Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 0-26486

Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware   63-0885779

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

100 N. Gay Street, Auburn, Alabama   36830
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (334) 821-9200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Exchange on which Registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01   Nasdaq Global Market

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 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. þ

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

Large Accelerated filer ¨            Accelerated filer ¨            Non-accelerated filer þ            Smaller reporting company ¨

                                                                                                  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No þ

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $52,554,286 as of June 30, 2008.

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 3,646,947 shares of common stock as of March 10, 2009.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled to be held May 12, 2009, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page No.
     PART I     
ITEM 1.    BUSINESS    4
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS    17
ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS    24
ITEM 2.    DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY    24
ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    26
ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    26
     PART II     
ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES    26
ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA    28
ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    29
ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    54
ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA    54
ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE    54
ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    54
ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION    54
     PART III     
ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT    83
ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION    83
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS    83
ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE    83
ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    83
ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES    84

 

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PART I

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain of the statements made herein under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risk Factors” and elsewhere, including information incorporated herein by reference to other documents, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “seek,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential,” and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

 

   

future economic, business and market conditions; domestic and foreign;

 

   

government monetary and fiscal policies;

 

   

legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators, and changes in the scope and cost of FDIC insurance and other coverages;

 

   

changes in accounting policies, rules and practices;

 

   

the risks of changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve on the levels, composition and costs of deposits, loan demand, and the values and liquidity of loan collateral, securities and interest sensitive assets and liabilities;

 

   

credit risks of borrowers;

 

   

changes in the prices, values, sales volumes and liquidity of residential and commercial real estate, as well as securities; including the amounts realizable as a result of exercising our rights against such assets that secure credit extended by us;

 

   

the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;

 

   

the effects of competition from a wide variety of local, regional, national and other providers of financial, investment, and insurance services;

 

   

the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;

 

   

the risks of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including, without limitation, the related time and costs of effecting such transactions, integrating operations as part of these transactions and possible

 

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failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions;

 

   

changes in the availability and cost of credit and capital in the financial markets;

 

   

changes in technology or products may be more difficult or costly, or less effective, than anticipated;

 

   

the effects of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism or other events that may affect general economic conditions and economic confidence;

 

   

the risks of our counterparties, including the financial institutions with which we do business, have purchased loan participations or have other credit relationships, or in which we have made investments; and

 

   

other factors and risks described in “Risk Factors” herein and in any of our subsequent reports that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or the “SEC”) under the Exchange Act.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, or after the respective dates on which such statements otherwise are made.

 

ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1990, and in 1994 it succeeded its Alabama predecessor as the bank holding company controlling AuburnBank, an Alabama state member bank with its principal office in Auburn, Alabama (the “Bank”). The Company and its predecessor have controlled the Bank since 1984. As a bank holding company, the Company may diversify into a broader range of financial services and other business activities than currently are permitted to the Bank under applicable law. The holding company structure also provides greater financial and operating flexibility than is presently permitted to the Bank.

The Bank has operated continuously since 1907 and currently conducts its business in East Alabama, including Lee County, and surrounding areas. The Bank has been an Alabama state bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve since April 1995 (the “Charter Conversion”). The Bank’s primary regulators are the Federal Reserve and the Alabama Superintendent of Banks (the “Alabama Superintendent”). The Bank has been a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) since 1991.

General

The Company’s business is conducted primarily through the Bank and its subsidiaries. Although it has no immediate plans to conduct any other business, the Company may engage directly or indirectly in a number of activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 100 N. Gay Street, Auburn, Alabama 36830, and its telephone number at such address is (334) 821-9200. The Company maintains an Internet website at www.auburnbank.com. The Company is not incorporating the information on that website into this report, and the website and the information appearing on the website are not included in, and are not part of, this report. The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the

 

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operation of the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public free of charge from the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

The Company has two indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries, with immaterial operations:

   

Banc of Auburn, Inc.

   

Auburn Mortgage Corporation

The Company directly owns all the common equity in one statutory trust, Auburn National Bancorporation Capital Trust I, which was formed in 2003 for the purpose of issuing $7.0 million floating capital securities in order to repurchase the Bank’s outstanding common shares.

Services

The Bank offers checking, savings, transaction deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, and is an active residential mortgage lender in its primary service area (“PSA”). The Bank also offers commercial, financial, agricultural, real estate construction and consumer loan products and other financial services. The Bank is one of the largest providers of automated teller services in East Alabama and operates ATM machines in 13 locations. The Bank offers Visa® Checkcards, which are debit cards with the Visa logo that work like checks but can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, including ATMs. The Bank’s Visa Checkcards can be used internationally through the Cirrus® network. The Bank offers online banking and bill payment services through its Internet website, www.auburnbank.com.

Competition

The banking business in East Alabama, including Lee County, is highly competitive with respect to loans, deposits, and other financial services. The area is dominated by a number of regional and national banks and bank holding companies that have substantially greater resources, and numerous offices and affiliates operating over wide geographic areas. The Bank competes for deposits, loans and other business with these banks, as well as with credit unions, mortgage companies, insurance companies, and other local and nonlocal financial institutions, including institutions offering services through the mail, by telephone and over the Internet. As more and different kinds of businesses enter the market for financial services, competition from nonbank financial institutions may be expected to intensify further.

Among the advantages that larger financial institutions have over the Bank are their ability to finance extensive advertising campaigns, to diversify their funding sources, and to allocate and diversify their assets among loans and securities of the highest yield in locations with the greatest demand. Many of the major commercial banks or their affiliates operating in the Bank’s service area offer services which are not presently offered directly by the Bank and they may also have substantially higher lending limits than the Bank.

Community banks also have experienced significant competition for deposits from mutual funds, insurance companies and other investment companies and from money center banks’ offerings of high-yield investments and deposits. Certain of these competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as the Bank.

Selected Economic Data

The Bank’s PSA includes the cities of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama and nearby surrounding areas in East Alabama, primarily in Lee County. Outside of the Bank’s PSA, the Bank has a mortgage loan production office in Mountain Brook, a Birmingham suburb. Lee County’s population is approximately 130,000, and has increased approximately 13.4% between April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007. In 2008, the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”), which includes Lee County, was named one of the fastest growing small MSAs in the nation by Forbes Magazine. The largest employers in the area are Auburn University, East Alabama Medical Center, a Wal-Mart Distribution Center, BF Goodrich, and Briggs & Stratton.

 

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Loans and Loan Concentrations

The Bank makes loans for commercial, financial and agricultural purposes, as well as for real estate mortgages, real estate acquisition, construction and development and consumer purposes. While there are certain risks unique to each type of lending, management believes that there is more risk associated with commercial, real estate acquisition, construction and development, agricultural and consumer lending than with real estate mortgage loans. To help manage these risks, the Bank has established underwriting standards used in evaluating each extension of credit on an individual basis, which are substantially similar for each type of loan. These standards include a review of the economic conditions affecting the borrower, the borrower’s financial strength and capacity to repay the debt, the underlying collateral and the borrower’s past credit performance. These standards are used to determine the creditworthiness of the borrower at the time a loan is made and are monitored periodically throughout the life of the loan. See “Legislative and Regulatory Changes” for a discussion of recent regulatory guidance on commercial real estate lending.

The Bank has loans outstanding to borrowers in all industries within its PSA. Any adverse economic or other conditions affecting these industries would also likely have an adverse effect on the local workforce, other local businesses, and individuals in the community that have entered into loans with the Bank. However, management believes that due to the diversified mix of industries located within the Bank’s PSA, adverse changes in one industry may not necessarily affect other area industries to the same degree or within the same time frame. The Bank’s PSA is also subject to both local and national economic conditions and fluctuations.

Employees

At December 31, 2008, the Company and its subsidiaries had 148 full-time equivalent employees, including 33 officers.

Statistical Information

Certain statistical information is included in response to Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain statistical information is also included in response to Item 6, Item 7A and Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

Bank holding companies and banks are extensively regulated under federal and state law. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions referred to below and is not intended to be a complete description of the status or regulations applicable to the Company’s and the Bank’s business. The supervision, regulation and examination of the Company and the Bank and their respective subsidiaries by the bank regulatory agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than holders of Company capital stock and other securities. Any change in applicable law or regulation may have a material effect on the Company’s business.

Bank Holding Company Regulation

The Company, as a bank holding company, is subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. Bank holding companies are generally limited to the business of banking, managing or controlling banks, and other activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. The Company is required to file with the Federal Reserve periodic reports and such other information as the Federal Reserve may request. The Federal Reserve examines the Company, and may examine its subsidiaries. The State of Alabama currently does not regulate bank holding companies.

The BHC Act requires prior Federal Reserve approval for, among other things, the acquisition by a bank holding company of direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all the assets of any bank, or for a merger or consolidation of a bank holding company with

 

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another bank holding company. With certain exceptions, the BHC Act prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in any activity other than banking or managing or controlling banks or performing services for its authorized subsidiary. A bank holding company may, however, engage in or acquire an interest in a company that engages in activities that the Federal Reserve has determined by regulation or order to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“the GLB Act”) revised the statutory restrictions separating banking activities from certain other financial activities. Under the GLB Act, bank holding companies that are “well-capitalized” and “well-managed,” as defined in Federal Reserve Regulation Y, and whose subsidiary banks have and maintain satisfactory or better ratings under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the “CRA”), and meet certain other conditions can elect to become “financial holding companies.” Financial holding companies and their subsidiaries are permitted to acquire or engage in previously impermissible activities such as insurance underwriting, securities underwriting, travel agency activities, broad insurance agency activities, merchant banking and other activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be financial in nature or complementary thereto. In addition, under the merchant banking authority added by the GLB Act and Federal Reserve regulations, financial holding companies are authorized to invest in companies that engage in activities that are not financial in nature, as long as the financial holding company makes its investment with the intention of limiting the terms of its investment, does not manage the company on a day-to-day basis, and the investee company does not cross-market with any of the financial holding company’s controlled depository institutions. Financial holding companies continue to be subject to the oversight and supervision of the Federal Reserve, but the GLB Act applies the concept of functional regulation to the activities conducted by subsidiaries. For example, insurance activities would be subject to supervision and regulation by state insurance authorities. While the Company has not elected to become a financial holding company, in order to exercise the broader activity powers provided by the GLB Act, it may elect to do so in the future.

The BHC Act permits acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies, such that the Company and any other bank holding company, whether located in Alabama or elsewhere, may acquire a bank located in any other state, subject to certain deposit-percentage, age of bank charter requirements, and other restrictions. Federal law also permits national and state-chartered banks to branch interstate through acquisitions of banks in other states. Alabama permits interstate branching. Under the Alabama Banking Code, with the prior approval of the Alabama Superintendent, an Alabama bank, may establish, maintain and operate one or more banks in a state other than the State of Alabama pursuant to a merger transaction in which the Alabama bank is the resulting bank. In addition, one or more Alabama banks may enter into a merger transaction with one or more out-of-state banks, and an out-of-state bank resulting from such transaction may maintain and operate the branches of the Alabama bank that participated in such merger. Alabama banks may branch into other states, if federal and state law permits, and out-of-state banks may branch into Alabama, if its home state permits Alabama banks to branch into that state.

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. Various legal limitations restrict the Bank from lending or otherwise supplying funds to the Company. The Company and the Bank are subject to Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W thereunder. Section 23A defines “covered transactions,” which include extensions of credit, and limits a bank’s covered transactions with any affiliate to 10% of such bank’s capital and surplus. All covered and exempt transactions between a bank and its affiliates must be on terms and conditions consistent with safe and sound banking practices, and banks and their subsidiaries are prohibited from purchasing low-quality assets from the bank’s affiliates. Finally, Section 23A requires that all of a bank’s extensions of credit to its affiliates be appropriately secured by acceptable collateral, generally United States government or agency securities. The Company and the Bank also are subject to Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, which generally requires covered and other transactions among affiliates to be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same as or at least as favorable to the bank or its subsidiary as those prevailing at the time for similar transactions with unaffiliated companies.

 

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Federal Reserve policy requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its bank subsidiaries and to take measures to preserve and protect its bank subsidiaries in situations where additional investments in a troubled bank may not otherwise be warranted. In addition, where a bank holding company has more than one bank or thrift subsidiary, each of the bank holding company’s subsidiary depository institutions are responsible for any losses to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as a result of an affiliated depository institution’s failure. As a result, a bank holding company may be required to loan money to a bank subsidiary in the form of subordinate capital notes or other instruments which qualify as capital under bank regulatory rules. However, any loans from the holding company to such subsidiary banks likely will be unsecured and subordinated to such bank’s depositors and perhaps to other creditors of the bank.

Bank and Bank Subsidiary Regulation

The Bank is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve and the Alabama Superintendent, which monitor all areas of the operations of the Bank, including reserves, loans, mortgages, issuances of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of branches, capital adequacy and compliance with laws. The Bank is a member of the FDIC and, as such, its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law. See “FDIC Insurance Assessments.”

Alabama law permits statewide branching by banks. The powers granted to Alabama-chartered banks by state law include certain provisions designed to provide such banks with competitive equality to the powers of national banks.

In 2007, the Alabama legislature amended the Alabama Banking Code to, among other things, allow Alabama banks to establish de novo branches in other states, and to allow out-of-state banks that do not already operated a branch in Alabama to establish de novo branches in Alabama, provided the laws of the home state of such out-of-state bank allow Alabama banks to establish de novo branches in such state. This legislation also strengthens the regulatory and enforcement authority of the Alabama State Banking Department and the Alabama Superintendent of Banks.

The Federal Reserve has adopted the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (“FFIEC”) updated rating system, which assigns each financial institution a confidential composite “CAMELS” rating based on an evaluation and rating of six essential components of an institution’s financial condition and operations including Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk, as well as the quality of risk management practices. For most institutions, the FFIEC has indicated that market risk primarily reflects exposures to changes in interest rates. When regulators evaluate this component, consideration is expected to be given to: management’s ability to identify, measure; monitor and control market risk; the institution’s size; the nature and complexity of its activities and its risk profile, and the adequacy of its capital and earnings in relation to its level of market risk exposure. Market risk is rated based upon, but not limited to, an assessment of the sensitivity of the financial institution’s earnings or the economic value of its capital to adverse changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, or equity prices; management’s ability to identify, measure, monitor and control exposure to market risk; and the nature and complexity of interest rate risk exposure arising from nontrading positions.

The GLB Act and related regulations requires banks and their affiliated companies to adopt and disclose privacy policies, including policies regarding the sharing of personal information they obtain from customers with third parties. The GLB Act also permits bank subsidiaries to engage in “financial activities” similar to those permitted to financial holding companies.

Community Reinvestment Act

The Bank is subject to the provisions of the CRA and the Federal Reserve’s regulations thereunder. Under the CRA, all banks and thrifts have a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with their safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs for their entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA requires a depository institution’s primary federal regulator, in connection with its examination of the institution, to assess the institution’s record of assessing and meeting the credit needs of the

 

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community served by that institution, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The bank regulatory agency’s assessment of the institution’s record is made available to the public. Further, such assessment is required of any institution which has applied to: (i) charter a national bank; (ii) obtain deposit insurance coverage for a newly-chartered institution; (iii) establish a new branch office that accepts deposits; (iv) relocate an office; or (v) merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of, a federally regulated financial institution. In the case of a bank holding company applying for approval to acquire a bank or other bank holding company, the Federal Reserve will assess the records of each subsidiary depository institution of the applicant bank holding company, and such records may be the basis for denying the application. A less than satisfactory CRA rating will slow, if not preclude branch expansion activities and may prevent a company from becoming a financial holding company.

As a result of the GLB Act, CRA agreements with private parties must be disclosed and annual CRA reports must be made to a bank’s primary federal regulator. No new activities authorized under the GLB Act may be commenced by a bank holding company or by a bank financial subsidiary if any of its bank subsidiaries received less than a “satisfactory” CRA rating in its latest CRA examination. The Federal CRA regulations require that evidence of discriminatory, illegal or abusive lending practices be considered in the CRA evaluation.

The Bank is also subject to, among other things, the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (the “ECOA”) and the Fair Housing Act (the “FHA”), both of which prohibit discrimination based on race or color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status in any aspect of a consumer or commercial credit or residential real estate transaction. The Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), and the federal bank regulatory agencies have issued an Interagency Policy Statement on Discrimination in Lending in order to provide guidance to financial institutions in determining whether discrimination exists, how the agencies will respond to lending discrimination, and what steps lenders might take to prevent discriminatory lending practices. The DOJ has increased its efforts to prosecute what it regards as violations of the ECOA and FHA.

Other Laws and Regulations

The GLB Act requires banks and their affiliated companies to adopt and disclose privacy policies regarding the sharing of personal information they obtain from their customers with third parties. The GLB Act also permits bank subsidiaries to engage in “financial activities” through subsidiaries similar to those permitted to financial holding companies. See the discussion regarding the GLB Act in “Bank Holding Company Regulation” above.

The International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Funding Act of 2001 specifies new “know your customer” requirements that obligate financial institutions to take actions to verify the identity of the account holders in connection with opening an account at any U.S. financial institution. Bank regulators are required to consider compliance with this Act’s money laundering provisions in acting upon acquisition and merger proposals, and sanctions for violations of this Act can be imposed in an amount equal to twice the sum involved in the violating transaction, up to $1 million.

Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”), financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships as well as to enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers.

The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs, and sets forth minimum standards for these programs, including:

 

   

the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls;

 

   

the designation of a compliance officer;

 

   

an ongoing employee training program; and

 

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an independent audit function to test the programs.

The Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Alabama Superintendent monitor compliance with laws and regulations. Violations of laws and regulations, or other unsafe and unsound practices, may result in these agencies imposing fines or penalties, cease and desist orders, or taking other enforcement actions. Under certain circumstances, these agencies may enforce these remedies directly against officers, directors, employees and others participating in the affairs of a bank or bank holding company.

The Company is also required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and Nasdaq. In particular, the Company is required to report on internal controls as part of its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2008 pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company has evaluated its controls, including compliance with the SEC rules on internal controls, and has and expects to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. If the Company’s fails to comply with these internal control rules, it may materially adversely affect its reputation, its ability to obtain the necessary certifications to its financial statements, and the values of its securities. The Company’s assessment of its financial reporting controls as of December 31, 2008 are included elsewhere in this report with no material weaknesses reported.

Payment of Dividends

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Company’s primary source of cash is dividends from the Bank. Prior regulatory approval is required if the total of all dividends declared by a state member bank (such as the Bank) in any calendar year will exceed the sum of such bank’s net profits for the year and its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less any required transfers to surplus. During 2008, the Bank paid cash dividends of $3.1 million to the Company.

In addition, the Company and the Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal and state regulatory authorities are authorized to determine the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice, and may prohibit such dividends. The Federal Reserve has indicated that paying dividends that deplete a state member bank’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve has indicated that depositary institutions and their holding companies should generally pay dividends out of current year’s operating earnings.

Under the Federal Reserve’s policy, the board of directors of a bank holding company should also consider different factors to ensure that its dividend level is prudent relative to the organization’s financial position and is not based on overly optimistic earnings scenarios such as any potential events that may occur before the payment date that could affect its ability to pay while still maintaining a strong financial position. As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company should consult with the Federal Reserve and eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce the bank holding company’s dividends if: (i) its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

Capital

The Federal Reserve has risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies and state member banks, respectively. These guidelines require a minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) of 8%. At least half of the total capital must consist of common equity, retained earnings and a limited amount of qualifying preferred stock, less goodwill and certain core deposit intangibles (“Tier 1 capital”). Voting common equity must be the predominant form of

 

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capital. The remainder may consist of non–qualifying preferred stock, qualifying subordinated, perpetual, and/or mandatory convertible debt, term subordinated debt and intermediate term preferred stock, up to 45% of pretax unrealized holding gains on available for sale equity securities with readily determinable market values that are prudently valued, and a limited amount of general loan loss allowance (“Tier 2 capital” and, together with Tier 1 capital, “Total Capital”). The Federal Reserve believes that Tier 1 voting common equity should be the predominant form of capital.

In addition, the federal regulatory agencies have established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies and state member banks, which provide for a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average quarterly assets (“leverage ratio”) equal to 3%, plus an additional cushion of 1.0% to 2.0%, if the institution has less than the highest regulatory rating. The guidelines also provide that institutions experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance on intangible assets. Higher capital may be required in individual cases and depending upon a bank holding company’s risk profile. All bank holding companies and banks are expected to hold capital commensurate with the level and nature of their risks including the volume and severity of their problem loans. Lastly, the Federal Reserve’s guidelines indicate that the Federal Reserve will continue to consider a “tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio” (deducting all intangibles) in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activity. The Federal Reserve has not advised the Company or the Bank of any specific minimum leverage ratio or tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio applicable to them. Under Federal Reserve policies, bank holding companies are generally expected to operate with capital positions well above the minimum ratios. The Federal Reserve believes the risk-based ratios do not take into account the qualify of capital and interest rate, liquidity, market and operational risks. Accordingly, supervisory assessments of capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions based solely on the level of an organization’s risk-based capital ratio.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, requires the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” regarding depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA establishes five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare to various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation.

All of the federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted regulations establishing relevant capital measures and relevant capital levels. The relevant capital measures are the Total Capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and the leverage ratio. Under the regulations, a state member bank will be: (i) well capitalized if it has a Total Capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5% or greater and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive by a federal bank regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) adequately capitalized if it has a Total Capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 4% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (3% in certain circumstances); (iii) undercapitalized if it has a Total Capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4% (3% in certain circumstances); (iv) significantly undercapitalized if it has a Total Capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% and a leverage ratio of less than 3%; or (v) critically undercapitalized if its tangible equity is equal to or less than 2% of average quarterly tangible assets. The federal bank regulatory agencies have authority to require additional capital, and have been indicating that higher capital levels may be required in light of current market conditions and risk. In addition, changes may be proposed in the capital rules and new rules regarding liquidity also may be proposed.

The Federal Reserve’s revised trust preferred capital rules, which took effect in early April 2006, permit the Company to treat its outstanding trust preferred securities as Tier 1 Capital for the first 25 years of the 30 year term of the related junior subordinated debentures. During the last five years preceding maturity, the amount included as capital will decline 20% per year.

Information concerning the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2008 is included in “Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

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Depository institutions that are no longer “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes must receive a waiver from the FDIC prior to accepting or renewing brokered deposits. FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including paying dividends) or paying any management fee to its holding company, if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Institutions that are “undercapitalized” are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan for approval. A depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of 5% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and the amount necessary to bring the institution into compliance with applicable capital standards. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized. If the controlling holding company fails to fulfill its obligations under FDICIA and files (or has filed against it) a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Code, the claim against the holding company’s capital restoration obligation would be entitled to a priority in such bankruptcy proceeding over third party creditors of the bank holding company. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Because the Company and the Bank exceed applicable capital requirements, the respective managements of the Company and the Bank do not believe that the provisions of FDICIA have had or will have any material impact on the Company and the Bank or their respective operations.

FDICIA

FDICIA also directs that each federal bank regulatory agency prescribe standards for depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth composition, a maximum ratio of classified assets to capital, minimum earnings sufficient to absorb losses, a minimum ratio of market value to book value for publicly traded shares, and such other standards as the federal bank regulatory agencies deem appropriate.

Enforcement Policies and Actions

The Federal Reserve and the Alabama Superintendent monitor compliance with laws and regulations. Violations of laws and regulations, or other unsafe and unsound practices, may result in these agencies imposing fines or penalties, cease and desist orders, or taking other enforcement actions. Under certain circumstances, these agencies may enforce these remedies directly against officers, directors, employees and others participating in the affairs of a bank or bank holding company.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy

Banking is a business that depends on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest paid by a bank on its deposits and its other borrowings, and the interest received by a bank on its loans and securities holdings, constitutes the major portion of a bank’s earnings. Thus, the earnings and growth of the company and the Bank are subject to the influence of economic conditions generally, both domestic and foreign, and also to the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money through various means, including open market dealings in United States government securities, the discount rate at which banks may borrow from the Federal Reserve, and the reserve requirements on deposits.

In 2008, the Federal Reserve has taken various actions to increase market liquidity and reduce interest rates.

The Federal Reserve lowered its target federal funds rate from 5.25% per annum on August 7, 2007 to 3.00% on January 30, 2008, and finally to 0-0.25% on December 16, 2008. The Federal Reserve’s discount rate

 

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was reduced on December 16, 2008 to its current rate of 0.50% per annum, down from 5.75% on September 17, 2007, 4.75% on January 2, 2008, and 1.25% on October 29, 2008. The Federal Reserve has extended the term for which banks can borrow from the discount window to up to 90 days; and developed a program, called the Term Auction Facility, under which predetermined amounts of credit are auctioned to depository institutions for terms of up to 84 days. These innovations resulted in large increases in the amount of Federal Reserve credit extended to the banking system.

The Federal Reserve also expanded its liquidity programs through the Primary Dealer Credit Facility (“PDCF”) to provide primary dealers in the government securities market with access to the Federal Reserve’ s discount window, the Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Money Market Fund Liquidity Facility (the “AMLF”), which provides loans to depository institutions to purchase asset-backed commercial paper from money market mutual funds, and the Term Securities Lending Facility (the “TSLF”), under which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York auctions term loans of Treasury securities to primary dealers. Several other liquidity-related facilities have also been established, such as the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (the “CPFF”), which provides a liquidity backstop to U.S. issuers of commercial paper, the Money Market Investor Funding Facility (the “MMIFF”), which provides liquidity to U.S. money market investors, and the temporary reciprocal currency arrangements (swap lines) with 14 other central banks. These facilities are currently scheduled to end April 30, 2009.

In addition, the Federal Reserve and the Treasury have jointly announced a Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (“TALF”) that will lend against high quality asset-backed securities determined eligible by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York presently intends to make up to $200 billion of loans under the TALF, but this may be expanded. TALF loans will have a term of three years; will be non-recourse to the borrower; and will be secured by eligible ABS. The Treasury has provided $20 billion of credit support to the Federal Reserve in connection with the TALF, but may provide more.

The Federal Reserve announced on November 28, 2008 that it was initiating a program to purchase the direct obligations of housing-related government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks — and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and GNMA. This action was taken to reduce the cost and increase the availability of credit for the purchase of houses in an effort to support housing markets and foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally. Purchases of up to $100 billion in GSE direct obligations under the program will be conducted with the Federal Reserve’s primary dealers through a series of competitive auctions, and purchases of up to $500 billion in MBS will be conducted by asset managers. Purchases of both direct obligations and MBS were expected to take place over several quarters. On March 18, 2009, the Federal Reserve announced that it will increase the size of the plan by purchasing up to an additional $750 billion of GSE mortgage-backed securities, bringing its total purchases of these securities to up to $1.25 trillion this year, and to increase its purchases of GSE debt this year by up to $100 billion to a total of up to $200 billion. Moreover, to help improve conditions in private credit markets, the Federal Reserve has announced it will purchase up to $300 billion of longer-term Treasury securities over the next six months.

Beginning October 6, 2008, the Federal Reserve began paying interest on depository institutions’ required and excess reserve balances. The payment of interest on excess reserve balances was expected to give the Federal Reserve greater scope to use its lending programs to address conditions in credit markets while also maintaining the federal funds rate close to the target rate established by the Federal Open Market Committee.

The nature and timing of any changes in fiscal and monetary policies and their effect on the Company and the Bank cannot be predicted.

FDIC Insurance Assessments

The Bank is subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank is subject to FDIC assessments for such deposit insurance, as well as assessments by the FDIC to pay interest on the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) bonds. During 2006 through 2008, the FDIC’s risk based deposit insurance assessments schedule ranged from zero to 43 basis points per

 

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annum. During 2006 and 2007, the Bank paid no FDIC deposit insurance premiums and in 2008, the Bank paid approximately $226 thousand in FDIC deposit insurance premiums. FICO assessments of approximately $60 thousand, $59 thousand and $59 thousand were paid to the FDIC in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Congress passed the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) in February 2006. As a result, deposits remained insured up to a maximum of $100,000, but the amount of deposit insurance will be adjusted every five years based upon inflation. Retirement accounts were insured for up to $250,000, and banks that are less than adequately capitalized will be unable to accept employee benefit deposits. This law also changed the way FDIC insurance assessments and credits are calculated. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) temporarily increased FDIC deposit insurance to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009. EESA provides that the temporary increase in deposit insurance coverage is not taken into account for FDIC insurance assessment purposes.

The FDIC has adopted new risk-based deposit premium rules following the Reform Act, to achieve the new targeted designated reserve ratio specified in the Reform Act. During 2007 and 2008, the FDIC used the following risk categories and initial deposit insurance assessment rates:

 

Risk Category

  

Assessment Rate

I

   5 to 7 basis points

II

   10 basis points

III

   28 basis points

IV

   43 basis points

The Bank paid FDIC deposit insurance assessments of approximately $226 thousand in 2008 based upon the expiration of a one-time credit provided by the Reform Act and FDIC rules for deposit insurance premiums previously paid. At the beginning of 2008, this credit totaled approximately $49 thousand. FDIC insurance assessments for 2007 were offset entirely by an equivalent amount of the credit during 2007, and the credit was fully used by early 2008.

Effective January 1, 2009, the FDIC has increased it deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly by 7 basis points annually for the first quarter 2009 assessment period. Annual rates applicable to the first quarter and second quarter 2009 assessments, which will be collected at the end of June and September, respectively, are as follows:

 

Risk Category

  

First Quarter 2009

Assessment Rate

  

Second Quarter 2009

Assessment Rate

I

   12 to 14 basis points    12 to 16 basis points

II

   17 basis points    22 basis points

III

   35 basis points    32 basis points

IV

   50 basis points    45 basis points

The FDIC has adopted another final rule effective April 1, 2009, which changes the FDIC’s deposit insurance assessment system’s evaluation of risk, makes corresponding changes to assessment rates beginning with the second quarter of 2009, and makes other changes to the deposit insurance assessment rules. The FDIC’s new rules are expected to include a potential decrease in assessments for long-term unsecured debt, including senior and subordinated debt and, for small institutions with assets under $10 billion, a portion of Tier 1 capital; (2) a potential increase for secured liabilities above a threshold amount; and (3) for non-Risk Category I institutions, a potential increase for brokered deposits above a threshold amount, especially for rapidly growing banks. The FDIC also has proposed a rule that, if it becomes final, will impose a 20 basis points special assessment on all institutions for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and will grant the FDIC the authority to impose up to a further 10 basis points special assessment at the end of any calendar quarter whenever the estimated DIF falls to a level that FDIC board of directors believes would adversely affect public confidence or

 

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to a level close to zero or negative. We expect that FDIC insurance premiums will continue to increase, generally for the foreseeable future.

FICO assessments are set by the FDIC quarterly and ranged from 1.32 basis points in the first quarter of 2006 to 1.24 basis points in the last quarter of 2006, 1.22 basis points in the first quarter of 2007 to 1.14 basis points in the last quarter of 2007, and 1.14 basis points in the first quarter of 2008 to 1.10 basis points in the last quarter of 2008. The FICO assessment rate for the first quarter of 2009 has increased to 1.14 basis points.

Under the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (the “TLG”), the entire amount in any eligible noninterest bearing transaction accounts will be guaranteed by the FDIC to the extent such balances are not covered by FDIC insurance. The TLG also provides FDIC guarantees to newly issued senior unsecured debt of banks and holding companies. The FDIC also proposed on February 27, 2009 to extend the debt guarantee program to cover otherwise eligible senior unsecured debt that is mandatorily convertible to common stock. The Company and the Bank have not opted out of either guarantee programs. Should the Company or the Bank seek to issue debt that is covered by the TLG’s debt guarantee program, the Company will need prior approval from the FDIC and both the Company and the Bank will be subject to an assessment determined by multiplying the amount of TLG-guaranteed debt times the term of the debt (expressed in years) times an annualized assessment rate, which will range from 50 to 100 basis point depending upon the maturity of the TLG-guaranteed debt. On March 17, 2009, the FDIC adopted changes to its TLG debt guarantee program, and increased the guarantee assessments up to 10 – 25 basis points for FDIC-insured institutions, and 20 – 50 basis points for other eligible issuers, for all TLG-guaranteed debt issued on or after April 1, 2009, depending upon such debt’s maturity dates.

Neither the Company nor the Bank has issued any TLG-guaranteed debt. We participate in the TLG’s noninterest bearing transaction account guarantee program, and pay the FDIC an annual assessment of 10 basis points on the amounts in such accounts covered by the TLG guarantee. To the extent that these TLG assessments are insufficient to cover any loss or expenses arising from the TLG program, the FDIC is authorized to impose an emergency special assessment on FDIC-insured depository institutions. Legislation has been proposed to give the FDIC authority to impose charges for the TLG program upon depository institution holding companies, as well.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

EESA was enacted on October 3, 2008. EESA authorizes the Treasury to use up to $700 billion to buy troubled assets, provide capital, or otherwise provide assistance to U.S. banks, thrifts and their holding companies (“TARP”). Pursuant to authority granted under EESA, the Secretary has created the TARP Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP”) under which the Treasury will invest up to $250 billion in senior preferred stock of U.S. banks and savings associations or their holding companies. Qualifying financial institutions may issue senior preferred stock with a value equal to not less than 1% of risk-weighted assets and not more than the lesser of $25 billion or 3% of risk-weighted assets.

When an institution participates in the CPP, it will be subject to the Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance as long as the Treasury holds the equity issued under the CPP. These standards generally apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and the three next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards include (1) ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; (2) required clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (3) prohibition on making golden parachute payments to senior executives; and (4) an agreement not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive.

On February 17, 2009, the ARRA became law. The ARRA apparently retroactively imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits and corporate governance standards on all current and future TARP recipients that are in addition to those previously announced by the Treasury, until the institution has repaid the Treasury.

 

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On February 10, 2009, the Treasury announced the Financial Stability Plan, which earmarked the second $350 billion of TARP funds authorized under the EESA. Among other things, the Financial Stability Plan include:

• A capital assistance program (“CAP”) that will invest in mandatory convertible preferred stock of certain qualifying institutions determined on a basis and through a process similar to the TARP CPP;

• A consumer and business lending initiative to fund new consumer loans, small business loans and commercial mortgage asset-backed securities issuances;

• A new public-private investment fund that will leverage public and private capital with public financing to purchase up to $500 billion to $1 trillion of legacy “toxic assets” from financial institutions, and

• Assistance for homeowners by providing up to $75 billion to reduce mortgage payments and interest rates and establishing loan modification guidelines for government and private programs.

The Treasury released a term sheet for the CAP on February 25, 2009. Under the CAP, qualifying U.S. banks, thrifts and their holding companies will be able to obtain additional capital through issuance of 9% mandatorily convertible preferred stock and warrants to the Treasury. Institutions receiving assistance under the Financial Stability Plan going forward will be subject to higher transparency and accountability standards, including restrictions on dividends, acquisitions, executive compensation corporate and additional disclosure requirements.

On March 23, 2009, the Treasury released further information on the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”) under which the Treasury will invest $75 billion to $100 billion in TARP money along side private sector participants and the FDIC as well as the Federal Reserve, to buy $500 billion to $1 trillion of legacy assets from FDIC-insured institutions.

We have elected not to participate in the TARP CPP and do not anticipate participating in the CAP although we believe we were eligible and would have been approved for the TARP CPP. However, we cannot predict the effect that EESA, ARRA, Financial Stability Plan, or PPIP may have on us or our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Legislative and Regulatory Changes

Various legislative and regulatory proposals regarding substantial changes in banking, and the regulation of banks, thrifts and other financial institutions, compensation, and the regulation of financial markets and their participants and financial instruments, and the regulators of all of these, as well as the taxation of these entities, are being considered by the executive branch of the Federal government, Congress and various state governments. The State of Alabama has been considering tax reform for several years and the Alabama legislature currently is considering legislation that may increase the Company’s state taxes. Certain of these proposals, if adopted, could significantly change the regulation of banks and the financial services industry. It cannot be predicted whether any of these proposals will be adopted, and, if adopted, how these proposals will affect the Company and the Bank.

The federal bank regulatory agencies released guidance in 2006 on “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “Guidance”). The Guidance defines commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans as exposures secured by raw land, land development and construction (including 1-4 family residential construction), multi-family property, and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or a significant source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property (that is, loans for which 50% or more of the source of repayment comes from third party, non-affiliated, rental income) or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing, or permanent financing of this property. Loans to REITs and unsecured loans to developers that closely correlate to the inherent risks in CRE markets would also be considered CRE loans under the Guidance. Loans on owner occupied CRE are generally excluded.

The Guidance requires that appropriate processes be in place to identify, monitor and control risks associated with real estate lending concentrations. This could include enhanced strategic planning, CRE

 

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underwriting policies, risk management, internal controls, portfolio stress testing and risk exposure limits as well as appropriately designed compensation and incentive programs. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be required. The Guidance is triggered when CRE loan concentrations exceed either:

 

   

Total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land of 100% or more of a bank’s total capital; or

 

   

Total reported loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land of 300% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital.

The Guidance also applies when a bank has a sharp increase in CRE loans or has significant concentrations of CRE secured by a particular property type.

The Guidance did apply to the Bank’s CRE lending activities at year-end 2008. At December 31, 2008, the Bank had outstanding $67.4 million in construction and land development loans and $196.3 million in total CRE loans (excluding owner occupied), which represents approximately 105% and 180%, respectively, of the bank’s total risk-based capital at December 31, 2008. The Company has always had significant exposures to loans secured by commercial real estate due to the nature of its markets and the loan needs of both its retail and commercial customers. The Company believes its long term experience in CRE lending, underwriting policies, internal controls, and other policies currently in place, as well as improvements in its loan and credit monitoring and administration procedures, are generally appropriate to managing its concentrations as required under the Guidance. The federal bank regulators are looking more closely at the risks of various assets and asset categories and risk management, and the need for additional rules regarding liquidity, as well as capital rules that better reflect risk.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Any of the following risks could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition and an investment in our stock. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

There can be no assurance that recent legislation and administrative actions authorizing the U.S. government to take direct actions within the financial services industry will help stabilize the U.S. financial system.

Numerous actions by the U.S. Congress, the Federal Reserve, the Treasury, the FDIC, the SEC and other governmental authorities to address the current liquidity and credit crisis that has followed the sub-prime mortgage crisis that commenced in 2007. These measures include various actions described under “Fiscal and Monetary Policy” and “Recent Legislative and Regulatory Changes.”

We cannot predict the actual effects of EESA, the ARRA and various governmental, regulatory, and fiscal and monetary initiatives which have been and may be enacted, adopted or proposed will have on the financial markets, our competitors and on us. The terms and costs of these activities, or the failure of these actions to help stabilize the financial markets, asset prices, market liquidity and a continuation or worsening of current financial market and economic conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the trading prices of our common stock.

Difficult market conditions have adversely affected our industry.

We are exposed to downturns in the U.S. economy, although the local markets in which we operate in East Alabama have not been as adversely affected as various other areas of the country. Declines in the housing market over the past year, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures, unemployment and under-employment, have negatively affected the credit performance of mortgage loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by various financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities as well as major commercial and investment banks. This market turmoil and the tightening of available credit have led

 

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to increased levels of commercial and consumer delinquencies, reduced consumer confidence, increased market volatility and reductions in business activity. Failures have increased among financial services companies, and various companies, weakened by market conditions, have merged with other institutions. We do not expect that the difficult conditions in the financial markets are likely to improve in the near future, although our business has not been materially affected through December 31, 2008. A worsening of these conditions would likely increase the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and other financial institutions. In particular:

 

   

We expect to face increased regulation of our industry as a result of various initiatives by the U.S. government. Compliance with such regulations may increase our costs, reduce our profitability, and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

 

   

Market developments may continue to affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment behaviors and payment rates, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which could affect our charge-offs and provision for credit losses.

 

   

Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers and those we do business with, and to estimate the values of our assets and collateral for loans may be impaired if the models and approaches we use become less predictive of future behaviors, valuations, assumptions or estimates. The process we use to estimate losses inherent in our credit exposure or estimate the value of certain assets requires difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic predictions might affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or the value of assets.

 

   

Our ability to borrow from other financial institutions on favorable terms or at all could be adversely affected by further disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including, among other things, deteriorating investor expectations.

 

   

Our investments in trust preferred securities and securities backed by pools of trust preferred securities, issued by, and loans and loan participations purchased from other financial institutions, and financial institutions in which we have common stock or equity investments could be materially and adversely affected, if these institutions exercise their rights to defer payment on their trust preferred securities, experience financial difficulties, defer payments on or reduce or eliminate dividends or distributions on their securities that we hold, are subject to regulatory enforcement actions, or fail.

 

   

Failures of other depository institutions in our markets and increasing consolidation of financial services companies as a result of current market conditions could increase our deposits and assets and necessitate additional capital, and could have unexpected adverse effects upon us and our business.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Our ability to engage in routine investment and banking transactions, as well as the quality and values of our investments in equity securities and obligations of, other financial institutions, could be adversely affected by the actions, financial condition, and profitability of such other financial institutions with which we deal, including, without limitation, the FHLB and our correspondent banks. On March 25, 2009, the FHLB announced that it was not paying a dividend for the Fourth Quarter of 2008, and has limited the amount of its activity-based stock of its members to 50% as of March 16, 2009, after earlier suspending daily repurchases. At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the bank’s investment in FHLB common stock, trust preferred securities and pooled trust preferred securities of other financial institutions, and the common stock of one of the Company’s correspondent banks (“the correspondent bank”) was approximately $5.3 million, $8.7 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. The correspondent bank recently announced that it had entered into a consent order with the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), which, among other things, requires the correspondent bank to raise and maintain levels of capital well above regulatory minimums for well-capitalized banks, and to submit a capital restoration plan acceptable to the OCC. The correspondent bank also is the originator of, and lead lender on, the loan in which we have a $4.3 million nonperforming participation interest, and where the collateral is in the process of foreclosure. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems, losses of depositor, creditor or counterparty confidence in certain institutions and could lead to losses or defaults by other institutions, and in some cases, failure of such institutions. Any losses, defaults by, or failures of, the institutions we do business with could adversely affect our holdings of the debt of and equity in, such other

 

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institutions, our participation interests in loans originated by other institutions, and our business, including our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.

Higher cost of insuring our deposits.

FDIC insurance premiums have increased substantially in 2009 already and we expect to pay significantly higher FDIC insurance premiums and guarantee fees in the future. Market developments have significantly depleted the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and reduced the FDIC’s ratio of reserves to insured deposits. The FDIC adopted a revised risk-based deposit insurance assessment schedule on February 27, 2009 when it also raised deposit insurance premiums and proposed special assessments on FDIC members. See “FDIC Insurance Assessments”.

Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than 12 months. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial condition or performance. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets.

The East Alabama banking markets in which we do business are highly competitive and our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in these markets. We compete for loans, deposits and other financial services in our markets with other local, regional and national commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and securities and insurance brokerage firms. Many of our competitors offer products and services different from us, and have substantially greater resources, name recognition and market presence than we do, which benefits them in attracting business. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we are able to and have broader and more diverse customer and geographic bases to draw upon.

Our success depends on local economic conditions where we operate.

Our success depends on the general economic conditions in the geographic markets we serve in Alabama. The local economic conditions in our markets have a significant effect on our commercial, real estate and construction loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. Adverse changes in the economic conditions of the Southeastern United States in general, or in one or more of our local markets could negatively effect our results of operations and our profitability.

Our cost of funds may increase as a result of general economic conditions, interest rates, inflation and competitive pressures.

The Federal Reserve has taken aggressive actions to reduce interest rates generally, and the Federal government has approved large spending increases. Our cost of funds may increase as a result of general economic conditions, interest rates and competitive pressures, and potential inflation resulting from government deficit spending. Traditionally, we have obtained funds principally through local deposits and borrowings from other institutional lenders. Generally, we believe local deposits are a cheaper and more stable source of funds than borrowings because interest rates paid for local deposits are typically lower than interest rates charged for borrowings from other institutional lenders. See “Fiscal and Monetary Policy”.

 

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Our profitability and liquidity may be affected by changes in interest rates and economic conditions.

Our profitability depends upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on assets, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Net interest income will be adversely affected if market interest rates change such that the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings increases faster than the interest earned on loans and investments. Interest rates, and consequently our results of operations, are affected by general economic conditions (domestic and foreign) and fiscal and monetary policies. Monetary and fiscal policies may materially affect the level and direction of interest rates. From June 2004 to mid-2006, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate from 1.0% to 5.25%. Since then, beginning in September 2007, the Federal Reserve decreased the federal funds rate by 100 basis points to 4.25% over the remainder of 2007, and has since reduced the target federal funds rate by an additional 400 basis points to zero to 25 basis points in December 2008. Decreases in interest rates generally increase the market values of fixed-rate, interest-bearing investments and loans held, and increase the values of loan sales and mortgage loan activities. However, the production of mortgages and other loans and the value of collateral securing our loans, are dependent on demand within the markets we serve, as well as interest rates. The levels of sales, as well as the values of real estate in our markets have declined, generally in 2008, although Federal Reserve actions have recently improved the volume and cost in the residential mortgage market in early 2009. Declining rates reflect efforts by the Federal Reserve to stimulate the economy and may or may not be effective, and may affect our results of operation and financial condition, liquidity and earnings.

Regulatory risks of real estate lending and concentrations.

Commercial real estate (“CRE”) is cyclical and poses risks of possible loss due to concentration levels and risks of the assets being financed, which include loans for the acquisition and development of land and residential construction. We had 59.9% of our portfolio in CRE loans at year-end 2008 and 52.6% at year-end 2007. The banking regulators continue to give CRE lending greater scrutiny, and require banks with higher levels of CRE loans to implement improved underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as higher levels of allowances for possible losses and capital levels as a result of CRE lending growth and exposures.

Weaknesses in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans may continue adversely affect us.

The effects of ongoing mortgage market challenges, combined with the ongoing correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, could result in further price reductions in single family home values, further adversely affecting the liquidity and value of collateral securing commercial loans for residential acquisition, construction and development, as well as residential mortgage loans that we hold, mortgage loan originations and gains on sale of mortgage loans. Declining real estate prices and higher interest rates charged on mortgage loans have caused higher delinquencies and losses on certain mortgage loans, generally, particularly second lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Significant ongoing disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans have limited the market for and liquidity of most mortgage loans other than conforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. These trends could continue. Continued declines in real estate values, home sales volumes and financial stress on borrowers as a result of job losses, interest rate resets on adjustable rate mortgage loans or other factors could have further adverse effects on borrowers that result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods, which would adversely affect our financial condition, including capital and liquidity, or our results of operations. In the event our allowance for loan losses is insufficient to cover such losses, our earnings, capital and liquidity could be adversely affected.

Our real estate portfolios are exposed to general weaknesses in the markets and the overall state of the economy.

The declines in home prices, generally, along with the reduced availability of mortgage credit, have resulted in increases in delinquencies and losses in our portfolios of home equity lines and loans, and commercial loans related to residential real estate acquisition, construction and development. Further declines in home prices coupled with an economic recession and associated rises in unemployment levels could drive

 

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losses beyond that which is provided for in our allowance for loan losses. In that event, our earnings, financial condition, including our capital and liquidity, could be adversely affected.

Nonperforming asset take significant time and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2008, our nonaccrual loans totaled $4.4 million, or 1.20% of the loan portfolio. In addition, we had approximately $324 thousand of other real estate owned at December 31, 2008. Our non-performing assets may adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-accrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income, and increasing our loan administration costs. Decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers’ performance or financial conditions, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires commitments of time from management, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. There can be no assurance that we will not experience further increases in nonperforming loans in the future.

Our allowance for loan losses may prove inadequate or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures.

Our business depends on the creditworthiness of our customers. We periodically review our allowance for loan losses for adequacy considering economic conditions and trends, collateral values and credit quality indicators, including past charge-off experience and levels of past due loans and nonperforming assets. We cannot be certain that our allowance for loan losses will be adequate over time to cover credit losses in our portfolio because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy, market conditions or events adversely affecting specific customers, industries or markets. If the credit quality of our customer base materially decreases, if the risk profile of a market, industry or group of customers changes materially or weaknesses in the real estate markets persist or worsen, borrower payment behaviors change, or if our allowance for loan losses is not adequate, our business, financial condition, including our liquidity and capital, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Liquidity risks could affect operations and jeopardize our financial condition.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our funding sources include federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, core and non-core deposits, and short- and long-term debt. We are also members of the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, where we can obtain advances collateralized with eligible assets. We maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a secondary source of liquidity. There are other sources of liquidity available to the Company or the Bank should they be needed, including our ability to acquire additional non-core deposits. We may be able, depending upon market conditions, to issue and sell debt securities, and preferred or common securities in public or private transactions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as further disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of the recent turmoil faced by banking organizations and the continued deterioration in credit markets, as well as the financial condition, liquidity and profitability of the financial institutions we deal with.

Future acquisitions and expansion activities may disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and adversely affect our operating results.

We regularly evaluate potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities. To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, branches, or businesses, as well as other geographic and product expansion activities, involve various risks including:

 

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risks of unknown or contingent liabilities;

 

   

unanticipated costs and delays;

 

   

risks that acquired new businesses to not perform consistent with our growth and profitability expectations;

 

   

risks of entering new markets or product areas where we have limited experience;

 

   

risks that growth will strain our infrastructure, staff, internal controls and management, which may require additional personnel, time and expenditures;

 

   

exposure to potential asset quality issues with acquired institutions;

 

   

difficulties, expenses and delays of integrating the operations and personnel of acquired institutions;

 

   

potential disruptions to our business;

 

   

possible loss of key employees and customers of acquired institutions;

 

   

potential short-term decreases in profitability; and

 

   

diversion of our management’s time and attention from our existing operations and business.

We are required to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be adversely affected.

We and the Bank must meet regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity, including liquidity at the Company, as well as the Bank. If we fail to meet these capital and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected. Our failure to remain “well capitalized” and “well managed” for bank regulatory purposes could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance, our ability to raise brokered deposits, our ability to pay dividends on common stock, our ability to make acquisitions, and we would no longer meet the requirements for becoming a financial holding company.

We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings.

We and our subsidiaries are regulated by several regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the Alabama Superintendent, the SEC and the FDIC. Our success is affected by state and federal regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies, and the securities markets, and our costs of compliance could adversely affect our earnings. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors, not shareholders. The financial services industry also is subject to frequent legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes, the effects of which cannot be predicted. Federal bank regulatory agencies and the Treasury, as well as the Congress and the President, are evaluating the regulation of banks, other financial services providers and the financial markets and such changes, if any, could require us to maintain more capital and liquidity, and restrict our activities, which could adversely affect our growth, profitability and financial condition.

We are subject to internal control reporting requirements that increase compliance costs and failure to comply timely could adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.

We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and Nasdaq. In particular, we are required to report on internal controls as part of our annual report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We expect to continue to

 

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spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Our failure to comply with these internal control rules may materially adversely affect our reputation, ability to obtain the necessary certifications to financial statements, and the value of our securities.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on favorable terms.

We anticipate that our current capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We may, however, need to raise additional capital to support our growth or currently unanticipated losses, or to meet the needs of our communities, resulting from failures or cutbacks by our competitors. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend, among other things, on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are currently disrupted and limited by events outside our control, and on our financial performance. If we cannot raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be limited.

Technological changes affect our business, and we may have fewer resources than many competitors to invest in technological improvements.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to serving clients better, the effective use of technology may increase efficiency and may enable financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to use technology to provide products and services that provide convenience to customers and to create additional efficiencies in operations. We may need to make significant additional capital investments in technology in the future, and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services. Many competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements.

Our ability to continue to pay dividends to shareholders in the future is subject to profitability, capital, liquidity and regulatory requirements and these limitations may prevent us from paying dividends in the future.

Cash available to pay dividends to our shareholders is derived primarily from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends, as well as our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders, will continue to be subject to and limited by the results of operations of our subsidiaries and our need to maintain appropriate liquidity and capital at all levels of our business consistent with regulatory requirements and the needs of our businesses. See “Supervision and Regulation”.

Our common stock is not traded in large volumes.

Although our common stock is listed for trading in the Nasdaq Global Market, the trading volume in our common stock is less than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This also depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause our stock price to fall.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism or other external events could have significant effects on our business.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism or other external events could have a significant effect on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could

 

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have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

The Bank conducts its business from its main office and nine branches, including one branch opened in February 2009. The Bank also has three mortgage loan offices located in Mountain Brook, Phenix City and Valley, Alabama. The bank owns its main office building, which is located in downtown Auburn, Alabama, and has approximately 16,150 square feet of space. The original building was constructed in 1964, and an addition was completed in 1981. Portions of the building have been renovated to accommodate growth and changes in the Bank’s operational structure and to adapt to technological changes. The main office building has paved parking for 84 vehicles, including four handicapped spaces. The main office offers the full line of the Bank’s services and has two ATMs, including one walk-up ATM and one drive-through ATM. The Bank leases a drive-in facility located directly across the street from its main office. This drive-in facility has five drive-through lanes and a walk-up window.

The Bank’s Auburn Kroger branch was opened in August 1988 and is located in the Kroger supermarket in the Corner Village Shopping Center in Auburn, Alabama. The bank leases approximately 500 square feet of space for this branch. In February 2008, the Bank entered into a new lease agreement for another five years. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s deposit and other services including an ATM, except safe deposit boxes.

The Opelika branch is located in Opelika, Alabama. This branch, built in 1991, is owned by the Bank and has approximately 4,000 square feet of space. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s services and has drive-through windows and an ATM. This branch offers parking for approximately 36 vehicles, including two handicapped spaces.

The Bank’s Phenix City branch was opened in August 1998 in the Wal-Mart shopping center in Phenix City, Alabama, about 35 miles southeast of Auburn, Alabama. In February 2008, the Bank entered into a new lease agreement, which consists of approximately 600 square feet of space in the Wal-Mart. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s deposit and other services including an ATM, except safe deposit boxes.

The Bank’s Hurtsboro branch was opened in June 1999. This branch is located in Hurtsboro, Alabama, about 35 miles south of Auburn, Alabama. The Bank owns this branch, which has approximately 1,000 square feet of space. The Bank leases the land for this branch from a third party. In June 2004, the Bank exercised its option to extend this land lease for another five years. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s services including safe deposit boxes, a drive-through window and an ATM. This branch offers parking for approximately 12 vehicles, including a handicapped ramp.

The Bank’s Auburn Wal-Mart Supercenter branch was opened in September 2000 inside the Wal-Mart shopping center on the south side of Auburn, Alabama. In September 2005, the Bank exercised its option to extend the lease for another five years. The lease is for approximately 700 square feet of space in the Wal-Mart. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s deposit and other services, including an ATM, except safe deposit boxes.

The Bank’s Notasulga branch was opened in August 2001. This branch is located in Notasulga, Alabama, about 15 miles south of Auburn, Alabama. This branch is owned by the Bank and has approximately 1,344 square feet of space. The Bank leased the land for this branch from a third party. In May 2004, the Bank exercised its option to extend the lease for another five years. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s services including safe deposit boxes and a drive-through window. This branch offers parking for approximately 11 vehicles, including a handicapped ramp.

 

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In November 2002, the Bank opened a mortgage loan office in Phenix City. The mortgage office is located in Phenix City, Alabama, about 35 miles south of Auburn, Alabama. In November 2004, the Bank moved this mortgage loan office to a larger location with approximately 1,200 square feet of space and entered into a lease agreement for five years. This office only offers mortgage loan services.

Also in July 2002, the Bank’s Opelika Wal-Mart Supercenter branch was opened inside the Wal-Mart shopping center in Opelika, Alabama. In July 2007, the Bank exercised its option to extend the lease for another five years. The lease is for approximately 700 square feet of space in the Wal-Mart. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s deposits and other services including an ATM, except safe deposit boxes.

In September 2004, the Bank opened a mortgage loan office in Valley. The mortgage office is located in Valley, Alabama, about 30 miles northeast of Auburn, Alabama and has approximately 1,650 square feet of space. In January 2008, the Bank extended the lease agreement for another year. This office only offers mortgage loan services.

In December 2006, the Bank opened a leased mortgage loan production office in Mountain Brook, part of the Birmingham, Alabama metropolitan area. This office contains approximately 1,300 square feet of space and is located off of Highway 280. This office only offers mortgage loan services.

In July 2007, the Bank opened a new branch located in the Kroger supermarket in the TigerTown retail center in Opelika, Alabama. The Bank entered into a lease agreement with the Kroger Corporation for five years with options for two 5-year extensions. The Branch offers the full line of bank deposit and other services including an ATM, except for safe deposit boxes.

Additionally, the Company completed two separate purchases in 2006 and one purchase in 2007 for properties that adjoin the Bank’s main office location. These properties were acquired by the Company for purposes of future expansion.

In February 2009, the Bank opened a new branch located on Bent Creek Road in Auburn, Alabama. This branch is owned by the Bank and has approximately 4,000 square feet of space. This branch offers the full line of the Bank’s services and has drive-through windows and a drive-up ATM. This branch offers parking for approximately 29 vehicles, including two handicapped spaces.

In addition, the Bank leases from the Company approximately 8,500 square feet of space in the AuburnBank Center (the “Center”), which is located next to the main office. This building, which has approximately 18,000 square feet of space, is also leased to outside third parties. Leases between the Bank and the Company are based on the same terms and conditions as leases to outside third parties leasing space in the same building. The Bank’s data processing activities, as well as other operations, are located in this leased space. The parking lot provides parking for approximately 120 vehicles, including handicapped parking.

Directly behind the Center is an older home that is also owned by the Company. This building is rented as housing to university students. The rear portion of this property is used as a parking area for approximately 20 vehicles of Bank employees. The Bank also owns a two-story building located directly behind the main office which is currently unoccupied.

The Company owns a commercial office building (the “Hudson Building”) located across the street from the main office in downtown Auburn. The Hudson Building has two floors and a basement which contain approximately 14,500 square feet of leasable space. Approximately 60% of this building is rented by unaffiliated third-party tenants. The Bank occupies approximately 3,000 square feet, which includes a portion of the basement level used for storage and space used to house certain bank functions. The Bank pays rent to the Company based on current market rates for such space.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of its business, the Company and the Bank from time to time are involved in legal proceedings. The Company’s management believe there are no pending or threatened legal proceedings that, upon resolution, are expected to have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s or the Bank’s financial condition or results of operations.

We have not incurred any penalties for failing to include on our tax returns any information required to be disclosed under Section 6011 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1988, as amended (the “Code”) with respect to a “reportable transaction” under the Code and that is required to be reported under Code Section 6707A(e).

 

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol “AUBN”. As of March 10, 2009, there were approximately 3,646,947 shares of the Company’s Common Stock issued and outstanding, which were held by approximately 433 shareholders of record. The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, the high and low closing sale prices for the Company’s Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market, and the cash dividends paid to shareholders during the indicated periods.

 

        Closing
Price
Per Share (1)
         Cash
Dividends
Declared
        High    Low           

2008

             

First Quarter

  $       24.50    $     19.00      $   0.185

Second Quarter

    23.71      21.50        0.185

Third Quarter

    25.00      22.10        0.185

Fourth Quarter

    23.97      19.06        0.185

2007

             

First Quarter

  $       30.00    $ 26.48      $   0.175

Second Quarter

    29.00      26.03        0.175

Third Quarter

    27.88      23.25        0.175

Fourth Quarter

    25.56      21.30        0.175

(1) The price information represents actual transactions.

The Company has paid cash dividends on its capital stock since 1985. Prior to this time, the Bank paid cash dividends since its organization in 1907, except during the Depression years of 1932 and 1933. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. The amount and frequency of cash dividends will be determined in the judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors based upon a number of factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors. Company management currently intends to continue its present dividend policies.

The amount of dividends payable by the Bank is limited by law and regulation. The need to maintain adequate capital in the Bank also limits dividends that may be paid to the Company. Although Federal Reserve policy could restrict future dividends on Common Stock, such policy places no current restrictions on such

 

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dividends. See “SUPERVISION AND REGULATION – Payment of Dividends” and “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — CAPITAL ADEQUACY.”

Performance Graph

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” nor to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

The following line-graph compares the cumulative, total return on the Company’s Common Stock from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2008, with that of the Nasdaq Composite Index and SNL Southeast Bank Index (assuming a $100 investment on December 31, 2003). Cumulative total return represents the change in stock price and the amount of dividends received over the indicated period, assuming the reinvestment of dividends.

LOGO

 

     Period Ending
  Index    12/31/03    12/31/04    12/31/05    12/31/06    12/31/07    12/31/08  

  Auburn National Bancorporation Inc.

   100.00    107.75    119.23    159.69    124.60    117.87  

  Nasdaq Composite

   100.00    108.59    110.08    120.56    132.39    78.72  

  SNL Southeast Bank

   100.00    118.59    121.39    142.34    107.23    43.41  

 

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ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES(1)

 

Period(1)   Total Number of        
Shares (or Units)        
Purchased(2)        
  Average Price Paid        
per Share (or Unit)        
  Total Number of Shares        
(or Units) Purchased as        
Part of Publicly        
Announced Plans or        
Programs(3)        
  Maximum Number (or        
Approximate Dollar Value) of        
Shares (or Units) that May Yet  Be        
Purchased Under the Plans or        
Programs        

October 1 –

October 31,

2008

  2,887   $22.42   2,887   192,090

November 1 –    

November 30,    

2008

  26,836   23.48   26,836   165,254

December 1 –    

December 31,    

2008

  186   22.05   186   165,068

Total

  29,909   $23.37   29,909   165,068

(1) Based on trade date, not settlement date.

(2) A total of 29,457 shares were purchased in privately negotiated transactions.

(3) On April 8, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 200 thousand shares of its common stock. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 165 thousand shares may yet be purchased under the April 2008 authorization. The April 2008 authorization will expire February 28, 2010.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See the information included under Part III, Item 12, which is incorporated in response to this item by reference.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

See Table 1 “Selected Financial Data” and general discussion of “MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS”, which is included in Item 7.

 

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

The following is a discussion of our financial condition at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006. 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. In addition, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, so you should refer to “Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Certain amounts reported in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported stockholders’ equity or net earnings during the periods involved.

OVERVIEW

The Company is a bank holding company established in 1984, and incorporated in 1990 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Bank, the Company's principal subsidiary, is an Alabama state-chartered bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System and has operated continuously since 1907. Both the Company and the Bank are headquartered in Auburn, Alabama. The Bank conducts its business in East Alabama, including Lee County and surrounding areas. The Bank operates full-service branches in Auburn, Opelika, Hurtsboro and Notasulga, Alabama. In-store branches are located in the Auburn and Opelika Kroger stores, as well as Wal-Mart SuperCenter stores in Auburn, Opelika and Phenix City, Alabama. Mortgage loan offices are located in Phenix City, Valley, and Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Summary of Results of Operations

 

     Years ended December 31  

 

 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006

 

 Net interest income (GAAP)

   $         18,639    $         16,875    $         15,980 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

     1,361      1,123      1,033 

Net interest income (a)

     20,000      17,998      17,013 

 Noninterest income

     3,433      4,666      4,448 

Total revenue (a)

     23,433      22,664      21,461 

 Provision for loan losses

     870      23      330 

 Noninterest expense

     12,542      12,360      11,201 

 Income tax expense

     2,023      2,240      2,312 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

     1,361      1,123      1,033 

Net earnings

   $ 6,637    $ 6,918    $ 6,585 
 

 

 Basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.81    $ 1.86    $ 1.74 
 

(a) Tax-equivalent. See “Table 1 - Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Financial Summary

The Company’s net earnings were $6.6 million for the full year 2008, compared to $6.9 million in 2007. Basic and diluted earnings per share were down 3% to $1.81 per share.

Total tax-equivalent net interest income increased 11% to $20.0 million for 2008 compared to $18.0 million for 2007, reflecting strong balance sheet growth. Average loans and loans held for sale increased 14% in 2008 from 2007 to $347.2 million. Average total deposits increased 6% in 2008 from 2007 to $520.2 million.

Credit quality continued to compare favorably among industry peers, with an annualized net charge-off

 

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ratio of 0.17% for the full year 2008. Nonperforming assets were 1.29% and 0.17% of total loans and foreclosed properties at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in nonperforming assets from December 31, 2007 is primarily due to one purchased loan participation. The purchased loan participation represents approximately $4.3 million of the $4.8 million in nonperforming assets at December 31, 2008. Excluding the effects of this loan participation, nonperforming assets were only 0.12% of total loans and foreclosed properties. The provision for loan losses increased $847 thousand in 2008 from 2007 due to an increase in net charge-offs and growth in the loan portfolio.

Noninterest income decreased $1.2 million, or 26%, in 2008 from 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a non-cash charge of $1.5 million due to other-than-temporary impairment. The other-than-temporary impairment charge related to the valuation of a pooled trust preferred security held in the Company’s portfolio.

Noninterest expense increased 1%, or $182, thousand in 2008 from 2007. The slight increase in noninterest expense during 2008 was primarily due to normal increases in salaries and benefits expense.

In 2008, the Company paid cash dividends of $2.7 million, or $0.74 per share, and the dividend payout ratio was 40.88%. The Company’s balance sheet remains strong and well capitalized under regulatory guidelines with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.23% and a leverage capital ratio of 8.75% at December 31, 2008.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and financial reporting policies of the Company conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and with general practices within the banking industry. In connection with the application of those principles, we have made judgments and estimates which, in the case of the determination of our allowance for loan losses and fair value measurements, were critical to the determination of our financial position and results of operations. Other policies also require subjective judgment and assumptions and may accordingly impact our financial position and results of operations.

Allowance for loan losses

Our management assesses the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses prior to the end of each calendar quarter. This assessment includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The level of the allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of the loan portfolios, past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay (including the timing of future payment), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires various material estimates including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans that may be susceptible to significant change. Loan losses are charged off when management believes that the full collectability of the loan is unlikely. A loan may be partially charged-off after a “confirming event” has occurred which serves to validate that full repayment pursuant to the terms of the loan is unlikely. Allocation of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, is deemed to be uncollectible.

Larger balance commercial and commercial real estate loans are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Collection of all amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest payments and the contractual principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement.

An impairment allowance is recognized if the present value of expected future cash flows from the loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (recorded investment in the loan is the principal balance plus any accrued interest, net deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount, and does not reflect any direct write-down of the loan). The impairment is recognized through the allowance. Loans that are impaired are recorded at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective

 

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interest rate, or if the loan is collateral dependent, impairment measurement is based on the fair value of the collateral, less estimated disposal costs. Income is recognized on impaired loans on a cash basis.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at levels management believes should be adequate to absorb our estimate of probable losses in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to expense and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off.

In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, we also consider the results of our ongoing independent loan review process. We undertake this process both to ascertain whether there are loans in the portfolio whose credit quality has weakened over time and to assist in our overall evaluation of the risk characteristics of the entire loan portfolio. Our loan review process includes the judgment of management, analysis and judgments from our independent loan reviewer, and reviews that may have been conducted by bank regulatory agencies as part of their usual examination process. We incorporate loan review results in the determination of whether or not it is probable that we will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a loan.

In addition, our regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, will periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to make additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Fair Value Determination

GAAP requires management to value and present at fair value certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, including investments classified as available-for-sale and all derivatives. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157. For more information regarding the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 157, please refer to “Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements”.

Fair values are based on market prices when available. However, some of the Company’s transactions lack an available trading market characterized by frequent transactions between a willing buyer and seller. In these cases, such values are estimated using pricing models that use discounted cash flows and other pricing techniques. Pricing models and their underlying assumptions are based upon management’s best estimates for appropriate discount rates, default rates, prepayments, market volatility and other factors, taking into account current observable market data and experience.

These assumptions may have a significant effect on the reported fair values of assets and liabilities, including derivatives, and the related income and expense. As such, the use of different models and assumptions, as well as changes in market conditions, could result in materially different net earnings and retained earnings results.

 

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Average Balance Sheet and Interest Rates

 

    

Years ended December 31 

 

 
    

 

2008

 

      

 

2007

 

       

 

2006

 

 
 (Dollars in thousands)   

Average
Balance

  

Yield/

Rate

      

Average

Balance

  

Yield/

Rate

       

Average

Balance

  

Yield/

Rate

 

 Loans and loans held for sale

   $         347,176            6.69%        $         304,389            7.98%         $         286,613            7.78%  

 Securities - taxable

     258,160    5.11%          242,826    4.96%           241,298    4.51%  

 Securities - tax-exempt

     62,801    6.37%          51,995    6.36%           47,748    6.37%  
                      

Total securities

     320,961    5.36%          294,821    5.21%           289,046    4.82%  

 Federal funds sold

     3,197    1.91%          5,539    4.98%           7,321    4.99%  

 Interest bearing bank deposits

     511    2.74%          693    4.62%           1,264    5.06%  
                      

Total interest-earning assets

     671,845    6.03%          605,442    6.60%           584,244    6.27%  
                      

 Deposits:

                    

NOW

     75,461    2.08%          57,532    2.26%           65,029    2.45%  

Savings and money market

     103,379    1.76%          143,587    3.65%           142,610    3.67%  

Certificates of deposits less than $100,000

     110,592    4.23%          85,831    5.33%           84,227    4.55%  

Certificates of deposits and other time deposits of $100,000 or more

     157,830    4.44%          133,466    4.45%           104,446    3.87%  
                      

Total interest-bearing deposits

     447,262    3.37%          420,416    4.06%           396,312    3.71%  

 Short-term borrowings

     16,604    1.95%          12,727    4.72%           7,502    5.48%  

 Long-term debt

     123,108    4.14%          93,278    4.60%           102,848    4.40%  
                      

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     586,974    3.49%          526,421    4.17%           506,662    3.88%  
                      

 Net interest income and margin (a)

   $ 20,000    2.98%        $ 17,998    2.97%        $ 17,013    2.91%   
                      
(a) Tax-equivalent. See “Table 1- Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income and Margin

2008 vs. 2007 comparison

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased 11% in 2008 from 2007 due to growth in the loan portfolio. Net interest margin increased 1 basis point to 2.98%.

The tax-equivalent yield on total interest earning assets decreased 57 basis points in 2008 from 2007 to 6.03%. This decrease was comprised of a 129 basis point decrease in the yield on loans and loans held for sale to 6.69%, which was offset by a 15 basis point increase in the tax-equivalent yield on total securities to 5.36%.

The cost of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased 68 basis points in 2008 from 2007, to 3.49%. This decrease was comprised of a 69 basis point increase in the cost of total interest-bearing deposits to 3.37%, a 277 basis point decrease in the cost of short-term borrowings to 1.95% and a 46 basis point decrease in the cost of long-term debt to 4.14%.

2007 vs. 2006 comparison

Tax-equivalent net interest income increased 6% in 2007 from 2006 due to growth in the loan portfolio. Net interest margin increased 6 basis points to 2.97%.

The tax-equivalent yield on total interest earning assets increased 33 basis points in 2007 from 2006 to 6.60%. This increase was comprised of a 20 basis point increase in the yield on loans and loans held for sale to 7.98% and a 39 basis point increase in the tax-equivalent yield on total securities to 5.21%.

The cost of total interest-bearing liabilities increased 29 basis points in 2007 from 2006, to 4.17%. This increase was comprised of a 35 basis point increase in the cost of total interest-bearing deposits to 4.06%, a 76

 

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basis point decrease in the cost of short-term borrowings to 4.72% and a 20 basis point increase in the cost of long-term debt to 4.60%.

Noninterest Income

 

   

Years ended December 31

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

  $             1,252    $             1,302    $             1,387

Servicing fees

    319      339      375

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

    606      626      649

Bank-owned life insurance

    470      547      452

Securities (losses) gains, net

    (1,168)      253      10

Other

    1,954      1,599      1,575

Total noninterest income

  $ 3,433    $ 4,666    $ 4,448
 

The major components of noninterest income are service charges on deposit accounts, servicing fees, gain on sale of loans held for sale, income from bank-owned life insurance, securities (losses) gains, net, and other noninterest income.

2008 vs. 2007 comparison

Noninterest income decreased 26%, or $1.2 million, in 2008 compared to 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a non-cash charge of $1.5 million due to other-than-temporary impairment recorded in 2008. The other-than-temporary impairment charge related to the valuation of a pooled trust preferred security held in the Company’s portfolio. Other noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 included a $1.1 million gain related to the sale of certain real property, net of a $452 thousand pre-tax charge related to the correction of an accounting error in prior periods. Information concerning the correction of an accounting error is included in “Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

2007 vs. 2006 comparison

Noninterest income increased 5%, or $218 thousand, in 2007 compared to 2006. This increase was driven by the Company’s decision to sell $21.1 million in securities available-for-sale, generating gross gains of $227 thousand. Other changes in the components of noninterest income included an increase of $95 thousand in income from bank-owned life insurance, offset by a decrease of $85 thousand in service charges on deposit accounts.

Noninterest Expense

 

   

Years ended December 31

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006

 

Salaries and benefits

  $             7,278    $             7,110    $             6,714

Net occupancy and equipment

    1,314      1,267      1,159

Professional fees

    511      621      476

Loss on prepayment of FHLB advances

    –           313      –     

Other

    3,439      3,049      2,852

Total noninterest expense

  $ 12,542    $ 12,360    $ 11,201
 

The major components of noninterest expense are salaries and benefits, net occupancy and equipment, professional fees, loss on prepayment of FHLB advances, and other noninterest expense.

2008 vs. 2007 comparison

Noninterest expense increased 1%, or $182 thousand, in 2008 from 2007. Salaries and benefits expense increased $168 thousand during 2008 due to normal increases in salaries and benefits. Other noninterest expense increased by $390 thousand in 2008 due to various factors, including increases in FDIC insurance

 

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assessments as a result of the expiration of the remainder of our one-time FDIC insurance credit in 2008. These increases were offset by a decrease in the loss on prepayment penalties of Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $313 thousand, which was incurred in 2007.

2007 vs. 2006 comparison

Noninterest expense increased 10%, or $1.2 million, in 2007 compared to 2006. This increase was primarily impacted by the Company’s decision to prepay $10.0 million of higher cost Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances and increases in salaries and benefits and professional fees expense. The prepayment of the FHLB advances resulted in a charge of $313 thousand. Salaries and benefits increased $396 thousand during 2007, due to normal increases in salaries and benefits costs, increases in commissions related to mortgage origination activity, and the hiring of additional mortgage originators in our loan production offices. Professional fees increased $145 thousand during 2007 due to increased legal fees and costs associated with regulatory compliance.

Income Tax Expense

2008 vs. 2007 comparison

Income tax expense was $2.0 million in 2008, compared to $2.2 million in 2007. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 23.36% in 2008, compared to 24.46% in 2007. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate in 2008 was primarily driven by a decrease in earnings before taxes and an increase in tax-exempt interest income when compared to 2007.

2007 vs. 2006 comparison

Income tax expense was $2.2 million in 2007, compared to $2.3 million in 2006. Although the decrease in income tax expense was not significant, the Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 24.46% in 2007 compared to 25.99% in 2006. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate was primarily driven by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits upon settlement of an uncertain tax position related to state income tax matters.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Securities

Securities available-for-sale were $302.7 million and $318.4 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease from December 31, 2007 was primarily due to proceeds from maturities and paydowns funding loan growth. Unrealized net gains on securities available-for-sale were $1.0 million as of December 31, 2008 compared to unrealized net losses of $0.7 million as of December 31, 2007. The increase in unrealized net gains (losses) of $1.7 million from December 31, 2007 was due to changes in interest rates.

The average yields earned on total securities were 5.36% in 2008 and 5.21% in 2007. Information concerning the maturity distribution and the weighted average yields for investments in the securities portfolio as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 is included in “Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

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Loans

 

         

December 31 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

        

2008

 

        

2007

 

        

2006

 

        

2005

 

        

2004 

 

 Commercial, financial
and agricultural

   $      63,338       62,478       52,923       51,784       50,075 

 Leases - commercial

      341       486       761       1,488       5,397 

 Real estate - construction:

                             

Commercial

      3,019       7,901       4,684       2,039       945 

Residential

      10,151       11,370       9,912       8,832       5,426 

 Real estate - mortgage:

                             

Commercial

      210,353       161,703       142,092       148,118       136,037 

Residential

      69,736       67,246       62,596       59,757       42,545 

 Consumer installment

          12,481         11,539         9,349         10,334         11,021 

Total loans

      369,419       322,723       282,317       282,352       251,446 

 

 Less: unearned income

 

         

 

(257)

 

        (312)

 

       

 

(334)

 

       

 

(293)

 

       

 

(317) 

 

Loans, net of unearned income

   $      369,162       322,411       281,983       282,059       251,129 
 

Total loans, net of unearned income were $369.2 million as of December 31, 2008, an increase of $46.8 million or 14% from $322.4 million at December 31, 2007. Growth in commercial real estate mortgage loans was the primary driver of the increase. As of December 31, 2008, commercial real estate mortgage loans increased $48.7 million from December 31, 2007.

Three loan categories represented the majority of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2008. Commercial real estate mortgage loans represented 57%, residential real estate mortgage loans represented 19% and commercial, financial and agricultural loans represented 17% of the Bank's total loans at December 31, 2008. The average yield earned on loans and loans held for sale was 6.69% in 2008 and 7.98% in 2007. See “Table 7 – Loan Maturities and Sensitivities to Changes in Interest Rates” for additional information.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level that management deems appropriate to cover the probable losses in the loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the allowance for loan losses was $4.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, which management deemed to be adequate at each of the respective dates. The judgments and estimates associated with the determination of the allowance for loan losses are described under “CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES” above.

We periodically analyze our loan portfolio with respect to our commercial borrowers’ industries to determine if a concentration of credit risk exists to any one or more industries. We have moderate credit exposures arising from loans outstanding to residential and commercial builders, lessors of residential and commercial properties, and religious and professional organizations. We evaluate these exposures in connection with our assessment of our allowance for loan losses.

 

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A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for each of the years in the five year period ended December 31, 2007, is presented below.

 

    

Years ended December 31 

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

        

2007

 

        

2006

 

        

2005

 

        

2004 

 

 Allowance for loan losses:

                          

 

 Balance at beginning of period

   $         4,105       4,044       3,843       3,456       4,313 

 Charge-offs:

                          

Commercial, financial and agricutural

     (454)       (62)       (37)       (39)       (215) 

Real estate

     (153)       (143)       (106)       (124)       (1,507) 

Consumer

     (98)         (45)         (46)         (193)         (44) 

Total charge-offs

     (705)       (250)       (189)       (356)       (1,766) 

 Recoveries:

                          

Commercial, financial and agricutural

     102       14       13       89       219 

Real estate

     20       267       11       100       11 

Consumer

     6         7         36         69         79 

Total recoveries

     128       288       60       258       309 

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (577)       38       (129)       (98)       (1,457) 

 Provision for loan losses

     870         23         330         485         600 

 Ending balance

   $ 4,398       4,105       4,044       3,843       3,456 
 

As noted in our critical accounting policies, management assesses the adequacy of the allowance prior to the end of each calendar quarter. This assessment includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The level of the allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of the loan portfolios, past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay (including the timing of future payment), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires various material estimates including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans that may be susceptible to significant change. Although the allowance increased by $291 thousand between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the ratio of our allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding decreased to 1.19% at December 31, 2008 compared to 1.27% at December 31, 2007. The reduction in the ratio between the two dates is primarily attributable to growth in the loan portfolio. In the future, the allowance to total loans outstanding ratio will increase or decrease to the extent the factors that influence our quarterly allowance assessment in their entirety either improve or weaken.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to provide an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s evaluation, should be adequate to provide coverage for the probable losses on outstanding loans. The provision for loan losses amounted to $870 thousand, $23 thousand, and $330 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Based upon its evaluation of the loan portfolio, management believes the allowance for loan losses to be adequate to absorb our estimate of probable losses existing in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2008. A net charge-off of $577 thousand in 2008 compared to a net recovery of $38 thousand in 2007 were the primary reasons for the increased provision expense in 2008 when compared to 2007. Strong credit quality trends and a net recovery in 2007 were the primary reasons for the decreased provision expense in 2007 when compared to 2006.

Based upon its assessment of the loan portfolio, management adjusts the allowance for loan losses to an amount it believes should be appropriate to adequately cover probable losses in the loan portfolio. While our policies and procedures used to estimate the allowance for loan losses, as well as the resultant provision for loan losses charged to operations, are considered adequate by management and are reviewed from time to time by our regulators, they are necessarily approximate. There exist factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions both locally and nationally, which may negatively impact, materially, the adequacy of our

 

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allowance for loan losses and, thus, the resulting provision for loan losses.

Nonperforming Assets

The specific economic and credit risks associated with our loan portfolio include, but are not limited to, a general downturn in the economy which could affect employment rates in our market areas, general real estate market conditions, including values, nondistressed sales volumes, availability and costs of credit in the markets, generally, interest rate fluctuations, deteriorated or non-existent collateral, title defects, inaccurate appraisals, financial deterioration of borrowers, fraud, and possible violations of laws and regulations.

The Company discontinues the accrual of interest income when (1) there is a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and full repayment of principal and interest is not expected or (2) the principal or interest is more than 90 days past due, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. At December 31, 2008, the Company had $4.4 million in loans on nonaccrual, compared to $447 thousand at December 31, 2007.

The Company owned $324 thousand in residential real estate as “other real estate owned”, which we had acquired from borrowers at December 31, 2008, compared to $98 thousand at December 31, 2007.

The Company had $104 thousand in loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2008 compared to $4 thousand at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2008 and at December 31, 2007, no loans were restructured loans.

The table below provides information concerning nonperforming assets and certain asset quality ratios.

 

    

December 31 

 

 (In thousands)

 

  

2008

 

         

2007

 

        

2006

 

        

2005

 

        

2004 

 

 Nonperforming assets:

                         

 Nonaccrual loans

   $         4,431        447       72       108       711 

 Other nonperforming assets

                         

(primarily other real estate owned)

 

    

 

324

 

 

 

       98

 

       

 

       

 

       

 

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 4,755        545       72       108       711 
 

    as a % of loans and foreclosed properties

     1.29  %      0.17       0.03       0.04       0.28 

    as a % of total assets

     0.64  %      0.08       0.01       0.02       0.12 

 Nonaccrual loans as a % of loans

     1.20  %      0.14       0.03       0.04       0.28 

 Accruing loans 90 days or more past due

   $ 104          4                         105

Potential problem assets, which are not included in nonperforming assets, amounted to $3.9 million, or 1.1% of total loans outstanding, net of unearned income at December 31, 2008, compared to $9.2 million, or 2.8% of total loans outstanding, net of unearned income at December 31, 2007. The decrease in potential problem assets of $5.3 million from December 31, 2007 was primarily due to one purchased loan participation that was placed on nonaccrual in 2008. The balance of this purchased loan participation at December 31, 2007 was approximately $4.5 million. Potential problem assets represent those assets with a well-defined weakness and where information about possible credit problems of borrowers has caused management to have serious doubts about the borrower’s ability to comply with present repayment terms.

Deposits

Total deposits were $550.8 million and $492.6 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase of $58.2 million in total deposits from December 31, 2007 was largely due to increases in certificates of deposit (“CDs”) and other time deposits of $100,000 or more. These changes reflect decreases in interest rates, and related shifts as depositors sought more yield in a low interest rate environment. Of the $58.2 million increase in CDs and other time deposits of $100,000 or more, $18.7 million related to public deposits and $7.3 million related to brokered CDs, a wholesale funding source.

 

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The average rates paid on total interest-bearing deposits were 3.37% in 2008 and 4.06% in 2007. Noninterest bearing deposits were 14% of total deposits as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Other Borrowings

Other borrowings consist of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Short-term borrowings consist of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and other short-term borrowings. The Bank had available federal fund lines totaling $46.0 million with none outstanding at December 31, 2008, compared to $44.0 million and $8.7 million outstanding at December 31, 2007. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $10.9 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $15.5 million at December 31, 2007.

The average rates paid on short-term borrowings were 1.95% in 2008 and 4.72% in 2007. Information concerning the average balances, weighted average rates, and maximum amounts outstanding for short-term borrowings during the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 is included in “Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Long-term debt included FHLB advances with an original maturity greater than one year, securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an original maturity greater than one year, and subordinated debentures related to trust preferred securities. The Bank had $91.2 million and $83.2 million in long-term FHLB advances at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Bank had $25.0 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an original maturity greater than one year, and the Company had $7.2 million in junior subordinated debentures related to trust preferred securities outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The average rates paid on long-term debt were 4.14% in 2008 and 4.60% in 2007.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY

The Company’s consolidated stockholders' equity was $57.1 million and $53.0 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase from December 31, 2007 was primarily a result of net earnings of $6.6 million. This increase was offset by cash dividends of $2.7 million, or $0.74 per share, and $0.8 million in stock repurchases.

The Company’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.75%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.23% and Total risk-based capital ratio was 15.22% at December 31, 2008. These ratios exceed the minimum regulatory capital percentages of 4.0% for Tier 1 leverage ratio, 4.0% for Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and 8.0% for Total risk-based capital ratio. Based on current regulatory guidelines, the Company is classified as “well capitalized.”

MARKET AND LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT

Management’s objective is to manage assets and liabilities to provide a satisfactory, consistent level of profitability within the framework of established liquidity, loan, investment, borrowing, and capital policies. The Bank’s Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is charged with the responsibility of monitoring these policies, which are designed to ensure acceptable composition of asset/liability mix. Two critical areas of focus for ALCO are interest rate sensitivity and liquidity risk management.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Management

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to market risk arising from fluctuations in interest rates. ALCO measures and evaluates the interest rate risk so that we can meet customer demands for various types of loans and deposits. ALCO determines the most appropriate amounts of on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet items.

The dollar difference between rate sensitive assets and liabilities for a given period of time is referred to

 

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as the rate sensitive gap (“GAP”). A GAP ratio is calculated by dividing rate sensitive assets by rate sensitive liabilities. Due to the nature of the Bank's balance sheet structure and our market approach to pricing our liabilities, management and the Board of Directors recognize that achieving a perfectly matched GAP position in any given time frame would be extremely rare. ALCO has determined that an acceptable level of interest rate risk would be for net interest income to fluctuate no more than 10.0% given a change in selected interest rates of up or down 200 basis points over any 12-month period. Using an increase of 200 basis points and a decrease of 200 basis points, at December 31, 2008, the Bank's net interest income would increase approximately 1.47% in a falling rate environment and would decrease approximately 4.49% in a rising rate environment. Interest rate scenario models are prepared using software created and licensed by a third party.

For purposes of measuring interest rate sensitivity, Company management provides growth assumptions to incorporate over the 12-month period. Although demand and savings accounts are subject to immediate withdrawal, all passbook savings and regular NOW accounts are reflected in the model as repricing based on industry data from a third party. For repricing GAP, these accounts are repricing immediately.

Certificates of deposit are spread according to their contractual maturity. Investment securities and loans reflect either the contractual maturity, call date, repricing date or in the case of mortgage-related products, a market prepayment assumption.

The interest sensitive assets at December 31, 2008 that reprice or mature within 12 months were $314.5 million, while the interest sensitive liabilities that reprice or mature within the same time frame were $400.1 million. At December 31, 2008, the 12 month cumulative GAP position was a negative $85.6 million, resulting in a GAP ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities of 79%. This negative GAP indicates that the Company has more interest-bearing liabilities than interest-earning assets that reprice within the GAP period. For additional information, see Table 10 – “Sensitivities to Changes in Interest Rates.” ALCO realizes that GAP is limited in scope since it does not capture all the options of repricing opportunities in the balance sheet. Therefore, ALCO places its emphasis on income at risk and economic value of equity measurements.

The Company may also use derivative financial instruments to improve the balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities and as one tool to manage interest rate sensitivity while continuing to meet the credit and deposit needs of our customers. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps (“swaps”) to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had not entered into any derivative contracts to assist in managing our interest rate sensitivity.

The Company manages the relationship of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities and the resulting effect on net interest income. The Company utilizes a simulation model to analyze net interest income sensitivity to movements in interest rates. The simulation model projects net interest income based on both a rise and fall in interest rates of 200 basis points over a 12-month period. The model is based on actual repricing dates of interest sensitive assets and interest sensitive liabilities. The model incorporates assumptions regarding the impact of changing interest rates on the prepayment rates of certain assets. The assumptions are based on nationally published prepayment speeds on given assets when interest rates increase or decrease by 200 basis points or more.

Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in interest rates. As interest rates change, the interest income and interest expense associated with the Company’s interest sensitive assets and liabilities also change, thereby affecting net interest income, the primary component of the Company’s earnings. ALCO utilizes the results of the simulation model and the Economic Value of Equity report to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to a sustained change in interest rates.

Currently, the Company's income exposure to changes in interest rates is relatively low. The Company measures this exposure based on a gradual increase or decrease in interest rates of 200 basis points. Given this scenario, the Company had, at year-end, a greater exposure to rising rates, as interest rates on interest-bearing liabilities would reprice faster than interest-earning assets.

 

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The following chart reflects the Company’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2007. Numbers are based on the December balance sheet and assume paydowns and maturities of both assets and liabilities are reinvested based on growth assumptions provided by the Company. The same growth and interest rate assumptions are used in the base, up 200 basis points, and down 200 basis points scenarios.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Income Sensitivity Summary

Interest Rate Scenario

(Dollars in thousands)

       -200 BP         Base          +200 BP  

Year 1 Net Interest Income

   $ 18,563      $ 18,295      $ 17,475  

$ Change Net Interest Income

     268        —          (820)  

% Change Net Interest Income

     1.47%        —          (4.49)%  

Policy Limit: 10% for +/- 200 Basis Points (BP) over 12 months.

The preceding sensitivity analysis is a modeling analysis, which changes quarterly and consists of hypothetical estimates based upon numerous assumptions, including the interest rate levels, shape of the yield curve, prepayments on loans and securities, rates on loans and deposits, reinvestments of paydowns and maturities of loans, investments and deposits, and others. While assumptions are developed based on the current economic and market conditions, management cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how these estimates may be affected by customer preferences, competitors, or competitive conditions.

As market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will differ. Also, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates, or market and competitive conditions. See Table 10 – “Sensitivities to Changes in Interest Rates.”

Liquidity Risk Management

Liquidity is the Company’s ability to convert assets into cash equivalents in order to meet daily cash flow requirements, primarily for deposit withdrawals, loan demand and maturing obligations. Without proper management of its liquidity, the Company could experience higher costs of obtaining funds due to insufficient liquidity, while excessive liquidity can lead to a decline in earnings due to the cost of foregoing alternative higher-yielding investment opportunities.

Liquidity is managed at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the Company. The second is the liquidity of the Bank. The management of liquidity at both levels is essential, because the Company and the Bank have different funding needs and sources, and each are subject to regulatory guidelines and requirements.

The primary source of funding and the primary source of liquidity for the Company includes dividends received from the Bank, and secondarily proceeds from the issuance of common stock or other securities. Primary uses of funds for the Company include dividends paid to shareholders, stock repurchases, and interest payments on junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company in connection with trust preferred securities. The junior subordinated debentures are presented as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related trust preferred securities are includible in Tier 1 Capital for regulatory capital purposes.

Primary sources of funding for the Bank include customer deposits, other borrowings, repayment and maturity of securities, and sale and repayment of loans. The Bank has access to federal funds lines from various banks and borrowings from the Federal Reserve discount window. In addition to these sources, the Bank has participated in the FHLB's advance program to obtain funding for its growth. Advances include both fixed and variable terms and are taken out with varying maturities. As of December 31, 2008, the Bank had an available line of credit with the FHLB totaling $221.3 million, with $91.2 million outstanding. As of December 31, 2008, the Bank also had $46.0 million of federal funds lines, with none outstanding. Primary uses of funds include

 

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repayment of maturing obligations and growing the loan portfolio.

The following table presents additional information about our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008, which by their terms have contractual maturity and termination dates subsequent to December 31, 2008:

 

     Payments due by period
(Dollars in thousands)    Total   

1 year

or less

   1 to 3
years
   3 to 5
years
        More than 
5 years 
                   

Contractual obligations:

                 

Deposit maturities (1)

   $550,843    485,881    37,010    27,952       –   

Long-term debt

   123,368    18    28,036    20,036       75,278 

Operating lease obligations

   638    235    299    104       –   
                   

Total

   $674,849    486,134    65,345    48,092       75,278 
         

(1) Deposits with no stated maturity (demand, NOW, money market, and savings deposits) are presented in the less than one year category.

Management believes the Company’s and the Bank’s sources of liquidity are adequate to meet loan demand, operating needs, and deposit withdrawal requirements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2008, the Bank had outstanding standby letters of credit of $9.3 million and unfunded loan commitments outstanding of $39.6 million. Because these commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and many will expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment level does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. If needed to fund these outstanding commitments, the Bank has the ability to liquidate federal funds sold or securities available-for-sale, or on a short-term basis to borrow and purchase federal funds from other financial institutions.

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and practices within the banking industry which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all 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.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 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 No. 157 was for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

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In February of 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, and financial liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis, that are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. This statement is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year after November 15, 2007. Adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statement as the Company has not elected to apply the fair value option to any of its financial assets or financial liabilities.

In November 2007, the SEC issued SAB 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings.” SAB 109 rescinds SAB 105’s prohibition on inclusion of expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. SAB 109 also applies to any loan commitments for which fair value accounting is elected under SFAS 159. SAB 109 was effective prospectively for derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. Adoption of SAB 109 did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141R clarifies the definitions of both a business combination and a business. All business combinations will be accounted for under the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method). This standard defines the acquisition date as the only relevant date for recognition and measurement of the fair value of consideration paid. SFAS No. 141R requires the acquirer to expense all acquisition related costs. SFAS No. 141R will also require acquired loans to be recorded net of the allowance for loan losses on the date of acquisition. SFAS No. 141R defines the measurement period as the time after the acquisition date during which the acquirer may make adjustments to the “provisional” amounts recognized at the acquisition date. This period cannot exceed one year, and any subsequent adjustments made to provisional amounts are done retrospectively and restate prior period data. The provisions of this statement are effective for business combinations during fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in consolidated financial statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 requires noncontrolling interests to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of equity. Disclosure requirements include net income and comprehensive income to be displayed for both the controlling and noncontrolling interests and a separate schedule that shows the effects of any transactions with the noncontrolling interests on the equity attributable to the controlling interest. The provisions of this statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. This statement should be applied prospectively except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 161, which amends FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information about how and why a company uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under Statement 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The required disclosures include the fair value of the derivative instruments and their gains or losses in tabular format, information about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements, counterparty credit risk, and the company’s strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments. The Statement expands the current disclosure framework in SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 161 is effective prospectively for periods beginning on or after November 15, 2008. SFAS No. 161 will impact disclosures only and will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In January 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF 99-20-1, “Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF

 

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Issue No. 99-20” (“FSP EITF No. 99-20-1”), to align the impairment model in EITF 99-20 with the impairment model in SFAS 115, resulting in a more consistent determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. FSP EITF 99-20-1 also retains and emphasizes the objective of an other-than-temporary impairment assessment and the related disclosure requirements in SFAS 115 and other related guidance. FSP EITF 99-20-1 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008. Retrospective application to a prior interim or annual period is not permitted. The Company adopted FSP EITF 99-20-1 on December 31, 2008 and the adoption did not have any significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In March 2009, the FASB issued proposals to improve guidance on fair value measurements and other-than-temporary impairment, specifically proposed FSP FAS 115-a, FAS 124-a, and EITF 99-20-b, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (FSP FAS 115-a), and FSP FAS 157-e, “Determining Whether a Market Is Not Active and a Transaction Is Not Distressed” (FSP FAS 157-e). The comment deadline for these proposals is April 1, 2009. We are evaluating the effects of these proposed changes on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition, but have reached no conclusions at this time.

 

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Table 1 – Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this annual report on Form 10-K includes certain designated net interest income amounts presented on a tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP financial measure, including the presentation of total revenue and the calculation of the efficiency ratio.

The Company believes the presentation of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis provides comparability of net interest income from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and facilitates comparability within the industry. Although the Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance investors’ understanding of its business and performance, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP. The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures from GAAP to non-GAAP are presented below.

 

     2008     2007 

 (in thousands)

 

  

 

Fourth

 

Quarter

 

        

 

Third

 

Quarter

 

              

Second

 

Quarter

 

        

 

First

 

Quarter

 

        

 

Fourth

 

Quarter

 

        

 

Third

 

Quarter

 

        

 

Second

 

Quarter

 

        

 

First 

 

Quarter 

 

 Net interest income (GAAP)

   $         4,626       4,789          4,686         4,538       4,298       4,324       4,298       3,955 

 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

     353         346              341           321         291         286         278         268 

 Net interest income (Tax-equivalent)

   $ 4,979       5,135          5,027         4,859       4,589       4,610       4,576       4,223 
 

 Total revenue (GAAP)

   $ 4,260       6,330          5,788         5,694       5,550       5,412       5,436       5,143 

 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

     353         346              341           321         291         286         278         268 

 Total revenue (Tax-equivalent)

   $ 4,613       6,676          6,129         6,015       5,841       5,698       5,714       5,411 
 
                                       

 

Years ended December 31

 (In thousands)

 

                                            

2008

 

        

2007

 

        

2006

 

        

2005

 

        

2004

 

 Net interest income (GAAP)

                        $     18,639       16,875       15,980       15,993       15,621 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

                                          1,361         1,123         1,033         956         735 

 Net interest income (Tax-equivalent)

                        $ 20,000       17,998       17,013       16,949       16,356 
 

 Total revenue (GAAP)

                        $ 22,072       21,541       20,428       20,312       22,528 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

                                          1,361         1,123         1,033         956         735 

 Total revenue (Tax-equivalent)

                        $ 23,433       22,664       21,461       21,268       23,263 
 

 

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Table 2 - Selected Financial Data

 

     Years ended December 31 

 

 

 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

  

 

2008      

 

  

 

2007

 

  

 

2006

 

  

 

2005

 

  

 

2004 

 

 Income statement

              

 

 Tax-equivalent interest income

   $ 40,491         39,940    36,658    32,270    28,864 

 Total interest expense

     20,491         21,942    19,645    15,321    12,508 

 Tax equivalent net interest income

     20,000         17,998    17,013    16,949    16,356 

 Provision for loan losses

     870         23    330    485    600 

 Total noninterest income

     3,433         4,666    4,448    4,319    6,907 

 Total noninterest expense

     12,542         12,360    11,201    11,148    13,069 

 Net earnings before income taxes and
tax-equivalent adjustment

     10,021         10,281    9,930    9,635    9,594 

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

     1,361         1,123    1,033    956    735 

 Income tax expense

     2,023         2,240    2,312    2,209    2,349 

 Net earnings

   $ 6,637         6,918    6,585    6,470    6,510 
 

 

 Per share data:

              

 Basic and diluted net earnings

   $     1.81         1.86    1.74    1.69    1.68 

 Cash dividends declared

   $ 0.74         0.70    0.64    0.58    0.50 

 Weighted average shares outstanding

              

Basic

         3,674,384         3,716,427    3,777,721    3,830,002    3,870,198 

Diluted

     3,674,384         3,716,427    3,778,055    3,830,794    3,871,273 

 Shares outstanding

     3,646,947         3,681,809    3,743,787    3,795,016    3,846,861 

 Book value

   $ 15.66         14.40    12.93    11.58    11.57 

 Common stock price

              

High

   $ 25.00         30.00    28.89    24.50    22.00 

Low

     19.00         21.30    21.50    20.00    18.60 

Period-end

   $ 20.10         21.95    28.89    22.14    20.68 

To earnings ratio

     11.10 x      11.80    16.60    13.10    12.31 

To book value

     128 %    152    223    191    179 

 

 Performance ratios:

              

 Return on average equity

     12.18 %    13.50    14.66    14.26    15.69 

 Return on average assets

     0.92 %    1.06    1.06    1.08    1.10 

 Dividend payout ratio

     40.88 %    37.63    36.78    34.32    29.76 

 Average equity to average assets

     7.59 %    7.88    7.20    7.56    7.03 

 Asset Quality:

              

 Allowance for loan losses as a % of:

              

Loans

     1.19 %    1.27    1.43    1.36    1.38 

Nonperforming assets

     92 %    753    5,616    3,558    486 

 Nonperforming assets as a % of:

              

Loans and foreclosed properties

     1.29 %    0.17    0.03    0.04    0.28 

Total assets

     0.64 %    0.08    0.01    0.02    0.12 

 Nonaccrual loans as % of loans

     1.20 %    0.14    0.03    0.04    0.28 

 Net charge-offs (recoveries) as a % of average loans

     0.17 %    (0.01)    0.05    0.13    0.58 

 Capital Adequacy:

              

 Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

     14.23 %    14.74    15.59    15.88    16.09 

 Total risk-based capital ratio

     15.22 %    15.74    16.68    16.99    17.15 

 Tier 1 Leverage ratio

     8.75 %    9.02    9.22    9.11    8.86 

 Other financial data:

              

 Net interest margin

     2.98 %    2.91    2.97    3.00    2.93 

 Effective income tax rate

     23.36 %    24.46    25.99    25.45    26.52 

 Efficiency ratio (a)

     53.52 %    54.54    52.19    52.42    56.18 

 Selected period end balances:

              

 Securities

   $ 302,656         318,373    301,937    274,961    282,199 

 Loans, net of unearned income

     369,162         322,411    281,983    282,059    251,129 

 Allowance for loan losses

     4,398         4,105    4,044    3,843    3,456 

 Total assets

     745,970         688,659    635,126    608,154    591,161 

 Total deposits

     550,843         492,585    469,648    454,995    429,339 

 Long-term debt

     123,368         115,386    90,404    105,422    105,441 

 Total stockholders’ equity

 

     57,128         53,018    48,418    43,954    44,504 

(a) Tax-equivalent. See “Table 1 - Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

 

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Table 3 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data

 

    2008     2007 

 (Dollars in thousands, except per share
amounts)

 

 

Fourth

 

   

Third

 

  

Second

 

  

First

 

  

Fourth

 

  

Third

 

  

Second

 

  

First 

 

 Income statement

                     

 Tax-equivalent interest income

  $ 9,981     10,091    10,142    10,277    10,138    10,234    9,993    9,575

 Total interest expense

    5,002     4,956    5,115    5,418    5,549    5,624    5,417    5,352

 Tax equivalent net interest income

    4,979     5,135    5,027    4,859    4,589    4,610    4,576    4,223

 Provision for loan losses

    250     380    180    60        —        —    20    3

 Total noninterest income

    (366)     1,541    1,102    1,156    1,252    1,088    1,138    1,188

 Total noninterest expense

    2,992     3,296    3,105    3,149    3,253    3,074    3,130    2,903

 Net earnings before income taxes and tax-equivalent adjustment

    1,371     3,000    2,844    2,806    2,588    2,624    2,564    2,505

 Tax-equivalent adjustment

    353     346    341    321    291    286    278    268

 Income tax expense

    71     682    636    634    517    589    575    559

 Net earnings

  $ 947     1,972    1,867    1,851    1,780    1,749    1,711    1,678
 

 

 Per share data:

                     

 

 Basic and diluted net earnings

  $ 0.26     0.54    0.51    0.50    0.48    0.47    0.46    0.45

 Cash dividends declared

  $ 0.185     0.185    0.185    0.185    0.175    0.175    0.175    0.175

 Weighted average shares outstanding

                     

Basic and diluted

        3,658,193     3,677,509    3,680,144    3,681,809    3,688,780    3,708,097    3,729,681    3,739,803

 Shares outstanding

    3,646,947     3,676,836    3,677,823    3,681,809    3,681,809    3,691,260    3,727,260    3,735,703

 Book value

  $ 15.66     14.09    14.51    15.29    14.40    13.68    12.69    13.41

 Common stock price

                     

High

  $ 23.97     25.00    23.71    24.50    25.56    27.88    29.00    30.00

Low

    19.06     22.10    21.50    19.00    21.30    23.25    26.03    26.48

Period-end

  $ 20.10     24.00    22.10    22.00    21.95    24.77    26.31    28.01

To earnings ratio

    11.10  x   11.82    11.28    11.52    11.80    13.84    14.95    15.91

To book value

    128  %   170    152    144    152    181    207    209

 Performance ratios:

                     

 Return on average equity

    7.25  %   14.42    13.09    13.74    13.51    14.41    13.03    13.25

 Return on average assets

    0.52  %   1.09    1.02    1.06    1.06    1.07    1.07    1.06

 Dividend payout ratio

    71.15  %   34.26    36.27    37.00    36.46    37.23    38.04    38.89

 Average equity to average assets

    7.18  %   7.58    7.79    7.71    7.85    7.43    8.19    7.98

 Asset Quality:

                     

 Allowance for loan losses as a % of:

                     

Loans

    1.19  %   1.19    1.17    1.23    1.27    1.29    1.35    1.46

Nonperforming assets

    92  %   80    76    81    753    1,039    58,629    1,793

Nonperforming assets as a % of:

                     

Loans and foreclosed properties

    1.29  %   1.50    1.55    1.52    0.17    0.12    NM    0.08

Total assets

    0.64  %   0.72    0.73    0.69    0.08    0.06    NM    0.04

 Nonaccrual loans as % of loans

    1.20  %   1.33    1.43    1.40    0.14    0.12    NM    0.08

 Net charge-offs (recoveries) as % of average loans

    0.09  %   0.23    0.24    0.11    (0.04)    0.04    0.05    (0.11)

 Capital Adequacy:

                     

 Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    14.23  %   14.54    14.59    14.64    14.74    14.85    15.46    15.72

 Total risk-based capital ratio

    15.22  %   15.50    15.53    15.60    15.74    15.86    16.50    16.82

 Tier 1 Leverage ratio

    8.75  %   8.87    8.67    8.82    9.02    9.13    9.51    9.72

 Other financial data:

                     

 Net interest margin

    2.92  %   3.03    2.98    2.99    2.91    3.02    3.07    2.90

 Effective income tax rate

    6.97  %   25.70    25.41    25.51    22.51    25.19    25.15    24.99

 Efficiency ratio (a)

    64.86  %   53.53    50.66    52.35    55.71    53.95    54.78    53.65

 Selected period end balances:

                     

 Securities

  $ 302,656     316,148    323,706    322,843    318,373    288,459    292,618    297,323

 Loans, net of unearned income

    369,162     354,908    345,308    331,083    322,411    316,795    303,281    282,837

 Allowance for loan losses

    4,398     4,226    4,049    4,074    4,105    4,074    4,104    4,123

 Total assets

    745,970     734,989    731,306    728,906    688,659    661,780    651,822    643,515

 Total deposits

    550,843     525,353    540,492    537,443    492,585    510,078    490,478    493,218

 Long-term debt

    123,368     128,372    123,381    123,381    115,386    90,390    90,395    90,399

 Total stockholders’ equity

 

    57,128     51,810    53,352    56,292    53,018    50,503    47,305    50,089

(a) Tax-equivalent. See “Table 1 - Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

NM - not meaningful

 

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Table 4 - Average Balance and Net Interest Income Analysis

 

   

Years ended December 31

 
         2008           2007           2006  

(Dollars in thousands)

 

      

Average

 

Balance

 

  

Interest

 

Income/

 

Expense

 

  

Yield/  

 

Rate  

 

        

Average

 

Balance

 

  

Interest

 

Income/

 

Expense

 

  

Yield/  

 

Rate  

 

        

Average

 

Balance

 

  

Interest

 

Income/

 

Expense

 

   

Yield/  

 

Rate  

 

 

Interest-earning assets:

                               

 

Loans and loans held for sale (1)

 

 

$

   347,176    $     23,216    6.69%     $    304,389    $     24,286    7.98%     $    286,613    $     22,304     7.78%  

Securities - taxable

     258,160      13,199    5.11%        242,826      12,038    4.96%        241,298      10,882     4.51%  

Securities - tax-exempt (2)

     62,801      4,001    6.37%        51,995      3,308    6.36%        47,748      3,043     6.37%  

Total securities

     320,961      17,200    5.36%        294,821      15,346    5.21%        289,046      13,925     4.82%  

Federal funds sold

     3,197      61    1.91%        5,539      276    4.98%        7,321      365     4.99%  

Interest bearing bank deposits

     511      14    2.74%        693      32    4.62%        1,264      64     5.06%  

Total interest-earning assets

     671,845      40,491    6.03%        605,442      39,940    6.60%        584,244      36,658     6.27%  

Cash and due from banks

     13,132            13,063            13,142     

Other assets

     33,100            31,903            26,541     
                                       

Total assets

  $    718,077         $    650,408         $    623,927     
                                       

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                               

 

Deposits:

                               

NOW

  $    75,461      1,569    2.08%     $    57,532      1,301    2.26%     $    65,029      1,595     2.45%  

Savings and money market

     103,379      1,819    1.76%        143,587      5,243    3.65%        142,610      5,238     3.67%  

Certificates of deposits less than $100,000

     110,592      4,676    4.23%        85,831      4,575    5.33%        84,227      3,836     4.55%  

Certificates of deposits and other time deposits of $100,000 or more

     157,830      7,011    4.44%        133,466      5,933    4.45%        104,446      4,037     3.87%  

Total interest-bearing deposits

     447,262      15,075    3.37%        420,416      17,052    4.06%        396,312      14,706     3.71%  

Short-term borrowings

     16,604      324    1.95%        12,727      601    4.72%        7,502      411     5.48%  

Long-term debt

     123,108      5,092    4.14%        93,278      4,289    4.60%        102,848      4,528     4.40%  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     586,974      20,491    3.49%        526,421      21,942    4.17%        506,662      19,645     3.88%  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     72,914            71,201            70,240     

Other liabilities

     3,715            1,544            2,120     

Stockholders’ equity

     54,474            51,242            44,905     
                                       

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $    718,077         $    650,408         $    623,927     
                                       

Net interest income and margin

        $ 20,000    2.98%           $ 17,998    2.97%           $ 17,013     2.91%  
                                           
(1) Average loan balances are shown net of unearned income and loans on nonaccrual status have been included in the computation of average balances.
(2) Yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an income tax rate of 34%.

 

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Table 5 – Volume and Rate Variance Analysis

 

        Years ended December 31, 2008 vs. 2007

 

        Years ended December 31, 2007 vs. 2006

 

 
       

Net

   Due to change in        

Net

   Due to change in  

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     

Change

 

  

Rate (2)

 

  

Volume (2)

 

       

Change

 

  

Rate (2)

 

  

Volume (2)

 

 
                 

 Interest Income:

                   

 Loans and loans held for sale

  $   (1,070)    (8,136)    7,066      $   1,982     574     1,408    

 Securities - taxable

    1,161     385     776        1,156     1,087     69    

 Securities - tax-exempt (1)

    693        688        265     (5)    270    
                           

Total securities

    1,854     390     1,464        1,421     1,082     339    

 Federal funds sold

    (215)    (127)    (88)       (89)    —      (89)   

 Interest bearing bank deposits

    (18)    (11)    (7)       (32)    (5)    (27)   
                           

Total interest income

  $   551     (7,884)    8,435     $   3,282     1,651     1,631     
                 

 Interest expense:

                   

 Deposits:

                   

NOW

  $   268     (93)    361      $   (294)    (118)    (176)   

Savings and money market

    (3,424)    (2,223)    (1,201)          (31)    36    

Certificates of deposits less than $100,000

    101     (255)    356        739     665     74    

Certificates of deposits and other time
deposits of $100,000 or more

    1,078     (4)    1,082        1,896     665     1,231     
                 

Total interest-bearing deposits

    (1,977)    (2,575)    598        2,346     1,181     1,165    

 Short-term borrowings

    (277)    (575)    298        190     (47)    237    

 Long-term debt

    803     (368)    1,171        (239)    218     (457)  
                 

Total interest expense

    (1,451)    (3,518)    2,067        2,297     1,352     945     
                 

 Net interest income

  $   2,002    (4,366)    6,368      $   985     299     686     
                 

(1)  Yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an income tax rate of 34%.

(2)  Changes attributable to rate/volume are allocated to both rate and volume on an equal basis.

 

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Table 6 - Loan Portfolio Composition

 

    

December 31 

 

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

   

2007

 

   

2006

 

   

2005

 

   

2004 

 

 

 Commercial, financial
and agricultural

   $     63,338     62,478     52,923     51,784     50,075  

 Leases - commercial

     341     486     761     1,488     5,397  

 Real estate - construction:

          

Commercial

     3,019     7,901     4,684     2,039     945  

Residential

     10,151     11,370     9,912     8,832     5,426  

 Real estate - mortgage:

          

Commercial

     210,353     161,703     142,092     148,118     136,037  

Residential

     69,736     67,246     62,596     59,757     42,545  

 Consumer installment

     12,481     11,539     9,349     10,334     11,021  

Total loans

     369,419     322,723     282,317     282,352     251,446  

 Less: unearned income

     (257 )   (312 )   (334 )   (293 )   (317 )

Loans, net of unearned income

     369,162     322,411     281,983     282,059     251,129  

 Less: allowance for loan losses

     (4,398 )   (4,105 )   (4,044 )   (3,843 )   (3,456 )

Loans, net

   $ 364,764     318,306     277,939     278,216     247,673  
   

 

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Table 7 - Loan Maturities and Sensitivities to Changes in Interest Rates

 

         December 31, 2008  

(Dollars in thousands)

 

      

1 year or

 

less

 

  

1 to 5

 

years

 

  

After 5

 

years

 

  

Total

 

    

Adjustable

 

Rate

 

  

Fixed

 

Rate

 

  

Total

 

 

Commercial, financial
and agricultural

     $ 29,836    29,353    4,149    63,338      $ 30,530    32,808    63,338   

Leases - commercial

       —        341    —        341        —        341    341  

Real estate - construction:

       12,540    630    —        13,170        —        13,170    13,170  

Real estate - mortgage:

       65,416    137,485    77,188    280,089        139,128    140,961    280,089   

Consumer installment

       5,494    6,518    469    12,481        2,778    9,703    12,481   
                     

Total loans

     $         113,286    174,327    81,806    369,419      $ 172,436    196,983    369,419 
 
                     

 

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Table 8 - Allowance for Loan Losses and Nonperforming Assets

 

     Years ended December 31 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

   

2007

 

  

2006

 

  

2005

 

  

2004 

 

 Allowance for loan losses:

             

 Balance at beginning of period

   $         4,105     4,044    3,843    3,456    4,313  

 Charge-offs:

             

Commercial, financial and agricutural

     (454)     (62)    (37)    (39)    (215) 

Real estate

     (153)     (143)    (106)    (124)    (1,507) 

Consumer

     (98)     (45)    (46)    (193)    (44) 

Total charge-offs

     (705)     (250)    (189)    (356)    (1,766) 

 Recoveries:

             

Commercial, financial and agricutural

     102     14    13    89    219  

Real estate

     20     267    11    100    11  

Consumer

     6     7    36    69    79  

Total recoveries

     128     288    60    258    309  

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (577)     38    (129)    (98)    (1,457) 

 Provision for loan losses

     870     23    330    485    600 

 Ending balance

   $ 4,398     4,105    4,044    3,843    3,456 
 

as a % of loans

     1.19 %   1.27    1.43    1.36    1.38 

as a % of nonperforming assets

     92 %   753    5,616    3,558    486 

 Net charge-offs as a % of average loans

     0.17 %   (0.01)    0.05    0.13    0.58 

 Nonperforming assets:

             

 Nonaccrual loans

   $ 4,431     447    72    108    711 

 Other nonperforming assets (primarily other real estate owned)

     324     98    —      —      —  

 Total nonperforming assets

   $ 4,755     545    72    108    711 
 

as a % of loans and foreclosed properties

     1.29 %   0.17    0.03    0.04    0.28 

as a % total assets

     0.64 %   0.08    0.01    0.02    0.12 

 Nonaccrual loans as a % of loans

     1.20 %   0.14    0.03    0.04    0.28 

 Accruing loans 90 days or more past due

   $ 104     4    —      —      105 

 

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Table 9 - CDs and Other Time Deposits of $100,000 or More

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

December 31, 2008

 

 Maturity of:

  

 3 months or less

   $         52,572

 Over 3 months through 6 months

     36,211

 Over 6 months through 12 months

     76,239

 Over 12 months

     35,506

Total CDs and other time deposits of $100,000 or more

   $ 200,528
        

 

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Table 10 - Sensitivities to Changes in Interest Rates

 

     December 31, 2008

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Immediate

 

  

 

1 to 3

 

months

 

  

 

4 to 12

 

months

 

  

 

1 to 5

 

years

 

  

 

(1)

 

Thereafter

 

  

Total

 

Interest-earning assets:

                 

Loans, net of unearned income (2)

   $ —      152,794    60,269    145,281    14,637    372,981 

Securities - taxable

     —      49,986    26,097    95,011    65,550    236,644 

Securities - tax-exempt

     —      1,160    2,620    24,912    37,320    66,012 

Federal funds sold

         20,755    —      —      —      —      20,755 

Interest bearing bank deposits

     846    —      —      —      —      846 

Total earning assets

     21,601    203,940    88,986    265,204    117,507    697,238 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Deposits:

                 

NOW

     —      51,474    4,908    26,563    —      82,945 

Savings and money market

     2,322    66,411    2,901    14,992    —      86,626 

Certificates of deposits less than $100,000

     1,492    20,694    55,747    24,797       102,731 

Certificates of deposits and other time deposits of $100,000 or more

     2,274    32,931    130,813    34,510         200,528 

Total interest-bearing deposits

     6,088    171,510    194,369    100,862    —      472,830 

Short-term borrowings

     10,910    —      —      —      —      10,910 

Long-term debt

     —      12,220    5,012    58,068    48,068    123,368 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     16,998    183,730    199,381    158,930    48,068    607,108 

Interest sensitivity gap

     4,603    20,210    (110,395)    106,274    69,439    90,130 

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap

   $ 4,603    24,813    (85,582)    20,692    90,131     
                                 

(1) includes non-rate sensitive items

(2) includes loans held for sale

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information called for by ITEM 7A is set forth in ITEM 7 under the caption “MARKET AND LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See Financial Statements and Supplementary Data contained within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of December 31, 2008, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. 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 that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

During the period covered by this report, there has not been any change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’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.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit the company to provide only management's report in this annual report.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company changed its method of accounting for uncertainties in income taxes.

LOGO

Birmingham, Alabama

March 31, 2009

 

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AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

December 31 

 (Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

  

2008

 

  

2007 

 

 Assets:

     

 Cash and due from banks

   $             14,832    $             13,312 

 Federal funds sold

     20,755      50 

 Interest bearing bank deposits

     846      136 

Cash and cash equivalents

     36,433      13,498 

 Securities available-for-sale

     302,656      318,373 

 Loans held for sale

     3,819      2,978 

 Loans, net of unearned income

     369,162      322,411 

Allowance for loan losses

     (4,398)      (4,105) 

Loans, net

     364,764      318,306 

 Premises and equipment, net

     7,778      6,423 

 Bank-owned life insurance

     15,295      14,825 

 Other assets

     15,225      14,256 

Total assets

   $ 745,970    $ 688,659 
 

 Liabilities:

     

 Deposits:

     

Noninterest-bearing

   $ 78,013    $ 70,241 

Interest-bearing

     472,830      422,344 

Total deposits

     550,843      492,585 

 Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase

     10,910      24,247 

 Long-term debt

     123,368      115,386 

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,721      3,423 

Total liabilities

     688,842      635,641 

 Stockholders’ equity:

     

 Preferred stock of $.01 par value; authorized 200,000 shares;
issued shares - none

     —          —    

 Common stock of $.01 par value; authorized 8,500,000 shares;
issued 3,957,135 shares

     39      39 

 Additional paid-in capital

     3,749      3,748 

 Retained earnings

     59,283      55,362 

 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

     603      (397) 

 Less treasury stock, at cost - 310,188 shares and 275,326 shares
for December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     (6,546)      (5,734) 

Total stockholders’ equity

     57,128      53,018 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 745,970    $ 688,659 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

   

Years ended December 31

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

 

2006 

 

 Interest income:

     

Loans, including fees

    $        23,216     $        24,286     $        22,304 

Securities

    15,839     14,223     12,892 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing bank deposits

    75     308     429 

Total interest income

    39,130     38,817     35,625 

 Interest expense:

     

Deposits

    15,075     17,052     14,706 

Short-term borrowings

    324     601     411 

Long-term debt

    5,092     4,289     4,528 

Total interest expense

    20,491     21,942     19,645 

Net interest income

    18,639     16,875     15,980 

 Provision for loan losses

    870     23     330 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    17,769     16,852     15,650 

 Noninterest income:

     

Service charges on deposit accounts

    1,252     1,302     1,387 

Servicing fees

    319     339     375 

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

    606     626     649 

Bank-owned life insurance

    470     547     452 

Securities (losses) gains, net

    (1,168)     253     10 

Other

    1,954     1,599     1,575 

Total noninterest income

    3,433     4,666     4,448 

 Noninterest expense:

     

Salaries and benefits

    7,278     7,110     6,714 

Net occupancy and equipment

    1,314     1,267     1,159 

Professional fees

    511     621     476 

Loss on prepayment of FHLB advances

    —       313     —  

Other

    3,439     3,049     2,852 

Total noninterest expense

    12,542     12,360     11,201 

Earnings before income taxes

    8,660     9,158     8,897 

 Income tax expense

    2,023     2,240     2,312 

Net earnings

  $ 6,637   $ 6,918   $ 6,585 
 

 Net earnings per share:

     

Basic and diluted

  $ 1.81   $ 1.86   $ 1.74 
 

 Weighted average shares outstanding:

     

Basic

    3,674,384     3,716,427     3,777,721 
 

Diluted

    3,674,384     3,716,427     3,778,055 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

      Common Stock    Additional
paid-in
   Retained    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
   Treasury     

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per
share data)

 

  

 

Shares

 

  

 

Amount

 

  

capital

 

  

earnings

 

  

income (loss)

 

  

stock

 

  

Total

 

 Balance, December 31, 2005

   3,957,135    $ 39    $ 3,734    $         46,919      $ (3,982)    $         (2,756)    $     43,954  

 Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

   —        —        —        6,585        —          —          6,585  

Other comprehensive income
due to change in unrealized
loss on securities available
for sale and derivative, net

   —        —        —        —          1,647       —          1,647  

    Total comprehensive income

   —        —        —        6,585        1,647       —          8,232  

 

 Cash dividends paid ($0.64 per share)

   —        —        —        (2,417)      —          —          (2,417) 

 Stock repurchases (53,229 shares)

   —        —        —        —          —          (1,378)      (1,378) 

 Sale of treasury stock (2,000 shares)

   —        —        14      —          —          13       27  

 Balance, December 31, 2006

   3,957,135    $ 39    $ 3,748    $ 51,087      $ (2,335)    $ (4,121)    $ 48,418  

 Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

   —        —        —        6,918        —          —          6,918  

Other comprehensive income due to change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale , net

   —        —        —        —          1,938       —          1,938  

    Total comprehensive income

   —        —        —        6,918        1,938       —          8,856  

 Cash dividends paid ($0.70 per share)

   —        —        —        (2,643)      —          —          (2,643) 

 Stock repurchases (61,978 shares)

   —        —        —        —          —          (1,613)      (1,613) 

 Balance, December 31, 2007

   3,957,135    $ 39    $ 3,748    $ 55,362      $ (397)    $ (5,734)    $ 53,018  

 Comprehensive income:

                    

Net earnings

   —        —        —        6,637        —          —          6,637  

Other comprehensive income
due to change in unrealized
loss on securities available
for sale, net

   —        —        —        —          1,000       —          1,000  

    Total comprehensive income

   —        —        —        6,637        1,000       —          7,637  

 Cash dividends paid ($0.74 per share)

   —        —        —        (2,716)      —             (2,716) 

 Stock repurchases (34,932 shares)

   —        —        —        —          —          (813)      (813) 

 Sale of treasury stock (70 shares)

   —        —        1      —          —               2  

 Balance, December 31, 2008

   3,957,135    $ 39    $ 3,749    $ 59,283      $ 603     $ (6,546)    $ 57,128  
 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Years ended December 31

 

 

 

 (In thousands)

 

  

2008

 

   

2007

 

   

2006

 

 

 Cash flows from operating activities:

      

 Net earnings

   $ 6,637     $ 6,918     $ 6,585  

 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:

      

Provision for loan losses

     870       23       330  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,052       423       455  

Premium amortization and discount accretion, net

     5       52       470  

Deferred tax (benefit) expense

     (668 )     65       (389 )

Net loss (gain) on securities available for sale

     1,168       360       (10 )

Net gain on sale of loans held for sale

     (606 )     (626 )     (649 )

Gain on sale of privately-held stock investments

     —         (613 )     —    

Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned

     8       —         (7 )

Loans originated for sale

     (79,947 )     (97,477 )     (80,803 )

Proceeds from sale of loans

     79,712       98,234       79,744  

Gain on sale of premises and equipment

     (1,064 )     —         —    

Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance

     (470 )     (547 )     (452 )

Loss on prepayment of FHLB advances

     —         313       —    

Net increase in other assets

     (979 )     (1,612 )     (6,409 )

Net increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     298       1,168       601  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     6,016       6,681       (534 )

 Cash flows from investing activities:

      

 Proceeds from maturities of securities held-to-maturity

     —         89       120  

 Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale

     67,431       50,207       31,146  

 Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available-for-sale

     67,933       41,509       33,769  

 Purchase of securities available-for-sale

     (119,202 )     (105,423 )     (89,736 )

 Net increase in loans

     (47,975 )     (40,528 )     (328 )

 Net purchases of premises and equipment

     (2,210 )     (971 )     (2,502 )

 Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment

     1,606       —         —    

 Proceeds from sale of other real estate

     412       40       280  

 Net (increase) decrease in FHLB stock

     (452 )     526       193  

 Proceeds from sale of privately-held stock investment

     —         1,146       —    

Net cash used in investing activities

     (32,457 )     (53,405 )     (27,058 )

 Cash flows from financing activities:

      

 Net increase (decrease) in noninterest-bearing deposits

     7,772       (8,861 )     8,317  

 Net increase in interest-bearing deposits

     50,486       31,798       6,335  

 Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     (13,337 )     9,846       12,670  

 Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings

     —         (10,000 )     10,000  

 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     18,000       35,000       —    

 Repayments or retirement of long-term debt

     (10,018 )     (10,331 )     (15,018 )

 Stock repurchases

     (813 )     (1,613 )     (1,378 )

 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock

     2       —         27  

 Dividends paid

     (2,716 )     (2,643 )     (2,417 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

     49,376       43,196       18,536  

 Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     22,935       (3,528 )     (9,056 )

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     13,498       17,026       26,082  

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 36,433     $ 13,498     $ 17,026  
   
                          

 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

      

 Cash paid during the period for:

      

 Interest

   $ 20,551     $ 21,570     $ 19,195  

 Income taxes

     3,068       1,937       4,320  

 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:

      

 

 Real estate acquired through foreclosure

   647    138    276

 Transfer of securities from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale

   —      424    —  

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose primary business is conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiary, AuburnBank (the “Bank”). AuburnBank is a commercial bank located in Auburn, Alabama. The Bank provides a full range of banking services in its primary market area, Lee County, which includes the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AuburnBank. Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include the determination of the allowance for loan losses and fair value measurements.

Correction of Accounting Errors

Other noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 included a $452 thousand pre-tax charge ($285 thousand after-tax) related to the correction of an error in prior periods. The error resulted from incorrect application of the equity method of accounting for an investment in an affordable housing limited partnership, primarily related to the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Management believes the impact of this correction is not material to current or prior period financial statements and the Company’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, based on information reviewed by management with the Audit Committee, concurs with management’s conclusion.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported net earnings or total stockholders’ equity.

Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from banks, and federal funds sold are included in cash and cash equivalents.

Securities

Securities are classified based on management’s intention at the date of purchase. At December 31, 2008, all of the Company’s securities were classified as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy, and they may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risks or other factors. All securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the deferred income tax effects. Interest and dividends on securities, including the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are calculated using a method that approximates the effective interest

 

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method over the anticipated life of the security, taking into consideration prepayment assumptions. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are determined using the specific identification method.

On a quarterly basis, the Company makes an assessment to determine whether there have been events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company considers many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment; the intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value; recent events specific to the issuer or industry; external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-temporary are written down to fair value with the write-down recorded as a realized loss in securities gains (losses).

Loans held for sale

Loans originated and intended for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value as determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Loans

Loans are reported at their outstanding principal balances, net of unearned income. Loan origination fees, net of certain loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the related loan yield using a method that approximates the interest method. Loan commitment fees are generally deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the commitment period.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when there is a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and full repayment of principal and interest is not expected or the principal or interest is more than 90 days past due, unless the loan is both well-collateralized and in the process of collection. Generally, all interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status are reversed against current income. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Individually identified impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected payments using the loan’s original effective rate as the discount rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value, a valuation allowance may be established as part of the allowance for loan losses. Changes to the valuation allowance are recorded as a component of the provision for loan losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management believes is adequate to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when they are known. Subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an evaluation of the portfolio, current economic conditions, growth, composition of the loan portfolio, homogeneous pools of loans, risk ratings of specific loans, historical loan loss factors, identified impaired loans and other factors related to the portfolio. This evaluation is performed quarterly and is inherently subjective, as it requires various material estimates that are susceptible to significant change, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on any impaired loans. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, will periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses, and may require the Company to record additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

 

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Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on a straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying value amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales (i.e. loan sales) when control over the assets have been surrendered. Control over transferred 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 that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company doe not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Derivative Instruments

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an Amendment of SFAS No. 133,” all derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at their respective fair values.

The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, on the reason for holding it. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings in the period of change. None of the derivatives utilized by the Company have been designated as a hedge.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature less than one year from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected as a secured borrowing in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the amount of cash received in connection with each transaction.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), as of January 1, 2007. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The adoption had no material affect on the Company’s financial statements. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company and its wholly-owned

 

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subsidiary file a consolidated income tax return.

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157. For more information regarding the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 157, please refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings Per Share

Basic net earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted net earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s potential common stock was issued. As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company had no options issued or outstanding.

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share computation to the diluted earnings per share computation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, is presented below.

 

     Years ended December 31 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006 

 

Basic:

        

Net earnings

   $             6,637    $             6,918    $             6,585 

Average common shares outstanding

     3,674,384      3,716,427      3,777,721 

Earnings per share

   $ 1.81    $ 1.86    $ 1.74 
 

Diluted:

        

Net earnings

   $ 6,637    $ 6,918    $ 6,585 

Average common shares outstanding

     3,674,384      3,716,427      3,777,721 

Dilutive effect of options issued

     –          –          334 

Average diluted shares outstanding

     3,674,384      3,716,427      3,778,055 

Earnings per share

   $ 1.81    $ 1.86    $ 1.74 
 

 

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NOTE 2: SECURITIES

At December 31, 2008 and 2007 all securities were classified as available-for-sale. The fair value and amortized cost for securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by contractual maturity are presented below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

 

     December 31, 2008

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

1 year
or less

 

  

1 to 5

years

 

  

5 to 10

years

 

  

After 10
years

 

  

Fair
Value

 

        Gross Unrealized   

Amortized 
cost 

 

                   

Gains

 

  

Losses

 

  

 Available-for-sale:

                         

 U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

   $     –        –        26,679    41,322    68,001       1,140    –        66,861 

 State and political
subdivisions

         –        163    15,551    49,578    65,292       685    1,766    66,373 

 Corporate securities

         –        2,450    982    5,273    8,705       –        3,098    11,803 

 Collateralized mortgage
obligations

         –        –        4,775    5,214    9,989       4    189    10,174 

 Mortgage-backed securities

         –        3,522    23,262    123,885    150,669         4,224    43    146,488 

Total available-for-sale

   $     –        6,135    71,249    225,272    302,656       6,053    5,096    301,699 
 

 Weighted average yield:

                

 U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

         –        –        4.44%    5.29%    4.96%   

 State and political
subdivisions

      –        7.12%    6.00%    6.04%    6.03%   

 Corporate securities

      –        6.75%    6.02%    6.54%    6.54%   

 Collateralized mortgage
obligations

      –        –        5.07%    5.41%    5.25%   

 Mortgage-backed securities

      –        3.90%    4.54%    5.38%    5.22%   
   

Total available-for-sale

      –        5.17%    4.81%    5.54%    5.39%   
   

 

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     December 31, 2007
     1 year    1 to 5    5 to 10    After 10    Fair    Gross Unrealized    Amortized 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

or less

 

  

years

 

  

years

 

  

years

 

  

Value

 

  

Gains

 

  

Losses

 

  

cost 

 

Available-for-sale:

                       

 

U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

   $       6,475    20,100    27,314    54,372    108,261    951    54    107,364 

State and political
subdivisions

     433    69    11,762    46,551    58,815    560    320    58,575 

Corporate securities

     –        2,528    1,011    9,320    12,859    56    118    12,921 

Collateralized mortgage
obligations

     –        –        2,304    9,916    12,220    33    189    12,376 

Mortgage-backed securities

     –        12,942    20,588    92,688    126,218    189    1,770    127,799 

Total available-for-sale

   $ 6,908    35,639    62,979    212,847    318,373    1,789    2,451    319,035 
 

Weighted average yield:

                 

U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

     3.74%    4.49%    5.26%    5.69%    5.24%    

State and political
subdivisions

     3.62%    7.64%    6.04%    6.10%    6.07%    

Corporate securities

     –        6.75%    6.01%    6.72%    6.67%    

Collateralized mortgage
obligations

     –        –        4.04%    4.97%    4.79%    

Mortgage-backed securities

     –        3.95%    3.67%    4.99%    4.67%    

Total available-for-sale

     3.73%    4.46%    4.85%    5.49%    5.21%    
    

Securities with an aggregate fair value of $204.1 million and $193.7 million at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

Yields related to tax-exempt securities are stated on a fully tax-equivalent basis using an income tax rate of 34%.

Gross gains recognized on securities were $406 thousand, $247 thousand and $261 thousand for the years ended, December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively. In addition, the Company sold a privately-held investment in 2007 for a gain of $613 thousand. Gross losses recognized on securities were $1.6 million, $607 thousand and $251 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. $1.5 million of the gross losses in 2008 were due to other-than-temporary impairment related to the Company’s investment in pooled trust preferred securities. While these pooled trust preferred securities remained current as to interest payments, their fair value was negatively impacted by market conditions.

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired. Management considers many factors, including the severity and duration of the impairment; the intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value; recent events specific to the issuer or industry; external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-temporary are written down to fair value with the write-down recorded as a realized loss in securities gains (losses). The Company may from time to time dispose of an impaired security in response to asset/liability management decisions, future market movements, business plan changes, or if the net proceeds could be reinvested at a rate of return that is expected to recover the loss within a reasonable period of time.

 

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The applicable date for determining when securities are in an unrealized loss position is December 31, 2008. As such, it is possible that a security had a market value that exceeded its amortized cost on other days during the past twelve-month period. The unrealized losses at December 31, 2008 were caused by changes in interest rates, widening of credit spreads, and reduced liquidity in applicable markets.

The unrealized losses associated with state and municipal debt securities are primarily driven by changes in interest rates and not due to the credit quality of the securities. These securities will continue to be monitored as part of our on-going impairment analysis, but are expected to perform even if the rating agencies reduce the credit rating of the bond insurers.

The unrealized losses associated with corporate securities, which generally consists of pooled and individual trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions, are primarily driven by illiquidity stemming from the effects of the mortgage and credit crises. Due to this illiquidity, it is unlikely the Company would be able to recover its investment in these securities if it sold them at this time. Pooled trust preferred investments primarily consist of securities issued by banks and are generally secured by over-collateralized or default protection provided by subordinated tranches. Pooled trust preferred securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008, if management concluded the Company had sufficient protection from subordinated tranches when compared with its estimate of credit losses for the individual security. The Company recorded a non-cash other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 on one of its pooled trust preferred investments where management determined that its estimate of credit losses for the individual security exceeded the protection provided by subordinated tranches. For individual issuers, management evaluates the financial performance of the issuer on a quarterly basis to determine if it is probable that the issuer can make all contractual principal and interest payments.

At December 31, 2008, management believed that it is probable that the Company will be able to collect all contractually due principal and interest on these securities. In addition, the Company has the intent and the ability to hold these securities until a recovery of costs, which may be at maturity. As a result, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008.

The fair values of the Company’s investment securities could decline in the future if the underlying performance of the collateral for pooled trust preferred investments or other securities deteriorate and management determines it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractual principal and interest payments. As a result, there is a risk that other-than-temporary impairment charges may occur in the future given the current economic environment.

The fair values and gross unrealized losses on securities at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, segregated by those securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and twelve months or more are presented below.

 

     Less than 12 months    12 months or longer    Total

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Fair

 

Value

 

  

Unrealized

 

Losses

 

  

Fair

 

Value

 

  

Unrealized

 

Losses

 

  

Fair

 

Value

 

  

Unrealized  

 

Losses  

 

 December 31, 2008:

                 

 

 U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

   $         —      —      —      —      —      —    

 State and political
subdivisions

     30,254    1,626    1,178    140    31,432    1,766  

 Corporate securities

     6,695    2,683    1,035    415    7,730    3,098  

 Collateralized mortgage
obligations

     6,099    154    2,879    35    8,978    189  

 Mortgage-backed securities

     5,847    38    1,283    5    7,130    43  

Total

   $ 48,895    4,501    6,375    595    55,270    5,096  
 

 

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 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   Less than 12 months

 

   12 months or longer

 

   Total

 

  

Fair

Value

 

  

Unrealized
Losses

 

  

Fair
Value

 

  

Unrealized
Losses

 

  

Fair
Value

 

  

Unrealized  
Losses

 

 December 31, 2007:

                 

 U.S. government agencies,
excluding mortgage-
backed securities

   $       16,939    5    14,436    49    31,375    54  

 State and political
subdivisions

     11,737    221    5,098    99    16,835    320  

 Corporate securities

     3,396    118    –      –      3,396    118  

 Collateralized mortgage
obligations

     –      –      8,311    189    8,311    189  

 Mortgage-backed securities

     9,907    37    80,103    1,733    90,010    1,770  

 

Total

   $ 41,979    381    107,948    2,070    149,927    2,451  
 

Included in other assets is stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta. FHLB stock is carried at cost, has no contractual maturity, has no quoted fair value, and no ready market exists. The investment in the stock is required of every member of the FHLB system. The investment in the stock was $5.3 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE 3: LOANS, NET OF UNEARNED INCOME

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31 

 

  

 

2008

 

  

 

2007

 

 Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $         63,338    $     62,478  

 Leases - commercial

     341      486  

 Real estate - construction:

     

Commercial

     3,019      7,901  

Residential

     10,151      11,370  

 Real estate - mortgage:

     

Commercial

     210,353      161,703  

Residential

     69,736      67,246  

 Consumer installment

     12,481      11,539  

Total loans

     369,419      322,723  

 Less: Unearned income

 

    

 

(257)

 

    

 

(312)  

 

Loans, net of unearned income

   $ 369,162    $ 322,411  
 

During 2008 and 2007, certain executive officers and directors of the Company and the Bank, including companies with which they are associated, were loan customers of the Bank. Total loans outstanding to these persons at December 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $3.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively. The change from 2007 to 2008 reflects payments of $8.0 million and advances of $2.7 million. In management’s opinion, these loans were made in the ordinary course of business at normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateral requirements, and do not represent more than normal credit risk.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, nonaccrual loans amounted to $4.4 million and $447 thousand, respectively. The gross interest income which would have been recorded under the original terms of those loans amount to approximately $199 thousand, $15 thousand, and $4 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

At December 31, 2008, the Company’s recorded investment in loans considered impaired was $4.3 million. The Company had no impaired loans at December 31, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was $2.6 million. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had no average recorded investment in impaired loans. The Company did not recognize any interest income on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006.

 

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NOTE 4: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   Years ended December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

 

2007

 

  

 

2006  

 

 Balance at beginning of period

   $         4,105    $         4,044    $         3,843  

 Charge-offs

     (705)      (250)      (189)  

 Recoveries

     128      288      60  

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (577)      38      (129)  

 Provision for loan losses

     870      23      330  

 

 Ending balance

  

 

$

 

4,398

  

 

$

 

4,105

  

 

$

 

4,044  

 

NOTE 5: PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007  

 

 Land

   $         4,672    $         3,075  

 Buildings and improvements

     5,467      6,041  

 Furniture, fixutures, and equipment

     3,535      3,699  

 Construction in progress

     551      68  

Total premises and equipment

     14,225      12,883  

 Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

    

 

(6,447)

 

    

 

(6,460)  

 

Premises and Equipment, net

   $ 7,778    $ 6,423  
 

NOTE 6: DEPOSITS

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the composition of total deposits is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

 

2007  

 

 Non-interest bearing demand

   $         78,013    $         70,241  

 NOW

     82,945      53,557  

 Money market

     67,322      119,198  

 Savings

     19,304      18,271  

 Certificates of deposit under $100,0000

     102,731      88,967  

 Certificates of deposit and other time
deposits of $100,000 or more

 

    

 

200,528

 

    

 

142,351  

 

Total deposits

   $ 550,843    $ 492,585  
 

 

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At December 31, 2008, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

December 31, 2008  

 

 2009

   $         165,022  

 2010

     11,280  

 2011

     5,358  

 2012

     4,146  

 2013

     14,722  

 2014 and after

     –    

Total CDs and other time deposits of $100,000 or more

   $ 200,528  
 

During 2008 and 2007, certain executive officers and directors of the Company and the Bank, including companies with which they are associated, were deposit customers of the Bank. Total deposits for these persons at December 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $19.0 million and $16.9 million, respectively.

NOTE 7: SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   2008

 

   2007

 

      

2006

 

  

Amount

 

  

Weighted        
Avg. Rate        

 

  

Amount

 

  

Weighted        
Avg. Rate        

 

       

Amount

 

  

Weighted  
Avg. Rate  

 

 Federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements
to repurchase:

                       

As of December 31

   $         10,910    0.04   %    $         24,247    3.76   %      $         14,401    5.28  %  

Average during the year

     16,604    1.95        11,536    4.73          6,817    4.77       

Maximum outstanding at any
month-end

     27,315           24,247             14,401   

 Other short-term borrowings:

                       

As of December 31

   $ –          –        %    $ –          –        %      $ 10,000    5.52  %  

Average during the year

     –          –             1,096    5.44          1,534    5.58       

Maximum outstanding at any
month-end

     –                     10,000                   10,000     

Federal funds purchased represent unsecured overnight borrowings from other financial institutions by the Bank. The Bank had available federal fund lines totaling $46.0 million with none outstanding at December 31, 2008.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent short-term borrowings with maturities less than one year collateralized by a portion of the Company’s securities portfolio. Securities with an aggregate carrying value of $11.0 million and $16.4 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were pledged to secure securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

Other short-term borrowings include FHLB advances with an original maturity of one year or less. FHLB advances are collateralized by securities from the Company’s securities portfolio and a blanket lien on certain qualifying single-family loans held in the Company’s loan portfolio. At December 31, 2008 and 2007 there were no other short-term borrowings outstanding.

 

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NOTE 8: LONG-TERM DEBT

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the composition of long-term debt is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   2008

 

   2007

 

  

Amount

 

  

Weighted
Avg. Rate

 

  

Amount

 

  

Weighted  
Avg. Rate  

 

 FHLB advances:

           

Fixed Rate, due 2009 to 2017

   $ 151    6.64  %    $ 169    6.64  %  

Convertible - LIBOR based, due 2010 to 2018

     91,000    3.94           83,000    4.10       

Total FHLB advances

     91,151    3.94           83,169    4.11       

 Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase (original maturity
greater than one year)

     25,000    4.08           25,000    4.08       

 Subordinated debentures

     7,217    5.13           7,217    7.88       

 

Total long-term debt

   $         123,368    4.04  %    $         115,386        4.34  %  
 

The Bank had $91.2 million and $83.2 million of FHLB advances with original maturities greater than one year at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Securities with an aggregate carrying value of $64.2 million and $54.3 million and certain qualifying residential mortgage loans with an aggregate carrying value of $57.6 million and $59.0 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were pledged to secure FHLB advances.

The Bank had $25.0 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase with an original maturity greater than one year at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase are callable by the issuer and therefore could mature earlier than the stated maturity date. According to the contractual terms, $20.0 million is callable in 2008, or after, and $5.0 million is callable in 2009, or after. Securities with an aggregate carrying value of $30.7 million and $29.9 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were pledged to secure long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

The Company formed Auburn National Bancorporation Capital Trust I (“Trust”), a wholly-owned statutory business trust, in 2003. The Trust issued $7.0 million of trust preferred securities that were sold to third parties. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities and trust common securities that we hold, were used to purchase subordinated debentures of $7.2 million from the Company, which are presented as long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets and qualify for inclusion in Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes, subject to certain limitations. The debentures mature on December 31, 2033 and may be redeemed on or after December 31, 2008.

The following is a schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt:

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2009

 

  

2010

 

  

2011

 

  

2012

 

  

2013

 

  

Thereafter

 

  

Total  

 

 FHLB advances

   $         18    15,018    8,018    15,018            18    53,061    91,151  

 Securities sold under
agreements to repurchase
(with an original maturity
greater than one year)

     –      –      5,000    5,000    –      15,000    25,000  

 Subordinated debentures

     –      –      –      –      –      7,217    7,217  

Total long-term debt

   $ 18    15,018    13,018    20,018            18    75,278    123,368  
 

 

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NOTE 9: OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity from all transactions other than those with shareholders, and it includes net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, is presented below.

 

 (In thousands)

 

  

Pre-tax

amount

 

  

Tax (expense)

benefit

 

  

Net of

tax amount  

 

 2008:

        

 Unrealized net holding gain on securities

   $ 450     (187)    263   

 Reclassification adjustment for realized losses on securities

     1,168     (431)    737   

Other comprehensive income

   $ 1,618     (618)    1,000   
 

 2007:

        

 Unrealized net holding gain on securities

   $         3,483     (1,393)    2,090   

 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on securities

     (253)    101     (152)  

Other comprehensive income

   $ 3,230     (1,292)    1,938   
 

 2006:

        

 Unrealized net holding loss on securities

   $ 2,746     (1,098)    1,648   

 Net gain on cash flow hedge derivative

        (3)    5   

 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on securities

     (10)       (6)  

Other comprehensive income

   $ 2,744     (1,097)    1,647   
 

NOTE 10: INCOME TAXES

The aggregate amount of income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated statements of earnings and in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 is presented below.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Years ended December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006  

 

Earnings

   $         2,023    $         2,240    2,312  

Stockholders’ equity, for accumulated other comprehensive income

     618      1,292    1,097  

Total

   $ 2,641    $ 3,532    3,409  
 

 

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For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 the components of income tax expense from continuing operations are presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Years ended December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006  

 

 Current income taxes:

   $        

Federal

     2,321    2,078    2,305  

State

     370    97    396  

Total current income taxes

     2,691    2,175    2,701  

 Deferred income taxes:

        

Federal

     (589)    (82)    (343)  

State

     (79)    147    (46)  

Total deferred income taxes

     (668)    65    (389)  

 

Total income taxes

   $         2,023    2,240    2,312  
 

Total income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes. A reconciliation of the differences for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   2008

 

    2007

 

   2006

 

  

Amount

 

  

Percent of

pre-tax

earnings

 

   

Amount

 

  

Percent of

pre-tax

earnings

 

  

Amount

 

  

Percent of  

pre-tax

earnings

 

 Earnings before income taxes

   $         8,660       9,158        8,897    
                        

 Income taxes at statutory rate

     2,944     34.0  %   3,114     34.0     3,025     34.0   

Tax-exempt interest

     (779)    (9.0)     (625)    (6.8)    (594)    (6.7)  

State income taxes, net of
federal tax effect

     192     2.2      161     1.8     231     2.6   

Low-income housing credit

     (228)    (2.6)     (228)    (2.5)    (228)    (2.6)  

Bank owned life insurance

     (160)    (1.8)     (186)    (2.0)    (152)    (1.7)  

Other

     54     0.6         0.0     30     0.3   

 

Total income tax expense

   $ 2,023     23.4  %   2,240     24.5     2,312      26.0  
 

 

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The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below:

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007  

 

Deferred tax assets:

     

Allowance for loan losses

   $         1,647    1,515  

Depreciation

     –      165  

Securities

     581    –    

Other assets

     137    –    

Unrealized loss on securities

     –      265  

Other

     30    9  

Total deferred tax assets

     2,395    1,954  

 

 Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Depreciation

     194    –    

Discount accretion

     499    534  

Unrealized gain on securities

     353    –    

FHLB stock dividends

     19    25  

Prepaid expenses

     81    92  

Deferred loan fees

     44    57  

Other

     –      91  

Total deferred tax liabilities

     1,190    799  

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 1,205    1,155  
 

The change in the net deferred tax asset (liability) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   Years ended December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006  

 

 Net deferred tax asset:

        

 Balance, beginning of year

   $         1,155    2,512    3,220  

 Deferred tax (expense) benefit related to
continuing operations

     668    (65)    389  

 Stockholders’ equity, for accumulated
other comprehensive loss (income)

     (618)    (1,292)    (1,097)  

 Balance, end of year

   $ 1,205    1,155    2,512  
 

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projection for future taxable income over the periods which the temporary differences resulting in the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertain income tax positions by providing guidance on recognition, derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, and determined there was no need to make an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of this Interpretation. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits related to federal or state income tax

 

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matters. The Company does not anticipate any material increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits during 2009 relative to any tax positions taken prior to December 31, 2008.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company has accrued no interest and no penalties related to uncertain tax positions. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated U.S. federal and State of Alabama income tax returns. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2005 through 2008. The Company is currently open to audit by the State of Alabama for the years ended December 31, 2003, through 2008, although certain matters have been closed.

NOTE 11: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company has a 401(k) Plan that covers substantially all employees. Participants may contribute up to 10% of eligible compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Company’s matching contributions to the Plan are determined by the board of directors. Participants become 20% vested in their accounts after two years of service and 100% vested after six years of service. Company matching contributions to the Plan were $119 thousand, $109 thousand, and $107 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and are included in salaries and benefits expense.

NOTE 12: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Financial derivatives are reported at fair value in other assets or other liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. For derivatives not designated as hedges, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps (“swaps”) to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions in order to minimize the risk to the Company. These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments.

Interest rate swap contracts involve the risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counter party or customer owes the Company, and results in credit risk to the Company. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is negative, the Company owes the customer or counterparty and therefore, has no credit risk.

A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps is presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31, 2008  

 

  

Notional
Amount

 

  

Estimated  

fair value  

 

 Interest rate swap agreements:

     

 Pay fixed / receive variable swaps

   $         6,767    (1,580)  

 Pay variable / receive fixed swaps

     6,767    1,580   

Total

   $ 13,534    —     
 

 

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NOTE 13: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Credit-Related Financial Instruments

The Company is party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Company follows the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the following financial instruments were outstanding whose contract amount represents credit risk:

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   December 31  

 

  

 

2008

 

  

2007  

 

 Commitments to extend credit

   $         39,582    $         54,460  

 Standby letters of credit

     9,265      10,055  

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. The commitments for lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Company, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. Essentially all letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds various assets as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The Company has recorded a liability for the estimated fair value of these standby letters of credit in the amount of $89 thousand and $87 thousand at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Other Commitments

Minimum lease payments under leases classified as operating leases due in each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2008, are as follows: 2009, $235 thousand; 2010, $179 thousand; 2011, $120 thousand; 2012, $78 thousand; 2013, $26 thousand.

Contingent Liabilities

The Company and the Bank are involved in various legal proceedings, arising in connection with their business. In the opinion of management, based upon consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these proceeding will not have a material adverse affect upon the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Bank.

 

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NOTE 14: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are explained below. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flow and other valuation techniques. Discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and should not be considered representative of the liquidation value of the Company’s financial instruments, but rather a good–faith estimate of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet are assumed to approximate fair value for these assets. For purposes of disclosure, cash equivalents include federal funds sold and other short-term investments.

Securities

The fair values of securities are based primarily upon quoted market prices. In some instances, for securities that are not widely traded, market quotes for comparable securities were used.

Loans, including loans held for sale

The fair value of loans is calculated using discounted cash flows. The discount rates used to determine the present value of the loan portfolio are estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan portfolio. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by SFAS No. 157. The estimated maturities are based on the Company’s historical experience with repayments adjusted to estimate the effect of current market conditions. The carrying amount of accrued interest approximates its fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated using market values.

Deposits

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits, such as interest and noninterest checking, NOW accounts, savings and certain types of money market accounts, are by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount). The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using discounted cash flows. The discount rates used are based on estimated market rates for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Short-term borrowings

The fair values of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and other short–term borrowings approximate their carrying value.

 

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Long–term debt

The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long–term debt is estimated using discounted cash flows based on estimated current market rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying amount of the Company’s variable rate long–term debt approximates its fair value.

Derivative Instruments

The carrying amounts of derivative instruments represent their fair value based on information from a third party.

The carrying value and related estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below.

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

   2008

 

   2007

 

  

Carrying
amount

 

  

Estimated

fair value

 

  

Carrying
amount

 

  

Estimated

fair value

 

 Financial Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $         36,433    $         36,433    $         13,498    $         13,498        

Securities

     302,656      302,656      318,373      318,373        

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses (1)

     368,583      370,813      321,284      322,739        

Derivative Assets

     1,580      1,580      625      625        

 Financial Liabilities:

           

Deposits

   $ 550,843    $ 557,452    $ 492,585    $ 491,423        

Short-term borrowings

     10,910      10,910      24,247      24,247        

Long-term debt

     123,368      134,110      115,386      114,236        

Derivative Liabilities

     1,580      1,580      625      625        

(1) includes loans held for sale

NOTE 15: FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, effective January 1, 2008. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in accordance with SFAS No. 157.

 

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Securities – where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within level 1 of the hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities such as U.S. Treasuries and exchange-traded equity securities. When instruments are traded in secondary markets and quoted market prices are not available, the Company generally relies on prices obtained from independent vendors. Vendors compile prices from various sources and often apply matrix pricing for similar securities when no price is observable. Securities measured with these valuation techniques are generally classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy and often involve using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses using inputs observable in the market where available. Examples include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations.

In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3 models are utilized when quoted prices are not available for certain securities or in markets where trading activity has slowed or ceased. When quoted prices are not available and are not provided by third party pricing services, management judgment is necessary to determine fair value. As such, fair value is determined using discounted cash flow analysis models, incorporating default rates, estimation of prepayment characteristics and implied volatilities. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company determined that Level 3 pricing models should be utilized for valuing its investments in pooled and single issue trust preferred securities. Management determined that an orderly and active market for these securities did not exist based on a significant reduction in trading volume and widening spreads during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Other assets – the Company has certain financial assets carried at fair value, including interest rate swap agreements. The carrying amount of interest rate swap agreements is based on information obtained from a third party bank. These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company had no derivative contracts to assist in managing interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company reflects these assets within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other liabilities – the Company has certain financial liabilities carried at fair value, including interest rate swap agreements. The carrying amount of interest rate swap agreements is based on information obtained from a third party bank. These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company had no derivative contracts to assist in managing interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company reflects these liabilities within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table presents the financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2008, by caption, on the consolidated balance sheets and by SFAS No. 157 valuation hierarchy (as described above):

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Amount

 

  

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets

for

Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

  

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Securities available-for-sale

   $         302,656    –          293,951    8,705  

Other assets

     1,580    –          1,580    –    

Total assets at fair value

   $ 304,236    –          295,531    8,705  
 

 

Other liabilities

   $ 1,580    –          1,580    –    

Total liabilities at fair value

   $ 1,580    –          1,580    –    
 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements for securities available-for-sale recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets using Level 3 inputs:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

Year ended December 31, 2008

 

Beginning balance

               $         —     

Total realized and unrealized gains and losses:

     —     

Included in net earnings

     —     

Included in other comprehensive income

     (590)  

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     —     

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     9,295   

Ending balance

               $ 8,705   
 

NOTE 16: REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS AND CAPITAL RATIOS

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by 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 material effect on the consolidated 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 Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off–balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors, and the Federal Reserve is encouraging the maintenance of higher levels of capital well above the minimum ratios. Supervisory assessments of capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions based solely upon risk-based capital ratios. 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) Tier 1 leverage capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based ratio and total risk-based ratio (defined in regulations, see “Supervision and Regulation”). Management believes, as of December 31, 2008, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2008, the Bank is “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk–based, Tier I risk–based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. Management is not aware of any conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s capital category.

 

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The actual capital amounts and ratios and the aforementioned minimums as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below.

 

     Actual     Minimum for capital
adequacy purposes
    Minimum to be
well capitalized
 
(Dollars in thousands)    Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  

 At December 31, 2008:

               

 Tier 1 Leverage Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $     63,629    8.75  %   $ 29,101    4.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     59,473    8.22        28,929    4.00      $     36,161    5.00 

 Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $ 63,629    14.23  %   $ 17,881    4.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     59,473    13.43        17,718    4.00      $ 26,577    6.00 

 Total Risk-Based Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $ 68,027    15.22  %   $ 35,761    8.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     63,871    14.42        35,436    8.00      $ 44,295    10.00 

 At December 31, 2007:

               

 Tier 1 Leverage Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $ 60,521    9.02  %   $ 26,872    4.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     55,570    8.34        26,655    4.00      $ 33,318    5.00 

 Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $ 60,521    14.74  %   $ 16,422    4.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     55,570    13.69        16,240    4.00      $ 24,360    6.00 

 Total Risk-Based Capital

               

Auburn National Bancorporation

   $ 64,627    15.74  %   $ 32,844    8.00  %     N/A    N/A    

AuburnBank

     59,676    14.70        32,480    8.00      $ 40,600    10.00 

Dividends paid by the Bank are a principal source of funds available to the Company for payment of dividends to its stockholders and for other needs. Applicable federal and state statutes and regulations impose restrictions on the amounts of dividends that may be declared by the subsidiary bank. State statutes restrict the Bank from declaring dividends in excess of the sum of the current year’s earnings plus the retained net earnings from the preceding two years without prior approval. In addition to the formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities also consider the adequacy of the Bank’s total capital in relation to its assets, deposits, and other such items. Capital adequacy considerations could further limit the availability of dividends from the Bank. At December 31, 2008, the Bank could have declared additional dividends of approximately $6.5 million without prior approval of regulatory authorities. As a result of this limitation, approximately $50.5 million of the Company’s investment in the Bank was restricted from transfer in the form of dividends.

 

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NOTE 17: AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)

The Parent Company’s condensed balance sheet and related condensed statements of earnings and cash flows are as follows:

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

 

December 31  

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

  

2007  

 

 Assets:

     

 Cash and due from banks

   $         855    $         1,271  

 Investment in bank subsidiary

     60,075      55,172  

 Premises and Equipment

     3,575      4,103  

 Other assets

     602      564  

Total assets

   $ 65,107    $ 61,110  
 

 

 Liabilities:

     

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities

   $ 762    $ 875  

 Long-term debt

     7,217      7,217  

Total liabilities

     7,979      8,092  

 Stockholders' equity

     57,128      53,018  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

   $ 65,107    $ 61,110  
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

    

Years ended December 31  

 

 (Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

  

2007

 

  

2006

 

 Income:

        

Dividends from bank subsidiary

   $         3,136    $         4,753    $       6,934   

Noninterest income

     307      463      387   

Total income

     3,443      5,216      7,321   

 

 Expense:

        

Interest

     397      583      560   

Non-interest

     526      494      437   

Total expense

     923      1,077      997   

 Earnings before income tax benefit and equity
in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary

     2,520      4,139      6,324   

 Income tax benefit

     (214)      (224)      (234)  

 Earnings before equity in undistributed earnings
of bank subsidiary

     2,734      4,363      6,558   

 Equity in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary

     3,903      2,555      27   

Net Earnings

   $ 6,637    $ 6,918    $ 6,585   
 

 

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CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    

Years ended December 31   

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  

2008

 

  

 

2007

 

  

2006   

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net earnings

   $         6,637    $         6,918    $         6,585   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

     110      116      114   

Loss on sale of premises and equipment

     142      –          –       

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (38)      91      (8)  

Decrease (increase) in other liabilities

     (113)      241      186   

Equity in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary

     (3,903)      (2,555)      (27)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,835      4,811      6,850   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (6)      (605)      (2,491)  

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment

     282      –          –       

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     276      (605)      (2,491)  

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Stock repurchases

     (813)      (1,613)      (1,378)  

Proceeds from sale of treasury stock

     2      –          27   

Dividends paid

     (2,716)      (2,643)      (2,417)  

Net cash used in financing activities

     (3,527)      (4,256)      (3,768)  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (416)      (50)      591   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,271      1,321      730   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 855    $ 1,271    $ 1,321   
 

NOTE 18: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In February 2009, the FDIC adopted an interim rule imposing a 20 basis point special assessment for FDIC insured institutions on June 30, 2009. The assessment will be collected on September 30, 2009. EITF Topic No. D-47, “Accounting for the Refund of Bank Insurance Fund and Savings Association Insurance Fund Premiums”, indicates that the liability for a potential special assessment of deposit insurance premiums should be accrued when the proposed rule or legislation is enacted. In this case, the interim rule is effective April 1, 2009 and will be based on balances as of June 30, 2009. As such, the Company will accrue the liability in its second quarter results ending June 30, 2009. Depending upon the significance of the special assessment to the Company’s results of operations, the Company will disclose the estimated amount of the accrual in its first quarter filing (i.e. the quarter ending March 31, 2009), if necessary. The FDIC has indicated that the amount of the special assessment (i.e. 20 basis points) may be reduced if the United States Congress expands the FDIC’s borrowing capacity from the United States Treasury from $30 billion to $100 billion or more, or if other funding is provided from sources other than insurance assessments.

In March 2009, one of the Company’s correspondent banks announced that it had entered into a consent order with the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), which among other things, requires the correspondent bank to raise and maintain levels of capital well above regulatory minimums for well-capitalized banks, and to submit a capital restoration plan acceptable to the OCC. At December 31, 2008, the Company owned trust preferred securities and common stock issued by the correspondent bank’s holding company. At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these trust preferred securities held in the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately $763,000, with an amortized cost of $1,425,000. The common stock investment is carried at its cost, has no contractual maturity, has no quoted fair value, and no ready market exists. The carrying value of the common stock investment was approximately $2,000,000 at December 31, 2008 and was included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with Company policy (refer to Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”), the Company will make an assessment at the end of the first quarter (March 31, 2009) to determine whether there have been events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Proposal One: Election of Directors - Information about Nominees for Directors,” and “Executive Officers,” “Additional Information Concerning the Company’s Board of Directors and Committees,” “Executive Compensation,” “Audit Committee Report” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to the Company’s directors, officers and employees, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial and principal accounting officer, controller and other senior financial officers. The Code of Conduct and Ethics, as well as the charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, can be found by clicking the heading “About Us” on the Company’s website, www.auburnbank.com, and then clicking on “Corporate Governance.” In addition, this information is available in print to any shareholder who requests it. Written requests for a copy of the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics or the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charters may be sent to Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc., 100 N. Gay Street, Auburn, Alabama 36830, Attention: Marla Kickliter, Senior Vice President of Compliance and Internal Audit. Requests may also be made via telephone by contacting Marla Kickliter, Senior Vice President of Compliance and Internal Audit, or Laura Carrington, Vice President of Human Resources, at (334) 821-9200.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Additional Information Concerning the Company’s Board of Directors and Committees – Board Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Officers,” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Proposal One: Election of Directors - Information about Nominees for Directors and Executive Officers” and “Stock Ownership by Certain Persons” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

As of December 31, 2008 the Company had no compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

The Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan expired on May 10, 2004. No new plans have been issued.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Additional Information Concerning the Company’s Board of Directors and Committees – Committees of the Board of Directors – Independent Directors Committee” and “Certain Transactions and Business Relationships” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Independent Public Accountants” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) List of all Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public accounting firm of the Company are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(b) Exhibits

 

  3.1. Certificate of Incorporation of Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-Q dated June 20, 2002 (File No. 000-26486)).

 

  3.2. Amended and Restated Bylaws of Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc., adopted as of November 13, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K dated March 31, 2008 (File No. 000-26486)).

 

  4.1 Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of November 4, 2003, between Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2003 (File No. 000-26486)).

 

  4.2 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2003, among Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc., as Depositor, Wilmington Trust Company, as Property Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees named therein, as Administrative Trustees (incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2003 (File No. 000-26486)).

 

  4.3 Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 4, 2003, between Auburn National Bancorporation, Inc., as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Guarantee Trustee (incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2003 (File No. 000-26486)).

 

  10.2. Lease and Equipment Purchase Agreement, dated September 15, 1987 (incorporated by reference from Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 33-86180)).

 

  21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant

 

  23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

  31.1 Certification signed by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).

 

  31.2 Certification signed by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).

 

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  32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by E.L. Spencer, Jr., President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

 

  32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by David A. Hedges, VP, Controller and Chief Financial Officer.

 

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules required pursuant to this item were either included in the financial information set forth in (a) above or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Auburn, State of Alabama, on the 31st day of March, 2009.

 

AUBURN NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, INC.
(Registrant)
By:     /S/ E. L. SPENCER, JR.
  E. L. Spencer, Jr.
  President

Pursuant to the requirements of 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 and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

  /S/ E. L. SPENCER, JR

E. L. Spencer, Jr.

   President, CEO and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)    March 31, 2009

  /S/ DAVID A. HEDGES  

David A. Hedges

   VP, Controller and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    March 31, 2009

  /S/ ROBERT W. DUMAS       

Robert W. Dumas

   Director    March 31, 2009

  /S/ TERRY W. ANDRUS        

Terry W. Andrus

   Director    March 31, 2009

  /S/ DAVID E. HOUSEL           

David E. Housel

   Director    March 31, 2009

  /S/ WILLIAM F. HAM, JR.     

William F. Ham, Jr.

   Director    March 31, 2009

 

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