News Details

COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SCBT Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: SCBT), the holding company for SCBT, today released its unaudited results of operations and other financial information for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012. Highlights of the second quarter 2012 include the following:

• Net income of $8.0 million, or $0.55 diluted EPS in 2Q 2012 compared to $7.0 million, or $0.50 diluted EPS in 1Q 2012 and $4.9 million, or $0.35 diluted EPS in 2Q 2011;
• Operating earnings, which excludes merger and conversion related expense, of $9.4 million, or $0.63 diluted EPS in 2Q 2012 compared to $7.1 million, or $0.51 diluted EPS in 1Q 2012 and $5.3 million, or $0.38 diluted EPS in 2Q 2011;
• Return on average assets was 0.75% annualized in 2Q 2012 compared to 0.71% in 1Q 2012 and 0.50% in 2Q 2011; Operating return on average assets was 0.88% in 2Q 2012 compared to 0.72% in 1Q 2012 and 0.54% in 2Q 2011;
• Return on average equity was 7.77% annualized in 2Q 2012 compared to 7.37% in 1Q 2012 and 5.35% in 2Q 2011; Operating return on average equity was 9.05% annualized in 2Q 2012 compared to 7.44% in 1Q 2012 and 5.77% in 2Q 2011;
• Efficiency ratio improved to 68.3% in 2Q 2012 compared to 72.0% in 1Q 2012 and 74.3% in 2Q 2011; Operating efficiency ratio improved to 64.7% in 2Q 2012 compared to 71.8% in 1Q 2012 and 73.1% in 2Q 2011;
• Net charge-offs of non-acquired loans increased to 0.77% annualized in 2Q2012, compared to 0.66% annualized in 1Q 2012 and 0.71% annualized in 2Q 2011;
• Non-performing Assets (NPAs): 1.90% of total assets for 2Q 2012 compared to 2.26% for 1Q 2012 and 2.44% for 2Q 2011; 3.32% of loans and repossessed assets, excluding acquired assets, for 2Q 2012 compared to 3.72% for 1Q 2012 and 3.86% for 2Q 2011;
• Organic loan growth was $43.9 million or 7.2% annualized during 2Q 2012

Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Board of Directors of SCBT has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share payable on its common stock. This per share amount is equal to the dividend paid in the immediately preceding quarter and will be payable on August 24, 2012 to shareholders of record as of August 17, 2012.

Second Quarter 2012 Financial Performance

Please refer to the accompanying tables for detailed comparative data on results of operations and financial results.

The Company reported consolidated net income of $8.0 million, or $0.55 per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Driving this increase was an increase in net interest income, improved noninterest income, good control over noninterest expense, and partially offset by an increase in negative accretion on the indemnification asset.

“Our performance during the second quarter was exceptional and is the culmination of our growth and efficiency efforts over the last several years. Our balance sheet strength allowed us to be opportunistic during the economic downturn, with regard to organic growth, FDIC-assisted transactions, and whole bank acquisitions,” said Robert R. Hill, Jr., president and CEO, SCBT Financial Corporation. “We began to see some benefits during the first quarter, but this quarter’s performance really demonstrates the overall impact of that strategy. Highlights of the quarter included meaningful asset quality improvements, successful integration of Peoples Bancorporation, solid legacy loan growth, fee income increases in every category, and a much improved efficiency ratio. We still have a great opportunity to improve further, but are off to a strong 2012.”

Asset Quality

During the second quarter of 2012, SCBT saw improvement in many of the asset quality metrics. These improvements were evidenced by declines in the following non-acquired categories at June 30, 2012: classified assets were down $16.9 million to $160.6 million; nonperforming loans down by $12.4 million to $57.6 million, and nonperforming assets were down $8.3 million to $83.1 million from $91.4 million at the end of March.

At June 30, 2012, the allowance for non-acquired loan losses was $47.3 million or 1.91% of non-acquired period-end loans. The current allowance for loan losses provides .82 times coverage of period-end non-acquired nonperforming loans. Net charge-offs within the non-acquired portfolio were $4.7 million for the quarter or 0.77% annualized, up slightly from both the first quarter of 2012 of $4.1 million or 0.66% annualized and second quarter of 2011 of $4.2 million or 0.71% annualized. OREO cost again declined in the second quarter by $600,000 from the first quarter of 2012.

Net Interest Income and Margin

Non-taxable equivalent net interest income was $42.5 million for the second quarter of 2012, a $3.5 million increase from first quarter primarily as a result of the Peoples Bancorporation acquisition and the related increase in interest earning assets, and the continued reduction in the cost of funds. Tax-equivalent net interest margin decreased 1 basis point from the second quarter of 2011 and from the first quarter of 2012 to 4.69%. The Company’s average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 34 basis points while the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 35 basis points from the second quarter of 2011. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company’s average total assets increased to almost $4.3 billion and average earning assets increased to $3.7 billion. The growth in average total assets was supported by growth in average total deposits to $3.6 billion.

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income was $11.7 million in the second quarter of 2012. The Company saw improvements in all categories of noninterest income over the comparable period of 2011 and from the first quarter of 2012. Second quarter noninterest income included recoveries from acquired assets totaling $1.0 million. These increases were partially offset by negative accretion on the FDIC indemnification asset resulting from the reduction of expected cash flows of this asset related to certain pools of acquired loans which had improved estimated cash flows.

Noninterest expense was $37.5 million in the second quarter of 2012 up from $35.2 million in the first quarter. This increase from the first quarter of 2012 was driven primarily by $2.0 million in merger and conversion cost. In addition, the acquisition of Peoples Bancorporation, Inc., added approximately $2.0 million of noninterest expense during the second quarter across all categories. The efficiency ratio improved during the quarter from 72.0% in the first quarter to 68.3% in the second quarter of 2012.

Balance Sheet and Capital

In the second quarter of 2012, SCBT’s total assets totaled $4.4 billion with the completion of the Peoples acquisition. The asset growth was driven by increases in investment securities, acquired loans, non-acquired loans, premises and equipment, bank owned life insurance, intangibles and deferred tax assets. The asset growth was supported by $304.3 million in deposit growth; an increase of $168.4 million in core deposits and a $135.9 million increase in CDs. The majority of this asset growth was the result of the Peoples acquisition.

Book value per share and tangible book value per share increased to $28.17 and $22.86 per share at June 30, 2012 by $0.66 and $0.62 per share from March 31, 2012 and by $1.64 and $1.68 per share from June 30, 2011.

The total risk-based capital ratio is estimated to decline by 63 basis points from the first quarter of 2012 to 15.19%, due primarily to the increase in risk-weighted assets from the Peoples acquisition and a change in risk-weighted mix relative to the increase in capital. Tier 1 leverage ratio decreased slightly by 1 basis point for the quarter to 9.22%. The Company’s capital positions remain “well-capitalized” by all measures at June 30, 2012.

“Our strong balance sheet continues to allow us to improve our operating performance, which is evidenced by operating net income, strong capital position and increasing tangible book value,” said John C. Pollok, COO and CFO. “With our results, our operating EPS has now surpassed the third quarter of 2008, which was previously our highest operating EPS. In addition, pre-tax, pre-provision operating income grew to above $18.7 million for the quarter, an increase of $5.4 million over the first quarter of 2012.”

SCBT Financial Corporation will hold a conference call on July 27^th at 11 a.m. ET where management will review earnings and performance trends. Callers wishing to participate may call toll-free by dialing 866-328-3013. The number for international participants is 914-495-8535. The conference ID number is 92134176. Participants can also listen to the live audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of www.SCBTonline.com. A replay will be available beginning July 27^th by 2:00 p.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. on August 4th. To listen to the replay, dial 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406. The pass code is 92134176.

SCBT Financial Corporation, Columbia, South Carolina is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of South Carolina. The Company consists of SCBT, the bank; NCBT, a division of the bank, and Community Bank & Trust, a division of the bank. Providing financial services for over 78 years, SCBT Financial Corporation operates 76 locations in 19 South Carolina counties, 10 north Georgia counties, and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. SCBT Financial Corporation has assets of approximately $4.4 billion, is the largest publicly traded bank holding company in South Carolina and its stock is traded under the symbol SCBT in the NASDAQ Global Select Market. More information can be found at www.SCBTonline.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

Statements included in this press release include non-GAAP measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide additional useful information. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements included in this press release which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. SCBT Financial Corporation cautions readers that forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasted results. Such risks and uncertainties, include, among others: (1) credit risk associated with an obligor's failure to meet the terms of any contract with the bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed; (2) interest risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on both the bank's earnings and the market value of the portfolio equity; (3) liquidity risk affecting the bank's ability to meet its obligations when they come due; (4) price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of traded instruments in "mark-to-market" portfolios; (5) transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery; (6) compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards; (7) strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions; (8) reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion; (9) terrorist activities risk that results in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions; (10) economic downturn risk resulting in deterioration in the credit markets; (11) greater than expected non-interest expenses; (12) excessive loan losses; (13) potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs, customer loss and business disruption associated with the integration of acquisitions (including, among others, Peoples), including, without limitation, potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel and other integration related-matters; (14) the risks of fluctuations in market prices for SCBT stock that may or may not reflect economic condition or performance of SCBT; (15) the payment of dividends on SCBT being subject to regulatory supervision as well as the discretion of the SCBT board of directors; and (16) other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.