Kroll Bond Rating Agency Affirms Pacific Premier Bank and Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. Credit Ratings of A- and BBB+ and Revises Outlook to Positive

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Premier Bancorp (NASDAQ: PPBI) announced that Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) has affirmed the company's senior unsecured debt rating at BBB+, subordinated debt at BBB, and short-term debt at K2. KBRA also affirmed Pacific Premier Bank's deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings at A-, subordinated debt at BBB+, and short-term deposit and debt at K2. The outlook for all long-term ratings has been revised to Positive from Stable. KBRA highlighted Pacific Premier's strong, low-cost deposit base, robust capital levels, and effective balance sheet management. The company's operating ROA has been approximately 1% in recent quarters, in line with peers.

Positive

• KBRA affirmed Pacific Premier Bancorp's senior unsecured debt rating at BBB+.
• The subordinated debt rating is affirmed at BBB.
• Pacific Premier Bank's senior unsecured debt rating is affirmed at A-.
• The outlook for all long-term ratings is revised to Positive from Stable.
• Strong, low-cost deposit base and robust capital levels are highlighted.
• Operating ROA is stable at ~1%, in line with peers.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The affirmation of Pacific Premier Bank and Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.'s credit ratings by Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) provides significant insights into the company's financial health. The BBB+ rating for senior unsecured debt and A- rating for deposits suggest a strong credit position, indicating the company's ability to meet its financial commitments. The revision of the outlook to Positive from Stable signals confidence in the company's future prospects.

This move can attract more investors as it suggests a lower credit risk. The positive outlook is noteworthy given the recent economic uncertainties and challenges faced by the banking sector. Investors should look at the company's proactive balance sheet management and its strong deposit franchise, which are key factors noted by KBRA. These elements enhance the company's liquidity and financial stability, making it a potentially safer investment in comparison to peers with lower ratings or unstable outlooks.

From a long-term perspective, the stable earnings trend and a return on assets (ROA) of around 1% as mentioned, indicate consistent performance. This could mean better resilience during economic downturns and sustained profitability, which are critical for long-term investors.

However, it's essential to remain cautious and consider the broader economic landscape, potential interest rate changes and regulatory updates, as these factors can impact future performance.

Market Research Analyst

The affirmation and positive outlook by KBRA reflect well on Pacific Premier Bank's market position and operational strategy. This development is likely to influence investor sentiment positively, as credit ratings play a important role in determining the perceived risk associated with investing in a company's securities.

From a market perspective, the recognition of the bank's strong, low-cost deposit franchise and robust capital levels places it in an advantageous position against competitors. Banks with solid funding profiles and higher-than-peer capital levels can better navigate economic volatility, attracting both depositors and investors looking for stability.

The emphasis on the bank's experienced leadership and proven track record in managing growth, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), highlights an important aspect for stakeholders. Effective leadership is important in the financial sector, especially during times of market stress. This also signals potential for future growth through strategic acquisitions or organic growth, which could enhance the company's market share and profitability in the long run.

Retail investors should consider the positive implications of these ratings on the overall market perception of the company. A positive outlook often correlates with increased investor confidence, which can drive up stock prices and reduce the cost of capital for the company.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPBI) (the “Company” or “Pacific Premier”) announced today that Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (“KBRA”), a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, recently affirmed the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating of BBB+, the subordinated debt rating of BBB, and the short-term debt rating of K2.

KBRA also affirmed the deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings of A-, the subordinated debt rating of BBB+, and the short-term deposit and debt ratings of K2 for Pacific Premier Bank, the Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary. According to KBRA, the Outlook for all long-term ratings is revised to Positive from Stable.

Within the report, KBRA highlighted the Company’s proactive approach to balance sheet management, which has placed the Company in a position of comparative strength, with a strong, low-cost and durable deposit franchise, coupled with robust capital levels.

KBRA analysts noted: “PPBI employs an experienced leadership team with a proven track record of effectively managing growth, both organic and M&A, as demonstrated in the years preceding the pandemic. Earnings trends have been relatively stable, with an operating ROA at ~1% in recent quarters, tracking in line with rated peers.”

“Pacific Premier has delivered consistent performance for more than two decades through our proactive and disciplined approach to risk management,” commented Steve Gardner, Pacific Premier Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President. “KBRA’s recent report and revised Positive Outlook highlights our durable business model that has served our organization well throughout various economic cycles. As noted in KBRA’s report, we continue to maintain a strong funding profile and higher-than-peer capital levels. We are well-prepared to meet our clients’ needs, and our team is focused on adding new client relationships to our franchise.”

The Kroll release, disclosures, and additional information on rating categories are on their website.

Note Regarding Ratings

A rating is not investment or financial advice and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating organization has its own methodology for assigning ratings and, accordingly, each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. The foregoing description of the rating is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of KBRA’s press release, disclosures, and additional information on rating categories which can be found on their website at www.kbra.com. The KBRA press release, credit ratings, and analysis constituting part of the information contained therein are, and must be construed solely as, statements of opinion of KBRA and not statements of fact or recommendations of KBRA or the Company to purchase, sell, or hold any of the Company's securities.

About Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPBI) is the parent company of Pacific Premier Bank, a California-based commercial bank focused on serving small, middle-market, and corporate businesses throughout the western United States in major metropolitan markets in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada. Founded in 1983, Pacific Premier Bank has grown to become one of the largest banks headquartered in the western region of the United States, with approximately $19 billion in total assets. Pacific Premier Bank provides banking products and services, including deposit accounts, digital banking, and treasury management services, to businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and nonprofit organizations. Pacific Premier Bank also offers a wide array of loan products, such as commercial business loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, agribusiness loans, franchise lending, home equity lines of credit, and construction loans. Pacific Premier Bank offers commercial escrow services and facilitates 1031 Exchange transactions through its Commerce Escrow division. Pacific Premier Bank offers clients IRA custodial services through its Pacific Premier Trust division, which has approximately $17 billion of assets under custody and over 33,000 client accounts comprised of self-directed investors, financial institutions, capital syndicators, and financial advisors. Additionally, Pacific Premier Bank provides nationwide customized banking solutions to Homeowners’ Associations and Property Management companies. Pacific Premier Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. For additional information about Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. and Pacific Premier Bank, visit our website: www.ppbi.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240627089799/en/

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

Steven R. Gardner

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President

949-864-8000

Ronald J. Nicolas, Jr.

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

949-864-8000

Matthew J. Lazzaro

Senior Vice President and Director of Investor Relations

949-243-1082

Source: Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

FAQ

What recent changes did KBRA make to Pacific Premier Bancorp's credit ratings?

KBRA affirmed Pacific Premier Bancorp's senior unsecured debt rating at BBB+, subordinated debt at BBB, and short-term debt at K2, and revised the outlook to Positive from Stable.

What are the current credit ratings of Pacific Premier Bank by KBRA?

Pacific Premier Bank's deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings are affirmed at A-, subordinated debt at BBB+, and short-term deposit and debt at K2.

How has KBRA adjusted the outlook for Pacific Premier Bancorp's long-term ratings?

KBRA has revised the outlook for Pacific Premier Bancorp's long-term ratings to Positive from Stable.

What operational strengths did KBRA highlight for Pacific Premier Bancorp (PPBI)?

KBRA highlighted Pacific Premier's strong, low-cost deposit base, robust capital levels, and effective balance sheet management.

How has Pacific Premier Bancorp (PPBI) performed in recent quarters according to KBRA?

Pacific Premier Bancorp's operating ROA has been approximately 1% in recent quarters, in line with rated peers.