UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the period ended September 30, 2003. [] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Transition Period From _______________ to _______________ Commission file number 0-10652 ------- NORTH VALLEY BANCORP ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) California 94-2751350 - --------------------------------- ------------------------ State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer ID Number) of incorporation or organization) 300 Park Marina Circle, Redding, CA 96002 - ---------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (530) 226-2900 -------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock - 6,493,873 shares as of November 13, 2003. INDEX NORTH VALLEY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION - ------------------------------ Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets--September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income--For the Three and Nine months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the Nine months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 4. Controls and Procedures PART II. OTHER INFORMATION - -------------------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings Item 2. Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Item 5. Other Information Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K SIGNATURES - ---------- 2 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements NORTH VALLEY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In thousands except share amounts) ASSETS September 30, 2003 December 31, 2002 ------------------ ----------------- Cash and due from banks $ 41,818 $ 33,900 Federal funds sold 75,910 21,400 ---------- ---------- Total cash and cash equivalents 117,728 55,300 Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions 99 517 Investment securities: Available for sale, at fair value 139,544 110,475 Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $1,823 at September 30, 2003 and $1,843 at December 31, 2002) 1,455 1,455 Loans and leases, net of allowance for loan and lease losses of $6,642 and $6,723 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 365,164 437,843 Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization 13,150 13,156 Other real estate -- 55 FHLB and FRB stock and other securities 3,208 3,258 Core deposit and other intangibles, net 2,398 2,772 Accrued interest receivable & other assets 31,097 30,939 ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 673,843 $ 655,770 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIES Deposits: Noninterest-bearing demand $ 120,001 $ 108,140 Interest-bearing 475,383 446,913 ---------- ---------- Total deposits 595,384 555,053 Other borrowed funds 9,420 32,888 Accrued interest and other liabilities 6,558 7,800 Company obligated mandatorily redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of subsidiary grantor trust 16,000 10,000 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities 627,362 605,741 ---------- ---------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, no par value: authorized 5,000,000 shares; none outstanding Common stock, no par value: authorized 20,000,000 shares, outstanding 6,570,073 and 6,951,141 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 23,700 25,112 Retained earnings 22,583 23,260 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax 198 1,657 ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 46,481 50,029 ---------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 673,843 $ 655,770 ========== ========== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 3 NORTH VALLEY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (In thousands except per share amounts) For the nine months ended, For the three months ended September 30, September 30, -------------------------- -------------------------- 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INTEREST INCOME: Loans and leases including fees $ 22,019 $ 24,400 $ 6,870 $ 8,319 Securities: Taxable 3,142 3,380 1,194 1,049 Exempt from federal taxes 975 1,194 307 398 Federal funds sold 458 265 179 87 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest income 26,594 29,239 8,550 9,853 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INTEREST EXPENSE: Deposits 4,306 6,079 1,313 1,795 Company obligated mandatorily redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of subsidiary grantor trust 960 768 358 256 Other borrowings 579 674 150 208 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total interest expense 5,845 7,521 1,821 2,259 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INTEREST INCOME 20,749 21,718 6,729 7,594 PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES -- 1,375 -- 380 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES 20,749 20,343 6,729 7,214 NONINTEREST INCOME: Service charges on deposit accounts 3,575 3,505 1,149 972 Other fees and charges 1,591 1,607 529 692 Gain on sale of loans 1,442 202 370 202 Gain on sales or calls of securities 201 27 45 14 Other 1,732 1,308 574 337 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total noninterest income 8,541 6,649 2,667 2,217 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NONINTEREST EXPENSES: Salaries and employee benefits 10,122 9,289 3,445 3,082 Occupancy 1,303 1,142 467 361 Equipment 1,954 1,330 594 485 Other 7,165 6,495 2,393 2,226 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total noninterest expenses 20,544 18,256 6,899 6,154 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 8,746 8,736 2,497 3,277 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 2,696 2,954 680 1,151 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 ========== ========== ========== ========== EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic $ 0.89 $ 0.83 $ 0.28 $ 0.30 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted $ 0.85 $ 0.80 $ 0.26 $ 0.29 ========== ========== ========== ========== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 4 NORTH VALLEY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands) For the nine months Ended September 30, ------------------------ 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 6,050 $ 5,782 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by Operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,707 1,007 Amortization of premium on securities 346 173 Amortization of core deposit and other intangibles 374 360 Provision for loan and lease losses -- 1,375 Gain on sale or calls of securities (201) (27) Gain on sale of loans (1,442) (202) Loan originations from loan sales (72,456) (24,625) Proceeds from loan sales 73,898 24,827 Effect of changes in: Accrued interest receivable 378 142 Other assets (49) (4,280) Accrued interest and other liabilities (1,242) 2,017 ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities 7,363 6,549 ---------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned 55 250 Net changes in FHLB, FRB and other securities (50) (1,029) Purchases of available for sale securities (110,299) (39,119) Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities 18,221 12,722 Proceeds from maturities/calls of available for sale securities 60,498 26,134 Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits at financial institutions 418 1,596 Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases 72,679 (41,891) Purchases of premises and equipment, net (1,181) (2,920) ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 40,341 (44,257) ---------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in deposits 40,331 24,383 Net (decrease)increase in Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds (17,468) 12,184 Cash dividends paid (2,020) (1,680) Repurchase of common stock (6,660) (395) Cash received for stock options exercised 368 328 Compensation expense on stock options/grants 173 311 ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by financing activities 14,724 35,131 ---------- ---------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 62,428 (2,577) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 55,300 46,375 ---------- ---------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 117,728 $ 43,798 ========== ========== ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 6,191 $ 7,999 ========== ========== Income taxes $ 2,190 $ 4,706 ========== ========== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 5 NORTH VALLEY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of North Valley Bancorp and subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented have been included. They do not, however, include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the year ended December 31, 2003. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (North Valley Bank ("NVB"), Six Rivers Bank ("SRB"), North Valley Capital Trust I, North Valley Capital Trust II, North Valley Trading Company, which is inactive, and Bank Processing, Inc. ("BPI"). Significant intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. NOTE B - SECURITIES At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the amortized cost of securities and their approximate fair value were as follows: (in thousands) Gross Gross Carrying Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Amount Available for sale securities: Cost Gains Losses (Fair Value) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ September 30, 2003 Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 12,593 $ 73 $ 12,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 19,355 946 $ (327) 19,974 Mortgage backed securities 89,021 830 (1,070) 88,781 Corporate securities 6,033 330 (17) 6,346 Other securities 12,313 27 (563) 11,777 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 139,315 $ 2,206 $ (1,977) $ 139,544 ============ ============ ============ ============ December 31, 2002 Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 11,220 $ 9 $ 11,229 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 23,580 1,138 $ (67) 24,651 Mortgage backed securities 59,915 1,108 (4) 61,019 Corporate securities 8,976 520 9,496 Other securities 4,088 (8) 4,080 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 107,779 $ 2,775 $ (79) $ 110,475 ============ ============ ============ ============ 6 Carrying Amount Gross Gross (Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Held to maturity securities: Cost) Gains Losses Fair Value ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- September 30, 2003 ------------------ Obligation of states and political subdivisions $ 1,455 $ 368 $ -- $ 1,823 ========== ========== ========== ========== Carrying Amount Gross Gross (Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Held to maturity securities: Cost) Gains Losses Fair Value ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- December 31, 2002 ----------------- Obligation of states and political Subdivisions $ 1,455 $ 388 $ -- $ 1,843 ========== ========== ========== ========== Gross realized gains on sales or calls of available-for-sale securities were $245,000 and $56,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. Gross realized losses on sales or calls of available-for-sale securities were $44,000 and $29,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. Scheduled maturities of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities (other than equity securities with an amortized cost of approximately $12,313,000 and a fair value of approximately $11,777,000) at September 30, 2003, are shown below (in thousands). The Company invests in mortgage backed securities ("MBSs") issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Government National Mortgage Association. Actual maturities of MBSs and other securities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay mortgages without penalty or call obligations with or without call penalties. The Company uses the "Wall Street" consensus average life at the time the security is purchased to schedule maturities of these MBSs and adjusts scheduled maturities periodically based upon changes in the Wall Street estimates. Held to Maturity Securities Available for Sale Securities --------------------------- ----------------------------- Amortized Cost Fair Value (Carrying Amortized (Carrying Amount) Fair Value Cost Amount) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Due in 1 year or less $ 25,628 $ 25,963 Due after 1 year through 5 years 43,609 43,925 Due after 5 years through 10 years 15,239 15,268 Due after 10 years $ 1,455 $ 1,823 42,526 42,611 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 1,455 $ 1,823 $ 127,002 $ 127,767 ========== ========== ========== ========== At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 securities having fair value amounts of approximately $28,515,000 and $65,052,000 were pledged to secure public deposits, short-term borrowings, treasury, tax and loan balances and for other purposes required by law or contract. 7 NOTE C - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION At September 30, 2003, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans, the North Valley Bancorp 1989 Director Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Employee Stock Incentive Plan and the 1999 Director Stock Option Plan. The Company accounts for these plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income under the Employee Plan, as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements for the differences between the fair value of the options at the date of the grant and the exercise price at 85% of the fair value for the Director Plans. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based compensation. Pro forma adjustments to the Company's net earnings and earnings per share are disclosed during the years in which the options become vested. Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------- -------------------------------- (in thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income, as reported $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 Add: total stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax 103 187 44 37 Deduct: total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (275) (298) (91) (99) Net income, pro forma $ 5,878 $ 5,671 $ 1,770 $ 2,064 Basic earnings per common share: As reported $ 0.89 $ 0.83 $ 0.28 $ 0.30 Pro forma $ 0.87 $ 0.81 $ 0.27 $ 0.30 Diluted earnings per common and equivalent share: As reported $ 0.85 $ 0.80 $ 0.26 $ 0.29 Pro forma $ 0.83 $ 0.80 $ 0.25 $ 0.29 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fair value of each option granted during the periods presented is estimated on the date of grant using an option-pricing model with the following assumptions: Nine months ended September 30, ------------------------------- 2003 2002 -------- -------- Dividend yield 2.87% 3.29% Expected volatility 18.97% 18.29% Risk-Free interest rate 5.00% 5.00% Expected option life 7 years 7 years - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 NOTE D - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. The Company's only sources of other comprehensive income are unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities and adjustments to the minimum pension liability. Reclassification adjustments resulting from gains or losses on investment securities that were realized and included in net income of the current period that also had been included in other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains or losses in the period in which they arose are excluded from comprehensive income of the current period. The Company's total comprehensive income was as follows: Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------- -------------------------------- (in thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 Other comprehensive income (loss): Holding (loss) gain arising during period (1,604) 2,047 (947) 1,293 Reclassification adjustment, net of tax 145 18 32 9 -------- -------- -------- -------- (1,459) 2,065 (915) 1,302 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total comprehensive income $ 4,591 $ 7,847 $ 902 $ 3,428 ======== ======== ======== ======== NOTE E - EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock. There was no difference in the numerator, net income, used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. The denominator used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is reconciled as follows: Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------- -------------------------------- (In thousands except earnings per share) 2003 2002 2003 2002 -------- -------- -------- -------- Calculation of Basic Earnings Per Share Numerator - net income $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 Denominator - weighted average common shares outstanding 6,781 7,005 6,599 6,933 -------- -------- -------- -------- Basic Earnings Per Share $ 0.89 $ 0.83 $ 0.28 $ 0.31 ======== ======== ======== ======== Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Share Numerator - net income $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 Denominator - weighted average common shares outstanding 6,781 7,005 6,599 6,933 Dilutive effect of outstanding options 358 200 388 315 -------- -------- -------- -------- 7,139 7,205 6,986 7,248 -------- -------- -------- -------- Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 0.85 $ 0.80 $ 0.26 $ 0.29 ======== ======== ======== ======== NOTE F - SEGMENT DISCLOSURE The Company operates as three business segments: North Valley Bank, Six Rivers Bank and Other. Management analyzes the operations of NVB, SRB and Other separately. Other consists of North Valley Bancorp a multi-bank holding company registered with and subject to regulation and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bank Processing Inc, a California corporation, both of which provide services to NVB and SRB. Management allocates the costs of Bancorp and BPI to NVB and SRB based primarily on usage through a variety of statistical data. NVB and SRB are separately chartered institutions each with its own Board of Directors and regulated independently of each other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The Company evaluates performance based on operating results before income taxes not including nonrecurring gains or losses. 9 The Company derives a majority of its revenues from interest income and the chief operating decision maker relies primarily on net interest income and non-interest income to assess the performance of the segments and make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment. Therefore, the total revenues for the segments reported below consists of net interest income plus noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. The Company does not have operating segments other than those reported. Parent company financial information is included in the Other category in the disclosures below along with the activity of BPI, North Valley Trading Co, North Valley Capital Trust I and North Valley Capital Trust II and represents the Company's Other operating segment. The Company does not have a single external customer from whom it derives 10 percent or more of its revenues and who operates in one geographical area. Information about reportable segments, and reconciliation of such information to the condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, and September 30, 2002, is set forth below: Nine months ended: NVB SRB Other Total September 30, 2003: ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues $ 21,518 $ 8,480 $ (708) $ 29,290 Net income (loss) $ 5,740 $ 1,226 $ (916) $ 6,050 Interest income $ 18,493 $ 8,094 $ 7 $ 26,594 Interest expense $ 2,941 $ 1,948 $ 956 $ 5,845 Depreciation and amortization $ 1,546 $ 710 $ 171 $ 2,427 Provision for loan and lease losses $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- Total assets $ 456,328 $ 215,431 $ 2,084 $ 673,843 September 30, 2002: Total revenues $ 24,942 $ 10,598 $ 348 $ 35,888 Net income (loss) $ 5,251 $ 1,097 $ (566) $ 5,782 Interest income $ 20,194 $ 9,045 $ -- $ 29,239 Interest expense $ 4,243 $ 2,516 $ 762 $ 7,521 Depreciation and amortization $ 712 $ 646 $ 55 $ 1,413 Provision for loan and lease losses $ 1,215 $ 160 $ -- $ 1,375 Total assets $ 422,374 $ 215,529 $ 2,065 $ 639,968 NOTE G- STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On July 28, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized a new common stock repurchase program. The program calls for the repurchase of up to 3.0% of the Company's outstanding shares, or approximately 199,000 shares based on approximately 6,638,000 shares outstanding at July 28, 2003 after giving effect to the 3 for 2 stock split paid on May 15, 2003 to holders of record on April 15, 2003. The following tables summarize the stock repurchase activity for the Company's current Stock Repurchase Program and the previous Program announced on April 28, 2003: 3.0% Repurchase Announced July 28, 2003 Month of Activity Shares Total Repurchased Consideration August 90,000 $1,419,506 November 76,200 $1,217,846 3.0% Repurchase Announced April 28, 2003 Month of Activity Shares Total Repurchased Consideration May 87,300 $1,347,158 June 58,909 $ 921,868 July 59,159 $ 917,158 10 NOTE H - STOCK SPLIT On March 12, 2003, the Company announced a 3 for 2 stock split in the form of a dividend payable to holders of common stock on April 15, 2003, the record date. The stock dividend was distributed on May 15, 2003 with each shareholder receiving one additional share for every two shares held on the record date. Partial shares were paid in cash based upon the market price on the record date. All share and earnings per share figures in this report have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the 3-for-2 stock split. NOTE I - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure--an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. This Statement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transition guidance and annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The interim disclosure provisions are effective for financial reporting containing financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. Because the Company accounts for the compensation cost associated with its stock option plans under the intrinsic value method, the alternative methods of transition will not apply to the Company. The additional interim disclosure requirements of the Statement are included in these financial statements. In management's opinion, the adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of its operations or its cash flows. In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). FIN 45 requires that a liability for the fair value of an obligation for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 be recorded in the financial statements of the guarantor. Guarantees existing before the implementation of FIN 45 are required to be disclosed in financial statements issued after December 15, 2002. While the Company has various guarantees included in contracts in the normal course of business, primarily in the form of indemnities, these guarantees would only result in immaterial increases in future costs, and do not represent significant commitments or contingent liabilities of the indebtedness of others. In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46), which requires the consolidation of variable interest entities, as defined. FIN 46 is currently applicable to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date of FIN 46 for variable interests held by public companies in all entities that were acquired prior to February 1, 2003. This deferral is to allow time for certain implementation issues to be addressed through the issuance of a potential modification to the interpretation. The deferral revised the effective date for consolidation of these entities to the period ended December 31, 2003 for calendar year end companies. Based on the current rules, the Company does not believe that the implementation of the interpretation will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. On April 30, 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments by providing guidance related to circumstances under which a contract with a net investment meets the characteristics of a derivative as discussed in Statement 133. The Statement also clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component. The Statement is intended to result in more consistent reporting for derivative contracts and must be applied prospectively for contracts entered into or modified after September 30, 2003, except for hedging relationships designated after September 30, 2003. In management's opinion, adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified by the Company after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after September15, 2003. The Company has previously accounted for its mandatorily redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities in a manner consistent with the Statement and, in management's opinion, adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. NOTE J - COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CUMULATIVE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARY GRANTOR TRUST During the first quarter of 2003, the Company formed North Valley Capital Trust II as a special purpose entity ("SPE") which is consolidated into the Company's financial statements. North Valley Capital Trust II is a Delaware business trust wholly owned by the Company and formed for the purpose of issuing Company obligated mandatorily redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of Subsidiary Grantor Trust holding solely junior subordinated debentures. 11 On April 10, 2003, North Valley Capital Trust II issued 6,000 Trust Preferred Securities with a liquidation value of $1,000 for gross proceeds of $6,000,000. The entire proceeds of the issuance were invested by North Valley Capital Trust II in $6,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.448% subordinated debentures due in 2033 (the Subordinated Debentures) issued by the Company. The Subordinated Debentures represent the sole assets of North Valley Capital Trust II. Holders of the trust preferred securities are entitled to cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 6.448% of the liquidation amount of $1,000 per security. The Company has the option to defer payment of the distributions for a period of up to five years, as long as the Company is not in default in the payment of interest on the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities (the Guarantee). The Guarantee, when taken together with the Company's obligations under the Subordinated Debentures, the Indenture Agreement pursuant to which the subordinated Debentures were issued and the Company's obligations under the Trust Agreement governing the subsidiary trust, provide a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on the Trust Preferred Securities. Under applicable regulatory guidelines, all of the Trust Preferred Securities currently qualify as Tier I Capital. 12 NOTE K - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the execution of a Plan of Reorganization and Merger Agreement and the filing of the appropriate applications with the California Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to obtain approval of a proposed combination and merger of the Company's bank subsidiaries, Six Rivers Bank and North Valley Bank. The Merger Agreement contemplates a merger of Six Rivers Bank into North Valley Bank with North Valley Bank surviving and continuing its operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Following the merger, it is expected that (i) the name "Six Rivers Bank, a Division of North Valley Bank" will be used to identify the former offices of Six Rivers Bank as an operating division of North Valley Bank; (ii) the former directors of Six Rivers Bank who are currently not directors of the Company will remain affiliated with the Company in an advisory capacity; (iii) the former officers of Six Rivers Bank will serve in similar capacities with such operating division; (iv) the current directors and officers of the Company will remain unchanged; (v) two of the current directors of Six Rivers Bank, who also serve on the Board of Directors of Company, will be appointed to the North Valley Bank Board of Directors; and (vi) the shareholders equity and financial condition of the Company on a consolidated basis, will not change in any material respect. It is anticipated that the merger will become effective in the first quarter of 2004. Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the merger, are subject to the prior approval of the California Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. On a separate matter, the Board of Directors of the Company has accepted the resignation of Douglas M. Treadway as a Director of Company and as a Director of North Valley Bank, effective October 24, 2003. Mr. Treadway previously held the position of President of Shasta Community College in Redding, California. This past summer, Mr. Treadway took a new position as President of Ohlone College in Fremont, California, and as a result of this new position relocated his residence to Fremont, California. Mr. Treadway advised the Board of Directors that the reason for his resignation was that with the responsibilities of his new position and the distance from Redding, it would be extremely difficult for him to devote sufficient time and effort to the performance of his duties as a Director The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it will not name a replacement for Mr. Treadway at the present time, and therefore intends to reduce the size of the Board of Directors from ten members to nine members. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OF OPERATIONS. - ------------- Certain statements in this Form 10-Q (excluding statements of fact or historical financial information) involve forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors: competitive pressure in the banking industry increases significantly; changes in the interest rate environment reduce margins; general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, are less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and an increase in the provision for possible loan losses; changes in the regulatory environment; changes in business conditions, particularly in Shasta and Humboldt Counties; volatility of rate sensitive deposits; operational risks including data processing system failures or fraud; asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks; and changes in the securities markets. In addition, recent events, including those of September 11, 2001, and efforts of the U.S. Government to combat terrorism, have increased the uncertainty related to the national and California economic outlook and could have an effect on the future operations of the Company or its customers, including borrowers. Critical Accounting Policies - ---------------------------- General North Valley Bancorp's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset or relieving a liability. North Valley Bancorp uses historical loss factors as one factor in determining the inherent loss that may be present in its loan portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the historical factors that are used. Other estimates used by North Valley Bancorp are related to the expected useful lives of its depreciable assets. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another method. Although the economics of our transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would impact our transactions could change. Certain amounts in 2002 have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 financial statement presentation. 13 Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of the losses that are inherent in our loan portfolio. The allowance is based on two basic principles of accounting: (1) Statement of Financial Accountings Standards (SFAS) No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies", which requires that losses be accrued when they are probable of occurring and estimable and (2) SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan", which requires that losses be accrued for impaired loans based on the differences between that value of collateral, present value of future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market and the loan balance. The allowance for loan and lease losses has two basic components: the formula allowance and the specific allowance. Each of these components is determined based upon estimates that can and do change when the actual events occur. The formula allowance uses a historical loss view, adjusted for qualitative factors, as an indicator of future losses and therefore this estimate could differ from losses that occur in the future. However, since this history is updated with the most recent loss information, the errors that might otherwise occur are mitigated. The specific allowance uses various techniques to arrive at an estimate of loss for specific loans. Historical loss information, expected cash flows and fair market value of collateral are used to estimate those losses. The use of these values is inherently subjective and our actual losses could be greater or less than the estimates. The qualitative factors capture losses that are attributable to various economic events, industry or geographic sectors whose impact on the portfolio have occurred but have yet to be recognized in either the historical or specific allowances including model imprecision. For further information regarding our allowance for credit losses, see "Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses" on page 18. Corporate Reform Legislation President George W. Bush signed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Act") on July 30, 2002, which responds to recent issues in corporate governance and accountability. Among other matters, key provisions of the Act provide for: o Expanded oversight of the accounting profession by creating a new independent oversight board to be monitored by the SEC. o Revised rules on auditor independence to restrict the nature of non-audit services provided to audit clients and to require such services to be pre-approved by the audit committee. o Improved corporate responsibility through mandatory listing standards relating to audit committees, certifications of periodic reports by the CEO and CFO, and makes it a crime for an issuer to interfere with an audit. o Enhanced financial disclosures, including periodic reviews for the largest issuers and real time disclosure of material company information. o Enhanced criminal penalties for a broad array of white-collar crimes and increases in the statute of limitations for securities fraud lawsuits. The SEC has adopted a number of rule changes to implement the provisions of the Act. The SEC has also approved new rules proposed and adopted by the Nasdaq Stock Market to strengthen corporate governance standards for listed companies, such as the Company. The Company does not currently anticipate that compliance with the Act (including the rules adopted pursuant to the Act) will have a material effect upon its financial position or results of its operations or its cash flows. Overview - -------- North Valley Bancorp (the "Company") is a multi-bank holding company registered with and subject to regulation and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Board of Governors"). The Company was incorporated in 1980 in the State of California. The Company wholly owns its principal subsidiaries, North Valley Bank ("NVB"), Six Rivers Bank ("SRB"), North Valley Capital Trust I, North Valley Capital Trust II, North Valley Trading Company, which is inactive, and Bank Processing, Inc. ("BPI"). The sole subsidiary of NVB, which is inactive, is North Valley Basic Securities (the "Securities Company"). The Company conducts a commercial and retail banking business with NVB operating fourteen full service banking offices, including two supermarket branches, in Shasta and Trinity Counties and with SRB operating seven full service banking offices in Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino counties. The Company operates as three business segments - NVB, SRB, and Other - providing demand, savings, money market deposit accounts, and time deposits, and making commercial, real estate and consumer loans. The Company also offers investment services, installment note collections, issues cashier's checks and money orders, sells travelers' checks and provides safe deposit boxes and other customary banking services. The Company's primary source of revenues is interest income from its loan and investment securities portfolios. The Company is not dependent on any single customer for more than 10% of the Company's revenues. 14 Earnings Summary - ---------------- Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------ ------------------------------- (in thousands except per share amounts) 2003 2002 2003 2002 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net interest income $ 20,749 $ 21,718 $ 6,729 $ 7,594 Provision for loan and lease losses -- 1,375 -- 380 Noninterest income 8,541 6,649 2,667 2,217 Noninterest expense 20,544 18,256 6,899 6,154 Provision for income taxes 2,696 2,954 680 1,151 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income $ 6,050 $ 5,782 $ 1,817 $ 2,126 ============ ============ ============ ============ Earnings Per Share Basic $ 0.89 $ 0.83 $ 0.28 $ 0.30 Diluted $ 0.85 $ 0.80 $ 0.26 $ 0.29 Annualized Return on Average Assets 1.21% 1.27% 1.07% 1.36% Annualized Return on Average Equity 16.61% 17.06% 15.82% 17.90% The Company's consolidated net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $6,050,000, or $0.85 per diluted share, compared to $5,782,000, or $0.80 diluted earnings per share for the same period in 2002. Return on average assets was 1.21% and return on average equity was 16.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a decrease from the 1.27% and 17.06% for the same period in 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company took no provision for loan losses. This compares to $1,375,000 for the same period in 2002. The decreased level of provision is due to the results of the Company's analysis for measuring the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Factors include size and mix of loan portfolio, non-performing loan levels, charge-off/recovery activity and other qualitative factors including economic activity. Management believes that the current level of allowance for loan and lease losses as of September 30, 2003 of $6,642,000 or 1.79% of total loans and leases is adequate at this time. The allowance for loan and lease losses was $6,723,000 or 1.52% of total loans and leases at December 31, 2002. For further information regarding our allowance for loan and lease losses, see "Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses" on page 18. Net Interest Income - ------------------- Net interest income is the principal source of the Company's operating earnings and represents the difference between interest earned on loans and leases and other investments and interest paid on deposits and other borrowings. The amount of interest income and expense is affected by changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing deposits, along with changes in interest rates. The following table is a summary of the Company's net interest income, presented on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis for tax-exempt investments included in earning assets, for the periods indicated: Nine months ended September 30 Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------ -------------------------------- (In thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Interest income $ 26,594 $ 29,239 $ 8,550 $ 9,853 Less: Interest expense 5,845 7,521 1,821 2,259 FTE adjustment 564 589 197 196 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net interest income (FTE) $ 21,313 $ 22,306 $ 6,926 $ 7,790 ============ ============ ============ ============ Net interest income has been adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) for tax-exempt investments included in earning assets. The decrease in net interest income (FTE) for both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 resulted primarily from lower average total loan volumes coupled with lower overall yields on earning assets partially offset by a decrease in interest expense. Management has been proactive in attempting to manage the Company's net interest margin, that is, trying to maximize current net interest income without placing an undue risk on future earnings. This has thus far resulted in a decrease in the net interest margin in the short term but has positioned the Company well for any further changes in interest rates. Management made the strategic decision late in 2002 to sell all fixed rate mortgages originated by the Company due to the overall low level of interest rates and the additional interest rate risk the Company would take on by maintaining these loans within the loan portfolio. While this strategy has decreased the current net interest margin of the Company, it has also positioned the Company to take advantage of future changes in interest rates. While average interest earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased by $46,310,000 or 8.5% from the same period last year, yields on average earning assets decreased 117 basis points from 7.30% to 6.13%. Most of the yield decrease is due to the change in the mix of earning assets from loans to lower-yielding investments and fed funds. Average interest bearing liabilities increased by $39,543,000 or 8.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002 while the average rate paid on those liabilities decreased 63 basis points from 2.20% to 1.57%. The 15 Company's net interest margin (FTE) decreased from 5.46% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002 to 4.81% for the same period ended September 30, 2003. The following table is a summary of the Company's net interest margin (FTE) for the periods indicated: Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------- -------------------------------- 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- Yield on earning assets 6.13% 7.30% 5.75% 7.16% Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities 1.57% 2.20% 1.44% 1.95% ---- ---- ---- ---- Net interest spread 4.56% 5.10% 4.31% 5.21% ==== ==== ==== ==== Net interest margin 4.81% 5.46% 4.55% 5.55% ==== ==== ==== ==== Noninterest Income - ------------------ The following table is a summary of the Company's noninterest income for the periods indicated: Noninterest Income Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, (In thousands) ------------------------------- -------------------------------- 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Service charges on deposit accounts $ 3,575 $ 3,505 $ 1,149 $ 972 Other fees and charges 1,591 1,607 529 692 Gain on sale of loans 1,442 202 370 202 Gain on sale or calls of securities 201 27 45 14 Other 1,732 1,308 574 337 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total noninterest income $ 8,541 $ 6,649 $ 2,667 $ 2,217 ========== ========== ========== ========== Non-interest income increased from $6,649,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to $8,541,000 for the same period in 2003. Service charges on deposits and other fees and charges were nearly flat from the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to the same period in 2003. The Company recorded $1,442,000 in gains on sales of mortgages for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $202,000 for the same period in 2002. Please see the paragraph below for a discussion of mortgage loan sales. The Company also recorded $201,000 in gains on sales and calls of investment securities in 2003 compared to $27,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Other income increased from $1,308,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to $1,732,000 for the same period in 2003. The increase in other income was primarily due to an increase on earnings on life insurance holdings which were purchased to fund the Company's salary continuation plan. During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company began to sell new production conforming first trust deed mortgage loans into the secondary market and retaining the servicing on these loans. This is part of a strategy to maintain a shorter duration within the loan portfolio due to the historically low interest rate environment and maintain a diverse product mix within the loan portfolio. While this strategy may serve to reduce the overall yield on earning assets in the near-term, the benefit is that when rates do start to move back up, the Company will be in a better position to respond to rate changes and maintain a consistent net interest margin. Management will continue to monitor this strategy and may change it in light of any significant interest rate movements or other factors. As of December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003, the Company held a small portion of its loan portfolio classified as available-for-sale. Such amounts were not separately shown on the balance sheet as such amounts were not material to the financial condition of the Company. Noninterest Expense - ------------------- The following table is a summary of the Company's noninterest expense for the periods indicated: Nine months ended September 30, Three months ended September 30, ------------------------------- -------------------------------- (In thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Salaries & employee benefits $ 10,122 $ 9,289 $ 3,445 $ 3,082 Equipment expense 1,954 1,330 594 485 Occupancy expense 1,303 1,142 467 361 Marketing 805 806 254 259 Data processing expenses 126 178 46 35 ATM expense 729 678 231 240 Printing & supplies 399 447 118 173 Postage 384 418 120 151 Messenger expense 250 278 85 77 Professional services 740 698 255 220 Other 3,732 2,992 1,284 1,071 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total Noninterest expense $ 20,544 $ 18,256 $ 6,899 $ 6,154 ========== ========== ========== ========== 16 Noninterest expense totaled $20,544,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to $18,256,000 for the same period in 2002. Salaries and benefits increased by $833,000 or 9.0% to $10,122,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $9,289,000 for the same period in 2002. The increase in salary expense was due to regular merit increases and new employees associated with a new branch facility and an increase in workman's compensation insurance but was partially offset by a reduction in employees in BPI due to the change in core operating system which requires less personnel. Equipment expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 due to the opening of one new branch in August of 2002 and an increase in depreciation expense associated with the Company's new core operating system. Most other expense categories for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 experienced relatively small increases or decreases from the same respective periods in 2002 with the exception of other expense. Other expense totaled $3,732,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, an increase of $740,000 or 24.7%. This was mainly due to increased communication costs associated with the new core operating system as well as normal internal growth. The Company's efficiency ratio for the first nine months of 2003 was 70.1%, an increase over the 64.4% efficiency ratio achieved for the first nine months of 2002. This is primarily due to a decrease in revenues in 2003 from prior periods and to a lesser extent, an increase in non-interest expense in 2003. Income Taxes - ------------ The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $2,696,000 as compared to $2,954,000 for the same period in 2002. The effective income tax rate for state and federal income taxes was 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to 33.8% for the same period in 2002. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2003 was 27.2 compared to 33.8% for the same period in 2002. The decrease in the effective rate for 2003 is due to a lower overall revenue base as well as an increase in investments that are exempt from federal taxes. The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the statutory tax rate (approximately 42.05%) is primarily the result of the Company's investment in municipal securities, FNMA Preferred Stock, and life insurance policies whose income is exempt from Federal taxes. In addition, the Company receives special tax benefits from the State of California Franchise Tax Board for operating in designated `Enterprise Zones'. Impaired, Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans and Leases and Other - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nonperforming Assets - -------------------- The Company considers a loan or lease impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impaired loans and leases is generally based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral-dependent loans and leases are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. At September 30, 2003, the recorded investment in loans and leases for which impairment has been recognized was approximately $1,752,000 with a related valuation allowance as determined under FAS 114, which is included in the specific allowance of $646,000. For the period ended September 30, 2003 the average recorded investment in loans and leases for which impairment has been recognized was approximately $1,475,000. During the portion of the year that the loans and leases were impaired, the Company recognized interest income of approximately $48,000 for cash payments received in 2003. At December 31, 2002, the recorded investment in loans and leases for which impairment had been recognized was approximately $1,452,000 with a related valuation allowance of $365,000. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the average recorded investment in loans and leases for which impairment had been recognized was approximately $948,000. During the portion of the year that the loans and leases were impaired, the Company recognized interest income of approximately $63,000 for cash payments received in 2002. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and 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 (except that when management believes a loan is well secured and in the process of collection, interest accruals are continued on loans deemed by management to be fully collectible). When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is probable. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. The increase in nonperforming loans was primarily due to the addition of four nonperforming single-family residential loans, which are all in the process of collection. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2003, and December 31, 2002, are summarized as follows: 17 September 30, December 31, 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- Nonaccrual loans and leases $ 1,627 $ 1,452 Loans and leases 90 days past due and still accruing interest 1,684 864 ------------- ------------- Total nonperforming loans and leases 3,311 2,316 Other real estate -- 55 ------------- ------------- Total nonperforming assets $ 3,311 $ 2,371 ============= ============= Nonaccrual loans and leases to total gross loans and leases 0.44% 0.33% Nonperforming loans and leases to total gross loans and leases 0.89% 0.52% Total nonperforming assets to total assets 0.49% 0.36% Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses - ----------------------------------- A summary of the allowance for loan and lease losses at September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 is as follows: September 30, September 30, (In thousands) 2003 2002 ------------- ------------- Balance beginning of period $ 6,723 $ 5,786 Provision for loan and lease losses -- 1,375 Net charge-offs 81 695 ------------- ------------- Balance end of period $ 6,642 $ 6,466 ============= ============= Allowance for loan and lease losses to nonaccrual loans and leases 408.24% 449.97% Allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans and leases 200.60% 249.17% Allowance for loan and lease losses to total gross loans and leases 1.79% 1.48% Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases outstanding (annualized) 0.03% 0.22% The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision for loan and lease losses based on management's evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. In determining levels of risk, management considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, historical loan and lease loss experience, and the Company's underwriting policies. The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at an amount management considers adequate to cover losses in loans and leases receivable, which are considered probable and estimable. While management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to allowances may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may be beyond the Company's control. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan and lease losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on judgments different from those of management. 18 The allowance for loan and lease losses is comprised of two primary types of allowances: 1. Formula Allowance Formula allowances are based upon loan and lease loss factors that reflect management's estimate of the inherent loss in various segments of pools within the loan and lease portfolio. The loss factor is multiplied by the portfolio segment (e.g. multifamily permanent mortgages) balance to derive the formula allowance amount. The loss factors are updated periodically by the Company to reflect current information that has an effect on the amount of loss inherent in each segment. The formula allowance is adjusted for qualitative factors that are based upon management's evaluation of conditions that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. The evaluation of inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem credits or historical performance of loan and lease portfolio segments. The conditions evaluated in connection with the unallocated allowance at September 30, 2003 included the following, which existed at the balance sheet date: o General business and economic conditions effecting the Company's key lending areas o Real estate values in Northern California o Loan volumes and concentrations, including trends in past due and nonperforming loans o Seasoning of the loan portfolio o Status of the current business cycle o Specific industry or market conditions within portfolio segments o Model imprecision 2. Specific Allowance Specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to an individually impaired credit. In other words, these allowances are specific to the loss inherent in a particular loan. The amount for a specific allowance is calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 114, "Accounting By Creditors For Impairment Of A Loan". The $6,642,000 in formula and specific allowances reflects management's estimate of the inherent loss in various pools or segments in the portfolio, and includes adjustments for general economic conditions, trends in the portfolio and changes in the mix of the portfolio. The level of formula allowance is consistent from 2002 to 2003. Management anticipates that as the Company continues to implement its strategic plan the Company will: o generate further growth in loans receivable held for investment o emphasize the origination and purchase of income property real estate loans o continue expansion of commercial business lending As a result, future provisions will be required and the ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses to loans outstanding may increase. Experience across the financial services industry indicates that commercial business and income property loans may present greater risks than residential real estate loans, and therefore should be accompanied by suitably higher levels of reserves. Liquidity - --------- The objective of liquidity management is to ensure the continuous availability of funds to meet the demands of depositors and borrowers. Collection of principal and interest on loans and leases, the liquidations and maturities of investment securities, deposits with other banks, customer deposits and short term borrowing, when needed, are primary sources of funds 19 that contribute to liquidity. Unused lines of credit from correspondent banks to provide federal funds for $23,000,000 as of September 30, 2003 were available to provide liquidity. The Company has a revolving, unsecured line of credit for $3,000,000 with a correspondent bank as of September 30, 2003. In addition, NVB and SRB are both members of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") System providing additional borrowing capacity of $42,361,000 secured by certain loans and investment securities as of September 30, 2003. The Company also has a line of credit with Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco ("FRB") of $4,390,000 secured by first deeds of trust on eligible commercial real estate loans and leases. As of September 30, 2003, borrowings consisted of $9,000,000 in medium-term FHLB advances, long-term borrowings of $242,000 were outstanding with the FHLB, $178,000 was outstanding with the FRB under the Treasury, Tax, and Loan program and $16,000,000 was outstanding in the form of Company obligated mandatorily redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities. The Company manages both assets and liabilities by monitoring asset and liability mixes, volumes, maturities, yields and rates in order to preserve liquidity and earnings stability. Total liquid assets (cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and investment securities) totaled $258,826,000 and $167,747,000 (or 38.4% and 25.6% of total assets) at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. The increase in liquid assets is due to growth in deposits and a decrease in total loans outstanding. As previously discussed, this is due to the strategy of selling all new fixed-rate mortgages. Core deposits, defined as demand deposits, interest bearing demand deposits, regular savings, money market deposit accounts and time deposits of less than $100,000, continue to provide a relatively stable and low cost source of funds. Core deposits totaled $545,328,000 and $506,162,000 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. In assessing liquidity, historical information such as seasonal loan demand, local economic cycles and the economy in general are considered along with current ratios, management goals and unique characteristics of the Company. Management believes the Company is in compliance with its policies relating to liquidity. Interest Rate Sensitivity - ------------------------- The Company constantly monitors earning asset and deposit levels, developments and trends in interest rates, liquidity, capital adequacy and marketplace opportunities. Management responds to all of these to protect and possibly enhance net interest income while managing risks within acceptable levels as set forth in the Company's policies. In addition, alternative business plans and contemplated transactions are also analyzed for their impact. This process, known as asset/liability management, is carried out by changing the maturities and relative proportions of the various types of loans, investments, deposits and other borrowings in the ways prescribed above. The tool used to manage and analyze the interest rate sensitivity of a financial institution is known as a simulation model and is performed with specialized software built for this specific purpose for financial institutions. This model allows management to analyze three specific types of risks: market risk, mismatch risk, and basis risk. Market Risk Market risk results from the fact that the market values of assets or liabilities on which the interest rate is fixed will increase or decrease with changes in market interest rates. If the Company invests in a fixed-rate, long term security and then interest rates rise, the security is worth less than a comparable security just issued because the older security pays less interest than the newly issued security. If the security had to be sold before maturity, then the Company would incur a loss on the sale. Conversely, if interest rates fall after a fixed-rate security is purchased, its value increases, because it is paying at a higher rate than newly issued securities. The fixed rate liabilities of the Company, like certificates of deposit and fixed-rate borrowings, also change in value with changes in interest rates. As rates drop, they become more valuable to the depositor and hence more costly to the Company. As rates rise, they become more valuable to the Company. Therefore, while the value changes when rates move in either direction, the adverse impacts of market risk to the Company's fixed-rate assets are due to rising rates and for the Company's fixed-rate liabilities, they are due to falling rates. In general, the change in market value due to changes in interest rates is greater in financial instruments that have longer remaining maturities. Therefore, the exposure to market risk of assets is lessened by managing the amount of fixed-rate assets and by keeping maturities relatively short. These steps, however, must be balanced against the need for adequate interest income because variable-rate and shorter-term assets generally yield less interest than longer-term or fixed-rate assets. Mismatch Risk The second interest-related risk, mismatch risk, arises from the fact that when interest rates change, the changes do not occur equally in the rates of interest earned and paid because of differences in the contractual terms of the assets and liabilities held. A difference in the contractual terms, a mismatch, can cause adverse impacts on net interest income. The Company has a certain portion of its loan portfolio tied to the national prime rate. If these rates are lowered because of general market conditions, e.g., the prime rate decreases in response to a rate decrease by the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee ("FOMC"), these loans will be repriced. If the Company were at the same time to have a large proportion of its deposits in long-term fixed-rate certificates, interest earned on loans would decline while interest paid on the certificates would remain at higher levels for a period of time until they mature. Therefore net interest income would decrease immediately. A decrease in net interest income could also occur with rising interest rates if the Company had a large portfolio of fixed-rate loans and securities that was funded by deposit accounts on which the rate is steadily rising. 20 This exposure to mismatch risk is managed by attempting to match the maturities and repricing opportunities of assets and liabilities. This may be done by varying the terms and conditions of the products that are offered to depositors and borrowers. For example, if many depositors want shorter-term certificates while most borrowers are requesting longer-term fixed rate loans, the Company will adjust the interest rates on the certificates and loans to try to match up demand for similar maturities. The Company can then partially fill in mismatches by purchasing securities or borrowing funds from the FHLB with the appropriate maturity or repricing characteristics. Basis Risk The first interest-related risk, basis risk, arises from the fact that interest rates rarely change in a parallel or equal manner. The interest rates associated with the various assets and liabilities differ in how often they change, the extent to which they change, and whether they change sooner or later than other interest rates. For example, while the repricing of a specific asset and a specific liability may occur at roughly the same time, the interest rate on the liability may rise one percent in response to rising market rates while the asset increases only one-half percent. While the Company would appear to be evenly matched with respect to mismatch risk, it would suffer a decrease in net interest income. This exposure to basis risk is the type of interest risk least able to be managed, but is also the least dramatic. Avoiding concentration in only a few types of assets or liabilities is the best means of increasing the chance that the average interest received and paid will move in tandem. The wider diversification means that many different rates, each with their own volatility characteristics, will come into play. Net Interest Income and Net Economic Value Simulations To quantify the extent of all of these risks both in its current position and in transactions it might take in the future, the Company uses computer modeling to simulate the impact of different interest rate scenarios on net interest income and on net economic value. Net economic value or the market value of portfolio equity is defined as the difference between the market value of financial assets and liabilities. These hypothetical scenarios include both sudden and gradual interest rate changes, and interest rate changes in both directions. This modeling is the primary means the Company uses for interest rate risk management decisions. The hypothetical impact of sudden interest rate shocks applied to the Company's asset and liability balances are modeled quarterly. The results of this modeling indicate how much of the Company's net interest income and net economic value are "at risk" (deviation from the base level) from various sudden rate changes. This exercise is valuable in identifying risk exposures. The results for the Company's most recent simulation analysis indicate that the Company's net interest income at risk over a one-year period and net economic value at risk from 2% shocks are within normal expectations for sudden changes and do not materially differ from those of December 31, 2002. For this simulation analysis, the Company has made certain assumptions about the duration of its non-maturity deposits that are important to determining net economic value at risk. Segment Discussion - ------------------ Management recognizes that each of the subsidiary banks operate in a different market and also have unique operating challenges. NVB has historically operated in a more efficient and profitable manner than does SRB. This is primarily due to the operating history and infrastructure of SRB. Since the merger with SRB in October 2000, management has been focused on making SRB a more efficient organization and has had some success in making SRB more profitable. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, total revenues at NVB and SRB decreased 13.7% and 20% while net income increased by 9.3% and 11.8%, respectively. As noted on page 13, the Company has authorized the merging of SRB with and into NVB. This transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2004. Management will continue to separately analyze the performance of each subsidiary bank until such merger is executed. Financial Condition as of September 30, 2003 As Compared to December 31, 2002 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets at September 30, 2003, were $673,843,000, compared to December 31, 2002 assets of $655,770,000. Investment securities and federal funds sold grew to $216,909,000 at September 30, 2003, compared to $133,330,000 at December 31, 2002. Net loans and leases, the Company's major component of earning assets, decreased during the first nine months of 2003 to $365,164,000 at September 30, 2003 from $437,843,000 at December 31, 2002. The Company's average loan to deposit ratio was 80.2% for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 71.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease in loans outstanding is primarily due to the continued selling of the Company's fixed-rate single-family mortgage production as discussed on page 16 of this report. Total deposits increased to $595,384,000 at September 30, 2003 compared to $555,053,000 at December 31, 2002 driven by an increase in noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, and savings collectively, of $47,653,000 and a decrease in time deposits of $7,322,000. The decrease in time deposits is mainly due to the low rate environment in which customers are more inclined to keep their deposits in shorter duration deposit products. The increase in demand and interest bearing demand balances is 21 attributed to the success of the "Positively Free Checking" program. This change in the deposit mix from December 31, 2002 has had a positive effect on the Company's cost of funds (excluding non-interest checking), which was reduced from 2.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to 1.57% for the same period in 2003. The Company maintains capital to support future growth and dividend payouts while trying to effectively manage the capital on hand. From the depositor standpoint, a greater amount of capital on hand relative to total assets is generally viewed as positive. At the same time, from the standpoint of the shareholder, a greater amount of capital on hand may not be viewed as positive because it limits the Company's ability to earn a high rate of return on stockholders' equity (ROE). Stockholders' equity decreased to $46,481,000 as of September 30, 2003, as compared to $50,029,000 at December 31, 2002. The decrease was primarily due to the repurchase of NOVB common stock in the amount of $6,659,000, cash dividends paid out in the amount of $2,020,000, partially offset by net income of $6,050,000. Under current regulations, management believes that the Company meets all capital adequacy requirements and both of the Company's subsidiary banks were considered well capitalized at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002. The Company's and the Banks capital amounts (in thousands) and risk-based capital ratios are presented below. To Be Well Capitalized For Capital Under Prompt Corrective Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions ----------------------- ------------------------ ----------------------- Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Company As of September 30, 2003: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 65,100 14.15% $ 36,805 8.00% N/A N/A Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 59,237 12.88% $ 18,402 4.00% N/A N/A Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 59,237 8.79% $ 26,958 4.00% N/A N/A As of December 31, 2002: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 61,581 12.58% $ 39,157 8.00% N/A N/A Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 55,455 11.33% $ 19,578 4.00% N/A N/A Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 55,455 8.59% $ 25,815 4.00% N/A N/A North Valley Bank As of September 30, 2003: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 43,721 13.42% $ 26,070 8.00% $ 32,588 10.00% Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 39,696 12.18% $ 13,035 4.00% $ 19,553 6.00% Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 39,696 8.64% $ 18,383 4.00% $ 22,979 5.00% As of December 31, 2002: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 41,380 12.12% $ 27,316 8.00% $ 34,146 10.00% Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 37,192 10.89% $ 13,658 4.00% $ 20,487 6.00% Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 37,192 8.61% $ 17,279 4.00% $ 21,598 5.00% Six Rivers Bank As of September 30, 2003: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 20,179 15.27% $ 10,572 8.00% $ 13,216 10.00% Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 18,515 14.01% $ 5,286 4.00% $ 7,929 6.00% Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 18,515 8.78% $ 8,435 4.00% $ 10,544 5.00% As of December 31, 2002: Total capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 18,958 13.03% $ 11,641 8.00% $ 14,551 10.00% Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 17,130 11.77% $ 5,821 4.00% $ 8,731 6.00% Tier I capital (to average assets) $ 17,130 8.24% $ 8,316 4.00% $ 10,394 5.00% 22 ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK - ------------------------------------------------------------------- In Management's opinion there has not been a material change in the Company's market risk profile for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002. Please see page 20 for discussion on Interest Rate Sensitivity. ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - -------------------------------- Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other members of the Company's senior management as of the end of the Company's fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003. The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as currently in effect are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to the Company's management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: An evaluation of any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), that occurred during the Company's fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003, was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other members of the Company's senior management. The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that no change identified in connection with such evaluation has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION - --------------------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company or against any of its property. The Company, because of the nature of its business, is generally subject to various legal actions, threatened or filed, which involve ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. Some of the pending cases seek punitive damages in addition to other relief. Although the amount of the ultimate exposure, if any, cannot be determined at this time, the Company does not expect that the final outcome of threatened or filed suits will have a materially adverse effect on its consolidated financial position. Item 2. Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period Total Number of Average Price Identity of Number of Maximum Shares Paid per Share Broker-dealers Shares number of Purchased Used to Effect Purchased as Shares that May Purchases Part of Publicly Yet Be Announced Purchased Under Plans or the Plans or Programs Programs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 1 through 59,159 $15.50 Hoefer & Arnett 59,159 0 July 31, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 1 90,000 $15.77 Hoefer & Arnett 90,000 109,000 through August & Dain Rauscher 31, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 1 0 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 109,000 through September 30, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 149,159 149,159 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Footnote 1: On April 28, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program which called for the repurchase of up to three percent (3%) of the Company's then outstanding shares of common stock. The repurchases were made from time to time in the open market and were structured to comply with Commission Rule 10b-18. All of the 59,159 shares reflected in the table above for the period July 1, 2003, through July 31, 2003, were made in open market transactions and then retired. Combined with repurchases made in May and June of 2003, this brought the total number of shares repurchased under the April 28, 2003, program to 205,368, or approximately three percent (3%) of outstanding shares, and the program was terminated. 23 Footnote 2: On July 28, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a new stock repurchase program which calls for the repurchase of up to three percent (3%) of the Company's then outstanding shares of common stock (approximately 199,000 shares). The repurchases are to be made from time to time in the open market and structured to comply with Commission Rule 10b-18. All of the 90,000 shares reflected in the table above for the period August 1, 2003, through August 31, 2003, were purchased in open market transactions and then retired. The Board of Directors has reserved the right to suspend, terminate, modify or cancel this repurchase program at any time for any reason. Footnote 3: All prices shown under the column for "Average Price Paid Per Share" in the table above have been adjusted for the 3 for 2 stock split paid by the Company on May 15, 2003. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Not applicable Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Not applicable Item 5. Other Information Not applicable Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits: Exhibit 31 - Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications Exhibit 31.1 - CEO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications Exhibit 31.2 - CFO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications Exhibit 32 - Section 1350 Certifications - Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 with Respect to the North Valley Bancorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2003 (b) Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended September 30, 2003: Filed July 18, 2003 - 2003 Second Quarter Earnings Announcement Filed August 12, 2003 - Stock Repurchase Plan Announcement Filed September 4, 2003 - Cash Dividend Announcement 24 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. NORTH VALLEY BANCORP - -------------------- (Registrant) Date November 13, 2003 ----------------- By: - -- /s/ MICHAEL J. CUSHMAN - ---------------------- Michael J. Cushman President & Chief Executive Officer /s/ EDWARD J. CZAJKA - -------------------- Edward J. Czajka Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 25