Customers Bancorp Reports Record Net Income for Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2015

WYOMISSING, PA--(Marketwired - January 20, 2016) -  Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CUBI)

• 2015 Net Income Up 29.8% Over 2014 Net Income
• Q4 2015 Net Income Up 27.3% Over Q4 2014 Net Income
• 2015 Return on Common Equity of 11.8%; Q4 2015 Return on Common Equity of 13.5%
• Tangible Book Value Up 11.9% in 2015 to $18.39
• Loans Grew 26.1% and Deposits Grew 30.4% in 2015
• Asset Quality Exceptional with NPLs 0.15% of Total Loans and Reserves 342% of NPLs
• BankMobile Reports over 100,000 New Checking Accounts

Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CUBI), the parent company of Customers Bank (collectively "Customers"), reported net income to common shareholders of $56.1 million for the full year of 2015 compared to net income to common shareholders of $43.2 million for 2014, an increase of $12.9 million, or 29.8%. Fully diluted earnings per share for the full year of 2015 was $1.96 compared to $1.55 fully diluted earnings per share for 2014, an increase of $0.41 per share, or 26.5%. Average fully diluted shares for 2015 were 28.7 million compared to average fully diluted shares for 2014 of 27.9 million.

Customers also reported net income to common shareholders of $16.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 ("Q4 2015") compared to net income to common shareholders of $13.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 ("Q4 2014"), an increase of $3.6 million, or 27.3%. Q4 2015 fully diluted earnings per share was $0.58 compared to $0.47 for Q4 2014, an increase of $0.11 per share, or 23.4%. Average fully diluted shares for Q4 2015 were 28.9 million compared to average fully diluted shares for Q4 2014 of 28.0 million.

"Customers is pleased to report record net income to common shareholders for 2015 of $1.96 fully diluted earnings per share. 2015 net income reached management's estimated earnings for 2015 despite the unfortunate $9.0 million fraud identified during the second quarter of the year reducing earnings by $0.21 a share," commented Jay Sidhu, Chairman and CEO of Customers. Continuing, Mr. Sidhu said, "In 2015 we strengthened our core business franchise as we added commercial loan and deposit generating teams to existing Pennsylvania, New York, and New England teams, laying the foundation for continued strong commercial and industrial loan growth in 2016 and beyond. We supported our loan and profitability growth by increasing holding company Tier 1 capital by $118 million, or 27%, in 2015 primarily through a $56 million net preferred stock offering and retaining all $56 million of 2015 net income. We invested in Customers' future by expanding our risk management, administrative, compliance and technical teams so that we can manage the risks and support an $8.0 billion and larger bank, developed and introduced the BankMobile platform as the digital delivery channel of the future for consumers, and announced an agreement to acquire Higher One's disbursement business. The Higher One disbursement business currently services approximately 2 million existing student deposit accounts and provides a platform to generate over 500,000 new deposit accounts annually. We are excited about our high technology platform for creating a successful mobile first digital bank for the future and the many opportunities that presents for our shareholders and customers. 2015 was an incredible year for Customers, and we have positioned ourselves well for an even better 2016 and beyond."

Other financial and business highlights for 2015 compared to 2014 include:

• Customers achieved a return on average assets of 0.81% in 2015 compared to 0.78% in 2014, and achieved a return on average common equity of 11.82% in 2015 compared to 10.39% in 2014. 
  
• Total loans, including commercial loans held for sale, increased $1.5 billion, or 26.1%, to $7.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 compared to total loans as of December 31, 2014 of $5.7 billion. Multi-family loans increased $636 million to $2.9 billion, commercial loans and lines of credit to mortgage companies increased $421 million to $1.8 billion, commercial and industrial loans (including owner-occupied commercial real estate) increased $327 million to $1.1 billion, non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans increased $154 million to $1.0 billion, and consumer loans decreased $34 million to $0.4 billion over the prior year.
  
• Total deposits increased $1.4 billion, or 30.4%, to $5.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 compared to total deposits of $4.5 billion as of December 31, 2014. Transaction deposits increased by $737 million, with non-interest bearing deposits increasing by $107 million. Certificate of deposit accounts increased $636 million over 2014, assisting Customers in extending its liabilities.
  
• Net interest income increased $44.4 million as loan and security average balances increased $1.6 billion, offset in part by a 6 basis point decrease in net interest margin. The 2015 net interest margin of 2.81% declined 6 basis points compared to net interest margin of 2.87% in 2014. The net interest margin decrease was largely a result of the growth in the lower yielding mortgage warehouse portfolio.
  
• Customers reported a $20.6 million provision for loan losses in 2015 compared to a $14.7 million provision for loan losses in 2014. The 2015 provision for loan losses included a provision expense of $9.0 million for the fraudulent loan identified by Customers in July 2015. $5.3 million of the loan was charged off in the third quarter of 2015 and the residual balance of $3.7 million was charged off in Q4 2015. Customers will continue its efforts to collect the loan balance and is optimistic about a future recovery.
• 2015 non-interest income of $27.7 million increased $2.6 million from 2014 as a result of a benefit received on a bank-owned life insurance policy, higher mortgage warehouse transactional fees and an increase in the gain on sale of loans, offset in part by gains realized from sales of investment securities of $3.2 million recorded in 2014 compared to a loss of $0.1 million in 2015.
  
• Non-interest expenses incurred in 2015 of $115.0 million increased $16.0 million from non-interest expenses in 2014. The increases in salaries, professional services and technology totaling $17.4 million result from growth of Customers requiring additional people, services, and support. These increases were offset in part by decreased taxes and regulatory fees of $1.1 million related primarily to an adjustment in the Pennsylvania shares tax expense and reduced loan workout expenses of $0.6 million resulting from lower levels of non-performing loans and recoveries of prior expenses on resolved loans during the year.
• The 2015 efficiency ratio was 51.3% compared to a 56.9% 2014 efficiency ratio. The 2015 efficiency ratio includes approximately $6.4 million of net expense for BankMobile. Excluding BankMobile net expenses of $6.4 million, the 2015 efficiency ratio would have been 48.4%.
  
• Pre-tax and pre-provision return on average assets reached 1.50% in 2015 compared to 1.41% in 2014. Pre-tax and pre-provision return on average common equity was 22.46% in 2015 compared to 18.78% in 2014. The improved profitability ratios reflect the increasing earnings while maintaining control of operating costs.
  
• Capital levels continue to exceed the "well-capitalized" thresholds established by regulation at both the holding company and bank.
• The tangible book value per common share continued to increase, reaching $18.39 at December 31, 2015, compared to $16.43 at December 31, 2014, an increase of 11.9% year-over-year.
  
• The assumption of the Higher One disbursement business if completed is expected to provide the opportunity to service approximately 2 million existing student deposit accounts and generate over 500,000 new student deposit accounts annually. The planned combination of this business with the BankMobile platform is expected to provide the opportunity to be the "Bank for Life" for these students and other customers. 

Q4 2015 compared to Q4 2014:

Customers' Q4 2015 net income to common shareholders of $16.8 million increased $3.6 million, or 27.3%, from net income to common shareholders of $13.2 million in Q4 2014. The increase in Q4 2015 compared to Q4 2014 net income to common shareholders resulted primarily from a $8.5 million increase in net interest income as loan and security average balances were nearly $1.3 billion greater in Q4 2015 compared to Q4 2014 reflecting Customers continuing loan growth, and a $2.4 million payment received on a bank-owned life insurance policy, offset in part by the Q4 2015 $3.0 million provision to reserve the full balance of the fraudulent loan initially reported in the second quarter of 2015.

Other financial highlights of Q4 2015 compared to Q4 2014 include:

• Net interest margin in Q4 2015 of 2.83% was relatively flat compared to net interest margin of 2.84% in Q4 2014. The net interest margin consistency between periods resulted from a higher yield on investment securities as amounts previously held in cash were invested in highly liquid US agency guaranteed securities offsetting lower prepayment fees received in Q4 2015 compared to Q4 2014.
• The Q4 2015 provision for loan losses of $6.2 million reflects an additional provision of $3.0 million to facilitate the full charge-off of the remaining fraudulent loan balance. As of December 31, 2015, the entire $9.0 million balance has been charged-off. 
• Pre-tax and pre-provision return on average assets reached 1.60% in Q4 2015 compared to 1.39% in Q4 2014. Pre-tax and pre-provision return on average common equity was 24.35% in Q4 2015 compared to 20.78% in Q4 2014. The improved profitability ratios reflect the increasing earnings while maintaining control of operating costs.
• Q4 2015 non-interest income of $9.4 million increased $3.6 million from Q4 2014 as a result of a $2.4 million benefit received on a bank-owned life insurance policy and $0.9 million swap premium fee.
• Non-interest expenses incurred in Q4 2015 of $31.5 million increased $3.6 million from non-interest expenses of Q4 2014. The increases in salaries, professional services and technology totaling $4.5 million result from growth of Customers requiring additional people, services, and support. A reduction in Q4 2015 expense for other real estate owned of $1.3 million resulted from a combined $1.3 million loss recognized on valuation adjustments for three OREO properties in Q4 2014 compared to a $0.1 million loss recognized on valuation adjustments for OREO properties in Q4 2015.

Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015:

Customers' Q4 2015 net income to common shareholders of $16.8 million increased $2.5 million, or 17.3%, from net income to common shareholders of $14.3 million for the third quarter of 2015 ("Q3 2015"). The increase in Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015 net income to common shareholders resulted primarily from a $4.0 million increase in interest income as loan and investment security average balances were nearly $500 million greater in Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015 as Customers grew loan balances during Q4 2015, and a $2.4 million payment received on a bank-owned life insurance policy, offset in part by the $3.0 million provision for loan losses related to the loan initially reported as a fraudulent loan in the second quarter of 2015.

Other financial highlights for Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015 include:

• Net interest margin in Q4 2015 of 2.83% increased approximately 4 basis points compared to the net interest margin for Q3 2015 of 2.79%. The net interest margin increase resulted primarily from higher yields on investment securities as amounts previously held in cash were invested in highly liquid US agency guaranteed securities, and improved yields on commercial loans, offset in part by lower prepayment fees received in Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015.
• The Q4 2015 provision for loan losses of $6.2 million reflects an additional provision of $3.0 million to facilitate charging off the full residual balance of the fraudulent loan first reported in the second quarter of 2015 and the $686 million growth in multi-family and commercial loan balances during Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015.
• Non-interest income of $9.4 million in Q4 2015 increased $3.2 million compared to Q3 2015 primarily due to a $2.4 million benefit received on a bank-owned life insurance policy and increased swap premium fees.
• Q4 2015 non-interest expense of $31.5 million was up $1.2 million from Q3 2015. Increases in salaries, professional services and technology totaling $1.8 million resulted from Customers' growth, requiring additional people, services, and support, and higher loan workout expenses of $0.3 million resulted from recoveries of prior expenses on a loan that was resolved during Q3 2015. These increases were offset in part by a $1.2 million reduction in other real estate owed expenses due to valuation adjustments of only $0.1 million in Q4 2015 compared to Q3 2015 valuation adjustments of $1.2 million. 
• Customers sold approximately $45.4 million of multi-family loans at approximately a 1.0% gain during Q4 2015, comparable to the Q3 2015 multi-family loan sales.

"Achieving earnings of $0.58 in the fourth quarter of 2015 is a tremendous accomplishment for the entire Customers team," said Bob Wahlman, Chief Financial Officer of Customers Bancorp, Inc. "Our team's accomplishment reflects the successful execution of the strategies we have adopted to achieve our performance targets of a return on assets around 1.0% and return on common equity of 12.0%. At this point, we are close to achieving the annual return on common equity performance target. The strong fourth quarter also puts us in a strong position to achieve our stated net income to common shareholders guidance of $2.40 to $2.50 from our core banking operations in 2016. Acquisition of the Higher One disbursement business, excluding anticipated one-time charges related to the acquisition and integration, is expected to be non-dilutive to our 2016 earnings and accretive to our 2017 earnings."

The following table presents a summary of key earnings and performance metrics for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the quarters ending December 31, 2015, September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively:

Diversified Loan Portfolio

Customers is a Business Bank that principally focuses on four lending activities; commercial and industrial loans to privately held businesses, multi-family loans principally to high net worth families, selected commercial real estate loans, and banking services to privately held mortgage companies. Commercial and industrial loans, including owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, were approximately $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2015. Multi-family loans or loans to high net worth families and mortgage warehouse loans, also considered commercial loans, were approximately $2.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2015.

Conference Call

Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure timely participation. Slides accompanying the presentation will be available on the Company's website at http://customersbank.com/investor_relations.php prior to the call. A playback of the call will be available until 8:30 p.m. ET on February 19. To listen, call 1 (888) 203-1112 or 1 (719) 457-0820. Please use the replay pin number 2795440.

Institutional Background

Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related business through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, full-service bank with assets of approximately $8.4 billion. A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech/High Touch strategy that includes use of industry-leading technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as Concierge Banking® by appointment at customers' homes or offices 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers Bank offers a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers. BankMobile is a division of Customers Bank, offering state of the art high tech digital banking services with high level of personal customer service. BankMobile at December 31, 2015 had over 100,000 consumer checking accounts.

Customers Bancorp, Inc. voting common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. Additional information about Customers Bancorp, Inc. can be found on the Company's website, www.customersbank.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement

In addition to historical information, this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "pro forma," "looking forward," "would," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, among others, could cause Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important factors relating to the previously disclosed proposed acquisition of the disbursements business of Higher One and Customer Bancorp's previously announced plans to combine its BankMobile business with the acquired business also could cause Customers Bancorp's actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Customers Bancorp, Inc. cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Customers Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Customers Bancorp, Inc. or by or on behalf of Customers Bank.