SMARTFINANCIAL INC. - Quarter Report: 2006 March (Form 10-Q)
U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
One)
x
|
QUARTERLY
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
For
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006
|
|
o
|
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
For
the
transition period from
to
Commission
file number 000-30497
CORNERSTONE
BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact
name of small business issuer as specified in its
charter)
Tennessee
(State
of Jurisdiction
of
Incorporation or
Organization)
|
62-1173944
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
Number)
|
|
5319
Highway 153
Hixson,
TN 37343
(423)
385-3000
(Address,
and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices
and
Principal Place of Business)
|
Check
whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in
Rule
12b-2 of the Act. YES o NOx
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES
o
NOx
APPLICABLE
ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
There
were 3,223,284 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2006.
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
PART
I —
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial
Statements
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|||||
|
|
March
31,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|||
ASSETS
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2005
|
||||
Cash
and due from banks
|
$
|
7,942,411
|
$
|
14,590,499
|
$
|
7,885,439
|
||||
Federal
funds sold
|
9,645,000
|
-
|
11,030,000
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
17,587,411
|
14,590,499
|
18,915,439
|
|||||||
Securities
available for sale
|
31,139,169
|
30,127,486
|
28,880,598
|
|||||||
Securities
held to maturity
|
276,001
|
322,180
|
381,723
|
|||||||
Federal
Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
|
1,048,800
|
1,033,900
|
937,600
|
|||||||
Loans,
net of allowance for loan losses of
|
271,697,403
|
262,008,632
|
217,109,386
|
|||||||
$3,891,711 at
March 31, 2006, $3,545,042 at
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2005 and $2,845,765 at March 31, 2005
|
||||||||||
Bank
premises and equipment, net
|
7,121,949
|
7,207,146
|
5,948,808
|
|||||||
Accrued
interest receivable
|
1,686,439
|
1,739,460
|
1,213,839
|
|||||||
Goodwill
and amortizable intangibles
|
3,341,152
|
3,376,892
|
2,541,476
|
|||||||
Other
assets
|
6,707,484
|
3,205,706
|
1,852,177
|
|||||||
Total
Assets
|
$
|
340,605,808
|
$
|
323,611,901
|
$
|
277,781,046
|
||||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||||
Deposits:
|
||||||||||
Noninterest-bearing
demand deposits
|
$
|
41,589,006
|
$
|
42,118,351
|
$
|
33,303,412
|
||||
Interest-bearing
demand deposits
|
39,008,765
|
33,080,446
|
35,019,530
|
|||||||
Savings
deposits and money market accounts
|
62,428,515
|
55,410,928
|
46,096,950
|
|||||||
Time
deposits of $100,000 or more
|
43,881,140
|
38,707,366
|
30,600,241
|
|||||||
Time
deposits of less than $100,000
|
83,402,330
|
83,118,799
|
69,001,776
|
|||||||
Total
deposits
|
270,309,756
|
252,435,890
|
214,021,909
|
|||||||
Federal
funds purchased and securites sold under
|
||||||||||
agreements
to repurchase
|
3,353,125
|
4,790,737
|
2,835,888
|
|||||||
Federal
Home Loan Bank advances
|
31,000,000
|
30,000,000
|
32,000,000
|
|||||||
Accrued
interest payable
|
192,080
|
242,864
|
111,145
|
|||||||
Other
liabilities
|
1,973,658
|
3,676,047
|
1,426,144
|
|||||||
Total
Liabilities
|
306,828,619
|
291,145,538
|
250,395,086
|
|||||||
Stockholders'
Equity
|
||||||||||
Preferred
stock - no par value; 2,000,000 shares
|
||||||||||
authorized;
no shares issued
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||
Common
stock - $l.00 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized
|
||||||||||
at
March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and at March 31, 2005
|
||||||||||
issued
and outstanding - 3,223,284 at March 31, 2006,
|
||||||||||
3,201,334
at December 31, 2005 and 3,011,334 at
|
||||||||||
March
31, 2005
|
3,223,284
|
3,201,334
|
3,011,334
|
|||||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
21,399,199
|
21,211,135
|
19,255,074
|
|||||||
Retained
earnings
|
9,391,229
|
8,229,552
|
5,181,170
|
|||||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
|
(226,820
|
)
|
(165,955
|
)
|
(61,618
|
)
|
||||
33,786,892
|
32,476,066
|
27,385,960
|
||||||||
Treasury
stock, 471 shares at March 31, 2006 and
|
||||||||||
December
31, 2005, at cost
|
(9,703
|
)
|
(9,703
|
)
|
-
|
|||||
Total
stockholders' equity
|
33,777,189
|
32,466,363
|
27,385,960
|
|||||||
Total
liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
$
|
340,605,808
|
$
|
323,611,901
|
$
|
277,781,046
|
The
Notes
to Consolidated Finanical Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Statements of Income
|
Unaudited
Three
months ended
March
31,
|
||||||
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||||
INTEREST
INCOME
|
|||||||
Loans,
including fees
|
$
|
6,125,449
|
$
|
4,033,680
|
|||
Investment
securities
|
362,963
|
265,133
|
|||||
Federal
funds sold
|
15,895
|
21,650
|
|||||
Other
earning assets
|
5,061
|
2,030
|
|||||
Total
interest income
|
6,509,368
|
4,322,493
|
|||||
INTEREST
EXPENSE
|
|||||||
Interest
bearing demand accounts
|
91,221
|
65,537
|
|||||
Money
market accounts
|
389,466
|
169,056
|
|||||
Savings
accounts
|
19,529
|
12,932
|
|||||
Time
deposits of less than $100,000
|
843,353
|
411,614
|
|||||
Time
deposits of more than $100,000
|
432,422
|
204,520
|
|||||
Federal
funds purchased
|
95,890
|
12,965
|
|||||
Securities
sold under agreements to repurchase
|
16,738
|
14,008
|
|||||
Other
borrowings
|
265,506
|
244,682
|
|||||
Total
interest expense
|
2,154,125
|
1,135,314
|
|||||
Net
interest income before provision for loan losses
|
4,355,243
|
3,187,179
|
|||||
Provision
for loan losses
|
378,000
|
210,000
|
|||||
Net
interest income after the provision for loan losses
|
3,977,243
|
2,977,179
|
|||||
NONINTEREST
INCOME
|
|||||||
Service
charges
|
191,378
|
154,447
|
|||||
Other
income
|
241,634
|
63,399
|
|||||
Total
noninterest income
|
433,012
|
217,846
|
|||||
NONINTEREST
EXPENSE
|
|||||||
Salaries
and employee benefits
|
1,368,059
|
1,091,616
|
|||||
Occupancy
and equipment expense
|
271,995
|
256,721
|
|||||
Other
operating expense
|
602,167
|
472,499
|
|||||
Total
noninterest expense
|
2,242,221
|
1,820,836
|
|||||
Income
before provision for income taxes
|
2,168,034
|
1,374,189
|
|||||
Provision
for income taxes
|
812,960
|
534,000
|
|||||
NET
INCOME
|
$
|
1,355,074
|
$
|
840,189
|
|||
EARNINGS
PER COMMON SHARE
|
|||||||
Basic
net income per common share
|
$
|
0.42
|
$
|
0.29
|
|||
Diluted
net income per common share
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
0.26
|
|||
DIVIDENDS
DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
|
$
|
0.06
|
$
|
-
|
The
Notes
to Consolidated Finanical Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
For
the three months ended March 31,
|
|||||||
Unaudited
|
|||||||
2006
|
|
2005
|
|||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
1,355,074
|
$
|
840,189
|
|||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income
|
|||||||
to
net cash provided by (used in) operating actvities:
|
|||||||
Provision
for loan losses
|
378,000
|
210,000
|
|||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
144,674
|
172,166
|
|||||
Changes
in other operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accrued
interest receivable
|
53,021
|
(29,361
|
)
|
||||
Accrued
interest payable
|
(50,784
|
)
|
19,550
|
||||
Other
assets and liabilities
|
(2,155,675
|
)
|
(96,177
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash provided (used in) by operating activities
|
(275,690
|
)
|
1,116,367
|
||||
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|||||||
Purchase
of equity investment
|
(3,000,000
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Purchase
of investment securities: AFS
|
(2,000,326
|
)
|
(5,883,445
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds
from security transactions: AFS
|
896,972
|
3,193,123
|
|||||
Proceeds
from security transactions: HTM
|
46,587
|
13,189
|
|||||
Purchase
of FHLB Stock
|
(14,900
|
)
|
(83,400
|
)
|
|||
Loan
originations and principal collections, net
|
(10,058,675
|
)
|
(14,733,825
|
)
|
|||
Purchase
of bank premises and equipment
|
(172,013
|
)
|
(138,460
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(14,302,355
|
)
|
(17,632,818
|
)
|
|||
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|||||||
Net
increase in deposits
|
17,873,866
|
26,189,007
|
|||||
Net
decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
|
(1,437,612
|
)
|
(4,573,274
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds
from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
|
1,000,000
|
5,000,000
|
|||||
Dividends
paid on common stock
|
-
|
-
|
|||||
Issuance
of common stock
|
138,703
|
1,916,103
|
|||||
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
17,574,957
|
28,531,836
|
|||||
NET
INCREASE CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
2,996,912
|
12,015,386
|
|||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
|
14,590,499
|
6,900,054
|
|||||
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENETS, end of period
|
$
|
17,587,411
|
$
|
18,915,439
|
|||
|
|||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF CASH
|
|||||||
FLOW
INFORMATION
|
|||||||
Cash
paid during the period for interest
|
$
|
2,204,909
|
$
|
1,215,764
|
|||
Cash
paid during the period for taxes
|
600,000
|
535,000
|
The
Notes
to Consolidated Statements are an integral part of these
statements.
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Unaudited
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
Total
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
Common
|
|
Treasury
|
|
Paid-in
|
|
Retained
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
Stockholders'
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Income
|
|
Stock
|
|
Stock
|
|
Capital
|
|
Earnings
|
|
Income
|
|
Equity
|
||||||||
BALANCE,
December 31, 2005
|
$
|
3,201,334
|
$
|
(9,703
|
)
|
$
|
21,211,135
|
$
|
8,229,552
|
$
|
(165,955
|
)
|
$
|
32,466,363
|
||||||||
Issuance
of common stock
|
21,500
|
-
|
113,940
|
-
|
-
|
135,440
|
||||||||||||||||
under
Director's stock option plan
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance
of common stock
|
450
|
-
|
2,813
|
-
|
-
|
3,263
|
||||||||||||||||
under
employee compensation
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
option
plan
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax
benefit received from Director's
|
-
|
-
|
48,490
|
-
|
-
|
48,490
|
||||||||||||||||
stock
option exercise
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee
compensation stock
|
-
|
-
|
22,822
|
-
|
-
|
22,822
|
||||||||||||||||
option
expense
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend
- $0.06 per share
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(193,397
|
)
|
-
|
(193,397
|
)
|
||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
income:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
1,355,074
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,355,074
|
-
|
1,355,074
|
||||||||||||||
Other
comprehensive income, net of tax:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
holding gains (losses) on
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
securities
available for sale, net of
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
reclassification
adjustment
|
(60,865
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(60,865
|
)
|
(60,865
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Total
comprehensive income
|
$
|
1,294,209
|
||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE,
March 31, 2006
|
$
|
3,223,284
|
$
|
(9,703
|
)
|
$
|
21,399,199
|
$
|
9,391,229
|
$
|
(226,820
|
)
|
$
|
33,777,189
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CORNERSTONE
BANCSHARES, INC.
PRESENTATION
OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The
financial information in this report for March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005
has
not been audited. The information included herein should be read in conjunction
with the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2005
Annual Report to Shareholders which was furnished to each shareholder of
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) in March of 2006. The consolidated
financial statements presented herein conform to generally accepted accounting
principles and to general industry practices.
Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Cornerstone and its subsidiaries Cornerstone Community Bank (the “Bank”) and
Eagle Financial, Inc. (“Eagle”).
Substantially
all intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been
eliminated.
Accounting
Policies
During
interim periods, Cornerstone follows the accounting policies set forth in its
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Since December 31, 2005 there have been no significant
changes in any accounting principles or practices, or in the method of applying
any such principles or practices, with the exception of implementation of SFAS
No. 123(R), effective January 1, 2006, which is addressed in the “Stock Based
Compensation” note.
Interim
Financial Data (Unaudited)
In
the
opinion of Cornerstone’s management, the accompanying interim financial
statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition, the results
of
operations, and cash flows for the interim period. Results for interim periods
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
Earnings
Per Common Share
Basic
earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common
shareholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period (denominator). Diluted EPS is computed by dividing
income available to common shareholders (numerator) by the adjusted weighted
average number of shares outstanding (denominator). The adjusted weighted
average number of shares outstanding reflects the potential dilution occurring
if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or
converted into common stock resulting in the issuance of common stock that
share
in the earnings of the entity.
Common
Shares for EPS Calculations
Three
months ended
|
|||||||
March-06
|
March-05
|
||||||
Average
common stock issued and outstanding
|
3,215,271
|
2,947,594
|
|||||
Effect
of dilutive stock options
|
211,908
|
303,032
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CORNERSTONE
BANCSHARES,
INC.
Stock
Based Compensation
As
of
March 31, 2006, Cornerstone has two stock options plans under which officers
and
employees can be granted incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options
to purchase shares of Cornerstone’s common stock. Previous to 2006, Cornerstone
accounted for these plans under the recognition and measurement provisions
of
APB Opinion 25, Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees and
the
related interpretations, as permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board’s (FASB) SFAS No. 123 Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation. No
stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in the Statement of
Operations for years prior to 2006. Beginning January 1, 2006, Cornerstone,
as
required by FASB, adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R)
Share-Based
Payment
using
the modified-prospective method. For the period ending March 31, 2006, the
compensation cost charged to earnings related to the vested incentive stock
options was approximately $23 thousand, which affected earnings per share less
than $0.01per share.
During
the quarter ending March 31, 2006, Cornerstone granted 41,400 options to
employees which vest 30% the second and third anniversary of the grant date
and
40% on the fourth anniversary. Cornerstone also granted 20,000 shares to
directors which vests 50% the first and second anniversary of the grant date.
The value of each option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton
formula. There were no options forfeited during the quarter ended March 31,
2006.
For
comparability of March 31, 2006 income statement information to the March 31,
2005 income statement, the following table illustrates the effect on net income
and earnings per share if Cornerstone had applied during 2005, the fair value
recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 Accounting
for Stock- Based Compensation to
stock-based compensation.
Three
months ended
March
31, 2005
|
||||
Net
Income, as reported
|
$
|
840,189
|
||
Deduct: Total
Stock-based employee
|
||||
compensation
expense determined under
|
||||
fair
value method for all awards, net of
|
||||
The
related tax effects
|
($54,048
|
)
|
||
Pro
Forma Net Income
|
$
|
786,141
|
||
Earnings
Per Share:
|
||||
Basic-as
reported
|
$
|
0.29
|
||
Basic-pro
forma
|
$
|
0.27
|
||
Diluted-as
reported
|
$
|
0.26
|
||
Diluted-pro
forma
|
$
|
0.24
|
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CORNERSTONE
BANCSHARES, INC.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
The
Bank
is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal
course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial
instruments include standby letters of credit and various commitments to extend
credit. At March 31, 2006, commitments under standby letters of credit and
undisbursed loan commitments aggregated $ 59,415,059. The Bank’s credit exposure
for these financial instruments is represented by their contractual amounts.
The
Bank does not anticipate any material losses as a result of the commitments
under standby letters of credit and undisbursed loan commitments.
Forward-Looking
Statements
Certain
written and oral statements made by or with the approval of an authorized
executive officer of Cornerstone may constitute “forward-looking statements” as
defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words or
phrases such as “should result,” “are expected to,” “we anticipate,” “we
estimate,” “we project” or similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
Cornerstone’s historical experience and its present expectations or projections.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unanticipated
economic changes, interest rate fluctuations and the impact of competition.
Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking
statements since such statements speak only as of the date they are made.
Item
2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of
Operation.
Introduction
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) is a bank holding company and the parent of
Cornerstone Community Bank, (the “Bank”) a Tennessee banking corporation, and
Eagle Financial, Inc., (“Eagle”) an accounts receivable financing company that
operate in and around Hamilton County, Tennessee. The Bank’s business consists
primarily of attracting deposits from the general public and, with these and
other funds, originating real estate loans, consumer loans, business loans,
and
residential and commercial construction loans. The principal sources of income
for the Bank are interest and fees collected on loans, fees collected on deposit
accounts, and interest and dividends collected on other investments. The
principal expenses of the Bank are interest paid on deposits, employee
compensation and benefits, office expenses, and other overhead expenses. Eagle’s
principal source of income is revenue received from the purchase of receivables.
Expenses are related to employee compensation and benefits, office and overhead
expenses.
The
following discussion and analysis sets forth the major factors that affect
Cornerstone’s results of operations and financial condition reflected in the
unaudited financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006
and 2005. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
Cornerstone’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein and notes
attached thereto.
Overview
As
of
March 31, 2006 Cornerstone had total consolidated assets of $340.6 million,
total loans of $ 271.7 million, total deposits of $270.3 million and
stockholders equity of $33.8 million. The net income was $1,355,074 for the
three months ended March 31, 2006,
Results
of Operations
Cornerstone
ended the first three months of 2006 with total assets of $340.6 million, a
5.3%
increase from December 31, 2005 and a 22.6 % increase from March 31, 2005.
Cornerstone reported net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 of
$1,355,074, or $0.42 basic earnings per share, compared to $840,189, or $0.29
basic earnings per share, for the same period in 2005. The increase in earnings
during the three months of 2006 represents a 61.3% increase compared to the
first three months of 2005. The total number of outstanding shares as of the
end
of the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 was 3,223,284 compared to 3,011,334
in
the first quarter ended March 31, 2005, an increase of 21,950 from December
31,
2005.
Compared
to March 31, 2005, the increase in net income for the first three months of
2006
was due primarily to the 25.1% growth of loans, and the continued repricing
of
our loans and investments resulting from recent Federal Reserve rate increases.
Further, Eagle added $34 thousand to Cornerstone’s net income. The 26.3% growth
of deposits supported loan growth and also provided additional monies to invest
in earning assets increasing the Bank’s net interest margin to 5.76% compared to
5.38% for the same period in 2005. The Bank’s management expects the net
interest margin to decrease slightly to a more historic level over the remainder
of 2006 as liabilities reprice more consistently with assets.
The
balance sheet growth and higher net interest margin enabled the Bank to increase
its net interest income by $1.2 million or 36.7% compared to the same period
in
2005. The Bank’s lending staff continues to be successful in attracting new
loans and selling participations to banks outside of the Bank’s market area. As
in previous quarters, these efforts provided an avenue for increased interest
and fee income and allowed the opportunity to pursue new and cultivate existing
deposit accounts relative to these loans.
The
Bank
was also able to increase deposits by $56.3 million since March 31, 2005 and
$17.9 million since December 31, 2005. The Bank’s non-interest bearing checking
accounts increased $8.3 million and interest bearing checking accounts increased
$4.0 million or 11.4% while savings accounts and money market accounts increased
35.4% or $16.3 million when compared to the same time period in 2005. Compared
to December 31, 2005, non-interest bearing checking accounts decreased $529
thousand and savings and money market accounts increased $7.0 million. The
Bank
continues to focus on attracting transaction accounts that should allow the
Bank
to maintain its above peer average net interest margin. The Bank selects
longer-term maturities to reduce its general interest rate risk, and utilizes
its federal funds lines of credit as an inexpensive source of funds. The Bank
anticipates slower deposit growth in transaction deposits during the remainder
of 2006.
Non-interest
income increased 98.8% for the first three months of 2006 compared to the same
period in 2005. This increase was due to lease income growth and an increase
in
customer discretionary non-sufficient funds of 30.9%. The Bank also saw a $14.6
thousand increase from electronic payment processing. Management expects to
see
this portfolio continue to grow with the addition of new products and customers.
On
the
qualitative side, the Bank’s asset quality remained at a superior level, which
is quantified by the Bank’s average of past due loans to net loans ratio of
0.8%. However, the Bank did experience an increase in average non-performing
asset ratio to 1.3% due to $2.7 million placed in non-accruing loans, the
majority being in two loans.
Through
the end of March 2006, management continued to maintain an asset sensitive
balance sheet which means the Bank’s assets repriced more quickly than its
liabilities with interest rate increases. As the Federal Reserve becomes less
likely to increase rates, management will conservatively begin to move the
balance sheet to a more neutral position.
During
the first quarter of 2006 the Bank continued to work on expanding its manpower
and capital capacity to provide exceptional customer service in the rapidly
growing environment. The Bank is determined to continue to add highly qualified
commercial relationship managers as they become available in its market and
build the appropriate operational staff to enable them.
The
Bank,
pursuant to its strategic plan, intends to continue to focus on providing a
competitive footprint (convenient branches) to the Chattanooga Metropolitan
Statistical Area allowing it to compete with the three major regional banks
located in the area. The Bank also intends to focus its efforts in the suburb
branch network and not on a central hub bank located in downtown Chattanooga.
It
is also intended that special emphasis will be placed on providing services
specifically targeted to small businesses and individual customers.
During
the first quarter of 2006, the Bank invested $3 million into 24.99% ownership
of
the Appalachian Fund for Growth, II, LLC. The LLC was created to fund $12
million of New Market Tax Credits with a seven year life span awarded by the
U.S. Treasury Department to encourage investment in economic development
projects in low to moderate census tracts. Cornerstone Community Bank joined
three other Tennessee Banks and plans to assist the LLC with the underwriting
of
the loans and expects the funds to be deployed prior to the end of 2006. For
their efforts the banks will receive tax credits for seven years.
Financial
Condition
Earning
Assets.
Average
earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2006, increased by $66.7
million, or 27.7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2005, while
actual earning assets increased $55.5 million or 21.5% during the same period.
Compared to December 31, 2005, average earning assets increased by $38.0 million
or 14.3% and actual earning assets increased $20.3 million or 6.9%. The
increases were due to strong loan demand in the first three months of 2006
and
rise in transaction deposits during the current reporting period which provided
additional funds for investment. Management expects average earning assets
to
grow at a similar pace during the remainder of 2006.
Loan
Portfolio.
The
Bank's average loans for the first three months of 2006 were $271.7 million,
an
increase of $61.0 million, or 29.0% compared to the first three months of 2005,
while actual balances increased to $271.7 million, an increase of 25.1% above
the $217.1 million in loans as of March 31, 2005. The actual loan portfolio
balance grew $9.7 million from the year ending December 31, 2005. Management
anticipates similar loan growth for the remainder of the year.
Investment
Portfolio.
The
Bank's average investment securities portfolio and Federal Funds Sold increased
by 19.1% or $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared
to
the three months ended March 31, 2005, while actual balances increased $879
thousand or 2.1%. Compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, the average
investment securities portfolio and Federal Funds Sold increased $3.2 million
and actual totals increased $10.6 million or 33.8%. The majority of the increase
over December was $9.6 million in Fed Funds sold. This is primarily due to
one
large- balance money market account that has proven to fluctuate regularly.
With
current market conditions, bank management believes the current level of $31.4
million in investment securities is appropriate and intends to increase the
portfolio cautiously. The Bank expects to maintain an investment strategy of
making prudent investment decisions with active management of the portfolio
to
optimize, within the constraints of established policies, an adequate return
and
value. Investment objectives include, in order of priority, gap management,
liquidity, pledging, return, and local community support. The Bank maintains
two
classifications of investment securities: "Held to Maturity" (HTM) and
"Available for Sale" (AFS). The "Available for Sale" securities are carried
at
fair market value, whereas "Held to Maturity" securities are carried at book
value. Net unrealized losses in the "Available for Sale" portfolio amounted
to
$343,666 and $211,997 at March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Deposits. The
Bank's average deposits increased by $59.3 million or 30.7 % for the three
month
period ended March 31, 2006 compared to the same period ended March 31, 2005,
while actual deposit balances increased by $56.3 million or 26.3% since March
31, 2005. Compared to the year ending December 31, 2005, average deposits
increased $35.8 million or 16.5%. During the quarter, the Bank launched a
successful campaign to raise funds by offering a certificate of deposit special.
The majority of the actual deposit growth was represented by money market and
time accounts with a $44.0 million increase or 30.2 % over the same period
in
2005 and $12.5 million or 7.4% compared to the year ended December 31, 2005.
Management intends to continue focusing its efforts on attracting core deposits
and expects certificates of deposits to increase over the remainder of 2006
as
loan growth continues.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources.
As
of the
end of the first quarter of 2006 the Bank had $31.0 million of Federal Home
Loan
Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”) borrowings. The borrowings are designed with a
maturity of 10 years with call and put options after a stated conversion date.
Management believes that FHLB borrowings provide an inexpensive method to reduce
interest rate risks by obtaining longer term liabilities to match the typically
longer term assets the Bank has on its balance sheet that are usually below
the
cost of certificates of deposit.
Average
stockholders' equity increased by $7.7 million or 29.8% to $33.5 million for
the
three months ended March 31, 2006 compared with $25.8 million during the three
months ended March 31, 2005. Actual equity increased by $6.4 million or 23.3%
from March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2006. Compared to the year ended December
31,
2005, average stockholders’ equity increased by $4.6 million or 16.0%.
Results
of Operations - Three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to three months
ended
March 31, 2005.
Cornerstone
Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated
Average Balance Sheets
Interest
Income / Expense and Yield Rates
Taxable
equivalent basis
(in
thousands)
Three
months ended
March
31
|
|||||||||||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||||||||
Assets
|
Average
Balance
|
Income
/ Expense
|
Yield/
Rate
|
Average
Balance
|
Income
/ Expense
|
Yield
/ Rate
|
|||||||||||||
Loans,
net of unearned income
|
$
|
271,650
|
$
|
6,125
|
9.14
|
%
|
$
|
210,665
|
$
|
4,034
|
7.77
|
%
|
|||||||
Investment
securities
|
34,319
|
363
|
4.41
|
%
|
26,426
|
265
|
4.22
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Other
earning assets
|
1,516
|
21
|
5.62
|
%
|
3,663
|
24
|
2.66
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Total
earning assets
|
307,485
|
6,509
|
8.60
|
%
|
240,754
|
4,323
|
7.30
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Allowance
for loan losses
|
(3,623
|
)
|
(2,698
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash
and other assets
|
24,707
|
18,403
|
|||||||||||||||||
TOTALASSETS
|
328,569
|
256,459
|
|||||||||||||||||
Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Interest
bearing liabilities:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Interest
bearing demand deposits
|
$
|
34,551
|
$
|
91
|
1.07
|
%
|
$
|
32,684
|
$
|
66
|
0.82
|
%
|
|||||||
Savings
deposits
|
7,894
|
20
|
1.03
|
%
|
7,750
|
13
|
0.68
|
%
|
|||||||||||
MMDA's
|
44,469
|
389
|
3.55
|
%
|
28,466
|
169
|
2.41
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Time
deposits under $100,000
|
86,137
|
843
|
3.97
|
%
|
61,635
|
412
|
2.71
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Time
deposits of $100,000 or more
|
42,826
|
432
|
4.09
|
%
|
29,234
|
205
|
2.84
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Federal
funds and securities sold under
|
|||||||||||||||||||
agreements
to repurchase
|
9,920
|
113
|
4.62
|
%
|
7,297
|
27
|
1.50
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Other
borrowings
|
30,656
|
266
|
3.52
|
%
|
28,722
|
245
|
3.46
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Total
interest bearing liabilities
|
256,453
|
2,154
|
3.41
|
%
|
195,788
|
1,137
|
2.36
|
%
|
|||||||||||
|
$
|
4,355
|
$
|
3,186
|
|||||||||||||||
Noninterest
bearing demand deposits
|
36,644
|
33,449
|
|||||||||||||||||
Accrued
expenses and other liabilities
|
1,984
|
1,416
|
|||||||||||||||||
Stockholders'
equity
|
33,488
|
25,806
|
|||||||||||||||||
TOTALLIABILITIES
AND
|
|||||||||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS'EQUITY
|
328,569
|
256,459
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
interest margin on earning assets
|
5.76
|
%
|
5.38
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||
Net
interest spread on earning assets
|
5.19
|
%
|
4.94
|
%
|
Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the principal component of a financial institution's income stream and represents the spread between interest and fee income generated from earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits. The following discussion is on a fully taxable equivalent basis.
Net
interest income before loan loss provision for the first three months of 2006
increased $1.2 million or 36.6% above net interest income before loan loss
provision for the first three months of 2005. As in previous quarters, the
rapid
growth in earning assets and the slower paced deposit costs were the driving
factors to the increase in net interest income during the first quarter of
2006.
Average earning assets grew to $307.5 million compared to $240.8 million in
March 2005. Yields from earning assets increased from 7.3% to 8.59% during
the
first quarter while the cost of deposits grew from 2.01% to 2.98% over the
same
period. The net interest margin outpaced the Bank’s projections again in the
first quarter primarily from the rapid growth created by the successful
accomplishments of the lending staff and the additional income from Eagle
Financial, Inc.
Interest
income increased $2.2 million or 50.6% for the three month period ended March
31, 2006 compared to the same period ended March 31, 2005. Interest income
produced by the loan portfolio increased $2.1 million or 51.9% for the three
month period ended March 31, 2006 compared to three month period ended March
31,
2005. This is due to the increase in average loans outstanding and the continued
repricing of the Bank’s loans caused by the Federal Reserve rate increases
during the past two years.
Management
anticipates this growth will continue throughout the remainder of 2006 and
expects Eagle’s portfolio to grow as well as the experienced staff continues to
develop their market. Interest income on investment securities and other earning
assets increased $95.1 thousand or 32.9% for the three month period ended March
31, 2006 compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2005.
Due
to
the $60.7 million increase in average interest bearing liabilities and market
pressures to increase rates paid on deposits from March 31, 2005 to March 31,
2006, total interest expense increased $1.0 million or 89.7 % during the same
periods. Compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, average interest bearing
liabilities grew $35.8 million or 16.2%.
The
net
interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was 5.76% compared
to
5.39% for the same period of 2005. The interest spread on earning assets
increased 24 basis points to 5.19% for the period ended March 31, 2006, compared
to 4.95 % for the period ended March 31, 2005.
The
measure the Bank and many other financial institutions use to measure this
interest rate sensitivity is a GAP report. The report determines the amount
of
difference between repricing assets and liabilities over a period of time.
The
period most commonly used by financial institutions is the one year cumulative
GAP. Currently the Bank’s balance sheet structure is considered asset sensitive,
which means the assets will reprice faster than liabilities. The Bank’s one year
cumulative GAP is 22.26% and considered beneficial if rates are rising.
Management anticipates that the Federal Reserve will continue to increase short
term interest rates for at least one more time in 2006 which should benefit
the
Bank’s earning until liabilities have time to reprice and the Bank’s net
interest margin returns to a more normal level. Management plans to actively
manage the balance sheet and during the remainder of 2006 reduce the asset
sensitivity of the Bank to a more neutral position that would not negatively
impact earnings if short term interest rates started a downward turn.
Allowance
for Loan Losses. The
allowance for loan losses represents management's assessment of the risks
associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan
portfolio. Management analyzes the loan portfolio to determine the adequacy
of
the allowance for loan losses and the appropriate provisions required to
maintain a level considered adequate to absorb anticipated loan losses.
Management believes that the $3.9 million allowance for loan losses as of March
31, 2006 reflects the full known extent of credit exposure. During the first
three months ended March 31, 2006, the Bank made a $378 thousand provision
for
loan losses compared to $210 thousand during the same period of 2005. Included
in the March 31, 2006 provision total is $9 thousand for Eagle Financial, Inc.’s
portfolio. The increase in the provision during the first quarter 2006,
represents management’s assessment of the loan portfolio and the inherent risks
associated with the loan growth, classified loans and non-performing loans.
During the recent period, the Bank has seen an increase in non-performing loans
and other assets (as discussed in the following section). The majority of the
increase in non-performing loans is with one relationship. Although the Bank
performs prudent credit underwriting, no assurances can be given, however,
that
adverse economic circumstances will not result in increased losses in the loan
portfolio and require greater provisions for possible loan losses in the
future.
Non-performing
Assets.
Non-performing assets include non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate
held for sale. Non-performing loans include loans classified as non-accrual
or
renegotiated. The Bank's policy is to place a loan on non-accrual status when
payment of principal or interest is contractually 90 or more days past due.
At
the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest previously accrued
but
not collected may be reversed and charged against current earnings. As of March
31, 2006, the Bank had $2.7 million in non-accruing loans, the majority being
two loans, and $776 thousand in repossessed and foreclosed properties of which
the majority is one relationship with three, one to four family residences
as
collateral. These numbers are compared to $216 thousand in non-accruing loans
and $53 thousand in repossessed and foreclosed properties as of March 31, 2005.
Non-interest
Income. Non-interest
income consists of revenues generated from a broad range of financial services
and activities, including fee-based services and profits, commissions earned
through credit life insurance sales and other activities. In addition, gains
or
losses realized from the sale of residential mortgage loans are included in
non-interest income. During the first three months of 2006, total non-interest
income increased $215 thousand or 98.8 % compared with the first three months
of
2005.
Non-interest
Expense. Non-interest
expense for the first three months of 2006 increased by $421 thousand or 23.14%
compared to the first three months in 2005. Expenses for salaries and employee
benefits for the first three months ended March 31, 2006 increased by $276
thousand or 25.3% over the same period ended March 31, 2005. As of March 31,
2006, occupancy and equipment expense increased by $15.3 thousand or 6.0 %
over
the same period in 2005. All other non-interest expenses for the three-month
period ended March 31, 2006 increased $130 thousand or 27.4% over the
non-interest expenses for the same period ended March 31, 2005. The increase
in
non-interest expenses is broad based and used to support the rapid growth of
the
Bank’s assets and liabilities in a safe and sound manner.
Item
3. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
2006
|
2005
|
|||||||||||||||
Quarter
Ending
|
March
31
|
|
December
31
|
September
30
|
June
30
|
March
31
|
||||||||||
Balance
at beginning of period
|
3,545,042
|
3,275,486
|
3,054,841
|
2,845,765
|
2,665,464
|
|||||||||||
Loans
charged-off
|
(70,476
|
)
|
(239,781
|
)
|
(137,197
|
)
|
(135,055
|
)
|
(44,994
|
)
|
||||||
Loans
recovered
|
39,145
|
7,337
|
8,242
|
4,131
|
15,295
|
|||||||||||
Net
charge-offs (recoveries)
|
31,331
|
232,444
|
128,955
|
130,924
|
29,699
|
|||||||||||
Provision
for loan losses charged
|
||||||||||||||||
to
expense
|
378,000
|
502,000
|
349,600
|
340,000
|
210,000
|
|||||||||||
Balance
at end of period
|
3,891,711
|
3,545,042
|
3,275,486
|
3,054,841
|
2,845,765
|
|||||||||||
Allowance
for loan losses as a
|
||||||||||||||||
percentage
of average loans
|
||||||||||||||||
outstanding
for the period
|
1.433
|
%
|
1.365
|
%
|
1.321
|
%
|
1.314
|
%
|
1.351
|
%
|
||||||
Allowance
for loan losses as a
|
||||||||||||||||
percentage
of nonperforming assets
|
||||||||||||||||
and
loans 90 days past due
|
||||||||||||||||
outstanding
for the period
|
113.260
|
%
|
233.923
|
%
|
310.422
|
%
|
246.798
|
%
|
1056.833
|
%
|
||||||
Annualized
QTD net charge-offs as
|
||||||||||||||||
a
percentage of average loans
|
||||||||||||||||
outstanding
for the period
|
0.047
|
%
|
0.158
|
%
|
0.206
|
%
|
0.226
|
%
|
0.057
|
%
|
||||||
Annualized
YTD net charge-offs as
|
0.047
|
%
|
0.221
|
%
|
0.170
|
%
|
0.148
|
%
|
0.057
|
%
|
||||||
a
percentage of average loans
|
||||||||||||||||
outstanding
for the period
|
||||||||||||||||
YTD
Average Outstanding Loans
|
271,650,000
|
236,108,032
|
228,142,004
|
219,566,305
|
210,666,687
|
|||||||||||
QTD
Average Outstanding Loans
|
271,650,000
|
259,746,354
|
247,938,155
|
232,409,647
|
210,666,687
|
|||||||||||
Nonperforming
assets and
|
3,436,082
|
1,515,473
|
1,055,173
|
1,237,791
|
269,273
|
A
comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis regarding market risk was
disclosed in Cornerstone’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005. No
material changes in the assumptions used in preparing, or results obtained
from,
the model have occurred since December 31, 2005.
Item
4. Controls
and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Cornerstone’s
Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer have evaluated the effectiveness of
Cornerstone’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in
Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing
date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation,
such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, Cornerstone’s
disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely
basis to material information relating to Cornerstone (including its
consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in Cornerstone’s periodic
filings under the Exchange Act.
Changes
in Internal Controls
Since
the
Evaluation Date, there have not been any significant changes in Cornerstone’s
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such
controls.
PART
II
OTHER
INFORMATION
Item
1. Legal
Proceedings
There
are
various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically involved
incidental to the Bank’s business. In the opinion of Management, no material
loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits.
Item
1A. Risk
Factors
Cornerstone
intends to continue pursuing a growth strategy for its business though
acquisitions and de novo branching. Cornerstone’s prospects must be considered
in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties occasionally encountered by
financial services companies in growth stages, including maintaining loan
quality, maintaining adequate management personnel and information systems
to
oversee such growth; and maintaining adequate control and compliance
functions.
There
is
no assurance that existing offices or future offices will maintain or achieve
deposit levels, loan balances or other operating results necessary to avoid
losses or produce profits. Cornerstone’s growth and de novo branching strategy
necessarily entails growth in overhead expenses as it routinely adds new offices
and staff. Cornerstone’s historical results may not be indicative of future
results or results that may be achieved as Cornerstone continues to increase
the
number and concentration of its branch offices.
There
are
considerable costs involved in opening branches and new branches generally
do
not generate sufficient revenues to offset their costs until they have been
in
operation for at least a year or more. Accordingly, Cornerstone’s de novo
branches may be expected to negatively impact its earnings during this period
of
time until the branches reach certain economies of scale.
Much
of
Cornerstone’s recent growth has been focused in the highly competitive
Chattanooga metropolitan markets. In the Chattanooga market, Cornerstone faces
competition from a wide array of financial institutions. Cornerstone’s continued
expansion into this market may be impacted if it is unable to meet customer
demands or compete effectively with the financial institutions operating in
these markets.
Cornerstone’s
growth and expansion plans may be adversely affected by a number of regulatory
and economic developments or other events. Failure to obtain required regulatory
approvals, changes in laws and regulations or other regulatory developments
and
changes in prevailing economic conditions may prevent or adversely affect
Cornerstone’s continued growth and expansion.
Failure
to successfully address the issues identified above could have a material
adverse effect on Cornerstone’s business, future prospects, financial condition
or results of operations and could adversely affect Cornerstone’s ability to
successfully implement its business strategy.
Cornerstone’s
earnings are affected by its ability to properly originate, underwrite and
service loans. Cornerstone could sustain losses if it incorrectly assesses
the
creditworthiness of its borrowers or fails to detect or respond to deterioration
in asset quality in a timely manner. Problems with asset quality could cause
Cornerstone’s interest income and net interest margin to decrease and its
provisions for loan losses to increase, which could adversely affect
Cornerstone’s results of operations and financial condition.
The
risk
of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic
conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower
over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value
and marketability of the collateral for the loan. Management maintains an
allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things, historical experience,
an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and
loan portfolio quality. Based upon such factors, Management makes various
assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectibility of the loan
portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses based upon a percentage
of
the outstanding balances and takes a charge against earnings with respect to
specific loans when their ultimate collectibility is considered questionable.
If
management’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance
for loan losses is inadequate to absorb losses, or if the bank regulatory
authorities require the Bank to increase the allowance for loan losses as a
part
of their examination process, Cornerstone’s earnings and capital could be
significantly and adversely affected.
Cornerstone
relies on dividends from the Bank as its primary source of funds. The Bank’s
primary source of funds is customer deposits and loan repayments. While
scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are
subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The borrowers’ resources
can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic
conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry group,
reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs,
weather related difficulties, natural disasters and international instability.
Additionally, deposits levels may be affected by a number of factors, including
rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available
to
customers on alternative investments and general economic conditions.
Accordingly, Cornerstone may be required from time to time to rely on secondary
sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demand or otherwise fund operations.
Such sources include Federal Home Loan Bank advances and federal funds lines
of
credit from correspondent banks. While Cornerstone believes that these sources
are currently adequate, there can be no assurance they will be sufficient to
meet future liquidity demands. Cornerstone may be required to slow or
discontinue loan growth, capital expenditures or other investments or liquidate
assets should such sources not be adequate.
The
banking business is highly competitive and Cornerstone experiences competition
in its market from many other financial institutions. Cornerstone competes
with
commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking
firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance
companies, money market funds, and other mutual funds, as well as other
community banks and super-regional and national financial institutions that
operate office in Cornerstone’s primary market areas and elsewhere.
Additionally,
Cornerstone faces competition from de novo community banks, including those
with
senior management who were previously affiliated with other local or regional
banks or those controlled by investor groups with strong local business and
community ties. These de novo community banks may offer higher deposit rates
or
lower cost loans in an effort to attract Cornerstone’s customers, and may
attempt to hire Cornerstone’s management and employees.
Cornerstone
competes with these other financial institutions both in attracting deposits
and
in making loans. In addition, Cornerstone has to attract its customer base
from
other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Cornerstone
expects competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative,
regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation
in the financial services industry. Cornerstone’s profitability depends upon its
continued ability to successfully compete with an array of financial
institutions in its market areas.
From
time
to time Cornerstone may engage in additional de novo branch expansion as well
as
the acquisition of other financial institutions or parts of those institutions.
Cornerstone may also consider and enter into new lines of business or offer
new
products or services. In addition, Cornerstone may receive future inquiries
from
potential purchasers of Cornerstone. Acquisitions and mergers involve a number
of risks, including;
· |
the
time and costs associated with identifying and evaluating potential
acquisitions and merger partners;
|
· |
inaccuracies
in the estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations,
management and market risks with respect to the target
institution;
|
· |
the
time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring experienced local
management and opening new offices, and the time lags between these
activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to
support
the costs of the expansion;
|
· |
Cornerstone’s
ability to finance an acquisition and possible dilution to its existing
shareholders;
|
· |
the
diversion of Cornerstone’s management’s attention to the negotiation of a
transaction, and the integration of the operations and personnel
of the
combining businesses;
|
· |
entry
into new markets where Cornerstone lacks
experience;
|
· |
the
introduction of new products and services into Cornerstone’s
business;
|
· |
the
incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an
acquisition and possible adverse short-term effects on Cornerstone’s
results of operations; and
|
· |
the
risk of loss of key employees and
customers.
|
Cornerstone
may incur substantial costs to expand. There can be no assurance that the
integration efforts for any future mergers or acquisitions will be successful.
Also, Cornerstone may issue equity securities, including common stock and
securities convertible into shares of Cornerstone’s common stock in connection
with future acquisitions, which could cause ownership and economic dilution
to
the Company’s shareholders. There is no assurance, that following any future
mergers or acquisitions, Cornerstone’s integration efforts will be successful or
Cornerstone, after giving effect to the acquisition, will achieve profits
comparable to or better than its historical experience.
Cornerstone’s
success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels,
deposits and housing starts in its market areas. If the communities in which
Cornerstone operates do not grow or prevailing economic conditions locally
or
nationally are unfavorable, Cornerstone’s business may not succeed. Adverse
economic conditions in Cornerstone’s specific market areas could reduce its
growth rate, affect the ability of its customers to repay their loans to
Cornerstone and generally affect its financial condition and results of
operations. Moreover, Cornerstone cannot give any assurance that it will benefit
from any market growth or favorable economic condition in its primary market
areas if they do occur.
Any
adverse market or economic conditions in the State of Tennessee may increase
the
risk that Cornerstone’s borrowers will be unable to timely make their loan
payments, In addition, the market value of the real estate securing loans as
collateral could be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in market and
economic conditions. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies,
foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in the
state of Tennessee could adversely affect the value of Cornerstone’s assets,
revenues results of operations and financial condition.
Changes
in interest rates may affect Cornerstone’s level of interest income, the primary
component of its gross revenue, as well as the level of its interest expense.
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond
Cornerstone’s control, including general economic conditions and the policies of
various governmental and regulatory authorities. Accordingly, changes in
interest rates could decrease Cornerstone’s net interest income. Changes in the
level of interest rates also may negatively affect Cornerstone’s ability to
originate real estate loans, the value of Cornerstone’s assets and Cornerstone’s
ability to realize gains from the sale of its assets, all of which ultimately
affects Cornerstone’s earnings.
Cornerstone
depends on the strategies and management services of Gregory B. Jones, its
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Although Cornerstone has
entered into an employment agreement with him, the loss of Mr. Jones’ services
could have a material adverse effect on Cornerstone’s business, results of
operations and financial condition. Cornerstone is also dependent on certain
other key officers who have important customer relationships or are instrumental
to its operations. Changes in key personnel and their responsibilities may
be
disruptive to Cornerstone’s business and could have a material adverse effect on
Cornerstone’s business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Cornerstone
believes that its future results will also depend in part upon its attracting
and retaining highly skilled and qualified management and sales and marketing
personnel, particularly in those areas where Cornerstone may open new branches.
Competition for such personnel is intense, and Cornerstone cannot assure you
that it will be successful in attracting or retaining such
personnel.
Cornerstone
operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to examination,
supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various federal and state agencies
including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), the FDIC
and
the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. Cornerstone’s regulatory
compliance is costly and restricts certain of its activities, including payment
of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans, and interest rates
charged, interest rates paid on deposits and locations of offices. Cornerstone
is also subject to capitalization guidelines established by its regulators,
which require it to maintain adequate capital to support its
growth.
The
laws
and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time,
and
Cornerstone cannot predict the effects of these changes on its business and
profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and
financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies,
Cornerstone’s cost of compliance could adversely affect its ability to operate
profitably.
Cornerstone
may not be able to sustain its historical rate of growth or may not even be
able
to grow its business at all. In addition, Cornerstone’s recent growth may
distort some of its historical financial ratios and statistics. In the future,
Cornerstone may not have the benefit of several recently favorable factors,
such
as a generally favorable interest rate environment, a strong residential
mortgage market, or the ability to find suitable expansion opportunities.
Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative
considerations and competition, may also impede or prohibit Cornerstone’s
ability to expand its market presence.
As
a
Tennessee corporation, Cornerstone is subject to various legislative acts which
impose restrictions on and require compliance with procedures designed to
protect shareholders against unfair or coercive mergers and acquisitions. These
statutes may delay or prevent offers to acquire Cornerstone and increase the
difficulty of consummating any such offers, even if the acquisition of
Cornerstone would be in its shareholders’ best interests.
The
amount of common stock owned by, and other compensation arrangements with,
Cornerstone’s officers and directors may make it more difficult to obtain
shareholder approval of potential takeovers that they oppose.
As
of
February 28, 2006, directors and executive officers beneficially owned
approximately 23.35% of Cornerstone’s common stock. Agreements with
Cornerstone’s senior management also provide for significant payments under
certain circumstances following a change in control. These compensation
arrangements, together with the common stock and option ownership of
Cornerstone’s board of directors and management, could make it difficult or
expensive to obtain majority support for shareholder proposals or potential
acquisition proposals of us that Cornerstone’s directors and officers
oppose.
Cornerstone’s
continued pace of growth may require it to raise additional capital in the
future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.
Cornerstone
is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate
levels of capital to support its operations. While Cornerstone’s capital
resources will satisfy its capital requirements for the foreseeable future,
Cornerstone may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to
support its continued growth.
Cornerstone’s
ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in
the
capital markets at that time, which are outside its control, and on its
financial performance. Accordingly, Cornerstone cannot assure its shareholders
that it will be able to raise additional capital if needed on terms acceptable
to it. If Cornerstone cannot raise additional capital when needed, its ability
to further expand its operations through internal growth and acquisitions could
be materially impaired.
The
banking industry and the ability to deliver financial services is becoming
more
dependent on technological advancement, such as the ability to process loan
applications over the Internet, accept electronic signatures, provide process
status updates instantly and on-line banking capabilities and other customer
expected conveniences that are cost effective to Cornerstone’s business
processes. As these technologies are improved in the future, Cornerstone may,
in
order to remain competitive, be required to make significant capital
expenditures.
Cornerstone
cannot say with any certainty when a more active and liquid trading market
for
its common stock will develop or be sustained. Because of this, Cornerstone’s
shareholders may not be able to sell their shares at the volumes, prices, or
times that they desire.
Cornerstone
cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of its common stock in
the
market, or availability of shares of its common stock for sale in the market,
will have on the market price of Cornerstone’s common stock. Cornerstone,
therefore, can give no assurance that sales of substantial amount of its common
stock in the market, or the potential for large amounts of sales in the market,
would not cause the price of its common stock to decline or impair its ability
to raise capital through sales of its common stock.
The
market price of Cornerstone’s common stock may fluctuate in the future, and
these fluctuations may be unrelated to its performance. General market price
declines or overall market volatility in the future could adversely affect
the
price of our common stock, and the current market price may not indicative
of
future market prices.
In
order
to maintain its capital at desired levels or required regulatory levels, or
to
fund future growth, Cornerstone’s board of directors may decide from time to
time to issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into,
exchangeable for or representing rights to acquire shares of its common stock.
The sale of these shares may significantly dilute Cornerstone’s Shareholders’
ownership interest as a shareholder and the per share book value of its common
stock. New investors in the future may also have rights, preferences and
privileges senior to its current shareholder which may adversely impact its
current shareholders.
Cornerstone
derives its income solely from dividends on the shares of common stock of the
Bank. The Bank’s ability to declare and pay dividends is limited by its
obligations to maintain sufficient capital and by other general restrictions
on
its dividends that are applicable to banks that are regulated by the FDIC and
the Department of Financial Institutions. In addition, the FRB may impose
restrictions on Cornerstone’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock. As a
result Cornerstone cannot assure its shareholders that it will declare or pay
dividends on shares of its common stock in the future.
Item
6.
Exhibits
and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) |
Exhibits
|
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
|
3
|
First
Amendment to Amended and Restated Charter of Cornerstone Bancshares,
Inc.
(1)
|
|
31
|
Certifications
under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
32
|
Certifications
under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
(1) |
Incorporated
by reference from Exhibit 3 of the registrant’s Form 10- QSB filed on May
14, 2004.
|
(b) |
Reports
on Form 8-K
|
(1) |
Form
8-K dated January 13, 2006 disclosing a press release related to
the
fiscal quarter ended December 31,
2005.
|
(2) |
Form
8-K dated February 27, 2006 announcing the declaration of a $0.06
per
share quarterly dividend with a record date of March 15, 2006 and
a
payment date of April 10, 2006.
|
SIGNATURES
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused
this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. | ||
|
|
|
Date: May 10, 2006 | /s/ Gregory B. Jones | |
Gregory B. Jones, |
||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: May 10, 2006 | /s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes | |
Nathaniel F. Hughes |
||
President and Treasurer |
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
|
3
|
First
Amendment to Amended and Restated Charter of Cornerstone Bancshares,
Inc.
(1)
|
|
31
|
Certifications
under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
32
|
Certifications
under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
(1)
|
Incorporated
by reference from Exhibit 3 of the registrant’s Form 10-QSB filed on
May
14, 2004.
|