UNITED STATES SECURITITES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURTIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009 |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT |
| For the transition period from _____________________ to __________________________ |
Commission File Number: 000-30515
Weststar Financial Services Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina | 56-2181423 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
79 Woodfin Place, Asheville NC 28801
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Registrant’s telephone number)
| | |
| (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). o Yes o No
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one): Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller company) Smaller reporting company x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: Common stock, $1.00 par value – 2,147,132 shares outstanding as of November 12, 2009.
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Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | | |
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Financial Statements: | | |
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Part II – OTHER INFORMATION | | |
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Part I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item I. | Financial Statements |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| | (unaudited) | | | | |
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008* | |
ASSETS: | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents: | | | | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | $ | 3,585,203 | | | $ | 4,200,866 | |
Interest-bearing deposits | | | 9,030,999 | | | | 218,912 | |
Total cash and cash equivalents | | | 12,616,202 | | | | 4,419,778 | |
Investment securities- available for sale, at fair value | | | | | | | | |
(amortized cost of $21,640,438 and $23,750,009, at | | | | | | | | |
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively) | | | 22,414,711 | | | | 23,778,449 | |
Loans | | | 185,441,835 | | | | 171,239,692 | |
Allowance for loan losses | | | (3,519,884 | ) | | | (2,529,981 | ) |
Net loans | | | 181,921,951 | | | | 168,709,711 | |
Premises and equipment, net | | | 2,489,124 | | | | 2,652,007 | |
Accrued interest receivable | | | 1,161,549 | | | | 1,030,460 | |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost | | | 592,300 | | | | 585,600 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 1,031,054 | | | | 810,921 | |
Foreclosed properties | | | 636,219 | | | | 205,006 | |
Other assets | | | 724,352 | | | | 667,040 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | $ | 223,587,462 | | | $ | 202,858,972 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Deposits: | | | | | | | | |
Demand | | $ | 23,971,160 | | | $ | 22,251,288 | |
NOW accounts | | | 38,885,373 | | | | 18,319,836 | |
Money market accounts | | | 30,421,234 | | | | 31,416,333 | |
Savings | | | 2,277,461 | | | | 2,207,173 | |
Time deposits of $100,000 or more | | | 22,859,848 | | | | 26,799,682 | |
Other time deposits | | | 77,340,981 | | | | 69,819,794 | |
Total deposits | | | 195,756,057 | | | | 170,814,106 | |
Short-term borrowings | | | 4,429,141 | | | | 5,919,140 | |
Accrued interest payable | | | 389,638 | | | | 565,105 | |
Other liabilities | | | 1,043,169 | | | | 926,050 | |
Long-term debt | | | 4,124,000 | | | | 8,124,000 | |
Total liabilities | | | 205,742,005 | | | | 186,348,401 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, authorized $1,000,000 shares; | | | | | | | | |
No shares issued and outstanding | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized- 9,000,000 shares; | | | | | | | | |
outstanding shares- and 2,147,132 at September 30, 2009 | | | | | | | | |
and 2,125,747 at December 31, 2008, respectively | | | 2,147,132 | | | | 2,125,747 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 6,218,619 | | | | 6,152,868 | |
Retained earnings | | | 9,003,915 | | | | 8,214,480 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 475,791 | | | | 17,476 | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 17,845,457 | | | | 16,510,571 | |
Total | | $ | 223,587,462 | | | $ | 202,858,972 | |
*Derived from audited consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
| | Three Months | | | Nine Months | |
| | Ended September 30, | | | Ended September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
INTEREST INCOME: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest and fees on loans | | $ | 2,941,802 | | | $ | 2,780,707 | | | $ | 8,701,003 | | | $ | 8,096,225 | |
Federal funds sold | | | 53 | | | | 3,416 | | | | 1,185 | | | | 44,592 | |
Interest-bearing deposits | | | 6,790 | | | | 336 | | | | 10,795 | | | | 1,552 | |
Investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxable interest income | | | 162,448 | | | | 196,594 | | | | 511,521 | | | | 625,533 | |
Nontaxable interest income | | | 95,373 | | | | 91,704 | | | | 282,230 | | | | 266,425 | |
Corporate dividends | | | 1,242 | | | | 7,451 | | | | 1,242 | | | | 21,672 | |
Total interest income | | | 3,207,708 | | | | 3,080,208 | | | | 9,507,976 | | | | 9,055,999 | |
INTEREST EXPENSE: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Time deposits of $100,000 or more | | | 170,615 | | | | 271,069 | | | | 619,427 | | | | 930,663 | |
Other time and savings deposits | | | 781,818 | | | | 791,346 | | | | 2,483,581 | | | | 2,412,338 | |
Short-term borrowings | | | 51,074 | | | | 5,661 | | | | 111,188 | | | | 17,478 | |
Long-term debt | | | 39,065 | | | | 112,921 | | | | 174,703 | | | | 352,942 | |
Total interest expense | | | 1,042,572 | | | | 1,180,997 | | | | 3,388,899 | | | | 3,713,421 | |
NET INTEREST INCOME | | | 2,165,136 | | | | 1,899,211 | | | | 6,119,077 | | | | 5,342,578 | |
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES | | | 869,015 | | | | 320,635 | | | | 1,344,905 | | | | 508,760 | |
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FOR LOAN LOSSES | | | 1,296,121 | | | | 1,578,576 | | | | 4,774,173 | | | | 4,833,818 | |
OTHER INCOME: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Services charges on deposit accounts | | | 306,610 | | | | 291,527 | | | | 858,945 | | | | 859,546 | |
Other service fees and commissions | | | 146,009 | | | | 119,278 | | | | 446,621 | | | | 324,082 | |
Equity in income (loss) of Bank of Asheville Mortgage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company, LLC | | | - | | | | 814 | | | | - | | | | (15,295 | ) |
Other | | | 10,847 | | | | 13,999 | | | | 30,698 | | | | 48,168 | |
Total other income | | | 463,466 | | | | 425,618 | | | | 1,336,264 | | | | 1,216,501 | |
OTHER EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Salaries and wages | | | 703,476 | | | | 659,449 | | | | 2,094,747 | | | | 1,945,752 | |
Employee benefits | | | 84,483 | | | | 125,736 | | | | 298,618 | | | | 362,507 | |
Occupancy expense, net | | | 124,016 | | | | 120,455 | | | | 431,145 | | | | 370,194 | |
Equipment rentals, depreciation and | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
maintenance | | | 86,420 | | | | 95,626 | | | | 287,795 | | | | 328,962 | |
Supplies | | | 64,901 | | | | 57,850 | | | | 196,759 | | | | 196,352 | |
Professional fees | | | 102,789 | | | | 75,398 | | | | 254,182 | | | | 224,730 | |
Data processing fees | | | 168,761 | | | | 134,019 | | | | 479,709 | | | | 411,764 | |
FDIC insurance premiums | | | 76,968 | | | | 23,987 | | | | 323,180 | | | | 72,146 | |
Audit, tax and accounting | | | 24,219 | | | | 12,070 | | | | 103,841 | | | | 85,059 | |
Marketing | | | 65,431 | | | | 86,569 | | | | 238,553 | | | | 219,555 | |
Expenses from foreclosed properties | | | 20,343 | | | | 1,523 | | | | 20,413 | | | | 42,744 | |
Other | | | 94,471 | | | | 85,699 | | | | 272,100 | | | | 251,596 | |
Total other expenses | | | 1,616,278 | | | | 1,478,381 | | | | 5,001,042 | | | | 4,511,361 | |
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | | | 143,309 | | | | 525,813 | | | | 1,109,394 | | | | 1,538,958 | |
INCOME TAX PROVISION | | | 11,686 | | | | 176,809 | | | | 319,959 | | | | 519,334 | |
NET INCOME | | $ | 131,623 | | | $ | 349,004 | | | | 789,435 | | | | 1,019,624 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EARNINGS PER SHARE: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | .06 | | | $ | .16 | | | $ | .37 | | | $ | .48 | |
Diluted | | $ | .06 | | | $ | .15 | | | $ | .35 | | | $ | .45 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)
| | Three Months | | | Nine Months | |
| | Ended September 30, | | | Ended September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME | | $ | 131,623 | | | $ | 349,004 | | | $ | 789,435 | | | $ | 1,019,624 | |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized holding income (losses) on securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
available for sale | | | 502,156 | | | | (590,969 | ) | | | 745,833 | | | | (708,462 | ) |
Tax effect | | | (193,581 | ) | | | 227,818 | | | | (287,518 | ) | | | 273,112 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | | | 308,575 | | | | (363,151 | ) | | | 458,315 | | | | (435,350 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | 440,198 | | | $ | (14,147 | ) | | $ | 1,247,750 | | | $ | 584,274 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
| | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | Additional | | | | | | Other | | | Total | |
| | Common Stock | | | Paid-In | | | Retained | | | Comprehensive | | | Shareholders’ | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Earnings | | | Income (Loss) | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance December 31, 2007 | | | 2,118,437 | | | $ | 2,118,437 | | | $ | 6,133,773 | | | $ | 6,913,168 | | | $ | 13,861 | | | $ | 15,179,239 | |
Net change in unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
losses on securities held for sale | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (435,350 | ) | | | (435,350 | ) |
Issuance of common stock pursuant | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to the exercise of stock options | | | 5,810 | | | | 5,810 | | | | 9,197 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 15,007 | |
Tax benefit on exercise of nonqualified | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
stock options | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,628 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,628 | |
Net Income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,019,624 | | | | - | | | | 1,019,624 | |
Balance September 30, 2008 | | | 2,124,247 | | | $ | 2,124,247 | | | $ | 6,147,598 | | | $ | 7,932,792 | | | $ | (421,489 | ) | | $ | 15,783,148 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance December 31, 2008 | | | 2,125,747 | | | $ | 2,125,747 | | | $ | 6,152,868 | | | $ | 8,214,480 | | | $ | 17,476 | | | $ | 16,510,571 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
gains on securities held for sale | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 458,315 | | | | 458,315 | |
Issuance of common stock pursuant | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
to the exercise of stock options | | | 21,385 | | | | 21,385 | | | | 48,330 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 69,715 | |
Tax benefit on exercise of non- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
qualified stock options | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,421 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,421 | |
Net Income | | | - | | | | - | | | | 789,435 | | | | - | | | | 789,435 | | | | | |
Balance September 30, 2009 | | | 2,147,132 | | | $ | 2,147,132 | | | $ | 6,218,619 | | | $ | 9,003,915 | | | $ | 475,791 | | | $ | 17,845,457 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Weststar Financial Services Corporation & Subsidiary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 789,435 | | | $ | 1,019,624 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 248,978 | | | | 289,812 | |
Provision for loan losses | | | 1,344,905 | | | | 508,760 | |
Premium amortization and discount accretion, net | | | (24,641 | ) | | | (18,408 | ) |
Deferred income tax provision | | | (507,651 | ) | | | (197,077 | ) |
Expense from foreclosed properties | | | 17,809 | | | | 36,781 | |
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable | | | (131,089 | ) | | | 51,576 | |
(Increase) decrease in other assets | | | (57,312 | ) | | | 122,793 | |
Decrease in accrued interest payable | | | (175,467 | ) | | | (97,340 | ) |
Increase in other liabilities | | | 117,119 | | | | 145,217 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 1,622,086 | | | | 1,861,738 | |
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of securities available for sale | | | (1,597,260 | ) | | | (1,530,893 | ) |
Maturities of securities available for sale | | | 3,731,472 | | | | 3,272,839 | |
Net increase in loans | | | (15,026,358 | ) | | | (22,470,684 | ) |
FHLB stock purchase | | | (54,200 | ) | | | (122,300 | ) |
FHLB stock redemption | | | 47,500 | | | | - | |
Proceeds from the sales of foreclosed properties | | | 20,191 | | | | 60,300 | |
Additions to premises and equipment | | | (86,095 | ) | | | (44,774 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (12,964,750 | ) | | | (20,835,512 | ) |
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW Accounts, MMDA and savings accounts | | | 21,360,598 | | | | 3,260,518 | |
Net increase in time deposits | | | 3,581,353 | | | | 14,067,952 | |
Issuance of common stock | | | 69,715 | | | | 15,007 | |
Proceeds of FHLB advances | | | 1,110,000 | | | | 2,550,000 | |
Repayment of FHLB advances | | | (2,110,000 | ) | | | (2,550,000 | ) |
Tax benefit from exercise of non-qualified stock options | | | 17,421 | | | | 4,628 | |
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowing | | | (4,489,999 | ) | | | 834,808 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 19,539,088 | | | | 18,182,913 | |
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NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | | 8,196,424 | | | | (790,861 | ) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | | | 4,419,778 | | | | 8,527,456 | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | | $ | 12,616,202 | | | $ | 7,736,595 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
WESTSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORTION & SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. | Weststar Financial Services Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company with one subsidiary, The Bank of Asheville (the “Bank”). The Bank is a state chartered commercial bank, which was incorporated in North Carolina on October 29, 1997. The Bank provides consumer and commercial banking services in Buncombe County and surrounding area. Common shares of The Bank of Asheville were exchanged for common shares of Weststar Financial Services Corporation on April 29, 2000. Weststar Financial Services Corporation formed Weststar Financial Services Corporation I (the “Trust”) during October 2003 in order to facilitate the issuance of trust preferred securities. The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under the laws of the state of Delaware, of which all common securities are owned by Weststar Financial Services Corporation. |
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and their cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30 2009 and 2008. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.
The accounting policies followed are set forth in Note 1 to the 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders (Form 10-K) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. | In the normal course of business there are various commitments and contingent liabilities such as commitments to extend credit, which are not reflected on the financial statements. The unused portions of commitments to extend credit were $26,826,955 and $31,886,835 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. |
3. | Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustments to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method. During 2009 and 2008, there were no shares excluded due to antidultion. |
Basic and diluted net income per share have been computed based upon net income as presented in the accompanying statements of operations divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding or assumed to be outstanding as summarized below:
| | Three Months | | | Nine Months | |
| | Ended September 30, | | | Ended September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing basic net income per share | | | 2,146,817 | | | | 2,122,147 | | | | 2,142,534 | | | | 2,120,195 | |
Effect of dilutive stock options | | | 97,212 | | | | 151,241 | | | | 99,464 | | | | 157,877 | |
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares used in computing diluted net income per common share | | | 2,244,029 | | | | 2,273,388 | | | | 2,241,998 | | | | 2,278,072 | |
4. | The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair values. These levels are: |
Level 1 Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2 Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3 Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques included use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing modes or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities included those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities included mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.
Impaired Loans
The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time a loan is considered impaired and a specific reserve is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, the fair value is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flow. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investment in such loans. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. For impaired loans, an allowance is established
based on the fair value of collateral within the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.
Foreclosed Properties
Other real estate owned by the Company resulting from foreclosures is estimated at the fair value of the collateral based on a current appraised value is recorded as a Level 2. If no current appraisal is available, other management estimates are utilized, and the asset is recorded as a Level 3. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, no foreclosures were carried at fair value.
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
| | Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009 | |
Description | | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Assets/ Liabilities at Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Available-for-sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities | | | - | | | $ | 22,414,711 | | | | - | | | $ | 22,414,711 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008 | |
Available-for-sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities | | | - | | | $ | 23,778,449 | | | | - | | | $ | 23,778,449 | |
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:
| | Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009 | |
Description | | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Assets/ Liabilities at Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impaired loans(1) | | | - | | | $ | 3,758,601 | | | $ | 156,723 | | | $ | 3,915,325 | |
(1) Net of deferred fees/costs, reserves and loans carried at cost.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. These fair values estimates are based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates are intended to
represent the price an asset could be sold at or the price a liability could be settled for. However, given there is no active market or observable market transaction for many of the Company’s financial instruments, the Company has made estimates of many of these fair values, which are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimated values.
| | September 30, 2009 | | | December 31, 2008 | |
| | Carrying amount | | | Estimated fair value | | | Carrying amount | | | Estimated fair value | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 12,616 | | | $ | 12,616 | | | $ | 4,420 | | | $ | 4,420 | |
Investment securities | | | 22,415 | | | | 22,415 | | | | 23,778 | | | | 23,778 | |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock | | | 592 | | | | 592 | | | | 586 | | | | 586 | |
Loans, net | | | 181,922 | | | | 184,066 | | | | 168,710 | | | | 171,856 | |
Interest receivable | | | 1,162 | | | | 1,162 | | | | 1,030 | | | | 1,030 | |
Bank owned life insurance | | | 312 | | | | 312 | | | | 225 | | | | 225 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Demand deposits, NOW accounts,money market accounts, savings | | | 95,555 | | | | 95,555 | | | | 74,195 | | | | 74,195 | |
Time deposits | | | 100,201 | | | | 100,443 | | | | 96,619 | | | | 97,039 | |
Short-term borrowings | | | 4,429 | | | | 4,515 | | | | 5,919 | | | | 5,919 | |
Interest payable | | | 390 | | | | 390 | | | | 565 | | | | 565 | |
Long-term debt | | | 4,124 | | | | 4,041 | | | | 8,124 | | | | 8,297 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accrued Interest Receivable, and Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying amounts approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
Investment Securities - Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing modes or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the historic redemption policies and practices of the Federal Home Loan Bank.
Loans - Fair value of loans are estimated based on discounted expected cash flows. These cash flows include assumptions for prepayment estimates over the loans remaining life, considerations for the current interest rate environment compared to the weighted average rate of each portfolio credit, a credit risk component based on historical and expected performance of each portfolio.
Bank Owned Life Insurance – Fair value of bank owned life insurance is based upon quoted prices of underlying investments, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing modes or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.
Deposits - - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the valuation date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual
cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt – The fair values are based on discounting expected cash flows at the interest rate for debt with same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2009 are as follows:
Available-for-sale securities consist of the following at September 30, 2009:
| | Amortized cost | | | Gross unrealized gains | | | Gross unrealized losses | | | Fair value | |
Type and Maturity Group | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities -- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 1 year | | $ | 507,574 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (532 | ) | | $ | 507,042 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities due - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 1 to 5 years | | | 1,321,967 | | | | 30,322 | | | | - | | | | 1,352,289 | |
Municipal bonds due – | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 1 to 5 years | | | 1,551,887 | | | | 67,095 | | | | - | | | | 1,618,982 | |
Total due within 1 to 5 years | | | 2,873,854 | | | | 97,417 | | | | - | | | | 2,971,271 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government agencies due - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 5 to 10 years | | | 2,370,806 | | | | 169,263 | | | | - | | | | 2,540,069 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities due - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 5 to 10 years | | | 773,313 | | | | 42,702 | | | | - | | | | 816,015 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Municipal bonds due – | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Within 5 to 10 years | | | 716,364 | | | | 10,746 | | | | - | | | | 727,110 | |
Total due within 5 to 10 years | | | 3,860,483 | | | | 222,711 | | | | - | | | | 4,083,194 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities due - | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
after 10 years | | | 6,997,524 | | | | 367,250 | | | | - | | | | 7,364,774 | |
Municipal bonds due – | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
after 10 years | | | 7,401,003 | | | | 152,109 | | | | (64,682 | ) | | | 7,488,430 | |
Total due after years | | | 14,398,527 | | | | 519,359 | | | | (64,682 | ) | | | 14,853,204 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total at September 30, 2009 | | $ | 21,640,438 | | | $ | 839,487 | | | $ | (65,214 | ) | | $ | 22,414,711 | |
The following tables show investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at
September 30, 2009. These investments represent securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. The unrealized losses on investment securities as of September 30, 2009 are a result of volatility in the market during 2009 and relate to three Municipal bonds and two Mortgage-backed securities. All unrealized losses on investment securities resulted from changes in interest rates and are considered by management to be temporary given the credit ratings on these investment securities, the duration of the unrealized loss, and our intent and ability to retain our investment in a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Since the Company intends to hold all of its investment securities until maturity, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell any of its investment securities before unrealized losses have been recovered, and the company expects to recover the entire amount of the amortized cost basis of all its securities, none of the securities are deemed other than temporarily impaired.
| | Less Than 12 Months | | | 12 Months or More | | | Total | |
| | Fair | | | Unrealized | | | Fair | | | Unrealized | | | Fair | | | Unrealized | |
| | value | | | losses | | | value | | | losses | | | value | | | losses | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities available for sale: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage-backed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities | | $ | 278,884 | | | $ | (532 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 278,884 | | | $ | (532 | ) |
Municipal bonds | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,422,689 | | | | (64,682 | ) | | | 1,422,689 | | | | (64,682 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total temporarily impaired | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
securities | | $ | 278,884 | | | $ | (532 | ) | | $ | 1,422,689 | | | $ | (64,682 | ) | | $ | 1,701,573 | | | $ | (65,214 | ) |
The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investment, Federal Home Loan Bank - Atlanta stock, totaled $592,300 at September 30, 2009. The Company estimated that the fair value equaled the cost of the investment (that is, the investment was not impaired). The investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock is not reflected in investment securities; the investment is carried as a separate line item in the financial statements.
5. | In preparing these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through November 12, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued. |
6. | An update to FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Accounting Standards Code (“ASC”) ASC 820, “Determining Fair Value,” was effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. This position provides guidelines for making fair value measurements when the volume and level of activity for assets or liabilities have significantly decreased. The update addresses determining fair values when there is no active market or where the price inputs being used represent distressed sales. It reaffirms the objective of fair value measurement – to reflect how much an asset would be sold for in an orderly transaction (as opposed to a distressed or forced transaction) at the date of the financial statements under current market conditions. Specifically, it reaffirms the need to use judgment to ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive and in determining fair values when markets have become inactive. In such cases, management would use valuation techniques such as market approach, income approach or cost approach or a weighted probably of each to determine the fair value. The adoption of this new guidance did not have material effect on its financial position and results of operations. |
An update to FSP ASC 320, “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” was effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The update provides further guidance on Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and effects improved presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairment on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This amendment is intended to bring greater consistency to the timing of impairment recognition, and provide greater clarity to investors about the credit and noncredit components
of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. The measure of other-than-temporary impairment is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and fair value. The FSP also requires increased and more timely disclosures sought by investors regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
An update to FSP ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” was effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The amendment requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. The Company’s adoption of this new guidance did not have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
In May 2009, FASB issued ASC 855, “Subsequent Events.” This statement sets forth the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events occurring after the balance sheet date and the disclosures that should be made. Also, this statement requires disclosure of the date through which the entity has evaluated subsequent events (for public companies, and other companies that expect to widely distribute their financial statements, this date is the date of financial statement issuance, and for nonpublic companies, the date the financial statements are available to be issued). The effective date is for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this FAS did not have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
In June 2009, FASB issued ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” which eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE), changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures, including information about continuing exposure to risks related to transferred financial assets. This standard is effective for financial asset transfers occurring after the beginning of fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The disclosure requirements must be applied to transfers that occurred before and after the effective date. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this statement as of January 1, 2010 to have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
In June 2009, FASB issued ASC 810, “Consolidation,” which contains new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary, eliminates the exception to consolidating QSPEs, requires continual reconsideration of conclusions reached in determining the primary beneficiary, and requires additional disclosures. This standard is effective as of the beginning of fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and is applied using a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for any carrying amount adjustments (e.g., for newly-consolidated VIEs). The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this statement as of January 1, 2010 to have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
In June 2009, FASB ASC 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual financial statements ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification will become the source of authoritative US GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities and will supersede all non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
| Management’s Discussion and Analysis |
| Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Weststar Financial Services Corporation & Subsidiaries
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is provided to assist in understanding and evaluating the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein. Weststar Financial Services Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company for The Bank of Asheville (the “Bank”), a state chartered commercial bank incorporated in North Carolina on October 29, 1997. The Bank provides consumer and commercial banking services in Buncombe County and surrounding areas. Common shares of the Bank were exchanged for common shares of Weststar Financial Services Corporation on April 29, 2000. Weststar Financial Services Corporation formed Weststar Financial Services Corporation I (the “Trust”) during October 2003 in order to facilitate the issuance of trust preferred securities. The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under the laws of the state of Delaware, of which all common securities are owned by Weststar Financial Services Corporation. On October 19, 2004, the Company formed Bank of Asheville Mortgage Company, LLC (the “Mortgage Company”), a mortgage broker, of which the Company owned a 50% interest. During 2008, the Company and its partner in the Mortgage Company elected to dissolve the partnership and closed the Mortgage Company on October 31, 2008. Because Weststar Financial Services Corporation has no material operations and conducts no business on its own other than owning the Bank, the discussion contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis concerns primarily the business of the Bank. However, for ease of reading and because the financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis, Weststar Financial Services Corporation and the Bank are collectively referred to herein as the Company.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
During 2009, the Company continued its focus on asset quality, liquidity and core deposit growth. Management emphasized prudent underwriting standards, periodic reviews of loans of $100,000 or more, and monitoring loan quality. While there was an increase in non-performing assets, overall asset quality remained strong during the period. Non-performing assets totaled $6,809,269 at September 30, 2009 compared to $521,108 at December 31, 2008. Net charge-offs for the period totaled $355,002 compared to $243,641 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008. Loans outstanding grew by 8.29% to $185,441,835 compared to December 31, 2008. Deposits increased 14.60% to $195,756,057. The increase was attributable to marketing campaigns, sales call efforts and product development.
Net interest income increased by 14.00% during the three-month period due to growth in net earning assets. As a result of loan growth, net charge-offs and a continued deterioration in the national and regional economic conditions, the Company added $869,015 to allowance for loan losses compared to $320,635 during the comparable period in 2008. Other non-interest income for the September 30, 2009 and 2008 quarters totaled $463,466 and $425,618, respectively. The increase in other income primarily reflects increased fees from the origination of mortgage loans at the Bank level and increased revenue from debit/credit card interchange transactions. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company and its partner in the Mortgage Company mutually agreed to terminate their relationship, and began the process to close the Mortgage Company. The Company then shifted originating mortgage loans through the Bank. Bank of Asheville Mortgage Company, LLC posted net operating losses of $1,628 during the third quarter of 2008 of which $814 was the Company’s portion. Non-interest expenses increased from $1,478,381 to $1,616,278 or 9.33%. The increase was primarily attributable to operating expenses associated with personnel, professional fees, data processing fees, FDIC insurance premiums and expenses associated with foreclosed properties.
Net income totaled $131,623 and $349,004 for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively – a decrease of 62.29%.
The Company’s net interest income increased by 14.53% during the nine-month period due to growth in net earnings assets. As a result of loan growth, net charge-offs and a continued deterioration in the national and regional economic conditions, the Company added $1,344,905 to the loan loss reserve compared to $508,760 during the comparable period in 2008. Other non-interest income for the September 30, 2009 and 2008 periods totaled $1,336,264 and $1,216,501 respectively. The increase in other income primarily reflects increased fees from the origination of mortgage loans at the Bank level and increased revenue from debit/credit card interchange transactions. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company and its partner in the Mortgage Company mutually agreed to terminate their relationship, and began the process to close the Mortgage Company. The Company then shifted originating mortgage loans through the Bank. Bank of Asheville Mortgage Company, LLC posted net operating losses of $30,410 during the nine month period of 2008 of which $15,295 was the Company’s portion. Non-interest expenses increased from $4,511,361 to $5,001,042 or 10.85%. The increase was primarily attributable to operating expenses associated with personnel, data processing fees, FDIC insurance premiums and marketing expenses incurred to support loan and deposit servicing and growth.
Net income totaled $789,435 and $1,019,624 for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively – a decrease of 22.58%.
CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 31, 2008
During the period from December 31, 2008 to September 30, 2009, total assets increased $20,728,490 or 10.22%. This increase, reflected primarily in the cash and cash equivalents and loans, resulted from an increase in deposits.
Securities and interest-bearing balances with other financial institutions at September 30, 2009 totaled $31,445,710 compared to $23,997,361 at December 31, 2008. Through an investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Company gained access to the Federal Home Loan Bank system. This access grants the Company sources of funds for lending and liquidity. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock to date total $592,300.
At September 30, 2009, the loan portfolio constituted 82.94% of the Company’s total assets. Loans increased $14,202,143 from December 31, 2008 to September 30, 2009 or 8.29%. Continued growth in real estate secured lending resulted in the majority of the growth. Management places a strong emphasis on loan quality.
During the period, the loan portfolio reflected increased deterioration in asset quality. The Company evaluates loans for impairment on a monthly basis. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due (including both principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Generally, a loan is impaired if it exhibits the same level of weakness and probability of loss as loan classified as doubtful or loss. All nonaccrual and most troubled debt restructured loans are considered impaired.
The recorded investment, which includes accrued interest and is net of deferred fees/costs, in loans that are considered to be impaired was $7,664,640, $83,892, and $349,976 at September 30, 2009 and 2008, and December 31, 2008, respectively. The average recorded balance of impaired loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 totaled $3,141,102 and $199,511, respectively and $195,935 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The related allowance for loan losses determined for impaired loans was $372,237, none and none at September 30, 2009 and 2008, and December 31, 2008 respectively. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, Weststar recognized interest income from impaired loans of approximately $40,224 and $350, respectively. See “Asset Quality” for discussion for an analysis of loan loss reserves.
Non-performing assets consist of loans on which interest is no longer accrued, certain restructured loans where the borrower has failed to comply with the terms of the original note due to financial difficulties and real estate acquired in foreclosure. The accrual of interest is discontinued on loans when management believes there is reasonable uncertainty about the full amount of the collection of principal and interest or when the loan is contractually past due 90 days or more. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, it remains as such until the
loan is charged-off or until a reasonable payment history (generally 6 months) has been demonstrated and the borrower’s financial condition supports a probable likelihood of continued future payments. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only in periods in which actual payments are received. If a loan is returned to a performing status, interest recognition resumes under the accrual method of accounting. The following table sets forth non-performing assets at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | |
Nonaccrual loans | | $ | 6,078,050 | | | $ | 316,102 | |
Restructured loans | | | 95,000 | | | | - | |
Total non-performing loans | | $ | 6,173,050 | | | $ | 316,102 | |
Foreclosed properties | | | 636,219 | | | | 205,006 | |
Total | | $ | 6,809,269 | | | $ | 521,108 | |
Restructured loans not listed above | | $ | 1,136,527 | | | $ | - | |
Nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2009 were comprised of 23 loans, the majority of which are secured by real estate in the form of real estate construction properties or mortgages. Of the total loans on nonaccrual status, approximately $1.2 million had maintained a regular payment status, but have not yet been returned to accrual status.
Restructured loans, which are in compliance with restructured terms, totaled $1,136,527 at September 30, 2009. The majority of these loans are secured by real estate in the form of construction properties or mortgages. The Company did not reduce interest rates on restructured loan below the then existing market rates. Rather, restructuring generally involved a concession in the form of extending the term of the loan and deferring accrued interest to the end of the loan period. Given the current economic conditions and the accumulated real estate inventory, management has chosen to work with borrowers by providing some flexibility in payment terms.
Potential problem loans consist of loans that are performing in accordance with contractual terms, but for which management has concerns about the ability of an obligor to continue to comply with repayment terms, because of the obligor’s potential operating or financial difficulties. Management monitors these loans closely and reviews their performance on a regular basis. These loans do not meet the standards for, and are therefore not included in, non-performing assets. At September 30, 2009, the Company identified 14 potential problem loans totaling $13,767,385 as compared to one loan totaling $400,756 at December 31, 2008. Potential problem loans at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were primarily from the Company’s commercial real estate segment of the loan portfolio.
Potential problem loans at September 30, 2009, consisted of six relationships. One relationship consisted of a single note secured by a vehicle in the amount of $3,659. The borrower has declared bankruptcy, but continues to make payments. The second relationship, which consisted of two loans totaling $3,060,000, is secured by a first deed of trust on a twenty-seven lot residential development. This relationship is being included as a potential problem loan due to the fact that the delays in completion of the project have added concerns about the principal’s ability to continue interest payments until the lots sale. Management anticipates working with the developer during the next 30 days regarding his ability to resume payments. A third relationship consisted of two notes totaling $3,025,050. Both notes are current; however, the borrower was previously part owner of a business entity, which recently declared bankruptcy. The smaller of the two notes is secured by a first deed of trust on a residential lot in a subdivision, which has recently filed for Chapter 11 protection. The larger of the two notes is secured by a first deed of trust on 32 completed building lots, and additional acreage in a well established subdivision. The borrower continues to make payments on the notes. A fourth relationship consisted of two notes totaling $2,337,500 to two individual borrowers. The first note is a lot loan for $637,500 in a development, which has filed for Chapter 11 protection. The second note for $1,700,000 is made to the same individual, who is the borrower on the first note, plus an additional borrower.. The note is secured by a first deed of trust and improvements, including a 58,000 square foot building on a 21.94 acre tract not located in, but adjoining, a subdivision, which has filed for Chapter
11 protection. The note is also collateralized by an unsecured note with a face amount of $3,000,000. The notes are current, and borrowers continue to make payments. A fifth relationship consisted of two notes to an individual totaling $2,493,222, who was previously part owner in a business entity, which recently filed for Chapter 11 protection. The two loans are secured by an assignment of unsecured notes. The loans are current, and the borrower continues to make payments. The sixth relationship consisted of four notes totaling $2,847,954 to an individual, who is principal owner/developer in a subdivision, which recently filed for Chapter 11, protection. These notes are secured by a second deed of trust in a viable and growing subdivision, a first deed of trust on two residential building lots in a growing subdivision and by an airplane. A general loans loss reserve approximately $437,000 has been established for the loans.
Deposits increased 14.60% or $24,941,951 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in deposits was primarily attributable to growth in NOW accounts and certificates of deposit. In an effort to increase core deposits, during 2008, the Company introduced a new NOW account, eZchecking, which pays an above market interest rate on balances up to $25,000. Qualifiers for the account included a minimum of 10 debit card transactions, one direct deposit and receipt of electronic statement each month. The Company earns interchange revenue from debit card usage and can deliver electronic statements more efficiently than through standard U.S. mail; these two factors effectively minimize the cost of funds on the product. At September 30, 2009, the Company had 1,647 eZchecking accounts totaling $26,458,470 compared to 789 accounts totaling $9,283,769 at December 31, 2008. Other increases in NOW accounts resulted from fluctuation in Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (commonly referred to as IOLTA), primarily escrow accounts for real estate transactions, which increased from $1,521,560 at December 31, 2008 to $2,641,755 at September 30, 2009, and general growth in other NOW accounts. Time deposits increased from $96,619,476 to $100,200,829 or 3.71%. Growth in time deposits stemmed from interest-rate sensitive customers choosing to lock in fixed rates to protect themselves from further interest rate declines as well as customers choosing to transfer funds from the stock market into FDIC insured fixed rate time deposit accounts. Demand, money market and savings accounts increased by $795,061during the period. As noted previously, during the second quarter, a single commercial account increased its balance in a demand deposit account by over $4 million; these funds were considered to be temporary and were expected to be depleted over the next six months. During the third quarter, over $3 million had been withdrawn from that account.
Short-term borrowings consisted of one advance from the FHLB, which totaled $4,000,000 and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in the amount of $429,141. At December 31, 2008, the $4,000,000 FHLB borrowing was considered long-term debt, but has been reclassified to short-term debut for the current period due to remaining length of maturity. The interest rate on the FHLB advance was 5.01% and matures on March 23, 2010. Advances from the FHLB are secured by a blanket lien on 1-4 family real estate loans and certain commercial real estate loans. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase bear a variable rate of interest and mature daily. At September 30, 2009, the rate on these borrowings was ..25%.
Long-term borrowings consisted of trust preferred securities totaling $4,124,000. The trust preferred securities bear a rate of LIBOR plus 315 basis points (3.66% at September 30, 2009) and pay dividends quarterly. The rate is subject to quarterly resets. The trust preferred securities mature October 7, 2033, and became callable on or after October 7, 2008. All of the trust preferred securities were eligible for inclusion as Tier I capital. The Company continues to use the capital to support growth and branch expansion..
The Company’s capital at September 30, 2009 to risk weighted assets totaled 12.26%. Current regulations require a minimum ratio of total capital to risk weighted assets of 8%, with at least 4% being in the form of Tier 1 capital, as defined in the regulation. As of September 30, 2009, the Company’s capital exceeded the current regulatory capital requirements, and is categorized as well-capitalized under regulatory requirements.
FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AND 2008
Net interest income, the principal source of the Company’s earnings, is the amount of income generated by earning assets (primarily loans and investment securities) less the total interest cost of the funds obtained to carry them (primarily deposits and other borrowings). The volume, rate and mix of both earning assets and related funding sources determine net interest income.
COMPARATIVE THREE MONTHS
Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 totaled $2,165,136 compared to $1,899,211 in 2008. The increase was attributable to growth in net earning assets. The Company’s net interest margin was approximately 3.91% and 4.16% for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Weststar recorded a provision for loan losses of $869,015 and $320,260 for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The provision for loan losses is charged to operations to bring the allowance to a level deemed appropriate by management based on the factors discussed under “Asset Quality.”
Other non-interest income for the September 30, 2009 and 2008 quarters totaled $463,466 and $425,618, respectively. The increase in other income primarily reflects increased fees from debit/credit card interchange transactions and fees from the origination of mortgage loans at the Bank level. Interchange revenue increased from $75,335 to $90,475 for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively; fees from the originations of mortgage loans produced $26,335 during 2009 compared to $14,728 during 2008. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company and its partner in the Mortgage Company mutually agreed to terminate their relationship, and began the process to close the Mortgage Company. The Company then shifted originating mortgage loans through the Bank. Bank of Asheville Mortgage Company, LLC posted net operating losses of $1,628 during the September 2008 quarter, of which $814 was the Company’s portion. Other income decreased from $13,999 during 2008 to $10,847 during 2009. The decrease primarily reflects lower revenue earned from balances maintained at a correspondent bank.
Other non-interest expense totaled $1,616,278 compared to $1,478,381 in 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to personnel and overhead incurred to support loan and deposit servicing and growth, increased professional fees for services rendered, and increased FDIC insurance premiums. Occupancy expense remained relatively flat at $124,016. Equipment expenses decreased by $9,206 primarily as a result of lower amounts of depreciation. Data processing fees increased by $34,742 as a result of growth in loans and deposits. FDIC insurance premiums increased from $23,987 to $76,968 in 2009 as a result of increased premium rates, which increased from an annualized 5 cents per $100 of deposits for the September 30, 2008 quarter to an estimated annualized 13.49 cents per $100 for the September 30, 2009 quarter. As a result of banking failures during 2008, 2009 and projected future failures, the FDIC increased the premium to ensure adequate funding for the depository insurance fund. FDIC’s Treasury borrowing authority was increased to $100 billion, which allowed the agency to cut its planned assessment from 20 to 5 basis points for institutions as well capitalized as Bank of Asheville. The FDIC imposed a 5 basis point assessment during the second quarter of 2009, and reserves the right to impose another special assessment in subsequent quarters up to a maximum of 5 basis points of assets less Tier 1 capital, which could have a significant impact on the results of operations of the Company for 2009. Based on current assets less Tier 1 capital, the assessment would be approximately $101,000. At this point, however, it appears the FDIC will move toward a three year prepaid structure rather than assessing fees in arrears. If the FDIC moves toward this direction, the Company will owe an estimated $1.1 million for prepaid FDIC insurance coverage. Marketing expenses decreased from $86,569 to $65,431, which reflects a shift in timing for marketing efforts. Expenses from the foreclosures of properties increased from $1,523 during 2008 to $20,343 during 2009. The increase reflects the levels of foreclosure related activities. Other expenses totaled $94,471 in 2009 compared to $85,699 in 2008. Income before income tax provision totaled $143,309 and $525,813 for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Income tax provision totaled $11,686 and $176,809 for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which equated to an effective tax rate of
8.15% and 33.63%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to higher relative tax-exempt income to total taxable income in 2009. Net income totaled $131,623 and $349,004 for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Other comprehensive income/(loss) totaled $308,575 and $(363,151) in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Comprehensive income/(loss), which is the change in shareholders’ equity excluding transactions with shareholders, totaled $440,198 and $(14,147) for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
COMPARATIVE NINE MONTHS
Net interest income for the nine-month period September 30, 2009 totaled $6,119,077 compared to $5,342,578 in 2008. The increase was attributable to growth in net earning assets. The Company’s net interest margin was approximately 3.87% and 4.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Weststar recorded a provision for loan losses of $1,344,905 and $508,760 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The provision for loan losses is charged to operations to bring the allowance to a level deemed appropriate by management based on the factors discussed under “Asset Quality.”
Other non-interest income for the September 30, 2009 and 2008 quarters totaled $1,336,264 and $1,216,501, respectively. The increase in other income primarily reflects increased fees from debit/credit card interchange transactions and fees from the origination of mortgage loans at the Bank level. Interchange revenue increased from $212,393 to $251,103 for the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, respectively; fees from the originations of mortgage loans produced $114,185 during 2009 compared to $37,724 during 2008. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company and its partner in the Mortgage Company mutually agreed to terminate their relationship, and began the process to close the Mortgage Company. The Company then shifted originating mortgage loans through the Bank. Bank of Asheville Mortgage Company, LLC posted net operating losses of $30,590 during the September 2008 period, of which $15,295 was the Company’s portion. Other income decreased from $48,168 during 2008 to $30,698 during 2009. The decrease primarily reflects lower revenue earned from balances maintained at a correspondent banks.
Other non-interest expense totaled $5,001,042 compared to $4,511,361 in 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to personnel and overhead incurred to support loan and deposit servicing and growth and increased FDIC insurance premiums. Occupancy expense increased by $60,951 to $431,145 primarily as a result of a finder’s fee paid to secure a permanent branch location. Equipment expenses decreased by $41,167 primarily as a result of lower amounts of depreciation. Professional fees increased by 13.11% to $254,182 as a result of increased services. Data processing fees increased by $67,945 as a result of growth in loans and deposits. FDIC insurance premiums increased from $72,146 to $323,180 in 2009 as a result of increased premium rates, which increased from an annualized 5 cents per $100 of deposits for the September 30, 2008 period to an estimated annualized 13.34 cents per $100 for the September 30, 2009 period and as a result of a 5 basis point special assessment during the second quarter. As a result of banking failures during 2008 and projected failures during 2009, the FDIC increased the premium to ensure adequate funding for the depository insurance fund. FDIC’s Treasury borrowing authority was increased to $100 billion, which allowed the agency to cut its planned assessment from 20 to 5 basis points for institutions as well capitalized as Bank of Asheville. The FDIC reserves the right to impose another special assessment in subsequent quarters up to a maximum of 5 basis points of assets less Tier 1 capital, which could have a significant impact on the results of operations of the Company for 2009. At this point, however, it appears the FDIC will move toward a three year prepaid structure rather than assessing fees in arrears. If the FDIC moves toward this direction, the Company will owe an estimated $1.1 million for prepaid FDIC insurance coverage. Marketing expenses increased from $219,555 to $238,553, which reflects increased marketing efforts for products and services. Expenses from the foreclosures of properties decreased from $42,744 during 2008 to $20,413 during 2009. The decrease reflects the levels of foreclosure related activities. Other expenses totaled $272,100 in 2009 compared to $251,596 in 2008. Income before income tax provision totaled $1,109,394 and $1,538,958 for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Income tax provision totaled $319,959 and $519,334 for the periods ended September 30, 2009
and 2008, respectively, which equated to an effective tax rate of 28.84% and 33.75%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to higher relative tax-exempt income to taxable income in 2009. Net income totaled $789,435 and $1,019,624 for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Other comprehensive income (loss) totaled $458,315 and $(435,350) in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Comprehensive income, which is the change in shareholders’ equity excluding transactions with shareholders, totaled $1,247,750 and $584,274 for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
The Company’s asset/liability management, or interest rate risk management, program is focused primarily on evaluating and managing the composition of its assets and liabilities in view of various interest rate scenarios. Factors beyond the Company’s control, such as market interest rates and competition, may also have an impact on the Company’s interest income and interest expense.
Interest Rate Gap Analysis. As a part of its interest rate risk management policy, the Company calculates an interest rate “gap.” Interest rate “gap” analysis is a common, though imperfect, measure of interest rate risk, which measures the relative dollar amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which reprice within a specific time period, either through maturity or rate adjustment. The “gap” is the difference between the amounts of such assets and liabilities that are subject to repricing. A “positive” gap for a given period means that the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or otherwise repricing within that period exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or otherwise repricing within the same period. Accordingly, in a declining interest rate environment, an institution with a positive gap would generally be expected, absent the effects of other factors, to experience a decrease in the yield on its assets greater than the decrease in the cost of its liabilities and its income should be negatively affected. Conversely, the cost of funds for an institution with a positive gap would generally be expected to increase more slowly than the yield on its assets in a rising interest rate environment, and such institution’s net interest income generally would be expected to be positively affected by rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates generally have the opposite effect on an institution with a “negative gap.”
The majority of the Company’s deposits are rate-sensitive instruments with rates that tend to fluctuate with market rates. These deposits, coupled with the Company’s short-term certificates of deposit, have increased the opportunities for deposit repricing. The Company places great significance on monitoring and managing the Company’s asset/liability position. The Company’s policy of managing its interest margin (or net yield on interest-earning assets) is to maximize net interest income while maintaining a stable deposit base. The Company’s deposit base is not generally subject to the level of volatility experienced in national financial markets in recent years; however, the Company does realize the importance of minimizing such volatility while at the same time maintaining and improving earnings. Therefore, management prepares on a regular basis earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios of rising, flat and declining rates in order to more accurately measure interest rate risk.
Interest-bearing liabilities and variable rate loans are generally repriced to current market rates. Based on its analysis, the Company believes that its balance sheet is currently liability-sensitive; meaning that in a given period there will be more liabilities than assets subject to immediate repricing as the market rates change. Because a significant portion of the Company’s deposits are either variable rate or have short-term maturities, they reprice more rapidly than rate sensitive interest-earnings assets. During periods of rising rates, this results in decreased net interest income, assuming similar growth rates and stable product mixes in loans and deposits. The opposite occurs during periods of declining rates.
The Company uses interest sensitivity analysis to measure the sensitivity of projected earnings to changes in interest rates. The sensitivity analysis takes into account the current contractual agreements that the Company has on deposits, borrowings, loans, investments and any commitments to enter into those transactions. The Company monitors interest sensitivity by means of computer models that incorporate the current volumes, average rates, scheduled maturities and payments and repricing opportunities of asset and liability portfolios. Using this
information, the model estimates earnings based on projected portfolio balances under multiple interest rate scenarios. In an effort to estimate the effects of pure interest-rate risk, the Company assumes no growth in its balance sheet, because to do so could have the effect of distorting the balance sheet’s sensitivity to changing interest rates. The Company simulates the effects of interest rate changes on its earnings by assuming no change in interest rates as its base case scenario and either (1) gradually increasing or decreasing interest rates by over a twelve-month period or (2) immediately increasing or decreasing interest rates by .25%, .50%, 1% and 2%. Although these methods are subject to the accuracy of the assumptions that underlie the process and do not take into account the pricing strategies that management would undertake in response to sudden interest rate changes, the Company believes that these methods provide a better indication of the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates than other analyses.
Income simulation through modeling is one tool that the Company uses in the asset/liability management process. The Company also considers a number of other factors in determining its asset/liability and interest rate sensitivity management strategies. Management strives to determine the most likely outlook for the economy and interest rates by analyzing external factors, including published economic projections and data, the effects of likely monetary and fiscal policies as well as any enacted or prospective regulatory changes. The Company’s current and prospective liquidity position, current balance sheet volumes and projected growth, accessibility of funds for short-term needs and capital maintenance are also considered. This data is combined with various interest rate scenarios to provide management with information necessary to analyze interest sensitivity and to aid in the development of strategies to manage the Company’s balance sheet.
The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at September 30, 2009, which are projected to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown. Except as stated below, the amounts of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature within a particular period were determined in accordance with the contractual terms of the assets or liabilities. Loans with adjustable rates are shown as being due at the end of the next upcoming adjustment period. The interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s assets and liabilities illustrated in the following table would vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience differs from that indicated by such assumptions.
| | TERMS TO REPRICING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 | |
| | 1-90 Days | | | 91-180 Days | | | 181-365 Days | | | Total One | | | Non- | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Year | | | Sensitive | | | | |
Interest-earning assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing deposits | | | | | $ | 9,030,999 | | | $ | 9,030,999 | | | $ | 9,030,999 | | | | | | | |
Investment securities | | | 468,538 | | | $ | 348,236 | | | $ | 491,468 | | | | 1,308,242 | | | $ | 20,332,196 | | | | 21,640,438 | |
Federal Home Loan Bank | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
stock | | | 592,300 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 592,300 | | | | - | | | | 592,300 | |
Loans (1) | | | 131,524,475 | | | | 10,134,671 | | | | 10,490,733 | | | | 152,149,879 | | | | 33,291,956 | | | | 185,441,835 | |
Total Interest-earning assets | | | 141,616,312 | | | | 10,482,907 | | | | 10,981,201 | | | | 163,081,420 | | | | 53,624,152 | | | | 216,705,572 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Time deposits | | | 29,193,441 | | | | 33,013,827 | | | | 36,872,894 | | | | 99,081,162 | | | | 1,119,667 | | | | 100,200,829 | |
All other deposits | | | 71,584,068 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 71,584,068 | | | | - | | | | 71,584,068 | |
Short-term debt | | | 429,141 | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 0 | | | | 4,429,141 | | | | - | | | | 4,429,141 | |
Long-term debt | | | 4,124,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,124,000 | | | | - | | | | 4,124,000 | |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 105,330,650 | | | | 37,013,827 | | | | 36,872,894 | | | | 179,218,371 | | | | 1,119,667 | | | | 180,338,038 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest sensitivity gap | | $ | 36,285,662 | | | $ | (26,530,920 | ) | | $ | (25,891,693 | ) | | $ | (16,136,951 | ) | | $ | 52,504,485 | | | | | |
Cumulative interest sensitivity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gap | | $ | 36,285,662 | | | $ | 9,754,742 | | | $ | (16,136,951 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-earning assets as A percent of interest sensitive | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
liabilities* | | | 134.4 | % | | | 28.3 | % | | | 29.8 | % | | | 91.0 | % | | | | | | | | |
*Percentages shown are not cumulative.
Weststar has established an acceptable range of 80% to 120% for interest-earning assets as a percent of interest sensitive liabilities for the total one year horizon.
ASSET QUALITY
Management considers Weststar’s asset quality to be of primary importance. We maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The loan portfolio is analyzed monthly in an effort to identify potential problems before they actually occur. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. The provision for loan losses is based upon management’s best estimate of the amount needed to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of the current status of the portfolio, historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions.
Higher risk loans are factored into the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. For example, junior liens on real estate properties are a higher risk than first lien positions, and owner occupied real estate is a lesser risk than non-owner occupied real estate properties. Home equity lines of credit are reviewed annually for credit quality, payment history and collateral value. All MSA (Asheville & Buncombe County) loans are coded to census tracts to assist in tracking any concentrations. Fluctuation in real estate values are taken into consideration when preparing annual in-house appraisal reviews. Inspections of collateral, updates in tax values, and data provided by local appraisers are reviewed when determining current market prices for collateral.
All loans are reviewed periodically for delinquency by category, collateral code, and loan grade ratings. On a quarterly basis qualitative analytics including credit, delinquency trends, economic and business trends, external factors, lending management and staff, lending policies and procedures, loss/recovery trends, nature and volume of
portfolio, nonaccrual trends, problem loan trends and quality of loan review systems are utilized in estimating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Therefore, while management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. In addition, regulatory examiners may require the Company to recognize changes to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
The provision for loan losses represents a charge against income in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level. The monthly provision for loan losses may fluctuate based on the results of this analysis. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2009 and 2008, and December 31, 2008 was $3,519,884, $2,355,244 and $2,529,981 or 1.90%, 1.49% and 1.48%, respectively, of gross loans outstanding. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding was .27%, .23% and .18% during the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and December 31, 2008, respectively.
The following table contains an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, including the amount of charge-offs and recoveries by loan type, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Summary of Allowance for Loan Losses
| | For the nine months | | | For the year ended | |
| | Ended September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2008 | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 2,529,981 | | | $ | 2,090,125 | | | $ | 2,090,125 | |
Charge-offs: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial, financial and agricultural | | | (236,392 | ) | | | (200,091 | ) | | | (203,524 | ) |
Real Estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Construction | | | (9,211 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Mortgage | | | (78,877 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Consumer | | | (55,914 | ) | | | (83,083 | ) | | | (116,409 | ) |
Total charge-offs | | | (380,394 | ) | | | (283,174 | ) | | | (319,933 | ) |
Recoveries | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial, financial, and agricultural | | | 28 | | | | 13,415 | | | | 13,415 | |
Real Estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Construction | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Mortgage | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Consumer | | | 25,364 | | | | 26,118 | | | | 35,089 | |
Total Recoveries | | | 25,392 | | | | 39,533 | | | | 48,504 | |
Net (charge-offs) recoveries | | | (355,002 | ) | | | (243,641 | ) | | | (271,429 | ) |
Provision charged to operations | | | 1,344,905 | | | | 508,760 | | | | 711,285 | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 3,519,884 | | | $ | 2,355,244 | | | $ | 2,529,981 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percentage of net charge-offs to | | | | | | | | | | | | |
average loans | | | .27 | % | | | .23 | % | | | .18 | % |
Percentage of allowance to | | | | | | | | | | | | |
period-end loans | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.49 | % | | | 1.48 | % |
The Bank operates in a well diversified market. Major economic drivers include tourism, medical industry and light manufacturing. While the Company’s market has not experienced some of the extreme hardships as portrayed nationally, the Bank and its market are not totally isolated. Residential mortgage sales in the market have slowed
down; however, the Bank has not experienced the same magnitude as the national market. While the Bank’s losses related to real estate lending have been low historically, the volatility of the real estate development market loans in our market could result in additional increases in our exposure to losses if the economy continues to experience a downward trend.
The Bank mitigates its exposure to real estate construction lending by limiting the number of unsold houses to four per developer. Currently, home developer loans have an average balance of approximately $300,000 per unit. The Bank uses third party building inspectors to evaluate construction progress. Based upon reports provided by the inspectors the Bank stands better equipped to monitor and distribute loan draws according to percent of project completed. Approximately 30% of commercial real estate mortgage loans are owner-occupied. In general, owner-occupied loans pose lower risks than non-owner-occupied loans as there is lower risk of the borrower-tenant leaving the building for a better lease and generally there are business-related cash flows which provide debt service capacity. Additionally, in the normal owner-occupied loan situation, personal guarantees for the loan are present.
Nonaccrual and restructured loans increased from $316,102 at December 31, 2008 to $7,309,577 at September 30, 2009. Current non-accrual loans represent 23 loans with 20 customers; restructured loans represent 10 loans with eight customers. Although some of the customers have resumed payments, management has continued to classify the relationships until such time as the borrowers demonstrate a consistent and consecutive payment history. Lost interest on nonaccrual loans amounted to $78,992 during 2009. Management has reviewed each non-performing loan, supporting collateral, financial stability of each borrower and the relevant loan loss allowance. During 2009, management continued its in-depth underwriting analysis, training and loan monitoring. Management continued its engagement of third party loan review services to supplement and validate overall loan review analytics and portfolio risk assessments. Based upon this analysis, management believes the allowance is adequate to support current loans outstanding.
The following table identifies management’s specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses for impaired loans.
Impaired loans without a related allowance | | $ | 3,325,844 | |
Impaired loans with a related allowance for loan losses | | | 4,213,251 | |
Total impaired loans | | $ | 7,539,095 | |
Allowance for loan loss related to impaired loans | | $ | 372,236 | |
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.
During 2009, there were no changes in estimation methods or assumptions that affected our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the general and specific allowance for credit losses. Changes in estimates and assumptions regarding the effect of economic and business conditions on borrowers affect the assessment of the allowance.
The following table allocates the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.
| | September 30, 2009 | | | December 31, 2008 | |
| | Amount of Allowance | | | Percent of Total Loans | | | Amount of Allowance | | | Percent of Total Loans | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TYPE OF LOAN: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate | | $ | 2,731,110 | | | | 85 | % | | $ | 2,001,660 | | | | 82 | % |
Commercial and industrial | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
loans | | | 712,828 | | | | 14 | % | | | 465,388 | | | | 16 | % |
Consumer | | | 75,946 | | | | 1 | % | | | 50,786 | | | | 2 | % |
Unallocated | | | - | | | | - | | | | 12,147 | | | | - | |
Total Allowance | | $ | 3,519,884 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 2,529,981 | | | | 100 | % |
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Banks and bank holding companies, as regulated institutions, must meet required levels of capital. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Federal Reserve, the primary regulators of The Bank of Asheville and Weststar, respectively, have adopted minimum capital regulations or guidelines that categorize components and the level of risk associated with various types of assets. Financial institutions are expected to maintain a level of capital commensurate with the risk profile assigned to its assets in accordance with these guidelines. As shown in the following table, Weststar and The Bank of Asheville both maintained capital levels exceeding the minimum levels for "well capitalized" banks and bank holding companies.
REGULATORY CAPITAL
| | Actual | | | For Capital Adequacy Purposes | | | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amount | | | Ratio | | | Amount | | | Ratio | | | Amount | | | Ratio | |
| | (Dollars in Thousands) | |
As of September 30, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 23,810 | | | | 12.26 | % | | $ | 15,533 | | | | 8.00 | % | | $ | 19,417 | | | | 10.00 | % |
Bank | | $ | 22,568 | | | | 11.64 | % | | $ | 15,514 | | | | 8.00 | % | | $ | 19,393 | | | | 10.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 21,369 | | | | 11.01 | % | | $ | 7,767 | | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 11,650 | | | | 6.00 | % |
Bank | | $ | 20,130 | | | | 10.38 | % | | $ | 7,757 | | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 11,636 | | | | 6.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 21,369 | | | | 9.53 | % | | $ | 8,970 | | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 11,212 | | | | 5.00 | % |
Bank | | $ | 20,130 | | | | 8.99 | % | | $ | 8,960 | | | | 4.00 | % | | $ | 11,200 | | | | 5.00 | % |
LIQUIDITY
Maintaining adequate liquidity while managing interest rate risk is the primary goal of Weststar’s asset and liability management strategy. Liquidity is the ability to fund the needs of the Company’s borrowers and depositors, pay operating expenses, and meet regulatory liquidity requirements. Loan repayments, deposit growth, federal funds purchased and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank are presently the main sources of the Company’s liquidity. The Company’s primary uses of liquidity are to fund loans and to make investments.
As of September 30, 2009 liquid assets (cash and due from banks and interest-earning bank deposits) were approximately $12.6 million, which represents 5.64% of total assets and 6.44% of total deposits. Supplementing this liquidity, Weststar has available lines of credit from correspondent banks of approximately $20.3 million; and unpledged investment securities of $19.1 million. At September 30, 2009, outstanding commitments to extend credit and available lines of credit were $26.8 million. The Company has the ability to access brokered deposits and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, more commonly referred to as CDARS, for additional liquidity, but does not currently have any of either in its certificates of deposit portfolio. Management believes that the combined aggregate liquidity position of the Company is sufficient to meet the funding requirements of loan demand and deposit maturities and withdrawals in the near term.
Certificates of deposit represented approximately 51.19% of Weststar’s total deposits at September 30, 2009. The Company’s growth strategy includes efforts focused on increasing the relative volume of transaction deposit accounts, as the branch network is expanded, making it more convenient for our banking customers. Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more represented 11.68% of the Company’s total deposits at September 30, 2009. These deposits are generally considered rate sensitive, but management believes most of them are relationship-oriented. While the Company will need to pay competitive rates to retain these deposits at maturity, there are other subjective factors that will determine the Company’s continued retention of these deposits.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
A financial institution has assets and liabilities that are distinctly different from those of a company with substantial investments in plant and inventory because the major portion of its assets is monetary in nature. As a result, a bank’s performance may be significantly influenced by changes in interest rates. Although the banking industry is more affected by changes in interest rates than by inflation in the prices of goods and services, inflation is a factor, which may influence interest rates. However, the frequency and magnitude of interest rate fluctuations do not necessarily coincide with changes in the general inflation rate. Inflation does affect operating expenses in that personnel expenses, cost of supplies and outside services tend to increase more during periods of high inflation.
At the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14.
Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective (1) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company reviews its disclosure controls and procedures, which may include its internal control over financial reporting, on an ongoing basis, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that the Company’s systems evolve with its business.
Part II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
| Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
| | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
Under the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| WESTSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION |
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Date: November 12, 2009 | | By: | /s/ G. Gordon Greenwood | |
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| | | G. Gordon Greenwood | |
| | | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
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Date: November 12, 2009 | | By: | /s/ Randall C. Hall | |
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| | | Randall C. Hall | |
| | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial | |
| | | and Principal Accounting Officer | |
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