Pacific West Bancorp ("PWBK") Announces Fourth Quarter Financial Results

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific West Bancorp (PWBK), the holding company of Pacific West Bank ("PWB"), today announced a fourth quarter net income of $155 thousand or $0.06 per diluted share, bringing its full-year 2024 net loss to ($338) thousand or ($0.13) per diluted share.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

• Core deposits grew by $7.2 million, while retiring $10.0 million in non-core funding.
• Unfunded lending commitments grew by about $11.0 million and are expected to fund during the first half of 2025.
• PWB retired $13.5 million, or 41.1% of borrowings, further improving our net non-core funding ratio.
• Interest expense of $2.1 million decreased by $234.3 thousand or 10.2% compared to prior quarter.
• Net interest income before provision increased by $267.4 thousand or 11.7%.
• Net interest margin increased by 31 basis points compared to prior quarter.

2024 Full Year Highlights:

• Interest income of $17.4 million grew by $2.9 million or 19.8% during 2024.
• Core deposits grew by $54.4 million or 25.15% compared to prior yearend.
• Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $7.0 million or 11.06% compared to prior yearend.
• PWB retired $25.4 million or 56.8% of borrowings compared to prior yearend.
• Total assets growth was $8.8 million or 2.8% compared to prior yearend.

"Pacific West Bank's momentum accelerated in the second half of 2024 as we significantly increased core deposits, allowing us to reduce higher-cost funding, such as brokered deposits and borrowings. This shift in our funding mix, combined with strong new loan pricing and repricing, led to a new record for interest income. Our team of seasoned Bankers remain focused on building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service, solidifying PWB's reputation as the premier business bank in Portland and Southwest Washington," said PWB's President and CEO Jason Wessling.

Interest income totaled $17.4 million in 2024, compared to $14.5 million in the prior year, which was driven by approximately $18.0 million of loans that repriced in 2024, along with balance sheet repositioning. These changes increased the Bank's average asset yield by 47 basis points year-over-year from 5.03% in 2023 to 5.50% in 2024. While interest expense trended higher in 2024, the Bank's cost of funds during the fourth quarter decreased by 30 basis points, driven by reduction in short-term market rates and a decrease in the Bank's exposure to higher rate non-core fundings. All these changes resulted in a 31 basis points increase in net interest margin, from 2.76% in the third quarter to 3.06% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Deposits totaled $272.7 million at the end of 2024, which was an increase of $35.2 million or 14.8% over the prior year. In addition, core deposits increased by $54.4 million or 25.15%, including $7.0 million or 10% growth in non-interest-bearing deposits compared to yearend 2023. As of yearend 2024, core deposits totaled $270.6 million or 99.23% of total deposits. "Our strategic focus on creating specialized niches by delivering excellent service for digital partners, social impact organizations, and professional services, has been a driving force behind the Bank's core deposit growth throughout 2024. This includes significant growth in non-interest-bearing deposits, which underscores the trust our clients place in us. As a Benefit Corporation for Good, we remain committed to positively impacting the communities we serve and aligning our growth with purpose and responsibility," said PWB's Chief Banking Officer, Lisa Faust. 

The Bank remains "well-capitalized" with a leverage ratio of 10.29%, reflecting its solid financial foundation. Loan demand continued, as the Bank originated $11.0 million in new loan commitments during the quarter at a weighted average rate of 7.59%. Loan quality remained consistent with no loans past due greater than 30 days and one loan on non-accrual. As previously mentioned, the strategic repositioning of the balance sheet, which included a $25.5 million or 56.8% reduction in expensive non-core funding compared to the year-end 2023, has further strengthened the Bank's financial position. The Bank is well-positioned to deliver continued earnings improvement and asset growth as it moves into 2025.

About Pacific West Bancorp: Information about the Holding Company's stock is available through the over-the- counter marketplace at www.otcmarkets.com (symbol PWBK).

Pacific West Bank was formed in 2004 by local businesspeople to deliver loan and deposit product solutions through experienced and professional bankers to businesses, nonprofits, professionals, and individuals. The Bank serves the greater Portland/ Vancouver Metro area with offices strategically located in Downtown Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Vancouver, WA.

Jason Wessling
President and Chief Executive Officer
(503) 912-2101
[email protected]

SOURCE Pacific West Bancorp