LIGHTHOUSE BANK GROWTH SUPPORTS LOCAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY
 Santa Cruz, Calif., July 20, 2012 - Locally owned Lighthouse Bank (OTC Bulletin Board: LGHT) today released unaudited financial results for the 2nd quarter-ended June 30, 2012. The Bank posted a $446 thousand profit for the period, representing the 12th successive quarter of profitable operations and record quarterly earnings for the four-year-old Bank. Year-to-date earnings for the first six months of 2012 were $882 thousand and represented a 33% increase in earnings compared to the same period-ended June 30, 2011. Shareholder equity increased by $700 thousand to $19.7 million during the 2nd quarter of 2012. The Bank experienced solid growth in deposits and loans during the quarter. Compared to the same period-ended June 30, 2011, deposits increased by 42% and loans increased by 30%. Continued growth in deposits enabled Lighthouse Bank to commit additional resources to local lending, critical for growth and economic recovery in Santa Cruz County.
The Bank's loan loss reserve of 2.92% of gross loans remained significantly above industry averages. The Bank had only one past due loan in excess of 30 days at June 30, 2012, which is now current. Total nonperforming assets of $810 thousand represented 0.5% of total assets. Lighthouse Bank has been rated by Bauer Financial as 4-Star "excellent" and by FMC Consulting Group as among the top 15 (of 230) state chartered Banks in California. The Findley Reports named Lighthouse Bank a "Super Premier" performing bank, the highest ranking given by the well known banking publication. The Bank has no financial relationship with these rating agencies.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE BANK:
Lighthouse Bank is a locally owned and operated full-service commercial bank located in Santa Cruz, CA. The Bank offers a full array of banking products and services to businesses, professionals, individuals, developers and commercial property owners. The Bank is dedicated to providing exceptional personalized service and access to decision makers who are always close at hand. The Bank offers a unique worldwide ATM fee rebate program and complimentary business courier service which expands the geographical reach of its banking office location throughout Santa Cruz County. Lighthouse Bank is committed to operating an open, ethical and financially successful company without engaging in the corporate excesses that have come to characterize the financial services industry. All decisions are intended to contribute to the long-term success of its clients, employees, owners and the community it serves. Lighthouse Bank received no TARP funds and has neither accepted nor requested government assistance of any kind. Lighthouse Bank has never been subject to either formal or informal regulatory action.
Lighthouse Bank is located at 111 Mission Street in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA. Lighthouse Bank's common stock is listed on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board under the stock symbol LGHT. More Information on the Bank may be obtained through its website www.lighthousebank.net or by calling 831-600-4000. |
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The attached release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuation in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. |
