EXHIBIT 99.2
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations and business of Community Bank
System, Inc. ("CBSI" or "the Company"). These forward-looking statements involve
certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ
materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements are set
herein under the caption "Forward-Looking Statements."
The historical information discussed below has been retroactively restated for
all periods presented, pursuant to the pooling-of-interest method of accounting,
to reflect the combined results of operations and financial position of the
Company and First Liberty Bank Corp., which was acquired on May 11, 2001.
The following discussion is intended to facilitate an understanding and
assessment of significant changes in trends related to the financial condition
of the Company and the results of its operations. The following discussion and
analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements and related notes thereto attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current
Report on Form 8-K. All references in the discussion to financial condition and
results of operations are to the consolidated position and results of the
Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets at December 31, 2000 increased $156.7 million, or 6.3%, to $2.65
billion from $2.49 billion at December 31, 1999. The growth was primarily due to
increases in investments (up $113.0 million) and loans (up $90.1 million), which
were offset by a decrease in cash and money market investments.
Investments. Investments at December 31, 2000 were $929.6 million, an increase
of $113.0 million or 13.9% from the December 31, 1999 level of $816.6 million.
Of this change, $63.1 million resulted from purchases primarily concentrated in
U.S. Agency Debentures and AA rated and insured municipal bonds. The remaining
$39.2 million is reflected as an increase in the unrealized market value of the
Company's available-for-sale portfolio.
The stated objective of the Company's investment portfolio is to prudently
provide a degree of low-risk, quality assets to the balance sheet. This must be
accomplished within the constraints of: (a) absorbing funds when loan demand is
low and infusing funds when demand is high; (b) implementing certain interest
rate risk management strategies which achieve a relatively stable level of net
interest income; (c) providing both the regulatory and operational liquidity
necessary to conduct day-to-day business activities; (d) considering investment
risk-weights as determined by the regulatory risk-based capital guidelines; and
(e) generating a favorable return without undue compromise of the other
requirements.
1
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and market value for the
Company's held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment securities
portfolios.
<Table>
<Caption>
AT DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
AMORTIZED AMORTIZED AMORTIZED
COST/BOOK MARKET COST/BOOK MARKET COST/BOOK MARKET
VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(000's omitted)
HELD-TO-MATURITY
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $ 5,351 $ 5,451 $ 5,042 $ 5,084 $ 4,038 $ 4,107
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total Held-to-Maturity $ 5,351 $ 5,451 $ 5,042 $ 5,084 $ 4,038 $ 4,107
========= ======== ========= ======== ======== ========
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $300,714 $311,348 $237,640 $230,306 $189,572 $195,096
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 164,110 165,609 154,129 144,342 58,289 59,585
Corporate securities 44,862 44,902 36,164 33,349 9,153 9,382
Mortgage-backed securities 371,745 369,849 380,293 371,292 401,148 401,951
Equity securities(1) 30,228 30,228 30,091 30,091 25,322 25,322
Federal Reserve Bank common stock 2,294 2,294 2,174 2,174 2,174 2,174
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total Available-for-Sale $913,953 $924,230 $840,491 $811,554 $685,658 $693,510
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale portfolio 10,277 (28,937) 7,852
--------- --------- ---------
Grand Total Carrying Value $929,581 $816,596 $697,548
========= ========= =========
</Table>
(1) Includes $23,059 of FHLB common stock at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2000, the maturities of
investment securities and the weighted-average yields of such securities, which
have been calculated on the cost basis, weighted for scheduled maturity of each
security, and adjusted to a fully tax equivalent basis.
<Table>
<Caption>
AT DECEMBER 31, 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT AMOUNT
AMOUNT MATURING MATURING
MATURING AFTER ONE AFTER FIVE AMOUNT TOTAL
WITHIN YEAR BUT YEARS BUT MATURING COST
ONE YEAR WITHIN WITHIN AFTER BOOK
OR LESS FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS TEN YEARS VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- --------- -------
(000's omitted)
HELD-TO-MATURITY PORTFOLIO
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $ 3,504 $ 1,582 $ 247 $ 18 $ 5,351
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Total Held-to-Maturity Portfolio Value $ 3,504 $ 1,582 $ 247 $ 18 $ 5,351
========= ======== ========= ======== ========
Weighted Average Yield for Year(1) 7.7% 7.9% 8.3% 9.0% 7.8%
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE PORTFOLIO
U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 61,855 $ 39,576 $166,687 $ 32,596 $300,714
Mortgage-backed securities 42,245 135,832 78,059 115,609 371,745
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 2,412 8,279 35,838 117,581 164,110
Other 3,023 795 2,000 39,044 44,862
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Total Available-for-Sale Portfolio Value $109,535 $184,482 $282,584 $304,830 $881,431
========= ======== ========= ======== ========
Weighted Average Yield for Year(1) 7.0% 7.2% 7.0% 7.2% 7.0%
</Table>
(1) Weighted average yields on the tax-exempt obligations have been computed on
a fully tax-equivalent basis. These yields are an arithmetic computation of
accrued income divided by average balance; they may differ from the yield
to maturity, which considers the time value of money.
2
Loans. Loans outstanding, net of unearned discount, reached $1.52 billion as
of year-end 2000, up $90.1 million or 6.3% compared to twelve months earlier.
The amounts of the Company's loans outstanding (net of deferred loan fees or
costs) at the dates indicated are shown in the following table according to
type of loan.
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Real estate mortgages:
Residential $ 579,562 $ 543,195 $ 453,307 $ 451,633 $ 403,249
Commercial loans secured by real estate 243,429 225,822 200,435 165,813 133,871
Farm 20,472 18,324 13,205 11,195 9,097
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 843,463 787,341 666,947 628,641 546,217
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Agricultural 26,523 27,758 22,737 23,999 21,747
Commercial and financial 237,462 219,600 227,932 188,680 129,302
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total 263,985 247,358 250,669 212,679 151,049
Installment loans to individuals 395,226 390,450 365,141 348,823 296,566
Other Loans 14,205 2,043 12,626 16,608 8,158
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross Loans 1,516,879 1,427,192 1,295,383 1,206,751 1,001,990
Less: Unearned discounts 1,002 1,419 2,248 2,945 7,040
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loans 1,515,877 1,425,773 1,293,135 1,203,806 994,950
Reserve for loan losses 20,035 18,528 17,059 16,996 13,145
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loans, net of reserve for loan losses $1,495,842 $1,407,245 $1,276,076 $1,186,810 $ 981,805
The table below recasts the Company's loan portfolio into four major lines of
business.
NATURE OF LENDING
MIX AT YEAR END
($ Millions)
TOTAL LOANS CONSUMER MORTGAGE BUSINESS LENDING CONSUMER INDIRECT CONSUMER DIRECT
----------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Change Total Change Total Change Total Change Total Change
Year $ % $ % % $ % % $ % % $ % %
---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2000 1,516 6.3% 459 30.3% 7.2% 562 37.1% 8.1% 241 15.9% 3.4% 254 16.8% 3.7%
1999 1,426 10.3% 428 30.0% 10.9% 520 36.5% 12.9% 233 16.3% 10.4% 245 17.2% 4.3%
1998 1,293 7.4% 386 29.9% 14.7% 461 35.7% 9.9% 211 16.3% 1.9% 235 18.2% -2.5%
1997 1,204 21.0% 337 28.0% 2.1% 419 34.8% 31.9% 207 17.2% 19.7% 241 20.0% 38.5%
1996 995 330 33.1% 318 32.0% 173 17.4% 174 17.5%
The following table shows the amount of loans outstanding as of December 31,
2000, which, based on remaining scheduled payments of principal, are due in the
periods indicated.
AT DECEMBER 31, 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Maturing in Maturing After Maturing
One Year or One But Within After Five Total Book
Less Five Years Years Value
---- ---------- ----- -----
(000's omitted)
Commercial, financial, and agricultural $ 78,818 $ 85,525 $ 73,119 $ 237,462
Real estate - mortgage 64,646 100,345 688,024 853,015
Installment 28,819 330,386 67,197 426,402
-------- -------- -------- ----------
TOTAL $172,283 $516,256 $828,340 $1,516,879
======== ======== ======== ==========
3
The following table sets forth the sensitivity of the loan amounts due after
one year to changes in interest rates.
--------------------
AT DECEMBER 31, 2000
--------------------
FIXED RATE VARIABLE RATE
---------- -------------
(000's omitted)
Due after one year but within five years $127,705 $388,551
Due after five years 591,240 237,100
-------- --------
TOTAL $718,945 $625,651
======== ========
The Company's predominant focus on the retail borrower enables its loan
portfolio to be highly diversified, with approximately 61% of loans outstanding
to consumers borrowing on an installment and residential mortgage loan basis.
Over the last several years, the growth rate of the Company's commercial
business loans has exceeded that of loans to individuals, and this sector
exhibits a high degree of diversification as well. The increase in business
lending, consumer mortgages, consumer installment loans was 47%, 34% and 19%,
respectively, of the $90.1 million in total loan growth in 2000. Growth in
business lending (up 8.1%) has continued as a result of persistent business
development efforts and the contributions of new lenders who joined the Company
from larger banking institutions. Growth in consumer mortgages (up 7.2%) is
attributable to the attractiveness of the Bank's no-closing cost mortgage
product both for home purchase or refinancing as well as being a vehicle for
consumers to term-out higher cost credit card debt. Growth in installment
lending (up 3.6%) reflects the impact of the slowing economy in the latter half
of the year.
4
Nonperforming loans, defined as nonaccruing loans plus accruing loans 90 days or
more past due, ended 2000 at $7.4 million, a 1.2% increase from one year
earlier. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans fell 3 basis points
from twelve months earlier to .49%. The ratio of nonperforming assets (which
additionally include troubled debt restructuring and other real estate) to total
assets decreased to .33%, down 3 basis points from one year earlier. Net
charge-offs for 2000 were higher by $1.8 million or 42%, finishing the year at
$6.2 million or .42% of average loans compared to $4.4 million and .33% last
year. Problem loans during the past year have been dominated by two commercial
credits. The first loan has been written down by $1.5 million to the liquidation
value of its underlying assets. The other loan was secured by fraudulent
receivables discovered in the third quarter, and the lack of successful
litigation since then has dictated that the entire $1.0 million balance be
written off.
The following table presents information concerning the aggregate amount of
nonperforming assets.
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis $ 5,473 $ 6,112 $ 4,213 $ 2,992 $ 6,472
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90
days or more as to principal or interest payments 1,930 1,201 1,958 3,078 1,536
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total nonperforming loans 7,403 7,313 6,171 6,070 8,008
Loans which are "troubled debt restructurings" as
defined in FASB No. 15 "Accounting by Debtors
and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings" 116 122 134 0 32
Other real estate 1,293 1,442 1,661 1,834 934
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total nonperforming assets $ 8,812 $ 8,877 $ 7,966 $ 7,904 $ 8,974
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Reserve for Loan Losses $20,035 $18,528 $17,059 $16,996 $13,145
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to period-end loans 1.3% 1.3% 1.3% 1.4% 1.3%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
period-end nonperforming loans 270.6% 253.3% 276.3% 280.9% 153.8%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
period-end nonperforming assets 227.4% 208.7% 214.0% 215.6% 136.9%
The following table summarizes loan balances at the end of each period
indicated and the daily average amount of loans. Also summarized are changes in
the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged off, recoveries on
loans previously charged off, and additions to the allowance which have been
charged to expenses.
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Amount of loans outstanding at end of period $1,515,877 $1,425,773 $1,293,135 $1,203,806 $ 994,950
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Daily average amount of loans (net of unearned discounts) $1,484,945 $1,343,652 $1,257,059 $1,101,263 $ 920,085
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance of allowance for loan losses
at beginning of period $ 18,528 $ 17,059 $ 16,996 $ 13,145 $ 11,763
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural 3,273 1,218 1,011 733 654
Real estate mortgage 246 272 280 846 392
Installment 3,961 4,474 5,583 4,177 2,177
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL LOANS CHARGED OFF 7,480 5,964 6,874 5,756 3,223
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural 148 526 432 374 322
Real estate mortgage 103 30 32 36 49
Installment 1,014 1,021 810 569 504
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL RECOVERIES 1,265 1,577 1,274 979 875
Net loans charged off 6,215 4,387 5,600 4,777 2,348
Additions to allowance charged to expense 7,722 5,856 5,663 5,080 3,730
Reserves on acquired loans(1) -- -- -- 3,548 --
Balance at end of period $ 20,035 $ 18,528 $ 17,059 $ 16,996 $ 13,145
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding 0.4% 0.3% 0.5% 0.4% 0.3%
5
(1) This reserve addition is attributable to loans purchased from Key Bank and
Fleet Bank in association with the purchases of branch offices during 1997.
The allowance for loan losses allocation is as follows.
AT DECEMBER 31,
---------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Percent of Percent of Percent of
Loans in Each Loans in Each Loans in Each
Amount of Category to Amount of Category to Amount of Category to
Allowance Total Loans Allowance Total Loans Allowance Total Loans
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- -----------
(000's omitted, except percentages)
Commercial,
financial, and
agricultural $ 5,666 17.4% $ 4,839 17.3% $ 5,698 19.4%
Real estate -
mortgage 3,355 55.6% 2,944 55.2% 3,494 51.5%
Installment 8,162 27.0% 7,474 27.5% 4,663 29.2%
Unallocated 2,852 3,271 3,204
----- ----- -----
Total $ 20,035 100.0% $ 18,528 100.0% $ 17,059 100.0%
1997 1996
---- ----
Percent of Percent of
Loans in Each Loans in Each
Amount of Category to Amount of Category to
Allowance Total Loans Allowance Total Loans
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
(000's omitted, except percentages)
Commercial,
financial, and
agricultural $ 5,070 17.6% $ 3,669 15.1%
Real estate -
mortgage 3,450 52.1% 4,132 54.5%
Installment 4,703 30.3% 2,519 30.4%
Unallocated 3,773 2,825
----- -----
Total $ 16,996 100.0% $ 13,145 100.0%
Total liabilities at December 31, 2000, increased $120.6 million or 5.2% to $2.4
billion from $2.3 billion at December 31, 1999.
Deposits. Total deposits at December 31, 2000 were $1.9 billion, an increase of
$103.8 million or 5.6% from the December 31, 1999 level of $1.8 billion. Time
deposits increased $94.6 million or 10.0%, reflective of the Company's
successful targeted C.D programs which were started in the spring of 1999.
Growth in time deposits also reflects consumer movement away from immediately
available, lower earning savings accounts, which have declined steadily during
the past several years.
Borrowings. Total borrowings at December 31, 2000 were $469.7 million, an
increase of $8.4 million or 1.8%, from the December 31, 1999 level of $461.3
million. Short-term borrowings at December 31, 2000 and 1999 were $199.8 million
and $286.5 million, respectively. Long term borrowings at December 31, 2000 and
1999 were $269.8 million and $174.8 million, respectively, and include $29.8
million of Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities. The
shift in long-term and short-term borrowings represents a move during the last
half of the year to convert higher cost short-term funding to cheaper long-term
funding, taking advantage of the inverted Treasury yield curve.
Shareholders' Equity. Shareholders' equity ended 2000 at $201.8 million, up 22%
from one year earlier. This improvement reflects earnings for the year and the
positive change in market value adjustment (MVA) of the Company's
available-for-sale investments, offset by dividends paid to shareholders and the
cost of repurchasing 100,000 shares of common stock during 2000. Excluding the
MVA and purchase of Treasury stock in both 1999 and 2000, equity rose by $14.8
million or 10.0%. Subsequent to year end, the repurchased shares were reissued
in conjunction with the acquisition of The Citizens National Bank of Malone.
6
OPERATING RESULTS
General. Net income and diluted earnings per share for 2000 was $24.9 million
and $2.32, respectively. Compared to 1999, net income rose 5.2% while earnings
per share was up 6.4%. The Company's share repurchase program continued to
benefit earnings per share growth; since its inception in the fall of 1998,
648,100 shares or 6.1% of shares outstanding have been bought back. Subsequent
to year-end, the repurchased shares were reissued in conjunction with the
acquisition of The Citizens National Bank of Malone.
Cash earnings per share (diluted) for 2000, was $2.60 up 5.7%. Cash or tangible
return on assets (ROA) for 2000 was 1.09% versus nominal ROA at .97%. Tangible
return on equity (ROE) for the year was 15.98%, exceeding nominal ROE by 1.71
percentage points for the same period. The difference between cash and nominal
results reflects the contribution of the Company's acquisitions on an economic
basis, which excludes the non cash impact of amortizing the premiums paid for
the acquisitions. Many analysts and investors consider cash results a better
measure of core profitability and value created for shareholders than nominal
results.
Net income and diluted earnings per share for 1999 was $23.7 million and $2.18,
respectively. Compared to 1998, net income rose $3.9 million and 19.9%, while
earnings per share was up 24.6%.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the amount that interest and fees on
earning assets (loans and investments) exceeds the cost of funds, primarily
interest paid to the Company's depositors, interest on capital market and bank
borrowings, and dividends paid on the Company's $30 million in 9.75% trust
preferred stock. Net interest margin is the difference between the gross yield
on earning assets and the cost of interest bearing funds as a percentage of
earning assets.
Net interest income for 2000 (with non-taxable income converted to a full
tax-equivalent basis) totaled $96.7 million in 2000; this represents a $3.1
million or 3.3% increase over the prior year. This increase was due to higher
earning asset volumes, which had a positive impact on net interest income, while
interest rate changes had an unfavorable impact.
Net interest income increased due to greater average earning assets of $224.2
million. Average loans grew a total of $141.3 million in 2000, with the most
significant portion occurring in the first half of the year. Overall interest
and fees on loans climbed $14.5 million or 12.5% as a result of this growth and
an increase in loan yields, which was caused by rising market rates during the
latter part of 1999 and the first half of 2000. This rate environment also
produced investment portfolio buying opportunities resulting in a $74.8 million
increase in average investments. Investment interest income in 2000 was $8.4
million higher than the prior year as a result of the higher outstandings as
well as an increase in the average investment yields. Rising market rates in the
latter half of 1999 and first half of 2000 increased the yield on new
investments and were the primary cause of the increase in average investment
yield.
Total average fundings (deposits and borrowings) grew by $203.4 million in 2000,
largely attributable to a $166.3 million increase in borrowings (used to fund
purchases of investment securities and approximately one-third of loan growth),
and $39.8 million in deposits. The latter reflects higher deposits from
individuals, partnerships, and corporations, reflective of greater checking
account balances and our successful CD promotions, with the balance from
increased deposits of municipalities.
Higher average interest-bearing funds contributed approximately one-half of the
total rise in interest
7
expense, with the remainder caused by an increase in the average 2000 cost of
funds. The rate on interest bearing deposits rose 43 BPs to 4.33%, due largely
to across-the-board increases in deposit rates beginning in the middle of 1999
and continuing throughout most of 2000, and a 63 BP higher borrowing rate, also
reflecting rising market rates.
Net interest income for 1999 (with non-taxable income converted to a full
tax-equivalent basis) totaled $93.6 million; this represents a $3.6 million or
4.0% increase from 1998. This increase was due to a $81.1 million increase in
average earning assets. The growth in earning assets was funded by $96.6 million
(50.0%) more in average borrowings, offset by $17.0 million (1.0%) less in
average deposits.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning average
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the yields and
rates thereon for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and
1998. Interest income and resultant yield information in the tables are on a
fully tax-equivalent basis. Averages are computed on daily average balances for
each month in the period divided by the number of days in the period. Yields and
amounts earned include loan fees. Nonaccrual loans have been included in
interest earnings for purposes of these computations.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Avg. Amt. of Avg. Avg. Amt. of Avg.
Balance Interest Yield/Rate Balance Interest Yield/Rate
Paid Paid
------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- ----------
(000's omitted except yields and rates)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold $ 9,982 $ 581 5.82% $ 2,198 $ 106 4.82%
Time deposits in other banks 893 53 5.94% 9,888 444 4.49%
Taxable investment securities 732,490 52,026 7.10% 674,028 44,682 6.63%
Nontaxable investment securities 156,885 11,949 7.62% 140,594 10,478 7.45%
Loans (net of unearned discount) 1,484,945 131,245 8.84% 1,343,652 116,408 8.66%
--------- ------- --------- -------
Total interest-earning assets 2,385,195 195,854 8.21% 2,170,360 172,118 7.93%
Noninterest earning assets 171,443 185,725
------- -------
Total $2,556,638 $2,356,085
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
Savings deposits $ 625,502 $ 13,784 2.20% $ 658,064 $ 14,250 2.17%
Time deposits 988,416 56,137 5.68% 930,417 47,652 5.12%
Short-term borrowings 258,985 16,859 6.51% 125,433 6,584 5.25%
Long-term borrowings 188,120 12,361 6.57% 155,373 10,004 6.44%
------- ------ ------- ------
Total interest-bearing liabilities 2,061,023 99,141 4.81% 1,869,287 78,490 4.20%
Noninterest bearing liabilities
Demand deposits 304,107 289,749
Other liabilities 17,010 22,570
Shareholders' equity 174,498 174,479
---------- ----------
Total $2,556,638 $2,356,085
========== ==========
Net interest earnings $ 96,713 $ 93,628
======== ========
Net yield on interest-earning assets 4.05% 4.31%
==== ====
Federal tax exemption on nontaxable investment
securities included and loans included in
interest income $ 6,417 $ 5,670
8
1998
----------------------------------
Avg. Amt. of Avg.
Balance Interest Yield/Rate
Paid
------- -------- ----------
(000's omitted except yields and rates)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold $ 16,642 $ 902 5.42%
Time deposits in other banks 11,320 644 5.69%
Taxable investment securities 733,033 46,743 6.38%
Nontaxable investment securities 75,948 5,882 7.74%
Loans (net of unearned discount) 1,252,373 113,129 9.03%
--------- -------
Total interest-earning assets 2,089,316 167,300 8.01%
Noninterest earning assets 187,510
-------
Total $2,276,826
==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
Savings deposits $ 657,750 $ 15,687 2.38%
Time deposits 972,090 53,817 5.54%
Short-term borrowings 13,945 755 5.41%
Long-term borrowings 170,345 10,958 6.43%
------- ------
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,814,130 81,217 4.48%
Noninterest bearing liabilities
Demand deposits 265,419
Other liabilities 19,673
Shareholders' equity 177,604
----------
Total $2,276,826
==========
Net interest earnings $ 86,083
========
Net yield on interest-earning assets 4.12%
====
Federal tax exemption on nontaxable investment
securities included and loans included in
interest income $1,997
The change in 2000 net interest income may be analyzed by segregating the
volume and rate components of the changes in interest income and interest
expense for each underlying category.
2000 COMPARED TO 1999 1999 COMPARED TO 1998
--------------------- ---------------------
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In(1) Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In (1)
Net Net
Volume Rate Change Volume Rate Change
------ ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
(000's omitted)
Interest earned on:
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under agreements to resell $ 449 $ 26 $ 475 $ (706) $ (90) $ (796)
Time deposits in other banks (500) 109 (391) (75) (125) -200
Taxable investment securities 4,027 3,317 7,344 (3,862) 1,801 -2061
Nontaxable investment securities 1,237 234 1,471 4,826 (230) 4596
Loans (net of unearned discounts) 12,448 2,389 14,837 8,029 (4,750) 3279
Total interest-earning assets (2) $ 17,482 $ 6,254 $ 23,736 $ 6,440 $ (1,622) $ 4,818
Interest paid on:
Savings deposits $ (714) $ 248 $ (466) $ 7 $ (1,444) $(1,437)
Time deposits 3,088 5,397 8,485 (2,244) (3,921) -6165
Short-term borrowings 8,384 1,891 10,275 5,853 (24) 5829
Long-term borrowings 2,148 209 2,357 (964) 10 -954
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2) 8,535 12,116 20,651 2,419 (5,146) -2727
Net interest earnings (2) $ 1,264 $ 1,821 $ 3,085 $ 4,910 $ 2,635 $ 7,545
(1) The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to
volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute
dollar amounts of change in each.
(2) Changes due to volume and rate are computed from the respective changes in
average balances and rates of the totals; they are not a summation of the
changes of the components.
9
Provision for Loan Losses. Provision for loan losses rose $1.9 million or 31.9%
over 1999's level. The full year provision for loan loss covered total actual
net charge-offs by 1.25 times, this margin serving as a precaution in the event
the economy weakens after its long sustained period of relative economic health.
Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans increased 9 basis points in 2000
to .42%. The higher level of provision was in part due to what management
believes to be two isolated and unusual commercial loan charge-offs in 2000.
Nonperforming loans decreased during 2000 to .49% of loans outstanding at year
end compared to .52% one year earlier.
Provision for loan losses was $5.9 million for 1999, an increase of 3.4% over
1998's level. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans remained
consistent at 1.32% for the years-ending 1999 and 1998. The ratio of net
charge-offs to average loans for 1999 was .33%, an improvement of 12 basis
points from 1998.
Other Income. The Company's sources of other income are of four primary types:
financial services, comprised of personal trust, employee benefit trust,
investment, and insurance products; specialty products, largely electronic, and
mortgage banking activities; general banking services related to loans, deposits
and other activities typically provided through the branch network; and periodic
transactions, most often net gains (losses) from the sale of investments or
other occasional events.
Total other income of $23.1 million for 2000, increased by $5.4 million or 30.4%
when compared to 1999.
Financial services accounted for $4.3 million of the improvement in noninterest
income, with $3.1 million being attributable to the purchase of Elias Asset
Management (EAM) on April 3, 2000. Revenues, excluding net investment gains
(losses) and the impact of branch properties no longer in use, were up for the
sixth consecutive year to approximately $21.2 million in 2000, a $5.1 million
improvement.
Fees from the financial services segment of noninterest income rose 65.7% in
2000 to $10.8 million compared to 13.7% growth in the prior year. Over the last
five years, financial services revenues have climbed at a compound annual growth
rate greater than 30%, and for 2000 as a whole, comprise over 45% of total
noninterest income. The increase in 2000's growth rate largely reflects the
previously mentioned EAM acquisition, without which financial services revenues
would have nonetheless climbed 18%.
Assets under management from the Company's several financial services businesses
exceeded $1.4 billion in 2000 compared to over $700 million in the prior year,
largely reflective of the addition of Elias Asset Management.
Fees earned from general banking services, which reached $9.7 million in 2000,
were up 7.6% from the prior year. This segment contributed 43% of noninterest
income. The increase in these revenues is generally in the single digit range
because they are largely dependent on deposit growth and expansion of services
provided through the Company's branch network.
10
In light of management's ongoing objective to grow noninterest income,
opportunities to develop new fee-based products are actively pursued, including
newly permitted activities under the 1999 Financial Modernization Act; in
addition, emphasis continues on the collection of fees (minimizing limitation on
waived fees) for providing quality service. In an effort to focus on and
accelerate growth of the Company's financial service businesses, Michael A.
Patton, who has headed for many years the Bank's trust department and Financial
Consultant activities along with general banking activities in the Southern
Region, was named President, Financial Services, in February 2000.
Total other income of in 1999 was $17.7 million, a decrease of $1.1 million from
1998, largely due to the Company taking selected investment losses in 1999 (when
there were economic opportunities to purchase higher yielding securities)
instead of recognizing investment gains as it did in 1998. Excluding net
investment gains/(losses), other income increased $1.3 million or 7.9% to $18.1
million. Financial services revenue and fees from general banking services
contributed equally to the overall increase in other income, excluding net
investment gains/(losses).
The following table sets forth selected information by category of noninterest
income for the Company for the years indicated.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Personal trust $ 2,120 $ 1,956 $ 1,679
EBT/BPA 2,992 2,586 2,333
Elias Asset Management 3,091 -- --
Insurance 845 728 518
Other investment products 1,788 1,268 1,222
======== ======== ========
Total financial services 10,836 6,538 5,752
Electronic banking 1,595 1,379 1,140
Mortgage banking 293 403 737
Commercial leasing 41 59 --
======== ======== ========
Total specialty products 1,929 1,841 1,877
Deposit service charges 3,642 3,674 3,554
Overdraft fees 4,220 3,579 3,366
Commissions 1,869 1,795 1,473
======== ======== ========
Total general banking services 9,731 9,048 8,393
Miscellaneous revenue 702 717 1,009
======== ======== ========
Total noninterest income excluding
security gains/losses 23,198 18,144 17,031
Security gains/losses (159) (413) 2,006
Disposition of branch properties 81 -- (219)
======== ======== ========
Total noninterest income $ 23,120 $ 17,731 $ 18,818
Non-interest income as a percentage of operating
income (excludes net securities gain/losses and
disposal of branch properties) 17.8% 15.7% 15.1%
Other Expenses. Noninterest expense or overhead rose $4.1 million or 6.1% in
2000. Excluding the $2.1 million impact of the EAM purchase in April,
noninterest expense was up $2.0 million or 3.0% in 2000, This year's overhead of
$70.8 million as a percent of average assets was 2.77%, down from 2.83% in 1999.
The primary source of the increase was personnel expense, which was up $3.0
million or 9.0% and accounted for over 70% of 2000's increase in overhead, with
personnel costs being up approximately 6.5% as a result of the EAM acquisition.
The remainder of the increases in salary, benefit, and payroll tax expenses
reflect modest annual merit awards for employees. Several cost saving
initiatives were undertaken during 2000, which included consolidation of the
Company's collection, indirect installment loan approval, mortgage servicing,
and first-day deposit operations functions, all of which were previously
performed in each of the Canton and Olean, NY operations or administrative
centers.
The remainder of the increase is primarily due to higher data processing,
depreciation and equipment expense. The majority of these increases reflect
additional expenditures related to conversion of the Company's check processing
operations to image processing during the second and third quarter of the year.
The 2000 efficiency ratio (excluding amortization of intangibles, one-time
expense, and net securities gains/(losses)) at 54.6% has remained consistent
with 1999; however, a significant improvement has occurred from the 1998 level
of 59.7%. While the Company's expense ratios have generally been favorable,
management maintains a heightened focus on controlling costs and eliminating
inefficiencies. Specifically, the Company should benefit from overhead savings
from the aforementioned conversion of the Company's check processing operations
to image during the second and third quarter of 2000. Improved productivity
resulting from consolidation of the Company's collection, indirect installment
loan approval, mortgage servicing, and first-day deposit operations functions,
all of which were previously performed in each of the Canton and Olean, NY
operations or administrative centers, is expected to be fully reflected in
2001's results.
11
Other expense decreased $510,000 or .8% to $66.7 million in 1999. During 1998,
there was approximately $1.1 million in acquisition related costs which
increased other expenses. The absence of these costs in 1999, was offset by a
$770,000 increase in personnel costs.
The following table sets forth information by category of noninterest expense of
the Company for the years indicated.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Personnel expense $36,576 $33,600 $32,830
Net occupancy expense 5,314 5,175 5,293
Equipment expense 4,993 4,671 4,690
Professional fees 1,896 1,937 2,142
Data processing expense 4,687 4,307 4,578
Amortization of intangibles 4,891 4,723 4,748
Stationary and supplies 1,396 1,218 1,344
Deposit insurance premiums 278 183 189
Other 10,761 10,911 11,421
------- ------- -------
Total noninterest expense $70,792 $66,725 $67,235
Total operating expenses as a
percentage of average assets 2.8% 2.8% 3.0%
Efficiency ratio 59.0% 59.7% 65.3%
Income Taxes. The Company's combined effective federal and state tax rate in
2000 remained nearly unchanged at 28.7% as a result of continued effective tax
planning strategies.
From 1998 to 1999, there was a significant decrease in the Company's effective
tax rate from 34.9%, as a result of an organizational change and increased
purchases of tax-exempt municipal investment securities.
CAPITAL
A strong capital position is important to the continued profitability of the
Company and promotes depositor and investor confidence. The Company's capital
consists of shareholders' equity, which provides a basis for future growth and
expansion and also provides a buffer against unexpected losses. Shareholders'
equity increased $36.1 million to $201.8 million at December 31, 2000. In
addition, the Company issued in 1997 $29.8 million in trust preferred securities
(see "Funding Sources" below) which are a form of long term debt that
constitutes Tier I capital, the highest level of regulatory capital.
Despite the total cost to repurchase 648,100 shares of stock, including 100,000
shares in the current year, the ratio of tier I capital to assets, the basic
measure for which regulators have established a 5% minimum to be considered
"well-capitalized," remains sound at 6.75%, and virtually unchanged from one
year ago. The total core capital to risk-weighted assets ratio decreased 18
basis points during 2000 to 12.08% as of year-end compared to the 10% minimum
requirement for "well-capitalized" banks. The Company is confident that capital
levels are being prudently balanced between regulatory and investor
perspectives.
During 2000, the Company raised its expected annualized dividend to $1.08 per
common share reflecting management's confidence that earnings strength is
sustainable and that capital can be maintained at a satisfactory level.
FUNDING SOURCES
Typical of most commercial banking institutions today is the need to rely on a
variety of funding sources to support the earning asset base as well as to
achieve targeted growth objectives. There are three primary sources of funding
that comprise CBSI's overall funding matrix, which considers maturity,
stability, and price: deposits of individuals, partnerships and corporations
(IPC deposits); collateralized municipal deposits; and capital market
borrowings.
12
The Company's funding matrix continues to benefit from a high level of IPC
deposits which are frequently considered to be a bank's most attractive source
of funding because they are generally stable, do not need to be collateralized,
have a relatively low cost, and because they represent a working customer base
with the potential to be cross-sold a variety of loan, deposit and other
financial service-related products.
Capital market borrowings are defined as funding sources available on a national
market basis, generally requiring some form of collateralization. Borrowing
sources for the Company include the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and
Pittsburgh, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as well as access to the national
repurchase agreement market through established relationships with primary
market security dealers. Also considered as borrowings are the $30 million in
9.75% Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities issued to
support 1997's acquisitions and advances under a $10 million line of credit tied
to the 90 day libor rate with a large regional commercial bank. In addition, the
Company continues to have access to subordinated debt markets.
The average daily amount of deposits and the average rate paid on each of the
following deposit categories is summarized below for the years indicated.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Average Average Average Average Average Average
Balance Rate Paid Balance Rate Paid Balance Rate Paid
------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
(000's omitted, except rates)
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits $ 304,107 0.0% $ 289,748 0.0% $ 265,419 0.0%
Interest-bearing demand deposits 162,065 0.9% 240,412 1.1% 239,721 1.4%
Regular savings deposits 331,987 2.4% 347,870 2.4% 358,950 2.7%
Money market deposits 128,112 3.4% 136,396 2.9% 124,053 3.0%
Time deposits 991,754 5.7% 933,687 5.1% 977,312 5.5%
---------- --- ---------- --- ---------- ---
Total average daily
amount of domestic deposits $1,918,025 3.6% $1,948,113 3.2% $1,965,455 3.6%
========== === ========== === ========== ===
The remaining maturities of time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more
outstanding at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are summarized below.
AT DECEMBER 31,
---------------
2000 1999
---- ----
(000's omitted)
Less than three months $ 91,226 $ 80,171
Three months to six months 52,618 44,433
Six months to one year 40,234 28,432
Over one years 26,585 22,978
-------- --------
Totals $210,663 $176,014
======== ========
The following table summarizes the outstanding balance of short-term borrowings
of the Company for the years indicated.
DECEMBER 31,
------------
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(000's omitted)
Federal funds purchased $ 48,730 $ 32,450 $ 39,700
Term borrowings at banks (original term)
90 days or less 151,100 129,000 30,000
Over 90 days 60,000 200,000 50,000
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of period $259,830 $361,450 $119,700
======== ======== ========
Daily average during the year $305,200 $180,382 $ 63,976
Maximum month-end balance $396,990 $361,450 $119,700
Weighted average rate during the year 6.5% 5.3% 5.5%
Year-end average rate 7.2% 5.6% 5.3%
13
MARKET RISK/INTEREST RATE RISK
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse
changes in market rates/prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange
rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. The Company's primary market risk
exposure is interest rate risk. The ongoing monitoring and management of this
risk, over both a short-term tactical and longer-term strategic time horizon, is
an important component of the Company's asset/liability management process,
which is governed by policies established by its Board of Directors and reviewed
and approved annually. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for
carrying out the asset/liability management policies to the Asset/Liability
Management Committee (ALCO). In this capacity, ALCO develops guidelines and
strategies impacting the Company's asset/liability management activities based
upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits, and overall market
interest rate-related level and trends.
As the Company does not believe it is possible to reliably predict future
interest rate movements, it has maintained an appropriate process and set of
measurement tools which enable it to identify and quantify sources of interest
rate risk. The primary tool used by the Company in managing interest rate risk
is income simulation. The analysis begins by measuring the impact of differences
in maturity and repricing all balance sheet positions. Such work is further
augmented by adjusting for prepayment and embedded option risk found naturally
in certain asset and liability classes. Finally, balance sheet growth and
funding expectations are added to the analysis in order to reflect the strategic
initiatives set forth by the Company.
Changes in net interest income are reviewed after subjecting the balance sheet
to an array of Treasury yield curve possibilities, including an up or down 200
basis point (BP) movement in rates from current levels. While such an aggressive
movement in rates provides management with good insight as to how the Company's
net interest income may perform under extreme market conditions, results from a
more modest shift in interest rates are used as a basis to conduct day-to-day
business decisions.
LIQUIDITY
Liquidity involves the Company's ability to raise funds to support asset growth,
meet deposit withdrawal and other borrowing needs, maintain reserve requirements
and otherwise operate the Company on an ongoing basis. To adjust for the effects
of a changing interest rate environment and deposit structure, the Company's
management monitors its liquidity requirements through its asset/liability
management program. This program, along with other management analysis, enables
the Company to meet its cash flow requirements and adapt to the changing needs
of individual customers and the requirements of regulatory agencies.
Among the sources of asset liquidity are cash and due from banks, Federal Funds
sold, securities available for sale, mortgage loans available for sale, and
funds received from the repayment of loans and the maturing of investments. In
addition to these sources of liquidity and loan repayments, the Company has
unused borrowing capacity through collateralized transactions with the Federal
Home Loan Bank of New York and Pittsburgh.
On a monthly basis, management updates a rolling 90-day forecast of the
liquidity positions to assess the Company's overall short-term liquidity needs.
On a quarterly basis, the Company expands this evaluation by modeling its
liquidity requirements over a three-year time horizon. Incorporated into these
forecasts are annual loan and deposit growth projections, as well as borrowings
under lines of credit from sources such as the Federal Home Loan Bank of New
York, should the need arises.
Rather than matching the maturity of a specific assets with a specific
borrowing, the Company enters into its borrowing commitments based on the
overall needs of the Company. Such decisions are driven by the interest rate
risk position of the Company, as well as its strategic outlook for loan and
deposit generation.
Through the use of these and other sources, management believes the Company has
adequate liquidity in both the short-term and the long-term to carry out the
Company's growth and profitability strategies.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the
measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical
dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money
over time due to inflation. Virtually all of the assets and liabilities of the
Company are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rate changes have a more
significant impact on the Company's performance than general levels of
inflation.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
ACQUISITION OF THE CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF MALONE, BASED IN MALONE, NEW YORK
On January 26, 2001, the Company acquired the Citizens National Bank of Malone
(CNB), an eighty-year-old commercial bank with $113 million in assets, $59
million in loans, and $90 million in deposits. Stockholders of Citizens Bank
received 1.70 shares of registered common stock of the Company, resulting in the
issuance of 952,000 shares in the transaction (including 648,100 of treasury
shares), which was recorded using the purchase method of accounting.
14
CNB's four offices in Franklin County--Brushton, Chateaugay, and two in Malone
-- have the top deposit market share in their respective towns, resulting in the
Company now in a virtual tie for the number one market share in Franklin County
at 22.0%. CNB's fifth office is in Hermon; it is the only banking facility in
the town, further strengthening the Company's long-standing number one market
share in St. Lawrence County at 27.1%. These five branches are now being
administered from the Company's Northern Market operations and management center
in Canton, NY.
ACQUISITION OF FIRST LIBERTY BANK CORP., BASED IN JERMYN, PENNSYLVANIA
On November 29, 2000, the Company announced its first strategic partnership
outside of New York State with the signing of a definitive agreement with First
Liberty Bank Corp. (NASDAQ-OTC: FLIB), a $647 million asset commercial bank
based in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, to acquire all the stock of First Liberty. First
Liberty will be merged into Community Bank, N.A. (CBNA), operating under its
present name in Pennsylvania as a division of CBNA. First Liberty has the second
largest deposit market share, at 17%, in Lackawanna County, where 11 of its 13
branches are located; the remaining offices are located in Lucerne County.
On May 11, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of First Liberty.
Pursuant to the terms of the merger, each share of First Liberty stock was
exchanged for .56 shares of the Company's common stock, which amounted to
approximately 3.6 million shares. The merger constituted a tax-free
reorganization and has been accounted for as a pooling of interests under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16. Accordingly, the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the years ended 2000, 1999 and 1998 have been
restated to include the combined results of operations, financial position and
cash flows of the Company and First Liberty.
PENDING ACQUISITION OF THIRTY SIX FLEETBOSTON BRANCHES
On June 8, 2001, the Company signed an agreement to acquire 36 branches, with
deposits of approximately $484,000 and loans of approximately $243,000, from
FleetBoston Financial. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is
scheduled to close in early fourth quarter 2001. The branches, which are in the
Southwestern and Finger Lakes regions of New York, will be merged into the
Company's branch network.
ISSUANCE OF POOLED TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
On July 16, 2001, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Community
Capital Trust II, a Delaware business trust. The trust issued $25,000 of 30 year
floating rate Company-obligated Capital Securities of Community Capital Trust II
Holding Solely Parent Debentures. The Company borrowed the proceeds of the
Capital Securities from its Subsidiary by issuing Deeply Subordinated Junior
Debentures having substantially similar terms. The Capital Securities mature in
year 2031 and are treated as Tier 1 capital by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York. The Capital Securities are a pooled trust preferred fund of MM Community
Funding I, Ltd, and are tied to the six month LIBOR plus 3.75% with a five year
call provision. The current implied coupon yields 7.57%.
On July 31, 2001, the Company a wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Statutory
Trust III, a Connecticut business trust. The trust issued $24,450 of 30 year
floating rate Company-obligated pooled Capital Securities of Community Statutory
Trust III Holding Solely Parent Debentures. The Company borrowed the proceeds of
the Capital Securities from its Subsidiary by issuing Deeply Subordinated Junior
Debentures having substantially similar terms. The Capital Securities mature in
year 2031 and are treated as Tier 1 capital by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York. The Capital Securities are a pooled trust preferred fund of First
Tennessee/KBW Pooled Trust Preferred Deal III, and are tied to the three-month
LIBOR plus 3.75% with a five-year call provision. The current implied coupon
yields 7.29%.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." The statement requires an entity to
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet
and measure those instruments at fair value. Upon adoption of the SFAS the
Company transferred investment securities from held-to-maturity to
available-for-sale (see Note C). As a result, securities previously classified
as held-to-maturity were sold during the year and investment securities gains of
approximately $194,000, net of tax, resulting from the sale have been reported
as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The Company has no
outstanding derivative financial instruments and, accordingly, adoption of SFAS
133 had no other effect on the Company's financial statements.
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities - a Replacement
of SFAS No. 125". This statement revises the accounting and reporting standards
for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of
liabilities. Under the financial components approach, an entity recognizes the
financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred,
derecognizes financial assets when control has been surrendered, and
derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. SFAS No. 140 is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities
occurring after March 31, 2001 and accordingly would apply to the Company for
the quarter ended June 30, 2001. The provisions of this statement are not
expected to have a significant change on the Company's current accounting for
transfers and servicing of financial assets.
15
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which addresses financial accounting and
reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets and supersedes APB
Opinion No. 17, "Intangible Assets". The statement will require, beginning
January 1, 2002, that the Company subject goodwill and other intangible assets
to an annual impairment analysis to assess the need to write down the balances
and recognize an impairment loss. In addition, amortization of certain
intangible assets will no longer be recorded upon adoption of this statement.
The Company expects that adoption of this pronouncement will reduce annual
amortization expense by approximately $4.3 million.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains comments or information that constitute forward-looking
statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995), which involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may
differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Moreover, the Company's plans, objectives and intentions are subject to change
based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Company's control).
Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the
forward-looking statements include: (1) risks related to credit quality,
interest rate sensitivity and liquidity; (2) the strength of the U.S. economy in
general and the strength of the local economies where the Company conducts its
business; (3) the effect of, and changes in, monetary and fiscal policies and
laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System; (4) inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
(5) the timely development of new products and services and customer perception
of the overall value thereof (including features, pricing and quality) compared
to competing products and services; (6) changes in consumer spending, borrowing
and savings habits; (7) technological changes; (8) any acquisitions or mergers
that might be considered by the Company and the costs and factors associated
therewith; (9) the ability to maintain and increase market share and control
expenses; (10) the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and
regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) and accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States; (11) changes in the
Company's organization, compensation and benefit plans and in the availability
of, and compensation levels for, employees in its geographic markets; (12) the
costs and effects of litigation and of any adverse outcome in such litigation;
and (13) the success of the Company at managing the risks of the foregoing.
The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Such forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does
not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether
written or oral, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such
statement is made. If the Company does update or correct one or more
forward-looking statements, investors and others should not conclude that the
Company will make additional updates or corrections with respect thereto or with
respect to other forward-looking statements.
16