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FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2010 May (Form 10-Q)

form10_q.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
———————————
FORM 10-Q

x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010

OR

 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
 

Commission File Number 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 Street, Dixon, California
95620
(Address of principal executive offices)
(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 Section 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  r
No  r

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer   ¨
Accelerated filer  ¨
  Non-accelerated filer  ¨
  Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨
No  x

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 14, 2010 was 9,066,967.
 
 
 

 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
INDEX


Page
PART I    Financial Information
ITEM I    – Financial Statements (Unaudited) .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) ..........................................................................................................................................5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
ITEM 2.   – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .............................................................................................................................................24
ITEM 3.   – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ....................................................................................................................................................................................................41
ITEM 4.   – Controls and Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
PART II   – Other Information ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
ITEM 1A. – Risk Factors .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
ITEM 6.   – Exhibits ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
SIGNATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41


 
2

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
ITEM I    – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 150,470     $ 147,076  
Investment securities – available-for-sale
    96,865       75,868  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $11,311 at March 31, 2010
               
   and $11,916 at December 31, 2009
    450,581       474,378  
Loans held-for-sale
    1,601       1,640  
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost
    2,506       2,506  
Premises and equipment, net
    7,214       7,397  
Other Real Estate Owned
    4,262       3,518  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
    33,971       35,242  
                 
                 Total Assets
  $ 747,470     $ 747,625  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
                 
         Demand deposits
  $ 177,610     $ 179,684  
         Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    133,979       133,224  
         Savings and MMDA's
    194,331       186,456  
         Time, under $100,000
    51,965       55,013  
         Time, $100,000 and over
    93,000       97,049  
                 Total deposits
    650,885       651,426  
                 
         FHLB Advances and other borrowings
    11,829       11,813  
         Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    6,132       6,293  
                 
                 Total liabilities
    668,846       669,532  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
         Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $1,000 per share liquidation
               
preference, 18,500 shares authorized; 17,390 shares issued and
               
outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    16,851       16,822  
        Common stock, no par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized;
               
            9,066,967 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and
               
            9,055,137 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009
    62,524       62,457  
        Additional paid in capital
    977       977  
        Accumulated deficit
    (1,959 )     (2,074 )
        Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net
    231       (89 )
                 Total stockholders’ equity
    78,624       78,093  
                 
                 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 747,470     $ 747,625  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 

   
Three months
   
Three months
 
   
ended
   
ended
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
March 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2009
 
Interest and Dividend Income:
           
     Loans
  $ 6,798     $ 7,937  
     Federal funds sold
          19  
     Due from banks interest bearing accounts
    94       31  
     Investment securities
               
          Taxable
    375       194  
          Non-taxable
    235       262  
               Total interest and dividend income
    7,502       8,443  
Interest Expense:
               
     Deposits
    1,004       1,062  
     Other borrowings
    107       158  
               Total interest expense
    1,111       1,220  
Net interest income
    6,391       7,223  
Provision for  loan losses
    1,450       1,106  
 Net interest income after provision
    for loan losses
    4,941       6,117  
Other operating income:
               
     Service charges on deposit accounts
    825       863  
     Gains on other real estate owned
    27       2  
     Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
    117       174  
     Investment and brokerage services income
    244       149  
     Mortgage brokerage income
    8       15  
     Loan servicing income
    272       96  
     Fiduciary activities income
    70       98  
     ATM fees
    62       58  
     Signature based transaction fees
    173       139  
     Other income
    205       146  
               Total other operating income
    2,003       1,740  
Other operating expenses:
               
     Salaries and employee benefits
    3,768       3,648  
     Occupancy and equipment
    847       998  
     Data processing
    448       447  
     Stationery and supplies
    81       123  
     Advertising
    131       161  
     Directors’ fees
    52       52  
     Other real estate owned expense and write-downs
    231       724  
     Other expense
    1,315       1,515  
               Total other operating expenses
    6,873       7,668  
               Income before benefit for income taxes
    71       189  
Benefit for income taxes
    (290 )     (264 )
                 
               Net  income
  $ 361     $ 453  
                 
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
  $ (246 )   $ (51 )
Net  income available to common          shareholders
  $ 115     $ 402  
                 
Basic income per share 
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
4

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
(in thousands, except share amounts)
 
   
                                             
Accumulated
       
                                 
Additional
         
Other
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Comprehensive
   
Paid-in
   
(Accumulated
   
Comprehensive
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
Income
   
Capital
   
Deficit)
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2009
    17,390     $ 16,822       9,055,137     $ 62,457           $ 977     $ (2,074 )   $ (89 )   $ 78,093  
                                                                       
Comprehensive income:
                                                                     
                                                                       
Net income
                                  $ 361               361               361  
                                                                         
Other comprehensive income,  net of tax:
                                                                       
                                                                         
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the current period, net of tax effect of $213
                                    320                                  
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax effect of $213
                                    320                       320       320  
                                                                         
                                                                         
Comprehensive income
                                  $ 681                                  
                                                                         
Issuance of preferred stock
                                                                     
Dividend on preferred stock
                                                    (217 )             (217 )
Discount accretion on preferred stock
            29                                       (29 )              
Stock-based compensation and related tax benefits
                            67                                       67  
Common shares issued, stock options exercised, net of swapped shares
                    11,830                                                  
                                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2010
    17,390     $ 16,851       9,066,967     $ 62,524             $ 977     $ (1,959 )   $ 231     $ 78,624  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 


FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Three months ended March 31, 2010
   
Three months ended March 31, 2009
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
          Net Income
  $ 361     $ 453  
          Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by 
               
       operating activities:
               
 Depreciation and amortization
    215       244  
 Provision for loan losses
    1,450       1,106  
 Stock plan accruals
    67       94  
 Gains on sales of other real estate owned
    (27 )     (2 )
 Write-downs on other real estate owned
    144       713  
 Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
    (117 )     (174 )
 Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale
    9,614       31,392  
 Originations of loans held-for-sale
    (9,458 )     (34,185 )
          Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
 Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    1,058       1,776  
 Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    (161 )     (62 )
                    Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,146       1,355  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
          Net increase in investment securities
    (20,464 )     (5,496 )
          Net decrease in loans
    21,474       35,279  
          Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
    12        
          Purchases of premises and equipment, net
    (32 )     (331 )
                    Net cash provided by investing activities
    990       29,452  
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
          Net (decrease) increase in deposits
    (541 )     4,078  
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
          16,726  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock warrants
          664  
          Net increase (decrease) in FHLB advances and other borrowings
    16       (4,278 )
          Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
    (217 )      
          Cash dividends paid
          (5 )
                    Net cash (used) in provided by financing activities
    (742 )     17,185  
   
               
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    3,394       47,992  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period
    147,076       66,010  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
  $ 150,470     $ 114,002  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
                    Interest
  $ 1,148     $ 1,260  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Preferred stock dividend payable and accretion
  $ 140     $ 51  
   Transfer of loans held-for-investment to other real estate owned
  $ 888        
   Stock dividend distributed
        $ 2,249  
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities
  $ 320     $ (48 )

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 


FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
March 31, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009

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 GAAP 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 stockholders and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing.”  The new authoritative accounting guidance amends prior accounting guidance to enhance reporting about transfers of financial assets, including securitizations, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.  The new authoritative accounting guidance eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity” and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets.  The new authoritative accounting guidance also requires additional disclosures about all continuing involvements with transferred financial assets including information about gains and losses resulting from transfers during the period.  The Company adopted the new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860 on January 1, 2010.  Adoption of the new guidance did not significantly impact the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2010, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  This amendment requires disclosures about significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the reasons for the transfers, and requires the reconciliation of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements be made on a gross basis.  The amendment also clarifies the level of disaggregation required in disclosures and the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements for Level 2 or Level 3 items.  The part of the amendment related to the reconciliation of Level 3 activity is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  The remaining parts of the amendment are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009.  The Company adopted the remaining parts of the amendment on January 1, 2010.  Adoption of the new guidance did not significantly impact the Company’s financial statements.  The Company does not expect the adoption of the part of the amendment related to the reconciliation of Level 3 activity to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances in order to conform to the current year presentation.


 
7

 

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.  See discussion on page 35 “Asset Quality” regarding impaired/problem loans.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses during the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:
   
(in thousands)
 
             
   
Three months ended
March 31,
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 11,916     $ 14,435     $ 14,435  
Provision for loan losses
    1,450       1,106       10,489  
Loan charge-offs
    (2,116 )     (1,570 )     (14,293 )
Loan recoveries
    61       492       1,285  
Balance, end of period
  $ 11,311     $ 14,463     $ 11,916  

Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due.  Non-performing impaired loans totaled approximately $18,516 and $17,614 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and had related valuation allowances of approximately $55 and $130 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The average outstanding balance of non-performing impaired loans was approximately $18,868 and $15,064 for the years ended March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Performing impaired loans are restructured loans in compliance with modified terms and totaled $6,209 and $9,984 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and had related valuation allowances of approximately $995 and $707 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The average outstanding balance of performing impaired loans was approximately $8,097 and $6,216 for the years ended March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
 
8

 
 
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 interests, 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 portfolio of conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the three months ended March 31, 2010 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, 2010, the Company had $1,601,000 of mortgage loans held-for-sale.  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others of $194,184,000 and $189,025,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

   
(in thousands)
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
Additions
   
Reductions
   
March 31,
2010
 
                         
Mortgage servicing rights
  $ 1,550     $ 126     $ 86     $ 1,590  
Valuation allowance
    (277 )           (110 )     (167 )
Mortgage servicing rights, net of valuation allowance
  $ 1,273     $ 126     $ (24 )   $ 1,423  
                                 
 
 
9

 

4.           OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS includes all common stock equivalents (“in-the-money” stock options, unvested restricted stock, stock units, 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, 2010 and 2009.

(in thousands, except share and earnings)
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Basic earnings per share:
           
Net income
  $ 361     $ 453  
Preferred stock dividend and accretion
  $ (246 )   $ (51 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 115     $ 402  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,007,417       8,964,482  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  
                 
Diluted earnings per share:
               
Net income
  $ 361     $ 453  
Preferred stock dividend and accretion
  $ (246 )   $ (51 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 115     $ 402  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,007,417       8,924,482  
                 
Effect of dilutive options
    956       26,407  
                 
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,008,373       8,990,889  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  

Options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 499,687 shares and 429,954 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 respectively.  In addition, 352,977 warrants issued to the U.S. Treasury were not used in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect.


 
10

 
 
5.    STOCK PLANS
 
The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Options outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    514,807     $ 11.27              
                             
   Granted
    17,500       4.25              
                             
   Cancelled / Forfeited
    (7,120 )     3.88              
                             
   Exercised
                       
                               
Options outstanding at End of Period
    525,187     $ 11.18     $ 14,320       4.10  
                                 
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
    483,511     $ 11.18     $ 1,000       3.71  

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was $1.89 per share.

As of March 31, 2010, there was $109,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.08 years.

There was $22,000 of recognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2010 is presented below:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
 Risk Free Interest Rate
    2.44 %
         
 Expected Dividend Yield
    0 %
         
 Expected Life in Years
    5  
         
 Expected Price Volatility
    48.12 %


 
11

 

The following table presents the activity related to restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term            (in years)
Options outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    35,817     $ 13.20          
                         
   Granted
    12,050     $ 4.25          
                         
   Cancelled / Forfeited
    (220 )   $ 14.79          
                         
   Exercised/Released/Vested
                   
                           
Options outstanding at End of Period
    47,647     $ 10.93     $ 232,994  
  8.42
                           
 

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was $4.25 per share.

As of March 31, 2010, there was $207,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.32 years.

There was $30,000 of recognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
 
12

 
The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).  Under the plan, the Company is authorized to issue to eligible employees shares of common stock.  There are 292,136 shares authorized under the ESPP.  The ESPP will terminate February 27, 2017.  The ESPP is implemented by participation periods of not more than twenty-seven months each.  The Board of Directors determines the commencement date and duration of each participation period.  The Board of Directors approved the current participation period of November 24, 2009 to November 23, 2010.  An eligible employee is one who has been continually employed for at least ninety (90) days prior to commencement of a participation period. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 10 percent of their compensation withheld to purchase the Company’s common stock each participation period.  The purchase price of the stock is 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value on the last trading day before the date of participation or the fair market value on the last trading day during the participation period.
 
 
As of March 31, 2010, there was $45,700 of unrecognized compensation cost related to ESPP grants.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.75 years.

There was $15,200 of recognized compensation cost related to ESPP grants for the three month period ended March 31, 2010.

The weighted average fair value at grant date during the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was $1.44.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing ESPP grants during the three months and three months ended March 31, 2010 is presented below:
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
 Risk Free Interest Rate
    0.29 %
         
 Expected Dividend Yield
    0.00 %
         
 Expected Life in Years
    1.00  
         
 Expected Price Volatility
    30.00 %


 
13

 
 
6.           EXECUTIVE SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN

The Company has an unfunded non-contributory defined benefit pension plan provided in two forms to a select group of highly compensated employees.

Four executives have Salary Continuation Plans providing retirement benefits between $50,000 and $100,000 based on responsibilities and tenure at the Company.  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.

The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan is intended to provide a fixed annual benefit for 10 years plus 6 months for each full year of service over 10 years (limited to 180 months total) subsequent to retirement at age 65.  Reduced benefits are payable as early as age 55 if the participant has at least 10 years of service.  Two employees currently have Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan agreements.  The agreements provide a target benefit of 2% (2.5% for the CEO) times years of service multiplied by final average compensation.  Final average compensation is defined as three-year average salary plus seven-year average bonus.  The target benefit is reduced by benefits from social security and the Company's profit sharing plan.  The maximum target benefit is 50% of final average compensation.


   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
           
Service Cost
  $ 27,726     $ 3,990  
Interest  Cost
    30,551       26,418  
Amortization of Plan Gain
    (3,748 )     (8,180 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    21,821       21,821  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 76,350     $ 44,049  

The Company estimates that the annual net periodic benefit cost will be $305,398 for the year ended December 31, 2010.  This compares to an annual net periodic benefit cost of $238,312 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Estimated Contributions for Fiscal 2010

For unfunded plans, contributions to the Executive Salary Continuation Plan are the benefit payments made to participants.  At December 31, 2009 the Company expected to make benefit payments of $54,144 in connection with the Executive Salary Continuation Plan during fiscal 2010.
 

 
14

 

7.    DIRECTORS' RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company has an unfunded non-contributory defined benefit pension plan ("Directors’ Retirement Plan").  The Directors’ Retirement Plan provides a retirement benefit equal to $1,000 per year of service as a director up to a maximum benefit of $15,000.  The retirement benefit is payable monthly for 10 years following retirement at age 65.  Reduced retirement benefits are available after age 55 and 10 years of service.

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
           
Service Cost
  $ 8,836     $ 11,088  
Interest  Cost
    8,267       7,921  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 17,103     $ 19,009  

The Company estimates that the annual net periodic benefit cost will be $68,950 for the year ended December 31, 2010.  This compares to annual net periodic benefit costs of $76,034 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Estimated Contributions for Fiscal 2010

For unfunded plans, contributions to the Directors’ Retirement Plan are the benefit payments made to participants.  At December 31, 2009 the Company expected to make cash contributions of $15,000 to the Directors’ Retirement Plan during fiscal 2010.

 
15

 

8.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
 
The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Securities available-for-sale, trading securities and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a non-recurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, loans held-for-investment and certain other assets.  These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:

 
Level 1 
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
       
 
Level 2 
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
       
 
Level 3 
 
Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques and include management judgment and estimation which may be significant.
          
Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
 
Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.  Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds.  Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.  Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value.  The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics.  As such, the Company classifies loans subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.  At March 31, 2010 there were no loans held-for-sale that required a write-down.

Impaired Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established.  Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired.  Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, the Company measures impairment.  The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.  Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.

 
16

 
 At March 31, 2010, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan.  Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy.  When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 2.  When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate assets (“OREO”) acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are held-for-sale and are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs.  Any write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO are charged to the allowance for loan losses, subsequent to foreclosure. Appraisals or evaluations are then done periodically thereafter charging any additional write-downs or valuation allowances to the appropriate expense accounts.  Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.  OREO is classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Loan Servicing Rights

Loan servicing rights are subject to impairment testing.  A valuation model, which utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and a discount rate determined by management, is used in the completion of impairment testing.  If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, loan servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model.  As such, the Company classifies loan servicing rights subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010.
                         
   
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 252     $ 252     $     $  
Securities of U.S. government
                               
   agencies and corporations
    26,403       26,403              
Obligations of states and
                               
    political subdivisions
    23,520             23,520        
Mortgage-backed securities
    46,690             46,690        
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 96,865     $ 26,655     $ 70,210     $  
                                 

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009.
                         
   
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2009
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 253     $ 253     $     $  
Securities of U.S. government
                               
   agencies and corporations
    4,335       4,335              
Obligations of states and
                               
    political subdivisions
    23,416             23,416        
Mortgage-backed securities
    47,864             47,864        
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 75,868     $ 4,588     $ 71,280     $  
                                 


 
17

 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2010.
                               
   
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total gains/losses
 
Impaired loans
  $ 2,740     $     $     $ 2,740     $ (1,099 )
Other real estate owned
    1,861                   1,861       (204 )
Loan servicing rights
    1,423                   1,423       271  
                                         
Total assets at fair value
  $ 6,024     $     $     $ 6,024     $ (1,032 )

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2009.
                               
   
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2009
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total gains/losses
 
Impaired loans
  $ 8,804     $     $     $ 8,804     $ (6,229 )
Other real estate owned
    3,518                   3,518       (1,545 )
Loan servicing rights
    1,273                   1,273       779  
                                         
Total assets at fair value
  $ 13,595     $     $     $ 13,595     $ (6,995 )


 
18

 
 
9.    PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
On March 13, 2009, we issued to the U.S. Treasury 17,390 shares of our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, having a liquidation preference per share equal to $1,000.  The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year.  At any time, we may, at our option, subject to any necessary bank regulatory approval, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at a price equal to its liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  The Series A Preferred Stock is generally non-voting.  We are not permitted to increase dividends on our common shares above the amount of the last quarterly cash dividend per share declared prior to March 13, 2009 without the U.S. Treasury’s approval (but this does not affect our ability to declare and pay stock dividends) unless all of the Series A Preferred Shares have been redeemed or transferred by the U.S. Treasury to unaffiliated third parties.  The consent of the U.S. Treasury generally is required for us to make any stock repurchase (other than in connection with the administration of any employee benefit plan in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice), unless all of the Series A Preferred Shares have been redeemed or transferred by the U.S. Treasury to unaffiliated third parties.  Further, our common shares may not be repurchased if we are in arrears on the payment of Series A Preferred Shares dividends.  The U.S. Treasury, as part of the preferred stock issuance, received a warrant to purchase 352,977 shares of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $7.39.  The proceeds from the U.S. Treasury were allocated based on the relative fair value of the warrants as compared with the fair value of the preferred stock.  The fair value of the warrants was determined using a valuation model which incorporates assumptions including our common stock price, dividend yield, stock price volatility and the risk-free interest rate.  The fair value of the preferred stock is determined based on assumptions regarding the discount rate (market rate) on the preferred stock which was estimated to be approximately 12% at the date of issuance.  The discount on the preferred stock will be accreted to par value using a constant effective yield of approximately 5.9% over a ten-year term, which is the expected life of the preferred stock.  Both the preferred stock and the warrant are accounted for as components of Tier 1 Capital.
 
10.    FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and short-term instruments are a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
Investment Securities
 
Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Equity Securities
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.
 
Loans Receivable
 
For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  The fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and rental property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, and agricultural loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.
 
 
19

 

 
Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
 
The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligation with the counterparties at the reporting date.
 
Deposit Liabilities
 
The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.
 
FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings
 
The fair values of borrowed funds were estimated by discounting future cash flows related to these financial instruments using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.
 

 
20

 
 
Limitations
 
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates are based on existing on-and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment.  In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for the period ended March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are approximately as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying amount
   
Fair
value
   
Carrying amount
   
Fair
value
 
                         
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and federal funds sold
  $ 150,470     $ 150,470     $ 147,076     $ 147,076  
Investment securities
    96,865       96,865       75,868       75,868  
Other equity securities
    2,506       2,506       2,506       2,506  
Loans:
                               
Net loans
    450,581       453,908       474,378       476,485  
Loans held-for-sale
    1,601       1,612       1,640       1,652  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    650,885       633,303       651,426       632,322  
FHLB advances and other   borrowings
    11,829       12,270       11,813       12,260  


   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
Contract amount
   
Fair
value
   
Contract amount
   
Fair
value
 
                         
Unrecognized financial instruments:
                       
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 190,873     $ 1,432     $ 191,589     $ 1,437  
Standby letters of credit
    3,511       35       3,572       36  


 
21

 
 
11.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
     The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated market values of investments in debt and other securities at March 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated market value
 
                         
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 252     $     $     $ 252  
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
    26,458       13       (68 )     26,403  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    23,369       319       (168 )     23,520  
Mortgage-backed securities
    46,102       605       (17 )     46,690  
                                 
Total debt securities
  $ 96,181     $ 937     $ (253 )   $ 96,865  

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated market values of investments in debt and other securities at December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated market value
 
                         
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 253     $     $     $ 253  
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
    4,353             (18 )     4,335  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    23,374       308       (266 )     23,416  
Mortgage-backed securities
    47,737       213       (86 )     47,864  
                                 
Total debt securities
  $ 75,717     $ 521     $ (370 )   $ 75,868  

 
Gross realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities were $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $454 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Gross realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities were $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt and other securities at March 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table:
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated market value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 21,233     $ 21,218  
Due after one year through five years
    53,803       54,420  
Due after five years through ten years
    3,542       3,541  
Due after ten years
    17,603       17,686  
                 
    $ 96,181     $ 96,865  


Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Securities due after one year through five years included mortgage-backed securities totaling $46,605.  The maturities on these securities were based on the average lives of the securities.
 

 
22

 


An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2010, follows:
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
 
                                     
Securities of U.S.
    government agencies
    and corporations
    19,032       (68 )                 19,032       (68 )
                                                 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    3,263       (64 )     1,968       (104 )     5,231       (168 )
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities
    3,544       (17 )                 3,544       (17 )
                                                 
                                                 
Total
  $ 25,839     $ (150 )   $ 1,968     $ (104 )   $ 27,807     $ (253 )


No decline in value was considered “other-than-temporary” during 2010.  Thirty-three securities that had a fair market value of $25,839 and a total unrealized loss of $150 have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of March 31, 2010.  In addition, eight securities with a fair market value of $1,968 and a total unrealized loss of $104 have been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of March 31, 2010.  As the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2009, follows:
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
 
                                     
Securities of U.S.
    government agencies
    and corporations
    3,332       (18 )                 3,332       (18 )
                                                 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    5,624       (154 )     951       (112 )     6,575       (266 )
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities
    16,290       (86 )                 16,290       (86 )
                                                 
                                                 
Total
  $ 25,246     $ (258 )   $ 951     $ (112 )   $ 26,197     $ (370 )


No decline in value was considered “other-than-temporary” during 2009.  Thirty-five securities that had a fair market value of $25,246 and a total unrealized loss of $258 have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of December 31, 2009.  In addition, three securities with a fair market value of $951 and a total unrealized loss of $112 that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of December 31, 2009.  As the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

Investment securities carried at $31,130 and $29,194 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law.
 
 
23

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
ITEM 2.   – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements, which include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and the other risks described in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.
 
This report includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
 
In this document, for example, we make forward-looking statements, which discuss our expectations about:
 
·  
Our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, our organizational structure, the growth of our business and our competitive position
 
·  
Our assessment of significant factors and developments that have affected or may affect our results
 
·  
Pending and recent legal and regulatory actions, and future legislative and regulatory developments, including the effects of legislation and governmental measures introduced in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system, financial markets and the U.S. economy
 
·  
Regulatory controls and processes and their impact on our business
 
·  
The costs and effects of legal actions
 
·  
Our regulatory capital requirements
 
·  
We do not anticipate paying a cash dividend in the foreseeable future
 
·  
Credit quality and provision for credit losses
 
·  
Our allowances for credit losses, including the conditions we consider in determining the unallocated allowance and our portfolio credit quality, underwriting standards, and risk grade
 
·  
Our assessment of economic conditions and trends and credit cycles and their impact on our business
 
·  
The impact of changes in interest rates and our strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile
 
·  
Loan portfolio composition and risk grade trends, expected charge offs, delinquency rates and our underwriting standards
 
 
 
24

 
 
·  
The Company believes that the Bank’s deposit base does not involve any undue concentration levels from one or a few major depositors
 
·  
Our liquidity position
 
·  
Critical accounting policies and estimates, the impact or anticipated impact of recent accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principles
 
·  
Expected rates of return, yields and projected results
 
There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those listed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part II, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Part I of this Form 10-Q, and “Supervision and Regulation” of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
25

 
 
INTRODUCTION

This overview of Management’s Discussion and Analysis highlights selected information in this Report and may not contain all of the information that is important to you.  For a more complete understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources and critical accounting estimates, you should carefully read this entire Report, together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Our subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the “Bank”), is a California state-chartered bank that derives most of its revenues from lending and deposit taking in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California.  Interest rates, business conditions and customer confidence all affect our ability to generate revenues.  In addition, the regulatory environment and competition can challenge our ability to generate those revenues.


Significant results and developments during the first quarter and year-to-date 2010 include:

· Net income of $0.36 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, down 20.0% from the $0.45 million for the same fiscal period last year.

· Diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $0.01, down 75% from the diluted income per share of $0.04 reported in the same period last year (per share data has been adjusted for stock dividends).

· Net interest income decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2010 by $832,000, or 11.5%, to $6.4 million from $7.2 million in the same period last year.  The decrease in net interest income was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest yields, which was partially offset by a decrease in interest costs.  Net interest margin decreased from 4.89% for the three month period ending March 31, 2009 to 3.74% for the same period ending March 31, 2010.
 
 
· Provision for loan losses of $1.5 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1.1 million for the same period in 2009.  The increase in the provision for loan losses during the three month period in 2010 was primarily due to increased charge-offs, partially offset by decreased loan volumes.
 
 
· Total assets at March 31, 2010 were $747.5 million, an increase of $59.1 million, or 8.6%, from levels at March 31, 2009.
 
 
· Total net loans at March 31, 2010 (including loans held-for-sale) decreased $33.5 million, or 6.9%, to $452.2 million compared to March 31, 2009.

· Total investment securities at March 31, 2010 increased $49.4 million, or 104.0%, to $96.9 million compared to March 31, 2009.

· Total deposits of $650.9 million at March 31, 2010, represented an increase of $62.1 million, or 10.6%, compared to March 31, 2009.  We believe a primary reason for the increase in deposits was depositor movement from troubled financial institutions and the stock market to institutions of perceived greater safety and the Company’s standing in the communities it serves.  Since the peak in the real estate market, deposits in the real estate related business accounts have shown consistent reduction in average and end of period balances while the number of customers has remained stable. 

 
26

 
 
SUMMARY

The Company recorded net income of $361,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010, representing a decrease of $92,000 from net income of $453,000 for the same period in 2009.


The following table presents a summary of the results for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 
             (in thousands, except per share and percentage)
               
     
Three months
   
Three months
 
     
ended
   
ended
 
     
March 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2009
 
               
 
For the Period:
           
               
 
    Net Income
  $ 361     $ 453  
                   
 
    Basic Earnings Per Common Share*
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  
                   
 
    Diluted Earnings Per Common Share*
  $ 0.01     $ 0.04  
                   
                   
                   
 
At Period End:
               
                   
 
      Total Assets
    747,470       688,424  
                   
 
      Total Loans, Net (including loans held-for-sale)
    452,182       485,742  
                   
 
     Total Investment Securities
    96,865       47,522  
                   
 
     Total Deposits
    650,885       588,796  
                   
 
      Loan-To-Deposit Ratio
    69.5       82.5  
                   
 
*Adjusted for stock dividends
         


 
27

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

   
Three months ended
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2009
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
  $ 461,956     $ 6,798       5.97 %   $ 498,384     $ 7,937       6.46 %
Federal funds sold
                      53,993       19       0.14 %
Interest bearing due from banks
    144,621       94       0.26 %     2,501       31       5.03 %
Investment securities, taxable
    60,456       375       2.52 %     17,191       194       4.58 %
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
    22,626       235       4.21 %     25,013       262       4.25 %
Other interest earning assets
    2,506                   2,311              
Total interest-earning assets
    692,165       7,502       4.40 %     599,393       8,443       5.71 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    14,277                       39,181                  
Premises and equipment, net
    7,340                       8,366                  
Other real estate owned
    3,654                       4,339                  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
    34,208                       26,707                  
Total average assets
    751,644                       677,986                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    135,981       114       0.34 %     124,093       176       0.58 %
Savings and MMDA’s
    194,044       344       0.72 %     163,404       283       0.70 %
Time, under $100,000
    53,212       159       1.21 %     58,879       239       1.65 %
Time, $100,000 and over
    95,091       387       1.65 %     70,951       364       2.08 %
FHLB advances and other borrowings
    11,798       107       3.68 %     17,344       158       3.69 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    490,126       1,111       0.92 %     434,671       1,220       1.14 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    178,124                       174,520                  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    6,136                       5,931                  
Total liabilities
    674,386                       615,122                  
Total stockholders’ equity
    77,258                       62,864                  
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 751,644                     $ 677,986                  
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
          $ 6,391       3.74 %           $ 7,223       4.89 %
                                                 
1. Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrual interest thereon is excluded.  Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $223 and $490 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
2. Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
 
3. Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.
 

 
28

 

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a $3,394,000 increase in cash and due from banks, a $20,997,000 increase in investment securities available-for-sale, a $23,797,000 decrease in net loans held-for-investment, a $39,000 decrease in loans held-for-sale, a $744,000 increase in other real estate owned and a $1,271,000 decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets from December 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010.  The increase in cash and due from banks was largely the result of increases in non-interest bearing due from bank accounts.  The increase in investment securities available-for-sale was primarily the result of purchases of agency bonds and was slightly offset by a decrease in mortgage-backed securities.  Management evaluated the unrealized loss associated with the investment securities available-for-sale and no decline was considered “other than temporary” at March 31, 2010.  As the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.  The decrease in loans held-for-investment was in large part due to decreases in the following loan categories: commercial and industrial; agricultural; equipment; financed equipment leases; true equipment leases; consumer; real estate; real estate commercial and construction; and real estate SBA (Small Business Administration), which were partially offset by increases in home equity loans.  The decrease in loans held-for-sale was in real estate loans and was due, primarily, to a decrease in the origination of loans.  The Company originated approximately $9,575,000 in residential mortgage loans during the first three months of 2010, which was offset by approximately $9,614,000 in loan sales during this period.  The increase in other real estate owned was due to the addition of OREO properties, which was partially offset by a decline in the value of other real estate owned and the sale of other real estate owned properties.  The decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets was mainly due to decreases in housing tax credits, accrued income taxes receivable, unamortized cost on loans, prepaid expenses and suspense items, which was partially offset by increases in accrued income on loans, cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance and mortgage servicing asset.

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a decrease in total deposits of $541,000 at March 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009.  The decrease in deposits was due to decreases in demand and time deposits, which was partially offset by increases in interest-bearing transaction deposits, savings and money market accounts.  The decrease in demand deposit accounts is due in large part to the impact of the slowing real estate activity in the communities served by the Company.  Since the peak in the real estate market, deposits in the real estate related business accounts have shown consistent reduction in average and end of period balances while the number of customers has remained stable.  The decrease in time deposits and increase in savings and money market accounts are primarily due to maturities of time deposits and transfers of those funds to savings and money market accounts.

 
 
29

 


CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Interest Income

The Federal Open Market Committee made no changes to the Federal Funds rate during the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2010.

Interest income on loans for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was down 14.4% from the same period in 2009, decreasing from $7,937,000 to $6,798,000. The decrease in interest income on loans for the three-month period ended as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 49 basis point decrease in loan yields combined with a decrease in average loans.

Interest income on investment securities available-for-sale for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 was up 33.8% from the same period in 2009, increasing from $456,000 to $610,000.  The increase in interest income on investment securities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities partially offset by a 1.4 percent decrease in investment securities yields.

Interest income on Federal Funds sold for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 was down 100.0% from the same period in 2009, decreasing from $19,000 to $0.  The Company had no Federal Funds sold balances during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010.

Interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 was up 203.2% from the same period in 2009, increasing from $31,000 to $94,000.  The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average interest-bearing due from banks partially offset by a 4.8 percent decrease in interest-bearing due from banks yields.


 
30

 

Interest Expense

The decrease in general market interest rates decreased the Company’s cost of funds in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period a year ago.

Interest expense on deposits and other borrowings for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was down 8.9% from the same period in 2009, decreasing from $1,220,000 to $1,111,000.  The decrease in interest expense during the three month period ended March 31, 2010 was primarily due to a 22 basis point decrease in the Company’s average cost of funds, which was partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.

Provision for Loan Losses

There was a provision for loan losses of $1,450,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1,106,000 for the same period in 2009.  The allowance for loan losses was approximately $11,311,000, or 2.45% of total loans, at March 31, 2010 compared to $11,916,000, or 2.45% of total loans, at December 31, 2009.  The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

The increase in the provision for loan losses during the three-month period in 2010 was primarily due to increased charge-offs, partially offset by decreased loan volumes. 

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009.

The provision for unfunded lending commitment losses would be included in non-interest expense.


 
31

 


Other Operating Income
 
 
Other operating income was up 15.1% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 from the same period in 2009, increasing from $1,740,000 to $2,003,000.

This increase was primarily due to increases in gains on sales of other real estate owned, investment brokerage services income, loan servicing income, signature based transaction fees, and other miscellaneous income, which was partially offset by decreases in service charges on deposit accounts, gains on sales of loans held-for sale, and fiduciary activities income.  The increase in gains on sales of other real estate owned was due to increased values of underlying assets during the first quarter of 2010, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The increase in investment brokerage services income was due to an increase in the demand for those services.  The increase in loan servicing income was primarily due to the reversal of mortgage servicing impairment expense.  The increase in other miscellaneous income was primarily due to increases in letter of credit deferred fees, bankcard and merchant fees, and rental income on other real estate owned properties.  The decrease in service charges on deposit accounts was primarily due to decreases in service charges on checking accounts, partially offset by increases in analysis service charges and decreases in waived fees.  The decrease in gains on sales of loans held-for-sale was the result of decreased residential mortgage activity.  The decrease in fiduciary activities income was due to a decrease in the demand for those services.

 
32

 


Other Operating Expenses

Total other operating expenses was down 10.37% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 from the same period in 2009, decreasing from $7,668,000 to $6,873,000.

The principal reasons for the decrease in other operating expenses in the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 were decreases in the following: occupancy and equipment expense; other real estate owned expense; stationary and supplies; advertising; and other miscellaneous operating expense, which was partially offset by an increase in salaries and benefits.  The decrease in occupancy and equipment was due to decreases in the following: rent expense; depreciation on furniture and equipment; equipment maintenance; and service contracts, which was partially offset by increases in building maintenance; utilities; and hazard and liability insurance.  The decrease in other real estate owned expense was due to lower write-downs and maintenance expenses related to OREO properties.  The decrease in other miscellaneous operating expense was primarily due to a decrease in loan origination expense.  The increase in salaries and benefits was due, for the most part, to increases in the following: loan origination costs; payroll taxes; worker’s compensation insurance; and retirement compensation expense, which was partially offset by decreases in commissions; stock compensation; and welfare and recreation expense.

The following table sets forth other miscellaneous operating expenses by category for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 
(in thousands)
   
Three
   
Three
 
   
months
   
months
 
   
ended
   
ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Other miscellaneous operating expenses
           
FDIC assessments
  $ 285     $ 216  
Contributions
    25       19  
Legal fees
    54       109  
Accounting and audit fees
    62       124  
Consulting fees
    53       52  
Postage expense
    86       98  
Telephone expense
    62       69  
Public relations
    37       38  
Training expense
    22       20  
Loan origination expense
    93       260  
Computer software depreciation
    44       53  
Sundry losses
    46       60  
Loan collection expense
    133       106  
Other miscellaneous expense
    313       291  
                 
Total other miscellaneous operating expenses
  $ 1,315     $ 1,515  
                 

 
33

 


Income Taxes

The Company’s tax rate, the Company’s income or loss before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by non-taxable earnings primarily affect the Company’s provision for income taxes.

In the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company’s benefit for income taxes increased $26,000 from the same period last year, from a $264,000 benefit to a benefit of $290,000.

The increase in benefit for income taxes for all periods presented is primarily attributable to the respective level of earnings combined with the interim effective tax rate and the incidence of allowable deductions, in particular non-taxable municipal bond income, tax credits generated from low-income housing investments, solar tax credits, excludable interest income and, for California franchise taxes, higher excludable interest income on loans within designated enterprise zones.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

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

 
(in thousands)
 
             
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
             
Undisbursed loan commitments
  $ 190,873     $ 191,589  
Standby letters of credit
    3,511       3,572  
Commitments to sell loans
    1,661       3,179  
    $ 196,045     $ 198,340  
 
The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $892,000 at March 31, 2010, which was unchanged from December 31, 2009.  The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities.


 
34

 

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 collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times.   Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies.  The federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies utilize the following definitions for assets adversely classified for supervisory purposes: “Substandard Assets: a substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.” “Doubtful Assets: An asset classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.” Other Real Estate Owned” and loans rated Substandard and Doubtful are deemed "classified assets".  This category, which includes both performing and non-performing assets, receives an elevated level of attention regarding collection.
 
Residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real estate, are primarily susceptible to three risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfalls in collateral value.  In general, non-payment is due to loss of employment and follows general economic trends in the marketplace, particularly the upward movement in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories, owner-occupied and non-owner occupied.  Loans secured by owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the market conditions of the related business.  This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to commercial loans whether secured by equipment, receivables or other personal property or unsecured.  Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral.  When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default.  Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often, these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resultant over-supply of space.  Losses are dependent on the value of underlying collateral at the time of default.  Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, sales invoices, or other appropriate means.  Appropriate valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter, (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Construction loans, whether owner occupied or non-owner occupied residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the related risks described above but the added risks of construction itself including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand and market changes experienced at time of completion.  Again, losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above.  Problem construction loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns and payment history of the borrower.  Based on this information the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors, the Company may pursue repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Appropriate valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter, (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

 
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Agricultural loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to producers and processors of crops and livestock.  Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service.  Agricultural loans are generally secured by inventory, receivables, equipment, and other real property.  Agricultural loans primarily are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities.  This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles, as well as changing weather conditions.  Problem agricultural loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, crop budgets, payment history, and crop inspections.  Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Appropriate valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter, (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses.  These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above.  Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower.  Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Appropriate valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically there after, (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured are primarily susceptible to three risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfall in collateral value.  In general, non-payment is due to loss of employment and will follow general economic trends in the marketplace, particularly the upward movements in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Once a loan becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, a Company collection officer will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral or a principal payment.  If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Company will estimate its probable loss, using a recent valuation as appropriate to the underlying collateral less estimated costs of sale, and charge-off the loan down to the estimated net realizable amount.  Depending on the length of time until final collection, the Bank may periodically revalue the underlying collateral and take additional charge-offs as warranted. Revaluations may occur as often as every 3-12 months depending on the underlying collateral and volatility of values.  Final charge-offs or recoveries are taken when collateral is liquidated and actual loss is known.  Unpaid balances on loans after or during collection and liquidation may also be pursued through lawsuit and attachment of wages or judgment liens on borrower's other assets.

Classified assets, net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, decreased $10,917,000 or 20.1% to $54,205,000 at March 31, 2010 from $65,121,000 at December 31, 2009.

 
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The following tables summarize the Company’s non-accrual loans by loan category at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

   
At March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
                                     
                                     
Residential mortgage
  $ 2,200     $     $ 2,200     $ 1,370     $     $ 1,370  
Residential construction
    2,051             2,051       3,413             3,413  
Commercial real estate
    8,005             8,005       5,669             5,669  
Agriculture
    2,821             2,821       3,188             3,188  
Commercial
    3,141       309       2,832       3,875       408       3,467  
Consumer
    299             299       99             99  
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 18,516     $ 235     $ 18,207     $ 17,614     $ 408     $ 17,206  
                                                 
                                                 

It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due for a period of 90 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 $18,516,000 at March 31, 2010 and were comprised of six residential mortgage loans totaling $2,200,000, nine residential construction loans totaling $2,051,000, eight commercial real estate loans totaling $8,005,000, two agricultural loans totaling $2,821,000, eight commercial loans totaling $3,141,000 and two consumer loans totaling $299,000.  Non-accrual loans amounted to $17,614,000 at December 31, 2009 and were comprised of four residential mortgage loans totaling $1,370,000, fifteen residential construction loans totaling $3,413,000, seven commercial real estate loans totaling $5,669,000, two agricultural loans totaling $3,188,000, eight commercial loans totaling $3,875,000 and one consumer loan totaling $99,000.  It is generally the Company’s policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan for which the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to fair value.

The five largest non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2010, made up approximately 53% of total non-accrual loans and consisted of three commercial real estate loans totaling $5,321,000, supported by commercial properties located with in the Company’s market area, one agricultural loan totaling $2,403,000, supported by real property and the business assets of the company and one commercial and industrial loan totaling $2,129,000, supported by the business assets of the company.  All of these loans were appraised within the last six months.

 
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In comparison, the five largest non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2009 made up approximately 53% of total non-accrual loans and consisted of one commercial and industrial loan totaling $2,751,000, supported by the business assets of the company, one agricultural loan totaling $2,403,000, supported by real property and the business assets of the company, two commercial real estate loans totaling $3,308,000, supported by commercial properties located with in the Company’s market area and one residential construction loan totaling $1,460,000, supported by residential real estate.

Total non-performing impaired loans at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009 consisting of loans on non-accrual status totaled $18,516,000 and $17,614,000, respectively.  Performing impaired loans consisting of loans restructured and in compliance with modified terms, totaled $7,635,000 and $9,984,000 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively; the majority of the non-performing impaired loans were in management's opinion adequately collateralized based on recently obtained appraised property values or guaranteed by a governmental entity.  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.

The five largest non-performing loans consisting of loans on non-accrual made up approximately 53% of total non-performing loans as of March 31, 2010 and consisted of three commercial real estate loans totaling $5,321,000, supported by commercial properties located with in the Company’s market area, one agricultural loan totaling $2,403,000, supported by real property and the business assets of the company and one commercial and industrial loan totaling $2,129,000, supported by the business assets of the company.  All of these loans were appraised within the last six months.
In comparison, the five largest non-performing loans as of December 31, 2009 consisting of loans on non-accrual and loans ninety days or more past due made up approximately 53% of total non-performing loans and consisted of one commercial and industrial loan totaling $2,751,000, supported by business assets of the company, one agricultural loan totaling $2,403,000, supported by real property and the business assets of the company, two commercial real estate loans totaling $3,308,000, supported by commercial properties located with in the Company’s market area and one residential construction loan totaling $1,460,000, supported by residential real estate.

As the following table illustrates, total non-performing assets net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, increased $1,745,000, or 7.8% to $22,469,000 during the first three months of 2010.  Non-performing assets net of guarantees represent 3.0% of total assets at March 31, 2010.

   
At March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
                                     
Non-accrual loans
  $ 18,516     $ 309     $ 18,207     $ 17,614     $ 408     $ 17,206  
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
                                   
                                                 
Total non-performing loans
    18,516       309       18,207       17,614       408       17,206  
Other real estate owned
    4,262             4,262       3,518             3,518  
Total non-performing assets
    22,778       309       22,469       21,132       408       20,724  
                                                 
Non-performing loans to total loans
                    3.94 %                     3.61 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
                    3.00 %                     2.77 %
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans
                    62.01 %                     69.26 %
                                                 


 
The Company had loans 90 days past due and still accruing totaling 1,000 and -0- at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Non-performing assets is comprised of non-performing loans, discussed above, and other real estate owned.  OREO is made up of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure.  The estimated fair value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to OREO.  The balance transferred to OREO is the lesser of the estimated fair market value of the property, or the book value of the loan, less estimated cost to sell.  A write-down may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value.  Appraisals or loan officer evaluations are then done periodically thereafter charging any additional write-downs to the appropriate expense account.
 
OREO amounted to $4,262,000 and $3,518,000 for the periods ended March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The increase in OREO at March 31, 2010 from the balance at December 31, 2009 was due, for the most part, to an increase in other real estate owned which was partially offset by write-downs and sales of OREO properties.

The Company had loans restructured and in compliance with modified terms totaling $7,635,000 and $9,984,000 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

 
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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 contracts with vendors for credit reviews of the loan portfolio as well as 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, 2010 and 2009, and for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
 
(Amounts in thousands, except percentage amounts)
 
             
   
Three months ended
March 31,
   
Year ended
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 11,916     $ 14,435     $ 14,435  
Provision for loan losses
    1,450       1,106       10,489  
Loans charged-off:
                       
Commercial
    (746 )     (251 )     (5,894 )
Agriculture
    (368 )           (5,043 )
Real estate mortgage
    (603 )           (272 )
Real estate construction
    (345 )     (1,235 )     (2,742 )
Consumer loans to individuals
    (54 )     (84 )     (342 )
                         
Total charged-off
    (2,116 )     (1,570 )     (14,293 )
                         
Recoveries:
                       
Commercial
    2       6       322  
Agriculture
                5  
Real estate mortgage
                2  
Real estate construction
    6       425       725  
Consumer loans to individuals
    53       61       231  
                         
Total recoveries
    61       492       1,285  
                         
Net charge-offs
    (2,055 )     (1,078 )     (13,008 )
                         
Balance at end of period
  $ 11,311     $ 14,463     $ 11,916  
                         
Ratio of net charge-offs
                       
To average loans outstanding during the period
    (0.43 %)     (0.21 %)     (2.65 %)
Allowance for loan losses
                       
To total loans at the end of the period
    2.45 %     2.92 %     2.45 %
To non-performing loans at the end of the period
    61.08 %     73.21 %     67.65 %


 
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Deposits

Deposits are one of the Company’s primary sources of funds.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had the following deposit mix: 29.9% in savings and MMDA deposits, 22.3% in time deposits, 20.6% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 27.3% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits.  Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits enhance the Company’s net interest income by lowering its cost of funds.

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves.  The Company believes that 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, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
March 31,
2010
     
December 31, 2009
 
Three months or less
  $ 28,129     $ 35,722  
Over three to twelve months
    50,352       47,616  
Over twelve months
    14,519       13,711  
Total
  $ 93,000     $ 97,049  

We believe the decrease in time certificates of deposit (CD's) of $100,000 or more is primarily attributable to the maturities of time deposits and transfers of those funds to savings and money market accounts.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to 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 69.5% on March 31, 2010.  In addition, on March 31, 2010, the Company had the following short-term investments:  $750,000 in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”); $2,984,000 in securities due within one year; and $27,783,000 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 $17,000,000 at March 31, 2010; additionally the Company has a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank, with a current borrowing capacity of $110,401,000.

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, 2010, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements.  The following table presents the capital ratios for the Bank, compared to the standards for well-capitalized depository institutions, as of March 31, 2010.

   
(amounts in thousands except percentage amounts)
 
   
Actual
   
Adequately
   
Well Capitalized
 
               
Capitalized
   
Ratio
 
   
Capital
   
Ratio
   
Ratio
   
Requirement
 
Leverage
  $ 73,813       9.86 %     4.0 %     5.0 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based
  $ 73,813       14.93 %     4.0 %     6.0 %
Total Risk-Based
  $ 80,069       16.19 %     8.0 %     10.0 %


 
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ITEM 3.   – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company believes that there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of March 31, 2010, from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, which are incorporated by reference herein.

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, 2010.  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, 2010, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II   – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below and factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which are incorporated by reference herein.

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 14, 2010
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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