10QSB 1 a05-20180_110qsb.htm QUARTERLY AND TRANSITION REPORTS OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUERS

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

Form 10-QSB

 

ý  Quarterly report under section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005

 

o  Transition report under section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from                 to                .

 

Commission File Number 0-15982

 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP

(Exact name of small business issuer in its charter)

 

California

 

95-3819685

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

1880 Century Park East
Los Angeles, California

 

90067

(Address to principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Issuer’s telephone number, including area code:  (310) 277-2265

 

                                                Check whether the issuer:  (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     ý Yes          o   No

 

Indicated by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
o Yes          ý    No

 

The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, of the issuer outstanding as of November 8, 2005 was 4,338,274.

 

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one):      o Yes  ý  No

 

 



 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

Presented are the unaudited consolidated financial statements of National Mercantile Bancorp (“National Mercantile” on a parent-only basis, and the “Company” on a consolidated basis) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mercantile National Bank (“Mercantile”) and South Bay Bank, N.A. (“South Bay”), (collectively, the “Banks”). 

 

2



 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks-demand

 

$

15,113

 

$

14,187

 

Due from banks-interest bearing

 

2,000

 

2,728

 

Federal funds sold

 

3,110

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

20,223

 

16,915

 

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value; aggregate amortized cost of $56,763 and $37,020 at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

56,382

 

36,954

 

Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

 

2,795

 

3,507

 

FRB and other stock, at cost

 

3,301

 

3,076

 

Loans receivable

 

330,179

 

313,847

 

Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

(4,526

)

(3,511

)

Net loans receivable

 

325,653

 

310,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

 

5,840

 

5,804

 

Other real estate owned

 

1,056

 

1,056

 

Deferred tax asset

 

4,652

 

5,286

 

Goodwill

 

3,225

 

3,225

 

Core deposit intangible, net

 

1,463

 

1,630

 

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

 

3,893

 

3,750

 

Total assets

 

$

428,483

 

$

391,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing demand

 

$

124,053

 

$

113,852

 

Interest-bearing demand

 

31,583

 

34,961

 

Money market

 

75,377

 

69,431

 

Savings

 

30,180

 

32,199

 

Time certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000 or more

 

72,845

 

41,111

 

Under $100,000

 

20,518

 

21,988

 

Total deposits

 

354,556

 

313,542

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other borrowings

 

19,000

 

25,900

 

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

 

15,464

 

15,464

 

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

 

2,376

 

2,151

 

Total liabilities

 

391,396

 

357,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value - authorized 1,000,000 shares:

 

 

 

 

 

Series A non-cumulative convertible perpetual preferred stock; authorized 990,000 shares; no shares and 666,273 shares outstanding at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

 

5,442

 

Series B non-cumulative convertible perpetual preferred stock; authorized 1,000 shares; 1,000 shares outstanding at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

Common stock, no par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; 4,337,874 shares and 2,954,128 shares outstanding at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

45,290

 

39,491

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(8,450

)

(11,726

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(753

)

275

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

37,087

 

34,482

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

428,483

 

$

391,539

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans, including fees

 

$

6,194

 

$

5,067

 

$

17,312

 

$

12,772

 

Securities

 

523

 

403

 

1,268

 

1,073

 

Due from banks - interest bearing

 

23

 

12

 

57

 

40

 

Federal funds sold

 

14

 

5

 

43

 

59

 

Total interest income

 

6,754

 

5,487

 

18,680

 

13,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing demand

 

46

 

19

 

113

 

55

 

Money market and savings

 

350

 

195

 

804

 

541

 

Time certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000 or more

 

323

 

93

 

790

 

250

 

Under $100,000

 

161

 

121

 

455

 

339

 

Total interest expense on deposits

 

880

 

428

 

2,162

 

1,185

 

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

 

326

 

259

 

903

 

713

 

Other borrowings

 

92

 

105

 

225

 

278

 

Total interest expense

 

1,298

 

792

 

3,290

 

2,176

 

Net interest income before provision (benefit) for credit losses

 

5,456

 

4,695

 

15,390

 

11,768

 

Provision (benefit) for credit losses

 

(213

)

120

 

(124

)

120

 

Net interest income after provision (benefit) for credit losses

 

5,669

 

4,575

 

15,514

 

11,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss on sale of securities available-for-sale

 

 

(95

)

 

(76

)

International services

 

11

 

25

 

37

 

46

 

Investment division

 

15

 

13

 

44

 

38

 

Deposit-related and other customer services

 

252

 

374

 

818

 

1,176

 

Total other operating income

 

278

 

317

 

899

 

1,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and related benefits

 

1,998

 

1,884

 

5,684

 

5,639

 

Net occupancy

 

257

 

270

 

742

 

885

 

Furniture and equipment

 

127

 

91

 

378

 

389

 

Printing and communications

 

128

 

144

 

392

 

425

 

Insurance and regulatory assessments

 

105

 

107

 

318

 

327

 

Client services

 

152

 

156

 

471

 

436

 

Computer data processing

 

216

 

236

 

666

 

721

 

Legal services

 

133

 

53

 

589

 

234

 

Other professional services

 

287

 

226

 

826

 

599

 

Amortization of core deposit intangible

 

55

 

55

 

167

 

167

 

Retirement of fixed assets and leasehold improvements

 

 

 

 

43

 

Promotion and other expenses

 

272

 

156

 

582

 

375

 

Total other operating expenses

 

3,730

 

3,378

 

10,815

 

10,240

 

Income before income tax provision

 

2,217

 

1,514

 

5,598

 

2,592

 

Income tax provision

 

920

 

642

 

2,323

 

1,084

 

Net income

 

$

1,297

 

$

872

 

$

3,275

 

$

1,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.52

 

Diluted

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.70

 

$

0.33

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,275

 

$

1,508

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

315

 

338

 

Provision (benefit) for credit losses

 

(124

)

120

 

Loss on sale of securities available for sale

 

 

76

 

Net amortization of premium on securities available-for-sale

 

42

 

171

 

Net amortization of premium on securities held-to-maturity

 

24

 

37

 

Net amortization of core deposit intangible

 

167

 

167

 

Net amortization of premium on loans purchased

 

121

 

145

 

(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets

 

212

 

(3,429

)

Increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities

 

1,058

 

202

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

5,090

 

(665

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of securities available-for-sale

 

(23,531

)

(22,532

)

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

 

 

6,397

 

Proceeds from repayments and maturities of securities available-for-sale

 

3,746

 

5,586

 

Proceeds from repayments and maturities of securities held-to-maturity

 

688

 

784

 

Loan originations and principal collections, net

 

(17,796

)

(42,726

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

 

1,216

 

130

 

Net purchase of Federal Reserve Stock and other stocks

 

(225

)

(1,084

)

Purchases of premises and equipment

 

(351

)

(589

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(36,253

)

(54,034

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in demand deposits, money market and savings accounts

 

10,750

 

16,087

 

Net increase in time certificates of deposit

 

30,264

 

7,745

 

Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased

 

 

(399

)

Net increase (decrease) in other borrowings

 

(6,900

)

24,400

 

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

357

 

165

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

34,471

 

47,998

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

3,308

 

(6,701

)

Cash and cash equivalents, January 1

 

16,915

 

39,284

 

Cash and cash equivalents, September 30

 

$

20,223

 

$

32,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

3,537

 

$

2,358

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

960

 

$

51

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIONS

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Mercantile Bancorp (“National Mercantile” on a parent-only basis, and the “Company” on a consolidated basis) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mercantile National Bank and South Bay Bank, N.A., (collectively, the “Banks”).  The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect all interim adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and which, in management’s opinion, are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows for such interim periods. The results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any subsequent period or for the full year ending December 31, 2005.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

NOTE 2—EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was 4,327,175 and 4,740,664, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 3,480,560 and 4,699,097, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.  The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was 2,918,583 and 4,565,379, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2,878,595 and 4,593,926, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

The following table is a reconciliation of income and shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

6



 

 

 

Earnings
available to
shareholders

 

Weighted
Average
Shares

 

Per share
amount

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

1,297

 

4,327,175

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

227,117

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

186,372

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

1,297

 

4,740,664

 

$

0.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

872

 

2,918,583

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

138,431

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

1,508,365

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

872

 

4,565,379

 

$

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

3,275

 

3,480,560

 

$

0.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

208,072

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

1,010,465

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

3,275

 

4,699,097

 

$

0.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

1,508

 

2,878,595

 

$

0.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

209,998

 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

 

 

 

1,505,333

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

1,508

 

4,593,926

 

$

0.33

 

 

 

NOTE 3—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, due from banks-interest-bearing and federal funds sold.

 

7



 

NOTE 4—ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 

The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for contingent losses on unfunded commitments.  The allowance for loan and lease losses is a valuation adjustment used to recognize impairment of the recorded investment in the Company’s loans receivable on its balance sheet before losses have been confirmed resulting in a subsequent charge-off or write-down.  The reserve for contingent losses on unfunded commitments is a liability accrual for unidentified but probable losses on the Company’s commitments to fund loans.  As of September 30, 2005, the reserve for contingent losses on unfunded commitments has been reclassified from the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities.  The 2004 year end reserve for contingent losses on unfunded commitments has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Provisions for credit losses charged (or credited) to operations reflect management’s judgment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and are determined through periodic analysis of the loan portfolio.  This analysis includes a systematic and detailed review of the classification and categorization of problem loans; an assessment of the overall quality and collectibility of the portfolio; and consideration of the loan loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentrations of credit risk, as well as current economic conditions (particularly Southern California).  During the third quarter 2005, Management modified the methodology for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses to (i) conform the analyses between its subsidiaries, (ii) recognize a factor for probable losses in the Company’s adjustable rate loans resulting from increasing borrower difficulty to service debt in a rising interest rate environment, and (iii) recognize a factor for greater probable losses in certain higher risk loan segments including film production finance and consumer overdrafts.  These additional factors resulted in $571,000 additional allowance for credit losses.  Management performs a periodic risk and credit analysis, the results of which are reported to the Board of Directors.

 

During the third quarter 2005, the Company recovered $1.1 million from a loan previously charged off and the recovery was added to the allowance for loan and lease losses.  Pursuant to Management’s evaluation of the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2005, a benefit for credit losses of $213,000 was recorded for the third quarter 2005.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated.

 

8



 

Analysis of Changes in Allowance for Credit Losses

 

 

 

Allowance for Loan
and Lease Losses

 

Reserve for
Contingent Losses
on Unfunded
Commitments

 

Allowance for
Credit Losses

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

3,669

 

$

477

 

$

4,146

 

Total loans charged-off

 

 

 

 

Total recoveries of loans previously charged off

 

1,081

 

 

1,081

 

Net charge-offs

 

(1,081

)

 

(1,081

)

Provision for credit losses

 

(224

)

11

 

(213

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

4,526

 

$

488

 

$

5,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

3,312

 

$

379

 

$

3,691

 

Total loans charged-off

 

 

 

 

Total recoveries of loans previously charged off

 

39

 

 

39

 

Net charge-offs

 

(39

)

 

(39

)

Provision for credit losses

 

132

 

(12

)

120

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

3,483

 

$

367

 

$

3,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

3,511

 

$

417

 

$

3,928

 

Total loans charged-off

 

6

 

 

6

 

Total recoveries of loans previously charged off

 

1,216

 

 

1,216

 

Net charge-offs

 

(1,210

)

 

(1,210

)

Provision for credit losses

 

(195

)

71

 

(124

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

4,526

 

$

488

 

$

5,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

3,268

 

$

367

 

$

3,635

 

Total loans charged-off

 

35

 

 

35

 

Total recoveries of loans previously charged off

 

130

 

 

130

 

Net charge-offs

 

(95

)

 

(95

)

Provision for credit losses

 

120

 

 

120

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

3,483

 

$

367

 

$

3,850

 

 

Credit quality is affected by many factors beyond the control of the Company, including local and national economies, and facts may exist which are not known to the Company that adversely affect the likelihood of repayment of various loans in the loan portfolio and realization of collateral upon a default.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will not sustain loan losses materially in excess of the allowance for credit losses. In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews the allowance for credit losses and could require additional provisions for credit losses.

 

9



 

NOTE 5—GOODWILL AND CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES

 

As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company had recognized goodwill of $3.2 million, and net core deposit intangibles of $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, from its acquisition of South Bay Bank in December 2001.  The gross carrying amount of core deposit intangibles was $2.3 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and accumulated amortization was $837,000 and $670,000, respectively, at such dates.  The core deposit intangibles are estimated to have a life of 10 years and 4 months.  Amortization for intangibles for 2005 and each of the next four years is estimated to be $223,000 per year.  In accordance with SFAS No. 142 goodwill is not amortized.  The Company has no other recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets.  Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed and assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if conditions suggest impairment may exist.

 

NOTE 6—INCOME TAXES

 

Income tax provisions of $920,000 and $642,000 were recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Income tax provisions of $2,323,000 and $1,084,000 were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

At September 30, 2005, the Company had: (i) federal net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLS”) of approximately $8.3 million, which begin to expire in the year 2009; and (ii) federal alternative minimum tax “AMT” credits of $495,000.  The AMT credits carry forward indefinitely.

 

Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset, a portion of which is comprised of the NOLS, will be realized.  Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been established against the deferred tax asset.

 

NOTE 7—BENEFIT PLANS

 

The estimated per share weighted average fair value of options granted in the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $9.57.  There were no stock options granted in the three months ended September 30, 2004.  The estimated per share weighted average fair value of options granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $9.58 and $6.95, respectively.  The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock incentive plans.  SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, encourages, but does not require, companies to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value.  Accordingly and in

 

10



 

accordance with the principle contained in APBO 25, no compensation cost has been recognized for the options.  Had compensation cost for the options granted been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 would have decreased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)

 

(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

1,297

 

$

872

 

$

3,275

 

$

1,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

90

 

52

 

190

 

140

 

Pro forma

 

$

1,207

 

$

820

 

$

3,085

 

$

1,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income per share as reported:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.94

 

$

0.52

 

Diluted

 

0.27

 

0.19

 

0.70

 

0.33

 

Income per share pro forma:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.28

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.48

 

Diluted

 

0.25

 

0.18

 

0.66

 

0.30

 

 

The fair values of options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used: 2005— no dividend yield, expected volatility of 43%, risk-free interest rate of 4.38%, and an expected life of 10 years; 2004— no dividend yield, expected volatility of 57%, risk-free interest rate of 4.21%, and an expected life of 10 years.

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” in December 2004, which requires entities that grant stock options and shares to employees to recognize the fair value of those options and shares as compensation cost over the service (vesting) period in their financial statements.  For public entities, such as National Mercantile, that file as small business issuers the effective date for SFAS No. 123(R) is the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005.  Consequently, upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R the compensation cost for options granted will be treated as an expense.  The Company intends to adopt FAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 and is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s results of operations.

 

11



 

NOTE 8—COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources.  The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income (loss) is required to be displayed separately from retained earnings in the consolidated balance sheet.  Total comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months ended September 30,

 

Nine Months ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,297

 

$

872

 

$

3,275

 

$

1,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax, and unrealized losses on securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps used in cash flow hedges

 

(896

)

1,017

 

(1,266

)

1,017

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate floors used in cash flow hedges

 

(151

)

 

(176

)

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale

 

(281

)

261

 

(315

)

(85

)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

 

(1,328

)

1,278

 

(1,757

)

932

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income

 

551

 

(529

)

730

 

(387

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(777

)

749

 

(1,027

)

545

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

520

 

$

1,621

 

$

2,248

 

$

2,053

 

 

NOTE 9—DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company holds fixed rate and variable rate financial assets that are funded by fixed rate and variable rate liabilities.  Consequently, they are subject to the effects of changes in interest rates.  In response to this, the Company has developed an interest rate risk management policy with the objective of mitigating financial exposure to changing interest rates.  These exposures are managed, in part, with the use of derivatives but only to the extent necessary to meet the overall goal of minimizing interest rate risk.

 

Derivatives are accounted for according to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. This standard requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them.  To qualify for hedge accounting, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally documented at inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks that are being hedged, the derivative instrument and how effectiveness is being assessed.

 

12



 

The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting either changes in fair value or cash flows, as appropriate, for the risk being hedged.  Effectiveness is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis. If a hedge relationship becomes ineffective, it no longer qualifies as a hedge. Any excess gains or losses attributable to such ineffectiveness, as well as subsequent changes in the fair value of the derivative, are recognized in earnings.

 

  The following is a summary of our risk management strategies and the effect of these strategies on the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

Notional
Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Notional
Amount

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Fair value hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

$

15,000

 

$

(296

)

$

15,000

 

$

(311

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

$

50,000

 

$

(743

)

$

50,000

 

$

406

 

Interest rate floors

 

$

75,000

 

$

196

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate floors

 

$

150,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

Fair value hedges are hedges that minimize the risk of changes in the fair values of assets, liabilities and certain types of firm commitments.  The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the change in fair value of its junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.  The interest rate swaps result in the Company paying or receiving the difference between the fixed and floating rates at specified intervals calculated on the notional amounts.  The differential paid or received on such interest rate swaps are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.  The net change in fair value of the derivatives and the hedged items is reported in earnings.  The fair value hedges are highly effective and therefore no ineffectiveness was recognized in current earnings related to this swap.

 

Cash flow hedges are hedges that use simple derivatives to offset the variability of expected future cash flows.  The Company’s cash flow hedges include certain interest rate swaps and interest rate floors used to manage the interest rate risk associated with its significant volume of adjustable rate loans.  At September 30, 2005 a loss of $435,000 was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and no ineffectiveness was recorded to earnings for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 related to these interest rate swaps.  At September 30, 2005 a loss of $107,000 was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the interest rate floors.  Ineffectiveness related to the interest rate floors

 

13



 

designated as cash flow hedges of $18,000 and $24,000 was charged to earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.

 

Other derivatives not designated as hedges are interest rate floors that do not meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting treatment.  We use derivatives to hedge exposures when it makes economic sense to do so, including circumstances in which the hedging relationship does not qualify for hedge accounting.  Derivatives not designated as hedges are marked to market through earnings.  There was an $8,000 charge to earnings during the second quarter 2005 writing the value of this floor to zero and there was no change in market value for these derivatives recorded to earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

 

NOTE 10— CONVERSION OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

Pursuant to the election of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Noncumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”) of National Mercantile Bancorp (the “Company”) on June 23, 2005, each outstanding share of the Company’s Series A Preferred was automatically converted into two shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended.  As a result of this conversion, 643,893 shares of Series A Preferred were converted into 1,287,786 shares of Common Stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, 666,273 shares of Series A Preferred were converted into 1,332,546 shares of common stock.

 

NOTE 11—RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

14



 

Item 2.                      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

National Mercantile Bancorp (“National Mercantile” on a parent-only basis, and the ‘‘Company’’ on a consolidated basis) is the holding company for two subsidiary banks, Mercantile National Bank (“Mercantile”) and South Bay Bank, N.A. (“South Bay”) (collectively, “the Banks”).  National Mercantile’s principal assets are the capital stock of Mercantile and South Bay.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

 

The Company recorded net income of $1,297,000, or $0.30 basic earnings per share and $0.27 diluted earnings per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to net income of $872,000, or $0.30 basic earnings per share and $0.19 diluted earnings per share, for the same period of 2004.  The increase in net income for the third quarter of 2005 was primarily due to a $761,000 increase in net interest income before the provision for credit losses resulting from increases in the prime rate lending index, a greater volume of interest earning assets, particularly higher-yielding loans receivable and securities available-for-sale, and a favorable change in earning asset and funding liability composition.  Third quarter 2005 net income was further enhanced by a $333,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses compared to the 2004 period offset by a $352,000 increase in noninterest expense.

 

Pursuant to the election of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Noncumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”) on June 23, 2005, each outstanding share of the Company’s Series A Preferred was automatically converted into two shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended.  As a result of this conversion, 643,893 shares of Series A Preferred were converted into 1,287,786 shares of Common Stock.  The Series A Preferred were previously included in the dilutive shares outstanding but not basic shares outstanding for earnings per share computation.

 

The Company recorded net income of $3.3 million, or $0.94 basic earnings per share and $0.70 diluted earnings per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.52 basic earnings per share and $0.33 diluted earnings per share, for the same period of 2004.  The increase in net income for the 2005 period was primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in net interest income before provision for credit losses resulting from increases in the prime rate lending index, interest rate swaps, a greater volume of interest earning assets, particularly higher-yielding loans receivable and securities available-for-sale, and a favorable change in earning asset and funding liability composition.  The provision for loan

 

15



 

losses during the 2005 period decreased $244,000 compared to the 2004 period, while other operating income decreased $285,000 and noninterest expense increased $575,000.

 

Return on average assets during the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 was 1.27% and 1.11%, respectively, compared to 0.88% and 0.53% during the third quarter and first nine months of 2004, respectively.  Return on average equity during the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 was 13.77% and 12.11%, respectively, compared to 10.47% and 6.18% during the third quarter and first nine months of 2004, respectively.

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 

Net interest income before the provision for credit losses increased $761,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same quarter of 2004 due to a $1.3 million increase in total interest income partially offset by a $506,000 increase in interest expense.  Loan interest income increased $1.1 million due to an $18.1 million greater average volume of loans receivable and a 101 basis point increase in yield, resulting primarily from increases in the prime rate lending index.  During the second half of 2004 and first nine months of 2005, the Federal Reserve Bank increased the federal funds rate on eleven occasions totaling 275 basis points, after a prolonged period of accommodative monetary policy, in response to signs of increasing inflation risks.  Approximately 75% of the $330.2 million loans receivable have adjustable interest rates; accordingly, rising interest rates positively affect interest income partially offset by greater payments on our $50 million of prime rate-indexed interest rate swaps.  The greater loan volume was primarily due to the more rapid funding of construction loans originated in earlier periods and fewer payoffs of commercial real estate loans.

 

Interest income from securities available-for-sale increased during the third quarter 2005 compared to the third quarter 2004 due to a $3.9 million increase in average volume and a 75 basis point increase in yield.  At September 30, 2005 securities available-for-sale were $56.4 million, an increase of $19.4 million from December 31, 2004.  The purchase of securities was accelerated during the third quarter 2005 to extend the duration of portfolio assets in order to reduce the Company’s asset sensitivity.  The increase in the yield on securities available-for-sale was due to higher yields on the more recently purchased securities due to rising market interest rates.

 

Overall, interest-earning assets were $20.3 million greater during the third quarter 2005 than third quarter 2004 and the higher yields and favorable change in composition to higher-yielding assets resulted in a 99 basis point increase in weighted average yield on interest-earning assets.

 

16



 

Interest expense increased $506,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, due primarily to an 82 basis point increase in cost of funds.  Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $3.1 million for the third quarter 2005 compared to the same period in 2004; the composition of interest-bearing liabilities, however, changed significantly.  During the rising interest rate environment experienced during the past five quarters, the Company elected to only moderately increase transaction deposit rates and to fund runoff of these deposits with brokered certificates of deposit. This type of funding is typically higher costing and exhibits higher interest rate sensitivity.  While rates are higher on certificates of deposit, the greater interest expense on the incremental certificates of deposit needed to fund the decrease in transaction deposits is less than the impact of increasing rates on the significantly greater volume of transaction accounts.  Consequently, money market and savings deposits averaged $10.3 million less in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period due to depositors redeploying their funds to the Company’s higher yielding certificates of deposit and alternative investments outside the Banks.  The cost of interest-bearing demand deposits and money market and savings deposits increased 29 basis points and 67 basis points, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2004.  Time certificates of deposit averaged $23.8 million more during the third quarter 2005 than the same period in 2004 while the cost increased 89 basis points due to higher rates on new certificates and repricing of matured certificates during the higher interest rate environment.  In a sustained rising interest rate environment, increases in deposit interest rates will be required to prevent net deposit withdrawals.

 

Additionally, other borrowings were repaid with lower cost brokered deposits.  Other borrowings during the third quarter 2005 averaged $9.9 million, or $13.1 million less than the same period in 2004.  The cost of other borrowings was 3.68% and 1.82% for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing an increase of 186 basis points for the 2005 period.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $2.7 million in average volume in the third quarter 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

 

The net yield on interest earning assets increased 51 basis points from 5.26% during the third quarter in 2004 to 5.77% in the third quarter in 2005, while the net interest spread increased 17 basis points from 4.81% during the third quarter in 2004 to 4.98% in the third quarter in 2005.

 

Net interest income before the provision for credit losses increased $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 due to a $4.7 million increase in total interest income partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in interest expense.  Loan interest income increased $4.5 million due to $32.1 million greater average volume of loans receivable and a 133 basis point increase in yield, resulting primarily from increases in the prime rate lending index as well as interest income recorded from the interest rate swaps.  On July 1, 2004, the Banks entered into interest rate swap

 

17



 

agreements in which they exchanged an adjustable rate interest based on the prime rate lending index for a fixed rate payment of 6.925% on an aggregate notional principal amount of $50.0 million (see Note 9—Derivative Financial Instruments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of the swap terms).  Thus, the interest rate swaps contributed interest income for the full nine months of 2005 but only the third quarter of 2004.  The interest rate swaps contributed 16 basis points to the increase in loan yield during 2005.

 

Interest income from securities available-for-sale increased $219,000 during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the first nine months of 2004 due to a 55 basis point increase in yield with average volume increasing $1.6 million.  The increase in the yield on securities available-for-sale was due to higher yields on the more recently purchased securities.

 

Overall, interest-earning assets were $25.2 million greater during the first nine months of 2005 than first nine months of 2004 and the higher yields and favorable change in composition to higher-yielding assets resulted in a 137 basis point increase in weighted average yield on interest-earning assets.

 

Interest expense increased $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, due to an $11.0 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and a 59 basis point increase in cost of funds.  Interest expense on deposits increased $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 due to a 58 basis point increase in weighted average cost and a $14.6 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits.  Relatively low costing money market and savings deposits averaged $7.8 million less in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.  The decrease in transactional deposits is due to depositors redeploying their funds to higher yielding certificates of deposit and alternative investments outside the Banks.  Time certificates of deposit averaged $21.3 million more during the first nine months of 2005 than the same period in 2004.  The cost of time certificates of deposit increased 76 basis points due to higher rates on new certificates and repricing of matured certificates during the higher interest rate environment.  Rising market rates of interest during the latter half of 2004 and first nine months of 2005 resulted in the cost of interest-bearing demand deposits and money market and savings deposits increasing 24 basis points and 40 basis points, respectively, compared to the first nine months of 2004.  Other borrowings during the first nine months of 2005 averaged $10.1 million, or $3.6 million less than the same period in 2004.  The cost of other borrowings was 2.97% and 2.70% for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing an increase of 27 basis points in 2005 due to an increase in market rates of interest.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits were relatively stable, with an increase of $2.2 million in average volume in the first nine months of 2005 compared to 2004.

 

18



 

The net yield on interest earning assets increased 102 basis points from 4.68% during the first nine months of 2004 to 5.70% in the first nine months of 2005, while the net interest spread increased 78 basis points from 4.23% during the first nine months of 2004 to 5.01% in the first nine months in 2005.

 

The following table presents the components of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

19



 

Average Balance Sheet and

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 

 

 

Three Months ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

Average

 

 

 

Interest

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

Income/

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Income/

 

Yield/

 

 

 

Amount

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Amount

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

$

1,604

 

14

 

3.46

%

$

1,558

 

5

 

1.28

%

Due from banks-interest bearing

 

2,000

 

23

 

4.56

%

2,728

 

12

 

1.75

%

Securities available-for-sale

 

53,050

 

494

 

3.72

%

49,183

 

365

 

2.97

%

Securities held-to-maturity

 

2,954

 

29

 

3.93

%

3,927

 

38

 

3.87

%

Loans receivable (1) (2)

 

315,735

 

6,194

 

7.78

%

297,602

 

5,067

 

6.77

%

Total interest earning assets

 

375,343

 

6,754

 

7.14

%

354,998

 

5,487

 

6.15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks - demand

 

15,196

 

 

 

 

 

22,314

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

20,428

 

 

 

 

 

21,694

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses and net unrealized gain on sales of securities available-for-sale

 

(5,395

)

 

 

 

 

(3,891

)

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

405,572

 

 

 

 

 

$

395,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand

 

$

34,483

 

46

 

0.53

%

$

31,827

 

19

 

0.24

%

Money market and savings

 

101,809

 

350

 

1.36

%

112,114

 

195

 

0.69

%

Time certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000 or more

 

51,794

 

323

 

2.47

%

25,371

 

93

 

1.46

%

Under $100,000

 

24,873

 

161

 

2.57

%

27,479

 

121

 

1.75

%

Total time certificates of deposit

 

76,667

 

484

 

2.50

%

52,850

 

214

 

1.61

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

212,959

 

880

 

1.64

%

196,791

 

428

 

0.87

%

Other borrowings

 

9,912

 

92

 

3.68

%

22,982

 

105

 

1.82

%

Junior subordinated debentures

 

15,464

 

326

 

8.36

%

15,464

 

259

 

6.66

%

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

238,335

 

1,298

 

2.16

%

235,237

 

792

 

1.34

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

 

128,523

 

 

 

 

 

125,857

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

1,363

 

 

 

 

 

969

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

37,351

 

 

 

 

 

33,052

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

405,572

 

 

 

 

 

$

395,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income (spread)

 

 

 

$

5,456

 

4.98

%

 

 

$

4,695

 

4.81

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net yield on earning assets (2)

 

 

 

 

 

5.77

%

 

 

 

 

5.26

%

 


(1) The average balance of nonperforming loans has been included in loans receivable.

(2) Yields and amounts earned on loans receivable include loan fees of $421,000 and $484,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The following table presents the components of net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

20


 


 

Average Balance Sheet and

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 

 

 

Nine Months ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

September 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

Average

 

 

 

Interest

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

Income/

 

Yield/

 

Average

 

Income/

 

Yield/

 

 

 

Amount

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Amount

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

$

1,932

 

43

 

2.98

%

$

7,823

 

59

 

1.01

%

Due from banks-interest bearing

 

2,250

 

57

 

3.39

%

3,835

 

40

 

1.39

%

Securities available-for-sale

 

44,446

 

1,174

 

3.52

%

42,889

 

955

 

2.97

%

Securities held-to-maturity

 

3,186

 

94

 

3.93

%

4,226

 

118

 

3.72

%

Loans receivable (1) (2)

 

308,986

 

17,312

 

7.49

%

276,845

 

12,772

 

6.16

%

Total interest earning assets

 

360,800

 

18,680

 

6.92

%

335,618

 

13,944

 

5.55

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks - demand

 

16,880

 

 

 

 

 

22,822

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

20,628

 

 

 

 

 

21,661

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses and net unrealized gain on sales of securities available-for-sale

 

(4,611

)

 

 

 

 

(3,705

)

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

393,697

 

 

 

 

 

$

376,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand

 

$

32,471

 

113

 

0.47

%

$

31,395

 

55

 

0.23

%

Money market and savings

 

100,814

 

804

 

1.07

%

108,580

 

541

 

0.67

%

Time certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000 or more

 

45,885

 

790

 

2.30

%

23,867

 

250

 

1.40

%

Under $100,000

 

25,914

 

455

 

2.35

%

26,611

 

339

 

1.70

%

Total time certificates of deposit

 

71,799

 

1,245

 

2.32

%

50,478

 

589

 

1.56

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

205,084

 

2,162

 

1.41

%

190,453

 

1,185

 

0.83

%

Other borrowings

 

10,132

 

225

 

2.97

%

13,703

 

277

 

2.70

%

Junior subordinated debentures

 

15,464

 

903

 

7.81

%

15,464

 

713

 

6.16

%

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

 

 

94

 

1

 

1.42

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

230,680

 

3,290

 

1.91

%

219,714

 

2,176

 

1.32

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

 

125,469

 

 

 

 

 

123,272

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

1,404

 

 

 

 

 

888

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

36,144

 

 

 

 

 

32,522

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

393,697

 

 

 

 

 

$

376,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income (spread)

 

 

 

$

15,390

 

5.01

%

 

 

$

11,768

 

4.23

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net yield on earning assets (2)

 

 

 

 

 

5.70

%

 

 

 

 

4.68

%

 


(1) The average balance of nonperforming loans has been included in loans receivable.

(2) Yields and amounts earned on loans receivable include loan fees of $1,281,000 and $1,052,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

21



 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the changes in interest earned and interest paid resulting from changes in volume and changes in rates.  Average balances in all categories in each reported period were used in the volume computations.  Average yields and rates in each reported period were used in rate computations.

 

Increase (Decrease) in Interest Income/Expense Due to Change in

Average Volume and Average Rate (1)

 

 

 

Nine Months ended September 30,
2005 vs 2004

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) due to:

 

Net
Increase

 

 

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell

 

$

(44

)

$

28

 

$

(16

)

Interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions

 

(17

)

34

 

17

 

Securities available-for-sale

 

34

 

185

 

219

 

Securities held-to-maturity

 

(29

)

5

 

(24

)

Loans receivable (2)

 

1,482

 

3,058

 

4,540

 

Total interest-earning assets

 

1,426

 

3,310

 

4,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand

 

$

2

 

$

56

 

$

58

 

Money market and savings

 

(39

)

302

 

263

 

Time certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000 or more

 

230

 

310

 

540

 

Under $100,000

 

(9

)

125

 

116

 

Total time certificates of deposit

 

221

 

435

 

656

 

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

184

 

793

 

977

 

Other borrowings

 

(72

)

20

 

(52

)

Junior subordinated debentures

 

 

190

 

190

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

(1

)

 

(1

)

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

111

 

1,003

 

1,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

 

$

1,315

 

$

2,307

 

$

3,622

 

 


(1)

The change in interest income or interest expense that is attributable to both changes in average balance and average rate has been allocated to the changes due to (i) average balance and (ii) average rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute amounts of changes in each.

(2)

Table does not include interest income that would have been earned on nonaccrual loans.

 

22



 

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 

The Company recorded a benefit for credit losses of $213,000 for the third quarter 2005.  During the third quarter 2005, the Company recovered $1.1 million of a loan charged off in a previous period.  Management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2005 determined that recognition of a benefit was required.  Consequently, a benefit of $124,000 was reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $120,000 provision for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004.  See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

Other operating income decreased to $278,000 during the third quarter of 2005 from $317,000 during the third quarter of 2004 primarily due to a $122,000 decrease in deposit-related and other customer services income resulting from changes in deposit fee structures to bundle services.

 

Other operating income decreased to $899,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 primarily due to a $358,000 decrease in deposit-related and other customer services income resulting from changes in deposit fee structures.

 

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Other operating expenses increased to $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $3.4 million for the same period of 2004. Variances within operating expenses were: (i) salaries and related benefits expense increased $114,000 or 6.1% due to the addition of business development staff and increased commission expense; (ii) furniture and equipment expense increased $36,000 or 39.6% due to an increase in rental equipment and an increase in depreciation expense of fixed assets purchased; (iii) legal services expense increased $80,000 or 150.9% primarily due to activity on the settlement of a dispute over collateral securing a loan that has now been resolved; (iv) other professional services expense increased $61,000 or 27.0% due to increased costs for audit services; and, (v) other expenses increased $116,000 or 74.4% due to operating loss accruals.

 

Other operating expenses increased to $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $10.2 million for the same period of 2004.  Significant variances within operating expenses were: (i) net occupancy expense decreased $143,000 or 16.2% due to a reduction in rent from the relocation of the Company’s headquarters office and banking office in Century City; (ii) legal services expense increased $355,000 or 151.7% primarily due to activity on the settlement of a

 

23



 

dispute over collateral securing a loan; (iii) other professional services expense increased $227,000 or 37.9% due to a productivity consultant engagement and increased costs for audit services; and (v) other expenses increased $207,000 or 55.2% due to operating loss accruals.

 

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The following comparative period-end table sets forth certain information concerning the estimated fair values and

unrealized gains and losses of securities available-for-sale and securities held-to-maturity.

 

24



 

Estimated Fair Values of and Unrealized

Gains and Losses on Securities

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Total

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Estimated

 

 

 

amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

fair

 

 

 

cost

 

gains

 

loss

 

value

 

 

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

Available-for-Sale:

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

 

$

699

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

698

 

GNMA-issued/guaranteed mortgage pass through certificates

 

109

 

3

 

 

112

 

Other U.S. Government and federal agency securities

 

22,944

 

 

152

 

22,792

 

FHLMC/FNMA-issued mortgage pass through certificates

 

17,743

 

24

 

148

 

17,619

 

CMO’s and REMIC’s issued by U.S. government-sponsored agencies

 

29

 

 

 

29

 

Privately issued corporate bonds, CMO and REMIC securities

 

15,239

 

 

107

 

15,132

 

 

 

$

56,763

 

$

27

 

$

408

 

$

56,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRB and other equity stocks

 

$

3,301

 

 

 

$

3,301

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Total

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

gains

 

loss

 

value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Held-to-Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLMC/FNMA-issued mortgage pass through certificates

 

$

2,795

 

$

 

$

32

 

$

2,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,795

 

$

 

$

32

 

$

2,763

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

Total

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

gains

 

loss

 

value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Available-For-Sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

 

$

696

 

$

 

$

2

 

$

694

 

GNMA-issued/guaranteed mortgage pass through certificates

 

164

 

7

 

 

171

 

Other U.S. government and federal agency securities

 

23,958

 

 

128

 

23,830

 

FHLMC/FNMA-issued mortgage pass through certificates

 

9,288

 

76

 

1

 

9,363

 

CMO’s and REMIC’s issued by U.S. government-sponsored agencies

 

38

 

 

 

38

 

Privately issued corporate bonds, CMO and REMIC securities

 

2,876

 

1

 

19

 

2,858

 

 

 

$

37,020

 

$

84

 

$

150

 

$

36,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRB and other equity stocks

 

$

3,076

 

 

 

$

3,076

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

Total

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amortized

 

unrealized

 

unrealized

 

fair

 

 

 

Cost

 

gains

 

loss

 

value

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Held-to-Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLMC/FNMA-issued mortgage pass through certificates

 

$

3,507

 

$

40

 

$

 

$

3,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,507

 

$

40

 

$

 

$

3,547

 

 

25



 

As of September 30, 2005, the Company did not hold securities of any issuer, other than U.S. government-chartered agencies, the aggregate book value of which exceeded 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity.  At September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, there were no securities deemed by management to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

LOAN PORTFOLIO

 

The following comparative period-end table sets forth certain information concerning the composition of the loan portfolio.

 

Loan Portfolio Composition

 

 

 

September 30,
2005

 

December 31,
2004

 

 

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Commercial loans - secured and unsecured

 

$

88,281

 

27

%

$

98,429

 

31

%

Real estate loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secured by commercial real properties

 

128,555

 

39

%

135,944

 

43

%

Secured by one to four family residential properties

 

11,697

 

3

%

9,405

 

3

%

Secured by multifamily residential properties

 

18,891

 

6

%

18,330

 

6

%

Total real estate loans

 

159,143

 

48

%

163,679

 

52

%

Construction and land development

 

79,097

 

24

%

50,289

 

16

%

Consumer installment, home equity and unsecured loans to individuals

 

4,786

 

1

%

2,516

 

1

%

Total loans outstanding

 

331,307

 

100

%

314,913

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred net loan origination fees

 

(1,128

)

 

 

(1,066

)

 

 

Loans receivable, net

 

$

330,179

 

 

 

$

313,847

 

 

 

 

Total loans outstanding increased by $16.3 million to $330.2 million at September 30, 2005 compared to $313.8 million at December 31, 2004 due primarily to increased funding of construction loans.  The growth in construction loans was offset by a $10.1 million decline in commercial loans and a $7.4 million decline in real estate loans secured by commercial real properties.  The first half of 2005 experienced a decline in loan volume largely due to the payoff of construction loans for completed real estate projects and the lack of construction loan funding for new projects delayed by an unusually rainy winter and spring in

 

26



 

Southern California.  Construction loan funding increased in the third quarter 2005 as the projects moved forward.  The decrease in commercial loans and commercial real estate loans occurred primarily in the first half of 2005, when borrowers concerned about rising rates increasingly refinanced their adjustable rate loans into fixed rate loans.  The Company suffered a net outflow of these loans as competitors were willing to price the fixed rate loans at lower interest rates than the Company was willing to offer.  The refinancing activity moderated during the third quarter.  Throughout 2005, the Company’s borrowers have been repaying commercial loans and reducing the utilization of credit commitments.

 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

 

The following comparative period-end table sets forth certain information concerning nonperforming assets.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonaccrual loans

 

$

313

 

$

18

 

Troubled debt restructurings

 

 

 

Loans contractually past due ninety or more days with respect to either principal or interest and still accruing interest

 

 

1,804

 

Nonperforming loans

 

313

 

1,822

 

Other real estate owned

 

1,056

 

1,056

 

Other nonperforming assets

 

 

 

Total nonperforming assets

 

$

1,369

 

$

2,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonaccrual loans

 

1446.0

%

21822.2

%

Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans

 

1446.0

%

215.6

%

Total nonperforming assets as a percent of loans receivable

 

0.4

%

0.9

%

Total nonperforming assets as a percent of total shareholders’ equity

 

3.7

%

8.3

%

 

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 

The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is determined through periodic analysis of the loan portfolio.  This analysis includes a systematic and detailed review of the classification and categorization of problem loans; an assessment of the overall quality and collectibility of the portfolio; and consideration of the loan loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentrations of credit risk, as well as current economic conditions (particularly Southern California).  During the third quarter 2005, Management modified the methodology for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses to (i)

 

27



 

conform the analyses between the Banks, (ii) recognize a factor for probable losses in the Company’s adjustable rate loans resulting from increasing borrower difficulty to service debt in a rising interest rate environment, and (iii) recognize a factor for greater probable losses in certain higher risk loan segments including film production finance and consumer overdrafts.  The supplemental factors resulted in $571,000 additional allowance for credit losses.  Management performs a periodic risk and credit analysis, the results of which are reported to the Board of Directors.

 

There were no loans charged off during the third quarter of 2005.  Loans charged off during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $6,000.  This compares to no loans being charged off during the third quarter of 2004 and $35,000 during the first nine months of 2004.  Recoveries of loans previously charged off were $1.1 million and $1.2 million during the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, respectively, compared to $39,000 and $130,000 during the third quarter and first nine months of 2004.  Pursuant to Management’s evaluation of the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2005, a benefit for credit losses of $213,000 was recorded for the third quarter 2005.  See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Credit quality is affected by many factors beyond the control of the Company, including local and national economies, and facts may exist which are not known to the Company that adversely affect the likelihood of repayment of various loans in the loan portfolio and realization of collateral upon a default. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will not sustain loan losses materially in excess of the allowance for credit losses. In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews the allowance for credit losses and could require additional provisions for credit losses.

 

DEPOSITS

 

Total deposits were $354.6 million and $313.5 million at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased to $124.1 million at September 30, 2005 compared to $113.9 million at December 31, 2004.  Our noninterest-bearing demand deposits experience significant variability and seasonality due to the nature of our depositors’ businesses and the cash needs of our business customers for quarterly tax payments and owner distributions.  Noninterest-bearing demand deposits declined significantly at December 31, 2004 from the fourth quarter average of $129.0 million; thus the increase at September 30, 2005 reflected a normalization following this year-end variability.  Money market deposits and savings deposits were $75.4 million and $30.2 million, respectively, at September 30, 2005 compared to $69.4 million and $32.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004.  Interest-bearing demand deposits,

 

28



 

which for the most part are limited to individuals, decreased to $31.6 million at September 30, 2005 from $35.0 million at December 31, 2004.  Interest-bearing demand deposits increased significantly at December 31, 2004 from the fourth quarter average of $31.7 million, thus the decline at September 30, 2005 reflected a normalization following the year-end variability.  Time certificates of deposit (“TCDs”) increased to $93.4 million at September 30, 2005 from $63.1 million at December 31, 2004 due to an increase in brokered deposits.  There were $27.5 million in brokered TCDs at September 30, 2005 compared to $6.9 million at December 31, 2004.

 

During the first nine months of 2005, the Company supplemented its liquidity by increasing its use of brokers to issue three-month to one-year TCDs.  These efforts resulted in a net increase of brokered TCDs of $20.6 million from $6.9 million at December 31, 2004 to $27.5 million at September 30, 2005.

 

Additionally, although the Company has priced its retail certificates of deposit to encourage runoff during the past several years, in the rising rate environment experienced during the first three quarters of 2005, it has elected to only moderately increase rates on its immediately repriceable base of deposits – interest-bearing demand deposits, and savings and money market deposits – and price new time certificates of deposit to generate growth.

 

In a sustained rising interest rate environment, increases in deposit interest rates will be required to prevent net deposit withdrawals.  Additionally, in order to generate new deposit growth, the Company has paid significantly higher rates than that paid on existing deposits.

 

OTHER BORROWINGS

 

There were $19.0 million of other borrowings, consisting of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, at September 30, 2005 compared to $25.9 million at December 31, 2004.  The decline in other borrowings reflected repayment at maturity due to the increase in deposits, partially offset by the increase in loan fundings and security purchases.

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Shareholders’ equity increased from $34.5 million at December 31, 2004 to $37.1 million at September 30, 2005 due to the retained earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 partially offset by a decrease in market value of interest rate swaps and securities available-for-sale.

 

29



 

CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS

 

At September 30, 2005, National Mercantile and the Banks were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements and the Banks were “well capitalized” under the Prompt Corrective Action rules of the OCC.  The following table sets forth the regulatory capital standards for well-capitalized institutions, and the capital ratios for National Mercantile and the Banks, as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

Regulatory Capital Information

of the National Mercantile Bancorp and Banks

 

 

 

Minimum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Capital

 

Well

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adequacy

 

Capitalized

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Purposes

 

Standards

 

2005

 

2004

 

National Mercantile Bancorp:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 leverage

 

4.00

%

N/A

 

11.04

%

9.87

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital

 

4.00

%

N/A

 

11.72

%

10.39

%

Total risk-based capital

 

8.00

%

N/A

 

13.67

%

12.42

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mercantile National Bank:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 leverage

 

4.00

%

5.00

%

11.01

%

8.99

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital

 

4.00

%

6.00

%

13.40

%

10.44

%

Total risk-based capital

 

8.00

%

10.00

%

14.66

%

11.60

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Bay Bank, NA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 leverage

 

4.00

%

5.00

%

9.69

%

9.32

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital

 

4.00

%

6.00

%

8.93

%

9.32

%

Total risk-based capital

 

8.00

%

10.00

%

10.18

%

10.29

%

 

LIQUIDITY

 

The Company manages its liquidity through a combination of core deposits, federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements, collateralized borrowing lines, and a portfolio of securities available for sale.  Liquidity is also provided by maturing investment securities and loans.

 

The Company’s cash and due from banks - demand was $15.1 million on September 30, 2005 compared to $14.2 million on December 31, 2004.  Due from banks-interest-bearing was $2.0 million at September 30, 2005 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2004, respectively.  There was $3.1 million in Federal funds sold at September 30, 2005 compared to no Federal funds sold at December 31, 2004.  Mercantile had $5.0 million and South Bay had $12.0 million in Federal funds lines with correspondent banks as of September 30, 2005.

 

National Mercantile is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Banks and, therefore, it must provide for its own liquidity.  National Mercantile’s principal sources of funds are proceeds from the sales of securities and dividends or capital

 

30



 

distributions from the Banks.  In addition to funding its own operating expenses, National Mercantile is responsible for the payment of the interest on the outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The semiannual interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures are deferrable at National Mercantile’s option, for a period up to ten consecutive semiannual payments, but in any event not beyond June 25, 2031.  National Mercantile has not deferred any interest payments.

 

National Mercantile’s cash and due from banks was $32,000 on September 30, 2005 compared to $174,000 at December 31, 2004.  Due from banks-interest bearing was $1.0 million at September 30, 2005 compared to $1.7 million at December 31, 2004.

 

Dividends and capital distributions from the Banks constitute the principal ongoing source of cash to National Mercantile.  The Banks are subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on their ability to pay dividends and capital distributions to National Mercantile.

 

OCC approval is required for a national bank to pay a dividend if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year exceeds the total of the bank’s net profits (as defined) for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less any required transfer to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock.  A national bank may not pay any dividend that exceeds its retained net earnings, as defined by the OCC.  The OCC and the Federal Reserve have also issued banking circulars emphasizing that the level of cash dividends should bear a direct correlation to the level of a national bank’s current and expected earnings stream, the bank’s need to maintain an adequate capital base and other factors.

 

National banks that are not in compliance with regulatory capital requirements generally are not permitted to pay dividends.  The OCC also can prohibit a national bank from engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice in its business.  Depending on the bank’s financial condition, payment of dividends could be deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.  Except under certain circumstances, and with prior regulatory approval, a bank may not pay a dividend if, after so doing, it would be undercapitalized.  A bank’s ability to pay dividends in the future is, and could be, further influenced by regulatory policies or agreements and by capital guidelines.

 

Mercantile has a substantial accumulated deficit and does not anticipate having positive cumulative retained earnings for the foreseeable future.  South Bay had cumulative retained earnings of $2.1 million as of September 30, 2005.  Mercantile and South Bay may from time to time be permitted to make capital distributions to National Mercantile with the consent of the OCC.  It is likely that such consent could not be obtained unless the distributing bank remained “well capitalized” following such distribution.

 

31



 

ASSET LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

 

The following table shows that the Company’s cumulative one-year interest rate sensitivity gap indicated a liability sensitive position of $13.9 million at September 30, 2005 compared to a liability sensitive position of $9.2 million at December 31, 2004.  This change resulted primarily from an increase in securities repricing after three months but within one year, an increase in federal funds sold and a decrease in other borrowings partially offset by a decrease in adjustable loans receivable and an increase in time certificates of deposit.

 

Interest rate sensitivity is managed by matching the repricing opportunities on the Company’s earning assets to those on the funding liabilities.  Various strategies are used to manage the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities to ensure that exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited within guidelines of acceptable levels of risk-taking.  Hedging strategies, including the terms and pricing of loans and deposits, the use of derivative financial instruments (see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and managing the deployment of securities are used to reduce mismatches in interest rate repricing opportunities of portfolio assets and their funding sources.  Interest rate risk is measured using financial modeling techniques, including stress tests, to measure the impact of changes in interest rates on future earnings.  These static measurements do not reflect the results of any projected activity and are best used as early indicators of potential interest rate exposures.

 

The Company’s interest rate sensitivity position during a period of moderate rising interest rates is expected to have a positive impact on net interest income due to the Company’s large base of noninterest-bearing deposits as well as interest rates paid on funding liabilities typically change in smaller magnitude compared to changes in the yield of its substantial adjustable earning assets.  Since interest rates began increasing in June 2004, the Company’s net interest income has in fact significantly increased with funding costs lagging the increase in earning asset yields.  This lag in funding costs could narrow future net interest margins in the event that rates paid on deposits begin rising more rapidly due to increased funding needs or competitive pressures.

 

In a period of declining rates, such as the environment that was experienced during 2001 and 2002, the decline is expected to have a negative effect on the Company’s net interest income as changes in the rates of interest-bearing deposits historically have not changed in similar magnitude to changes in market interest rates.  Additionally, in relatively low and declining interest rate environments, the interest rates paid on funding liabilities may begin to reach floors preventing further downward adjustments while rates on earning assets continue to adjust downward.  To partially mitigate the negative effects of declining

 

32



 

interest rates on its net interest margin, during the third quarter 2005 the Company accelerated its purchases of intermediate term investment securities which were partly funded by short-term liabilities.  Additionally, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements and has purchased interest rate floors at various strike prices and terms that have the effect of further reducing its exposure to declining interest rates.

 

Rate-Sensitive Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

Maturing or repricing in

 

 

 

Less

 

After three

 

After one

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

than

 

months

 

year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

three

 

but within

 

but within

 

After

 

 

 

 

 

months

 

one year

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Rate-Sensitive Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

$

3,110

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,110

 

Securities at amortized cost

 

422

 

14,643

 

11,744

 

32,749

 

59,558

 

Due from banks - interest bearing

 

2,000

 

 

 

 

2,000

 

FRB and other stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

3,301

 

3,301

 

Loans receivable (1)

 

257,739

 

13,416

 

41,291

 

17,420

 

329,866

 

Interest rate swaps

 

 

 

50,000

 

15,000

 

65,000

 

Total rate-sensitive assets

 

263,271

 

28,059

 

103,035

 

68,470

 

462,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate-Sensitive Liabilities: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand, money market and savings

 

137,140

 

 

 

 

137,140

 

Time certificates of deposit

 

32,674

 

51,457

 

9,232

 

 

93,363

 

Other borrowings

 

19,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,000

 

Interest rate swaps

 

65,000

 

 

 

 

65,000

 

Total rate-sensitive liabilities

 

253,814

 

51,457

 

9,232

 

 

314,503

 

Interest rate-sensitivity gap

 

9,457

 

(23,398

)

93,803

 

68,470

 

148,332

 

Cumulative interest rate-sensitivity gap

 

$

9,457

 

$

(13,941

)

$

79,862

 

$

148,332

 

 

 

Cumulative ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities

 

104

%

95

%

125

%

147

%

 

 

 


(1)          Loans receivable excludes nonaccrual loans.

(2)          Deposits which are subject to immediate withdrawal are presented as repricing within three months or less.

The distribution of other time deposits is based on scheduled maturities.

 

33



 

Rate-Sensitive Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

 

 

Maturing or repricing in

 

 

 

Less

 

After three

 

After one

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

than

 

months

 

year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

three

 

but within

 

but within

 

After

 

 

 

 

 

months

 

one year

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

Total

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Rate-Sensitive Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Securities available-for-sale, at amortized cost

 

500

 

$

6,696

 

$

15,885

 

$

13,939

 

$

37,020

 

Securities held-to-maturity

 

 

 

 

3,507

 

3,507

 

Due from banks - interest bearing

 

2,728

 

 

 

 

 

2,728

 

FRB and other stock, at cost

 

 

 

 

3,076

 

3,076

 

Loans receivable (1)

 

251,134

 

10,468

 

40,991

 

11,236

 

313,829

 

Interest rate swaps

 

 

 

40,000

 

25,000

 

65,000

 

Total rate-sensitive assets

 

254,362

 

17,164

 

96,876

 

56,758

 

425,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate-Sensitive Liabilities: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand, money market and savings

 

136,591

 

 

 

 

136,591

 

Time certificates of deposit

 

26,708

 

26,543

 

9,848

 

 

63,099

 

Other borrowings

 

25,900

 

 

 

 

25,900

 

Junior subornidated debentures

 

 

 

 

15,464

 

15,464

 

Interest rate swaps

 

65,000

 

 

 

 

65,000

 

Total rate-sensitive liabilities

 

254,199

 

26,543

 

9,848

 

15,464

 

306,054

 

Interest rate-sensitivity gap

 

163

 

(9,379

)

87,028

 

41,294

 

119,106

 

Cumulative interest rate-sensitivity gap

 

$

163

 

$

(9,216

)

$

77,812

 

$

119,106

 

 

 

Cumulative ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities

 

100

%

97

%

127

%

139

%

 

 

 


(1)          Loans receivable excludes nonaccrual loans.

(2)          Deposits which are subject to immediate withdrawal are presented as repricing within three months or less.

The distribution of other time deposits is based on scheduled maturities.

 

FACTORS WHICH MAY AFFECT FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

 

The Company’s results of operations and financial condition are affected by many factors, including the following:

 

Risk from changes in interest rates.

 

The success of the Company’s business depends, to a large extent, on its net interest income.  Changes in market interest rates can affect net interest income by affecting the spread between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  This

 

34



 

may be due to the different maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as an increase in the general level of interest rates.  Changes in market interest rates also affect, among other things:

 

                  The Company’s ability to originate loans;

 

                  The ability of borrowers to make payments on their loans;

 

                  The value of interest-earning assets and ability to realize gains from the sale of these assets;

 

                  The average life of interest-earning assets;

 

                  The ability to generate deposits instead of other available funding alternatives; and

 

                  The ability to access the wholesale funding market.

 

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control.

 

Risk from possible declines in the quality of the Company’s assets.

 

The Company’s financial condition depends significantly on the quality of its assets.  While its has developed and implemented underwriting policies and procedures to guide management in the making of loans, compliance with these policies and procedures in making loans does not guarantee repayment of the loans.  If the level of non-performing assets rises, the results of operations and financial condition will be affected.  A borrower’s ability to pay its loan in accordance with its terms can be adversely affected by a number of factors, such as a decrease in the borrower’s revenues and cash flows due to adverse changes in economic conditions or a decline in the demand for the borrower’s products and/or services.

 

Allowances for credit losses may be inadequate.

 

Allowances for credit losses are established against each segment of the loan portfolio.  At September 30, 2005, the allowance for credit losses equaled 1.37% of loans receivable and 1382.0% of nonperforming loans.  Although management believes that it has established adequate allowances for credit losses as of September 30, 2005, the credit quality of the Company’s assets is affected by many factors beyond its control, including local and national economic conditions, and the possible existence of facts which are not currently known which adversely affect the likelihood of repayment of various loans in the loan portfolio and realization of the collateral upon a default.  Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company will not sustain loan losses materially in excess of the allowance for credit losses.  In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews the allowance for credit losses and could require additional provisions for credit losses.  Material future additions to the allowance for credit losses may also be necessary due to

 

35



 

increases in the size and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio.  Increases in the provisions for credit losses would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

 

Economic conditions may worsen.

 

The Company’s business is strongly influenced by economic conditions in its market area (principally, the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area) as well as regional and national economic conditions and in its niche markets, including the entertainment industry in Southern California.  Should the economic condition in these areas worsen, the financial condition of its borrowers could weaken, which could lead to higher levels of loan defaults or a decline in the value of collateral for its loans.  In addition, an unfavorable economy could reduce the demand for its loans and other products and services.

 

Because a significant amount of the loans are made to borrowers in California, the Company’s operations could suffer as a result of local recession or natural disasters in California.

 

At September 30, 2005, a large majority of the loans outstanding were collateralized by real properties located in California.  Because of this concentration in California, the Company’s financial position and results of operations have been and are expected to continue to be influenced by general trends in the California economy and its real estate market.  Real estate market declines may adversely affect the values of the properties collateralizing loans.  If the principal balances of the loans, together with any primary financing on the mortgaged properties, equal or exceed the value of the mortgaged properties, the Company could incur higher losses on sales of properties collateralizing foreclosed loans.  In addition, California historically has been vulnerable to certain natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes and erosion-caused mudslides, which are not typically covered by the standard hazard insurance policies maintained by borrowers.  Uninsured disasters may adversely impact the ability to recover losses on properties affected by such disasters and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.

 

The Company’s business is very competitive.

 

There is intense competition in Southern California and elsewhere in the United States for banking customers.  The Company experiences competition for deposits from many sources, including credit unions, insurance companies and money market and other mutual funds, as well as other commercial banks and savings institutions.  The Company competes for loans and deposits primarily with other commercial banks, mortgage companies, commercial finance companies and savings institutions.  In recent years out-of-state financial institutions have entered the California market, which has also increased competition.  Many of the competitors have greater financial strength, marketing capability and name recognition, and operate on a statewide or nationwide basis.  In addition, recent developments in technology and mass marketing have permitted larger

 

36



 

companies to market loans more aggressively to small business customers.  Such advantages may give the competitors opportunities to realize greater efficiencies and economies of scale than the Company can.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against its competition.

 

The Company’s business is heavily regulated.

 

Both National Mercantile as a bank holding company, and Mercantile and South Bay, as national banks, are subject to significant governmental supervision and regulation, which is intended primarily for the protection of depositors.  Statutes and regulations affecting the Company may be changed at any time, and the interpretation of these statutes and regulations by examining authorities also may change.  There is no assurance that future changes in applicable statutes and regulations or in their interpretation will not adversely affect the Company’s business.

 

Goodwill is evaluated annually and any impairment must be recorded as a charge to earnings.

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), among other provisions, prescribes that goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized but rather tested annually, or more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events, for impairment.  SFAS No. 142 provides specific guidance for the testing of goodwill for impairment, which may require re-measurement of the fair value of the reporting unit.  Impairment losses are to be reported as a charge to current period earnings.

 

The Company has goodwill of $3.2 million in connection with the South Bay acquisition in December 2001.  During the fourth quarter of 2004, the required impairment tests of goodwill were completed.  The tests determined that goodwill was not considered impaired.  No assurance can be given that goodwill will not become impaired in the future.

 

The Company annually evaluates whether the deferred tax asset will be realized and must establish a valuation allowance if necessary to reduce it to its realizable value.

 

On a periodic basis, at least annually, an analysis is performed to determine if it is more likely than not that some or all of the gross deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Factors used in the analysis that are reflective of the future realization of a deferred tax asset are:

 

                  Future earnings are likely;

 

                  Expected future taxable income arising from the reversal of temporary differences adequate to realize the tax asset

 

A valuation allowance may be established to reduce the deferred tax asset to its realizable value.  The determination of whether a valuation allowance is necessary involves considering the positive and negative factors related to whether the deferred tax

 

37



 

asset is more likely than not to be realized.  Any adjustment required to the valuation allowance is coupled with a related entry to income tax expense.  A charge to earnings will be made in the event that a valuation allowance to the deferred tax asset is necessary.  No such valuation allowance existed at September 30, 2005.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report contains forward-looking statements about the Company.  Forward-looking statements consist of description of plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, forecasts of revenues, earnings or other measures of economic performance and assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing.  Because forward-looking statements discuss future events or conditions and not historical facts, they often include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should” or similar expressions.  Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements.  They give the Company’s expectations about the future and are not guarantees or predictions of futures events, conditions or results.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update them to reflect changes that occur after that date.

 

Many factors, most beyond the Company’s control, could cause actual results to differ significantly from the Company’s expectations  These include, among other things, changes in interest rates which reduce interest margins, impact funding sources or diminish loan demand; increased competitive pressures; adverse changes in national and local economic conditions, and in real estate markets in California; changes in fiscal policy, monetary policy; legislative or regulatory environments, requirements or changes which adversely affect the Company; and declines in the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio.  See “Factors Which May Affect Future Operating Results.”

 

ITEM 3.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to assure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

38



 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide reasonable assurance only of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in weighting the costs and benefits of possible new or different controls and procedures.  Limitations are inherent in all control sysytems, so no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and any fraud within the company have been detected.

 

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this report the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

39



 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

 

Item 2.                      UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

Item 3.                      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

Item 4.                      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

Item 5.                      OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

Item 6.                      EXHIBITS

 

31.1 Certification of Scott A. Montgomery on disclosure controls

31.2 Certification of David R. Brown on disclosure controls

32.1 Certification of Scott A. Montgomery pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2 Certification of David R. Brown pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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.

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL MERCANTILE BANCORP

 

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

DATE:

November 10, 2005

 

/s/   Scott A. Montgomery

 

 

 

 

Scott A. Montgomery

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE:

November 10, 2005

 

/s/   David R. Brown

 

 

 

David R. Brown

 

 

 

Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

40