Hanmi Financial reports Q4 EPS 61c, consensus 59c

Net interest income for the fourth quarter decreased $1.8M to $53.1M from $54.9M for the third quarter of 2023, down 3.1%. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by an increase in interest-earning asset yields. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 30 basis points to 3.83% for the fourth quarter of 2023 from 3.53% for the third quarter of 2″We finished 2023 with positive momentum, delivering strong fourth quarter results and building a solid foundation for 2024,” said Bonnie Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our full year results reflect our team’s effective execution of our relationship-driven banking strategy, focus on strong credit administration and disciplined expense management. We further optimized our banking network with the opening of two new branch locations in the fourth quarter. Our proven strategies continued to drive growth and diversification in our loan portfolio and expansion of our customer base, all against the backdrop of a challenging interest rate environment and the lingering effects of an uncertain economy.”