Green Bancorp, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

 2018 Second Quarter Significant Items (GAAP) 

• Second quarter 2018 net income totaled $16.4 million, an increase of 27.3% from the second quarter 2017
  
  
• Diluted earnings per common share were $0.44 for the second quarter 2018
  
  
• Annualized return on average assets was 1.54% during the second quarter 2018
  
  
• Second quarter 2018 efficiency ratio was 50.05%
  
  
• Second quarter 2018 net interest margin expanded 7 bps to 3.94% from 3.87% during first quarter 2018
  
  
• Nonperforming assets to total assets declined 64 bps to 1.36% at June 30, 2018
  
  
• Total loans increased $83.3 million during second quarter 2018, an annualized rate of 10.6%; annualized loan production increased 69.2% from the second quarter of 2017 to $1.5 billion. 

2018 Second Quarter Significant Items (Non-GAAP) 

• Second quarter 2018 net operating earnings totaled $16.6 million, or $0.44 per diluted share
  
  
• Annualized return on average tangible common equity totaled 17.65% during the second quarter 2018
  
  
• Second quarter 2018 operating efficiency ratio was 49.45%, representing the 5th consecutive quarter below 50.0%
  
  
• Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets (annualized) was 2.15% for the second quarter 2018, representing the 5th consecutive quarter over 2.00% 

HOUSTON, July 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNBC), the bank holding company (“Green Bancorp” or the “Company”) that operates Green Bank, N.A. (“Green Bank”), today announced results for its second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2018.  The Company reported net income for the quarter of $16.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted common share. 

Manny Mehos, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Green Bancorp, said, “We are excited to announce our merger with Veritex, which would create a high-performing company located in the strongest markets in Texas. I believe this merger positions our combined bank to become the premier Texas franchise and that Green Bancorp shareholders will benefit from the long-term value creation that this platform is uniquely positioned to generate. In fact, we expect meaningful earnings accretion and strong returns as we realize the benefits of the combination. As I have said in recent years, the best way to create value for shareholders is through a merger and our combination with Veritex is the right transaction to maximize value for all stakeholders.” 

Geoff Greenwade, President of Green Bancorp and Chief Executive Officer of Green Bank, commented, “I am pleased with our results this quarter as we improved the asset quality of the Bank, delivered strong loan growth, and experienced solid margin expansion despite increasing competition. Of note, nonperforming assets decreased to 1.36% of period end total assets in the second quarter as compared with 2.00% in the first quarter. The decrease was broad based as we experienced reductions in all categories of nonperforming loans. Total loans grew 10.6% annualized from the first quarter as we continue to benefit from the robust economic growth in our primary markets of Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin as well as a return to growth of our Commercial Real Estate portfolio which we believe is sustainable. Lastly, our net interest margin increased 7 basis points to 3.94% as compared to the first quarter.” 

Results of Operations -Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 compared with Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $16.4 million, an increase of $7.1 million, or 75.4%, compared with $9.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Net income per diluted common share was $0.44 for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared with $0.25 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  The increase in net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 is primarily due to the decrease in provision for loan losses compared to the prior quarter.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, provision for loan losses decreased $7.8 million.  Provision for income taxes increased during the current quarter due to higher income before income taxes compared to the prior quarter.  Returns on average assets and average common equity, each on an annualized basis, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were 1.54% and 13.96%, respectively. Green Bancorp’s efficiency ratio, which represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income, was 50.05% for the three months ended June 30, 2018. 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 increased $1.5 million, or 4.0%, to $39.8 million, compared with $38.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  The increase in net interest income was comprised of a $3.1 million, or 6.5%, increase in interest income, offset by a $1.5 million, or 17.3%, increase in interest expense.  Net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was 3.94%, compared with 3.87% for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. 

Noninterest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $5.5 million, an increase of $327 thousand, or 6.3%, from $5.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  The increase was primarily due to increases of  $183 thousand in customer service fees, $171 thousand in gain on sale of guaranteed portion of loans, $163 thousand in loan fees and $66 thousand in gain on sale of available-for-sale securities, offset by a $426 thousand decrease in derivative income. 

Noninterest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $22.6 million, an increase of $592 thousand, or 2.7%, from $22.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  The increase was primarily due to a $420 thousand increase in loan related expenses and a $186 thousand increase in occupancy expenses, in addition to smaller change in other noninterest expense categories. 

Total loans, which includes loans held for investment and loans held for sale, at June 30, 2018 were $3.2 billion, an increase of $83.3 million, or 2.6%, when compared with March 31, 2018.  The increase was primarily due to increases of $58.2 million in mortgage warehouse loans, $31.7 million in commercial and industrial loans and $23.2 million in commercial real estate loans, offset by reductions of $18.2 million in construction and land loans, $7.3 million in residential mortgage and $2.6 million in consumer and other loans.  At June 30, 2018, energy loans totaled $40.1 million, or 1.2%, of total loans.  SBA loans comprise the balance of loans held for sale at June 30, 2018. 

Deposits at June 30, 2018 were $3.4 billion, a decrease of $27.7 million, or 0.8%, compared with March 31, 2018.  The net decrease is comprised of decreases of a $56.7 million or, 4.2%, in interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits and $24.5 million, or 2.9%, in noninterest-bearing deposits, offset by an increase of $53.6 million, or 4.2% in time deposits.  Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled 24.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2018.  Average deposits increased $46.3 million, or 1.4%, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared with the prior quarter. 

Asset Quality -Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 compared with Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 

Nonperforming assets totaled $59.6 million, or 1.36% of period end total assets, at June 30, 2018, a decrease of $25.1 million, compared with $84.7 million, or 2.00% of period end total assets, at March 31, 2018.  The decrease was due to reductions in all categories of nonperforming loans.  Accruing loans classified as troubled debt restructures and included in the nonperforming asset totals were $3.1 million at June 30, 2018, compared with $13.6 million at March 31, 2018.  Real estate acquired through foreclosure totaled $802 thousand at June 30, 2018. 

The allowance for loan losses was 1.09% of total loans held for investment at June 30, 2018, compared with 1.22% of total loans held for investment at March 31, 2018.  At June 30, 2018, the Company’s allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment, excluding acquired loans that are accounted for under ASC 310-20 and ASC 310-30 and their related allowance, was 1.19%.  Further, the allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount to total loans held for investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount was 1.14% as of June 30, 2018. 

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, down from the $9.7 million provision for loan losses recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  The second quarter of 2018 provision was primarily due to the addition of general reserves due primarily to loan growth and $956 thousand related to energy loans in comparison to the prior quarter's provision that included specific reserves, with $3.8 million related to energy loans and $5.9 million to a syndicated healthcare credit. 

Net charge-offs were $5.0 million, or 0.16% of average loans, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared with net charge-offs of $2.7 million, or 0.08% of average loans, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.  Net charge-offs included partial charge-offs of $3.8 million in energy loans during the quarter ended June 30, 2018, an increase from $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. 

Results of Operations – Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $25.8 million, compared with net income of $20.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Net income per diluted common share was $0.69 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared with net income per diluted common share of $0.54 for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $11.6 million, which included $4.7 million in reserves on the energy portfolio and $5.9 million to a syndicated healthcare credit.  The provision for loan losses was $7.7 million for the same period in 2017, which included $7.5 million related to the energy portfolio.  Net charge-offs were $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which included $6.5 million of energy loans, compared with net charge-offs of $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $78.0 million, an increase of $10.1 million, or 14.8%, compared with $67.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The increase in net interest income was comprised of a $14.9 million, or 18.0%, increase in interest income, offset by a $4.8 million, or 33.2%, increase in interest expense.  The increase in interest income was primarily due to a $11.4 million increase in loan income, driven by a $89.1 million, or 2.9%, increase in average balance and a 60 basis point increase in yield, and a $2.8 million increase in securities income due to a $91.1 million, or a 14.6%, increase in average balance and a 51 basis point increase in yield.  The increase in interest expense was comprised of increases of $2.1 million in other borrowed funds, due to a $122.9 million increase in average balance, and a 98 basis point increase in rate, $1.4 million in time deposits due to a 26 basis point increase in rate on an average balance that decreased by $39.4 million and $1.3 million in interest-bearing demand and savings deposits, due to a 23 basis point increase in rate on an average balance that decreased by $76.3 million.  Net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was 3.91%, compared with 3.55% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. 

Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $10.6 million, a decrease of $551 thousand, or 4.9%, compared with $11.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  This decrease was primarily due to a $752 thousand  decrease in gain on sale of guaranteed portion of loans, $228 thousand decrease in gain on sale of available for sale securities and $111 thousand decrease in loan fees, offset by a $508 thousand increase in customer service fees. 

Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $44.7 million, an increase of $4.2 million, or 10.5%, compared with $40.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.  The increase was primarily due to $2.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and $1.6 million increase in the reserve for unfunded commitments. 

Total loans, which includes loans held for investment and loans held for sale, at June 30, 2018 were $3.2 billion, an increase of $85.7 million, or 2.7%, compared with $3.1 billion at June 30, 2017.  The increase was primarily due to increases of $139.6 million in commercial and industrial loans, $30.5 million in mortgage warehouse loans and $28.8 million in owner occupied commercial loans, offset by loan reductions of $71.5 million in construction and land loans, $17.2 million in commercial real estate loans, $6.9 million in consumer and other and $4.6 million in residential mortgage loans. 

Deposits at June 30, 2018 were $3.4 billion, an increase of $65.6 million, or 2.0%, compared with June 30, 2017.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $141.1 million, or 20.6%, and interest-bearing transactions accounts increased $27.5 million, or 13.3%, during the six months ended June 30, 2018, which more than offset decreases of $70.6 million in money market and savings deposits and $32.4 million in time deposits.  Average deposits increased $15.6 million, or 0.5%, to $3.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared with the same period of 2017.  Average noninterest-bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $799.7 million, an increase of $131.3 million, or 19.6%, compared with the same period in 2017. 

Dividend Information 

On July 23, 2018, Green Bancorp’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on its outstanding shares of common stock, payable on August 23, 2018 to shareholders of record as of August 9, 2018. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

Green Bancorp’s management uses certain non−GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures to evaluate its performance.  Specifically, Green Bancorp reviews tangible book value per common share, the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, the return on average tangible common equity ratio, allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans, allowance for loan losses plus acquired loans net discount to total loans held for investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount, operating earnings, pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings, diluted operating earnings per share, operating return on average assets, operating return on average tangible common equity and operating efficiency ratio.  Green Bancorp has included in this Earnings Release information related to these non-GAAP financial measures for the applicable periods presented.  Please refer to the “Notes to Financial Highlights” at the end of this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures. 

Conference Call 

Green Bancorp and Veritex will hold a joint conference call to discuss the transaction on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. This call will be held in lieu of our quarterly earnings call scheduled for July 26, 2018.  Participants may pre-register for the call by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/4biserkz and will receive a unique pin number, which can be used when dialing in for the call. This will allow attendees to enter the call immediately. Alternatively, participants may call toll-free at 1-877-703-9880. 

The call and corresponding presentation slides will be webcast live on the home page of Veritex’s website, www.veritexbank.com, and Green’s website, investors.greenbank.com. An audio replay will be available one hour after the conclusion of the call at 1-855-859-2056, Conference #4594759. This replay, as well as the webcast, will be available until July 31, 2018. 

To learn more about Green Bancorp, please visit the Company's website at www.greenbank.com.  Green Bancorp uses its website as a channel of distribution for material Company information.  Financial and other material information regarding Green Bancorp is routinely posted on the Company's website and is readily accessible. 

About Green Bancorp, Inc. 

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Green Bancorp is a bank holding company that operates Green Bank in the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas and Austin, Louisville and Honey Grove.  Commercial-focused, Green Bank is a nationally chartered bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a division of the Department of the Treasury of the United States. 

Forward Looking Statement 

The information presented herein and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 giving Green Bancorp’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “continue,” “positions,” “prospects” or “potential,” by future conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may”, or by variations of such words or by similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we assume no duty to update forward-looking statements. 

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made.  These statements may relate to future financial performance, strategic plans or objectives, revenues or earnings projections, or other financial information.  By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. 

Statements about the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transactions and all other statements in this release other than historical facts constitute forward-looking statements. 

In addition to factors previously disclosed in Green Bancorp’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.

Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results. 

Media & Investor Relations Contacts: 

⁽¹⁾      Refer to “Notes to Financial Highlights” at the end of this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure.
⁽²⁾      Annualized ratio. 

 ⁽¹⁾       Refer to “Notes to Financial Highlights” at the end of this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure. 

 ⁽¹⁾        Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by interest-earning assets. 

 ⁽¹⁾       Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by interest-earning assets.

 ⁽¹⁾       Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by interest-earning assets.  

 ⁽²⁾       Average yield on loans, excluding fees and discounts, is equal to loan interest income divided by average loan principal.  

Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

We identify certain financial measures discussed in this release as being “non‑GAAP financial measures.” In accordance with the SEC’s rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non‑GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheet or statements of cash flows. Non‑GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios or statistical measures calculated using exclusively either financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, operating measures or other measures that are not non‑GAAP financial measures or both. 

The non‑GAAP financial measures that we discuss in this release should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate the non‑GAAP financial measures that we discuss in this release may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. You should understand how such other banking organizations calculate their financial measures similar or with names similar to the non‑GAAP financial measures we have discussed in this release when comparing such non‑GAAP financial measures. 

Tangible Book Value Per Common Share.  Tangible book value is a non‑GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as shareholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (b) tangible book value per common share as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by shares of common stock outstanding. For tangible book value, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our book value. 

We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in changes from period to period in book value per common share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing total book value while not increasing our tangible book value. 

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total shareholders’ equity to tangible common equity and presents our tangible book value per common share compared with our book value per common share: 

 ⁽¹⁾       Excludes the dilutive effect of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options.  The number of exercisable options outstanding was 626,923 as of Jun 30, 2018; 627,059 as of Mar 31, 2018; 754,110 as of Dec 31, 2017; 467,257 as of Sep 30, 2017; and 465,281 as of Jun 30, 2017. 

Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets.  Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non‑GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as shareholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; (b) tangible assets as total assets less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) tangible common equity to tangible assets as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by tangible assets (as described in clause (b)). For common equity to tangible assets, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is total shareholders’ equity to total assets. 

We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in common equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing both total shareholders’ equity and assets while not increasing our tangible common equity or tangible assets. 

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total shareholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible assets and presents our tangible common equity to tangible assets: 

 Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity.  Return on average tangible common equity is a non‑GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) average tangible common equity as average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; (b) net income less the effect of intangible assets as net income plus amortization of core deposit intangibles, net of taxes; and (c) return (as described in clause (a)) divided by average tangible common equity (as described in clause (b)). For return on average tangible common equity, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is return on average equity. 

We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the return on common equity, exclusive of the impact of intangible assets.  Goodwill and other intangible assets, including core deposit intangibles, have the effect of increasing total shareholders’ equity, while not increasing our tangible common equity.  This measure is particularly relevant to acquisitive institutions who may have higher balances in goodwill and other intangible assets than non-acquisitive institutions. 

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, average tangible common equity to average common equity and net income excluding amortization of core deposit intangibles, net of tax to net income and presents our return on average tangible common equity: 

 Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

Allowance for Loan Losses less Allowance for Loan Losses on Acquired Loans to Total Loans Held for Investment excluding Acquired Loans.  The allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans is a non‑GAAP measure used by management to evaluate the Company’s financial condition.  Due to the application of purchase accounting, we use this non-GAAP ratio that excludes that impact of these items to evaluate our allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment.  We calculate: (a) total allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans as allowance for loan losses less the allowance for loan losses on acquired loans; (b) total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans as total loans held for investment less the carrying value of acquired loans accounted for under ASC topics 310-20 and 310-30; and (c) allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans as the allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans (as calculated in clause (a)) divided by total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans (as calculated in clause (b)).  For allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment. 

We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in the allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans.  The acquired loans may have a premium or discount associated with them that includes a potential credit loss component with similar characteristics to the allowance for loan losses.  This measure reports the allowance for loan loss coverage to only those loans not accounted for pursuant to ASC topics 310-20 and 310-30 which may assist the investor in evaluating the allowance coverage of loans excluding acquired loans. 

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, allowance for loan losses less allowance for loan losses on acquired loans to total loans held for investment excluding acquired loans: 

 Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

Allowance for Loan Losses plus Acquired Loan Net Discount to Total Loans Held for Investment adjusted for Acquired Loan Net Discount.  Allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount to total loans held of investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount is a non‑GAAP measure used by management to evaluate the Company’s financial condition. We calculate: (a) allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount as allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount, net of accumulated amortization; (b) total loans held for investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount as total loans held for investment plus acquired loan net discount, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount to total loans held for investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount as allowance for loan losses plus acquired loan net discount (as calculated in clause (a)) divided by total loans held for investment adjusted for acquired loan net discount (as calculated in clause (b)).  For allowance for loan losses to total loans excluding acquired loans, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is allowance for loan losses to total loans. 

We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in the allowance for loan losses plus the acquired loan net discount to total loans held for investment adjusted for the acquired loan net discount.  This measure reports the combined allowance for loan loss and acquired loan net discount (or premium) as a percentage of loans held for investment inclusive of the acquired loan net discount (or premium) which may assist the investor in evaluating allowance coverage on loans inclusive of additional discount or premium resulting from purchase accounting adjustments. 

The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, allowance for loan losses plus acquired loans net discount to total loans adjusted for acquired loan net discount: 

 Green Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Financial Highlights
(Unaudited)

Operating Earnings, Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings and performance metrics calculated using Operating Earnings and Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings, including Diluted Operating Earnings per Share, Operating Return on Average Assets, Operating Return on Average Tangible Common Equity and Operating Efficiency Ratio.  Operating earnings and pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings are non GAAP measures used by management to evaluate the Company’s financial performance.  We calculate (a) operating earnings as net income (loss) plus loss (gain) on sale of securities available-for-sale, net, plus loss (gain) on held for sale loans, net, plus stock based compensation expense for performance option vesting, plus shelf and secondary offering expenses.  We calculate (b) pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as (a) operating earnings plus provision (benefit) for income taxes, plus provision for loan losses. 

We believe that these measures and the operating metrics calculated utilizing these measures are important to management and many investors in the marketplace who are interested in understanding the ongoing operating performance of the company and provide meaningful comparisons to its peers. 

The following tables reconcile, as of the dates set forth below, operating earnings and pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings and related metrics: