MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risk Factors and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto on pages A-27 through A-56.
Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis of earnings and related data are presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The Company is a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board and the parent company of Peoples Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a North Carolina-chartered bank, with offices in Catawba, Lincoln, Alexander, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Union Counties, operating under the banking laws of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).
Overview
Our business consists principally of attracting deposits from the general public and investing these funds in loans secured by commercial real estate, secured and unsecured commercial loans and consumer loans. Our profitability depends primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the income we receive on our loan and investment securities portfolios and our cost of funds, which consists of interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income also is affected by the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. Our profitability is also affected by the level of other income and operating expenses. Other income consists primarily of miscellaneous fees related to our loans and deposits, mortgage banking income and commissions from sales of annuities and mutual funds. Operating expenses consist of compensation and benefits, occupancy related expenses, federal deposit and other insurance premiums, data processing, advertising and other expenses.
Our operations are influenced significantly by local economic conditions and by policies of financial institution regulatory authorities. The earnings on our assets are influenced by the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations. Lending activities are affected by the demand for commercial and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered. Our cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and by rates offered on similar investments by competing financial institutions in our market area, as well as general market interest rates. These factors can cause fluctuations in our net interest income and other income. In addition, local economic conditions can impact the credit risk of our loan portfolio, in that (1) local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of individual borrowers, and small businesses and (2) commercial borrowers may experience a downturn in their operating performance and become unable to make timely payments on their loans. Management evaluates these factors in estimating its allowance for loan losses and changes in these economic factors could result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.
Our business emphasis has been to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. We believe that we can be more effective in serving our customers than many of our non-local competitors because of our ability to quickly and effectively provide senior management responses to customer needs and inquiries. Our ability to provide these services is enhanced by the stability of our senior management team.
The Company qualified as an accelerated filer in accordance with Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, effective December 31, 2006. Therefore, the Company is subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 404”). The Company incurred additional consulting and audit expenses in becoming compliant with SOX 404, and will continue to incur additional audit expenses to comply with SOX 404 going forward. Management does not expect expenses related to SOX 404 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
The Bank opened a new office in Mecklenburg County, in Cornelius, North Carolina in June 2007and a new office in Iredell County, in Mooresville, North Carolina in January 2008. Also in January 2008, the Bank opened a new Banco de la Gente office in Wake County, in Raleigh, North Carolina in a continuing effort to serve the Latino community. While there are no additional traditional offices planned in 2008, management will consider opening at least one new traditional office in Mecklenburg or Iredell counties in the next two to three years and additional Banco de la Gente offices in other metropolitan areas in North Carolina.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank, along with its wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc (collectively called the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition. Many of the Company’s accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of specific accounting guidance. The following is a summary of some of the more subjective and complex accounting policies of the Company. A more complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 1, 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Many of the Company’s assets and liabilities are recorded using various techniques that require significant judgment as to recoverability. The collectability of loans is reflected through the Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolio to assess overall collectability. In addition, certain assets and liabilities are reflected at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements. Such amounts are based on either quoted market prices or estimated values derived from dealer quotes used by the Company, market comparisons or internally generated modeling techniques. The Company’s internal models generally involve present value of cash flow techniques. The various techniques are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in management’s discussion and analysis and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
There are other complex accounting standards that require the Company to employ significant judgment in interpreting and applying certain of the principles prescribed by those standards. These judgments include, but are not limited to, the determination of whether a financial instrument or other contract meets the definition of a derivative in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133). For a more complete discussion of policies, see the notes to consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation was effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007. The Company assessed the impact of FIN 48 and determined that there are no significant positions taken in the preparation of its tax return, and therefore FIN 48 did not have a material impact on its financial position or its results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB ratified the conclusions reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” This issue will require companies to recognize an obligation for either the present value of the entire promised death benefit or the annual “cost of insurance” required to keep the policy in force during the post-retirement years. EITF 06-4 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (SFAS 158) – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). SFAS 158 requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions and includes expanded disclosures. SFAS 158 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2007. This standard did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other instruments at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. The Company does not expect to choose this option for any asset or liability and therefore does not expect SFAS 159 to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The remainder of management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s results of operations and financial position should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes presented on pages A-27 through A-56.
Results of Operations
Summary. The Company reported earnings of $9.6 million in 2007, or $1.68 basic net earnings per share and $1.65 diluted net earnings per share, a 5% increase as compared to $9.2 million, or $1.61 basic net earnings per share and $1.58 diluted net earnings per share, for 2006. The Company’s increase in net earnings for 2007 is primarily attributable to growth in interest-earning assets, which contributed to increases in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income. In addition, the Company had a decrease in the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period one year ago. The increases in net interest income and non-interest income and the decrease in the provision for loan losses were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.
Net earnings for 2006 represented an increase of 45% as compared to 2005 net earnings of $6.3 million or $1.11 basic net earnings per share and $1.09 diluted net earnings per share. The increase in 2006 net earnings was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income, an increase in non-interest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.
The return on average assets in 2007 was 1.13%, compared to 1.19% in 2006 and 0.90% in 2005. The return on average shareholders’ equity was 13.59% in 2007 compared to 14.68% in 2006 and 11.31% in 2005.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income, the major component of the Company's net income, is the amount by which interest and fees generated by interest-earning assets exceed the total cost of funds used to carry them. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in the yields earned and rates paid. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets, and represents the Company’s net yield on its interest-earning assets.
Net interest income was $34.1 million for 2007, or 6% over net interest income of $32.3 million in 2006. The increase was attributable to an increase in interest income due to an increase in the average outstanding balance of loans. Net interest income increased 22% in 2006 from $26.5 million in 2005.
Table 1 sets forth for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding, the interest incurred on such amounts and the average rate earned or incurred for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities, and the net yield on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity. Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate 38.55% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 6.90% for state tax exempt securities. Non-accrual loans and the interest income that was recorded on these loans, if any, are included in the yield calculations for loans in all periods reported.
Table 1- Average Balance Table | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Average Balance | Interest | Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Yield / Rate |
Interest-earning assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans | | $ | 665,379 | | | 55,109 | | | 8.28 | % | | | 604,427 | | | 49,665 | | | 8.22 | % | | | 550,545 | | | 37,234 | | | 6.76 | % |
Interest rate swap agreements | | | - | | | (406 | ) | | -0.06 | % | | | - | | | (698 | ) | | -0.12 | % | | | - | | | (575 | ) | | -0.14 | % |
Loan fees | | | - | | | 698 | | | 0.10 | % | | | - | | | 701 | | | 0.12 | % | | | - | | | 464 | | | 0.80 | % |
Total loans | | | 665,379 | | | 55,401 | | | 8.33 | % | | | 604,427 | | | 49,668 | | | 8.22 | % | | | 550,545 | | | 37,123 | | | 6.74 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments - taxable | | | 20,305 | | | 868 | | | 4.27 | % | | | 29,784 | | | 1,306 | | | 4.38 | % | | | 37,487 | | | 1,595 | | | 4.25 | % |
Investments - nontaxable* | | | 99,991 | | | 5,470 | | | 5.47 | % | | | 88,353 | | | 4,642 | | | 5.25 | % | | | 71,202 | | | 3,472 | | | 4.88 | % |
Federal funds sold | | | 7,378 | | | 383 | | | 5.19 | % | | | 1,766 | | | 85 | | | 4.81 | % | | | 2,272 | | | 73 | | | 3.21 | % |
Other | | | 8,041 | | | 444 | | | 5.52 | % | | | 7,914 | | | 424 | | | 5.36 | % | | | 7,108 | | | 269 | | | 3.61 | % |
Total interest-earning assets | | | 801,094 | | | 62,566 | | | 7.81 | % | | | 732,244 | | | 56,125 | | | 7.66 | % | | | 668,614 | | | 42,532 | | | 6.36 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | | 20,081 | | | | | | | | | | 17,022 | | | | | | | | | | 15,149 | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 34,287 | | | | | | | | | | 31,218 | | | | | | | | | | 30,891 | | | | | | | |
Allowance for loan losses | | | (8,626 | ) | | | | | | | | | (7,899 | ) | | | | | | | | | (7,811 | ) | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 846,836 | | | | | | | | | | 772,585 | | | | | | | | | | 706,843 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW accounts | | $ | 79,550 | | | 1,127 | | | 1.42 | % | | | 87,329 | | | 1,214 | | | 1.39 | % | | | 110,852 | | | 1,468 | | | 1.32 | % |
Regular savings accounts | | | 18,685 | | | 54 | | | 0.29 | % | | | 19,768 | | | 57 | | | 0.29 | % | | | 21,205 | | | 65 | | | 0.31 | % |
Money market accounts | | | 87,916 | | | 2,918 | | | 3.32 | % | | | 66,035 | | | 1,789 | | | 2.71 | % | | | 56,858 | | | 1,112 | | | 1.96 | % |
Time deposits | | | 361,859 | | | 17,430 | | | 4.82 | % | | | 335,092 | | | 14,189 | | | 4.23 | % | | | 292,807 | | | 8,923 | | | 3.05 | % |
FHLB borrowings | | | 80,058 | | | 3,759 | | | 4.70 | % | | | 74,082 | | | 3,588 | | | 4.84 | % | | | 65,934 | | | 2,889 | | | 4.38 | % |
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury | | | 814 | | | 39 | | | 4.79 | % | | | 722 | | | 34 | | | 4.71 | % | | | 702 | | | 21 | | | 3.02 | % |
Trust preferred securities | | | 20,619 | | | 1,476 | | | 7.16 | % | | | 24,878 | | | 1,963 | | | 7.89 | % | | | 14,433 | | | 938 | | | 6.50 | % |
Other | | | 16,226 | | | 782 | | | 4.82 | % | | | 5,780 | | | 276 | | | 4.78 | % | | | 419 | | | 13 | | | 3.00 | % |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 665,727 | | | 27,585 | | | 4.14 | % | | | 613,686 | | | 23,110 | | | 3.77 | % | | | 563,210 | | | 15,429 | | | 2.74 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Demand deposits | | | 111,164 | | | | | | | | | | 97,183 | | | | | | | | | | 89,275 | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 3,022 | | | | | | | | | | 3,044 | | | | | | | | | | 1,275 | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity | | | 70,586 | | | | | | | | | | 62,465 | | | | | | | | | | 55,989 | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity | | $ | 850,499 | | | | | | | | | | 776,378 | | | | | | | | | | 709,749 | | | | | | | |
Net interest spread | | | | | $ | 34,981 | | | 3.67 | % | | | | | | 33,015 | | | 3.89 | % | | | | | | 27,103 | | | 3.62 | % |
Net yield on interest-earning assets | | | | | | | | | 4.37 | % | | | | | | | | | 4.51 | % | | | | | | | | | 4.05 | % |
Taxable equivalent adjustment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment securities | | | | | $ | 834 | | | | | | | | | | 731 | | | | | | | | | | 619 | | | | |
Net interest income | | | | | $ | 34,147 | | | | | | | | | | 32,284 | | | | | | | | | | 26,484 | | | | |
*Includes U.S. government agency securities that are non-taxable for state income tax purposes of $74.9 million in 2007, $65.9 million in 2006 and $50.7 million in 2005. An effective tax rate of 6.90% was used to calculate the tax equivalent yield on these securities. | |
Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances in both volume and rates. Table 2 describes the impact on the Company’s tax equivalent net interest income resulting from changes in average balances and average rates for the periods indicated. The changes in interest due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.
Table 2 - Rate/Volume Analysis-Tax Equivalent Basis | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 |
(Dollars in Thousands) | Changes in average volume | Changes in average rates | Total increase (decrease) | Changes in average volume | Changes in average rates | Total increase (decrease) |
Interest income: | | | | | | | |
Loans: net of unearned income | | $ | 5,042 | | | | 691 | | | | 5,733 | | | $ | 4,030 | | | | 8,515 | | | | 12,545 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments - taxable | | | (411 | ) | | | (27 | ) | | | (438 | ) | | | (333 | ) | | | 44 | | | | (289 | ) |
Investments - nontaxable | | | 624 | | | | 204 | | | | 828 | | | | 869 | | | | 301 | | | | 1,170 | |
Federal funds sold | | | 281 | | | | 17 | | | | 298 | | | | (20 | ) | | | 32 | | | | 12 | |
Other | | | 7 | | | | 13 | | | | 20 | | | | 37 | | | | 118 | | | | 155 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income | | | 5,543 | | | | 898 | | | | 6,441 | | | | 4,583 | | | | 9,010 | | | | 13,593 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW accounts | | | (109 | ) | | | 22 | | | | (87 | ) | | | (320 | ) | | | 66 | | | | (254 | ) |
Regular savings accounts | | | (3 | ) | | | 0 | | | | (3 | ) | | | (4 | ) | | | (4 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
Money market accounts | | | 660 | | | | 469 | | | | 1,129 | | | | 214 | | | | 463 | | | | 677 | |
Time deposits | | | 1,211 | | | | 2,030 | | | | 3,241 | | | | 1,540 | | | | 3,726 | | | | 5,266 | |
FHLB borrowings | | | 285 | | | | (114 | ) | | | 171 | | | | 375 | | | | 324 | | | | 699 | |
Demand notes payable to | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury | | | 4 | | | | 1 | | | | 5 | | | | 1 | | | | 12 | | | | 13 | |
Trust Preferred Securities | | | (320 | ) | | | (167 | ) | | | (487 | ) | | | 752 | | | | 273 | | | | 1,025 | |
Other | | | 501 | | | | 5 | | | | 506 | | | | 208 | | | | 55 | | | | 263 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest expense | | | 2,229 | | | | 2,246 | | | | 4,475 | | | | 2,766 | | | | 4,915 | | | | 7,681 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income | | $ | 3,314 | | | | (1,348 | ) | | | 1,966 | | | $ | 1,817 | | | | 4,095 | | | | 5,912 | |
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaled $35.0 million in 2007, increasing 6% or $2.0 million from 2006. The increase was attributable to an increase interest income due to increases in the average outstanding balance of loans. The interest rate spread, which represents the rate earned on interest-earning assets less the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.67% in 2007, a decrease from the 2006 net interest spread of 3.89%. The net yield on interest-earning assets in 2007 decreased to 4.37% from the 2006 net interest margin of 4.51%.
Tax equivalent interest income increased $6.4 million or 11% in 2007 primarily due to an increase in the Bank’s average outstanding balance of loans combined with an increase in the yield of interest-earning assets. The yield on interest-earning assets increased to 7.81% in 2007 from 7.66% in 2006 as a result of a higher Prime Rate in effect for the first six months of 2007 being earned on higher loan balances plus an increase in the balance outstanding of higher yielding adjustable rate mortgage loans. Average interest-earning assets increased $68.9 million primarily as the result of a $61.0 million increase in average loans. Average investment securities in 2007 increased 2% to $120.3 million when compared to 2006. All other interest-earning assets including federal funds sold were $15.4 million in 2007 and $9.7 million in 2006.
Interest expense increased $4.5 million or 19% in 2007 due to an increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities combined with a $52.0 million increase in volume of interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of funds increased to 4.14% in 2007 from 3.77% in 2006. This increase in the cost of funds was primarily attributable to increases in the average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The $52.0 million growth in average interest-bearing liabilities was primarily attributable to an increase in time deposits of $26.8 million to $361.9 million in 2007 from $335.1 million in 2006 and an increase in interest-bearing checking and savings accounts of $13.1 million to $186.2 million in 2007 from $173.1 million in 2006.
In 2006 net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $5.9 million or 22% to $33.0 million in 2006 from $27.1 million in 2005. The interest rate spread was 3.89% in 2006, an increase from the 2005 net interest spread of 3.62%. The net yield on interest-earning assets in 2006 increased to 4.51% from the 2005 net interest margin of 4.05%.
Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to income in order to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management of the Company based on factors such as management’s judgment as to losses within the Company’s loan portfolio, including the valuation of impaired loans in accordance with SFAS No. 114 and No. 118, loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies and management’s assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio and general economic climate.
The provision for loan losses was $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for 2007 is primarily attributable to a decrease in net charge-offs of $396,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2006, offset by the effect of loan growth. Please see the section below entitled “Allowance for Loan Losses” for a more complete discussion of the Bank’s policy for addressing potential loan losses.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for 2007 totaled $8.8 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 17% from non-interest income of $7.6 million for 2006. The increases in non-interest income for 2007 are primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees resulting from growth in deposit base coupled with normal pricing changes, an increase in insurance and brokerage commissions, an increase in mortgage banking income and an increase in miscellaneous income. Non-interest income for 2006 increased $886,000 or 13% from non-interest income of $6.7 million for 2005. The increase in non-interest income for 2006 is primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees resulting from activity in new branches and an increase in miscellaneous income.
Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $4.3 million during 2007, an increase of $349,000, or 9% over 2006. Service charge income increased $150,000, or 4% in 2006 compared to 2005. These increases are primarily attributable to growth in the deposit base coupled with normal pricing changes, which resulted in an increase in account maintenance fees.
Other service charges and fees increased 26% to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to $1.5 million for the same period one year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to fee income from new branches.
The Company reported net losses on sale and writedown of securities of $562,000, $592,000 and $730,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company periodically evaluates its investments for any impairment which would be deemed other than temporary. As part of its evaluation in 2007, the Company determined that the fair value of two investments was less than the original cost of the investments and that the decline in fair value was not temporary in nature. As a result, the Company wrote down its original investment by $430,000. The remaining value of the investments at December 31, 2007 is $348,000. Losses on the sale of securities in 2006 and 2005 were primarily due to restructuring of the Bank’s investment portfolio to reduce exposure to a decrease in interest rates.
Mortgage banking income increased to $118,000 in 2007 from $108,000 in 2006 primarily due to an increase in brokered loan activity. During 2006 mortgage banking income decreased $180,000 from the $469,000 reported in 2005. The decrease in mortgage banking income for 2006 was primarily attributable to the $185,000 write-down of the Bank’s mortgage servicing asset due to Management’s assessment that there was minimal fair value in the mortgage servicing rights due to the small remaining balance in the loans serviced for others.
Net losses on repossessed assets were $118,000 for 2007 compared to net losses on repossessed assets of $108,000 for 2006. During 2005 a net loss on repossessed assets of $38,000 was recognized. The increase in net losses on repossessed assets during 2006 was primarily attributable to a $110,000 write-down on foreclosed property partially offset by a gain on the disposition of assets. Management determined that the market value of these assets had decreased significantly and charges were appropriate during fourth quarter 2006.
Miscellaneous income for 2007 totaled $2.2 million, an increase of 4% from $2.1 million for 2006. During 2006, miscellaneous income increased 27% primarily due to an increase in debit card fee income. The 2006 increase in miscellaneous income was primarily attributable to an increase in debit card fee income primarily associated with increased card usage due to an increased number of demand accounts and income amounting to $118,000 distributed by a SBIC investment owned by the Bank.
Table 3 presents a summary of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Table 3 - Non-Interest Income | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Service charges | | $ | 4,279 | | | | 3,930 | | | | 3,780 | |
Other service charges and fees | | | 1,938 | | | | 1,540 | | | | 1,142 | |
Gain (loss) on sale of securities | | | (562 | ) | | | (592 | ) | | | (730 | ) |
Mortgage banking income | | | 560 | | | | 289 | | | | 469 | |
Insurance and brokerage commissions | | | 521 | | | | 389 | | | | 387 | |
Loss on foreclosed and repossessed assets | | | (118 | ) | | | (108 | ) | | | (38 | ) |
Miscellaneous | | | 2,198 | | | | 2,106 | | | | 1,658 | |
Total non-interest income | | $ | 8,816 | | | | 7,554 | | | | 6,668 | |
Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense amounted to $26.0 million for 2007, an increase of 13% from 2006. Non-interest expense for 2006 increased 13% to $23.0 million from non-interest expense of $20.3 million for 2005.
Salary and employee benefit expense was $13.9 million in 2007, compared to $11.8 million during 2006, an increase of $2.1 million or 18%, following a $921,000 or 8% increase in salary and employee benefit expense in 2006 over 2005. The increase in salary and employee benefits in 2007 and 2006 is primarily due to normal salary increases and expense associated with additional staff for new branches.
The Company recorded occupancy expenses of $4.8 million in 2007, compared to $4.2 million during 2006, an increase of $571,000 or 14%, following an increase of $231,000 or 6% in occupancy expenses in 2006 over 2005. The increases in 2007 and 2006 are primarily due to an increase in furniture and equipment expense and lease expense associated with new branches. During 2003, the Company sold a branch location with net book value of approximately $2.4 million and was leasing the facility from the buyer. As a result of the sale, the Company deferred a gain of approximately $633,000 and was recognizing the gain over the lease term. For the period ended December 31, 2007 the Company recognized approximately $10,000 of the deferred gain and for the periods ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, approximately $21,000 and $22,000 of the deferred gain was recognized. In 2007, the Company repurchased the branch location for $3.0 million, which was $588,000 greater than the original cost of the building. The remaining deferred gain was netted against the purchase price resulting in a net cost of $2.5 million. This cost is being depreciated over 39 years.
The total of all other operating expenses increased $336,000 or 5% during 2007. The increase in other expense for 2007 is primarily attributable to an increase of $215,000 in advertising expense. Other operating expense increased $1.5 million or 27% in 2006 over 2005. The increase in other expense for 2006 is primarily attributable to increases of $342,000 in consulting expenses due to Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance related expenses and disaster recovery planning expenses, and increase of $444,000 in amortization of the issuance costs of the trust preferred securities issued in 2001 that were called on December 31, 2006, an increase in $206,000 in debit card expense and an increase of $117,000 in advertising expense.
Table 4 presents a summary of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Table 4 - Non-Interest Expense | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 |
Salaries and wages | | $ | 10,276 | | | | 9,368 | | | | 7,162 |
Employee benefits | | | 3,612 | | | | 2,417 | | | | 3,702 |
Total personnel expense | | | 13,888 | | | | 11,785 | | | | 10,864 |
Occupancy expense | | | 4,751 | | | | 4,180 | | | | 3,949 |
Office supplies | | | 554 | | | | 436 | | | | 314 |
FDIC deposit insurance | | | 140 | | | | 75 | | | | 76 |
Professional services | | | 400 | | | | 239 | | | | 389 |
Postage | | | 320 | | | | 307 | | | | 264 |
Telephone | | | 405 | | | | 338 | | | | 403 |
Director fees and expense | | | 499 | | | | 423 | | | | 334 |
Advertising | | | 988 | | | | 772 | | | | 656 |
Consulting fees | | | 460 | | | | 575 | | | | 233 |
Taxes and licenses | | | 272 | | | | 293 | | | | 218 |
Other operating expense | | | 3,316 | | | | 3,560 | | | | 2,630 |
Total non-interest expense | | $ | 25,993 | | | | 22,983 | | | | 20,330 |
Income Taxes. Total income tax expense was $5.3 million in 2007 compared with $5.2 million in 2006 and $3.4 million in 2005. The primary reason for the increase in taxes for 2007 and 2006 as compared to 2005 was the increase in pretax income, which reduced the impact of non-taxable income. The Company’s effective tax rates were 35.76%, 36.05% and 34.81% in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Liquidity. The objectives of the Company’s liquidity policy are to provide for the availability of adequate funds to meet the needs of loan demand, deposit withdrawals, maturing liabilities and to satisfy regulatory requirements. Both deposit and loan customer cash needs can fluctuate significantly depending upon business cycles, economic conditions and yields and returns available from alternative investment opportunities. In addition, the Company’s liquidity is affected by off-balance sheet commitments to lend in the form of unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2007 such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $190.7 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $3.9 million.
The Company uses several sources to meet its liquidity requirements. The primary source is core deposits, which includes demand deposits, savings accounts and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000. The Company considers these to be a stable portion of the Company’s liability mix and the result of on-going consumer and commercial banking relationships. As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s core deposits totaled $490.1 million, or 71% of total deposits.
The other sources of funding for the Company are through large denomination certificates of deposit, including brokered deposits, federal funds purchased and FHLB advances. The Bank is also able to borrow from the Federal Reserve on a short-term basis.
At December 31, 2007, the Bank had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $100,000, including brokered deposits of $53.9 million, which mature over the next two years. The balance and cost of these deposits are more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits. For additional information, please see the section below entitled “Deposits.”
The Bank has a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets, with an outstanding balance of $87.5 million at December 31, 2007. The remaining availability at FHLB was $63.9 million at December 31, 2007. The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $35.0 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from three correspondent financial institutions as of December 31, 2007.
The liquidity ratio for the Bank, which is defined as net cash, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold, certain investment securities and certain FHLB advances available under the line of credit, as a percentage of net deposits (adjusted for deposit runoff projections) and short-term liabilities was 28.04% at December 31, 2007, 31.15% at December 31, 2006 and 36.81% at December 31, 2006. The minimum required liquidity ratio as defined in the Bank’s Asset/Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management Policy is 20%.
As disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included elsewhere herein, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $14.5 million during 2007. Net cash used in investing activities of $80.6 million consisted primarily of a net increase in loans of $72.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $74.4 million, primarily from $59.8 million net increase in deposits.
Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management. The objective of the Company’s Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk strategies is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates and to minimize the interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at various maturities. This is done in conjunction with the need to maintain adequate liquidity and the overall goal of maximizing net interest income. Table 5 presents an interest rate sensitivity analysis for the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Table 5 - Interest Sensitivity Analysis | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Immediate | | | 1-3 months | | | 4-12 months | | | Total Within One Year | | | Over One Year & Non-sensitive | | | Total |
Interest-earning assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans | | $ | 481,495 | | | | 4,941 | | | | 13,170 | | | | 499,606 | | | | 222,671 | | | | 722,277 |
Mortgage loans available for sale | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - |
Investment securities | | | - | | | | 8,881 | | | | - | | | | 8,881 | | | | 112,087 | | | | 120,968 |
Federal funds sold | | | 2,152 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,152 | | | | - | | | | 2,152 |
Interest-bearing deposit accounts | | | 1,539 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,539 | | | | - | | | | 1,539 |
Other interest-earning assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 6,942 | | | | 6,942 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest-earning assets | | | 485,186 | | | | 13,822 | | | | 13,170 | | | | 512,178 | | | | 341,700 | | | | 853,878 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW, savings, and money market deposits | | | 196,960 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 196,960 | | | | - | | | | 196,960 |
Time deposits | | | 69,515 | | | | 101,204 | | | | 192,517 | | | | 363,236 | | | | 21,372 | | | | 384,608 |
Other short term borrowings | | | 1,600 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,600 | | | | - | | | | 1,600 |
FHLB borrowings | | | 10,500 | | | | 5,000 | | | | - | | | | 15,500 | | | | 72,000 | | | | 87,500 |
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase | | | 27,583 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 27,583 | | | | - | | | | 27,583 |
Trust preferred securities | | | - | | | | 20,619 | | | | - | | | | 20,619 | | | | - | | | | 20,619 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 306,158 | | | | 126,823 | | | | 192,517 | | | | 625,498 | | | | 93,372 | | | | 718,870 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-sensitive gap | | $ | 179,028 | | | | (113,001 | ) | | | (179,347 | ) | | | (113,320 | ) | | | 248,328 | | | | 135,008 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative interest-sensitive gap | | $ | 179,028 | | | | 66,027 | | | | (113,320 | ) | | | (113,320 | ) | | | 135,008 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-earning assets as a percentage of | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
interest-bearing liabilities | | | 158.48 | % | | | 10.90 | % | | | 6.84 | % | | | 81.88 | % | | | 365.96 | % | | | |
The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by the Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) of the Bank. The ALCO meets monthly and has the responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and reviewing the interest rate sensitivity of the Company. ALCO tries to minimize interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by attempting to minimize wide fluctuations in net interest income due to interest rate movements. The ability to control these fluctuations has a direct impact on the profitability of the Company. Management monitors this activity on a regular basis through analysis of its portfolios to determine the difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities.
The Company’s rate sensitive assets are those earning interest at variable rates and those with contractual maturities within one year. Rate sensitive assets therefore include both loans and available for sale securities. Rate sensitive liabilities include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and borrowed funds. As shown in Table 5, the Company’s balance sheet is asset-sensitive, meaning that in a given period there will be more assets than liabilities subject to immediate repricing as interest rates change in the market. Because most of the Company’s loans are tied to the prime rate, they reprice more rapidly than rate sensitive interest-bearing deposits. During periods of rising rates, this results in increased net interest income. The opposite occurs during periods of declining rates. Rate sensitive assets at December 31, 2007 totaled $853.9 million, exceeding rate sensitive liabilities of $718.9 million by $135.0 million.
In order to assist in achieving a desired level of interest rate sensitivity, the Company entered into off-balance sheet contracts that are considered derivative financial instruments. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had cash flow hedges with a notional amount of $185.0 million. These derivative instruments consist of five interest rate floor contracts that are used to hedge future cash flows from payments on the first $185.0 million of certain variable rate loans against the downward effects of their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment for periods ending in July 2008, November 2008, January 2009, June 2009 and December 2009. If the prime rate falls below 6.25% during the term of the contract on the first floor, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 6.25% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 6.25% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $161,000 on this contact. On the second floor if the prime rate falls below 7.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.00% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $203,000 on this contract. On the third floor if the prime rate falls below 7.50% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $45.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.50% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.50% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $562,500 on this contract. On the fourth floor if the prime rate falls below 8.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 8.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 8.00% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $399,000 on this contract. On the fifth floor if the prime rate falls below 7.25% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.25% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.25% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $634,000 on this contract.
The Company recognized $47,000 in interest income from payments on interest rate floor contracts in 2007. Based on the current interest rate environment, it is expected the Company will continue to receive income on these interest rate contracts in 2008.
Included in the rate sensitive assets are $471.6 million in variable rate loans indexed to prime rate subject to immediate repricing upon changes by the FOMC. The Bank utilizes interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate. At December 31, 2007, the Bank had $75.6 million in loans with interest rate floors. The floors were in effect on $27.7 million of these loans pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans. The weighted average rate on these loans is 0.25% higher than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without interest rate floors.
The Bank also had $1.6 million in loans that are tied to the prime rate and had interest rate caps in effect pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans. The weighted average rate on these loans is 0.47% lower than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without the interest rate caps.
An analysis of the Company’s financial condition and growth can be made by examining the changes and trends in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. A discussion of these changes and trends follows.
Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities. All of the Company’s investment securities are held in the available-for-sale (“AFS”) category. At December 31, 2007 the market value of AFS securities totaled $121.0 million, compared to $117.6 million and $115.2 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in 2007 investment securities is the result of net securities purchases that are part of management’s objective to grow the investment portfolio in an effort to manage the credit risk in the balance sheet. This increase in AFS securities was partially offset by paydowns on mortgage-backed securities, calls and maturities. Table 6 presents the market value of the AFS securities held at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Table 6 - Summary of Investment Portfolio | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Obligations of United States government | | | | | | | | | |
agencies and corporations | | $ | 76,992 | | | | 72,744 | | | | 60,243 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Obligations of states and political subdivisions | | | 25,905 | | | | 24,366 | | | | 21,609 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage-backed securities | | | 16,271 | | | | 19,220 | | | | 31,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust preferred securities | | | 250 | | | | 750 | | | | 1,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | 1,550 | | | | 501 | | | | 552 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total securities | | $ | 120,968 | | | | 117,581 | | | | 115,158 | |
The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects the Company’s investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits.
The Company’s investment portfolio consists of U.S. government agency securities, municipal securities, U.S. government agency sponsored mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities and equity securities. AFS securities averaged $120.3 million in 2007, $118.1 million in 2006 and $108.7 million in 2005. Table 7 presents the amortized cost of AFS securities held by the Company by maturity category at December 31, 2007. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity. Yields are calculated on a tax equivalent basis. Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate 38.55% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 6.90% for state tax exempt securities.
Table 7 - Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield on Investments | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | After One Year | | After 5 Years | | | | | | | | |
| | One Year or Less | | Through 5 Years | | Through 10 Years | | After 10 Years | | Totals | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Amount | | Yield | | Amount | | Yield | | Amount | | Yield | | Amount | | Yield | | Amount | | Yield |
Book value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United States Government agencies | | $ | 4,999 | | | 4.52% | | | 45,249 | | | 4.93% | | | 22,228 | | | 5.47% | | | 2,679 | | | 6.08% | | | 75,155 | | | 5.11% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
States and political subdivisions | | | 2,320 | | | 6.23% | | | 11,173 | | | 4.76% | | | 7,052 | | | 6.13% | | | 5,311 | | | 6.58% | | | 25,856 | | | 5.64% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage backed securities | | | - | | | - | | | 673 | | | 4.55% | | | 3,591 | | | 4.46% | | | 12,206 | | | 4.71% | | | 16,470 | | | 4.65% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trust preferred securities | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 250 | | | 8.11% | | | 250 | | | 8.11% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 1,693 | | | 0.92% | | | 1,693 | | | 0.92% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total securities | | $ | 7,319 | | | 5.06% | | | 57,095 | | | 4.90% | | | 32,871 | | | 5.50% | | | 22,139 | | | 5.07% | | | 119,424 | | | 5.10% |
Loans. The loan portfolio is the largest category of the Company’s earning assets and is comprised of commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans and consumer loans. The Company grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses Catawba, Alexander, Iredell and Lincoln counties and also in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, which is dependent upon the real estate market. Non-real estate loans also can be affected by local economic conditions.
In management’s opinion, there are no significant concentrations of credit with particular borrowers engaged in similar activities.
Real estate mortgage loans include both commercial and residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2007, the Company had $94.8 million in residential mortgage loans, $79.3 million in home equity loans and $243.6 million in commercial mortgage loans, which include $195.1 million using commercial property as collateral and $48.5 million using residential property as collateral.
Residential mortgage loans include $36.9 million made to customers in the Company’s traditional banking offices and $57.9 million in mortgage loans originated in the Company’s Latino banking operations. All residential mortgage loans are originated as fully amortizing loans, with no negative amortization. Also, the Company does not have credit exposure for residential mortgage loans originated that are not reflected in the Company’s assets and does not have any residential mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio in excess of 100%.
The mortgage loans originated in the traditional banking offices are generally 15 to 30 year fixed rate loans with attributes that cause the loans to not be sellable in the secondary market. These factors may include higher loan-to-value ratio, limited documentation on income, non-conforming appraisal or non-conforming property type and are generally made to existing Bank customers. These loans have been originated throughout the Company’s five county service area, with no geographic concentration. At December 31, 2007 there were 14 loans with an outstanding balance of $2.0 million more than 30 days past due and no loans more than 90 days past due.
The mortgage loans originated in the Company’s Latino operations are primarily adjustable rate mortgage loans that adjust annually after the end of the first five years of the loan. The loans are tied to the one-year T-Bill index and, if they were to adjust at 12/31/07, would have a reduction in the interest rate on the loan. The underwriting on these loans includes both full income verification and no income verification, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 95% without private mortgage insurance. A majority of these loans would be considered subprime loans, as they were underwritten using stated income rather than fully documented income verification. No other loans in the Company’s portfolio would be considered subprime. The majority of these loans have been originated within the Charlotte, NC metro area. At this time, Charlotte has not experienced a decline in values within the residential real estate market. At December 31, 2007 there were 46 loans with an outstanding balance of $4.9 million more than 30 days past due and no loans more than 90 days past due. Total losses on this portfolio, since the first loans were originated in 2004 have amounted to approximately $15,000 through December 31, 2007.
The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio is presented in Table 8.
Table 8 - Loan Portfolio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Amount | | | % of Loans | | | Amount | | | % of Loans | | | Amount | | | % of Loans | | | Amount | | | % of Loans | | | Amount | | | % of Loans | |
Breakdown of loan receivables: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | $ | 82,190 | | | | 11.38 | % | | | 85,064 | | | | 13.06 | % | | | 79,902 | | | | 14.10 | % | | | 79,189 | | | | 14.79 | % | | | 90,558 | | | | 16.41 | % |
Real estate - mortgage | | | 417,709 | | | | 57.83 | % | | | 364,595 | | | | 55.97 | % | | | 330,227 | | | | 58.28 | % | | | 312,988 | | | | 58.45 | % | | | 332,730 | | | | 60.26 | % |
Real estate - construction | | | 209,644 | | | | 29.03 | % | | | 187,960 | | | | 28.86 | % | | | 141,420 | | | | 24.96 | % | | | 127,042 | | | | 23.73 | % | | | 110,392 | | | | 19.99 | % |
Consumer | | | 12,734 | | | | 1.76 | % | | | 13,762 | | | | 2.11 | % | | | 15,115 | | | | 2.66 | % | | | 16,249 | | | | 3.03 | % | | | 18,446 | | | | 3.34 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans | | $ | 722,277 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 651,381 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 566,664 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 535,468 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 552,126 | | | | 100.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Allowance for loan losses | | | 9,103 | | | | | | | | 8,303 | | | | | | | | 7,425 | | | | | | | | 8,049 | | | | | | | | 9,722 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loans | | $ | 713,174 | | | | | | | | 643,078 | | | | | | | | 559,239 | | | | | | | | 527,419 | | | | | | | | 542,404 | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2007, gross loans outstanding were $722.3 million, an increase of $70.9 million or 11% from the December 31, 2006 balance of $651.4 million. Commercial loans decreased $2.9 million in 2007. Real estate mortgage loans grew $53.1 million when compared to 2006 due to an increase in non-conforming mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. Real estate construction loans increased $21.7 million in 2007 as a result of an increase in real estate development loans. Consumer loans decreased $1.0 million in 2007.
Table 9 identifies the maturities of all loans as of December 31, 2007 and addresses the sensitivity of these loans to changes in interest rates.
Table 9 - Maturity and Repricing Data for Loans | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Within one year or less | | After one year through five years | | After five years | | Total loans |
Commercial | | $ | 65,308 | | | | 14,835 | | | | 2,047 | | | | 82,190 |
Real estate - mortgage | | | 233,365 | | | | 138,492 | | | | 45,852 | | | | 417,709 |
Real estate - construction | | | 195,626 | | | | 12,402 | | | | 1,616 | | | | 209,644 |
Consumer | | | 5,307 | | | | 6,544 | | | | 883 | | | | 12,734 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans | | $ | 499,606 | | | | 172,273 | | | | 50,398 | | | | 722,277 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fixed rate loans | | $ | 18,484 | | | | 113,733 | | | | 50,398 | | | | 182,615 |
Total floating rate loans | | | 481,122 | | | | 58,540 | | | | - | | | | 539,662 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans | | $ | 499,606 | | | | 172,273 | | | | 50,398 | | | | 722,277 |
In the normal course of business, there are various commitments outstanding to extend credit that are not reflected in the financial statements. At December 31, 2007, outstanding loan commitments totaled $190.7 million. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Additional information regarding commitments is provided below in the section entitled “Contractual Obligations” and in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses reflects management's assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. The Bank periodically analyzes the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed. Other factors considered are:
· | the Bank’s loan loss experience; |
· | the amount of past due and non-performing loans; |
· | the status and amount of other past due and non-performing assets; |
· | underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans; |
· | current and anticipated economic conditions; and |
· | other factors which management believes affect the allowance for potential credit losses. |
Management uses several measures to assess and monitor the credit risks in the loan portfolio, including a loan grading system that begins upon loan origination and continues until the loan is collected or collectibility becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the Bank’s originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of nine risk grades, each grade indicating a different level of loss reserves. The loan officer monitors the loan’s performance and credit quality and makes changes to the credit grade as conditions warrant. When originated or renewed, all loans over a certain dollar amount receive in-depth reviews and risk assessments by the Bank’s Credit Administration. Before making any changes in these risk grades, management considers assessments as determined by the third party credit review firm (as described below), regulatory examiners and the Bank’s Credit Administration. Any issues regarding the risk assessments are addressed by the Bank’s senior credit administrators and factored into management’s decision to originate or renew the loan as well as the level of reserves deemed appropriate for the loan. The Bank’s Board of Directors reviews, on a monthly basis, an analysis of the Bank’s reserves relative to the range of reserves estimated by the Bank’s Credit Administration.
As an additional measure, the Bank engages an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation, risk grading analyses and the methodology of determining the adequacy of the allowance for losses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates all loan relationships greater than $1.0 million. The third party’s evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank’s Board of Directors.
Management considers certain commercial loans with weak credit risk grades to be individually impaired and measures such impairment based upon available cash flows and the value of the collateral. Allowance or reserve levels are estimated for all other graded loans in the portfolio based on their assigned credit risk grade, type of loan and other matters related to credit risk.
Management uses the information developed from the procedures described above in evaluating and grading the loan portfolio. This continual grading process is used to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio and to assist management in determining the appropriate levels of the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves. After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management’s current evaluation of the Company’s loss exposure for each credit, given the payment status, financial condition of the borrower, and value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 was approximately $8.0 million and $7.6 million, respectively, with related allowance for loan losses of approximately $1.2 million for December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The general allowance reflects reserves established under the provisions of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” for collective loan impairment. These reserves are based upon historical net charge-offs using the last three years’ experience. This charge-off experience may be adjusted to reflect the effects of current conditions. The Bank considers information derived from its loan risk ratings and external data related to industry and general economic trends.
The unallocated allowance is determined through management’s assessment of probable losses that are in the portfolio but are not adequately captured by the other two components of the allowance, including consideration of current economic and business conditions and regulatory requirements. The unallocated allowance also reflects management’s acknowledgement of the imprecision and subjectivity that underlie the modeling of credit risk. Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, this unallocated portion may fluctuate from period to period based on management’s evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance.
Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management believes it has established the allowance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and in consideration of the current economic environment. Although management uses the best information available to make evaluations, significant future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions that adversely affect the operating results of the Company.
There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. Such revisions, estimates and assumptions are made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.
Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowances for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowances based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.
Net charge-offs for 2007 were $1.2 million. The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans was 0.19% in 2007, 0.27% in 2006 and 0.68% in 2005. Management expects the ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans in 2008 to be in a range similar to the ratios for 2007 and 2006. The allowance for loan losses increased to $9.1 million or 1.26% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2007. For December 31, 2006 and 2005, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $8.3 million or 1.27% of total loans outstanding and $7.4 million, or 1.31% of total loans outstanding, respectively.
Table 10 presents the percentage of loans assigned to each risk grade along with the general reserve percentage applied to loans in each risk grade at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Table 10 - Loan Risk Grade Analysis | | |
| | Percentage of Loans |
| | By Risk Grade* |
Risk Grade | | 2007 | 2006 |
Risk 1 (Excellent Quality) | | 11.06% | 12.03% |
Risk 2 (High Quality) | | 14.06% | 14.89% |
Risk 3 (Good Quality) | | 62.53% | 60.31% |
Risk 4 (Management Attention) | | 9.51% | 10.46% |
Risk 5 (Watch) | | 1.57% | 0.41% |
Risk 6 (Substandard) | | 0.13% | 0.70% |
Risk 7 (Low Substandard) | | 0.03% | 0.02% |
Risk 8 (Doubtful) | | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Risk 9 (Loss) | | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| | | |
* Excludes non-accrual loans | | | |
Table 11 presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, including charge-off activity.
Table 11 - Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Reserve for loan losses at beginning | | $ | 8,303 | | | | 7,425 | | | | 8,049 | | | | 9,722 | | | | 7,248 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans charged off: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 414 | | | | 505 | | | | 293 | | | | 1,004 | | | | 1,179 | |
Real estate - mortgage | | | 471 | | | | 568 | | | | 2,141 | | | | 3,842 | | | | 2,422 | |
Real estate - construction | | | 252 | | | | 250 | | | | 1,250 | | | | 4 | | | | 251 | |
Consumer | | | 489 | | | | 636 | | | | 516 | | | | 535 | | | | 630 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total loans charged off | | | 1,626 | | | | 1,959 | | | | 4,200 | | | | 5,385 | | | | 4,482 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Recoveries of losses previously charged off: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 86 | | | | 64 | | | | 144 | | | | 162 | | | | 36 | |
Real estate - mortgage | | | 21 | | | | 108 | | | | 162 | | | | 144 | | | | 18 | |
Real estate - construction | | | 102 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1 | |
Consumer | | | 179 | | | | 150 | | | | 160 | | | | 150 | | | | 157 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total recoveries | | | 388 | | | | 324 | | | | 466 | | | | 456 | | | | 212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loans charged off | | | 1,238 | | | | 1,635 | | | | 3,734 | | | | 4,929 | | | | 4,270 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | | 2,038 | | | | 2,513 | | | | 3,110 | | | | 3,256 | | | | 6,744 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reserve for loan losses at end of year | | $ | 9,103 | | | | 8,303 | | | | 7,425 | | | | 8,049 | | | | 9,722 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans charged off net of recoveries, as | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
a percent of average loans outstanding | | | 0.19 | % | | | 0.27 | % | | | 0.68 | % | | | 0.90 | % | | | 0.79 | % |
Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets, comprised of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned, other repossessed assets and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due totaled $8.5 million at December 31, 2007 compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2006. Non-accrual loans were $8.0 million at December 31, 2007, an increase of $427,000 from non-accruals of $7.6 million at December 31, 2006. As a percentage of loans outstanding, non-accrual loans were 1.11% and 1.16% at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Bank had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2007 as compared to $78,000 for the same period in 2006. Other real estate owned totaled $483,000 and $344,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Bank had no repossessed assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.
At December 31, 2007 the Company had non-performing loans, defined as non-accrual and accruing loans past due more than 90 days, of $8.0 million or 1.11% of total loans. Non-performing loans for 2006 were $7.6 million, or 1.17% of total loans and $4.4 million, or 0.79% of total loans for 2005. Interest that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, had they performed in accordance with their original terms, amounted to approximately $693,000, $429,000 and $507,000, respectively. Interest income on impaired loans included in the results of operations for 2007, 2006, and 2005 amounted to approximately $29,000, $144,000 and $77,000, respectively.
Management continually monitors the loan portfolio to ensure that all loans potentially having a material adverse impact on future operating results, liquidity or capital resources have been classified as non-performing. Should economic conditions deteriorate, the inability of distressed customers to service their existing debt could cause higher levels of non-performing loans.
It is the general policy of the Company to stop accruing interest income and place the recognition of interest on a cash basis when a loan is placed on non-accrual status and any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income. Generally a loan is placed on non-accrual status when it is over 90 days past due and there is reasonable doubt that all principal will be collected.
A summary of non-performing assets at December 31 for each of the years presented is shown in Table 12.
Table 12 - Non-performing Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Non-accrual loans | | $ | 7,987 | | | | 7,560 | | | | 3,492 | | | | 5,097 | | | | 4,343 | |
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing | | | - | | | | 78 | | | | 946 | | | | 245 | | | | 271 | |
Total non-performing loans | | | 7,987 | | | | 7,638 | | | | 4,438 | | | | 5,342 | | | | 4,614 | |
All other real estate owned | | | 483 | | | | 344 | | | | 531 | | | | 682 | | | | 1,447 | |
All other repossessed assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 206 | |
Total non-performing assets | | $ | 8,470 | | | | 7,982 | | | | 4,969 | | | | 6,024 | | | | 6,267 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As a percent of total loans at year end | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-accrual loans | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.16 | % | | | 0.62 | % | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.79 | % |
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.01 | % | | | 0.17 | % | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.05 | % |
Total non-performing assets | | | 1.17 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 0.88 | % | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
Deposits. The Company primarily uses deposits to fund its loan and investment portfolios. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts to individuals and businesses. Deposit accounts include checking, savings, money market and time deposits. As of December 31, 2007, total deposits were $693.6 million, an increase of $59.8 million or 9% increase over the December 31, 2006 balance of $633.8 million. Core deposits, which include demand deposits, savings accounts and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000, increased to $490.1 million at December 31, 2007 from $439.6 million at December 31, 2006.
Time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more totaled $203.5 million at December 31, 2007, $194.2 million and $152.4 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At December 31, 2007, brokered deposits amounted to $53.9 million as compared to $60.0 million at December 31, 2006. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be more susceptible to withdrawal as a result of interest rate changes and to be a less stable source of funds, as compared to deposits from the local market. Brokered deposits outstanding as of December 31, 2007 have a weighted average rate of 5.06% with a weighted average original term of 7 months.
Table 13 is a summary of the maturity distribution of time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2007.
Table 13 - Maturities of Time Deposits over $100,000 | | | |
| | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | 2007 |
Three months or less | | $ | 84,001 | |
Over three months through six months | | | 70,734 | |
Over six months through twelve months | | | 35,917 | |
Over twelve months | | | 12,848 | |
Total | | $ | 203,500 | |
Borrowed Funds. The Company has access to various short-term borrowings, including the purchase of federal funds and borrowing arrangements from the FHLB and other financial institutions. At December 31, 2007, FHLB borrowings totaled $87.5 million compared to $89.3 million at December 31, 2006 and $71.6 million at December 31, 2005. Average FHLB borrowings for 2007 were $80.1 million, compared to average balances of $74.1 million for 2006 and $65.9 million for 2005. The maximum amount of outstanding FHLB borrowings was $95.0 million in 2007, and $99.5 in 2006 and $77.6 in 2005. The FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2007 had both fixed and adjustable interest rates ranging from 3.71% to 6.49%. Currently $10.5 million of the FHLB advances outstanding have contractual maturities prior to December 31, 2008. The FHLB has the option to convert $72.0 million of the total advances to a floating rate and, if converted, the Bank may repay advances without a prepayment fee. The Company also has an additional $5.0 million in variable rate convertible advances, which may be repaid without a prepayment fee if converted by the FHLB. Additional information regarding FHLB advances is provided in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Demand notes payable to the U. S. Treasury, which represent treasury tax and loan payments received from customers, amounted to approximately $1.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and $1.5 million at December 31, 2005.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $27.6 million, $6.4 million and $981,000 as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Junior Subordinated Debentures (related to Trust Preferred Securities). In June 2007 the Company formed a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used to repay in December 2007 the trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust in December 2001 and for general purposes. The debentures represent the sole asset of PEBK Trust II. PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements.
The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust II accrue and pay quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust II has funds with which to make the distributions and other payments. The net combined effect of the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.
These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, on or after June 28, 2011. As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount and any accrued but unpaid interest.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2007 are summarized in Table 14 below. The Company’s contractual obligations include the repayment of principal and interest related to FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures, as well as certain payments under current lease agreements. Other commitments include commitments to extend credit. Because not all of these commitments to extend credit will be drawn upon, the actual cash requirements are likely to be significantly less than the amounts reported for other commitments below.
Table 14 - Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in Thousands) | | Within One Year | One to Three Years | Three to Five Years | Five Years or More | Total |
Contractual Cash Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term borrowings* | | $ | - | | | | 7,000 | | | | 5,000 | | | | 65,000 | | | | 77,000 | |
Junior subordinated debentures | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 20,619 | | | | 20,619 | |
Operating lease obligations | | | 897 | | | | 1,381 | | | | 863 | | | | 2,149 | | | | 5,290 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 897 | | | | 8,381 | | | | 5,863 | | | | 87,768 | | | | 102,909 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Commitments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments to extend credit | | $ | 62,838 | | | | 40,706 | | | | 5,160 | | | | 81,950 | | | | 190,654 | |
Standby letters of credit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
and financial guarantees written | | | 3,792 | | | | 102 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,894 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 66,630 | | | | 40,808 | | | | 5,160 | | | | 81,950 | | | | 194,548 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
*Excludes $10.5 million adjustable rate credit due to the FHLB, which matured in February 2008. | | | | | |
The Company enters into derivative contracts to manage various financial risks. A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts, which only provide the basis for calculating payments between counterparties and are not a measure of financial risk. Therefore, the derivative amounts recorded on the balance sheet do not represent the amounts that may ultimately be paid under these contracts. Further discussions of derivative instruments are included above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management” beginning on page A-12 and in Notes 1, 10, 11 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Resources. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2007 was $70.1 million compared to $62.8 million at December 31, 2006 and $54.4 million at December 31, 2005. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, at December 31, 2007 amounted to a gain of $1.7 million. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, amounted to losses of $771,000 and $1.4 million, respectively. Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total average assets was 8.34%, 8.09% and 7.92% for 2007, 2006 and 2005. The return on average shareholders’ equity was 13.59% at December 31, 2007 as compared to 14.68% and 11.31% as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Total cash dividends paid during 2007 amounted to $2.3 million. Cash dividends totaling $1.9 million and $1.4 million were paid during 2006 and 2005, respectively.
In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock through its existing Stock Repurchase Plan effective through the end of November 2007. During 2007 the Company repurchased $1.9 million, or 100,000 shares, of its common stock under this plan.
In August 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 75,000 common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock through its existing Stock Repurchase Plan effective through the end of August 2008. The Company has repurchased 50,497 shares, or $873,000, of its common stock under this plan as of December 31, 2007.
Under regulatory capital guidelines, financial institutions are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as shareholders' equity and trust preferred securities less all intangible assets and goodwill. Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2007 and 2006 includes $20.0 million in trust preferred securities. At December 31, 2005, Tier 1 capital includes $14.0 million in trust preferred securities. The Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.03%, 11.70% and 11.02% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Total risk-based capital is defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital. Supplementary capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital ratio is therefore defined as the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.16%, 12.86% and 12.19% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition to the Tier 1 and total risk-based capital requirements, financial institutions are also required to maintain a leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to
total average assets of 4.0% or greater. The Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 10.43%, 10.80% and 9.84% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 9.80%, 10.21% and 10.46% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 10.93%, 11.37% and 11.64% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.26%, 9.41% and 9.33% at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively.
A bank is considered to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 % or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and has a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater. Based upon these guidelines, the Bank was considered to be "well capitalized" at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
The Company’s key equity ratios as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are presented in Table 15.
Table 15 - Equity Ratios | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Return on average assets | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 0.90 | % |
Return on average equity | | | 13.59 | % | | | 14.68 | % | | | 11.31 | % |
Dividend payout ratio | | | 24.30 | % | | | 20.78 | % | | | 22.34 | % |
Average equity to average assets | | | 8.34 | % | | | 8.09 | % | | | 7.92 | % |
Quarterly Financial Data. The Company’s consolidated quarterly operating results for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented in Table 16.
Table 16 - Quarterly Financial Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 |
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | | First | Second | Third | Fourth | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income | | $ | 15,200 | | | | 15,446 | | | | 15,625 | | | | 15,461 | | | | 12,484 | | | | 13,559 | | | | 14,390 | | | | 14,961 | |
Total interest expense | | | 6,607 | | | | 6,735 | | | | 7,038 | | | | 7,205 | | | | 4,863 | | | | 5,429 | | | | 6,243 | | | | 6,575 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income | | | 8,593 | | | | 8,711 | | | | 8,587 | | | | 8,256 | | | | 7,621 | | | | 8,130 | | | | 8,147 | | | | 8,386 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | | 323 | | | | 634 | | | | 296 | | | | 785 | | | | 759 | | | | 413 | | | | 686 | | | | 655 | |
Other income | | | 2,122 | | | | 2,139 | | | | 2,007 | | | | 2,548 | | | | 1,929 | | | | 2,017 | | | | 2,043 | | | | 1,564 | |
Other expense | | | 6,021 | | | | 6,180 | | | | 6,214 | | | | 7,578 | | | | 5,307 | | | | 5,548 | | | | 5,787 | | | | 6,341 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 4,371 | | | | 4,036 | | | | 4,084 | | | | 2,441 | | | | 3,484 | | | | 4,186 | | | | 3,717 | | | | 2,954 | |
Income taxes | | | 1,584 | | | | 1,446 | | | | 1,471 | | | | 839 | | | | 1,249 | | | | 1,525 | | | | 1,344 | | | | 1,052 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net earnings | | $ | 2,787 | | | | 2,590 | | | | 2,613 | | | | 1,602 | | | | 2,235 | | | | 2,661 | | | | 2,373 | | | | 1,902 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share | | $ | 0.49 | | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.46 | | | | 0.28 | | | | 0.39 | | | | 0.47 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 0.33 | |
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 0.48 | | | | 0.44 | | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.28 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 0.46 | | | | 0.41 | | | | 0.33 | |
QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in either diminished current market values or reduced potential net interest income in future periods.
The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. The structure of the Company’s loan and deposit portfolios is such that a significant decline (increase) in interest rates may adversely (positively) impact net market values and interest income. Management seeks to manage the risk through the utilization of its investment securities and off-balance sheet derivative instruments. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company used interest rate contracts to manage market risk as discussed above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.”
Table 17 presents in tabular form the contractual balances and the estimated fair value of the Company’s on-balance sheet financial instruments and the notional amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s off-balance sheet derivative instruments at their expected maturity dates for the period ended December 31, 2007. The expected maturity categories take into consideration historical prepayment experience as well as management’s expectations based on the interest rate environment at December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, all fixed rate advances are callable at the option of FHLB. For core deposits without contractual maturity (i.e. interest bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts), the table presents principal cash flows based on management’s judgment concerning their most likely runoff or repricing behaviors.
Table 17 - Market Risk Table | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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(Dollars In Thousands) | | Principal/Notional Amount Maturing in Year Ended December 31, |
Loans Receivable | | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 & 2012 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value |
Fixed rate | | $ | 34,493 | | | 26,881 | | | 27,894 | | | 54,865 | | | 38,483 | | | 182,615 | | | 183,130 | |
Average interest rate | | | 7.41 | % | | 7.53 | % | | 7.39 | % | | 7.65 | % | | 7.64 | % | | | | | | |
Variable rate | | $ | 206,001 | | | 75,033 | | | 51,738 | | | 54,833 | | | 152,058 | | | 539,662 | | | 539,662 | |
Average interest rate | | | 7.70 | % | | 7.64 | % | | 7.67 | % | | 7.77 | % | | 7.94 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | - | | | | | | | | | | | | 722,277 | | | 722,792 | |
Investment Securities | | | . | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing cash | | $ | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 1,539 | | | 1,539 | | | 1,539 | |
Average interest rate | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 4.60 | % | | | | | | |
Federal funds sold | | $ | 2,152 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 2,152 | | | 2,152 | |
Average interest rate | | | 4.10 | % | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | | | | | |
Securities available for sale | | $ | 24,240 | | | 28,056 | | | 17,799 | | | 38,646 | | | 12,226 | | | 120,968 | | | 120,968 | |
Average interest rate | | | 4.91 | % | | 4.96 | % | | 4.61 | % | | 4.27 | % | | 3.64 | % | | | | | | |
Nonmarketable equity securities | | $ | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 6,434 | | | 6,434 | | | 6,434 | |
Average interest rate | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 5.74 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Debt Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deposits | | $ | 372,596 | | | 27,540 | | | 11,245 | | | 1,130 | | | 281,128 | | | 693,639 | | | 694,059 | |
Average interest rate | | | 4.02 | % | | 4.12 | % | | 4.20 | % | | 3.88 | % | | 1.58 | % | | | | | | |
Advances from FHLB | | $ | 10,500 | | | 20,000 | | | 52,000 | | | 5,000 | | | - | | | 87,500 | | | 90,233 | |
Average interest rate | | | 4.40 | % | | 4.41 | % | | 4.71 | % | | 4.21 | % | | - | | | | | | | |
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury | | $ | 1,600 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 1,600 | | | 1,600 | |
Average interest rate | | | 3.27 | % | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | | | | | |
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase | | $ | 27,583 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 27,583 | | | 27,583 | |
Average interest rate | | | 4.15 | % | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | | | | | |
Junior subordinated debentures | | $ | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 20,619 | | | 20,619 | | | 20,619 | |
Average interest rate | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 6.62 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative Instruments (notional amount) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate floor contracts | | $ | 70,000 | | | 115,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 185,000 | | | 1,907 | |
Average interest rate | | | 6.63 | % | | 7.58 | % | | - | | | - | | | - | | | | | | | |