Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: OPHC) (the “Company”) is a bank holding company. OptimumBank (the “Bank”) is a Florida-chartered commercial bank and is owned 100% by the Company. The Company is pleased to announce net earnings of $4.85 million, or $0.42 per basic share, and $0.21 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2025. This compares to net earnings of $4.32 million, or $0.37 per basic share, and $0.18 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2025, and $3.95 million net earnings, or $0.38 per basic share, and $0.18 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year. For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2025, net earnings was $16.64 million, or $1.42 per basic share, and $0.71 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $13.12 million, or $1.39 per basic share, and $0.63 per diluted share, for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024. The increase of $3.52 million in earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, was primarily driven by a $7.90 million improvement in net interest income and $2.15 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expenses and income taxes. The diluted share count incorporates the effect of certain changes to existing preferred shares, and comparability with prior diluted EPS figures may be affected accordingly.

The Company has demonstrated continued progress during the fourth quarter of 2025. The gross loan portfolio increased by $145.07 million, or 17.83%, during the fourth quarter of 2025 to $958.79 million. Total deposits declined by $27.74 million from September 30, 2025, totalling $931.75 million at December 31, 2025, down 2.89% from the prior quarter. This also represents growth of $159.56 million in total deposits since the December 31, 2024, or 20.66%.

Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2025

Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2025

“We ended 2025 with the best quarter and the best year we have ever had,” said Moishe Gubin, Chairman of the Board. “Our focus remains simple and effective. We are now on the cusp of fully realizing our strategic plan, which includes expanding into new, financially related verticals that complement our banking operations. We’ve built the foundation, and we are excited to unveil the next phase of this journey in the near future.”

Net interest income for the quarter-ended December 31, 2025 increased to $11.87 million, up by $0.82 million from the third quarter of 2025 and $2.64 million from the fourth quarter of 2024, supported by higher yields on loans and other earning assets and lower costs on interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was slightly lower at 3.34%, down by 14-basis points from 3.48% in the third quarter, while interest-earning asset yields were one basis point lower at 6.45%. The Company’s net interest margin rose to 4.39%, a reflection of disciplined loan and deposit pricing strategy and balance sheet optimization.

Noninterest income for the quarter-ended December 31, 2025 decreased to $1.73 million, or $0.26 million lower from the prior quarter primarily driven by fewer loan prepayment fees. Noninterest expenses increased to $6.74 million, primarily due to other expenses including marketing, partially offset by lower staffing related expense. The Company maintained an efficiency ratio of 49.59% for the fourth quarter of 2025, consistent with prudent cost management amid balance sheet expansion and associated revenue expansion.

Credit loss expense as of quarter-ended December 31, 2025 decreased to $0.40 million, due to the improvements in the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the evaluation of factors used to determine the credit loss. Gross charge-offs remained modest at $201,000, while recoveries totalled $67,000, resulting in net charge-offs of $134,000, reflecting a well-managed loan portfolio for the fourth quarter of 2025. The allowance for credit losses stood at $10.27 million as of December 31, 2025, or 1.07% of total loans.

Loan portfolio growth was strong in the fourth quarter of 2025. Gross loans increased by $145.07 million. Commercial real estate and residential real estate segments continued to expand, growing by $141.64 million and $7.30 million, respectively. Additionally, there was an increase in commercial and consumer loans of $2.59 million and $2.44 million, respectively. These gains were partially offset by a $7.15 million decline in land and construction loans and a $1.74 million decline in multi-family real estate. The growth experienced in the loan portfolio is due to the implementation of our relationship-based banking model and the success of our lenders in competing for new business.

On the funding side, total deposits decreased by $27.74 million to $931.75 million from the third quarter of 2025, primarily in noninterest-bearing demand deposits that decreased by $47.45 million to $266.52 million. The decline is primarily related to year end business account seasonality. The Company had $50.00 million in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances outstanding at December 31, 2025.

Capital levels remain strong, with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.39%, well above regulatory minimums. The Company remains well positioned to support continued growth and earnings momentum as the Company heads into 2026.

The Company’s outlook remains constructive. During 2025, the Company formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, capitalized through a dividend from the Bank to the Company, which is intended to offer a focused suite of financing solutions, including bridge-to-HUD financing and FHA and HUD insured loan origination for multifamily and healthcare properties. The platform is expected to roll out in 2026, leveraging the Company’s established relationships and specialized expertise across skilled nursing, senior housing, and multifamily sectors. Additionally, the Company continues to invest in technology, talent, and targeted growth strategies that reinforce its position as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing community banks in South Florida. We remain grateful for the trust and partnership of our shareholders, customers, and employees.

The following table presents the Company’s quarterly trends of the consolidated financial highlights (unaudited) for the periods presented (see below for a summary of non-GAAP reconciliation):

Financial Results

Statement of Earnings

Net earnings were $4.85 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to net earnings of $4.32 million for the third quarter of 2025, and $3.95 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase from the third quarter of 2025 was primarily due to an increase in net interest income to $11.87 million, compared to $11.05 million in the third quarter.

Total interest income was $17.44 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $16.32 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $15.64 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The sequential growth was driven by a $1.36 million increase in interest income from loans. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, the increase was primarily due to a $76.25 million increase in average loan balances.

The following table depicts the components of interest income (unaudited) for the quarterly periods presented:

Interest expense totalled $5.57 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $5.27 million for the third quarter of 2025 and $6.41 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, the increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a $60.00 million increase in total interest-bearing liability balances, partially offset by a 14-basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, from 3.48% to 3.34%. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the decrease in rates paid was substantial, with a 60-basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, from 3.94% to 3.34% primarily from lower interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings.

Net interest income was $11.87 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from $11.05 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $9.24 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The quarter-over-quarter increase was driven by growth in the average interest-earning assets of $70.11 million, and the lower cost on interest bearing liabilities. On a year-over-year basis, the growth in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $91.57 million increase in average loan balances and a $38.08 million increase in average interest-earning deposits with banks balances, further supported by lower funding costs.

Net interest margin expanded to 4.39% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to 4.37% and 3.87% for the third and fourth quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, net interest margin increased by two basis points, primarily driven by the decrease in interest-bearing liabilities cost. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, net interest margin increased by 60 basis points, primarily attributable to a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.34% in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 3.48% in the third quarter of 2025 and down from 3.94% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease from the third quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a decrease in yields in the NOW, money market, and time deposit portfolios. Compared to the same quarter last year, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased substantially by 60 basis points. This reduction was due to a decrease in yields across the deposit portfolio with disciplined pricing following rate reductions.

Credit loss expense was $0.40 million during the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $0.76 million in the third quarter of 2025, and $0.61 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in credit loss expense from the third quarter was primarily attributable to improvements in the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the evaluation of factors used to determine the credit loss. Gross charge-offs remained modest at $201,000, while recoveries totalled $67,000, resulting in net charge-offs of $134,000 during the fourth quarter of 2025. The Company’s allowance for credit losses stood at $10.27 million, or 1.07% of total loans, as of December 31, 2025.

Noninterest income totalled $1.73 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, down from $1.98 million in the prior quarter and up from $1.07 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The quarter-over-quarter decrease of $0.26 million was primarily driven by fewer loan prepayment fees. Compared to the same quarter last year, the $0.66 million increase in noninterest income related to increases in wire transfers, ACH fees on deposit payment transactions, and gains on the sale of SBA loans.

Noninterest expenses totalled $6.74 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $6.60 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $4.38 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the increase of $2.36 million includes increases of $1.53 million, $0.22 million, and $0.67 million in employee compensation expenses, data processing, and deposit operation expenses, respectively.

Regarding the $0.14 million increase in noninterest expenses when compared to the prior quarter, this was primarily due to higher other expenses, primarily in marketing expenses related to the Company’s 25^th anniversary client appreciation event held in Q4 2025. This was partially offset by lower salaries and employee benefit expense compared to the prior quarter, the result of year end incentive compensation adjustments.

The following table depicts the components of noninterest expenses (unaudited) for the quarterly periods presented:

Income tax expense was $1.60 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared $1.34 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $1.36 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.8%, compared to 23.7% in the prior quarter and 25.6% from the prior year comparative quarter.

Balance Sheet

Total assets were $1.11 billion as of December 31, 2025, increasing from $1.08 billion at September 30, 2025, and up from $932.93 million at December 31, 2024. The quarter-over-quarter growth of $28.64 million was primarily attributable to a $144.48 million increase in net loans, partially offset by a $120.53 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025, was $114.56 million, which decreased from $235.09 million at September 30, 2025, and increased from $93.63 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease quarter-over-quarter was primarily driven by the growth in loans.

Investment securities (debt securities available for sale and held-to-maturity) at December 31, 2025, were $25.40 million, compared to $23.17 million at September 30, 2025, and $23.05 million at December 31, 2024. No sales of debt securities were reported during these periods.

Total gross loans at December 31, 2025, were $958.79 million, an increase from $813.72 million at September 30, 2025, and up from $804.24 million at December 31, 2024. Gross loans increased during the quarter reflecting growth in commercial real estate, residential real estate, commercial, and consumer loans. Compared to December 31, 2024, the gross loan portfolio increased by $154.55 million, reflecting growth primarily in commercial real estate.

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $10.27 million as of December 31, 2025, representing 1.07% of total loans, decreasing from 1.23% at September 30, 2025, and up from $10.02 million and $8.66 million at September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter increase of $0.26 million was primarily driven by the growth in the loan portfolio. The increase was partially offset by net charge-offs of $134,000, as gross charge-offs remained modest at $201,000 and recoveries totalled $67,000. The ACL ratio reflects continued credit discipline and a well-diversified loan portfolio.

The following table presents the components of the ACL (unaudited) as of the dates indicated:

Nonaccrual loans totalled $2.90 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $2.98 million at September 30, 2025, and $7.58 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease from the prior year was primarily due to a decrease in land and construction, and consumer nonaccrual loans of $6.20 million, offset by a $1.52 million increase in nonaccrual commercial loans during the year. There were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, the Company did not report any modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Nonperforming assets (NPA) reflected strong asset quality at September 30, 2025. Nonaccrual loans decreased to $2.90 million from $7.58 million at December 31, 2024. The Company reported one real estate owned (“OREO”) property totalling $0.55 million that was transferred to other assets related to a previously reported nonaccrual consumer loan.

Total deposits at December 31, 2025, were $931.75 million, a decrease from $959.49 million at September 30, 2025, and an increase from $772.20 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease from September 30, 2025, was attributable to a decrease in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money-market deposits, partially offset by increases in time deposits. The increase from December 31, 2024 was attributable to increases in all deposit categories, most notably a 27.09% increase in time deposits and a 25.21% increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. The Company continues to maintain a diverse and stable funding base.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) was $4.60 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $4.75 million at September 30, 2025, and $5.57 million at December 31, 2024. The unrealized loss in AOCL improved by $0.16 million quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to the decline in long-term interest rates impacting the fair value of available-for-sale securities. Year-over-year, AOCL improved by $0.97 million, reflecting the net impact of favourable fair value changes over the trailing twelve months, resulting in unrealized gains. All AOCL amounts represent unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, and have no impact on reported earnings.

Shareholders’ equity was $121.90 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $116.89 million as of September 30, 2025, and $103.18 million as of December 31, 2024. The fourth quarter increase was principally attributable to fourth quarter net earnings of $4.85 million, and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Tangible book value per share at December 31, 2025, was $10.57, up from $9.84 at September 30, 2025, and $8.87 at December 31, 2024. This non-diluted measure is based on common shares outstanding, which were 11,533,943 at December 31, 2025 (down from 11,883,943 at September 30, 2025, and down from 11,636,112 at December 30, 2024).

Although GAAP accounting generally presents book value based on common shares outstanding, the Company believes a more comprehensive measure of shareholder value is on a fully diluted basis.

On a fully diluted basis, tangible book value per share was $5.18 at December 31, 2025, up from $4.97 at September 30, 2025, and $4.43 at December 31, 2024. This is based on fully diluted shares outstanding of 23,523,473 at December 31, 2025 (consistent with 23,523,473 at September 30, 2025, and up from 23,275,622 at December 31, 2024).

The increase in both non-diluted and fully diluted tangible book value per share reflects strong quarterly earnings performance and overall capital strength.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this report which are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protection of, the federal securities laws. Forward looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control and which may our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements made in this report. You can identify forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “should,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, we caution you not to place undue reliance on such statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any of our forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that arise after the statement is made, except as otherwise may be required by law.

Investor Relations & Corporate Relations

Contact: Seth Denison
Telephone: (305) 401-4140
Email: SDenison@OptimumBank.com

OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.
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