The data contained in the table has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis, based on the Company’s federal statutory rate of 34 percent. Management believes that this presentation provides comparability of net interest income and net interest margin arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with industry practice and SEC rules.
For the first quarter of 2010, the provision for loan losses was $75,000, a $375,000 decrease from the $450,000 recorded in the first quarter of 2009. The relatively high level of loan loss provisioning during last year’s first quarter was due to an increase in the general loss factors utilized in management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio combined with deterioration or impairment of specific credits, consistent with the precipitous downturn in the economy at that time. As we head into 2010, there appear to be initial signs that credit quality is stabilizing, while the Company’s asset quality metrics, such as nonaccrual loan and charge-off ratios, continue to be among the soundest relative to its competitive peer groups. Notwithstanding these recent positive indications and trends, management believes there continues to be heightened risks in certain segments of the loan portfolio due to the current weak operating environment. Management reviews the adequacy of its allowance on an ongoing basis and may provide for additional provisions in future periods due to increased general weakness in the economy or in our geographic trade area, deterioration or impairment of specific credits, or as management may deem necessary.
Non-interest income decreased by $649,000 to $422,000 in the first quarter of 2010 from $1.1 million in the first quarter a year ago. The change is largely due to $568,000 in proceeds received in 2009 on a bank-owned life insurance policy, while there was no similar payment in 2010. In addition, gains on sales of loans at the Bank’s residential mortgage lending subsidiary, Sullivan Financial Services, Inc., declined $98,000 in the current first quarter compared to the prior year. Mortgage revenue was down consistent with the industry trend of lower re-financing activity. Service fees on deposit accounts increased by 11.3% to $79,000 in the first quarter of 2010 from the prior year quarter.
Non-interest expenses were $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2010, a decrease of $216 thousand versus $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2009.
Salary and employee benefits were down $114,000 due primarily to a $183,000 charge to settle a retirement plan liability in 2009, which did not recur in 2010, and partially offset by an increase in salary expense, bonus accruals and health benefit costs. FDIC insurance assessments increased by $52,000 reflecting higher regular assessment rates, additional FDIC insurance premiums under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program, and a higher deposit base. Controllable expenses (i.e., all expenses other than the 2009 nonrecurring retirement plan charge and FDIC assessments) declined by $85 thousand, or 3.5%, to $2.3 million in the current quarter from $2.4 million one year ago, reflecting continued expense control in areas including, but not limited to, occupancy and outside consultants.
Income Taxes
The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $155 thousand in the first quarter 2010 versus a tax benefit of $81 thousand in the first quarter 2009. The tax benefit recorded in 2009 was due to a large proportion of non-taxable income including a nonrecurring $568 thousand death benefit payment on bank owned life insurance. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 was 27.4%.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2010 as compared to December 31, 2009
Total assets as of March 31, 2010 decreased to $312.8 million from $330.1 million at December 31, 2009. The largest components of the decrease were cash and cash equivalents (down $13.6 million), loans held for sale (down $3.2 million) and investment securities available for sale (down $2.7 million), partially offset by a $2.1 increase in loans receivable. The decline in cash reflects largely seasonal factors associated with our level of deposits, which spiked up at year-end. The decline in loans held for sale, which consist of mortgage loans originated by our mortgage banking subsidiary, was also related to seasonal factors as well as an industry-wide reduction in mortgage re-financing activity. Our portfolio of investment securities available for sale declined as the prolonged period of lower interest rates has resulted in continued pay-downs of mortgage-backed securities and calls of certain agency obligations. Over the course of 2009 and into 2010, Management has taken a cautious approach with regard to liquidity and interest rate risk by largely depositing net inflows into the Bank’s Federal Reserve Bank account, which is currently earning 0.25% per annum.
Total loans at March 31, 2010 increased $2.1 million to $208.9 million from $206.8 million at year-end 2009. The changes in and composition of the loan portfolio, by category, as of March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 is as follows: Commercial loans decreased $2.1 million to $38.0 million, construction, land and land development loans decreased by $0.1 million to $7.4 million, commercial mortgage loans increased $1.9 million to $102.0 million; home equity loans decreased by $1.7 million to $44.8 million; residential mortgage loans increased by $4.3 million to $15.9 million; and other consumer loans decreased by $98 thousand to $658 thousand. During the first three months of 2010, the Bank’s loan portfolio was impacted by the continued trend of deleveraging and/or refinancing strategies employed by many of the Bank’s borrowers, which in turn has led to paydowns or repayments of the Bank’s loans. With regard to new loan originations, the Bank has made a strategic decision to hold, on limited basis, in its loan portfolio residential mortgages that meet high credit quality standards that were closed by Sullivan Financial, the Bank’s mortgage banking subsidiary. The demand for commercial credit that met the Bank’s underwriting standards continues to be below historical standards and was predominantly for credit secured by commercial real estate.
The following schedule presents the components of loans, net of unearned income, for each period presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2010 | | December 31, 2009 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Amount | | Percent | | Amount | | Percent | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | (Dollars In Thousands) | |
Commercial: | | $ | 37,970 | | | 18.2 | % | $ | 40,102 | | | 19.4 | % |
Real Estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Construction, land and land development | | | 7,404 | | | 3.5 | % | | 7,540 | | | 3.7 | % |
Commercial mortgages | | | 101,984 | | | 48.9 | % | | 100,118 | | | 48.4 | % |
Residential mortgages | | | 15,921 | | | 7.6 | % | | 11,656 | | | 5.6 | % |
Consumer: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home Equity | | | 44,796 | | | 21.5 | % | | 46,481 | | | 22.5 | % |
Other consumer | | | 658 | | | 0.3 | % | | 756 | | | 0.4 | % |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gross loans | | | 208,733 | | | 100.0 | % | | 206,653 | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
|
| |
Net deferred costs | | | 123 | | | | | | 115 | | | | |
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
Total loans | | | 208,856 | | | | | | 206,768 | | | | |
Less: Allowance for loan losses | | | 3,186 | | | | | | 3,111 | | | | |
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
Net Loans | | $ | 205,670 | | | | | $ | 203,657 | | | | |
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
Commercial loans are loans made for business purposes and are primarily secured by collateral, such as cash balances with the Bank, marketable securities held by or under the control of the Bank, business assets including accounts receivable, inventory and equipment and liens on commercial and residential real estate. Real estate loans consist of (i) construction, land and land development loans, which include loans secured by first liens on commercial or residential properties to finance the construction or renovation of such properties (ii) commercial mortgages, which include loans secured by first liens on completed commercial properties to purchase or refinance such properties and (iii) residential mortgages, which include loans secured by first liens on residential real estate, and are generally made to existing customers of the Bank to purchase or refinance primary and secondary residences.
Securities available for sale decreased $2.7 million, or 7.9%, from $34.2 million at year-end 2009 to $31.5 million at March 31, 2009. Securities held to maturity remained constant at $12.3 million from December 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010. The Company purchased $2.9 million in new securities during the first three months of 2010 and $5.7 million in securities matured, were called or were prepaid. There was $767 thousand in recorded net unrealized gains, net of taxes, in the available for sale portfolio and $19 thousand in net amortization expenses during the first three months of 2010.
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Total deposits decreased $17.7 million to $261.4 million as of March 31, 2010 from $279.1 million as of December 31, 2009. Core deposits (i.e., all deposits other than time deposits) declined $12.9 million, largely due to seasonal factors that impact our commercial customers, while time deposits decreased by $4.8 million, as higher rate promotional time deposits issued in 2008 continue to roll off. Commencing in the third quarter of 2008, as the economy started to slow, Management adopted a strategy of remaining highly liquid and seeking to attract customer relationships by capitalizing on customer dissatisfaction with current banking relationships. As the economy has stabilized, Management has started to unwind this strategy, and the change in our deposit portfolio reflects this unwinding. The percentage of core deposits to total deposits increased to 83% at March 31, 2010 from 82% at year-end 2009. Time deposits decreased $1.3 million. Management continues to monitor the Bank’s deposit portfolio through its Investment and Asset/Liability Committee.
ASSET QUALITY
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s non-performing assets and TDRs as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
| | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2010 | | December 31, 2009 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Non-accrual loans | | $ | 374 | | $ | 256 | |
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing | | | — | | | — | |
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|
| |
|
| |
Total non-performing loans | | $ | 374 | | $ | 256 | |
OREO | | | — | | | — | |
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|
| |
|
| |
Total non-performing assets | | $ | 374 | | $ | 256 | |
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|
| |
|
| |
Troubled debt restructured loans | | $ | 393 | | $ | 394 | |
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|
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|
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| | | | | | | |
Non-accrual loans to total loans | | | 0.18 | % | | 0.12 | % |
Non-performing assets to total assets | | | 0.12 | % | | 0.08 | % |
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-performing loans | | | 852 | % | | 1,215 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to total loans | | | 1.53 | % | | 1.50 | % |
Loans delinquent 30-89 days were $182,000 at March 31, 2010, down from $759,000 at December 31, 2009.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for probable loan losses. The level of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of estimated losses in the portfolio, after consideration of risk characteristics of the loans and prevailing and anticipated economic conditions. Provisions are charged to expense and the allowance is reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries, and is increased by the provision. Although management strives to maintain an allowance it deems adequate, future economic changes, deterioration of borrowers’ creditworthiness, and the impact of examinations by regulatory agencies all could cause changes to the Company’s allowance for loan losses.
At March 31, 2010, the allowance for loan losses was $3.2 million, up $75 thousand from year-end 2009. There were no net charge-offs for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, while there were $646 thousand of net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2009. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans receivable was 1.53% at March 31, 2010 and 1.50% at December 31, 2009.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The principal objective of the Company’s asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest-rate risk included in certain balance sheet accounts; determine the level of risk appropriate given the Company’s business focus, operating environment, and capital and liquidity requirements; establish prudent asset concentration guidelines; and manage the risk consistent with Board approved guidelines. The Company seeks to reduce the vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates, and actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Asset/Liability Committee (the “ALCO”). The ALCO generally reviews the Company’s liquidity, cash flow needs, maturities of investments, deposits and borrowings, and current market conditions and interest rates.
The Company currently utilizes net interest income simulation and economic value of portfolio equity (“EVPE”) models to measure the potential impact to the Company of future changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2010 and 2009 the results of the models were within guidelines prescribed by the Company’s Board of Directors. If model results were to fall outside prescribed ranges, action would be required by the ALCO.
The net interest income simulation model attempts to measure the change in net interest income over the next one-year period assuming certain changes in the general level of interest rates. In our model, which was run as of March 31, 2010, we estimated that a gradual (often referred to as “ramped”) 200 basis-point increase in the general level of interest rates will increase our net interest income by 2.7%, while a ramped 200 basis-point decrease in interest rates will decrease net interest income by 1.3%. As of March 31, 2009, our model predicted that a 200 basis point gradual increase in general interest rates would increase net interest income by 2.1%, while a 200 basis point decrease would decrease net interest income by 1.1%.
An EVPE analysis is also used to dynamically model the present value of asset and liability cash flows with rate shocks of up and down 200 basis points. The economic value of equity is likely to be different as interest rates change. The Company’s variance in EVPE as a percentage of assets as of March 31, 2010, was -0.61% with a rate shock of up 200 basis points, and -0.86% with a rate shock of down 200 basis points. At March 31, 2009, the variances were -1.33% assuming an up 200 basis points rate shock and -0.51% assuming a down 200 basis points rate shock.
LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL RATIOS
At March 31, 2010, the amount of liquid assets remained at a level management deemed adequate to ensure that contractual liabilities, depositors’
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withdrawal requirements, and other operational and customer credit needs could be satisfied.
At March 31, 2010, liquid assets (cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits at other banks, federal funds sold, and investment securities available for sale) were approximately $74.2 million, which represents 23.7% of total assets and 27.3% of total deposits and borrowings.
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and has the ability to borrow a total of $78.2 million (subject to available qualified collateral, with current borrowings of $11.0 million outstanding at March 31, 2010). In addition, during April 2009, the Bank established a credit facility (with an approximate borrowing capacity based on pledged collateral as of March 31, 2010 of $11.4 million) with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for direct discount window borrowings. In addition, the Bank has in place additional borrowing capacity of $17.0 million through correspondent banks. At March 31, 2010 outstanding commitments for the Bank to extend credit were $79.1 million. Management believes that our combined aggregate liquidity position is sufficient to meet the funding requirements of loan demand and deposit maturities and withdrawals over the next twelve months.
Total stockholders’ equity increased to $38.5 million at March 31, 2010. Activity in stockholders’ equity consisted of an increase in retained earnings of $149 thousand which represents net income of $410 thousand earned during the first three months of 2010 offset by a cash dividend payment of $261 thousand. Common stock increased by $115 thousand from the exercise of stock options for the first three months of 2010. Accumulated comprehensive income increased by $83 thousand resulting from a net change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale.
At March 31, 2010 the Bank exceeded each of the regulatory capital requirements applicable to it. The table below presents the capital ratios at March 31, 2010, for the Bank, as well as the minimum regulatory requirements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount | | Minimum Ratio | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Bank: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Leverage Capital | | $ | 31,992 | | | 10.38 | % | $ | 12,324 | | 4 | % | |
Tier 1-Risk Based | | $ | 31,992 | | | 13.27 | % | $ | 9,642 | | 4 | % | |
Total Risk-Based | | $ | 35,007 | | | 14.52 | % | $ | 19,284 | | 8 | % | |
The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 12.33% as of March 31, 2010 and 12.06% as of March 31, 2009.
ITEM 3- QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not Applicable
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
| | |
| (a) | Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures |
| | |
| | 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 Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period reported on in this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. |
| | |
| (b) | Changes in internal controls. |
| | |
| | There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
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Part II Other Information
The Company and the Bank are periodically involved in various legal proceedings as a normal incident to their businesses. In the opinion of management, no material loss is expected from any such pending lawsuit.
| |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
(a) and (b) - none
| | |
| (c) | In February of 2007, the Registrant’s Board of Directors approved a repurchase program pursuant to which the registrant may repurchase up to 250,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. In October, 2007 the Board increased this program by another 250,000 shares. |
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Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
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Not applicable |
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Item 4. | (Removed and Reserved) |
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Item 5. | Other Information |
| |
Not applicable |
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Item 6. | Exhibits |
Exhibits
| | |
| | Exhibit 31.1 – Certification of Stewart E. McClure, Jr. pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a) |
| | Exhibit 31.2 – Certification of William S. Burns pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a) |
| | Exhibit 32 – Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to 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.
| |
| SOMERSET HILLS BANCORP |
| |
Date: May 12, 2010 | By:/s/ William S. Burns |
| |
| WILLIAM S. BURNS |
| Chief Financial Officer |
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