On December 27, 2005, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive Agreement of Merger with F&M Holding Company, an Idaho corporation (“F&M”). The material terms of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were described in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 27, 2005 and in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2006.
Effective April 20, 2006, the Company completed the transaction wherein F&M Holdings, and Farmers and Merchants State Bank merged with and into the Company and into Bank of the Cascades. In connection with the closing of the merger, the Company paid approximately $18.6 million in cash and issued 5,324,999 shares of its common stock.
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 155 (SFAS 155), “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments-an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140”. SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, to permit fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument with an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, provided that the whole instrument is accounted for on a fair value basis. SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, to allow a qualifying special-purpose entity (SPE) to hold a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. SFAS 155 is effective for United on January 1, 2007 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 156”). SFAS No. 156 requires all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities to be initially measured at fair value. In addition, entities are permitted to choose to either subsequently measure servicing rights at fair value and report changes in fair value in earnings, or amortize servicing rights in proportion to and over the estimated net servicing income or loss and assess the rights for impairment. Beginning with the fiscal year in which an entity adopts SFAS No. 156, it may elect to subsequently measure a class of servicing assets and liabilities at fair value. Post adoption, an entity may make this election as of the beginning of any fiscal year. An entity that elects to subsequently measure a class of servicing assets and liabilities at fair value should apply that election to all new and existing recognized servicing assets and liabilities within that class. The effect of remeasuring an existing class of servicing assets and liabilities at fair value is to be reported as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. SFAS No. 156 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The statement also requires additional disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 156.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of March 31, 2006 and the operating results for the three months then ended, included elsewhere in this report.
Cautionary Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
The following section contains forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and pertain to our future operating results. These statements include, but are not limited to, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and are not statements of historical fact. When used in this report, the word “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Specific risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general business and economic conditions, changes in interest rates including timing or relative degree of change, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business conditions, strategies and decisions, and such assumptions are subject to change.
Results may differ materially from the results discussed due to changes in business and economic conditions that negatively affect credit quality, which may be exacerbated by our concentration of operations in the State of Oregon generally, and the communities of Central Oregon, Salem/Keizer, Southern Oregon and Portland, specifically. Likewise, competition or changes in interest rates could negatively affect the net interest margin, as could other factors listed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies upon which our financial condition depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments are as follows:
Reserve for Loan Losses: Arriving at an appropriate level of reserve for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. The Company’s reserve for loan losses provides for probable losses based upon evaluations of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Management uses historical information to assess the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses as well as the prevailing business environment. The reserve may be affected by changing economic conditions and various external factors, which may impact the portfolio in ways currently unforeseen. The reserve is increased by provisions for loan losses and by recoveries of loans previously charged-off and reduced by loans charged-off. For a full discussion of the Company’s methodology of assessing the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10K.
Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSRs): Determination of the fair value of MSRs requires the estimation of multiple interdependent variables, the most impactful of which is mortgage prepayment speeds. Prepayment speeds are estimates of the pace and magnitude of future mortgage payoff or refinance behavior of customers whose loans are serviced by the Company. Errors in estimation of prepayment speeds or other key servicing variables could subject MSRs to impairment risk. At least quarterly, the Company engages a qualified third party to provide an estimate of the fair value of MSRs using a discounted cash flow model with assumptions and estimates based upon observable market-based data and methodology common to the mortgage servicing market. Management believes it applies reasonable assumptions under the circumstances, however, because of possible volatility in the market price of MSRs, and the vagaries of any relatively illiquid market, there can be no assurance that risk management and existing accounting practices will result in the avoidance of possible impairment charges in future periods. See also Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Non-Interest Income, and footnote 6 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
14
Acquisition of F&M Holding Company, Boise, Idaho:
On December 28, 2005, the Company announced an agreement to acquire F&M. F&M has 11 branches in the greater Boise area with a 12th scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2006. On April 17, 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the merger and closing occurred on April 20, 2006. F&M is the top deposit market share community bank in the Boise area with a 38-year history of serving the community banking needs of Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The combined banking footprint of the Company ranks as the top growth market bank in the Northwest and among the top three in the nation in terms of banking fast growth markets 1.
The following unaudited financial information of F&M is as of March 31, 2006, just prior to closing of the transaction: Total assets of $654 million, gross loans of $494 million, total deposits of $482 million and net income for the quarter at approximately $2.2 million. F&M loan totals had increased 26.6% compared to the year earlier period, reflecting the underlying strength of the Boise economy, which was ranked 10th nationally in rate of employment growth during the fourth quarter of 2005 (per a recent FDIC report). Deposit totals at March 31, 2006, were up 11.9% from year ago levels and were slightly below the immediately preceding quarter as a result of runoff in relatively higher priced time deposits during the first quarter of 2006.
Though acquisitions and customer systems conversions are subject to many uncertainties and challenges, the Company believes F&M’s first quarter growth and earnings support the achievement of the combined financial targets for 2006 as set out in its merger announcement. The Company is also pleased with planning and progress toward integration. The projected cost savings target of 10% (annualized) of F&M’s non-interest expense appears achievable, and, while not yet quantifiable, there are indications that opportunities in areas such as a larger combined lending limit, enhanced cash management services and improved technology platform will enable the Company to realize certain synergies into the future. Please see cautionary information below regarding “Forward Looking Statements.”
Highlights for the First Quarter 2006 (F&M acquisition is not included in the following results)
| • | Earnings Per Share: up 29.6% vs. year ago quarter |
| • | Loan Growth: up 25.5% vs. year ago quarter |
| • | Deposit Growth: up 23.3% vs. year ago quarter |
| • | Net Interest Margin: at 5.85% vs. 5.71% for year ago quarter and 5.66% for preceding quarter |
| • | Strong Credit Quality: Delinquencies only .01% of total loans; net charge-offs negligible |
Financial Performance for the First Quarter:
The Company announced strong loan and deposit growth, as well as a higher net interest margin for the March 31, 2006 quarter, with a resulting solid increase in earnings for the period. Diluted earnings per share were up 29.6% to $.34 as compared to $.26 for the year ago quarter. Net income for the first quarter of 2006 was up 31.2% to $5.9 million as compared to $4.5 million for the year ago quarter. At March 31, 2006, the loan portfolio was 25.5% higher than a year ago at $1.1 billion. Loans increased by $82.7 million during the first quarter, a record quarterly amount for the Company. This represented a 31.5% annualized rate of growth on a linked-quarter basis. Total deposits at March 31, 2006 were up 23.3% compared to the year ago quarter, and increased 18.7% on a linked quarter annualized pace between December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, return on equity was 22.7% compared to 21.0% for the year-ago quarter, while return on assets for the current quarter was 1.90% compared to 1.80% in the year ago quarter. The net interest margin improved to 5.85% compared to 5.66% in the prior quarter and 5.71% a year-ago (see Net Interest Margin discussion below). On a linked-quarter basis, first quarter 2006 net income and earnings per share were below that of the fourth quarter 2005 because of certain items that increased earnings in the preceding quarter by approximately $.05 per share. These items included the non-recurring Oregon State income tax rebate ($.01 per share) and no loan loss provision ($.04 per share). This comparison is also impacted by first quarter 2006 adoption of SFAS 123R which requires the Company to begin expensing the estimated cost of stock option grants at approximately $.01 per share for the quarter.
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1 Projected MSA population growth 2005-2010, weighted by bank deposits; Includes all public banks with assets $2B - $10B (ex-M&A targets); Source SNL Financial LC / ESRI |
15
Loan Growth and Credit Quality:
Cascades’ loan portfolio increased 25.5% from a year ago to $1.1 billion outstanding at March 31, 2006. Loan growth during the first quarter was a record $82.7 million, an annualized increase of 31.5% on a linked-quarter basis. A majority of the quarter’s loan growth was in construction and development loans, reflecting the continued economic vitality of markets served by Cascade. Bend ranked 14th in rate of employment growth in a recent FDIC report comparing 367 cities (MSA) during the fourth quarter of 2005. Cascade markets in Portland and Medford, Oregon also ranked in the top 100.
The Company’s loan credit quality profile remained very positive with delinquent loans greater than 30 days past due at only .01% of total loans, while net charge-offs were negligible. The reserve for losses on loans and loan commitments stood at a prudent 1.40% of outstanding loans at quarter end, unchanged from the preceding quarter and modestly below the 1.46% year-ago level due to improving credit metrics over the course of the past 12 months. In keeping with the quarter’s strong loan growth, loan loss provision expense was $1.1 million, compared to zero provision expense in the preceding quarter and $.9 million in the year ago period. Management believes the reserve is at an appropriate level under current circumstances and prevailing economic conditions.
Deposit Growth:
Total deposits were $1.1 billion at March 31, 2006, up 23.3% from the year-ago quarter balance of $905.5 million. First quarter 2006 deposits were up 18.7% on a linked-quarter basis (annualized). Non-interest bearing deposits were 25.4% above year-ago levels and increased 25.1% on a linked-quarter basis (annualized). Non-interest bearing balances continued strong, averaging approximately 39.5% of total deposits.
Net Interest Margin and Interest Rate Risk:
The Company reported a 19 basis point increase in its Net Interest Margin (NIM) to 5.85% for the first quarter of 2006. This compares to 5.66% in the prior quarter and 5.71% for the year-ago quarter. The margin benefited by a strong increase in yields on earning assets during the first quarter of 2006, which improved to 7.49% as compared to 7.09% in the immediately preceding quarter and 6.72% in the year-ago quarter. Higher yields on earning assets were mainly a function of steadily increasing market interest rates. This 40 basis point increase in yields on earning assets between the current and prior quarter compares to a 21 basis point increase in the overall cost of funds during the same period, contributing to the NIM improvement. The NIM was also benefited by the redeployment of $35 million in short term investments into higher yielding loans in response to the strong loan demand in the quarter. The average cost of funds paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the first quarter of 2006 was 2.71% as compared to 2.42% in the prior quarter and 1.62% a year ago. Looking forward, it is likely the NIM will ease from current levels, mainly because of the impact of the closing of the F&M acquisition. The combined NIM will be approximately 20 to 25 basis points (0.20% to 0.25%) lower than Cascade alone because the margin at F&M is about 60 basis points (0.60%) below that of Cascade. In addition, we expect the overall cost of funds to continue to rise even if the Federal Reserve discontinues its rate raising campaign later this year.
The margin can also be affected by factors beyond market interest rates, including loan or deposit volume shifts and/or aggressive rate offerings by competitor institutions. The Company’s financial model indicates that Cascade has a relatively stable interest rate risk profile within a reasonable range of rate movements around the forward rates currently predicted by financial markets. See cautionary “Forward Looking Statements” below and the Company’s Form 10-K report for further information on risk factors, including interest rate risk.
Non-Interest Income and Expense:
Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2006 was up 8.5% compared to the year ago quarter, but flat compared to the immediately preceding quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to modestly higher mortgage revenue and increased income related to card issuer and merchant services. Meanwhile, service charges and overdraft protection were down slightly compared to the prior quarter and year-ago levels.
Residential mortgage originations during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, totaled $38.0 million, down from $41.2 million in the immediately preceding quarter, but were above the $30.5 million originated in the year ago quarter. At March 31, 2006, the Company serviced approximately $499 million in mortgage loans for customers. The related carrying value of mortgage servicing rights was at 0.87% of serviced loans compared to a fair value estimate of 1.15% of serviced loans.
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Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2006 was 19.5% above the same quarter in 2005 and 2.9% above the immediately preceding quarter. The Company has increased its staffing levels in response to strong growth in business activity, resulting in higher salaries and incentive compensation compared to prior periods.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Three Months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased 28.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, as higher yields and volume increase exceeded the affect of higher cost of funds on incremental volumes. During the first quarter of 2006, yields earned on assets increased to 7.49% for the current quarter, as compared to 7.09% in the immediately preceding quarter and 6.72% a year ago. Meanwhile, the average overall cost of funds for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was at 1.72% versus 1.54% in the prior quarter and 1.03% a year ago. The Company’s reported NIM was 5.85% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 compared to 5.71% in the same period a year ago.
Primarily because of higher loan volumes and yields, total interest income increased approximately $6,247,000 (or 40.4%) for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. Increased volumes of interest bearing deposits and borrowings in conjunction with increased interest rates caused total interest expense to increase approximately $2,484,000 (or 106.4%) for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.
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Average Balances and Average Rates Earned and Paid
The following table sets forth for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 information with regard to average balances of assets and liabilities, as well as total dollar amounts of interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, resultant average yields or rates, net interest income, net interest spread, net interest margin and the ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities for the Company (dollars in thousands):
| | For the quarter ended March 31, | |
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| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
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| | Average Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield or Rates | | Average Balance | | Interest Income/ Expense | | Average Yield or Rates | |
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Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxable securities | | $ | 54,661 | | $ | 556 | | | 4.13 | % | $ | 44,272 | | $ | 389 | | | 3.56 | % |
Non-taxable securities (1) | | | 6,450 | | | 47 | | | 2.96 | % | | 4,672 | | | 31 | | | 2.69 | % |
Federal funds sold | | | 11,356 | | | 120 | | | 4.29 | % | | 1,684 | | | 11 | | | 2.65 | % |
Due from Federal Home Loan Bank | | | 24,291 | | | 265 | | | 4.42 | % | | 2,020 | | | 12 | | | 2.41 | % |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock | | | 3,241 | | | 0 | | | 0.00 | % | | 2,854 | | | 10 | | | 1.42 | % |
Loans (2)(3)(4) | | | 1,076,155 | | | 20,739 | | | 7.82 | % | | 878,551 | | | 15,027 | | | 6.94 | % |
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Total earning assets | | | 1,176,154 | | | 21,727 | | | 7.49 | % | | 934,053 | | | 15,480 | | | 6.72 | % |
Reserve for loan losses | | | (14,931 | ) | | | | | | | | (12,714 | ) | | | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | | 47,534 | | | | | | | | | 37,218 | | | | | | | |
Premises and equipment, net | | | 22,759 | | | | | | | | | 21,753 | | | | | | | |
Bank-owned life insurance | | | 16,105 | | | | | | | | | 14,137 | | | | | | | |
Accrued interest and other assets | | | 15,208 | | | | | | | | | 20,833 | | | | | | | |
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Total assets | | $ | 1,262,829 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,015,280 | | | | | | | |
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Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing demand deposits | | $ | 533,033 | | | 3,317 | | | 2.52 | % | $ | 421,942 | | | 1,450 | | | 1.39 | % |
Savings deposits | | | 34,600 | | | 29 | | | 0.34 | % | | 36,743 | | | 31 | | | 0.34 | % |
Time deposits | | | 69,851 | | | 513 | | | 2.98 | % | | 65,105 | | | 323 | | | 2.01 | % |
Other borrowings | | | 84,341 | | | 961 | | | 4.62 | % | | 60,695 | | | 532 | | | 3.55 | % |
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Total interest bearing liabilities | | | 721,825 | | | 4,820 | | | 2.71 | % | | 584,485 | | | 2,336 | | | 1.62 | % |
Demand deposits | | | 416,803 | | | | | | | | | 331,137 | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 18,156 | | | | | | | | | 12,276 | | | | | | | |
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Total liabilities | | | 1,156,784 | | | | | | | | | 927,898 | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | 106,045 | | | | | | | | | 87,382 | | | | | | | |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 1,262,829 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,015,280 | | | | | | | |
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Net interest income | | | | | $ | 16,907 | | | | | | | | $ | 13,144 | | | | |
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Net interest spread | | | | | | | | | 4.78 | % | | | | | | | | 5.10 | % |
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Net interest income to earning assets (5) | | | | | | | | | 5.85 | % | | | | | | | | 5.71 | % |
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(1) | Yields on tax-exempt securities have not been stated on a tax-equivalent basis. |
(2) | Average non-accrual loans included in the computation of average loans was insignificant for the periods presented. |
(3) | Loan related fees collected and included in the yield calculation totalled approximately $849,000 in 2006 and $592,000 in 2005. |
(4) | Includes mortgage loans held for sale. |
(5) | Includes effect of municipal loans on a tax-equivalent basis. |
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Analysis of Changes in Interest Income and Expense
The following table shows the dollar amount of increase (decrease) in the Company’s consolidated interest income and expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, and attributes such variance to “volume” or “rate” changes. Variances that were immaterial have been allocated equally between rate and volume categories (dollars in thousands):
| | 2006 compared to 2005 | |
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| | Total Increase | | Amount of Change Attributed to | |
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| | (Decrease) | | Volume | | Rate | |
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Interest income: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest and fees on loans | | $ | 5,712 | | $ | 3,380 | | $ | 2,332 | |
Investments and other | | | 535 | | | 307 | | | 228 | |
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Total interest income | | | 6,247 | | | 3,687 | | | 2,560 | |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest on deposits: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest bearing demand | | | 1,867 | | | 382 | | | 1,485 | |
Savings | | | (2 | ) | | (2 | ) | | — | |
Time deposits | | | 190 | | | 24 | | | 166 | |
Other borrowings | | | 429 | | | 207 | | | 222 | |
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Total interest expense | | | 2,484 | | | 611 | | | 1,873 | |
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Net interest income | | $ | 3,763 | | $ | 3,076 | | $ | 687 | |
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Loan Loss Provision
At March 31, 2006, the reserve for losses on loans and loan commitments was 1.40% of outstanding loans, as compared to 1.46% for the year ago period. The loan loss provision was $1,100,000 in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $900,000 for the year earlier period. Provision expense is determined by the Company’s ongoing analytical and evaluative assessment of the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses. This assessment reflects a continued sound credit quality profile, with low delinquent loans, modest net loan charge-offs and stable non-performing assets. At this date, management believes that its reserve for loan losses is at an appropriate level under current circumstances and prevailing economic conditions.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2006 was up 8.5% compared to the year ago quarter, but flat compared to the immediately preceding quarter. The year-over-year increase was due to modestly higher mortgage revenue and increased income related to card issuer and merchant services. Meanwhile, service charges and overdraft protection were down slightly compared to the year-ago quarter. Mortgage revenue increased due to an increase in mortgage originations, as the Company originated $38.0 million in residential mortgages during the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to $30.5 million for the year-ago quarter.
Generally accepted accounting principles currently call for MSRs to be carried at the lower of origination value less accumulated amortization (book value) or fair value. At March 31, 2006, the Company serviced $498.8 million in mortgage loans on behalf of its customers, representing approximately 3,800 mortgage loans. The Company’s MSRs had a book value of $4.4 million compared to a fair value of approximately $5.7 million. Thus, there was no MSR valuation adjustment for the current quarter. At March 31, 2006, expressed as a percentage of loans serviced, the book value of MSR was .87% of serviced mortgage loans, while fair value was approximately 1.15% of serviced mortgages. Fair value as a percentage of loans serviced was estimated at 1.08% a year ago.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased 19.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Expense increases were primarily due to increased staffing, salaries and incentive compensation related to the strong growth in business volumes.
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Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased between the periods presented primarily as a result of higher pre-tax income.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
At March 31, 2006 total assets increased 27.3% to $1.4 billion compared to $1.1billion at March 31, 2005, and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2005. The majority of the increase is attributable to net loans, which increased 25.6% to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2006 versus $.9 billion a year ago and $1.0 billion three months earlier. The investment portfolio was $64.0 million at March 31, 2006 as compared to $59.3 million at year-end 2005. Asset growth was primarily funded by increased deposits over the past 3 and 12 month periods. Since December 31, 2005, deposits increased $50 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2006 and as compared to $.9 billion a year ago. Deposit growth is a function of ongoing growth in relationship customer balances and is positively impacted by the strong economies in which Cascade operates. During the first quarter of 2006, the Bank joined the Certificate of Account Registry Service (CDARS) that enables Cascade to distribute (and/or receive reciprocal) time deposits with other banks participating in the CDARS network on behalf of customers that are sensitive to the $100,000 FDIC insurance limitation. Such deposits are considered to be brokered funds and totaled approximately $16 million at March 31, 2006.
The Company had no material off balance sheet derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF FUNDS
The objective of liquidity management is to maintain ample cash flows to meet obligations for depositor withdrawals, fund the borrowing needs of loan customers, and to fund ongoing operations. Core relationship deposits are the primary source of the Bank’s liquidity. As such, the Bank focuses on deposit relationships with local business and consumer clients who maintain multiple accounts and services at the Bank. Management views such deposits as the foundation of its long-term liquidity because it believes such core deposits are more stable and less sensitive to changing interest rates and other economic factors compared to large time deposits or wholesale purchased funds. The Bank’s customer relationship strategy has resulted in a relatively higher percentage of its deposits being held in checking and money market accounts, and a lesser percentage in time deposits. The Bank’s present funding mix is diverse, with approximately 73% of its checking account balances arising from business and public accounts and 27% from consumers. The composition of money market and interest-bearing demand accounts was 52% business and 48% consumer. During the periods presented, deposit growth has generally been sufficient to fund increases in loans. Management invests excess funds in short-term and overnight money market instruments. Since December 31, 2005, the average amount of overnight investments declined by approximately $25 million on average, with such funds redeployed to fund loan growth. At March 31, 2006, total borrowings included Cascade’s issuance of approximately $25.6 million in junior subordinated trust preferred securities in connection with its acquisition of F&M Holdings. See below.
A further source of funds and liquidity is the Company’s capability to borrow from reliable counterparties. The Bank utilizes its investment securities, certain loans, FHLB Stock and certain deposits to provide collateral to support its borrowing needs.
Policy requires the analysis and testing of liquidity to ensure ample cash flow is available under a range of circumstances. Management believes that its focus on core relationship deposits coupled with access to borrowing through reliable counterparties provides reasonable and prudent assurance that ample liquidity is available. However depositor or counterparty behavior could change in response to competition, economic or market situations including relative returns available in stock or bond markets or other unforeseen circumstances, which could have liquidity implications that may require different strategic or operational actions.
The Bank’s primary counterparty for borrowing purposes is the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). At March 31, 2006, the FHLB had extended the Bank a secured line of credit of $243.4 million that may be accessed for short or long-term borrowings given sufficient qualifying collateral. The Bank also had $22.2 million in short-term borrowing availability from the Federal Reserve Bank that requires specific qualifying collateral. In addition, the Bank maintained unsecured lines of credit totaling $31.5 million for the purchase of funds on a short-term basis from several commercial bank counterparties. At March 31, 2006, the Bank had aggregate remaining available borrowing sources totaling $182.3 million, given sufficient collateral.
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Liquidity may be affected by the Bank’s routine commitments to extend credit. Historically a significant portion of such commitments (such as lines of credit) have expired or terminated without funding. In addition, more than one-third of total commitments pertain to various construction projects. Under the terms of such construction commitments, completion of specified project benchmarks must be certified before funds may be drawn. At March 31, 2006 the Bank had approximately $499.3 million in outstanding commitments to extend credit, compared to approximately $446.6 million at year-end 2005. Management believes that the Bank’s available resources will be sufficient to fund its commitments in the normal course of business.
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND OTHER BORROWINGS
At March 31, 2006, the Company established subsidiary grantor trusts (Cascade Bancorp Statutory Trust II and III) (the Trusts), which in aggregate issued $26.5 million of trust preferred securities (the TPS) and $820,000 of common securities. The purpose of the issuance was to fund the cash portion of the F&M Holding Company’s purchase price and to augment regulatory capital. Each of the two trusts holds 50% of the total issuance, with the Trust II TPS quarterly interest payment floating with LIBOR and Trust III having a fixed quarterly interest payment for the first 20 quarterly interest payments (see below). The common securities were purchased by the Company, and represent a 3% minority interest in the Trusts. The Company’s investment in the common securities is included in accrued interest and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The TPS are subordinated to any other borrowings of the Company and are due and payable on June 15, 2036. The floating rate TPS pays quarterly interest at the 3-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.33%, while the fixed TPS pays quarterly interest at 6.619% for 20 quarters, and 3 month LIBOR +1.33% thereafter to maturity. The Trusts use the proceeds received from the issuance of the TPS to purchase $26.5 million of junior subordinated debentures (the Debentures) of the Company. The Debentures were issued with substantially the same terms as the TPS and are the sole assets of the Trust. The Company’s obligations under the Debentures and related agreements, taken together, constitute a full and irrevocable guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the Trust. The TPS are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture related to the Debentures. The TPS may be called by the Company at par at any time subsequent to March 31, 2011, and may be redeemed earlier upon the occurrence of certain events that impact the income tax or the regulatory capital treatment of the TPS. In accordance with industry practice, the Company’s liability for the common securities has been included with the Debentures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At the date of this report, management believes that the TPS meet applicable regulatory guidelines to qualify as Tier 1 capital.
In December 2004, the Company established a subsidiary grantor trust (Cascade Bancorp Trust I) (the Trust), which issued $20 million of trust preferred securities (the TPS1) and $619,000 of common securities. The common securities were purchased by the Company, and represent a 3% minority interest in the Trust. The Company’s investment in the common securities is included in accrued interest and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The TPS1 are subordinated to any other borrowings of the Company and are due and payable on March 15, 2035. The TPS1 pay quarterly interest at the 3-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.80%. The Trust used the proceeds received from the issuance of the TPS1 to purchase $20 million of junior subordinated debentures (the Debentures) of the Company. The Debentures were issued with substantially the same terms as the TPS1 and are the sole assets of the Trust. The Company’s obligations under the Debentures and related agreements, taken together, constitute a full and irrevocable guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the Trust. The TPS1 are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture related to the Debentures. The TPS1 may be called by the Company at par at any time subsequent to March 15, 2010, and may be redeemed earlier upon the occurrence of certain events that impact the income tax or the regulatory capital treatment of the TPS1. In accordance with industry practice, the Company’s liability for the common securities has been included with the Debentures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management believes that at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the TPS1 meet applicable regulatory guidelines to qualify as Tier 1 capital.
At March 31, 2006, the Bank had a total of approximately $60.9 million in long-term borrowings from FHLB with maturities from 2005 to 2025, bearing a weighted-average interest rate of 3.96%. In addition, at March 31, 2006, the Bank had approximately $.2 million in short-term borrowings with FRB. At year-end 2005, the Bank had a total of $61.1 million in long-term borrowings from FHLB bearing a weighted-average interest rate of 3.91%, and short-term borrowings with FRB of approximately $3.2 million. See “Liquidity and Sources of Funds” section on page 20 for further discussion.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s total stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2006 was $110.4 million, an increase of $6.0 million from December 31, 2005. The increase resulted from net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 of $5.9 million, less cash dividends paid to shareholders of $1.5 million during the same period. In addition, at March 31, 2006 the Company had accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $.6 million.
At March 31, 2006, the Company’s Tier 1 and total risked-based capital ratios under the Federal Reserve Board’s (“FRB”) risk-based capital guidelines were 11.62% and 12.90%, respectively. The FRB’s minimum risk-based capital ratio guidelines for Tier 1 and total capital are 4% and 8%, respectively.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk arises principally from interest rate risk in its lending, deposit and borrowing activities. Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure. Management considers interest rate risk to be a significant market risk, which could have the largest material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
There has not been any material change in the market risk disclosure contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Changes in Internal Controls
Since the Evaluation Date, there have not been any significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
(a), (b), (c): The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on April 17, 2006. The record date for the meeting was February 17, 2006, at which time there were 17,082,567 shares of common stock outstanding. Holders of 15,637,469 shares (91.5%) were present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
The following persons were elected as directors to serve the terms stated below:
Name | | Term expires | | Votes “FOR” | | Votes “WITHHELD” | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Jerol E. Andres | | | 2009 | | | 15,397,425 | | | 236,295 | |
Henry H. Hewitt | | | 2009 | | | 15,488,710 | | | 145,010 | |
Judi Johansen | | | 2009 | | | 15,430,918 | | | 202,802 | |
Clarence Jones | | | 2009 | | | 15,432,519 | | | 201,201 | |
Thomas M. Wells | | | 2007 | | | 15,527,355 | | | 106,365 | |
| The following directors continue with terms of office that expire after the annual meeting: Gary L. Hoffman (2007), Patricia L. Moss (2007), Gary L. Capps (2008), James E. Petersen (2008), Ryan R. Patrick (2008). |
|
|
| PROPOSAL 2. APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF 5,325,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF CASCADE BANCORP IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OF (I) F&M ACQUISITION CORPORATION WITH AND INTO F&M HOLDING COMPANY (“F&M”), WITH F&M BEING THE SURVIVING CORPORATION, (II) THE MERGER OF F&M WITH AND INTO CASCADE BANCORP, AND (III) THE MERGER OF FARMERS & MERCHANTS STATE BANK WITH AND INTO BANK OF THE CASCADES: |
Votes “FOR” | | Votes “AGAINST” | | Votes “ABSTAIN” | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
10,520,672 | | | 248,721 | | | 83,408 | |
| PROPOSAL 3. APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF CASCADE BANCORP COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE CASCADE BANCORP 2002 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FROM 787,500 TO 1,587,500 SHARES. |
Votes “FOR” | | Votes “AGAINST” | | Votes “ABSTAIN” | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
9,939,718 | | | 855,841 | | | 105,099 | |
| PROPOSAL 4. APPROVAL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING IF NECESSARY IN ORDER TO PERMIT FURTHER SOLICITATION OF PROXIES IF THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT VOTES AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF THE MERGER SHARES. |
Votes “FOR” | | Votes “AGAINST” | | Votes “ABSTAIN” | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
14,906,965 | | | 501,721 | | | 162,165 | |
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Item 5. Other Information
| (b) | Reports on Form 8-K |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on January 12, 2006, in regards to release of the Company’s fourth quarter and year-end 2005 earnings. |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on January 26, 2006, to report that it elected Judi Johansen to its board of directors and the board of Bank of the Cascades. |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on April 4, 2006, and announced that it completed the issuance of $26.5 million in trust preferred securities. |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on April 13, 2006, in regards to release of the Company’s first quarter 2006 earnings. |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on April 21, 2006, to announce the closing of the transaction under which it acquired F&M Holding Co. |
| | |
| | The Company filed a report on Form 8-K/A on April 25, 2006, which was an amendment to the current report on Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2006, to provide additional information relating to its merger agreement with F&M Holding Co. |
Item 6. Exhibits
| (a) | Exhibits | |
| | | |
| | 3.2 | By-laws as amended and restated |
| | 10.5 | 2002 Equity Incentive Plan as amended |
| | 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
| | 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
| | 32 | Certification Pursuant to Section 906 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| CASCADE BANCORP |
|
|
| (Registrant) |
| | |
| | |
Date 5/3/06 | By | /s/ Patricial L. Moss |
| |
|
| | Patricia L. Moss, President & CEO |
| | |
| | |
Date 5/3/06 | By | /s/ Gregory D. Newton |
| |
|
| | Gregory D. Newton, EVP/Chief Financial Officer |
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