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SAN DIEGO--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--San Diego Trust Bank (OTCBB: SDBK) known for its consistently strong performance, reported its audited results for the 4th quarter as well as the full-year ending December 31, 2011. The Bank reported its 29th consecutive quarterly profit with record Q4 earnings up more than 107% from the comparable period of a year ago. Net earnings after-tax totaled $691 thousand for the three month period ending December 31, 2011 compared to $333 thousand for the same period last year.

"Our consistent profitability, exceptionally strong capital position, and substantial liquidity allow us to not only meet the needs of our market, but also capitalize on various opportunities as the community banking landscape continues to consolidate"

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Bank reported net income of $1.61 million compared to $959 thousand in 2010, representing an increase of 68% over prior yearas results.

aWe are thrilled to once again report such strong results to our loyal shareholders, despite mixed results reported from the banking industry and the high level of uncertainty that continues to plague our local and state economies,a commented Michael Perry, Chairman, President and CEO. aThe tremendous efforts of our entire team combined with our proven ability to adapt to the economic realities of todayas marketplace has enabled our organization to continue to outperform,a added Perry. aOur consistent profitability, exceptionally strong capital position, and substantial liquidity allow us to not only meet the needs of our market, but also capitalize on various opportunities as the community banking landscape continues to consolidate,a said Perry. aEveryone on our team recognizes and appreciates the tremendous support of our loyal shareholders and we are excited to further enhance the value of their investment in the Bank,a concluded Perry.

The Common Stock dividend will be paid to Shareholders of Record as of March 31, 2012. The dividend is expected to be paid on or about April 30^th, 2012. This represents the second year in a row San Diego Trust Bank has rewarded its shareholders with such a dividend.

Selected highlights for Q4 2011 and the full-year include the following:

• Annual Earnings have essentially tripled since 2009, increasing more than 50% each of the last two years;
• Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to $.78 in 2011 compared to $.47 in 2010;
• Total Risk Based Capital of 26.85% was among the highest in the Nation and more than 2 times the amount needed to be considered awell-capitalizeda by regulatory definition;
• Asset Quality Remains Exceptional with No Past Due or Non-Accrual Loans as of 12/31/11;
• Total Assets stood at $213 Million as of 12/31/11 compared to $203 Million as of 12/31/10;
• Liquidity, defined as cash, due from banks, and investment securities, was a record $165 Million as of 12/31/11;
• Bank recognized as one of the aTen Best Small Companiesa to work for in 2011 by the San Diego Business Journal;
• Board declares 3.00% stock dividend for the second year in a row;
• Designated a5-Stara Institution by Bauer Financial for the 22nd Consecutive Quarter.

As of December 31, 2011 the Bankas Total Risk Based Capital of 26.85% was among the highest in the nation for banks of similar size, and more than 2 1/2 times the amount needed to be considered awell-capitalizeda by regulatory definition. San Diego Trust Bank has never applied for any government assistance, including the now infamous TARP program.

The Bankas actual capital ratios as of December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:

Founded by several of San Diegoas most respected banking veterans and business leaders, San Diego Trust Bank is dedicated to the timeless principles of superior local market knowledge, unparalleled service, and building exceptional shareholder value. With over four hundred years of experience in banking San Diegans, timely local decision making, and one of the most comprehensive product lines found in the market today, San Diego Trust Bank delivers aPerformance You Can Trust.a

San Diego Trust Bank common stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter Exchange under the symbol aSDBKa. For information on the companyas stock please contact Mr. Richard Levenson, President of Western Financial Corporation at (619) 544-0260.

For more information on the Bank please visit [ www.sandiegotrust.com ] or call (619) 525-1700.

For bank rating information please refer to [ www.bauerfinancial.com ]

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events, expectations for growth and income forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, loan production, balance sheet management, expanded net interest margin, the ability to control costs and expenses, interest rate changes and financial policies of the United States government and general economic conditions. The Bank disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.