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REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 2007

Commission File Number: 000-17007

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of business issuer as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
23-2486815
(State or other jurisdiction of
IRS Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)
Number

1608 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19103
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

215-735-4422
(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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
 
YES X 
NO____

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):
 
Large accelerated filer ____
Accelerated Filer _X__
Non-accelerated filer ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
 
 
YES____  
 NO__X__
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest  practicable date.
10,446,692 shares of Issuer's Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share, issued and outstanding as of May 8, 2007

Page 1
 
Exhibit index appears on page 29







TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
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2


 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Page
   
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   




3


Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
Dollars in thousands, except per share data


ASSETS:
 
March 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
   
(unaudited)
     
Cash and due from banks
 
$
11,543
 
$
19,454
 
Interest bearing deposits with banks
   
682
   
426
 
Federal funds sold
   
26,456
   
63,247
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
38,681
   
83,127
 
               
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
   
101,155
   
102,039
 
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
             
    (Fair value of $294 and $338, respectively)
   
291
   
333
 
Restricted stock, at cost
   
8,072
   
6,804
 
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of
             
     $8,355 and $8,058, respectively)
   
824,087
   
784,002
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
6,809
   
5,648
 
Other real estate owned, net
   
572
   
572
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
5,773
   
5,370
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
11,395
   
11,294
 
Other assets
   
10,185
   
9,635
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,007,020
 
$
1,008,824
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
             
Liabilities:
             
Deposits:
             
Demand – non-interest-bearing
 
$
78,100
 
$
78,131
 
Demand – interest-bearing
   
45,500
   
47,573
 
Money market and savings
   
334,303
   
260,246
 
Time less than $100,000
   
132,774
   
138,566
 
Time over $100,000
   
223,451
   
230,257
 
    Total Deposits
   
814,128
   
754,773
 
               
Short-term borrowings
   
96,796
   
159,723
 
Accrued interest payable
   
5,803
   
5,224
 
Other liabilities
   
7,181
   
8,184
 
Subordinated debt
   
6,186
   
6,186
 
Total Liabilities
   
930,094
   
934,090
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
             
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized;
             
    no shares issued as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized;
             
    shares issued 10,721,753 as of March 31, 2007
             
    and 9,746,312 as of December 31, 2006
   
107
   
97
 
Additional paid in capital
   
74,831
   
63,342
 
Retained earnings
   
4,146
   
13,511
 
Treasury stock at cost (275,611 and 250,555 shares, respectively)
   
(1,688
)
 
(1,688
)
Stock held by deferred compensation plan
   
(810
)
 
(810
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
340
   
282
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
   
76,926
   
74,734
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
1,007,020
 
$
1,008,824
 
               

 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)


4


Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Dollars in thousands, except per share data
(unaudited)


   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Interest income:
         
      Interest and fees on loans
 
$
15,300
 
$
14,154
 
      Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
   
235
   
400
 
      Interest and dividends on investment securities
   
1,542
   
509
 
      Total interest income
   
17,077
   
15,063
 
               
Interest expense:
             
      Demand interest-bearing
   
100
   
122
 
      Money market and savings
   
3,022
   
1,699
 
      Time less than $100,000
   
1,820
   
1,149
 
      Time over $100,000
   
2,451
   
2,294
 
      Other borrowings
   
2,119
   
490
 
      Total interest expense
   
9,512
   
5,754
 
Net interest income
   
7,565
   
9,309
 
Provision for loan losses
   
80
   
1,313
 
Net interest income after provision
             
      for loan losses
   
7,485
   
7,996
 
               
Non-interest income:
             
      Loan advisory and servicing fees
   
212
   
511
 
      Service fees on deposit accounts
   
302
   
453
 
      Bank owned life insurance
   
101
   
87
 
      Other income
   
25
   
64
 
     
640
   
1,115
 
Non-interest expenses:
             
      Salaries and employee benefits
   
2,616
   
2,924
 
      Occupancy
   
537
   
435
 
      Depreciation and amortization
   
334
   
200
 
      Legal
   
77
   
167
 
      Other real estate
   
3
   
1
 
      Advertising
   
85
   
49
 
      Data processing
   
159
   
130
 
      Insurance
   
93
   
81
 
      Professional fees
   
126
   
120
 
      Taxes, other
   
203
   
215
 
      Other expenses
   
762
   
719
 
 
   
4,995
   
5,041
 
               
Income before provision for income taxes
   
3,130
   
4,070
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,026
   
1,399
 
               
Net income
 
$
2,104
 
$
2,671
 
               
Net income per share (1):
             
Basic
 
$
0.20
 
$
0.26
 
Diluted
 
$
0.20
 
$
0.25
 
               
(1) 2006 amounts adjusted for 10% stock dividend paid on April 17, 2007
               


(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
5

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Dollars in thousands
(unaudited)
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net income
 
$
2,104
 
$
2,671
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
             
cash provided by operating activities:
             
Provision for loan losses
   
80
   
1,313
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
334
   
200
 
Stock based compensation
   
26
   
-
 
Amortization of (premiums) discounts on investment securities
   
(39
)
 
50
 
Increase in value of bank owned life insurance
   
(101
)
 
(87
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
             
and other assets
   
(953
)
 
(1,121
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
             
and other liabilities
   
(424
)
 
1,909
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
1,027
   
4,935
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Purchase of securities:
             
Available for sale
   
(731
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities:
             
Held to maturity
   
42
   
-
 
Available for sale
   
1,712
   
768
 
Purchase of restricted stock
   
(1,268
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from sale of restricted stock
   
-
   
1,182
 
Net increase in loans
   
(40,165
)
 
(24,951
)
Premises and equipment expenditures
   
(1,495
)
 
(357
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(41,905
)
 
(23,358
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
4
   
665
 
Net increase in demand, money market and savings deposits
   
71,953
   
2,172
 
Repayment of short term borrowings
   
(62,927
)
 
(18,867
)
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits
   
(12,598
)
 
24,849
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(3,568
)
 
8,819
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(44,446
)
 
(9,604
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
83,127
   
106,974
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
38,681
 
$
97,370
 
Supplemental disclosure:
             
Interest paid
 
$
8,933
 
$
4,735
 
               
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
6

 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Dollars in thousands
 (unaudited)
 
 
   
 
 
Comprehensive
Income
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
 
Additional
Paid in
Capital
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
Treasury Stock at Cost
 
Stock Held by
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                   
                                   
Balance January 1, 2007
       
$
97
 
$
63,342
 
$
13,511
 
$
(1,688
)
$
(810
)
$
282
 
$
74,734
 
 
Total other comprehensive income,
    net of taxes of $44
   
58
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
58
   
58
 
Net income
   
2,104
   
-
   
-
   
2,104
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,104
 
Total comprehensive income 
 
$
2,162
                                           
Stock based compensation
         
-
   
26
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
26
 
Stock dividend
(974,441 shares)
         
10
   
11,459
   
(11,469
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Options exercised
(1,000 shares)
         
-
   
4
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
4
 
                                                   
                                                   
Balance March 31, 2007
       
$
107
 
$
74,831
 
$
4,146
 
$
(1,688
)
$
(810
)     
$
340
 
$
76,926
 
                                                   
                                                   
 
 
 
   
Comprehensive
Income 
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid in
Capital
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
Treasury Stock at Cost
 
 
Stock Held by
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
 
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                                   
                                                   
Balance January 1, 2006
       
$
88
 
$
50,203
 
$
15,566
 
$
(1,688
)
$
(573
)
$
81
 
$
63,677
 
 
Total other comprehensive loss,
    net of taxes of ($54)
   
(85
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
         
(85
)
 
(85
)
Net income
   
2,671
   
-
   
-
   
2,671
   
-
         
-
   
2,671-
 
Total comprehensive income 
 
$
2,586
                                           
Stock dividend declared
(885,612 shares)
         
8
   
12,169
   
(12,177
)
                   
-
 
Options exercised
(111,436 shares)
         
1
   
664
   
-
   
-
         
-
   
665
 
                                                   
                                                   
Balance March 31, 2006
       
$
97
 
$
63,036
 
$
6,060
 
$
(1,688
)     
$
(573
)
$
(4
)
$
66,928
 
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 

7


 
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1: Organization
 
 Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (“the Company”) spun off its former subsidiary, the First Bank of Delaware, through a pro-rata distribution of one share of the common stock of the First Bank of Delaware (“FBD”) for every share of the Company’s common stock outstanding in 2005. The Company is a one-bank holding company organized and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is comprised of one wholly owned subsidiary, Republic First Bank (“Republic”), a Pennsylvania state chartered bank. Republic offers a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through its offices and branches in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Camden counties.
 
Both Republic and FBD share data processing, accounting, human resources and compliance services through BSC Services Corp. (”BSC”), which is a subsidiary of FBD. BSC allocates its cost on the basis of usage, to Republic and FBD, which classify such costs to the appropriate non-interest expense categories.
 
The Company and Republic encounter vigorous competition for market share in the geographic areas they serve from bank holding companies, other community banks, thrift institutions and other non-bank financial organizations, such as mutual fund companies, insurance companies and brokerage companies.

The Company and Republic are subject to regulations of certain state and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically examine the Company and its subsidiary for adherence to laws and regulations. As a consequence, the cost of doing business may be affected.


Note 2:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
 
Basis of Presentation:
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles 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. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2007. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
 
Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates:
 
The earnings of the Company depend on the earnings of Republic. Earnings are dependent primarily upon the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding their exposure to change in the interest rate environment.
 
 
8

 
Prepayments on residential real estate mortgage and other fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities vary significantly and may cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, other than temporary impairment of investment securities and the realization of deferred tax assets. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates. In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management considers current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows and other relevant factors. Since these estimates are dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond Republic’s control, it is at least reasonably possible that the estimates could differ materially in the near term. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. To determine whether a loss in value is other-than-temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in the fair value. The term "other-than-temporary" is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized. In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, management makes assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require us to make judgments about out future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.
 
The Company and Republic are subject to federal and state regulations governing virtually all aspects of their activities, including but not limited to, lines of business, liquidity, investments, the payment of dividends, and others. Such regulations and the cost of adherence to such regulations can have a significant impact on earnings and financial condition.
 
Share-Based Compensation:

At March 31, 2007, the Company maintains a Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) under which the Company grants options to its employees and directors. Under terms of the plan, 1.5 million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that may be available for grant under the plan to 1.5 million shares, are reserved for such options. The Plan provides that the exercise price of each option granted equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Any options granted vest within one to five years and has a maximum term of 10 years. The Black-Sholes option pricing model is utilized to determine the fair market value of stock options. In 2007 the following assumptions were utilized; a dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 25.24%; a risk-free interest rate of 4.70% and an expected life of 7.0 years. A dividend yield of 0% is utilized, because cash dividends have never been paid. The expected life reflects a 3 to 4 year “all or nothing” vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior. The volatility was based on Bloomberg’s seven year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the seven year Treasury bond. No shares vested in the first quarter of 2007, but expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest. There were 12,100 unvested options at January 1, 2007 with a fair value of $61,710 with $46,282 of that amount remaining to be recognized as expense. At March 31, 2007, there were 105,050 unvested options with a fair value of $486,885 with $445, 881 of that amount remaining to be recognized as expense. At that date, the intrinsic value of the 753,299 options outstanding was $4,097,947, while the intrinsic value of the 648,249 exercisable (vested) was $4,096,934. During the first quarter of 2007, 6,050 options were forfeited, with a weighted average grant fair value of $30,855.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options under the Stock Option Plan as of March 31, 2007 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented below:
 
 
9


   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
   
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding, beginning of year
   
661,449
 
$
5.55
   
780,309
 
$
5.43
 
Granted
   
99,000
   
11.77
   
-
   
-
 
Exercised
   
(1,100
)
 
(3.88
)
 
(122,579
)
 
(5.43
)
Forfeited
   
(6,050
)
 
(12.14
)
 
-
   
-
 
Outstanding, end of period
   
753,299
   
6.31
   
657,730
   
5.43
 
                           
Options exercisable at period-end
   
648,249
   
5.43
   
657,730
   
5.43
 
                           
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period
       
$
4.61
       
$
-
 
                           
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Number of options exercised
   
1,100
   
122,579
 
Cash received
 
$
4,270
 
$
665,875
 
Intrinsic value
   
8,699
   
836,019
 
Tax benefit
   
3,045
   
292,607
 

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding under the Stock Option Plan as of March 31, 2007.

       
   
Options outstanding
 
 Options exercisable
 
 
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
 
 
Weighted
Average
exercise
price
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$1.81
   
114,040
   
3.8
 
$
1.81
   
114,040
 
$
1.81
 
$2.72 to $3.55
   
176,650
   
5.0
   
2.94
   
176,650
   
2.94
 
$3.76 to $4.62
   
27,825
   
4.5
   
4.00
   
27,825
   
4.00
 
$6.03 to $6.74
   
169,942
   
6.8
   
6.23
   
169,942
   
6.23
 
$9.94 to $12.14
   
264,842
   
8.8
   
10.81
   
159,792
   
10.16
 
     
753,299
       
$
6.31
   
648,249
 
$
5.43
 
                                 



   
For the Three Months Ended,
 
   
March 31, 2007
 
   
 
 
 Number of shares
 
Weighted average
grant date fair value
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
   
12,100
 
$
5.10
 
Granted
   
99,000
   
4.61
 
Vested
   
-
   
-
 
Forfeited
   
(6,050
)
 
(5.10
)
Nonvested at end of period
   
105,050
 
$
4.64
 
               
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, $26,000 was recognized in compensation expense, with a 35% assumed tax benefit, for the Stock Option Plan. The Company granted no options during the three months ended March 31, 2006, accordingly no compensation expense was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2006.
 
 
10


 
Note 3: Reclassifications and Restatement for 10% Stock Dividend

Certain items in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation format. There was no effect on net income for the periods presented herein as a result of reclassifications. All applicable amounts in these consolidated financial statements (including stock options and earnings per share information) have been restated for a 10% stock dividend paid on April 17, 2007.


Note 4:  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments. This statement amends FASB Statements No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. This statement resolves issues addressed in Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets. This Statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2007. The adoption did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Asset- An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. This statement amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This statement requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. It also permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. The Company adopted this statement effective January 1, 2007. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption did not have any impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) in Issue 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements. EITF 06-4 applies to life insurance arrangements that provide an employee with a specified benefit that is not limited to the employee’s active service period, including certain bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies. EITF 06-4 requires an employer to recognize a liability and related compensation costs for future benefits that extend to postretirement periods. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, with earlier application permitted. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of this consensus, which may require the Company to recognize an additional liability and compensation expense related to its BOLI policies.
 
 
 
11


In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF in Issue 06-5, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance - Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance. Technical Bulletin No. 85-4 states that an entity should report as an asset in the statement of financial position the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract. EITF 06-5 clarifies certain factors that should be considered in the determination of the amount that could be realized. EITF 06-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application permitted under certain circumstances. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2007. The adoption did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB Statement No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FASB Statement No. 157 on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB No. 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a potential current year misstatement. Prior to SAB No. 108, companies might evaluate the materiality of financial-statement misstatements using either the income statement or balance sheet approach, with the income statement approach  focusing on new misstatements added in the current year, and the balance sheet approach focusing on the cumulative amount of misstatement present in a company’s balance sheet. Misstatements that would be material under one approach could be viewed as immaterial under another approach, and not be corrected. SAB No. 108 now requires that companies view financial statement misstatements as material if they are material according to either the income statement or balance sheet approach. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2007. The adoption did not have any effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No.157. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FASB Statement No. 159 on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements” (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of EITF 06-10 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In March 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF 06-11 requires companies to recognize the income tax benefit realized from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and paid to employees for nonvested equity-classified employee share-based payment awards as an increase to additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2007. The Company does not expect EITF 06-11 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
12

 
Note 5: Legal Proceedings
 
The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business. While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management, after reviewing pending actions with legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liabilities of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
 
Note 6: Segment Reporting
 
The Company has one reportable segment: community banking. The community bank segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as consumer loan products in the area surrounding its branches.
 
Note 7: Earnings Per Share:
 
   Earnings per share (“EPS”) consists of two separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s stock option plan. The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in calculating basic and diluted EPS. CSEs which are anti-dilutive are not included in the following calculation. At March 31, 2007, there were 105,050 stock options to purchase common stock, which were excluded from the computation of earnings per share because the option price was greater than the average market price. No stock options were anti-dilutive at March 31, 2006. The following tables are a comparison of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. EPS has been restated for a stock dividend paid on April 17, 2007 (See Note 3).


       
Three months ended March 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
           
Net Income
 
$
2,104,000
       
$
2,671,000
       
 
   
Per 
               
Per
 
 
   
Shares 
   
Share
 
 
Shares
 
 
Share
 
Weighted average shares
                         
for period
   
10,446,077
         
10,330,110
       
Basic EPS
       
$
0.20
       
$
0.26
 
Add common stock equivalents
representing dilutive stock options
   
311,876
         
274,819
       
Effect on basic EPS of dilutive CSE
       
$
-
       
$
(.01
)
Equals total weighted average
                         
shares and CSE (diluted)
   
10,757,953
         
10,604,929
       
Diluted EPS
       
$
0.20
       
$
0.25
 
 
13

 
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of significant changes in the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and capital resources presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Certain statements in this document may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words “may,” “believes,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For example, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in: general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures; new service and product offerings by competitors and price pressures; and similar items. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed by the Company in 2007 and 2006, and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company, as well as other filings.

Financial Condition:

March 31, 2007 Compared to December 31, 2006
 
Assets decreased $1.8 million to $1.007 billion at March 31, 2007, versus $1.009 billion at December 31, 2006. This decrease reflected a $44.4 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents partially offset by a $40.1 million increase in net loans.
 
Loans:
 
The loan portfolio represents the Company’s largest asset category and is its most significant source of interest income. The Company’s lending strategy focuses on small and medium size businesses and professionals that seek highly personalized banking services. Net loans increased $40.1 million, to $824.1 million at March 31, 2007, versus $784.0 million at December 31, 2006. Substantially all of the increase resulted from commercial and construction loans. The loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, automobile loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit and others. Commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to the legal lending limit of approximately $13.3 million at March 31, 2007. Individual customers may have several loans that are secured by different collateral, which were in total subject to that lending limit.
 
 
14

 
Investment Securities:
 
Investment securities available-for-sale are investments which may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions and for liquidity and other purposes. The Company’s investment securities available-for-sale consist primarily of U.S. Government debt securities, U.S. Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, and debt securities which include corporate bonds and trust preferred securities. Available-for-sale securities totaled $101.2 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $102.0 million at year-end 2006. The decrease reflected principal payments on mortgage backed securities. At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the portfolio had net unrealized gains of $515,000 and $427,000, respectively.
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity are investments for which there is the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. These investments are carried at amortized cost. The held-to-maturity portfolio consists primarily of debt securities and stocks. At March 31, 2007, securities held to maturity totaled $291,000, compared to $333,000 at year-end 2006.
 
Restricted Stock:
 
Republic is required to maintain FHLB stock in proportion to its outstanding debt to FHLB. When the debt is repaid, the purchase price of the stock is refunded. At March 31, 2007, FHLB stock totaled $7.9 million, an increase of $1.3 million from $6.7 million at December 31, 2006.
 
Republic is also required to maintain ACBB stock as a condition of a rarely used contingency line of credit. At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, ACBB stock totaled $143,000.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
Cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold comprise this category which consists of the Company’s most liquid assets. The aggregate amount in these three categories decreased by $44.4 million, to $38.7 million at March 31, 2007, from $83.1 million at December 31, 2006, primarily reflecting a decrease in federal funds sold.
 
Fixed Assets:
 
The balance in premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, was $6.8 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $5.6 million at December 31, 2006, reflecting primarily main office relocation expenditures.
 
Other Real Estate Owned:
 
Other real estate owned amounted to $572,000 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance:
 
The balance of bank owned life insurance amounted to $11.4 million at March 31, 2007 and $11.3 million at December 31, 2006. The income earned on these policies is reflected in non-interest income.
 
Other Assets:
 
Other assets increased by $550,000 to $10.2 million at March 31, 2007, from $9.6 million at December 31, 2006, principally resulting from an increase in prepaid taxes and insurance.
 
Deposits:
 
Deposits, which include non-interest and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market, savings and time deposits including some brokered deposits, are Republic’s major source of funding. Deposits are generally solicited from the Company’s market area through the offering of a variety of products to attract and retain customers, with a primary focus on multi-product relationships. Total deposits increased by $59.4 million to $814.1 million at March 31, 2007 from $754.8 million at December 31, 2006. Average transaction account balances increased 6.1% or $22.6 million more than the prior year period to $390.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. Period end time deposits decreased $12.6 million, or 3.4% to $356.2 million at March 31, 2007, versus $368.8 million at the prior year-end. The decrease in period end time deposits was more than offset by a $72.0 million, or 18.6%, increase in period end transaction deposits to $457.9 million at March 31, 2007 versus $386.0 million at December 31, 2006.
 
 
15

 
FHLB Borrowings and Overnight Advances:
 
FHLB borrowings and overnight advances are used to supplement deposit generation. Republic had no term borrowings at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Republic had short-term borrowings (overnight) of $96.8 million at March 31, 2007 versus $159.7 million at the prior year-end.
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
 
Total shareholders’ equity increased $2.2 million to $76.9 million at March 31, 2007, versus $74.7 million at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of year-to-date net income of $2.1 million, with the balance of the increase resulting from an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.


Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 compared to March 31, 2006
Results of Operations:

Overview

The Company's net income decreased to $2.1 million or $0.20 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period. There was a $2.0 million, or 13.4%, increase in total interest income, reflecting a 14.0% increase in average loans outstanding and a 163.0% increase in average investment securities while interest expense increased $3.8 million, reflecting a 320.6% increase in average borrowings outstanding and higher rates on deposits. Accordingly, net interest income decreased $1.7 million between the periods. Contributing to the $1.7 million decrease in net interest income was the impact of $1.5 million in net interest income related to tax refund loans in 2006 which was not earned in the first quarter of 2007 due to the discontinuation of the program. The provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2007 decreased to $80,000, compared to $1.3 million provision expense in the first quarter of 2006, reflecting the impact of $207,000 of tax refund recoveries in first quarter 2007 and $1.1 million in tax refund charge-offs in first quarter 2006. Non-interest income decreased $475,000 to $640,000 in first quarter 2007 compared to $1.1 million in first quarter 2006 due to decreases in fees on loan and deposit accounts. Non-interest expenses decreased $46,000 to $5.0 million compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2006. Return on average assets and average equity from continuing operations of 0.88% and 11.26% respectively, in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 1.33% and 16.63% respectively for the same period in 2006.


16


 
Analysis of Net Interest Income

Historically, the Company's earnings have depended significantly upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is impacted by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Yields are adjusted for tax equivalency in first quarter 2007, as Republic had tax-exempt income. Republic had no tax exempt income on securities in first quarter 2006.
 

   
For the three months ended
 
For the three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2007
 
March 31, 2006
 
Interest-earning assets:
                         
   
 
 
Interest
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
 
Income/
 
Yield/
 
Average
 
Income/
 
Yield/
 
 
 
Balance
 
Expense
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Expense
 
Rate
 
Federal funds sold
                         
and other interest-
                         
earning assets
 
$
19,767
 
$
235
   
4.82
%   
$
36,130
 
$
400
   
4.49
%
Securities
   
109,568
   
1,609
   
5.87
%
 
41,663
   
509
   
4.89
%
Loans receivable
   
798,716
   
15,300
   
7.77
%
 
700,896
   
14,154
   
8.19
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
928,051
   
17,144
   
7.49
%
 
778,689
   
15,063
   
7.85
%
                                       
Other assets
   
37,416
               
37,689
             
                                       
Total assets
 
$
965,467
             
$
816,378
             
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                     
Demand-non interest
                                     
bearing
 
$
77,819
             
$
86,076
             
Demand interest-bearing
   
43,808
 
$
100
   
0.93
%
 
61,943
 
$
122
   
0.80
%
Money market & savings
   
269,000
   
3,022
   
4.56
%
 
220,053
   
1,699
   
3.13
%
Time deposits
   
329,578
   
4,271
   
5.26
%
 
336,529
   
3,443
   
4.15
%
Total deposits
   
720,205
   
7,393
   
4.16
%
 
704,601
   
5,264
   
3.03
%
Total interest-bearing
                                     
deposits
   
642,386
   
7,393
   
4.67
%
 
618,525
   
5,264
   
3.45
%
                                       
Other borrowings (1)
   
155,348
   
2,119
   
5.53
%
 
36,932
   
490
   
5.38
%
                                       
Total interest-bearing
                                     
liabilities
 
$
797,734
 
$
9,512
   
4.84
%
$
655,457
 
$
5,754
   
3.56
%
Total deposits and
                                     
other borrowings
   
875,553
   
9,512
   
4.41
%
 
741,533
   
5,754
   
3.15
%
                                       
Non interest-bearing
                                     
liabilites
   
14,118
               
9,701
             
Shareholders' equity
   
75,796
               
65,144
             
Total liabilities and
                                     
shareholders' equity
 
$
965,467
             
$
816,378
             
                                       
Net interest income
       
$
7,632
             
$
9,309
       
Net interest spread
               
2.65
%
             
4.29
%
                                       
Net interest margin
               
3.34
%
             
4.85
%
                                       
(1) Includes $6.2 million of trust preferred securities
 
                                       

 
17

 

The rate volume table below presents an analysis of the impact on interest income and expense resulting from changes in average volumes and rates during the period. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective changes in average balances and average rates.

Rate/Volume Table


   
Three months ended March 31, 2007
 
 
 
versus March 31, 2006
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Due to change in:
 
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Interest earned on:
             
               
    Federal funds sold
 
$
(197
)
$
32
 
$
(165
)
    Securities
   
984
   
116
   
1,100
 
    Loans
   
1,874
   
(728
)
 
1,146
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
2,661
   
(580
)
 
2,081
 
                     
Interest expense of deposits
                   
    Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
41
   
(19
)
 
22
 
    Money market and savings
   
(550
)
 
(774
)
 
(1,324
)
    Time deposits
   
90
   
(917
)
 
(827
)
     Total deposit interest expense
   
(419
)
 
(1,710
)
 
(2,129
)
             Other borrowings
   
(1,615
)
 
(14
)
 
(1,629
)
             Total interest expense
   
(2,034
)
 
(1,724
)
 
(3,758
)
Net interest income
 
$
627
 
$
(2,304
)
$
(1,677
)
                     
 
The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin decreased 151 basis points to 3.34% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, versus 4.85% in the prior year comparable period. Excluding the impact of tax refund loans, which are substantially all a first quarter 2006 event, the net interest margin was 3.34% in first quarter 2007 and 4.25% in first quarter 2006.

While yields on interest-bearing assets decreased 36 basis points to 7.49% in first quarter 2007 from 7.85% in first quarter 2006, the yield on total deposits and other borrowings increased 126 basis points to 4.41% from 3.15% between those respective periods. The decrease in yields on assets resulted primarily from the high yield tax refund loans recorded in first quarter 2006. The increase in yields on deposits was due to repricing of maturing time deposits as well as increases in short-term rates on money market and savings deposits.
 
The Company's tax equivalent net interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 18.7%, to $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $9.3 million for the prior year comparable period. As shown in the Rate Volume table above, the decrease in net interest income was due primarily to higher rates on deposits and lower rates on loans due to impact of tax refund loans recorded in first quarter 2006 which more than offset the growth in average interest-earning assets. Average interest-earning assets amounted to $928.1 million for first quarter 2007 and $778.7 million for first quarter 2006. The $149.4 million increase resulted from loan growth of $97.8 million and securities growth of $67.9 million.
 
The Company’s total tax equivalent interest income increased $2.0 million, or 13.4%, to $17.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $15.1 million for the prior year comparable period. Interest and fees on loans increased $1.1 million, or 8.1%, to $15.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $14.2 million for the prior year comparable period. The increase in commercial loan interest income of $2.8 million resulted from a 19.6% increase in average commercial loans outstanding. This increase was partially offset by $1.7 million in interest on tax refund loans recorded in 2006 at a yield of 23.9% on average loans outstanding of $28.4 million. Interest and dividends on investment securities increased $1.1 million to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $509,000 for the prior year comparable period. This increase reflected an increase in average securities outstanding of $67.9 million, or 163.0%, to $109.6 million from $41.7 million for the prior year comparable period. Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets decreased $165,000, or 41.3%, as increases in short-term market interest rates were more than offset by the $16.4 million decrease in average balances to $19.8 million for first quarter 2007 from $36.1 million for the comparable prior year period.
 
 
18

 
The Company's total interest expense increased $3.8 million, or 65.3%, to $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $5.8 million for the prior year comparable period. Interest-bearing liabilities averaged $797.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, versus $655.5 million for the prior year comparable period, or an increase of $142.3 million. The increase reflected additional funding utilized for loan growth and securities growth. Average deposit balances increased $15.6 million while there was a $118.4 million increase in average other borrowings. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 128 basis points to 4.84% for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Interest expense on time deposit balances increased $828,000 to $4.3 million in first quarter 2007, from $3.4 million in the comparable prior year period. Money market and savings interest expense increased $1.3 million to $3.0 million in first quarter 2007, from $1.7 million in the comparable prior year period. The majority of the increase in interest expense on deposits reflected the higher short-term interest rate environment. Accordingly, rates on total interest-bearing deposits increased 122 basis points in first quarter 2007 compared to first quarter 2006.

Interest expense on other borrowings increased $1.6 million to $2.1 million in first quarter 2007, as a result of increased average balances. Average other borrowings, primarily overnight FHLB borrowings, increased $118.4 million, or 320.6%, between those respective periods. These increases in balances reflected the reduced growth in deposit balances, of 2.2%, and were required to fund the 19.2% growth in interest-earning assets. Rates on overnight borrowings reflected the higher short-term interest rate environment as the rate of other borrowings increased to 5.53% in first quarter 2007, from 5.38% in the comparable prior year period. Interest expense on other borrowings also includes the impact of $6.2 million of trust preferred securities.

Provision for Loan Losses
 
The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that reflects the known and estimated inherent losses in the portfolio. The provision for loan losses amounted to $80,000 in first quarter 2007 compared to $1.3 million in first quarter 2006. The first quarter 2006 provision reflected $1.1 million for losses on tax refund loans, which were more than offset by $1.5 million in related net revenues. The remaining provision in first quarter 2006 primarily reflected amounts required to increase the allowance for loan growth in accordance with the Company’s methodology. The comparable first quarter 2007 provision reflected $207,000 for recoveries on tax refund loans. The remaining provision in first quarter 2007 also reflected amounts required to increase the allowance for loan growth in accordance with the Company’s methodology.
 
Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income decreased $475,000 to $640,000 for first quarter 2007 compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to a decrease of $299,000 in first quarter 2007 related to loan advisory and servicing fees and a $151,000 decrease in service fees on deposit accounts. The decrease in loan advisory and servicing fees resulted from lower advisory and prepayment fee income. The decrease in service fees on deposit accounts reflected the termination of services to several large customers.
 
 
19

 
Non-Interest Expenses
 
Total non-interest expenses decreased $46,000 or 0.9% to $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $5.1 million for the prior year comparable period. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $308,000 or 10.5%, to $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $2.9 million for the prior year comparable period. That decrease reflected a reduction in bonus and incentive expense and increased salary deferrals based on higher loan originations.
 
Occupancy expense increased $102,000, or 23.4%, to $537,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $435,000 in first quarter 2006. The increase reflected two additional branches which opened in the second and third quarters of 2006.
 
Depreciation expense increased $134,000 or 67.0% to $334,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, versus $200,000 for the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the two additional branch locations.
 
Legal fees decreased $90,000, or 53.9%, to $77,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $167,000 in first quarter 2006, resulting from reduced fees on a number of different matters.
 
Advertising expense increased $36,000, or 73.5%, to $85,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $49,000 in first quarter 2006. The increase was primarily due to higher levels of print and TV advertising.
 
Data processing expense increased $29,000, or 22.3%, to $159,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $130,000 in first quarter 2006, primarily due to Check 21 related expenses.
 
Insurance expense increased $12,000, or 14.8%, to $93,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $81,000 in first quarter 2006, resulting from the overall growth of the Company.
 
Professional fees increased $6,000, or 50%, to $126,000 in first quarter 2007, compared to $120,000 in first quarter 2006.
 
Taxes, other decreased $12,000, or 5.6%, to $203,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, versus $215,000 for the comparable prior year period.
 
Other expenses increased $43,000, or 5.6% to $762,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $719,000 for the prior year comparable period, which reflected the impact of the two additional branch locations.
 


20


Provision for Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes for continuing operations decreased $373,000, to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $1.4 million for the prior year comparable period. That increase was primarily the result of the decrease in pre-tax income. The effective tax rates in those periods were 33% and 34% respectively.
 
Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are commitments to extend credit of approximately $149.7 million and $163.2 million and standby letters of credit of approximately $3.8 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively.
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Republic evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.


21


Regulatory Matters
 
The following table presents the Company’s and Republic’s capital regulatory ratios at March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006:
 
 
 
 
 
 Actual
 
  For Capital 
Adequacy purposes
 
To be well capitalized
under FRB capital guidelines 
 
        
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Dollars in thousands
                         
At March 31, 2007
                         
    Total risk based capital  
 
                         
     Republic
       
$
90,657
   
10.33
%  
$
70,202
   
8.00
%  
$
87,753
   
10.00
%
     Company
         
90,940
   
10.35
%
 
70,292
   
8.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
Tier one risk based capital
                                           
     Republic
         
82,302
   
9.38
%
 
35,101
   
4.00
%
 
52,652
   
6.00
%
     Company
         
82,585
   
9.40
%
 
35,146
   
4.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
Tier one leveraged capital
                                           
     Republic
         
82,302
   
8.54
%
 
48,201
   
5.00
%
 
48,201
   
5.00
%
     Company
         
82,585
   
8.55
%
 
48,223
   
5.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
 
                                             
 
 
 
 
 Actual
 
  For Capital 
Adequacy purposes
 
To be well capitalized
under FRB capital guidelines 
 
        
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
At December 31, 2006
                         
    Total risk based capital  
 
                         
     Republic
       
$
88,256
   
10.28
%  
$
61,009
   
8.00
%  
$
76,261
   
10.00
%
     Company
         
88,510
   
10.30
%
 
61,098
   
8.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
Tier one risk based capital
                                           
     Republic
         
80,198
   
9.34
%
 
30,505
   
4.00
%
 
45,757
   
6.00
%
     Company
         
80,452
   
9.36
%
 
30,549
   
4.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
 
    Tier one leveraged capital
                                           
     Republic
         
80,198
   
8.72
%
 
45,989
   
5.00
%
 
45,989
   
5.00
%
     Company
         
80,452
   
8.75
%
 
45,990
   
5.00
%
 
-
   
N/A
 
 
 Dividend Policy
 
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock, but may consider dividend payments in the future.
 
Liquidity
 
Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, time investment purchases to market conditions and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. The most liquid assets consist of cash, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold.
 
Regulatory authorities require the Company to maintain certain liquidity ratios such that Republic maintains available funds, or can obtain available funds at reasonable rates, in order to satisfy commitments to borrowers and the demands of depositors. In response to these requirements, the Company has formed an Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), comprised of selected members of the board of directors and senior management, which monitors such ratios. The purpose of the Committee is in part, to monitor Republic’s liquidity and adherence to the ratios in addition to managing relative interest rate risk. The ALCO meets at least quarterly.
 
 
22

 
Republic’s most liquid assets, consisting of cash due from banks, deposits with banks and federal funds sold, totaled $38.7 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $83.1 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to a decrease in federal funds sold. Loan maturities and repayments, if not reinvested in loans, also are immediately available for liquidity. At March 31, 2007, Republic estimated that in excess of $50.0 million of loans would mature or be repaid in the six month period that will end September 30, 2007. Additionally, the majority of its securities are available to satisfy liquidity requirements through pledges to the FHLB to access Republic’s line of credit.
 
Funding requirements have historically been satisfied primarily by generating transaction accounts and certificates of deposit with competitive rates, and utilizing the facilities of the FHLB. At March 31, 2007 Republic had $140.7 million in unused lines of credit readily available under arrangements with the FHLB and correspondent banks compared to $82.7 million at December 31, 2006. These lines of credit enable Republic to purchase funds for short or long-term needs at rates often lower than other sources and require pledging of securities or loan collateral. The amount of available credit has been decreasing with the prepayment of mortgage backed loans and securities.
 
At March 31, 2007, Republic had aggregate outstanding commitments (including unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $153.5 million. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year totaled $339.6 million at March 31, 2007. There were no FHLB advances outstanding at March 31, 2007, and short-term borrowings of $96.8 million consisted wholly of overnight FHLB borrowings. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current commitments.
 
Republic’s target and actual liquidity levels are determined by comparisons of the estimated repayment and marketability of its interest-earning assets and projected future outflows of deposits and other liabilities. Republic has established a line of credit with a correspondent bank to assist in managing Republic’s liquidity position. That line of credit totaled $15.0 million and was unused at March 31, 2007. Republic has established a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh with a maximum borrowing capacity of approximately $222.5 million. As of March 31, 2007, Republic had borrowed $96.8 million under that line of credit. Securities also represent a primary source of liquidity. Accordingly, investment decisions generally reflect liquidity over other considerations.
 
Republic’s primary short-term funding sources are certificates of deposit and its securities portfolio. The circumstances that are reasonably likely to affect those sources are as follows. Republic has historically been able to generate certificates of deposit by matching Philadelphia market rates or paying a premium rate of 25 to 50 basis points over those market rates. It is anticipated that this source of liquidity will continue to be available; however, its incremental cost may vary depending on market conditions. Republic’s securities portfolio is also available for liquidity, usually as collateral for FHLB advances. Because of the FHLB’s AAA rating, it is unlikely those advances would not be available. But even if they are not, numerous investment companies would likely provide repurchase agreements up to the amount of the market value of the securities.
 
Republic’s ALCO is responsible for managing its liquidity position and interest sensitivity. That committee’s primary objective is to maximize net interest income while configuring interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk and provide adequate liquidity.

Investment Securities Portfolio
 
At March 31, 2007, the Company had identified certain investment securities that are being held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that will be used as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments and similar factors. These securities are classified as available for sale and are intended to increase the flexibility of the Company’s asset/liability management. Available for sale securities consisted of U.S. Government Agency securities and other investments. The book and market values of investment securities available for sale were $100.6 million and $101.2 million as of March 31, 2007, respectively. The net unrealized gain on investment securities available for sale as of that date was approximately $515,000.
 
 
23


Loan Portfolio

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate loans, loans secured by one-to-four family residential property, commercial construction and residential construction loans as well as residential mortgages, home equity loans, short-term consumer and other consumer loans. Commercial loans are primarily term loans made to small to medium-sized businesses and professionals for working capital, asset acquisition and other purposes. Commercial loans are originated as either fixed or variable rate loans with typical terms of 1 to 5 years. Republic’s commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s combined legal lending limit of approximately $13.3 million at March 31, 2007. Individual customers may have several loans often secured by different collateral.
 
Net loans increased $40.1 million, to $824.1 million at March 31, 2007, from $784.0 million at December 31, 2006. Commercial and construction growth comprised substantially all of that increase.
 
The following table sets forth the Company's gross loans by major categories for the periods indicated:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
As of March 31, 2007
 
As of December 31, 2006
 
 
 
Balance
 
% of Total
 
Balance
 
% of Total
 
Commercial:
                 
      Real estate secured
 
$
499,630
   
60.0
%
$
465,506
   
58.8
%
      Construction and land development
   
223,868
   
26.9
   
218,671
   
27.6
 
      Non real estate secured
   
76,215
   
9.2
   
71,816
   
9.1
 
      Non real estate unsecured
   
6,120
   
0.7
   
8,598
   
1.1
 
     
805,833
   
96.8
   
764,591
   
96.6
 
                           
Residential real estate
   
6,093
   
0.7
   
6,517
   
0.8
 
Consumer & other
   
20,516
   
2.5
   
20,952
   
2.6
 
Total loans, net of unearned income
   
832,442
   
100.0
%
 
792,060
   
100.0
%
                           
Less: allowance for loan losses
   
(8,355
)
       
(8,058
)
     
                           
Net loans
 
$
824,087
       
$
784,002
       
                           

Credit Quality

Republic’s written lending policies require specified underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding, with independent credit department approval for the majority of new loan balances. A committee of the Board of Directors oversees the loan approval process to monitor that proper standards are maintained and approves the majority of commercial loans.
 
Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of interest or principal for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt.
 
 
24

 
Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms.
 
While a loan is classified as non-accrual or as an impaired loan and the future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding. When the future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a non-accrual loan had been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.
 
The following summary shows information concerning loan delinquency and other non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
   
March 31,
2007
 
December 31,
 2006
 
(dollars in thousands)
         
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Non-accrual loans
   
9,089
   
6,916
 
Total non-performing loans (1)
   
9,089
   
6,916
 
Other real estate owned
   
572
   
572
 
               
Total non-performing assets (2)
 
$
9,661
 
$
7,488
 
               
 
Non-performing loans as a percentage
    of total loans net of unearned
             
    Income
   
1.09
%
 
0.87
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage
     of total assets
   
0.96
%
 
0.74
%
 
(1)
Non-performing loans are comprised of (i) loans that are on a nonaccrual basis; (ii) accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due and (iii) restructured loans.
(2)
Non-performing assets are composed of non-performing loans and other real estate owned (assets acquired in foreclosure).

Non accrual-loans increased $2.2 million, to $9.1 million at March 31, 2007, from $6.9 million at December 31, 2006. The increase reflected the transition of one loan totaling $2.5 million to non accrual status in first quarter 2007 from 60 to 89 days past due at December 31, 2006.

Problem loans consist of loans that are included in performing loans, but for which potential credit problems of the borrowers have caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to continue to comply with present repayment terms. At March 31, 2007, all identified problem loans are included in the preceding table or are classified as substandard or doubtful, with a specific reserve allocation in the allowance for loan losses (see “Allowance For Loan Losses”). Management believes that the appraisals and other estimates of the value of the collateral pledged against the non-accrual loans generally exceed the amount of its outstanding balances.
 
 
25

 
The recorded investment in loans which are impaired totaled $9.1 million at March 31, 2007, and $6.9 million at December 31, 2006, and the amount of related valuation allowances were $1.8 million and $1.8 million respectively at those dates. There were no commitments to extend credit to any borrowers with impaired loans as of the end of the periods presented herein.

At March 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006, accruing substandard loans had decreased to $142,000 from $162,000; while doubtful loans remained at $1.2 million from the $1.2 million balance at December 31, 2006. There were no loans classified as loss at those dates.
 
Republic had delinquent loans as follows: (i) 30 to 59 days past due, in the aggregate principal amount of $3.5 million at March 31, 2007 and $40,000 at December 31, 2006; and (ii) 60 to 89 days past due, at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, in the aggregate principal amount of $74,000 and $2.5 million, respectively. The increase in the loans delinquent 30 to 59 days reflects a $3.4 million loan transferred to special mention status. The decrease in the loans delinquent 60 to 89 days reflects the $2.5 million loan transferred to non accrual status.

Other Real Estate Owned:
The balance of other real estate owned amounted to $572,000 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. There was no activity during 2007.
 
At March 31, 2007, the Company had no credit exposure to "highly leveraged transactions" as defined by the Federal Reserve Bank.

Allowance for Loan Losses
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and 2006, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:

               
   
For the three months ended
 
For the twelve months ended
 
For the three months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
March 31, 2006
 
               
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
8,058
 
$
7,617
 
$
7,617
 
Charge-offs:
                   
Commercial and construction
   
-
   
601
   
67
 
Tax refund loans
   
-
   
1,286
   
1,060
 
Consumer
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total charge-offs
   
-
   
1,887
   
1,127
 
Recoveries:
                   
Commercial and construction
   
9
   
37
   
-
 
Tax refund loans
   
207
   
927
   
-
 
Consumer
   
1
   
-
   
-
 
Total recoveries
   
217
   
964
   
-
 
Net charge-offs
   
(217
)
 
923
   
1,127
 
Provision for loan losses
   
80
   
1,364
   
1,313
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
8,355
 
$
8,058
 
$
7,803
 
Average loans outstanding (1)
 
$
798,716
 
$
728,754
 
$
700,896
 
                     
 
As a percent of average loans (1):
                   
Net charge-offs (annualized)
   
(0.11)
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.65
%
Provision for loan losses (annualized)
   
0.04
%
 
0.19
%
 
0.76
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
1.05
%
 
1.11
%
 
1.11
%
Allowance for loan losses to:
                   
Total loans, net of unearned income at period end
   
1.00
%
 
1.02
%
 
1.11
%
Total non-performing loans at period end
   
91.92
%
 
116.51
%
 
219.43
%
(1) Includes nonaccruing loans.
 
26

 
Management makes at least a quarterly determination as to an appropriate provision from earnings to maintain an allowance for loan losses that is management’s best estimate of known and inherent losses. The Company’s Board of Directors periodically reviews the status of all non-accrual and impaired loans and loans classified by the Republic’s regulators or internal loan review officer, who reviews both the loan portfolio and overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The Board of Directors also considers specific loans, pools of similar loans, historical charge-off activity, economic conditions and other relevant factors in reviewing the adequacy of the loan loss reserve. Any additions deemed necessary to the allowance for loan losses are charged to operating expenses.
 
The Company has an existing loan review program, which monitors the loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. Loan review is conducted by a loan review officer who reports quarterly, directly to the Board of Directors.
 
Estimating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses at any given date is difficult, particularly in a continually changing economy. In management’s opinion, the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at March 31, 2007. However, there can be no assurance that, if asset quality deteriorates in future periods, additions to the allowance for loan losses will not be required.
 
Republic’s management is unable to determine in which loan category future charge-offs and recoveries may occur. The entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb loan losses in any loan category. The majority of the Company's loan portfolio represents loans made for commercial purposes, while significant amounts of residential property may serve as collateral for such loans. The Company attempts to evaluate larger loans individually, on the basis of its loan review process, which scrutinizes loans on a selective basis and other available information. Even if all commercial purpose loans could be reviewed, there is no assurance that information on potential problems would be available. The Company's portfolios of loans made for purposes of financing residential mortgages and consumer loans are evaluated in groups. At March 31, 2007, loans made for commercial and construction, residential mortgage and consumer purposes, respectively, amounted to $805.8 million, $6.1 million and $20.5 million.

Effects of Inflation

The majority of assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. Therefore, a financial institution differs greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories. Management believes that the most significant impact of inflation on financial results is the Company’s need and ability to react to changes in interest rates. As discussed previously, management attempts to maintain an essentially balanced position between rate sensitive assets and liabilities over a one year time horizon in order to protect net interest income from being affected by wide interest rate fluctuations.


27


ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no material change in the Company’s assessment of its sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
 
ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
        (a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. 
 
 Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 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 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports 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 that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. 
 
(b)  Changes in internal controls. 
 
 There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting during our quarter ended March 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 


28



PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
No material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K in response to Item 1A in Part 1 of Form 10-K.


ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None  
 
ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None

ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None


ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION
None

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS    
 
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report. (Exhibit numbers correspond to the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K for an annual report on Form 10-K)  

Exhibit No.
 

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Issuer has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
   
   
 
____________________________________
 
/s/Harry D. Madonna
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
 
____________________________________  
 
/s/Paul Frenkiel
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
Dated: May 10, 2007

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