Provident Bancorp, Inc. (MD) - PVBC STOCK NEWS

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (PVBC) reported a significant increase in net income for Q1 2021, reaching $4.3 million ($0.24 per diluted share), compared to $1.2 million ($0.07 per diluted share) in Q1 2020. This growth is mainly due to a substantial reduction in the provision for loan losses, decreasing from $3.1 million in Q1 2020 to $753,000 in Q1 2021. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, payable on May 21, 2021. Notably, digital asset deposits nearly doubled, indicating strong growth in this sector.

Provident Bancorp (Nasdaq:PVBC) announced a stock repurchase program enabling the buyback of up to 1,400,000 shares, about 7.5% of its outstanding shares. The initiative follows a non-objection from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and complies with state regulations. Shares can be repurchased in open market or private transactions, with management determining timing and amount based on market conditions and financial performance. This program aims to enhance shareholder value while providing flexibility in capital management.

BankProv has promoted Kevin Barton to Senior Vice President and Team Leader of the Search Fund Lending team. Barton's extensive experience in leveraged cash flow finance, along with his tenure at reputable banks, makes him well-suited for this role. Since 2014, the Search Fund Lending team has doubled in size, and the bank plans to continue this growth by providing tailored solutions for clients seeking to become CEOs of growing businesses. The bank focuses on knowledge-based lending practices to support entrepreneurs nationwide.

Provident Bancorp (PVBC) reported a net income of $4.3 million ($0.24 per diluted share) for Q4 2020, an increase from $2.6 million ($0.14 per diluted share) in Q4 2019. For the full year, net income rose to $12.0 million ($0.66 per diluted share) from $10.8 million ($0.60 per diluted share) in 2019. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share, payable on February 26, 2021. Net interest income grew by 32.8% in Q4 2020, driven by a rise in interest-earning assets, despite a decrease in net interest margin to 4.37%. Total assets increased by 34.2% year-over-year, reaching $1.51 billion.

BankProv has expanded its small business lending team with the appointments of Joel Gianninoto and Ryan Fox to enhance support for local businesses. Gianninoto, with nearly a decade of experience, previously worked at Citizens Financial Group, while Fox brings firsthand knowledge from managing a small business. Both will assist small businesses in Bedford, New Hampshire, for purchasing and expansion needs. This strategic move aims to bolster BankProv's commitment to economic development in its service regions.

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (NasdaqCM: PVBC) reported net income of $3.2 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for Q3 2020, down from $3.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in Q3 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net income was $7.7 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $8.3 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019. The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share. Total assets increased by 33.5% to $1.50 billion, driven by a 39.8% rise in net loans. However, noninterest income decreased by 12.4% due to lower service charges.

Provident Bancorp (NASDAQ:PVBC) has announced a stock repurchase program allowing the company to buy back up to 1,000,000 shares, approximately 5.2% of its outstanding shares. This decision follows the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's non-objection and is in compliance with state regulations. The repurchases will take place after the quarterly trading blackout period and may occur via open market or private transactions. The management will consider market conditions and capital needs when executing the buybacks, which can be adjusted or suspended at any time.

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (PVBC) reported a net income of $3.3 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for Q2 2020, up from $2.5 million, or $0.13 per share in Q2 2019. However, net income for the first half of 2020 declined to $4.5 million, matching the EPS of $0.25, down from $4.8 million in 2019. The Board declared a $0.03 quarterly cash dividend. Total assets increased by 26.1% to $1.41 billion, with net loans rising 31.9% to $1.27 billion. Despite these gains, COVID-19 has affected service charges and increased provisions for loan losses. Non-performing loans rose to $26 million, affecting financial health.

The Provident Bank has officially rebranded to BankProv to enhance its nationwide presence. This change reflects the bank's commitment to innovation and technology while maintaining its historical identity. The rebranding process began in early 2019 due to market confusion in niche segments. The new brand aims to highlight the bank's entrepreneurial spirit, technological capabilities, and growth as a commercial bank exceeding $1 billion in assets. Along with a new logo and website, BankProv seeks to improve customer experience.