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REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

republicfirst10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended: September 30, 2009

Commission File Number: 000-17007

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

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

50 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
 
(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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
YES  X 
NO____
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
YES ____   
NO____   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ____
Accelerated Filer  X  
 
 
Non-Accelerated filer ____ Smaller reporting company ____  

      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 latestpracticable date.
10,665,635 shares of Issuer’s Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share, issued and outstanding as of November 9, 2009

Page 1

Exhibit index appears on page 39



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Part I:  Financial Information
Page
   
Item 1: Financial Statements (unaudited)
   
Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
 
   
Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
   
Item 4:  Controls and Procedures
   
Part II: Other Information
 
   
Item 1: Legal Proceedings
   
Item 1A: Risk Factors
   
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
Item 5: Other Information
   
Item 6: Exhibits
   
Signatures


2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION



ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Page
   
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended
 
September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
 
September 30, 2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
   


3


Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)

ASSETS:
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 47,653     $ 12,925  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    155       334  
Federal funds sold
    29,207       21,159  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    77,015       34,418  
                 
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
    102,108       83,032  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
               
     (Fair value of $170 and $214, respectively)
    160       198  
Restricted stock, at cost
    6,836       6,836  
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of
               
     $12,644 and $8,409, respectively)
    697,073       774,673  
Premises and equipment, net
    24,729       14,209  
Other real estate owned, net
    10,847       8,580  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,428       3,939  
Bank owned life insurance
    12,312       12,118  
Other assets
    17,943       13,977  
Total Assets
  $ 952,451     $ 951,980  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
Demand – non-interest-bearing
  $ 92,017     $ 70,814  
Demand – interest-bearing
    47,418       43,044  
Money market and savings
    303,111       231,643  
Time less than $100,000
    141,597       139,708  
Time over $100,000
    239,495       253,958  
    Total Deposits
    823,638       739,167  
                 
Short-term borrowings
    -       77,309  
FHLB Advances
    25,000       25,000  
Accrued interest payable
    2,928       2,540  
Other liabilities
    5,626       6,161  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       22,476  
Total Liabilities
    879,668       872,653  
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized;
               
    no shares issued as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
    -       -  
Common stock par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized;
               
    shares issued 11,081,938 as of September 30, 2009
               
    and 11,047,651 as of December 31, 2008
    111       110  
Additional paid in capital
    77,001       76,629  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (167 )     8,455  
Treasury stock at cost (416,303 shares)
    (3,099 )     (3,099 )
Stock held by deferred compensation plan
    (538 )     (1,377 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (525 )     (1,391 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    72,783       79,327  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 952,451     $ 951,980  
                 




(See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements)


4


 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest income:
                       
   Interest and fees on loans
  $ 9,705     $ 12,208     $ 29,558     $ 37,821  
   Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities
    871       1,173       2,843       3,315  
   Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities
    109       106       325       326  
   Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    28       45       50       199  
   Total interest income
    10,713       13,532       32,776       41,661  
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
   Demand- interest bearing
    78       68       218       283  
   Money market and savings
    1,366       1,625       3,841       4,663  
   Time less than $100,000
    1,035       1,671       3,395       5,900  
   Time over $100,000
    928       1,545       3,249       5,925  
   Other borrowings
    501       1,005       1,618       3,046  
Total interest expense
    3,908       5,914       12,321       19,817  
Net interest income
    6,805       7,618       20,455       21,844  
Provision for loan losses
    150       43       13,200       5,898  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,655       7,575       7,255       15,946  
                                 
Non-interest income:
                               
    Loan advisory and servicing fees
    91       120       381       270  
    Service fees on deposit accounts
    305       300       970       884  
    Mastercard transaction
    -       -       -       309  
    Legal settlement
    -       -       -       100  
    Gain on sale of investment security
    -       -       -       5  
    Impairment charges on investment securities
    (242 )     -       (441 )     -  
    Bank owned life insurance income
    62       98       194       311  
    Other non-interest income
    34       154       180       294  
   Total non-interest income
    250       672       1,284       2,173  
Non-interest expenses:
                               
   Salaries and employee benefits
    3,094       2,319       9,727       7,752  
   Occupancy
    811       611       2,250       1,809  
   Depreciation and amortization
    460       342       1,168       1,007  
   Legal
    82       249       762       720  
   Write down/loss on sale of other real estate owned
    105       559       1,424       1,615  
   Other real estate
    83       163       235       505  
   Advertising
    68       75       126       353  
   Data processing
    148       214       630       620  
   Insurance
    154       149       482       401  
   Professional fees
    340       315       1,296       558  
   Regulatory assessments and costs
    312       151       1,079       381  
   Taxes, other
    246       207       744       719  
   Other operating expenses
    797       654       2,481       2,077  
Total non-interest expense
    6,700       6,008       22,404       18,517  
                                 
Income (Loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
    205       2,239       (13,865 )     (398 )
Provision (benefit)  for income taxes
    20       706       (4,855 )     (342 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 185     $ 1,533     $ (9,010 )   $ (56 )
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.02     $ 0.14     $ (0.85 )   $ (0.01 )
Diluted
  $ 0.02     $ 0.14     $ (0.85 )   $ (0.01 )
 
(See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements)

 
5

 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
                (unaudited)
 

 
   
 
Comprehensive
Loss
   
 
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid in
Capital
   
 
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
   
 
Treasury
Stock
   
Stock Held by
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                                 
                                                 
Balance January 1, 2009
        $ 110     $ 76,629     $ 8,455     $ (3,099 )   $ (1,377 )   $ (1,391 )   $ 79,327  
 
Total other comprehensive
gain, net of tax of $785
    1,254                                     1,254       1,254  
Net loss
    (9,010 )                 (9,010 )                       (9,010 )
Total comprehensive loss
  $ (7,756 )                                                        
 
Cumulative effect adjustment:
                                               
Reclassify non-credit
component of previously
recognized OTTI
                      388                   (388 )      
Share based compensation
                207                               207  
Options exercised
(34,287 shares)
          1       165                               166  
Deferred compensation plan
distribution
                                  839             839  
                                                               
Balance September 30, 2009
        $ 111     $ 77,001     $ (167 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (538 )   $ (525 )   $ 72,783  
                                                               
                                                               
   
 
Comprehensive
Loss
   
 
Common
Stock
   
Additional Paid in
Capital
   
 
Retained
Earnings
   
 
Treasury Stock
   
Stock Held by
Deferred
Compensation
Plan
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                                                               
                                                               
Balance January 1, 2008
        $ 107     $ 75,321     $ 8,927     $ (2,993 )   $ (1,165 )   $ 270     $ 80,467  
 
Total other comprehensive loss,
net of tax benefit of $(1,099)
    (2,133 )                                   (2,133 )     (2,133 )
Net loss
    (56 )                 (56 )                       (56 )
Total comprehensive loss
  $ (2,189 )                                                        
Stock based compensation
                  94                               94  
Options exercised
(294,402 shares)
            3       882                               885  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Balance September 30, 2008
          $ 110     $ 76,297     $ 8,871     $ (2,993 )   $ (1,165 )   $ (1,863 )   $ 79,257  
                                                                 


 (See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements)



6


Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
Dollars in thousands
(unaudited)
 
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (9,010 )   $ (56 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
               
cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    13,200       5,898  
Write down or loss on sale of other real estate owned
    1,424       1,615  
Depreciation  and amortization
    1,168       1,007  
Deferred compensation plan distribution
    839       -  
Share based compensation
    207       94  
Gain on sale of investment security
    -       (5 )
Impairment charges on investment securities
    441       -  
Amortization of discounts on investment securities
    (161 )     (168 )
Increase in value of bank owned life insurance
    (194 )     (311 )
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    (4,000 )     (627 )
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    (147 )     (2,382 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,767       5,065  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of securities:
               
Available for sale
    (29,985 )     (16,366 )
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities:
               
Held to maturity
    38       79  
Available for sale
    12,428       10,621  
Purchase of restricted stock
    -       (43 )
Net decrease in loans
    60,348       21,514  
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    361       14,870  
Premises and equipment expenditures
    (11,688 )     (4,130 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    31,502       26,545  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options
    166       885  
Net increase (decrease) in demand, money market and savings deposits
    97,045       (7,705 )
Net decrease in short term borrowings
    (77,309 )     (32,751 )
Increase in other borrowings
    -       25,000  
Issuance of subordinated debt
    -       11,135  
Net decrease in time deposits
    (12,574 )     (43,663 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    7,328       (47,099 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    42,597       (15,489 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    34,418       73,225  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 77,015     $ 57,736  
Supplemental disclosure:
               
Interest paid
  $ 11,933     $ 20,716  
Taxes paid
  $ -     $ 400  
Non-monetary transfers from loans to other real estate owned
  $ 4,052     $ 21,384  
                 


 
 

 
(See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements)
 
7

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

Note 1:  Definitive Agreement of Merger:
 
On November 7, 2008, the board of directors of Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (“the Company”) approved an agreement and plan of merger, pursuant to which the Company will be merged with and into Metro Bancorp, Inc. (“Metro”) formerly known as Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp, Inc. (“Pennsylvania Commerce”), subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.  Approvals were obtained from the Company’s shareholders on March 18, 2009 and Metro’s shareholders on March 19, 2009.  On April 29, 2009, Metro notified the Company of its extension, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, of a contractual deadline for the completion of the merger until July 31, 2009, in order to allow the parties additional time to obtain required regulatory approvals for the merger.  On July 31, 2009, the Company and Metro entered into a First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, amending the November 7, 2008 Agreement and Plan of Merger between the parties.  The First Amendment extended a contractual deadline for the completion of the merger of Republic First into Metro until October 31, 2009, and provided each party with a right to further extend the contractual deadline in the event that all required regulatory approvals for the merger had not been obtained by September 30, 2009.  On October 29, 2009 the Company and Metro announced the extension of a contractual deadline until December 31, 2009.
 
Note 2:  Nature of Operations:

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, and Republic’s subsidiaries.  Republic offers a variety of banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area through its offices and store locations in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Camden Counties.  The Company also has three unconsolidated subsidiaries, which are statutory trusts established by the Company in connection with its sponsorship of three separate issuances of trust preferred securities.
 
Between January 2005 and August 2008, Republic engaged BSC Services Corporation (“BSC”), a former affiliate, to provide data processing, accounting, employee leasing, human resources, credit and compliance services.  In August 2008, BSC discontinued its operations and many of its employees were transferred to the direct employ of Republic.  BSC allocated costs of services to Republic on the basis of Republic’s usage, and Republic classified 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, national, regional and other community banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and other non-bank financial organizations, such as mutual fund companies, insurance companies and brokerage companies.
 
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.
 
Note 3:  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 Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).  The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) that are followed to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.  Over time, the FASB and other GAAP-setting bodies have issued standards in the form of FASB Statements, Interpretations, Staff Positions, EITF Abstracts, AICPA Statements of Position, and Practice Bulletins.  The FASB recognized the complexity of its standard setting process and embarked on a revised process in 2004 that culminated in the release of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) on July 1, 2009.  The ASC does not change how the Company accounts for its transactions or the nature of related disclosures made, nor does it impact the Company’s financial
 
8

 
 
position or results of operations. It simply took thousands of individual pronouncements that comprise GAAP and reorganized them under accounting topics using a consistent structure. References to GAAP in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been updated to refer to Topics in the ASC. This change was made effective by the FASB for periods ending on or after September 15, 2009.
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-Q and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for financial statements for a complete fiscal year.  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 or nine month period ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial data included herein, November 9, 2009.
 
Risks and Uncertainties and Certain Significant Estimates:
 
The earnings of the Company depend primarily on the earnings of Republic.  The earnings of Republic 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, our results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding our exposure to changes in the interest rate environment.
 
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 GAAP 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, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, impairment of restricted stock and the realization of deferred income 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.  Because the allowance for loan losses and carrying value of other real estate owned are dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond Republic’s control, the estimates of the allowance for loan losses and the carrying values of other real estate owned 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 prospect 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 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 estimating impairment of restricted stock, management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on the assessment of the ultimate recoverability of the cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of the cost
 
 
9

 
 
is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB.
 
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 our 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.
 
Share-Based Compensation:

The Company maintains a Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”), under which the Company grants options to its employees, directors and independent contractors and consultants who perform services for the Company.  Under terms of the Stock Option 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 Stock Option Plan to 1.5 million shares, are reserved for such options.  The Stock Option 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 have a maximum term of 10 years.  Unless otherwise provided in a grant letter, upon a change in control such as the completion of the proposed merger with Metro, all unvested options would immediately vest.  Based on terms provided in various grant letters, 228,200 unvested options granted in 2008 and 2009 will not vest upon the completion proposed merger with Metro.  Expense related to the acceleration of options that will vest at the time of the merger is estimated at $169,000 as of September 30, 2009.
 
The Black-Sholes option pricing model is utilized to determine the fair market value of stock options.  In 2009, the following assumptions were utilized: a dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 21.58% to 27.61%; a risk-free interest rate of 1.99% to 3.31%; and an expected life of 7.0 years.  In 2008 the following assumptions were utilized: a dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 24.98% to 34.52%; a risk-free interest rate of 3.08% to 3.69%; 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.  6,050 shares vested in the first quarter of 2009.  Expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest.  There were 236,350 unvested options at January 1, 2009 with a fair value of $827,755 with $599,551 of that amount remaining to be recognized as expense.  At September 30, 2009, there were 359,500 unvested options with a fair value of $1,048,760 with $646,765 of that amount remaining to be recognized as expense. At that date, the intrinsic value of the 562,758 options outstanding was $21,662, while the intrinsic value of the 203,258 exercisable (vested) was also $21,662.
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options under the Stock Option Plan as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:
 
 
10

 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding, beginning of year
    467,988     $ 8.33       737,841     $ 6.39  
Granted
    129,200       6.28       105,000       6.62  
Exercised
    (34,287 )     4.84       (294,042 )     3.01  
Forfeited
    (143 )     3.88       (113,327 )     8.90  
Outstanding, end of period
    562,758       8.08       435,472       8.07  
                                 
Options exercisable at period-end
    203,258       8.21       264,922       7.47  
                                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period
          $ 2.12             $ 2.47  
                                 

   
For the Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Number of options exercised
    34,287       294,042  
Cash received
  $ 165,950     $ 884,615  
Intrinsic value
    101,011       862,833  
Tax benefit
    35,354       301,992  



The following table summarizes information about options outstanding under the Stock Option Plan as of September 30, 2009.
 
         
     
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       7,453       1.3     $ 1.81       7,453     $ 1.81  
  $2.77       743       2.4       2.77       743       2.77  
  $5.70 to $8.72       389,153       8.1       7.04       87,953       6.25  
  $9.93 to $12.13       165,409       6.3       10.82       107,109       10.31  
          562,758             $ 8.08       203,258     $ 8.21  
                                             

   
For the Nine Months Ended,
 
   
September 30, 2009
 
   
Number of shares
   
Weighted average
grant date fair value
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
    236,350     $ 3.50  
Granted
    129,200       2.12  
Vested
    (6,050 )     5.10  
Nonvested at end of period
    359,500     $ 2.92  
                 

During the three months ended September 30, 2009, $70,000 was recognized in compensation expense, with a 35% assumed tax benefit, for the Stock Option Plan.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, $207,000 was recognized in compensation expense, with a 35% assumed tax benefit, for the Stock Option Plan.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, $19,000 was recognized in compensation expense, with a 35% assumed tax benefit, for the Stock Option Plan.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, $94,000 was recognized in compensation expense, with a 35% assumed tax benefit for the Stock Option Plan.
 
 
 
11

 

Note 4:  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value, which updates ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The updated guidance clarifies that the fair value of a liability can be measured in relation to the quoted price of the liability when it trades as an asset in an active market, without adjusting the price for restrictions that prevent the sale of the liability. This guidance is effective beginning October 1, 2009 and is not expected to affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140).  This guidance prescribes the information that a reporting entity must provide in its financial reports about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. This guidance also modifies the de-recognition conditions related to legal isolation and effective control and adds additional disclosure requirements for transfer of financial assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009.  We have not determined the effect that the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting ASC 810-10, Consolidation (SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46R). This guidance requires a company to determine whether its variable interest or interests gives it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the company that has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The guidance also amends existing consolidation guidance that required ongoing re-assessments of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009.  We have not determined the effect that the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162).  This new guidance establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly).  This provides additional guidance on determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity for the asset or liability. A significant decrease in the volume or level of activity is an indication that transactions or quoted market prices may not be determinative of fair value because transactions may not be orderly. In that circumstance, further analysis of transactions or quoted prices is needed, and an adjustment to the transactions or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value. The guidance was effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting ASC 320-10, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities (FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments).  This guidance amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities. If the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis at the measurement date, the updated guidance requires the company to determine whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either condition is met, an entity must recognize full impairment. For all other debt securities that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and do not meet either condition, the guidance requires that the credit loss portion of impairment be recognized in earnings and the temporary impairment related to all other factors be recorded in other comprehensive income. In addition, the guidance requires additional disclosures regarding impairments
 
 
12

 
 
on debt and equity securities The Company adopted this guidance effective April 1, 2009 and in connection therewith, recorded a credit loss of $418,000 during the six month period ending September 30, 2009.

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 its legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liability 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 and Republic.
 
On or about June 19, 2009, Members 1st Federal Credit Union (“Members 1st”) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against the Company, Republic, Metro Bancorp, Inc. and Metro Bank (collectively referred to as “Metro”).  Members 1st’s claims are for federal trademark infringement, federal unfair competition, and common law trademark infringement and unfair competition.  It is Members 1st’s assertion that Metro’s use of a red letter “M” alone, or in conjunction with its trade name METRO, purportedly infringes Members 1st’s federally registered and common law trademark for the mark MIST (stylized).  The complaint seeks damages in an unspecified amount and injunctive relief.  The Company and Republic are named in the complaint in connection with the pending merger with Metro.
 
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 stores.
 
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 (loss) 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 Stock Option Plan and convertible securities related to an issuance of trust preferred securities sponsored by the Company in June 2008.  In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on that trust preferred securities issuance is added back to the net income (loss).  For the three months ended September 30, 2009, nine months ended September 30, 2009 and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the effect of CSEs and the related add back of after tax interest expense was anti-dilutive. 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.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008, there were 198,495 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.  For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company included no stock options in calculating diluted EPS as the effect of the add back of after tax interest related to the trust preferred securities issuance to net income was anti-dilutive.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company included no stock options in calculating diluted EPS due to a net loss from operations.
 

 
13

 
The following tables are a comparison of EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
 
 
Three months ended September 30,    
2009
     
2008
 
                             
Net Income
  $ 185,000           $ 1,533,000        
(numerator for basic and diluted earnings per
share)
         
Per
 
           
Per
 
 
   
Shares
   
Share
   
Shares
   
Share
 
Weighted average shares
                           
for period (denominator for basic earnings per
share)
    10,665,635             10,581,435        
Earnings per share - basic
          $ 0.02             $ 0.14  
Add common stock equivalents
representing dilutive stock options and
convertible debt
    -                1,728,926          
Effect on basic EPS of dilutive CSE
          $ -             $ -  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    10,665,635               12,310,361          
                                 
Income per share - diluted
          $ 0.02             $ 0.14  


      The following tables are a comparison of EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

 
Nine months ended September 30,    
2009
     
2008
 
                 
Net Loss
  $ (9,010,000 )         $ (56,000 )      
(numerator for basic and diluted earnings per
share)
         
Per
 
           
Per
 
 
   
Shares
   
Share
   
Shares
   
Share
 
Weighted average shares
                           
for period (denominator for basic earnings per
share)
    10,650,995             10,463,331        
Loss per share - basic
          $ (0.85 )           $ (0.01 )
Add common stock equivalents
representing dilutive stock options
    -                -          
Effect on basic EPS of dilutive CSE
          $ -             $ -  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    10,650,995               10,463,331          
                                 
Loss per share - diluted
          $ (0.85 )           $ (0.01 )


Note 8:  Comprehensive Income:
      The Company presents as a component of comprehensive income (loss) the amounts from transactions and other events which currently are excluded from the consolidated statements of operation and are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. These amounts consist of unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities.
 
The components of comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax, are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
14

 
   
Three months ended 
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 185     $ 1,533     $ (9,010 )   $ (56 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment
securities: arising during the period, net of tax
expense (benefit) of $597, $(493), $544, and
$(1,099)
    1,066       (956 )     971       (2,133 )
Add: reclassification adjustment for impairment
charge included in net income (loss), net of tax
benefit of $87, $ -, $158 and $ -
    155       -       283       -  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,221       (956 )     1,254       (2,133 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,406     $ 577     $ (7,756 )   $ (2,189 )
                                 

 
Note 9:  Investment Securities:

Investment securities available for sale as of September 30, 2009 are as follows:

 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Mortgage Backed Securities                                                                      
  $ 48,217     $ 2,640     $ (1 )   $ 50,856  
Municipal Securities                                                                      
    10,261       292       (362 )     10,191  
Corporate Bonds                                                                      
    5,989       117       -       6,106  
Agency Bonds                                                                      
    29,985       -       -       29,985  
Trust Preferred Securities                                                                      
    8,193       -       (3,476 )     4,717  
Other  Securities                                                                      
    281       2       (30 )     253  
Total                                                                
  $ 102,926     $ 3,051     $ (3,869 )   $ 102,108  
                                 
Investment securities held to maturity as of September 30, 2009 are as follows:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
 
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
 
Fair
Value
 
U.S. Government Agencies                                                                      
  $ 2     $ -     $ -     $ 2  
Municipal Securities                                                                      
    5       -       -       5  
Other Securities                                                                      
    153       10       -       163  
Total                                                               
  $ 160     $ 10     $ -     $ 170  
                                 
                                 
Investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Mortgage Backed Securities                                                                      
  $ 60,859     $ 1,821     $ (4 )   $ 62,676  
Municipal Securities                                                                      
    10,073       15       (963 )     9,125  
Corporate Bonds                                                                      
    5,988       59       (4 )     6,043  
Trust Preferred Securities                                                                      
    8,003       -       (3,071 )     4,932  
Other  Securities                                                                      
    279       7       (30 )     256  
Total                                                                
  $ 85,202     $ 1,902     $ (4,072 )   $ 83,032  
                                 
                                 
Investment securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
 
 
15

 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
 
Fair
Value
 
                                 
U.S. Government Agencies                                                                      
  $ 3     $ -     $ -     $ 3  
Mortgage Backed Securities                                                                      
    15       1       -       16  
Municipal Securities                                                                      
    30       -       -       30  
Other Securities                                                                      
    150       15       -       165  
Total                                                               
  $ 198     $ 16     $ -     $ 214  
                                 
 
 
       The maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2009 is as follows:

   
Available for Sale
   
Held to Maturity
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
 
Cost
   
Estimated
 
Fair Value
   
Amortized
 
Cost
   
Estimated
 
Fair
Value
 
                         
Due in 1 year or less                                                                      
  $ 150     $ 152     $ -     $ -  
After 1 year to 5 years                                                                      
    10,080       10,085       113       123  
After 5 years to 10 years                                                                      
    23,110       23,243       2       2  
After 10 years                                                                      
    69,586       68,628       5       5  
No stated maturity                                                                      
                40       40  
Total                                                                
  $ 102,926     $ 102,108     $ 160     $ 170  
                                 

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
 
In instances when a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists but the investor does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the investor will be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, ASC 320-10 changes the presentation and amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in the income statement.  The other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The adoption of updated guidance under ASC 320-10 had an impact on the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements as impairment charges (credit losses) on bank pooled trust preferred securities of $242,000 and $418,000 were recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  In addition, a cumulative effect adjustment of $388,000 was recorded during the current year to reclassify the non-credit component of previously recognized OTTI within shareholders' equity between retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The June 30, 2009 cumulative effect adjustment of $537,000 was reduced by $149,000 during the current quarter related to the ongoing evaluation of the assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of the bank pooled trust preferred securities.
 
The Company realized gross losses due to impairment charges on securities of $242,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $441,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The tax benefit applicable to the gross losses was $87,000 for third quarter 2009 and $158,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The Company realized gross gains on the sale of securities of $5,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  The tax provision applicable to gross gains in 2008 amounted to approximately $2,000.
 
 
 
16


 
Temporarily impaired securities as of September 30, 2009 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 Months or more
   
Total
 
Description of Securities
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Mortgage Backed Securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 93     $ 1     $ 93     $ 1  
Municipal Securities
    -       -       4,021       362       4,021       362  
Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agency Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Trust Preferred Securities
    -       -       4,717       3,476       4,717       2,872  
Other Securities
    -       -       101       30       101       30  
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 8,932     $ 3,869     $ 8,932     $ 3,265  
                                                 

The impairment of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2009 totaled $3.9 million on 27 securities with a total fair value of $8.9 million at September 30, 2009.  The unrealized loss for the bank pooled trust preferred securities was due to the secondary market for such securities becoming inactive and was considered temporary at September 30, 2009. The unrealized loss on the remaining securities was due to changes in market value resulting from changes in market interest rates and is considered temporary.

Temporarily impaired securities as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than 12 months
   
12 Months or more
   
Total
 
Description of Securities
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
US Government Agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Mortgage Backed Securities
    -       -       114       4       114       4  
Municipal Securities
    -       -       6,908       963       6,908       963  
Corporate Bonds
    -       -       1,991       4       1,991       4  
Trust Preferred Securities
    -       -       3,371       3,071       3,371       3,071  
Other Securities
    -       -       60       30       60       30  
Total Temporarily Impaired Securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 12,444     $ 4,072     $ 12,444     $ 4,072  

The impairment of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2008 totaled $4.1 million on 36 securities with a total fair value of $12.4 million at December 31, 2008.  The unrealized loss for the bank pooled trust preferred securities was due to the secondary market for such securities becoming inactive and was considered temporary at December 31, 2008. The unrealized loss on the remaining securities was due to changes in market value resulting from changes in market interest rates and is considered temporary.


Note 10:  Loans Receivable:

The following table sets forth the Company’s gross loans by major categories for the periods indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of September 30, 2009
   
As of December 31, 2008
 
   
Balance
   
% of Total
   
Balance
   
% of Total
 
Commercial
  $ 85,881       12.1 %   $ 97,777       12.5 %
Owner occupied
    78,527       11.1 %     71,821       9.2 %
Total commercial
    164,408       23.2 %     169,598       21.7 %
                                 
Consumer & residential
    20,586       2.9 %     27,915       3.5 %
Commercial real estate
    524,723       73.9 %     585,569       74.8 %
Total loans
    709,717       100.0 %     783,082       100.0 %
                                 
Less: allowance for loan losses
    (12,644 )             (8,409 )        
                                 
Net loans
  $ 697,073             $ 774,673          
                                 
 
 
 
17

 
The recorded investment in loans which are impaired in accordance with ASC 310, totaled $142.0 million and $18.3 million at September  30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The amounts of related valuation allowances were $7.1 million and $2.4 million respectively at those dates.  There were no impaired loans at December 31, 2008, for which a specific reserve was recorded.  There were no commitments to extend credit to any borrowers with impaired loans as of the end of the periods presented herein.
 
The significant increase in impaired loans and related valuation allowances at September 30, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008 was primarily due to a recently completed comprehensive internal, external, and regulatory review of the Company’s loan portfolio and reflected the continued decline of collateral values within the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio and a change in its methodology for calculating potential loan losses inherent in its loan portfolio coupled with a more conservative loan classification system.
 
As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were loans of approximately $18.6 million and $17.3 million respectively, which were classified as non-accrual. There were no loans past due 90 days and accruing at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Note 11:  Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.
 
The Company follows the guidance issued under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements.
 
ASC 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820-10 are as follows:
 
 
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).
 
An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 

 
Description
 
September 30,
2009
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In Thousands)
                       
Securities available for sale
  $ 102,108     $ -     $ 97,391     $ 4,717  
                                 
 
 
 
18

 

 
Description
 
December 31,
2008
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
 Other
Observable
Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In Thousands)
                       
Securities available for sale
  $ 83,032     $ -     $ 78,100     $ 4,932  
                                 
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the securities available for sale measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30:
 
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
       
Beginning Balance, January 1,
  $ 4,932  
Unrealized gains arising during 2009
    226  
Impairment charges on Level 3 security
    (441 )
Ending balance, September 30,
  $ 4,717  
         
 
For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
Description
 
September 30,
2009
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
 for Identical
Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In thousands)
                       
Impaired loans
  $ 134,942     $ -     $ -     $ 134,942  
                                 
Other real estate owned
  $ 10,847     $ -     $ -     $ 10,847  
                                 

 
Description
 
December 31, 2008
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In thousands)
                       
Impaired loans
  $ 15,934     $ -     $ -     $ 15,934  
                                 
Other real estate owned
  $ 8,580     $ -     $ -     $ 8,580  
                                 
 
The recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $142.0 million at September 30, 2009 and $18.3 million at December 31, 2008.  The amounts of related valuation allowances were $7.1 million and $2.4 million respectively at those dates.
 
 
19

 
The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.
 
Investment Securities
 
The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.
 
     The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of the Company’s U.S. government and agency securities, municipal obligations and corporate bonds. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC 820-10, the Company does not adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.

      Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

      The Level 3 investment securities classified as available for sale are comprised of various issues of bank pooled trust preferred securities. Bank pooled trust preferred consists of the debt instruments of various banks, diversified by the number of participants in the security as well as geographically. The securities are performing according to terms, however the secondary market for such securities has become inactive, and such securities are therefore classified as Level 3 securities. The fair value analysis does not reflect or represent the actual terms or prices at which any party could purchase the securities. There is currently no secondary market for the securities and there can be no assurance that any secondary market for the securities will develop.
 
A third party pricing service was used in the development of the fair market valuation. The calculations used to determine fair value are based on the attributes of the bank pooled trust preferred securities, the financial condition of the issuers of the bank pooled trust preferred securities, and market based assumptions. The INTEX CDO Deal Model Library was utilized to obtain information regarding the attributes of each security and its specific collateral as of December 31, 2008. Financial information on the issuers was also obtained from Bloomberg, the FDIC and the Office of Thrift Supervision. Both published and unpublished industry sources were utilized in estimating fair value. Such information includes loan prepayment speed assumptions, discount rates, default rates, and loss severity percentages. Due to the current state of the global capital and financial markets, the fair market valuation is subject to greater uncertainty that would otherwise exist.
 
 
Fair market valuation for each security was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses. The cash flows are primarily dependent on the estimated speeds at which the bank pooled trust preferred securities are expected to prepay, the estimated rates at which the bank pooled trust preferred securities are expected to defer
 
 
 
20

 
payments, the estimated rates at which the bank pooled trust preferred securities are expected to default, and the severity of the losses on securities which default.

Prepayment Assumptions. Due to the lack of new bank pooled trust preferred issuances and the relativity poor conditions of the financial institution industry, the rate of voluntary prepayments are estimated at 0%.

Prepayments affect the securities in three ways. First, prepayments lower the absolute amount of excess spread, an important credit enhancement. Second, the prepayments are directed to the senior tranches, the effect of which is to increase the overcollateralization of the mezzanine layer, the layer at which the Company is located in each of the securities. However, the prepayments can lead to adverse selection in which the strongest institutions have prepaid, leaving the weaker institutions in the pool, thus mitigating the effect of the increased overcollateralization. Third, prepayments can limit the numeric and geographic diversity of the pool, leading to concentration risks.

Deferral and Default Rates. Bank pooled trust preferred securities include a provision that allows the issuing bank to defer interest payments for up to five years. The estimates for the rates of deferral are based on the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool. Estimates for the conditional default rates are based on the bank pooled trust preferred securities themselves as well as the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool.

Estimates for the near-term rates of deferral and conditional default are based on key financial ratios relating to the financial institutions’ capitalization, asset quality, profitability and liquidity. Each bank in each security is evaluated based on ratings from outside services including Standard & Poors, Moodys, Fitch, Bankrate.com and The Street.com. Recent stock price information is also considered, as well as the 52 week high and low, for each bank in each security. Finally, the receipt of TARP funding is considered, and if so, the amount.

Estimates for longer term rates of deferral and defaults are based on historical averages based on a research report issued by Salomon Smith Barney in 2002. Default is defined as any instance when a regulator takes an active role in a bank’s operations under a supervisory action. This definition of default is distinct from failure. A bank is considered to have defaulted if it falls below minimum capital requirements or becomes subject to regulatory actions including a written agreement, or a cease and desist order.  The rates of deferral and conditional default are estimated at 0.36%.

Loss Severity. The fact that an issuer defaults on a loan, does not necessarily mean that the investor will lose all of their investment. Thus, it is important to understand not only the default assumption, but also the expected loss given a default, or the loss severity assumption.  Both Standard & Poors and Moody’s Analytics have performed and published research that indicates that recoveries on bank pooled trust preferred securities are low (less than 20%). The loss severity estimates are estimated at a range of 80% to 100%.

Ratings Agencies. The major ratings agencies have recently been cutting the ratings on various bank pooled trust preferred securities

Bond Waterfall. The bank pooled trust preferred securities have several tranches: Senior tranches, Mezzanine tranches and the Residual or income tranches. The Company invested in the mezzanine tranches for all of its bank pooled trust preferred securities. The Senior and Mezzanine tranches were over collateralized at issuance, meaning that the par value of the underlying collateral was more than the balance issued on the tranches. The terms generally provide that if the performing collateral balances fall below certain triggers, then income is diverted from the residual tranches to pay the Senior and Mezzanine tranches. However, if significant deferrals occur, income could also be diverted from the Mezzanine tranches to pay the Senior tranches.

Internal Rate of Return. Internal rates of return are the pre-tax yield rates used to discount the future cash flow stream expected from the collateral cash flow. The marketplace for the bank pooled trust preferred securities at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was not active. This is evidenced by a significant widening of the bid/ask spreads the markets in which the bank pooled trust preferred securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive.

ASC 820-10 provides guidance on the discount rates to be used when a market is not active. The discount rate should take into account the time value of money, price for bearing the uncertainty in the cash flows and other case specific factors that would be considered by market participants, including a liquidity adjustment. The discount rate used is a LIBOR 3-month forward looking curve plus 700 basis points.
 
 
21

 
Loans Receivable (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans.  Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal.  Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.
 
Other Real Estate Owned (Carried at Market Value)
 
These assets are carried at the lower of cost or market.  At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 these assets are carried at current market value.
 
Restricted Stock (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amount of restricted stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities.
 
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.
 
Deposit Liabilities (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
Short-Term Borrowings (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.
 
FHLB Advances (Carried at Cost)
 
Fair values of FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.  These prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party.
 
Subordinated Debt (Carried at Cost)
 
Fair values of subordinated debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on market rates currently offered on such debt with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments (Disclosed at Cost)
 
Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
 
22

 
   
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
 
                         
Balance Sheet Data:
                       
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                
  $ 77,015     $ 77,015     $ 34,418     $ 34,418  
Investment securities available for sale                                                                
    102,108       102,108       83,032       83,032  
Investment securities held to maturity                                                                
    160       170       198       214  
          Restricted stock                                                                        
    6,836       6,836       6,836       6,836  
Loans receivable, net                                                                
    697,073       693,679       774,673       774,477  
Bank owned life insurance                                                                
    12,312       12,312       12,118       12,118  
Accrued interest receivable                                                                
    3,428       3,428       3,939       3,939  
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Deposits:
                               
Demand, savings and money market                                                            
  $ 442,546     $ 442,546     $ 345,501     $ 345,501  
Time                                                            
    381,092       379,549       393,666       395,570  
Subordinated debt                                                                
    22,476       22,476       22,476       22,476  
Short-term borrowings                                                                
    -       -       77,309       77,309  
FHLB advances                                                                
    25,000       25,291       25,000       26,031  
Accrued interest payable                                                                
    2,928       2,928       2,540       2,540  
                                 
Off Balance Sheet financial instruments:
                               
Commitments to extend credit
    82,425       82,425       83,073       83,073  
Standby letters-of-credit
    4,355       4,355       5,314       5,314  

 
 
23


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

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements including the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Certain statements in this report 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, except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and any Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as other filings.
 
Financial Condition:
 
September 30, 2009 Compared to December 31, 2008

Assets increased $471,000 to $952.5 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $952.0 million at December 31, 2008. This increase reflected a $42.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents, a $19.1 million increase in investment securities, and a $10.5 million increase in premises and equipment offset by a $77.6 million decrease in loans receivable.
 
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 is focused on small and medium size businesses and professionals that seek highly personalized banking services.  Gross loans decreased $73.4 million, to $709.7 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $783.1 million at December 31, 2008.  Substantially all of the decrease resulted from a decrease in commercial real estate loans as a result of the Company’s ongoing effort to reduce exposure to commercial real estate and reposition its portfolio.
 
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 Agency issued mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, and bank pooled trust preferred securities.  Available-for-sale securities totaled $102.1 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $83.0 million at year-end 2008.  At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the portfolio had net unrealized losses of $818,000 and $2.2 million, 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 September 30, 2009 and year-end 2008, securities held to maturity totaled $160,000 and $198,000 respectively.
 
Restricted Stock:
 
Republic is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and, as such, had been required to maintain stock in FHLB in proportion to its outstanding FHLB advances notwithstanding paydown of those advances, prior to the FHLB suspension of dividend
 
 
24

 
 
payments in 2008.  Since that suspension of dividend payments, the restricted stock has been frozen, therefore, at both September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, FHLB stock totaled $6.7 million.
 
Management evaluates the restricted stock for impairment in accordance with guidance under ASC 942-10 Financial Services  Depository and Lending.  Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on their assessment of the ultimate recoverability of their cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of their cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB.
 
Management believes no impairment charge is necessary related to the restricted stock as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Republic is also required to maintain stock in Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (“ACBB”), which is also classified as restricted, as a condition of a rarely used contingency line of credit.  At both September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 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 increased by $42.6 million, to $77.0 million at September 30, 2009, from $34.4 million at December 31, 2008, primarily reflecting a $34.7 million increase in cash and due from banks.
 
Fixed Assets:
 
The balance in premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, was $24.7 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $14.2 million at December 31, 2008, reflecting primarily renovations on existing store locations as well as future store expansion.
 
Other Real Estate Owned:
 
Other real estate owned amounted to $10.8 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $8.6 million at December 31, 2008, primarily reflecting two transfers related to loans of $4.1 million, partially offset by write-downs totaling $1.4 million and proceeds from sales totaling $361,000.
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance:
 
The balance of bank owned life insurance amounted to $12.3 million at September 30, 2009 and $12.1 million at December 31, 2008. The income earned on these policies is reflected in non-interest income.
 
Other Assets:
 
Other assets increased by $4.0 million to $17.9 million at September 30, 2009, from $14.0 million at December 31, 2008, primarily driven by a $4.7 million increase in current income tax assets.
 
Deposits:
 
Deposits, which include non-interest and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market, savings and time deposits including some brokered deposits, are the Company’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 $84.5 million to $823.6 million at September 30, 2009 from $739.2 million at December 31, 2008.  Average transaction account balances increased $87.4 million, or 25.4%, to $431.0 million in the third quarter of 2009.  Period end time deposits decreased $12.6 million, or 3.2%, to $381.1 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $393.7 million at the prior year-end.
 
 
25


 
Short-Term Borrowings and FHLB Advances:
 
Short-term borrowings and FHLB advances are used to supplement deposits as a source of funds.  Republic had $25.0 million FHLB advances at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  These FHLB advances mature June 2010.  Republic had no short-term borrowings (overnight) at September 30, 2009 compared to $77.3 million at the prior year-end.
 
Subordinated Debt:
 
Subordinated debt, which is comprised of the subordinated debentures supporting the common and capital, or trust preferred, securities of the Company’s unconsolidated capital trusts, amounted to $22.5 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
Shareholders’ Equity:

Total shareholders’ equity decreased $6.5 million to $72.8 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $79.3 million at December 31, 2008, primarily due to the $9.0 million net loss recorded in the first nine months of 2009.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008

Results of Operations:
 
Overview

The Company reported net income of $185,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a $1.5 million net income, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the comparable prior year period.  There was a $2.8 million, or 20.8%, decrease in total interest income, reflecting a 101 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans outstanding while interest expense decreased $2.0 million, driven by a 110 basis point decrease in the rate on average interest-bearing deposits outstanding.  Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $813,000 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  The provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2009 increased to $150,000, compared to $43,000 in the third quarter of 2008, primarily reflecting an increase in specific reserves on impaired loans.  Non-interest income decreased to $250,000 in third quarter 2009 compared to $672,000 in third quarter 2008.  Non-interest expenses increased $692,000 to $6.7 million compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, primarily due to a $775,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits expense.  Return on average assets and average equity was 0.08% and 1.02% respectively, in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 0.65% and 7.76% respectively for the same period in 2008.
 
Analysis of Net Interest Income

Historically, the Company’s earnings have depended primarily upon Republic’s 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 affected by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table provides an analysis of net interest income, setting forth for the periods (i) average assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, (iii) annualized average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities, and (iv) Republic’s annualized net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets).  Averages are computed based on daily balances.  Non-accrual loans are included in average loans receivable.  Yields are adjusted for tax equivalency in third quarter 2009 and 2008.
 
 
26

 

 
   
For the three months ended
   
For the three months ended
 
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2008
 
                                     
         
Interest
               
Interest
       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
   
Income/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Yield/
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
Balance
   
Expense
   
Rate (1)
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Rate (1)
 
Federal funds sold
                                   
and other interest-
                                   
earning assets
  $ 26,250     $ 28       0.42 %   $ 8,568     $ 45       2.09 %
Investment securities and
                                               
restricted stock
    82,039       1,036       5.05 %     92,525       1,334       5.77 %
Loans receivable
    733,767       9,705       5.25 %     775,642       12,208       6.26 %
Total interest-earning assets
    842,056       10,769       5.07 %     876,735       13,587       6.17 %
Other assets
    86,881                       57,371                  
Total assets
  $ 928,937                     $ 934,106                  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand - non-interest bearing
  $ 86,206                     $ 71,990                  
Demand - interest-bearing
    48,148     $ 78       0.64 %     31,090     $ 68       0.87 %
Money market & savings
    296,642       1,366       1.83 %     240,554       1,625       2.69 %
Time deposits
    369,863       1,963       2.11 %     381,820       3,216       3.35 %
Total deposits
    800,859       3,407       1.69 %     725,454       4,909       2.69 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
    714,653       3,407       1.90 %     653,464       4,909       2.99 %
Other borrowings
    47,476       501       4.19 %     122,709       1,005       3.26 %
Total interest-bearing
                                               
liabilities
  $ 762,129     $ 3,908       2.03 %   $ 776,173     $ 5,914       3.03 %
Total deposits and
                                               
other borrowings
    848,335       3,908       1.83 %     848,163       5,914       2.77 %
Non interest-bearing
                                               
other liabilites
    8,897                       7,393                  
Shareholders' equity
    71,705                       78,550                  
Total liabilities and
                                               
shareholders' equity
  $ 928,937                     $ 934,106                  
                                                 
Net interest income (2)
          $ 6,861                     $ 7,673          
Net interest spread
                    3.04 %                     3.14 %
                                                 
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.23 %                     3.48 %
                                                 
(1) Yields on investments are calculated basd on amortized cost.                                  
(2) Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis. Net interest income has been increased over
         
the financial statement amount by $56 and $55 in third quarter 2009 and 2008, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax
         
equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.
         
                                                 

27

 
 
Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the periods indicated. 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.
 
   
Three months ended September 30, 2009
 
   
versus September 30, 2008
 
   
Due to change in:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
Interest earned on:
                 
Federal funds sold and other
                 
 interest-earning assets
  $ 19     $ (36 )   $ (17 )
Securities
    (134 )     (164 )     (298 )
Loans
    (554 )     (1,949 )     (2,503 )
Total interest-earning assets
    (669 )     (2,149 )     (2,818 )
                         
Interest expense of
                       
Deposits
                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    (28 )     18       (10 )
Money market and savings
    (258 )     517       259  
Time deposits
    63       1,190       1,253  
Total deposit interest expense
    (223 )     1,725       1,502  
Other borrowings
    794       (290 )     504  
Total interest expense
    571       1,435       2,006  
Net interest income
  $ (98 )   $ (714 )   $ (812 )
                         
 
The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin decreased 25 basis points to 3.23% for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to 3.48% for the prior year comparable period.
 
While yields on interest-earning assets decreased 110 basis points to 5.07% in third quarter 2009 from 6.17% in third quarter 2008, the rate on total deposits and other borrowings decreased 94 basis points to 1.83% from 2.77% between those respective periods. The decrease in yields on assets and rates on deposits and borrowings was primarily due to repricing assets and liabilities as a result of actions taken by the Federal Reserve since September 2007.
 
The Company’s tax equivalent net interest income decreased $812,000, or 10.6%, to $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $7.7 million for the prior year comparable period.  The decrease in net interest income was due primarily to a decrease in average interest earning assets. Average interest-earning assets amounted to $842.1 million for third quarter 2009 and $876.7 million for third quarter 2008.  The $34.7 million decrease resulted primarily from a reduction in loans of $41.9 million.
 
The Company’s total tax equivalent interest income decreased $2.8 million, or 20.7%, to $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $13.6 million for the prior year comparable period.  Interest and fees on loans decreased $2.5 million, or 20.5%, to $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $12.2 million for the prior year comparable period.  The decrease was due primarily to the 101 basis point decline in the yield on loans, as variable rate loans in our portfolio repriced to lower interest rates, primarily as a result of actions taken by the Federal Reserve.  Tax equivalent interest and dividends on investment securities decreased $298,000 to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $1.3 million for the prior year comparable period.  This decrease reflected a 72 basis point decline in the yield of investment securities primarily resulting from the discontinuation of dividends on FHLB stock.  Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets decreased $17,000, or 37.8%, reflecting decreases in short-term market interest rates.
 
The Company’s total interest expense decreased $2.0 million, or 33.9%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $5.9 million for the prior year comparable period. Interest-bearing liabilities averaged $762.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $776.2 million for the prior
 
 
28

 
year comparable period, or a decrease of $14.0 million. The decrease primarily reflected reduced funding requirements due to a decrease in loans. Average deposit balances increased $75.4 million while there was a $75.2 million decrease in average other borrowings. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 100 basis points to 2.03% for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Interest expense on time deposit balances decreased $1.3 million to $2.0 million in third quarter 2009, from $3.2 million in the comparable prior year period, primarily reflecting lower rates.  Money market and savings interest expense decreased $259,000 to $1.4 million in third quarter 2009.  An increase in average balances for money market and savings deposits of $56.1 million, or 23.3%, was more than offset by a decrease of 86 basis points to 1.83% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Accordingly, rates on total interest-bearing deposits decreased 110 basis points in third quarter 2009 compared to third quarter 2008.
 
Interest expense on other borrowings decreased $504,000 to $501,000 in third quarter 2009, primarily as a result of the lower average balances. Average other borrowings, primarily overnight FHLB borrowings, decreased $75.2 million, or 61.3%, between those respective periods.  With the increase in money market and savings deposits in third quarter 2009, other borrowings included primarily term borrowings and subordinated debt.  With the decrease in lower cost overnight borrowings in the third quarter 2009, the rate on other borrowings increased 93 basis points to 4.19%, from 3.26% in the comparable prior year period.
 
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 $150,000 in third quarter 2009 compared to $43,000 in third quarter 2008.
 
The $150,000 provision for loan losses in third quarter 2009 was primarily due to an increase in specific reserves on impaired loans.  At September 30, 2009, approximately 56% of the allowance for loan losses is identified for specific loans.
 
Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income decreased $422,000 to $250,000 for third quarter 2009 compared to $672,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, primarily due to $242,000 in impairment charges on bank pooled trust preferred securities recorded in third quarter 2009 and a decrease of $120,000 in other non-interest income.
 
Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expenses increased $692,000 or 11.5% to $6.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $6.0 million for the prior year comparable period. Salaries and employee benefits increased $775,000 or 33.4%, to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $2.3 million for the prior year comparable period. That increase reflected additional staffing in third quarter 2009, as well as annual merit increases.
 
Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes decreased $686,000, to $20,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, from a $706,000 for the prior year comparable period, primarily as a result of the decrease in pre-tax income.  The effective tax rates for those periods were 10% and 32% respectively.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 compared to September 30, 2008

Results of Operations:
 
Overview

The Company had a net loss of $9.0 million or $0.85 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a net loss of $56,000, or $0.01 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period.  There was an $8.9 million, or 21.3%, decrease in total interest income, reflecting a 107 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans outstanding while interest expense decreased $7.5 million, reflecting a 135 basis point decrease in the rate on average interest-bearing deposits outstanding.  Accordingly, net interest income decreased $1.4 million between the periods.  The provision for loan losses in the first nine months of 2009 increased to
 
 
29

 
 
$13.2 million, compared to $5.9 million provision expense in the first nine months of 2008, reflecting additional reserves on certain loans.  Non-interest income decreased $889,000 to $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2008.  Non- interest expenses increased $3.9 million to $22.4 million compared to $18.5 million in the first nine months of 2008, primarily due to increases of $2.0 million in salaries and employee benefits expense, $738,000 in professional fees and $698,000 in regulatory assessments and costs.  Return on average assets and average equity was (1.31)% and (15.95)% respectively, in the first nine months of 2009 compared to (0.01)% and (0.09)% respectively for the same period in 2008.

 Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
   
For the nine months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2008
 
                                     
         
Interest
               
Interest
       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
   
Income/
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Yield/
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
Balance
   
Expense
   
Rate (1)
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Rate (1)
 
Federal funds sold
                                   
and other interest-
                                   
earning assets
  $ 13,393     $ 50       0.50 %   $ 10,478     $ 199       2.54 %
Investment securities and
                                               
restricted stock
    86,379       3,335       5.15 %     87,506       3,814       5.81 %
Loans receivable
    750,550       29,558       5.27 %     796,782       37,821       6.34 %
Total interest-earning assets
    850,322       32,943       5.18 %     894,766       41,834       6.25 %
Other assets
    72,651                       51,915                  
Total assets
  $ 922,973                     $ 946,681                  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand - non-interest bearing
  $ 81,625                     $ 76,487                  
Demand - interest-bearing
    44,930     $ 218       0.65 %     34,760     $ 283       1.09 %
Money market & savings
    268,481       3,841       1.91 %     219,877       4,663       2.83 %
Time deposits
    382,497       6,644       2.32 %     402,235       11,825       3.93 %
Total deposits
    777,533       10,703       1.84 %     733,359       16,771       3.05 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
    695,908       10,703       2.06 %     656,872       16,771       3.41 %
Other borrowings
    60,816       1,618       3.56 %     125,140       3,046       3.25 %
Total interest-bearing
                                               
liabilities
  $ 756,724     $ 12,321       2.18 %   $ 782,012     $ 19,817       3.38 %
Total deposits and
                                               
other borrowings
    838,349       12,321       1.96 %     858,499       19,817       3.08 %
Non interest-bearing
                                               
other liabilites
    9,106                       8,955                  
Shareholders' equity
    75,518                       79,227                  
Total liabilities and
                                               
shareholders' equity
  $ 922,973                     $ 946,681                  
                                                 
Net interest income (2)
          $ 20,622                     $ 22,017          
Net interest spread
                    3.00 %                     2.87 %
                                                 
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.24 %                     3.29 %
                                                 
(1) Yields on investments are calculated basd on amortized cost.
 
(2) Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis. Net interest income has been increased over the financial statement amount by $167 and $173 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.
 
 
 
 
         
 
                                               

 
30

 
 

Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the periods indicated. 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.
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2009
 
   
versus September 30, 2008
 
   
Due to change in:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
Interest earned on:
                 
Federal funds sold and other
                 
 interest-earning assets
  $ 11     $ (160 )   $ (149 )
Securities
    (43 )     (436 )     (479 )
Loans
    (1,821 )     (6,442 )     (8,263 )
Total interest-earning assets
    (1,853 )     (7,038 )     (8,891 )
                         
Interest expense of
                       
Deposits
                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    (49 )     114       65  
Money market and savings
    (695 )     1,517       822  
Time deposits
    343       4,838       5,181  
Total deposit interest expense
    (401 )     6,469       6,068  
Other borrowings
    1,711       (283 )     1,428  
Total interest expense
    1,310       6,186       7,496  
Net interest income
  $ (543 )   $ (852 )   $ (1,395 )

The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin decreased 5 basis points to 3.24% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, versus 3.29% in the prior year comparable period.

While yields on interest-bearing assets decreased 107 basis points to 5.18% in the first nine months of 2009 from 6.25% in the prior year comparable period, the rate on total deposits and other borrowings decreased 112 basis points to 1.96% from 3.08% between those respective periods. The decrease in yields on assets and rates on deposits and borrowings was due to repricing assets and liabilities primarily as a result of actions taken by the Federal Reserve.
 
The Company's tax equivalent net interest income decreased $1.4 million, or 6.3%, to $20.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $22.0 million for the prior year comparable period. The decrease in net interest income was due primarily to a decrease in average interest earning assets.  Average interest earning assets amounted to $850.3 million for the first nine months of 2009 and $894.8 million for the comparable prior year period.  The $44.4 million decrease resulted primarily from a reduction in loans of $46.2 million.
 
The Company’s total tax equivalent interest income decreased $8.9 million, or 21.3%, to $32.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $41.8 million for the prior year comparable period.  Interest and fees on loans decreased $8.3 million, or 21.8%, to $29.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $37.8 million for the prior year comparable period.  The decrease was due primarily to the 107 basis point decline in the yield on loans resulting from the repricing of the variable rate loan portfolio as a result of actions taken by the Federal Reserve.  Tax equivalent interest and dividends on investment securities decreased $479,000 to $3.3 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $3.8 million for the prior year comparable period.  This decrease reflected a 66 basis point decline in the yield of investment securities primarily resulting from the discontinuation of dividends on FHLB stock.  Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets decreased $149,000, or 74.9%, reflecting decreases in short- term market interest rates.

The Company’s total interest expense decreased $7.5 million, or 37.8%, to $12.3 million for the nine months
 
 
31

 
ended September 30, 2009, from $19.8 million for the prior year comparable period.  Interest- bearing liabilities averaged $756.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, versus $782.0 million for the prior year comparable period, or a decrease of $25.3 million.  The decrease primarily reflected reduced funding requirements due to a decrease in loans.  Average deposit balances increased $44.2 million while there was a $64.3 million decrease in average other borrowings.  The average rate paid on interest- bearing liabilities decreased 120 basis points to 2.18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense on time deposit balances decreased $5.2 million to $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2009 from $11.8 million in the comparable prior year period, primarily reflecting lower rates.  Money market and savings interest expense decreased $822,000 to $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2009, from $4.7 million in the comparable prior year period.  The decrease in interest expense on deposits reflected the impact of the lower short- term interest rate environment.  Accordingly, rates on total interest- bearing deposits decreased 135 basis points in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the comparable prior year period.

Interest expense on other borrowings decreased $1.4 million to $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2009, as a result of lower average balances due to reduced funding requirements.  Average other borrowings, primarily overnight FHLB borrowings, decreased $64.3 million, or 51.4%, between the respective periods.  Interest expense on other borrowings includes the impact of $22.5 million of average trust preferred securities and $25.0 million of FHLB term borrowings.

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 $13.2 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $5.9 million for the comparable prior year period.
 
The $13.2 million provision in the first nine months of 2009 was primarily due to a recently completed comprehensive internal, external and regulatory review of the Company’s loan portfolio.  As a result of these reviews, management determined that the provision for loan losses should be increased to $13.2 million in the first nine months of 2009.  The significant increase from the comparable prior year period was due to the continued decline of collateral values within the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio and a change in its methodology for calculating potential loan losses inherent in its loan portfolio coupled with a more conservative loan classification system.  At September 30, 2009, as a result of the above items loan specific reserves were increased to $7.1 million representing 56% of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for loan losses was 68% of non-performing loans.

Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income decreased $889,000 to $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2009 compared to $2.2 million for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to $441,000 in impairment charges on bank pooled trust preferred securities recorded in 2009 and a one-time MasterCard transaction of $309,000 recorded in 2008.

Non-Interest Expenses
 
Total non-interest expenses increased $3.9 million or 21.0% to $22.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $18.5 million for the prior year comparable period. Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.0 million or 25.5%, to $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $7.8 million for the prior year comparable period. That increase reflected additional staffing in 2009, as well as, annual merit increases.  Occupancy expense increased $441,000, or 24.4%, to $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $1.8 million for the comparable prior year period. The increase reflected maintenance expense and incremental rent increases at several store locations as well as the corporate headquarters.  Professional fees increased $738,000, or 132.3%, to $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $558,000 for the comparable prior year period, resulting from increased consulting fees.  Regulatory assessments and costs increased $698,000, or 183.2%, to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from $381,000 for the comparable prior year period, primarily resulting from an FDIC special assessment of $425,000 recorded in second quarter 2009 and increases in statutory FDIC insurance rates.
 

32

 

 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes decreased $4.5 million, to a $4.9 million benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, from a $342,000 benefit for the prior year comparable period. That decrease was primarily the result of the decrease in pre-tax income.  The effective tax rates in those periods were 35% and an 86% benefit respectively.
 
Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are commitments to extend credit of approximately $82.4 million and $83.1 million and standby letters of credit of approximately $4.4 million and $5.3 million at September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively.  These financial instruments constitute off-balance sheet arrangements.  Commitments often expire without being drawn upon.  Substantially all of the $82.4 million of commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2009 were committed as variable rate credit facilities.
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment.  Our commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of fees.  Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  In issuing commitments, we evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral required in connection with any commitment is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of required collateral 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 issuing loan commitments.  The amount of collateral which may be pledged to secure a letter of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of collateral which may be held varies, but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.
 

 
Regulatory Matters

The following table presents the Company’s and Republic’s capital regulatory ratios at September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008:
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy purposes
   
To be well
capitalized under FDIC
capital guidelines
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                   
At September 30, 2009
                                   
Total risk based capital
                                   
Republic
  $ 87,915       11.00 %   $ 63,924       8.00 %   $ 79,905       10.00 %
Company
    99,795       12.45 %     64,118       8.00 %     -       N/A  
Tier one risk based capital
                                               
Republic
    77,894       9.75 %     31,962       4.00 %     47,943       6.00 %
Company
    89,744       11.20 %     32,059       4.00 %     -       N/A  
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    77,894       8.45 %     36,886       4.00 %     46,107       5.00 %
Company
    89,744       9.72 %     36,943       4.00 %     -       N/A  
                                                 

 
33

 
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy purposes
   
To be well
capitalized under FDIC
capital guidelines
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
At December 31, 2008
                                   
Total risk based capital
                                   
Republic
  $ 99,329       11.90 %   $ 66,750       8.00 %   $ 83,437       10.00 %
Company
    110,927       13.26 %     66,915       8.00 %     -       -  
Tier one risk based capital
                                               
Republic
    90,921       10.90 %     33,375       4.00 %     50,062       6.00 %
Company
    102,518       12.26 %     33,458       4.00 %     -       -  
 
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    90,921       9.91 %     36,712       4.00 %     45,890       5.00 %
Company
    102,518       11.14 %     36,801       4.00 %     -       -  
                                                 

Dividend Policy
 
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock.  The Company has no plans to pay cash dividends in 2009.
 
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 certain 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.
 
Republic’s most liquid assets, comprised of cash and cash equivalents, totaled $77.0 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $34.4 million at December 31, 2008, due primarily to increases in cash and due from banks and federal funds sold. Loan maturities and repayments are another source of asset liquidity. At September 30, 2009, Republic estimated that in excess of $50.0 million of loans would mature or be repaid in the six month period that will end March 31, 2010.
 
Funding requirements have historically been satisfied primarily by generating core deposits with competitive rates, buying federal funds or utilizing the facilities of the FHLB.  At September 30, 2009 Republic had $157.5 million in unused lines of credit readily available under arrangements with the FHLB and correspondent banks compared to $67.4 million at December 31, 2008. 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.
 
At September 30, 2009, Republic had aggregate outstanding commitments (including unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $86.8 million.
 
Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year totaled $374.2 million at September 30, 2009. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current commitments.  In addition, the Company can use term borrowings to replace these funds.
 
Republic’s target and actual liquidity levels are determined by comparisons of the estimated repayment and marketability of interest-earning assets with 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 at September 30, 2009.  Republic had drawn down $0 on this line at September 30, 2009.  Republic has also established a line of credit with the FHLB of Pittsburgh with a maximum borrowing capacity of approximately $194.9 million.  That capacity is reduced by advances outstanding to arrive at the unused line of credit available.  As of September 30, 2009, Republic had borrowed $25.0 million from the FHLB. Investment securities also represent a primary source of liquidity for Republic. Accordingly,
 
 
34

 
investment decisions may reflect liquidity over other considerations as needed.
 
The Company’s primary funding source is core deposits.  It is anticipated that this source of liquidity will continue to be available in the future.  However, its incremental cost may vary depending on market conditions.
 
The ALCO committee is responsible for managing the liquidity position and interest sensitivity of Republic. That committee’s primary objective is to maximize net interest income while configuring Republic’s interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk and provide adequate liquidity for projected needs.
 
Investment Securities Portfolio

At September 30, 2009, 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 issued mortgage backed securities and bonds, municipal securities, corporate bonds and bank pooled trust preferred securities.  The amortized cost and fair values of investment securities available for sale were $102.1 million and $83.0 million as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the portfolio had net unrealized losses of $818,000 and $2.2 million, respectively.
 
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, and other consumer loans. Commercial loans are primarily secured 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 $5.0 million but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s combined legal lending limit, which was approximately $15.0 million at September 30, 2009.  Individual customers may have several loans often secured by different collateral.
 
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 Republic’s board of directors oversees the loan approval process to ensure 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.
 
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. For non-accrual loans which have 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 (after giving effect to the partial charge-off) 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.
 

35

 
 
The following summary shows information concerning loan delinquency and other non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
   
September 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
(Dollars in thousands)
           
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more
  $ -     $ -  
Non-accrual loans
    18,585       17,333  
Total non-performing loans (1)
    18,585       17,333  
Other real estate owned
    10,847       8,580  
                 
Total non-performing assets (2)
  $ 29,432     $ 25,913  
                 
 
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans net of unearned
               
   Income
    2.62 %     2.21 %
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    3.09 %     2.72 %

(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 $1.3 million, to $18.6 million at September 30, 2009, from $17.3 million at December 31, 2008, as a result of loans entering non-accrual status, partially offset by charge-offs and transfers to other real estate owned.  The amount of related valuation allowances related to non-accrual loans were $1.2 million and $2.3 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.
 
Republic had delinquent loans as follows: (i) 30 to 59 days past due, in the aggregate principal amount of $26,000 at September 30, 2009 and $8.9 million at December 31, 2008; and (ii) 60 to 89 days past due, at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, in the aggregate principal amount of $7.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
 
 
Other Real Estate Owned:

The balance of other real estate owned increased to $10.8 million at September 30, 2009 from $8.6 million at December 31, 2008 due to additions totaling $4.1 million partially offset by writedowns on properties of $1.4 million and proceeds from sales of $361,000.
 
At September 30, 2009, the Company had no credit exposure to “highly leveraged transactions” as defined by the FDIC.
 

 
36

 


Allowance for Loan Losses

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 is as follows:
 
                   
   
For the nine months ended
   
For the twelve months ended
   
For the nine months ended
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
   
September 30, 2008
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 8,409     $ 8,508     $ 8,508  
Charge-offs:
                       
 Commercial and construction
    8,961       7,778       7,778  
  Tax refund loans
    -       -       -  
 Consumer
    6       19       19  
                         
Total charge-offs
    8,967       7,797       7,797  
Recoveries:
                       
  Commercial and construction
    -       119       119  
  Tax refund loans
    -       77       77  
  Consumer
    2       3       2  
                         
Total recoveries
    2       199       198  
                         
Net charge-offs
    8,965       7,598       7,599  
Provision for loan losses
    13,200       7,499       5,898  
                         
Balance at end of period
  $ 12,644     $ 8,409     $ 6,807  
                         
Average loans outstanding (1)
  $ 750,550     $ 789,446     $ 796,782  
                         
 
As a percent of average loans (1):
                       
 
Net charge-offs (annualized)
    1.60 %     0.96 %     1.27 %
Provision for loan losses (annualized)
    2.35 %     0.95 %     0.99 %
 
Allowance for loan losses
    1.68 %     1.07 %     0.85 %
Allowance for loan losses to:
                       
Total loans, net of unearned income at period end
    1.78 %     1.07 %     0.88 %
Total non-performing loans at period end
    68.03 %     48.51 %     93.41 %
(1) Includes nonaccruing loans.

Management makes determinations, no less frequently than quarterly, as to appropriate provisions from earnings to maintain an allowance for loan losses that management determines is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  The Company’s board of directors periodically reviews the status of all non-accrual and impaired loans and loans classified by 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 allowance for loan losses. Any additions deemed necessary to the allowance for loan losses are charged to operating expenses.
 
The Company has a loan review program, which monitors the loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. Loan review is conducted by a loan review officer who reports changes on a quarterly basis, 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 was appropriate at September 30, 2009.  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
 
 
37

 
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 or that potential problems would be identified.  The Company’s portfolios of loans made for purposes of financing residential mortgages and consumer loans are evaluated in groups.
 
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 its financial results is through the Company’s need and ability to react to changes in interest rates.  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.
 
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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 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 September 30, 2009.  Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2009, 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 were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
38

 

PART II    OTHER INFORMATION
 

ITEM 1: 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 its legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liability 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 and Republic.  There were no material developments during the quarter ended September 30, 2009, which respect to the Metro proceeding described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
 
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
 
Significant risk factors could adversely effect our business, financial condition and results of operation.  The risk factors which management deems to be the most significant are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2009.  We do not believe there have been any material changes in these risk factors since that report.
 
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

On November 2, 2009, the Company announced that it has begun preparations for a 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, should one prove necessary.  Earlier this year, the Company reported that it had not fixed a date for a 2009 annual meeting of shareholders in anticipation of completing the merger with Metro.
 
While the Company believes the merger with Metro will be completed prior to year end, the completion of the merger remains subject, among other things, to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, which are outside of the Company’s control.
 
Accordingly, the board of directors of the Company has fixed December 23, 2009 as the date for the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders, should the merger with Metro not be completed by such date.
 
In order to have the Company consider the inclusion of a shareholder proposal in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting, a shareholder must submit his proposal to the Company in accordance with the Company’s bylaws and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14a-8 no later than November 13, 2009.  Any shareholder proposal received after November 13, 2009 will be considered untimely.
 
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 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q)
 
Exhibit No.


31.2           Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
 
 
39

 

 
32.1           Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

32.2           Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer



 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registered 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/Frank A. Cavallaro
 
Chief Financial Officer
   
Dated: November 9, 2009





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