UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For quarter ended March 31, 2004 -------------- Commission file number 000-23904 --------- SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. ------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its character) Massachusetts 04-3061936 - --------------------------------- ---------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 100 Slade's Ferry Avenue Somerset, Massachusetts 02726 - ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) (508)-675-2121 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Check 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 past 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. Yes X No ------------ ----------- Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No X ------------ ----------- Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date: Common stock ($0.01 par value) 4,046,791 shares as of April 30, 2004. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I ITEM 1 - Financial Statements of Slade's Ferry Bancorp. and Subsidiary 2 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2004 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2003 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Expense (Unaudited) - 3 Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (Unaudited) - 3 Months Ended March 31, 2004 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - 3 Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11 ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24 ITEM 4 - Controls and Procedures 25 Part II ITEM 1 - Legal Proceedings 26 ITEM 2 - Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 26 ITEM 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities 26 ITEM 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 26 ITEM 5 - Other Information 26 ITEM 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 26 1 PART I ITEM 1 Financial Statements - -------------------- SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 ----------------------------------- (Unaudited) <s> <c> <c> ASSETS: Cash, due from banks and interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks $ 18,531,706 $ 18,642,370 Money market mutual funds 182,335 63,539 Federal Home Loan Bank overnight deposit 20,000,000 0 Federal funds sold 46,000,000 4,000,000 ------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents 84,714,041 22,705,909 Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks 100,000 200,000 Investment securities held-to-maturity(1) 9,930,271 11,300,402 Investment securities available-for-sale(2) 42,833,205 47,162,852 Federal Home Loan Bank stock 3,023,800 3,023,800 Loans, net 348,774,965 331,496,525 Premises and equipment 5,846,273 5,894,736 Goodwill 2,173,368 2,173,368 Accrued interest receivable 1,503,337 1,497,104 Cash surrender value of life insurance 11,143,583 10,980,879 Deferred income tax asset, net 1,916,962 1,996,213 Other assets 1,421,583 1,016,753 ------------------------------- TOTAL ASSETS $513,381,388 $439,448,541 =============================== LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Deposits $400,275,674 $333,144,817 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 56,089,327 60,474,864 Subordinated debentures 10,310,000 0 Other liabilities 2,923,110 3,086,719 ------------------------------- Total liabilities 469,598,111 396,706,400 ------------------------------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock 40,276 39,959 Paid-in capital 29,105,262 28,609,206 Retained earnings 14,983,578 14,698,595 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (345,839) (605,619) ------------------------------- Total stockholders' equity 43,783,277 42,742,141 ------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $513,381,388 $439,448,541 =============================== <FN> - -------------------- <F1> Investment securities held-to-maturity have a fair market value of $10,531,498 as of March 31, 2004 and $11,851,713 as of December 31, 2003. <F2> Securities classified as available-for-sale are stated at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reflected as an adjustment in Stockholders' Equity, net of tax effect. </FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 2 SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND EXPENSE (Unaudited) 3 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 31, 2004 2003 --------------------------- <s> <c> <c> INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME: Interest and fees on loans $ 4,892,175 $ 4,166,512 Interest and dividends on investments 529,496 848,949 Other interest 58,714 45,323 --------------------------- Total interest and dividend income 5,480,385 5,060,784 --------------------------- INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest on deposits 1,122,289 1,227,793 Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank 594,871 317,493 Interest on subordinated debentures 16,250 0 --------------------------- Total interest expense 1,733,410 1,545,286 --------------------------- Net interest and dividend income 3,746,975 3,515,498 Provision for loan losses 246,215 141,000 --------------------------- Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses 3,500,760 3,374,498 --------------------------- OTHER INCOME: Service charges on deposit accounts 145,497 133,768 Overdraft service charges 123,340 121,669 Gain (loss) on sales of available-for-sale securities, net 34,882 (40,918) Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies 137,704 108,170 Other income 122,235 151,977 --------------------------- Total other income 563,658 474,666 --------------------------- NONINTEREST EXPENSE: Salaries and employee benefits 1,967,865 1,789,437 Occupancy expense 231,365 262,981 Equipment expense 147,078 123,165 Stationary and supplies 43,585 60,204 Professional fees 226,540 242,880 Marketing expense 56,815 94,273 Other expense 437,232 654,048 --------------------------- Total noninterest expense 3,110,480 3,226,988 --------------------------- Income before income taxes 953,938 622,176 Income taxes 307,944 1,314,356 --------------------------- NET INCOME (LOSS)(1) $ 645,994 $ (692,180) =========================== Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.16 $ (0.18) =========================== Diluted earnings (loss) per share(3) $ 0.16 $ (0.18) =========================== Basic averages shares outstanding 4,012,654 3,948,584 =========================== Diluted average shares outstanding(3) 4,069,855 3,948,584 =========================== Dividends per share $ 0.09 $ 0.09 =========================== Comprehensive income (loss)(2) $ 905,774 $ (609,680) =========================== <FN> - -------------------- <F1> The quarterly results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2003 have been revised from that previously reported to remove the extraordinary item. The extraordinary item treatment previously presented was revised, and its individual components were reclassed to income tax expense, in the amount of $1,058,324 and other expense in the amount of $226,742. See Footnote 20 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. <F2> Calculated using the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period and net income (loss) for the period. <F3> For the March 31, 2003 quarter, potential common shares are not included due to the net loss for the period. </FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 3 SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 (Unaudited) Accumulated Other Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Stock Capital Earnings Loss Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Balance, January 1, 2004 $39,959 $28,609,206 $14,698,595 $(605,619) $42,742,141 Comprehensive income: Net income 645,994 Other comprehensive income 259,780 Comprehensive income 905,774 Issuance of common stock from dividend reinvestment plan 74 162,669 162,743 Retired common stock shares (34) (32,334) (32,368) Stock issuance relating to optional cash contribution plan 17 38,556 38,573 Stock options exercised 260 327,165 327,425 Dividends declared ($.09 per share) (361,011) (361,011) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, March 31, 2004 $40,276 $29,105,262 $14,983,578 $(345,839) $43,783,277 ========================================================================= 4 SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS THREE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 31, (Unaudited) 2004 2003 ----------------------------- <s> <c> <c> CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 645,994 $ (692,180) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization, net of accretion of securities 44,139 48,396 (Gains) loss on sales of available-for-sale securities, net (34,882) 40,918 Change in unearned income 82,765 (14,897) Provision for loan losses 246,215 141,000 Depreciation and amortization 166,143 151,015 Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies (137,704) (108,170) Decrease in taxes receivable 227,570 857,305 Deferred tax (benefit) expense (21,125) 52,940 Increase in other assets (557,940) (5,068) Increase in prepaid expenses (74,461) (31,528) (Increase) decrease in interest receivable (6,233) 7,340 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 28,962 (30,923) Decrease in accrued expenses (244,896) (216,993) Increase in taxes payable 0 456,795 Increase (decrease) in interest payable 50,831 (17,565) ----------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 415,378 638,385 ----------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from maturities of interest-bearing time deposits with other banks 100,000 0 Purchases of available-for-sale securities (852,027) (6,502,300) Proceeds from maturities and calls of available-for-sale securities 5,535,285 12,603,546 Purchases of held-to-maturity securities 0 (927,105) Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities 1,367,420 1,281,502 Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock 0 (224,100) Loan originations and principal collections, net (17,656,475) (8,735,956) Recoveries of loans previously charged off 49,055 14,532 Capital expenditures (117,680) (178,055) Investment in life insurance policies (25,000) (224,000) ----------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (11,599,422) (2,891,936) ----------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 5 SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, ---------------------------- (Unaudited) (Continued) 2004 2003 ----------------------------- <s> <c> <c> CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in demand deposits, NOW, and savings accounts 33,773,909 7,243,537 Net increase (decrease) in time deposits 33,356,948 (101,570) Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term advances (85,537) (68,743) Net change in short-term advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (4,300,000) 0 Proceeds from subordinated debentures 10,310,000 0 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 201,316 216,685 Stock options exercised 327,425 0 Retired common stock shares (32,368) 0 Dividends paid (359,517) (354,399) ----------------------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 73,192,176 6,935,510 ----------------------------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 62,008,132 4,681,959 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 22,705,909 34,716,536 ----------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period $ 84,714,041 $ 39,398,495 ============================= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: Interest paid $ 1,682,579 $ 1,562,851 Income taxes paid (received) $ 101,499 $ (52,690) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 6 SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) March 31, 2004 Note A - Basis of Presentation - ------------------------------ The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the management of Slade's Ferry Bancorp. (the "Company"), all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Note B - Accounting Policies - ---------------------------- The accounting principles followed by Slade's Ferry Bancorp. and subsidiary and the methods of applying these principles which materially affect the determination of financial position, results of operations, or changes in financial position are consistent with those used for the year ended December 31, 2003. The consolidated financial statements of Slade's Ferry Bancorp. include its wholly-owned subsidiary, Slade's Ferry Trust Company, and its subsidiaries, Slade's Ferry Realty Trust, Slade's Ferry Securities Corporation, Slade's Ferry Preferred Capital Corporation (dissolved in December 2003), Slade's Ferry Statutory Trust I, and Slade's Ferry Loan Company. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated. Note C - Stock Based Compensation - --------------------------------- At March 31, 2004, the Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan. The Company accounts for the plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (except for appreciation from options surrendered), as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation. 3 Months Ended March 31, 2004 2003 ------------------------ <s> <c> <c> Net income (loss), as reported $645,994 $(692,180) Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects 0 0 --------------------- Pro forma net income (loss) $645,994 $(692,180) ===================== Earnings (loss) per share: Basic - as reported $ 0.16 $ (0.18) Basic - pro forma $ 0.16 $ (0.18) Diluted - as reported $ 0.16 $ (0.18) Diluted - pro forma $ 0.16 $ (0.18) 7 Note D - Pension Benefits - ------------------------- The following summarizes the net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31: 2004 2003 -------------------- <s> <c> <c> Service Cost $ 3,496 $ 1,955 Interest Cost 24,846 14,770 Expected return on plan assets (10,824) (8,095) Amortization of prior service cost 905 (1,811) Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss (56,176) 8,776 Amortization of transition (asset) obligation 1,982 1,100 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $(35,771) $16,695 ==================== The Company previously disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 that it expected pension plan contributions to be $150,000 in 2004. There was no cash contribution made to the total pension plan during the first quarter 2004. Note E - Impact of New Accounting Standards - ------------------------------------------- In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" ("FIN 45"). FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosure to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. FIN 45 clarifies that a guarantor is required to disclose (a) the nature of the guarantee; (b) the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantee; (c) the carrying amount of the liability; (d) the nature and extent of any recourse provisions or available collateral that would enable the guarantor to recover the amounts paid under the guarantee. Paragraph 5 of SFAS No. 147, which relates to the application of the purchase method of accounting, was effective for acquisitions for which the date of acquisition is on or after October 1, 2002. The provisions in paragraph 6 related to accounting for the impairment or disposal of certain long-term customer-relationship intangible assets were effective on October 1, 2002. Transition provisions for previously recognized unidentifiable intangible assets in paragraphs 8-14 were effective on October 1, 2002, with earlier application permitted. There was no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements on adoption of this Statement. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements in FIN 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. The Company adopted the initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 effective as of January 1, 2003 and adopted the disclosure requirements effective as of December 31, 2002. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS Statement No. 123" ("SFAS No. 148"). SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transition provisions and disclosure provisions are required for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 8 15, 2002. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 as of December 31, 2002 and currently uses the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options. In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 149"), which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This Statement (a) clarifies under what circumstances a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative, (b) clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component, (c) amends the definition of an underlying to conform to language used in FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," and (d) amends certain other existing pronouncements. The provisions of SFAS No. 149 are effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. There was no substantial impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements on adoption of this Statement. In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS No. 150"). This Statement establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 requires that certain financial instruments that were previously classified as equity must be classified as a liability. Most of the guidance in SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. This Statement did not have any material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46"), in an effort to expand upon and strengthen existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. In December 2003, the FASB revised Interpretation No. 46, also referred to as Interpretation 46 (R) ("FIN 46(R)"). The objective of this interpretation is not to restrict the use of variable interest entities but to improve financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities. Until now, one company generally has included another entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests. This interpretation changes that, by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company only if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity's activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity's residual returns or both. The Company is required to apply FIN 46, as revised, to all entities subject to it no later than the end of the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. However, prior to the required application of FIN 46, as revised, the Company shall apply FIN 46 or FIN 46 (R) to those entities that are considered to be special-purpose entities as of the end of the first fiscal year or interim period ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits - an amendment of SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 88 and SFAS No. 106" ("SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003)"). This Statement revises employers' disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." This Statement retains the disclosure requirements contained in SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," which it replaces. It requires additional disclosures to those in the original Statement 132 about assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. This Statement is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 9 15, 2003 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003. Adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 10 ITEM 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Forward-looking Statements - -------------------------- This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the strength of the company's capital and asset quality. Other such statements may be identified by words such as "believes," "will," "expects," "project," "may," "developments," "strategic," "launching," "opportunities," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets" and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Slade's Ferry Bancorp's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements: (1) enactment of adverse government regulation; (2) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly and have an effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; (3) the strength of the United States economy in general and specifically the strength of the New England economies may be different than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in overall credit quality and borrowers' ability to service and repay loans, or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the Bank's loan portfolio, levels of charge-offs and non-performing loans and allowance for loan losses; (4) changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins and adversely impact net interest income; and (5) changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, Slade's Ferry Bancorp.'s actual results could differ materially from those discussed. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Slade's Ferry Bancorp. or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Slade's Ferry Bancorp. does not intend or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Critical Accounting Policies Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements filed within form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. In preparing financial information, management is required to make significant judgements, estimates, and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The accounting principles followed by the Company and the methods of applying these principles conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and general banking practices. The Company considers the following to be its critical accounting policies: allowance for loan losses, goodwill and other intangible assets other than temporary impairment of investments, and deferred taxes. Allowance for loan losses. Establishing an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgement. The allowance for loan losses is established through a charge or credit to the provision for loan losses, and is based on management's projection of the adequate level of the allowance in relation to the inherent loss exposure in the loan portfolio. On a monthly basis, management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance which includes a formal analysis which considers, among other factors, business and economic conditions and industry trends, the size and characteristics of the loan portfolio, delinquency trends, charge-off experience, loan growth, nonaccrual loan trends, and portfolio migration information. Although management uses available information to project the appropriate level of the allowance which is based on factors and risk identification procedures discussed in "Item I Business - Summary of Loan Loss 11 Experience," the use of judgements and projections may change in the future. Changes in factors or assumptions used by management to determine the adequacy of the allowance or the availability of new information could cause the allowance for loan losses to be increased or decreased in future periods. In addition, bank regulatory agencies, as part of their examination process, may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgements and projections. Accounting for Acquisitions and Review of Goodwill. The Company completed an acquisition in 1996 and used the purchase method of accounting. For acquisitions under this method, the Company recorded assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value, which in some instances involves estimates based on internal and third party pressures, or other valuation techniques. In addition, this purchase acquisition resulted in goodwill, which is subject to ongoing periodic impairment tests, and is evaluated using fair value techniques that contain estimates. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, a loss due to impairment would be recognized to reduce the carrying value to fair value. Other than temporary impairment. Management records a writedown impairment charge when it believes an investment experiences a decrease in value that is other than temporary. In making a decision whether an investment is permanently impaired, management reviews current and forecasted information about the underlying investment that is available, applicable industry data, and analyst reports. When an investment is deemed to be permanently impaired, it is written down to current fair market value. Future adverse changes in economic and market conditions, deterioration in credit quality, and continued poor financial results of underlying investments or other factors could result in further losses that may not be reflected in an investment's current book value that could result in future writedown charges due to impairment. Deferred tax estimates. The Company uses the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The Company must also assess the probability that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and establish a valuation allowance for any assets determined not likely to be recovered. Management exercises judgement in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting deferred tax assets and liabilities, including projections of future taxable income. These judgements are estimates and assumptions and are reviewed on a continuing basis. Financial Condition Total assets increased by $74.0 million, or 16.8%, from $439.4 million at December 31, 2003 to $513.4 million at March 31, 2004. The increase in total assets during the first three months of 2004 was mainly attributable to cash and cash equivalents experiencing a 273.1% increase. A portion of the increase in total assets was generated by deposit growth of $67.1 million. In addition, the Bank participated in a trust preferred offering which raised gross proceeds in the amount of $10.3 million, providing the Company with additional regulatory capital that will be used to fund continued growth of the institution. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $62.0 million, from $22.7 million reported as of year-end 2003 to $84.7 million at March 31, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents, for purposes of reporting cash flows, include cash, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks, federal funds sold, overnight deposit with the Federal Home Loan Bank, and money market mutual funds. The increase in cash and cash equivalents reflects deposit growth and the proceeds of the offering of trust preferred securities, offset in part by loan growth. Total investments, excluding Federal Home Loan Bank stock, decreased by $5.7 million from $58.5 million reported at December 31, 2003 to $52.8 million at March 31, 2004. The decrease in investments of $5.7 million combined with the $67.1 million increase in deposits provided the liquidity to fund gross loan growth of 12 approximately $17.6 million, and contributed to the Federal Funds Sold and overnight deposit position of $66.0 million. The investment portfolio represents a component of the Company's assets and consists of securities in the Held-to-Maturity category and securities in the Available-for-Sale category. The designation is determined at the time of purchase. The Held-to-Maturity category consists predominately of securities issued by states of the United States and political subdivisions of states and short- term debt securities issued by the U. S. Treasury. The Company has the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. In managing the Held-to-Maturity portfolio, the Company seeks to maximize its return and maintain consistency to meet short and long term liquidity forecasts by purchasing securities with maturities laddered within a short- term period of 1-3 years, a mid-term period of 3-5 years, and some securities extending out to 10 years. The Company does not purchase investments with off-balance sheet characteristics, such as swaps, options, futures, and other hedging activities that are called derivatives. The main objective of the investment policy is to provide adequate liquidity to meet reasonable declines in deposits and any anticipated increases in the loan portfolio, to provide safety of principal and interest, to generate earnings adequate to provide a stable income, and to fit within the overall asset/liability management objectives of the Company. Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity are securities that the Company will hold to maturity and are carried at amortized cost on the balance sheet, and are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2004: Amortized Gross Unrealized Gross Unrealized (Dollars In Thousands) Cost Basis Holding Gains Holding Losses Fair Value - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> U. S. Treasury securities and obligations of U. S. Government Corporations and Agencies $9,930 $601 $ 0 $10,531 Total $9,930 $601 $ 0 $10,531 Securities in the Available-for-Sale category are securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. These securities may be sold in response to interest rate changes, liquidity needs or other factors. Any unrealized gain or loss, net of taxes, for the Available-for-Sale securities, is reflected in Stockholders' Equity as a separate component. Investments in Available-for-Sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet and are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2004: Gains in Losses in Accumulated Other Accumulated Other Amortized Comprehensive Comprehensive (Dollars In Thousands) Cost Basis Income Income Fair Value - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> Debt Securities issued by the U. S. Treasury and other U. S. Government Corporations and Agencies $24,401 $144 $117 $24,428 Marketable Equity Securities 3,999 185 329 3,855 Mortgage-backed Securities 12,597 490 0 13,087 Corporate Debt Securities 1,406 57 0 1,463 Total $42,403 $876 $446 $42,833 13 The Available-for-Sale securities category at March 31, 2004 had net unrealized gains, net of taxes, of $250,040 of which $345,854 are net unrealized gains (net of tax) attributed to securities of the U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government corporations and agencies, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities, and $95,814 are net unrealized losses (net of tax) attributable to marketable equity securities. Securities of the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government corporations and agencies, and mortgage-backed securities have little or no credit risk, other than being sensitive to changes in interest rates; and if held-to-maturity, these securities will mature at par. The Company amortizes premiums and accretes discounts over the life of the securities. Marketable equity securities, however, have a greater risk as they are subject to market fluctuations. These securities are constantly monitored and evaluated to determine their suitability for sale, retention in the portfolio, or possible writedowns due to impairment issues. Management minimizes its risk by limiting the total amount invested into marketable equity securities. At March 31, 2004, the amount invested in marketable equity securities was 9.3% of the total market value of the investment portfolio distributed over various industry sectors. Total gross loans increased by $17.6 million, or 5.2%, from $336.1 million reported December 31, 2003, to $353.7 million at March 31, 2004. Residential mortgage and home equity loans increased by $14.3 million, to $161.5 million as of March 31, 2004, compared to $147.2 reported at year-end 2003. Commercial real estate increased by $5.0 million, from $140.6 million reported December 31, 2003, to $145.6 million at March 31, 2004. The commercial, construction and consumer portfolios decreased slightly by $0.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively in 2004. The loan portfolio continues to diversify. The largest segment of the Bank's loan portfolio is residential real estate and home equity loans representing 45.7% of total loans as of March 31, 2004 compared to 43.8% as of December 31, 2003. These loans are comprised of first mortgages on one- to four- family properties, mortgages on multi-family properties, and second mortgages on one- to four-family properties. Another component of the loan portfolio is commercial real estate loans representing 41.2% of the total loans as of March 31, 2004 compared to 41.8% as of December 31, 2003. These loans are collateralized by various types of commercial properties, without any predominant type of property or concentration of credit in any one industry. The following table shows the Company's amount of loans by category at the end of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. (In Thousands) March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> Commercial, financial and agricultural $ 33,340 $ 33,980 Real estate - construction and land development 9,454 10,346 Residential real estate 161,491 147,178 Commercial real estate 145,615 140,572 Consumer 3,751 3,961 Other 95 57 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total gross loans 353,746 336,094 Allowance for loan losses (4,445) (4,154) Unearned income (526) (443) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net loans $348,775 $331,497 ====================================================================================== 14 INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NONACCRUAL AND PAST DUE LOANS AT MARCH 31, 2004 AND 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002 At March 31, At December 31, (Dollars In Thousands) 2004 2003 2003 2002 <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> Nonaccrual Loans $ 210 $ 509 $ 407 $ 635 Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing 0 194 0 8 Real estate acquired by foreclosure or substantively repossessed 0 0 0 0 Percentage of nonaccrual loans to total gross loans 0.06% 0.19% 0.12% 0.24% Percentage of nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, and real estate acquired by foreclosure or substantively repossessed to total assets 0.04% 0.13% 0.09% 0.16% Percentage of allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans 2,116.67% 979.57% 1,020.64% 764.41% The $210,000 in nonaccrual loans as of March 31, 2004 consists mainly of $158,000 of real estate mortgages and $43,000 attributed to commercial loans. There were no restructured loans included in nonaccrual loans for the first three months of 2004. Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing, restructured loans not performing in accordance with amended terms, and other real estate acquired through foreclosure. Nonperforming assets as a total decreased by $197,000, from $407,000 reported on December 31, 2003 to $210,000 as of March 31, 2004. The percentage of nonaccrual loans to total gross loans decreased from 0.12% reported at the year end 2003 to 0.06% at March 31, 2004 due to a decrease in the nonaccrual category and the increase in the total loan portfolio. The percentage of nonaccrual loans and real estate acquired by foreclosure or substantively repossessed to total assets also decreased due to the decrease in nonaccrual loans and increases in total assets. INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO INTEREST ON NONACCRUAL AND PAST DUE LOANS AT MARCH 31, 2004 AND 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002 At March 31, At December 31, (In Thousands) 2004 2003 2003 2002 <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> Nonaccrual Loans $210 $509 $407 $635 Interest income that would have been recorded during the period under original terms 12 10 41 303 Interest income recorded during the period 0 3 30 121 The Company stops accruing interest on a loan once it becomes past due 90 days or more unless there is adequate collateral and the financial condition of the borrower is sufficient. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against current income. Interest is thereafter recognized in that category only when payments are received and the loan become current. Loans in the nonaccrual category will remain in that category until the possibility of collection no longer exists, the loan is paid off, or the loan becomes current. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible, it is then charged 15 off against the allowance for loan losses. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114 "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" applies to all loans except large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, loans measured at fair value or at a lower of cost or fair value, leases, and debt securities as defined in Statement 115. Statement 114 requires that impaired loans be valued at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principle or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. At March 31, 2004 there were $1,686,251 of loans which the Company has determined to be impaired, with a related allowance for credit losses of $246,024. In addition, principal reductions, loan payoffs, charged off balances, loan upgrades, and a change in our impairment identification methodology are other factors resulting in a decrease of impaired loans. There were no other loans classified for regulatory purposes as of March 31, 2004 that management expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity or capital resources. ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES Three Months Years Ended Ended March 31, December 31, (Dollars In Thousands) 2004 2003 2003 2002 <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> Balance at January 1 $ 4,154 $ 4,854 $ 4,854 $ 5,484 Charge-offs: Commercial, financial and agricultural 0 0 (10) (336) Commercial real estate 0 0 0 0 Residential real estate 0 (10) (169) (20) Consumer (4) (14) (32) (26) Total charge-offs (4) (24) (211) (382) Recoveries: Commercial, financial and agricultural 21 6 55 17 Commercial real estate 0 0 0 0 Residential real estate 24 7 44 38 Consumer 4 2 14 7 Total recoveries 49 15 113 62 Net (charge-offs) recoveries 45 (9) (98) (320) Provision (benefit) charged to (increasing) operations 246 141 (602) (310) Balance at end of period $ 4,445 $ 4,986 $ 4,154 $ 4,854 Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (0.0013%) (0.0100%) (0.0300%) (0.1300%) The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2004 was $4,445,000, compared to $4,154,000 at year-end 2003. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans was 1.26% at March 31, 2004, and 1.24% at December 31, 2003. The level of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated monthly by management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. Factors considered in the evaluation process include growth of the loan portfolio, risk characteristics of the loan types in the portfolio, the value of underlying collateral, delinquency and charge off trends, current 16 economic conditions within the Bank's market area, and various other external and internal factors. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management considers to be adequate to absorb estimated losses within our loan portfolio. Management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed annually by an independent loan review consultant, the Company's independent auditors, and regulatory agencies. As the composition of our loan portfolio gradually changes and diversifies from higher credit risk weighted loans, such as commercial real estate and commercial and industrial, to residential and home equity loans, less reserve allowance will be required. Due to the continued changes in the loan portfolio, stronger underwriting guidelines, the sale of loans previously deemed substandard, and overall improvement in credit quality of existing loans, the overall credit risk embedded in the loan portfolio decreased. Charge-offs of loans were $211,000 in 2003, $382,000 in 2002, $4,000 in the first three months ended March 31, 2004, and $24,000 for the same period in 2003. Recoveries of loans previously charged off were $113,000 in 2003, $62,000 in 2002, $49,000 in the first three months ended March 31, 2004, and $15,000 for the same period in 2003. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses of $4,445,000 as of March 31, 2004 is adequate to cover potential losses in the loan portfolio, based on current information available to management. The Bank must maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level that is sufficient to absorb the projected credit losses associated with the loan portfolio. Projected credit losses should reflect consideration of all significant factors that affect repayment as of the evaluation date. Projected losses on loan categories should reflect historical net charge-off levels for similar loans, adjusted for changes in current conditions or other relevant factors. Calculation of historical charge-off rates can range from a simple average of net charge-offs over a relevant period, to more complex techniques such as migration analysis. This table shows an allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of the end of each of the periods indicated. March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002 Percent of Percent of Percent of Loans in Loans in Loans in Each Each Each Category Category Category to Total to Total to Total Amount Loans Amount Loans Amount Loans ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars In Thousands) <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Domestic: Commercial(5) $ 976(1) 9.42% $ 943(1) 10.11% $1,155(1) 11.60% Real estate - Construction 51 2.67 52 3.08 70 5.31 Real estate - mortgage 3,302(2) 86.82 3,071(2) 85.62 3,465(2) 80.48 Consumer(3) 116(4) 1.09 88(4) 1.19 164(4) 2.61 $4,445 100.00% $4,154 100.00% $4,854 100.00% <FN> <F1> Includes amounts specifically reserved for impaired loans of $235,588 as of March 31, 2004, $251,280 as of December 31, 2003, and $412,761 as of December 31, 2002 as required by Financial Accounting Standard No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. (SFAS No. 114) <F2> Includes amounts specifically reserved for impaired loans of $7,827 as of March 31, 2004, $23,621 as of December 31, 2003, and $34,757 as of December 31, 2002 as required by SFAS No. 114. <F3> Includes consumer, obligations of states and political subdivisions and other. <F4> Includes amounts specifically reserved for impaired loans of $118 as of March 31, 2004, $170 as of December 31, 2003, and $29,606 as of December 31, 2002 as required by SFAS No. 114. <F5> Includes commercial, financial, agricultural and nonprofit loans. </FN> 17 Commercial real estate loans represent 41.2% of gross loans. Residential real estate, including home equity loans, represents 45.7% of gross loans. The Company requires a loan to value ratio of 80% in both commercial and residential mortgages. These mortgages are secured by real properties which have a readily ascertainable appraised value. Real estate residential loans are both loans secured by one-to four-family property and home equity loans. Home equity loans are generally revolving lines of credit and are typically secured by second mortgages on one-to-four family owner-occupied properties. Generally, commercial real estate loans have a higher degree of credit risk than residential real estate loans because they depend primarily on unit supply and demand and various conditions. When granting these loans, the Company evaluates the financial condition of the borrower(s), the location of the real estate, the quality of management, and general economic and competitive conditions. When granting a residential mortgage, the Company reviews the borrower(s) repayment history on past debts, and assesses the borrower(s) ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loans. Real estate construction loans comprise both residential and commercial construction loans throughout our market area. Commercial loans consist of loans predominantly collateralized by inventory, furniture and fixtures, and accounts receivable. In assessing the collateral for this type of loan, management applies a 50% liquidation value to inventories; 25% to furniture, fixtures and equipment; and 70% to accounts receivable less than 90 days of invoice date. Commercial loans represent 9.4% of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2004, compared to 11.0% as of March 31, 2003. Consumer loans are both secured and unsecured borrowings and, at March 31, 2004, represents only 1.2% of the total loan portfolio, compared to 2% at March 31, 2003. These loans have a higher degree of risk than residential mortgage loans. The underlying collateral of a secured consumer loan tends to depreciate in value. Consumer loans are typically made based on the borrower's ability to repay the loan through continued financial stability. The Company endeavors to minimize risk by reviewing the borrower's repayment history on past debts, and assessing the borrower's ability to meet existing obligations on the proposed loans. Total deposits at March 31, 2004 were $400.3 million, an increase of $67.2 million or 20.2%, compared to $333.1 million at December 31, 2003. Savings deposit balances and money market accounts increased by $44.7 million during the quarter. Term certificates of deposit as of March 31, 2004 increased by $33.4 million when compared to December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily the result of marketing campaigns designed to attract new customers and deposits. These new deposits were partially offset by a net decrease in NOW accounts from December 31, 2003 of $1.7 million. Total borrowed funds were $56.1 million at March 31, 2004, as compared to $60.5 million at December 31, 2003, for a decrease of $4.4 million. A short- term borrowing issuance was repaid in the amount of $4.3 million during the first quarter of 2004 as a result of liquidity from our successful deposit campaign. On March 17, 2004, Slade's Ferry Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a Connecticut Statutory trust formed by the Company, completed the sale of $10.0 million of floating rate trust preferred securities (liquidation amount of $1,000 per security) in a private placement as part of a pooled trust preferred securities transaction. The Trust also issued common securities to the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of the Company. The subordinated 18 debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The Company contributed $10 million of the proceeds from the sale of the subordinated debentures to the Bank as Tier I Capital to support the Bank's growth. Total expenses associated with the offering approximating $140,000 at March 31, 2004 are included in other assets and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the subordinated debentures. The trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions quarterly on March 17, June 17, September 17 and December 17 of each year, commencing on June 17, 2004, at a floating rate of 3-Month LIBOR plus 2.79% of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per trust preferred security. At March 31, 2004, this rate was 3.90%. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the obligations of the Trust, including the semi-annual distributions and payments on liquidation or redemption of the trust preferred securities. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturing of the subordinated debentures on March 17, 2034 or upon earlier redemption as provided in the Indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the subordinated debentures, in whole or in part, on or after March 17, 2009 at the liquidation amount, plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. This interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the interpretation. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 (FIN 46R) to clarify some of the provisions of FIN 46 and to exempt certain entities from its requirements. FIN 46R is effective for public entities that have interests in structures that are commonly referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 15, 2003. Application by small business issuers to variable interest entities other than special-purpose entities is required for periods ending after December 15, 2004. This change is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Total stockholders' equity increased by $1.1 million, from $42.7 million as reported on December 31, 2003, to $43.8 as of March 31, 2004. A portion of this increase during the first three months of 2004 resulted from net income of $0.6 million, and dividend reinvestments of $0.2 million, partially offset by dividends declared of $0.4 million. 19 Results of Operations - --------------------- The Company's operating performance is dependent on net interest and dividend income, which is the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds. The level of net interest income achieved is significantly impacted by several factors such as economic conditions, interest rates, asset/liability management, and corporate tax and strategic planning. Total interest and dividend income for March 31, 2004 increased by $419,601 or 8.3% to $5,480,385 when compared to $5,060,784 recorded during the same period in 2003. Interest and dividends on loans increased $725,663, or 17.4%, to $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The change was due to the increase in the commercial and residential loan portfolios. Interest and dividend income on investments decreased $319,453 or 37.6%. The decrease was due to the decline in the average balance of investments and a decrease in the yield on the Company's investment portfolio. Total interest expensed increased by $188,124 during March 31, 2004 when compared to $1,545,286 recorded during the same period in 2003. This increase was due to additional interest on FHLB borrowings and interest expense associated with subordinated debentures entered into during March of 2004. The Company's net interest margin decreased by 53 basis points from 3.95% reported at March 31, 2003 to 3.42% as of March 31, 2004. The provision for loan losses is a charge against earnings and funds the allowance for loan losses. It is management's desire to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that is adequate to absorb losses inherent within the loan portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration past and anticipated loss experience, prevailing economic conditions, evaluations of underlying collateral, and the volume of the loan portfolio and balance of nonperforming and classified loans. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a monthly basis. A provision was made during the first quarter of 2004 to adequately absorb any credit risk remaining in the portfolio. The Company's provision during the three month period ended March 31, 2004 was $246,215, compared to $141,000 for the same period in 2003. Total noninterest income increased by $88,992 or 18.7% to $563,658 for the three months ending March 31, 2004, compared to $474,666 for the same period in 2003. This increase is associated with gains on the sales of securities, increases in service charges on deposit accounts and an increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, offset by a decrease in customer investment commission fees, rental income, safe deposit box rentals, ATM and debit card usage fees and stop payment fees. Service charges on deposit accounts increased slightly by $11,729, from $133,768 reported as of March 31, 2003, to $145,497 as of March 31, 2004. The cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance policies associated with both the directors' and executive officers' life insurance programs increased by $29,534. Other income decreased slightly by $29,742 when compared to the first three months of 2003. Total noninterest expense decreased by $116,508, to $3,110,480 recorded during the first three months ending March 31, 2004, compared to $3,226,988 reported for the same period in 2003. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $178,428, or 10.0%, from $1,789,437 reported for the first three months of 2003, to $1,967,865 expensed for the same period in 2004. The increase was attributable to additions in staff to support consumer lending activities, sales incentive commissions paid for achieving sales production targets, general salary increases due to annual performance reviews, and annual bonuses. A Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer was also hired in the second quarter of 2003, and, during the third quarter of 2003, a Director of Retail and an Investment Executive were hired. Occupancy expense totaled $231,365 during the first three months of 2004, compared to $262,981 in 2003, a decrease of $31,616 primarily due to a cost savings achieved through closing a branch office in Swansea during 2003. The expenses for stationary and supplies decreased by $16,619 from $60,204 reported as of March 31, 2003 to $43,585 reported for the same period in 2004. This decrease was due to new inventory control procedures and the closing of one branch office. 20 Professional fees decreased by $16,340, from $242,880 for the first three months of 2003, to $226,540 reported for the same period in 2004. This decrease reflects reduced costs associated with consultants for marketing, advertising, investment advisory, strategic planning, pension actuaries, and information technology. Marketing expenses attributed to production and media costs, print advertising, and other direct marketing decreased by $37,458 or 39.7%, to $56,815 for the three months ending March 31, 2004, from $94,273 for the same period in 2003. As the Company launches new deposit products and internet banking services, the Company expects these costs to rise. The following table sets forth the components of other expense. This table reflects a decrease of $216,816 to $437,232 from $654,048 for the three month period ending March 31, 2004. Three Months 2004 2003 Variance <s> <c> <c> <c> Communications/postage $ 86,636 $ 90,949 $ (4,313) Committee fees 56,300 39,800 16,500 Interest expense (associated with REIT tax treatment) 0 226,742 (226,742) Other various expenses 294,296 296,557 (2,261) Other expense total $437,232 $654,048 $(216,816) Interest expense (associated with REIT tax treatment) decreased $226,742 from the prior period. The quarterly results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2003 have been revised from that previously reported to remove the extraordinary item. The extraordinary item treatment previously presented was revised, and its individual components were reclassed to income tax expense of $1,058,324 and $226,742 to other expense. See Footnote 20 to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Income before income taxes totaled $953,938 as of the first quarter of 2004, an increase of $331,762, or 53.3% as compared to $622,176 reported as of March 31, 2003. Applicable taxes decreased by $1,006,412 to $307,944 when compared to $1,314,356 reported for March 31, 2003. The Company's net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $645,994, or $0.16 per share (basic and diluted) from a net loss of $692,180, or $(0.18) per share (basic and diluted) for the same period in the previous year. The loss in 2003 was the result of a $1.3 million charge taken in accordance with a change in state legislation, which denied the deduction for dividends received from real estate investment trusts retroactively to 1999. Liquidity - --------- Liquidity represents the ability of the Bank to meet its funding requirements. In assessing the appropriate level of liquidity, the Bank considers deposit levels, lending funding requirements and investment maturities in light of prevailing economic conditions. Through this assessment, the Bank manages its liquidity level to optimize earnings and respond to fluctuations in customer borrowing needs and cash withdrawals from deposit accounts. The Company's principle sources of funds are customer deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on outstanding loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and funds provided from operations. Although scheduled payments from amortization of loans, mortgage-backed securities, and maturing investment securities are predictable sources of liquidity, deposit cash 21 flows and loan prepayments are influenced by interest rate movement. In addition, deposit flow could be impacted by other instruments available to the public such as mutual funds and annuities. The largest source of funds is provided by depositors. The greatest component of the Company's deposit base is term certificates which extend out to a maximum of five years. The Company does not participate in brokered deposits. Deposits are obtained from consumers and commercial customers within the Bank's community reinvestment area, being Bristol County, Massachusetts and several abutting towns in Rhode Island. Deposit flows are influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions, and the attractiveness of competing deposits and other investment alternatives. The Bank also has the ability to borrow funds for liquidity purposes from correspondent banks, the Federal Home Loan Bank, as well as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, by pledging various investment securities as collateral, and in the case of FHLB borrowings, one to four family residential loans are secured as collateral. Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank decreased by approximately $4.4 million from December 31, 2003 to March 31, 2004. During 2003, the Bank took advantage of the favorable low interest rate environment to draw down some longer term structured funding opportunities, and to hedge against any possible interest rate risk as a result of the increase in long term, fixed rate residential mortgages. As of March 31, 2004, the Bank had approximately $15.9 million in available borrowing capacity with the FHLB that is contingent upon the purchase of additional FHLB stock. Excess available funds are invested on a daily basis into Federal Funds Sold. An appropriate level of Federal Funds Sold is maintained to meet loan commitments, anticipated loan growth and deposit forecasts. Funds exceeding this level are then used to purchase investment securities that are suitable in yields and maturities for the investment portfolio. Liquidity during the first three months of 2004 was primarily provided by a net increase in deposits of $67.1 million, trust preferred securities of $10.3 million, and proceeds from maturities and calls of securities totaling $6.9 million. These were offset by purchases of securities of $852,000, loan originations, and principal collections. Other factors affecting liquidity included cash provided by other operating activities and cash used in financing activities as indicated in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Capital - ------- Total stockholders' equity was $43.8 million at March 31, 2004, as compared to $42.7 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $1.1 million. This increase during 2004 resulted primarily from net income of $646,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, which was partially offset by dividends declared of $361,000. The increase in capital was a combination of several factors, including three months earnings of $645,994 and transactions originating through the Dividend Reinvestment Program whereby 1,733 shares were issued for optional cash contributions of $38,573 and 7,391 shares were issued for $162,743 in lieu of cash dividend payments. There were also stock options exercised resulting in the issuance of common stock totaling $327,425, including a tax benefit. These additions were offset by dividends declared of $361,011. Capital also increased as a result of a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss, which reflects net unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, on securities classified as Available-for-Sale and the minimum pension liability adjustment. On December 31, 2003, the Available-for-Sale portfolio had unrealized losses, net of taxes, of $9,740, and on March 31, 2004, as a result of the change in market values, the portfolio had unrealized gains, net of taxes, of $250,040. There was no change in the minimum pension liability adjustment of $595,879, net of taxes, recorded December 31, 2003. 22 Under the requirements for Risk Based and Leverage Capital of the federal banking agencies, a minimum level of capital will vary among banks based on safety and soundness of operations. Risk Based Capital ratios are calculated with reference to risk-weighted assets, which include both on and off balance sheet exposure. In addition to meeting the required levels, the Company and the Bank's capital ratios meet the criteria of the "well capitalized" category established by the federal bank regulatory agencies as of March 31, 2004. At March 31, 2004 the actual total Risk Based Capital of the Bank was $43,693,000 for Tier 1 Capital, exceeding the minimum requirements of $14,079,920 by $29,613,080. Total Capital of $48,094,000 exceeded the minimum requirements of $28,159,840 by $19,934,160 and Leverage Capital of $43,693,000 exceeded the minimum requirements of $18,652,000 by $25,040,920. In addition to the "minimum" capital requirements, "well capitalized" standards have also been established by the Federal Banking Regulators. The table below illustrates the capital ratios of the Company and the Bank on March 31, 2004 and at December 31, 2003. Well March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 Capitalized ---------------- ----------------- Requirement Bancorp Bank Bancorp Bank ---------------------------------------------------- <s> <c> <c> <c> <c> <c> Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) >10% 16.77% 13.60% 13.64% 11.48% Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) > 6% 12.49% 12.41% 12.39% 10.23% Leverage Capital (to Average Assets) > 5% 8.78% 9.37% 9.33% 7.75% The Bank was required to maintain a 7% Tier 1 Leverage Capital ratio while under the informal agreement with the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which was originally entered into in 2000, and revised in March of 2003. As a result of the improved condition and operation of the Bank, the informal agreement was terminated effective January 22, 2004. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company's financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors. ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - ---------------------------------------------------------- Interest Rate Risk - ------------------ 23 Volatility in interest rates requires the Company to manage interest rate risk that arises from the differences in the timing of repricing of assets and liabilities. The Company considers interest rate risk, the exposure of earnings to adverse movements in interest rates, to be a significant market risk as it could potentially have an affect on the Company's financial condition and results of operation. Management's objective is to reduce risk and control the vulnerability of its net interest margin to changes in interest rates by managing the relationship of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The interest rate risk is managed by periodic review and evaluation of the risk potential in certain balance sheet accounts, and determining the level of risk considered appropriate for our level of capital. This, in conjunction with certain assumptions and other related factors, such as anticipated changes in interest rates, liquidity requirements, performance objectives and strategic plans, provides management a means of evaluating interest rate risk. The Company's Finance/Investment Committee, comprised of designated executive management and directors is responsible for managing and monitoring interest rate risk, and reviewing with the Board of Directors, at least quarterly, the Bank's interest rate risk positions, the impact changes in interest rates would have on net interest income, and the maintenance of interest rate risks within approved guidelines. The Company quantifies its interest rate risk exposure using a simulation model. This simulation analysis is used to measure the exposure to net interest income to changes in interest rates over a specified time frame. The simulation analysis projects future interest income and interest expense under different rate scenarios. Internal guidelines on limitations on interest rate risk specify that for every 100 basis points of immediate change in interest rates, projected net interest income over the next twelve months should not decline by more than 5%. The simulation model currently utilizes a 300 basis point increase in interest rates and a 75 basis point decrease in rates. Due to the existing low interest rate environment in effect with the average Federal Funds overnight rate trading below .75%, the simulation model only reduces rates downward by 75 basis points. The interest rate movements used assume an instant and parallel change in interest rates, and no implementation of any strategic plans are made in response to the change in interest rates. Prepayment speeds for loans are based on median dealer forecasts for each interest rate scenario. The following table reflects the Company's estimated exposure as a percentage of estimated net interest income for the next twelve months, assuming an immediate change in interest rates as set forth below: Estimated Exposure as a Percentage Rate Change of Net Interest Income (Basis Points) March 31, 2004 <s> <c> +300 (.56)% -75 (3.69)% The model used to monitor earnings-at-risk provides management a measurement tool to assess the effect of changes in interest rates on the Company's current and future earnings. The limit established by the Company provides an internal tolerance level to control interest rate risk exposure. ITEM 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Management of the Company, including the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's President and Chief Executive 24 Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 25 PART II Other Information ITEM 1 Legal Proceedings - ----------------- None. ITEM 2 Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities During the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company did not repurchase any of its common stock. The Company currently does not have a stock repurchase program in place. 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 and Reports on Form 8-K - -------------------------------- (a) Exhibits: See exhibit index. (b) A report on Form 8-K, dated April 14, 2004, was furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission reporting under Item 12 the release of information concerning the first quarter 2004 results of operations and financial condition. 26 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SLADE'S FERRY BANCORP. --------------------------------- (Registrant) May 13, 2004 /s/ Mary Lynn D. Lenz - ------------ --------------------------------- (Date) (Signature) Mary Lynn D. Lenz President/Chief Executive Officer May 13, 2004 /s/ Deborah A. McLaughlin - ------------ --------------------------------- (Date) (Signature) Deborah A. McLaughlin Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Financial Officer 27 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description Item - ----------- ----------- ---- 3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Slade's Ferry Bancorp., as amended (1) 3.2 Bylaws of Slade's Ferry Bancorp., as amended (2) 4.1 Articles of Incorporation of Slade's Ferry Bancorp., as amended (See Exhibit 3.1and 3.2) (1) 4.2 Bylaws of Slade's Ferry Bancorp., as amended (See Exhibit 3.2) (2) 10.1 Slade's Ferry (formerly Weetamoe) Bancorp. 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended (3) 10.2 Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Slade's Ferry (formerly Weetamoe) Bancorp. and Donald T. Corrigan (5) 10.3 Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Slade's Ferry (formerly Weetamoe) Bancorp. and Manuel J. Tavares (2) 10.4 Swansea Mall Lease (4) 10.5 Form of Director Supplemental Retirement Program Director Agreement, Exhibit 1 thereto (Slade's Ferry Trust Company Director Supplemental Retirement Program Plan) and Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement thereunder for Thomas B. Almy. (Similar forms of agreement entered into between Slade's Ferry Trust Company and the other directors) (6) 10.6 Form of Directors' Paid-up Insurance Policy for Thomas B. Almy (part of the Director supplemental Retirement Program). (Similar forms of policy entered into by Company for other directors) (7) 10.7 Severance Agreement ("Release of All Demands") with James D. Carey (9) 10.8 Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between Slade's Ferry Bancorp. and Mary Lynn D. Lenz (10) 10.9 Change-in-Control Severance Agreement between Slade's Ferry Bancorp., Slade's Ferry Trust Company and Mary Lynn D. Lenz (10) 10.10 Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement between Slade's Ferry Bancorp. and Mary Lynn D. Lenz (10) 11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the CEO 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the CFO 32.1 Section 1350 Certification of the CEO 32.2 Section 1350 Certification of the CFO 28 <FN> <F1> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on April 14, 1997. <F2> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. <F3> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 1996. <F4> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 File No. 33-32131. <F5> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994. <F6> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999. <F7> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. <F8> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000. <F9> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. <F10> Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. </FN> 29