Village Bank & Trust Financial Corp. - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

__________

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

For the transition period from ______ to ______

 

__________

 

Commission file number: 0-50765

 

VILLAGE BANK AND TRUST FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

 

15521 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 200, Midlothian, Virginia 23113

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

804-897-3900

(Issuer’s telephone number)

 

Indicate by check whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No__.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes _ _ No X  

 

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

 

4,123,122 shares of common stock, $4.00 par value, outstanding as of November 10, 2008.

 

 

Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp.

Form 10-Q

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I – Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II – Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 - Principles of presentation

 

Village Bank and Trust Financial Corp. (the “Company”) is the holding company of Village Bank (the “Bank”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and the Bank’s three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Village Bank Mortgage Company, Village Insurance Agency, Inc., and Village Financial Services Company. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2008. The unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes to financial statements that are presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Note 2 - Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheets and statements of income for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Note 3 - Earnings per common share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the three month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the weighted-average number of common shares totaled 2,627,814 and 2,574,823, respectively. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the weighted-average number of common shares totaled 2,604,817 and 2,567,662 respectively. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the net income of the Company. Outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock were considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the periods presented. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 the weighted-average number of shares on a fully diluted basis totaled 2,628,241 and 2,712,714 respectively. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the weighted-average number of common shares on a fully diluted basis totaled 2,612,577 and 2,703,406, respectively. There were options to acquire 177,275 and 110,600 shares of common stock that were anti-dilutive for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively. There were no options to acquire common stock that were anti-dilutive for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007.

 

 

Note 4 – Stock warrant and incentive plans

 

On March 21, 2000, the Company approved the Organizational Investors Warrant Plan which made available 140,000 warrants for grant to the Company’s initial (organizational) investors for certain risks associated with the establishment of the Bank. The warrants had an exercise price of $10 per share (which approximated the fair value per share of common stock at issuance date) and expired on April 30, 2008. Prior to expiration, warrants to purchase 47,500 shares were exercised resulting in $475,000 in additional capital.

 

Also on March 21, 2000, the Company established the Incentive Plan, a stock incentive plan, which authorizes the issuance of up to 455,000 shares of common stock (increased from 255,000 shares by amendment to the Incentive Plan approved by the Company’s shareholders at its 2006 annual meeting on May 23, 2006) to assist the Company in recruiting and retaining key personnel.

 

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding under the stock incentive plan at the indicated dates:

 

 

During the first quarter of 2007, we granted to certain officers 5,725 restricted shares of common stock and 5,725 performance shares of common stock with a weighted average fair market value of $15.95 at the date of grant. During the second quarter of 2007 an additional 175 restricted shares of common stock and 175 performance shares of common stock were granted with a weighted average fair market value of $16.75 at the date of grant. These restricted stock awards have three-year graded vesting, and the performance shares cliff vest at the end of the three years. The number of performance shares that ultimately vest is dependent upon achieving specific performance targets. Prior to vesting, these shares are subject to forfeiture to us without consideration upon termination of employment under certain circumstances. The total number of shares underlying non-vested restricted stock and performance share awards was 9,069 and 10,831 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Stock-based compensation expense was $49,914 and $37,928 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Unamortized stock-based compensation related to nonvested share based compensation arrangements granted under the Incentive Plan as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $173,031 and $242,695, respectively. Of the $173,031 of unamortized compensation at September 30, 2008, $91,055 relates to performance based restricted stock awards. The time based unamortized compensation expense of $81,976 is expected to be

 

 

recognized over a weighted average period of 1.18 years.

 

Note 5 – Trust preferred securities

 

During the first quarter of 2005, Southern Community Financial Capital Trust I, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed for the purpose of issuing redeemable securities. On February 24, 2005, $5.2 million of Trust Preferred Capital Notes were issued through a pooled underwriting. The securities have a LIBOR-indexed floating rate of interest (three-month LIBOR plus 2.15%) which adjusts, and is payable, quarterly. The interest rate at September 30, 2008 was 5.27%. The securities may be redeemed at par beginning on March 15, 2010 and each quarter after such date until the securities mature on March 15, 2035. The principal asset of the Trust is $5.2 million of the Company’s junior subordinated debt securities with like maturities and like interest rates to the Trust Preferred Capital Notes.

 

During the third quarter of 2007, Village Financial Statutory Trust II, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed for the purpose of issuing redeemable securities. On September 20, 2007, $3.6 million of Trust Preferred Capital Notes were issued through a pooled underwriting. The securities have a five year fixed income rate of 6.29% payable quarterly, converting after five years to a LIBOR-indexed floating rate of interest (three-month LIBOR plus 1.40%) which adjusts, and is also payable, quarterly. The securities may be redeemed at par at any time commencing in December 2012 until the securities mature in 2037. The principal asset of the Trust is $3.6 million of the Company’s junior subordinated debt securities with like maturities and like interest rates to the Trust Preferred Capital Notes.

 

The Trust Preferred Capital Notes may be included in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital adequacy determination purposes up to 25% of Tier 1 capital after its inclusion. The portion of the Trust Preferred Capital Notes not considered as Tier 1 capital may be included in Tier 2 capital.

 

The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuance of the Trust Preferred Capital Notes constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trust’s obligations with respect to the Trust Preferred Capital Notes. Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related Trust Preferred Capital Notes and require a deferral of common dividends.

 

 

Note 6 – Deposits

 

Deposits as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

Note 7 – Subsequent events

 

On October 14, 2008, the Company and the Bank completed its acquisition of River City Bank (“River City”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated as of March 9, 2008 by and among the Company, the Bank and River City. The Merger had previously been approved by both companies’ shareholders at their respective annual meetings on September 30, 2008 as well as the banking regulators. The Merger Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the Company’s acquisition of River City through the merger of River City with and into Village Bank (the “Merger”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Village Bank acquired all of the outstanding shares of River City. The shareholders of River City received, for each share of River City common stock that they owned immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, either $11 per share in cash or one share of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, shareholders of River City elected to receive cash, shares of common stock of the Company, or a combination of both, subject to allocation and proration procedures which ensured that 20% of the total merger consideration was in cash and 80% was in common stock of the Company. In addition, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding option to purchase shares of River City common stock under any stock plans vested pursuant to its terms and was converted into an option to acquire the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the number of shares of River City common stock underlying the option. The Company issued approximately 1,440,000 shares in the Merger.

 

On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced the creation of a voluntary Capital Purchase Program as part of its efforts to provide a firmer capital foundation for financial institutions and to increase credit availability to consumers and businesses. As part of the program, eligible financial institutions will be able to sell equity interests to the U.S. Department of Treasury in amounts equal to 1 percent to 3 percent of the institution’s risk-weighted assets. These equity interests will constitute Tier 1 capital. The Company has notified the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that it intends to participate in the Capital Purchase Program. Currently it is estimated that the Company could receive as much as $14 million of capital investment under this program.

 

 

 

Note 8 – Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. While the Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, it does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, the Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Lastly, SFAS 157 requires additional disclosures for each interim and annual period separately for each major category of assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. See Note 9 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2. The staff position delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The delay is intended to allow additional time to consider the effect of various implementation issues with regard to the application of SFAS 157. The new staff position defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to January 1, 2009 for items within the scope of the staff position. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FASB Staff Position No. 157-2 on the consolidated financial statements.

 

On October 10, 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of FAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The issuance of FSP 157-3 did not have any impact on the Company’s determination of fair value for its financial assets.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the Board’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. This Statement became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company has elected the fair value option for residential mortgage loans originated on or after January 1, 2008 and held for sale. See Note 9 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings” (“SAB 109”). SAB 109 expresses the current view of the SEC staff that the expected net future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan should be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. SEC registrants are expected to apply this guidance on a prospective basis to derivative loan commitments issued or modified in the first quarter of 2008 and thereafter. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141(R)”) which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions by the Company taking place on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. Accordingly, a calendar year-end company is required to record and disclose business combinations following existing accounting guidance until January 1, 2009. The Company will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if and when a future acquisition occurs.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Before this statement, limited guidance existed for reporting non-controlling interests (minority interest). As a result, diversity in practice exists. In some cases minority interest is reported as a liability and in others it is reported in the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity. Specifically, SFAS 160 requires the recognition of a non-controlling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financials statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the non-controlling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the non-controlling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its non-controlling interests. SFAS 160 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB statement No. 133”. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related items are accounted for under Statement 133 and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Note 9 — Fair value

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157 and SFAS 159. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

 

Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

 

Level 2 — Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3- Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

The Company used the following methods to determine the fair value of each type of financial instrument:

 

Investment securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices (Level 1).

 

Residential loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan (Level 2).

 

Impaired loans: The fair values of impaired loans are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans on a nonrecurring basis. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The use of discounted cash flow models and management’s best judgment are significant inputs in arriving at the fair value measure of the underlying collateral and are therefore classified within (Level 3).

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value under SFAS No. 157 on a recurring and non-recurring basis, including financial assets and liabilities for which the Company has elected the fair value option, are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain information contained in this discussion may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by phrases such as “we expect,” “we believe” or words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks including, but not limited to, the following factors:

 

 

Although we believe that our expectations with respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reliable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements of the Company will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

General

 

The Company was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as a bank holding company whose activities consist of investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Bank. Additionally, the Company has investments in two trusts related to issuance of trust preferred securities. The Bank is engaged in commercial and retail banking. We opened to the public on December 13, 1999. We place special emphasis on serving the financial needs of individuals, small and medium sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and professional concerns.

 

The Bank has three subsidiaries: Village Bank Mortgage Company, Village Insurance Agency, Inc., and Village Financial Services Company. Through our combined companies, we offer a wide range of banking and related financial services, including checking, savings, certificates of deposit and other depository services, and commercial, real estate and consumer loans. We are a community-oriented and locally owned and managed financial institution focusing on providing a high level of responsive and personalized services to our customers, delivered in the context of a strong direct

 

 

relationship with the customer. We conduct our operations from our main office/corporate headquarters location and 13 branch offices, three of which were acquired in the merger with River City Bank.

 

Net interest income is our primary source of earnings and represents the difference between interest and fees earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The level of net interest income is affected primarily by variations in the volume and mix of those assets and liabilities, as well as changes in interest rates when compared to previous periods of operation. In addition, revenues are generated from fees charged on deposit accounts and gains from sale of mortgage loans to third-party investors.

 

Our total assets increased to $418,625,000 at September 30, 2008 from $393,264,000 at December 31, 2007, an increase of $25,361,000, or 6.4%. The increase in assets resulted primarily from increases in liquid assets (cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and investment securities available for sale) of $770,000, net loans of $14,222,000, premises and equipment of $6,910,000, and other assets of $3,500,000. In addition to the increase in net assets of $25,361,000, deposits decreased by $617,000. The net increase in assets and the decline in deposits were funded by increases in borrowings of $24,717,000 and stockholders’ equity of $1,261,000.

 

The following presents management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition of the Company at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and results of operations for the Company for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the third quarter 2008 financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Results of operations

 

Net income totaled $219,000, or $0.08 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the third quarter of 2008 compared to net income of $259,000, or $0.10 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the third quarter of 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net income totaled $491,000 or $0.19 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared to net income of $796,000 or $.29 per share on a fully diluted basis, for the same period in 2007. This represents a decrease in net income of $40,000, or 15% and a decrease of $305,000 or 38%, for the three and nine month periods, respectively.

 

In the latter half of 2007, the financial markets experienced significant turmoil due to the collapse of the subprime mortgage asset market which has had a detrimental affect on banking in general. The collapse of the mortgage asset market has led to what many consider a recessionary economy and resulted in extraordinary write-offs of mortgage related assets by many banks. The detrimental affect of the collapse in the mortgage asset market has continued in 2008, depressing bank stock values. In reaction first to the mortgage market collapse and most recently to the real possibility of a recession, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve reduced short-term interest rates significantly in the last three months of 2007 and continued to decrease rates in 2008 resulting in a total decrease in short-term interest rates of 325 basis points to 1.5% at September 30, 2008. With this significant decline in short-term interest rates and how rapidly in which they were made, our earnings for the first nine months of 2008 decreased significantly from the same period in 2007. This decline in our earnings is a result of a significant portion of our loan portfolio, the primary source of revenue to Village Bank, having interest rates that adjust according to the direction of short-term interest rates. Accordingly, as short-term rates are reduced by the FOMC, the income from our loan portfolio is reduced. While the reduction of short-term interest rates will also reduce the rates we pay on deposits, our largest expense, the reduction in interest rates paid on deposits will be slower than the reduction of interest rates on our loan portfolio as

 

 

deposits generally do not reprice as quickly as loans. Consequently, our net interest income, the primary source of our earnings, will be negatively impacted when short-term interest rates are reduced by the FOMC. While the decline in short-term interest rates has had a detrimental affect on our profitability in 2008, we have never owned nor have we ever originated subprime mortgage loan product and thus are not exposed to the kinds of write-offs of such assets many banks have had to make.

 

Net interest income for the third quarter of $3,096,000 represents an increase of $29,000, or 1%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. Changes in net interest income are attributable to changes in the volume of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities and changes in interest rates. The increase in net interest income in the third quarter of 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007 is a result of an increase in the size of our loan portfolio (volume). The decline in net interest income from the second quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2008 of $(92,000) resulted from a decline in our interest rate margin (rate) in the third quarter. In contrast, the net interest income for the second quarter of 2008 increased by $402,000 over the first quarter of 2008 due to an improving interest rate margin (rate). The following table demonstrates this:

 

 

Our net interest margin (net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income by average earning assets) for the third quarter of 2007 was 3.71%. Our net interest margin declined significantly in the first quarter of 2008 to 3.09%. As discussed in prior reports, this decline was attributable to the significant and rapid decline in short-term interest rates by the FOMC in the latter part of 2007 and into 2008. Our interest rate margin improved to 3.53% in the second quarter of 2008 as short-term rates remained constant and our cost of funds declined as our interest-bearing liabilities began to reprice to the lower rates. In the third quarter of 2008, our interest rate margin declined to 3.31%. This decline was a result of a decision by management to raise rates on our certificates of deposit in July 2008 to increase our liquidity above normal amounts as we believed that depositors were demonstrating concern over the safety of their deposits.

 

However, overall, our net interest margin in 2008 has been lower than in 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our net interest margin was 3.31% compared to 3.89% for the same period in 2007. This decline in net interest margin has decreased our net interest income by approximately $1.5 million. The decline in interest rates by the FOMC has had a detrimental affect on our profitability. Margin compression due to the lowering of short-term interest rates by the FOMC has been the most significant factor in our decline in profitability in 2008 compared to 2007.

 

Noninterest income increased significantly from $826,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $1,298,000 for the same period in 2008, an increase of $472,000, or 57%. This increase in noninterest income is a result of higher gain on loan sales and fees from increased loan production by our mortgage banking subsidiary as well as higher service charges and fees from our branch network. Additionally, there was a gain from sale of our previous headquarters building of $58,000.

 

 

Noninterest expense increased by $290,000 from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008. The largest increases in noninterest expense occurred in salaries and benefits of $69,000, occupancy costs of $169,000, data processing costs of $57,000, loan underwriting costs of $109,000, audit and accounting costs of $30,000 and the FDIC insurance assessment of $30,000. The increases in salaries and benefits and occupancy and data processing costs are a result of the growth of the Company; the increase in loan underwriting costs is directly related to the increase in loan production by our mortgage company; the increase in audit and accounting is a result of compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and the increase in the FDIC insurance assessment is related to our capital ratios and overall growth.

 

Net interest income

 

Net interest income is our primary source of earnings and represents the difference between interest and fees earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The level of net interest income is affected primarily by variations in the volume and mix of those assets and liabilities, as well as changes in interest rates when compared to previous periods of operation.

 

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $9,070,000 and $8,744,000, respectively. This increase in net interest income of $326,000, or 4%, occurred despite a 58 basis point decline in our net interest margin. Our net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 3.31% compared to 3.89% for the first nine months of 2007. The increase in net interest income resulted from growth in our loan portfolio. Loans net of deferred fees increased by $40,387,000, or 13%, from $301,562,000 at September 30, 2007 to $341,949,000 at September 30, 2008. Loans net of deferred fees averaged $342,902,000 in the first nine months of 2008 as compared to $273,095,000 in the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $69,807,000, or 26%. Whether this trend of increasing net interest income continues is dependent upon our ability to grow our loan portfolio as well as any changes in short-term interest rates by the FOMC. For the remainder of 2008, we do not expect our loan portfolio to increase significantly. Recently, the FOMC decreased short-term interest rates by another 50 basis points to 1% reflecting their concern about the economy. As a result, our net interest income for the last quarter of 2008 will decline from previous periods.

 

Average interest-earning assets for the first nine months of 2008 increased by $65,202,000, or 22%, compared to the first nine months of 2007. The increase in interest-earning assets was due primarily to the growth of our loan portfolio. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased to 7.44% for the first nine months of 2008 from 8.30% for the first nine months of 2007. This decline in the average yield from 2007 to 2008 was due to the reduction in short-term interest rates by the FOMC during the last quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008.

 

Our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $75,250,000, or 27%, for the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007. The growth in interest-bearing liabilities was due to growth in deposits as well as borrowings. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 4.31% for the first nine months of 2008 from 4.83% for the first nine months of 2007. The principal reason for the decrease in liability costs was decreasing interest rates as liabilities reprice. The decreasing interest rates were a result of decreases in short term interest rates by the FOMC. See our discussion under Interest rate sensitivity for more information.

 

The following table illustrates average balances of total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated, showing the average distribution of assets, liabilities, stockholders’ equity and related income, expense and corresponding weighted-average yields and rates. The average balances used in these tables and other statistical data were calculated using daily average balances. We had no tax exempt assets for the periods presented.

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

The provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $515,000, compared to $244,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $1,262,000 compared to $812,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The 111% and 55% increases when comparing the three and nine month periods, respectively, was due to loan charge-offs for the first nine months of 2008 of $906,000. The largest loan charge-off in 2008 was for $500,000 related to one relationship and is believed to be the result of fraudulent activity by the borrower which may be recoverable through insurance coverage, although we have not recognized any such recovery as of September 30, 2008. The volume of our charge-offs in 2008 is higher than for all the previous years the Company has been in existence and reflects the significant downturn in the economy in 2008. If the economy continues to be depressed in the coming months, we could continue to see loan charge-offs at higher levels than we have experienced prior to 2008, which would have a detrimental effect on future profitability. The amount of the loan loss provision is determined by an evaluation of the level of loans outstanding, the level of non-performing loans, historical loan loss experience, delinquency trends, the amount of actual losses charged to the reserve in a given period and assessment of present and anticipated economic conditions. See our discussion of the allowance for loan losses under Allowance for loan losses and Critical accounting policies below.

 

Noninterest income

 

Noninterest income increased from $826,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $1,298,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of $472,000, or 57%. Noninterest income also increased from $1,970,000 for the first nine months of 2007 to $2,945,000 for the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $975,000, or 50%. These increases were attributable to an increase in loan originations from the mortgage company and increased service charges and fees resulting from a larger deposit base. Gains on loan sales increased from $1,160,000 for the first nine months of 2007 to $1,753,000 for the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $593,000, or 51%. Service charges and fees increased by $254,000, or 47%, from $545,000 for the first nine months of 2007 to $799,000 for the first nine months of 2008.

 

Noninterest expense

 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $3,547,000 compared to $3,258,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $289,000, or 9%. Non interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 totaled $10,008,000 an increase of $1,311,000, or 15%, from $8,697,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Salaries and benefits increased in both periods, increasing by $69,000, or 4%, from $1,798,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $1,867,000 for the same period in 2008, and increasing by $503,000, or 10%, from $5,080,000 for the first nine months of 2007 to $5,583,000 for the first nine months of 2008. Occupancy costs increased by $169,000 in comparing the three month periods and $177,000 comparing the nine month periods related to the new headquarters building. Loan underwriting expenses also had significant increases in both periods, increasing by $108,000, or 152%, from $71,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $179,000 for the same period in 2008, and increasing by $191,000 or 96% from $198,000 for the first nine months of 2007 to $389,000 for the first nine months of 2008. These increases in loan underwriting expenses relate to the increase loan volume by our mortgage company. Additionally, the FDIC insurance assessment increased by $30,000 in comparing the three month periods and by $191,000 in comparing the nine month periods.

 

 

Income taxes

 

The provision for income taxes of $253,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is based upon the results of operations. Certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recognized currently in the deferred income tax provision or benefit. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the applicable enacted marginal tax rate.

 

The Company must also evaluate the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. If any such assets are not likely to be recovered, a valuation allowance must be recognized. We determined that a valuation allowance was not required for deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2008. The assessment of the carrying value of deferred tax assets is based on certain assumptions, changes in which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Commercial banking organizations conducting business in Virginia are not subject to Virginia income taxes. Instead, they are subject to a franchise tax based on bank capital. The Company recorded a franchise tax expense of $130,000 and $158,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Loan portfolio

 

The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) at the dates indicated.

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2008 was $3,853,000, compared to $3,469,000 at December 31, 2007. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross portfolio loans (net of unearned income and excluding mortgage loans held for sale) at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was 1.13% and 1.06%, respectively. The amount of the loan loss provision is determined by an evaluation of the level of loans outstanding, the level of non-performing loans,

 

 

historical loan loss experience, delinquency trends, the amount of actual losses charged to the reserve in a given period and assessment of present and anticipated economic conditions. Given the higher level of charge-offs in 2008 combined with the depressed economy, we believe the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross portfolio loans will increase in future periods until we see some improvement in the economy. See our discussion of the allowance for loan losses under Critical accounting policies below.

 

The following table presents an analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio

 

At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, all of our securities were classified as available-for-sale. The following table presents the composition of our investment portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, is evaluated at least annually for impairment by comparing its fair value with its recorded amount and is written down when appropriate. Projected net operating cash flows are compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill recorded and, if the estimated net operating cash flows are less than the carrying amount, a loss is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to fair value.

 

Goodwill of $689,000 at September 30, 2008 was related to the Bank’s acquisition of Village Bank Mortgage in 2003. There was no impairment of goodwill at September 30, 2008.

 

Deposits

 

Total deposits decreased by $617,000, or 0.2%, during the first nine months of 2008 as compared to an increase of $58,585,000, or 23%, during the first nine months of 2007. Although the decrease in deposits in 2008 was not significant, the change in the mix of deposits is noteworthy. Demand deposit accounts, including money market accounts, increased by $13,920,000 while time deposits decreased by $15,218,000 during the first nine months of 2008. This change in the mix of deposits is noteworthy because demand deposit accounts carry lower interest rates than do time deposits and thus this change in mix lowers our cost of funds. The increase in deposits in 2007 resulted primarily from an increase in time deposits of $50,539,000. The increase in time deposits was due primarily to efforts to increase liquidity to fund the large increase in loans in the first nine months of 2007.

 

The mix of our deposits continues to be weighted toward time deposits, which represent 78% of our total deposits at September 30, 2008 as compared to 83% at December 31, 2007. However, as our branch network has increased and is more convenient to a larger segment of our targeted customer base, we have experienced a move to a higher percentage of our deposits in checking accounts as reflected in the decline in the percentage attributed to time deposits. We are emphasizing checking account deposit growth at our existing branches by providing incentives to branch personnel for reaching new checking account growth goals.

 

The average cost of interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 4.39% and 4.79%, respectively. This decrease in our average cost of interest-bearing deposits has mirrored the overall decrease in interest rates resulting from the actions by the FOMC to decrease short-term interest rates. But just as importantly, our efforts to increase checking accounts in our branches are working to reduce our cost of interest-bearing deposits. We expect this decrease in our cost of deposits to continue as the FOMC has decreased short-term interest rates again in the third quarter.

 

The variety of deposit accounts that we offer has allowed us to be competitive in obtaining funds and has allowed us to respond with flexibility to, although not to eliminate, the threat of disintermediation (the flow of funds away from depository institutions such as banking institutions into direct investment vehicles such as government and corporate securities). Our ability to attract and retain deposits, and our cost of funds, has been, and is expected to continue to be, significantly affected by money market conditions.

 

Borrowings

 

We use borrowings to supplement deposits when they are available at a lower overall cost to us or they can be invested at a positive rate of return.

 

 

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”), the Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB and is authorized to apply for borrowings from the FHLB. Each FHLB credit program has its own interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, and range of maturities. The FHLB may prescribe the acceptable uses to which the advances may be put, as well as on the size of the advances and repayment provisions. Borrowings from the FHLB were $25,000,000 at September 30, 2008 and $12,000,000 at December 31, 2007. The FHLB advances are secured by the pledge of first mortgage loans, home equity loans and our FHLB stock.

 

Capital resources

 

Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2008 was $28,154,000, compared to $26,893,000 at December 31, 2007. The $1,261,000 increase in equity during the first nine months of 2008 was primarily due to comprehensive income of $260,000 and proceeds from the issuance of common stock and stock warrant exercises of $950,000. Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2007 was $26,566,000 compared to $25,644,000 at December 31, 2006. The $922,000 increase in equity during the first nine months of 2007 was primarily due to net income of $796,000 and proceeds from the issuance of common stock in stock options and warrant exercises of $133,000.

 

During the first quarter of 2005 and the third quarter of 2007, the Company issued $5.2 and $3.6 million, respectively in Trust Preferred Capital Notes. The Trust Preferred Capital Notes may be included in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital adequacy determination purposes up to 25% of Tier 1 capital after its inclusion.

 

The following table presents the composition of regulatory capital and the capital ratios at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity provides us with the ability to meet normal deposit withdrawals, while also providing for the credit needs of customers. We are committed to maintaining liquidity at a level sufficient to protect depositors, provide for reasonable growth, and fully comply with all regulatory requirements.

 

At September 30, 2008, cash, cash equivalents and investment securities available for sale totaled $36,596,000, or 8.7% of total assets, which we believe is adequate to meet short-term liquidity needs.

 

At September 30, 2008, we had commitments to originate $68,309,000 of loans. Fixed commitments to incur capital expenditures were less than $25,000 at September 30, 2008. Time deposits scheduled to mature in the 12-month period ending September 30, 2009 totaled $192,151,000 at September 30, 2008. Based on past experience, we believe that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us. We further believe that loan repayments and other sources of funds such as deposit growth will be adequate to meet our foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity needs.

 

On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced the creation of a voluntary Capital Purchase Program as part of its efforts to provide a firmer capital foundation for financial institutions and to increase credit availability to consumers and businesses. As part of the program, eligible financial institutions will be able to sell equity interests to the U.S. Department of Treasury in

 

 

amounts equal to 1 percent to 3 percent of the institution’s risk-weighted assets. These equity interests will constitute Tier 1 capital. The Company has notified the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that it intends to participate in the Capital Purchase Program. Currently it is estimated that the Company could receive as much as $14 million of capital investment under this program.

 

Interest rate sensitivity

 

An important element of asset/liability management is the monitoring of our sensitivity to interest rate movements. In order to measure the effects of interest rates on our net interest income, management takes into consideration the expected cash flows from the securities and loan portfolios and the expected magnitude of the repricing of specific asset and liability categories. We evaluate interest sensitivity risk and then formulate guidelines to manage this risk based on management’s outlook regarding the economy, forecasted interest rate movements and other business factors. Our goal is to maximize and stabilize the net interest margin by limiting exposure to interest rate changes.

 

Contractual principal repayments of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual term of our loan portfolio. The average lives of mortgage loans are substantially less than their contractual terms because of loan prepayments and because of enforcement of due-on-sale clauses, which gives us the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among other things, the borrower sells the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. In addition, certain borrowers increase their equity in the security property by making payments in excess of those required under the terms of the mortgage.

 

The sale of fixed rate loans is intended to protect us from precipitous changes in the general level of interest rates. The valuation of adjustable rate mortgage loans is not as directly dependent on the level of interest rates as is the value of fixed rate loans. As with other investments, we regularly monitor the appropriateness of the level of adjustable rate mortgage loans in our portfolio and may decide from time to time to sell such loans and reinvest the proceeds in other adjustable rate investments.

 

The data in the following table reflects repricing or expected maturities of various assets and liabilities at September 30, 2008. The gap analysis represents the difference between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in a specific time interval. Interest sensitivity gap analysis presents a position that existed at one particular point in time, and assumes that assets and liabilities with similar repricing characteristics will reprice at the same time and to the same degree.

 

 

 

 

At September 30, 2008, our liabilities that reprice within one year exceeded assets that reprice within one year by $29,415,000 and therefore we were in a liability-sensitive position. A negative gap can adversely affect earnings in periods of increasing interest rates. This negative position is due primarily to the short maturity of certificates of deposit.

 

 

Critical accounting policies

 

The financial condition and results of operations presented in the financial statements, accompanying notes to the financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis are, to a large degree, dependent upon our accounting policies. The selection and application of these accounting policies involve judgments, estimates, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change.

 

Presented below is a discussion of those accounting policies that management believes are the most important accounting policies to the portrayal and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. See also Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

We monitor and maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb an estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. We maintain policies and procedures that address the systems of controls over the following areas of maintenance of the allowance: the systematic methodology used to determine the appropriate level of the allowance to provide assurance they are maintained in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; the accounting policies for loan charge-offs and recoveries; the assessment and measurement of impairment in the loan portfolio; and the loan grading system.

 

We evaluate various loans individually for impairment as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, and SFAS 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures. Loans evaluated individually for impairment include non-performing loans, such as loans on non-accrual, loans past due by 90 days or more, restructured loans and other loans selected by management. The evaluations are based upon discounted expected cash flows or collateral valuations. If the evaluation shows that a loan is individually impaired, then a specific reserve is established for the amount of impairment. If a loan evaluated individually is not impaired, then the loan is assessed for impairment under SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, with a group of loans that have similar characteristics.

 

For loans without individual measures of impairment, we make estimates of losses for groups of loans as required by SFAS 5. Loans are grouped by similar characteristics, including the type of loan, the assigned loan classification and the general collateral type. A loss rate reflecting the expected loss inherent in a group of loans is derived based upon estimates of default rates for a given loan grade, the predominant collateral type for the group and the terms of the loan. The resulting estimate of losses for groups of loans is adjusted for relevant environmental factors and other conditions of the portfolio of loans and leases, including: borrower and industry concentrations; levels and trends in delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries; changes in underwriting standards and risk selection; level of experience, ability and depth of lending management; and national and local economic conditions.

 

The amounts of estimated impairment for individually evaluated loans and groups of loans are added together for a total estimate of loan losses. This estimate of losses is compared to our allowance for loan losses as of the evaluation date and, if the estimate of losses is greater than the allowance, an additional provision to the allowance would be made. If the estimate of losses is less than the allowance, the degree to which the allowance exceeds the estimate is evaluated to determine whether the allowance falls outside a range of estimates. If the estimate of losses is

 

 

below the range of reasonable estimates, the allowance would be reduced by way of a credit to the provision for loan losses. We recognize the inherent imprecision in estimates of losses due to various uncertainties and variability related to the factors used, and therefore a reasonable range around the estimate of losses is derived and used to ascertain whether the allowance is too high. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail and it is determined that the allowance is not adequate to absorb the new estimate of probable losses, an additional provision for loan losses would be made, which amount may be material to the financial statements.

 

Impact of inflation and changing prices and seasonality

 

The financial statements in this document have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

 

Unlike industrial companies, most of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’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, since such prices are affected by inflation.

 

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 4T – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based upon an evaluation as of September 30, 2008 under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under such Act are made known to them in a timely fashion.

 

Our management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of it that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

 

 

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

 

The Company held its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Village Bank at Watkins Centre, 15521 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, Virginia.

 

There were 2,222,598 shares represented in person or by proxy, which represented 84.8% of the outstanding shares. There was a quorum for all purposes.

 

The shareholders were asked to approve the proposed merger of River City Bank into Village Bank, elect three directors of the Company for a term of three years each and to ratify the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2008.

 

The votes cast for, against or abstain to approve the merger of River City Bank into Village Bank were as follows:

 

 

 

The votes cast for or withheld for the election of directors were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

The votes cast for, against or abstain to ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

There were no broker non-votes in connection with the ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP.

 

ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index