 2020, up from $7.0 million, or 0.57% of total assets, at June 30, 2019. Of the $9.2 million in total nonperforming assets as of June 30, 2020, nonperforming loans represented $5.9 million and OREO totaled $3.3 million. Included in nonperforming loans at June 30, 2020 are troubled debt restructurings of $450 thousand.

Stockholders’ equity increased to $142.1 million as of June 30, 2020, compared to $123.1 million at June 30, 2019. This increase was primarily attributable to earnings and net proceeds from the exercise of stock options. Shares repurchased and retired in 2020 as part of the Company's stock repurchase program totaled 113,634 shares at a weighted average price of $11.38, for a total cost of $1.3 million including commissions. As of June 30, 2020, the Bank's capital ratios continue to exceed the regulatory requirements for a “well-capitalized” institution.

ABOUT CAPITAL BANCORP, INC.

Capital Bancorp, Inc., Rockville, Maryland is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Capital Bank, N.A., is the seventh largest bank headquartered in Maryland at March 31, 2020. Capital Bancorp has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates bank branches in five locations in the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland markets. Capital Bancorp had assets of approximately $1.8 billion at June 30, 2020 and its common stock is traded in the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBNK.” More information can be found at the Company's website www.CapitalBankMD.com under its investor relations page.