EXHIBIT 99.1

Hanmi Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC, or “Hanmi”), the parent company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”), today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2022.

Net income for the first quarter of 2022 was $20.7 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, compared with $33.3 million, or $1.09 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2021. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 included a $16.0 million recovery of credit loss expense compared with a $1.4 million recovery of credit loss expense for the first quarter of 2022. In addition, the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 22.7% - reflecting a $2.7 million benefit from a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance – compared with a 29.0% effective tax rate for first quarter. Return on average assets and return on average equity for the first quarter of 2022 were 1.22% and 12.74%, respectively.

CEO Commentary
“This was a strong quarter for Hanmi,” said Bonnie Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hanmi. “We produced solid earnings and have positive momentum to start 2022, driven by continued healthy loan production, net interest margin expansion, excellent credit quality and carefully managed expenses. We continue to develop new client relationships and deepen ties with existing clients thanks to the exceptional customer service provided by our employees.”

“Our ability to expand, and leverage, our deep community ties was evident, particularly in our new residential mortgage platform as well as our Corporate Korea initiative. Partly as a result of these efforts, our noninterest-bearing demand deposits continued to grow in the quarter, up 4% from the fourth quarter and 23% year-over-year. These core deposits represent over 46% of total deposits and help contribute to our very attractive total funding costs.”

“Despite a competitive lending environment, we delivered strong net loan growth of 3.6% in the first quarter with solid loan production across all of our loan categories. Additionally, total loan production more than doubled from the prior year, excluding PPP loans. As we enter the second quarter, our loan pipeline remains solid, our net interest margin is healthy, and our credit quality is excellent. We will remain focused on continuing to drive disciplined growth and deliver attractive returns for our shareholders in 2022.”

First Quarter 2022 Highlights:

For more information about Hanmi, please see the Q1 2022 Investor Update (and Supplemental Financial Information), which is available on the Bank’s website at www.hanmi.com and via a current report on Form 8-K on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Also, please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” herein for further details of the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

Quarterly Highlights              
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)              
               
 As of or for the Three Months Ended Amount Change 
 March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
  2022   2021   2021   2021   2021  vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
               
Net income$20,695  $33,331  $26,565  $22,122  $16,659  $(12,636) $4,036 
Net income per diluted common share$0.68  $1.09  $0.86  $0.72  $0.54  $(0.41) $0.14 
               
Assets$6,737,052  $6,858,587  $6,776,533  $6,578,856  $6,438,401  $(121,535) $298,651 
Loans receivable$5,337,500  $5,151,541  $4,858,865  $4,820,092  $4,817,151  $185,959  $520,349 
Deposits$5,783,170  $5,786,269  $5,729,536  $5,629,830  $5,509,823  $(3,099) $273,347 
               
Return on average assets 1.22%  1.93%  1.58%  1.38%  1.08%  -0.71   0.14 
Return on average stockholders' equity 12.74%  20.89%  17.13%  14.91%  11.63%  -8.15   1.11 
               
Net interest margin 3.10%  2.96%  3.07%  3.19%  3.09%  0.14   0.01 
Efficiency ratio (1) 53.29%  53.81%  52.01%  52.66%  52.92%  -0.52   0.37 
               
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2) 9.07%  9.23%  8.98%  9.01%  8.87%  -0.16   0.20 
Tangible common equity per common share (2)$20.02  $20.79  $19.96  $19.27  $18.59  $(0.76) $1.44 
               
               
(1)       Noninterest expense divided by net interest income plus noninterest income.           
(2)       Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for further details.            

Results of Operations
Net interest income was $51.0 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared with $49.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. First quarter interest and fees on loans receivable increased 3.2%, or $1.7 million, from the preceding quarter, primarily due to a 6.8% increase in the average balance of loans receivable, partially offset by a five basis point decrease in average loan yields. Interest on securities in the first quarter increased $0.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to a $16.4 million increase in the average balance and a 28 basis point increase in the average yield. First quarter loan prepayment penalties were $0.4 million compared with $0.3 million for the fourth quarter. Total interest expense for the first quarter increased $0.8 million from the preceding quarter, primarily due to a $1.1 million charge for unamortized debt issuance costs related to the redemption of the 2027 Subordinated Notes and was partially offset by a two basis point reduction in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits.

 As of or For the Three Months Ended (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
Net Interest Income2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
               
Interest and fees on loans receivable(1)$53,924 $52,240 $52,961 $52,785 $50,614 3.2% 6.5% 
Interest on securities 2,516  1,821  1,865  1,404  1,140 38.2% 120.7% 
Dividends on FHLB stock 248  248  245  242  206 0.0% 20.4% 
Interest on deposits in other banks 216  302  329  176  96 -28.5% 125.0% 
Total interest and dividend income$56,904 $54,611 $55,400 $54,607 $52,056 4.2% 9.3% 
               
Interest on deposits 2,013  2,236  2,466  3,003  3,958 -10.0% -49.1% 
Interest on borrowings 337  364  409  447  478 -7.4% -29.5% 
Interest on subordinated debentures 3,598  2,515  2,545  1,585  1,619 43.1% 122.2% 
Total interest expense 5,948  5,115  5,420  5,035  6,055 16.3% -1.8% 
Net interest income$50,956 $49,496 $49,980 $49,572 $46,001 2.9% 10.8% 
               
(1)       Includes loans held for sale.              

Net interest margin was 3.10% for the first quarter, up 14 basis points from the fourth quarter. This was primarily due to a 19 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets arising from the shift in the composition of earning assets where higher-yielding average loans grew to 78.4% of earning assets from 73.9% and lower-yielding interest-bearing deposits in other banks fell to 7.4% of earnings assets from 12.1%.

The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.69% for the first quarter of 2022 compared with 0.57% for the fourth quarter of 2021. A $1.1 million charge for unamortized debt issuance costs related to the redemption of the 2027 Subordinated Notes in the first quarter drove this increase, which also adversely affected the net interest margin by seven basis points. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was 0.26% for the first quarter of 2022, down two basis points from the fourth quarter of 2021.

 For the Three Months Ended (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
Average Earning Assets and Interest-bearing Liabilities2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Loans receivable (1)$5,231,672  $4,896,952  $4,684,570  $4,753,297  $4,843,825  6.8% 8.0% 
Securities (2) 930,505   914,148   878,866   812,805   774,022  1.8% 20.2% 
FHLB stock 16,385   16,385   16,385   16,385   16,385  0.0% 0.0% 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks 494,887   802,901   872,783   659,934   395,602  -38.4% 25.1% 
Average interest-earning assets$6,673,449  $6,630,386  $6,452,604  $6,242,421  $6,029,834  0.6% 10.7% 
               
Demand: interest-bearing$124,892  $122,602  $115,233  $112,252  $102,980  1.9% 21.3% 
Money market and savings 2,106,008   2,078,659   2,033,876   2,032,102   1,967,012  1.3% 7.1% 
Time deposits 937,044   1,013,681   1,061,359   1,136,903   1,238,513  -7.6% -24.3% 
Average interest-bearing deposits 3,167,944   3,214,942   3,210,468   3,281,257   3,308,505  -1.5% -4.2% 
Borrowings 130,556   137,500   143,750   150,091   150,000  -5.1% -13.0% 
Subordinated debentures 213,171   214,899   163,340   119,170   119,040  -0.8% 79.1% 
Average interest-bearing liabilities$3,511,671  $3,567,341  $3,517,558  $3,550,518  $3,577,545  -1.6% -1.8% 
               
Average Noninterest Bearing Deposits              
Demand deposits - noninterest bearing$2,634,398  $2,561,297  $2,444,759  $2,223,172  $1,991,204  2.9% 32.3% 
               
(1)       Includes loans held for sale.              
(2)       Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.         
               
 For the Three Months Ended Amount Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
Average Yields and Rates2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Loans receivable(1) 4.18%  4.23%  4.49%  4.45%  4.24% -0.05  -0.06  
Securities (2) 1.11%  0.83%  0.87%  0.69%  0.59% 0.28  0.52  
FHLB stock 6.14%  6.00%  5.93%  5.93%  5.10% 0.14  1.04  
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks 0.18%  0.15%  0.15%  0.11%  0.10% 0.03  0.08  
Interest-earning assets 3.46%  3.27%  3.41%  3.51%  3.50% 0.19  -0.04  
               
Interest-bearing deposits 0.26%  0.28%  0.30%  0.37%  0.49% -0.02  -0.23  
Borrowings 1.05%  1.05%  1.13%  1.19%  1.29% -0.00  -0.24  
Subordinated debentures 6.75%  4.68%  6.23%  5.32%  5.44% 2.07  1.31  
Interest-bearing liabilities 0.69%  0.57%  0.61%  0.57%  0.69% 0.12  -0.00  
               
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) 3.10%  2.96%  3.07%  3.19%  3.09% 0.14  0.01  
               
Cost of deposits 0.14%  0.15%  0.17%  0.22%  0.30% -0.01  -0.16  
               
(1)       Includes loans held for sale.              
(2)       Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.         

For the first quarter of 2022, Hanmi recorded a $1.4 million recovery of credit loss expense comprised of a $1.1 million negative provision for loan losses and a $0.2 million negative provision for off-balance sheet items. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $16.0 million recovery of credit loss expense comprised of a $13.4 million negative provision for loan losses, a $2.3 million negative provision for off-balance sheet items and a $0.3 million negative provision for the allowance for losses on accrued interest receivable for current or previously modified loans. The fourth quarter negative provision for loan losses reflected a $9.1 million cash recovery from a first quarter 2020 loan charge-off.

First quarter 2022 noninterest income decreased to $8.5 million from $9.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to a $1.3 million decrease in gains on the sale of SBA 7(a) loans. The volume of SBA loans sold in the first quarter declined 19.2% to $29.6 million from $36.6 million in the fourth quarter, while trade premiums also declined to 9.85% for the first quarter from 10.98% for the fourth quarter.

 For the Three Months Ended (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
Noninterest Income2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Service charges on deposit accounts$2,875 $3,007  $3,437 $2,344 $2,357 -4.4% 22.0% 
Trade finance and other service charges and fees 1,142  1,160   1,188  1,259  1,034 -1.6% 10.4% 
Servicing income 734  666   768  540  846 10.2% -13.2% 
Bank-owned life insurance income 244  252   251  252  256 -3.2% -4.7% 
All other operating income 1,004  1,017   978  908  841 -1.3% 19.4% 
Service charges, fees & other 5,999  6,102   6,622  5,303  5,334 -1.7% 12.5% 
               
Gain on sale of SBA loans 2,521  3,791   5,842  3,508  4,125 -33.5% -38.9% 
Net gain (loss) on sales of securities -  (598)  -  -  99 -100.0% -100.0% 
Gain (loss) on sale of bank premises -  -   45  -  - 0.0% 0.0% 
Legal settlement -  -   -  75  250 0.0% -100.0% 
Total noninterest income$8,520 $9,295  $12,509 $8,886 $9,808 -8.3% -13.1% 

Noninterest expense increased slightly to $31.7 million for the first quarter of 2022 from $31.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Salaries and employee benefits expense declined by $0.9 million, reflecting lower estimated incentive compensation for 2022 loan production, and occupancy and equipment expense declined by $0.2 million, which was more than offset by a $1.5 million increase in other operating expenses, largely from more normalized insurance premiums. The efficiency ratio improved slightly to 53.29% for the first quarter from 53.81% for the prior quarter.

 For the Three Months Ended (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Noninterest Expense              
Salaries and employee benefits$17,717  $18,644  $18,795  $18,302  $16,820 -5.0% 5.3% 
Occupancy and equipment 4,646   4,840   5,037   4,602   4,595 -4.0% 1.1% 
Data processing 3,236   3,228   2,934   2,915   2,926 0.2% 10.6% 
Professional fees 1,430   1,443   1,263   1,413   1,447 -0.9% -1.2% 
Supplies and communication 665   795   741   733   757 -16.4% -12.2% 
Advertising and promotion 817   964   953   374   359 -15.2% 127.6% 
All other operating expenses 3,186   1,980   2,906   2,607   2,378 60.9% 34.0% 
Subtotal 31,697   31,894   32,629   30,946   29,282 -0.6% 8.2% 
               
Other real estate owned expense (income) 12   -   23   (47)  221 0.0% 94.6% 
Repossessed personal property expense (income) (17)  (258)  (150)  (116)  32 93.4% 153.1% 
Total noninterest expense$31,692  $31,636  $32,502  $30,783  $29,535 0.2% 7.3% 

Hanmi recorded a provision for income taxes of $8.5 million for the first quarter of 2022, representing an effective tax rate of 29.0%, compared with $9.8 million, representing an effective tax rate of 22.7% for the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in the effective tax rate to a more normalized level primarily reflects the fourth quarter $2.7 million benefit from a reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance against certain state net operating losses because the expiration dates were extended due to a change in state income tax regulations.

Financial Position
Total assets at March 31, 2022 decreased 1.8%, or $121.5 million, to $6.74 billion from $6.86 billion at December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to a concomitant reduction in cash following the redemption of the 2027 Subordinated Notes ($86.0 million), and a $12.5 million decline in borrowings and, to a lesser extent, the $36.4 million after-tax decline in the fair market value of securities.

Loans receivable, before the allowance for credit losses, were $5.34 billion at March 31, 2022, up 3.6% from $5.15 billion at December 31, 2021. Loans held for sale, representing the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans, were $15.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 2022, compared with $13.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.

 As of (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Loan Portfolio              
Commercial real estate loans$3,771,453  $3,701,864  $3,528,506  $3,452,014  $3,372,288  1.9% 11.8% 
Residential/consumer loans 432,805   400,548   354,860   348,730   328,228  8.1% 31.9% 
Commercial and industrial loans 633,107   561,830   516,357   587,729   707,073  12.7% -10.5% 
Leases 500,135   487,299   459,142   431,619   409,562  2.6% 22.1% 
Loans receivable 5,337,500   5,151,541   4,858,865   4,820,092   4,817,151  3.6% 10.8% 
Loans held for sale 15,617   13,342   17,881   36,030   32,674  17.1% -52.2% 
Total$5,353,117  $5,164,883  $4,876,746  $4,856,122  $4,849,825  3.6% 10.4% 
               
               
 As of   
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31,     
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021     
Composition of Loan Portfolio              
Commercial real estate loans 70.5%  71.6%  72.3%  71.1%  69.5%     
Residential/consumer loans 8.1%  7.8%  7.3%  7.2%  6.8%     
Commercial and industrial loans 11.8%  10.9%  10.6%  12.1%  14.6%     
Leases 9.3%  9.4%  9.4%  8.9%  8.4%     
Loans receivable 99.7%  99.7%  99.6%  99.3%  99.3%     
Loans held for sale 0.3%  0.3%  0.4%  0.7%  0.7%     
Total 100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%     

New loan production was $506.9 million for the first quarter at an average rate of 3.95% while $181.0 million of loans paid-off during the quarter at an average rate of 4.45%.

Commercial real estate loan production for the first quarter was $233.3 million. Commercial and industrial loan production was $98.4 million, SBA loan production was $42.6 million, lease production was $71.5 million and residential mortgage loan production was $59.9 million. The strong net loan growth for the first quarter reduced excess liquidity on the balance sheet and contributed to the $296.5 million decrease in cash and due from banks.

 For the Three Months Ended (in thousands) 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 
New Loan Production          
Commercial real estate loans$233,295  $291,543  $214,380  $186,136  $103,051  
Commercial and industrial loans 98,432   116,365   114,263   99,429   42,255  
SBA loans 42,632   47,397   46,264   42,560   155,908  
Leases receivable 71,487   83,813   83,642   70,923   34,055  
Residential/consumer loans 61,023   85,966   41,497   66,581   12,722  
subtotal 506,869   625,084   500,046   465,629   347,991  
           
           
Payoffs (181,026)  (152,134)  (291,686)  (264,822)  (166,730) 
Amortization (96,852)  (90,358)  (63,435)  (90,348)  (94,852) 
Loan sales (29,577)  (41,274)  (65,253)  (35,760)  (136,590) 
Net line utilization (12,620)  (48,203)  (39,941)  (70,287)  (9,331) 
Charge-offs & OREO (835)  (439)  (958)  (1,471)  (3,505) 
           
Loans receivable-beginning balance 5,151,541   4,858,865   4,820,092   4,817,151   4,880,168  
Loans receivable-ending balance$5,337,500  $5,151,541  $4,858,865  $4,820,092  $4,817,151  

Deposits were $5.78 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2022, down slightly from $5.79 billion at the end of the preceding quarter. The change was comprised of a $104.2 million increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, offset by a $90.6 million decrease in time deposits and an $18.4 million decline in money market and savings deposits. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits represented 46.3% of total deposits at March 31, 2022 and the loan-to-deposit ratio was 92.3%.

 As of (in thousands) Percentage Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Deposit Portfolio              
Demand: noninterest-bearing$2,678,726  $2,574,517  $2,548,591  $2,354,671  $2,174,624  4.0% 23.2% 
Demand: interest-bearing 126,907   125,183   118,334   113,892   111,362  1.4% 14.0% 
Money market and savings 2,080,969   2,099,381   2,033,000   2,045,143   2,029,824  -0.9% 2.5% 
Time deposits 896,568   987,188   1,029,611   1,116,124   1,194,013  -9.2% -24.9% 
Total deposits$5,783,170  $5,786,269  $5,729,536  $5,629,830  $5,509,823  -0.1% 5.0% 
               
               
 As of   
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31,     
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021     
Composition of Deposit Portfolio              
Demand: noninterest-bearing 46.3%  44.4%  44.4%  41.9%  39.5%     
Demand: interest-bearing 2.2%  2.2%  2.1%  2.0%  2.0%     
Money market and savings 36.0%  36.3%  35.5%  36.3%  36.8%     
Time deposits 15.5%  17.1%  18.0%  19.8%  21.7%     
Total deposits 100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%     

Stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2022 was $621.5 million, compared with $643.4 million at December 31, 2021. The sequential decline was primarily due to the $36.4 million unrealized after-tax loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income for the first quarter because of changes in the value of the securities portfolio resulting from increases in interest rates during the quarter. Tangible common stockholders’ equity was $610.1 million, or 9.07% of tangible assets, at March 31, 2022, compared with $632.0 million, or 9.23% of tangible assets at the end of the fourth quarter. Tangible book value per share decreased to $20.02 at March 31, 2022 from $20.79 at the end of the prior quarter.

Hanmi and the Bank exceeded the minimum regulatory capital requirements and the Bank continues to exceed the minimum for the “well capitalized” category. At March 31, 2022, Hanmi’s preliminary Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.33% and its Total risk-based capital ratio was 14.71% compared with 11.55% and 16.57%, respectively, at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021. The decline in the Total risk-based capital ratio reflects the redemption of the 2027 Subordinated Notes.

 As of Amount Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Regulatory Capital ratios (1)              
Hanmi Financial              
Total risk-based capital14.71% 16.57% 17.18% 15.53% 15.54% -1.86 -0.83 
Tier 1 risk-based capital11.69% 11.93% 12.18% 12.30% 12.26% -0.24 -0.57 
Common equity tier 1 capital11.33% 11.55% 11.78% 11.88% 11.84% -0.22 -0.51 
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio9.70% 9.63% 9.50% 9.57% 9.61% 0.07 0.09 
Hanmi Bank              
Total risk-based capital14.18% 14.70% 15.17% 15.25% 15.26% -0.52 -1.08 
Tier 1 risk-based capital13.09% 13.59% 13.91% 13.99% 14.01% -0.50 -0.92 
Common equity tier 1 capital13.09% 13.59% 13.91% 13.99% 14.01% -0.50 -0.92 
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio10.84% 10.96% 10.86% 10.89% 10.99% -0.12 -0.15 
               
(1)       Preliminary ratios for March 31, 2022              

Asset Quality
Loans and leases 30 to 89 days past due and still accruing were 0.10% of loans and leases at the end of the first quarter of 2022, compared with 0.11% at the end of the prior quarter.

Special mention loans were $141.0 million at the end of the first quarter, up from $95.3 million at December 31, 2021. The quarter-over-quarter change included increases from downgrades of pass loans of $66.3 million and other additions of $1.8 million. Reductions included upgrades to pass of $19.2 million, payoffs and paydowns of $2.6 million and $0.6 million of downgrades to classified.

Classified loans were $57.4 million at March 31, 2022, down from $60.6 million at the end of the fourth quarter. The quarter-over-quarter decline reflected payoffs and paydowns of $3.5 million, upgrades of $2.2 million and charge-offs of $0.3 million. Offsetting the declines in classified loans were additions, representing downgrades from pass and special mention, totaling $2.8 million.

Nonperforming loans were $11.5 million at March 31, 2022, or 0.21% of loans, down from $13.4 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, or 0.26% of the portfolio. The quarter-over-quarter decrease reflected payoffs, paydowns, and charge-offs of $2.3 million and upgrades to accrual of $0.8 million. Additions to nonperforming loans totaled $1.2 million for the quarter.

Nonperforming assets were $12.1 million at the end of the first quarter of 2022, or 0.18% of total assets, down from $14.0 million, or 0.20% of assets, at the end of the prior quarter.

Gross charge-offs for the first quarter of 2022 were $0.8 million compared with $0.5 million for the preceding quarter. Recoveries of previously charged-off loans for the first quarter of 2022 were $0.9 million, compared with $9.8 million for the preceding quarter. As a result, there were net recoveries of $0.1 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared with net recoveries of $9.3 million for the prior quarter. For the first quarter of 2022, net recoveries represented 0.01% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared with net recoveries of 0.76% of average loans for the fourth quarter on an annualized basis.

The allowance for credit losses was $71.5 million as of March 31, 2022, generating an allowance for credit losses to loans of 1.34%, compared with 1.41% at the end of the prior quarter. While quantitative loss factors increased slightly during the first quarter due to strong loan growth, qualitative loss factors declined in the first quarter, reflecting improving economic conditions, and asset quality metrics. While macroeconomic assumptions continue to improve, the risk factors associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bank’s loan portfolio continue to be considered in establishing the allowance for credit losses.

 As of or for the Three Months Ended (in thousands) Amount Change 
 Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Q1-22 Q1-22 
 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 vs. Q4-21 vs. Q1-21 
Asset Quality Data and Ratios              
               
Delinquent loans:              
Loans, 30 to 89 days past due and still accruing$5,493  $5,881  $6,017  $4,332  $6,926  $(388) $(1,433) 
Delinquent loans to total loans 0.10%  0.11%  0.12%  0.09%  0.14%  -0.01   -0.04  
               
Criticized loans:              
Special mention$140,958  $95,295  $130,564  $121,826  $96,057  $45,663  $44,901  
Classified 57,402   60,632   82,436   110,120   147,426   (3,230)  (90,024) 
Total criticized loans$198,360  $155,927  $213,000  $231,946  $243,483  $42,433  $(45,123) 
               
Nonperforming assets:              
Nonaccrual loans$11,470  $13,360  $21,223  $39,573  $55,058  $(1,890) $(43,588) 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing -   -   13   12,446   -   -   -  
Nonperforming loans 11,470   13,360   21,236   52,019   55,058   (1,890)  (43,588) 
Other real estate owned, net 675   675   675   712   1,545   -   (870) 
Nonperforming assets$12,145  $14,035  $21,911  $52,731  $56,603  $(1,890) $(44,458) 
               
Nonperforming loans to total loans 0.21%  0.26%  0.44%  1.08%  1.14%     
Nonperforming assets to assets 0.18%  0.20%  0.32%  0.80%  0.88%     
               
Allowance for credit losses:              
Balance at beginning of period$72,557  $76,613  $83,372  $88,392  $90,426      
Credit loss expense (recovery) on loans (1,147)  (13,375)  (7,623)  (4,112)  964      
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries 102   9,319   864   (908)  (2,998)     
Balance at end of period$71,512  $72,557  $76,613 $-$83,372 $-$88,392      
               
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (1) -0.01%  -0.76%  -0.07%  0.08%  0.25%     
Allowance for credit losses to loans 1.34%  1.41%  1.58%  1.73%  1.83%     
               
Allowance for credit losses related to off-balance sheet items:              
Balance at beginning of period$2,586  $4,851  $3,643  $2,342  $2,791      
Credit loss expense on off-balance sheet items (228)  (2,265)  1,208   1,301   (450)     
Balance at end of period$2,358  $2,586  $4,851  $3,643  $2,341      
               
Commitments to extend credit$626,615  $626,474  $536,149  $552,773  $463,841      
               
Allowance for Losses on Accrued Interest Receivable:              
Balance at beginning of period -  $311  $680  $1,196  $1,666      
Interest reversal for loans placed on nonaccrual -   -   -   -   -      
Credit loss expense on interest accrued on CARES Act modifications -   (311)  (369)  (516)  (470)     
Balance at end of period -  $-  $311  $680  $1,196      
               
(1)       Annualized              

Corporate Developments
On January 27, 2022, Hanmi’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on its common stock for the 2022 first quarter of $0.22 per share, up 10% from $0.20 per share in the prior quarter. The dividend was paid on February 24, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 7, 2022.

On March 30, 2022, Hanmi redeemed its 5.45% Subordinated Notes due March 30, 2027 (the “2027 Subordinated Notes”), which included all of the outstanding $100 million aggregate principal amount. A portion of the redemption was funded with the proceeds from the Company’s August 20, 2021 subordinated debt offering. The redemption price for each of the 2027 Subordinated Notes equaled 100% of the outstanding principal amount redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. All interest accrued on the 2027 Subordinated Notes ceased to accrue on and after March 30, 2022. Upon the redemption, Hanmi recognized a pre-tax charge of $1.1 million for the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the 2027 Subordinated Notes.

Earnings Conference Call        
Hanmi Bank will host its first quarter 2022 earnings conference call today, April 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. EST) to discuss these results. This call will also be webcast. To access the event the call, please dial 1-877-407-9039 before 2:00 p.m. PST, using access code HANMI. To listen to the call online, either live or archived, please visit Hanmi’s Investor Relations website at www.hanmi.com.

About Hanmi Financial Corporation
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 35 full-service branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward–looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements about our anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, business strategies, regulatory and competitive outlook, investment and expenditure plans, capital and financing needs and availability, plans and objectives of management for future operations, developments regarding our capital and strategic plans, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. Although we believe that our forward-looking statements to be reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include the following:

Further, given its ongoing and dynamic nature, it is difficult to predict the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operation. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including when the coronavirus can be controlled and abated. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related adverse local and national economic consequences, we could be subject to any of the following risks, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations:

In addition, we set forth certain risks in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K that we will file hereafter, which could cause actual results to differ from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Investor Contacts:
Romolo (Ron) Santarosa
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
213-427-5636

Larry Clark, CFA
Investor Relations
Financial Profiles, Inc.
lclark@finprofiles.com
310-622-8223


Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 March 31, December 31, Percentage March 31, Percentage 
  2022   2021  Change  2021  Change 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks$312,491  $608,965  -48.7% $646,445  -51.7% 
Securities available for sale, at fair value 876,980   910,790  -3.7%  780,114  12.4% 
Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value 15,617   13,342  17.1%  32,674  -52.2% 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses 5,265,988   5,078,984  3.7%  4,728,759  11.4% 
Accrued interest receivable 12,289   11,976  2.6%  14,806  -17.0% 
Premises and equipment, net 24,410   24,788  -1.5%  26,398  -7.5% 
Customers' liability on acceptances 182   -  -   735  -75.2% 
Servicing assets 7,202   7,080  1.7%  6,150  17.1% 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net 11,353   11,395  -0.4%  11,558  -1.8% 
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost 16,385   16,385  0.0%  16,385  0.0% 
Bank-owned life insurance 55,149   54,905  0.4%  54,150  1.8% 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 139,006   119,977  15.9%  120,227  15.6% 
Total assets$ 6,737,052  $ 6,858,587  -1.8% $ 6,438,401  4.6% 
             
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Liabilities:          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing$2,678,726  $2,574,517  4.0% $2,174,624  23.2% 
Interest-bearing 3,104,444   3,211,752  -3.3%  3,335,199  -6.9% 
Total deposits 5,783,170   5,786,269  -0.1%  5,509,823  5.0% 
Accrued interest payable 966   1,161  -16.8%  2,352  -58.9% 
Bank's liability on acceptances 182   -  -   735  -75.2% 
Borrowings 125,000   137,500  -9.1%  150,000  -16.7% 
Subordinated debentures 128,967   215,006  -40.0%  119,124  8.3% 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 77,315   75,234  2.8%  74,545  3.7% 
Total liabilities 6,115,600   6,215,170  -1.6%  5,856,579  4.4% 
           
Stockholders' equity:          
Common stock 33   33  0.0%  33  0.0% 
Additional paid-in capital 581,337   580,796  0.1%  578,958  0.4% 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (44,819)  (8,443) -430.8%  (5,293) -746.8% 
Retained earnings 210,788   196,784  7.1%  128,211  64.4% 
Less treasury stock (125,887)  (125,753) -0.1%  (120,087) -4.8% 
Total stockholders' equity 621,452   643,417  -3.4%  581,822  6.8% 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 6,737,052  $ 6,858,587  -1.8% $ 6,438,401  4.6% 
           

 

Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 Three Months Ended 
 March 31, December 31, Percentage March 31, Percentage 
  2022   2021  Change 2021 Change 
Interest and dividend income:          
Interest and fees on loans receivable$53,924  $52,240  3.2% $50,614 6.5% 
Interest on securities 2,516   1,821  38.2%  1,140 120.7% 
Dividends on FHLB stock 248   248  0.0%  206 20.4% 
Interest on deposits in other banks 216   302  -28.5%  96 125.0% 
Total interest and dividend income 56,904   54,611  4.2%  52,056 9.3% 
Interest expense:          
Interest on deposits 2,013   2,236  -10.0%  3,958 -49.1% 
Interest on borrowings 337   364  -7.4%  478 -29.5% 
Interest on subordinated debentures 3,598   2,515  43.1%  1,619 122.2% 
Total interest expense 5,948   5,115  16.3%  6,055 -1.8% 
Net interest income before credit loss expense 50,956   49,496  2.9%  46,001 10.8% 
Credit loss expense (recovery) (1,375)  (15,951) 91.4%  2,109 -165.2% 
Net interest income after credit loss expense 52,331   65,447  -20.0%  43,892 19.2% 
Noninterest income:          
Service charges on deposit accounts 2,875   3,007  -4.4%  2,357 22.0% 
Trade finance and other service charges and fees 1,142   1,160  -1.6%  1,034 10.4% 
Gain on sale of Small Business Administration ("SBA") loans 2,521   3,791  -33.5%  4,125 -38.9% 
Other operating income 1,982   1,337  48.2%  2,292 -13.5% 
Total noninterest income 8,520   9,295  -8.3%  9,808 -13.1% 
Noninterest expense:          
Salaries and employee benefits 17,717   18,644  -5.0%   16,820 5.3% 
Occupancy and equipment 4,646   4,840  -4.0%  4,595 1.1% 
Data processing 3,236   3,228  0.2%  2,926 10.6% 
Professional fees 1,430   1,443  -0.9%  1,447 -1.2% 
Supplies and communications 665   795  -16.4%  757 -12.2% 
Advertising and promotion 817   964  -15.2%  359 127.6% 
Other operating expenses 3,181   1,722  84.7%  2,631 20.9% 
Total noninterest expense 31,692   31,636  0.2%  29,535 7.3% 
Income before tax 29,159   43,106  -32.4%  24,165 20.7% 
Income tax expense 8,464   9,775  -13.4%   7,506 12.8% 
Net income$ 20,695  $ 33,331  -37.9%  $ 16,659 24.2% 
         -  
Basic earnings per share:$0.68  $1.10    $0.54   
Diluted earnings per share:$0.68  $1.09    $0.54   
           
Weighted-average shares outstanding:          
Basic 30,254,212   30,243,560     30,461,681   
Diluted 30,377,580   30,328,163     30,473,970   
Common shares outstanding 30,468,458   30,407,261     30,682,533   
           
Consolidated Statements of Income, Continued          
           

 

Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Average Balance, Average Yield Earned, and Average Rate Paid (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 March 31, 2021
   InterestAverage   InterestAverage   InterestAverage
 Average Income /Yield / Average Income /Yield / Average Income /Yield /
 Balance ExpenseRate Balance ExpenseRate Balance ExpenseRate
Assets              
Interest-earning assets:              
Loans receivable (1)$5,231,672  $53,9244.18% $4,896,952  $52,2404.23% $4,843,825  $50,6144.24%
Securities (2) 930,505   2,5861.11%  914,148   1,8210.83%  774,022   1,1400.59%
FHLB stock 16,385   2486.14%  16,385   2486.00%  16,385   2065.10%
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks 494,887   2160.18%  802,901   3020.15%  395,602   960.10%
Total interest-earning assets 6,673,449   56,9743.46%  6,630,386   54,6113.27%  6,029,834   52,0563.50%
               
Noninterest-earning assets:              
Cash and due from banks 62,968      66,788      56,666    
Allowance for credit losses (73,177)     (78,102)     (89,681)   
Other assets 229,952      224,691      233,146    
               
Total assets$ 6,893,192     $ 6,843,763     $ 6,229,965    
               
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity              
Interest-bearing liabilities:              
Deposits:              
Demand: interest-bearing$124,892  $170.06% $122,602  $170.06% $102,980  $140.05%
Money market and savings 2,106,008   1,1890.23%  2,078,659   1,2150.23%  1,967,012   1,4790.30%
Time deposits 937,044   8070.35%  1,013,681   1,0040.39%  1,238,513   2,4650.81%
Total interest-bearing deposits 3,167,944   2,0130.26%  3,214,942   2,2360.28%  3,308,505   3,9580.49%
Borrowings 130,556   3371.05%  137,500   3641.05%  150,000   4781.29%
Subordinated debentures 213,171   3,5986.75%  214,899   2,5154.68%  119,040   1,6195.44%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 3,511,671   5,9480.69%  3,567,341   5,1150.57%  3,577,545   6,0550.69%
               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity:              
Demand deposits: noninterest-bearing 2,634,398      2,561,297      1,991,204    
Other liabilities 88,367      82,077      80,060    
Stockholders' equity 658,756      633,048      581,156    
               
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 6,893,192     $ 6,843,763     $ 6,229,965    
               
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)  $ 51,026    $ 49,496    $ 46,001 
               
Cost of deposits   0.14%    0.15%    0.30%
Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)   2.77%    2.70%    2.81%
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis)   3.10%    2.96%    3.09%
               
               
(1)       Includes average loans held for sale              
(2)       Income calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.     
               

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is supplemental financial information determined by a method other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This non-GAAP measure is used by management in the analysis of Hanmi’s capital strength. Tangible common equity is calculated by subtracting goodwill and other intangible assets from stockholders’ equity. Banking and financial institution regulators also exclude goodwill and other intangible assets from stockholders’ equity when assessing the capital adequacy of a financial institution. Management believes the presentation of this financial measure excluding the impact of these items provides useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the capital strength of Hanmi. This disclosure should not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

The following table reconciles this non-GAAP performance measure to the GAAP performance measure for the periods indicated:

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share, per share data and ratios)

          
 March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
Hanmi Financial Corporation2022 2021 2021 2021 2021
Assets$6,737,052  $6,858,587  $6,776,533  $6,578,856  $6,438,401 
Less goodwill and other intangible assets (11,353)  (11,395)  (11,450)  (11,504)  (11,558)
Tangible assets$6,725,699  $6,847,192  $6,765,083  $6,567,352  $6,426,843 
          
Stockholders' equity (1)$621,452  $643,417  $619,055  $602,977  $581,822 
Less goodwill and other intangible assets (11,353)  (11,395)  (11,450)  (11,504)  (11,558)
Tangible stockholders' equity (1)$610,099  $632,022  $607,605  $591,473  $570,264 
          
Stockholders' equity to assets 9.22%  9.38%  9.14%  9.17%  9.04%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1) 9.07%  9.23%  8.98%  9.01%  8.87%
          
Common shares outstanding 30,468,458   30,407,261   30,441,601   30,697,652   30,682,533 
Tangible common equity per common share$20.02  $20.79  $19.96  $19.27  $18.59 
          
          
(1)       There were no preferred shares outstanding at the periods indicated.