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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
F O R M 1 0 - K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1999
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Commission file number: 000-27982
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FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
WISCONSIN 39-1830142
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
201 NORTH MONROE AVE., P.O. BOX 23100, GREEN BAY, WI 54305-3100
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(920) 437-7101
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $1.00 PAR VALUE
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(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark 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 preceding 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
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
As of February 25, 2000, 8,586,308 shares of Common Stock were outstanding,
and the aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based upon the $12.50 last
sale price quotation on The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc./National Market as
reported in the Wall Street Journal) held by non-affiliates (excludes a total of
1,252,354 shares reported as beneficially owned by directors and executive
officers or held in the registrant's 401(k) Savings Plan; does not constitute an
admission as to affiliate status) was approximately $91,674,425
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
PART OF FORM 10-K INTO WHICH
DOCUMENT PORTIONS OF DOCUMENT ARE INCORPORATED
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Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of
Stockholders on April 26, 2000 Part III
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FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
PART I
1. Business........................................................................................1-31
2. Properties.....................................................................................31-33
3. Legal Proceedings.................................................................................33
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...............................................33
Executive Officers of the Registrant...........................................................34-35
PART II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholders Matters............................36
6. Selected Financial Data........................................................................37-38
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.........................................................39-54
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.....................................55-56
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................................................57-89
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.........................................................90
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................................................90
11. Executive Compensation............................................................................90
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management....................................90
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions....................................................90
PART IV
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K...................................91
Signatures........................................................................................92
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW. First Northern Capital Corp. (the "Company" or "First Northern"), a
unitary savings and loan holding company, was incorporated in Wisconsin in 1995
for the purpose of owning all of the outstanding stock of First Northern Savings
Bank, S.A. (the "Savings Bank"), a Wisconsin chartered capital stock savings and
loan association, which reorganized into the holding company structure effective
December 20, 1995 (the "Reorganization"). At that date, each outstanding share
of the Savings Bank's common stock was converted into one share of the Company's
common stock. Consequently, the former holders of all the outstanding stock of
the Savings Bank acquired the same proportionate ownership interest in First
Northern as they had held in the Savings Bank. The consolidated capitalization,
assets, liabilities, income and other financial data of First Northern
immediately following the Reorganization were substantially the same as those of
the Savings Bank immediately prior to consummation of the Reorganization. The
Reorganization was effected to provide greater flexibility in meeting the
Company's future financial and competitive needs. All data presented in this
10-K for dates and periods prior to December 20, 1995 relate to the Savings
Bank. All references herein to First Northern or the Company for any date or
period prior to consummation of the Reorganization shall be deemed to refer to
the Savings Bank.
The Savings Bank is the only direct subsidiary of the Company and its
operations are the primary contributor to the Company's earnings and expenses.
The Savings Bank's business consists primarily of attracting deposits from the
general public and originating loans throughout its Northeastern Wisconsin
branch network. Great Northern Financial Services Corporation ("GNFSC"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Savings Bank, offers full brokerage services to
the public, including the sale of tax deferred annuities and mutual funds, and
sells credit life and disability insurance. Another wholly owned subsidiary,
First Northern Investments, Inc. ("FNII"), manages a majority of the Savings
Bank's investments and purchases automobile loans from Savings Financial
Corporation ("SFC" ) and mortgage loans from the Savings Bank. The Savings
Bank's 50% owned subsidiary, SFC, originates, services and sells automobile
loans to FNII, the Saving Bank and its other parent corporation.
First Northern is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin and conducts its business
from 19 offices located in a contiguous, eight-county (Brown, Marinette,
Manitowoc, Door, Shawano, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Calumet) area in Northeastern
Wisconsin.
On August 18, 1997, First Northern effected a 2-for-1 stock split in the
form of a 100% stock dividend. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares and per
share information have been restated to reflect the stock split.
MERGER AGREEMENT WITH MUTUAL SAVINGS BANK. On February 22, 2000, First Northern,
and Mutual Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered mutual savings bank ("Mutual"),
announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as
of February 21, 2000 ( the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Mutual, First
Northern and OV Corp., a Wisconsin corporation organized as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Mutual for the purpose of effecting the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement ("Merger Corp."). The Merger Agreement provides for the
acquisition of First Northern by Mutual through a merger of First Northern with
and into Merger Corp. (the "Merger"), which will be the surviving corporation
("Survivor"). The Merger Agreement has been approved by the boards of directors
of Mutual and First Northern.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the time of
the Merger, each outstanding share of First Northern common stock, par value
$1.00 per share ("First Northern Common Stock"), will be converted into the
right to receive cash in the amount of $15.00, or 1.5 shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share, of Survivor ("Survivor Common Stock"), or a
combination of cash and shares of Survivor Common Stock (the "Merger
Consideration"). Prior to the closing date, Mutual will select the percentage of
the total Merger Consideration to be paid in the Survivor Common Stock, which
may not be less than 40% or more than 70%; the balance will be paid in cash.
Each First Northern stockholder will be entitled to elect to receive (a) cash,
(b) Survivor Common Stock or (c) as to First Northern stockholders holding not
less than 170 shares of First Northern Common Stock, a combination of cash and
Survivor Common Stock, with the percentage of such shares of their First
Northern Common Stock equal to the lesser of the Stock Percentage and 50%
converted into Survivor Common Stock and the balance converted into cash.
Elections will be subject to proration if the cash or stock elections exceed the
maximum amounts permitted under the Merger Agreement. Cash will be paid in lieu
of any fractional shares of the Survivor Common Stock which holders of First
Northern Common Stock would otherwise receive.
In connection with the Merger, Mutual and First Northern will engage in a
restructuring involving a number of steps (the "Restructuring"). As a part of
the Restructuring, Mutual will form a mutual holding company in which Mutual's
depositors will hold all the voting rights. The mutual holding company will own
a majority of the Survivor Common Stock; the balance of the shares of Survivor
Common Stock will be offered for sale to Mutual's depositors and issued to First
Northern stockholders in the
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Merger. As a result of the Restructuring, Mutual Savings Bank and the Savings
Bank, will become wholly owned subsidiaries of Survivor. Thus, Survivor will be
a subsidiary mid-tier stock holding company.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing
conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including approval by the
stockholders of First Northern and approval by the OTS, the FDIC and the
WDFI--Administrator. The depositors of Mutual must also approve Mutual's plan
for the Restructuring. The Merger is also subject to receipt of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and the receipt of an
opinion of counsel or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
as to the federal income tax treatment of certain transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement. In addition, the Merger is conditioned upon the approval
for listing on the NASDAQ National Market of the shares of Survivor Common Stock
to be issued in the Merger, which shares will be registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 by a registration statement to be filed by Survivor with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, in order to induce
Mutual to enter into the Merger Agreement, the parties entered into a Stock
Option Agreement by which First Northern granted to Mutual an irrevocable option
to purchase up to 1,708,675 shares of First Northern Common Stock, which equals
19.9% of the number of shares of First Northern Common Stock outstanding at
February 21, 2000, at an exercise price of $9.0375 per share. The option would
become exercisable under certain circumstances if First Northern becomes the
subject of a third-party proposal for a competing transaction.
CAUTIONARY FACTORS. This Form 10-K contains or incorporates by reference various
forward-looking statements concerning the Company's prospects that are based on
the current expectations and beliefs of management. Forward-looking statements
may also be made by the Company from time to time in other reports and documents
as well as oral presentations. When used in written documents or oral
statements, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "objective"
and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The
statements contained herein and such future statements involve or may involve
certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the
Company's control, that could cause the Company's actual results and performance
to differ materially from what is expected. In addition to the assumptions and
other factors referenced specifically in connection with such statements, the
following factors could impact the business and financial prospects of the
Company: general economic conditions; legislative and regulatory initiatives;
increased competition and other effects of the deregulation and consolidation of
the financial services industry; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal
government; deposit flows; disintermediation; the cost of funds; general market
rates of interest; interest rates or investment returns on competing
investments; demand for loan products; demand for financial services; changes in
accounting policies or guidelines; unforeseen future costs and consequences of
the year 2000 problem; and changes in the quality or composition of the Savings
Banks loan and investment portfolios and the investment portfolio of FNII.
Further, First Northern's Merger Agreement with Mutual is subject to regulatory,
First Northern stockholder and Mutual depositor approvals and other closing
conditions.
THE THRIFT INDUSTRY. The operations of First Northern and the Savings Bank, as
well as other savings associations and other financial institutions, are
significantly influenced by general economic conditions, by the related
monetary, tax and fiscal policies of the federal government and by the policies
of regulatory authorities, including the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board"), the Office of Thrift Supervision
("OTS"), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and in the case of
First Northern and the Savings Bank, the Wisconsin Department of Financial
Institutions---Division of Savings Institutions ("WDFI -- Administrator"). First
Northern's results of operations are also affected by accounting principles and
regulations adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and
other organizations. Deposit flows and costs of funds are influenced by interest
rates on competing investments, general market rates of interest, the level of
personal savings and the public perception of the financial strength of the
industry. Lending activities are affected by the demand for mortgage financing
and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at
which such financing may be offered and market forces acting upon the supply of
housing and the availability of funds.
RECAPITALIZATION OF SAIF. The Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the
FDIC was recapitalized during 1996 by a one-time special assessment imposed on
all SAIF members. The $2,856,000 assessment paid by First Northern had a
significant impact on its 1996 financial results. However, the effect of the
recapitalization is a significant reduction in federal deposit insurance
premiums for SAIF-insured institutions on an ongoing basis.
MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION. First Northern's primary market area is an eight
county area in Northeastern Wisconsin, which surrounds Green Bay, the third
largest city in Wisconsin. First Northern operates 19 offices located in 14
cities in this area. These counties and cities are serviced by four Green Bay
area television stations and are included in the circulation of a Green Bay
newspaper.
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Financial organizations, such as First Northern, experience intense
competition in both attracting and retaining deposits and in making real estate
and consumer loans. First Northern's management believes that its share of the
deposit market is approximately 10% and that its mortgage lending market share
in its primary market area is approximately 9%. Most direct competition for
deposits has come from commercial banks, credit unions, stock brokerage firms
and money market mutual funds. In addition to offering competitive types of
accounts and interest rates, the principal methods used by First Northern to
attract deposits include the offering of a variety of services, and convenient
business hours and branch locations, with inter-branch deposit and withdrawal
privileges at each location. Competition in originating real estate loans comes
primarily from commercial banks and mortgage bankers. The primary factors in
competing for loans are interest rates and interest rate adjustment provisions,
loan fees and the quality of service to borrowers.
The Wisconsin Statutes governing savings associations and their holding
companies provide for regional reciprocal interstate banking which permits
additional competitors to enter First Northern's primary market and may tend to
create further concentration in the financial services industry. Under Wisconsin
law, Wisconsin chartered savings institutions may open branches in Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio, provided that
reciprocal legislation is adopted in such states (the "Regional States").
Currently, all but Missouri have adopted reciprocal legislation. A Wisconsin
based savings and loan holding company is able to acquire a savings institution
or holding company in any of the Regional States and such a holding company
located in a Regional State is able to make similar acquisitions in Wisconsin.
In addition, the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of
1994, which allows bank holding companies that are adequately capitalized and
adequately managed to acquire banks anywhere in the nation regardless of whether
the acquisition is prohibited under state law, also created further competition
and concentration in the financial services industry.
See "--Regulation--Federal Regulation of Holding Companies --
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act" below for a description of this significant new federal
legislation which could have a far reaching impact on the financial services
industry.
LENDING ACTIVITIES. First Northern has traditionally concentrated on
originations of adjustable and fixed interest rate one- to four-family mortgage
loans and consumer loans. First Northern also originates five or more family
residential, commercial real estate and short-term construction mortgage loans.
Adjustable interest rate mortgage loans are originated for First Northern's
portfolio; while 30 year fixed interest rate mortgage loans are primarily
originated for sale in the secondary mortgage market. Fixed interest rate
mortgage loans with terms of 15 and 20 years are retained in First Northern's
mortgage loan portfolio. At December 31, 1999, approximately 75% of First
Northern's mortgage loan portfolio was interest rate adjustable as compared to
76% at December 31, 1998.
To aid in matching maturities of its assets and liabilities, First Northern
originates second mortgage loans, automobile, boat, recreational vehicle and
other types of consumer loans. These loans are generally of shorter maturities
than first mortgage loans and are originated at both adjustable or fixed
interest rates.
First Northern started a commercial banking division in 1999, which
originates commercial loans and commercial real estate loans. First Northern
hired an experienced commercial banking manager to guide the development of this
division. At December 31, 1999, the commercial banking division had originated
commercial loans of $5.0 million and commercial real estate loans of $14.4
million, which are reported in mortgage loan originations.
First Northern lends primarily in its eight county market area in
Northeastern Wisconsin. At December 31, 1999, approximately 99.2% of the total
dollar amount of First Northern's mortgage loans outstanding were on properties
located in Wisconsin with the other 0.8% representing properties located
primarily in other Midwestern states.
First Northern's loan portfolio of $759.2 million before deductions at
December 31, 1999 was 90.4% by dollar volume of its total assets. As of that
date, approximately 63.4% by dollar volume of the loan portfolio consisted of
conventional first mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residences,
with an additional 25.7% by dollar volume in consumer loans, 6.6% by dollar
volume in multi-family (more than four) residential properties, 3.2% by dollar
volume in commercial real estate properties, 0.6% by dollar volume in commercial
loans and 0.5% by dollar volume in other properties.
LOAN INTEREST RATES AND TERMS. Interest rates charged on First Northern's loans
are affected primarily by the demand for such loans and the supply and cost of
money available for lending purposes. These factors are in turn affected by
general economic conditions and such other forces as monetary policies of the
federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, the general supply of
money, tax policies and governmental budgetary matters. Certain lending
activities of Wisconsin chartered savings associations are subject to Wisconsin
usury laws.
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The maturities and average periods that loans actually remain outstanding,
together with the variability of loan interest provisions, in each case as
compared with the corresponding factors for loan funding sources, are the key
determinants of a lender's exposure to interest rate risk. Loan sales may also
be used as a means of reducing interest rate risk. First Northern's general
policy, which is subject to review by management as a result of changing market
and economic conditions, and other factors, is to retain all adjustable interest
rate mortgage loans in its portfolio and to keep up to approximately 25% of the
mortgage portfolio in fixed interest rate mortgage loans. The percentage of
fixed mortgage loans held in the loan portfolio was increased from 20% to 25% in
1998 as a result of First Northern's asset and liability position which allowed
for some additional interest rate risk and other investment opportunities in the
market. First Northern estimates that generally not more than 5% of the total
mortgage portfolio will be in 30 year fixed interest rate mortgage loans. This
policy is part of First Northern's asset/liability management strategy.
Mortgage loans made by First Northern generally are long-term loans,
amortized on a monthly basis with principal and interest due each month. First
Northern does not include a prepayment penalty on one- to four-family
owner-occupied mortgage loans. Although the original contractual loan payment
period for mortgage loans normally ranges from 15 to 30 years, First Northern's
experience has been that, because of prepayments in connection with refinancing
and sales of property, mortgage loans typically remain outstanding for a
substantially shorter period. First Northern estimates that the average range of
time mortgage loans are outstanding is approximately six to ten years.
Management of First Northern is committed to managing the maturities of
assets and liabilities. To aid in this , management's policy is to emphasize the
origination of consumer and commercial loans and other loans having short
maturities, such as three to six years, and mortgage loans which are interest
rate adjustable or are eligible for sale in the secondary market. At December
31, 1999, consumer loans (second mortgage, automobile and other consumer loans)
outstanding totaled $194.7 million. Consumer loan originations and purchases for
the year ended December 31, 1999 were $132.7 million, of which $29.4 million or
22.2% were interest rate adjustable. Consumer loan originations and purchases in
1998 were $99.6 million, of which $32.8 million or 32.9% were interest rate
adjustable, and in 1997 originations and purchases were $98.2 million, of which
$29.2 million or 29.7% were interest rate adjustable.
Since February 1985, First Northern has originated mortgage loans using
contracts which contain interest rate adjustment clauses allowing a lifetime
interest rate adjustment of between 5% to 8% over the original contract interest
rate on all residential mortgage loans and subject to annual interest rate
adjustment caps of up to 2%. First Northern's ability to successfully market
such loans depends on, among other things, prevailing interest rates, the
volatility of interest rates and the public's acceptance of adjustable interest
rate mortgage loans. First Northern has generally fixed the interest rate for
the first one, two, three or five years of the loan term. First Northern also
maintains a policy of including a "due on sale" clause in its mortgage loans.
This clause generally gives First Northern the right, subject to certain
restrictions, to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among
other things, that the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the real property
subject to the mortgage without first either obtaining First Northern's consent
or repaying the loan.
LOAN ORIGINATIONS. First Northern has general authority to lend anywhere in the
United States; however, it has chosen to concentrate its mortgage origination
activities in Northeastern Wisconsin with primary emphasis in the counties
served by its offices. As of December 31, 1999, First Northern had only 93 loans
secured by out-of-state properties, representing $4.3 million or 0.8% of the
total dollars in its mortgage loan portfolio. First Northern's mortgage lending
is subject to written, non-discriminatory underwriting guidelines and to loan
origination procedures approved annually by First Northern's Board of Directors.
Property appraisals by independent appraisers, in accordance with First
Northern's appraisal policy, are required. Detailed loan applications are
obtained to determine the borrower's ability to repay, and the more significant
items on these applications are verified through the use of credit reports,
financial statements and employment and income confirmations. Loans are reviewed
and approved as directed by the underwriting guidelines established by the Board
of Directors.
At December 31, 1999, First Northern serviced for others $151.4 million of
whole loans and participation interests in mortgage loans. In addition, as of
December 31, 1999, First Northern had approximately $140.2 million of 15, 20 and
30 year fixed interest rate mortgages in its mortgage loan portfolio. See "Loan
Interest Rates and Terms" above. In 1999, 1998 and 1997, First Northern sold
$20.1, $63.2, and $18.7 million, respectively of fixed interest rate mortgage
loans to the secondary market in accordance with First Northern's asset and
liability management policy. First Northern also originates mortgage loans for
the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs ("WDVA") and the Wisconsin Housing
and Economic Development Authority ("WHEDA"), which result in additional
origination fees and servicing income. First Northern does not currently
originate a significant amount of Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") insured
or Veterans Administration ("VA") partially guaranteed loans.
In addition to traditional mortgage lending activities, First Northern has
participated in various state and local special loan
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programs. Many of these programs are designed specifically to make home
ownership more available to qualified low/moderate income families. Through the
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Chicago's Affordable Housing Program, First
Northern has obtained funding for down payment and closing cost assistance to
assist low income first-time home buyers.
During 1999, First Northern purchased $31.9 million of single-family home
loans, $1.5 million in multi-family loans and $3.5 million in commercial real
estate loans from others. In 1998, First Northern purchased $15.0 million of
single-family home loans, $1.7 million in multi-family loans, and $0.6 million
in commercial real estate loans. In 1997, First Northern purchased $7.8 million
of single-family loans, $3.7 million of multi-family loans, and $1.0 million of
commercial real estate loans.
First Northern requires borrowers to obtain title insurance or abstracts of
title, depending on the type of mortgage product, on first mortgage real estate
loans. Home equity loan borrowers are required to obtain a title search before
and after the loan is originated to assure First Northern that the loan has been
properly recorded and secured. Borrowers also must obtain hazard insurance prior
to closing and, when required by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, flood insurance. Borrowers may be required to advance funds on a
monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to a mortgage
escrow account from which First Northern makes disbursements for items such as
real estate taxes and private mortgage insurance premiums as they become due.
First Northern is required by Wisconsin law to pay interest on mortgage escrow
accounts for loans originated after January 31, 1983 that are secured by one- to
four-family, owner-occupied residences. The interest rate is based on the annual
average of passbook interest rates paid by all Wisconsin financial institutions
(2.74% for 1999). Currently, approximately 84.2% of the escrow dollars are
interest bearing. The interest rate paid on escrow dollars is adjusted annually.
The interest rate to be paid on qualified mortgage escrow dollars in 2000 is
2.51%.
Regulations of the WDFI-Administrator also limit the amount, which First
Northern may lend up to specific percentages of the value of the real property
securing the loan (referred to as "loan-to-value" ratios), as determined by an
appraisal at the time the loan is originated. A loan secured by a first lien
mortgage may not exceed 90% of the appraised value of the real estate security
unless, among other things, the portion exceeding that percentage is insured or
guaranteed by a mortgage insurance company against losses resulting from
borrower default or the loan is guaranteed by a federal or state agency. First
Northern's policy is to not make first mortgage loans in excess of 80% of the
lower of the appraised value or the purchase price unless the excess is insured
by private mortgage insurance or the loan is guaranteed by a federal or state
agency. Real estate loans secured by other than a first lien must also conform
generally to First Northern's policy of limiting loans to 80% of value; however,
First Northern adjusted its policy in 1998 to allow loan amounts to equal 100%
of value. All mortgage loan applications are reviewed by First Northern's
corporate underwriting staff to ensure compliance with its uniform loan
underwriting guidelines.
The federal agencies regulating First Northern have also established real
estate lending standards, which, among other things, create loan-to-value ratios
for various real estate loan categories. First Northern's current underwriting
standards, as stated above, conform with these real estate lending standards.
First Northern has been expanding its consumer lending portfolio, which
generally consists of home equity, automobile, boat, recreational vehicles,
credit card and other loans, to obtain higher yields, to serve the needs of its
customers and to aid in the management of interest rate risk. In addition, First
Northern purchases automobile loans from its subsidiary, SFC, which originates
automobile loans on an indirect basis for its parent companies. First Northern
has historically experienced relatively low delinquencies and few losses on
consumer loans.
First Northern added commercial loans to its product line offering the
second quarter of 1999. An experienced commercial loan manager with over 20
years of commercial lending experience was hired to develop the commercial
banking area. In addition to the commercial and industrial loans originated,
First Northern has experienced an increase in commercial real estate lending,
which is reported in the mortgage loan originations as a result of the
commercial loan product line. First Northern anticipates it will continue to
emphasize commercial loan growth.
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LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION. The following table sets forth the composition of
First Northern's loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale) by type of
collateral at the dates indicated. The table does not reflect loans sold and
serviced for others. First Northern continues to service loans sold to others.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
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1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
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(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family
residential $465,737 61.35% $416,974 64.36% $393,563 64.74% $376,189 66.72% $352,449 69.08%
Five or more family
residential 35,815 4.72 32,013 4.94 24,506 4.03 20,154 3.57 17,591 3.45
Commercial real estate 17,699 2.33 7,546 1.16 9,269 1.52 9,975 1.77 10,028 1.97
Construction-residential 29,758 3.92 25,467 3.93 19,192 3.16 16,306 2.89 10,782 2.11
Construction-commercial 6,910 .91 4,470 0.69 2,156 0.35 1,701 0.30 1,225 0.24
Other 3,769 .49 3,129 0.48 2,226 0.37 1,900 0.34 1,788 0.35
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Total mortgage loans 559,688 73.72 489,599 75.56 450,912 74.17 426,225 75.59 393,863 77.20
Consumer loans:
Consumer 20,153 2.66 18,416 2.84 18,200 2.99 18,179 3.22 20,307 3.98
Second mortgage 78,223 10.30 66,426 10.25 68,596 11.28 59,148 10.49 46,528 9.12
Automobile 96,356 12.69 73,502 11.35 70,276 11.56 60,339 10.70 49,504 9.70
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Total consumer loans 194,732 25.65 158,344 24.44 157,072 25.83 137,666 24.41 116,339 22.80
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Commercial loans 4,771 .63
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Gross total loans 759,191 100.00% 647,943 100.00% 607,984 100.00% 563,891 100.00% 510,202 100.00%
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Less:
Undisbursed loan proceeds 17,852 11,750 10,290 5,942 6,071
Allowance for losses 3,910 3,531 3,177 2,937 2,608
Unearned loan fees 549 923 988 1,017 988
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Net loans receivable $736,880 $631,739 $593,529 $553,995 $500,535
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CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES OF LOANS. The following table presents information as of
December 31, 1999 regarding loan maturities and contractual principal repayments
by categories of loans during the periods indicated. Loans with adjustable
interest rates are shown as maturing in the year of their contractual maturity.
PRINCIPAL REPAYMENTS CONTRACTUALLY DUE IN YEAR(S) ENDED DECEMBER 31
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2003- 2005- 2009- AFTER
2000 2001 2002 2004 2008 2013 2013 TOTAL
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(In Thousands)
Loans:
Mortgage $ 3,077 $ 1,684 $ 8,512 $12,455 $37,216 $101,204 $358,872 $523,020
Mortgage construction (1) 5,538 1,070 4,735 6,400 18,925 36,668
Consumer loans 29,203 27,821 26,759 43,486 37,746 25,590 4,127 194,732
Commercial 3,654 5 485 627 4,771
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total $41,472 $30,580 $35,756 $61,303 $74,962 $133,194 $381,924 $759,191
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
- ----------------
(1) First Northern's mortgage construction loans are originated for either the
construction phase or the combined construction and full amortization term
of the loan.
Of the $717.7 million of loans contractually due after December 31,
2000, approximately $256.2 million have fixed interest rates and approximately
$461.5 million have adjustable interest rates.
Contractual maturities of loans do not reflect the actual life of the
loan portfolio. The average life of mortgage loans is substantially less than
their contractual terms because of loan prepayments. The average life of
mortgage loans tends to increase, however, when current mortgage market interest
rates exceed interest rates on existing mortgages and decrease when mortgage
interest rates decline. The average life of consumer loans is affected by the
general and local economy.
8
9
MORTGAGE AND CONSUMER LOANS. The following table sets forth activity for First
Northern's investment and held-for-sale loan portfolios for the periods
indicated.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-------- --------- ------------ ----------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Mortgage loans originated
and purchased:
Construction - Residential $ 46,226 $ 31,115 $ 25,709 $ 25,695 $ 17,265
Construction - Commercial 1,540 5,930 901 51
Loans on existing property 80,051 59,021 51,536 49,017 37,491
Refinancing (1) 62,432 153,614 42,166 35,497 15,130
Other loans 2,739 2,049 2,398 2,668 2,560
-------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Total mortgage loans originated
and purchased 192,988 251,729 121,809 113,778 72,497
Consumer loans originated
and purchased:
Other consumer 10,831 9,912 8,670 7,615 8,773
Second mortgage 47,415 38,747 36,896 32,548 30,474
Automobile 72,264 48,661 50,059 45,722 26,109
Education 2,143 2,317 2,568 2,382 2,895
-------- --------- --------- ----------- -----------
Total consumer loans originated
and purchased 132,653 99,637 98,193 88,267 68,251
-------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Commercial loans originated 5,032
Mortgage loans sold (20,085) (63,180) (18,668) (11,065) (11,583)
Education loans sold (2,040) (2,391) (2,491) (3,187) (10,489)
Loan repayments and other credits (197,300) (245,836) (154,750) (134,104) (112,140)
-------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net increase in real estate
loans and other loans $111,248 $ 39,959 $ 44,093 $ 53,689 $ 6,536
======== ========= ========= ========= =========
- -------------
(1) Refinanced mortgage loans are stated as gross dollars. Net new refinanced
dollars for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
were $46.3 million, $95.0 million, $25.7 million, $24.9 million, and $10.8
million, respectively. Net new dollars are the additional dollars that were
disbursed above an existing loan balance for the same borrower and property.
First Northern is permitted to make secured and unsecured consumer loans
including automobile, recreational vehicle, marine and other consumer loans,
home equity, property improvement, manufactured housing, education and deposit
account loans. At December 31, 1999, consumer loans represented 25.7% of total
loans.
LOAN FEE INCOME. A borrower on a one- to four-family owner-occupied residence
may be charged a loan origination fee or a processing fee of up to 1% of the
loan amount, with the actual amount being dependent upon, among other things,
market conditions at the time of origination. These fees are in addition to
appraisal and other third party fees paid by the borrower to First Northern at
the time of application. Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct
loan origination costs are being deferred and the net amounts amortized as an
adjustment to the related loan's yield. First Northern is amortizing these
amounts using the level-yield method, adjusted for prepayments, over the
contractual life of the related loans. Currently, there are no loan fees charged
on consumer loans.
USURY LIMITATION AND INTEREST RATE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS. Any loan secured by a
real estate mortgage and made, refinanced, renewed, extended or modified after
November 1, 1981, is not subject to a maximum interest rate. Consumer loans of
$25,000 or less are generally subject to the Wisconsin Consumer Act which
establishes disclosure requirements for interest rates and finance charges and,
for transactions entered into before November 1, 1984, limits the maximum
finance charges.
9
10
Mortgage lenders have historically had authority under Wisconsin law to
include interest adjustment clauses in loan contracts. Before June 12, 1976, the
only limit on interest adjustment increases was the general usury ceiling.
However, as of that date, Wisconsin law began to distinguish between two kinds
of interest adjustment clauses in connection with loans on owner-occupied one-
to four- family residential property: (1) those that tie interest adjustments to
fluctuations in an approved index ("indexed" interest adjustment provisions);
and (2) those that do not ("unindexed" interest adjustment provisions). Subject
to certain statutory restrictions, interest adjustments under an unindexed
interest adjustment provision are solely at the option of the lender.
Under Wisconsin law, unindexed adjustable rate provisions contained in first
lien mortgage loans made on one- to four-family owner-occupied dwellings may:
(1) permit rate increases to be made as often as once every 6 months, upon 30
days' written notice, and in increments of up to 1% each; and (2) enable a
lender that has waived a permitted interest rate increase to subsequently
increase the interest rate to the level that would have been in effect had the
opportunity for an increase not been waived.
Mortgages that are subject to indexed interest rate adjustment provisions
are treated in substantially the same way under Wisconsin law. However, instead
of increases or decreases occurring solely at the discretion of the lender,
interest rates may be increased, and must be decreased, in accordance with
changes in the approved index. Unlike its unindexed adjustable rate counterpart,
adjustments made under an indexed adjustable rate provision governed by the 1981
law may be made at intervals more frequent than 6 months.
Borrowers may prepay their loan without penalty during the 30 days following
notice of a rate increase, or at any time after 5 years from the date of the
loan.
First Northern has originated both unindexed and indexed adjustable interest
rate mortgages. With both types of adjustable rate forms, First Northern has
generally fixed the interest rate for the first one, two, three or five years of
the loan term. The unindexed adjustable interest rate loans also provide for a
maximum interest rate adjustment of 1% during each 12 month period thereafter.
The indexed adjustable rate loan provides for a maximum interest rate adjustment
of the lesser of the index or 1% to 2% depending on origination date of the
loan, during each 12 month period. Since February 1985, First Northern has
originated adjustable interest rate mortgage loans using contracts which contain
interest rate adjustment clauses allowing a lifetime interest rate adjustment of
between 5% and 8% over the original contract interest rate on all residential
mortgage loans.
First Northern has been able to exercise its escalation and de-escalation
rights under the interest rate adjustments clauses on its mortgage loan
portfolio. The use of the adjustment clause gives First Northern greater control
over its income and portfolio retention due to its ability to increase or
decrease interest yields on its mortgage portfolio. See "Loan Interest Rates and
Terms" above.
CLASSIFIED ASSETS AND DELINQUENCIES. When a borrower fails to make a required
payment on a loan, First Northern or SFC attempts to have the deficiency cured
by contacting the borrower. Contacts are made after a payment is more than 30
days past due and, in most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. If the
delinquency exceeds 90 days and is not cured through First Northern's normal
collection procedures, First Northern will institute measures to remedy the
default, including commencing a foreclosure action or accepting a voluntary deed
of the secured property in lieu of foreclosure from the mortgagor or
repossessing other collateral. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the
loan is not reinstated, paid in full, or refinanced, the property is sold at a
judicial sale at which, in most instances, First Northern is the buyer.
Under Wisconsin law, a mortgagor is afforded a period of time, subsequent to
the entry of judgment and prior to judicial sale, within which to redeem the
equity in the property ("equity right of redemption"). The length of the equity
right of redemption varies depending on the form of foreclosure proceedings
selected by the lender, the type and condition of the real estate security and
other factors. The majority of First Northern's residential foreclosures follow
a form which provides a 6 month equity right of redemption and a waiver of any
deficiency judgment against the borrower. Use of this process takes
approximately 8-12 months from commencement of the action to judicial
confirmation of the sale.
The OTS has established a classification system for problem assets. Under
the OTS regulation, problem assets are classified as "substandard," "doubtful,"
or "loss." Assets classified as loss are required to be charged-off. Assets
classified as doubtful or substandard do not require a write-off of the amounts
so classified but may necessitate additions to the general allowance for loan
losses. An institution's determination as to the classification of its assets
and the amount of valuation allowances are subject to review by the District
Director of the OTS or the FDIC, who could order the establishment of additional
loan loss allowances.
10
11
The following table identifies the dollar amount of loans that are
classified as substandard, doubtful or loss as of the dates indicated.
AS OF DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Substandard $638 441 $578
Doubtful 13 6 16
Loss 18 14
----- ----- ----
Total Classified Assets $669 $461 $594
===== ===== ====
The increase in the amount of total classified assets in 1999 was the result
of an increase in overall delinquencies and the fact that December 31, 1998,
total classified assets were very low.
ALLOWANCES FOR LOSSES. Allowances for losses on loans, real estate, and
repossessed assets are based on management's evaluation of various factors
including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, loan portfolio
composition, prior loss experience, estimated sales price of collateral,
regulatory environment and holding and selling costs.
While First Northern has a low level of non-performing assets and low
historical charge-off experience, the inherent credit risk within the portfolio
(primarily relating to the indirect automobile loan portfolio and commercial
loans) has increased. It is this increased credit risk which primarily resulted
in the increase in the loan loss allowance.
Management believes that the allowances for losses on loans, real estate,
and repossessed assets are adequate. While management uses available information
to recognize losses on loans and real estate owned, future additions to the
allowances may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or
regulatory requirements.
11
12
All of First Northern's loans are domestic. A summary of the allowance
for loan losses is shown below.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Mortgage loans:
Balance, beginning of year $ 1,813 $ 1,624 $ 1,453 $ 1,578 $ 1,499
Provisions 295 186 170 10 79
Charge-offs:
One- to four-family residential (1)
Recoveries:
One- to four-family residential 4
Commercial real estate 1 1
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net recoveries 3 1 1
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Transfer of loss reserve (136)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Balance, end of year 2,108 1,813 1,624 1,453 1,578
Consumer loans:
Balance, beginning of year 1,718 1,553 1,484 1,030 901
Provisions 53 234 150 360 161
Charge-offs:
Consumer (79) (47) (44) (23) (30)
Automobile (43) (52) (57) (43) (41)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total charge-offs (122) (99) (101) (66) (71)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Recoveries:
Consumer 9 7 8 11 21
Automobile 20 23 12 13 18
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total recoveries 29 30 20 24 39
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net charge-offs (93) (69) (81) (42) (32)
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Transfer of loss reserve 136
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Balance, end of year 1,678 1,718 1,553 1,484 1,030
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Commercial loans:
Balance, beginning of period
Provisions, charged to provision
for loan losses 124
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Net (charge-offs) or recoveries -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Balance, end of year 124
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total allowance for loan losses $ 3,910 $ 3,531 $ 3,177 $ 2,937 $ 2,608
======== ======== ======== ======== =======
Foreclosed properties & repossessed assets:
Balance, beginning of year $ 6 $ - $ - $ 1 $ 1
Provisions, charged to
non-interest expense 8 10 13
Charge-offs:
One- to four-family residential (14) (4) (14)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Balance, end of year $ - $ 6 $ - $ - $ 1
======== ======== ======== ======== =======
Total charge-offs
to average loans outstanding 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.01% 0.01%
======== ======== ======== ======== =======
Net charge-offs to average
loans outstanding 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.01% 0.01%
======== ======== ======== ======== =========
Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to operations based on the
principal amount outstanding. The accrual of interest income is generally
discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest
and/or when, in the opinion of management, full collection is unlikely. When
interest accruals are discontinued, uncollected interest credited to income in
the current year is reversed and uncollected interest accrued in the prior year
is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Management may elect to continue
the accrual of interest when the loan is in the process of collection and the
value of collateral is sufficient to cover the principal balance and accrued
interest. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is either applied
against principal or reported as interest income, according to management's
judgment as to the collectibility of principal. Generally, loans are restored to
accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in
accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the
ultimate collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is no
longer in doubt.
12
13
The following tables show the Company's total allowance for loan losses and
the allocation to the various categories of loans held for investment at the
dates indicated.
AT DECEMBER 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------
% OF
LOANS IN
ALLOWANCE CATEGORY
AS A % OF TO TOTAL
LOANS IN OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT CATEGORY(1) LOANS(1)
------ ---------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Breakdown of allowance
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $1,566 0.34% 61.35%
Five or more family residential 254 0.71 4.72
Commercial real estate 241 1.36 2.33
Construction 0.00 4.83
Other 30 0.80 0.49
Classified mortgage loans 17 3.00
--------- -------- -----------
Total mortgage loans 2,108 0.38 73.72
Consumer loans:
Consumer 239 1.18 2.66
Second mortgage 657 0.84 10.30
Automobile 765 0.79 12.69
Education 0.00
Classified consumer loans 17 2.00
--------- -------- -----------
Total consumer loans 1,678 0.86 25.65
Commercial loans(2) 124 2.60 0.63
-------- -------- -----------
Total allowance for loans $3,910 0.52% 100.00%
====== ==== ======
- --------------
(1) Percentages are calculated on gross loan balances.
(2) First Northern began originating commercial loans in the second quarter
of 1999.
AT DECEMBER 31, 1998
---------------------------------------
% OF
LOANS IN
ALLOWANCE CATEGORY
AS A % OF TO TOTAL
LOANS IN OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT CATEGORY(1) LOANS(1)
------ ---------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Breakdown of allowance
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $1,475 0.35% 64.36%
Five or more family residential 150 0.47 4.94
Commercial real estate 141 1.87 1.16
Construction 4.62
Other 38 1.21 0.48
Classified mortgage loans 9 3.00
---------- ------ ----------
Total mortgage loans 1,813 0.37 75.56
Consumer loans:
Consumer 96 0.52 2.84
Second mortgage 269 0.41 10.25
Automobile 1,340 1.82 11.35
Education
Classified consumer loans 13 2.00
--------- ------ ----------
Total consumer loans 1,718 1.08 24.44
--------- ------ ----------
Total allowance for loans $3,531 0.54% 100.00%
====== ==== ======
- --------------
(1) Percentages are calculated on gross loan balances.
13
14
AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
------------------------------------------------
% OF
LOANS IN
ALLOWANCE CATEGORY
AS A % OF TO TOTAL
LOANS IN OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT CATEGORY(1) LOANS(1)
------ ---------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Breakdown of allowance
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $1,324 0.34% 64.74%
Five or more family residential 135 0.55 4.03
Commercial real estate 127 1.37 1.52
Construction 3.51
Other 24 1.08 0.37
Classified mortgage loans 14 3.00
--------- ------ -----------
Total mortgage loans 1,624 0.36 74.17
Consumer loans:
Consumer 85 0.47 2.99
Second mortgage 250 0.37 11.28
Automobile 1,212 1.73 11.56
Education
Classified consumer loans 5 2.00
---------- ------- -----------
Total consumer loans 1,553 0.99 25.83
---------- ------- -----------
Total allowance for loans $3,177 0.52% 100.00%
========== ======= ===========
- --------------
(1) Percentages are calculated on gross loan balances.
AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
--------------------------------------------------
% OF
LOANS IN
ALLOWANCE CATEGORY
AS A % OF TO TOTAL
LOANS IN OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT CATEGORY(1) LOANS(1)
------ ----------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Breakdown of allowance
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $1,180 0.31% 66.72%
Five or more family residential 121 0.60 3.57
Commercial real estate 114 1.14 1.77
Construction 3.19
Other 18 0.95 0.34
Classified mortgage loans 20 3.00
------ ----- ------
Total mortgage loans 1,453 0.34 75.59
Consumer loans:
Consumer 83 0.46 3.22
Second mortgage 211 0.36 10.49
Automobile 1,172 1.94 10.70
Education
Classified consumer loans 18 2.00
------ ----- ------
Total consumer loans 1,484 1.08 24.41
------ ----- ------
Total allowance for loans $2,937 0.52% 100.00%
====== ===== ======
- --------------
(1) Percentages are calculated on gross loan balances.
14
15
AT DECEMBER 31, 1995
--------------------------------------------
% OF
LOANS IN
ALLOWANCE CATEGORY
AS A % OF TO TOTAL
LOANS IN OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT CATEGORY(1) LOANS(1)
------ ---------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Breakdown of allowance
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $1,359 0.39% 69.08%
Five or more family residential 98 0.56 3.45
Commercial real estate 97 0.97 1.97
Construction 2.35
Other 16 0.89 0.35
Classified mortgage loans 8 2.05
------ ----- ------
Total mortgage loans 1,578 0.40 77.20
Consumer loans:
Consumer 79 0.39 3.98
Second mortgage 137 0.29 9.12
Automobile 811 1.64 9.70
Education
Classified consumer loans 3 2.00
------ ----- ------
Total consumer loans 1,030 0.89 22.80
------ ----- ------
Total allowance for loans $2,608 0.51% 100.00%
====== ===== ======
- -------------------------------
(1) Percentages are calculated on gross loan balances.
15
16
The following table is a summary of non-performing loans and assets.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----------- ------------ ------------ -------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Non-accrual mortgage loans
(90 days or more past due) $243 $223 $333 $509 $266
Non-accrual consumer loans 40 123 107 235 152
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total non-performing loans 283 346 440 744 418
Foreclosed properties, properties
subject to foreclosure and
repossessed assets 381 106 153 189 136
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total non-performing assets $664 $452 $593 $933 $554
==== ==== ==== ==== ====
Non-performing loans as a
percentage of total loans .04% .05% .07% .13% .08%
=== === === === ===
Non-performing assets as a
percentage of total assets .08% .06% .09% .15% .10%
=== === === === ===
Loan loss allowances as
a percentage of non-
performing loans 1,381.63% 1,020.52% 722.05% 394.76% 623.92%
======== ======== ====== ====== ======
Loan loss allowances as
a percentage of non-
performing assets 588.86% 781.19% 535.75% 314.79% 470.76%
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Interest income that would have
been recognized if non-accrual
loans had been current (1) $12 $9 $13 $25 $12
====== ======= ====== ======= ======
- -----------------------
(1) No accrued interest income was included in net income in any of the years
presented from loans classified as non-accrual.
In addition, management is not aware of any possible credit problems of
borrowers not otherwise reflected herein which causes management to have serious
doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with their present loan
repayment terms.
INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-RELATED ACTIVITIES. First Northern is authorized to
invest in obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the United States, certain
federal agency obligations, certain time deposits, negotiable certificates of
deposit issued by commercial banks, mortgage-backed and mortgage-related
securities, investment grade corporate notes and other specified investments.
16
17
The following table sets forth the composition of First Northern's investment
and mortgage-related securities portfolio at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
AT DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------
PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT
CARRYING OF CARRYING OF CARRYING OF
VALUE TOTAL VALUE TOTAL VALUE TOTAL
------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning deposits $ 4,329 7.93% $ 861 1.86% $ 324 0.81%
Securities available-for-sale:
U.S. government securities 3,192 5.85 3,303 7.13 3,290 8.24
Federal agency obligations 3,465 6.35 3,822 8.25 2,002 5.01
Mortgage-related securities 5,554 10.17 996 2.15 932 2.33
Asset Management Fund 546 1.00 534 1.15 500 1.25
FHLMC stock 1,130 2.07 1,546 3.34 1,007 2.52
Northwest Equities
Corporation stock 111 0.20
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Total securities available-for-sale 13,998 25.64 10,201 22.02 7,731 19.35
Securities held-to-maturity:
U.S. government securities 1,000 2.50
Federal agency obligations 25,216 46.19 23,741 51.25 20,231 50.63
Corporate issue obligations 999 1.83
Mortgage-related securities 10,048 18.41 11,522 24.87 10,675 26.71
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
Total securities held-to-maturity 36,263 66.43 35,263 76.12 31,906 79.84
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
Total $54,590 100.00% $46,325 100.00% $39,961 100.00%
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======
Average remaining life or term
to repricing for interest-earning
deposits, securities
available-for-sale and held-to-
maturity (1) 22 months 23 months 18 months
- ------------------------------
(1) For purposes of calculating the remaining life or term, securities
available-for-sale are assumed to have a zero term.
See Notes 2 and 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
17
18
The following table sets forth the maturity ranges for investment and
mortgage-related securities, with their respective weighted average yields and
the total market value.
AT DECEMBER 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OVER ONE OVER FIVE
ONE YEAR OR LESS TO FIVE YEARS TO TEN YEARS OVER TEN YEARS
------------------------ ----------------------- ---------------------- --------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AMORTIZED AVERAGE AMORTIZED AVERAGE AMORTIZED AVERAGE AMORTIZED
COST YIELD COST YIELD COST YIELD COST
----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Investment and
Mortgage-related Securities
U.S. government obligations $ 2,248 6.48% $ 994 4.69%
Federal agency obligations 500 5.70 2,995 6.25
Mortgage-related securities $ 938 5.54% $ 4,817
Asset Management Fund 563 5.28
FHLMC stock 33 43.78
Northwest Equities
Corporation stock 111 3.06
------- ----- ------- -------- ------- --------- -------
Total investment and
mortgage-related securities
available-for-sale $ 2,892 6.64% $ 4,552 5.79% $ 938 5.54% $ 4,817
======= ===== ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
Investment and
Mortgage-related Securities
Federal agency obligations $ 4,700 5.97% $17,900 5.76% $ 2,616 5.99%
Corporate issue obligations 999 6.82
Mortgage-related securities 831 5.98 2,986 5.92 $ 6,231
------- ----- ------- -------- ------- --------- -------
Total investment and
mortgage-related securities
held-to-maturity $ 4,700 5.97% $19,730 5.82% $ 5,602 5.95% $ 6,231
======= ===== ======= ======== ======= ========= =======
AT DECEMBER 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT AND
MORTGAGE-RELATED
OVER TEN YEARS SECURITIES TOTAL
-------------- --------------------------------------
WEIGHTED APPROX. WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AMORTIZED MARKET AVERAGE
YIELD COST VALUE YIELD
-------------- --------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
Investment and Morgage-related
Securities
U.S. government obligations $ 3,242 $ 3,192 5.93%
Federal agency obligations 3,495 3,465 6.17
Mortgage-related securities 6.81% 5,755 5,554 6.61
Asset Management Fund 563 546 5.28
FHLMC stock 33 1,130 43.78
Northwest Equities
Corporation stock 111 111 3.06
---------- ---------- ------- -----
Total investment and
mortgage-related securities
available-for-sale 6.81% $ 13,199 $13,998 6.33%
========== ========== ======= =====
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
Investment and
Mortgage-related Securities
Federal agency obligations $25,216 $24,645 5.82%
Corporate issue obligations 999 999 6.82
Mortgage-related securities 6.21% 10,048 9,976 6.10
---------- ---------- ------- -----
Total investment and
mortgage-related securities
held-to-maturity 6.21% $ 36,263 $35,620 5.93%
========== ========== ======= =====
18
19
The following table sets forth the composition of First Northern's
mortgage-related held-to-maturity securities portfolio at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.
MORTGAGE-RELATED PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
----------------------------------------------
AT DECEMBER 31
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation $ 6,192 $ 7,347 $ 7,028
Federal National Mortgage Association 3,856 4,175 3,647
------- ------- -------
Total mortgage-related securities $10,048 $11,522 $10,675
======= ======= =======
Average remaining contractual life or term to
repricing for mortgage-related securities (1) 166 months 150 months 139 months
(1) The expected maturities for mortgage-related securities will differ
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to
call or prepay mortgage obligations with or without prepayment
penalties.
DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES. First Northern has a number of different programs
designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits from the general
public. These programs include regular passbook accounts, NOW checking
accounts, money market deposit accounts, fixed rate and variable rate
certificate accounts and negotiated rate certificates, as well as certain
other accounts. Included among those programs are individual retirement
accounts ("IRAs") and self-employed pension plan ("SEPP") accounts.
The specific programs offered by First Northern have changed over
time as new types of accounts and minimum denomination requirements have
been authorized. Currently there are no statutory or regulatory required
minimum denominations or interest rate ceilings on any deposit accounts.
First Northern currently offers deposit accounts with minimum balance
requirements and interest rates as follows:
MINIMUM INTEREST
TYPE OR TERM BALANCE RATE
------------ ------- ----
NOW Checking Accounts(1) Varies Rate Set Weekly
Regular Deposit Accounts(2) $100 Rate Set Weekly
Money Market Accounts $2,500 Rate Set Weekly
Daily Advantage Money Market Account $10,000 Rate Set Weekly
High Five Passbook $5,000 Rate Set Weekly
91 Day through 60 Month Certificate $500 Rate Set Weekly
18 month IRA and SEPP Variable Certificates $100 Rate Set Monthly
Jumbo Certificates $90,000 Rate Set Daily
(1) Some of the NOW Checking Accounts offered by First Northern do not bear
interest.
(2) As a practical matter, although subject to First Northern's right to impose
a prior notice requirement, deposits may be invested in and withdrawn from
passbook accounts without restriction. Interest is computed daily from the
date of deposit to the date of withdrawal and credited quarterly at a rate
established by the Investment Committee of management within regulatory
limits.
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20
The following tables set forth the distribution of the average balances of the
Company's deposit accounts and the weighted average effective interest rates on
each category of deposits presented for the years indicated.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED
PERCENT AVERAGE
AVERAGE OF TOTAL EFFECTIVE
BALANCE DEPOSITS RATE
---------- ---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
CORE DEPOSITS:
Non-interest bearing NOW checking $ 26,005 4.70%
Interest bearing NOW checking 38,348 6.93 1.11%
Money market 68,276 12.34 3.89
Passbook 70,425 12.72 1.97
---------- ------- ----
Total core deposits 203,054 36.69 2.20
Certificate of deposit accounts 350,423 63.31 5.45
--------- ------- ----
Total deposits $553,477 100.00% 4.26%
======== ====== ====
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED
PERCENT AVERAGE
AVERAGE OF TOTAL EFFECTIVE
BALANCE DEPOSITS RATE
------- ---------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
CORE DEPOSITS:
Non-interest bearing NOW checking $22,899 4.50%
Interest bearing NOW checking 37,232 7.31 1.06%
Money market 57,813 11.35 4.38
Passbook 63,643 12.50 2.14
---------- ------- -----
Total core deposits 181,587 35.66 2.04
Certificate of deposit accounts 327,674 64.34 5.79
--------- ------- -----
Total deposits $509,261 100.00% 4.57%
======== ====== ====
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED
PERCENT AVERAGE
AVERAGE OF TOTAL EFFECTIVE
BALANCE DEPOSITS RATE
-------- ----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
CORE DEPOSITS:
Non-interest bearing NOW checking $ 19,364 4.10%
Interest bearing NOW checking 35,036 7.42 1.06%
Money market 50,265 10.65 4.31
Passbook 60,057 12.72 2.20
---------- ------- ----
Total core deposits 164,722 34.89 2.25
Certificate of deposit accounts 307,423 65.11 5.72
-------- ------- ----
Total deposits $472,145 100.00% 4.54%
======== ====== ====
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21
The following table presents certificates of deposits in amounts of $100,000 or
more by maturity:
AT DECEMBER 31
----------------------------
1999 1998
----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Maturity:
3 months or less $30,820 $17,619
Greater than 3 months - 6 months 10,186 7,350
Greater than 6 months - 12 months 9,843 10,499
Greater than 12 months 10,785 10,225
-------- --------
$61,634 $45,693
======= =======
BORROWED FUNDS. First Northern has a line of credit with the FHLB of Chicago and
has borrowed from the FHLB on an overnight and fixed interest rate basis to
assist with funding loan originations.
From time to time, First Northern borrows funds under repurchase
agreements. First Northern accepts funds from municipalities and school
districts. When the amounts of such funds are in excess of FDIC insurance
limits, First Northern collateralizes its obligation to repay such parties
through repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are used to lock-in a
profit spread to First Northern. Furthermore, because the repurchase agreements
from municipalities and school districts are not considered deposits, First
Northern does not pay premiums to the FDIC on such amounts. At December 31, 1999
and 1998, First Northern had no borrowings under repurchase agreements as
compared to $0.9 million of borrowings under repurchase agreements at December
31, 1997. The weighted average interest rate of the repurchase agreements as of
December 31, 1997 was 5.79%. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
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22
The following table sets forth certain information regarding borrowings
by First Northern at the end of and during the periods indicated:
AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Balance outstanding at end of year:
Securities sold under agreement
to repurchase $ 900
Fixed interest rate notes
payable to FHLB $113,804 $ 83,825 75,075
Overnight borrowings from FHLB 68,595 7,675 26,065
Other borrowings 3,500 477 1,237
Weighted average interest rate at
end of year:
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase 5.79%
Fixed interest rate notes
payable to FHLB 5.80% 5.71% 5.85%
Overnight borrowings from FHLB 4.74% 5.13% 6.92%
Other borrowings 4.54% 4.12% 5.27%
Maximum amount outstanding during the year:
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase $ 900 $ 1,500
Fixed interest rate notes
payable to FHLB $123,846 97,750 75,525
Overnight borrowings from FHLB 68,595 37,220 33,400
Other borrowings 3,500 3,500 1,312
Average amount outstanding during
the year:
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase $ 650 $ 1,217
Fixed interest rate notes
payable to FHLB $ 95,338 84,339 65,830
Overnight borrowings from FHLB 27,798 9,982 15,264
Other borrowings 1,050 919 314
Weighted average interest rate
during the year:
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase 5.79% 5.65%
Fixed interest rate notes
payable to FHLB 5.71% 5.83% 5.97%
Overnight borrowings from FHLB 5.45% 5.79% 5.80%
Other borrowings 4.74% 5.21% 5.49%
Borrowings increased to $185.9 million at December 31, 1999, as
compared to $92.0 million at December 31, 1998, primarily as a result of the
loan portfolio growth, decreased loan sales and modest deposit growth. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
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23
YIELDS EARNED AND RATES PAID. First Northern's net earnings depend primarily
upon the spread between the income it receives from its loan and investment
portfolios and its cost of money, consisting of interest paid on deposit
accounts and borrowings.
The following table sets forth First Northern's weighted average yields
earned on mortgage loans, consumer loans, and investment and mortgage-related
securities; the weighted average interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings;
and the spread between yields earned and rates paid at the dates indicated.
Since the majority of First Northern's deposit accounts are market rate
accounts, the cost of deposits will likely continue to be subject to interest
rate fluctuations.
AT DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ----- ------ -----
Weighted average yield earned:
Mortgage loans 6.93% 7.03% 7.34% 7.16% 7.06%
Consumer loans 7.93 8.32 8.56 8.56 8.66
Commercial loans 8.25
Mortgage, consumer and commercial loans 7.22 7.35 7.66 7.51 7.44
Investment securities 6.13 5.92 6.41 6.14 6.33
Mortgage-related securities 6.29 6.06 6.37 6.44 7.02
Total loan portfolio,
investment securities, and
mortgage-related securities 7.14 7.25 7.57 7.43 7.39
Weighted average rate paid:
Deposits 4.33 4.35 4.61 4.42 4.56
FHLB and other borrowings (1) 5.76 5.66 5.87 5.71 6.02
Total deposits and FHLB and
other borrowings 4.68 4.54 4.83 4.60 4.63
Interest rate spread at the end of the year 2.46 2.71 2.74 2.83 2.76
(1) At December 31, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996, overnight borrowing interest
rates were unusually high or low and, for the purpose of this report, First
Northern used an average of the overnight borrowing interest rates from the
preceding week to more accurately reflect the cost at December 31 of the
respective years.
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24
The following table shows average yields earned and rates paid using daily
averages during the periods indicated.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Average yield earned during the year:
Mortgage loans 7.03% 7.33% 7.37% 7.18% 6.99%
Consumer loans 7.87 8.26 8.43 8.50 8.44
Commercial loans 8.58
Investment securities (1) 5.97 6.10 6.31 6.23 6.47
Mortgage-related securities 6.12 6.22 6.36 6.50 7.06
All interest-earning assets 7.17 7.47 7.55 7.42 7.28
Average rate paid during the year:
Deposits 4.23 4.54 4.51 4.43 4.42
Borrowings 5.61 5.82 5.94 5.78 6.79
All interest-bearing liabilities 4.48 4.74 4.72 4.56 4.59
Average interest rate spread (2) 2.69 2.73 2.83 2.86 2.69
Net yield on average interest-
earning assets (3) 3.00 3.11 3.26 3.31 3.17
Net yield on total interest-
earning assets (4) 2.75 3.02 3.14 3.14 3.17
- -------------
(1) Includes interest-earning deposits.
(2) Average yield on all interest-earning assets during the period less
average rate paid on all interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) Net interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets for the
year.
(4) Net interest earned divided by total interest-earning assets for the year.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND RATE/YIELD ANALYSIS. "See Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
AVERAGE EQUITY TO AVERAGE ASSETS. The ratio of average equity to average assets
measures a financial institution's financial strength. At December 31, 1999,
savings and loan associations in Wisconsin were required to maintain an average
equity to average assets ratio of at least 6.00%. At December 31, 1999, 1998,
1997, 1996 and 1995 the Savings Bank's average equity to average assets ratio
was 9.99%, 10.83%, 11.24%, 12.14%, and 12.99%, respectively.
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CASH DIVIDENDS. The following schedule sets forth the cash dividends paid per
year:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Cash Dividends Paid Per Share $0.40 $0.36 $0.32 $0.30 $0.28
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Cash Dividends Payout Ratio 48.2% 46.8% 47.1% 81.1%(1) 54.9%
==== ==== ==== ==== ====
(dividends declared per share
divided by basic net income per share)
- ----------------
(1) The Cash Dividends Payout Ratio was significantly increased in 1996 as a
result of the SAIF special assessment, which significantly reduced net
income per share. Without the SAIF special assessment, the Cash Dividend
Payout Ratio would have been 55.0%.
SUBSIDIARIES. GNFSC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Savings Bank, engages in
the sale of credit life and disability insurance, and offers brokerage services
to the public, including the sale of tax deferred annuities and mutual funds.
First Northern's investment in GNFSC as of December 31, 1999 was $391,000.
FNII, a wholly owned Savings Bank subsidiary, was established September
2, 1994 for the purpose of managing a majority of First Northern's investment
portfolio. In April 1998, FNII began to purchase loans originated by SFC and the
Savings Bank moved its indirect auto loan portfolio to FNII. In March 1999, the
Savings Bank sold a $56.1 million mortgage loan participation to FNII. FNII
managed approximately $32.4 million of investments, $51.3 million of mortgage
loans and $75.3 million of indirect auto loans at December 31, 1999. First
Northern's investment in FNII as of December 31, 1999 was $161,858,000.
In March 1992, the Savings Bank acquired a 50% stock interest in SFC
from another financial institution. SFC originates, sells, and services indirect
automobile loans. As a result of this acquisition, SFC will on a regular basis,
sell such loans to First Northern or FNII but retain the servicing of the loans.
In April 1998, SFC began selling such loans to FNII but retains the servicing of
the loans. First Northern's investment in SFC as of December 31, 1999 was
$40,000.
Keystone Financial Services, Inc. ("Keystone"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Savings Bank, also engaged in the sale of credit life and
disability insurance and tax deferred annuities and offered discount brokerage
services for Prime Federal prior to the merger with and into First Northern.
After the merger, First Northern transferred such business to GNFSC. Keystone is
inactive, but will continue to be a wholly owned subsidiary of the Savings Bank
for possible future use in a related or other area. First Northern's investment
in Keystone as of December 31, 1999 was $100.
Another wholly owned subsidiary of the Savings Bank, First Northern
Financial Services, Inc., operated as a consumer lending subsidiary through
1981. As a result of legislative changes, First Northern now directly engages in
consumer lending activities. First Northern Financial Services, Inc. is
inactive, but it continues in existence for possible future use in a related or
other area. First Northern's book value investment in First Northern Financial
Services, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 was $100.
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA") imposes restrictions on savings associations' powers. It essentially
creates parallel regulation for state and federally chartered savings
associations and prevents state associations, such as the Savings Bank, from
exercising powers not authorized to federal associations or which the FDIC deems
to constitute a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of an insured
institution and/or the SAIF or to be inconsistent with sound banking principles.
The FDIC has informed First Northern that the certain activities that GNFSC is
performing are permissible for a federally chartered savings association but not
a national bank. Therefore, First Northern is required to deduct its investment
and loans to GNFSC when calculating its core, tangible and risked-based capital
ratios.
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26
EMPLOYEES. At December 31, 1999, First Northern employed 199 full-time and 54
part-time employees. Management considers its relations with its employees to
be excellent.
REGULATION
GENERAL. The operations of First Northern and the Savings Bank are highly
regulated, both at the federal and state level. First Northern is a registered
non-diversified unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of
the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, as amended. As such, First Northern is
subject to OTS examination and supervision as well as to certain reporting
requirements. Since First Northern controls the Savings Bank, which is a state
chartered institution, it is also subject to examination, supervision and
regulation by the WDFI-Administrator. As a subsidiary of a savings and loan
holding company, the Savings Bank is subject to certain restrictions in its
dealings with First Northern and with other companies affiliated with First
Northern, and is otherwise subject to extensive supervision and regulation by
the OTS (its primary federal regulator), the WDFI-Administrator (its primary
state regulator), the FDIC (as administrator of the SAIF) and the Federal
Reserve Board. The Savings Bank is also a member of the FHLB of Chicago, which
provides a central credit facility to its members. As a member of the FHLB of
Chicago, the Savings Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital
stock in FHLB of Chicago. The following summary does not purport to be a
complete description of the applicable laws and regulations which govern First
Northern and the Savings Bank and is qualified in its entirety by reference
thereto.
FEDERAL REGULATION OF HOLDING COMPANIES
ACTIVITIES RESTRICTIONS. There generally are no restrictions on the activities
of a savings and loan holding company which holds only one subsidiary savings
association and which was in existence, like First Northern, before May 4, 1999.
However, if the OTS determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that
the continuation by a savings and loan holding company of an activity
constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of
its subsidiary savings association, the OTS may impose such restrictions as
deemed necessary to address such risk including limiting: (i) payment of
dividends by the savings association; (ii) transactions between the savings
association and its affiliates; and (iii) any activities of the savings
association that might create a serious risk that the liabilities of the holding
company and its affiliates may be imposed on the savings association.
If First Northern were to acquire control of another savings
association in addition to the Savings Bank, First Northern would thereupon
become a multiple savings and loan holding company. Except where such
acquisition is pursuant to the OTS' authority to approve emergency thrift
acquisitions and where each subsidiary savings association meets the qualified
thrift lender ("QTL") test, the activities of First Northern and any of its
subsidiaries (other than Savings Bank or other subsidiary savings institutions)
would thereafter be subject to further restrictions. Among other things, no
multiple savings and loan holding company or subsidiary thereof which is not a
savings association may commence or continue beyond a limited period of time
after becoming a multiple savings and loan holding company or subsidiary
thereof, any business activity, upon prior notice to, and no objection by, the
OTS, other than: (i) furnishing or performing management services for a
subsidiary savings association; (ii) conducting an insurance agency or escrow
business; (iii) holding, managing, or liquidating assets owned by or acquired
from a subsidiary savings institution; (iv) holding or managing properties used
or occupied by a subsidiary savings institution; (v) acting as trustee under
deeds of trust; (vi) those activities authorized by regulation as of March 5,
1987 to be engaged in by multiple holding companies; or (vii) those activities
authorized by the Federal Reserve Board as permissible for bank holding
companies, unless the OTS by regulation prohibits or limits such activities for
savings and loan holding companies. Those activities described in (vii) above
must also be approved by the OTS prior to being engaged in by a multiple holding
company.
Notwithstanding the above rules as to permissible business activities
of unitary savings and loan holding companies, if the savings association
subsidiary of such a holding company fails to meet the QTL test, then such
unitary holding company will become subject to the activities restrictions
applicable to multiple holding companies and, unless the savings association
requalifies as a QTL within one year thereafter, shall register with the Federal
Reserve Board as, and become subject to the restrictions applicable to, a bank
holding company. Generally, the QTL test requires a savings association to
maintain at least 65% of its "portfolio assets" in certain "qualified thrift
investments" (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including
mortgage-backed and similar securities) on a monthly basis in nine out of every
12 months. The Economic Growth Act of 1996 liberalized the QTL test for savings
associations by permitting them to satisfy a similar-but-different 60% asset
test under the Internal Revenue Code. Alternately, savings associations may meet
the QTL test by satisfying a more liberal 65% asset test that allows an
institution to include small business, credit card, and education loans or
qualified investments for purposes of the test.
26
27
Furthermore, consumer loans now count as qualified thrift investments up to 20%
of portfolio assets. On April 3, 1997, OTS made an interim final rule that
implements provisions of the Economic Growth Act of 1996 including the QTL test.
The Savings Bank has met the QTL test since it first became applicable in 1987.
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS. Except under limited circumstances, savings and
loan holding companies are prohibited from acquiring, without prior approval of
the OTS: (i) control of any other savings association or savings and loan
holding company or substantially all the assets thereof; or (ii) more than 5% of
the voting shares of a savings association or holding company thereof which is
not a subsidiary. Except with the prior approval of the OTS, no director or
officer of a savings and loan holding company or person owning or controlling by
proxy or otherwise more than 25% of such company's stock, may also acquire
control of any savings association, other than a subsidiary savings association,
or of any other savings and loan holding company.
The OTS may only approve acquisitions resulting in the formation of a
multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings associations in
more than one state if: (i) the multiple savings and loan holding company
involved controls a savings institution which operated a home or branch office
in the state of the association to be acquired as of March 5, 1987; (ii) the
acquiror is authorized to acquire control of the savings association pursuant to
the emergency acquisition provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or
(iii) the statutes of the state in which the association to be acquired is
located specifically permit institutions to be acquired by state-chartered
associations or savings and loan holding companies located in the state where
the acquiring entity is located (or by a holding company that controls such
state-chartered savings institution). Under current Wisconsin law, Wisconsin
chartered savings associations and their holding companies may acquire savings
associations and holding companies whose principal place of business is located
in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri or Ohio,
provided that reciprocal legislation is adopted in such states. All but Missouri
have adopted reciprocal legislation. Consequently, savings associations or their
holding companies in such states that have adopted reciprocal legislation may
acquire a savings association or holding company based in Wisconsin.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Transactions between savings associations and any
affiliate are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An
affiliate of a savings association is any company or entity which controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with the savings association. In a
holding company context, the parent holding company of a savings association
(such as First Northern) and any companies which are controlled by such parent
holding company are affiliates of the savings association. Generally, Sections
23A and 23B: (i) limit the extent to which the savings association or its
subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one affiliate to an
amount equal to 10% of such savings association's capital stock and surplus, and
contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an
amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus; and (ii) require that all
such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable
to the institution or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term
"covered transactions" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets,
issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions. In addition to
the restrictions imposed by Sections 23A and 23B, no savings association may:
(i) loan or otherwise extend credit to an affiliate, except for any affiliate
which engages only in activities which are permissible for bank holding
companies; or (ii) purchase or invest in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or
similar obligations of any affiliate, except for affiliates which are
subsidiaries of the savings association.
The restrictions contained in Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act
apply to loans by savings associations to executive officers, directors and
principal stockholders. However, Section 22(h) does not apply to holding
companies such as First Northern. Section 22(h) requires that loans to
directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders ("Insiders") be
made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to
other persons. Loans to Insiders may only be made on more favorable terms
pursuant to a benefit or compensation program which is widely available to
association employees and which does not give preference to any Insiders over
other employees. Under Section 22(h), loans to an executive officer and to a
greater than 10% stockholder of a savings association, and certain affiliated
entities of either, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to
such persons and affiliated entities, the association's loan-to-one-borrower
limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution's unimpaired capital and
surplus and an additional 10% of such capital and surplus for loans fully
secured by certain readily marketable collateral). Section 22(h) also prohibits
loans, above amounts prescribed by the appropriate federal banking agency, to
directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders of a savings
association, and their respective affiliates, unless such loan is approved in
advance by a majority of the board of directors of the association with any
"interested" director not participating in the voting. The Federal Reserve Board
has prescribed the loan amount (which includes all other outstanding loans to
such person), as to which such prior board of director approval is required, to
be the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus (up to $500,000).
27
28
FIRREA AND FDICIA. The FIRREA, adopted on August 9, 1989, has significantly
changed the federal regulatory framework for savings associations. FIRREA
redefined applicable capital standards for savings associations and
significantly increased the minimum levels of capital required to be maintained
by savings associations, with the levels being raised in steps until fully
phased-in on January 1, 1993. Regulations adopted by the OTS since the enactment
of FIRREA have established new minimum leverage capital requirements for savings
associations. The Savings Bank is in compliance with the minimum capital
requirements applicable to it.
On December 19, 1991, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") was enacted into law. FDICIA provides for,
among other things, establishment by the federal banking agencies of revised
risk-based capital requirements designed to account for interest rate risk,
concentration of credit risk and the risks of nontraditional activities;
enhanced federal supervision of depository institutions, including greater
authority for the appointment of a conservator or receiver for undercapitalized
institutions; the establishment of risk-based deposit insurance premiums;
limitation of equity investments and other activities permissible to state
savings associations to those permissible for federal savings associations;
liberalization of the QTL; greater restrictions on transactions with affiliates;
and mandated consumer protection disclosures with respect to deposit accounts.
Certain provisions of FDICIA, which are potentially applicable to the Savings
Bank, are discussed below.
FDICIA requires the federal banking regulators to define five levels of
regulatory capital (i.e., well capitalized, adequately capitalized,
undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically
undercapitalized) and mandates specific enforcement actions that the federal
banking agencies must take with respect to depository institutions whose capital
level is significantly below the required minimums. Depending upon the capital
level, which the institution fails to meet, such institution may be prohibited
from increasing its assets, acquiring another institution, establishing a
branch, engaging in any new activities, or making capital distributions. Other
actions which federal banking agencies may take with respect to such institution
include requiring the issuance of additional voting securities; placing
limitations on asset growth; mandating asset reduction; mandating changes in
senior management; requiring the divestiture, merger or acquisition of the
institution; placing restrictions on executive compensation; and any other
action that the agency deems appropriate. If the depository institution's
capital levels fall below certain thresholds, FDICIA requires that the
appropriate federal banking agency be appointed as a receiver or conservator of
the institution.
During 1992, the federal banking regulators began the task of proposing
and adopting regulations required to implement the provisions of FDICIA. The
OTS, along with the other federal banking agencies, adopted uniform regulations
establishing criteria to define the five levels of regulatory capital specified
under FDICIA. Under those regulations, the Savings Bank falls into the category
of well capitalized, and the provisions of FDICIA described in the preceding
paragraph are therefore not expected to have any material adverse effect on the
Savings Bank.
The FDIC also adopted a final rule establishing a risk-based insurance
premium assessment system, which took effect on January 1, 1993. Under this
regulation, insurance premiums of SAIF insured institutions may vary, depending
on the regulatory capital level and supervisory rating of the institution. This
risk-based premium assessment system is not expected to result in any material
increase in insurance premium assessments applicable to the Savings Bank because
of its relatively high level of regulatory capital and favorable supervisory
ratings. However, the FDIC has indicated it will review the adequacy of the
premium assessment levels and will make further changes in premium rates as
necessary to assure sufficient reserves are maintained in the insurance fund.
As anticipated, the SAIF was recapitalized during 1996 by a one-time
special assessment imposed on all SAIF members. The $2,856,000 assessment paid
by First Northern had a significant impact on its 1996 financial results.
However, the effect of the recapitalization is a significant reduction in
federal deposit insurance premiums for SAIF-insured institutions on an ongoing
basis.
Other examples of regulations adopted and other significant regulatory
developments under FDICIA are summarized below. Although applicable to the
Savings Bank, none of these regulations are expected to have any material
adverse effect on First Northern's financial condition or future operations. The
FDIC has adopted regulations requiring all insured depository institutions with
$500 million or more in assets to have annual audits by an independent public
accountant and an independent audit committee made up of outside directors, and
requiring annual reports by management on its responsibility for preparing
financial statements and establishing and maintaining an internal control
structure for financial reporting and compliance. The
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29
federal regulatory agencies have established uniform rules and guidelines for
real estate lending, but these rules do not preclude individual institutions
from establishing their own specific standards. The Federal Reserve Board
adopted a rule under the Truth in Savings Act imposing certain disclosure in
advertising requirements for interest-bearing transaction and savings accounts,
and requiring that an individual and other non-business accounts offered by
depository institutions be accompanied by disclosures of the terms, conditions,
fees and yields applicable to the account. This rule also establishes
standardized terms that must be used in connection with interest-bearing
deposits. Finally, the OTS adopted a new rule effective January 1, 1994
requiring savings institutions to reflect interest-rate risk in their capital
requirements. For institutions in excess of $300 million in assets, like the
Savings Bank, institutions will be required to hold capital against interest
rate risk only when the risk exceeds a decline in net portfolio value of more
than 2% of an institution's assets. Net portfolio value is the difference
between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities and
off-balance sheet contracts.
GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT. On November 12, 1999, President Clinton signed
legislation which could have a far-reaching impact on the financial services
industry. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "Act") authorizes affiliations between
banking, securities and insurance firms and authorizes bank holding companies
and national banks to engage in a variety of new financial activities. Under the
Act, a bank holding company that qualifies as and elects to become a financial
holding company may engage in any activity that the Federal Reserve Board, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines by regulation or
order is (i) financial in nature, (ii) incidental to any such financial
activity, or (iii) complementary to any such financial activity and does not
pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of depository institutions or
the financial system generally. Among the new activities that will be permitted
to bank holding companies are securities and insurance brokerage, securities
underwriting, insurance underwriting, and merchant banking. National bank
subsidiaries will be permitted to engage in similar financial activities but
only on an agency basis unless they are subsidiaries of one of the 50 largest
banks in the country. National bank subsidiaries will be prohibited from
insurance underwriting, real estate development and merchant banking.
Under the law in effect prior to the Act, unitary savings and loan
holding companies, such as First Northern, were not generally subject to any
restrictions on the non-banking activities in which they could engage, either
directly or through a subsidiary. The Act limits the nonbanking activities of
unitary savings and loan holding companies by generally prohibiting any savings
and loan holding company from engaging in any activity other than activities
that (i) are currently permitted for multiple savings and loan holding companies
or (ii) are permissible for financial holding companies (collectively
"permissible activities"). The Act also generally prohibits any company from
acquiring control of a savings association or savings and loan holding company
unless the acquiring company engages solely in permissible activities. The Act
creates an exemption from these general prohibitions for unitary savings and
loan holding companies, like First Northern, in existence, or formed pursuant to
an application pending before the OTS, on or before May 4, 1999.
The Act also imposes new requirements on financial institutions with
respect to customer privacy. The Act generally prohibits disclosure of customer
information to non-affiliated third parties unless the customer has been given
the opportunity to object and has not objected to such disclosure. Financial
institutions are further required to disclose their privacy policies to
customers annually. Financial institutions, however, will be required to comply
with state law if it is more protective of customer privacy than the Act.
In addition, the Act contains significant revisions to the Federal Home
Loan Bank System. The Act imposes new capital requirements on the Federal Home
Loan Banks and authorizes them to issue two classes of stock with differing
dividend rates and redemption requirements. The Act expands the permissible uses
of Federal Home Loan Bank advances by community financial institutions (under
$500 million in assets) to include funding loans to small businesses, small
farms and small agri-businesses. The Act makes membership in the Federal Home
Loan Bank System voluntary for federal savings associations.
The Act as well contains a variety of other provisions including a
prohibition against ATM surcharges unless the customer has first been provided
notice of the imposition and amount of the fee. The Act reduces the frequency of
Community Reinvestment Act examinations for small institutions and imposes
certain reporting requirements on depository institutions that make payments to
non-governmental entities in connection with the Community Reinvestment Act. The
Act also eliminates the SAIF special reserve and authorizes a federal savings
association that converts to a national or state bank charter to continue to use
the term "federal" in its name and to retain any interstate branches.
Many of the provisions of the Act have delayed effective dates and
require the issuance of regulations to implement the statutory provisions. As
such, First Northern is unable to predict the full impact of the Act on its
operations at this time.
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STATE REGULATION
Under Wisconsin law, a savings and loan holding company which controls
a Wisconsin chartered savings and loan (such as First Northern) is subject to
the supervision and control of the WDFI-Administrator. A savings and loan
holding company will be required to file reports of its financial condition when
requested by the WDFI-Administrator. The WDFI-Administrator may examine the
savings and loan holding company at any time it deems necessary. If in the
opinion of the WDFI-Administrator, the condition or operations of the savings
and loan holding company would endanger the safety of the capital of the Savings
Bank, the WDFI-Administrator may: (i) order the savings and loan holding company
to correct any such deficiency; (ii) fully direct the operation of such savings
and loan association or savings and loan holding company until the order is
complied with; and/or (iii) withhold all dividends from the institution whose
operation it directs.
While specific Wisconsin provisions governing savings associations may
vary from the federal regulations described above, in most regards the state
regulations parallel federal regulations. Regulations of the WDFI-Administrator
limit the loan-to-value ratios with respect to residential and commercial
property loans, establish liquidity and loan reserve requirements, regulate the
sale of loans and participation interest therein, and limit service corporation
activities. The approval of the WDFI-Administrator is required to open, sell,
purchase or relocate a branch office and to effect mergers involving Wisconsin
chartered savings institutions.
The WDFI-Administrator established a net worth (computed in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles) to total assets ("net worth
ratio") requirement in 1987. This requirement was implemented in stages until
the current required 6% net worth ratio was achieved. The WDFI-Administrator
may, however, require a state-chartered savings institution to maintain a higher
net worth level if the WDFI-Administrator determines that the institution's
operations otherwise entail a greater risk requiring a higher level of net worth
to assure stability.
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
The ability of the Savings Bank to pay dividends on its stock is
restricted by regulations of the OTS and WDFI-Administrator and by tax
considerations related to savings associations. While First Northern will not be
subject directly to these restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, and will
be only directly governed by certain restrictions imposed by the Wisconsin
Business Corporation Law (the "WBCL") on Wisconsin corporations generally,
because First Northern's ability to pay dividends will depend primarily upon the
ability of the Savings Bank to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to it,
First Northern will be indirectly affected by these restrictions.
Under OTS regulations, a savings association that, immediately prior
to, and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to, a proposed capital
distribution (including cash dividends, stock repurchases and cash mergers), has
total capital (as defined by OTS regulation) that is equal to or greater than
the amount of its fully phased-in capital requirements (a "Tier 1 Association")
is generally permitted, after notice, to make capital distributions during a
calendar year in the amount equal to the greater of: (a) 75% of its net income
for the previous four quarters; or (b) up to 100% of its net income to date
during the calendar year plus an amount that would reduce by one-half the amount
by which its ratio of total capital to assets exceeded its fully phased-in
capital requirement to its assets at the beginning of the calendar year. The
Savings Bank currently qualifies as a Tier 1 Association. Furthermore, the OTS
may prohibit a proposed capital distribution which would otherwise be permitted
by the regulations if the OTS determines that such distribution would constitute
an unsafe or unsound practice.
As discussed above, the WDFI-Administrator has promulgated regulations
which establish certain net worth to total assets requirements. The net worth
requirement is 6.00%. Unless a Wisconsin savings association receives the
WDFI-Administrator's prior written approval, it may not pay a dividend or
otherwise distribute any profits when its net worth ratio is, or upon such
payment or distribution would be, below the WDFI-Administrator's net worth
requirements. At December 31, 1998, First Northern's net worth ratio for
Wisconsin regulatory purposes was 10.2%.
In addition to the foregoing, earnings of the Savings Bank appropriated
to bad debt reserves for losses and deducted for federal income tax purposes are
not available to pay cash dividends or other distributions without payment of
federal income taxes at the then current income tax rates on the amounts deemed
paid therefrom. Also, the Savings Bank is not permitted to pay dividends on its
capital stock if its regulatory capital would thereby be reduced below the
remaining balance of any liquidation accounts which were established for the
benefit of certain depositors of the Savings Bank (and savings associations
merged into the Savings Bank) in connection with the conversion from the mutual
to stock form of ownership.
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While the ability of First Northern to pay dividends will not be
directly subject to the above restrictions, it will be limited by restrictions
imposed by the WBCL. The WBCL prohibits a Wisconsin corporation from making a
distribution (including a cash dividend, stock repurchase or a distribution of
evidences of indebtedness) if, after giving effect to such distribution, such
corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they come due in the usual
course of business or if such corporation's total assets would be less than the
sum of its liabilities and the amount that would be needed, if such corporation
were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the
preferential rights upon dissolution of any stockholders whose preferential
rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.
The payment of future cash dividends by First Northern will depend
primarily upon the Savings Bank's earnings, financial condition and capital
requirements, as well as the tax and regulatory considerations discussed herein.
The Savings Bank Board of Directors considers many factors in the payment of
dividends, including the Savings Bank's profitability, maintenance of adequate
capital, the Savings Bank's current and anticipated future income, outstanding
loan commitments, adequacy of loan loss reserves, cash flow requirements and
economic conditions. Federal regulations require the Savings Bank to give the
OTS 30 days' advance notice of any proposed declaration of dividends to First
Northern.
The dividend restrictions referred to above are not currently expected
to impair the ability of First Northern to make dividend payments consistent
with past practice.
FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION
FEDERAL TAXATION. First Northern and its subsidiaries file a calendar year
consolidated federal income tax return, reporting income and expenses using the
accrual method of accounting.
BAD DEBT RESERVES. On August 20, 1996, the President of the United States signed
the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (the "Act"). The Act repealed the
"reserve method" of accounting for bad debts by most thrift institutions
effective for taxable years beginning after 1995. Larger thrift institutions
such as the Savings Bank are now required to use the "specific charge-off
method." The Act also grants partial relief from reserve recapture provisions
which are triggered by the change in method. This legislation did not have a
material impact on First Northern's financial condition or results of
operations.
The federal income tax returns for First Northern have been examined
and audited or closed without audit by the IRS for tax years through 1996.
Depending on the composition of its items of income and expense, First
Northern may be subject to alternative minimum tax ("AMT") to the extent AMT
exceeds the regular tax liability. AMT is calculated at 20% of alternative
minimum taxable income ("AMTI"). AMTI equals regular taxable income increased by
certain tax preferences, including depreciation deductions in excess of
allowable AMT amounts, certain tax-exempt interest income and 75% of the excess
of adjusted current earnings ("ACE") over AMTI. ACE equals AMTI adjusted for
certain items, primarily accelerated depreciation and tax-exempt interest. The
payment of AMT would create a tax credit, which can be carried forward
indefinitely to reduce the regular tax liability in future years.
STATE TAXATION. Under current law, the state of Wisconsin imposes a corporate
franchise tax of 7.9% on the separate taxable incomes of the members of First
Northern's consolidated income tax group except FNII, which is located in
Nevada. Presently, the income of FNII is only subject to taxation in Nevada,
which currently does not impose a corporate income or franchise tax.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
First Northern's corporate/downtown office is located at 201 North
Monroe Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Savings Bank conducts its business from
the corporate/downtown office and 18 additional branch offices at locations
described below in Brown, Manitowoc, Door, Shawano, Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca
and Marinette counties. First Northern has under continuing review the
possibility of applying for additional branch locations, depending on
management's assessment of market and economic conditions, the availability of
locations and the proximity of branches of competing institutions.
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The following table lists each of First Northern's offices.
DOWNTOWN GREEN BAY KIEL
201 N. Monroe Avenue 622 Fremont Street
Green Bay, WI 54301-4995 Kiel, WI 53042-1321
Brown County Manitowoc County
PESHTIGO STURGEON BAY
616 French Street 1227 Egg Harbor Road
Peshtigo, WI 54157-0193 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-0068
Marinette County Door County
PINE TREE MALL SHAWANO
2314 Roosevelt Road 835 E. Green Bay Avenue
Marinette, WI 54143-0345 Shawano, WI 54166-0396
Marinette County Shawano County
ASHWAUBENON BRILLION
2357 S. Oneida Street 314 N. Main Street
Green Bay, WI 54304-5286 Brillion, WI 54110-1198
Brown County Calumet County
HOWARD EAST MASON
2603 Glendale Avenue 2370 East Mason Street
Green Bay, WI 54313-6823 Green Bay, WI 54302-3347
Brown County Brown County
EAST WEST DE PERE
2255 University Avenue 749 Main Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54308-8046 De Pere, WI 54115-5190
Brown County Brown County
CRIVITZ EAST DE PERE
315 Highway 141 330 North Broadway
Crivitz, WI 54114-0340 De Pere, WI 54115-5250
Marinette County Brown County
NEW HOLSTEIN WEST
2205 Wisconsin Avenue 2424 West Mason Street
New Holstein, WI 53061-1291 Green Bay, WI 54303-4711
Calumet County Brown County
NEW LONDON HORTONVILLE
101 Park Street 209 South Nash Street
New London, WI 54961 Hortonville, WI 54944
Waupaca County Outagamie County
MARINETTE OPERATIONS CENTER
830 Pierce Avenue 201 West Walnut St.
Marinette, WI 54143-0138 Green Bay, WI 54302
Marinette County Brown County
With the exception of the Pine Tree Mall location, and the Operations
Center, which are leased, First Northern owns the remainder of its locations.
The eighteen owned locations are all free-standing buildings which contain
between 1,800 and 3,600 square feet, with the exception of the
corporate/downtown office, New London office and East De Pere office which
contain
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approximately 25,000, 8,000 and 4,400 square feet, respectively. Each of the
owned locations also has drive-up facilities. The Pine Tree Mall location is
approximately 1,500 square feet and the Operations Center in downtown Green Bay
is approximately 14,000 square feet. All of First Northern's services are
available to its customers in each office except the Operations Center.
The eighteen locations owned by First Northern had a book value (net of
accumulated depreciation) of $6,006,000 at December 31, 1999.
All of First Northern's locations are designed for use and operation as
a savings bank except for the Operations Center, are well maintained and
suitable for current operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
To First Northern's knowledge, no material legal proceedings are
pending or contemplated to which it or any of its subsidiaries are or would be a
party, or of which any of their property is or would be the subject, other than
ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The following table contains certain information regarding those
officers of First Northern and the Savings Bank who have been determined by the
Board of Directors of First Northern to be Executive Officers of First Northern.
OFFICES AND POSITIONS
WITH FIRST NORTHERN PRESENT OFFICE
NAME AGE AND THE SAVINGS BANK HELD SINCE(1)
Michael D. Meeuwsen 46 Director, President 1988 (2)
and Chief Executive Officer
of First Northern and the
Savings Bank
Rick B. Colberg 47 Vice President, Chief 1980 (3)
Financial Officer and
Treasurer of First Northern
and Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Savings Bank
Marla J. Carr 44 Vice President and Secretary 1980 (4)
of First Northern and
Senior Vice President-Human
Resources and Secretary
of the Savings Bank
John E. Steinbrecker 49 Senior Vice President-Retail 1984 (5)
Deposits and Brokerage Services
of the Savings Bank
Richard E. Aicher 49 Senior Vice President-Lending of 1979 (6)
the Savings Bank
Dale J. Darmody 51 Senior Vice President-Director of 1990 (7)
Branch Development of the
Savings Bank
Steven L. Wilmet 53 Senior Vice President-Operations and 1994 (8)
Branch Development of the
Savings Bank
- --------------------
(1) Indicates date when individual first held present office with the Savings
Bank. All persons listed herein became executive officers of First Northern in
1995.
(2) Mr. Meeuwsen joined the Savings Bank in 1980 as a branch manager and was
named Vice President of Operations and Savings Manager in 1982. In 1984, Mr.
Meeuwsen became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in April,
1989 he was named President and Chief Operating Officer and in January, 1990 he
was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Savings Bank.
(3) Mr. Colberg, prior to becoming Treasurer of the Savings Bank in 1982, was
Vice President since 1978, was Chief Financial Officer in 1980 and designated
Senior Vice President in 1997. Mr. Colberg has been employed by the Savings Bank
for 28 years.
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(4) Ms. Carr has been Human Resources Director of the Savings Bank since 1976.
She was elected Vice President, Secretary in 1980 and designated Senior Vice
President in 1997. Ms. Carr has been with the Savings Bank for 26 years.
(5) Mr. Steinbrecker was named Vice President-Retail Deposits and Brokerage
Services in 1994 and Senior Vice President in 1997. Prior to that he was named
Vice President-Savings and Marketing in 1984 and was named Vice President and
Marketing Director in 1981. Mr. Steinbrecker has been employed by the Savings
Bank for 20 years.
(6) Mr. Aicher, who has been with the Savings Bank since 1974, was elected Vice
President in 1977, loan manager in 1979 and Senior Vice President in 1997. Mr.
Aicher has been employed by the Savings Bank for 26 years.
(7) Mr. Darmody was elected Vice President in 1990 and Senior Vice President in
1997. Prior to that date, he was Assistant Vice President and Residential Loan
Origination Manager since 1985. Mr. Darmody joined the Savings Bank in 1981.
(8) Mr. Wilmet joined the Savings Bank in April, 1994 upon consummation of the
merger with Prime Federal, assuming his present position pursuant to the terms
of the merger agreement and designated Senior Vice President in 1997. Prior to
such merger, Mr. Wilmet served as Vice President of Operations and Secretary of
Prime Federal.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
The common stock of First Northern Capital Corp. is traded on The
Nasdaq Stock Market(R) National Market under the symbol "FNGB." Information in
this section has been restated to give retroactive effect to the Company's
August 18, 1997, two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend.
As of February 25, 2000, there were 8,586,308 shares of common stock
outstanding and approximately 2,370 stockholders of record of the Company's
common stock. The chart below represents the cash dividends paid for each of the
stated quarters.
CASH DIVIDENDS PAID
QUARTER 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
1st Quarter $ .11* $ .10 $ .09 $ .08 $ .075 $ .07
2nd Quarter -- .10 .09 .08 .075 .07
3rd Quarter -- .10 .09 .08 .075 .07
4th Quarter -- .10 .09 .08 .075 .07
---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----
Total -- $ .40 $ .36 $ .32 $ .300 $ .28
==== ==== ==== ==== ===== ====
* The Company's Board of Directors raised the regular quarterly cash dividend
from $0.10 to $0.11 per share, a 10% increase, which was paid on February 9,
2000 to stockholders of record on January 31, 2000.
The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash
dividends on its common stock, although there can be no assurance that payment
of such dividends will continue. The payment of dividends in the future is
discretionary with the Company's Board of Directors and will depend on the
Company's operating results and financial condition, regulatory limitations, tax
considerations and other factors. Under the Merger Agreement with Mutual,
pending the completion of the Merger, First Northern has agreed not to pay any
dividends except for regular quarterly cash dividends not exceeding $0.11 per
share.
Interest on deposit accounts will be paid prior to payment of dividends
on the Company's common stock. Earnings appropriated to bad debt reserves and
deducted for federal income tax purposes cannot be used to pay cash dividends
without the payment of federal income taxes on the amounts removed from the
reserves for such purpose at the then current income tax rate.
COMMON STOCK TRADING PRICE RANGE
(High and Low Sales Price)
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low
---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ---- ---
1st Quarter 13 10 7/8 14 12 1/4 10 8 1/8 8 3/8 7 5/9 6 7/8 5 7/8
2nd Quarter 12 10 14 13 11 9 1/8 8 1/4 7 9/16 7 1/8 6 1/2
3rd Quarter 14 10 5/8 13 7/8 9 3/4 14 1/4 10 9/16 8 3/4 7 9/16 8 7/16 6 5/8
4th Quarter 12 1/8 8 3/4 13 3/4 9 1/2 14 1/8 12 3/4 9 1/2 8 8 1/4 7 3/8
During the first two months of 2000, the Company's common stock sales price
ranged between $14.00 to $8.25 per share, and closed on February 29, 2000 at
$12.438 per share.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
All information has been restated to reflect the December 20, 1995
reorganization of the Savings Bank into a unitary holding company structure and
the two-for-one stock split on August 18, 1997.
OPERATING RESULTS FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest Income $52,770 $49,690 $46,596 $41,876 $39,025
Interest Expense 30,686 29,003 26,491 23,203 22,036
Net Interest Income 22,084 20,687 20,105 18,673 16,989
Provision for Loan Losses 472 420 320 370 240
Non-Interest Income 3,854 4,239 3,276 2,686 3,210
Non-Interest Expense 14,564 14,071 13,374 15,939(1) 12,651
Net Income 7,377 6,829 6,036 3,283(2) 4,590
Basic Net Income Per Share 0.85 0.77 0.68 0.37(2) 0.51
Diluted Net Income per Share 0.83 0.75 0.66 0.36(2) 0.49
Dividends Declared (Historical) 0.40 0.36 0.32 0.30 0.28
(1) Non-interest expense includes the one-time special SAIF assessment of
$2,856,000.
(2) Net income, basic net income per share and diluted net income per share
were decreased by the after tax effect of the one-time special SAIF
assessment of $1,733,000, $0.19 and $0.19, respectively.
FINANCIAL POSITION AT DECEMBER 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets $839,623 $719,713 $667,696 $615,503 $553,467
Securities Available-for-Sale 13,998 10,201 7,731 7,472 4,991
Securities Held-to-Maturity 36,263 35,263 31,906 25,908 23,388
Loans Receivable 736,880 631,739 593,529 553,995 500,535
Loans Held for Sale 1,085 3,075 2,119 2,532 2,989
Deposits 566,908 542,372 481,788 458,323 449,954
Borrowings 185,899 91,977 103,277 77,272 21,000
Stockholders' Equity 76,795 76,093 73,817 70,224 72,579
Book Value Per Share 8.98 8.68 8.35 8.01 7.97
Shares Outstanding
Net of Treasury Stock 8,549 8,765 8,846 8,775 9,110
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KEY RATIOS & OTHER DATA AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Interest Rate Spread Information:
Weighted Average Interest Rates
Loans/Investments Yield 7.14% 7.25% 7.57% 7.43% 7.39%
Cost of Money 4.68% 4.54% 4.83% 4.60% 4.63%
Spread at December 31 2.46% 2.71% 2.74% 2.83% 2.76%
Average Spread Earned
During the Year 2.69% 2.73% 2.83% 2.86% 2.69%
Non-performing Assets to
Total Assets 0.08% 0.06% 0.09% 0.15% 0.10%
Return on Average Assets 0.96% 0.98% 0.94% 0.56%(1) 0.83%
Return on Average
Stockholders' Equity 9.60% 9.08% 8.38% 4.61%(1) 6.43%
Stockholders' Equity to
Total Assets 9.15% 10.57% 11.06% 11.41% 13.11%
Net Interest Margin 3.00% 3.11% 3.26% 3.31% 3.17%
Number of Offices 19 19 19 20 20
Number of Employees -
Full-Time Equivalents 230 221 216 214 213
(1) Excluding the one-time special SAIF assessment, Return on Average Assets
would have been .86% and Return on Average Stockholders' Equity would have
been 7.05%.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
OVERVIEW
First Northern Capital Corp. (the "Company" or "First Northern") is a
unitary savings and loan holding company, of which First Northern Savings Bank,
S.A. (the "Savings Bank"), a Wisconsin chartered capital stock savings and loan
association, is a wholly owned subsidiary.
The Savings Bank was reorganized into First Northern on December 20,
1995, with each outstanding share of the Savings Bank's common stock converted
into one share of the Company's common stock (the "Reorganization").
Consequently, the holders of all the outstanding stock of the Savings Bank
acquired the same proportionate ownership interest in First Northern as they had
held in the Savings Bank. The consolidated capital, assets, liabilities, income
and other financial data of First Northern immediately following the
Reorganization were substantially the same as those of the Savings Bank
immediately prior to consummation of the Reorganization.
The Savings Bank is the only direct subsidiary of the Company and its
operations are the primary contributor to the Company's earnings and expenses.
The Savings Bank's business consists primarily of attracting deposits from the
general public and originating loans throughout its Northeastern Wisconsin
branch network. Great Northern Financial Services Corporation ("GNFSC"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Savings Bank, offers full brokerage services to
the public through a network agreement with a registered broker-dealer and sells
tax deferred annuities, credit life and disability insurance. Another wholly
owned Savings Bank subsidiary, First Northern Investments, Inc. ("FNII"),
manages a majority of the Savings Bank's investments, purchases automobile loans
from Savings Financial Corp. ("SFC") and mortgage loan participations from its
parent. SFC, which is 50% owned by the Savings Bank, originates, services and
sells automobile loans to FNII and its other parent corporation.
In connection with the following discussion, see the financial data in
Item 1 and "Cautionary Factors" in Item 1 of this document regarding
forward-looking statements and factors that could impact the business and
financial prospects of the Company.
MERGER AGREEMENT
On February 21, 2000, First Northern entered into a Merger Agreement
with Mutual Savings Bank which provides for the acquisition of First Northern by
Mutual. See Item 1. "Business--Merger Agreement with Mutual Saving Bank.", which
is incorporated by reference herein.
BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
LIQUIDITY. The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits (retail and
wholesale), proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans, advances
from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") of Chicago, and, to a lesser
extent, maturities of investment securities and short-term investments, sales of
loans, repurchase agreements, and operations. While scheduled loan repayments
and maturing investments are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit
flows and loan prepayments are influenced to a great extent by interest rates,
general economic conditions, and competition.
Federal regulations historically have required First Northern to
maintain minimum levels of liquid assets such as cash, certain time deposits,
U.S. government and agency securities, and other obligations generally having
remaining maturities of less than five years. Liquidity requirements have varied
from time to time based upon economic conditions and deposit flows. The current
requirement is 4% of the preceding calendar month's average net withdrawable
deposits and borrowings payable on demand or in one year or less ("liquidity
base") or of the average daily balance of the liquidity base during the
preceding quarter. The Company's total liquidity ratio at December 31, 1999 was
5.45% and 5.49% at December 31, 1998. The liquidity ratio decreased at year-end
1999 as compared to year-end 1998 as a result of funding loan originations.
Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term responsibility of
management. The Company adjusts its investments in liquid assets based upon
management's assessment of: (i) expected loan demand; (ii) expected deposit
flows; (iii) yields available on interest-earning deposits; and (iv) the
objectives of its asset/liability management program. Excess liquidity is
generally invested in interest-earning overnight deposits and short- to
intermediate-term U.S. Government and agency obligations. If the Savings Bank
requires funds beyond its ability to generate them from operations, it can
borrow from the FHLB of Chicago (See "Borrowings").
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INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. A substantial portion of the
Company's investment securities (approximately $32.4 million at December 31,
1999 and $33.3 million at December 31, 1998) are held and managed by FNII. (See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -- Note 2 and Note 3 -- Securities
Available-for-Sale and Securities Held-to-Maturity.)
Interest-earning deposits increased $3.5 million in 1999 as a result of
placing excess funds in overnight deposits until the funds (usually a day) are
needed.
The securities available-for-sale increased to $14.0 million at
December 31, 1999, from $10.2 million at December 31, 1998. The increase in 1999
is the result of reinvesting interest earned on the investments held in
available-for-sale into additional securities and the purchasing of additional
mortgage-related securities. First Northern purchases mortgage-backed and
mortgage-related securities that are guaranteed by government sponsored
enterprises such as FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA.
The securities held-to-maturity increased to $36.3 million at December
31, 1999 from $35.3 million at December 31, 1998, as a result of reinvesting
interest earned on the investments held-to-maturity.
LENDING ACTIVITIES. First Northern has traditionally concentrated on the
origination of adjustable and fixed interest rate one- to four-family mortgage
loans and consumer loans throughout its 19 offices. First Northern also
originates construction, more than four-family ("multi-family") residential,
commercial real estate loans and beginning in 1999, commercial loans. In
addition, the Savings Bank will purchase one- to four-family and multi-family
mortgage loans from other sources primarily within the State of Wisconsin.
Adjustable interest rate mortgage loans are originated for First Northern's
portfolio while fixed interest rate mortgage loans, particularly those with
terms greater than 20 years, are primarily originated for sale in the secondary
mortgage market. First Northern retains 15 and 20 year fixed interest rate
mortgage loan originations in its portfolio. At December 31, 1999, approximately
75% of First Northern's mortgage loan portfolio were interest rate adjustable as
compared to 76% at December 31, 1998.
First Northern originates a variety of adjustable and fixed interest
rate mortgage loan products based upon market demands and general economic
conditions. Adjustable indexed interest rate mortgage loans at December 31,
1999, contain an interest rate adjustment provision tied to the national monthly
median cost of funds ratio for Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF")
insured institutions, plus an additional mark-up of 2.95% to 4.25% (the "index")
which varies with the mortgage loan product. Interest rates on indexed mortgage
loans are adjusted, up or down, on predetermined dates fixed by contract, in
relation to and based on the index or market interest rates. In the first six
months of 1999, First Northern adjusted interest rates on indexed mortgage loans
downward at or before the contractual interest rate adjustment date in response
to decreasing market interest rates. If the adjustable indexed mortgage loans
interest rates had not been decreased, these mortgage loans would have
refinanced to a fixed interest rate mortgage loan or another indexed mortgage
loan at a lesser interest rate. In the second quarter of 1999, the increasing
market interest rates allowed First Northern to increase interest rates on
certain mortgage loans. In 1999, First Northern decreased interest rates on
approximately $28.0 million of its mortgage loans and increased interest rates
on approximately $43.0 million of its mortgage loans.
Adjustable indexed interest rate mortgage loans have an initial period,
ranging from one to five years, during which the interest rate is fixed, with
adjustments permitted thereafter, subject to annual and lifetime interest rate
caps which vary with the product. Annual limits on interest rate increases are
1% to 2%, while aggregate lifetime interest rate increases over the term of the
loan are currently at 6% above the original mortgage loan interest rate.
First Northern's origination of second mortgage loans, automobile,
boat, recreational vehicle and other types of consumer loans, which are
generally of shorter maturities than first mortgage loans, enhances the matching
of maturities of its assets and liabilities and offer a higher yield. Second
mortgage loans are offered on both a fixed and adjustable interest rate basis;
other consumer loans are generally offered on a fixed interest rate basis.
At December 31, 1999, approximately 23% and as of December 31, 1998,
approximately 35% of First Northern's consumer loan portfolio was interest rate
adjustable.
First Northern added commercial lending to its existing product lines
in the second quarter of 1999. To manage the commercial banking department,
First Northern hired an experienced commercial loan manager. During 1999, $5.0
million of commercial loans were originated as well as $14.4 million of
commercial real state loans which are reported in the mortgage loan
originations.
41
The following table sets forth First Northern's mortgage, consumer and
commercial loan originations and purchases:
LOAN ORIGINATIONS AND PURCHASES
DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1999 1998
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Mortgage loans originated and purchased :
Construction - residential $ 46,226 $ 31,115
Construction - commercial real estate 1,540 5,930
Loans on existing property 80,051 59,021
Refinancing 62,432 153,614
Other loans 2,739 2,049
--------- ---------
Total mortgage loans originated and purchased 192,988 251,729
Consumer loans originated and purchased:
Consumer 10,831 9,912
Second mortgage 47,415 38,747
Automobile 72,264 48,661
Education 2,143 2,317
--------- ---------
Total consumer loans originated and purchased 132,653 99,637
--------- ---------
Commercial loans originated and purchased 5,032
--------- ---------
Total loans originated and purchased $ 330,673 $ 351,366
========= =========
The dollar volume of First Northern's mortgage loan originations and
purchases decreased in 1999 as compared to 1998 primarily as a result of a
decline in the mortgage loan refinancing activity. In addition, First Northern
continued to purchase mortgage loans in 1999 primarily from other Wisconsin
financial institutions. In 1999, First Northern purchased $31.9 million of one-
to four-family residential loans, $1.5 million of multi-family loans and $3.5
million of commercial real estate loans as compared to $15.0 million of one- to
four-family residential, $1.7 million of multi-family and $0.6 million of
commercial real estate loans in 1998. First Northern purchases loans when
interest rates on these loans provide an opportunity to incrementally add to the
profitability of the Company.
First Northern's growth in the dollar amount of mortgage loans
outstanding was $70.1 million or 14.3% for 1999 as compared to $38.7 million or
8.6% in 1998. The increase in the 1999 mortgage loan portfolio was the result of
more adjustable interest rate mortgage loan originations which are retained in
the portfolio, as opposed to 30 year fixed interest rate mortgage loan
originations which are sold in the secondary market, and reduced mortgage loan
refinancings.
At December 31, 1999, First Northern had approximately $140.2 million
fixed interest rate mortgage loans in its mortgage loan portfolio, compared to
approximately $116.0 million of fixed interest rate mortgage loans at December
31, 1998.
In 1999, First Northern sold $20.1 million of fixed interest rate
mortgage loans as compared to $63.2 million in 1998. This decrease was the
result of increasing interest rates on fixed interest rate mortgage loans and a
shift in consumer preference toward adjustable interest rate mortgage loans.
The consumer loan portfolio at December 31, 1999, increased $36.4
million as compared to December 31, 1998 as a result of increased consumer loan
originations and purchases. The increase in consumer loan originations of $33.0
million was the result of increased second mortgage loan originations and an
increase in the dollar amount of loan purchases from SFC. In 1999, First
Northern and FNII purchased $63.7 million of automobile loans from SFC as
compared to $40.9 million in 1998. This increase in purchases from SFC was the
result of continued growth in the indirect automobile loan market. SFC
originates indirect automobile loans in the State of Wisconsin and sells these
loans to the Savings Bank or FNII and the other SFC shareholder while retaining
the servicing of such loans.
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42
ASSET QUALITY. First Northern currently classifies any loan on which a payment
is 90 days or more past due as non-performing. The following table summarizes
non-performing loans and assets:
NON-PERFORMING LOANS AND ASSETS
AT DECEMBER 31
1999 1998
------ -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Non-accrual mortgage loans $243 $223
Non-accrual consumer loans 40 123
------ -----
Total non-performing loans 283 346
Properties subject to foreclosure 318 68
Foreclosed properties and repossessed assets 63 38
------ ------
Total non-performing assets $664 $452
==== ====
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans .04% .05%
=== ===
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets .08% .06%
=== ===
Total non-performing loans and assets increased in dollar amount in
1999 as compared to 1998, but decreased as a percentage of total loans. This low
level of non-performing loans, as compared to state and national averages, was
the result of the stable economy in First Northern's market areas and
management's continued emphasis to maintain non-performing assets at low levels.
Management also believes that allowances for losses on loans, real
estate owned and repossessed assets are adequate. While management uses
available information to recognize losses on loans, real estate owned and
repossessed assets, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on
changes in economic conditions or regulatory requirements.
A summary of the general loan loss allowances is shown below:
GENERAL LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCES
AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1999 1998 1997
----------- ------------ -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Balance at the beginning of the year $3,531 $3,177 $2,937
Provisions 472 420 320
Charge-offs (122) (99) (101)
Recoveries 29 33 21
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at the end of the year $3,910 $3,531 $3,177
====== ====== ======
Allowance as a percent of
total loans .53% .56% .53%
=== === ===
Allowance as a percent of
non-performing loans 1,381.63% 1,020.52% 722.05%
======== ======== ======
Allowance as a percent of
total assets .47% .49% .48%
=== === ===
Allowance as a percent of
non-performing assets 588.86% 781.19% 535.75%
====== ====== ======
42
43
LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES. Life insurance policies or bank owned life insurance
("BOLI") increased $1.0 million in 1999 primarily as a result of the increased
value. BOLI is long-term life insurance on the lives of certain current and past
Savings Bank employees where the insurance policy benefits and ownership are
retained by the Savings Bank. The cash value accumulation on BOLI is permanently
tax deferred if the policy is held to the participant's death. Management
believes this is an effective method to help offset a portion of future employee
benefit costs.
DEPOSITS. Deposits increased $24.5 million or 4.5% in 1999 as compared to $60.6
million or 12.6% in 1998. Deposit growth moderated in 1999 primarily as a result
of the investment returns on competing investments in which consumers placed
their funds. As of December 31, 1999 deposits totaled $566.9 million or 74.3% of
total liabilities.
First Northern experienced modest deposit growth in 1999 as a result
of; (i) Northeastern Wisconsin continuing to have good economic growth which has
created new customers; and (ii) the utilization of wholesale and jumbo deposits.
Competition for retail deposits in First Northern's market area has been and
will continue to be very strong.
First Northern establishes savings deposit interest rates to be
competitive in each market area and to maintain a favorable interest rate
spread. The deposit acquisition philosophy continues to be that an increase in
deposit dollars will be sought only if the increase is incrementally profitable.
Due to competition for retail deposits, First Northern will continue to
seek alternative sources of funding, including wholesale and jumbo ($90,000 or
more) deposits. At December 31, 1999, First Northern had a total of $53.2
million of wholesale brokered, corporate and municipal jumbo deposits as
compared to $32.1 million at the end of 1998. Jumbo and wholesale deposits
accounted for 86% of the deposit increase for 1999 and at times, were obtained
at a slightly lower cost than retail deposits. This strategy of acquiring
wholesale and jumbo deposits continues to be an integral part of the Savings
Bank's deposit acquisition strategy for 2000.
First Northern established an internet site (www.firstnorthern.com) in
1999 and utilized other websites to publicize deposit interest rates. Management
believes the website aided in the acquisition of jumbo deposits. The First
Northern website is anticipated to develop into another distribution channel for
First Northern products and services in the year 2000 and beyond.
First Northern believes that the household checking account is the
basic account upon which further customer banking relationships can be
developed. First Northern utilized aggressive pricing and marketing of the
checking account and has been able to become the "primary financial institution"
for many households. First Northern will continue to emphasize the number of
households using First Northern's checking account services which is anticipated
to increase associated non-interest fee income.
To enhance this checking account relationship and to increase
non-interest fee income, First Northern continued to expand its First Northern
CheckCard (Debit Card) base. The First Northern CheckCard offers a checking
account customer the opportunity to access a checking account anywhere in the
world where VISA is accepted. First Northern aggressively marketed the First
Northern CheckCard since 1997 and as a result of this aggressive marketing
philosophy, the CheckCard has gained greater customer acceptance and increased
product profitability.
New deposit opportunities will be available as a result of the addition
of the Commercial Banking Department in 1999. Efforts to obtain commercial
checking and other commercial investments from new and existing commercial
customers will be an area of emphasis for First Northern.
The Taxpayers Relief Act of 1997 continues to offer investors and
homeowners significant tax planning opportunities ranging from income tax
savings, estate tax savings, lower capital gains rates, retirement and education
benefits, and the elimination of certain taxes altogether. Although First
Northern had anticipated that the new Roth and Education Individual Retirement
Account would result in higher deposit growth, First Northern did not experience
a significant deposit growth in these retirement accounts for the second
straight year. Educational efforts will continue to be made to communicate the
advantages of the Roth and Education Individual Retirement Accounts to existing
and potential customers.
The GNFSC Investment Center, established in April, 1995, posted a fifth
straight year of profitability. Profits for 1999 were a record for the
Investment Center. The Investment Center offers non-insured deposit products,
such as fixed and variable tax-deferred annuities, stocks, mutual funds and
brokerage products through a network agreement with a registered broker-dealer.
43
44
The establishment of the Investment Center has resulted in increased customer
retention and new customer relationships through the existing Savings Bank's
branch network.
First Northern's objective is to create a one-stop family financial
banking center by offering a wide selection of checking accounts, short,
intermediate and long-term certificates of deposit, insured retirement accounts,
mutual funds, other investments and mortgage and consumer loans to meet a wide
variety of customer needs.
BORROWINGS. Borrowings, primarily from the FHLB of Chicago, increased $93.9
million at December 31, 1999, as compared to December 31, 1998, as a result of
the Savings Bank's loan growth and modest deposit growth. The borrowings have
maturities ranging from overnight to approximately nine years (See Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements -- Note 7-Borrowings). Management anticipates
it will continue to utilize borrowings to fund its growth in interest-earning
assets in 2000.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY. First Northern's stockholders' equity to total assets
ratio at December 31, 1999, was 9.15%, as compared to 10.57% at December 31,
1998. First Northern employs methods which are intended to increase
interest-earning assets and thus reduce the percentage of equity to total assets
(known as leveraging). In addition to interest-earning asset growth, the Company
has also repurchased its stock. The first stock repurchase program, which began
in March of 1996 and was completed in September 1996, resulted in the repurchase
of 456,934 shares at an average cost of $7.91 per share. A second stock
repurchase program which began in October 1996 authorized the repurchase of
438,114 shares. The second stock repurchase program repurchased 60,800 shares at
an average cost of $8.62 per share before it expired in October 1997. A third
stock repurchase program was implemented in March of 1998 which authorized the
repurchase of up to 446,101 shares. At December 31, 1999, all 446,101 shares
authorized to be repurchased were at an average cost of $11.81 per share. First
Northern may implement additional stock repurchase programs in the future if it
is determined to be economically prudent and with the consent of Mutual per the
Merger Agreement.
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions--Division of Savings
Institutions, which regulates the Savings Bank, requires maintenance of a
minimum of six percent equity to total assets. In addition, the Office of Thrift
Supervision ("OTS") capital rules require the Savings Bank to meet certain
capital standards: (i) tier I (core) capital to risk-weighted assets; (ii)
risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets; and (iii) tier I (core) capital to
adjusted assets. The Savings Bank meets and exceeds all regulatory capital
standards (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--Note
10--Stockholders' Equity).
44
45
ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
The primary function of asset and liability management is to provide
liquidity and maintain an appropriate balance between interest-earning assets
and interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate risk is the imbalance between
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at a given maturity or
repricing date and is commonly referred to as the interest rate gap (the "gap").
A positive gap exists when there are more assets than liabilities maturing or
repricing within the same time frame. A negative gap occurs when there are more
liabilities than assets maturing or repricing within the same time frame. The
following chart reflects First Northern's gap position as of December 31, 1999:
CUMULATIVE GAP POSITION
-----------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
3 MONTHS 4 TO 12 1 TO 5 OVER
OR LESS MONTHS YEARS 5 YEARS TOTAL
Interest-earning assets:
Mortgage loans (1) $ 26,677 $ 212,205 $221,665 $81,289 $541,836
Consumer loans (2) 58,651 58,566 67,003 11,597 195,817
Commercial loans 3,730 75 966 0 4,771
Investment securities (3) 28,666 6,975 20,816 0 56,457
Mortgage-related securities (4) 780 3,100 8,017 3,906 15,803
Interest-earning deposits 4,230 99 0 0 4,329
------------ ------------- ------------- ----------- -----------
Total rate-sensitive assets 122,734 281,020 318,467 96,792 819,013
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts (5) 2,118 6,354 24,428 35,933 68,832
NOW & variable rate insured
money market accounts (5) 60,676 4,864 20,596 51,360 137,496
Time deposits (5) 112,860 168,264 76,633 0 357,757
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance 1,944 1,943 0 0 3,887
Borrowings 108,161 40,773 35,940 1,025 185,899
---------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------
Total rate-sensitive liabilities 285,759 222,198 157,597 88,318 753,871
---------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------
Gap $(163,025) $ 58,822 $160,870 $ 8,474 $ 65,142
========= ========== ======== ======== =========
Cumulative gap $(163,025) $(104,202) $ 56,667 $65,142
========= ========= ========= =======
Cumulative gap as a percentage
of total assets (19.4)% (12.4)% 6.7% 7.8%
===== ===== === ===
(1) Excludes undisbursed loan proceeds of $17,852.
(2) Includes $1,085 of education loans held for sale.
(3) Includes $9,250 of FHLB stock; includes $13,548 of life insurance
policies; excludes unrealized gains or losses.
(4) Excludes unrealized gains or losses.
(5) Does not include accrued interest, which totals $2,823 for all
deposits.
The calculation of a gap position is subjective by nature and requires
management to make a number of assumptions as to when an asset or liability will
reprice or mature. Assumptions used in estimating the maturity/repricing amounts
and dates of the more significant asset and liability categories include: (i)
investment securities - based upon contractual maturities and if applicable,
call dates; (ii) loans - based upon contractual maturities, repricing date, if
applicable, scheduled repayments of principal and projected prepayments of
principal based upon the Company's historical experience; (iii) mortgage-related
securities based upon an average of Wall Street estimates for prepayment speeds;
and (iv) deposits based upon contractual maturities and various decay rates
applied to the remaining deposit dollars. The decay rate, which varies with
deposit product, is based on historical decay rates of First Northern.
45
46
First Northern's overall asset and liability management goal is to
maximize long-term profitability and returns to stockholders. First Northern's
current strategy is to: (i) originate and retain adjustable interest rate
mortgage loans; (ii) originate and retain 15 and 20 year fixed interest rate
mortgage loans; (iii) originate and sell most 30 year fixed interest rate
mortgage loans; (iv) originate shorter maturity consumer loans; (v) emphasize
the origination of adjustable interest rate home equity loans; (vi) counsel
depositors to balance their deposits between short-, intermediate-, and
long-term deposits; and (vii) offer new and attractive deposits and investment
opportunities. In addition, borrowings with various terms are used to reach the
targeted asset/liability mix. Currently, management's strategic goal for
asset/liability management is to maintain a cumulative one (1) year gap within a
range of a positive 10% to a negative 20%. Management believes this is an
appropriate level to achieve First Northern's long-term goals, while controlling
interest rate risk.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000
First Northern did not experience any problems to its critical
operating systems on January 1, 2000. First Northern had tested and/or upgraded
its systems (such as software, hardware, telephones, voicemail, heating,
ventilating, air conditioners, alarms etc.) throughout 1999. The Company
anticipated that all modifications, upgrades or replacement of all systems would
not exceed $170,000 (pre-tax). At December 31, 1999, approximately $148,000
(pre-tax) had been spent. First Northern will continue to monitor its systems
during 2000.
GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT
Management anticipates the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act will not have a
significant impact on First Northern's operations in the near future; however,
management will continue to evaluate and look for opportunities as a result of
the Act and is unable to predict the impact on its operations at this time. See
Item 1. "Business--Regulation--Federal Regulation of Holding
Companies--Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act."
46
47
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD/RATE ANALYSIS
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total
dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets, the
resultant yields, and the interest expense on average interest-bearing
liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates. No tax equivalent adjustments
were made since First Northern does not have any tax exempt investments. Average
balances are derived from average daily balances. The yield on securities
available-for-sale are included in investment securities and mortgage-related
securities and yields are calculated on the historical basis. The yields and
rates are established by dividing income or expense dollars by the average
balance of the asset or liability.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET, INTEREST AND RATE PAID
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998
------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
AVERAGE INTEREST YIELD/ AVERAGE INTEREST YIELD/
BALANCE EARNED/PAID RATE BALANCE EARNED/PAID RATE
-------- ----------- ------- ------- ----------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets (1):
Mortgage loans ......................... $500,111 $35,164 7.03% $456,977 $33,510 7.33%
Consumer loans ......................... 175,577 13,816 7.87 160,706 13,273 8.26
Commercial Loans ....................... 5,454 468 8.58
Investment securities .................. 38,789 2,336 6.02 34,828 2,138 6.14
Interest-earning deposits .............. 1,702 82 4.82 2,623 147 5.60
Mortgage-related securities ............ 14,765 904 6.12 9,996 622 6.22
-------- ------- ---- -------- ------- ----
TOTAL .................................. 736,398 52,770 7.17 665,130 49,690 7.47
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts ...................... 70,425 1,385 1.97 63,643 1,364 2.14
NOW and variable rate insured
money market accounts ................ 132,629 3,085 2.33 117,944 2,927 2.48
Time deposits .......................... 350,423 19,090 5.45 327,674 18,979 5.79
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance .............. 7,002 162 2.31 6,680 155 2.32
Borrowings ............................. 124,186 6,964 5.61 95,890 5,578 5.82
-------- ------- ---- -------- ------- ----
TOTAL .................................. 684,665 30,686 4.48 611,831 29,003 4.74
-------- ------- ---- -------- ------- ----
Net interest-earning assets
and interest rate spread ............... $ 51,733 2.69% $ 53,299 2.73%
======== ==== ======== ====
Average interest-earning
assets, net interest income
and net yield on average
interest-earning assets ................ $736,398 $22,084 3.00% $665,130 $20,687 3.11%
======== ======= ==== ======== ======= ====
Average interest-earning assets........... 107.6% 108.7%
to interest-bearing liabilities ===== =====
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET, INTEREST AND RATE PAID
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------------
1997
--------------------------------------------
AVERAGE INTEREST YIELD/
BALANCE EARNED/PAID RATE
------- ----------- -------
Interest-earning assets (1):
Mortgage loans ......................... $426,748 31,443 7.37%
Consumer loans ......................... 148,614 12,529 8.43
Commercial Loans .............
Investment securities .................. 29,154 1,844 6.33
Interest-earning deposits .............. 762 45 5.91
Mortgage-related securities ............ 11,558 735 6.36
------- ------- ----
TOTAL .................................. 616,836 46,596 7.55
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts ...................... 60,057 1,322 2.20
NOW and variable rate insured
money market accounts ................ 104,665 2,536 2.42
Time deposits .......................... 307,423 17,579 5.72
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance .............. 6,652 149 2.24
Borrowings ............................. 82,644 4,905 5.94
-------- ------- ----
TOTAL .................................. 561,441 26,491 4.72
-------- ------- ----
Net interest-earning assets
and interest rate spread ............... $ 55,395 2.83%
======== ====
Average interest-earning
assets, net interest income
and net yield on average
interest-earning assets ................ $616,836 20,105 3.26%
======== ======= ====
Average interest-earning assets
to interest-bearing liabilities.......... 109.9%
=====
(1) For the purpose of these computations, non-accruing loans and loans
held-for-sale are included in the average loan amounts outstanding.
47
48
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
The interaction of changes in volume and rates earned or paid with
regard to interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities has a
significant impact on net income between periods. The volume of interest-earning
dollars in loans and investments compared to the volume of interest-bearing
dollars in deposits and borrowings, combined with the interest rate spread,
produces the changes in net interest income between periods.
Information in the table below is provided in each category with
respect to (i) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior
volume), (ii) changes attributable to volume (changes in volume multiplied by
prior rate, and (iii) changes attributable to changes in rate/volume (changes in
rate multiplied by changes in volume). Changes attributable to the combined
impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due
to volume and the changes due to rate.
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1999 VS 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO:
-------------------------------------------------------------
RATE/
RATE VOLUME VOLUME TOTAL
---- ------ ------ -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
Mortgage loans $(1,371) $3,154 $ (129) $1,654
Consumer loans (627) 1,228 (58) 543
Commercial loans 468 468
Investment securities (42) 245 (5) 198
Interest-earning deposits (20) (52) 7 (65)
Mortgage-related securities (10) 297 (5) 282
------- ------ ------ ------
TOTAL $(2,070) $4,872 $ 278 3,080
======= ====== ====== ------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts $ (108) $ 141 $ (12) 21
NOW and variable rate insured
money market accounts (177) 357 (22) 158
Time deposits (1,114) 1,302 (77) 111
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance (1) 8 7
Borrowings (201) 1,646 (59) 1,386
------- ------ ------ ------
TOTAL $(1,601) $3,454 $ (170) 1,683
======= ====== ====== ------
Net change in net interest income $1,397
======
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49
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1998 VS 1997
------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO:
------------------------------------------------------------
RATE/
RATE VOLUME VOLUME TOTAL
---- ------ ------ -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
Mortgage loans $(171) $2,250 $(12) $2,067
Consumer loans (253) 1,018 (21) 744
Commercial loans
Investment securities (55) 360 (11) 294
Interest-earning deposits (2) 110 (6) 102
Mortgage-related securities (16) (99) 2 (113)
----- ------ ---- ------
TOTAL $(497) $3,639 $(48) 3,094
===== ====== ==== ------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts $ (36) $ 80 $ (2) 42
NOW and variable rate insured
money market accounts 63 320 8 391
Time deposits 215 1,171 14 1,400
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance 5 1 6
Borrowings (99) 788 (16) 673
----- ------ ---- ------
TOTAL $ 148 $2,360 $ 4 2,512
===== ====== ==== ------
Net change in net interest income $ 582
======
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
1997 VS 1996
------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO:
------------------------------------------------------------
RATE/
RATE VOLUME VOLUME TOTAL
---- ------ ------ -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
Mortgage loans $763 $1,801 $ 48 $2,612
Consumer loans (88) 1,908 (16) 1,804
Commercial loans
Investment securities 15 245 2 262
Interest-earning deposits 6 (25) (2) (21)
Mortgage-related securities (14) 79 (2) 63
---- ------ ---- ------
TOTAL $682 $4,008 $ 30 4,720
==== ====== ==== ------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Passbook accounts $(23) $ 33 $ (1) 9
NOW and variable rate insured
money market accounts 92 54 2 148
Time deposits 175 852 9 1,036
Advance payments by borrowers
for taxes and insurance (2) (11) (13)
Borrowings 77 1,976 55 2,108
---- ------ ---- ------
TOTAL $319 $2,904 $ 65 3,288
==== ====== ==== ------
Net change in net interest income $1,432
======
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50
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998.
GENERAL. Net income increased $548,000 in 1999 primarily as a result of an
increase in interest-earning assets and a reduction in the effective income tax
rate. Offsetting some of the increase in net income was a reduction of the gains
on the sales of loans and a compression of the net interest margin. The net
interest margin decreased as a result of the cost of new deposits and maturing
deposits increasing faster than the interest earned on the loan portfolio.
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income on mortgage loans increased $1.7 million as a
result of increased dollars outstanding in the mortgage portfolio. The average
mortgage loan portfolio increased $43.1 million in 1999. The average interest
rate decreased in 1999 to 7.03% from 7.33% in 1998 primarily as the result of:
(i) mortgage loans being originated at interest rates below the existing
mortgage loan yield and (ii) downward interest rate adjustments to qualified
interest rate adjustable mortgage loans in the first six months of 1999. As
market interest rates increased, mortgage loan originations in the fourth
quarter of 1999 equaled or exceeded the yield on the mortgage loan portfolio and
in the third and fourth quarter of 1999 interest rates on qualified adjustable
interest rate mortgage loans were increased.
Interest income on consumer loans increased $543,000 as a result of an
increase in the average portfolio of $14.9 million. The average interest rate on
the consumer loan portfolio decreased to 7.87% in 1999 as compared to 8.26% in
1998 as a result of consumer loan originations being at interest rates below the
yield on the consumer loan portfolio. Consumer loan origination interest rates
exceeded the yield on the consumer loan portfolio beginning in the second half
of 1999.
Interest income on commercial loans was $468,000. The commercial loan
portfolio had an average portfolio yield of 8.58% in 1999. First Northern began
originating commercial loans late in the second quarter of 1999.
Investment securities and mortgage-related interest income increased in
1999 as a result of increased dollars outstanding. First Northern purchases
investment securities and mortgage-related securities when it incrementally adds
to the overall profitability of the Company or to aid in its interest rate risk
management.
Interest-earning deposit interest income decreased $65,000 in 1999
primarily as the result of decreased interest-earning deposits outstanding.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest on deposits increased $289,000 in 1999 as a result of
increased deposits. Average deposits increased $44.2 million and the average
cost of deposits decreased to 4.26% in 1999 from 4.57% in 1998. First Northern
continued to utilize wholesale deposits in 1999 as a method to acquire deposits.
There are times when wholesale deposits are a more cost effective method to
acquire funds than retail deposits or borrowings.
Borrowings continued to increase in 1999 and as a result, the interest
expense on borrowings increased $1.4 million. The increases in interest-earning
assets in 1999 and the modest growth in deposits necessitated the increase in
borrowings. It is anticipated by the Company that borrowings will continue to be
utilized throughout 2000 to fund its growth in interest-earning assets. First
Northern primarily borrows from the FHLB of Chicago.
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance ("escrow")
interest expense increased in 1999 as a result of increased escrow dollars
outstanding. The escrow interest rate for 1999 was 2.74% as compared to 2.83%
for 1998. The escrow interest rate for 2000 will be 2.51%.
PROVISIONS FOR LOAN LOSSES. The provision for loan losses increased $52,000 in
1999 primarily as a result of the growth in the loan portfolio and the
composition of the loan portfolio specifically, the addition of commercial
loans. The total loan loss allowance at December 31, 1999, is $3,910,000 or .53%
of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 1999, as compared to $3,531,000 or
.56% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 1998.
OTHER INCOME. Fees on serviced loans increased $12,000 primarily as a result of
the increased dollar amount of serviced loans and a reduction in the dollar
amount of mortgage loan prepayments. At December 31, 1999, First Northern
serviced $151.4 million in loans as compared to $150.2 million at the end of
1998. As the principal of a mortgage loan which was sold with servicing retained
prepays or repays, the mortgage servicing asset is reduced and netted against
the fees on serviced loans thereby reducing the income on serviced loans. As
mortgage loan repayments or prepayments decrease, the reduction to the mortgage
servicing asset is reduced as well as the reduction to the income on serviced
loans.
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51
Loan fees and service charges income decreased $32,000 as a result of
decreased Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority ("WHEDA") loans
originations. First Northern originates mortgage loans for WHEDA and receives a
fee for each origination. During 1999 the dollar amount of WHEDA originations
decreased as a result of lack of consumer demand for the product.
Deposit account service charges increased $114,000 primarily as the
result of: (i) the increased number of NOW(checking) accounts and their
associated fees; and (ii) customer usage of the CheckCard. CheckCard is a debit
card where each time the Savings Bank's CheckCard is used a fee, which varies
with each merchant, is paid to the Savings Bank by the debit card company. The
Savings Bank promotes the use of its debit card by direct mail and internal
promotions.
Insurance commissions increased $37,000 primarily as a result of
increased bonuses received from insurance carriers. First Northern attained a
pre-determined threshold of insurance sales and insurance losses were below
another threshold thereby earning approximately $85,700 in insurance bonuses in
1999. Insurance bonuses in 1998 were $0.
Gains on the sales of loans decreased $662,000 as a result of reduced
mortgage loan sales. The Savings Bank sold $20.1 million of mortgage loans in
1999 as compared to $63.2 million in 1998. (See Financial Condition--Balance
Sheet--Lending Activities)
Other non-interest income increased $155,000 primarily as the result of
life insurance owned by First Northern. First Northern purchased life insurance
to partially offset the future cost of employee or director benefits. Interest
earned on life insurance in 1999 was $714,000.
OPERATING EXPENSES: Compensation expense increased $78,000 as a result of salary
and benefit costs increases and the 1998 increased accruals for the director
deferred retirement plan and supplemental executive retirement plan.
Federal deposit insurance premiums increased $20,000 as a result of
increased deposits.
Occupancy expense increased $119,000 as a result of the Savings Bank's
rental of approximately 14,000 square feet of additional office space in
downtown Green Bay, which began in the third quarter of 1999. First Northern
consolidated several of its back office support departments that had been
located in three separate First Northern locations as a result of the growth in
these areas.
Data Processing expense increased $140,000 as the result of: (i)
accelerated depreciation of $45,000 on personal computers ("PCs"); (ii)
increased cost associated with First Northern's service bureau; (iii)
depreciation of new teller software; and (iv) cost of data processing supplies.
Furniture and equipment expense decreased $50,000 primarily as the
result of a decrease in the cost of furniture and equipment service contracts
and depreciation expense. Service contract expense was decreased as a result of
eliminating individual service contracts and placing certain furniture and
equipment under an insurance service agreement. Depreciation expense was
decreased as a result of certain furniture and equipment that became fully
depreciated.
Marketing expense increased $66,000 to promote loan and deposit
products. First Northern believes that growth in lending and deposits volumes is
facilitated by increased marketing of those products.
Other expenses increased $127,000 as a result of increased costs
associated with the operations of SFC, costs associated with the operation of
the debit card and the reversal by the Petroleum Environmental Clean-up Fund of
a reimbursement, in the amount of $53,700, for environmental clean-up costs of a
lot at a subdivision owned by GNFSC. First Northern is presently appealing this
reversal.
INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate for 1999 was 32.3% as compared to
34.6% for 1998. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was the result of
the life insurance policies owned by First Northern and an increase in the
earnings of FNII, which is not subject to state income taxes. Since First
Northern intends to hold the life insurance until the participants' death, the
life insurance interest income is not taxable. In addition, First Northern moved
its indirect automobile loan portfolio to FNII at the beginning of the second
quarter of 1998, which has reduced state franchise taxes. In March 1999, First
Northern sold approximately $56.3 million in mortgage loan participations to
FNII to further reduce its state franchise tax.
51
52
COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997.
GENERAL. Net income increased $793,000 in 1998 primarily as a result of the
dollar increase in interest-earning assets, gains from the sales of loans and a
reduction in the effective income tax rate.
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income on mortgage loans increased $2,067,000 as a
result of increased dollars outstanding in the mortgage loan portfolio. The
average interest rate earned decreased as a result of: (i) mortgage loans being
originated at interest rates below the existing mortgage loan portfolio yield;
(ii) downward interest rate adjustments to certain mortgage loans in its
portfolio before their scheduled adjustment dates in response to the refinancing
of existing adjustable interest rate mortgage loans; and (iii) the prepayments
of mortgage loans with higher than market interest rates.
Interest income on consumer loans increased $744,000 as a result of an
increase of $12.1 million of consumer loans outstanding throughout 1998. The
average interest rate earned on the consumer portfolio decreased to 8.26% in
1998 as compared to 8.43% in 1997 as a result of: (i) consumer loan originations
at interest rates that were below the existing yield on the consumer loan
portfolio; (ii) decreases in some of First Northern's consumer loans which use
the prime interest rate as an index; and (iii) prepayments to consumer loans
that are at interest rates above market interest rates.
Investment securities and interest-earning deposits interest income
increased $294,000 and $102,000 respectively, as a result of increased dollars
outstanding.
The increase in the dollar amount of interest-earning deposits is the
result of excess funds above the funding needs for loans and operations, being
invested in short-term certificates of deposits or in overnight investments.
These additional funds were created by strong deposit gains and sales of loans.
Interest on mortgage-related securities decreased $113,000 as a result
of prepayment and repayments to the underlying collateral (mortgage loans). The
average interest rate earned on mortgage-related securities decreased to 6.22%
from 6.36% primarily as the result of prepayments and repayments to higher than
market interest rate securities and the purchase of mortgage-related securities
at lower interest rates than existing yields on the mortgage-related securities
portfolio.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense on deposits increased $1,833,000 as a result
of increased deposits. First Northern utilizes various time deposit terms and
interest rates to attract new deposits and in 1998, utilized wholesale deposits
as a method to acquire less expensive deposits.
Interest expense on borrowings increased $673,000 in 1998 primarily as
a result of increased average borrowings outstanding. First Northern primarily
borrows from the FHLB of Chicago.
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance ("escrow")
interest expense increased modestly in 1998 as a result of the increased number
of escrow accounts that were interest-bearing. Although the interest rate paid
on escrow accounts of 2.83% was the same in 1998 as it was in 1997, and the
average dollars in escrow were approximately equal, a number of non
interest-bearing escrow accounts were replaced by interest-bearing escrow
accounts thus increasing interest expense. The escrow interest rate for 1999 is
2.74%.
PROVISIONS FOR LOAN LOSSES. First Northern provided an additional $420,000 to
loan loss allowances in 1998. The total loan loss allowance at December 31,
1998, is $3,531,000 or .56% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 1998, as
compared to $3,177,000 or .53% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 1997.
OTHER INCOME. Fees on serviced loans decreased $146,000 primarily as the result
of the amortization of the mortgage servicing asset in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standards (?FASB") No. 122, ?Accounting for Mortgage Servicing
Rights." As the principal of a mortgage loan which was sold with servicing
retained repays or prepays, the mortgage servicing asset is reduced and netted
against the fees on serviced loans, thereby reducing the income on serviced
loans. In 1998, the amortization of the mortgage loan servicing asset amounted
to $215,000 and $38,900 in 1997.
Deposit account service charges increased $73,000 primarily as the
result of: (i) the increased number of NOW(checking) accounts and their
associated fees; and (ii) customer usage of CheckCard.
Insurance commissions decreased $32,000 primarily as a result of a
reduction in the bonus received from insurance carriers.
52
53
Gains on the sales of loans increased $683,000 as a result of increased
loan sales. Loan sales in 1998 were $65.6 million as compared to $21.2 million
in 1997.
Other non-interest income increased $359,000 primarily as the result of
BOLI. In December 1997, First Northern purchased $7.4 million of life insurance
to partially offset the future cost of employee benefits. Interest earned on the
$7.4 million of life insurance in 1998 was $396,000.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Compensation expense increased $538,000 as a result of
normal salary increases, the addition of 5 full-time equivalent employees and
increased accruals for the director deferred retirement plan and supplemental
executive retirement plan.
Federal deposit insurance premiums increased $17,000 as a result of
increased deposits and in 1997, the receipt of a $15,000 refund of deposit
insurance premiums paid from prior periods.
Data processing expense increased $73,000 primarily from increased
depreciation expense and service contract expense on data processing equipment.
Furniture and equipment expense decreased $21,000 as a result of a
number of pieces of furniture and equipment being fully depreciated at the end
of 1997.
Telephone and postage expenses decreased $33,000 by negotiating a
reduction to the cost of long distance calls and an increase in expense
deferrals associated with the substantial increase in loan originations.
Incremental telephone and postage expenses associated with loan originations are
deferred and amortized back against interest income over the life of the loan,
which results in an adjustment to the loan yield.
Marketing expense increased $39,000 as a result of increased
advertising and marketing of deposit and loan products. First Northern believes
the growth in lending and deposit volumes is facilitated by increased marketing
of those products and hence, increased costs.
Other expenses increased $96,000 as a result of increased costs
associated with the operations of SFC, costs associated with the issuance and
operations of the debit card and an increase in bad checks and customer fraud.
INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate for 1998 is 34.6% as compared to
37.7% for 1997. This decrease in the effective income tax rate is primarily the
result of earnings on BOLI for which no income tax provision is provided and the
increase in earnings at FNII which is not subject to state income taxes. Both
activities have reduced state franchise taxes.
53
54
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly data for the
periods indicated:
Quarter Ended
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
-------- ------- ------------ -----------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
1999 (unaudited)
Interest income $12,482 $12,736 $13,446 $14,106
Interest expense 7,140 7,195 7,843 8,508
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income 5,342 5,541 5,603 5,598
Provision for loan losses 60 114 102 196
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income of the
provision for loan losses 5,282 5,427 5,501 5,402
Total other income 920 1,033 995 906
Total operating expense 3,488 3,668 3,717 3,691
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes 2,714 2,792 2,779 2,617
Income taxes 923 917 892 793
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income $ 1,791 $ 1,875 $ 1,887 $ 1,824
======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share - Basic $ 0.20 $ 0.21 $ 0.22 $ 0.21
======= ======= ======= ========
Earnings per share - Diluted $ 0.20 $ 0.21 $ 0.21 $ 0.21
======= ======= ======= =======
1998 (unaudited)
Interest income $12,147 $12,249 $12,601 $12,693
Interest expense 7,079 7,136 7,438 7,350
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income 5,068 5,113 5,163 5,343
Provision for loan losses 105 105 105 105
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income of the
provision for loan losses 4,963 5,008 5,058 5,238
Total other income 988 1,092 1,047 1,112
Total operating expense 3,395 3,491 3,411 3,774
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes 2,556 2,609 2,694 2,576
Income taxes 927 879 920 880
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income $ 1,629 $ 1,730 $ 1,774 $ 1,696
======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share - Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.19 $ 0.20 $ 0.19
======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share - Diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.19 $ 0.20 $ 0.19
======= ======= ======= =======
54
55
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
First Northern's financial performance is affected by, among other
factors, interest rate risk and credit risk. First Northern does not use
derivatives to mitigate its interest rate risk or credit risk, relying instead
on loan review and an adequate loan loss reserve (See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations").
Interest rate risk is the risk of loss in value due to changes in
interest rates. This risk is addressed by First Northern's Asset Liability
Management Committee ("ALCO"), which includes senior management representatives.
The ALCO monitors and considers methods of managing interest rate risk by
monitoring changes in Net Portfolio Value ("NPV") and in Gap position (See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Asset and Liability Management"). The
ALCO attempts to manage the various components of First Northern's balance sheet
to minimize the impact of sudden and sustained changes in interest rates on net
interest income.
First Northern's exposure to interest rate risk is reviewed on at least
a quarterly basis by the Board of Directors and the ALCO. Interest rate risk
exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine First
Northern's change in NPV and First Northern's Gap analysis. If First Northern's
change to NPV and Gap is not within the limits established by the Board, the
Board may direct management to adjust its asset and liability mix to bring
interest rate risk within Board approved limits.
In order to reduce the exposure to interest rate risk, First Northern
has developed strategies to manage its liquidity, shorten the effective
maturities of certain interest-earning assets, and increase the effective
maturities of certain interest-bearing liabilities. First Northern has focused
on: (i) its residential lending on adjustable interest rate mortgages, which
generally reprice within one to three years; (ii) its non-residential lending on
adjustable or floating rate and/or short-term loans; (iii) the addition of the
commercial loan products which generally are indexed or are short-term in
nature; (iv) its investment activities on short- and intermediate-term
securities; (v) maintaining and increasing its passbook and transaction deposit
accounts, which are considered to be relatively resistant to changes in interest
rates; and (vi) utilizing long-term borrowings and deposit marketing programs to
adjust the term to repricing of its liabilities.
Interest rate sensitivity analysis is used to measure the Company's
interest rate risk by computing estimated changes in NPV of its cash flows from
assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items in the event of an increase or
decrease of 100 basis points of assumed changes in market interest rates up to
300 basis points. NPV is equal to the market value of assets minus the market
value of liabilities, with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items. The
Company's Board of Directors has adopted an interest rate risk policy, which
establishes maximum decreases in the NPV in the event of sudden and sustained
increases and decreases in market interest rates. The following table presents
the Company's projected change in NPV for a 100 basis point to a 300 basis point
shock level as of December 31, 1999, and the Board's established limitations
relating thereto. All market rate sensitive instruments presented in this table
are classified as either held to maturity or available-for-sale. The Company has
no trading securities.
ACTUAL PERCENT BOARD
CHANGE IN INTEREST RATE NPV CHANGE CHANGE LIMIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
300 basis point rise $ 55,686 $(21,585) (27.9)% (35.0)%
200 basis point rise $ 63,236 $(14,035) (18.2)% (25.0)%
100 basis point rise $ 70,263 $ (7,008) (9.1)% (15.0)%
Base Scenario $ 77,271 $ 0 0.0% 0.0%
100 basis point decline $ 84,634 $ 7,363 9.5% (15.0)%
200 basis point decline $ 92,219 $ 14,948 19.3% (25.0)%
300 basis point decline $103,061 $ 25,790 33.4% (35.0)%
The preceding table indicated that at December 31, 1999, in the event
of a sudden and sustained increase in prevailing market interest rates, the
Company's NPV would be expected to decrease. At December 31, 1999, the Company's
estimated changes in NPV were within the targets established by the Board of
Directors.
NPV is calculated based on the net present value of estimated cash
flows utilizing First Northern's prepayment assumptions and market prepayment
assumptions and market rates of interest provided by independent broker
quotations and other public sources.
55
56
Computation of forecasted effects of hypothetical interest rate changes
are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest
rates, loan prepayments and deposits decay, and should not be relied upon as
indicative of actual future results. Further, the computations do not
contemplate any actions the ALCO could undertake in response to changes in
interest rates.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented
in the NPV analysis. Actual cash flows and values may differ from those
projections presented, should market conditions vary from assumptions used in
the calculation of the NPV analysis. Certain assets, such as adjustable rate
loans, which represent one of First Northern's primary loan products, have
features, which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and
over the life of the assets. In addition, the proportion of adjustable interest
rate loans in First Northern's portfolio could increase in future periods if
market interest rates remain at or increase above current levels due to the
interest rates offered on fixed interest rate mortgage loans. Further, in the
event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels
would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in the NPV analysis.
Finally, the ability of many borrowers to repay their adjustable rate mortgage
loans may decrease in the event of interest rate increases.
56
57
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See Item 7. "Managements' Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Quarterly Financial Information" for the
supplemental financial information.
57
58
[WIPFLI ULLRICH BERTELSON LLP LOGO]
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Northern Capital Corp.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition
of First Northern Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999, and
the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audit. The consolidated financial
statements of First Northern Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries as of and for each
of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1998, were audited by other
auditors whose report dated January 22, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion
on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 1999 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First
Northern Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1999, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson LLP
Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson LLP
January 21, 2000 (except for
Note 17, as to which the date
is February 22, 2000) Green
Bay, Wisconsin
58
59
Report of Independent Auditors
Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Northern Capital Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of First Northern Capital Corp. (the "Company") and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain a reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1998, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States.
Ernst & Young LLP
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
January 22, 1999
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
59
60
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31
---------------------------
ASSETS 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Cash $8,043 $6,350
Interest-earning deposits 4,329 861
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents 12,372 7,211
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Investment securities 8,444 9,205
Mortgage-related securities 5,554 996
Securities held-to-maturity:
Investment securities (estimated fair value of $25,644 in 1999 and $23,935 in 1998) 26,215 23,741
Mortgage-related securities (estimated fair value of $9,976 in 1999 and $11,594 in 1998) 10,048 11,522
Loans held-for-sale 1,085 3,075
Loans receivable 736,880 631,739
Accrued interest receivable 4,229 3,686
Foreclosed properties and repossessed assets 382 106
Office properties and equipment 7,463 7,573
Federal Home Loan Bank stock 9,250 5,250
Life insurance policies 13,548 12,514
Other assets 4,153 3,095
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $839,623 $719,713
===============================================================================================================================
60
61
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (CONTINUED)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31
---------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Liabilities:
Deposits $566,908 $542,372
Borrowings 185,899 91,977
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 3,887 3,433
Other liabilities 6,134 5,838
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 762,828 643,620
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' equity:
Cumulative preferred stock - $1 par value:
Authorized - 10,000,000 shares, no shares outstanding
Common stock - $1 par value:
Authorized - 30,000,000 shares
Issued - 9,134,735 shares
Outstanding - 8,548,658 shares in 1999 and 8,764,945 shares in 1998 9,135 9,135
Additional paid-in capital 8,780 9,126
Retained earnings 64,468 60,582
Accumulated other comprehensive income 479 960
Treasury stock at cost - 586,077 shares in 1999 and 369,790 shares in 1998 (6,067) (3,710)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 76,795 76,093
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $839,623 $719,713
===============================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 61
62
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Interest and dividend income:
Loans $49,448 $46,783 $43,972
Investment securities 2,336 2,138 1,844
Interest-earning deposits 82 147 45
Mortgage-related securities 904 622 735
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest and dividend income 52,770 49,690 46,596
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense:
Deposits 23,559 23,270 21,437
Borrowings 6,964 5,578 4,905
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 163 155 149
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest expense 30,686 29,003 26,491
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income 22,084 20,687 20,105
Provision for loan losses 472 420 320
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 21,612 20,267 19,785
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income:
Fees on serviced loans 179 167 313
Loan fees and service charges 236 268 251
Deposit account service charges 1,414 1,300 1,227
Insurance commissions 329 292 324
Gains on sales of loans 380 1,042 359
Gain on sales of securities - 9 -
Other 1,316 1,161 802
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income 3,854 4,239 3,276
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses:
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits 7,882 7,804 7,266
Federal insurance premiums 321 301 284
Occupancy 981 862 875
Data processing 1,616 1,476 1,403
Furniture and equipment 409 459 480
Telephone and postage 431 438 471
Marketing 475 409 370
Other 2,449 2,322 2,225
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 14,564 14,071 13,374
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before provision for income taxes 10,902 10,435 9,687
Provision for income taxes 3,525 3,606 3,651
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $7,377 $6,829 $6,036
==============================================================================================================================
Earnings per share - Basic $0.85 $0.77 $0.68
==============================================================================================================================
Earnings per share - Diluted $0.83 $0.75 $0.66
==============================================================================================================================
Cash dividends paid per share $0.40 $0.36 $0.32
==============================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
62
63
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998, AND 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
ADDITIONAL OTHER
COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE TREASURY
STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS INCOME STOCK TOTAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Balance, January 1, 1997 $9,136 $9,841 $53,735 $385 ($2,873) $70,224
Comprehensive income:
Net income 6,036 6,036
Other comprehensive income 229 229
------------
Total comprehensive income 6,265
Cash dividends ($0.32 per share) (2,826) (2,826)
Purchase of treasury stock (441) (441)
Exercise of stock options (403) 998 595
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 9,136 9,438 56,945 614 (2,316) 73,817
Comprehensive income:
Net income 6,829 6,829
Other comprehensive income 346 346
------------
Total comprehensive income 7,175
Cash dividends ($0.36 per share) (3,192) (3,192)
Retirement of common stock (1) (17) (18)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,333) (2,333)
Exercise of stock options (295) 939 644
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 9,135 9,126 60,582 960 (3,710) 76,093
Comprehensive income:
Net income 7,377 7,377
Other comprehensive loss (481) (481)
------------
Total comprehensive income 6,896
Cash dividends ($0.40 per share) (3,491) (3,491)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,935) (2,935)
Exercise of stock options (346) 578 232
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1999 $9,135 $8,780 $64,468 $479 ($6,067) $76,795
==============================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
63
64
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $7,377 $ 6,829 $ 6,036
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for losses on loans 472 420 320
Provision for depreciation and amortization 886 859 873
Gains on sales of loans (380) (1,042) (359)
Gain on sale of securities - (9) -
Loans originated for sale (20,135) (66,527) (20,746)
Proceeds from loan sales 22,505 66,613 21,159
Increase in interest receivable (543) (40) (351)
Increase in interest payable 110 194 165
Increase in other assets (1,171) (1,277) (7,314)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (131) 995 824
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjustments 1,613 186 (5,429)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 8,990 7,015 607
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities 2,800 1,500 2,000
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities 10,184 16,701 4,800
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities (2,590) (2,794) (2,740)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities (12,713) (21,982) (9,471)
Principal repayments on available-for-sale mortgage-related securities 88 933 901
Principal repayments on held-to-maturity mortgage-related securities 3,073 1,949 621
Purchase of available-for-sale mortgage-related securities (2,982) (998) -
Purchase of held-to-maturity mortgage-related securities (3,453) (2,779) (1,977)
Proceeds from the sale of securities - 2,251 -
Net increase in loans receivable (106,014) (38,774) (39,963)
Purchases of office properties and equipment (776) (428) (839)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock (4,000) (750) (1,477)
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock - 750 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (116,383) (44,421) (48,145)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
64
65
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits $ 24,426 $ 60,390 $ 23,300
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 63,943 (20,050) 9,080
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 80,270 35,750 63,825
Repayment of long-term borrowings (50,291) (27,000) (46,900)
Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 454 (428) (1,586)
Cash dividends (3,491) (3,192) (2,826)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,935) (2,333) (441)
Retirement of common stock - (18) -
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 178 534 487
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 112,554 43,653 44,939
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 5,161 6,247 (2,599)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 7,211 964 3,563
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $12,372 $7,211 $964
==============================================================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO THE STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest on deposits $22,449 $22,911 $21,273
Interest on borrowings 6,601 5,515 4,799
Income taxes 3,570 3,842 3,212
Loans transferred to foreclosed properties and repossessed assets 554 315 387
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
65
66
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting and reporting policies of First Northern Capital Corp.
and Subsidiaries (the "Company") conform to generally accepted
accounting principles and general practices within the financial
institution industry. Significant accounting and reporting policies
are summarized below.
Business - The Company provides a full range of financial services to
individual and corporate customers in Northeastern Wisconsin through
First Northern Savings Bank (the "Savings Bank"). The Company is
subject to competition from other traditional and nontraditional
financial institutions and is also subject to the regulations of
certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations
by those regulatory authorities.
Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of First Northern Capital Corp., its
wholly owned subsidiary, First Northern Savings Bank, and the Savings
Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, First Northern Investment, Inc. and
Great Northern Financial Services Corporation. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Investment in the Savings Bank's 50% owned subsidiary Savings
Financial Corporation, which is not material, is accounted for on the
equity method.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements - The
preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements of
First Northern Capital Corp. and Subsidiaries in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that directly affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers its interest-earning
deposits, which have a maturity of three months or less when
purchased, to be cash equivalents.
Investment and Mortgage-Related Securities - Management determines the
appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase.
Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the
positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity.
Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Securities
not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as
available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair
value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders'
equity until realized. Interest and dividends are included in interest
income from securities as earned. Realized gains and losses and
declines in value judged to be other than temporary are included in
net gains and losses from sales of investment and mortgage-related
securities. The cost of securities sold is based on the
specific-identification method.
Fair values of many securities are estimates based on financial
methods or prices paid for similar securities. It is possible interest
rates could change considerably resulting in a material change in the
estimated fair value.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock - The Company's investment in Federal
Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock is carried at cost which is its redeemable
(fair) value since the market for this stock is restricted.
Loans Held-for-Sale - Loans held-for-sale consist of the current
origination of certain fixed-rate mortgage loans and education loans
which are recorded at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fees
received from the borrower and certain direct loan-origination costs
are deferred and recorded as an adjustment of the sale price. A gain
or loss is recognized at the time of the sale reflecting the present
value of the difference between the contractual interest rate of the
loans sold and the yield to the investor, adjusted for the initial
value of mortgage servicing rights.
66
67
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Loans Receivable and Related Interest Income - Interest on loans is
accrued and credited to income as earned. Accrual of interest is
generally discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the
full, timely collection of interest or principal or when a loan
becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to
interest or principal. At that time, any accrued but uncollected
interest is reversed and additional income is recorded only to the
extent that payments are received and the collection of principal is
reasonably assured. Loans are restored to accrual status when the
obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the
contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate
collectibility of the total contractual principal and interest is
reasonably assured. The balance of nonperforming loans was not
material to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 1999
and 1998.
Loan Fees and Related Costs - Certain loan-origination fees,
commitment fees, and direct loan-origination costs are being deferred
and net amounts amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's
yield. The Savings Bank is amortizing these amounts into interest
income, using the level-yield method, over the contractual life of the
related loan. Other loan-origination and commitment fees not required
to be recognized as a yield adjustment are included in loan fees.
Allowances for Loan Losses - Allowances for loan losses are provided
based on past experience and prevailing market conditions.
Management's evaluation of loss considers various factors including,
but not limited to, general economic conditions, loan portfolio
composition, and prior loss experience. This evaluation is inherently
subjective since it requires material estimates that may be
susceptible to significant change. Loans are charged against the
allowance for loan losses when management believes the collectibility
of the principal is unlikely. In addition, various regulatory agencies
periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These agencies may
require additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their
judgments of collectibility.
The Company considers loans secured by one- to four-unit residential
properties and all consumer loans to be large groups of
smaller-balance homogenous loans. These loans are collectively
evaluated in the analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan
losses.
The Company's commercial and five or more family residential portfolio
is subject to a loan-by-loan analysis of the adequacy of the allowance
for loan losses and impairment. These loans are considered impaired
when, based on current information, it is probable the Company will
not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms
of the loan agreement. The value of impaired loans is based on
discounted cash flows of expected future payments using the loan's
internal effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral
if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company did not have any
impaired loans during 1999, 1998, or 1997.
In management's judgment, the allowance for loan losses is adequate to
cover probable losses relating to specifically identified loans, as
well as probable losses inherent in the balance of the loan portfolio.
Mortgage Servicing Rights - The Company recognizes mortgage servicing
rights on loans that are originated and subsequently sold or
securitized and servicing is retained. A portion of the cost of the
loans is required to be allocated to the servicing rights based on the
relative fair values of the loans and the servicing rights. The
Company amortizes these mortgage servicing rights over the period of
estimated net servicing revenue. Impairment of mortgage servicing
rights is assessed based on the fair value of those rights. Fair
values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current
market interest rate.
Office Properties and Equipment - Office properties and equipment are
stated at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as
incurred. Gains or losses on disposition of office properties and
equipment are reflected in income or expense, respectively.
Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method and is based on
the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of leasehold
improvements is amortized using the straight-line method over the
lesser of the term of the respective lease or estimated economic life
of the improvements.
67
68
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Life Insurance Policies - Investments in life insurance policies owned
by the Company are carried at the amount that could be realized under
the insurance contract.
Income Taxes - The Company files one consolidated federal income tax
return. Federal income tax expense (credit) is allocated to each
subsidiary based on an intercompany tax sharing agreement. The
subsidiaries file separate state franchise tax returns as applicable.
Deferred income taxes have been provided under the liability method.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities as measured by the current enacted tax rates which will be
in effect when these differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax
expense (benefit) is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset
and liability.
Advertising Costs - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income consists of net income and
other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes
unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, net of
tax, which are recognized as a separate component of equity,
accumulated other comprehensive income.
Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the
1998 and 1997 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 1999
classifications.
Future Accounting Change - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." This statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities. This statement requires an entity to recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial condition and measure those instruments at fair value. The
accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. This
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000,
as amended by SFAS No. 137. The effect of adoption of this statement
on the consolidated financial statements of the Company is dependent
on the amount and nature of derivatives in place at the time of
adoption. Management does not anticipate the adoption of this
statement will have a material effect on the financial position or
operating results of the Company.
68
69
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
available-for-sale are as follows:
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
DECEMBER 31, 1999
Investment securities:
U.S. government and agency securities $6,737 $6 $86 $6,657
Asset management funds 563 17 546
FHLMC stock 33 1,097 1,130
Equity securities 111 111
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities 7,444 1,103 103 8,444
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-related securities:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 1,938 92 1,846
Federal National Mortgage Association 1,862 1,862
Government National Mortgage Association 1,955 109 1,846
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-related securities 5,755 - 201 5,554
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $13,199 $1,103 $304 $13,998
=================================================================================================================
DECEMBER 31, 1998
Investment securities:
U.S. government and agency securities $7,041 $88 $4 $7,125
Asset management funds 535 1 534
FHLMC stock 33 1,513 1,546
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities 7,609 1,601 5 9,205
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-related securities - Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation 998 2 996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $8,607 $1,601 $7 $10,201
=================================================================================================================
69
70
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE (Continued)
Sales of securities available-for-sale resulted in total proceeds of
$2,251,000 and gross realized gains of $9,000 in 1998. There were no
sales of securities available-for-sale in 1999 or 1997.
At December 31, 1999, U.S. government and agency securities
available-for-sale have the following maturities:
AMORTIZED ESTIMATED
COST FAIR VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Due in one year or less $2,748 $2,754
Due after one year through five years 3,989 3,903
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total U.S. government and agency securities $6,737 $6,657
=================================================================================================================
Expected maturities for mortgage-related securities will differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities
available-for-sale pledged to secure public deposits, short-term borrowings, and
for other purposes required by law were $6,383,000 and $6,110,000, respectively,
as of December 31, 1999.
NOTE 3 SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
held-to-maturity are as follows:
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
DECEMBER 31, 1999
Investment securities:
U.S. government and agency securities $25,216 $571 $24,645
Corporate bond 999 999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities 26,215 - 571 25,644
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-related securities:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 6,192 15 60 6,147
Federal National Mortgage Association 3,856 1 28 3,829
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-related securities 10,048 16 88 9,976
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $36,263 $16 $659 $35,620
=================================================================================================================
70
71
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY (Continued)
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
Investment securities - U.S. government and
agency securities $23,741 $205 $11 $23,935
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-related securities:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 7,347 61 7,408
Federal National Mortgage Association 4,175 19 8 4,186
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-related securities 11,522 80 8 11,594
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $35,263 $285 $19 $35,529
=================================================================================================================
There were no sales of securities held-to-maturity in 1999, 1998, or 1997.
At December 31, 1999, investment securities held-to-maturity have the following
maturities:
AMORTIZED ESTIMATED
COST FAIR VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Due in one year or less $4,700 $4,689
Due after one year through five years 18,899 18,510
Due after five years through ten years 2,616 2,445
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment securities held-to-maturity $26,215 $25,644
=================================================================================================================
Expected maturities for mortgage-related securities will differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities
held-to-maturity pledged to secure public deposits, short-term borrowings, and
for other purposes required by law were $5,389,000 and $5,258,000, respectively,
as of December 31, 1999.
71
72
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 LOANS RECEIVABLE
The composition of loans at December 31 follows:
1999 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
First mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential $465,737 $416,974
Five or more family residential 35,815 32,013
Commercial real estate 17,699 7,546
Construction 36,668 29,937
Other 3,769 3,129
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total first mortgage loans 559,688 489,599
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer loans:
Consumer 20,153 18,416
Second mortgage 78,223 66,426
Automobile 96,356 73,502
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total consumer loans 194,732 158,344
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial loans 4,771
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross loans 759,191 647,943
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less:
Undisbursed loan proceeds 17,852 11,750
Allowance for loan losses 3,910 3,531
Unearned loan fees 549 923
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deductions 22,311 16,204
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total loans receivable $736,880 $631,739
=================================================================================================================
The majority of the Company's lending activity is with borrowers within its
primary market area of Northeastern Wisconsin.
Loans serviced for investors were $151,374,000, $150,161,000, and $126,980,000
at December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. These loans are not
reflected in the consolidated financial statements. A mortgage servicing rights
asset is generated on loans originated and subsequently sold. The balance of
mortgage servicing rights is included with other assets on the consolidated
statements of financial condition and is immaterial to the consolidated
statements of financial condition as of December 31, 1999 and 1998. There was no
impairment of mortgage servicing rights and the carrying value of mortgage
servicing rights approximates the fair market value at December 31, 1999 and
1998.
72
73
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 LOANS RECEIVABLE (Continued)
A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as
follows:
1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of year $3,531 $3,177 $2,937
Provisions 472 420 320
Loans charged off (122) (99) (101)
Recoveries on loans 29 33 21
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year $3,910 $3,531 $3,177
=================================================================================================================
NOTE 5 OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
Office properties and equipment at December 31 consist of the
following:
1999 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Land $2,045 $2,045
Buildings and improvements 7,067 7,052
Furniture and equipment 2,767 2,891
Leasehold improvements 31 74
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost 11,910 12,062
Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization 4,447 4,489
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net depreciated value $7,463 $7,573
=================================================================================================================
73
74
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 DEPOSITS
Deposits are summarized at December 31 as follows:
1999 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Passbook $68,832 $65,887
Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts:
Non-interest-bearing 29,530 25,747
Interest-bearing 40,649 43,526
Variable rate insured money market accounts 67,317 64,938
Certificate accounts:
4.00% to 4.99% 36,930 42,348
5.00% to 5.99% 282,742 206,600
6.00% to 7.99% 38,085 90,613
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal certificate accounts 357,757 339,561
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal deposits 564,085 539,659
Accrued interest 2,823 2,713
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deposits $566,908 $542,372
=================================================================================================================
Weighted average interest rate 4.33% 4.35%
=================================================================================================================
Aggregate annual maturities of certificate accounts at December 31, 1999, are as
follows:
(In Thousands)
2000 $247,348
2001 78,691
2002 23,585
2003 3,165
2004 4,968
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $357,757
====================================================================================================
Deposit accounts with balances greater than $100,000 were $75,157,000 and
$68,685,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
74
75
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 BORROWINGS
Borrowings at December 31 consist of the following:
1999 1998
-------------------------- --------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE
BALANCE RATE BALANCE RATE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances maturing in:
1999 $15,200 5.88%
2000 $48,555 5.94% 20,375 5.69%
2001 15,965 5.82% 10,900 5.88%
2002 11,934 5.82% 18,000 5.43%
2003 11,325 5.75% 11,325 5.75%
2004 20,000 5.81%
2008 1,025 5.90% 8,025 4.99%
2009 5,000 5.15%
Open line of credit 68,595 4.74% 7,675 5.13%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total FHLB advances 182,399 5.42% 91,500 5.59%
Federal Reserve Bank line of credit 3,500 4.54% 477 4.12%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals $185,899 5.41% $91,977 5.58%
================================================================================================================
The Company is required to maintain as collateral unencumbered one- to
four-family mortgage loans such that the outstanding balance of FHLB advances
does not exceed 60% of the book value of this collateral. The FHLB advances are
also collateralized by the FHLB stock owned by the Company. The variable rate
term FHLB advances at December 31, 1999, which are included above, total
$30,000,000 and are at interest rates tied to the one-month LIBOR index.
The Company is a Treasury Tax & Loan (TT&L) depository for the Federal Reserve
Bank (FRB), and as such, it accepts TT&L deposits. The Company is allowed to
borrow these deposits from the FRB until they are called. The interest rate is
the federal funds rate less 25 basis points. U.S. Treasury Securities with a
face value greater than or equal to the amount borrowed are pledged as a
condition of borrowing TT&L deposits.
At December 31, 1999, the Company had an irrevocable letter of credit
outstanding with the FHLB for $725,000. This letter of credit is pledged against
a municipal deposit with the Company. No amounts have been drawn against the
letter of credit by the Company.
75
76
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Current tax expense:
Federal $3,540 $3,333 $2,802
State 120 432 577
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current 3,660 3,765 3,379
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax expense (credit):
Federal (108) (127) 209
State (27) (32) 63
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred (135) (159) 272
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total provision for income taxes $3,525 $3,606 $3,651
=================================================================================================================
A summary of the source of differences between income taxes at the federal
statutory rate and the provision for income taxes for the years ended December
31 follows:
1999 1998 1997
--------------------- --------------------- --------------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)
Income before provision for income taxes $10,902 100 $10,435 100 $9,687 100
=================================================================================================================
Tax expense at federal statutory rate $3,707 34 $3,552 34 $3,294 34
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State income taxes - Net of federal
tax benefit 57 1 264 3 422 4
Cash surrender value of life insurance in
excess of premiums (227) (225) (2) (61) (1)
(2)
Other (12) - 15 - (4) -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for income taxes $3,525 33 $3,606 35 $3,651 37
=================================================================================================================
77
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES (Continued)
Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences
between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the
Company's assets and liabilities. The major components of net deferred
tax assets at December 31 are as follows:
1999 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation $1,041 $1,010
Allowance for loan losses 1,066 830
Excess servicing gains 31 41
Other 14 4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets 2,152 1,885
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred loan fees 576 429
Mortgage servicing rights 239 262
FHLB stock dividends 159 164
Depreciation and amortization 163 174
Unrealized securities gains 320 634
Other 59 35
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities 1,516 1,698
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset $636 $187
=================================================================================================================
NOTE 9 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has a participatory defined contribution 401(k) plan. The
plan covers all employees with at least one year of service and who
have attained age 21. The Company annually contributes 3% of an
employee's gross earnings and may fund an additional discretionary
dollar amount to the plan. The Company also matches 50% of the first
4% of the amount of each employee's contribution. In addition, each
employee may contribute amounts in excess of 4%, up to the lesser of
15% of compensation or federal tax limits, with no Company
participation. Total expense relating to this plan for 1999, 1998, and
1997 was $459,000, $442,000, and $379,000, respectively.
The Company has an unfunded deferred retirement plan for directors.
All members of the Company's Board of Directors are eligible under the
plan. Directors of predecessor institutions who are members of an
advisory board are eligible at the discretion of the Company.
Currently, there are four advisory board members in the plan. The
Company also has supplemental retirement plans for several of its
executives. Total expense relating to these plans for 1999, 1998, and
1997 was $360,000, $809,000, and $513,000, respectively. The Company
does not, as a policy, offer postretirement benefits other than the
plans discussed above.
The Company has stock option plans which provide for the grant of
incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock
appreciation rights (SARSs), or restricted stock. The plans provide
that incentive stock option prices will not be less than the fair
market value of the stock at the grant date and nonqualified stock
option prices shall not be less than 90% of the fair value of the
stock at the grant date. Options granted are eligible to be exercised
equally over a three-year period. All options expire no later than ten
years from the grant date.
77
78
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date
using the Black-Scholes methodology. The following assumptions were
made in estimating fair value for options granted for the years ended
December 31:
1999 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend yield 3.00% 3.00% 4.50%
Risk-free interest rate 6.86% 5.41% 5.75%
Weighted average expected life (years) 7.0 7.0 7.0
Expected volatility 23.9% 22.2% 20.2%
The weighted average fair value of options granted as of their grant
date, using the assumptions shown above, was computed at $3.49, $3.11,
and $1.45 per share for options granted in 1999, 1998, and 1997,
respectively.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including
the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee
and directors' stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value
estimate in management's opinion, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its
employee and directors' stock options.
No compensation cost has been recognized for the plan. Had
compensation cost been determined on the basis of fair value, net
income and earnings per share would have been reduced as follows:
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income:
As reported $7,377 $6,829 $6,036
==========================================================================
Pro forma $7,139 $6,665 $5,953
==========================================================================
Earnings per share:
As reported:
Basic $0.85 $0.77 $0.68
Diluted 0.83 0.75 0.66
Pro forma:
Basic 0.82 0.75 0.67
Diluted 0.80 0.73 0.65
78
79
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
A summary of stock option transactions for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1999, is as follows:
NUMBER OF OPTION PRICE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
SHARES PER SHARE EXERCISE PRICE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 1997 607,620 $1.77 - $8.38 $5.19
Granted 113,000 $1.77 - $7.88 8.36
Exercised (121,618) $1.77 - $7.88 4.09
------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 599,002 $1.77 - $8.38 6.02
Granted 95,600 $12.75 - $13.25 13.14
Exercised (100,138) $1.77 - $8.38 5.34
------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 594,464 $1.77 - $13.25 7.27
Granted 106,000 $11.875 - $12.50 12.39
Exercised (50,314) $1.77 - $8.25 3.53
Expired (3,600) $12.75 12.75
------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Balance at December 31, 1999 646,550 $1.77 - $13.25 $8.38
================================================= ====================
The following is a summary of the options outstanding at December 31, 1999:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
--------------------------------------- --------------------------
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE EXERCISE
PRICE RANGE NUMBER LIFE - YEARS PRICE NUMBER PRICE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1.77 - $2.94 43,150 2.3 $2.82 43,150 $2.82
$3.06 - $4.78 79,600 2.3 4.08 79,600 4.08
$6.38 - $8.38 325,800 6.3 7.51 294,333 7.42
$11.875 - $13.25 198,000 9.5 12.75 30,667 13.15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 646,550 6.5 $8.38 447,750 $6.77
=================================================================================================================
NOTE 10 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to issue
cumulative preferred stock in series and to establish the relative
rights and preferences of each series with respect to rates,
redemption rights and prices, conversion terms, voluntary liquidation
rights, and voting powers. Cumulative preferred stock will rank prior
to common stock as to dividend rights and liquidation preferences.
Under Wisconsin state law, preferred stockholders are entitled to vote
as a separate class or series in certain circumstances, including any
amendment which would adversely change the specific terms of such
series of stock or which would create or enlarge any class or series
ranking prior thereto in rights and preferences (excluding
substituting the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation of the
Company).
79
80
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
The Savings Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to
meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory--and
possibly additional discretionary--actions by regulators that, if
undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Savings Bank's
financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Savings Bank
must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative
measures of the Savings Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain
off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. The Savings Bank's capital amounts and classification are
also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about
components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by federal and state regulation to
ensure capital adequacy require the Savings Bank to maintain minimum
amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I
capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier I capital to average
assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 1999, that the Savings
Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
As of December 31, 1999, the most recent notification from the Office
of Thrift Supervision (OTS) categorized the Savings Bank as well
capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Savings Bank must
maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I
leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or
events since that notification that management believes have changed
the Savings Bank's category.
The Savings Bank's actual and regulatory capital amounts (in
thousands) and ratios are as follows:
TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED UNDER
FOR CAPITAL PROMPT CORRECTIVE
ACTUAL ADEQUACY PURPOSES ACTION PROVISIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)
DECEMBER 31, 1999:
Risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets) $76,326 14.0% >=$43,770 >=8.0% >=$54,713 >=10.0%
Tier I (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets) $72,416 13.2% >=$21,885 >=4.0% >=$32,828 >=6.0%
Tier I (core) capital (to adjusted assets) $72,416 8.6% >=$33,546 >=4.0% >=$41,783 >=5.0%
Tangible equity (to tangible assets) $72,416 8.6% >=$33,546 >=4.0% >=$41,783 >=5.0%
State of Wisconsin capital (to total assets) $77,197 9.2% >=$50,377 >=6.0% N/A N/A
DECEMBER 31, 1998:
Risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets) $72,055 15.7% >=$36,620 >=8.0% >=$45,775 >=10.0%
Tier I (core) capital (to risk-weighted assets) $68,524 15.0% >=$18,310 >=4.0% >=$27,465 >=6.0%
Tier I (core) capital (to adjusted assets) $68,524 9.6% >=$28,697 >=4.0% >=$35,872 >=5.0%
Tangible equity (to tangible assets) $68,524 9.6% >=$28,697 >=4.0% >=$35,872 >=5.0%
State of Wisconsin capital (to total assets) $73,414 10.2% >=$43,181 >=6.0% N/A N/A
80
81
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
Following are reconciliations of the Savings Bank's stockholder's
equity under generally accepted accounting principles to capital as
determined by regulations:
RISK- TIER I STATE OF
BASED (CORE) WISCONSIN
CAPITAL CAPITAL CAPITAL
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
As of December 31, 1999:
Regulatory capital $76,326 $72,416 $77,197
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 479 479
Investments in and advances to nonincludable subsidiaries 392 392
Allowance for loan losses (3,910) (3,910)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholder's equity (First Northern Savings Bank only) $73,287 $73,287 $73,287
=================================================================================================================
Stockholders' equity (First Northern Capital Corp.) $76,795 $76,795 $76,795
=================================================================================================================
As of December 31, 1998:
Regulatory capital $72,055 $68,524 $73,414
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 960 960
Investments in and advances to nonincludable subsidiaries 399 399
Allowance for loan losses (3,531) (3,531)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholder's equity (First Northern Savings Bank only) $69,883 $69,883 $69,883
=================================================================================================================
Stockholders' equity (First Northern Capital Corp.) $76,093 $76,093 $76,093
=================================================================================================================
The capital distribution regulations allow a well-capitalized bank to
make capital distributions during a calendar year up to 100% of its
net income to date plus the amount that would reduce by one half its
surplus capital ratio at the beginning of the calendar year. Any
distributions in excess of that amount requires prior OTS notice, with
the opportunity for OTS to object to the distribution.
Unlike the Savings Bank, the Company is not subject to these
regulatory capital requirements or restrictions on the payment of
dividends to it stockholders. However, the source of its future
dividends may depend upon dividends from the Savings Bank.
On October 18, 1996, the Company began a second stock repurchase
program for its common stock to be used for the exercise of stock
options. The program concluded on October 20, 1997, with a total of
60,800 shares being purchased at an average price of $8.62 per share.
A third stock repurchase program began March 20, 1998, for up to
446,101 shares. The program concluded on December 31, 1999, with a
total of 446,101 shares being repurchased at an average price of
$11.81 per share.
81
82
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is shown in the consolidated statements of
stockholders' equity. The Company's accumulated other comprehensive
income is comprised of the unrealized gain or loss on securities
available-for-sale. The following shows the activity in accumulated
other comprehensive income:
1999 1998 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of year $960 $614 $385
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale (795) 577 382
Tax impact 314 (231) (153)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale (481) 346 229
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of year $479 $960 $614
=======================================================================================================
NOTE 12 EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following shows the computation of the basic and diluted earnings
per share for the years ended December 31:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE EARNINGS
NUMBER OF PER
NET INCOME SHARES SHARE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
1999
Earnings per share - Basic $7,377 8,704,183 $0.85
==============
Effect of stock options - Net 176,782
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share - Diluted $7,377 8,880,965 $0.83
==============================================================================================================
1998
Earnings per share - Basic $6,829 8,851,486 $0.77
==============
Effect of stock options - Net 241,167
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share - Diluted $6,829 9,092,653 $0.75
==============================================================================================================
1997
Earnings per share - Basic $6,036 8,834,937 $0.68
==============
Effect of stock options - Net 245,300
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share - Diluted $6,036 9,080,237 $0.66
===============================================================================================================
82
83
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 SEGMENT INFORMATION
First Northern Capital Corp., through a branch network of its
subsidiary, First Northern Savings Bank, provides a full range of
consumer and commercial financial institution services to individuals
and businesses in Northeastern Wisconsin. These services include
demand, time, and savings deposits; safe deposit services; credit
cards; notary services; night depository; money orders, traveler's
checks, and cashier's checks; savings bonds; secured and unsecured
consumer, commercial, and real estate loans; ATM processing; cash
management; and financial planning.
While the Company's chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams
of various Company products and services, operations are managed and
financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.
Accordingly, all of the Company's financial institution operations are
considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating
segment.
NOTE 14 COMMITMENTS
The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of
its customers. These financial instruments consist of commitments to
extend credit and forward commitments to sell mortgage loans. These
instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the
statements of financial condition. The contract amounts reflect the
extent of involvement the Company has in the particular class of
financial instrument. The Company's maximum exposure to credit loss
for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contract amount
of those instruments. For forward commitments to sell loans, the
contract amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss.
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts
represent credit and/or interest rate risk at December 31 are as
follows:
1999 1998
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:
Fixed rate (8.25% to 8.50% in 1999 and 6.375% to 7.50% in 1998) $178 $4,656
Adjustable rate (6.50% to 7.75% in 1999 and 5.75% to 8.00% in 1998) 2,554 3,618
Commitments to sell mortgage loans - 4,103
Unused overdraft protection lines of credit for checking accounts 1,462 1,522
Unused home equity lines of credit 19,327 15,819
Unused commercial real estate line of credit 3,195 102
Unused commercial letters of credit 513 841
Unused credit card lines of credit 6,606 4,577
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as
long as there is no violation of any condition established in the
contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses and generally require payment of a fee. As some
commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The
Company evaluates the creditworthiness of each customer on a
case-by-case basis. The Company generally extends credit only on a
secured basis. Collateral obtained varies, but consists primarily of
one- to four-family residences.
Commitments to extend credit on a fixed-rate basis expose the Company
to a certain amount of interest rate risk if market rates of interest
substantially increase during the commitment period.
Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans represent commitments
obtained by the Company from a secondary market agency to purchase
mortgages from the Company and place them in a mortgage-related
security pool with a defined yield. Commitments to sell loans expose
the Company to interest rate risk if market rates of interest decrease
during the commitment period. Commitments to sell loans are made to
mitigate interest rate risk on the existing loan portfolio and on
commitments to extend credit.
83
84
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 COMMITMENTS (Continued)
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those
guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private
borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of
credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to
customers. The commitments are structured to allow for 100%
collateralization on all standby letters of credit.
The Company has no investments in nor is a party to transactions
involving derivative investments, except mortgage-related securities
which represent minimal risk to the Company.
NOTE 15 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions for the Company's
financial instruments are summarized below.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The carrying values approximate the fair
values for these assets.
Investment and Mortgage-Related Securities - Fair values are based on
quoted market prices where available. If a quoted market price is not
available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for
similar securities.
Loans Receivable and Loans Held-for-Sale - For certain homogeneous
categories of loans, such as fixed-rate residential mortgages, fair
value is estimated using the quoted market prices for securities
backed by similar loans, adjusted for differences in loan
characteristics. The fair value of other types of loans is estimated
by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which
similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings.
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable - The carrying amounts
reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition
approximate their fair values.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock - Fair value for the Federal Home Loan
Bank stock is based on its redeemable (carrying) value, as a market
for this stock is restricted.
Deposits - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as
passbooks, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, and variable rate
insured money market accounts, is the amount payable on demand on the
reporting date. The fair value of fixed-rate, fixed-maturity,
certificate accounts is estimated using discounted cash flows with
discount rates at interest rates currently offered for deposits of
similar remaining maturities.
Borrowings - Rates currently available to the Company for debt with
similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value
of existing debt. The fair value of borrowed funds due on demand is
the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of borrowed
funds with fixed terms is estimated using discounted cash flows with
discount rates at interest rates currently offered by lenders for
similar remaining maturities.
Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments - The fair value of commitments is
estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar
agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements,
the current interest rates, and the present creditworthiness of the
counterparties. Since this amount is immaterial, no amounts for fair
value are presented.
84
85
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)
The carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments
at December 31 were as follows:
1999 1998
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
CARRYING ESTIMATED CARRYING ESTIMATED
AMOUNT FAIR VALUE AMOUNT FAIR VALUE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $12,372 $12,372 $7,211 $7,211
Securities 50,261 49,618 45,464 45,730
Federal Home Loan Bank stock 9,250 9,250 5,250 5,250
Total loans - Net 737,965 700,493 634,814 636,243
Accrued interest receivable 4,229 4,229 3,686 3,686
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial assets $814,077 $775,962 $696,425 $698,120
================================================================================================================
Financial liabilities:
Deposits $564,085 $565,121 $539,659 $541,866
Accrued interest payable 2,823 2,823 2,713 2,713
Borrowed funds 185,899 184,559 91,977 92,522
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial liabilities $752,807 $752,503 $634,349 $637,101
================================================================================================================
Limitations - Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in
time based on relevant market information and information about the
financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or
discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the
Company's entire holdings of a particular instrument. Because no
market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial
instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding
future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.
These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and
matters that could affect the estimates. Fair value estimates are
based on existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments
without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future
business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not
considered financial instruments. Deposits with no stated maturities
are defined as having a fair value equivalent to the amount payable on
demand. This prohibits adjusting fair value derived from retaining
those deposits for an expected future period of time. This component,
commonly referred to as a deposit base intangible, is neither
considered in the above amounts nor is it recorded as an intangible
asset on the statement of financial condition. Significant assets and
liabilities that are not considered financial assets and liabilities
include office properties and equipment. In addition, the tax
ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and
losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have
not been considered in the estimates.
85
86
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16 CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
DECEMBER 31
--------------------------
ASSETS 1999 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Cash $3,129 $5,998
Investment in subsidiaries 73,287 69,883
Other 393 228
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $76,809 $76,109
=================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Other liabilities $14 $16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 14 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 9,135 9,135
Additional paid-in capital 8,780 9,126
Retained earnings 64,468 60,582
Accumulated comprehensive income 479 960
Treasury stock at cost (6,067) (3,710)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 76,795 76,093
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $76,809 $76,109
=================================================================================================================
86
87
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16 CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Interest and dividend income $168 $249 $170
Equity in earnings of subsidiary 7,384 6,751 6,010
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income 7,552 7,000 6,180
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation 12 12 12
Other operating expenses 158 109 115
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 170 121 127
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before provision for income taxes 7,382 6,879 6,053
Provision for income taxes 5 50 17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $7,377 $6,829 $6,036
=================================================================================================================
87
88
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16 CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $7,377 $6,829 $6,036
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of subsidiary (7,384) (6,751) (6,010)
Change in other operating assets and liabilities (3) 47 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjustments (7,387) (6,704) (5,981)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (10) 125 55
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends received from subsidiary 3,500 6,355 2,915
Purchase of investment available-for-sale (111) - -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 3,389 6,355 2,915
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid (3,491) (3,192) (2,826)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,935) (2,333) (441)
Retirement of common stock - (18) -
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 178 534 487
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (6,248) (5,009) (2,780)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash (2,869) 1,471 190
Cash at beginning of year 5,998 4,527 4,337
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash at end of year $3,129 $5,998 $4,527
=================================================================================================================
88
89
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 17 SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 21, 2000, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan
of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Mutual Savings Bank
("Mutual"), a Wisconsin-chartered mutual savings bank and OV Corp.
(the "Merger Corp."), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mutual organized
for the purpose of effecting the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement. The Merger Corp. will be the surviving corporation.
The Merger Agreement provides for the acquisition of the Company by
Mutual through a merger of the Company with and into the Merger Corp.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the
time of the merger, each outstanding share of the Company's common
stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in the amount
of $15.00 or 1.5 shares of common stock of the Merger Corp. or a
combination of cash and shares of the Merger Corp.
In connection with the Merger, the Company and Mutual will engage in a
restructuring. As part of the restructuring, Mutual will form a mutual
holding company. The mutual holding company will own a majority of the
Merger Corp.'s common stock. The balance of the shares of the Merger
Corp. will be offered for sale to Mutual's depositors and issued to
First Northern stockholders in the Merger. As a result of the
restructuring, the Savings Bank and Mutual will become wholly owned
subsidiaries of the Merger Corp.
The Merger and subsequent restructuring are subject to approval by the
stockholders of the Company, depositors of Mutual, and various
regulatory agencies.
Concurrent with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties
entered into a Stock Option Agreement by which the Company granted
Mutual an irrevocable option to purchase up to 1,708,675 share of the
Company's stock equal to 19.9% of the number of shares of the
Company's stock outstanding on February 21, 2000, at an exercise price
of $9.0375 per share. The option would become exercisable under
certain circumstances if the Company becomes the subject of a third
party proposal for a competing transaction.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
A change in First Northern's independent public accountants during
1999 has been previously reported in a Form 8-K dated September 22, 1999 and
filed on September 29, 1999.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by
reference to "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance" in First Northern's definitive Proxy Statement for its
Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 26, 2000 (the "2000 Annual Meeting Proxy
Statement"). See also "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I hereof,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to
"Director Compensation", "Executive Compensation" (other than "Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation" thereunder, which is not
incorporated by reference herein) and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation" in the 2000 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the 2000
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Certain
Transactions with First Northern" in the 2000 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Documents filed as part of the Report:
1. and 2. Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.
The following consolidated financial statements of First Northern
Capital Corp. and subsidiaries are filed as part of this report under Item 8,
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data":
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - December 31, 1999 and
1998.
Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Report of Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson LLP, Independent Auditors.
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
3. Exhibits. See Exhibit Index following the signature page of this report,
which is incorporated herein by reference. Each management contract or
compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to
this report is identified in the Exhibit Index by two asterisks following
its exhibit number.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of 1999.
However, a Form 8-K dated as of February 21, 2000 was filed on
February 23, 2000, to report, under Item 5, First Northern's
Merger Agreement with Mutual Savings Bank.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP.
March 20, 2000
By: /s/Michael D. Meeuwsen
----------------------
Michael D. Meeuwsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
-----------------
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Michael D.
Meeuwsen, J. Gus Swoboda and Rick B. Colberg, or any of them, as
attorneys-in-fact with full power of substitution, to execute in the name and on
behalf of such person, individually, and in each capacity stated below or
otherwise, and to file, any and all amendments to this report.
----------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities indicated.*
SIGNATURE AND TITLE
/s/J. Gus Swoboda /s/Thomas J. Lopina, Sr.
----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
J. Gus Swoboda, Chairman and Director Thomas J. Lopina, Sr., Director
/s/Michael D. Meeuwsen /s/Richard C. Smits
----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Michael D. Meeuwsen, President, Richard C. Smits, Director
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Rick B. Colberg /s/Robert B. Olson
----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Rick B. Colberg, Vice President, Treasurer Robert B. Olson, Director
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/Howard M. Frankenthal /s/James L. Elbe
----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Howard M. Frankenthal, Director James L. Elbe, Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
- ---------------
* Each of the above signatures is affixed as of March 20, 2000.
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FIRST NORTHERN CAPITAL CORP.
(THE "REGISTRANT)
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-27982
EXHIBIT INDEX
TO
1999 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
EXHIBIT INCORPORATED HEREIN FILED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE TO HEREWITH
------- ----------- ------------------- --------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant's
of February 21, 2000, by and among Mutual Current Report on Form 8-K dated as
Savings Bank, OV Corp. and First Northern of February 21, 2000 (the "2/21/00
Capital Corp. 8-K")
2.2 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of Exhibit 2.2 to the 2/21/00 8-K
February 21, 2000, by and between Mutual
Savings Bank and First Northern Capital
Corp.
2.3 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, Appendix A to the Proxy
dated as of August 16, 1995, by and Statement/Prospectus dated
among Registrant, First Northern Savings November 2, 1995 (the "Proxy
Bank, S.A. (the "Savings Bank") and FNGB Statement/Prospectus") contained
Interim Savings Bank, FSB in the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (No.
33-98088) filed on October 13,
1995, as amended by Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 filed on October
31, 1995 ( the "1995 Registration
Statement")
3.1 Articles of Incorporation Appendix B to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
3.2 Bylaws Appendix C to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
4*
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated
as of December 20, 1995 (the
"12/20/95 8-K")
4.2 Articles III, IV and VII of Articles See Exhibit 3.1 above
of Incorporation
10.1** Management Incentive Plan of Savings Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's
Bank 12/20/95 8-K
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EXHIBIT INCORPORATED HEREIN FILED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE TO HEREWITH
------- ----------- ------------------- --------
10.2.1** Employment Agreements, dated as of Exhibit 10.2.1 to Registrant's
January 2, 1990, between Savings Bank 12/20/95 8-K
and each of the following executive
officers of Savings Bank: Michael D.
Meeuwsen; Rick B. Colberg; Marla J.
Carr; Richard E. Aicher; and John E.
Steinbrecker
10.2.2** Employment Agreement, dated as of Exhibit 10.2.2 to Registrant's
January 2, 1992, between Savings Bank 12/20/95 8-K
and Dale J. Darmody
10.2.3** Employment Agreements, dated as of Exhibit 10.2.4 to Registrant's
April 28, 1994, between Savings Bank and 12/20/95 8-K
each of the following executive officers
of Savings Bank: Charles R. Albers;
Richard C. Smits; and Steven L. Wilmet
10.2.4** Amendments No. 1 to Employment Exhibit (10)-2.5 to
Agreements, dated as of September 20, Registrant's 1995 Registration
1995, between Savings Bank and each of Statement
the following executive officers of
Savings Bank: Michael D. Meeuwsen; Rick
B. Colberg; Marla J. Carr; Richard E.
Aicher; John E. Steinbrecker; Dale J.
Darmody; Charles R. Albers; Richard C.
Smits; and Steven L. Wilmet
10.3.1** Non-Qualified Deferred Retirement Plan Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's
for Directors of Savings Bank 12/20/95 8-K
10.3.2** Amendment No. 1 to Non-Qualified Exhibit 10.3.2 to Registrant's
Deferred Retirement Plan for Directors Annual Report on Form 10-K for
of Savings Bank. the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998 (the "1998 10-K")
10.4.1** 1999 Stock Plan Appendix A to Proxy Statement
for Annual Meeting of
Stockholders' on April 28, 1999
10.4.2** 1989 Executive Stock Option Plan Exhibit 10.4.2 to Registrant's
(assumed by Registrant) 12/20/95 8-K
10.4.3** 1989 Directors' Stock Option Plan Exhibit 10.4.3 to Registrant's
(assumed by Registrant) 12/20/95 8-K
10.4.4** 1989 Stock Option and Incentive Plan Exhibit 10.4.4 to Registrant's
(assumed by Registrant) 12/20/95 8-K
10.4.5** 1994 Executive Stock Plan (assumed by Exhibit 10.4.5 to Registrant's
Registrant) 12/20/95 8-K
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EXHIBIT INCORPORATED HEREIN FILED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE TO HEREWITH
------- ----------- ------------------- --------
10.4.6** 1994 Directors' Stock Option Plan Exhibit 10.4.6 to Registrant's
(assumed by Registrant) 12/20/95 8-K
10.5.1** Salary Continuation Agreement dated as Exhibit 10.5.3 to Registrant's
of April 28, 1994, between Savings Bank 12/20/95 8-K
and Richard C. Smits
10.5.2** Amendment No. 1 to Salary Exhibit (10)-5.4 to
Continuation Agreement, dated as of Registrant's 1995 Registration
September 20, 1995, between Savings Bank Statement
and Richard C. Smits
10.6.2** Supplemental Retirement Agreement, Exhibit (10)-6.2 to
dated as of January 1, 1995, between Registrant's 1995 Registration
Savings Bank and Richard C. Smits Statement
10.6.3** Amendments No. 1 to Supplemental Exhibit (10)-6.3 to
Retirement Agreements, dated as of Registrant's 1995 Registration
September 20, 1995, between Savings Bank
Statement and each of the following
executive officers of Savings Bank:
Richard E. Aicher; Marla J. Carr; Rick B.
Colberg; Dale J. Darmody; Michael D.
Meeuwsen; Richard C. Smits; and John
E. Steinbrecker
10.6.4** Amendment No. 2 to Supplemental Exhibit 10.6.4 to the 1998
Retirement Agreements dated as of 10-K
October 15, 1998, between Savings Bank
and each of the following executive
officers of Savings Bank: Richard E.
Aicher; Marla J. Carr; Rick B.
Colberg; Dale J. Darmody; Michael D.
Meeuwsen; and John E. Steinbrecker
10.7 Agreements in connection with Exhibit 10.7 to Registrant's
acquisition of 50% stock interest in 12/20/95 8-K
Savings Financial Corporation
11.1 Statement regarding computation of per X
share earnings
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Registrant Exhibit 21.1 to Registrant's
12/20/95 8-K
23.1 Consent of Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson X
LLP, Registrant's independent auditors
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, X
Registrant's independent auditors
24.1 Power of Attorney, contained in the X
signature page of this Report
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EXHIBIT INCORPORATED HEREIN FILED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION BY REFERENCE TO HEREWITH
------- ----------- ------------------- --------
27.1 Financial Data Schedule, which is X
submitted electronically to the
Securities and Exchange Commission for
information only and not filed.
99.1 Joint Press Release of Mutual Savings Exhibit 2.3 to the 2/21/00 8-K
Bank and First Northern Capital Corp.,
dated February 22, 2000
-----------------
* Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrant
agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any unfiled
instrument defining the rights of security holders.
**Management contracts and executive compensation plans or arrangements
required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
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