10-Q 1 j2305_10q.htm 10-Q Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

ý

 

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2001

 

or

 

o

 

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: 0-27384

 

CAPITAL CORP OF THE WEST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California

 

77-0405791

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

IRS Employer ID Number

 

 

 

550 West Main, Merced, CA

 

95340

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(zip code)

 

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (209) 725-2200

 

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:  Not applicable

 

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  ý    No  o

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, as of September 30, 2001 was 4,863,130.  No shares of preferred stock, no par value, were outstanding at September 30, 2001.

 

 


Capital Corp of the West

Table of Contents

 

PART I.  --

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1  

Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Notes to 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

 

PART II.  --

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Item 2.

Changes in 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

 


Capital Corp of the West

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and noninterest-bearing deposits in other banks

 

$

26,824

 

$

46,353

 

Federal funds sold

 

23,495

 

1,415

 

Time deposits at other financial institutions

 

500

 

100

 

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

 

198,834

 

155,830

 

Investment securities held to maturity at cost, fair value of $49,169,000, and $35,412,000 at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively

 

48,071

 

35,222

 

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of  $9,040,000 and $8,207,000 at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000

 

488,508

 

404,457

 

Interest receivable

 

5,511

 

5,215

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

13,597

 

13,021

 

Intangible assets

 

3,683

 

4,277

 

Other assets

 

23,062

 

17,131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

832,085

 

$

683,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing demand

 

$

123,597

 

$

107,581

 

Negotiable orders of withdrawal

 

89,145

 

84,521

 

Savings

 

199,838

 

184,073

 

Time, under $100,000

 

165,746

 

131,669

 

Time, $100,000 and over

 

121,501

 

93,654

 

Total deposits

 

699,827

 

601,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term borrowings

 

54,782

 

19,272

 

Long term borrowings

 

3,113

 

3,155

 

Accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities

 

5,565

 

5,645

 

Total  liabilities

 

763,287

 

629,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Preferred Securities

 

6,000

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; None outstanding

 

-

 

-

 

Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 4,863,130 and 4,779,644 issued & outstanding at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000

 

39,709

 

35,918

 

Retained earnings

 

20,263

 

17,449

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

2,826

 

84

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

62,798

 

53,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

832,085

 

$

683,021

 

 

See accompanying notes

 


Capital Corp of the West

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Ended September 30

 

Ended September 30

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and fees on loans

 

$

11,398

 

$

10,178

 

$

32,675

 

$

27,899

 

Interest on deposits with other financial institutions

 

4

 

11

 

11

 

29

 

Interest on investments held to maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

734

 

502

 

1,861

 

1,499

 

Non-taxable

 

56

 

55

 

167

 

167

 

Interest on investments available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

2,632

 

2,148

 

7,427

 

6,025

 

Non-taxable

 

273

 

281

 

817

 

852

 

Interest on federal funds sold

 

118

 

124

 

689

 

422

 

Total interest income

 

15,215

 

13,299

 

43,647

 

36,893

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on negotiable orders of withdrawal

 

49

 

125

 

201

 

370

 

Interest on savings deposits

 

1,396

 

1,900

 

4,817

 

5,187

 

Interest on time deposits, under $100,000

 

2,121

 

1,832

 

6,312

 

4,627

 

Interest on time, $100,000 and over

 

1,514

 

1,368

 

4,436

 

3,594

 

Interest on other borrowings

 

689

 

367

 

1,542

 

1,159

 

Total interest expense

 

5,769

 

5,592

 

17,308

 

14,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

9,446

 

7,707

 

26,339

 

21,956

 

Provision for loan losses

 

1,540

 

792

 

3,079

 

2,323

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

7,906

 

6,915

 

23,260

 

19,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

1,027

 

921

 

2,933

 

2,605

 

Income from real estate held for sale

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

381

 

Other

 

544

 

419

 

1,565

 

1,145

 

Total other income

 

1,571

 

1,340

 

4,498

 

4,131

 

Other Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and related benefits

 

3,426

 

2,969

 

10,067

 

8,190

 

Equipment

 

258

 

431

 

1,562

 

1,259

 

Premises and occupancy

 

1,023

 

618

 

2,007

 

1,862

 

Professional fees

 

93

 

307

 

309

 

802

 

Marketing

 

291

 

214

 

732

 

678

 

Goodwill and intangible amortization

 

198

 

198

 

594

 

594

 

Supplies

 

202

 

160

 

656

 

474

 

Dividend Expense on Capital Securities

 

151

 

-

 

369

 

-

 

Other

 

1,145

 

991

 

3,306

 

2,827

 

Total other expenses

 

6,787

 

5,888

 

19,602

 

16,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

2,690

 

2,367

 

8,156

 

7,078

 

Provision for income taxes

 

781

 

721

 

2,354

 

2,118

 

Net income

 

$

1,909

 

$

1,646

 

$

5,802

 

$

4,960

 

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on securities arising during the period, net

 

1,624

 

1,173

 

2,742

 

909

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

3,533

 

$

2,819

 

$

8,5443

 

$

5,869

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.39

 

$

0.35

 

$

1.20.

 

$

1.04

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.38

 

$

0.34

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.02

 

 

See accompanying notes


Capital Corp of the West

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of shares

 

Amounts

 

Retained earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2000

 

4,552

 

$

35,918

 

$

17,449

 

$

84

 

$

53,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5% stock dividend, including cash payment for fractional shares

 

228

 

2,981

 

(2,988

)

-

 

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

51

 

358

 

-

 

-

 

358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of shares pursuant to 401K and ESOP plans

 

32

 

452

 

-

 

-

 

452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in fair market value of  investment securities, net of tax effect of $(1,349)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,742

 

2,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

-

 

-

 

5,802

 

-

 

5,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2001

 

4,863

 

$

39,709

 

$

20,263

 

$

2,826

 

$

62,798

 

 

See accompanying notes

 


Capital Corp of the West

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

9 months ended

 

9 months ended

 

 

 

 09/30/01

 

 09/30/00

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

5,802

 

$

4,960

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

3,079

 

2,323

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

 

2,283

 

1,713

 

Gain on sale of real estate held for sale

 

-

 

381

 

Net increase in interest receivable & other assets

 

(7,576

)

(2,812

)

Net increase in deferred loan fees

 

350

 

100

 

Net (decrease) increase in accrued interest payable & other liabilities

 

(80

)

2,209

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3,858

 

8,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment security purchases

 

(75,455

)

(44,931

)

Proceeds from maturities of investment securities

 

23,488

 

9,941

 

Proceeds from sales of AFS investment securities

 

-

 

1,725

 

Net (increase) decrease in time deposits in other financial institutions

 

(400

)

250

 

Proceeds from sales of commercial and real estate loans

 

2,109

 

2,315

 

Net increase in loans

 

(89,661

)

(67,609

)

Purchases of premises and equipment

 

(1,988

)

(1,142

)

Proceeds from sales of real estate held for sale

 

-

 

381

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(141,907

)

(99,070

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in demand, NOW and savings deposits

 

36,405

 

23,648

 

Net increase in certificates of deposit

 

61,924

 

37,899

 

Net increase in other borrowings

 

35,468

 

7,053

 

Issuance of Trust Preferred Securities

 

6,000

 

-

 

Issuance of shares pursuant to 401k and ESOP plans

 

452

 

-

 

Exercise of stock options

 

358

 

215

 

Cash in lieu fractional shares from stock dividend

 

(7

)

-

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

140,600

 

68,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,551

 

(21,381

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

47,768

 

50,222

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

50,319

 

$

28,841

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Paid during the quarter:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

17,514

 

$

15,031

 

Income tax payments

 

3,225

 

1,895

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment securities unrealized gain, net of tax

 

2,742

 

909

 

Loans transferred to other real estate owned

 

335

 

443

 

 

See accompanying notes

 


Capital Corp of the West

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000

(Unaudited)

 

GENERAL - COMPANY

 

Capital Corp of the West (the “Company” or “Capital Corp”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of California on April 26, 1995.  On November 1, 1995, the Company became registered as a bank holding company, and is a holder of all of the capital stock of County Bank (the “Bank”).  During 1998, the Company formed Capital West Group, a new subsidiary that engages in the financial institution advisory business but is currently inactive.  The Company’s primary asset is the Bank and the Bank is the Company’s primary source of income.

 

The Company’s securities consist of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, and 10,000,000 shares of Authorized Preferred Stock.  As of September 30, 2001 there were 4,863,130 common shares outstanding, held of record by approximately 2,500 shareholders.  There were no preferred shares outstanding at September 30, 2001.  The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Merced Area Investment & Development, Inc. (“MAID”) and County Asset Advisors (“CAA”).  CAA is currently inactive.  All references herein to the “Company” include the Bank, the Bank’s subsidiaries and Capital West Group unless context otherwise requires.

 

GENERAL - BANK

 

The Bank was organized and commenced operations, in 1977, as County Bank of Merced, a California state banking corporation.  In November 1992, the Bank changed its legal name to County Bank.  The Bank’s securities consist of one class of Common Stock, no par value and are wholly owned by the Company.  The Bank’s deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to applicable limits stated therein.  County Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System.

 

INDUSTRY AND MARKET AREA

 

The Bank engages in general commercial banking business primarily in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Toulumne and Tulare counties.  The Bank has eighteen branch offices: Two in Fresno, two in Merced with one branch centrally located in Merced and the other in downtown Merced within the Bank’s administrative office building, two in Modesto, two in Turlock and single offices in Atwater, Dos Palos, Hilmar, Los Banos, Livingston, Madera, Mariposa, San Francisco, Sonora, and Stockton.

 


OTHER FINANCIAL NOTES

 

All adjustments which in the opinion of Management are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and the results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 have been included.  The interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes included in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the generally accepted accounting principles and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income available to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus potential common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation of the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2001 and 2000:

 

 

 

For the three months

 

For the nine months

 

 

 

ended September 30,

 

Ended September 30,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2001

 

2000

 

2001

 

2000

 

Basic EPS computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,909

 

$

1,646

 

$

5,802

 

$

4,960

 

Average common shares outstanding

 

4,859

 

4,766

 

4,836

 

4,750

 

Basic EPS

 

$

0.39

 

$

0.35

 

$

1.20

 

$

1.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS Computations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,909

 

$

1,646

 

$

5,802

 

$

4,960

 

Average common shares outstanding

 

4,859

 

4,766

 

4,836

 

4,750

 

Effect of stock options

 

173

 

123

 

156

 

123

 

 

 

5,032

 

4,875

 

4,992

 

4,873

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

0.38

 

$

0.34

 

$

1.16

 

$

1.02

 

 


On February 22, 2001, the Company issued $6,000,000 in Trust Preferred Securities through its 100% ownership position in the County Statutory Trust I.  The Trust Preferred Securities pay quarterly cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 10.2% of the liquidation value of $1,000 per share.  The Trust Preferred Securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the Trust.  The Company owns all of the issued and outstanding common securities of the Trust.  Proceeds from the offering and from the issuance of common securities were invested in the Trust in the Company’s 10.2% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due February 22, 2031 with an aggregate principal amount of $6,000,000.  The primary asset of the Trust is the Junior Debentures.  The obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us to the extent provided in the Guarantee Agreement with respect to the Capital Securities.  The proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes.  The all-in costs of the Trust Preferred Securities was 10.39%.  The Trust Preferred Securities have the added benefit of qualifying as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities” and FASB Statement No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities – An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”  All derivative instruments (including certain derivative instrument's embedded in other contracts) are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value.  FASB 133 dictates that the accounting treatment for gains or losses from changes in the derivative instrument's fair value is contingent on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge under the accounting standard.  On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative instrument as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value” hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow” hedge) or (3) hedge for trading, customer accommodation or not qualifying for hedge accounting (“free-standing derivative instruments”).  For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk are recorded in current period net income.  For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument to the extent that it is effective are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, within stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassified to net income in the same period(s) that the hedged transaction impacts net income.  For free-standing derivative instruments, changes in the fair values are reported in current period net income.  The Company formally documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking any hedge transaction.  This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific forecasted transactions.  The Company also formally assesses both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued.

 

During the third quarter of 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate exchange agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco that was recorded as a cash flow hedge transaction.  The notional amount of the swap is $20 million with a term of 3 years expiring on August 23, 2004.  The Company entered into the interest rate swap to convert floating-rate loans (based on prime) to a fixed rate (7.46%).  The Company will pay prime rate, which at the time of the transaction was 6.50%.  The Company intends to use the swap as a hedge of the related loans for 3 years.  At September 30, 2001, the fair market value of this hedge of $491,000 was reported as an other asset in the consolidated balance sheet and included as other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  The amount of hedge ineffectiveness from inception of the hedge to September 30, 2001 was not significant.

                Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 141, Business Combinations, and Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Statement 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 as well as all purchase method business combinations completed after June 30, 2001. Statement 141 also specifies criteria intangible assets acquired in a purchase method business combination must meet to be recognized and reported apart from goodwill, noting that any purchase price allocable to an assembled workforce may not be accounted for separately. Statement 142 will require that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of Statement 142. Statement 142 will also require that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

 

The Company is required to adopt the provisions of Statement 141 immediately, except with regard to business combinations initiated prior to July 1, 2001, which it expects to account for using the pooling-of-interests method, and Statement 142 effective January 1, 2002.  Furthermore, any goodwill and any intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful life that are acquired in a purchase business combination completed after June 30, 2001 will not be amortized, but will continue to be evaluated for impairment in accordance with the appropriate pre-Statement 142 accounting literature. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations completed before July 1, 2001 will continue to be amortized prior to the adoption of Statement 142.

 

Statement 141 will require upon adoption of Statement 142, that the Company evaluate its existing intangible assets and goodwill that were acquired in a prior purchase business combination, and to make any necessary reclassifications in order to conform with the new criteria in Statement 141 for recognition apart from goodwill. Upon adoption of Statement 142, the Company will be required to reassess the useful lives and residual values of all intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations, and make any necessary amortization period adjustments by the end of the first interim period after adoption. In addition, to the extent an intangible asset is identified as having an indefinite useful life, the Company will be required to test the intangible asset for impairment in accordance with the provisions of Statement 142 within the first interim period. Any impairment loss will be measured as of the date of adoption and recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the first interim period.

                In connection with the transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, Statement 142 will require the Company to perform an assessment of whether there is an indication that goodwill [and equity-method goodwill] is impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this the Company must identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of the date of adoption. The Company will then have up to six months from the date of adoption to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. To the extent a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an indication exists that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the Company must perform the second step of the transitional impairment test. In the second step, the Company must compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of it assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation in accordance with Statement 141, to its carrying amount, both of which would be measured as of the date of adoption. This second step is required to be completed as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the year of adoption. Any transitional impairment loss will be recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the Company’s statement of earnings.

 

Finally, any unamortized negative goodwill [and negative equity-method goodwill] existing at the date Statement 142 is adopted must be written off as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

 

As of the date of adoption of Statement 142, the Company expects to have unamortized goodwill in the amount of $1,405,000, unamortized identifiable intangible assets in the amount of $2,080,000, and no unamortized negative goodwill, all of which will be subject to the transition provisions of Statements 141 and 142. Amortization expense related to goodwill was $84,000 and $112,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and the year ended December 31, 2000. Management has accessed whether any transitional impairment losses will be required to be recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and determined that based on current market conditions, there would be no adjustment.

 


Item 2     Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition

And Results Of Operations

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties and include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. Many possible events or factors could affect the future financial results and performance of the company. This could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Words such as “experts”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, variations of such words and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.

 

Readers of the Company’s Form 10-Q should not rely solely on forward looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks discussed throughout this report, as well as those discussed in the Company’s 2000 annual Report on Form 10-K.  These statements are representative only on the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made. Some possible events or factors that could occur that may cause differences from expected results include the following: the company’s loan growth is dependent on economic conditions, as well as various discretionary factors, such as decisions to sell, or purchase certain loans or loan portfolios; participations of loans and the management of borrower, industry, product and geographic concentrations and the mix of the loan portfolio. The rate of charge-offs and provision expense can be affected by local, regional and international economic and market conditions, concentrations of borrowers, industries, products and geographical conditions, the mix of the loan portfolio and management’s judgements regarding the collectibility of loans. Liquidity requirements may change as a result of fluctuations in assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures, which will impact the capital and debt financing needs of the company and the mix of funding sources. Decisions to purchase, hold, or sell securities are also dependent of liquidity requirements and market volatility, as well as on and off-balance sheet positions. Factors that may impact interest rate risk include local, regional and international economic conditions, levels, mix, maturities, yields or rates of assets and liabilities and the wholesale and retail funding sources of the Company.

 

The Company is also exposed to the potential of losses arising from adverse changes in market rate and prices which can adversely impact the value of financial products, including securities, loans, and deposits. In addition, the banking industry in general is subject to various monetary and fiscal policies and regulations, which include those determined by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and state regulators, whose policies and regulations could affect the Company’s results.

                Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements include the following: competition with other local and regional banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and other non-bank financial institutions, such as investment banking firms, investment advisory firms, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies, as well as other entities which offer financial services; interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations: inflation; market volatility; general economic conditions; introduction and acceptance of new banking-related products, services and enhancement; fee pricing strategies, mergers and acquisitions and their integration into the Company and management’s ability to manage these and other risks.

 

The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide a better understanding of the significant changes and trends related to the Company and its subsidiaries' financial condition, operating results, asset and liability management, liquidity and capital resources and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Notes thereto.

 

Results Of Operations

 

Overview.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 the Company reported net income of $1,909,000 and $5,802,000.  This compares to $1,646,000 and $4,960,000 for the same period in 2000 and represents an increase of $263,000 and $842,000.  Basic and diluted earnings per share were $.39 and $.38 for the three months ended September 30, 2001. This compares to basic and diluted earnings per share of $.35 and $.34 for the three months ending September 30, 2000 and represents an increase of $0.04 per basic and diluted share. The annualized return on average assets was 0.95% and 1.04% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000.  The Company's annualized return on average equity was 12.67% and 13.67% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000.

 

The following tables provides a summary of the major categories of income and expense for the third quarter of 2001 compared with the third quarter of 2000 and for the first nine months of 2001 compared with the first nine months of 2000:

 

 

 

Three Months

 

 

 

 

 

Ending September 30,

 

Percentage Change

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

Increase (decrease)

 

 

 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

15,215

 

$

13,299

 

14.4

%

Interest expense

 

5,769

 

5,592

 

3.2

 

Net interest income

 

9,446

 

7,707

 

22.6

 

Provisions for loan losses

 

1,540

 

792

 

94.4

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

7,906

 

6,915

 

14.3

 

Other income

 

1,571

 

1,340

 

17.2

 

Other expenses

 

6,787

 

5,888

 

15.3

 

Net income before income taxes

 

2,690

 

2,367

 

13.6

 

Income taxes

 

781

 

721

 

8.3

 

Net income

 

1,909

 

1,646

 

16.0

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

0.38

 

0.34

 

11.8

 

 


 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending September 30,

 

Percentage Change

 

 

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

Increase (decrease)

 

 

 

(in thousands, except earnings per share)

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

43,647

 

$

36,893

 

18.3

%

Interest expense

 

17,308

 

14,937

 

15.9

 

Net interest income

 

26,339

 

21,956

 

20.0

 

Provisions for loan losses

 

3,079

 

2,323

 

32.5

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

23,260

 

19,633

 

18.5

 

Other income

 

4,498

 

4,131

 

8.9

 

Other expenses

 

19,602

 

16,686

 

17.5

 

Net income before income taxes

 

8,156

 

7,078

 

15.2

 

Income taxes

 

2,354

 

2,118

 

11.1

 

Net income

 

5,802

 

4,960

 

17.0

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

1.16

 

1.02

 

13.7

 

 

Net Interest Income.  The Company's primary source of income is net interest income and is determined by the difference between interest income and fees derived from earning assets and interest paid on interest bearing liabilities.  Net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 totaled $9,446,000 and $26,339,000 and represented an increase of $1,739,000 and $4,383,000 when compared to the $7,707,000 and $21,956,000 achieved during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000.

 

Total interest and fees on earning assets were $15,215,000 and $43,647,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, an increase of $1,916,000 and $6,754,000 from the $13,299,000 and $36,893,000 for the same period in 2000.  The level of interest income is affected by changes in volume of and rates earned on interest–earning assets.  Interest–earning assets consist primarily of loans, investment securities and federal funds sold.  The increase in interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 was primarily the result of an increase in the volume of interest–earning assets.  Average interest–earning assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 were $733,550,000 and $678,436,000 compared with $574,465,000 and $541,689,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000, an increase of $159,085,000 and $136,747,000 or 27.7% and 25.2%.

 

Interest expense is a function of the volume of and the rates paid on interest–bearing liabilities.  Interest–bearing liabilities consist primarily of certain deposits and borrowed funds.  Total interest expense was $5,769,000 and $17,308,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, compared with $5,592,000 and $14,937,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, an increase of $177,000 and $2,371,000 or 3.2% and 15.9%. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the volumes of interest–bearing liabilities. Average interest–bearing liabilities were $621,370,000 and $572,039,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared with $487,234,000 and $452,757,000 for the same three and six months in 2000, an increase of $134,136,000 and $119,282,000 or 27.5% and 26.3%.  Average interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities were 3.71% and 4.03% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared with 4.59% and 4.40% for the same three and nine months of 2000, a decrease of 88 basis points or 19.2% and 37 basis points or 8.4% for these periods.

 

The increase in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is primarily the result of increased market penetration within our target markets.

                The Company's net interest margin, the ratio of net interest income to average interest–earning assets, was 5.21% and 5.22% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared with 5.40% and 5.44% for the same periods in 2000, a decrease of 19 and 22 basis points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to the same three and nine months ended September 30, 2000.  Net interest margin provides a measurement of the Company's ability to employ funds profitably during the period being measured.  The Company's decrease in net interest margin for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2001 was primarily attributable to the decrease in market rates experienced during 2001.  Loans as a percentage of average interest-earning assets were 64% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 compared to 67% for the three months ended September 30, 2000.

 

Average Balances And Rates Earned And Paid.  The following table presents condensed average balance sheet information for the Company, together with interest rates earned and paid on the various sources and uses of its funds for each of the three month periods indicated.  Nonaccruing loans are included in the calculation of the average balances of loans, but the nonaccrued interest on such loans is excluded.

 

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET & ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST EARNINGS

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2001

 

September 30, 2000

 

 

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

 

Taxable Equivalent Yield/rate

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

 

Taxable Equivalent Yield/rate

 

Assets

 

(Dollars In thousands)

 

Federal funds sold

 

$

14,365

 

$

118

 

3.29

%

$

7,910

 

$

124

 

6.27

%

Time deposits at other financial institutions

 

500

 

4

 

3.20

 

603

 

11

 

7.30

 

Taxable investment securities (1)

 

219,095

 

3,419

 

6.24

 

150,688

 

2,650

 

7.03

 

Nontaxable investment securities (2)

 

28,973

 

379

 

5.23

 

29,517

 

385

 

5.21

 

Loans, gross: (3)

 

470,637

 

11,398

 

9.69

 

385,747

 

10,178

 

10.55

 

Total interest-earning assets:

 

733,550

 

15,318

 

8.35

 

574,465

 

13,348

 

9.29

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

(8,631

)

 

 

 

 

(7,133

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

30,838

 

 

 

 

 

25,300

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

13,636

 

 

 

 

 

12,876

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable and other assets

 

32,776

 

 

 

 

 

27,959

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

802,169

 

 

 

 

 

$

633,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiable order of withdrawal

 

$

87,290

 

$

49

 

0.22

%

$

74,116

 

$

125

 

0.67

%

Savings deposits

 

200,988

 

1,396

 

2.78

 

182,283

 

1,900

 

4.17

 

Time deposits

 

280,337

 

3,635

 

5.19

 

209,681

 

3,200

 

6.10

 

Other borrowings

 

52,755

 

689

 

5.22

 

21,154

 

367

 

6.94

 

Total interest–bearing liabilities

 

621,370

 

5,769

 

3.71

 

487,234

 

5,592

 

4.59

 

Noninterest–bearing deposits

 

108,787

 

 

 

 

 

92,154

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities

 

5,765

 

 

 

 

 

5,925

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

735,922

 

 

 

 

 

585,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Preferred Capital Securities

 

6,000

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

60,247

 

 

 

 

 

48,154

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

802,169

 

 

 

 

 

$

633,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income and margin (4)

 

 

 

$

9,549

 

5.21

%

 

 

$

7,756

 

5.40

 

 


(1)   Tax advantaged corporate dividends received are computed on a taxable-equivalent basis.

(2)   Interest on tax advantaged securities such as municipal securities is computed on a taxable-equivalent basis.

(3)   Amounts of interest earned includes loan fees of $325,000 and $214,000 for September 30, 2001 and 2000 respectively. Average loan balances include non-accrual loan balances.

(4)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

 


The following table presents condensed average balance sheet information for the Company, together with interest rates earned and paid on the various sources and uses of its funds for each of the nine month periods indicated.  Nonaccruing loans are included in the calculation of the average balances of loans, but the nonaccrued interest on such loans is excluded.

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2001

 

September 30, 2000

 

 

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

 

Yield/rate

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

 

Yield/rate

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold

 

$

19,925

 

$

689

 

4.61

%

$

8,996

 

$

422

 

6.25

%

Time deposits at other financial institutions

 

347

 

11

 

4.23

 

668

 

29

 

5.79

 

Taxable investment securities (1)

 

193,646

 

9,341

 

6.43

 

143,000

 

7,524

 

7.02

 

Nontaxable investment securities (2)

 

28,989

 

1,133

 

5.21

 

29,677

 

1,167

 

5.24

 

Loans, gross: (3)

 

435,529

 

32,675

 

10.00

 

359,348

 

27,899

 

10.35

 

Total interest-earning assets:

 

678,436

 

43,849

 

8.62

 

541,689

 

37,041

 

9.12

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

(8,548

)

 

 

 

 

(6,887

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

28,102

 

 

 

 

 

23,658

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

13,340

 

 

 

 

 

13,042

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable and other assets

 

30,785

 

 

 

 

 

27,704

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

742,115

 

 

 

 

 

$

599,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiable order of withdrawal

 

$

83,269

 

$

201

 

0.32

%

$

73,297

 

$

370

 

0.67

%

Savings deposits

 

193,808

 

4,817

 

3.31

 

176,905

 

5,187

 

3.91

 

Time deposits

 

257,740

 

10,748

 

5.56

 

191,031

 

8,221

 

5.74

 

Other borrowings

 

37,222

 

1,542

 

5.52

 

23,099

 

1,159

 

6.69

 

Total interest–bearing liabilities

 

572,039

 

17,308

 

4.03

 

464,332

 

14,937

 

4.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest–bearing deposits

 

101,998

 

 

 

 

 

83,889

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities

 

5,689

 

 

 

 

 

4,990

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

679,726

 

 

 

 

 

553,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust Preferred Capital Securities

 

4,857

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

57,532

 

 

 

 

 

45,995

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

742,115

 

 

 

 

 

$

599,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income and margin (4)

 

 

 

$

26,541

 

5.22

%

 

 

$

22,104

 

5.44

%

 


(1)   Tax advantaged corporate dividends received are computed on a taxable-equivalent basis.

(2     Interest on tax advantaged securities such as municipal securities is computed on a taxable-equivalent basis.

(3)   Amounts of interest earned includes loan fees of $858,000 and $540,000 for September 30, 2001 and 2000.  Average loan balances include non-accrual loan balances.

(4)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

 


Net Interest Income Changes Due To Volume And Rate.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in average asset and liability balances and interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates and the total net change in interest income and expenses.  The changes in interest due to both rate and volume have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2001 compared to September  30, 2000

 

 

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollar in thousands)

 

Increase (decrease) in interest  income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold

 

$

172

 

$

(178

)

$

(6

)

Time deposits at other financial institutions

 

(2

)

(5

)

(7

)

Taxable investment securities

 

1,584

 

(815

)

769

 

Tax-exempt investment securities

 

(9

)

3

 

(6

)

Loans

 

2,106

 

(886

)

1,220

 

Total

 

3,851

 

(1,881

)

1,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing demand

 

19

 

(95

)

(76

)

Savings deposits

 

180

 

(684

)

(504

)

Time deposits

 

966

 

(531

)

435

 

Other borrowings

 

432

 

(110

)

322

 

Total

 

1,597

 

(1,420

)

177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in net interest income

 

$

2,254

 

$

(461

)

$

1,793

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2001 compared to September 30, 2000

 

 

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollar in thousands)

 

Increase (decrease) in interest  income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold

 

$

463

 

$

(196

)

$

267

 

Time deposits at other financial institutions

 

(12

)

(6

)

(18

)

Taxable investment securities

 

2,823

 

(1,006

)

1,817

 

Tax-exempt investment securities

 

(28

)

(6

)

(34

)

Loans

 

6,283

 

(1,507

)

4,776

 

Total

 

9,529

 

(2,721

)

6,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing demand

 

72

 

(241

)

(169

)

Savings deposits

 

670

 

(1,040

)

(370

)

Time deposits

 

2,945

 

(418

)

2,527

 

Other borrowings

 

279

 

(334

)

383

 

Total

 

4,404

 

(2,033

)

2,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in net interest income

 

$

5,125

 

$

(688

)

$

4,437

 

 


Provision For Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 was $1,540,000 and $3,079,000 which compares with $792,000 and $2,323,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000.   See "Allowance for Loan Losses" contained herein.  As of September 30, 2001 the allowance for loan losses was $9,040,000 or 1.82% of total loans.  At September 30, 2001, nonperforming assets totaled $5,264,000 or .63% of total assets, nonperforming loans totaled $4,681,000 or .94% of total loans and the allowance for loan losses totaled 193% of nonperforming loans.  At December 31, 2000, nonperforming assets totaled $2,588,000 or .38% of total assets, nonperforming loans totaled $2,340,000 or .57% of total loans and the allowance for loan losses totaled 351% of nonperforming loans.  No assurance can be given that nonperforming loans will not increase or that the allowance for loan losses will be adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

 

Other Income.  Total other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 was $1,571,000 and $4,498,000 which compares with $1,340,000 and $4,131,000 for the same periods in 2000.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $106,000 and 328,000 or 12% and 13% to $1,027,000 and $2,933,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared with $921,000 and $2,605,000 for the same three and nine month period in 2000.  Income from the sale of real estate held for sale or development decreased by $381,000 over 2000 levels, as there were no real estate sales during all of 2001. The $381,000 gain on sale of real estate recorded during the second quarter of 2000 resulted from the sale of the last remaining land parcel held by MAID, a real estate subsidiary of County Bank.  The book value of this property had been previously written off.  Other income, which includes commissions earned on the retail sale of securities and annuities and dividends received on life insurance policies, increased by $125,000 and $420,000 or 30% and 37% for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to $544,000 and $1,565,000.  This compares to $419,000 and $1,145,000 in other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000.

 

Other Expense.  Noninterest expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 were $6,787,000 and $19,602,000 which compares with $5,888,000 and $16,686,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000. The primary components of noninterest expenses were salaries and related benefits, equipment expenses, premises and occupancy expenses, professional fees, marketing expenses, goodwill and intangible amortization expense, supplies expense, dividend expense on Capital Securities and other operating expenses.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, salaries and related benefits increased by $457,000 and $1,877,000 over the same period in 2000 to $3,426,000 and $10,067,000.  Equipment expenses decreased by $173,000 or 40% and increased by $303,000 or 24% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $258,000 and $1,562,000 from the $431,000 and $1,259,000 experienced during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000. When comparing the results of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 with the results of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000, premises and occupancy expenses increased $405,000 and $145,000 or 66% and 8%, professional fees decreased by $214,000 and $493,000 or 70% and 61%, marketing expenses increased by $77,000 and $54,000 or 36% and 8%, supplies expense increased by $42,000 and $182,000 or 26% and 38%, and other expenses increased by $154,000 and $479,000 or 16% and 17%.  The increase in dividends on Capital Securities expense is related to the issuance of $6,000,000 in Capital Securities during the first quarter of 2001.  The salary expense increases were primarily the result of increased staffing levels and normal salary progression. Equipment expense decreases during the third quarter of 2001 are primarily related to a decrease in technology related expenses during the quarter.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to the same period in 2000, technology equipment expenses increased primarily due to increased growth within the Company and the opening of new branch offices during the first quarter of 2001.  Increased spending on premises and occupancy is primarily related to increased spending on branch renovation projects and branch office maintenance and repair.  Decreased professional fees were primarily the result of decreased use of outside consulting firms.  Increased marketing expenses were primarily the result of increased media spending on network and cable television advertising.  Increased supplies expense was primarily the result of increased use of supplies in supporting increased loan and deposit volumes.  The increase in other expense was primarily the result of increased transaction volumes that have accompanied balance sheet growth.

 

Provision For Income Taxes.  The Company recorded an increase of $60,000 and $236,000 in the income tax provision to $781,000 and $2,354,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared to the $721,000 and $2,118,000 recorded for the same periods in 2000.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, the Company experienced an effective tax rate of 29% compared to 30% recorded for the same periods in 2000.  The decrease in income taxes during the three and nine months ending September 30, 2001 as compared to the same period in 2000 is primarily related to an overall increase in Enterprise Zone hiring credits received from the state of California, increased investments in Agency Preferred Stock, and an increased utilization of federal low income housing tax credits that were obtained from investments in low-income affordable housing projects held through limited partnerships.  The Company had investments in these low income housing partnerships of $6,800,000 and $5,800,000 as of September 30, 2001 and 2000 which generated estimated tax credits of $150,000 and $450,000 for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2001 compared with $135,000 and $380,000 for the same periods in 2000.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

Managing interest rate risk is an integral part of managing a banking institution's primary source of income, net interest income.  The Company manages the balance between rate–sensitive assets and rate–sensitive liabilities being repriced in any given period with the objective of stabilizing net interest income during periods of fluctuating interest rates.  The Company considers its rate–sensitive assets to be those which either contain a provision to adjust the interest rate periodically or mature within one year.  These assets include certain loans, investment securities and federal funds sold.  Rate–sensitive liabilities are those which allow for periodic interest rate changes within one year and include maturing time certificates, certain savings deposits and interest–bearing demand deposits.  The difference between the aggregate amount of assets and liabilities that reprice at various time frames is called the "gap." Generally, if repricing assets exceed repricing liabilities in a time period the Company would be considered to be asset–sensitive.  If repricing liabilities exceed repricing assets in a time period the Company would be considered to be liability–sensitive.  Generally, the Company seeks to maintain a balanced position whereby there is no significant asset or liability sensitivity within a one–year period to ensure net interest margin stability in times of volatile interest rates.  This is accomplished through maintaining a significant level of loans, investment securities and deposits available for repricing within one year.

                The following tables set forth the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s interest–earning assets and interest–bearing liabilities as of September 30, 2001, using the interest rate sensitivity gap ratio.  For purposes of the following table, an asset or liability is considered rate–sensitive within a specified period when it can be repriced or matures within its contractual terms. 

 

 

 

At September 30, 2001

 

 

 

Within 3 Months

 

After 3 But Within 12 Months

 

After 1 Year But Within 5 Years

 

After 5 Years

 

Noninterest- Bearing

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars In Thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time deposits at other banks

 

$

500

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

500

 

Federal funds sold

 

23,495

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

23,495

 

Investment securities

 

6,944

 

4,285

 

55,396

 

161,502

 

18,778

 

246,905

 

Loans

 

254,298

 

59,706

 

124,418

 

59,126

 

-

 

497,548

 

Total earning assets

 

285,237

 

63,991

 

179,814

 

220,628

 

18,778

 

768,448

 

Noninterest–earning assets and allowances for loan losses

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

63,637

 

63,637

 

Total assets

 

$

285,237

 

$

63,991

 

$

179,814

 

$

220,628

 

$

82,415

 

$

832,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposits

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

123,597

 

$

123,597

 

Savings, money market and NOW deposits

 

288,983

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

288,983

 

Time deposits

 

54,212

 

191,212

 

41,823

 

-

 

-

 

287,247

 

Other interest–bearing liabilities

 

7,000

 

8,000

 

29,781

 

13,114

 

-

 

57,895

 

Other liabilities, capital securities and shareholders' equity

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,000

 

68,363

 

74,363

 

Total liabilities, capital securities and shareholders' equity

 

350,195

 

199,212

 

71,604

 

19,114

 

191,960

 

$

832,085

 

Incremental gap

 

(64,958

)

(135,221

)

108,210

 

201,514

 

(109,545

)

 

 

Cumulative gap

 

$

(64,958

)

$

(200,179

)

$

(91,969

)

$

109,545

 

$

-

 

 

 

Cumulative gap as a % of earning assets

 

(8.45

)%

(26.05

)%

(11.97

)%

14.26

%

 

 

 

 

 

                The Company was liability–sensitive with a negative cumulative one–year gap of $200,179,000 or (26.05)% of interest–earning assets at September 30, 2001.  In general, based upon the Company's mix of deposits, loans and investments, increases in interest rates would be expected to result in an increase in the Company's net interest margin.

                The interest rate gaps reported in the tables arise when assets are funded with liabilities having different repricing intervals.  Since these gaps are actively managed and change daily as adjustments are made in interest rate views and market outlook, positions at the end of any period may not be reflective of the Company's interest rate sensitivity in subsequent periods.  Active management dictates that longer–term economic views are balanced against prospects for short–term interest rate changes in all repricing intervals.  For purposes of the analysis above, repricing of fixed–rate instruments is based upon the contractual maturity of the applicable instruments.  Actual payment patterns may differ from contractual payment patterns.  The change in net interest income may not always follow the general expectations of an asset–sensitive or liability–sensitive balance sheet during periods of changing interest rates, because interest rates earned or paid may change by differing increments and at different time intervals for each type of interest–sensitive asset and liability.  As a result of these factors, at any given time, the Company may be more sensitive or less sensitive to changes in interest rates than indicated in the above tables.  Greater liability sensitivity would have a more adverse effect on net interest margin if market interest rates were to increase, and a more favorable effect if rates were to decrease.

 

On August 23, 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate exchange “swap” agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank.  This agreement was accounted for as a hedging instrument in accordance with Statement No. 133 which is more fully discussed in the “Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Statements”.  The contractual or notional amount of the interest rate swap was for $20,000,000. Notional amounts do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and therefore do not represent exposure to liquidity risk. The Company is not a dealer but an end-user of this instrument and does not use swaps speculatively.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agrees to pay prime rate in exchange for receiving a fixed rate of 7.46% for a period of three years.  The prime rate as used in this agreement was 6.00% as of September 30, 2001. The agreement terminates on August 23, 2004.

 

In order to manage interest rate sensitivity, the Company utilizes a detailed model to forecast expected changes in net interest income.  The model's estimate of interest rate sensitivity takes into account the differing time intervals and differing rate change increments of each type of interest–sensitive asset and liability.  It then measures the projected impact of changes in market interest rates on the Company's net interest income.  Based upon the September 30, 2001 mix of interest–sensitive assets and liabilities, given an immediate and sustained decrease in the market interest rates of 2%, this model estimates the Company's cumulative change in net interest income over the next year would decrease by approximately $1,238,000 or 3% of annualized net interest income.  Based upon the September 30, 2001 mix of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities, given an immediate and sustained increase in the market interest rates of 2%, this model estimates the Company's cumulative change in net interest income over the next year would increase by approximately $312,000 or less than 1% of annualized net interest income.  No assurance can be given that actual net interest income would not decrease by more than $1,238,000 or 3% in response to a 2% decrease in market interest rates or that net interest income would actually increase by approximately $312,000 or less than 1% in response to a 2% increase in market interest rates or that actual net interest income would not decrease substantially if market interest rates increased or decreased by more than 2%.

 

Financial Condition

 

 Total assets at September 30, 2001 were $832,085,000, an increase of $149,064,000 or 22% compared with total assets of $683,021,000 at December 31, 2000.  Net loans were $488,508,000 at September 30, 2001, an increase of $84,051,000 or 21% compared with net loans of $404,457,000 at December 31, 2000.  Deposits were $699,827,000 at September 30, 2001, an increase of $98,329,000 or 16% compared with deposits of $601,498,000 at December 31, 2000.  The increase in total assets of the Company from December 31, 2000 to September 30, 2001 was primarily the result of increased deposit gathering efforts in the retail deposit sector and the introduction of a brokered certificate of deposit program.  During the second quarter of 2001, maturities that occurred within the investment portfolio and new deposit monies received were primarily used to fund loan growth.  All short term borrowings were secured by a portion of the Company's investment portfolio.

 

Total shareholders' equity was $62,798,000 at September 30, 2001, an increase of $9,347,000 or 17% from $53,451,000 at December 31, 2000. The growth in shareholders’ equity between December 31, 2000 and September 30, 2001 was primarily achieved through the retention of accumulated earnings.

                Investment Portfolio.  The following table sets forth the carrying amount (fair value) of available for sale investment securities as of September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000.

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.  government agencies

 

$

38,471

 

$

35,939

 

State and political subdivisions

 

25,008

 

24,170

 

Mortgage–backed securities

 

59,115

 

54,409

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

37,128

 

29,015

 

Corporate debt securities

 

20,334

 

9,833

 

Equity securities

 

18,778

 

2,464

 

Carrying amount and fair value

 

$

198,834

 

$

155,830

 

 

The following table sets forth the carrying amount (amortized cost) and fair value of held to maturity securities at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2001

 

2000

 

Held To Maturity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount (amortized cost):

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.  Government agency

 

$

4,607

 

$

4,595

 

State and political subdivisions

 

4,364

 

4,375

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

37,887

 

22,736

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

1,213

 

3,516

 

 

 

$

48,071

 

$

35,222

 

Fair Value:

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency

 

$

4,886

 

$

4,595

 

State and political subdivisions

 

4,490

 

4,453

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

38,552

 

22,804

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

1,241

 

3,560

 

 

 

$

49,169

 

$

35,412

 

The following table sets forth the maturities of the Company's debt security investments at September 30, 2001 and the weighted average yields of such securities calculated on a book value basis using the weighted average yields within each scheduled maturity grouping.  Maturities of mortgage–backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are stipulated in their respective contracts.  However, actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.  Yields on municipal securities have been recalculated on a tax–equivalent basis.

 

 

 

At September 30, 2001

 

 

 

Within One Year

 

One To  5 Years

 

Five To Ten Years

 

Over Ten Years

 

Total

 

 

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

Yield

 

Amount

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for Sale Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency

 

$

-

 

-

%

$

27,994

 

6.63

%

$

10,477

 

7.16

%

$

-

 

-

 

$

38,471

 

State and political

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

11,669

 

6.60

 

13,339

 

7.32

 

25,008

 

Mortgage–backed securities

 

2

 

6.14

 

17

 

5.61

 

5,751

 

5.31

 

53,345

 

6.07

 

59,115

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

37,128

 

6.88

 

37,128

 

Corporate debt securities

 

1,703

 

6.09

 

13,426

 

5.76

 

-

 

-

 

5,205

 

4.60

 

20,334

 

Carrying amount and fair value

 

1,705

 

6.09

 

41,437

 

6.35

 

27,897

 

6.54

 

109,017

 

5.91

 

180,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held to maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency

 

-

 

-

 

4,607

 

6.70

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,607

 

State and political

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,364

 

8.10

 

4,364

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

37,887

 

7.09

 

37,887

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,213

 

7.72

 

1,213

 

Carrying amount (amortized cost)

 

-

 

-

 

4,607

 

6.70

 

-

 

-

 

43,464

 

7.21

 

48,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt securities

 

$

1,705

 

6.09

%

$

46,044

 

6.39

%

$

27,897

 

6.54

%

$

152,481

 

6.28

%

$

228,127

 

In the preceding table, mortgage–backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are shown repricing at the time of maturity rather than in accordance with their principal amortization schedules.  The Company does not own securities of a single issuer whose aggregate book value is in excess of 10% of its total equity.

 

Loan Portfolio. The following table shows the composition of the Company's loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

(In thousands)

 

2001

 

2000

 

Loan Categories:

 

Dollar Amount

 

Percent
of loans

 

Dollar Amount

 

Percent
of loans

 

Commercial

 

$

106,420

 

21

%

$

71,920

 

17

%

Agricultural

 

93,692

 

19

 

84,032

 

20

 

Real estate construction

 

51,227

 

10

 

30,133

 

7

 

Real estate mortgage

 

173,372

 

35

 

141,575

 

35

 

Consumer

 

72,837

 

15

 

85,004

 

21

 

Total

 

497,548

 

100

%

412,664

 

100

%

Less allowance for loan losses

 

(9,040

)

 

 

(8,207

 

 

Net loans

 

$

488,508

 

 

 

$

404,457

 

 

 

 


The following table shows the maturity distribution of the portfolio of commercial, agricultural, real estate construction, real estate mortgage, and consumer loans at September 30, 2001:

 

 

 

At September 30, 2001

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

After 1 but Within 5 years

 

After 5 years

 

Total

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial and agricultural

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans with floating interest rates

 

$

87,110

 

$

35,969

 

$

24,194

 

$

147,273

 

Loans with fixed interest rates

 

7,452

 

29,898

 

15,489

 

52,839

 

Subtotal

 

94,562

 

65,867

 

39,683

 

200,112

 

Real estate construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans with floating interest rates

 

28,870

 

11,756

 

6,854

 

47,480

 

Loans with fixed interest rates

 

1,795

 

208

 

1,744

 

3,747

 

Subtotal

 

30,665

 

11,964

 

8,598

 

51,227

 

Real estate mortgage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans with floating interest rates

 

7,332

 

19,469

 

83,434

 

110,235

 

Loans with fixed interest rates

 

991

 

17,424

 

44,722

 

63,137

 

Subtotal

 

8,323

 

36,893

 

128,156

 

173,372

 

Consumer Installment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans with floating interest rates

 

17,464

 

7,814

 

-

 

25,278

 

Loans with fixed interest rates

 

2,290

 

42,311

 

2,958

 

47,559

 

Subtotal

 

19,754

 

50,125

 

2,958

 

72,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

153,304

 

$

164,849

 

$

179,395

 

$

497,548

 

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments.  The following table shows the distribution of the Company's undisbursed loan commitments at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Letters of credit

 

$

4,006

 

$

1,320

 

Commitments to extend credit

 

181,896

 

144,480

 

Total

 

$

185,902

 

$

145,800

 

 

Other Interest-Earning Assets.  The following table relates to other interest–earning assets not disclosed previously for the dates indicated.  This item consists of a salary continuation plan for the Company's executive management and deferred retirement benefits for participating board members.  The plan is informally linked with universal life insurance policies for the salary continuation plan.  Income from these policies is reflected in noninterest income.

 

 

 

At September 30,

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

$12,978

 

$6,075

 

 


                Nonperforming Assets.  Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due, restructured loans and other real estate owned.

 

Nonperforming loans are those which the borrower fails to perform in accordance with the original terms of the obligation and include loans on nonaccrual status, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing and restructured loans.  The Company generally places loans on nonaccrual status and accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against the current year's income when interest or principal payments become 90 days or more past due unless the outstanding principal and interest is adequately secured and, in the opinion of management, is deemed in the process of collection.  Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recorded on a cash basis.  Payments may be treated as interest income or return of principal depending upon management's opinion of the ultimate risk of loss on the individual loan.  Cash payments are treated as interest income where management believes the remaining principal balance is fully collectible.  Additional loans not 90 days past due may also be placed on nonaccrual status if management reasonably believes the borrower will not be able to comply with the contractual loan repayment terms and collection of principal or interest is in question.

 

A "restructured loan" is a loan on which interest accrues at a below market rate or upon which certain principal has been forgiven so as to aid the borrower in the final repayment of the loan, with any interest previously accrued, but not yet collected, being reversed against current income.  Interest is reported on a cash basis until the borrower's ability to service the restructured loan in accordance with its terms is established.  The Company had no restructured loans as of the dates indicated in the table below.

 

The following table summarizes nonperforming assets of the Company at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Nonaccrual loans

 

$

3,886

 

$

2,243

 

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

 

795

 

97

 

Total nonperforming loans

 

4,681

 

2,340

 

Other real estate owned

 

583

 

248

 

Total nonperforming assets

 

$

5,264

 

$

2,588

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonperforming loans to total loans

 

.94

%

.57

%

Nonperforming assets to total assets

 

.63

%

.38

%

 

Contractual accrued interest income on loans on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2001 and 2000 that would have been recognized if the loans had been current in accordance with their loan agreement was approximately $91,000 and $78,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2000.

 

At September 30, 2001, nonperforming assets represented .63% of total assets, an increase of .25% of total assets compared to the .38% at December 31, 2000.  Nonperforming loans represented .94% of total loans at September 30, 2001, an increase of .37% of total loans compared to the .57% at December 31, 2000.  Nonperforming loans that were secured by first deeds of trust on real property were $2,448,000 at September 30, 2001 and $0 at December 31, 2000.   Other forms of collateral such as inventory and equipment secured the remaining nonperforming loans as of each date.  No assurance can be given that the collateral securing nonperforming loans will be sufficient to prevent losses on such loans.

 

The increase in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets at September 30, 2001 compared with the levels as of December 31, 2000, was due primarily to a increase in non performing agricultural and commercial loans and an increase in foreclosure properties being held for sale.  During the third quarter of 2001, there was an addition of a single nonperforming agricultural loan totaling $2,448,000 that relates to specific financial problems experienced by this borrower.  Management does not believe the problems associated with this borrower are indicative of any systemic problems that may exist within the Company’s agricultural loan portfolio.

 

At September 30, 2001, the Company had $583,000 in three properties acquired through foreclosure.  The properties are carried at the lower of its estimated market value, as evidenced by an independent appraisal, or the recorded investment in the related loan, less estimated selling expenses.  At foreclosure, if the fair value of the real estate is less than the Company's recorded investment in the related loan, a charge is made to the allowance for loan losses. No assurance can be given that the Company will sell such property during 2001 or at any time or the amount for which such property might be sold.

 

Management defines impaired loans, regardless of past due status on loans, as those on which principal and interest are not expected to be collected under the original contractual loan repayment terms.  At September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, impaired loans were measured based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective rate, the loan's observable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral–dependent.  Impaired loans at September 30, 2001 were $4,681,000, on account of which the Company had made provisions to the allowance for loan losses of $1,192,000.

 

Except for loans that are disclosed above, there were no assets as of September 30, 2001, where known information about possible credit problems of the borrower causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may become nonperforming assets.  Given the magnitude of the Company’s loan portfolio, however, it is always possible that current credit problems may exist that may not have been discovered by management.

 


Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes the loan loss experience of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the year ended December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2001

 

2000

 

2000

 

 

 

In thousands

 

Allowance for Loan Losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

8,207

 

$

6,542

 

$

6,542

 

Provision for loan losses

 

3,079

 

2,323

 

3,286

 

Charge-offs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial and  agricultural

 

191

 

416

 

423

 

Real estate construction

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Consumer

 

2,506

 

1,502

 

1,971

 

Total charge–offs

 

2,697

 

1,918

 

2,394

 

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial and agricultural

 

155

 

101

 

410

 

Real estate-mortgage

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Consumer

 

296

 

261

 

363

 

Total recoveries

 

451

 

362

 

773

 

Net charge–offs

 

2,246

 

1,556

 

1,621

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

9,040

 

$

7,309

 

$

8,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans outstanding at period-end

 

$

497,548

 

$

394,980

 

$

412,664

 

Average loans outstanding

 

$

435,529

 

$

359,348

 

$

369,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized net charge-offs to average loans

 

0.69

%

0.58

%

0.44

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To total loans

 

1.82

%

1.85

%

1.99

%

To nonperforming assets

 

171.74

%

297.22

%

317.12

%

 

The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level considered by management to be adequate to cover the inherent risks of loss associated with its loan portfolio under prevailing economic conditions.  In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration growth trends in the portfolio, examination of financial institution supervisory authorities, prior loan loss experience for the Company, concentrations of credit risk, delinquency trends, general economic conditions, the interest rate environment and internal and external credit reviews.  In addition, the risks management considers vary depending on the nature of the loan.  The normal risks considered by management with respect to agricultural loans include the fluctuating value of the collateral, changes in weather conditions and the availability of adequate water resources in the Company's local market area.  The normal risks considered by management with respect to real estate construction loans include fluctuation in real estate values, the demand for improved commercial and industrial properties and housing, the availability of permanent financing in the Company's market area and borrowers' ability to obtain permanent financing.  The normal risks considered by management with respect to real estate mortgage loans include fluctuations in the value of real estate.  Additionally, the Company relies on data obtained through independent appraisals for significant properties to determine loss exposure on nonperforming loans.

 

The balance in the allowance is affected by the amounts provided from operations, amounts charged off and recoveries of loans previously charged-off.  The Company recorded provisions for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 of $1,540,000 and $3,079,000 compared with $792,000 and $2,323,000 for the same periods during 2000. The increase in loan loss provisions in 2001 compared to 2000 was primarily due to loan portfolio growth that has occurred over the last several quarters.

 

The Company's charge–offs, net of recoveries, were $2,246,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 compared with net charge-offs of $1,556,000 for the same nine months in 2000.  The increase in net charge–offs during the first nine months of 2001 compared with the same period in 2000 was primarily due to decreased charge-offs in the indirect auto loan segment of the consumer loan portfolio.

                As of September 30, 2001, the allowance for loan losses were $9,040,000 or 1.82% of total loans outstanding, compared with $8,207,000 or 1.99% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2000. During the first nine months of 2001, the allowance for loan loss increased $833,000 or 10% compared to December 31, 2000 levels.  During the third quarter of 2001, the allowance for loan losses increased $238,000 or 3% compared to June 30, 2001 levels.

 

The Company uses a method developed by management determining the appropriate level of its allowance for loan losses.  This method applies relevant risk factors to the entire loan portfolio, including nonperforming loans.  The methodology is based, in part, on the Company's loan grading and classification system.  The Company grades its loans through internal reviews and periodically subjects loans to external reviews which then are assessed by the Company's audit committee.  Credit reviews are performed on a monthly basis and the quality grading process occurs on a quarterly basis. Risk factors applied to the performing loan portfolio are based on the Company's past loss history considering the current portfolio's characteristics, current economic conditions and other relevant factors.  General reserves are applied to various categories of loans at percentages ranging up to 1.8% based on the Company's assessment of credit risks for each category.  Risk factors are applied to the carrying value of each classified loan: (i) loans internally graded "Watch" or "Special Mention" carry a risk factor from 1.0% to 2.0%; (ii) "Substandard" loans carry a risk factor from 15% to 40% depending on collateral securing the loan, if any; (iii) "Doubtful" loans carry a 50% risk factor; and (iv) "Loss" loans are charged off 100%.  In addition, a portion of the allowance is specially allocated to identified problem credits.  The analysis also includes reference to factors such as the delinquency status of the loan portfolio, inherent risk by type of loans, industry statistical data, recommendations made by the Company's regulatory authorities and outside loan reviewers, and current economic environment.  Important components of the overall credit rating process are the asset quality rating process and the internal loan review process.

 

The allowance is based on estimates and ultimate future losses may vary from current estimates.  It is always possible that future economic or other factors may adversely affect the Company's borrowers, and thereby cause loan losses to exceed the current allowance.  In addition, there can be no assurance that future economic or other factors will not adversely affect the Company's borrowers, or that the Company's asset quality may not deteriorate through rapid growth, failure to enforce underwriting standards, failure to maintain appropriate underwriting standards, failure to maintain an adequate number of qualified loan personnel, failure to identify and monitor potential problem loans or for other reasons, and thereby cause loan losses to exceed the current allowance.  The allocation of the allowance to loan and business risk components is an estimate by management of the relative overall risk characteristics of the Company.  No assurance can be given that losses in one or more risk categories will not exceed the portion of the allowance allocated to that category or even exceed the entire allowance.

 

External Factors Affecting Asset Quality.  As a result of the Company's loan portfolio mix, the future quality of its assets could be affected by adverse economic trends in its region or in the agricultural community.  These trends are beyond the control of the Company.

                California is an earthquake–prone region.  Accordingly, a major earthquake could result in material loss to the Company.  At times the Company's service area has experienced other natural disasters such as floods and droughts.  The Company's properties and substantially all of the real and personal property securing loans in the Company's portfolio are located in California.  The Company faces the risk that many of its borrowers face uninsured property damage, interruption of their businesses or loss of their jobs from earthquakes, floods or droughts.  As a result these borrowers may be unable to repay their loans in accordance with their terms and the collateral for such loans may decline significantly in value.  The Company's service area is a largely agricultural region and therefore is highly dependent on a reliable supply of water for irrigation purposes.  The area obtains nearly all of its water from the run–off of melting snow in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the east.  Although such sources have usually been available in the past, water supply can be adversely affected by light snowfall over one or more winters or by any diversion of water from its present natural courses.  Any such event could impair the ability of many of the Company's borrowers to meet their obligations to the Company.

 

California is a region that also experiences flooding.  The Company is not aware of any material adverse effects to the collateral position of the Company as a result of flooding, but no assurance can be given that future flooding will not have an adverse impact on the Company and its borrowers and depositors.

 

Liquidity. In order to maintain adequate liquidity, the Company must have sufficient resources available at all times to meet its cash flow requirements.  The need for liquidity in a banking institution arises principally to provide for deposit withdrawals, the credit needs of its customers and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise.  The Company may achieve desired liquidity from both assets and liabilities.  The Company considers cash and deposits held in other banks, federal funds sold, other short term investments, maturing loans and investments, payments of principal and interest on loans and investments and potential loan sales as sources of asset liquidity.  Deposit growth and access to credit lines established with correspondent banks and market sources of funds are considered by the Company as sources of liability liquidity.  The Holding Company’s primary source of liquidity is from dividends received from the Bank.  Dividends from the Bank are subject to certain regulatory limitations.

 

The Company reviews its liquidity position on a regular basis based upon its current position and expected trends of loans and deposits. These assets include cash and deposits in other banks, available–for–sale securities and federal funds sold.  The Company's liquid assets totaled $249,653,000 and $203,698,000 on September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively, and constituted 30% of total assets on both those dates.  Liquidity is also affected by the collateral requirements of its public deposits and certain borrowings.  Total pledged securities were $120,646,000 at September 30, 2001 compared with $124,396,000 at December 31, 2000.

 

Although the Company's primary sources of liquidity include liquid assets and a stable deposit base, the Company maintains lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and Pacific Coast Bankers' Bank aggregating $70,327,000 of which $47,781,000 was outstanding as of September 30, 2001 and $14,600,000 was outstanding as of December 31, 2000.  Management believes that the Company maintains adequate amounts of liquid assets to meet its liquidity needs.  The Company's liquidity might be insufficient if deposit withdrawals were to exceed anticipated levels.  Deposit withdrawals can increase if a company experiences financial difficulties or receives adverse publicity for other reasons, or if its pricing, products or services are not competitive with those offered by other institutions.

                Capital Resources
               Capital serves as a source of funds and helps protect depositors against potential losses.  The primary source of capital for the company has been internaly generated capital through retained earnings.  The Company’s shareholder equity increased by $9,347,000 or 17% from December 31, 2000 to September 30, 2001.

 

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.  Management believes, as of September 30, 2001, that the Company and the Bank met all capital requirements to which they are subject.  The Company’s leverage capital ratio at September 30, 2001 was 8.02% as compared with 7.56% as of December 31, 2000.  The Company’s total risk based capital ratio at September 30, 2001 was 11.27% as compared to 10.92% as of December 31, 2000.

 

The Company’s and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios met all regulatory requirements as of September 30, 2001 and were summarized as follows:

 

In thousands

 

Actual

 

For Capital
Adequacy Purposes

 

To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt
Corrective
Action Provisions:

 

The Company:

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

Amount

 

Ratio

 

As of September 30, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

$

72,062

 

11.27

%

$

51,153

 

8.0

%

$

63,941

 

10.0

%

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

64,056

 

10.02

 

25,576

 

4.0

 

38,365

 

6.0

 

Leverage ratio*

 

64,056

 

8.02

 

31,939

 

4.0

 

39,924

 

5.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

$

65,793

 

10.39

%

$

50,672

 

8.0

%

$

63,340

 

10.0

%

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

57,862

 

9.14

 

25,336

 

4.0

 

38,004

 

6.0

 

Leverage ratio*

 

57,862

 

7.30

 

31,701

 

4.0

 

39,627

 

5.0

 

 


*   The leverage ratio consists of Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets.  The minimum leverage ratio is 3 percent for banking organizations that do not anticipate significant growth and that have well-diversified risk, excellent asset quality and in general, are considered top-rated banks.

 

The Company has no formal dividend policy, and dividends are issued solely at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements.  In order to pay any cash dividends, the Company must receive payments of dividends or management fees from the Bank.  There are certain regulatory limitations on the payment of cash dividends by banks.

                Deposits.  Deposits are the Company's primary source of funds.  At September 30, 2001, the Company had a deposit mix of 28% in savings deposits, 41% in time deposits, 18% in interest–bearing checking accounts and 13% in noninterest–bearing demand accounts.  Noninterest–bearing demand deposits enhance the Company's net interest income by lowering its costs of funds.

 

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves.  No material portion of its deposits has been obtained from or is dependent on any one person or industry.  The Company's business is not seasonal in nature.  The Company accepts deposits in excess of $100,000 from customers.  These deposits are priced to remain competitive.  At September 30, 2001, the Company had brokered deposits of $1,181,000.

 

Maturities of time certificates of deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding at September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2001

 

December 31, 2000

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three months or less

 

$

33,146

 

$

45,233

 

Over three to six months

 

52,200

 

20,643

 

Over six to twelve months

 

18,431

 

16,526

 

Over twelve months

 

17,724

 

11,252

 

Total

 

$

121,501

 

$

93,654

 

 

Borrowed Funds

 

The increase in other borrowings during the second quarter of 2001 was primarily due to the use of a leveraged investment strategy that used additional FHLB borrowings to fund purchases of investment securities within the Bank’s investment portfolio.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The primary impact of inflation on the Company is its effect on interest rates.  The Company’s primary source of income is net interest income which is affected by changes in interest rates.  The Company attempts to limit inflation’s impact on its net interest margin through management of rate sensitive assets and liabilities and the analysis of interest rate sensitivity.  The effect of inflation on premises and equipment, as well as on interest expenses, has not been significant for the periods covered in this report.

 


Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to market risk which includes both price and liquidity risk.  Price risk is created from fluctuations in interest rates and the mismatch in repricing characteristics of assets, liabilities, and off balance sheet instruments at a specified point in time.  Mismatches in interest rate repricing among assets and liabilities arise primarily through the interaction of the various types of loans versus the types of deposits that are maintained as well as from management's discretionary investment and funds gathering activities.  Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Company may not be able to satisfy current and future financial commitments or that the Company may not be able to liquidate financial instruments at market prices.  Risk management policies and procedures have been established and are utilized to manage the Company's exposure to market risk.

 

At September 30, 2001, the interest rate position of the Company was relatively neutral as the impact of a gradual parallel 100 basis-point rise or fall in interest rates over the next 12 months was estimated to be approximately 1-2% of net interest income when compared to stable rates.   See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Interest Rate Risk Management."

 


PART II - Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is a party to routine litigation in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, pending and threatened litigation is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Item 2.                    Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3.                    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.                    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders.

None

Item 5.                    Other Information.

In the opinion of management, there is no additional information relating to these periods being reported which warrants inclusion in the report.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)           Exhibits.

 

Exhibits

 

Description of Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference from (filed as Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s June 30, 1996 Form 10Q filed with the SEC on or about November 14, 1996).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s June 30, 1996 Form 10Q filed with the SEC on or about November 14, 1996.)

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

Employment agreement between Thomas T. Hawker and Capital Corp. (Filed as Exhibit 10 of the Company’s 1996 form 10K filed with the SEC on or about June 30, 1997)

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Administration Construction Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s 1995 Form 10K filed with the SEC on or about June 30, 1996).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s 1995 Form 10K filed with the SEC on or about March 31, 1996).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

401 (k) Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s 1995 Form 10K filed with the SEC on or about March 31, 1996).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s 1995 Form 10K filed with the SEC on or about March 31, 1996).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Purchase Agreement for three branches from Bank of America is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed July 14, 1997, File No. 333-31193.

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

 

Change-in-Control Agreement between R. Dale McKinney and Capital Corp of the West (filed as Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s 1999 Form 10K with the SEC on or about March 17, 2000).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

Deferred Compensation Agreement between members of the board of directors and Capital Corp of the West (filed as Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s 1999 Form 10K with the SEC on or about March 17, 2000).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

Executive Salary Continuation Agreement between certain members of executive management and Capital Corp of the West (filed as Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s 1999 Form 10K with the SEC on or about March 17, 2000).

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

10.9

 

Capital Corp of the West 1992 Stock Option Plan as amended by the board of directors on or about January 23, 2001.

 

*

(b)           Reports on Form 8-K

 

None


* Denotes documents which have been incorporated by reference.

 


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.

 

 

 

CAPITAL CORP OF THE WEST

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/

Thomas T. Hawker

 

 

 

 

Thomas T. Hawker

 

 

 

 

President and

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/

R. Dale McKinney

 

 

 

 

R. Dale McKinney

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer