Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. Reports EPS Growth of 59% in 2015

2015 Loan Originations Rose 37% to $1.16 Billion


WILMINGTON, N.C., Jan. 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOB) (“Live Oak” or “the Company”) today reported fourth quarter net earnings available to common shareholders of $5.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to $2.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2014 and $2.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015.

“Live Oak's strong core performance was driven by higher levels of net interest income combined with increased revenues from the sale and servicing of loans.  A key driver of our success is evidenced by $330.8 million in small business loan originations in the fourth quarter, bringing our 2015 total originations to $1.16 billion.  Our diluted EPS of $0.16 per share for the fourth quarter was stronger than the prior quarter and illustrated the quarter to quarter volatility that can be present in our revenue streams.  Our consistent credit quality, strong capital position, growing net interest margin and noninterest income combined with our small business centric technology platform have poised us well for the future,” said James S. Mahan, Chief Executive Officer of Live Oak.

Year over Year Highlights

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)   Increase
 2015 2014 Dollars Percent
Net income$20.6  $10.0  $10.6  106%
Basic EPS0.66  0.42  0.24  57 
Diluted EPS0.65  0.41  0.24  59 
Loan production1,158.6  848.1  310.5  37 
Loan sales640.9  433.9  207  48 
Net gains on sales of loans67.4  50.0  17.4  35 
Net interest income25.6  14.7  10.9  74 
Loan servicing revenue16.1  12.8  3.3  26 
            

Fourth Quarter 2015 Highlights

Loan production increased to $330.8 million during Q4 2015 compared to $262.5 million in Q4 2014 and $303.0 million in Q3 2015.

  • Guaranteed loans sold in the secondary market rose to $219.3 million during Q4 2015 compared to $125.8 million in Q4 2014 and $147.4 million during Q3 2015.
  • Net gains on loan sales grew to $20.8 million in Q4 2015 from $14.5 million in Q4 2014 and $15.4 million in Q3 2015.
  • Combined net interest and servicing revenues increased to $12.9 million in Q4 2015 from $7.7 million in Q4 2014 and $10.8 million in Q3 2015.
  • Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed) declined to $2.0 million in Q4 2015 versus $2.6 million in Q3 2015.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the fourth quarter increased to $8.5 million compared to $6.6 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $4.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase was driven by ongoing growth in both the held for sale and held for investment loan portfolios attributable to steadily rising loan originations and longer retention periods for certain loan types.  Net interest income also benefited from a higher net interest margin which reached 3.66% in the fourth quarter compared to 3.11% in the third quarter and 2.92% in the fourth quarter of 2014. The improvement in the margin also reflected reduced levels of long term borrowings that were paid off during the last quarter of 2015.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2015 reached $24.4 million, compared to $17.8 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $16.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. The growth over the third quarter was principally due to an increase of $5.4 million in the net gains on sale of loans to $20.8 million. The higher level of gains realized occurred due to increased levels of loans reaching a fully funded state and thus eligible for sale during the quarter.  Guaranteed loan sales in the fourth quarter rose sharply to $219.3 million versus $147.4 million in the prior quarter.  The remaining quarterly increase in total noninterest income was primarily driven by increased loan servicing revenue of $187 thousand, a lower revaluation adjustment on the servicing asset of $655 thousand and $401 thousand in increased fees earned for monitoring higher levels of multi-advance loans.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, the $8.1 million increase in total noninterest income was attributable to higher net gains on sale of loans of $6.3 million, increased loan servicing revenue of $916 thousand and lower servicing asset valuation adjustments of $385 thousand.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $22.1 million compared to $18.1 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $15.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014. Salaries and employee benefits increased to $12.7 million from $9.9 million for the prior quarter and from $7.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, as a result of increased staffing to support loan demand and new initiatives of the Company.  Occupancy expense increased $852 thousand over the prior quarter and $1.1 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 to support the Company’s growth and included an expansion of the Company’s headquarters facilities.  The remaining noninterest expense increase occurred in various other categories and included fees paid in the fourth quarter of 2015 for software applications as the Company continues to invest in further development of its online lending and deposit platforms.

Loans and Asset Quality

Net loans held for investment increased $19.2 million, or 7.6%, to $272.6 million at December 31, 2015, from $253.4 million at September 30, 2015. Loans held for sale also increased $36.7 million, or 8.3%, to $480.6 million at December 31, 2015. The increase in both portfolios is the result of the growth in loan origination activities. The increase in held for sale loans is also largely influenced by multi-advancing loans that are expected to be sold in the secondary market when fully funded.

Average loans were $779.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to an average loan balance of $672.3 million during the third quarter of 2015.

Credit quality improved as the unguaranteed exposure of nonperforming loans declined to $2.0 million at December 31, 2015, from $2.6 million at September 30, 2015.  Total nonperforming loans also declined to $12.4 million from $18.4 million at the end of the prior quarter.

Net charge-offs were $205 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2015, or 0.30% of average loans held for investment on an annualized   basis, compared to $243 thousand, or 0.40%, in the third quarter of 2015. The provision for loan losses totaled $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2015.

Foreclosed assets increased $1.4 million to $2.7 million at December 31, 2015, from $1.3 million at September 30, 2015.  Of this increase, $325 thousand was associated with foreclosed assets relating to portions of loans not guaranteed by
the SBA.

Deposits

Total deposits increased $42.2 million, or 5.5%, to $804.8 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $762.6 million at September 30, 2015. Average total deposits for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased $47.1 million, or 6.4%, to $782.3 million, compared to $735.2 million for the third quarter of 2015. The ratio of average loans to average deposits was 99.6% for the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to 91.4% for the third quarter of 2015.

Long Term Borrowings

Long term borrowings decreased $13.7 million, or 32.6%, from $42.1 million at September 30, 2015 to $28.4 million at December 31, 2015.  This decrease in long term borrowings was comprised of repayment of $6.8 million in debt to
the Small Business Lending Fund program and an aggregate of $6.8 million in debt held by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Independence Aviation.  In an effort to streamline operations, Independence Aviation was dissolved
on December 31, 2015 with its net assets transferred to the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company.

Shareholders’ Equity

On July 23, 2015, the Company completed an initial public offering issuing 5,500,000 shares of voting common stock, no par value, at $17.00 per share for gross proceeds of $93.5 million. Net proceeds after underwriting discounts and estimated expenses were $87.2 million. As a result, the Company has continued to finance existing industry vertical growth, invest in strategic initiatives, support higher levels of loans remaining on the balance sheet, and curtail long
term debt.

Total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2015 totaled $199.5 million, an increase of $5.4 million compared to total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2015. The common equity tier 1 capital ratio for the Company at December 31, 2015 was 23.2%.

Conference Call

Live Oak will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter results at 9:00 a.m. ET tomorrow morning (January 28, 2016). Media representatives, analysts and the public are invited to listen to this discussion by calling (877) 787-4170 (domestic) or (530) 379-4723 (international) with conference ID 28734828. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at http://investor.liveoakbank.com. After the conference call, a replay will be available until 5:00 p.m. ET February 26, 2016, and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international).

Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are based on other than historical data or that express the Company’s expectations regarding future events or determinations are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements based on historical data are not intended and should not be understood to indicate the Company’s expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events or determinations. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or determinations, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include changes in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) rules, regulations or loan products, including the Section 7(a) program, changes in SBA standard operating procedures or changes in our status as an SBA Preferred Lender; a reduction in or the termination of our ability to use the technology-based platform that is critical to the success of our business model, including a failure in or a breach of operational or security systems; competition from other lenders; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; market and economic conditions and the associated impact on us; operational, liquidity and credit risks associated with our business; the impact of heightened regulatory scrutiny of financial products and services and our ability to comply with regulatory requirements and expectations; and the other factors discussed in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-205126), as amended, and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Except as required by law, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to publicly announce the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

About Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOB) is the parent company and registered bank holding company of Live Oak Banking Company, a national online platform for small business lending.


Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
Quarterly Statements of Income (unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 Three months ended
 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 4Q 2014
Interest income         
Loans and fees on loans$10,474  $8,728  $7,408  $6,730  $5,871 
Investment securities, taxable224  211  200  176  163 
Other interest earning assets80  84  70  66  61 
Total interest income10,778  9,023  7,678  6,972  6,095 
Interest expense         
Deposits2,105  1,997  1,801  1,476  1,330 
Borrowings203  395  444  441  510 
Total interest expense2,308  2,392  2,245  1,917  1,840 
Net interest income8,470  6,631  5,433  5,055  4,255 
Provision for loan losses1,467  1,212  50  1,077  1,382 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses7,003  5,419  5,383  3,978  2,873 
Noninterest income         
Loan servicing revenue and revaluation2,408  1,566  1,772  4,106  1,107 
Net gains on sales of loans20,781  15,424  15,719  15,461  14,512 
Equity in earnings (loss) of non-consolidated affiliates      (26) 158 
Gain on sale of investment in non-consolidated affiliate      3,782   
Gain (loss) on sale of securities available-for-sale1  12      (74)
Other noninterest income1,178  768  644  732  523 
Total noninterest income24,368  17,770  18,135  24,055  16,226 
Noninterest expense         
Salaries and employee benefits12,700  9,949  9,319  8,355  7,337 
Travel expense1,465  2,200  2,238  1,476  1,513 
Professional services expense752  493  548  850  707 
Advertising and marketing expense1,156  1,051  1,118  1,008  1,033 
Occupancy expense1,555  703  736  481  408 
Data processing expense1,195  773  722  893  873 
Equipment expense646  642  388  443  467 
Other expense2,664  2,252  1,748  1,196  2,902 
Total noninterest expense22,133  18,063  16,817  14,702  15,240 
Income before taxes9,238  5,126  6,701  13,331  3,859 
Income tax expense3,523  2,228  2,766  5,278  1,411 
Net income5,715  2,898  3,935  8,053  2,448 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest1  3    20   
Net income attributable to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.$5,716  $2,901  $3,935  $8,073  $2,448 
Earnings per share         
Basic$0.17  $0.09  $0.14  $0.28  $0.09 
Diluted$0.16  $0.09  $0.13  $0.27  $0.08 
Weighted average shares outstanding         
Basic34,169,855  32,824,587  28,636,182  28,620,120  28,604,901 
Diluted35,079,486  33,917,282  29,498,399  29,361,841  29,336,277 
               

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
Quarterly Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 As of the quarter ended
 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 4Q 2014
Assets         
Cash and due from banks$102,607  $129,881  $131,487  $47,564  $29,902 
Certificates of deposit with other banks10,250  10,000  10,000  10,000  10,000 
Investment securities available-for-sale53,762  51,628  50,719  50,777  49,318 
Loans held for sale480,619  443,871  356,481  305,079  295,180 
Loans held for investment279,969  259,552  237,612  220,444  203,936 
Allowance for loan losses(7,415) (6,153) (5,183) (5,234) (4,407)
Net loans272,554  253,399  232,429  215,210  199,529 
Premises and equipment, net62,653  62,641  57,310  38,124  35,279 
Foreclosed assets2,666  1,258  747  747  1,084 
Servicing assets44,230  40,590  39,983  38,457  34,999 
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates        6,345 
Other assets23,281  19,498  20,259  17,074  11,679 
Total assets$1,052,622  $1,012,766  $899,415  $723,032  $673,315 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity         
Liabilities         
Deposits:         
Noninterest-bearing$21,502  $20,420  $15,756  $4,506  $14,420 
Interest-bearing783,286  742,208  711,590  551,577  507,660 
Total deposits804,788  762,628  727,346  556,083  522,080 
Short term borrowings        6,100 
Long term borrowings28,375  42,079  54,490  50,210  41,849 
Other liabilities19,971  13,963  14,198  16,571  11,472 
Total liabilities853,134  818,670  796,034  622,864  581,501 
Shareholders’ equity         
Non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (Series A), no shares authorized, issued or outstanding at December 31, 2015, 6,800 shares authorized, issued and outstanding for other periods presented         
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding         
Class A common stock (voting)137,492  136,852  49,122  48,799  48,657 
Class B common stock (non-voting)50,015  50,015  50,015  50,015  50,015 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)12,140  7,108  4,206  1,130  (6,943)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(192) 87  1  209  85 
Total shareholders’ equity attributed to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.199,455  194,062  103,344  100,153  91,814 
Noncontrolling interest33  34  37  15   
Total equity199,488  194,096  103,381  100,168  91,814 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,052,622  $1,012,766  $899,415  $723,032  $673,315 
                    

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
Quarterly Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 As of and for the three months ended
 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 4Q 2014
Income Statement Data         
Net income attributable to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.$5,716  $2,901  $3,935  $8,073  $2,448 
Per Common Share         
Net income, basic$0.17  $0.09  $0.14  $0.28  $0.09 
Net income, diluted0.16  0.09  0.13  0.27  0.08 
Dividends declared0.01  0.01  0.03  0.05  0.20 
Book value5.84  5.68  3.61  3.50  3.21 
Tangible book value5.84  5.68  3.60  3.50  3.20 
Performance Ratios         
Return on average assets2.18% 1.19% 1.87% 4.20% 1.46%
Return on average equity11.60  7.15  16.54  35.86  9.37 
Net interest margin3.66  3.11  2.94  2.97  2.92 
Efficiency ratio67.40  74.06  71.36  50.50  74.14 
Noninterest income to total revenue74.21  72.81  76.95  82.63  79.30 
Selected Loan Metrics         
Loans originated$330,798  $302,962  $276,822  $248,058  $262,472 
Guaranteed Loans Sold219,328  147,377  137,134  137,047  125,757 
Average net gain on sale of loans94.75  104.66  114.63  112.82  115.40 
Held for sale guaranteed loans (note amount) (2)497,875  499,303  431,232  369,214  326,723 
Quarterly increase (decrease) in note amount of held for sale guaranteed loans(1,428) 68,071  62,018  42,491  90,116 
Estimated net gain to be recognized on quarterly increase in guaranteed loans held for sale (1)N/A  7,124  7,109  4,794  10,399 
Asset Quality Ratios         
Allowance for loan losses to loans held for investment2.65% 2.37% 2.18% 2.37% 2.16%
Net charge-offs to average loans held for investment0.30  0.40  0.17  0.47  1.15 
Nonperforming loans$12,367  $18,384  $19,662  $18,898  $18,692 
Foreclosed assets2,666  1,258  747  747  1,084 
Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed exposure)2,037  2,562  3,089  2,934  3,137 
Foreclosed assets (unguaranteed exposure)373  48  34  34  371 
Nonperforming loans not guaranteed by the SBA and foreclosures2,410  2,610  3,123  2,968  3,508 
Nonperforming loans not guaranteed by the SBA and foreclosures to total assets0.23% 0.26% 0.35% 0.41% 0.52%
Capital Ratios         
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)23.22% 24.40% 13.94% 15.90% N/A 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)24.12  25.21  14.73  16.85  19.63 
Tier 1 risk based capital (to risk-weighted assets)23.22  24.40  13.94  15.90  17.41 
Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets)18.36  19.07  10.96  11.38  13.38 
               

Notes to Quarterly Selected Financial Data

(1) The estimated revenue from the sale of the quarterly increase in guaranteed loans is based on the average net gain on sale of loans for that quarter.
(2) Includes the entire note amount, including undisbursed funds for the multi-advance loans.


Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Dollars in thousands)

 As of and for the three months ended
 4Q 2015 3Q 2015 2Q 2015 1Q 2015 4Q 2014
Total shareholders’ equity$199,488  $194,096  $103,381  $100,168  $91,814 
Less:         
Goodwill         
Other intangible assets  103  103  103  103 
Tangible shareholders’ equity (a)$199,488  $193,993  $103,278  $100,065  $91,711 
Shares outstanding (c)34,172,899  34,167,500  28,654,860  28,623,609  28,619,930 
Total assets$1,052,622  $1,012,766  $899,415  $723,032  $673,315 
Less:         
Goodwill         
Other intangible assets  103  103  103  103 
Tangible assets (b)$1,052,622  $1,012,663  $899,312  $722,929  $673,212 
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (a/b)18.95% 19.16% 11.48% 13.84% 13.62%
Tangible book value per share (a/c)$5.84  $5.68  $3.60  $3.50  $3.20 
Efficiency ratio:         
Noninterest expense (d)$22,133  $18,063  $16,817  $14,702  $15,240 
Net interest income8,470  6,631  5,433  5,055  4,255 
Noninterest income24,368  17,770  18,135  24,055  16,226 
Less: gain (loss) on sale of securities1  12      (74)
Adjusted operating revenue (e)$32,837  $24,389  $23,568  $29,110  $20,555 
Efficiency ratio (d/e)67.40% 74.06% 71.36% 50.50% 74.14%
               

This press release presents the non-GAAP financial measures previously shown. The adjustments to reconcile from the applicable GAAP financial measure to the non-GAAP financial measures are included where applicable in financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company considers these adjustments to be relevant to ongoing operating results. The Company believes that excluding the amounts associated with these adjustments to present the non-GAAP financial measures provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons, which will assist regulators, investors, and analysts in analyzing the operating results or financial position of the Company. The non-GAAP financial measures are used by management to assess the performance of the Company’s business for presentations of Company performance to investors, and for other reasons as may be requested by investors and analysts. The Company further believes that presenting the non-GAAP financial measures will permit investors and analysts to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that applied by management. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Although non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by shareholders to evaluate a company, they have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of results reported under GAAP.


            

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