LOS ANGELES, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent commercial banks in California, today announced plans to release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 after the close of market on Monday, October 20, 2025. On the following day, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific). The call will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet. Interested participants ...

Company Overview - Preferred Bank (PFBC) is headquartered in Los Angeles and operates in the Finance sector, with a stock price change of 8.31% since the beginning of the year [3]. Dividend Information - The current dividend payout is $0.75 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.21%, which is higher than the Banks - West industry's yield of 3.08% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3]. - The annualized dividend of $3.00 represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year, and over the last 5 years, the company has increased its dividend 5 times, averaging an annual increase of 23.36% [4]. - The current payout ratio is 32%, indicating that the company paid out 32% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4]. Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in fiscal year 2025 is $9.82 per share, with an expected increase of 1.87% from the previous year [5]. Investment Appeal - Preferred Bank is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6].

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the largest independent commercial banks in California, today reported that the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per share, which will be paid on October 21, 2025 to holders of record as of October 7, 2025. About Preferred Bank Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are ...

Core Viewpoint - Preferred Bank (PFBC) is showing potential for a bullish breakout due to a recent "golden cross" in its moving averages, indicating a favorable technical setup for investors [1][2]. Technical Analysis - PFBC's 50-day simple moving average has crossed above its 200-day simple moving average, forming a "golden cross," which is a bullish signal in trading [1][2]. - A golden cross typically suggests a bullish breakout is likely, characterized by a short-term moving average surpassing a long-term moving average [2]. Market Performance - Over the past four weeks, PFBC shares have increased by 13%, indicating positive momentum [4]. - The company currently holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, suggesting it may be positioned for further gains [4]. Earnings Outlook - PFBC has experienced a positive earnings outlook, with no earnings estimates decreasing in the past two months, while there have been four upward revisions [4]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PFBC has also increased, reinforcing the bullish sentiment around the stock [4][5].

Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. I ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bo ...

Core Insights - Preferred Bank reported a GAAP net income of $32.8 million, or $2.52 per share, in Q2 2025, reflecting a sequential increase driven by approximately 7% annualized loan growth and an expanded net interest margin (NIM) of 3.85% [1] Capital Management - The company executed a $56 million share buyback at an average price of $80.81 per share, significantly below the current market price of $97.03, and has secured authorization for an additional $125 million buyback program, which has not yet commenced due to valuation sensitivity [2][3] - Management's disciplined approach to capital return indicates a willingness to deploy excess capital opportunistically while adhering to valuation thresholds that enhance per-share value creation [3] Funding and Deposit Stability - Despite competitive pressures, the cost of deposits remained stable at around 3.41%, with maturing certificates of deposit (CDs) totaling $1.4 billion being renewed at or just under 4% in Q3, supporting stable NIM performance and deposit retention [4] - The company has maintained flat deposit balances through active cost controls, balancing competitive rate offers with funding needs [5] Loan Growth and Asset Quality - The commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial construction portfolios drove approximately 7% annualized loan growth, with a decline in nonaccrual, criticized, and past-due loans quarter over quarter, indicating improved asset quality [6][7] - Management asserts that loan loss reserves remain adequate, and further signs of increasing loan demand have appeared, although caution is maintained due to macroeconomic uncertainties [6] Future Outlook - Management provided guidance that noninterest expense will be in the range of $21.8 million to $22.6 million in Q3 and Q4, excluding expectations of further other real estate owned write-downs [8] - A new Silicon Valley branch is scheduled to open in the second half of 2025, expanding the bank's geographic reach, although no explicit quantitative forward guidance was provided for net interest income, loan growth, or NIM [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred Bank reported a net income of $32.8 million or $2.52 per share for Q2 2025, showing improvement from the previous quarter [6] - Loan growth was approximately 7% on an annualized basis, with indications of increased loan demand in July [6] - Net interest margin increased to 3.85% from 3.75% in the previous quarter [7] - The bank repurchased $56 million worth of stock during the quarter, which may have impacted net interest income and net interest margin [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quality of assets improved, with decreases in non-accrual loans, criticized loans, and past due loans compared to the previous quarter [8] - The bank's loan loss reserve is deemed sufficient to cover any exposure [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits remained flat, attributed to the bank's strategy to control deposit costs [7] - The average margin for June was reported at 3.83%, with a cost of deposits at 3.41% [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank aims to continue growing deposits while managing costs effectively [32] - There are plans for new branch openings, including a branch in Silicon Valley in the second half of the year [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainties, including tariffs, interest rates, and inflation, which could impact the operating environment [9] - The bank is closely monitoring clients affected by tariffs and supply chain issues, indicating a cautious approach to growth [46][48] Other Important Information - The bank's Manhattan branch is performing well in loan generation, indicating positive growth prospects [43] - The bank is cautious about stock buybacks due to current share prices being higher than in previous quarters [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about margin and cost of deposits - The margin for June was 3.83%, with a cost of deposits at 3.41%, remaining consistent throughout the quarter [13] Question: Update on loan growth and competition - Loan growth was stronger in Q2, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors, with increased demand noted in July [22][30] Question: Thoughts on OREO and credit quality - Management acknowledged challenges with OREO properties but noted overall credit quality remains stable [39] Question: Update on new branch performance - The Manhattan branch is performing well, with plans for further expansion in Silicon Valley [43] Question: Comments on economic uncertainties and client sentiment - Management highlighted ongoing uncertainties in the economy and the need for close monitoring of client situations [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred Bank reported a net income of $32.8 million or $2.52 per share for the second quarter, showing improvement from the previous quarter [6] - Loan growth was approximately 7% on an annualized basis, with indications of increased loan demand in July [6][7] - Net interest margin increased to 3.85% from 3.75% in the previous quarter [7] - The bank repurchased $56 million in stock during the quarter, which may have impacted net interest income and net interest margin [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quality of assets improved, with decreases in non-accrual loans, criticized loans, and past due loans compared to the previous quarter [8] - The bank's loan loss reserve is deemed sufficient to cover any exposure [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits remained flat, attributed to the bank's strategy to control deposit costs [7] - The cost of deposits was reported at 3.41% for June, with a current offered rate around 4% [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank continues to focus on returning excess capital to shareholders through stock buybacks [7] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clients to navigate competitive pressures in the lending market [31] - Plans for organic expansion include opening a new branch in Silicon Valley in the second half of the year [45] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainties, including tariffs, interest rates, and inflation, which could impact future operations [9] - The bank is closely monitoring the economic environment and its effects on clients, particularly regarding supply chain issues related to tariffs [48][50] Other Important Information - The bank received insurance reimbursement related to legal matters, which affected professional services costs [16] - The bank's strategy includes cautious evaluation of stock buybacks due to current share prices being higher than historical averages [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about margin and cost of deposits - The margin for June was reported at 3.83%, with a consistent cost of deposits around 3.41% [14] Question: Update on loan growth and pipeline - Loan growth was stronger in the second quarter, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors, with existing commitments funding construction loans [24][25] Question: Thoughts on competition and loan rates - Competition remains stiff, with lenders offering low fixed-rate loans, but the bank focuses on relationship-driven service [31] Question: Update on OREO and credit quality - Management noted ongoing challenges with a specific property but remains committed to resolving it without a fire sale [41][42] Question: Update on new branch performance - The Manhattan branch is performing well in loan generation, with plans for further expansion in Silicon Valley [45] Question: Client sentiment and growth acceleration - Management indicated that while some uncertainties may clear, the aftershock effects of tariffs remain unknown, impacting growth expectations [48][50]

Financial Performance - Net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $32.8 million, translating to earnings per share of $2.52 [2][3][15] - The net interest margin (NIM) improved to 3.85% from 3.75% in the previous quarter [4][15] - Total operating expenses were $22.5 million, with guidance for the next couple of quarters ranging from $21.8 million to $22.6 million [5][22] Loan and Deposit Activity - The company experienced approximately 7% annualized loan growth, driven by commercial and industrial (C&I) line usage and construction commitments [3][7][15] - Deposit balances remained flat compared to the first quarter, as the company managed deposit costs deliberately [3][8][31] - $1.4 billion in certificates of deposit (CDs) are set to mature in Q3 2025 at an average rate of 4.21%, with current renewal rates slightly under 4% [5][21] Shareholder Returns and Capital Management - The company repurchased $56 million of common shares at an average price of $80.81 per share [4][24] - New share repurchase authorization of $125 million remains untapped due to valuation considerations [7][24] Asset Quality and Risk Management - There were decreases in nonaccrual, criticized, and past due loans compared to the previous quarter, with management stating that reserves are sufficient [4][16] - The company continues to monitor external uncertainties, including tariffs and inflation, which may impact borrowers [8][37] Branch Expansion and Future Outlook - A new branch in Manhattan is performing well in loan origination, with plans for a Silicon Valley branch in the second half of the year [6][35] - Management noted tentative signs of sustained loan demand entering July, although uncertainties remain regarding the economic environment [7][15][36]

Core Insights - Preferred Bank (PFBC) reported revenue of $70.65 million for the quarter ended June 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 1.6% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $70.15 million by +0.71% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $2.52, compared to $2.48 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of +3.7% against the consensus estimate of $2.43 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Efficiency Ratio was reported at 31.8%, slightly higher than the estimated 31.3% by analysts [4] - Net Interest Margin stood at 3.9%, surpassing the average estimate of 3.8% [4] - Net charge-offs to average loans were 0%, significantly better than the estimated 0.3% [4] - Average Interest-Earning Assets were reported at $6.98 billion, matching the estimate [4] - Total noninterest income was $3.77 million, slightly above the estimated $3.73 million [4] - Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $66.87 million, exceeding the average estimate of $66.39 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Preferred Bank have returned +13.8% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.4% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]