TEMECULA, Calif., March 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mission Oaks National Bank (OTCBB:MKNB) was named a Super Premier Performing Bank for 2004 by Findley Reports, a banking industry analyst and consulting firm.
Super Premier is the highest rating a bank can receive from Findley. It is based on growth, income, loan quality and return on equity among other criteria. Last year, Mission Oaks was the youngest of six banks headquartered in Riverside County to receive the designation from Findley Reports.
"Once again we are honored to receive the rating," said Gary Votapka, Mission Oaks president and chief executive. "The recognition and performance reflect our employees' hard work, our successful business strategy and our commitment to the communities we serve."
Mission Oaks posted record results in 2004. The bank earned $1.6 million, or 83 cents a share, up 56.1 percent from $1 million a year ago. Assets in the 12-month period ended Dec. 31, 2004, grew 24.8 percent, or nearly $23 million, to $115.9 million.
Annualized return on average assets (ROA), a ratio of profit to assets, reached 1.54 percent in 2004. Annualized return on average shareholders' equity (ROE), a ratio of profit to equity, reached 15.37 percent.
More than 350 similarly sized U.S. banks reported an average ROA and ROE of 1.19 percent and 12.57 percent, respectively, according to a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. survey as of September 30, 2004.
Mission Oaks National Bank is an award-winning, community-based, federally chartered bank that is committed to serving consumers and businesses in Southern California. The bank offers personalized services and products through two full-service branch offices and loan production offices in San Diego and Phoenix. Mission Oaks plans to open a third branch in Ontario this summer.
For more on Mission Oaks National Bank visit its Web site at www.missionoaksbank.com
Safe Harbor
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the anticipated development and expansion of the Bank's business, and the intent, belief or current expectations of the Bank, its directors or its officers, are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the local and national economy, the Bank's performance, regulatory matters and those discussed in filings by the Bank with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.