UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
X
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the period ended March 31, 2007
Transaction Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transaction period from to __
Commission File Number 0-11204
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania 25-1424278
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or organization)
Main & Franklin Streets, P.O. Box 430, Johnstown, PA 15907-0430
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code(814) 533-5300
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filerX Non-accelerated filerX
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). X Yes X No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding at May 1, 2007
Common Stock, par value $2.50
22,163,336
per share
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: | Page No. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 |
3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 | 4 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 | 5 |
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 17 |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 29 |
Controls and Procedures | 29 |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
|
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 30 |
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 30 |
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 30 |
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 30 |
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 30 |
Item 5. Other Information | 30 |
Item 6. Exhibits | 30 |
2
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
March 31, | December 31, | ||
| 2007 | 2006 | |
ASSETS | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 18,872 | $ 23,491 | |
Interest bearing deposits | 661 | 413 | |
Total cash and due from depository institutions | 19,533 | 23,904 | |
Investment securities: | |||
Available for sale | 164,380 | 181,498 | |
Held to maturity (market value $20,823 on March 31, 2007 and $20,460 on December 31, 2006) |
20,958 |
20,657 | |
Loans held for sale | 711 | 358 | |
Loans | 603,614 | 589,591 | |
Less: Unearned income | 491 | 514 | |
Allowance for loan losses | 8,010 | 8,092 | |
Net loans | 595,113 | 580,985 | |
Premises and equipment, net | 8,866 | 8,562 | |
Accrued income receivable | 4,153 | 4,165 | |
Goodwill | 13,498 | 9,544 | |
Core deposit intangibles | 1,621 | 1,838 | |
Bank owned life insurance | 32,514 | 32,256 | |
Net deferred tax asset | 15,310 | 15,837 | |
Other assets | 14,902 | 16,388 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | $ 891,559 | $ 895,992 | |
LIABILITIES | |||
Non-interest bearing deposits | $ 107,814 | $ 107,559 | |
Interest bearing deposits | 661,133 | 634,196 | |
Total deposits | 768,947 | 741,755 | |
Short-term borrowings | 11,235 | 49,091 | |
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank | 3,935 | 946 | |
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 13,085 | 13,085 | |
Total borrowed funds | 28,255 | 63,122 | |
Other liabilities | 8,665 | 6,431 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 805,867 | 811,308 | |
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; there were no shares issued and outstanding for the periods presented | - | - | |
Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 26,252,364 shares issued and 22,161,445 outstanding on March 31, 2007; 26,247,013 shares issued and 22,156,094 outstanding on December 31, 2006 | 65,631 | 65,618 | |
Treasury stock at cost, 4,090,919 shares for both periods presented | (65,824) | (65,824) | |
Capital surplus | 78,760 | 78,739 | |
Retained earnings | 12,996 | 12,568 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net | (5,871) | (6,417) | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 85,692 | 84,684 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ 891,559 | $ 895,992 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Unaudited
| Three months ended | Three months ended | ||
March 31, | March 31, | |||
| 2007 | 2006 | ||
INTEREST INCOME | ||||
Interest and fees on loans and loans held for sale | $ 10,061 | $ 8,900 | ||
Deposits with banks | 6 | 1 | ||
Federal funds sold | 6 | - | ||
Investment securities: | ||||
Available for sale | 1,833 | 2,058 | ||
Held to maturity | 269 | 220 | ||
Total Interest Income | 12,175 | 11,179 | ||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||
Deposits | 5,699 | 4,026 | ||
Other short-term borrowings | 220 | 565 | ||
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank | 21 | 16 | ||
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures |
280 |
280 | ||
Total Interest Expense | 6,220 | 4,887 | ||
| ||||
NET INTEREST INCOME | 5,955 | 6,292 | ||
Provision for loan losses | ____- | ____- | ||
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES |
5,955 | 6,292 | ||
| ||||
NON-INTEREST INCOME | ||||
Trust fees | 1,704 | 1,641 | ||
Net realized gains on loans held for sale | 25 | 23 | ||
Service charges on deposit accounts | 585 | 627 | ||
Bank owned life insurance | 258 | 256 | ||
Other income | 661 | 695 | ||
Total Non-Interest Income | 3,233 | 3,242 | ||
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||
Salaries and employee benefits | 4,885 | 4,815 | ||
Net occupancy expense | 664 | 655 | ||
Equipment expense | 546 | 639 | ||
Professional fees | 695 | 795 | ||
Supplies, postage and freight | 278 | 306 | ||
Miscellaneous taxes and insurance | 364 | 414 | ||
FDIC deposit insurance expense | 22 | 73 | ||
Amortization of core deposit intangibles | 216 | 216 | ||
Other expense | 1,003 | 945 | ||
Total Non-Interest Expense | 8,673 | 8,858 | ||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 515 | 676 | ||
Provision for income taxes | 87 | 136 | ||
NET INCOME | $ 428 | $ 540 | ||
PER COMMON SHARE DATA: | ||||
Basic: | ||||
Net income | $ 0.02 | $ 0.02 | ||
Average shares outstanding | 22,159 | 22,119 | ||
Diluted: | ||||
Net income | $ 0.02 | $ 0.02 | ||
Average shares outstanding | 22,166 | 22,127 | ||
Cash dividends declared | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Unaudited
Three months ended | Three months ended | |
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||
Net income | $ 428 | $ 540 |
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash | ||
provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
Depreciation expense | 389 | 461 |
Amortization expense of core deposit intangibles | 216 | 216 |
Net amortization of investment securities | 98 | 175 |
Net realized gains on loans held for sale | (25) | (23) |
Amortization of deferred loan fees | (150) | (125) |
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale | (3,761) | (1,436) |
Sales of mortgage loans held for sale | 2,697 | 1,386 |
Decrease in accrued income receivable | 12 | 42 |
Decrease (Increase) in accrued expense payable | 8 | (55) |
Net decrease (increase) in other assets | 2,819 | (8,053) |
Net increase in other liabilities | 2,480 | 280 |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 5,211 | (6,592) |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||
Purchases of investment securities and other short-term investments - available for sale | (1,981) | (430) |
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities and | ||
other short-term investments – available for sale | 19,166 | 6,861 |
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities and | ||
other short-term investments – held to maturity | 283 | 439 |
Long-term loans originated | (37,441) | (35,525) |
Principal collected on long-term loans | 41,406 | 39,598 |
Loans purchased or participated | (17,006) | (2,506) |
Loans sold or participated | - | 900 |
Net increase in other short-term loans | (201) | (250) |
Purchases of premises and equipment | (693) | (182) |
Acquisition of West Chester Capital | (2,200) | - |
Net cash provided by investing activities | 1,333 | 8,905 |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||
Net increase in deposit accounts | 24,172 | 15,332 |
Net decrease in federal funds purchased, securities sold | ||
under agreements to repurchase, and other short-term borrowings | (37,856) | (18,938) |
Net principal borrowings (repayments) of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank | 2,989 | (10) |
Net guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture dividends paid | (254) | (254) |
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment, stock purchase plan, and stock options exercised | 34 | 116 |
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,915) | (3,754) |
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (4,371) | (1,441) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1 | 23,904 | 20,961 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT MARCH 31 | $ 19,533 | $19,520 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmeriServ Financial Bank (Bank), AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (Trust Company), AmeriServ Associates, Inc., (AmeriServ Associates) and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life). The Bank is a state-chartered full service bank with 21 locations in Pennsylvania. On March 7, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA). WCCA is a registered investment advisor with expertise in large cap stocks and currently has $200 million in assets under management. WCCA is a subsidiary of the Bank. The Trust Company offers a complete range of trust and financial services and has $1.8 billion in assets under management. The Trust Compa ny also offers the ERECT and BUILD Funds which are collective investment funds for trade union controlled pension fund assets. AmeriServ Associates previously provided investment portfolio and asset/liability management services to small and mid-sized financial institutions. As of June 30, 2006, the Company closed this subsidiary since it no longer fit the Company’s strategic direction. AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company that engages in underwriting as a reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance.
In addition, the Parent Company is an administrative group that provides support in such areas as audit, finance, investments, loan review, general services, and marketing. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
2.
Basis of Preparation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring entries considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. They are not, however, necessarily indicative of the results of consolidated operations for a full-year.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
3.
Accounting Policies
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”),Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 is an interpretation of FAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes, and it seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. In addition, FIN No. 48 requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard applies whenever other standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. FAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on the Company of adoption of this standard.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, which provides all entities with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of FAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply the complex provisions of hedge accounting. FAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007 provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. The Company elected after careful analysis to not early adopt these standards and is currently evaluating the impact that adoption in the future will have on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 (“EITF 06-10”),Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements. EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the EITF will have on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
4.
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share include only the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the weighted average common shares outstanding and any potentially dilutive common stock equivalent shares in the calculation. Treasury shares are treated as retired for earnings per share purposes. Options to purchase 215,207and 283,907 shares of common stock were outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share as the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock for the respective periods.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||||
Net Income | $ 428 | $ 540 | ||||||||
Denominator: | ||||||||||
Weighted average common shares | ||||||||||
outstanding (basic) | 22,159 | 22,119 | ||||||||
Effect of stock options | 7 | 8 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares | ||||||||||
outstanding (diluted) | 22,166 | 22,127 | ||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||
Basic | $0.02 | $0.02 | ||||||||
Diluted | 0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||||
5.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Company, comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and unrealized holding gains and losses from available for sale investment securities. The changes in other comprehensive income (loss) are reported net of income taxes, as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended | |||||||
March 31, | March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Net income | $ 428 | $ 540 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: | |||||||
Unrealized security gains (losses) on available for sale securities arising during period | 738 | (1,203) | |||||
Income tax effect | (251) | 409 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | 487 | (794) | |||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ 915 | $ (254) |
6.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, and federal funds sold. For the Parent Company, cash and cash equivalents also include short-term investments. The Company made $32,000 in income tax payments in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to $3,000 for the first quarter of 2006. Total interest expense paid amounted to $6,212,000in 2007's first three months compared to $4,942,000 in the same 2006 period.
7.
Investment Securities
The cost basis and fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Investment securities available for sale (AFS):
March 31, 2007 |
| Gross | Gross | |
Cost | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |
Basis | Gains | Losses | Value | |
U.S. Treasury | $ 6,010 | $ - | $ (133) | $ 5,877 |
U.S. Agency | 45,158 | 11 | (834) | 44,335 |
U.S. Agency mortgage- backed securities | 109,460 |
46 | (3,276) | 106,230 |
Equity investment in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Stocks | 4,141 | - | - | 4,141 |
Other securities | 3,787 | 10 | - | 3,797 |
Total | $168,556 | $ 67 | $ (4,243) | $ 164,380 |
Investment securities held to maturity (HTM):
March 31, 2007 |
| Gross | Gross | |
Cost | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |
Basis | Gains | Losses | Value | |
U.S. Treasury | $ 3,204 | $ - | $ (49) | $ 3,155 |
U.S. Agency | 3,471 | - | (39) | 3,432 |
U.S. Agency mortgage- | ||||
backed securities | 6,933 | - | (47) | 6,886 |
Other securities | 7,350 | - | - | 7,350 |
Total | $ 20,958 | $ - | $ (135) | $ 20,823 |
Investment securities available for sale (AFS):
December 31, 2006 |
| Gross | Gross | |
Cost | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |
Basis | Gains | Losses | Value | |
U.S. Treasury | $ 6,011 | $ - | $ (164) | $ 5,847 |
U.S. Agency | 57,636 | 7 | (1,021) | 56,622 |
U.S. Agency mortgage- | ||||
backed securities | 113,460 | 22 | (3,800) | 109,682 |
Equity investment in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Stocks | 5,355 | - | - | 5,355 |
Other securities | 3,962 | 30 | - | 3,992 |
Total | $ 186,424 | $ 59 | $ (4,985) | $ 181,498 |
Investment securities held to maturity (HTM):
December 31, 2006 |
| Gross | Gross | |
Cost | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |
Basis | Gains | Losses | Value | |
U.S. Treasury | $ 3,220 | $ - | $ (69) | $ 3,151 |
U.S. Agency | 3,471 | - | (75) | 3,396 |
U.S. Agency mortgage- | ||||
backed securities | 7,216 | - | (53) | 7,163 |
Other securities | 6,750 | - | - | 6,750 |
Total | $ 20,657 | $ - | $ (197) | $ 20,460 |
Maintaining investment quality is a primary objective of the Company's investment policy which, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits the purchase of any investment security below a Moody's Investor's Service or Standard & Poor's rating of "A." 94.0% and 94.8% of the portfolio was rated "AAA" at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Less than 1% of the portfolio was rated below “A” or unrated at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. At March 31, 2007, the Company’s consolidated investment securities portfolio had a modified duration of approximately 2.5 years.
There are 50 positions that are considered temporarily impaired at March 31, 2007. The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 (in thousands):
Investment securities available for sale:
March 31, 2007 | Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer |
| Total | |||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | ||||
Value | Losses | Value | Losses | Value | Losses | ||||
U.S. Treasury | $ 997 | $ (1) | $ 4,880 | $ (132) | $ 5,877 | $ (133) | |||
U.S. Agency | 599 | (1) | 40,543 | (833) | 41,142 | (834) | |||
U.S. Agency mortgage- | |||||||||
backed securities | - | - | 100,995 | (3,276) | 100,995 | (3,276) | |||
Total | $ 1,596 | $ (2) | $146,418 | $(4,241) | $148,014 | $(4,243) |
Investment securities held to maturity:
March 31, 2007 | Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer |
| Total | |||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | ||||
Value | Losses | Value | Losses | Value | Losses | ||||
U.S. Treasury | $ - | $ - | $3,155 | $ (49) | $ 3,155 | $ (49) | |||
U.S. Agency | - | - | 3,432 | (39) | 3,432 | (39) | |||
U.S. Agency mortgage- | |||||||||
backed securities | 2,879 | (16) | 4,007 | (31) | 6,886 | (47) | |||
Total | $ 2,879 | $ (16) | $10,594 | $ (119) | $13,473 | $ (135) |
Investment securities available for sale:
December 31, 2006 | Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer |
| Total | |||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | ||||
Value | Losses | Value | Losses | Value | Losses | ||||
U.S. Treasury | $ 996 | $ (2) | $ 4,851 | $ (162) | $ 5,847 | $ (164) | |||
U.S. Agency | - | - | 49,554 | (1,021) | 49,554 | (1,021) | |||
U.S. Agency mortgage- | |||||||||
backed securities | 1,948 | (5) | 105,151 | (3,795) | 107,099 | (3,800) | |||
Total | $ 2,944 | $ (7) | $159,556 | $(4,978) | $162,500 | $(4,985) |
Investment securities held to maturity:
December 31, 2006 | Less than 12 months | 12 months or longer |
| Total | |||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | ||||
Value | Losses | Value | Losses | Value | Losses | ||||
U.S. Treasury | $ - | $ - | $3,151 | $ (69) | $ 3,151 | $ (69) | |||
U.S. Agency | - | - | 3,396 | (75) | 3,396 | (75) | |||
U.S. Agency mortgage- | |||||||||
backed securities | 3,005 | (17) | 4,158 | (36) | 7,163 | (53) | |||
Total | $ 3,005 | $ (17) | $10,705 | $ (180) | $13,710 | $ (197) |
For fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses due to interest rates where the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow a market recovery, declines in value below cost are not assumed to be other than temporary. The Company reviews its position quarterly and asserts that at March 31, 2007, the declines outlined in the above table represent temporary declines and the Company does have the intent and ability to hold those securities either to maturity or to allow a market recovery.
8.
Loans
The loan portfolio of the Company consists of the following (in thousands):
March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | ||
Commercial | $ 111,059 | $ 91,746 | |
Commercial loans secured by real estate | 266,305 | 269,781 | |
Real estate – mortgage | 208,203 | 209,728 | |
Consumer | 18,047 | 18,336 | |
Total loans | 603,614 | 589,591 | |
Less: Unearned income | 491 | 514 | |
Loans, net of unearned income | $ 603,123 | $ 589,077 |
Real estate-construction loans comprised 3.4%, and 4.4% of total loans, net of unearned income, at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The Company has no direct credit exposure to foreign countries or sub-prime mortgage loans.
9.
Allowance for Loan Losses
An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses follows (in thousands, except ratios):
| Three months ended | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Balance at beginning of period | $8,092 | $9,143 | ||||
Charge-offs: | ||||||
Commercial | (9) | (18) | ||||
Commercial loans secured by real estate | - | (1) | ||||
Real estate-mortgage | (10) | (33) | ||||
Consumer | (124) | (131) | ||||
Total charge-offs | (143) | (183) | ||||
Recoveries: | ||||||
Commercial | 13 | 20 | ||||
Commercial loans secured by real estate | 13 | 10 | ||||
Real estate-mortgage | 9 | 4 | ||||
Consumer | 26 | 32 | ||||
Total recoveries | 61 | 66 | ||||
Net charge-offs | (82) | (117) | ||||
Provision for loan losses | - | - | ||||
Balance at end of period | $ 8,010 | $9,026 | ||||
As a percent of average loans and loans held | ||||||
for sale, net of unearned income: | ||||||
Annualized net charge-offs | 0.06% | 0.09% | ||||
Annualized provision for loan losses | - | - | ||||
Allowance as a percent of loans and loans | ||||||
held for sale, net of unearned income | ||||||
at period end | 1.33 | 1.65 | ||||
Total classified loans | $12,244 | $18,491 | ||||
|
10.
Non-performing Assets
The following table presents information concerning non-performing assets (in thousands, except percentages):
| March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | ||
Non-accrual loans | ||||
Commercial | $ 1,302 | $ 494 | ||
Commercial loans secured by real estate | 192 | 195 | ||
Real estate-mortgage | 1,007 | 1,050 | ||
Consumer | 195 | 547 | ||
Total | 2,696 | 2,286 | ||
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing | ||||
Consumer | - | 3 | ||
Total | - | 3 | ||
Other real estate owned | ||||
Real estate-mortgage | 10 | 3 | ||
Total | 10 | 3 | ||
Total non-performing assets | $ 2,706 | $ 2,292 | ||
Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned | 0.45% | 0.39% | ||
Total restructured loans | $ 1,302 | $ 1,302 |
The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required either to be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of 1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or 2) carrying cost.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (ii) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (iii) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans (in thousands).
Three months ended | |||||||
| March 31, | ||||||
| 2007 | 2006 | |||||
Interest income due in accordance | |||||||
with original terms | $ 33 | $ 71 | |||||
Interest income recorded | (18) | - | |||||
Net reduction in interest income | $ 15 | $ 71 |
11.
Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings
Total Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings and advances consist of the following at March 31, 2007, (in thousands, except percentages):
Weighted | |||
Type | Maturing | Amount | Average Rate |
Open Repo Plus | Overnight | $ 11,235 | 5.46% |
Advances | 2009 | 3,000 | 4.87 |
2010 and after | 935 | 6.45 | |
3,935 | 5.25 | ||
| |||
Total FHLB borrowings | $ 15,170 | 5.40% | |
The rate on Open Repo Plus advances can change daily, while the rate on the advances is fixed until the maturity of the advance.
12.
Regulatory Matters
The Company announced on February 21, 2006 that the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Department of Banking terminated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the Company had been operating under since February 28, 2003. The MOU was enacted to address the Company’s prior deficiencies in asset quality, credit administration, and other matters. The Company’s successful actions to improve asset quality, strengthen capital, reduce interest rate risk, and enhance administrative procedures, were the key factors that led to the termination of this regulatory enforcement action. The termination of the MOU will mean lower insurance and regulatory costs and it will reduce the administrative burdens so the Company can focus on the development of new business within the context of a community bank based strategic plan.
The Company is subject to various capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. As of March 31, 2007, the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as Well Capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table.
Actual | For Capital Adequacy Purposes | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions | ||||||||||||||
March 31, 2007 | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | ||||||||||
(In thousands, except ratios) | ||||||||||||||||
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ 96,666 | 14.73% | $ 52,485 | 8.00% | $ 65,606 | 10.00% | ||||||||||
Bank | 88,173 | 13.61 | 51,825 | 8.00 | 64,781 | 10.00 | ||||||||||
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 88,463 | 13.48 | 26,242 | 4.00 | 39,363 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
Bank | 80,072 | 12.36 | 25,912 | 4.00 | 38,869 | 6.00 | ||||||||||
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 88,463 | 10.23 | 34,594 | 4.00 | 43,243 | 5.00 | ||||||||||
Bank | 80,072 | 9.37 | 34,196 | 4.00 | 42,745 | 5.00 |
13.
Segment Results
The financial performance of the Company is also monitored by an internal funds transfer pricing profitability measurement system which produces line of business results and key performance measures. The Company's major business units include retail banking, commercial lending, trust, other fee based businesses and investment/parent. The reported results reflect the underlying economics of the business segments. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated based upon the cost and estimated usage of those services. The businesses are match-funded and interest rate risk is centrally managed and accounted for within the investment/parent business segment. The key performance measure the Company focuses on for each business segment is net income contribution.
Retail banking includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise, lending to both individuals and small businesses, and financial services. Lending activities include residential mortgage loans, direct consumer loans, and small business commercial loans. Financial services include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. Commercial lending to businesses includes commercial loans, commercial real-estate loans, and commercial leasing (excluding certain small business lending through the branch network).
The trust segment has two primary business divisions, traditional trust and union collective investment funds. Traditional trust includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. The union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD Funds are designed to invest union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The financial results of the recently acquired West Chester Capital Advisors, an investment advisory firm, have been incorporated into the trust segment beginning March 7, 2007.
The investment/parent includes the net results of investment securities and borrowing activities, general corporate expenses not allocated to the business segments, interest expense on the guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and centralized interest rate risk management. Inter-segment revenues were not material.
The contribution of the major business segments to the consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended | |||||||
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2007 | ||||||
Total revenue | Net income (loss) | Total assets | |||||
Retail banking | $ 5,964 | $ 359 | $ 352,361 | ||||
Commercial lending | 2,173 | 630 | 351,142 | ||||
Trust | 1,845 | 439 | 2,818 | ||||
Investment/Parent | (794) | (1,000) | 185,238 | ||||
Total | $ 9,188 | $ 428 | $ 891,559 |
Three months ended | |||||||
March 31, 2006 | March 31, 2006 | ||||||
Total revenue | Net income (loss) | Total assets | |||||
Retail banking | $ 6,118 | $ 111 | $ 355,565 | ||||
Commercial lending | 1,782 | 451 | 294,169 | ||||
Trust | 1,727 | 435 | 3,001 | ||||
Investment/Parent | (93) | (457) | 223,658 | ||||
Total | $ 9,534 | $ 540 | $ 876,393 | ||||
14.
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Bank uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $124.4 million and standby letters of credit of $7.8 million as of March 31, 2007.
Additionally, the Company is also subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company, neither the resolution of these claims nor the funding of these credit commitments will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operation.
15.
Pension Benefits
The Company has a trusteed, noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all employees who work at least 1,000 hours per year and who have not yet reached age 60 at their employment date. The benefits of the plan are based upon the employee’s years of service and average annual earnings for the highest five consecutive calendar years during the final ten year period of employment. Plan assets are primarily debt securities (including U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, corporate notes and bonds), listed common stocks (including shares of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. common stock which is limited to 10% of the plans assets), mutual funds, and short-term cash equivalent instruments.
Three months ended | ||||||
| March 31, | |||||
| 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Components of net periodic benefit cost | ||||||
Service cost | $ 234 | $ 221 | ||||
Interest cost | 222 | 204 | ||||
Expected return on plan assets | (289) | (252) | ||||
Amortization of prior year service cost | 1 | 1 | ||||
Amortization of transition asset | (4) | (4) | ||||
Recognized net actuarial loss | 95 | 100 | ||||
Net periodic pension cost | $ 259 | $ 270 |
16.
West Chester Capital Advisors Acquisition
The Company announced on January 22, 2007, that it had signed a Definitive Agreement to acquire West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA) of West Chester, Pennsylvania. WCCA is registered investment advisor with expertise in large cap stocks, and had $215 million in assets under management. WCCA was formed in 1994.
The acquisition was completed on March 7, 2007. WCCA is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriServ Financial Bank. Because the acquisition was a cash transaction, the Company did not issue any stock to execute the purchase. Therefore, there was no ownership dilution to current AmeriServ stockholders, and the Company expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings in 2007. The purchase price paid by AmeriServ Financial Bank to the Sellers for all the capital stock of WCCA was $4,000,000. This amount consisted of: (a) $2,200,000 paid at closing in immediately available funds, and (b) a deferred payment of up to $1,800,000 to be paid as follows: (A) up to $1,000,000 payable 30 months after closing, and (B) up to $800,000 payable 48 months after closing, in each case, subject to proportionate reduction if revenues of WCCA as of those dates is less than $1,360,000.
5
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ("M.D.& A.")
2007 FIRST QUARTER SUMMARY OVERVIEW… The first quarter of 2007 was another quarter of positive earnings and of encouraging events. For example, during the first quarter of 2007 - -
·
Loans outstanding increased by $14 million by quarter end.
·
Deposits increased by $27 million by quarter end.
·
Borrowings decreased to less than 2% of total assets by quarter end.
·
Net interest margin showed a gain of four basis points ending four consecutive quarters of decline.
·
Asset quality remained strong as the allowance for loan losses provided nearly 300% coverage of non-performing loans.
·
Total revenue registered a gain after four consecutive quarters of decline.
On April 20, the Company reported first quarter earnings of $428,000 or $0.02 per share. This represented a decline from the $581,000 reported in the previous quarter and the $540,000 reported in the first quarter of 2006. As has been the case through recent months, the combination of the inverted yield curve and the Federal Reserve pause continue to create problems for community banks. Since January 2006, AmeriServ has increased its loans outstandings by $55 million and its loan interest revenue by 13%. But Federal Reserve interest rate policies and actions have contributed to increased total interest expense of 27% compared to the first quarter of 2006. We continue to work diligently to mitigate the impact of this interest rate environment but its continuation has impacted industry earnings and thereby industry stock prices, partic ularly in the first quarter of 2007.
Another bright spot in the first quarter of 2007 was the addition of West Chester Capital Advisors to the AmeriServ family. This firm, now a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriServ Financial Bank, will continue to provide asset management services to a broad array of investors. The firm will provide positive earnings in its first year with us but more importantly, provides a solid foundation for continued growth in the asset management business side-by-side with AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company. AmeriServ Trust surpassed $1.8 billion in assets in the first quarter of 2007 for the first time and recorded a pre-tax income contribution of 36.4% of revenue.
The Retail Bank continues to rationalize its physical plant with the opening of the new Nanty Glo facility and the announcement of a significant upgrading of the Lovell Park facility. But perhaps even more important is the bank-wide effort to train staff members in product knowledge and customer service standards. The new AmeriServ tag line --- Here to Serve – AmeriServ is intended as a daily reminder to every one of us that customer service comes first. In the initial stages of the Turnaround we emphasized cost reduction and the results since 2002 have been gratifying, but now the goal is cost rationalization. This means leveraging expenses to build revenues. AmeriServ is a revenue-starved company. It is, therefore, our job to get customers to pay us to do more things for them. If people use our products our earnings will grow, if our earnings grow, the investor world should note our progress and our stock price should benefit. We must work harder and we must work smarter to further improve the Company’s performance.
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006
.....PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW..... The following table summarizes some of the Company's key performance indicators (in thousands, except per share and ratios).
Three months ended | Three months ended | |
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | |
Net income | $ 428 | $ 540 |
Diluted earnings per share | 0.02 | 0.02 |
Return on average equity (annualized) | 2.05% | 2.59% |
The Company reported net income of $428,000 or $0.02 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2007. This compares to net income of $540,000 or $0.02 per diluted share earned in the first quarter of 2006. The decline in net income in the first quarter of 2007 was due to reduced net interest income as this more than offset the benefits of continued strong asset quality and lower non-interest expenses. After careful analysis, the Company decided to not early adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities.”
.....NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN..... The Company's net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on average earning assets exceeds interest paid on average interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a primary source of the Company's earnings; it is affected by interest rate fluctuations as well as changes in the amount and mix of average earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities. The following table compares the Company's net interest income performance for the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2006 (in thousands, except percentages):
Three months ended March 31, 2007 | Three months ended March 31, 2006 | Change | % Change | |
Interest income | $ 12,175 | $11,179 | $ 996 | 8.9% |
Interest expense | 6,220 | 4,887 | 1,333 | 27.3 |
Net interest income | $ 5,955 | $ 6,292 | $ (337) | (5.4) |
| ||||
Net interest margin | 2.97% | 3.20% | (0.23) | N/M |
N/M - not meaningful
The Company’s net interest income in the first quarter of 2007 decreased by $337,000 from the prior year’s first quarter due to a 23 basis point drop in the net interest margin to 2.97%. The decline in both net interest income and net interest margin resulted from the Company’s cost of funds increasing at a faster pace than the earning asset yield. Deposit customers have demonstrated a preference for higher yielding certificates of deposit and money market accounts due to the inverted yield curve with short-term interest rates exceeding intermediate to longer term rates. This net interest margin pressure overshadowed solid loan and deposit growth within our community bank. Average loans in the first quarter of 2007 grew by 8.0% while average deposits increased by 5.3% when compared to the first quarter of 2006. & nbsp;
...COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME… Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company's total interest income for the first quarter of 2007 increased by $996,000 when compared to the same 2006 quarter. This increase was due to a 42 basis point increase in the earning asset yield to 6.14% and an $11.8 million increase in the average earning asset base. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio increased by 33 basis points to 6.79% and reflects the higher interest rate environment in 2007 which has allowed the Company to book new loans at rates higher than those currently in the portfolio. The yield on the total investment securities portfolio increased by 28 basis points to 4.16% due to the upward repricing of variable rate securities in the higher rate environment and reduced amortization expense on the Comp any’s lower balance of mortgage-backed securities.
The $11.8 million increase in the volume of average earning assets was due to a $44 million or 8.0% increase in average loans partially offset by a $32.7 million or 13.9% decrease in average investment securities. This loan growth was driven by increased commercial and commercial real estate loans as a result of successful new business development efforts. The decline in investment securities was caused by regularly scheduled maturities and ongoing cash flow from mortgage-backed securities. The Company has elected to utilize this cash from lower yielding investment securities to either fund higher yielding loans or paydown debt given the inverted shape of the yield curve.
The Company's total interest expense for the first quarter of 2007 increased by $1.3 million or 27.3% when compared to the same 2006 quarter. This increase in interest expense was due to a higher cost of funds and a greater volume of interest bearing liabilities. The total cost of funds for the first quarter of 2007 did increase by 75 basis points to 3.67 and was driven up by higher short-term interest rates and increased deposits when compared to 2006. Specifically, total average deposits increased by $37.9 million or 5.3% compared to the first quarter of 2006, while the cost of interest bearing deposits increased by 87 basis points to 3.53%. The increased cost of deposits reflects the higher short-term interest rate environment as well as a customer movement of funds from lower cost savings and demand accounts into higher y ielding certificates of deposit. Additionally, there was a $30 million increase in money markets deposits from the trust company’s operations. The Company has utilized cash from this deposit growth to further paydown borrowings which have decreased by $32.1 million from the first quarter of 2006. Wholesale borrowings averaged only 2.0% of total assets in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 5.7% of total assets in the first quarter of 2006.
The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 setting forth (i) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest earning assets and average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iv) AmeriServ Financial's interest rate spread (the difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities), and (v) AmeriServ Financial's net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest earning assets). For purposes of these tables, loan balances do not include non-accrual loans, but interest income on l oans includes loan fees or amortization of such fees which have been deferred, as well as, interest recorded on non-accrual loans as cash is received. Additionally, a tax rate of 34% is used to compute tax-equivalent yields.
6
Three months ended March 31(In thousands, except percentages)
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Interest | Interest | |||||||
Average | Income/ | Yield/ | Average | Income/ | Yield/ | |||
Balance | Expense | Rate | Balance | Expense | Rate | |||
Interest earning assets: | ||||||||
Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income | $ 592,956 | $ 10,084 | 6.79 | % | $ 548,975 | $ 8,924 | 6.46 | % |
Deposits with banks | 661 | 6 | 3.63 | 564 | 1 | 0.67 | ||
Federal funds sold | 423 | 6 | 5.28 | - | - | - | ||
Investment securities – AFS | 181,290 | 1,833 | 4.04 | 211,356 | 2,058 | 3.89 | ||
Investment securities – HTM | 20,769 | 269 | 5.18 | 23,373 | 220 | 3.77 | ||
Total investment securities | 202,059 | 2,102 | 4.16 | 234,729 | 2,278 | 3.88 | ||
Total interest earning assets/interest income | 796,099 | 12,198 | 6.14 | 784,268 | 11,203 | 5.72 | ||
Non-interest earning assets: | ||||||||
Cash and due from banks | 17,082 | 19,230 | ||||||
Premises and equipment | 8,735 | 8,617 | ||||||
Other assets | 66,127 | 69,831 | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (8,062) | (9,069) | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $879,981 | $ 872,877 | ||||||
Interest bearing liabilities: | ||||||||
Interest bearing deposits: | ||||||||
Interest bearing demand | $ 58,027 | $ 169 | 1.18 | % | $ 55,804 | $ 103 | 0.75 | % |
Savings | 74,191 | 140 | 0.77 | 86,721 | 171 | 0.80 | ||
Money markets | 188,891 | 1,832 | 3.93 | 175,733 | 1,259 | 2.91 | ||
Other time | 334,093 | 3,558 | 4.32 | 295,951 | 2,493 | 3.42 | ||
Total interest bearing deposits | 655,202 | 5,699 | 3.53 | 614,209 | 4,026 | 2.66 | ||
Short-term borrowings: | ||||||||
Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings | 16,196 | 220 | 5.43 | 48,677 | 565 | 4.64 | ||
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank | 1,392 | 21 | 6.07 | 983 | 16 | 6.54 | ||
Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 13,085 | 280 | 8.57 | 13,085 | 280 | 8.57 | ||
Total interest bearing liabilities/interest expense | 685,875 | 6,220 | 3.67 | 676,954 | 4,887 | 2.92 | ||
Non-interest bearing liabilities: | ||||||||
Demand deposits | 101,900 | 105,004 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 7,703 | 6,537 | ||||||
Stockholders' equity | 84,503 | 84,382 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $879,981 | $ 872,877 | ||||||
Interest rate spread | 2.47 | 2.80 | ||||||
Net interest income/ Net interest margin | 5,978 | 2.97 | % | 6,316 | 3.20 | % | ||
Tax-equivalent adjustment | (23) | (24) | ||||||
Net Interest Income | $ 5,955 | $ 6,292 |
…..PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES..... As a result of continued sound asset quality, the Company did not record a provision for loan losses in either the first quarter of 2007 or the first quarter of 2006. Net charge-offs amounted to $82,000 or 0.06% of total loans in the first quarter of 2007 which represented a decrease from the net charge-offs of $117,000 or 0.09% of total loans in the prior year first quarter. Non-performing assets totaled $2.7 million or 0.45% of total loans at March 31, 2007. This compares favorably to non-performing assets of $4.2 million or 0.76% of total loans at March 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses provided 296% coverage of non-performing assets at March 31, 2007 compared to 353% coverage at December 31, 2006, and 215% coverage at March 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans am ounted to 1.33% at March 31, 2007.
.....NON-INTEREST INCOME..... Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2007 totaled $3.2 million; a decrease of only $9,000 from the first quarter 2006 performance. Factors contributing to this relatively stable level of non-interest income in 2007 included:
* a $63,000 or 3.8% increase in trust fees due to continued successful new business development efforts.Over the past year, the fair market value of trust assets has grown by 9.5% to $1.8 billion at March 31, 2007.
* a $42,000 or 6.7% decrease in service charges on deposit accounts due to fewer overdraft penalty fees.
* a $34,000 decrease in other income as there was no revenue from AmeriServ Associates in the first quarter of 2007 due to the closure of that subsidiary last year. The Company did benefit from the successful closure of the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition in early March of 2007. This new accretive acquisition provided $102,000 of fee revenue in the first quarter of 2007 which is reflected in this line item.
.....NON-INTEREST EXPENSE..... Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2007 totaled $8.7 million; a $185,000 or 2.1% decrease from the first quarter 2006 performance. Factors contributing to the lower non-interest expense in 2007 included:
* professional fees decreased $100,000 as a result of lower external audit fees and other professional fees.
* equipment expense declined by $93,000 due to lower depreciation expense and maintenance costs.
* FDIC deposit insurance expense decreased by $51,000 due to the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding that the Company had been operating under in the first quarter of 2006.
Overall, our continuing focus on containing and rationalizing costs has resulted in numerous expense reductions. Note that this overall decline in non-interest expense occurred even after the inclusion of $78,000 of non-interest expenses from the newly acquired West Chester Capital Advisors.
.....INCOME TAX EXPENSE..... The Company recorded an income tax expense of $87,000 in the first quarter of 2007 which reflects an estimated effective tax rate of approximately 16.9%. The income tax expense recorded in the first quarter 2006 was $136,000 and reflects an estimated effective tax rate of approximately 20.1%. The lower tax expense and lower effective rate reflect the impact of a reduced level of taxable income as the level of tax-free income has been relatively consistent between years.
…..SEGMENT RESULTS.….Retail banking’s net income contribution was $359,000 in the first quarter of 2007 and was $248,000 higher than the first quarter of 2006. The 2007 net income performance is better than the 2006 performance due to the positive impact of reduced non-interest expenses in retail banking resulting from a diligent focus on cost control and declines in corporate overhead expense.
The trust segment’s net income contribution in the first quarter of 2007 amounted to $439,000 which was up $4,000 from the prior year period. Successful new business development and the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors caused revenues to increase at a faster pace than expenses in 2007. The diversification of the revenue-generating divisions within the trust segment is also one of the primary reasons for its successful growth. The specialized union collective funds are expected to continue to be a unique growth niche for the trust company. The union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD Funds, are designed to invest union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The union funds have attracted several international labor unions as investors as well as many local unions from a numbe r of states. The value of assets in these union funds totaled $404 million at March 31, 2007.
The commercial lending segment increased its profitability in the first quarter of 2007 by generating net income of $630,000 compared to $451,000 of net income earned in the first quarter of 2006. The improved performance was caused by increased revenue resulting from the greater level of commercial loans outstanding and the continued strong asset quality.
The investment/parent segment reported a net loss of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2007 which was greater than the net loss of $457,000 realized in the first quarter of 2006 despite a reduction in the level of investment securities. The lower level of net interest income in this segment reflects the negative impact of the inverted yield curve with short term interest rates exceeding intermediate to longer term rates.
.....BALANCE SHEET.....The Company's total consolidated assets were $892 million at March 31, 2007, which was comparable with the $896 million level at December 31, 2006. The Company’s loans totaled $604 million at March 31, 2007, an increase of $14.4 million or 2.4% from year-end due to commercial and commercial real estate loan growth in the first quarter of 2007. Investment securities declined by $16.8 million so far in 2007 as investment portfolio cash flow continued to be used to either pay down borrowings or fund loan growth. Goodwill increased by $4.0 million to $13.5 million as a result of the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition.
The Company’s deposits totaled $769 million at March 31, 2007, which was $27 million or 3.7% higher than December 31, 2006. The deposit increase was due to increased certificates of deposit as customers have opted for this product given higher short-term interest rates and increased money market deposits from the Trust Company’s operations. Total borrowed funds decreased by $35 million due to the deposit growth and the previously discussed strategy to reduce the Company’s borrowed funds with investment securities cash flow if this cash is not first needed to fund loans. The Company continues to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes with an asset leverage ratio at March 31, 2007 of 10.23%. The Company’s book value per share at March 31, 2007 was $3.87.
7
.....LOAN QUALITY..... The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s loan delinquency and other non-performing assets (in thousands, except percentages):
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | |
2007 | 2006 | 2006 | |
Total loan delinquency (past | |||
due 30 to 89 days) | $ 4,324 | $2,991 | $ 3,169 |
Total non-accrual loans | 2,696 | 2,286 | 4,158 |
Total non-performing assets* | 2,706 | 2,292 | 4,193 |
Loan delinquency, as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income | 0.72% | 0.51% | 0.58% |
Non-accrual loans, as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income | 0.45 | 0.39 | 0.76 |
Non-performing assets, as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned | 0.45 | 0.39 | 0.76 |
*Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans that are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest and principal payments, and (iii) other real estate owned.
Non-performing assets have remained in a range of $2.3 to $4.6 million for the past eight quarters and ended the first quarter of 2007 at $2.7 million or 0.45% of total loans. Loan delinquency levels have remained below 1.0% for all periods presented and reflect the improved loan portfolio quality. While we are pleased with our asset quality, we continue to closely monitor the portfolio given the number of relatively large-sized commercial and commercial real estate loans within the portfolio. As of March 31, 2007, the 25 largest credits represented 31.5% of total loans outstanding.
.....ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES.....The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses and certain ratios for the periods ended (in thousands, except percentages):
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | |
2007 | 2006 | 2006 | |
Allowance for loan losses | $8,010 | $8,092 | $9,026 |
Allowance for loan losses as | |||
a percentage of each of | |||
the following: | |||
total loans and loans held for sale, | |||
net of unearned income | 1.33% | 1.37% | 1.65% |
total delinquent loans | |||
(past due 30 to 89 days) | 185.25 | 270.54 | 284.82 |
total non-accrual loans | 297.11 | 353.98 | 217.08 |
total non-performing assets | 296.01 | 353.05 | 215.26 |
The allowance for loan losses provided 296% coverage of non-performing assets at March 31, 2007 compared to 353% coverage at December 31, 2006, and 215% coverage at March 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio decreased to 1.33% since the prior year first quarter due to a drop in the size of the loan loss reserve combined with an increase in the level of total loans outstanding.
.....LIQUIDITY...... The Bank’s liquidity position has been sufficient during the last several years when the Bank was undergoing a turnaround and return to traditional community banking. Our core deposit base has first remained stable and then grown throughout this period and has been adequate to fund the Bank’s operations. Cash flow from prepayments and amortization of securities that was used to reduce Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings has not adversely affected the Bank’s liquidity. We expect that liquidity will continue to be adequate as we transform the balance sheet to one that is more loan dependent.
Liquidity can also be analyzed by utilizing the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $4.4 million from December 31, 2006, to March 31, 2007, due to $10.9 million of cash used in financing activities. This was partially offset by $5.2 million of cash provided by operating activities and $1.3 million of cash provided by investing activities. Within investing activities, cash provided by investment security maturities exceeded limited purchases of new investment securities by $17.5 million. Cash advanced for new loan fundings and purchases totaled $54.4 million and was $13.0 million greater than the $41.4 million of cash received from loan principal payments and sales. Within financing activities, the Company experienced a net $24.2 million growth in deposits with these funds used to fund the previously mentioned loan growth. The Company also used the net cash provided from investment securities activities to paydown borrowings as the Company has consciously reduced its interest rate risk position by eliminating debt.
The Company used $254,000 of cash to service the dividend on the guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (trust preferred securities) in the first three months of 2007. The parent company had $3.4 million of cash at March 31, 2007.
Dividend payments from non-bank subsidiaries and the settlement of the inter-company tax position also provide ongoing cash to the parent. Longer term, however, the reinstatement of any common dividend or treasury stock repurchase program is dependent upon the subsidiary bank maintaining and improving profitability so that it can resume upstreaming dividends to the Parent Company under applicable law. The subsidiary bank must first recoup $6.3 million in net losses that it incurred over the past two years before it can consider resuming dividend upstreams or wait until the first quarter of 2008 when these losses are no longer factored into the regulatory dividend upstream calculation.
.....CAPITAL RESOURCES.....The Company continues to be considered well capitalized as the asset leverage ratio was 10.23% and the Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.48% at March 31, 2007 compared to 10.36% and 15.67% at March 31, 2006. The moderate decline in the capital ratios between years was caused by the $4.0 million of intangible assets created from the West Chester Capital Advisors acquisition. Note that the impact of other comprehensive loss is excluded from the regulatory capital ratios. At March 31, 2007, accumulated other comprehensive loss amounted to $5.9 million. We anticipate that we will build our capital ratios during the remainder of 2007 through the retention of earnings and limited change in the overall size of the balance sheet.
.....INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY..... The following table presents an analysis of the sensitivity inherent in the Company’s net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. The interest rate scenarios in the table compare the Company’s base forecast, which was prepared using a flat interest rate scenario, to scenarios that reflect immediate interest rate changes of 100 and 200 basis points. Each rate scenario contains unique prepayment and repricing assumptions that are applied to the Company’s existing balance sheet that was developed under the flat interest rate scenario.
Interest Rate Scenario | Variability of NetInterest Income | Change In Market Value ofPortfolio Equity |
200bp increase | (4.6)% | 5.5% |
100bp increase | (1.2) | 3.9 |
100bp decrease | 1.9 | (9.0) |
200bp decrease | (0.1) | (27.4) |
The market value of portfolio equity increases in the upward rate shocks due to the improved value of the Company’s core deposit base. Negative variability of market value of portfolio equity occurs in the downward rate shocks due to a reduced value for core deposits. The customer movement of deposits to shorter maturity terms has made the Company’s balance sheet more liability sensitive suggesting that earnings would benefit more from declining rather than rising short term interest rates.
.....OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS…..The Bank incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The Bank uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $124.4 million and standby letters of credit of $7.8 million as of March 31, 2007.
.....CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES.....The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the allowance for loan losses, mortgage servicing rights, and income taxes are deemed critical because they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in material changes in the Company’s financial position or results of operation.
Account – Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance Sheet Reference – Allowance for Loan Losses
Income Statement Reference – Provision for Loan Losses
Description
The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining reserve levels believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the credit portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, likelihood of customer default, loss given default, exposure at default, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on consumer loans and residential mortgages, and general amounts for historical loss experience. This process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the various credit portfolios. &nb sp;All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. Also, the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan pools is based on historical loss trends and management’s judgment concerning those trends.
Commercial and commercial mortgages are the largest category of credits and the most sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgments underlying the determination of the allowance for loan loss. Approximately $5.9 million, or 74%, of the total allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2007 has been allotted to these two loan categories. This allocation also considers other relevant factors such as actual versus estimated losses, regional and national economic conditions, business segment and portfolio concentrations, recent regulatory examination results, trends in loan volume, terms of loans and risk of potential estimation or judgmental errors. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.
Account —Income Taxes
Balance Sheet Reference —Deferred Tax Asset and Current Taxes Payable
Income Statement Reference —Provision for Income Taxes
Description
In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes specified in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” the provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and deferred. The changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the changes in differences between the basis of asset and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that management estimates will be in effect when the differences reverse.
In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of tax differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether tax differences are permanent or temporary and the related time of expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. As of March 31, 2007, we believe that all of the deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet wi ll ultimately be recovered.
In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to be.
ACCOUNT—Investment Securities
BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Investment Securities
INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE —Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities
DESCRIPTION
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is to be considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operation. At March 31, 2007, 100% of the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale security portfolio were comprised of securities issued by Government agencies, U.S. Treasury or Government sponsored agencies. The Company believes the price movements in these securit ies are dependent upon the movement in market interest rates. The Company’s management also maintains the intent and ability to hold securities in an unrealized loss position to the earlier of the recovery of losses or maturity.
.....FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT.....
THE STRATEGIC FOCUS:
During the three-year life of the MOU, the focus of the company was on satisfying the regulatory criticisms and improving the quality of the balance sheet. But now the emphasis has changed. The challenge for the future is to improve earnings performance to peer levels through a disciplined focus on community banking and our growing Trust Company. Our new focus encompasses the following:
• Customer Service - it is the existing and prospective customer that AmeriServ must now satisfy. This means good products and fair prices. But it also means quick response time and professional competence. It means speedy problem resolution and a minimizing of bureaucratic frustrations. AmeriServ is training and motivating its staff to meet these standards.
• Revenue Growth - the competitors of AmeriServ have been able to strengthen their position while AmeriServ concentrated on the provisions of the MOU. However, it is now necessary for AmeriServ to focus on growing revenues. This means loan growth, deposit growth and fee growth. It also means close coordination between all customer service areas so as many revenue producing products as possible can be presented to existing and prospective customers. The Company’s Strategic Plan contains action plans in each of these areas. This challenge will be met by seeking to exceed customer expectations in every area. An examination of the peer bank database provides ample proof that a well executed community banking business model can generate a reliable and rewarding revenue stream.
• Expense Rationalization - a quick review of recent AmeriServ financial statements tells the story of a continuing process of expense rationalization. This has not been a program of broad based cuts but has been targeted so AmeriServ stays strong but spends less. However, this initiative takes on new importance because it is critical to be certain that future expenditures are directed to areas that are playing a positive role in the drive to improve revenues.
Each of the preceding charges has become the focus at AmeriServ, particularly in the three major customer service, revenue generating areas.
1.
THE RETAIL BANK — this business unit has emerged from the past difficulties strong and eager to grow. It has new powers in that it now includes Consumer Lending and Residential Mortgages. But more importantly, it has a solid array of banking services, and a broad distribution of community offices in its primary market. This business unit will provide a solid foundation for the company as it presents its new, positive face to the community.
2.
COMMERCIAL LENDING — this business unit is already in a growth mode. It has totally revised procedures and has recruited an experienced professional staff. But it also has the skills and energy to provide financial advice and counsel. The challenge is to shorten response time, to eliminate bureaucracy and to always understand the needs of the customer. This business unit has already proven its value, while now only in the earliest stages of working to maximize its potential.
3.
TRUST COMPANY — the Trust Company has already proven its ability to grow its assets under management along with its fees. It has restructured itself into a true 21st Century business model which has improved its marketplace focus. It has a positive investment performance record which enables it to excel in traditional trust functions such as wealth management. But also, it has shown creativity in building a position of substance in the vast world of union managed pension funds. Resources will continue to be channeled to the Trust Company so that this kind of creativity can continue to lead to new opportunities.
This Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations estimates, intentions, operations, future results, and prospects, including statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control ) which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.
Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) the effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) inflation, stock and bond market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) credit risks of commercial, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (vi) changes in federal and state banking and financial services laws and regulations; (vii) the presence in the Company’s market area of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company; (viii) the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of those products and services by customers and regulators (when required); (ix) the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for those of the Company and vice versa; (x) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (xi) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; and (xii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance.
.....QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.....The Company manages market risk, which for the Company is primarily interest rate risk, through its asset liability management process and committee, see further discussion in Interest Rate Sensitivity section of this M.D. & A.
.....CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.....(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and the operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2007, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2007, are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be in the Company’s periodic fili ngs under the Exchange Act.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in AmeriServ Financial Inc.’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
8
Part II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are no material proceedings to which the Company or any of our subsidiaries are a party or by which, to the Company’s’ knowledge, we, or any of our subsidiaries, are threatened. All legal proceedings presently pending or threatened against the Company or our subsidiaries involve routine litigation incidental to our business or that of the subsidiary involved and are not material in respect to the amount in controversy.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation as amended on January 3, 2005, exhibit 3.1 to 2004 Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2005 |
3.2 | Bylaws, Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed January 26, 2005. |
15.1 | Report of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. regarding unaudited interim financial statement information. |
31.1 | Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
31.2 | Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.1 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.2 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AmeriServ Financial, Inc. | |
Registrant | |
Date: May 3, 2007 | /s/Allan R. Dennison |
Allan R. Dennison | |
President and Chief Executive Officer | |
Date: May 3, 2007 | /s/Jeffrey A. Stopko |
Jeffrey A. Stopko | |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
9
STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
May 2, 2007
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors of
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
Management of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have prepared the consolidated financial statements and other information in the Form 10-Q in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are responsible for its accuracy.
In meeting its responsibilities, management relies on internal accounting and related control systems, which include selection and training of qualified personnel, establishment and communication of accounting and administrative policies and procedures, appropriate segregation of responsibilities, and programs of internal audit. These systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets, and that assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition. Such assurance cannot be absolute because of inherent limitations in any internal control system.
Management also recognizes its responsibility to foster a climate in which Company affairs are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The Company's Code of Conduct, furnished to each employee and director, addresses the importance of open internal communications, potential conflicts of interest, compliance with applicable laws, including those related to financial disclosure, the confidentiality of propriety information, and other items. There is an ongoing program to assess compliance with these policies.
The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors consists solely of outside directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to discuss audit, financial reporting, and related matters. S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. and the Company's internal auditors have direct access to the Audit Committee.
/s/Allan R. Dennison | /s/Jeffrey A. Stopko |
Allan R. Dennison | Jeffrey A. Stopko |
President & | Senior Vice President & |
Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
10
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Audit Committee
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007; the related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007; and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 26, 2007, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.
Wexford, PA
May 2, 2007
11
Exhibit 15.1
May 3, 2007
AmeriServ Financial, Inc.
216 Franklin Street
PO Box 520
Johnstown, PA 15907-0520
We have reviewed, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the unaudited interim financial information of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. for the period ended March 31, 2007, as indicated in our report dated May 2, 2007; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.
We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, is incorporated by reference in the following Registration Statements:
Registration Statement No. 33-56604 on Form S-3
Registration Statement No. 33-53935 on Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 33-55207 on Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 33-55211 on Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 333-67600 on Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 333-50225 on Form S-3
Registration Statement No. 333-121215 on Form S-3
Registration Statement No. 333-129009 on Form S-3
We are also aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that act.
Sincerely,
/s/S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.
12
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Allan R. Dennison, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (ASF);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of ASF as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. ASF’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for ASF and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to ASF, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of ASF's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in ASF's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during ASF's most recent fiscal quarter (ASF's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, ASF's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. ASF's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to ASF's auditors and the audit committee of ASF's board of directors:
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect ASF's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in ASF's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 4, 2007 | /s/Allan R. Dennison |
Allan R. Dennison | |
President & CEO |
13
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Jeffrey A. Stopko, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (ASF);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of ASF as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. ASF’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for ASF and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to ASF, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of ASF's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in ASF's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during ASF's most recent fiscal quarter (ASF's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, ASF's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. ASF's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to ASF's auditors and the audit committee of ASF's board of directors:
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect ASF's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in ASF's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 4, 2007 | /s/Jeffrey A. Stopko |
Jeffrey A. Stopko | |
Senior Vice President & CFO |
14
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Allan R. Dennison, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1).
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2).
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/Allan R. Dennison
Allan R. Dennison
President and
Chief Executive Officer
May 4, 2007
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey A. Stopko, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1).
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2).
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/Jeffrey A. Stopko
Jeffrey A. Stopko
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
May 4, 2007
15