LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 26, 2012) - ProAmérica Bank (OTCQB: [ PMRA ]) (PINKSHEETS: [ PMRA ]) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Highlights of the first quarter of 2012 include:

• Three Month Net Income of $238,000 for 2012 versus $24,000 for the comparable period of 2011.
  
  
• Total Assets at March 31, 2012 increased to $128.2 million, an increase of $10.4 million or 9% from March 31, 2011.
  
  
• Total Loans at March 31, 2012 increased to $105.3 million, an increase of $19.6 million or 23% from March 31, 2011.
  
  
• Total Deposits at March 31, 2012 increased to $105.2 million, an increase of $6.5 million or 7% from March 31, 2011.
  
  
• Capital ratios in excess of all minimums required to be "Well Capitalized" by regulatory agencies, with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 16.7% and a Total Risk-Based capital ratio of 20.6% at March 31, 2012. Regulatory "Well Capitalized" definitions are 5% for the Tier 1 leverage ratio and 10% for the Total Risk-Based capital ratio.
  
  

"We are pleased with the results for our quarter ended March 31, 2012, as we set a record in first quarter earnings," said Maria Contreras-Sweet, Executive Chairwoman of the Board. "The jobless rate in LA County remained unchanged at 11.8%. With the nation's small businesses contributing 65% of the net new jobs, our focus on providing consultative banking to small businesses remains critical to our region's recovery. With nearly $20 million in new loans in the past year, we continue to make an impact in our community, while building value for our shareholders," concluded Ms. Contreras-Sweet.

Interim Co-CEO and Chief Credit Officer Steve Rolfe stated, "Net income for the 2012 first quarter benefitted from not requiring a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses for the 2011 first quarter was $179,000. The Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses represents 2.92% of total loans versus 2.48% at March 31, 2011. Nonperforming assets, net of government guaranteed loans, totaled $10.4 million, or 7.9% of assets at March 31, 2012. This represents a small decline from December 31, 2011 levels and an increase of $9.3 million over levels at March 31, 2011. "Management believes the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses is sufficient in light of the higher level of problem loans compared to the previous year; however, there is no assurance that additional adjustments to the allowance will not be required because of changes in economic conditions, regulatory requirements or other factors," Interim Co-CEO Frank Smith and Chief Financial Officer added.

ProAmérica Bank provides a full range of financial services, including credit and deposit products, cash management, and internet banking for businesses and high net worth individuals from its headquarters office at 888 West Sixth Street, Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Information on products and services may be obtained by calling (213) 613-5000 or visiting the Bank's website at [ www.proamericabank.com ].

NOTE:

This news release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about ProAmérica Bank's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and the following: ProAmérica Bank's timely implementation of new products and services, technological changes, changes in consumer spending and savings habits and other risks discussed from time to time in ProAmérica Bank's reports and filings with banking regulatory agencies. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and ProAmérica Bank does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.