First Business Reports Increased Second Quarter Profit of $3.5 Million

Sound Fundamentals Highlighted by Strong Asset Quality

Drive 12% Increase in Net Income Compared to the Second Quarter of 2013

MADISON, Wis., July 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Business Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company" or "First Business") (Nasdaq:FBIZ), the parent company of First Business Bank and First Business Bank - Milwaukee, today reported strong second quarter profitability, even after non-recurring expenses related to the Company's previously announced pending merger with Aslin Group, Inc. ("Aslin Group"), parent company of Alterra Bank ("Alterra"). During the quarter the Company grew loans to record levels while maintaining strong asset quality and generating robust fee income.

Highlights for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 include:

• Announced merger agreement with Aslin Group, the parent of Alterra, expanding First Business' entrepreneurial business banking model into the Kansas City market. The merger is expected to close in late 2014.
• Net income of $3.5 million increased 12% over the second quarter of 2013, even after recording $320,000 in pre-tax merger-related expenses in the second quarter of 2014.
• Diluted earnings per common share increased 10% to $0.88 for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to $0.80 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
• Strong business fundamentals continued to deliver positive results across key profitability measures:
  • Pre-tax adjusted earnings, defined as pre-tax income excluding the effects of provision for loan and lease losses, other identifiable costs of credit and other discrete items unrelated to the Company's primary business activities, totaled $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2014, up 9% from $5.0 million in the second quarter of 2013.
  • Annualized return on average assets was 1.09% for the second quarter of 2014, exceeding 1.0% for the sixth consecutive quarter.
  • Annualized return on average equity was 12.29% for the second quarter of 2014, exceeding 12.0% for the eighth consecutive quarter.
• Top line revenue, consisting of net interest income and non-interest income, increased 6% to $13.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to $12.4 million for the second quarter of 2013.
• The Company's efficiency ratio was 58.9%, marking its eighth consecutive quarter below 60% even while including the impact of merger-related expenses.
• Period-end net loans and leases grew for the ninth consecutive quarter, reaching a record $993.7 million at June 30, 2014, up 7% from June 30, 2013.
• Period-end in-market deposit balances - comprised of all transaction accounts, money market accounts, and non-brokered certificates of deposit - were $729.4 million at June 30, 2014, up 6% from June 30, 2013.
• Net interest margin measured 3.52% for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, improving six basis points compared to the same period of 2013.
• For the second consecutive quarter, the Company recognized no charge-offs.
• Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percent of total loans and leases declined to 1.39% at June 30, 2014 from 1.60% at June 30, 2013, reflective of continued asset quality improvement and consistent strength in underwriting.

The Company recorded net income of $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2014, up from $3.3 million earned in the first quarter of 2014 and $3.1 million earned in the second quarter of 2013. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.88 for the second quarter of 2014, compared to $0.84 for the linked quarter and $0.80 for the year-ago quarter. Improved earnings compared to both the linked– and prior–year quarters were driven by higher top line revenue, operating expense containment and continued strength in asset quality. Second quarter 2014 results include the impact of $320,000 in non-recurring, merger expenses related to the Company's pending merger with Aslin Group, the parent of Alterra. 

"Once again our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our business model and the value our team brings to executing on our strategy. With success comes opportunity, and we are thrilled with the prospect of Alterra joining First Business in growing this franchise in the attractive Kansas City market area," said Corey Chambas, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Business. "Alterra and its talented team provide synergies to First Business in almost every way, and we believe that it is truly an excellent fit, with a complementary culture, market, business model and loan portfolio. Our second quarter results demonstrate First Business' robust profitability, asset quality and capital strength. We believe that combining our strengths with the well-positioned Alterra franchise will provide us with an opportunity to accelerate our loan growth, client opportunities, earnings power and shareholder returns."

Previously Announced Pending Merger with Aslin Group, Inc., the Parent Company of Alterra Bank

On May 23, 2014 the Company and Aslin Group announced the signing of a definitive agreement for First Business to acquire Aslin Group, including Alterra Bank, Aslin Group's wholly owned subsidiary. The merger is expected to close in late 2014, subject to Aslin Group stockholder approval and customary regulatory approvals.

Like First Business, Alterra operates an entrepreneurial business banking franchise, providing commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate loans and treasury management services to small- to middle-market businesses as well as offering private banking/private wealth management services to individuals. In addition, Alterra is the number one most active U.S. Small Business Administration lender in the Kansas City SBA district, providing First Business with immediate access to talent and a platform in a new area of lending that is highly complementary to its current focus. At the same time, Alterra will be able to offer its commercial clients First Business' specialized product and service offerings, including equipment finance, trust and investment services, factoring and asset-based lending.

Results of Operations

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2014 grew $606,000, or 5.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2013 as lower funding costs and growth in earning assets more than offset declines in earning asset yields. Interest income benefited from earning asset balances that were 4.1% higher than in the prior-year period due to 7.8% growth in average loans. The growth of 22.8% in the average balance of the commercial and industrial ("C&I") loan portfolio for the second quarter of 2014 relative to the comparable prior-year period, demonstrated the Company's continued success in executing on its strategic objective to increase business loans. Increased volume more than offset the 24 basis point compression in average loan yields in the sustained low-rate environment over the last year. Improved net interest income also benefited from a year-over-year decline of $183,000, or 6.2%, in interest expense, principally due to a 24 basis point reduction in the average rate paid on brokered certificates of deposit. Funding costs further declined as a result of the January 2014 paydown of subordinated debt and continued growth in the Company's low-cost, in-market deposit relationships. The average balance of in-market client deposits grew 2.7% to $712.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to $693.3 million for the second quarter of 2013.

Second quarter 2014 net interest margin of 3.52% declined six basis points from the first quarter of 2014, but increased six basis points from the second quarter of 2013. Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2014 benefited from loan fees in lieu of interest and non-accrual interest income recorded during the quarter. Management believes the current period net interest margin is indicative of the Company's stable net interest margin; however, the margin may experience volatility due to non-recurring events such as prepayment fees collected in lieu of interest or the collection of foregone interest.

Non-interest income of $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2014 increased $37,000, or 1.6%, from the first quarter of 2014 and $184,000, or 8.5%, from the second quarter of 2013. Growth in non-interest income reflects the continued success of the Company's initiatives to grow full-service banking relationships. Trust and investment services fee income again grew to record levels, reflecting continued strength in client accounts and equity market values. The Company earned $1.1 million in trust and investment services fee income in the second quarter of 2014, reflecting trust assets under management and administration that totaled $889.6 million as of June 30, 2014. The decline in assets under management was due to the mutual agreement between the Company and a client to discontinue providing trust services to a group sponsored investment program.  While the assets within the relationship were significant, the fees for services were not, therefore, the impact to revenue this period was not material nor will it be in future periods.

Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2014 was $7.7 million, a decrease of $103,000, or 1.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2014 and an increase of $259,000, or 3.5%, compared to the second quarter of 2013. Expenses declined from the linked quarter even including $320,000 in costs related to the pending merger with Aslin Group, the parent of Alterra. Excluding merger-related professional expenses, non-interest expense declined $423,000, or 5.4%, on a linked-quarter basis primarily due to seasonal increases in compensation costs in the first quarter not experienced in the second quarter and lower collateral liquidation costs in the second quarter. The Company has consistently balanced conservative expense management with an entrepreneurial approach to investment for growth. Continued investment in personnel, products and technology drove the $259,000, or 3.5%, increase in non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2013. Increases in operating costs on a year-over-year basis were partially offset by continued improvement in non-performing asset resolutions, as second quarter 2014 net losses on the sale of foreclosed property totaled just $4,000, declining $75,000 compared to the prior-year quarter.

Even including merger-related costs, non-interest expense growth remained aligned with top line revenue growth, resulting in an efficiency ratio of 58.9% for the second quarter 2014. This represented improvement of 97 basis points from the first quarter of 2014 and 106 basis points from the second quarter of 2013. The efficiency ratio has remained below 60% for eight consecutive quarters.

The Company recorded a negative provision for loan and lease losses of $91,000 for the second quarter of 2014, compared to a provision for loan and lease losses of $180,000 in the first quarter of 2014 and $54,000 in the second quarter of 2013. Second quarter 2014 loan and lease loss provision reflected consistently strong and improved credit performance. The Company experienced no charge-offs and $5,000 in recoveries during the second quarter of 2014, similar to the previous quarter, when the Company recognized no charge-offs and $20,000 in recoveries on previously charged-off loans. In the second quarter of 2013 the Company experienced net charge-offs totaling $359,000, which represented an annualized 0.15% of average loans and leases.

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality Strength

Period-end net loans and leases grew for the ninth consecutive quarter, reaching a record $993.7 million at June 30, 2014. Balances grew $22.5 million, or 9.3% annualized, from March 31, 2014 and $61.0 million, or 6.5%, from June 30, 2013. Continued success of initiatives to attract new commercial clients and capitalize on market opportunities drove strong year-over-year growth in C&I loans and the asset-based lending business.

Management continues to believe asset quality is a source of strength and differentiation for the Company relative to many of its peers. Strong underwriting and the continued success of certain exit strategies, including payoffs and paydowns, continue to benefit asset quality metrics. In addition, management continues to see improvement in both magnitude and direction of various economic trends that warranted a reduction in the overall general reserve. As a result, the Company's allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total gross loans and leases declined to 1.39% as of June 30, 2014, compared to 1.43% as of March 31, 2014 and 1.60% at June 30, 2013. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets measured 1.11% at June 30, 2014, compared to 1.13% at March 31, 2014 and 0.93% at June 30, 2013. Non-performing assets totaled $14.5 million at June 30, 2014, compared to $14.4 million at March 31, 2014 and $11.8 million at June 30, 2013. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the fourth quarter 2013 addition of one relationship which management continues to believe is not systemic in nature.

Capital Strength

The Company's earnings power continues to generate capital, and its capital ratios are in excess of the highest required regulatory benchmark levels. As of June 30, 2014, total capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.80%, tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 10.89% and tier 1 capital to average assets was 9.73%.

Quarterly Dividend

As previously announced, during the second quarter of 2014 the Company's Board of Directors approved a $0.21 quarterly cash dividend on its common stock, which was paid on May 27, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 12, 2014.  The Board of Directors routinely considers dividend declarations as part of its normal course of business.

About First Business Financial Services, Inc.

First Business Financial Services (Nasdaq:FBIZ) is a $1.3 billion Wisconsin-based bank holding company that specializes in focused financial solutions for businesses, key executives, and high net worth individuals through its operating companies. Its companies include: First Business Bank - Madison; First Business Bank - Milwaukee; First Business Bank - Northeast; First Business Trust & Investments; First Business Equipment Finance, LLC; and First Business Capital Corp. For additional information, visit www.firstbusiness.com or call (608) 238-8008.

This press release includes "forward-looking" statements related to First Business Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company") that can generally be identified as describing the Company's future plans, objectives or goals. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For further information about the factors that could affect the Company's future results, please see the Company's 2013 annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additional Information

Communications in this document do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy vote or approval. The proposed merger of Aslin Group with First Business (the "Proposed Transaction") and issuance of First Business common stock in connection therewith will be submitted to Aslin Group's stockholders for their consideration and approval. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, on July 8, 2014, First Business filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary proxy statement to be used by Aslin Group to solicit the required approval of its stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction and constitutes a preliminary prospectus of First Business, which, when finalized, will be sent to the stockholders of Aslin Group. First Business may also file other documents with the SEC concerning the Proposed Transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ASLIN GROUP ARE URGED TO READ THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS (WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN, OR WILL CONTAIN, AS THE CASE MAY BE, IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST BUSINESS, ASLIN GROUP AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of all documents relating to the Proposed Transaction filed by First Business through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by First Business are also, or will also be, as the case may be, available free of charge on First Business' website at www.firstbusiness.com/investor-relations/. Alternatively, these documents can be obtained free of charge upon written request to First Business Financial Services, Inc., Investor Relations, 401 Charmany Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, or by calling (608) 238-8008.

Participants in this Transaction

First Business, Aslin Group and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Aslin Group in connection with the Proposed Transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of First Business may be found in the definitive proxy statement for First Business' 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014. Information regarding the interests of certain directors and officers of Aslin Group is contained in the preliminary proxy statement for Aslin Group's special meeting of stockholders, which was filed by First Business with the SEC on July 8, 2014, and will be included in the definitive proxy statement and prospectus and other relevant materials regarding the Proposed Transaction to be filed with the SEC, when they become available.

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

Certain financial information provided in this release is determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (United States) ("GAAP"). Although the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of its business, these measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be presented by other companies.

PRE-TAX ADJUSTED EARNINGS

"Pre-tax adjusted earnings" is a non-GAAP measure representing pre-tax income excluding the effects of (1) provision for loan and lease losses, (2) other identifiable costs of credit and (3) other discrete items that are unrelated to the Company's primary business activities. In the judgment of the Company's management, the presentation of pre-tax adjusted earnings allows the management team, investors and analysts to better assess the growth of the Company's business by removing the volatility that is associated with costs of credit and other discrete items and facilitates a more streamlined comparison of growth to its benchmark peers. The information provided below reconciles pre-tax adjusted earnings to its most comparable GAAP measure.

TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE

"Tangible book value per share" is a non-GAAP measure representing tangible equity divided by total common shares outstanding. "Tangible common equity" itself is a non-GAAP measure representing common stockholders' equity reduced by intangible assets, if any. The Company's management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in period-to-period changes in book value per common share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. The information provided below reconciles tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to their most comparable GAAP measures.

TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS

''Tangible common equity to tangible assets'' is defined as the ratio of common stockholders' equity reduced by intangible assets, if any, divided by total assets reduced by other intangible assets, if any. The Company's management believes that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period-to-period in common equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. The information below reconciles tangible common equity and tangible assets to their most comparable GAAP measures.

EFFICIENCY RATIO

"Efficiency ratio" is a non-GAAP measure representing non-interest expense excluding the effects of losses or gains on foreclosed properties, other discrete items that are unrelated to the Company's primary business activities and amortization of other intangible assets, if any, divided by operating revenue, which is equal to net interest income plus non-interest income less realized gains or losses on securities, if any. In the judgment of the Company's management, the adjustments made to non-interest expense and operating revenue allow investors and analysts to better assess the Company's operating expenses in relation to its core operating revenue by removing the volatility that is associated with certain one-time items and other discrete items that are unrelated to its business. The information provided below reconciles the efficiency ratio to its most comparable GAAP measure.