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SMARTFINANCIAL INC. - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)


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

FORM 10-K

x
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
 
OR
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 000-30497

cornerstone logo

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Tennessee
62-1173944
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No .)

835 Georgia Avenue,
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(423) 385-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value

Indicate by check mark if Registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o No x

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 and 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 o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer x    Non-accelerated filer o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    
Yes o No x
 
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2007 was $78 million. The market value calculation was determined using the closing sale price of the Registrant’s common stock on June 30, 2007, as reported on the Over the Counter (“OTC”) Bulletin Board. For purposes of this calculation, the term “affiliate” refers to all directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders of the Registrant. As of the close of business on December 31, 2007 there were 6,369,718 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
The following lists the documents incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K into which the document is incorporated:
 
1.  Portions of Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. (Part III)
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item No.
 
Page No.
 
PART I
   
1.
Description of Business
 
1
       
1A.
Risk Factors
 
6
       
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
9
       
2.
Description of Property
 
9
       
3.
Legal Proceedings
 
10
       
4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
10
       
 
PART II
   
       
5.
Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of
   
 
Equity Securities
 
10
       
6.
Selected Financial Data
 
11
       
7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
13
       
8.
Financial Statements
 
31
       
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
68
       
9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
68
       
 
PART III
   
       
10.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
68
       
11.
Executive Compensation
 
69
       
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and related
   
 
Stockholder Matters
 
69
       
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
69
       
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
69
       
15.
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
69
 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) may from time to time make written or oral statements, including statements contained in this report which may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “consider,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “should,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but other statements may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements should be considered subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Cornerstone’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Such factors are described below and in Cornerstone’s Form 10-K, as updated by Item 1A of part II of this Form 10-Q and include, without limitation, (i) unanticipated deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in loan losses and provisions for those losses, (ii) increased competition with other financial institutions, (iii) lack of sustained growth in the economy in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, (iv) rapid fluctuations or unanticipated changes in interest rates, (v) the inability of our bank subsidiary, Cornerstone Community Bank, to satisfy regulatory requirements for its expansion plans, (vi) the inability of Cornerstone to achieve its targeted expansion goals in the Knoxville, Tennessee and Dalton, Georgia markets, (vii) the inability of Cornerstone to grow its loan portfolio at historic or planned rates and (viii) changes in the legislative and regulatory environment, including compliance with the various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Many of such factors are beyond Cornerstone’s ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Cornerstone does not intend to update or reissue any forward-looking statements contained in this report as a result of new information or other circumstances that may become known to Cornerstone.



PART I
 
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

Cornerstone was incorporated on September 19, 1983 under the laws of the State of Tennessee and is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and was formerly known as East Ridge Bancshares, Inc. It has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Cornerstone Community Bank, a Tennessee banking corporation (the “Bank”), resulted from the merger of The Bank of East Ridge and Cornerstone Community Bank effective October 15, 1997, and Eagle Financial Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“Eagle”), created December 1, 2005 with the assets acquired from Eagle Financial, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, and Eagle Funding, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.

Cornerstone

The primary activity of Cornerstone currently is, and is expected to remain for the foreseeable future, the ownership and operation of the Bank. As a bank holding company, Cornerstone intends to facilitate the Bank's ability to serve its customers' requirements for financial services. The holding company structure also provides flexibility for expansion through the possible acquisition of other financial institutions and the provision of additional banking-related services, as well as certain non-banking services, which a traditional commercial bank may not provide under present laws. The holding company structure also affords additional flexibility in terms of capital formation and financing opportunities.

While Cornerstone may seek in the future to acquire additional banks or bank holding companies or to engage in other activities appropriate for bank holding companies under appropriate circumstances as permitted by law, Cornerstone currently has no plans, understandings or agreements concerning any other activities other than as described below. The results of operations and financial condition of Cornerstone for the foreseeable future, therefore, will be determined primarily by the results of operations and financial condition of the Bank.

The Bank

The Bank is a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank established in 1985 which has its principal executive offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The principal business of the Bank consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds, together with funds generated from operations and from principal and interest payments on loans, primarily in commercial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer loans and residential and commercial construction loans. Funds not invested in the loan portfolio are invested by the Bank primarily in obligations of the U.S. Government, U.S. Government agencies, various states and their political subdivisions. In addition to deposits, sources of funds for the Bank loans and other investments include amortization and prepayment of loans, sales of loans or participations in loans, sales of its investment securities and borrowings from other financial institutions. 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.

At December 31, 2007, the Bank had 5 full-service banking offices located in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

During 2007, the Bank established two loan production offices (“LPO”). The first LPO opened by the Bank is located in Dalton, Georgia. The new office which is located in Whitfield County, Georgia expanded the Bank’s presence in North Georgia and represents the Bank’s first effort to service North West Georgia. The second LPO is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville LPO offers a new market for the Bank to compete for loans.

Eagle

Eagle’s business concentrates on the purchase of account receivables from small businesses and commercial loan placement on a conduit basis. The principal sources of Eagle’s income are fees derived from the collection of accounts receivable and fees generated from the placement of loans with conduit financial institutions. Eagle’s principal expenses are interest paid on borrowings, employee compensation and benefits, office expenses and other overhead expenses

Employees

As of December 31, 2007, Cornerstone had 116 full-time equivalent employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Cornerstone believes that its relationships with its employees are good.
 
1


Competition

All phases of the Bank’s banking activities are highly competitive. The Bank competes actively with twenty-four commercial banks, as well as finance companies, credit unions, and other financial institutions located in its service area, which includes Hamilton County, Tennessee.

The Bank’s deposits totaled approximately $313 million as of December 31, 2007. The deposit base represents approximately 4% of the deposit base in the Chattanooga, Tennessee-Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area (“Chattanooga MSA”). Three major regional banks represent approximately 58% of the deposits in the Chattanooga MSA. These larger financial institutions have greater resources, higher lending limits than the Bank, and each of the three institutions has over 20 branches in the Chattanooga MSA. There are also several credit unions located in Hamilton County. Credit unions are not subject to the same income tax structure as commercial banks. This advantage enables credit unions to offer competitive rates to potential customers. The Bank also faces competition in certain areas of its business from mortgage banking companies, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, money market mutual funds and investment banking firms, some of which are not subject to the same degree of regulation as the Bank.

The Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a variety of deposit programs with competitive interest rates, quality service and convenient locations and hours. The Bank will focus its resources to seek out and attract small business relationships and take advantage of the Bank’s ability to provide flexible service that meets the needs of this customer class. Management feels this market niche is the most promising business area for the future growth of the Bank.

Supervision and Regulation

Cornerstone is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Act”) and is registered with and regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Board”). Cornerstone is required to file with the Board annual reports and such additional information as the Board may require pursuant to the Act. The Board may also make examinations of Cornerstone and its subsidiaries. Cornerstone is also required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under federal securities laws.

The Bank is a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank and is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (the “TDFI”). In addition, the Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Bank Insurance Fund (the “BIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and consequently, the Bank is also subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC. The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Federal and state banking laws and regulations govern all areas of the operation of Cornerstone and the Bank, including reserves, loans, mortgages, capital, issuance of securities, payment of dividends and establishment of branches. Federal and state banking agencies also have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if such payments should be deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. The TDFI, FDIC and Board have the authority to impose penalties, initiate civil and administrative actions and take other steps intended to prevent banks from engaging in unsafe or unsound practices.

FDIC Insurance of Deposit Accounts

Deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC to a maximum of $100,000 for each insured depositor (higher limits apply to certain retirement plans) through the BIF, one of the two deposit insurance funds established by federal law. As an insurer, the FDIC issues regulations, conducts examinations and generally supervises the operations of its insured institutions (institutions insured by the FDIC hereinafter are referred to as "insured institutions"). Any insured institution which does not operate in accordance with or conform to FDIC regulations, policies and directives, may be sanctioned for non-compliance. For example, proceedings may be instituted against an insured institution if the institution or any director, officer or employee thereof engages in unsafe and unsound practices, is operating in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. If insurance of accounts is terminated by the FDIC, the deposits in the institution will continue to be insured by the FDIC for a period of two years following the date of termination. The FDIC recommends an annual audit by independent accountants and also periodically makes its own examinations of the Bank. The FDIC may revalue assets of an institution, based upon appraisals, and require establishment of specific reserves in amounts equal to the difference between such reevaluation and the book value of the assets.

On September 15, 1992, the FDIC approved final regulations adopting a risk-related deposit insurance system. The risk-related regulations, which became effective January 1, 1993, resulted in a significant spread between the highest and lowest deposit insurance premiums. Under the risk-related insurance regulations, each insured depository institution is assigned to one of three risk classifications: "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," or "under capitalized." Within each risk classification, there are three subgroups. Each insured depository institution is assigned to one of these subgroups within its risk classification based upon supervisory evaluations submitted to the FDIC by the institution’s primary federal regulator. The FDIC may terminate its insurance of deposits if it finds that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. 
 
2


Subsequent to the enactment of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), the FDIC issued risk-based bank capital guidelines which went into effect in stages through 1992. In accordance with the FDIC's risk-based standards, an institution's assets and off-balance sheet activities are categorized into one of four risk categories, with either a 0%, 20%, 50%, or 100% amount of capital to be held against these assets. In addition, the guidelines divide capital instruments into Tier 1 (core) capital and Tier 2 (supplementary) capital. The risk-based capital adequacy guidelines require that (i) Tier 1 capital equal or exceed 4% of risk-weighted assets; (ii) Tier 2 capital may not exceed 100% of Tier 1 capital, although certain Tier 2 capital elements are subject to additional limitations; (iii) assets and off-balance sheet items must be weighted according to risk; and (iv) the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio must be at least 8.0%. The FDIC's current leverage capital requirement requires banks receiving the highest regulatory rating based upon the FDIC's routine examination process, to maintain Tier 1 capital equal to 3.0% of the bank's total assets. Banks receiving lower regulatory ratings are required to maintain Tier 1 capital in an amount that is at least 100 to 200 basis points higher than 3.0% of total assets.

Certain provisions of the Federal Reserve Act, made applicable to the Bank by Section 18(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) (12 U.S.C. §1828(j)) and administered with respect to the Bank by the FDIC, establish standards for the terms of, limit the amount of, and establish collateral requirements with respect to any loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, affiliates by the Bank as well as set arms-length criteria for such transactions and for certain other transactions (including payment by the Bank for services) between the Bank and its affiliates. In addition, related provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve regulations (also administered with respect to the Bank by the FDIC) limit the amounts of, and establish required procedures and credit standards with respect to, loans and other extensions of credit to officers, directors and principal shareholders of the Bank and to related interests of such persons.

The FDIC may impose sanctions on any insured bank that does not operate in accordance with FDIC regulations, policies and directives. Proceedings may be instituted against any insured bank or any director, officer or employee of the bank that is believed by the FDIC to be engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, including violation of applicable laws and regulations. The FDIC is also empowered to assess civil penalties against companies or individuals who violate certain federal statutes, orders or regulations. In addition, the FDIC has the authority to terminate insurance of accounts, after notice and hearing, upon a finding by the FDIC that the insured institution is or has engaged in any unsafe or unsound practice that has not been corrected, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule or order of, or condition imposed by, the FDIC. Neither Cornerstone nor the Bank knows of any past or current practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of its deposit insurance.

Although the Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, it is subject to Board regulations that require it to maintain reserves against its transaction accounts (primarily checking accounts). Because reserves generally must be maintained in cash or in non-interest bearing accounts, the effect of the reserve requirements is to increase the Bank's cost of funds. The Board regulations currently require that average daily reserves be maintained against transaction accounts in the amount of 3% of the aggregate of such net transaction accounts up to $52.6 million, plus 10% of the total in excess of $52.6 million.

State of Tennessee Supervision and Regulation

As a State of Tennessee-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to various state laws and regulations which limit the amount that can be loaned to a single borrower, the types of permissible investments, and geographic and new product expansion, among other things. The Bank must submit an application to, and receive the approval of, the TDFI before opening a new branch office or merging with another financial institution. The Commissioner of the TDFI has the authority to enforce state laws and regulations by ordering a director, officer or employee of the Bank to cease and desist from violating a law or regulation or from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices.

Tennessee law contains limitations on the interest rates that may be charged on various types of loans and restrictions on the nature and amount of loans that may be granted and on the type of investments which may be made. The operations of banks are also affected by various consumer laws and regulations, including those relating to equal credit opportunity and regulation of consumer lending practices. All Tennessee banks, including the Bank, must become and remain insured under the FDIA.

State banks are subject to regulation by the TDFI with regard to capital requirements and the payment of dividends. Tennessee has adopted the provisions of the Board’s Regulation O with respect to restrictions on loans and other extensions of credit to bank “insiders”. Further, under Tennessee law, state banks are prohibited from lending to any one person, firm or corporation amounts more than fifteen percent (15%) of the Bank equity capital accounts, except (i) in the case of certain loans secured by negotiable title documents covering readily marketable nonperishable staples, or (ii) with the prior approval of the Bank’s board of directors or finance committee (however titled), the Bank may make a loan to any person, firm or corporation of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of its equity capital accounts. Tennessee law requires that dividends be paid only from retained earnings (or undivided profits) except that dividends may be paid from capital surplus with the prior, written consent of the TDFI. Tennessee laws regulating banks require certain charges against and transfers from an institution’s undivided profits account before undivided profits can be made available for the payment of dividends.
 
3


Federal Supervision and Regulation 

Cornerstone is regularly examined by the Board, and the Bank is supervised and examined by the FDIC. Cornerstone is required to file with the Board annual reports and other information regarding its business operations and the business operations of its subsidiaries. Approval of the Board is required before Cornerstone may acquire, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of the voting shares of any bank, if, after such acquisition, Cornerstone would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting stock of the bank. In addition, pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, Cornerstone may only engage in, or own or control companies that engage in, activities deemed by the Board to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.

The Bank and Cornerstone are “affiliated” within the meaning of the Act. Certain provisions of the Act establish standards for the terms of, limit the amount of, and establish collateral requirements with respect to, any loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, affiliates by the Bank, as well as set arms-length criteria for such transactions and for certain other transactions (including payment by the Bank for services under any contract) between the Bank and its affiliates. In addition, related provisions of the Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act limit the amounts of, and establish required procedures and credit standards with respect to, loans and other extensions of credit to officers, directors, and principal shareholders of the Bank, Cornerstone and any other subsidiary of the Cornerstone, and to related interests of such persons.

In addition to the banking regulations imposed on Cornerstone, the securities of Cornerstone are not exempt from the federal and state securities laws as are the securities of the Bank. Accordingly, an offering of Cornerstone’s securities must be registered under both the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and state securities laws or qualify for exemptions from registration.

Under Section 106(b) of the 1970 Amendments to the Act (12 U.S.C. § 1972), the Bank is prohibited from extending credit, selling or leasing property or furnishing any service to any customer on the condition or requirement that the customer (i) obtain any additional property, service or credit from the Company, the Bank (other than a loan, discount, deposit, or trust service) or any other subsidiary of the Company; (ii) refrain from obtaining any property, credit or service from any competitor of Cornerstone, the Bank or any subsidiary of Cornerstone; or (iii) provide any credit, property or service to Cornerstone, the Bank (other than those related to and usually provided in connection with a loan, discount, deposit or trust service) or any subsidiary of Cornerstone.

Most bank holding companies are required to give the Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of their outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the bank holding company's consolidated net worth. The Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice that would violate any law, regulation, Board order or directive or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Board. The prior notice requirement does not apply to certain "well-capitalized" bank holding companies that meet specified criteria.

In November 1985, the Board adopted its Policy Statement on Cash Dividends Not Fully Covered by Earnings. The Policy Statement sets forth various guidelines that the Board believes that a bank holding company should follow in establishing its dividend policy. In general, the Board stated that bank holding companies should not pay dividends except out of current earnings and unless the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

Legislation Affecting Cornerstone and the Bank 

The following information describes certain statutory and regulatory provisions and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such statutory and regulatory provisions.

Far-reaching legislation, including FIRREA and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) have for years impacted the business of banking. FIRREA primarily affected the regulation of savings institutions rather than the regulation of state banks and bank holding companies like the Bank and Cornerstone, but did include provisions affecting deposit insurance premiums, acquisitions of thrifts by banks and bank holding companies, liability of commonly controlled depository institutions, receivership and conservatorship rights and procedures and substantially increased penalties for violations of banking statutes, regulations and orders.
 
4


FDICIA resulted in extensive changes to the federal banking laws. The primary purpose of FDICIA was to authorize additional borrowings by the FDIC in order to assist in the resolution of failed and failing financial institutions. However, the law also instituted certain changes to the supervisory process and contained various provisions affecting the operations of banks and bank holding companies.

The additional supervisory powers and regulations mandated by FDICIA, include a "prompt corrective action" program based upon five regulatory zones for banks, in which all banks are placed largely based on their capital positions. Regulators are permitted to take increasingly harsh action as a bank's financial condition declines. Regulators are also empowered to place in receivership or require the sale of a bank to another depository institution when a bank's capital leverage ratio reaches two percent. Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital. The FDIC has adopted regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of the FDICIA, which place financial institutions in the following five categories based upon capitalization ratios: (1) a "well capitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 6% and a leverage ratio of at least 5%; (2) an "adequately capitalized" institution has a total risk-based ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 4% and a leverage ratio of at least 4%; (3) an "undercapitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of under 4% or a leverage ratio of under 4%; (4) a "significantly undercapitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of under 3% or a leverage ratio of under 3%; and (5) a "critically undercapitalized" institution has a leverage ratio of 2% or less. Institutions in any of the three undercapitalized categories would be prohibited from declaring dividends or making capital distributions. The proposed regulations also establish procedures for "downgrading" an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Various other sections of the FDICIA impose substantial audit and reporting requirements and increase the role of independent accountants and outside directors. Set forth below is a list containing certain significant provisions of the FDICIA:

 
·
annual on-site examinations by regulators (except for smaller, well-capitalized banks with high management ratings, which must be examined every 18 months);
     
 
·
mandated annual independent audits by independent public accountants and an independent audit committee of outside directors for institutions with more than $500,000,000 in assets;
     
 
·
new uniform disclosure requirements for interest rates and terms of deposit accounts;
     
 
·
a requirement that the FDIC establish a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system;
     
 
·
authorization for the FDIC to impose one or more special assessments on its insured banks to recapitalize the BIF;
     
 
·
a requirement that each institution submit to its primary regulators an annual report on its financial condition and management, which report will be available to the public;
     
 
·
a ban on the acceptance of brokered deposits except by well capitalized institutions and by adequately capitalized institutions with the permission of the FDIC and the regulation of the brokered deposit market by the FDIC;
     
 
·
restrictions on the activities engaged in by state banks and their subsidiaries as principal, including insurance underwriting, to the same activities permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries unless the state bank is well capitalized and a determination is made by the FDIC that the activities do not pose a significant risk to the insurance fund;
     
 
·
a review by each regulatory agency of accounting principles applicable to reports or statements required to be filed with federal banking agencies and a mandate to devise uniform requirements for all such filings;
     
 
·
the institution by each regulatory agency of noncapital safety and soundness standards for each institution it regulates which cover (1) internal controls, (2) loan documentation, (3) credit underwriting, (4) interest rate exposure, (5) asset growth, (6) compensation, fees and benefits paid to employees, officers and directors, (7) operational and managerial standards, and (8) asset quality, earnings and stock valuation standards for preserving a minimum ratio of market value to book value for publicly traded shares (if feasible);
     
 
·
uniform regulations regarding real estate lending; and
     
 
·
a review by each regulatory agency of the risk-based capital rules to ensure they take into account adequate interest rate risk, concentration of credit risk, and the risks of non-traditional activities.

The activities permissible to Cornerstone and the Bank were substantially expanded by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “Gramm Act”). The Gramm Act repeals the anti-affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act to permit the common ownership of commercial banks, investment banks and insurance companies. The Gramm Act amended the Act to permit a financial holding company to engage in any activity and acquire and retain any company that the Board determines to be (i) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity, or (ii) complementary to a financial activity and that does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. The Gramm Act also modifies current law relating to financial privacy and community reinvestment. The new financial privacy provisions generally prohibit financial institutions, including the Bank and Cornerstone, from disclosing nonpublic personal financial information to third parties unless customers have the opportunity to “opt out” of the disclosure.
 
5


Bills are regularly introduced in both the United States Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of the nation’s financial institutions. It cannot be predicted whether or what form any proposed legislation will be adopted or the extent to which the business of Cornerstone or the Bank may be affected thereby.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves various risks which are particular to Cornerstone, its industry and its market area. Several risk factors regarding investing in our common stock are discussed below. This listing should not be considered as all-inclusive. If any of the following risks were to occur, we may not be able to conduct our business as currently planned and our financial condition or operating results could be negatively impacted. These matters could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline in future periods.

Cornerstone’s business strategy includes expansion into new markets and the development of new products.

Cornerstone intends to continue pursuing a growth strategy for its business through acquisitions and de novo branch openings. Cornerstone’s prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties occasionally encountered by financial services companies in growth stages, which may include the following: 
     
·
Maintaining loan quality;
     
·
Maintaining adequate management personnel and information systems to oversee such growth; and
     
·
Maintaining adequate internal control and compliance functions.

Cornerstone may face risks with respect to future expansion.

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 and have discussions regarding acquisition. 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 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 Cornerstone’s shareholders. There is no assurance that, following any future mergers or acquisitions, Cornerstone’s integration efforts will be successful or after giving effect to the acquisition, will achieve profits comparable to or better than its historical experience.
 
Cornerstone is subject to the success of the local economies where it operates.

With the exception of the Bank’s loan production office in Knoxville, Tennessee substantially all of our loan and deposit customers live, work and bank in the Chattanooga MSA. Cornerstone’s success depends upon a sound local economy to provide opportunities for new business ventures, increased loan demand and the need for deposit services. Cornerstone’s profit is impacted by these local factors as well as general economic conditions and interest rates. For example, Cornerstone’s earnings could be impacted by changes in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts. Adverse economic conditions in specific market areas could reduce Cornerstone’s growth rate and affect the ability of its customers to repay their loans. Secondly, adverse market conditions could affect the market value of the real estate or other collateral securing Cornerstone’s loan portfolio. Sustained periods of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses in the State of Tennessee or the State of Georgia could adversely affect the value of the collateral and potentially affect Cornerstone’s assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
 
6


Cornerstone is subject to Federal and State regulations that impact the company’s operations and financial performance.

Cornerstone is subject to examinations and supervision from both federal and state regulatory agencies. These agencies require compliance with numerous banking regulations. These regulations increase costs and require human and information technology resources to comply. Certain activities of Cornerstone such as the payment of dividends, investments, acquisitions, and branching are impacted by these regulations.

The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry are subject to change at any time. Cornerstone cannot predict the events that will result in regulatory changes nor their impact on the banking industry and Cornerstone’s earnings.

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 FRB, the FDIC and the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. Cornerstone’s regulatory compliance is costly and restricts and regulates 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.
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq, have increased the scope, complexity and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices. As a result, Cornerstone has experienced, and may continue to experience, greater compliance costs.

Cornerstone could experience declines or losses in earnings if asset quality declines.

Cornerstone’s assets are primarily comprised of loans. If the Bank’s loan customers fail to repay their loans in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, the Bank’s earnings would be negatively impacted. To minimize the likelihood of a substandard loan portfolio the Bank assesses the credit worthiness of a customer as well as performing collateral valuations. An allowance for loan losses is also maintained in an attempt to address the various risks involved with lending. In determining the amount of the allowance, Cornerstone relies on an analysis of the loan portfolio based on volume and types of loans, internal loan classifications, delinquency trends, local and economic conditions and other pertinent information. Negative changes in these valuation methods would result in a decline in asset quality. Any increase in Cornerstone’s allowance for loan losses would have a negative impact on earnings.

Liquidity needs could adversely affect Cornerstone’s results of operations and financial condition. 

Cornerstone relies on dividends from the Bank as its primary source of funds. The majority of the Bank’s funds are comprised of 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 repayment of loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and international instability. Additionally, deposit 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 demands or otherwise fund operations. Alternative sources include advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank 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 if these alternative sources are not adequate.
 
7

 
Competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers may adversely affect Cornerstone’s profitability.

The banking business is highly competitive and Cornerstone experiences competition in each of its markets from many other financial institutions. Cornerstone competes with other 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 offices 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.
 
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect Cornerstone’s 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 its assets and the ability to realize gains from the sale of its assets, all of which ultimately affects earnings.
 
Cornerstone relies heavily on the services of key personnel.

Cornerstone relies 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 Mr. Jones, the loss of his 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 lending and depository operations. Changes in key personnel and their responsibilities may be disruptive to operations and could have a material adverse effect on Cornerstone’s financial condition and earnings. Cornerstone believes that its future results will also depend upon its ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel, particularly in those areas where Cornerstone may open new branches.
 
Cornerstone’s recent results may not be indicative of its future results.

Cornerstone may not be able to sustain its historical rate of growth or could experience very limited or no increase in assets at all. In the future, Cornerstone may not have the benefit of several recently favorable factors, such as a generally stable economic environment or the ability to find suitable expansion opportunities. Various factors, such as interest rate environment, regulatory and legislative considerations and competition, may also impede or prohibit the Company’s ability to expand its market presence.
 
Cornerstone is subject to Tennessee’s anti-takeover statutes and certain charter provisions which could decrease its chances of being acquired even if the acquisition is in the best interest of Cornerstone’s shareholders.
 
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 would be in its shareholders’ best interests. Cornerstone’s amended and restated charter also contains provisions which may make it difficult for another entity to acquire it without the approval of a majority of the disinterested directors on its board of directors. Secondly, 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 19, 2008, directors and executive officers beneficially owned approximately 17.60% 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 that the board of directors and officers oppose.
 
8

 
The success and growth of Cornerstone’s operations will depend on its ability to adapt to technological changes.
 
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, reliable on-line banking capabilities and other customer expected conveniences that are cost efficient 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.
 
Even though Cornerstone’s common stock is currently traded on the OTC Bulletin Board, the trading volume in its common stock has been limited. Secondly, the sale of substantial amounts of Cornerstone’s common stock in the public market could depress the price.
 
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 or the availability of common stock will have on the market price. Cornerstone, therefore, can give no assurance that sales of substantial amounts 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.
 
Cornerstone may issue additional common stock or other equity securities in the future which could dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders.
 
In order to maintain capital at desired or required regulatory levels, 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 the book value per share of its common stock. New investors in the future may also have rights, preferences and privileges senior to its current shareholders which may adversely impact its current shareholders.
 
Cornerstone’s ability to declare and pay dividends is limited by law and it may be unable to pay future dividends.
 
Cornerstone derives the majority of its income from dividends on the shares of common stock of the Bank and Eagle. The ability of the Bank and Eagle 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 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
There are no written comments from the Commission staff regarding our periodic or current reports under the Act which remain unresolved.

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

As of December 31, 2007, the principal offices of Cornerstone are located at 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402. In addition, the Bank operates five full-service branches and two loan production offices that are located at:

Branches
  4154 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, Tennessee
5319 Highway 153, Hixson, Tennessee
2280 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee
8966 Old Lee Highway, Ooltewah, Tennessee
835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee
     
Loan Production Offices
  202 West Crawford Street, Dalton, Georgia
    9724 Kingston Pike Suite 305B Knoxville, Tennessee
 
9

 
The Georgia Avenue facility located in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee serves as a branch location for the Bank’s customers as well as Cornerstone’s Executive offices. The Bank owns the properties located at 2280 Gunbarrel Road, 4154 Ringgold Road, 5319 Highway 153 and 8966 Old Lee Highway. Cornerstone operates a service center to facilitate all of its non-customer contact functions located at 6401 Lee Corners, Suite B, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of the end of 2007, neither Cornerstone, the Bank nor Eagle was involved in any material litigation. The Bank is periodically involved as a plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions in the ordinary course of its business. Management believes that any claims pending against Cornerstone or its subsidiaries are without merit or that the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from them will not materially affect the Bank’s or Eagle’s financial condition or Cornerstone’s consolidated financial position.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of 2007 to a vote of security holders of Cornerstone through a solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMMON EQUITY: RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSURER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

On February 9, 2008, the Company had 6,369,718 shares of common stock outstanding. Cornerstone’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board but is not listed on a national securities exchange. Morgan Keegan, a subsidiary of Regions Bank, is the principal market maker for Cornerstone’s stock. There are nine other market makers who assist in providing a market.

There were approximately 558 holders of record of the common stock as of December 31, 2007. This number does not include shareholders with shares in nominee name held by DTC. As of the end of 2007, there were 3,607,162 shares held in nominee name by DTC. Cornerstone paid quarterly cash dividends in 2007 in the amount of $0.05 per share. Cornerstone announced, in December 2007, a first quarter 2008 dividend of $0.07, which was paid January 4, 2008. Cornerstone’s board of directors will continue to evaluate the amount of future dividends, if any, after capital needs required for expected growth of assets are reviewed. The payment of dividends is solely within the discretion of the board of directors, considering Cornerstone’s expenses, the maintenance of reasonable capital and risk reserves, and appropriate capitalization requirements for state banks.

Table 1 presents the high and low closing prices of Cornerstone’s common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by published sources. The prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
 
TABLE 1
 
High and Low Common Stock Share Price for the Company
 
Dividends paid
 
2008 Fiscal Year
 
Low
 
High
 
Per Share
 
First Quarter (through Feb. 29, 2008)
 
$
7.99
 
$
10.90
 
$
.07
 
                     
2007 Fiscal Year
                   
First Quarter
 
$
14.25
 
$
16.50
 
$
0.05
 
Second Quarter
 
$
14.30
 
$
15.30
 
$
0.05
 
Third Quarter
 
$
10.95
 
$
14.50
 
$
0.05
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
10.05
 
$
12.40
 
$
0.05
 
                     
2006 Fiscal Year
                   
First Quarter
 
$
11.63
 
$
13.63
 
$
0.03
 
Second Quarter
 
$
11.70
 
$
12.88
 
$
0.03
 
Third Quarter
 
$
11.70
 
$
13.39
 
$
0.03
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
13.05
 
$
17.00
 
$
0.03
 
                     
2005 Fiscal Year
                   
First Quarter
 
$
7.87
 
$
9.25
 
$
0.05
 
Second Quarter
 
$
8.38
 
$
9.25
 
$
0.00
 
Third Quarter
 
$
8.80
 
$
10.25
 
$
0.04
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
9.75
 
$
12.50
 
$
0.00
 

10

 
Table 2 presents the number of shares and average share price for Cornerstone’s Equity Compensation Plans.

TABLE 2
 
Equity Compensation Plan
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Plan category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
 
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
   
784,075
 
$
6.92
   
647,675
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:
   
-
   
-
   
80,000
 
Total
   
784,075
 
$
6.92
   
727,675
 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Table 3 presents selected financial data for the periods indicated.

TABLE 3
 
 
 
At and for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income
 
$
34,784
 
$
29,158
 
$
20,672
 
$
14,058
 
$
11,326
 
Total interest expense
   
14,414
   
10,306
   
6,077
   
3,575
   
3,210
 
Net interest income
   
20,370
   
18,852
   
14,594
   
10,483
   
8,115
 
Provision for loan losses
   
10,409
   
1,106
   
1,401
   
840
   
545
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
9,961
   
17,746
   
13,193
   
9,643
   
7,570
 
Noninterest income:
                               
Investment securities gains
   
   
   
   
   
 
Other income
   
1,695
   
2,111
   
1,904
   
1,405
   
1,241
 
Noninterest expense
   
10,926
   
10,718
   
8,216
   
6,885
   
5,740
 
Income before income taxes
   
730
   
9,139
   
6,881
   
4,163
   
3,071
 
Income tax expense / (benefit)
 
$
(141
)
$
3,328
 
$
2,556
 
$
1,592
 
$
1,189
 
Net income
 
$
871
 
$
5,811
 
$
4,325
 
$
2,571
 
$
1,881
 
 
                               
Per Share Data:
                               
Net income, basic
 
$
0.14
 
$
0.90
 
$
0.71
 
$
0.52
 
$
0.38
 
Net income, assuming dilution
 
$
0.13
 
$
0.85
 
$
0.66
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.36
 
Dividends paid
 
$
0.20
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.09
 
$
0.03
 
$
0.00
 
Book value
 
$
5.70
 
$
5.86
 
$
5.07
 
$
4.32
 
$
3.40
 
Tangible book value(1)
 
$
5.24
 
$
5.40
 
$
4.54
 
$
3.88
 
$
2.89
 
 
                               
Financial Condition Data:
                               
Assets
 
$
444,421
 
$
374,942
 
$
323,611
 
$
248,614
 
$
200,996
 
Loans, net of unearned interest
 
$
369,883
 
$
305,879
 
$
262,008
 
$
202,555
 
$
155,278
 
Cash and investments
 
$
51,798
 
$
51,557
 
$
46,074
 
$
34,614
 
$
33,118
 
Federal funds sold
 
$
 
$
   
   
 
$
3,060
 
Deposits
 
$
313,250
 
$
275,816
 
$
252,435
 
$
187,832
 
$
159,352
 
FHLB advances and line of credit
 
$
47,100
 
$
39,500
 
$
30,000
 
$
27,000
 
$
17,400
 
Subordinated debentures
 
$
 
$
   
   
   
 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
 
$
41,560
 
$
19,249
 
$
4,790
 
$
7,409
 
$
6,084
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
$
36,327
 
$
38,183
 
$
32,466
 
$
24,807
 
$
16,903
 
Tangible shareholders’ equity(1)
 
$
33,386
 
$
35,137
 
$
29,089
 
$
22,266
 
$
14,362
 
 
11

 
Selected Ratios:
                               
Interest rate spread
   
4.51
%
 
5.16
%
 
4.93
%
 
4.70
%
 
4.54
%
Net interest margin(2)
   
5.22
%
 
5.80
%
 
5.43
%
 
5.02
%
 
4.87
%
Return on average assets
   
0.21
%
 
1.69
%
 
1.51
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.06
%
Return on average equity
   
2.14
%
 
16.27
%
 
14.98
%
 
13.83
%
 
7.38
%
Return on average tangible equity(1)
   
2.31
%
 
17.78
%
 
16.96
%
 
16.02
%
 
8.76
%
Average equity to average assets
   
9.86
%
 
10.36
%
 
10.09
%
 
8.30
%
 
9.04
%
Dividend payout ratio
   
149.71
%
 
13.33
%
 
12.17
%
 
4.84
%
 
0.00
%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets
   
0.40
%
 
0.40
%
 
0.47
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.07
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
   
791.16
%
 
25.90
%
 
20.70
%
 
5.33
%
 
0.00
%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total average loans, net of unearned income
   
3.88
%
 
1.50
%
 
1.50
%
 
1.47
%
 
1.42
%
 
(1)
Tangible shareholders’ equity is shareholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets.
   
(2)
Net interest margin is the net yield on interest earning assets and is the difference between the interest yield earned on interest-earning assets less the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
 
GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Certain financial information included in our summary consolidated financial data is determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures are “tangible book value per share,” “tangible shareholders’ equity,” and “return on average tangible equity.” Cornerstone’s management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of Cornerstone’s financial performance.
 
·
“Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by recorded goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. This measure is important to investors interested in changes from period-to-period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Goodwill, an intangible asset that is recorded in a purchase business combination, has the effect of increasing total book value while not increasing the tangible assets of a company. For companies such as Cornerstone that have engaged in business combinations, purchase accounting can result in the recording of significant amounts of goodwill related to such transactions.

·
“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets.

·
“Return on average tangible equity” is defined as earnings for the period divided by average equity reduced by average goodwill and other intangible assets.
 
These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies. Table 4 presents a reconciliation to provide a more detailed analysis of these non-GAAP performance measures:
 
TABLE 4
 
 
 
At and for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
Book value per share
 
$
5.70
 
$
5.86
 
$
5.07
 
$
4.32
 
$
3.40
 
Effect of intangible assets per share
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.44
 
$
0.51
 
Tangible book value per share
 
$
5.24
 
$
5.40
 
$
4.54
 
$
3.88
 
$
2.89
 
Return on average equity
   
2.14
%
 
16.27
%
 
14.98
%
 
13.83
%
 
7.38
%
Effect of intangible assets
   
0.17
%
 
1.51
%
 
1.98
%
 
2.19
%
 
1.38
%
Return on average tangible equity
   
2.31
%
 
17.78
%
 
16.96
%
 
16.02
%
 
8.76
%
 
12

 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Forward-Looking Statements

Management’s discussion and analysis of Cornerstone’s operations, prospects, and other matters, may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other provisions of applicable federal and state securities laws. Although Cornerstone believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements contained in this report are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate. The use of such words as “expect,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” and comparable terms should be understood by the reader to indicate that the statement is “forward-looking” and thus subject to change in a manner that can be unpredictable. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results anticipated, but not guaranteed, in this report, include (without limitation) economic and social conditions, competition for loans, mortgages, and other financial services and products, changes in interest rates, unforeseen changes in liquidity, results of operations, and financial conditions affecting Cornerstone’s customers, and other risks that cannot be accurately quantified or completely identified. Many factors affecting Cornerstone’s financial condition and profitability, including changes in economic conditions, the volatility of interest rates, political events and competition from other providers of financial services simply cannot be predicted. These factors are unpredictable and beyond Cornerstone’s control. Earnings may fluctuate from period to period. The purpose of this type of information is to provide readers with information relevant to understanding and assessing the financial condition and results of operations of the Company, and not to predict the future or to guarantee results. Cornerstone is unable to predict the types of circumstances, conditions and factors that can cause anticipated results to change. Cornerstone undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of changes or unanticipated events, circumstances, or results.
 
Management's Discussion And Analysis Or Plan Of Operation

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 primarily in and around Hamilton County, Tennessee. The Bank has also established loan production offices in Knoxville, Tennessee and Dalton, Georgia. 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 is a discussion of our financial condition at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and our results of operations for each of the three-years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on information about our financial condition and results of operations which is not otherwise apparent from the consolidated financial statements. The following discussion and analysis should be read along with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein.

Review of Financial Performance

As of December 31, 2007 Cornerstone had total consolidated assets of approximately $444 million, total loans of approximately $384 million, total deposits of approximately $313 million and stockholders equity of approximately $36 million. Cornerstone’s net income decreased to $871 thousand for 2007 compared to $5.8 million 2006 and $4.3 million for 2005.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income-Net interest income represents the amount by which interest earned on various earning assets exceeds interest paid on deposits and other interest bearing liabilities. Net Interest income is also the most significant component of our earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2007, Cornerstone recorded net interest income of approximately $20,370,000, which resulted in a net interest margin of 5.22%. For the year ended December 31, 2006, Cornerstone recorded net interest income of approximately $18,853,000, which resulted in a net interest margin of 5.80%. For the year ended December 31, 2005, Cornerstone recorded net interest income of approximately $14,594,000, which resulted in a net interest margin of 5.43%.
 
13


Table 5 presents information with respect to interest income from average interest-earning assets, expressed both in dollars and yields, and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, for the periods indicated. The table includes loan yields, which reflect the amortization of deferred loan origination and commitment fees. Interest income from investment securities includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.

 TABLE 5
 
Yields Earned on Average Earning Assets and
Rates Paid on Average Interest Bearing Liabilities
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Income/
Expense(1)
 
 
Yield/ Rate
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Income/
Expense(1)
 
 
Yield/ Rate
 
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/
Expense(1)
 
 
Yield/ Rate
 
ASSETS
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                     
Loans(1)(2)
 
$
353,278
 
$
32,981
   
9.34
%
$
284,105
 
$
27,317
   
9.61
%
$
236,265
 
$
19,354
   
8.19
%
Investment securities(3)
   
37,673
   
1,750
   
4.80
%
 
36,218
   
1,584
   
4.48
%
 
29,705
   
1,217
   
4.24
%
Federal funds sold
   
760
   
52
   
6.86
%
 
4,686
   
258
   
5.51
%
 
2,976
   
101
   
3.39
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
391,711
   
34,783
   
8.89
%
 
325,009
   
29,159
   
8.98
%
 
268,946
   
20,672
   
7.68
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
(5,009
)
             
(4,104
)
             
(3,025
)
           
Cash and other assets
   
26,341
               
23,836
               
20,288
             
Total assets
 
$
413,043
             
$
344,741
             
$
286,209
             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
Deposits:
                                                       
NOW accounts
 
$
36,327
   
802
   
2.21
%
$
34,701
   
427
   
1.23
%
$
33,943
   
329
   
0.97
%
Money market / Savings
   
55,808
   
2,018
   
3.61
%
 
58,477
   
2,225
   
3.80
%
 
45,232
   
1,107
   
2.45
%
Time deposits, $100m and
                                                       
Over
   
61,172
   
3,134
   
5.12
%
 
43,692
   
1,993
   
4.56
%
 
32,611
   
1,145
   
3.51
%
Time deposits, under $100m
   
107,498
   
5,387
   
5.01
%
 
88,773
   
3,899
   
4.39
%
 
70,167
   
2,240
   
3.19
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
260,805
   
11,341
   
4.35
%
 
225,643
   
8,544
   
3.78
%
 
181,953
   
4,821
   
2.65
%
Federal funds purchased
   
11,374
   
613
   
5.39
%
 
4,570
   
232
   
5.07
%
 
4,269
   
143
   
3.35
%
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
8,103
   
244
   
3.01
%
 
4,020
   
116
   
2.88
%
 
3,501
   
60
   
1.71
%
Other borrowings
   
48,282
   
2,216
   
4.59
%
 
35,429
   
1,414
   
3.98
%
 
30,973
   
1054
   
3.40
%
Total interest-bearing
                                                       
Liabilities
   
328,564
   
14,414
   
4.39
%
 
269,662
   
10,306
   
3.82
%
 
220,696
   
6,078
   
2.75
%
Net interest spread
               
4.51
%
             
5.16
%
             
4.93
%
                                                         
Other liabilities:
                                                       
Demand deposits
   
41,503
               
37,056
               
34,730
             
                                                       
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
2,240
               
2,295
               
1,909
             
Stockholders' equity
   
40,737
               
35,728
               
28,874
             
Total liabilities
                                                       
And stockholders' equity
 
$
413,043
             
$
344,741
             
$
286,209
             
                                                         
Net interest margin
       
$
20,369
   
5.22
%
     
$
18,853
   
5.80
%
     
$
14,594
   
5.43
%
 
(1) Interest income on loans includes amortization of deferred loan fees and other discounts of $302 thousand, $288 thousand, and $262 thousand for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
 
(2) Nonperforming loans are included in the computation of average loan balances, and interest income on such loans is recognized on a cash basis.
 
(3) Yields on securities are calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis.
 
Other matters related to the changes in net interest income, net interest yields and rates, and net interest margin are presented below:

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During 2007 the Bank continued to increase its loan portfolio with an emphasis in commercial loans. During 2007 the Bank hired 5 additional relationship managers to attract new loan and deposit customers.
 
14

 
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As of December 31, 2007, the Bank’s investment portfolio resulted in a yield of 4.80% compared to 4.48% for the same time period in 2006. The Bank’s investment portfolio is used primarily for pledging purposes with the State of Tennessee Collateral Pool, Federal Reserve discount window and to secure repurchase agreements.

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The Bank expects continued pressure on the net interest margin due to market conditions such as increased competition in Cornerstone’s primary deposit market. Therefore, the Bank has elected to grow its funding base with a variety of solutions including local market CD specials, brokered deposits and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). As of December 31, 2007 borrowings from the FHLB totaled $47 million with an interest cost of 4.37%.

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During 2007 the Bank offered several certificate of deposit (“CD”) promotions to attract deposits from customers in the Chattanooga Tennessee MSA. The Bank also obtained approximately $13 million in brokered CDs to provide additional funding. Management believes that the brokered CD market provides a convenient source of funds and will continue to obtain brokered CDs to offset higher interest rates demanded by other funding sources.  

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During the fourth quarter the Bank settled an interest contract dispute in the amount of $316 thousand. The additional expense reduced the net interest margin by 30 basis points for the quarter and 8 basis points for 2007. Without this one time charge the net interest margin would have been 4.94% for the quarter and 5.30% year to date. This expense reduced the 4th quarter and annual earnings by approximately $200 thousand after taxes.

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Starting in September 2007 the Federal Reserve Bank initiated a series of interest rate cuts that as of January 30, 2008 resulted in the Federal Funds Target rate of 3.00%. This 225 basis point reduction has placed downward pressure on the banking industry’s net interest margins. Cornerstone also experienced a reduction in its net interest margin to 4.64%for the 4th quarter 2007.

Tables 6 and 7 present the changes in interest income and interest expense that are attributable to three factors:

(i) A change in volume or amount of an asset or liability.
 
(ii) A change in interest rates.
 
(iii) A change caused by the combination of changes in asset or deposit mix.

The tables describes the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected Cornerstone’s interest income and expense during the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided as to changes attributable to change in volume (change in volume multiplied by current rate) and change in rates (change in rate multiplied by current volume). The remaining difference has been allocated to mix.

TABLE 6
 
INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE ANALYSIS
 
       
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007 Compared to 2006
 
(In Thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Mix
 
Net
Change
 
Interest income:
                 
Loans (1)(2)
 
$
6,461
   
($954
)
$
157
 
$
5,664
 
Investment securities
   
69
   
105
   
(8
)
 
166
 
Federal funds sold
   
(204
)
 
(8
)
 
6
   
(206
)
Other earning assets
   
0
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
Total interest income
                     
5,624
 
                           
Interest expense:
                         
NOW accounts
   
36
   
356
   
(16
)
 
376
 
Money market and savings accounts
   
(96
)
 
(103
)
 
(8
)
 
(207
)
Time deposits, $100,000 and over
   
895
   
343
   
(98
)
 
1,140
 
Time deposits, less than $100,000
   
938
   
666
   
(116
)
 
1,488
 
Other borrowings
   
590
   
294
   
(82
)
 
802
 
Federal funds purchased
   
367
   
36
   
(22
)
 
381
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
123
   
11
   
(7
)
 
127
 
Total interest expense
                     
4,107
 
Change in net interest income (expense)
                   
$
1,517
 
 
15

 
TABLE 7
 
INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE ANALYSIS
 
       
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2006 Compared to 2005
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
Volume
 
 
Rate
 
 
Mix
 
Net
Change
 
Interest income:
                 
Loans (1)(2)
 
$
4,597
 
$
4,034
   
($668
)
$
7,963
 
Investment securities
   
292
   
87
   
(12
)
 
367
 
Federal funds sold
   
106
   
113
   
(62
)
 
157
 
Other earning assets
   
0
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
Total interest income
                     
8,487
 
                           
Interest expense:
                         
NOW accounts
   
9
   
90
   
(1
)
 
98
 
Money market and savings accounts
   
503
   
789
   
(174
)
 
1,118
 
Time deposits, $100,000 and over
   
596
   
459
   
(207
)
 
848
 
Time deposits, less than $100,000
   
817
   
1,065
   
(223
)
 
1,659
 
Other borrowings
   
177
   
209
   
(23
)
 
363
 
Federal funds purchased
   
15
   
74
   
(3
)
 
86
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
15
   
51
   
(10
)
 
56
 
Total interest expense
                     
4,228
 
Change in net interest income (expense)
                   
$
4,259
 
 
(1) Loan amounts include non-accruing loans.
 
(2) Interest income includes the portion of loan fees recognized in the respective periods.

 Provision for Loan Losses-The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to establish an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s evaluation, should be adequate to provide coverage for the inherent losses on outstanding loans. The provision for loan losses amounted to $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other matters relating to the changes in provision for loan losses are presented below:
 
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During the second quarter of 2007, the Bank identified a customer relationship in its asset based lending program totaling $5.5 million in which management detected a suspected customer fraud.  The company responsible for this problem loan is still operating under a forbearance agreement with the bank and is current on all credit obligations.  The problem arose out of a suspected fraud and the company’s operations are still considered a source of repayment and if properly managed may be able to satisfy the debt obligations.  During 2007 in accordance with FAS 114, management assigned $2.8 million to the loan loss allowance for this specific credit and anticipates that the amount will adequately provide for any probable shortfalls of collateral if the company were to discontinue operations. 

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On February 13, 2008 Cornerstone revised its previously announced fiscal year-ended 2007 financial results due to an apparent customer fraud. The apparent fraud was discovered as a result of additional risk controls being implemented as a result of the above mentioned credit. This customer was determined to have submitted apparently fraudulent financial statements that were reviewed by a certified public accountant during 2007. The customer’s relationship with the Bank totaled approximately $7.6 million which included a $6 million commercial line of credit secured by accounts receivable, inventory and all other business assets and $1.6 million secured by commercial real estate. The company has ceased operations and moved to a liquidation status. The Bank provided $6.5 million to the loan loss allowance for the credit and charged off $6 million during the month of March 2008. Management has determined that the remaining $1.1 million is adequately secured and does not expect a shortfall during liquidation.
 
Non Interest Income-Items reported as non interest income include service charges on checking accounts, insufficient funds charges, automated clearing house (“ACH”) processing fees and the Bank’s secondary mortgage department earnings. Increases in income derived from service charges and ACH fees are primarily a function of the Bank’s growth while fees from the origination of mortgage loans will often reflect market conditions and fluctuate from period to period.
 
16

 
Table 8 presents the components of non interest income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands).

TABLE 8
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Customer service fees
 
$
1,426
 
$
1,298
 
$
984
 
Other noninterest income
   
165
   
91
   
68
 
Operating lease income
   
-
   
301
   
540
 
Net gain from sale of loans & other assets
   
104
   
421
   
313
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
1,695
 
$
2,111
 
$
1,905
 

Significant matters relating to the changes to non interest income are presented below:

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Service charges on deposits primarily increased as a result of the growth in demand deposits and interest demand deposits.

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The Bank created a new line of business in 2007. A major service provider for the payroll processor industry recently terminated most of its processors in order to pursue its core bank lines of business. Cornerstone recognized this as an opportunity and has built the program and infrastructure to service this sector of ACH processing. Currently, the Bank has seven payroll processors processing ACH transactions and expects to add approximately five to ten additional payroll processors in 2008. This line of business has the ability to produce a material amount of non-interest income with a relatively low amount of credit and transaction risk.

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One of the major components in other fee income in prior years was the Bank’s lease income. The Bank had entered into an operating lease agreement with one of its customers that resulted in monthly lease income to the Bank. The lease has been terminated with the customer, which has purchased the assets. Currently, the Bank has no income from operating lease agreements.

Non Interest Expense-Items reported as non interest expense include salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense and other operating expense.

Table 9 presents the components of non interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands).

TABLE 9
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
6,609
 
$
6,018
 
$
4,503
 
Net occupancy and equipment expense
   
1,355
   
1,075
   
859
 
Depreciation on leased assets
   
-
   
245
   
379
 
Other operating expenses
   
2,962
   
3,380
   
2,475
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
10,926
 
$
10,718
 
$
8,216
 

Significant matters relating to the changes to non interest expense are presented below:

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As of December 2006 Cornerstone had 98 full time equivalent employees. By December 2007, the number of full time equivalent employees had increased to 116. The positions filled by these employees included 5 additional relationship managers and two additional employees in the Bank’s ACH processing department. The addition of these employees as well as the additional staff hired should have a positive impact on the Bank’s growth and performance during 2008.

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Occupancy and equipment expense has increased from prior periods in part due to the relocation of the Bank’s downtown branch and Cornerstone’s corporate headquarters. While the relocation has increased expenses, the Bank’s presence in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides existing bank customers with greater access to the Bank’s services as well as potential new customers. The Bank also opened two loan production offices during 2007; one in Knoxville, Tennessee, and one in Dalton, Georgia.

17

 
Income Tax Expense

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The difference between Cornerstone’s expected income tax expense, computed by multiplying income before income taxes by statutory income tax rates, is primarily attributable to new market tax credits for federal and state purposes, tax exempt loans and tax exempt securities.

Financial Condition

Overview-Cornerstone’s consolidated balance sheet reflects significant growth since December 31, 2006. Total assets increased approximately $69 million or 18.5% from $375 million as of December 31, 2006 to $444 million as of December 31, 2007. The primary component of the growth continues to be the Bank’s loan portfolio. Total loans increased $73 million or 23.7% from approximately $310 million as of December 31, 2006 to approximately $384 million as of December 31, 2007.
 
Investments-The Bank’s investment portfolio totaled $36.9 million or 8.3% of total assets as of the year end 2007 compared to a total of $33.9 million or 9.0% of total assets as of year end 2006. The portfolio is accounted for in two classifications: “Held to Maturity” and “Available for Sale”. The Bank also has an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The objective of the Bank’s investment policy is to invest funds not otherwise needed to meet the loan demand of the Bank’s market area and to meet the following five objectives: Gap Management, Liquidity, Pledging, Return, and Local Community Support. In doing so, the Bank uses the portfolio to provide structure and liquidity that the loan portfolio cannot. The management investment committee balances the market and credit risks against the potential investment return, ensures investments are compatible with the pledge requirements of the Bank’s deposit of public funds, maintains compliance with regulatory investment requirements, and assists various public entities with their financing needs. The management investment committee is authorized to execute security transactions for the investment portfolio based on the decisions of the Board of Directors Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”). All the investment transactions occurring since the previous ALCO meeting are reviewed by the ALCO at its next monthly meeting, in addition to the entire portfolio. The investment policy allows portfolio holdings to include short-term securities purchased to provide the Bank’s needed liquidity and longer-term securities purchased to generate stable income for the Bank during periods of interest rate fluctuations.

Table 10 presents the carrying value of the Bank's investments at the dates indicated. Available for sale securities are carried at fair market value and securities held to maturity are held at their book value (amounts in thousands).

TABLE 10
 
Investment Portfolio
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Securities available for sale:
             
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
27,414
 
$
26,470
 
$
22,349
 
Mortgage-backed and other securities
   
3,836
   
2,634
   
4,000
 
State & political subdivisions tax-exempt
   
3,503
   
3,249
   
3,285
 
Corporate debt
   
0
   
0
   
494
 
Totals
 
$
34,753
 
$
32,353
 
$
30,128
 
                     
Securities held to maturity:
                   
U.S. Government and agency obligations
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
Mortgage-backed and other securities
   
200
   
236
   
322
 
State & political subdivisions tax-exempt
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
Corporate debt
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
Totals
 
$
200
 
$
236
 
$
322
 
                     
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
1,912
   
1,332
   
1,034
 
                     
Total Investments
 
$
36,865
 
$
33,921
 
$
31,484
 
 
For December 31, 2007 tables 11 and 12 present the book value of the Bank's investments, the weighted average yields on the Bank's investments and the periods to maturity of the Bank's investments for the “Securities Available for Sale” and the “Securities Held to Maturity,” respectively. Available for Sale and Held to Maturity information relating to December 31, 2006 is presented in tables 13 and 14.
 
18

 
TABLE 11 
 
Weighted Average Yields on the Available For Sale Investments
Periods of Maturity from December 31, 2007
 
   
Less than 1 year
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
Securities available for sale:
                                 
U.S. Treasuries
 
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
U.S. Government agencies
   
8,491
   
4.43
%
 
16,848
   
4.57
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
2,075
   
6.12
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
2
   
6.30
%
 
13
   
7.01
%
 
3,821
   
5.17
%
Tax-exempt municipal bonds
   
126
   
5.14
%
 
739
   
4.29
%
 
1,233
   
4.28
%
 
1,405
   
4.09
%
Other bonds, notes, debentures and securities
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Totals
 
$
8,617
   
4.44
%
$
17,589
   
4.56
%
$
1,246
   
4.31
%
$
7,301
   
5.32
%
                                                   
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
34,753
   
4.76
%
                                   
 
TABLE 12
  
 Weighted Average Yields on the Held To Maturity Investments
Periods of Maturity from December 31, 2007
 
 
   
Less than 1 year
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
Securities available for sale:                                  
U.S. Treasuries
 
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
U.S. Government agencies
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
13
   
6.72
%
 
13
   
5.20
%
 
174
   
6.36
%
Tax-exempt municipal bonds
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Other bonds, notes, debentures and securities
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Totals
 
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
13
   
6.72
%
$
13
   
5.20
%
$
174
   
6.36
%
                                                   
Total Securities held to maturity
 
$
200
   
6.31
%
                                   
                                                   
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
$
1,912
   
5.52
%
                                   
                                                   
Total Investments
 
$
36,865
   
4.80
%
                                   
 
(1) The weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis.
 
(2) Mortgages are allocated by maturity and not amortized
 
TABLE 13
 
Weighted Average Yields on the Available For Sale Investments
Periods of Maturity from December 31, 2006
 
   
Less than 1 year
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
     
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
Securities available for sale:
                                     
U.S. Treasuries
 
$
0
         
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
U.S. Government agencies
   
7,610
         
4.21
%
 
16,801
   
4.46
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
2,059
   
5.76
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
   
1
         
7.49
%
 
3
   
5.43
%
 
14
   
6.75
%
 
2,616
   
5.57
%
Tax-exempt municipal bonds
   
0
         
0.00
%
 
558
   
4.71
%
 
1,167
   
4.43
%
 
1,525
   
5.34
%
Other bonds, notes, debentures and securities
   
0
      %    
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Totals
 
$
7,611
         
4.21
%
$
17,362
   
4.47
%
$
1,181
   
4.46
%
$
6,199
   
5.58
%
                                                         
Total Securities Available for Sale
 
$
32,353
         
4.62
%
                                   
 
19

 
TABLE 14
 
Weighted Average Yields on the Held To Maturity Investments
Periods of Maturity from December 31, 2006
 
   
Less than 1 year
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
 Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Avg. Yield (1)
 
Securities available for sale:
                                 
U.S. Treasuries
 
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
U.S. Government agencies
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Mortgage-backed securities (2)
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
19
   
7.50
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
217
   
5.59
%
Tax-exempt municipal bonds
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Other bonds, notes, debentures and securities
   
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
 
0
   
0.00
%
Totals
 
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
19
   
7.50
%
$
0
   
0.00
%
$
217
   
5.59
%
                                                   
Total Securities held to maturity
 
$
236
   
5.75
%
                                   
                                                   
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
$
1,332
   
5.82
%
                                   
                                                   
Total Investments
 
$
33,921
   
4.66
%
                                   
 
(1) The weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis.
 
(2) Mortgages are allocated by maturity and not amortized

Lending-All lending activities of the Bank are under the direct supervision and control of the Directors Loan Committee, which consists of the Chief Executive Officer, President, Senior Loan Administrator, and five outside directors. Also present at meetings of the committee are the loan review officer and other lending officers as required. All lending activities of Eagle are under the direct supervision and control of its Board of Directors which consist of the Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer, Secretary, Bank’s Senior Loan Administrator and four outside directors. These loan committees enforce loan authorizations for each officer, make lending decisions on loans exceeding such limits, review and oversee problem credits, and determine the allocation of funds for each lending category.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, Cornerstone’s loan portfolio constituted approximately 83.2% and 81.6% of Cornerstone’s total assets, respectively.

Table 15 presents the composition of the Cornerstone’s loan portfolio at the indicated dates.

TABLE 15
 
Loan Portfolio Composition
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
98,065
   
25.57
%
$
98,542
   
31.77
%
$
86,039
   
32.40
%
$
61,742
   
30.09
%
$
42,420
   
26.97
%
Real estate - construction
   
76,832
   
20.03
%
 
57,606
   
18.57
%
 
47,071
   
17.72
%
 
36,824
   
17.94
%
 
24,081
   
15.31
%
Real estate - mortgage
   
64,585
   
16.84
%
 
48,700
   
15.70
%
 
48,645
   
17.19
%
 
38,193
   
18.61
%
 
28,185
   
17.92
%
Real estate - commercial
   
138,074
   
35.99
%
 
99,197
   
31.98
%
 
79,608
   
29.98
%
 
61,860
   
30.14
%
 
56,527
   
35.94
%
Consumer loans
   
6,037
   
1.57
%
 
6,092
   
1.98
%
 
7,191
   
2.71
%
 
6,602
   
3.22
%
 
6,077
   
3.86
%
Total loans
 
$
383,593
   
100.00
%
$
310,137
   
100.00
%
$
265,554
   
100.00
%
$
205,221
   
100.00
%
$
157,290
   
100.00
%

Significant matters relating to the changes in the loan portfolio composition are presented below:

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During 2007 the Bank increased its loan portfolio in commercial real estate loans from $99 million to $138 million by the end of the year. The primary reason for this growth was an increase in the number of Relationship Managers (RM) and the creation of two new loan production offices (LPO) during 2007. The LPO’s were opened in Knoxville, TN and Dalton, GA and were responsible for approximately $30 million in loan growth across multiple classifications. In the Chattanooga market the Bank hired four RM’s. The increased man power and expanded markets were the result of Cornerstone’s strategic plan to grow loans at a rapid pace to offset the expected contraction of the Bank’s net interest margin.
 
20


 
Table 16 presents the scheduled maturities of the loans in Cornerstone’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007 based on their contractual terms to maturity. Overdrafts are reported as due in less than one year. Loans unpaid at maturity are renegotiated based on current market rates and terms.

TABLE 16
 
Loans Maturing
Year-end balance as of December 31, 2007
 
(In thousands)
 
Less than One Year
 
1 to 5 Years
 
Over 5 Years
 
Total
 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
84,288
 
$
13,354
 
$
423
 
$
98,065
 
Real estate - construction
   
68,632
   
7,845
   
355
   
76,832
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
30,688
   
29,389
   
4,508
   
64,585
 
Real estate - commercial
   
62,088
   
74,696
   
1,290
   
138,074
 
Consumer
   
3,164
   
2,831
   
42
   
6,037
 
Total Loans
 
$
248,860
 
$
128,115
 
$
6,618
 
$
383,593
 
 
Types of Loans

Commercial Loans-The Bank’s commercial loan portfolio is comprised of commercial, industrial, and non-farm non-residential loans, hereinafter referred to as commercial loans (excluding commercial construction loans). These installment loans and lines of credit are extended to individuals, partnerships and corporations for a variety of business purposes, such as accounts receivable and inventory financing, equipment financing, business expansion and working capital. The following is a list of terms impeded in the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio:

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The terms of the Bank's commercial loans generally range from 90 days to a 15 year amortization with a five year balloon.
 
logo
Commercial loans are generally tied to the prime index and adjust according with changes in the prime rate. The Bank also extends fixed interest rate loans when appropriate to match the borrower’s needs.
 
logo
Loans secured by marketable equipment are required to be amortized over a period not to exceed 60 months.
 
logo
Generally, loans secured by current assets such as inventory or accounts receivable are structured as revolving lines of credit with annual maturities.
 
logo
Loans secured by chattel, mortgages and accounts receivable may not exceed 85% of their market value.
 
logo
Loans secured by listed stocks, municipal bonds and mutual funds may not exceed 70% of their market value.
 
logo
Unsecured short-term loans and lines of credit must meet criteria set by the Bank’s Loan Committee. Current financial statements support all commercial loans, and such financial statements are updated annually.
 
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Substantially all of the Bank's commercial loans are secured and are guaranteed by the principals of the borrower.
 
Most of the Bank’s commercial loans are made with the intention of establishing a long-term relationship that fulfills the customer’s loan as well as deposit needs. This is the fastest growing area of the loan portfolio and is being staffed to continue this trend. The Bank believes this area has the best potential for future growth and has the highest barriers of entry to our competitors.

Real Estate: Construction Loans-The Bank makes residential construction loans to owner-occupants and to persons building residential properties for resale. The Bank has two main areas of construction loans: one is to residential real estate developers for speculative or custom single-family residential properties, and the other is to custom commercial construction projects with guaranteed takeout provisions. Construction loans are usually variable rate loans made for terms of one year or less, but extensions are permitted if construction has continued satisfactorily, the loan is current and other circumstances warrant the extension. Construction loans are limited to 80% of the appraised value of the lot and the completed value of the proposed structure.

Construction financing generally is considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than permanent mortgage financing of residential properties, and this additional risk usually is reflected in higher interest rates. The higher risk of loss on construction loans is attributable in large part to the fact that loan funds are estimated and advanced upon the security of the project under construction, which is of uncertain value prior to the completion of construction. Moreover, because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, delays arising from labor problems, material shortages and other unpredictable contingencies, it is relatively difficult to accurately evaluate the total loan funds required to complete a project and to accurately evaluate the related loan-to-value ratios. If the estimates of construction costs and the saleability of the property upon completion of the project prove to be inaccurate, the Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment.
 
21


The Bank's underwriting criteria are designed to evaluate and minimize the risk of each construction loan. Among other items, the Bank considers evidence of the availability of permanent financing or a take-out commitment to the borrower, the financial strength and reputation of the borrower, an independent appraisal and review of cost estimates, market conditions, and, if applicable, the amount of the borrower's equity in the project, pre-construction sale or leasing information and cash flow projections of the borrower.

Real Estate: Mortgage Loans-Real estate mortgage loans include all one to four family residential loans secured by real estate for purposes other than construction or acquisition and development. All real estate loans are held in the Bank’s loan portfolio except for loans that are designated as loans held for sale. The loans held for sale are FHLB or FNMA qualified and have been pre-approved by an underwriting specialist prior to closing. The remainder of the Bank’s mortgage loans are home equity loans and are made at fixed interest rates for terms of one to three years with balloon payment provisions and amortized over a 10 to 15 year period. The Bank's experience indicates that real estate loans normally remain outstanding for much shorter periods (seven years on average) than their stated maturity because the borrowers repay the loans in full either upon the sale of the secured property or upon the refinancing of the original loan.

In the case of owner occupied single-family residences, real estate loans are made for up to 95% of the value of the property securing the loan, based upon an appraisal if the loan amount is over $100,000. When the loan is secured by real estate containing a non-owner occupied dwelling of one to four family units, loans generally are made for up to 80% of the value, based upon an appraisal if the loan amount is over $100,000. The Bank also requires title insurance to insure the priority of the property lien on its real estate loans over $50,000 and requires fire and casualty insurance on all of its loans.

The real estate loans originated by the Bank contain a "due-on-sale" clause, which provides that the Bank may declare the unpaid balance of the loan immediately due and payable upon the sale of the mortgaged property. Such clauses are an important means of reducing the average loan life and increasing the yield on existing fixed-rate real estate loans, and it is the Bank's policy to enforce due-on-sale clauses.

Real Estate: Commercial-Commercial real estate mortgage loans include all one to four family residential loans secured by real estate for purposes other than construction or acquisition and development. All real estate loans are held in the Bank’s loan portfolio except for loans that have been participated to correspondent banks. The Bank will sell these participations if a loan exceeds the Bank’s legal lending limit or as is deemed appropriate by the Director’s Loan Committee. Commercial real estate mortgage loans are a combination of properties that are leased out or used for a primary place of a business the Bank has a relationship with. Most of the commercial real estate loans have fixed interest rates for terms of one to three years with balloon payment provisions and are amortized over a 10 to 15 year period, but whenever possible the Bank will seek a variable rate loan which would be tied to the New York prime rate and adjusted monthly. The Bank's experience indicates that real estate loans normally remain outstanding for much shorter periods (seven years on average) than their stated maturity because the borrowers repay the loans in full either upon the sale of the secured property or upon the refinancing of the original loan.

Commercial real estate loans are made for up to 85% of the value of the property securing the loan, based upon an appraisal if the loan amount is over $100,000. The Bank also requires title insurance to insure the priority of the property lien on its real estate loans over $50,000 and requires fire and casualty insurance on all of its loans.
 
Consumer Loans-These loans consist of consumer installment loans and consumer credit card balances. The Bank makes both secured and unsecured consumer loans for a variety of personal and household purposes. Most of the Bank's consumer loans are automobile loans, boat loans, property improvement loans and loans to depositors on the security of their certificates of deposit. These loans are generally made for terms of up to five years at fixed interest rates. The Bank considers consumer loans to involve a relatively high credit risk compared to real estate loans. Consumer loans, therefore, generally yield a relatively high return to the Bank and provide a relatively short maturity. The Bank believes that the generally higher yields and the shorter terms available on various types of consumer loans tend to offset the relatively higher risk associated with such loans, and contribute to a profitable spread between the Bank's average yield on earning assets and the Bank's cost of funds.

Lending Commitments-Commitments under standby letters of credit and undisbursed loan commitments increased from $68 million in 2006 to $77 million in 2007. This number includes all lines of credit that have not been fully drawn and loan commitments in the same status.
 
22

 

Origination, Purchase and Sale of Loans

The Bank originates the majority of its loans in Hamilton County, Tennessee. However, the Bank also originates loans in Marion, Sequatchie, Knox and Bradley Counties in Tennessee, and Dade, Walker, Whitfield and Catoosa Counties in Georgia, each of which is within 50 miles of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Loans are originated by 20 relationship managers who operate from the Bank's offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee and from the loan production offices in Dalton, Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee. These relationship managers actively solicit loan applications from existing customers, local manufacturers and retailers, builders, real estate developers, real estate agents and others. The Bank also receives numerous loan applications as a result of customer referrals and walk-ins to its offices.

Upon receipt of a loan application and all required supporting information from a prospective borrower, the Bank obtains a credit report and verifies specific information relating to the loan applicant's employment, income and creditworthiness. For significant extensions of credit in which real estate will secure the proposed loan, a certified appraisal of the real estate is undertaken by an independent appraiser approved by the Bank. The Bank's relationship managers then analyze the credit worthiness of the borrower and the value of any collateral involved.

The Bank’s loan approval process is intended to be conservative but also responsive to customer needs. Loans are approved in accordance with the Bank's written loan policy, which provides for several tiers of approval authority, based on a borrower's aggregate debt with the Bank. The Bank’s legal lending limit is 25% of the Bank’s qualifying equity for secured loans and 15% for unsecured loans.

The Bank has in the past purchased and sold commercial loan participations with correspondent banks and will continue the practice when management feels the action would be in the best interest of shareholders. The purchase of loan participations allows the Bank to expand its loan portfolio and increase profitability while still maintaining the high credit standards, which are applied to all extensions of credit made by the Bank. The sale of loan participations allows the Bank to make larger loans and retain a servicing fee for its labor, which it otherwise would be unable to make due to capital or other funding considerations.

Loan Fee Income

In addition to interest earned on loans, the Bank receives origination fees for making loans, commitment fees for making certain loans, and other fees for miscellaneous loan-related services. Such fee income varies with the volume of loans made, prepaid or sold, and the rates of fees vary from time to time depending on the supply of funds and competitive conditions.

Commitment fees are charged by the Bank to the borrower for certain loans and are calculated as a percentage of the principal amount of the loan. These fees normally are deducted from the proceeds of the loan and generally range from 1/2% to 2% of the principal amount, depending on the type and volume of loans made and market conditions such as the demand for loans, the availability of money and general economic conditions. The Bank complies with FASB 91 and amortizes all significant loan fees over the life of the loan. The Bank also receives miscellaneous fee income from late payment charges, overdraft fees, property inspection fees, and miscellaneous services related to its existing loans.

Problem Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Problem Loans-In originating loans, Cornerstone recognizes that it will experience credit losses and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan. Cornerstone has instituted measures at the Bank and Eagle which are designed to reduce the risk of, and monitor exposure to, credit losses.

The Bank’s loan portfolio is systematically reviewed by the Bank's management, internal auditors, external auditors, and State and Federal regulators to ensure that the Bank’s larger loan relationships are being maintained within the loan policy guidelines, and remain properly underwritten. Input from all the above sources is used by the Bank to take corrective actions as necessary. As discussed below, each of the Bank's loans is assigned a rating in accordance with the Bank's internal loan rating system. All past due loans are reviewed by the Bank's senior lending officers and all past due loans over $25,000 are reviewed monthly by the Director’s Loan Committee. All loans classified as substandard or doubtful, as well as any "special mention" loans (defined in the following paragraph), are placed on the Bank’s watch list and reviewed at least monthly by the Director’s Loan Committee. In addition, all loans to a particular borrower are reviewed, regardless of classification, each time such borrower requests a renewal or extension of any loan or requests an additional loan. All lines of credit are reviewed annually prior to renewal. Such reviews include, but are not limited to, the ability of the borrower to repay the loan, a re-assessment of the borrower’s financial condition, the value of any collateral and the estimated potential loss to the Bank, if any.
 
23

 
The Bank's internal problem loan rating system establishes three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful and loss. Additionally, in connection with regulatory examinations of the Bank, Federal and State examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require the Bank to classify them. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. An asset classified as loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the Bank is not warranted. Consequently, such assets are charged-off in the month they are classified as loss. Federal regulations also designate a "special mention" category, described as assets which do not currently expose the Bank to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management's close attention.

Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the Bank to establish general allowances for loan losses. If an asset or portion thereof is classified as loss, the Bank must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified as loss or charge off such amount. General loss allowances established to cover possible losses related to assets classified as substandard or doubtful may be included, up to certain limits, in determining the Bank's regulatory capital, while specific valuation allowances for loan losses do not qualify as regulatory capital.

The Bank's collection procedures provide that when a loan becomes between fifteen days and thirty days delinquent, the borrower is contacted by mail and payment is requested. If the delinquency continues, subsequent efforts are made to contact and request payment from the delinquent borrower. Most loan delinquencies are cured within 60 days and no legal action is required. In certain circumstances, the Bank, for a fee, may modify the loan, grant a limited moratorium on loan payments or revise the payment schedule to enable the borrower to restructure his or her financial affairs. Generally, the Bank stops accruing interest and any accrued non collected interest will be reversed in accordance with GAAP on delinquent loans when payment is in arrears for 90 days or when collection otherwise becomes doubtful. If the delinquency exceeds 120 days and is not cured through the Bank's normal collection procedures or through a restructuring, the Bank will institute measures to enforce its remedies resulting from the default, including commencing a foreclosure, repossession or collection action. In certain cases, the Bank will consider accepting a voluntary conveyance of collateral in lieu of foreclosure or repossession. Real property acquired by the Bank as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as "real estate owned" until it is sold and is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to dispose. Accounting standards define fair value as the amount that is expected to be received in a current sale between a willing buyer and seller other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair values at foreclosure are based on appraisals. Losses arising from the acquisition of foreclosed properties are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent write-downs are provided by a charge to income through losses on other real estate in the period in which the need arises.

Allowance for Loan Losses-The allowance or reserve for possible loan losses is a means of absorbing future losses, which could be incurred from the current loan portfolio. The Bank maintains an allowance for possible loan losses, and management adjusts the general allowances monthly by charges to income in response to changes to outstanding loan balances.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. A loan or portion thereof is charged off against the general allowance when management has determined that losses on such loans are probable. Recoveries on any loans charged-off in prior fiscal periods are credited to the allowance. It is the opinion of the Bank's management that the balance in the general allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2007 is adequate to absorb possible losses from loans currently in the portfolio.
 
24

 
Table 17 presents Cornerstone's allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
 
TABLE 17
 
 Allowance for Loan Losses Years Ending December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
(In thousands)
Balance at end of period applicable to
 
Amount
 
Percent of loans by category to total loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of loans by category to total loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of loans by category to total loans
 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
9,482
   
25.57
%
$
1,686
   
31.77
%
$
1,438
   
32.40
%
Real estate - construction
   
2,447
   
20.03
%
 
1,581
   
18.57
%
 
1,253
   
17.72
%
Real estate - mortgage
   
101
   
16.84
%
 
77
   
15.70
%
 
79
   
17.19
%
Real estate - commercial
   
1,434
   
35.99
%
 
703
   
31.98
%
 
535
   
29.98
%
Consumer
   
246
   
1.57
%
 
211
   
1.98
%
 
240
   
2.71
%
Totals
 
$
13,710
   
100.00
%
$
4,258
   
100.00
%
$
3,545
   
100.00
%

   
2004
 
2003
 
(In thousands) Balance at end of period applicable to
 
Amount
 
Percent of loans by category to total loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of loans by category to total loans
 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
1,002
   
30.09
%
$
840
   
26.97
%
Real estate - construction
   
962
   
17.94
%
 
539
   
15.31
%
Real estate - mortgage
   
122
   
18.61
%
 
139
   
17.92
%
Real estate - commercial
   
361
   
30.14
%
 
352
   
35.94
%
Consumer
   
211
   
3.22
%
 
141
   
3.86
%
Totals
 
$
2,658
   
100.00
%
$
2,011
   
100.00
%

Table 18 presents Cornerstone's delinquent and non-performing assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

TABLE 18
 
Delinquent and Non-performing Assets
 
Actual for Years Ending December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
Accruing loans that are contractually
         
past due 90-days or more:
         
           
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
Real estate - construction
   
0
   
0
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
0
   
0
 
Consumer
   
0
   
0
 
Total Loans
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
Non-accruing loans 90-days or more:
             
               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
124
 
$
127
 
Real estate - construction
   
341
   
186
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
220
   
789
 
Consumer
   
0
   
0
 
Total Loans
 
$
685
 
$
1,102
 
 
25

 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
 
$
1,038
 
$
380
 
Property acquired through repossession
   
0
   
0
 
Total acquired
   
1,038
   
380
 
 
Total Loans
 
$
383,593
 
$
310,137
 
               
Ratio of non-performing assets to total loans
   
0.45
%
 
0.48
%
Ratio of delinquent (30-days or more) but accruing loans to:
             
Total loans
   
1.12
%
 
0.77
%
Total assets
   
0.97
%
 
0.63
%

In addition to the Bank's loan rating system for problem assets described above (see “Problem Loans,” above), the Bank has established a loan rating system for all categories of loans which assists management and the Board of Directors in determining the adequacy of the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Each loan in the Bank's portfolio is assigned a rating which is reviewed by management periodically to ensure its continued suitability. An exception is made in the case of (i) monthly installment loans which are grouped together by delinquency status such as over 10, 30, 60, or 90 days past due and (ii) problem assets which are rated as substandard, doubtful, or loss as discussed above. All other loans are assigned a rating of excellent, good, or average. The total amount of loans in each of these loan rating categories is weighted by a factor that management believes reasonably reflects losses that can be anticipated with respect to loans in each of these categories. Based on these weightings, the Bank’s management establishes an allowance for loan losses that is reviewed by its Board of Directors each month.

Table 19 presents Cornerstone’s loan loss experience for the periods indicated.

TABLE 19

Loan Loss Reserve Analysis
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
Average loans
 
$
353,278
 
$
284,105
 
$
236,265
 
$
181,335
 
$
141,586
 
Allowance for possible loan losses,
                               
Beginning of the period
 
$
4,258
 
$
3,545
 
$
2,658
 
$
2,011
 
$
1,591
 
                                 
Charge-offs for the period:
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
   
737
   
307
   
275
   
165
   
223
 
Real estate - construction
   
84
   
0
   
48
   
0
   
0
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
180
   
104
   
128
   
138
   
6
 
Consumer
   
74
   
70
   
111
   
69
   
106
 
Total charge-offs
   
1,075
   
481
   
562
   
372
   
335
 
Recoveries for the period:
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
   
114
   
66
   
12
   
149
   
183
 
Real estate - construction
   
0
   
0
   
1
   
0
   
3
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
4
   
7
   
6
   
7
   
0
 
Consumer
   
0
   
15
   
28
   
23
   
24
 
Total recoveries
   
118
   
88
   
47
   
179
   
210
 
Net charge-offs for the period
   
957
   
393
   
515
   
193
   
125
 
                                 
Provision for loan losses
   
10,409
   
1,106
   
1,402
   
840
   
545
 
Adjustments
   
0
   
0
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
Allowance for possible loan losses, end of period
 
$
13,710
 
$
4,258
 
$
3,545
 
$
2,658
 
$
2,011
 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total average loans outstanding
   
3.88
%
 
1.50
%
 
1.50
%
 
1.47
%
 
1.42
%
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period
   
0.27
%
 
0.14
%
 
0.22
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.09
%
 
26


Intangibles-During 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Statement No. 142 Goodwill and other Intangible Assets concerning the $2,541,476 goodwill created by the merger with the Bank of East Ridge. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the fair value, a write-down is recorded. No impairment loss was recognized during 2007, 2006 or 2005. Also, in December, 2005, the Company completed the purchase of Eagle Financial, Inc. and recorded an intangible asset of $848,916. Amortization expense relating to this intangible for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $108,000, $345,388 and $13,500, respectively.
 
Sources of Funds

Overview-Time, money market, savings and demand deposits are the major source of Cornerstone’s funds for lending and other investment purposes. All deposits are held by the Bank. In addition, Cornerstone obtains funds from loan principal repayments and proceeds from sales of loan participations and investment securities. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and sales of loan participations and investment securities are significantly influenced by prevailing interest rates, economic conditions and the Company's asset and liability management strategies. Borrowings are used on either a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of other sources of funds or on a longer-term basis to reduce interest rate risk.

Deposits-The Bank offers several types of deposit accounts, with the principal differences relating to the minimum balances required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. Deposits are obtained primarily from the Bank's Chattanooga Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Bank does advertise for deposits outside of this area and has had moderate success attracting deposits from credit unions around the United States. The Bank does not rely upon any single person or group of related persons for a material portion of its deposits. However, the Bank has a large depositor related to its ACH business line that leaves a large amount of money for the Bank to use as it passes through the Bank to its final destination. A principal source of deposits for the Bank consists of short-term money market and other accounts, which are highly responsive to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank, like all financial institutions, is subject to short-term fluctuations in deposits in response to customer actions due to changing short-term market interest rates. The ability of the Bank to attract and maintain deposits and the Bank's cost of funds has been and will continue to be significantly affected by money market conditions.
 
Table 20 presents the composition of deposits for the Bank, excluding accrued interest payable, by type for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands).

TABLE 20 

 Deposit Composition
Years Ending December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Demand deposits
 
$
45,285
 
$
41,723
 
$
42,118
 
NOW deposits
   
31,985
   
38,160
   
33,080
 
Savings & money market deposits
   
49,970
   
56,913
   
55,411
 
Time deposits $100,000 and over
   
71,505
   
44,544
   
38,707
 
Time deposits under $100,000
   
114,505
   
94,476
   
83,119
 
Total Deposits
 
$
313,250
 
$
275,816
 
$
252,435
 

Table 21 presents a breakdown by category of the average amount of deposits and the average rate paid on deposits for the periods indicated:

TABLE 21
 
Average Amount and Average Rate Paid on Deposits
Years Ending December 31,
 
     
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
     
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
Demand deposits
 
$
41,503
       
$
37,056
       
$
34,730
       
NOW deposits
   
36,327
   
2.21
%
 
34,701
   
1.23
%
 
33,943
   
0.97
%
Savings & money market deposits
   
55,808
   
3.61
%
 
58,477
   
3.80
%
 
45,232
   
2.45
%
Time deposits $100,000 and over
   
61,172
   
5.12
%
 
43,692
   
4.56
%
 
32,611
   
3.51
%
Time deposits under $100,000
   
107,498
   
5.01
%
 
88,773
   
4.39
%
 
70,167
   
3.19
%
Total Deposits
 
$
302,308
   
4.35
%
$
262,699
   
3.78
%
$
216,683
   
2.65
%
 
27

 
Borrowings-The Bank joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati in October of 2000. The Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) allows the Bank to borrow funds on a contractual basis many times at rates lower than the costs of local certificates of deposit. In addition, the FHLB has the ability to provide structured advances that best reduce or leverage the interest rate risk of the Bank. The Bank as of the end of the year had $47 million outstanding with the FHLB. The FHLB offers multiple products to assist banks in their funding needs. During 2007 the Bank obtained funding by obtaining a daily revolving credit advance and fixed rate loans. The revolving credit advance has a minimum advance requirement of $15 million and is priced at a variable rate. As of December 31, 2007 the Bank had converted borrowings under the revolving credit advance to fixed rate loans with stated maturities ranging from two years to ten years. FHLB loans totaling $47 million as of December 31, 2007 are structured as an obligation with a fixed rate with the majority of loans incorporating an optional conversion to a floating rate after a stated period of time. The loans have maturities ranging from May 2010 to January 2017. As of December 31, 2007 the interest rates on these loans ranged from 3.87% to 5.00%. The Bank has several Federal Funds lines of credit available with correspondent banks with a total availability of $44 million as of the end of 2007. In addition, the Bank has the right to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank if necessary to supplement its supply of funds available for lending and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. As of December 31, 2007, Cornerstone had established a line of credit of $8.5 million priced at New York Prime Rate minus 150 basis points. The loan was established to insert capital infusions to the Bank to fund growth or retire treasury stock, if any, as needed. This line allows Cornerstone to act as a source of strength for the Bank without the expense or dilution of additional common stock. As of December 31, 2007, there was $100,000 borrowed on the line of credit and Cornerstone has the remaining balance available to inject capital into the Bank or fund other investments.

Capital

Capital Resources-Stockholder’s average equity for 2007 and 2006 totaled $40.7 million and $35.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, Cornerstone’s actual stockholder equity had decreased from $38.2 million in 2006 to $36.3. The decrease is primarily attributable to the increase in the Bank’s allowance for loan losses that was recognized in December 2007. The number of common shares outstanding decreased to 6,369,718 as of year end 2007 from 6,511,848 as of year end 2006. Changes in the number of common shares outstanding are the result of two transactions. The first transaction resulted in an increase in the number of shares outstanding by 10,870 as employees and a member of the board of directors exercised stock options during 2007. The second transaction resulted in the reduction of the number of shares outstanding by 153,000. The number of shares outstanding decreased primarily during the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2007 as a result of Cornerstone’s initiation of a stock repurchase program totaling 150,000 shares as announced in Cornerstone’s Form 8-K filing on October 19, 2007.

Capital Adequacy-Capital adequacy refers to the level of capital required to sustain asset growth and to absorb losses. The objective of Cornerstone’s management is to maintain a level of capitalization that is sufficient to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities while meeting regulatory requirements. This is achieved by improving profitability by effectively allocating resources to more profitable business, improving asset quality, strengthening service quality, and streamlining costs. The primary measures used by management to monitor the results of these efforts are the ratios of actual equity to average assets and actual equity to risk-adjusted assets.

The FDIC has adopted capital guidelines governing the activities of banks. These guidelines require the maintenance of an amount of capital based on risk-adjusted assets so that categories of assets with potentially higher credit risk will require more capital backing than assets with lower risk. In addition, banks are required to maintain capital to support, on a risk-adjusted basis, certain off-balance sheet activities such as loan commitments. The capital guidelines classify capital into two tiers, referred to as Tier I and Tier II. Under risk-based capital requirements, total capital consists of Tier I capital, which is generally common shareholder’s equity less goodwill, and Tier II, which is primarily Tier I capital plus a portion of the loan loss allowance. In determining risk-based capital requirements, assets are assigned risk-weights of 0% to 100%, depending primarily on the regulatory assigned levels of credit risk associated with such assets. Off-balance sheet items are considered in the calculation of risk-adjusted assets through conversion factors established by regulators. The framework for calculating risk-based capital requires banks to meet the regulatory minimums of 4% Tier I and 8% total risk based capital. In 1990 regulators added a leverage computation to the capital requirements, comparing Tier I capital to total average assets less goodwill.
 
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) established five capital categories for banks. Under the regulation defining these five capital categories, each bank is classified into one of the five categories based on its level of risk-based capital as measured by Tier I capital, total risk-based capital, and Tier I leverage ratios and its supervisory ratings. Table 22 lists the five categories of capital and each of the minimum requirements for the three risk-based ratios.

28

 
TABLE 22
 
Minimum Requirements for Risk-Based Capital Ratios
 
   
Total Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 
Tier I Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 
 
Leverage Ratio
 
Well capitalized
   
10% or above
   
6% or above
   
5% or above
 
Adequately capitalized
   
8% or above
   
4% or above
   
4% or above
 
Under Capitalized
   
Less than 8
%
 
Less than 4
%
 
Less than 4
%
Significantly undercapitalized
   
Less than 6
%
 
Less than 3
%
 
Less than 3
%
Critically undercapitalized
               
2% or less
 

As of December 31, 2007, Cornerstone exceeded the regulatory minimums and qualified as an adequately-capitalized institution under the regulations. The Bank had Tier 1 capital of $31.6 or 7.4% of average assets as of December 31, 2007 compared to Tier 1 capital of $31.7 or 9.4% of average assets as of December 31, 2006. The Bank had total capital of $36.6 or 9.3% of risk weighted assets as of December 31, 2007 compared to total capital of $35.8 or 10.9% of risk weighted assets as of December 31, 2006. The Bank fell from a well capitalized capital position during 2006 to an adequately capitalized position in 2007 due to the $6.5 million loan loss provision provided to the Bank’s loan loss allowance after the actual close of 2007. This treatment was in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as this loss pertained to 2007 and was identified before issuance of the financial statements.
 
Liquidity-of a primary importance to depositors, creditors and regulators is the ability to have readily available funds sufficient to repay fully maturing liabilities. Cornerstone’s liquidity, represented by cash and cash from banks, is a result of its operating, investing and financing activities. In order to ensure funds are available at all times, Cornerstone devotes resources to projecting on a monthly basis the amount of funds accessible. Liquidity requirements can also be met through short-term borrowing or the disposition of short-term assets, which are generally matched to correspond to the maturity of liabilities.

Cornerstone’s liquidity target is measured by adding the Bank’s net cash, short term and marketable securities not pledged and dividing this number by total deposits and short-term liabilities not secured by assets pledged. The Bank’s liquidity ratio at year end 2007 was 4.8% compared to 8.4% at year end 2006. Cornerstone is not subject to any specific liquidity requirements imposed by regulatory orders. Cornerstone is subject however, to general FDIC guidelines, which do not require a minimum level of liquidity. Management believes its liquidity ratios meet or exceed these guidelines. Management does not know of any trends or demands, which are reasonably likely to result in liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material manner.

Table 23 presents the average loan to deposit ratios, a liquidity measure, for periods indicated:

TABLE 23
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Average loans to average deposits
   
116.86
%
 
108.15
%
 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Cornerstone’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) actively measures and manages interest rate risk using a process developed by the Bank. The ALCO is also responsible for approving Cornerstone’s asset/liability management policies, overseeing the formulation and implementation of strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and earnings, and reviewing Cornerstones’s interest rate sensitivity position.
 
The primary tool that management uses to measure short-term interest rate risk is a net interest income simulation model prepared by an independent national consulting firm and reviewed by another separate and independent national consulting firm. These simulations estimate the impact that various changes in the overall level of interest rates over one- and two-year time horizons would have on net interest income. The results help Cornerstone develop strategies for managing exposure to interest rate risk.
 
29

 
Like any forecasting technique, interest rate simulation modeling is based on a large number of assumptions. In this case, the assumptions relate primarily to loan and deposit growth, asset and liability prepayments, interest rates and balance sheet management strategies. Management believes that both individually and in the aggregate the assumptions are reasonable. Nevertheless, the simulation modeling process produces only a sophisticated estimate, not a precise calculation of exposure.
 
Table 24 presents the re-pricing of Cornerstone’s interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2007. This interest sensitivity gap table is designed to monitor Cornerstone’s interest rate risk exposure within the designated time period. In order to control interest rate risk, management regularly monitors the volume of interest sensitive assets relative to interest sensitive liabilities over specific time intervals. Cornerstone’s interest rate management policy is to attempt to maintain a relatively stable net interest margin in periods of interest rate fluctuations. Cornerstone’s policy is to attempt to maintain a ratio of cumulative gap to total interest sensitive assets of negative 15.00% to positive 15.00% in the time period of one year or less. The information set forth below is based on the following assumptions of management: (i) savings and money market and NOW accounts will be less interest rate sensitive and the re-pricing on these accounts will be spread out over a five-year period; and (ii) securities other than mortgage-backed securities have been scheduled by maturity date while mortgages have been amortized over the life of the mortgage.

TABLE 24
 
Re-pricing of Interest Sensitive Assets and Liabilities
Year-end balance as of December 31, 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
Less than One Year
 
1 to 5 Years (3)
 
Over 5 Years (3)
 
Total
 
Interest Sensitive Assets:                  
Federal funds sold 
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
$
0
 
Investment securities
                         
Taxable (1)
   
8,491
   
16,863
   
6,096
   
31,450
 
Tax-exempt (1)
   
126
   
739
   
2,638
   
3,503
 
Loans (2)
                         
Fixed rate and adjustable rate 1-4 family mortgage
   
30,688
   
29,389
   
4,508
   
64,585
 
Scheduled payments
   
218,172
   
98,726
   
2,110
   
319,008
 
Total Interest Sensitive Assets
 
$
257,477
 
$
145,717
 
$
15,352
 
$
418,546
 
                           
Interest Sensitive Liabilities:
                         
NOW accounts
 
$
12,797
 
$
19,195
 
$
0
 
$
31,992
 
Money market and savings accounts
   
24,203
   
25,760
   
0
   
49,963
 
Time deposits
   
167,423
   
18,588
   
0
   
186,011
 
Other interest bearing liabilities
   
88,660
   
0
   
0
   
88,660
 
Total Interest Sensitive Liabilities
 
$
293,083
 
$
63,543
 
$
0
 
$
356,626
 
                           
Interest Sensitive Gap
   
(35,606
)
 
82,174
   
15,352
   
61,920
 
Cumulative Interest Sensitive Gap
   
(35,606
)
 
46,568
   
61,920
       
                           
Ratio of cumulative gap to total Interest Sensitive Assets
   
(8.51
)%
 
11.13
%
 
14.79
%
     
 
(1) All AFS securities are shown at the market value and HTM are shown at book value.
 
(2) Non-performing loans are included as interest-earning assets.
 
(3) All assets and liabilities in these categories are fixed rates.

Symbol logo
During 2007 management made an effort to reduce the Bank’s sensitivity to interest sensitive assets by lengthening the maturities of its securities and loans while reducing the average maturities of its interest sensitive liabilities. This was undertaken due to the uncertainty in the economy and growing probability that interest rates would decline.

30

 
Impact of Inflation and Changing Price- The financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of the financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation. Management is primarily concerned with two inflationary factors; The first and the most common is the general impact of inflation on operations of Cornerstone and is reflected in increased operating costs. The other and more material to the Bank’s profitability are interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve and the general fixed income market in reaction to inflation. In other words, interest rate risk, unlike most industrial companies, substantially impacts Cornerstone because virtually all of the assets and liabilities of Cornerstone are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates may have a more significant impact on Cornerstone’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the price of goods and services and each issue must be dealt with independently. 
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements and Footnotes

Table of Contents
 
 
 Page No.
Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
32
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Internal Control over Financial Reporting
33
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Financial Statements
35
   
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated balance sheets
36
   
Consolidated statements of income
37
   
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity
38
   
Consolidated statements of cash flows
40
   
Notes to consolidated financial statements
41
 
31

 
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Cornerstone is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Cornerstone’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to Cornerstone’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Cornerstone’s management has assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2007, Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Cornerstone’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears in Item No. 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
32

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in “Internal Control— Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
33

 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, of the Company and our report dated March 12, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
 
/s/ HAZLETT, LEWIS & BIETER, PLLC      
       
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 12, 2008
   
 
34

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors
Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 12, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ HAZLETT, LEWIS & BIETER, PLLC

Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 12, 2008
 
35

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2007 and 2006
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
           
ASSETS
         
Cash and due from banks
 
$
14,933,349
 
$
17,635,956
 
Securities available for sale
   
34,751,985
   
32,353,380
 
Securities held to maturity (fair value approximates
             
$199,678 at 2007 and $236,189 at 2006)
   
200,037
   
236,169
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
1,911,600
   
1,332,100
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of
             
$13,710,109 in 2007 and $4,258,352 in 2006
   
369,883,009
   
305,879,013
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
   
6,470,893
   
6,134,009
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
2,407,977
   
2,120,778
 
Goodwill and amortizable intangibles
   
2,941,798
   
3,046,287
 
Other assets
   
10,920,605
   
6,204,541
 
               
 Total assets
 
$
444,421,253
 
$
374,942,233
 
               
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
               
Deposits:
             
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
45,284,518
 
$
41,722,570
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
31,984,590
   
38,159,718
 
Savings deposits and money market accounts
   
49,970,489
   
56,913,225
 
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
   
71,505,272
   
44,544,335
 
Time deposits under $100,000
   
114,504,856
   
94,476,685
 
               
 Total deposits
   
313,249,725
   
275,816,533
 
               
Accrued interest payable
   
216,086
   
308,392
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
             
agreements to repurchase
   
41,560,355
   
19,249,701
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and line of credit
   
47,100,000
   
39,500,000
 
Other liabilities
   
5,967,737
   
1,884,342
 
               
 Total liabilities
   
408,093,903
   
336,758,968
 
               
Stockholders' equity:
         
Preferred stock - no par value; 2,000,000 shares
         
authorized; no shares issued 
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock - $1.00 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
         
6,522,718 and 6,511,848 shares issued in 2007 and 2006; 
             
6,369,718 and 6,511,848 outstanding in 2007 and 2006 
   
6,369,718
   
6,511,848
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
20,532,787
   
21,849,006
 
Retained earnings
   
9,317,878
   
9,881,029
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (expense)
   
106,967
   
(58,618
)
               
 Total stockholders' equity
   
36,327,350
   
38,183,265
 
               
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
444,421,253
 
$
374,942,233
 
 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
36

 

CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
  
 
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
INTEREST INCOME
             
Loans, including fees
 
$
32,981,334
 
$
27,317,002
 
$
19,353,740
 
Securities and interest-bearing deposits in other banks
   
1,750,023
   
1,583,984
   
1,217,405
 
Federal funds sold
   
52,161
   
257,820
   
100,937
 
                     
Total interest income 
   
34,783,518
   
29,158,806
   
20,672,082
 
                     
INTEREST EXPENSE
                   
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
   
3,134,084
   
1,993,796
   
1,144,939
 
Other deposits
   
8,206,843
   
6,550,906
   
3,675,702
 
Federal funds purchased and securities
                   
sold under agreements to repurchase
   
857,161
   
347,861
   
203,476
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and line of credit
   
2,215,517
   
1,413,546
   
1,053,675
 
                     
Total interest expense 
   
14,413,605
   
10,306,109
   
6,077,792
 
                     
Net interest income before provision for loan losses 
   
20,369,913
   
18,852,697
   
14,594,290
 
                     
Provision for loan losses
   
10,409,365
   
1,106,600
   
1,401,600
 
                     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 
   
9,960,548
   
17,746,097
   
13,192,690
 
                     
NONINTEREST INCOME
                   
Customer service fees
   
1,425,822
   
1,298,041
   
984,085
 
Other noninterest income
   
165,495
   
91,047
   
67,956
 
Operating lease income
   
-
   
300,932
   
539,756
 
Net gains from sale of loans and other assets
   
103,773
   
421,236
   
312,923
 
                     
Total noninterest income 
   
1,695,090
   
2,111,256
   
1,904,720
 
                     
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
                   
Salaries and employee benefits
   
6,608,808
   
6,018,619
   
4,502,910
 
Net occupancy and equipment expense
   
1,354,642
   
1,075,081
   
859,313
 
Depreciation on leased assets
   
-
   
244,580
   
379,053
 
Other operating expenses
   
2,962,151
   
3,379,950
   
2,474,999
 
                     
Total noninterest expenses 
   
10,925,601
   
10,718,230
   
8,216,275
 
                     
Income before income tax expense 
   
730,037
   
9,139,123
   
6,881,135
 
                     
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(141,115
)
 
3,327,523
   
2,556,616
 
                     
Net income 
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 
                     
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                   
Basic
 
$
.14
 
$
.90
 
$
.71
 
Diluted
   
.13
   
.85
   
.66
 
 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
37

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
 

Comprehensive
Income
 

Common
Stock
 

Common
Stock
Subscribed
 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 

Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 

Stock
Subscriptions
Receivable
 

Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                                   
BALANCE, December 31, 2004
       
$
2,868,823
 
$
119,961
 
$
19,160,936
 
$
4,340,981
 
$
116,034
 
$
(1,799,415
)
$
24,807,320
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock
         
7,079
   
-
   
98,172
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
105,251
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock under Director's stock option plan
         
209,000
   
-
   
836,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,045,000
 
                                                   
Tax benefit received from Director's stock option exercise
         
-
   
-
   
1,185,315
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,185,315
 
                                                   
Dividends - $.07 per share
         
-
   
-
   
-
   
(435,948
)
 
-
   
-
   
(435,948
)
                                                   
Stock subscriptions settled
         
119,961
   
(119,961
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,799,415
   
1,799,415
 
                                                   
Repurchase of common stock
         
(4,000
)
 
-
   
(78,520
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(82,520
)
                                                   
Comprehensive income:
                                                 
Net income
 
$
4,324,519
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
4,324,519
   
-
   
-
   
4,324,519
 
                                                   
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment
   
(281,989
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(281,989
)
 
-
   
(281,989
)
                                                   
Total comprehensive income
 
$
4,042,530
                                           
                                                   
BALANCE, December 31, 2005
         
3,200,863
   
-
   
21,201,903
   
8,229,552
   
(165,955
)
 
-
   
32,466,363
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock
         
15,526
   
-
   
246,333
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
261,859
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock under Director's stock option plan
         
51,500
   
-
   
249,940
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
301,440
 
                                                   
Tax benefit received from Director's stock option exercise
         
-
   
-
   
202,012
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
202,012
 
                                                   
Stock compensation expense
         
-
   
-
   
147,925
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
147,925
 
                                                   
Dividends - $.14 per share
         
-
   
-
   
-
   
(908,464
)
 
-
   
-
   
(908,464
)
                                                   
Split-up effected in the form of a dividend
         
3,251,659
   
-
   
-
   
(3,251,659
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
                                                   
Repurchase of common stock
         
(7,700
)
 
-
   
(199,107
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(206,807
)
                                                   
Comprehensive income:
                                                 
Net income
 
$
5,811,600
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5,811,600
   
-
   
-
   
5,811,600
 
                                                   
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment
   
107,337
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
107,337
   
-
   
107,337
 
                                                   
Total comprehensive income
 
$
5,918,937
                                           
                                                   
BALANCE, December 31, 2006
       
$
6,511,848
 
$
-
 
$
21,849,006
 
$
9,881,029
 
$
(58,618
)
$
-
 
$
38,183,265
 
 
(continued on next page)
 
 
38

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
(continued from previous page)
 
  
     
Comprehensive
Income
   
Common
Stock
   
Common
Stock
Subscribed
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Stock
Subscriptions
Receivable
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2006
       
$
6,511,848
 
$
-
 
$
21,849,006
 
$
9,881,029
 
$
(58,618
)
$
-
 
$
38,183,265
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock
         
5,870
   
-
   
20,446
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
26,316
 
                                                   
Issuance of common stock under Director's stock option plan
         
5,000
   
-
   
41,610
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
46,610
 
                                                   
Stock compensation expense
         
-
   
-
   
220,016
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
220,016
 
                                                   
Dividends - $.22 per share
         
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,434,303
)
 
-
   
-
   
(1,434,303
)
                                                   
Repurchase of common stock
         
(153,000
)
 
-
   
(1,598,291
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,751,291
)
                                                   
Comprehensive income:
                                                 
Net income
 
$
871,152
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
871,152
   
-
   
-
   
871,152
 
                                                   
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment
   
165,585
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
165,585
   
-
   
165,585
 
                                                   
Total comprehensive income
 
$
1,036,737
                                           
                                                   
BALANCE, December 31, 2007
       
$
6,369,718
 
$
-
 
$
20,532,787
 
$
9,317,878
 
$
106,967
 
$
-
 
$
36,327,350
 
 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
39

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
             
Net income
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                   
provided by operating activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization
   
605,062
   
990,052
   
764,127
 
Provision for loan losses
   
10,409,365
   
1,106,600
   
1,401,600
 
Stock compensation expense
   
220,016
   
147,925
   
-
 
Gains on sales of loans and other assets
   
(103,773
)
 
(421,236
)
 
(312,923
)
Deferred income taxes
   
(3,478,707
)
 
(481,466
)
 
(460,452
)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:
                   
Net change in loans held for sale 
   
484,900
   
(97,752
)
 
(257,148
)
Accrued interest receivable 
   
(287,199
)
 
(381,318
)
 
(554,982
)
Accrued interest payable 
   
(92,306
)
 
65,528
   
151,269
 
Other assets and liabilities  
   
3,154,062
   
(1,438,845
)
 
1,629,962
 
                     
 Net cash provided by operating activities
   
11,782,572
   
5,301,088
   
6,685,972
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                   
Proceeds from security transactions:
                   
Securities available for sale
   
13,008,453
   
1,865,807
   
11,818,836
 
Securities held to maturity
   
36,467
   
85,400
   
69,067
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
   
(15,037,296
)
 
(3,975,324
)
 
(15,901,889
)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
(559,400
)
 
(247,700
)
 
(136,000
)
Loan originations and principal collections, net
   
(76,239,255
)
 
(43,432,372
)
 
(59,112,700
)
Purchase of bank premises and equipment
   
(840,644
)
 
(1,278,809
)
 
(1,978,538
)
Acquisition of business
   
-
   
-
   
(1,380,000
)
Purchase of equity investment
   
-
   
(3,000,000
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate and other assets
   
784,592
   
806,406
   
300,464
 
                     
 Net cash used in investing activities
   
(78,847,083
)
 
(49,176,592
)
 
(66,320,760
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                   
Net increase in deposits
   
37,433,192
   
23,380,643
   
64,602,988
 
Increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and
                   
securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
22,310,654
   
14,458,964
   
(2,618,425
)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
35,000,000
   
20,000,000
   
5,000,000
 
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
(27,000,000
)
 
(11,000,000
)
 
(2,000,000
)
Net borrowings (repayments) under line of credit
   
(400,000
)
 
500,000
   
-
 
Purchase of common stock
   
(1,751,291
)
 
(206,807
)
 
(82,520
)
Payment of dividends
   
(1,303,577
)
 
(775,138
)
 
(526,476
)
Issuance of common stock
   
72,926
   
563,299
   
2,949,666
 
                     
 Net cash provided by financing activities
   
64,361,904
   
46,920,961
   
67,325,233
 
                     
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(2,702,607
)
 
3,045,457
   
7,690,445
 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
   
17,635,956
   
14,590,499
   
6,900,054
 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
 
$
14,933,349
 
$
17,635,956
 
$
14,590,499
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                   
Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
14,505,911
 
$
10,240,581
 
$
5,926,523
 
Cash paid during the period for taxes
   
4,092,910
   
3,259,073
   
1,910,850
 
                     
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                   
Acquisition of real estate through foreclosure
 
$
1,518,329
 
$
493,588
 
$
1,010,555
 
Loan extended in lieu of cash for sale of leased assets
   
-
   
1,950,435
   
-
 
 
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
40

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and accepted accounting and reporting practices within the banking industry. The significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

Nature of operations and geographic concentration:

The Company is a bank-holding company which owns all of the outstanding common stock of Cornerstone Community Bank (the Bank) and Eagle Financial, Inc. (Eagle). The Bank provides a variety of financial services through five full service branch locations in Chattanooga, Tennessee a loan production office in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a loan production office in Dalton, Georgia. The Bank's primary deposit products are demand deposits, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products are commercial loans, real estate loans, and installment loans. Eagle is a finance and factoring company located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Principles of consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and Eagle. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Goodwill:

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company’s 1997 purchase of the net assets of the Bank of East Ridge over the underlying fair value of such net assets at the date of acquisition. The Company applies the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires that goodwill and other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life not be amortized. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the fair value, a write-down is recorded. There was no impairment in any of the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.

Use of estimates:

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.

Securities:

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity when the Bank has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity.

Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on securities available for sale are included in other income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income.

Declines in the market value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.
 
41


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Loans:

The Company grants mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee and surrounding areas. The ability of the Company’s customers to pay their loans is dependent upon both real estate and general economic conditions in this concentrated area.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, if any, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the related loan yield using the interest method.

The accrual of interest on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. Credit card loans and other personal loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for loan losses:

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either doubtful, substandard or special mention. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
 
42


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Allowance for loan losses: (continued)

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement.

Premises and equipment:

Land is carried at cost.  Other premises and equipment are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses on dispositions, if any, are reported in current operations.

Investment in partnership:

The Company’s investment in a partnership consists of an equity interest in a lending partnership for the purposes of investing in the New Market Tax Credit Program. This program permits taxpayers to claim a credit against federal income taxes for Qualified Equity Investments made to acquire stock or a capital interest in designated Community Development Entities (CDEs).  These designated CDEs must use substantially all (defined as 85 percent) of these proceeds to make qualified low-income community investments.

The Company uses the equity method when it owns an interest in a partnership and can exert significant influence over the partnership’s operations but cannot control the partnership’s operations. Under the equity method, the Company’s ownership interest in the partnership’s capital is reported as an investment on its consolidated balance sheets and the Company’s allocable share of the income or loss from the partnership is reported in noninterest income or expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company ceases recording losses on an investment in partnership when the cumulative losses and distributions from the partnership exceed the carrying amount of the investment and any advances made by the Company. After the Company’s investment in such partnership reaches zero, cash distributions received from these investments are recorded as income.

Other real estate owned:

Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at the lower of the Company’s carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, these assets are carried at the lower of their new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. The portion of interest costs relating to development of real estate is capitalized. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell.
 
43


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income taxes:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Transfers of financial assets:

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Advertising costs:

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $83,632, $84,233, and $84,564, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents:

The Company considers all cash and amounts due from depository institutions, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and federal funds sold to be cash equivalents for purposes of the statements of cash flows.

Stock-based compensation:

At December 31, 2007, the Company had two stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Note 15. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R) which was issued by the FASB in December 2004.  SFAS 123R revises SFAS 123 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation”, and supersedes APB 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and its related interpretations. SFAS 123R requires recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). SFAS 123R also requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant date fair value of the award. SFAS 123R also amends SFAS 95 Statement of Cash Flows, to require that excess tax benefits be reported as financing cash inflows, rather than as a reduction of taxes paid, which is included within operating cash flows.

The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective application as permitted under SFAS 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under this application, the Company is required to record compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company used the intrinsic value method as prescribed by APB 25 and thus recognized no compensation expense for options granted with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
 
44


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Segment reporting:

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (SFAS 131) provides for the identification of reportable segments on the basis of discreet business units and their financial information to the extent such units are reviewed by an entity’s chief decision maker (which can be an individual or group of management persons). SFAS 131 permits aggregation or combination of segments that have similar characteristics. In the Company’s operations, each bank branch is viewed by management as being a separately identifiable business or segment from the perspective of monitoring performance and allocation of financial resources. Although the branches operate independently and are managed and monitored separately, each is substantially similar in terms of business focus, type of customers, products and services. Further, the results of Eagle for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were not significant for separate disclosure. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the presentation of segment information on an aggregated basis in one reportable segment.

Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Corporation relate solely to outstanding stock options, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Variable interest entities:

An entity is referred to as a variable interest entity (VIE) if it meets the criteria outlined in FASB Interpretation No. 46-R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003)” (FASBI 46-R), which are: (1) the entity has equity that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) the entity has equity investors that cannot make significant decisions about the entity’s operations or that do not absorb the expected losses or receive the expected returns of the entity.

In addition, as specified in FASBI 46-R, a VIE must be consolidated by the Company if it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, which is the party involved with the VIE that has a majority of the expected losses, expected residual returns, or both. The Company has an investment in Appalachian Fund for Growth II Partnership, as more fully described in Note 22, that qualifies as an unconsolidated VIE.

Reclassification:

Certain amounts in the prior consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Off-balance sheet credit related financial instruments:

In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
 
45


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 2. Restrictions on Cash and Due From Banks

The Bank is required to maintain balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank based on a percentage of deposits. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, these reserve balances were approximately $2,826,000 and $2,617,000, respectively.

Note 3. Securities

Securities have been classified on the balance sheet, according to management’s intent, as either securities held to maturity or securities available for sale. The amortized cost and approximate market value of securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006, is as follows:

   
2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Market
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
                   
Securities available for sale:
                 
U.S. Government agencies
 
$
27,335,992
 
$
116,624
 
$
(38,942
)
$
27,413,674
 
                           
State and municipal securities
   
3,436,399
   
66,369
   
(3
)
 
3,502,765
 
                           
Mortgage-backed securities
   
3,817,522
   
20,427
   
(2,403
)
 
3,835,546
 
                           
   
$
34,589,913
 
$
203,420
 
$
(41,348
)
$
34,751,985
 
                           
                         
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
200,037
 
$
424
 
$
(783
)
$
199,678
 

   
2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Market
 
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
                   
Securities available for sale:
                 
U.S. Government agencies
 
$
26,631,431
 
$
81,949
 
$
(243,160
)
$
26,470,220
 
                           
State and municipal securities
   
3,209,905
   
51,952
   
(12,479
)
 
3,249,378
 
                           
Mortgage-backed securities
   
2,600,860
   
32,922
   
-
   
2,633,782
 
                           
   
$
32,442,196
 
$
166,823
 
$
(255,639
)
$
32,353,380
 
                           
                         
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
236,169
 
$
475
 
$
(455
)
$
236,189
 
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, securities with a carrying value of approximately $11,255,000 and $11,476,000, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the carrying amount of securities pledged to secure repurchase agreements was approximately $18,270,000 and $9,936,000, respectively.
 
46


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 3. Securities (continued)

The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities at December 31, 2007, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

   
Securities Available for Sale
 
Securities Held to Maturity 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Market
 
Amortized
 
Market
 
 
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Cost
 
Value
 
                   
Due in one year or less
 
$
8,631,193
 
$
8,617,325
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Due from one year to five years
   
17,578,544
   
17,586,816
   
-
   
-
 
Due from five years to ten years
   
1,181,260
   
1,232,270
   
-
   
-
 
Due after ten years
   
3,381,394
   
3,480,028
   
-
   
-
 
                           
     
30,772,391
   
30,916,439
   
-
   
-
 
                           
Mortgage-backed securities
   
3,817,522
   
3,835,546
   
200,037
   
199,678
 
                           
   
$
34,589,913
 
$
34,751,985
 
$
200,037
 
$
199,678
 

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, there were no sales of securities available for sale. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, gross unrealized losses on investments were not significant in relation to the Company’s investment portfolio.

Note 4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Bank's loans consist of the following (in thousands):

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Mortgage loans on real estate:
         
Residential 1-4 family
 
$
35,309
 
$
23,681
 
Residential multifamily (5 or more)
   
16,573
   
14,421
 
Held for sale
   
216
   
701
 
Commercial
   
138,074
   
98,904
 
Construction
   
76,832
   
57,606
 
Second mortgages
   
2,270
   
2,564
 
Equity lines of credit
   
10,214
   
7,333
 
               
     
279,488
   
205,210
 
               
Commercial loans
   
97,896
   
97,933
 
               
Consumer installment loans:
             
Personal
   
5,652
   
6,490
 
Credit cards
   
557
   
504
 
               
     
6,209
   
6,994
 
               
Total loans
   
383,593
   
310,137
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
   
(13,710
)
 
(4,258
)
               
Loans, net
 
$
369,883
 
$
305,879
 
 
47


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 4. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (continued)
                   
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses follows:
                 
                   
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
                   
Balance, beginning of year
       
$
4,258,352
 
$
3,545,042
 
$
2,665,464
 
                           
Provision charged to operations
         
10,409,365
   
1,106,600
   
1,401,600
 
Charge-offs
         
(1,075,670
)
 
(470,367
)
 
(557,227
)
Recoveries
         
118,062
   
77,077
   
35,205
 
                           
Balance, end of year
       
$
13,710,109
 
$
4,258,352
 
$
3,545,042
 
 
The Bank's only significant concentration of credit at December 31, 2007, occurred in real estate loans which totaled approximately $279 million. While real estate loans accounted for 73 percent of total loans, these loans were primarily residential development and construction loans, residential mortgage loans, and commercial loans secured by commercial properties. Substantially all real estate loans are secured by properties located in Tennessee.
 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired and non-accrual loans:

   
December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
 2006
 
           
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
$
17,075
 
$
3,545
 
               
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
   
13,176,547
   
1,711,053
 
               
Total impaired loans
 
$
13,193,623
 
$
1,714,598
 
               
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
 
$
9,789,748
 
$
216,948
 
               
Total non-accrual loans
 
$
684,903
 
$
1,102,833
 
               
 
$
-
 
$
-
 

   
 Years Ended December 31,
 
.
 
2007
 
2006
 
 2005
 
               
Average investment in impaired loans
 
$
776,095
 
$
171,460
 
$
167,635
 
                     
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
 
$
1,182,407
 
$
121,987
 
$
42,465
 
                     
 
$
28,900
 
$
78,391
 
$
42,465
 
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has granted loans to principal officers and directors and their affiliates. Annual activity of these related party loans were as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
           
Beginning balance
 
$
751,496
 
$
771,270
 
               
New loans
   
521,678
   
95,936
 
Repayments
   
(500,232
)
 
(115,710
)
               
Ending balance
 
$
772,942
 
$
751,496
 
 
48


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 5. Bank Premises and Equipment

A summary of bank premises and equipment at December 31, 2007 and 2006, is as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Land
 
$
1,658,625
 
$
1,625,567
 
Buildings and improvements
   
4,131,932
   
4,060,313
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
   
3,849,462
   
3,123,929
 
               
     
9,640,019
   
8,809,809
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(3,169,126
)
 
(2,675,800
)
               
   
$
6,470,893
 
$
6,134,009
 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, amounted to $500,573, $644,664 and $736,731, respectively.

Certain bank facilities and equipment are leased under various operating leases. Total rent expense on these leases for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, was $384,004, $235,455 and $160,626, respectively.

Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

2008
 
$
342,006
 
2009
   
355,103
 
2010
   
340,343
 
2011
   
343,212
 
2012
   
341,003
 
Thereafter
   
1,040,543
 
         
Total
 
$
2,762,210
 

Note 6. Time and Related-Party Deposits

At December 31, 2007, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

2008
 
$
167,422,593
 
2009
   
16,182,029
 
2010
   
2,203,110
 
2011
   
169,715
 
2012
   
32,681
 
         
Total
 
$
186,010,128
 

Deposits from related parties held by the Bank at December 31, 2007 and 2006, amounted to approximately $692,000 and $829,000, respectively.

Note 7. Concentrations in Deposits

At December 31, 2006, the Company had a concentration in the money market account of one customer totaling approximately $15,000,000. This balance accounted for approximately 5 percent of total deposits at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2007 the Company did not have a significant concentration with any one customer.
 
49


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
Note 8. Income Taxes

The Company files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiaries. Under the terms of a tax-sharing agreement, the subsidiaries’ allocated portion of the consolidated tax liability is computed as if they were reporting income and expenses to the Internal Revenue Service as a separate entity.

Income tax expense in the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, consists of the following:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Current tax expense
 
$
3,337,592
 
$
3,808,989
 
$
3,017,068
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit) related to:
                   
Allowance for loan losses
   
(3,623,934
)
 
(356,910
)
 
(361,227
)
Other
   
145,227
   
(124,556
)
 
(99,225
)
                     
 
$
(141,115
)
$
3,327,523
 
$
2,556,616
 
 
The income tax expense is different from the expected tax expense computed by multiplying income before income tax expense by the statutory federal income tax rates. These differences are reconciled as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Expected tax at statutory rates
 
$
248,213
 
$
3,107,302
 
$
2,339,586
 
Increase (decrease) resulting from tax effect of:
                   
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
   
31,318
   
392,068
   
295,201
 
New market tax credits
   
(300,000
)
 
(150,000
)
 
-
 
Other
   
(120,646
)
 
(21,847
)
 
(78,171
)
                     
 
$
(141,115
)
$
3,327,523
 
$
2,556,616
 
 
The components of the net deferred tax asset, included in other assets, are as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Deferred tax assets:
         
Deferred compensation
 
$
133,011
 
$
140,954
 
Deferred loan fees
   
103,112
   
128,605
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
5,094,791
   
1,470,857
 
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale
   
-
   
30,197
 
Other
   
68,351
   
177,170
 
               
     
5,399,265
   
1,947,783
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
             
Depreciation
   
96,972
   
78,656
 
Life insurance
   
173,427
   
166,918
 
Net unrealized gain in securities available for sale
   
85,303
   
-
 
Other
   
13,545
   
35,398
 
               
     
369,247
   
280,972
 
               
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
5,030,018
 
$
1,666,811
 
 
50


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 9. Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $41,560,355 and $19,249,701 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. These agreements generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date.

Note 10. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Line of Credit

The Bank has agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB) that can provide convertible fixed rate advances to the Bank in an amount up to approximately $68,000,000. All of the Bank’s loans secured by first mortgages on 1-4 family residential, multi-family properties, and commercial properties are pledged as collateral for these advances.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, FHLB advances consist of the following:

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Long-term advance dated December 27, 2000, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 5.00% until conversion option is exercised, principal due in December 2010
 
$
2,000,000
 
$
2,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated September 13, 2002, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 3.51%, convertible on September 2007, principal due in September 2012
   
-
   
2,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated January 23, 2004, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 2.50%, convertible on January 2007, principal due in January 2014
   
-
   
5,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated May 27, 2004, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 3.46%, convertible on May 2007, principal due in May 2014
   
-
   
5,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated February 9, 2005, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 3.86%, convertible on February 2010, principal due in February 2015
   
5,000,000
   
5,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated May 14, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.78%, with a put option exercisable in November 2007 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in May 2010
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
               
Long-term advance dated December 6, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 3.87%, until maturity, principal due in December 2010
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
               
Long-term advance dated May 11, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.66%, with a put option exercisable in February 2008 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in May 2011
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
               
Long-term advance dated May 15, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.58%, with a put option exercisable in May 2008 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in May 2012
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
 
51


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 10. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Line of Credit (continued)

   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Long-term advance dated July 31, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.50%, with a put option exercisable in July 2008 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in July 2013
 
$
5,000,000
 
$
-
 
               
Long-term advance dated August 7, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.43%, with a put option exercisable in February 2009 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in August 2014
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
               
Long-term advance dated January 20, 2006, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.18%, with a put option exercisable in January 2009 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in January 2016
   
5,000,000
   
5,000,000
 
               
Long-term advance dated January 10, 2007, requiring monthly interest payments, fixed at 4.25%, with a put option exercisable in January 2008 and then quarterly thereafter, principal due in January 2017
   
5,000,000
   
-
 
               
Daily revolving credit advances under agreement dated May 18, 2006, rates are variable based on three-month LIBOR rate, requires monthly interest payments
   
-
   
15,000,000
 
               
   
$
47,000,000
 
$
39,000,000
 

Scheduled maturities of the Federal Home Loan Bank advances are as follows:

2008
 
$
-
 
2009
   
-
 
2010
   
12,000,000
 
2011
   
5,000,000
 
2012
   
5,000,000
 
Thereafter
   
25,000,000
 
         
Total
 
$
47,000,000
 

During the fixed rate term, the advances may be prepaid subject to a prepayment penalty as defined in the agreements. On convertible agreements, the FHLB has the right to convert the fixed rate on the above advances at the end of the initial fixed rate period and on a quarterly basis thereafter. If the conversion option is exercised, the advances will bear interest at the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) adjusted quarterly at a spread of zero basis points to the LIBOR index. Subsequent to any conversion, the Bank has the option to prepay the advances, in full or in part, without penalty on the conversion date or any subsequent quarterly repricing date. On agreements with put options, the FHLB has the right, at its discretion, to terminate only the entire advance prior to the stated maturity date. The termination option may only be exercised on the expiration date of the predetermined lockout period and on a quarterly basis thereafter.

The Company has an $8,500,000 line of credit with another bank that is secured by 100% of the Bank’s common stock and bears interest at Prime minus 1.50%, due quarterly. Outstanding principal and accrued interest will be due at the maturity date of July 19, 2008. Borrowings outstanding under the agreements were $100,000 and $500,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
52

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) plan:

The Bank has a 401(k) employee benefit plan covering substantially all employees that have completed at least 30 days of service and met minimum age requirements. The Bank’s contribution to the plan is discretionary and was $230,732 for 2007, $195,445 for 2006 and $142,719 for 2005.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan:

The Company has a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to which the Company makes 100% of the contributions for purchasing the Company’s common stock, and allocates the contributions among the participants based on regulatory guidelines. The Company’s contribution is discretionary, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Employer contributions are available to all employees after 1,000 hours of service. There are certain age and years-of-service requirements before contributions can be made for the benefit of the employee. The ESOP plan also provides for a three year 100% vesting requirement; therefore employees terminating employment before their third anniversary date will forfeit their accrued benefit under the ESOP. The forfeiture will be re-allocated among the remaining ESOP participants. The Company made no contribution to the ESOP in 2007 and $248,261 in 2006.

Note 12. Financial Instruments With Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, the Bank has outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which are not included in the accompanying financial statements. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments as it does for instruments that are included in the balance sheet. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, undisbursed loan commitments aggregated $71,690,000 and $65,682,000, respectively. In addition, there were outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $4,996,000 and $2,341,000, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank’s policy for obtaining collateral, and the nature of such collateral, is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to extend credit.

The Bank incurred insignificant losses on its commitments during 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
53

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature; involve uncertainties and matters of judgment; and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and due from banks:

For cash and due from banks, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities:

The fair value of securities is estimated based on bid prices published in financial newspapers or bid quotations received from securities dealers.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock:

The carrying amount of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the stock redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Loans, net:

The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates, adjusted for credit risk and servicing costs. The estimate of maturity is based on historical experience with repayments for each loan classification, modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions.

Deposits:

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as demand deposits, money market accounts, and savings deposits, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

The estimated value of these liabilities, which are extremely short term, approximates their carrying value.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and line of credit:

The carrying amounts of the FHLB advances and the line of credit approximate their fair value.
 
54

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Commitments to extend credit:

The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006, are as follows (in thousands):

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
Carrying
 
Estimated
 
Carrying
 
Estimated
 
   
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Assets:
                 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
14,933
 
$
14,933
 
$
17,636
 
$
17,636
 
Securities
   
34,952
   
34,952
   
32,590
   
32,590
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
1,912
   
1,912
   
1,332
   
1,332
 
Loans, net
   
369,883
   
373,116
   
305,879
   
305,248
 
Liabilities:
                         
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
45,285
 
$
45,285
 
$
41,723
 
$
41,723
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
31,985
   
31,985
   
38,160
   
38,160
 
Savings deposits and money market accounts
   
49,970
   
49,970
   
56,913
   
56,913
 
Time deposits
   
186,010
   
189,106
   
139,021
   
140,713
 
Federal funds purchased and securities
                         
sold under agreements to repurchase
   
41,560
   
41,560
   
19,250
   
19,250
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
                         
and line of credit
   
47,100
   
47,100
   
39,500
   
39,500
 
Unrecognized financial instruments
                         
(net of contract amount):
                         
Commitments to extend credit
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
 
Note 14. Contingencies

The Bank is involved in certain claims arising from normal business activities. Management believes that the impact of those claims are without merit and that the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from them will not materially affect the Bank’s financial condition or the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 15. Stock Option Plans

The Company has stock option plans which are more fully described below. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized $220,016 and $147,925, respectively, in compensation expense for all stock options.
 
55

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 15. Stock Option Plans (continued)

The following table illustrates the effect on the Company’s reported net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provision of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation prior to the adoption date:

Stock-based compensation:

   
2005
 
       
Net income, as reported
 
$
4,324,519
 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
       
determined under fair value method for all awards,
       
net of the related tax effects
   
(61,402
)
         
Pro forma net income
 
$
4,263,117
 
         
Earnings per share:
       
Basic - as reported
 
$
0.71
 
Basic - pro forma
 
$
0.70
 
         
Diluted - as reported
 
$
0.66
 
Diluted - pro forma
 
$
0.65
 
 
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

   
 Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
                     
Dividend yield
   
1.33%
   
0.98%
 
 
 
0.98%
 
 
Expected life
   
7.0 years
     
6.6 years
     
6.9 years
   
Expected volatility
   
12.22%
 
 
 
11.80%
 
 
 
11.80%
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.51%
 
 
 
5.11%
   
4.19%
 
 

 
The expected volatility is based upon historical volatility. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual life of the awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life is based on historical exercise experience. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. During 2006 the Company’s stock options were subject to a 2-for-1 stock dividend. The impact of the dividend was to double the total number of options available under each of the stock option plans and reduce the existing option price in half. The information shown below retroactively reflects the impact of this dividend. Below is a more detailed description of the stock option plans.
 
56

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 15. Stock Option Plans (continued)

Board of Directors plan:

The Company has a stock option plan under which members of the Board of Directors, at the formation of the Bank, were granted options to purchase a total of up to 600,000 shares of the Bank's common stock. On October 15, 1997, the Bank stock options were converted to Company stock options. Only non-qualified stock options may be granted under the Plan. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Corporation’s stock on the date of grant and the option’s maximum term is ten years, at which point they expire. Vesting for options granted during 2005, 2006 and 2007, are 50% on each of the first and second anniversary of the grant date with full vesting occurring at the second anniversary date. At December 31, 2007, the total remaining compensation cost to be recognized on non-vested options is approximately $91,000. An analysis of this stock option plan is presented in the following table: 

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
       
Average
 
Aggregate
     
Average
 
Average
     
       
Exercise
 
Intrinsic
     
Exercise
 
Exercise
     
   
Shares
 
Price
 
Value(1)
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
                               
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
67,000
 
$
10.61
         
90,000
 
$
3.80
   
500,000
 
$
2.62
 
                                             
Granted
   
9,000
   
15.25
         
40,000
   
13.25
   
10,000
   
9.23
 
                                             
Exercised
   
(5,000
)
 
9.32
         
(63,000
)
 
2.55
   
(418,000
)
 
2.50
 
                                             
Forfeited
   
(2,000
)
 
13.25
         
-
   
-
   
(2,000
)
 
7.33
 
                                             
Outstanding at end of year
   
69,000
 
$
11.23
 
$
164,214
   
67,000
 
$
10.61
   
90,000
 
$
3.80
 
                                             
Options exercisable at year-end
   
42,000
 
$
9.51
 
$
157,914
   
22,500
 
$
6.20
   
72,000
 
$
2.91
 
                                             
Weighted-average fair value of
                                           
options granted during the year
 
$
3.33
             
$
3.24
       
$
2.05
       
 
(1)
The aggregate intrinsic value of a stock option in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2007. This amount changes based on changes in the market value of the Company's stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007 was approximately $21,000. The fair value (present value of the estimated future benefit to the option holder) of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2007, is as follows:

   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
       
Weighted
 
Weighted
     
Weighted
 
       
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
Exercise
 
Number
 
Remaining
 
Exercise
 
Number
 
Exercise
 
Prices
 
Outstanding
 
Life
 
Price
 
Exercisable
 
Price
 
                       
$ 5.44
   
16,000
   
6.2 Years
 
$
5.44
   
16,000
 
$
5.44
 
9.23
   
8,000
   
7.2 Years
   
9.23
   
8,000
   
9.23
 
13.25
   
36,000
   
8.2 Years
   
13.25
   
18,000
   
13.25
 
15.25
   
9,000
   
9.2 Years
   
15.25
   
-
   
-
 
           
 
                   
Outstanding at end of year
   
69,000
   
7.7 Years
   
11.23
   
42,000
   
9.51
 
 
57

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 15. Stock Option Plans (continued)

Information pertaining to non-vested options for the year ended December 31, 2007, is as follows:

       
Weighted Average
 
   
Number
 
Grant Date
 
   
of Shares
 
Fair Value
 
Non-vested options, December 31, 2006
   
44,500
 
$
12.84
 
Granted
   
9,000
   
15.25
 
Vested
   
(24,500
)
 
12.51
 
Forfeited/expired
   
(2,000
)
 
13.25
 
               
Non-vested options, December 31, 2007
   
27,000
   
13.93
 
 
The total fair value of shares vested during 2007 was approximately $332,900.

Officer and Employee Plans:

The Company has two stock option plans under which officers and employees can be granted incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options to purchase a total of up to 1,420,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The option price for incentive stock options shall be not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The non-qualified stock options may be equal to or more or less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The stock options vest at 30 percent on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date and 40 percent on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. These options expire ten years from the grant date. At December 31, 2007, the total remaining compensation cost to be recognized on non-vested options is approximately $625,000. An analysis of the activity for each of the years ending December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, for this stock option plan follows:

   
 Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
       
Average
 
Aggregate
     
Average
 
Average
 
       
Exercise
 
Intrinsic
     
Exercise
 
Exercise
 
   
Shares
 
Price
 
Value(1)
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
                               
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
669,120
 
$
5.79
         
632,500
 
$
4.64
   
564,400
 
$
3.97
 
                                             
Granted
   
53,800
   
15.25
         
82,800
   
13.25
   
80,300
   
9.23
 
                                             
Exercised
   
(5,870
)
 
4.48
         
(46,180
)
 
3.54
   
(5,100
)
 
4.47
 
                                             
Forfeited
   
(1,975
)
 
14.03
         
-
   
-
   
(7,100
)
 
3.27
 
                                             
Outstanding at end of year
   
715,075
 
$
6.52
 
$
5,177,118
   
669,120
 
$
5.79
   
632,500
 
$
4.64
 
Options exercisable at year-end
   
470,990
 
$
4.06
 
$
4,473,950
   
367,120
 
$
3.71
   
300,900
 
$
3.47
 
Weighted-average fair value of
                                           
options granted during the year
 
$
3.33
             
$
3.24
       
$
2.05
       
 
(1)
The aggregate intrinsic value of a stock option in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2007. This amount changes based on changes in the market value of the Company's stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007 was approximately $53,000. The fair value (present value of the estimated future benefit to the option holder) of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
 
58

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 15. Stock Option Plans (continued)

Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2007, is as follows:

   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
       
Weighted
 
Weighted
     
Weighted
 
       
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
Exercise
 
Number
 
Remaining
 
Exercise
 
Number
 
Exercise
 
Prices
 
Outstanding
 
Life
 
Price
 
Exercisable
 
Price
 
                       
$3.25 - $3.75
   
368,600
   
3.7 Years
 
$
3.51
   
368,600
 
$
3.51
 
5.44
   
132,440
   
6.2 Years
   
5.44
   
78,840
   
5.44
 
9.23
   
79,410
   
7.2 Years
   
9.23
   
23,550
   
9.23
 
13.25
   
81,600
   
8.2 Years
   
13.25
   
-
   
-
 
15.25
   
50,275
   
9.2 Years
   
15.25
   
-
   
-
 
15.20
   
2,750
   
9.3 Years
   
15.20
   
-
   
-
 
           
 
                   
Outstanding at end of year
   
715,075
   
5.5 Years
   
6.52
   
470,990
   
4.12
 

Information pertaining to non-vested options for the year ended December 31, 2007, is as follows:

       
Weighted Average
 
   
Number
 
Grant Date
 
   
of Shares
 
Fair Value
 
           
Non-vested options, December 31, 2006
   
302,000
 
$
8.32
 
Granted
   
53,800
   
15.25
 
Vested
   
(109,740
)
 
5.49
 
Forfeited/expired
   
(1,975
)
 
14.03
 
               
Non-vested options, December 31, 2007
   
244,085
   
11.08
 

The total fair value of shares vested during 2007 was approximately $1,491,100.
 
Note 16. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary source of funds with which to pay its future obligations is the receipt of dividends from its subsidiary bank. Banking regulations provide that the Bank must maintain capital sufficient to enable it to operate as a viable institution and, as a result, may limit the amount of dividends the Bank may pay without prior approval. It is management’s intention to limit the amount of dividends paid in order to maintain compliance with capital guidelines and to maintain an appropriate capital position in the Bank.

Note 17. Regulatory Matters

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions and the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
 
59

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 17. Regulatory Matters (continued)

As of December 31, 2007, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as adequately capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as adequately capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's prompt corrective action category for bank capital.

The Company’s and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table. Dollar amounts are presented in thousands.

           
For Capital
 
   
Actual
 
Adequacy Purposes
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
                   
As of December 31, 2007:
                 
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:
                 
Consolidated
 
$
38,353
   
9.7
%
$
31,660
   
8.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
36,651
   
9.3
%
 
31,409
   
8.0
%
                           
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets:
                         
Consolidated
   
33,297
   
8.4
%
 
15,830
   
4.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
31,635
   
8.1
%
 
15,704
   
4.0
%
                           
Tier I capital to average assets:
                         
Consolidated
   
33,297
   
7.7
%
 
17,282
   
4.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
31,635
   
7.4
%
 
17,187
   
4.0
%
                           
As of December 31, 2006:
                         
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:
                         
Consolidated
 
$
39,311
   
12.0
%
$
26,243
   
8.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
35,770
   
10.9
%
 
26,164
   
8.0
%
                           
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets:
                         
Consolidated
   
35,210
   
10.7
%
 
13,121
   
4.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
31,681
   
9.7
%
 
13,082
   
4.0
%
                           
Tier I capital to average assets:
                         
Consolidated
   
35,210
   
10.2
%
 
13,790
   
4.0
%
Cornerstone Community Bank
   
31,681
   
9.4
%
 
13,541
   
4.0
%
 
Note 18. Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income consists of unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale. A summary of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, is as follows:

       
Tax
     
   
Before-Tax
 
(Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
               
Year ended December 31, 2007:
             
Unrealized holding gains and losses
             
arising during the period
 
$
250,886
 
$
(85,301
)
$
165,585
 
                     
Less reclassification adjustment for
                   
gains realized in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                     
   
$
250,886
 
$
(85,301
)
$
165,585
 
 
60

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 18. Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

       
Tax
     
   
Before-Tax
 
(Expense)
 
Net-of-Tax
 
   
Amount
 
Benefit
 
Amount
 
               
Year ended December 31, 2006:
             
Unrealized holding gains and losses
             
arising during the period
 
$
162,632
 
$
(55,295
)
$
107,337
 
                     
Less reclassification adjustment for
                   
gains realized in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                     
   
$
162,632
 
$
(55,295
)
$
107,337
 
                     
Year ended December 31, 2005:
                   
Unrealized holding gains and losses
                   
arising during the period
 
$
(427,257
)
$
145,268
 
$
(281,989
)
                     
Less reclassification adjustment for
                   
gains realized in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                     
   
$
(427,257
)
$
145,268
 
$
(281,989
)
 
Note 19. Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.

Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options, determined using the treasury stock method.

Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Net income
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 
Less: Preferred stock dividends
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net income applicable to common stock
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 
Average number of common shares outstanding
   
6,439,942
   
6,481,568
   
6,091,250
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
339,346
   
352,630
   
440,470
 
Average number of common shares outstanding used
                   
to calculate diluted earnings per common share
   
6,779,288
   
6,834,198
   
6,531,720
 

The effects of outstanding antidilutive stock options are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. There were 62,150 antidilutive stock options for 2007. There were no antidilutive stock options during 2006 or 2005. During 2006, the Company enacted a 2-for-1 split in the form of stock dividend. The average number of common shares outstanding and the effect of dilutive stock options for 2005 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect these transactions.
 
61


CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
Note 20. Stock Subscriptions Receivable

Effective October 8, 2004, the Company filed an offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell up to 500,000 shares of newly issued Company common stock. At December 31, 2004, the Company had sold the entire 500,000 shares for an issue price of $15 per share. However, of this amount, there were 119,961 shares of common stock subscribed for which the Company had not yet received funds and issued common stock certificates. The Company recognized stock subscriptions receivable of $1,799,415 as of December 31, 2004, related to this transaction. As shown in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity, the stock subscriptions receivable were fully settled and the related common stock certificates were issued during 2005.

Note 21. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (SFAS 156). This standard requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes a contractual obligation to service a financial asset in certain circumstances. All separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities are required to be initially measured at fair value. Subsequent measurement methods include the amortization method, whereby servicing assets or servicing liabilities are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income or net servicing loss, or the fair value method, whereby servicing assets or servicing liabilities are measured at fair value at each reporting date and changes in fair value are reported in earnings in the period in which they occur. If the amortization method is used, an entity must assess servicing assets or servicing liabilities for impairment or increased obligation based on the fair value at each reporting date. SFAS 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies only to fair-value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements. The definition of fair value focuses on the exit price, i.e., the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, not the entry price, i.e., the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement; not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, the fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The effective date for SFAS 157 is for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the guidance of SFAS 157 beginning January 1, 2008, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS 159). This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This option is available to all entities. Most of the provisions in SFAS 159 are elective; however, the amendment to SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company did not elect the fair value option as of January 1, 2008, for any of its financial assets or financial liabilities and, accordingly, the adoption of the statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
62

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
Note 21. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160), which, among other things, provides guidance and establishes amended accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s non-controlling interest in a subsidiary. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160, which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”. SFAS 141(R), among other things, establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer entity recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed (including intangibles) and any non-controlling interests in the acquired entity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This Interpretation requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (EITF 06-4). EITF 06-4 requires the recognition of a liability and related compensation expense for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to post-retirement periods. Under EITF 06-4, life insurance policies purchased for the purpose of providing such benefits do not effectively settle an entity’s obligation to the employee. Accordingly, the entity must recognize a liability and related compensation expense during the employee’s active service period based on the future cost of insurance to be incurred during the employee’s retirement. If the entity has agreed to provide the employee with a death benefit, then the liability for the future death benefit should be recognized by following the guidance in SFAS No. 106, “Employer’s Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions”. The Company adopted EITF 06-4 effective as of January 1, 2008, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. The SEC staff believes that registrants should quantify errors using both the balance sheet and income statement approach when quantifying a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. SAB 108 was effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. SAB 108 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value through Earnings” (SAB 109). SAB 109 supersedes guidance provided by SAB No. 105, “Loan Commitments Accounted for as Derivative Instruments” (SAB 105) and provides guidance on written loan commitments accounted for at fair value through earnings. Specifically, SAB 109 addresses the inclusion of expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of a loan in the measurement of all written loan commitments accounted for at fair value through earnings. In addition, SAB 109 retains the SEC’s position on the exclusion of internally-developed intangible assets as part of the fair value of a derivative loan commitment originally established in SAB 105. The Company adopted SAB 109 as of January 1, 2008, and the adoption of SAB 109 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company has determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or do not apply to its operations.
 
63

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
Note 22. Acquisition

On December 1, 2005, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed liabilities of Eagle for a purchase price of $1,380,000 in cash plus assumption of approximately $1,609,000 in liabilities. Assets acquired, primarily accounts receivable, amounted to approximately $2,140,000. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired of $848,916 was recorded as an intangible asset separable from goodwill, as it pertained to customer relationships, active customer contracts and brand recognition, and met the separability criteria of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141). The Company is amortizing the intangible assets over their benefit periods which range from 1 to 7 years. The Company recognized amortization expense of $108,000, $345,388 and $13,500 for the periods ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the following five years is estimated as follows: 2008 - $107,691; 2009 - $107,691; 2010 - $107,691; 2011 - $36,382; and 2012 - $22,573.

The Eagle acquisition was accounted for under the provisions of SFAS 141 and the results of operations have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Pro-forma disclosures of the acquisition have not been included, as the overall impact of the acquisition was not significant in relation to the Company’s operating results.

Note 23. Equity Investment

During 2006, the Company invested $3,000,000 for a 25% share of the Appalachian Fund for Growth II Partnership (AFG), which is managed by the Southeast Local Development Corporation (General Partner). AFG is targeting high job creation and retention businesses and businesses providing important community services. The funds are being deployed to help: 1) attract new businesses to under-served service areas by offering creative financing; 2) supply creative financing for businesses to rehabilitate existing distressed properties to facilitate community development; and 3) leverage other private investment into its targeted communities. In return for its investment in AFG, the Company and other investors will receive new market tax credits. For 2007 and 2006 the Company received approximately $300,000 and $150,000, respectively, in new market tax credits.

AFG meets the criteria of a VIE outlined in FASBI 46-R. AFG has not been consolidated by the Company as the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
 
64

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
   
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
Note 24. Quarterly Data (unaudited)
 
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
Fourth
Quarter
 

Third
Quarter
 

Second
Quarter
 

First
Quarter
 

Fourth
Quarter
 

Third
Quarter
 

Second
Quarter
 

First
Quarter
 
                                   
                                   
Interest income
 
$
8,857,394
 
$
9,109,824
 
$
8,743,087
 
$
8,073,213
 
$
7,931,542
 
$
7,533,801
 
$
7,184,095
 
$
6,509,368
 
Interest expense
   
3,970,038
   
3,785,203
   
3,469,307
   
3,189,057
   
2,932,985
   
2,781,355
   
2,437,644
   
2,154,125
 
                                                   
Net interest income, before
                                                 
provision for loan losses
   
4,887,356
   
5,324,621
   
5,273,780
   
4,884,156
   
4,998,557
   
4,752,446
   
4,746,451
   
4,355,243
 
                                                   
Provision for loan losses
   
7,208,865
   
2,963,500
   
235,000
   
2,000
   
48,800
   
204,800
   
475,000
   
378,000
 
                                                   
Net interest (loss) income, after provision
                                                 
for loan losses
   
(2,321,509
)
 
2,361,121
   
5,038,780
   
4,882,156
   
4,949,757
   
4,547,646
   
4,271,451
   
3,977,243
 
                                                   
Noninterest income
   
471,459
   
380,233
   
439,404
   
403,994
   
591,689
   
418,102
   
668,453
   
433,012
 
Noninterest expenses
   
2,856,953
   
2,370,989
   
3,011,708
   
2,685,951
   
3,512,381
   
2,422,234
   
2,541,394
   
2,242,221
 
                                                   
(Loss) income before income taxes
   
(4,707,003
)
 
370,365
   
2,466,476
   
2,600,199
   
2,029,065
   
2,543,514
   
2,398,510
   
2,168,034
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(1,802,855
)
 
(188,971
)
 
902,289
   
948,422
   
582,200
   
997,065
   
935,298
   
812,960
 
                                                   
Net (loss) income
 
$
(2,904,148
)
$
559,336
 
$
1,564,187
 
$
1,651,777
 
$
1,446,865
 
$
1,546,449
 
$
1,463,212
 
$
1,355,074
 
                                                   
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                                                 
Basic (1)
 
$
(0.44
)
$
0.09
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.25
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.21
 
Diluted (1)
 
$
(0.42
)
$
0.08
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.20
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.20
 

(1)
During 2006, the Company enacted a 2-for-1-split-up effected in the form of a stock dividend. Therefore, previously reported EPS amounts disbursed herein have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this transaction.
 
65

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Note 25. Condensed Parent Information

         
BALANCE SHEETS
 
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS
         
Cash
 
$
387,064
 
$
311,073
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
33,257,674
   
33,320,259
 
Loan to subsidiary
   
750,000
   
2,869,500
 
Goodwill
   
2,541,476
   
2,541,476
 
Other assets
   
201,448
   
158,524
 
Total assets
 
$
37,137,662
 
$
39,200,832
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Other liabilities
 
$
710,312
 
$
517,567
 
Line of credit
   
100,000
   
500,000
 
Total liabilities
   
810,312
   
1,017,567
 
Stockholders’ equity
   
36,327,350
   
38,183,265
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
37,137,662
 
$
39,200,832
 
 
               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
INCOME
             
Dividends
 
$
1,280,260
 
$
590,130
 
$
200,000
 
Interest income
   
158,039
   
139,935
   
10,000
 
     
1,438,299
   
730,065
   
210,000
 
                     
EXPENSES
                   
Interest expense
   
24,882
   
1,632
   
-
 
Other operating expenses
   
623,405
   
914,786
   
263,824
 
                     
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings
   
790,012
   
(186,353
)
 
(53,824
)
                     
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary
   
(228,170
)
 
5,700,951
   
4,261,344
 
                     
Income tax benefit
   
309,310
   
297,002
   
116,999
 
Net income
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 

66

 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
Note 25. Condensed Parent Information (continued)
     
 
   
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005 
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
             
Net income
 
$
871,152
 
$
5,811,600
 
$
4,324,519
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                   
provided by operating activities:
                   
Stock compensation expense
   
220,016
   
147,925
   
-
 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary
   
228,170
   
(5,700,951
)
 
(4,261,344
)
Other
   
19,095
   
895,292
   
20,818
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
1,338,433
   
1,153,866
   
83,993
 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                   
Acquisition of business
   
-
   
-
   
(1,380,000
)
Repayment from (loan to) subsidiary
   
2,119,500
   
(1,440,706
)
 
(1,428,794
)
Capital contribution to subsidiary
   
-
   
-
   
(1,775,000
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
2,119,500
   
(1,440,706
)
 
(4,583,794
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                   
Net borrowings (repayments) under line of credit
   
(400,000
)
 
500,000
   
-
 
Purchase of common stock
   
(1,751,291
)
 
(206,807
)
 
(82,520
)
Payment of dividends
   
(1,303,577
)
 
(775,138
)
 
(526,476
)
Issuance of common stock
   
72,926
   
563,299
   
2,949,666
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(3,381,942
)
 
81,354
   
2,340,670
 
                     
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
                   
EQUIVALENTS
   
75,991
   
(205,486
)
 
(2,159,131
)
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
   
311,073
   
516,559
   
2,675,690
 
                     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
 
$
387,064
 
$
311,073
 
$
516,559
 
                     
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
                   
INFORMATION
                   
Cash paid during the year for:
                   
Interest
 
$
24,882
 
$
1,632
 
$
-
 
Income taxes
   
3,592,300
   
2,944,000
   
1,190,850
 

67

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Cornerstone has not had any change in accountants or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure during the two most recent fiscal years or subsequently.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Cornerstone maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Cornerstone’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Cornerstone carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Cornerstone’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
 
The report of Cornerstone’s management on internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item No. 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The report of Cornerstone’s independent registered public accounting firm on Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting is set forth in Item No. 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Controls 

There were no changes in Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting during Cornerstone’s fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Cornerstone’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information relating to the directors and executive officers of Cornerstone is set forth under the caption “Proposals - Election of Directors” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference. Information relating to audit committee financial experts is set forth under the caption “Audit Committee Report - Identification of Members and Functions of Committee” in Cornerstone’s Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference.

Cornerstone has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to its directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officers, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller or persons performing similar functions.
 
68


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information relating to executive compensation is set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information relating to ownership of Cornerstone’s common stock by certain persons is set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference. Information relating to equity compensation plans is set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation Information” and “The Company’s Long-Term Equity and Qualified Retirements Plans” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference. Information relating to compliance with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act by Cornerstone’s executive officers and directors, persons who own more than ten percent of Cornerstone’s common stock and their affiliates who are required to comply with such reporting requirements is set forth under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporate into this report by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Information relating to certain transactions between Cornerstone, and its affiliates and certain other persons is set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information relating to principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the caption “Audit Committee Report - Audit Fees” in Cornerstone’s 2008 Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated into this report by reference.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a) Exhibits
 
(1) The following documents are filed or incorporated herein by reference as exhibits to this report:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Charters of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (1)
     
3.2
 
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Charter of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (2)
     
3.3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (3)
     
4
 
The right of securities holders are defined in the Charter and Bylaws provided in exhibits 3.1, 3.2
   
and 3.3 respectively.
     
10.1
 
Cornerstone Community Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (4)
     
14
 
Code of Ethics. (5)
     
21
 
Subsidiaries of the registrant.
     
31
 
Certifications of chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
     
32
 
Section 906 certifications of chief executive officer and chief financial officer.


(1)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24, 2004
   
(File No. 000-30497).
(2)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the registrant’s Form 10-QSB filed on
   
May 14, 2004 (File No. 000-30497).
(3)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24, 2004
   
(File No. 000-30497).
(4)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2005
   
(File No. 000-30497)
(5)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 14 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24,
   
2004 (File No. 000-30497).
 
69


(b) The following reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission during 2007:

(1)
 
Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2007 reporting earnings results for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006.
     
(2)
 
Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2007 reporting the declaration of a cash dividend.
     
(3)
 
Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2007 reporting earnings results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007.
     
(4)
 
Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2007 reporting the declaration of a cash dividend.
     
(5)
 
Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2007 reporting earnings results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2007.
     
(6)
 
Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2007 reporting the declaration of a cash dividend.
     
(7)
 
Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2007 reporting earnings results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007.
     
(8)
 
Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2007 reporting the registrants stock repurchase program of 150,000 shares.
     
(9)
 
Form 8-K filed on November 26, 2007 reporting the declaration of a cash dividend.
 
70

 
SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
     
 
CORNERSTONE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 13, 2008 By:   /s/ Gregory B. Jones  
 
Gregory B. Jones
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
     
     
By:   /s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes  
 
Nathaniel F. Hughes
President and Treasurer
(principal financial officer and accounting officer)

71

 

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 13, 2008.
 
Signature
 
Title
     
/s/ Gregory B. Jones
Gregory B. Jones
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
and Director (principal executive officer)
     
     
/s/ B. Kenneth Driver
B. Kenneth Driver
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Karl Fillauer
Karl Fillauer
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Nathaniel F. Hughes
Nathaniel F. Hughes
 
President and Treasurer
(principal financial officer and accounting officer) and
Director
   
     
/s/ Jerry D. Lee
Jerry D. Lee
 
Executive Vice President and Senior Lender
and Director
     
     
/s/ Lawrence D. Levine
Lawrence D. Levine
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Frank S. McDonald
Frank S. McDonald
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Doyce G. Payne
Doyce G. Payne
 
Director
     
     
/s/ W. Miller Welborn
W. Miller Welborn
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Billy O. Wiggins
Billy O. Wiggins
 
Director
     
     
/s/ Marsha Yessick
Marsha Yessick
 
Director
 
72

 
INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Charters of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (1)
     
3.2
 
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Charter of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (2)
     
3.3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc. (3)
     
4
 
The right of securities holders are defined in the Charter and Bylaws provided in exhibits 3.1, 3.2
   
and 3.3 respectively.
     
10.1
 
Cornerstone Community Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (4)
     
14
 
Code of Ethics. (5)
     
21
 
Subsidiaries of the registrant.
     
31
 
Certifications of chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
     
32
 
Section 906 certifications of chief executive officer and chief financial officer.


(1)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24, 2004
   
(File No. 000-30497).
(2)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the registrant’s Form 10-QSB filed on
   
May 14, 2004 (File No. 000-30497).
(3)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24, 2004
   
(File No. 000-30497).
(4)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2005
   
(File No. 000-30497)
(5)
 
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 14 of the registrant’s Form 10-KSB filed on March 24,
   
2004 (File No. 000-30497).
 
73