CAPITOL BANCORP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
1ST QUARTER 2009 HIGHLIGHTS
· | Assets Approximate $5.8 Billion |
· | Total Capital in Excess of 11% of Total Assets |
· | Nine Bank Michigan Consolidation Complete |
LANSING, Mich. and PHOENIX, Ariz.: April 17, 2009: Capitol reported a first quarter net loss of $15.7 million. The net loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 was $0.91, compared to net income of $0.13 per share reported for the first quarter of 2008.
Consolidated assets approximated $5.8 billion compared to the approximate $5.1 billion reported at March 31, 2008, resulting in a 14 percent year-over-year increase but more modest 9 percent linked-quarter increase, reflecting growth in newer affiliate banks tempered by the nationwide recession. Total portfolio loans increased to approximately $4.7 billion from $4.5 billion a year ago, or roughly 5 percent, but decreased approximately 3 percent on a linked-quarter basis. With Capitol’s focus system-wide on building stable core funding sources, an increase of more than 19 percent brought total deposits to $4.7 billion from the $3.9 billion reported at March 31, 2008.
Capitol’s Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid said, “As the economic recession continues in 2009, we have adjusted our long-term operating strategy to focus on developing a secure and efficient post-recession company. In 2009, our attention continues to be focused on capital preservation, liquidity and enhanced risk management. Capitol maintains strong core capital ratios in spite of the economic volatility experienced throughout the nation, with total capital in excess of 11 percent of total assets.”
During the first quarter of 2009, Capitol completed the consolidation of nine of its Michigan affiliates. Brighton Commerce Bank, Detroit Commerce Bank, Grand Haven Bank, Kent Commerce Bank, Macomb Community Bank, Muskegon Commerce Bank, Oakland Commerce Bank and Portage Commerce Bank were consolidated into Capitol’s largest bank affiliate, Ann Arbor Commerce Bank. The newly consolidated bank has been renamed Michigan Commerce Bank and will continue to serve customers throughout the state. This step was taken to mitigate the long-term weakened condition of the Michigan economy. Capitol’s unique multi-charter structure has created opportunity for Michigan Commerce Bank to create a state-wide team with
strong leadership and significant banking experience to lead the bank through the balance of the recession. The consolidation will enhance capital preservation and create significant efficiencies for the resulting institution. Additionally, the creation of a special asset group is enhancing risk management and credit practices of the bank.
Capitol continues to take steps to maintain its strong capital position, including placing emphasis on continued reduction in operating expenses, through salary reductions, operational efficiencies and tight controls on corporate overhead. Growth initiatives have been suspended to ensure sufficient capital strength to weather the recession. Capitol will continue to focus on liquidity and the support of its affiliate bank network.
Quarterly Performance
In the first quarter of 2009, consolidated net operating revenues were $42.4 million, a 13 percent decrease compared to $48.5 million reported for the same period in 2008. The net interest margin, reflecting continued compression in this challenging environment, was 2.81 percent for the first quarter of 2009, a slight decrease from 2008’s fourth quarter. Net interest margin compression was affected by many factors, including the impact of elevated levels of nonperforming loans, competitive market pricing on both sides of the balance sheet, modestly lower levels of noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts and recent dramatic rate cuts over the past year by the Federal Reserve. Noninterest income decreased 24 percent year-over-year, primarily attributable to a $1 million decline in other fee income sources year-over-year and a more modest decline in Trust and Wealth Management revenues reflective of the volatile capital markets.
The net loss for the first quarter of 2009 approximated $15.7 million, compared to net income of $2.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2008. The net loss per share for the first quarter of 2009 was $0.91, compared to earnings per share of $0.13 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The first quarter provision for loan losses increased significantly to $28.2 million versus approximately $9.0 million for the same period in 2008 and $10.7 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, net loan charge-offs increased to $21.6 million, resulting in a provision-to-net-charge-offs coverage ratio of 1.3x. Capitol has implemented the newly issued accounting rule changes regarding fair value effective January 1, 2009.
Balance Sheet
With total capital resources approximating $657 million at March 31, 2009, the total capital-to-asset ratio was 11.36 percent, providing support for the Corporation’s $5.8 billion balance sheet.
Net charge-offs increased to 1.83 percent of average loans (annualized) in the first quarter of 2009 from 1.30 percent reported in the fourth quarter of 2008, and 0.49 percent reported for the corresponding period of 2008. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 5.53 percent for the first quarter compared to 4.20 percent reported for the fourth quarter of 2008. The continued increase in nonperforming assets is attributable to borrower stress and nonperformance, coupled with the virtually nonexistent market for the resale of real estate which hinders the disposition of such assets. The allowance coverage ratio of nonperforming loans decreased to 43 percent at March 31, 2009 from approximately 55 percent at year-end 2008. The allowance for loan losses increased to 2.12 percent of portfolio loans at March 31, 2009 from 1.96 percent at year-end 2008. The establishment of Michigan Commerce Bank as a consolidated entity will provide long-term stability in identification and resolution of problem assets. In the first quarter of 2009, over $8.1 million was contributed to the consolidated loan loss reserve at Michigan Commerce Bank and $5.7 million of problem loans were charged off.
The Michigan market continues to be the source of a dominant portion of nonperforming loans. Capitol’s loan portfolio practices continue to reflect a disciplined approach to review, analysis and proper identification of portfolio issues with a long-term view to value creation.
About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $5.8 billion national community banking company, with a network of separately chartered banks with operations in 17 states. It is the holder of the most individual bank charters in the country. Founded in 1988, Capitol Bancorp Limited has executive offices in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona.