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LAFAYETTE, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--California Bank of Commerce (OTCBB:CABC) capped its strongest quarterly performance to date by announcing unaudited financial results for the Quarter ending March 31, 2012. The Bank achieved new record levels for Gross Loans, Total Assets, and Pre-tax Income.

"The first quarter has historically been slow, but in 2012, the Bank has made an unusually strong start to the year"

Highlights: First Quarter 2012 versus First Quarter 2011

• Total Loans grew $48 million or 28%, to $220 million
• Total Deposits grew $56 million or 30%, to $243 million
• Net Interest Income grew $560,000 or 27% to $2.6 million
• Pre-tax Income grew $345,000 or 136% to $599,000

Highlights: First Quarter 2012 versus Fourth Quarter 2011

• Total Loans grew $12 million or 6%
• Net Interest Income grew $81,000 or 3%
• Pre-tax Income grew $45,000 or 8%

First Quarter 2012 Earnings

Net Income for the Quarter was $334,000 or $0.122 per share, before preferred stock dividends of $0.01 per share, compared with $132,000 for the First Quarter of 2011, or $0.048 per share, before preferred stock dividends of $0.02 per share.

The Bankas Net Interest Margin was 3.66% for the First Quarter 2012 versus 3.83% for the same period last year. Yield on Loans was 5.70% in the First Quarter 2012, up 3 basis points compared to 5.67% for the same period last year. Investment yields continued to decline from last year, negatively impacting the Bankas margin. The Cost of Interest Bearing Deposits was 0.61% in the First Quarter of 2012 compared to 0.77% for the same period last year.

2012 Balance Sheet Growth

At Quarter-end, Total Loans reached a new record of $220 million at March 31, 2012. Commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, the Bankas core strategic focus, grew 42% or $29 million over the same quarter last year. The Bankas two newest business units, Asset Based Lending and Medical Practice Finance, were significant contributors to recent C&I loan growth. Non-Interest bearing (NIB) Deposits of $57 million at March 31, 2012 were up 34% or $15 million over the First Quarter of 2011. NIB accounts are comprised primarily of the operating accounts of the Bankas growing roster of business clients.

aThe first quarter has historically been slow, but in 2012, the Bank has made an unusually strong start to the year,a said John E. Rossell III, President and CEO.

Asset Quality and Capital

At March 31, 2012, Non-Performing Loans were 0.54% of Total Assets, down from 0.75% at March 31, 2011. The ratio increased slightly from 0.33% at December 31, 2011. aOur portfolio remains strong. In a challenging economy, we continue to monitor loan quality closely, to ensure the Bankas health,a said Rossell.

The Bankas Capital remains above the awell capitalizeda standard. Tier I (T-1) leverage ratio was at 11.2% at March 31, 2012 compared to 11.0% a year ago. Total Risk Based (TRB) Capital was 15.0% at March 31, 2012 compared to 13.8% a year ago. The awell capitalizeda standards for T-1 and TRB capital are 8%% and 10%, respectively.

Other News

President and CEO, John E. Rossell III announced his planned retirement, effective February 28, 2013. The Board will initiate a search for a new President and CEO. Mr. Rossell was the first President and CEO of the Bank and is a member of the Board of Directors.

About California Bank of Commerce

California Bank of Commerce was designed and built to provide a unique banking experience for its clients. The Bank offers a broad range of commercial banking services to closely held businesses and professionals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information on California Bank of Commerce and our unique banking experience, call us at 925-283-2265, or visit us at [ www.californiabankofcommerce.com ].