Saturday - October 31, 2009

Santa Cruz County Bank reports third-quarter profit

The following is an article from the Santa Cruz Sentinel

By JONDI GUMZ Posted: 10/31/2009 01:30:29 AM PDT SANTA CRUZ -- The third-quarter profit at locally owned Santa Cruz County Bank was smaller than in the second quarter, but it was a big improvement compared to a year ago, when the bank bumped up its reserve for loan losses. Net income after taxes totaled $42,872, down from $66,243 in the second quarter, and up from a loss of $580,620 in the third quarter of 2008 when the stock market sank. The bank set aside $402,000 for loan losses compared to $1.42 million a year ago. Its nonperforming assets as of Sept. 30 were less than 1 percent of total assets, down from 1.1 percent as of June 30. Deposits grew to $239.2 million, up 9 percent from the previous quarter while loans dipped to $150.1 million down 2 percent. Citing economic stress on real estate, retail, and tourism, President and Chief Executive Officer David Heald said, "We consider economic conditions continually to determine our provisions and strategies to minimize risk and provide value for our shareholders." The stock closed at $9.50 Friday. For most of October, it had traded at $11. Q3 Earnings Santa Cruz County Bank 2009 2008 Change Net interest income $2.6 million $2.3 million 14% Net income after taxes $42,872 -$580,620 107% Deposits $239.2 million $196.2 million 22% Loans $150.2 million $139 million 8% Total assets $262 million $217 million 21% OTC: