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FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2005 March (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2005

 

Commission File Number 000-30707

 

First Northern Community Bancorp

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California   68-0450397

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

195 N. First St., Dixon, CA

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

95620

(Zip Code)

 

707-678-3041

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes   x      No   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes   x      No   ¨

 

As of May 6, 2005, there were 3,811,714 shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

 

INDEX

 

          Page

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1

   Financial Statements—Unaudited     
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets    3
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income    4
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income    5
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    6
     Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    7

Item 2

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    13

Item 3

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    20

Item 4

   Controls and Procedures    20
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 2

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    21

Item 6

   Exhibits    22
     Signatures    22

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

    

(UNAUDITED)
March 31,

2005


   December 31,
2004


ASSETS              

Cash and due from banks

   $ 29,117    $ 25,399

Federal funds sold

     71,755      91,305

Investment securities - available for sale

     53,824      55,154

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $8,062 at March 31, 2005 and $7,445 at December 31, 2004

     449,638      428,254

Loans held for sale

     6,029      3,719

Premises and equipment, net

     7,484      7,435

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     17,591      17,407
    

  

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 635,438    $ 628,673
    

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              

Deposits

             

Demand

   $ 168,625    $ 169,266

Interest-bearing transaction deposits

     65,149      65,008

Savings & MMDA’s

     206,975      193,658

Time, under $100,000

     56,419      57,468

Time, $100,000 and over

     66,471      71,786
    

  

Total deposits

     563,639      557,186

FHLB Advances and other borrowings

     15,288      15,456

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     3,762      4,130
    

  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     582,689      576,772
    

  

Stockholders’ equity

             

Common stock, no par value; 8,000,000 shares authorized; 3,817,254 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and 3,601,167 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004

     38,725      32,848

Additional paid in capital

     977      977

Retained earnings

     12,616      17,091

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     431      985
    

  

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     52,749      51,901
    

  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 635,438    $ 628,673
    

  

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    

Three months
ended

March 31,
2005


  

Three months
ended

March 31,
2004


Interest Income

             

Loans

   $ 8,022    $ 6,429

Federal funds sold

     452      145

Investment securities

             

Taxable

     533      531

Non-taxable

     147      157
    

  

Total interest income

     9,154      7,262

Interest Expense

             

Deposits

     945      707

Other borrowings

     123      67
    

  

Total interest expense

     1,068      774
    

  

Net interest income

     8,086      6,488

Provision for loan losses

     519      207
    

  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     7,567      6,281
    

  

Other operating income

             

Service charges on deposit accounts

     575      415

Gains on sales of loans

     72      142

Investment and brokerage services income

     70      93

ATM fees

     62      65

Mortgage brokerage income

     68      96

Loan servicing income

     87      103

Other income

     284      226
    

  

Total other operating income

     1,218      1,140
    

  

Other operating expenses

             

Salaries and employee benefits

     3,773      3,052

Occupancy and equipment

     775      728

Data processing

     301      247

Stationery and supplies

     115      107

Advertising

     97      64

Directors’ fees

     28      29

Other expense

     1,279      1,068
    

  

Total other operating expenses

     6,368      5,295
    

  

Income before income tax expense

     2,417      2,126

Provision for income tax expense

     725      729
    

  

Net income

   $ 1,692    $ 1,397
    

  

Basic Income per share

   $ 0.44    $ 0.36
    

  

Diluted Income per share

   $ 0.43    $ 0.35
    

  

Pro forma:

             

(After adjustment for 2-for-1 stock split)

             

Basic Income per share

   $ 0.22    $ 0.18
    

  

Diluted Income per share

   $ 0.21    $ 0.18
    

  

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

Description


   Common Stock

    Comprehensive
Income


    Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


    Total

 
   Shares

    Amounts

            

Balance at December 31, 2004

   3,601,167     $ 32,848             977    17,091     985     51,901  

Comprehensive income:

                                             

Net income

                 $ 1,692          1,692           1,692  
                  


                      

Other comprehensive loss:

                                             

Unrealized holding losses arising during the current period, net of tax effect of $384

                   (554 )                       
                  


                      

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect of $384

                   (554 )              (554 )   (554 )
                  


                      

Comprehensive income

                 $ 1,138                         
                  


                      

6% stock dividend

   216,066       6,158                  (6,158 )         —    

Cash in lieu of fractional shares

                              (9 )         (9 )

Stock-based compensation and related tax benefits

           72                              72  

Common shares issued

   11,117       —                                —    

Stock repurchase and retirement

   (11,096 )     (353 )                            (353 )
    

 


         
  

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2005

   3,817,254     $ 38,725             977    12,616     431     52,749  
    

 


         
  

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    

Three months
ended

March 31,
2005


   

Three months
ended

March 31,
2004


 

Operating Activities

                

Net Income

   $ 1,692     $ 1,397  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation

     314       318  

Provision for loan losses

     519       207  

Gain on sale of loans

     (72 )     (142 )

Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale

     10,556       10,377  

Originations of loans held-for-sale

     (12,794 )     (14,908 )

(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets

     (1,035 )     1,073  

Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     (368 )     (1,636 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (1,188 )     (3,314 )

Investing Activities

                

Net decrease in investment securities

     1,699       4,232  

Net (increase) decrease in loans

     (21,903 )     5,833  

Net increase in OREO

     —         (571 )

Purchases of premises and equipment, net

     (363 )     (189 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (20,567 )     9,305  

Financing Activities

                

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

     6,453       (6,898 )

Net (decrease) increase in FHLB advances

     (168 )     5,350  

Cash dividends paid

     (9 )     (12 )

Stock options exercised

     —         134  

Repurchase of stock

     (353 )     (333 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     5,923       (1,759 )
    


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (15,832 )     4,232  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     116,704       104,759  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 100,872     $ 108,991  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for:

                

Interest

   $ 1,086     $ 793  

Income Taxes

   $ 440     $ —    

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

                

Stock plan accruals

   $ 72     $ 51  

Tax benefit for stock options

   $ —       $ 91  

Stock dividend distributed

   $ 6,158     $ 5,537  

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2005 and 2004 and December 31, 2004

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report to shareholders and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP also requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In December 2003, FASB issued Statement No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” This Statement prescribes employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans; it does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. The Statement retains and expands the disclosure requirements contained in the original Statement 132. It requires additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The Statement generally is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. The Company currently has postretirement benefit plans that are within the scope of this Statement. The disclosures required under this Statement are contained in Notes 6 and 7 of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-1 “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” consensus was published. Issue No. 03-1 contained new guidance effectively codifying the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 59 and creates a new model that calls for new judgments and additional evidence gathering. The Company does not expect this EITF to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(a) Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts previously reported in the 2004 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 presentation. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company reclassified the reserve for unfunded commitments from the allowance for loan losses to other liabilities, and reclassified the provision for unfunded commitments from the provision for loan losses to other non-interest expense. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income or total stockholders’ equity.

 

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2. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at levels considered adequate by management to provide for loan losses that can be reasonably anticipated. The allowance is based on management’s assessment of various factors affecting the loan portfolio, including problem loans, economic conditions and loan loss experience, and an overall evaluation of the quality of the underlying collateral. Changes in the allowance for loan losses during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2004 were as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Three months
ended

March 31,


   

Year

ended
December 31,


 
     2005

    2004

    2004

 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 7,445     $ 7,006     $ 7,006  

Provision for loan losses

     519       207       207  

Loan charge-offs

     (16 )     (316 )     (382 )

Loan recoveries

     114       25       614  
    


 


 


Balance, end of period

   $ 8,062     $ 6,922     $ 7,445  
    


 


 


 

3. MORTGAGE OPERATIONS

 

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities are accounted for and reported based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Transfers of financial assets that are sales are distinguished from transfers that are secured borrowings. Retained interests (mortgage servicing rights) in loans sold are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount of the transferred assets between the loans sold and retained interest, if any, based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current market interest rate.

 

The Company recognizes a gain and a related asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold. The Company sold substantially its entire conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2005 for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans.

 

The recorded value of mortgage servicing rights is included in other assets, and is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. The Company assesses capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based upon the fair value of those rights at each reporting date. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified based upon the product type, term and interest rates. Fair value is determined by discounting estimated net future cash flows from mortgage servicing activities using discount rates that approximate current market rates and estimated prepayment rates, among other assumptions. The amount of impairment recognized, if any, is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceeds their fair value. Impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum.

 

At March 31, 2005, the Company had $6,029,000 of mortgage loans held for sale. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others of $107,241,000 and $105,183,000, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

(Dollars in thousands)


   December 31,
2004


   Additions

   Reductions

   March 31,
2005


Mortgage servicing rights

   $ 787    $ 56    $ 37    $ 806

 

There was no valuation allowance recorded for mortgage servicing rights as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

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4. OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

On January 17, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 6% stock dividend payable as of March 31, 2005 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2005. Earnings per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the stock dividend.

 

On April 21, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a two-for-one stock split. The stock split will double the outstanding common stock recorded on the books of the Company as of the record date, which will be on May 10, 2005. The effect of the stock split is shown on a proforma basis on the face of the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (page 4). See “Subsequent Event - Two-for-One Stock Split” Note 8 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (page 12).

 

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

 

Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes all common stock equivalents (“in-the-money” stock options, warrants and rights, convertible bonds and preferred stock), which reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (amounts in thousands, except share and earnings per share amounts):

 

    

Three months

ended

March 31,


     2005

   2004

Basic earnings per share:

             

Net income

   $ 1,692    $ 1,397
    

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     3,823,622      3,841,632
    

  

Basic EPS

   $ 0.44    $ 0.36
    

  

Diluted earnings per share:

             

Net income

   $ 1,692    $ 1,397
    

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     3,823,622      3,841,632
    

  

Effect of dilutive options

     123,974      100,332
    

  

       3,947,596      3,941,964
    

  

Diluted EPS

   $ 0.43    $ 0.35
    

  

 

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5. STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

Stock-based employee compensation recognized for all stock options granted after January 1, 2003 is based on the fair value recognition provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 123, as amended and 148. For stock options issued prior to January 1, 2003, the Company is using the intrinsic value method, under which compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock at such date exceeds the exercise price. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period (dollars in thousands, except earnings per share amounts):

 

    

Three months
ended

March 31,


 
     2005

    2004

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 1,692       1,397  

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     72       51  

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

     (90 )     (91 )
    


 


Net income Pro forma under SFAS No. 123

   $ 1,674       1,357  
    


 


Basic earnings per share:

                

As reported

   $ 0.44     $ 0.36  
    


 


Pro forma under SFAS No. 123

   $ 0.44     $ 0.35  
    


 


Diluted earnings per share:

                

As reported

   $ 0.43     $ 0.35  
    


 


Pro forma under SFAS No. 123

   $ 0.42     $ 0.34  
    


 


 

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6. FIRST NORTHERN BANK - EXECUTIVE SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

 

Pension Benefit Plans

 

First Northern Bank (the “Bank”) has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Salary Continuation Plan”) for a select group of highly compensated employees. The Salary Continuation Plan provides defined benefit levels between $50,000 and $125,000 depending on responsibilities at the Bank. The retirement benefits are paid for 10 years following retirement at age 65. Reduced retirement benefits are available after age 55 and 10 years of service.

 

    

For quarter

ended

March 31,


     2005

   2004

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

           

Service Cost

   $ 40,049    38,971

Interest Cost

     13,321    11,740

Amortization of prior service cost

     3,257    3,257
    

  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 56,627    53,968
    

  

 

The Company estimates at December 31, 2005 that the net periodic benefit cost will be $226,506. This compares to net periodic benefit costs of $215,873 at December 31, 2004.

 

Estimated Contributions for Fiscal 2005

 

For unfunded plans, contributions to the plan are the benefit payments made to participants. The Bank is not expected to make any benefit payments during fiscal 2005.

 

7. FIRST NORTHERN BANK - DIRECTORS’ RETIREMENT PLAN

 

Pension Benefit Plans

 

The Bank has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Directors’ Retirement Plan”) for directors of the Bank. The plan provides a retirement benefit equal to $1,000 per year of service as a director, up to a maximum of $15,000. The retirement benefit is payable for 10 years following retirement at age of 65. Reduced retirement benefits are available after age 55 and 10 years of service.

 

    

For quarter

ended

March 31,


     2005

   2004

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

           

Service Cost

   $ 18,218    17,683

Interest Cost

     5,233    4,795

Amortization of net loss

     1,295    752
    

  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 24,746    23,230
    

  

 

The Company estimates at December 31, 2005 that the net periodic benefit cost will be $98,984. This compares to net periodic benefit costs of $92,919 at December 31, 2004.

 

Estimated Contributions for Fiscal 2005

 

For unfunded plans, contributions to the plan are the benefit payments made to participants. The Bank is expected to pay $20,000 in benefit payments during fiscal 2005.

 

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8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

Two-for-One Stock Split

 

The Board of Directors of the Company on Thursday, April 21, 2005, declared a two-for-one stock split with respect to the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, which stock split will be effected by amending the Company’s Articles of Incorporation.

 

The stock split will double the outstanding common stock recorded on the books of the Company as of the record date which will be on May 10, 2005. Holders of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock at the close of business on that date will receive one additional share of Company common stock in respect of each share owned. The new shares will be issued on May 11, 2005.

 

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ITEM 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company set forth under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements also include statements in which words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” estimate,” “consider” or similar expressions are used, and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results and prospects. Forward looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions. Some factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions, including the continuing budgetary and fiscal difficulties of the State of California; (ii) uncertainty regarding the economic outlook resulting from the continuing hostilities in Iraq and the war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the United States or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) credit risks of commercial, agricultural, real estate, consumer and other lending activities; (v) adverse effects of current and future federal and state banking or other laws and regulations, governmental fiscal or monetary policies or accounting standards; (vi) competition in the banking industry; and (vii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made. For additional information concerning risks and uncertainties related to the Company and its operations, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

The following is a discussion and analysis of the significant changes in the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and of the significant changes in income and expenses reported in the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income as of and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated 2004 financial statements and the notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, along with other financial information included in this report.

 

SUMMARY

 

The Company recorded net income of $1,692,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, representing an increase of $295,000 or 21.1% from net income of $1,397,000 for the same period in 2004.

 

The increase in net income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the same period a year ago resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income and other operating income which was partially offset by an increase in provision for loan losses and other operating expenses.

 

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CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets showed a $3,718,000 increase in cash & due from banks, a $19,550,000 decrease in federal funds sold, a $1,330,000 decrease in investment securities available-for-sale, a $21,384,000 increase in loans, a $2,310,000 increase in loans held for sale, a $49,000 increase in premises & equipment and a $184,000 increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets from December 31, 2004 to March 31, 2005. The increase in cash and due from banks was substantially the result of an increase in items in process of collection. The decrease in federal funds sold was largely due to an increase in loans and cash & due from banks. The decrease in investment securities available-for-sale was largely due to sales of municipal taxable investment securities and mortgage-backed investment securities. The increase in loans was due to an increase in the following loan categories: commercial; equipment; agricultural; equipment leases; real estate; real estate construction; home equity lines of credit and commercial real estate, which was partially offset by a decrease in consumer loans. These fluctuations were due to changes in the demand for loan products by the Company’s borrowers. The increase in loans held-for-sale was in real estate loans and was due, for the most part, to an increase in the origination of loans compared to sales. The Company originated approximately $12,794,000 in residential mortgage loans during the first three months of 2005, which was offset by approximately $10,556,000 in loan sales during this period. The increase in premises & equipment was due to an increase in computer hardware and furniture & equipment purchases, which was partially offset by increased depreciation. The increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets was due to an increase in loan interest receivables, cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance, mortgage servicing asset, computer software, unamortized costs on leases and income taxes receivable, which was partially offset by decreases in securities interest receivables and prepaid expenses and an increase in housing tax credit amortization expense.

 

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets showed an increase in total deposits of $6,453,000 at March 31, 2005 compared to the total at December 31, 2004. The increase in deposits was due to higher interest-bearing transaction deposits and savings & money market deposits combined with lower demand and time deposit totals. These fluctuations were due to cyclical changes in deposit requirements of the Company’s depositors. Federal Home Loan Bank advances (“FHLB advances”) and other borrowings decreased $168,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to the year ended December 31, 2004, due to payments to FHLB combined with a decrease in treasury tax and loan note payable. Other liabilities decreased $368,000 from December 31, 2004 to March 31, 2005. The decrease in other liabilities was due to decreases in accrued interest expense, taxes payable, accrued profit sharing and incentive compensation expenses, which were partially offset by increases in accrued reserve for unfunded lending commitments expense, accrued retirement expense and deferred compensation expense.

 

CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Interest Income

 

The increase in general market interest rates increased the Company’s yields on earning assets. The Federal Open Market Committee increased the federal funds rate by a total of 175 basis points during the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2005. These increases occurred on June 30, 2004, August 10, 2004, September 21, 2004, November 10, 2004, December 14, 2004, February 2, 2005 and March 22, 2005.

 

Interest income on loans for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 was up 24.8% from the same period in 2004, increasing from $6,429,000 to $8,022,000. This increase as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average loans combined with a 46 basis point increase in loan yields.

 

Interest income on federal funds sold for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 was up 211.7% from the same period for 2004, increasing from $145,000 to $452,000. This increase as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 was primarily due to an increase in average federal funds sold combined with a 145 basis point increase in federal funds rates.

 

Interest income on investment securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 was down 1.2% over the same period in 2004, from $688,000 to $680,000. The decrease over the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 70 basis point decrease in investment securities yields, which was partially offset by an increase in average investment securities.

 

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Interest Expense

 

The increase in general market interest rates increased the Company’s cost of funds in the first quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The Federal Open Market Committee increased the federal funds rate by a total of 175 basis points during the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2005. These increases occurred on June 30, 2004, August 10, 2004, September 21, 2004, November 10, 2004, December 14, 2004, February 2, 2005 and March 22, 2005.

 

Interest expense on deposits and other borrowings for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 was up 38.0% from the same period in 2004, increasing from $774,000 to $1,068,000. The increase in interest expense during the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 was primarily due to a 16 basis point increase in deposit rates combined with an increase in average interest bearing deposits.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

There was a provision for loan losses of $519,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 compared to a $207,000 provision for the same period in 2004. The increase in the provision was due to an increase in non-accrual loans and the Company’s evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. The March 31, 2005 allowance for loan losses of approximately $8,062,000 was 1.76% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale) compared to $7,445,000 or 1.71% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale) at December 31, 2004. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for possible loan losses.

 

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

 

There was a provision for unfunded lending commitment losses of $81,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 compared to a $98,000 provision for the same period in 2004. The provision for unfunded lending commitment losses is included in non-interest expense.

 

Other Operating Income

 

Other operating income was up 6.84% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 from the same period in 2004, increasing from $1,140,000 to $1,218,000. This increase was primarily due to an increase in service charges on deposit accounts and other miscellaneous income, which was partially offset by a decrease in gains on sales of loans, mortgage brokerage income, alternative investment income and loan servicing income. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was due to an increase in overdraft fees, monthly service charges and other service charges. The increase in other miscellaneous income was due to an increase in letters of credit deferred fees, check sales fees, signature based transaction fees and safe deposit fees. The decrease in gain on sales of loans was due for the most part to a decrease in the origination and sale of loans compared to the same period in 2004. The Company sold approximately $10,556,000 in residential mortgage loans during the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, as compared to $10,377,000 for the same period in 2004. The decrease in mortgage brokerage income was due a decrease in mortgage brokerage activity. The decrease in alternative investment income was due to a decrease in demand for alternative investment services. The decrease in loan servicing income was due to a decrease in booked income for the Company’s mortgage servicing asset.

 

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Table of Contents

Other Operating Expenses

 

Total other operating expenses was up 20.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 from the same period in 2004, increasing from $5,295,000 to $6,368,000.

 

The main reasons for the increase in other operating expenses in the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 were due to increases in the following: salaries & benefits; occupancy & equipment expense; data processing; stationery and supplies; advertising costs; and other miscellaneous operating expenses. The increase in salaries & benefits was due to increases in the following: worker’s compensation expense; merit salaries; deferred compensation interest expense, provision for incentive compensation and profit sharing expenses due to increased profits; group insurance; welfare & recreation expense; retirement compensation expense; and payroll taxes. The increase in occupancy & equipment expense was due to increased rent expense, service contract expense and bank-owned vehicle expense, which were partially offset by decreases in utilities expense, equipment rental and maintenance expense and hazard & liability insurance expense. The increase in data processing costs was due to increased expenses associated with maintaining and monitoring the Company’s data communications network and internet banking system. The increase in stationery & supplies was due to an increase in supply usage. The increase in advertising costs was due to increased advertising compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in other miscellaneous operating expenses was due to increases in the following: accounting & audit fees; allowance for unfunded loan commitments expense; consulting fees; loan & lease expense; sundry losses; training expenses; messenger services expense; business travel expense; subscriptions expense; public relations expense and employment posting expense; which were partially offset by decreases in legal expense; postage expense; dues expense; director expense; housing tax credit amortization expense; and miscellaneous other expenses.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s tax rate, the Company’s earnings before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by nontaxable earnings primarily affect the Company’s provision for income taxes. In the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company’s provision for income taxes decreased $4,000 from $729,000 to $725,000 for the same period in 2004. The Bank’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was 30.0%, compared to 34.3% for the same period in 2004. The provision for income taxes for all periods presented is primarily attributable to the respective level of earnings and the incidence of allowable deductions, in particular non-taxable municipal bond income, tax credits generated from low-income housing investments, and for California franchise taxes, higher excludable interest income on loans within designated enterprise zones. In addition, the Company had a favorable tax adjustment from 2004.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

 

The following table shows the distribution of the Company’s undisbursed loan commitments at the dates indicated.

 

(Dollars in thousands)


   March 31,
2005


   December 31,
2004


Undisbursed loan commitments

   $ 185,552    173,205

Standby letters of credit

     10,994    9,378
    

  
     $ 196,546    182,583
    

  

 

The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $911,000 at March 31, 2005, up from $830,000 at December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily related to increasing risk in commitments. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities.

 

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Asset Quality

 

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix. The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times.

 

It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due for a period of ninety days as to interest or principal payments. When a loan is placed on non-accrual, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against principal. A loan may only be restored to an accruing basis when it again becomes well secured and in the process of collection or all past due amounts have been collected.

 

Non-accrual loans amounted to $4,817,000 at March 31, 2005 and were comprised of five commercial loans totaling $3,917,000, three agricultural loans totaling $839,000 and one installment loan totaling $61,000. At December 31, 2004, non-accrual loans amounted to $4,907,000 and were comprised of six commercial loans totaling $4,007,000, three agricultural loans totaling $839,000 and one installment loan totaling $61,000. At March 31, 2004, non-accrual loans amounted to $3,277,000 and were comprised of six commercial loans totaling $320,000 and eight agricultural loans totaling $2,957,000. The decrease in non-accrual loans at March 31, 2005 from the balance at December 31, 2004 was due to five commercial loans for which the Company received payments. Nearly all of the remaining non-accrual loan balances, consisting of two agricultural loans and two commercial loans which are in the process of collection, can be attributed to relationships with two of the Company’s business customers. These loans did not require a significant increase in loan loss allowances because they were adequately collateralized. The Company’s management believes that nearly $4,515,000 of the non-accrual loans at March 31, 2005 are adequately collateralized or guaranteed by a governmental entity, and the remaining $302,000 may have some potential loss which management believes is sufficiently covered by the Company’s existing loan loss allowance. See “Allowance for Loan Losses” below for additional information. No assurance can be given that the existing or any additional collateral will be sufficient to secure full recovery of the obligations owed under these loans.

 

At March 31, 2005, the Company had loans totaling $326,000 90 days past due and still accruing. Such loans amounted to $55,000 at December 31, 2004, and $188,000 at March 31, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company’s Allowance for Loan Losses is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to provide for loan losses that can be reasonably anticipated. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs. The Company makes credit reviews of the loan portfolio and considers current economic conditions, loan loss experience and other factors in determining the adequacy of the reserve balance. The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates and actual losses may vary from current estimates.

 

The following table summarizes the loan loss experience of the Company for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

    

Three months

ended

March 31,

   

Year

ended
December 31,

2004


 
     2005

    2004

   

Balance at Beginning of Period

   $ 7,445     $ 7,006     $ 7,006  

Provision for Loan Losses

     519       207       207  

Loans Charged-Off:

                        

Commercial

     —         (118 )     (122 )

Agriculture

     —         (189 )     (214 )

Real Estate Mortgage

     —         —         —    

Real Estate Construction

     —         —         —    

Installment Loans to Individuals

     (16 )     (9 )     (46 )
    


 


 


Total Charged-Off

     (16 )     (316 )     (382 )
    


 


 


Recoveries:

                        

Commercial

     —         19       199  

Agriculture

     100       3       399  

Real Estate Mortgage

     —         —         —    

Real Estate Construction

     —         —         —    

Installment Loans to Individuals

     14       3       16  
    


 


 


Total Recoveries

     114       25       614  
    


 


 


Net Recoveries (Charge-Offs)

     98       (291 )     232  
    


 


 


Balance at End of Period

   $ 8,062     $ 6,922     $ 7,445  
    


 


 


Ratio of Net Recoveries (Charge-Offs)

                        

To Average Loans Outstanding During the Period

     0.02 %     (0.08 %)     0.06 %

Allowance for Loan Losses

                        

To Total Loans at the end of the Period

     1.76 %     1.87 %     1.71 %

To Nonperforming Loans at the end of the Period

     156.76 %     199.77 %     150.04 %

 

Nonperforming loans totaled $5,143,000, $3,465,000 and $4,962,000 at March 31, 2005 and 2004 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

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Deposits

 

Deposits are one of the Company’s primary sources of funds. At March 31, 2005, the Company had the following deposit mix: 36.7% in savings and MMDA deposits, 21.8% in time deposits, 11.6% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 29.9% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits. Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits enhance the Company’s net interest income by lowering its costs of funds.

 

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves. No material portion of its deposits has been obtained from or is dependent on any one person or industry. The Company accepts deposits in excess of $100,000 from customers. These deposits are priced to remain competitive.

 

Maturities of time certificates of deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)


   March 31,
2005


   December 31,
2004


Three months or less

   $ 31,054    $ 37,713

Over three to twelve months

     29,747      29,272

Over twelve months

     5,670      4,801
    

  

Total

   $ 66,471    $ 71,786
    

  

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

In order to adequately serve our market area, the Company must maintain adequate liquidity and adequate capital. Liquidity is measured by various ratios, with the most common being the ratio of net loans to deposits (including loans held for sale). This ratio was 80.8% on March 31, 2005. In addition, on March 31, 2005, the Company had the following short-term investments: $71,755,000 in federal funds sold; $8,100,000 in securities due within one year; and $36,500,000 in securities due in one to five years.

 

To meet unanticipated funding requirements, the Company maintains short-term unsecured lines of credit with other banks totaling $20,700,000; additionally the Company has a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank, of which the current borrowing capacity is $73,905,000.

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity on a stand-alone basis is dividends from the Bank. Dividends from the Bank are subject to regulatory restrictions.

 

As of March 31, 2005, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. The following tables present the capital ratios for the Bank, compared to the standards for well-capitalized depository institutions, as of March 31, 2005 (amounts in thousands except percentage amounts).

 

     Actual

    Well
Capitalized
Ratio
Requirement


    Minimum
Capital


 
     Capital

   Ratio

     

Leverage

   $ 51,749    8.2 %   5.0 %   4.0 %

Tier 1 Risk-Based

   $ 51,749    10.0 %   6.0 %   4.0 %

Total Risk-Based

   $ 57,951    11.2 %   10.0 %   8.0 %

 

Return on Equity and Assets

 

    

Three months

ended

March 31,

2005


   

Three months

ended

March 31,

2004


   

Year

ended

December 31,

2004


 

Annualized return on average assets

   1.08 %   1.01 %   1.14 %

Annualized return on beginning core equity*

   13.29 %   12.39 %   13.73 %

 

* Core equity consisted of $50,916,000 at December 31, 2004.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“Statement 123(R)”). Statement 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Statement 123(R) requires an entity to recognize the grant-date fair-value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees in the income statement. The revised Statement generally requires that an entity account for those transactions using the fair-value-based method, and eliminates an entity’s ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method of accounting in Accounting Principals Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” which was permitted under Statement 123, as originally issued.

 

Statement 123 (R) requires both public and non-public entities to disclose information needed about the nature of the share-based payment transactions and the effects of those transactions on the financial statements. The revised standard was to become effective for interim periods beginning after June 30, 2005 and be applied prospectively to stock options granted after the effective date and any unvested stock options at that date; however, the SEC superseded the FASB’s implementation timetable in April 2005, changing the effective date to the beginning of 2006 for calendar-year public companies. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of Statement 123(R) to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements, because the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” an amendment of statement No. 123, under the prospective method of adoption as of January 1, 2003.

 

SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment” (“SAB 107”) provides guidance that will assist issuers in their initial implementation of Statement 123(R). The SEC staff expresses its views regarding the interaction between Statement 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations. SAB 107 also provides the staff’s views on the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies.

 

ITEM 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of March 31, 2005, from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

ITEM 4.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2005. This conclusion is based on an evaluation conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management. Disclosure controls and procedures are those controls and procedures which ensure that information required to be disclosed in this filing is accumulated and communicated to management and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner and in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 2.

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Repurchases of Equity Securities

 

On April 16, 2004, the Company approved a stock repurchase program effective April 30, 2004 to replace the Company’s previous stock purchase plan that expired on April 30, 2004. The stock repurchase program, which will remain in effect until April 30, 2006, allows repurchases by the Company in an aggregate of up to 3% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock over each rolling twelve-month period. The Company repurchased 11,096 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock during the first quarter ended March 31, 2005. The following table details stock repurchase activity during this period:

 

Period


  

(a)

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased


   (b)
Average Price
Paid per
Share


   (c)
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs


   (d)
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs


January 2005

   2,353    $ 31.37    2,353    37,381

February 2005

   486    $ 32.22    486    48,312

March 2005

   8,257    $ 31.91    8,257    48,497

Total

   11,096    $ 31.81    11,096    48,497

 

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ITEM 6.

 

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Exhibit


31.1    Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted 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.

 

       

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

Date: May 9, 2005       By   /s/    Louise A. Walker
               

Louise A. Walker, Sr. Executive Vice President /

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

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