Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $3.3 million, an increase of $234,000 over net income for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to a $329,000 increase in net interest income, a $725,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses and a $297,000 decrease in non-interest expenses partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in the gain on sale of mortgage loans. Our return on average assets was 0.95% for the year ended 2004, compared to 0.94% for the year ended 2003. Return on equity was 11.19% for the year ended 2004, compared to 11.03% for 2003. During 2004 we paid regular quarterly cash dividends on common stock
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totaling $801,000 for the year, or $.56 per share, representing a dividend payout ratio, dividends declared per share divided by diluted net income per share, of approximately 25%. Net Interest Income.Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased $329,000 over the same period in 2003. Our net interest margin (net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) decreased from 3.50% where it had been at both December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003 to 3.32% at December 31, 2004. The return on interest earning assets has been declining for the last three years as market interest rates have been declining through most of that period. Now that shorter-term rates have started to increase, we expect many of our adjustable rate mortgages to start adjusting upwards in 2005, although the flat yield curve and continuing low long-term rates are expected to keep the return on fixed rate mortgages fairly flat. Interest expenses on deposits and borrowings have been declining for the last three years as well, and we expect these rates to increase as many of these deposits are tied to rising shorter-term market interest rates. The majority of our longer-term deposits have already rolled down to historically low rates and are likely to remain at that level until longer-term market rates begin to increase. Rates on borrowing may continue to decline as some high rate advances are scheduled to mature this year. Interest income on loans increased $434,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003. Although the average volume of loans in our portfolio increased by $35.6 million, the continuing low market rates resulted in lower rates for both new loans and on the adjustments for variable rate mortgages resulting in a decrease in the yield on loans from 6.84% for the year ended December 31, 2003 to 6.18% for the year ended December 31, 2004. We expect to see consistent growth in our loan portfolio since origination volume should stay in the same range as in 2004, and these originations should include a higher percentage of variable rate products which we typically keep. We expect continuing success from our focus on commercial and multi-family real estate, commercial business and home equity loan production as a result of our expanded call program and the hiring of a third, seasoned commercial loan officer, and by the confusion generated from the three simultaneous major bank acquisitions. It is also our intention to keep some of our shorter-term fixed rate residential mortgages in our portfolio, especially if long-term rates start to increase. There was also a decrease in interest income on investments as we decreased the size of that portfolio, taking advantage of the opportunity to invest that money in higher yielding mortgages. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004, decreased $113,000 over the same period in 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 2.98% in 2003 to 2.69% in 2004, reflecting the generally lower interest rates over the period, partially offset by an increase of $26.0 million in average interest-bearing liabilities. The higher interest expense of $152,000 on the average balance of customer deposit accounts was primarily due to the $18.5 million increase in the average balance in time accounts offset somewhat by a 28 basis point decrease in the average yield. This higher expense was offset by a $265,000 decrease in the cost of Federal Home Loan Bank advances resulting primarily from a 66 basis point decrease in the average rate. Provision for Loan Losses.We establish our provision for loan losses based on a systematic analysis of risk factors in the loan portfolio. The analysis includes consideration of
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concentrations of credit, past loss experience, current economic conditions, the amount and composition of the loan portfolio, estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, delinquencies and other relevant factors. From time to time, we also use the services of a consultant to assist in the evaluation of our growing commercial real estate loan portfolio. On at least a quarterly basis, a formal analysis of the adequacy of the allowance is prepared and reviewed by management and the Board of Directors. This analysis serves as a point in time assessment of the level of the allowance and serves as a basis for provisions for loan losses. More specifically, our analysis of the loan portfolio will begin at the time the loan is originated, at which time each loan is assigned a risk rating. If the loan is a commercial credit, the borrower will also be assigned a similar rating. Loans that continue to perform as agreed will be included in one of ten non-classified loan categories. Portions of the allowance are allocated to loan portfolios in the various risk grades, based upon a variety of factors including, historical loss experience, trends in the type and volume of the loan portfolios, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, and economic trends affecting our market. Loans no longer performing as agreed are assigned a lower risk rating, eventually resulting in their being regarded as classified loans. A collateral re-evaluation is completed on all classified loans. This process results in the allocation of specific amounts of the allowance to individual problem loans, generally based on an analysis of the collateral securing those loans. These components are added together and compared to the balance of our allowance at the evaluation date. Non-classified loan categories include first mortgage loans on the following types of properties: one-to-four family owner occupied, one-to-four family non-owner occupied, multi family, non-residential, land and land development, and construction. Additional categories include: second mortgage and home equity loans, unsecured commercial business loans, secured commercial business loans, and consumer loans. We recorded a $500,000 provision for loan losses during 2004 as a result of our analysis of our current loan portfolios compared to $1.2 million during 2003. The increased provision during 2003 was necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio and cover anticipated charge-offs. During the year 2004 we recorded charge-offs of $1.5 million. The $500,000 provision for loan losses in 2004 was considered adequate to cover further charge-offs based on our evaluation and our loan mix. At December 31, 2004, non-performing assets, consisting of non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 or more days delinquent and other real estate owned, totaled $5.9 million compared to $4.6 million at December 31, 2003. In addition to our non-performing assets, we identified $9.8 million other loans of concern where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans as non-performing assets in the future. The vast majority of these loans, as well as our non-performing assets, are well collateralized. At December 31, 2004, we believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Our allowance for losses equaled
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0.66% of net loans receivable and 35.38% of non-performing assets at December 31, 2004 compared to 1.12% and 67.57% at December 31, 2003, respectively. Non-Interest Income.Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased by $1.1 million, or 32.26% compared to the same period in 2003. The decrease was primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in gains on the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market due to a $84.8 million decrease in loans sold. The increase in loan sales in 2003 was due to the increased mortgage refinance activity as borrowers sought to lock in lower-rate, fixed-rate mortgages. For interest rate risk reasons we sell fixed-rate residential mortgages on the secondary market. We do not expect interest rates to go low enough to bring about a repeat of this activity. The decrease in gains on loan sales was partially offset by a $69,000 increase in service charges on deposit accounts and a $70,000 increase in other non-interest income, primarily the result of an increase in the value of our Bank Owned Life Insurance. Non-Interest Expense.Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $188,000 over the same period in 2003. The major components of this decrease included a $186,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits partly due to the decreased lending activity, and to the termination of an incentive program. We expect non-interest expense in 2005 to increase by $200,000 to $400,000, the estimated cost of complying with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, and from the expenses involved in opening a new branch. Income Tax Expense.The Company’s income tax provision decreased by $140,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily as a result of tax savings relating to our Bank Owned Life Insurance program and increased lending in an area in Lafayette designated as an urban enterprise zone, qualifying for enterprise zone tax credits. Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $2.9 million, an increase of $234,000 or 8.62% compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily due to a $826,000 increase in the net gain on sale of mortgage loans and a $373,000 increase in net interest income, partially offset by a $525,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and a $545,000 increase in non-interest expenses. Our return on average assets was 0.94% for the year ended 2003, compared to 0.90% for the year ended 2002. Return on equity was 11.03% for the year ended 2003, compared to 10.99% for 2002. Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets was 8.49% for the year ended 2003, compared to 8.15% for the year ended 2002. During 2003 we paid regular quarterly cash dividends on common stock totaling $658,000 for the year, or $.48 per share, representing a dividend payout ratio, dividends declared per share divided by diluted net income per share, of approximately 22%. Net Interest Income.Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased $373,000 or 3.67% over the same period in 2002. Our net interest margin (net interest
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income divided by average interest-earning assets) remained unchanged for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003 at 3.50% but there was a slight increase in the average interest rate spread as the average rate paid on deposit products declined as maturing certificates of deposit were replaced with lower rate products. Interest income on loans decreased $989,000 or 5.14%, for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily the result of a decrease in yield on loans from 7.36% for the year ended December 31, 2002 to 6.84% for the year ended December 31, 2003, caused primarily by the decrease in market interest rates. This decrease in yield was partially offset by an increase of $5.7 million in average loans outstanding, primarily the result of the ongoing success of the Company’s focus on commercial and multi-family real estate, commercial business and home equity loan production and by an increase in our residential real estate loan portfolio due to increased refinancing activity due to low mortgage interest rates. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003, decreased $1.4 million or 14.11% over the same period in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities from 3.59% in 2002 to 2.98% in 2003, reflecting the generally lower interest rates over the period, and an increase of $10.0 million in average interest-bearing liabilities, consisting of an additional $13.6 million in the average balance of customer deposit accounts and a $3.7 million decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances drawn to fund loan demand. Provision for Loan Losses.We establish our provision for loan losses based on a systematic analysis of risk factors in the loan portfolio. The analysis includes consideration of concentrations of credit, past loss experience, current economic conditions, the amount and composition of the loan portfolio, estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, delinquencies and other relevant factors. From time to time, we also use the services of a consultant to assist in the evaluation of our growing commercial real estate loan portfolio. On at least a quarterly basis, a formal analysis of the adequacy of the allowance is prepared and reviewed by management and the Board of Directors. This analysis serves as a point in time assessment of the level of the allowance and serves as a basis for provisions for loan losses. More specifically, our analysis of the loan portfolio will begin at the time the loan is originated, at which time each loan is assigned a risk rating. If the loan is a commercial credit, the borrower will also be assigned a similar rating. Loans that continue to perform as agreed will be included in one of ten non-classified loan categories. Portions of the allowance are allocated to loan portfolios in the various risk grades, based upon a variety of factors including, historical loss experience, trends in the type and volume of the loan portfolios, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, and economic trends affecting our market. Loans no longer performing as agreed are assigned a lower risk rating, eventually resulting in their being regarded as classified loans. A collateral re-evaluation form is completed on all classified loans. This process results in the allocation of specific amounts of the allowance to individual problem loans, generally based on an analysis of the collateral securing those loans. These components are added together and compared to the balance of our allowance at the evaluation date.
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Non-classified loan categories include first mortgage loans on the following types of properties: one-to-four family owner occupied, one-to-four family non-owner occupied, multi family, non-residential, land and land development, and construction. Additional categories include: second mortgage and home equity loans, unsecured commercial business loans, secured commercial business loans, and consumer loans. We recorded a $1.2 million provision for loan losses during 2003 as a result of our analysis of our current loan portfolios compared to $700,000 during 2002. The increased provision during 2003 was necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio and cover charge-offs during the year. Additionally, the provision for loan losses was increased to reflect the change in our loan mix. At December 31, 2003, non-performing assets, consisting of non-accruing loans, accruing loan 90 or more days delinquent and other real estate owned, totaled $4.6 million compared to $3.6 million at December 31, 2002. In addition to our non-performing assets, we identified $14.6 million other loans of concern where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans as non-performing assets in the future. The vast majority of these loans, as well as our non-performing assets, are well collateralized. At December 31, 2003, we believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Our allowance for losses equaled 1.12% of net loans receivable and 76.16% of non-performing assets at December 31, 2003 compared to 0.72% and 55.61% at December 31, 2002, respectively. Non-Interest Income.Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased by $1.2 million, or 54.82% compared to the same period in 2002. The increase was primarily due to a $826,000 increase in gains on the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market due to a $58.4 million, or 105.94%, increase in loans sold, and by a $232,000 increase in other non-interest income, primarily the result of an increase in mortgage loan servicing fees on our loan servicing portfolio. Mortgage servicing rights represent the allocated value of servicing rights retained on loans sold. The value is the net present value of the expected servicing fee income over the life of a loan and is recorded at the time the loan is sold. It is amortized to expense over the expected life of the loan and offsets the monthly service fee recorded in other income. Management monitors the prepayment of sold loans and adjusts the amortization of the originated servicing right asset to recognize the repayment and prepayment of sold loans and to assure that the balance does not exceed the expected fair value of the servicing right asset. Amortization and write downs on servicing rights was $90,000 less in 2003 compared to 2002 due to decreased prepayments and an increase in the fair value of servicing rights. The fair market value of servicing rights increased due to the rising interest rate environment in the last quarter of 2003, as the expected life of the servicing asset increased as borrowers become less likely to refinance their mortgages. The originated servicing right asset at December 31, 2002 was $813,000, compared to $1.4 million at year-end 2003.
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Non-Interest Expense.Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased $545,000 over the same period in 2002. The major components of this increase included a $350,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits partly due to the increased lending activity, and also to normal annual increases in salaries and benefits. Increases in advertising costs were due to the Bank engaging a new advertising firm and the development of a new campaign. Income Tax Expense.The Company’s income tax provision increased by $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, due to higher taxable income. Asset/Liability Management We, like other financial institutions, are subject to interest rate risk to the extent that our interest-bearing liabilities reprice on a different basis than our interest-earning assets. The Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), our primary regulator, supports the use of a net portfolio value (“NPV”) approach to the quantification of interest rate risk. In essence, this approach calculates the difference between the present value of expected cash flows from assets and the present value of expected cash flows from liabilities, as well as cash flows from off balance sheet contracts. An NPV ratio, in any interest rate scenario, is defined as the NPV in that rate scenario divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario — essentially a market value adjusted capital ratio. It has been and continues to be a priority of the Board and management to manage interest rate risk to maintain an acceptable level of potential changes to interest income as a result of interest rate changes. Our asset/liability policy, established by the board of directors, sets forth acceptable limits on the amount of change in net portfolio value given certain changes in interest rates. We have an asset/liability management committee which meets quarterly to review our interest rate position, and an investment committee which reviews the interest rate risk position and other related matters with the Board, and to make recommendations for adjusting this position to the full board of directors. In addition, the investment committee of the Board meets semi-annually with our outside investment advisors to review our investment portfolio and strategies relating to interest rate risk. Specific strategies have included the sale of long-term, fixed rate loans to reduce the average maturity of our interest-earning assets and the use of Federal Home Loan Bank advances to lengthen the effective maturity of our interest-bearing liabilities. In the future, our community banking emphasis, including the origination of commercial business loans, is intended to further increase our portfolio of short-term and/or adjustable rate loans. Presented below, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, is an analysis of our interest rate risk as measured by the effect on NPV caused by instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in the yield curve, in 100 basis point increments, up and down 300 basis points, and compared to Board policy limits. (One hundred basis points equals one percent.) The Board Limit column indicates the lowest allowable limits for NPV after each interest rate shock. Assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this table are OTS assumptions. No information is provided for a negative 200 or 300 basis point shift in interest rates, due to a low prevailing interest rate environment making such scenarios unlikely.
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