OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. Financial Performance for the First Quarter of 2026

Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: OPHC) (the “Company”) is a bank holding company and owns 100% of OptimumBank (the “Bank”), a Florida-chartered commercial bank, OptimumHUD Loans, LLC (d/b/a) as OptimumFunding, LLC, a wholly owned non-bank subsidiary, and OptimumFinance, LLC, a wholly owned non-bank, asset-based lending subsidiary. The Company is pleased to announce net income of $4.7 million, or $0.39 per basic share, and $0.20 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2026. This compares to net income of $4.9 million, or $0.42 per basic share, and $0.21 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, and $3.9 million net income, or $0.33 per basic share, and $0.17 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year. The increase of $0.8 million in net income for the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, was primarily driven by a $3.8 million improvement in net interest income and $0.6 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in noninterest expenses and $0.9 million increase in credit loss expense and the corresponding increase in income tax expense.

The results of the first quarter of 2026 will be explored in greater depth on April 28, 2026, at 10:00am ET, as part of the annual shareholder meeting. Those interested in viewing the Company’s presentation are encouraged to register for the live Webcast, at the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/178187333/guest. Company management will also be available to respond to questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

The Company has demonstrated sustained growth throughout the first quarter of 2026. The gross loan portfolio increased by $132.1 million, or 13.8%, during the first quarter of 2026 to $1.09 billion. Total deposits increased by $161.1 million from December 31, 2025, totaling $1.09 billion at March 31, 2026, or 17.3% from the prior quarter. This also represents growth of $239.9 million in total deposits since March 31, 2025, or an increase of 28.1%.

Highlights for the First Quarter of 2026

“We entered 2026 building on the strongest year in our history, with continued momentum across all key areas of the business,” said Chairman of the Board Moishe Gubin. “As previously announced, 2026 is the year we begin executing on our expansion into new, financially related verticals that complement our banking operations. With the closing of our first loan through OptimumFinance in April, this next phase is now underway. Our sole focus remains on creating and delivering long-term shareholder value.”

Net interest income for the quarter-ended March 31, 2026 increased to $13.2 million, up by $1.3 million from the fourth quarter of 2025 and $3.8 million from the first quarter of 2025, supported by higher yields on loans and securities and lower costs on interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.26%, down by eight basis points from 3.34% in the fourth quarter, while interest-earning asset yields rose 17 basis points to 6.62%. The Company’s net interest margin rose 10 basis points to 4.49%, a reflection of disciplined loan and deposit pricing strategy, prudent liquidity management, and balance sheet optimization.

Noninterest income for the quarter-ended March 31, 2026 increased modestly to $1.8 million, or $0.1 million from the prior quarter, primarily driven by an increase in service charges and fees related to banking services. Noninterest expenses increased to $8.0 million, or $1.3 million from the fourth quarter, primarily relating to an increase in employee compensation expenses. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 53.5% for the first quarter of 2026, consistent with prudent cost management amid balance sheet expansion and associated revenue expansion.

Credit loss expense as of quarter-ended March 31, 2026 increased to $0.8 million, primarily due to strong growth in loan balances, partially offset by 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 $44,000 while recoveries totaled $41,000 resulting in net charge-offs of only $3,000 during the first quarter of 2026. The allowance for credit losses stood at $11.1 million as of March 31, 2026, or 1.01% of total loans.

Loan portfolio growth remained strong in the first quarter of 2026. Gross loans increased by $132.1 million from the prior quarter. Commercial real estate continued to expand, growing by $123.7 million. Additionally, there were increases in the consumer and land and construction portfolio segments, up $8.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively. These gains were partially offset by modest declines of $2.1 million in commercial loans, $2.0 million in multi-family real estate, and $0.9 million in residential real estate. The continued 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 increased by $161.1 million to $1.09 billion from the fourth quarter of 2025, with strong sequential growth across all deposit categories. The Company had $40.0 million in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances outstanding at March 31, 2026, a decrease of $10.0 million from December 31, 2025.

The Bank’s capital levels remain strong, with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 10.74%, well above regulatory minimums. The Company remains well positioned to support continued growth and earnings momentum. The modest decline from the prior quarter reflects strong asset growth, as capital deployment into earning assets outpaced retained earnings, while capital levels remain well above regulatory requirements.

The Company’s outlook remains constructive. During the first quarter of 2026, the Company was ranked number 49 out of 3,465 U.S. community banks by S&P Global Market Intelligence, placing the Company in the top 1.4% nationwide. Subsequent to quarter end, in April 2026, both Alliance Global Partners and Brean Capital initiated equity research coverage of the Company validating the recognition and growing visibility of our platform. 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 Income

Net income was $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to net income of $4.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, and $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2025. The decrease from the fourth quarter of 2025 was primarily due to an increase in noninterest expense to $8.0 million, compared to $6.7 million in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by higher employee compensation associated with increased growth, due to a combination of prior quarter adjustments to year-end incentive compensation, seasonal increases in payroll taxes and other employee benefits, and continued investments in personnel. Additionally, there was a $0.4 million increase in credit loss expense, partially offset by increases of $1.3 million in net interest income and $0.1 million in noninterest income.

Total interest income was $19.5 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $17.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $15.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. The sequential growth was driven by a $2.7 million increase in interest income from loans partially offset by a $0.7 million decline in other interest income, primarily from lower interest earning deposits with banks. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, the increase was primarily due to a $244.7 million increase in average loan balances.

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

Interest expense totaled $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $5.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 and $5.6 million for the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, the increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a $113.3 million increase in total interest-bearing liability balances, partially offset by an eight basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 3.34% to 3.26%. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, there was a $158.9 million increase in average interest-bearing liability balances, with a 33 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, from 3.59% to 3.26%.

Net interest income was $13.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily driven by growth in the average interest-earning assets of $110.7 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 $244.7 million increase in average loan balances and a $14.0 million increase in average interest-earning deposits with banks balances, further supported by lower funding costs.

Net interest margin expanded to 4.49% for the first quarter of 2026, compared to 4.39% and 4.06% for the fourth and first quarters of 2025, respectively. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, net interest margin increased by 10 basis points, primarily driven by the decrease in interest-bearing liabilities cost. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, net interest margin increased by 43 basis points, primarily attributable to a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in loan yields.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.26% in the first quarter of 2026, down from 3.34% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and down from 3.59% in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease from the fourth quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a decrease in yields in the time deposit portfolio. Compared to the same quarter last year, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased substantially by 33 basis points. This reduction was due to a decrease in yields across the deposit portfolio with disciplined pricing following rate reductions combined with a reduction in borrowings.

Credit loss expense was $0.8 million during the first quarter of 2026, compared to $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, and a $0.2 million reversal for the first quarter of 2025. The increase in credit loss expense from the fourth quarter was primarily attributable to the $132.1 million increase in gross loan balances, partially offset by 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 $44,000 while recoveries totaled $41,000, resulting in net charge-offs of $3,000 during the first quarter of 2026. The Company’s allowance for credit losses stood at $11.1 million, or 1.01% of total loans, as of March 31, 2026.

Noninterest income totaled $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2026, up from $1.7 million in the prior quarter and up from $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. The quarter-over-quarter increase of $0.1 million was primarily driven by an increase in service charges and fees related to banking services. Compared to the same quarter last year, the $0.6 million increase in noninterest income was primarily related to increases in wire transfers, ACH fees on deposit payment transactions, and other loan fees.

Noninterest expenses totaled $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $6.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, the increase of $1.3 million primarily relates to an increase in employee compensation expenses. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, the increase of $2.4 million includes increases of $1.6 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million in employee compensation expenses, data processing, and other expenses, respectively.

The $1.3 million increase in employee compensation expenses when compared to the prior quarter is due to prior quarter adjustments to year-end incentive compensation combined with seasonal increases in payroll taxes and other employee benefits and continued investments in personnel.

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

Income tax expense was $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2025. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.8%, compared to 24.8% in the prior quarter and 25.5% from the prior year comparative quarter.

Balance Sheet

Total assets were $1.27 billion as of March 31, 2026, increasing from $1.11 billion at December 31, 2025, and up from $977.5 million at March 31, 2025. The quarter-over-quarter growth of $157.1 million was primarily attributable to a $131.2 million increase in net loans and a $25.5 million increase in cash and cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2026, were $140.0 million, which increased from $114.6 million at December 31, 2025, and decreased slightly from $143.5 million at March 31, 2025. The increase quarter-over-quarter was primarily driven by a $161.1 million increase in deposit balances, partially offset by a $131.2 million increase in net loans.

Investment securities (debt securities available for sale and held-to-maturity) at March 31, 2026, were $27.3 million, compared to $25.4 million at December 31 2025, and $23.3 million at March 31, 2025. One commercial mortgage-backed security was purchased during the quarter totaling $2.3 million. No sales of debt securities were reported during these periods.

Total gross loans at March 31, 2026, were $1.091 billion, an increase from $958.8 million at December 31, 2025, and up from $800.2 million at March 31, 2025. Gross loans increased during the quarter reflecting growth in commercial real estate, consumer, and land and construction. Compared to March 31, 2025, the gross loan portfolio increased by $290.7 million, reflecting growth primarily in commercial real estate.

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $11.1 million as of March 31, 2026, representing 1.01% of total loans, decreasing from 1.07% at December 31, 2025, and up from $10.3 million and $8.3 million at December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2025, respectively. The decrease in the ACL ratio reflects the impact of portfolio growth and model-driven reserve factors and does not indicate any deterioration in credit quality or coverage. The quarter-over-quarter increase of $0.8 million was primarily driven by the growth in the loan portfolio, partially offset by improvements in the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the evaluation of factors used to determine the credit loss. 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 totaled $2.2 million at March 31, 2026, compared to $2.9 million at December 31, 2025, and $7.5 million at March 31, 2025. The decrease from the prior year was primarily due to a decrease in land and construction, and consumer nonaccrual loans of $6.2 million, offset by a $0.9 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 March 31, 2026. Additionally, the Company did not report any modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the first quarter of 2026.

Nonperforming assets (“NPA”) reflected strong asset quality at March 31, 2026. Nonaccrual loans decreased to $2.2 million from $2.9 million at December 31, 2025 and $7.5 million at March 31,2025. The Company sold the one real estate owned (“OREO”) property reported on December 31, 2025 totaling $0.6 million and recorded a $55,000 loss on sale. Following the sale, the Company reported no OREO property as of March 31, 2026.

Total deposits at March 31, 2026, were $1.09 billion, an increase from $931.8 million at December 31, 2025, and an increase from $852.9 million at March 31, 2025. The increase from December 31, 2025, was attributable to increases in all deposit categories, with a 23.5% increase in time deposits and a $38.4 million, or 14.4% increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. The increase from March 31, 2025 was also attributable to increases in all deposit categories, most notably a 35.2% increase in time deposits and a 29.3% increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. The Company continues to maintain a diverse and stable funding base.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) was $4.7 million at March 31, 2026, compared to $4.6 million at December 31, 2025, and $5.2 million at March 31, 2025. The AOCL increased by $0.1 million quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to the increase in mid to long-term interest rates impacting the fair value of available-for-sale securities. Year-over-year, AOCL improved by $0.5 million, reflecting the net impact of favorable 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 or regulatory capital.

Shareholders’ equity was $126.8 million as of March 31, 2026, compared to $121.9 million as of December 31, 2025, and $108.0 million as of March 31, 2025. The increase during the first quarter was principally attributable to net income of $4.7 million and $0.4 million related to the issuance of stock for annual employee stock compensation, partially offset by the $0.1 million increase in AOCL.

Tangible book value per share at March 31, 2026, was $10.43, down from $10.57 at December 31, 2025, and up from $9.19 at March 31, 2025. This non-diluted measure is based on common shares outstanding, which were 12,166,858 at March 31, 2026 (up from 11,533,943 at December 31, 2025 and 11,751,082 at March 31, 2025). During the first quarter of 2026, 65 Preferred Series B shares were converted to 531,179 common shares, which impacted the Tangible book value per share. Additional common shares totaling 101,315 were issued in the first quarter of 2026 for annual employee stock compensation with 421 common shares issued through the Company’s ongoing at-the-market (“ATM”) offering.

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 $5.37 at March 31, 2026, up $0.19 per share, or 14.9% annualized from $5.18 at December 31, 2025, and up $0.75, or 16.2% from $4.62 at March 31, 2025. This is based on fully diluted shares outstanding of 23,625,209 at March 31, 2026 (up from 23,523,473 at December 31, 2025, and up from 23,390,612 at March 31, 2025).

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: [email protected]

OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.
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OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.
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