NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES INC - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)

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

 

 

 

 

Commission file number: 000-33411

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(276) 873-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

n/a

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 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.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

7,659,260 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding as of April 26, 2007

 

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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Part I Financial Information

Item 1 Financial Statements

 

NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 

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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 

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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

(IN THOUSANDS INCLUDING SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 

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NEW PEOPLES BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

New Peoples Bankshares, Inc. (“the Company”) is a financial holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of a community bank. New Peoples Bank, Inc. (“the Bank”) was organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia on December 9, 1997. The Bank commenced operations on October 28, 1998, after receiving regulatory approval. As a state chartered bank, the Bank is subject to regulation by the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, as a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is also subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank provides general banking services to individuals, small and medium size businesses and the professional community of southwestern Virginia, southern West Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. On June 9, 2003, the Company formed two wholly owned subsidiaries, NPB Financial Services, Inc. and NPB Web Services, Inc. On July 7, 2004, the Company established NPB Capital Trust I for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. On September 27, 2006, the Company established NPB Capital Trust 2 for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.

 

The financial statements conform to U. S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general industry practices. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position at March 31, 2007, and the results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. The notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the notes to financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at the dates indicated are as follows:

 

 

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, all securities were classified as available for sale.

 

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, is required to hold stock in each. These equity securities are restricted from trading and are recorded at a cost of $2.7 million and $2.2 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following schedule. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

Investment securities with a carrying value of $3.7 million and $3.2 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required by law.

 

Loans receivable outstanding are summarized as follows:

 

 

The following is a summary of information at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 pertaining to nonperforming assets:

 

 

A summary of transactions in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

During the first quarter of 2007, 2,200 options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised resulting in a $15 thousand increase to capital. At March 31, 2007, the following exercisable options were outstanding.

 

 

NOTE 7 EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Basic earnings per share computations are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. Dilutive earnings per share reflects the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate to outstanding options and are determined by the Treasury Method.

 

NOTE 8 RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS:

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159 – “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”.   SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this statement will have on the company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations when it becomes effective in 2008.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Caution About Forward Looking Statements

We make forward looking statements in this quarterly report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward looking statements include statements regarding our profitability, liquidity, allowance for loan losses, interest rate sensitivity, market risk, growth strategy, and financial and other goals. The words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” or other similar words or terms are intended to identify forward looking statements.

 

These forward looking statements are subject to significant uncertainties because they are based upon or are affected by factors including the following: the ability to successfully manage our growth or implement our growth strategies if we are unable to identify attractive markets, locations or opportunities to expand in the future; maintaining capital and liquidity levels adequate to support our growth; maintaining cost controls and asset quality as we open or acquire new branches; reliance on our management team, including our ability to attract and retain key personnel; the successful management of interest rate risk; changes in general economic and business conditions in our market area; changes in interest rates and interest rate policies; risks inherent in making loans such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values; competition with other banks and financial institutions, and companies outside of the banking industry, including those companies that have substantially greater access to capital and other resources; demand, development and acceptance of new products and services; problems with technology utilized by us; changing trends in customer profiles and behavior; and changes in banking and other laws and regulations applicable to us.

 

Because of these uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results.

 

Subsequent Material Event

On April 13, 2007, the Bank and FNB Southeast signed a definitive agreement under which the bank will acquire two FNB Southeast branches in the Southwestern Virginia area, namely the Norton and Pennington Gap branches. The transaction will include the assumption of approximately $60.4 million in deposits in exchange for certain fixed assets of the offices, approximately $14.6 million in loans originated by the branches and cash. The Bank will pay a premium on the deposits at the date of settlement. We anticipate the settlement date to be in late second quarter 2007.

 

Overview

For the first quarter of 2007, the Company, which is the parent company of the Bank, continued to grow to record levels. In the first quarter of 2007, total assets increased $25.3 million, or 3.98% to $661.1 million. Total loans grew $22.2 million, or 3.90%, to $591.4 million and total deposits increased to $586.6 million, or 2.52%, at March 31, 2007, as compared to December 31, 2006.

 

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 was $802 thousand, as compared to $817 thousand for the same period ended March 31, 2006. Basic net income per share was $0.10 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as compared to $0.11 for the same period in 2006.

 

During the first quarter of 2007, we opened a new branch office in Bramwell, West Virginia. Additional branch locations are in development for opening during 2007.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. The most critical accounting policy relates to our provision for loan losses, which reflects the estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our borrowers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, our estimates would be updated, and additional provisions could be required. For further discussion of the estimates used in determining the allowance for loan losses, we refer you to the section on “Provision for Loan Losses” below.

 

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Balance Sheet Changes

At March 31, 2007, total assets were $661.1 million, an increase of $25.3 million, or 3.98%, over December 31, 2006. This is a result of continued growth at the existing branch locations and an increase in borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of $9.6 million. These advances on our line of credit have been made to temporarily fund loan growth. We anticipate reducing these borrowings through the year as deposits grow in new locations and upon finalizing the branch acquisition.

 

Loan growth remains strong as total loans were $591.4 million at March 31, 2007, an increase of $22.1 million, or 3.90% from $569.2 million at December 31, 2006. Asset quality remains strong as discussed in the section “Provision for Loan Losses.”

 

Deposits continued growing and totaled $586.6 million at March 31, 2007, an increase of $14.4 million, or 2.52%, from $572.2 million at December 31, 2006. Non-interest bearing demand deposits grew $7.0 million, or 9.78%, to $78.5 million at March 31, 2007 from $71.5 million at year-end 2006.

Net Interest Income, Net Interest Margin, and Interest Sensitivity

Net interest income increased to $5.8 million as of March 31, 2007 from $5.2 million for the same period in 2006. This is an increase of $602 thousand, or 11.62%. Total interest income increased $2.7 million, or 29.97%, to $11.7 million for first quarter 2007 from $9.0 million in 2006. Total interest expense increased at a higher pace than interest income. Total interest expense increased from $3.8 million in 2006 to $5.9 million in 2007. This increase of $2.1 million is largely due to a higher cost of funds on time deposits. We have historically kept time deposits on a short term maturity schedule. As a result our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2007 was 3.93% as compared to 4.27% in the first quarter of 2006. We anticipate the net interest margin to increase as we renew time deposits at lower interest rates.

 

At March 31, 2007, we had a negative cumulative gap rate sensitivity ratio of 31.70% for the one year re-pricing period, compared to a negative cumulative gap of 32.66% at December 31, 2006. This generally indicates that earnings would improve in a declining interest rate environment as liabilities re-price more quickly than assets. Conversely, earnings would probably decrease in periods during which interest rates are increasing. We believe as our liabilities reprice more quickly than our assets that our cost of funds will decrease more quickly than our yield on earning assets. We are strategically positioned for a decrease in interest rates.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses was $300 thousand for the first quarter of 2007 compared with $312 thousand for the same period in 2006. The allowance for loan losses was $5.1 million at March 31, 2007 as compared to $4.9 million at December 31, 2006. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans was 0.87% at March 31, 2007 and 0.86% at the end of 2006. Net loans charged off for the first quarter of 2007 remained low at $46 thousand as compared to $26 thousand for the first quarter of 2006.

 

The calculation of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s judgment and analysis. The following factors are evaluated in determining the adequacy of the allowance: risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, current and historical loss experience, concentrations and internal and external factors such as general economic conditions.

 

Certain risk factors exist in the Bank’s loan portfolio. Each year since inception in 1998, we have experienced significant loan growth. Although we have experienced lenders who are familiar with their customer base, some of the loans are too new to have exhibited signs of weakness. In addition, recent expansions into new markets increase credit risk. We consider these factors to create an element of higher risk in the loan portfolio.

 

It is our policy to stop accruing interest on a loan, and classify that loan as non-accrual under the following circumstances: (a) whenever we are advised by the borrower that scheduled principal payments or interest payments cannot be met, (b) when our best judgment indicates that payment in full of principal and interest can no longer be expected, or (c) when any loan or obligation becomes delinquent for 90 days unless it is both well secured and in the process of collection. Non-accrual loans did not have a significant impact on interest income in any of the periods presented. No loans are classified as troubled debt restructurings as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards

 

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Board’s (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings.” There are also no loans identified as “potential problem loans.” We do not have any commitments to lend additional funds to non-performing debtors.

 

A majority of our loans are collateralized by real estate located in our market area. Market values have been and remain stable. It is our policy to sufficiently collateralize loans to minimize loss exposures in case of default. The market area is somewhat diverse, but certain areas are more reliant upon agriculture and coal mining. As a result, increased risk of loan impairments is possible if these industries experience a significant downturn. However, we do not foresee this happening in the near future.

 

All internal and external factors are considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. We believe that the methodology used to calculate the allowance provides sufficiently for potential losses present at the end of the period. The evaluation of individual loans is performed by the internal loan review department. Loans are initially risk rated by the originating loan officer. If deteriorations in the financial condition of the borrower and the capacity to repay the debt occur, along with other factors, the loan may be downgraded. This is typically determined by either the loan officer or loan review personnel. Guidance for the evaluation is established by the regulatory authorities who periodically review the Bank’s loan portfolio for compliance.

 

Due to the risk factors previously mentioned, all loans classified as other assets especially mentioned, substandard, doubtful and loss are individually reviewed for impairment. An evaluation is made to determine if the collateral is sufficient for each of these credits. If an exposure exists, a specific allowance is directly made for the amount of the potential loss. Such specific allowances totaled $70 thousand at March 31, 2007, as compared to $82 thousand at December 31, 2006. In addition, for these classified credits that are adequately secured by collateral, a general allocation is also made to allow for any inherent risks. As we continue to evaluate the loan portfolio and the risk factors present, we will continue to designate pools as deemed appropriate. We calculate an allowance for the remaining loan portfolio based upon an estimated loan loss percentage. The evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. As economic conditions and performance of our loans change, it is possible that future increases may need to be made to the allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income increased to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $774 thousand in 2006. The $226 thousand, or 29.20%, increase is primarily related to increased overdraft fee income on deposit accounts generated through operational growth. In addition, noninterest income increased through fee income earned by our subsidiary, NPB Financial Services. Noninterest income as a percentage of average assets (annualized) was 0.50% and 0.58% as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense totaled $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2007 as compared to $4.5 million for the same period in 2006. The $842 thousand increase was largely due to additional staffing and expenses associated with the new branches opened and the general growth in operations, as salaries and benefits increased $573 thousand, or 21.39%, from $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2006 to $3.3 million for the same period in 2007. We expect noninterest expense to continue to increase, on a year-over-year basis, for the remainder of 2007 as we realize a full-year’s effect of staffing for the new branches opened during 2006 and the new branch in Bramwell, West Virginia and other branches planned to open during the year 2007. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets (annualized) decreased to 3.31% for the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 3.37% for the same period in 2006. Noninterest expense in the future will depend on our growth and the number of new branch locations.

 

Our efficiency ratio, which is defined as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income, was 79.02% for the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 75.88% for the same period in 2006. This was slightly higher as the result of additional staffing during the first quarter of 2007 and a lower net interest margin during the first quarter of 2007. The ratio of assets to full-time equivalent employees was $2.0 million at both March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

 

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Capital

Total capital at the end of the first quarter of 2007 was $43.2 million as compared to $42.3 million at the end of December 31, 2006. The increase is the result of retained earnings for the quarter. Regulatory capital ratios remain in excess of regulatory requirements.

 

No cash dividends have been paid historically and none are anticipated in the foreseeable future. The Company’s strategic plan is to continue growing. To accommodate this growth and have sufficient capital, earnings will need to be retained.

Liquidity

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had liquid assets in the form of cash, due from banks and federal funds sold of approximately $19.1 and $19.9 million, respectively. At March 31, 2007, all of our investments are classified as available-for-sale, providing an additional source of liquidity in the amount of $800 thousand, which is net of those securities pledged as collateral for public funds.

 

Our loan to deposit ratio was 100.81% at March 31, 2007 and 99.48% at year end 2006. We anticipate this ratio to remain about the same in the near future. Loan demand continues to be strong and we anticipate deposits to grow at a continued steady pace from new branches and the branch acquisition. We can lower the ratio as management deems appropriate by managing the rate of growth in our loan portfolio. This can be done by changing interest rates charged or limiting the amount of new loans approved.

 

At March 31, 2007, we had borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank totaling $9.6 million as compared to no borrowings at December 31, 2006. These borrowings are overnight and subject to interest rate changes daily. These borrowings are advanced from a $95.3 million line of credit which is secured by a blanket lien on residential real estate loans.

 

In the event we need additional funds, we have the ability to purchase federal funds under established lines of credit totaling $20.4 million.

 

Additional liquidity is expected to be provided by the future growth that management expects in deposit accounts and from loan repayments. We believe that this future growth will result from an increase in market share in our targeted trade area. During the first quarter of 2007, we opened our second office in West Virginia in the town of Bramwell. We anticipate opening an office in Chilhowie, Virginia during the second quarter. In addition, we plan on finalizing the transfer of assets and liabilities on the branches in Norton and Pennington Gap at the end of the second quarter of 2007. This should result in net funds to us of approximately $39 million.

 

With the lines of credit available and the anticipated deposit growth from new and existing branches, we believe we have adequate liquidity to meet our requirements and needs for the foreseeable future.

 

Off Balance Sheet Items

There have been no material changes to the off-balance sheet items disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 to the contractual obligations disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, except for the Purchase and Assumption agreement between the Bank and FNB Southeast discussed in the section “Subsequent Material Event.”.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes in market risks faced by the Company since December 31, 2006. For information regarding the Company’s market risk, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer (our "CEO") and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (our "CFO"), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that (a) the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and (b) such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that our disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover every situation involving the failure of persons within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports.

 

Our management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting and control of our assets to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. No changes in our internal control over financial reporting or control of assets occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting or control over our assets.

 

In the course of our operations, we may become a party to legal proceedings. We are not aware of any material pending or threatened legal proceedings.

There have been no material changes in the risk factors faced by the Company from those disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 6.Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-Q, and this list includes the exhibit index:

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Exhibit Index

		No.		Description
	3.1		Amended Articles of Incorporation of Registrant (restated in electronic format as of September 3, 2003) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004).
	3.2		Bylaws of Registrant (restated in electronic format as of March 17, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 15, 2004).
	31.1		Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 2004.
	31.2		Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 2004.
	32		Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.