Hanmi Reports 2021 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Reports strong earnings, record loan production, and significant improvements in asset quality

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC, or “Hanmi”), the parent company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”), today reported financial results for the 2021 fourth quarter and full year.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $33.3 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, compared with $26.6 million, or $0.86 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2021. Net income for the fourth quarter included a recovery of credit loss expense of $16.0 million reflecting a $9.1 million recovery from a loan charge-off in the previous year. In addition, income tax expense for the fourth quarter included a $2.7 million benefit from a decrease in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Return on average assets and return on average equity for the fourth quarter of 2021 were 1.93% and 20.89%, respectively.

For the full year 2021, net income was $98.7 million, or $3.22 per diluted share, compared with $42.2 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, for the full year 2020. Net income for 2020 included a credit loss expense of $45.5 million arising from the uncertainties of the pandemic, while net income for 2021 included a recovery of credit loss expense of $24.4 million from improved economic conditions, a decline in pandemic uncertainties as well as the $9.1 million recovery of a previous loan charge-off. Return on average assets and return on average equity for the full year 2021 were 1.51% and 16.27%, respectively.

CEO Commentary Bonnie Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hanmi Financial Corporation, said, “We delivered very strong results for the fourth quarter, setting a new record high for loan production and achieving notable improvements in our asset quality. In 2021, as we moved farther away from pandemic-related uncertainties, we were able to recover a good portion of our 2020 loan loss provisions as well as a sizable cash recovery from a first quarter 2020 loan charge-off. Most importantly, we believe we demonstrated the earnings power and growth potential of our franchise. We delivered robust loan growth of 12.3%, excluding PPP loans, and a favorable mix of low-cost deposits, while effectively managing credit quality.”

“We generated continued momentum in our residential mortgage business, commercial and industrial loans and our Corporate Korea initiative, which is an important driver of commercial loan growth and noninterest-bearing demand deposits. During the year, we strengthened our relationships with current customers and significantly expanded our base of new customers across our diverse markets and business lines.

“As we celebrate our 40th year in business this year, we believe we are well positioned with a healthy loan pipeline, a robust deposit base and strong credit quality. We will remain focused on executing our strategic plan to drive disciplined growth and deliver attractive returns and long-term value for our shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights:

• Fourth quarter net income increased 25.5% to $33.3 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, from $26.6 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, for the third quarter; full year 2021 net income was $98.7 million, or $3.22 per diluted share, up 133.9% from $42.2 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, for 2020.
• Loans receivable increased 6.0% from September 30, 2021 to $5.15 billion at December 31 (6.4% excluding Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans) and 5.6% from year-end 2020 (12.3% excluding PPP loans); fourth quarter loan production reached a new record high of $625.1 million. Loan production for the full year 2021 was a record high of $1.81 billion (excluding $133.1 million of second draw PPP loans).
• Deposits increased to $5.79 billion at December 31, 2021, up 1.0% from September 30, 2021 and 9.7% over year-end 2020 levels. The mix of noninterest-bearing deposits held steady at 44.5% of the portfolio.
• A $16.0 million recovery of credit loss expense for the fourth quarter included a $9.1 million recovery from a first quarter 2020 loan charge-off; allowance for credit losses was 1.41% at December 31, 2021 compared with 1.58% at September 30, 2021 and 1.85% at December 31, 2020.
• Nonperforming assets declined 35.9% from the third quarter to 0.20% of total assets from 0.32% at September 30, 2021, and 1.38% at December 31, 2020.
• Net interest income was $49.5 million for the fourth quarter compared with $50.0 million for the third quarter, down 1.0% (up 2.0% when excluding PPP loan interest); $3.0 million of PPP loans remained at December 31, 2021.
• Net interest margin was 2.96% for the fourth quarter, down from 3.07% for the third quarter (3.00% excluding PPP loan interest). PPP loan interest had no impact to fourth quarter net interest margin.
• Fourth quarter noninterest income decreased 25.7% to $9.3 million from the previous quarter principally on lower levels of SBA gains.
• Noninterest expense was $31.6 million, down 2.7% from the previous quarter; the efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter was 53.81% compared with 52.01% for the prior quarter.
• Hanmi remained well capitalized from a regulatory perspective with a Total risk-based capital ratio of 17.38% and a Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.12% at December 31, 2021; tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 9.23% at the end of the fourth quarter.

For more information about Hanmi, please see the Q4 2021 Investor Update (and Supplemental Financial Information), which is available on the Bank’s website at www.hanmi.com and via a current report on Form 8-K on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Also, please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” herein for further details of the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

Quarterly Highlights (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Results of Operations Net interest income was $49.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with $50.0 million for the third quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter interest and fees on loans receivable decreased 1.4%, or $0.7 million, from the preceding quarter primarily due to a 26 basis point decrease in average yields. Total interest expense for the fourth quarter decreased $0.3 million from the preceding quarter primarily due to a two basis point reduction in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits. Fourth quarter loan prepayment penalties were $0.3 million compared with $0.1 million for the third quarter. Net interest income of $195.1 million for the full year 2021 increased $14.2 million, or 7.8%, from $180.9 million for the full year 2020. The year-over-year increase in net interest income reflected a 68 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits and a $669.5 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets, which were partially offset by a 53 basis point decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets.

Net interest margin was 2.96% for the fourth quarter of 2021, down 11 basis points from the prior quarter. This was primarily due to a 14 basis point decline in the yield on earning assets offset by a four basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. For the full year 2021, net interest margin was 3.08% compared with 3.19% for 2020.

The yield on average earning assets declined to 3.27% for the fourth quarter of 2021 from 3.41% for the third quarter of 2021, primarily due to lower yields on loans and, to a lesser extent, securities. Full year yields decreased 53 basis points to 3.42% from 3.95% for 2020.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.57% for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with 0.61% for the third quarter of 2021. The decrease was driven by a two basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing deposits and a $0.5 million charge for the repurchase of $12.7 million of the Company’s 5.45% subordinated debentures in the third quarter. The cost of interest-bearing deposits in the fourth quarter was 0.28%. For the full year 2021, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.61% compared with 1.20% for the full year 2020, as the cost of interest-bearing deposits was 0.36% for 2021 compared with 1.04% for 2020.

For the fourth quarter of 2021, Hanmi recorded a $16.0 million recovery of credit loss expense comprised of a $13.4 million negative provision for loan losses, a $2.3 million negative provision for off-balance sheet items and a $0.3 million negative provision for the allowance for losses on accrued interest receivable for current or previously modified loans. The negative provision for loan losses reflected a $9.1 million cash recovery from a first quarter 2020 loan charge-off. In the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $7.2 million recovery of credit loss expense. This was comprised of a $7.6 million negative provision for loan losses, a recovery of $0.4 million from an SBA impairment allowance, and a $0.4 million reduction in the allowance for losses on accrued interest receivable for current or previously modified loans, offset by a $1.2 million provision for off-balance sheet items. For the full year 2021, credit expense recoveries were $24.4 million compared to credit expense charges of $45.5 million for 2020.

Fourth quarter 2021 noninterest income decreased to $9.3 million from $12.5 million for the third quarter of 2021, primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in gains on the sale of traditional SBA 7(a) loans. The volume of SBA loans sold in the fourth quarter decreased 23.5% to $36.6 million from $47.9 million in the third quarter, while trade premiums were 10.98% for the fourth quarter and 11.85% and for the third quarter. Noninterest income was $40.5 million for the full year 2021 compared with $43.1 million for 2020 with the decrease primarily due to a $16.2 million decrease in gains on sales of securities that was partially offset by increases of $9.0 million in gain on sales of SBA loans and $2.6 million in service charges.

Noninterest expense decreased 2.7% to $31.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 from $32.5 million for the third quarter of 2021 primarily due to a $1.1 million decline in other operating expenses largely from lower insurance premiums. The efficiency ratio increased to 53.81% in the fourth quarter from 52.01% in the prior quarter. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $124.5 million, up $5.4 million or 4.5%, from the prior year primarily from higher salaries and benefits stemming from increased compensation on higher loan production. The efficiency ratio for the full year 2021 was 52.84% (54.01% excluding securities gains and deferred PPP loan origination costs) compared to 53.15% (58.63% excluding securities gains and deferred PPP loan origination costs) for the prior year.

Hanmi recorded a provision for income taxes of $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an effective tax rate of 22.7% compared with $10.7 million, representing an effective tax rate of 28.6% for the third quarter of 2021. The decline in the effective tax rate primarily reflects a $2.7 million benefit from a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance against certain state net operating losses because the expiration dates were extended due to a change in state income tax regulations. For the full years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the provision for income taxes was $36.8 million and $17.3 million, representing effective tax rates of 27.2% and 29.1%, respectively. Again, the decline in the effective tax rate primarily reflects the reduction in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets due to a change in certain state income tax regulations.

Financial PositionTotal assets at December 31, 2021 increased 1.2% to $6.86 billion from $6.78 billion at September 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase in loans partially offset by a reduction in cash. From December 31, 2020, total assets increased 10.6% chiefly from an increase in loans, securities and cash and due from banks primarily funded by an increase in deposits and the issuance of subordinated debt.

Loans receivable, before the allowance for credit losses, were $5.15 billion at December 31, 2021, up 6.0% from $4.86 billion at September 30, 2021, and 5.6% from year-end 2020. Loans held for sale, representing the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans, were $13.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with $17.9 million at the end of the third quarter of 2021.

New loan production reached a record high of $625.1 million for the fourth quarter at an average rate of 3.91% and was partially offset by $152.1 million of loans paid-off during the quarter at an average rate of 4.02%. Commercial real estate loan production included $33.3 million of multifamily loans, and residential mortgage loan production more than doubled from the prior quarter reaching $84.7 million or 13.6% of total production. Payoffs included first-draw PPP loan forgiveness of $14.0 million and $120.1 million for the fourth and third quarters, respectively. The strong loan growth for the fourth quarter contributed to the $215.4 million decrease in cash and due from banks.

Deposits were $5.79 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, up 1.0% from $5.73 billion at the end of the preceding quarter and 9.7% from year-end 2020. Growth for the fourth quarter was primarily driven by a $66.4 million increase in money market and savings deposits and a $25.9 million increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits; offset by a $42.4 million decrease in time deposits. For the year, noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased 35.6% while time deposits declined 23.1%. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits represented 44.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2021 compared with 36.0% at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, the loan-to-deposit ratio was 89.0% compared with 92.5% at the end of the previous year.

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2021 was $643.4 million, compared with $619.1 million at September 30, 2021. Tangible common stockholders’ equity was $632.0 million, or 9.23% of tangible assets, at December 31, 2021 compared with $607.6 million, or 8.98% of tangible assets at the end of the third quarter. Tangible book value per share increased to $20.79 at December 31, 2021 from $19.96 at the end of the prior quarter.

Hanmi continues to be well capitalized for regulatory purposes, with a preliminary Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 12.52% and a Total risk-based capital ratio of 17.38% at December 31, 2021, versus 12.18% and 17.18%, respectively, at the end of the third quarter of 2021.

Asset QualityLoans and leases 30 to 89 days past due and still accruing were 0.11% of loans and leases at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with 0.12% at the end of the third quarter of 2021.

Special mention loans were $95.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter down from $130.6 million at September 30, 2021. The quarter-over-quarter change included reductions because of payoffs or sales of $15.6 million, $39.3 million of upgrades to pass and $8.7 million of downgrades to classified. Increases included upgrades from classified loans of $20.5 million and downgrades from pass loans and other additions of $7.8 million. The December 31, 2021 balance of special mention loans included $32.8 million of loans adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Classified loans were $60.6 million at December 31, 2021 down from $82.4 million at the end of the third quarter. The quarter-over-quarter change reflected payoffs of $9.1 million, upgrades of $20.8 million and paydowns of $9.6 million. Additions to classified loans, representing downgrades from pass and special mention, totaled $17.7 million. At December 31, 2021, classified loans included $41.1 million of loans adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonperforming loans were $13.4 million at December 31, 2021, or 0.26% of loans, down from $21.2 million at the end of the third quarter of 2021, or 0.44% of the portfolio. The quarter-over-quarter decrease reflected payoffs, paydowns, and charge-offs of $10.5 million and upgrades to accrual of $0.7 million. Additions to nonperforming loans totaled $3.4 million for the quarter. At December 31, 2021, nonperforming loans included $4.7 million of loans and leases adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonperforming assets were $14.0 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, or 0.20% of total assets, down from $21.9 million, or 0.32% of assets, at the end of the prior quarter.

Gross charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $0.5 million compared with $0.9 million for the preceding quarter. Recoveries of previously charged-off loans for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $9.8 million compared with $1.8 million for the preceding quarter. As a result, there were net recoveries of $9.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with net recoveries of $0.9 million for the preceding quarter. For the fourth quarter of 2021, net recoveries represented 0.76% of average loans on an annualized basis compared with net recoveries of 0.07% of average loans for the third quarter on an annualized basis.

The allowance for credit losses was $72.6 million as of December 31, 2021 generating an allowance for credit losses to loans of 1.41% compared with 1.58% at the end of the prior quarter. Both quantitative and qualitative loss factors declined in the fourth quarter reflecting improving economic conditions, asset quality metrics and the notable recovery from a previous loan charge-off. While macroeconomic assumptions continue to improve, the risk factors associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bank’s loan portfolio continue to be considered in establishing the allowance for credit losses.

Corporate DevelopmentsOn October 28, 2021, Hanmi’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on its common stock for the 2021 fourth quarter of $0.20 per share, up 67% from $0.12 per share in the prior quarter. The dividend was paid on November 24, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 8, 2021.

Earnings Conference Call        Hanmi Bank will host its fourth quarter 2021 earnings conference call today, January 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. EST) to discuss these results. This call will also be webcast. To access the event the call, please dial 1-877- 407-9039 before 2:00 p.m. PST, using access code HANMI. To listen to the call online, either live or archived, please visit Hanmi’s Investor Relations website at www.hanmi.com.

About Hanmi Financial Corporation Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 35 full-service branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward–looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements about our anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, business strategies, regulatory and competitive outlook, investment and expenditure plans, capital and financing needs and availability, plans and objectives of management for future operations, developments regarding our capital and strategic plans, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. Although we believe that our forward-looking statements to be reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include the following:

• a failure to maintain adequate levels of capital and liquidity to support our operations;
• the effect of potential future supervisory action against us or Hanmi Bank;
• the effect of our rating under the Community Reinvestment Act and our ability to address any issues raised in our regulatory exams;
• general economic and business conditions internationally, nationally and in those areas in which we operate;
• volatility and deterioration in the credit and equity markets;
• changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
• availability of capital from private and government sources;
• demographic changes;
• competition for loans and deposits and failure to attract or retain loans and deposits;
• fluctuations in interest rates and a decline in the level of our interest rate spread;
• risks of natural disasters;
• legal proceedings and litigation brought against us;
• a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks;
• the failure to maintain current technologies;
• the inability to successfully implement future information technology enhancements;
• difficult business and economic conditions that can adversely affect our industry and business, including competition, fraudulent activity and negative publicity;
• risks associated with Small Business Administration loans;
• failure to attract or retain key employees;
• our ability to access cost-effective funding;
• fluctuations in real estate values;
• changes in accounting policies and practices;
• the imposition of tariffs or other domestic or international governmental policies impacting the value of the products of our borrowers;
• changes in governmental regulation, including, but not limited to, any increase in FDIC insurance premiums;
• the ability of Hanmi Bank to make distributions to Hanmi Financial Corporation, which is restricted by certain factors, including Hanmi Bank’s retained earnings, net income, prior distributions made, and certain other financial tests;
• strategic transactions we may enter into;
• the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses;
• our credit quality and the effect of credit quality on our credit losses expense and allowance for credit losses;
• changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and the ability of our borrowers to perform under the terms of their loans and other terms of credit agreements;
• our ability to control expenses;
• changes in securities markets; and
• risks as it relates to cyber security against our information technology and those of our third-party providers and vendors.

Further, given its ongoing and dynamic nature, it is difficult to predict the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operation. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including when the coronavirus can be controlled and abated. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related adverse local and national economic consequences, we could be subject to any of the following risks, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations:

• demand for our products and services may decline;
• if the economy worsens, loan delinquencies, problem assets, and foreclosures may increase;
• collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase;
• our allowance for credit losses may have to be increased if borrowers experience financial difficulties;
• a worsening of business and economic conditions or in the financial markets could result in an impairment of certain intangible assets, such as goodwill or our servicing assets;
• the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us;
• a material decrease in net income or a net loss over several quarters could result in the elimination or a decrease in the rate of our quarterly cash dividend;
• litigation, regulatory enforcement risk and reputation risk regarding our participation in the Paycheck Protection Program and the risk that the Small Business Administration may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties;
• our cyber security risks are increased as the result of an increase in the number of employees working remotely;
• FDIC premiums may increase if the agency experiences additional resolution costs; and
• the unanticipated loss or unavailability of key employees due to the outbreak, which could harm our ability to operate our business or execute our business strategy, especially as we may not be successful in finding and integrating suitable replacements.

In addition, we set forth certain risks in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K that we will file hereafter, which could cause actual results to differ from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Investor Contacts:Romolo (Ron) SantarosaSenior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer213-427-5636

Matthew Keating, CFAInvestor Relations / Financial Profiles 310-622-8230

Hanmi Financial Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands)

Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

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