UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
OR
First Citizens Banc Corp(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (419) 625-4121
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of Exchange Act). Yes x No o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, no par valueOutstanding at August 9, 20045,026,579 common shares
FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPIndexTABLE OF CONTENTS
FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPConsolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)(In thousands, except share data)
See notes to interim consolidated financial statements
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FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPConsolidated Statements of Income(Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data)
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FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPConsolidated Comprehensive Income Statements (Unaudited)(In thousands)
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FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPCondensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity (Unaudited)(In thousands, except share data)
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FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORPCondensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)(In thousands)
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First Citizens Banc CorpNotes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)Form 10-Q(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Citizens Banc Corp (First Citizens) and it wholly-owned subsidiaries: The Citizens Banking Company (Citizens), The Farmers State Bank of New Washington (Farmers), SCC Resources, Inc. (SCC), R. A. Reynolds Appraisal Service, Inc., (Reynolds), Mr. Money Finance Company (Mr. Money), First Citizens Title Insurance Agency, Inc. (Title Agency), First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc. (Insurance Agency), and Water Street Properties, Inc. (Water St.) together referred to as the Corporation. Citizens and Farmers are collectively referred to as the Banks. As further discussed in Note 8, trusts that had previously been consolidated with the Corporation are now reported separately as of December 31, 2003.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Corporation without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Corporations financial position as of June 30, 2004 and its results of operations and changes in cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been made. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with instructions of Form 10-Q, and therefore certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. The results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Reference is made to the accounting policies of the Corporation described in the notes to financial statements contained in the Corporations 2003 annual report. The Corporation has consistently followed these policies in preparing this Form 10-Q.
The Corporation provides financial services through its offices in the Ohio counties of Erie, Crawford, Huron, Marion, Ottawa, Richland and Union. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, and its primary lending products are residential mortgage, commercial, and installment loans. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets and real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of businesses. Real estate loans are secured by both residential and commercial real estate. Other financial instruments that potentially represent concentrations of credit risk include deposit accounts in other financial institutions. In 2004, SCC provided item processing for nine financial institutions in addition to the two subsidiary banks. SCC accounted for 3.0% of the Corporations total revenues through June 30, 2004. Reynolds provides real estate appraisal services for lending purposes to subsidiary banks and other financial institutions. Reynolds accounted for less than 1 percent of total Corporation revenues. Mr. Money provides consumer and real estate financing that the Banks would not normally provide to B and C credits at a rate commensurate with the risk. Mr. Money accounted for 4.3% of total Corporation revenues. First Citizens Title Insurance Agency Inc. was formed to provide customers with a seamless mortgage product with improved service. Commission revenue was less than 1 percent of total revenue for the period ended June 30, 2004. First Citizens
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Insurance Agency Inc. was formed to allow the Corporation to participate in commission revenue generated through its third party insurance agreement. Insurance commission revenue is less than 1 percent of total revenue for the period ended June 30, 2004. Water St. revenue also totaled less than 1 percent of total revenue for the period ended June 30, 2004. Management considers the Corporation to operate primarily in one reportable segment, banking. To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, fair values of financial instruments, and status of contingencies are particularly subject to change.
Income tax expense is based on the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the entire year. 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 basis 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.
On December 31, 2002, SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation was issued and amended SFAS No. 123. Employee compensation expense under stock options is reported using the intrinsic value method. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying common stock at date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if expense was measured using the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123. No stock options were granted prior to July 2, 2002.
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(2) Securities
Securities at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:
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The amortized cost and fair value of securities at June 30, 2004, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities and equity securities are shown separately.
Proceeds from sales of securities, gross realized gains and gross realized losses were as follows:
Securities with a carrying value of approximately $71,091 and $83,813 were pledged as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, to secure public deposits, other deposits and liabilities as required by law.
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(3) Loans
Loans at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:
(4) Allowance for Loan Losses
A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses was as follows:
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Information regarding impaired loans was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30.
Information regarding impaired loans at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was as follows:
Nonperforming loans were as follows:
Nonperforming loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage and consumer loans, that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individual classified impaired loans.
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(5) Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Risk
Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit and overdraft protection are issued to meet customers financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as the conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance-sheet risk of credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, including obtaining collateral at exercise of commitment.
The contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk was as follows for June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003.
Commitments to make loans are generally made for a period of one year or less. Fixed rate loan commitments above had interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 10.00% at June 30, 2004 and 3.25%to 8.00% at December 31, 2003. Maturities extend up to 30 years.
The Banks are required to maintain certain reserve balances on hand in accordance with the Federal Reserve Board requirements. The average reserve balance maintained in accordance with such requirements for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 approximated $9,624 and $9,293.
(6) Merger
On March 4, 2004, the Corporation signed a letter of intent to acquire FNB Financial Corporation (FNB), a $215,000 bank holding company headquartered in Shelby, Ohio. The shareholders of FNB will be able to elect to receive 2.62 shares of the Corporations common shares, $72.00 in cash or a combination of 60% stock and 40% cash, subject to an overall limitation. At the time of the merger, FNBs subsidiary, First National Bank of Shelby, will be merged into Farmers. The merger is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and
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is expected to be consummated in the fourth quarter of 2004.
(7) Pension Information
Net periodic pension expense for:
The total amount of contributions expected to be paid by the Corporation in 2004 total $1,196, compared to $430 in 2003.
(8) Subordinated Debentures and Trust Preferred Securities
Trusts formed by the Corporation, in March 2003 and March 2002, issued $7,500 of 4.41% floating rate and $5,000 of 5.59% floating rate trust preferred securities through special purpose entities as part of pooled offerings of such securities. The Corporation issued subordinated debentures to the trusts in exchange for the proceeds of the offerings, which debentures represent the sole assets of the trusts. The Corporation may redeem the subordinated debentures, in whole but not in part, any time prior to March 26, 2008 and March 26, 2007, respectively at a price of 107.50% of face value for those issued in 2003 and 2002. After March 26, 2008 and March 26, 2007, respectively, subordinated debentures may be redeemed at face.
Prior to December 31, 2003, the trusts were consolidated in the Corporations financial statements, with the trust preferred securities issued by the trusts reported in liabilities as trust preferred securities and the subordinated debentures eliminated in consolidation. Under new accounting guidance, FASB Interpretation No. 46, as revised in December 2003, the trusts are no longer consolidated with the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation does not report the securities issued by the trusts as liabilities, and instead reports as
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liabilities the subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation and held by the trusts, as these are no longer eliminated in consolidation. Amounts previously reported as trust preferred securities in liabilities have been recaptioned subordinated debentures and continue to be presented in liabilities on the balance sheet. The effect of no longer consolidating the trusts does not significantly change the amounts reported as the Corporations assets, liabilities, equity, or interest expense.
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First Citizens Banc CorpManagements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsForm 10-Q(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
Introduction
The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition of First Citizens Banc Corp at June 30, 2004, compared to December 31, 2003 and the consolidated results of operations for the three month and six month periods ending June 30, 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this Form 10-Q.
The registrant is not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that will have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on the liquidity, capital resources, or operations except as discussed herein. Also, the registrant is not aware of any current recommendation by regulatory authorities, which would have a material effect if implemented.
When used in this Form 10-Q or future filings by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases will likely result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, estimate, project, believe, or similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Corporation wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including regional and national economic conditions, changes in levels of market interest rates, credit risks of lending activities and competitive and regulatory factors, could effect the Corporations financial performance and could cause the Corporations actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions, which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Financial Condition
Total assets of the Corporation at June 30, 2004 were $636,331 compared to $636,423 at December 31, 2003. This was a decrease of $92. Within the structure of the assets, net loans have increased $19,194, or 4.1 percent since December 31, 2003. The commercial real estate portfolio increased by $15,712, the commercial and agriculture portfolio increased $8,649, and the residential real estate portfolio increased $544, while consumer loans decreased by $2,108. This is reflective of a shift in focus by the Corporation toward commercial loans and away from residential real estate and consumer loans. The Corporation has continued to emphasize increasing its share of the local market for commercial real estate loans. New lending officers have been hired to enable the Corporation to continue its proactive approach in contacting new and current clients. Commercial lending relationships generally offer more attractive returns than residential loans and also offer opportunities for attracting
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larger balance deposit relationships.
In the continued low interest rate environment, the greatest demand for residential real estate loans has been for a fixed rate loan. Rather than add these loans to the portfolio, the Corporation has generally sold these loans on the secondary market. This has allowed for additional funding to be used for commercial lending. Mr. Money continues to service the needs of B and C credit customers for consumer and real estate financing that the Banks would not normally provide, and at a rate commensurate with the risk. Mr. Money had loans outstanding of $15,097 at June 30, 2004 compared to $14,442 at December 31, 2003. Loans held-for-sale increased $49, or 30.8 percent from December 31, 2003. At June 30, 2004, the net loan to deposit ratio was 97.7 percent compared to 90.1 percent at December 31, 2003.
For the six months of operations in 2004, $920 was placed into the allowance for loan losses from earnings compared to $470 for the same period of 2003. Impaired loans have increased $313, or 4.9 percent since year end, while the portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to these impaired loans has increased $941. Efforts are continually made to examine both the level and mix of the reserve by loan type as well as the overall level of the reserve. Management specifically evaluates loans that are impaired, or graded as doubtful by the internal grading function for estimates of loss. To evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to cover probable losses in the portfolio, management considers specific reserve allocations for identified portfolio loans, reserves for delinquencies and historical reserve allocations. In 2003, the Corporations reserve calculation began to evolve to provide a more detailed reserve adequacy calculation. The composition and overall level of the loan portfolio and charge-off activity are also factors used to determine the amount of the allowance for loan losses. With the enhanced details included in the reserve calculation, the Corporation increased the provision for loan losses in the second quarter 2004 to maintain an adequate level in the reserve. Net charge-offs for the first six months of 2004 were $807, compared to $938 for the same period of 2003. The primary cause of this decline is due to the quality of the Corporations consumer loan portfolio. The credit quality of these loans has continued to improve over the last year due to the tightening of underwriting standards. Based on its knowledge of the consumer loan portfolio, management believes the charge-off rate experienced last year will continue to decline with the new underwriting standards in place. The June 30, 2004 allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was 1.31 percent compared to 1.34 percent at December 31, 2003.
At June 30, 2004, available for sale securities totaled $89,834 compared to $109,508 at December 31, 2003, a decrease of $19,674. The decrease in securities was due to paydowns, calls, maturities and sales. Funds not used to replace these securities were used to fund other assets, such as loans. Bank stocks increased $117 from December 31, 2003 due to FHLB stock dividends received.
Office premises and equipment have decreased $509 and intangible assets have decreased $243 since December 31, 2003. The decrease in office premises and equipment is attributed to
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depreciation of $475 and disposals of $416 offset by new purchases of $382. In May of 2004, Citizens sold one of its branches included in the disposals, recognizing a $73 gain on the sale. Intangible assets decreased due to amortization of the core deposit premium and noncompete agreement.
Total deposits at June 30, 2004 decreased $16,607 from year-end 2003. Noninterest-bearing deposits, representing demand deposit balances, decreased $2,657 from year-end 2003. Interest-bearing deposits, including savings and time deposits, decreased $13,950 from year-end 2003. The year to date average balance of total deposits decreased $29,531 compared to the average balance of the same period 2003. As the stock market continues to recover, investors who had sought out short-term financial institution deposit products are now moving funds into different markets. The year to date 2004 average balance of savings deposits has decreased $3,973 compared to the average balance of the same period for 2003. The current average rate of these deposits is 0.41 percent compared to 0.50 percent in 2003. The year to date 2004 average balance of time certificates has decreased $22,613 compared to the average balance for the same period for 2003. Additionally, the year to date 2004 average balances compared to the same period in 2003 of Demand Deposits increased $3,539, while N.O.W. accounts increased $6,834, and Money Market Savings decreased $11,709.
Total borrowed funds have increased $16,908 from December 31, 2003 to June 30, 2004. The company used FHLB advances to offset the decline in deposits experienced in the first six months of 2004. At June 30, 2004, the Corporation had $36,910 in outstanding advances compared to $18,975 at December 31, 2003. The advances consist of $21,910 of 1.5% overnight funds and a $15,000, 3.03% two year advance. The Corporation has notes outstanding with other financial institutions totaling $9,000 at both June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003. These notes were primarily used to fund the loan growth at Mr. Money. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which tend to fluctuate, have decreased $1,604, and U.S. Treasury Tax Demand Notes have increased $587.
Shareholders equity at June 30, 2004 was $67,728, or 10.7 percent of total assets, compared to $69,125 at December 31, 2003, or 10.9 percent of total assets. The change in shareholders equity is made up of earnings of $2,564, less dividends paid of $2,718, the decrease in the market value of securities available for sale, net of tax, of $1,101, and the purchase treasury shares totaling $142. The Corporation paid a cash dividend on February 1, 2004 and May 1, 2004 at a rate of $.27 per share. Total outstanding shares at June 30, 2004 were 5,026,579.
Results of Operations
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $2,564, or $.51 per diluted share compared to $3,553 or $.70 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. This was a decrease of $989, or 27.8 percent. Some of the reasons for the changes are explained below.
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Total interest income for the first six months of 2004 decreased $1,482, or 8.7 percent compared to the same period in 2003. The average rate on earning assets on a tax equivalent basis for the first six months of 2004 was 5.04 percent and 5.57 percent for the first six months of 2003. The decrease in yield is a reflection of the rate environment we continue to experience. Total interest expense for the first six months of 2004 has decreased by $864, or 19.1 percent compared to the same period of 2003. This decrease is mainly attributed to a decrease in interest on deposits of $985, a decrease in other borrowings of $90, partially offset by in increase in interest on FHLB borrowings of $145 and an increase in subordinated debentures of $66. Interest on other borrowings decreased due to the continued decline in interest rates on the borrowings. Interest on FHLB borrowings increased due to the use of overnight advances instead of fed funds purchased to offset the decline in deposits as well as the 2 year, $15,000 advance taken out in the second quarter of 2004. The average rate on interest-bearing liabilities for the first six months of 2004 was 1.37 percent compared to 1.61 percent for the same period of 2003. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 4.08 percent for June 30, 2004 and 4.38 percent for June 30, 2003.
Noninterest income for the first six months of 2004 totaled $3,417, compared to $4,117 for the same period of 2003, a decrease of $700. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $42 in 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Check Protect generated an additional $38 in service charge income in the first six months of the year 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Revenue from computer operations decreased $24 while ATM fees increased $3. Both gains on sales of securities and loans declined during the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. In 2003, the Citizens sold several securities that resulted in a gain of $289, while in 2004 securities that were sold resulted in gains of $103. In the first six months of 2003, mortgage refinancings were at a high level as interest rates continued to be low and the demand for fixed rate mortgages was high. In 2004, the amount of refinancings decreased as the market of customers wanting to refinance diminished. These two factors have caused the decline of gain of loan sales in 2004 of $278. As the Trust department continues to add assets to its portfolio, the amount of fee income generated also continues to grow. Through June 30, 2004, the fees generated total $361 compared to $147 through June 30, 2003, an increase of $214. Other operating revenue decreased $472 due to the following reasons. Commission from the origination of wholesale mortgages decreased $328 in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. As with the traditional secondary market, the amount of loans sold has declined dramatically in 2004 compared to 2003. Additionally, Citizens, revenue earned through its credit card portfolio has decreased $90. In November 2003, Citizens sold its credit card portfolio; therefore the fees earned in the past with the portfolio will no longer be earned.
Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 totaled $10,848 compared to $11,202 for the same period in 2003. This was a decrease of $354, or 3.2 percent. Salaries and benefits decreased $26, or 0.5 percent compared to the first six months of 2003. Occupancy expense increased $56 compared to 2003 due to utility payments and depreciation expense on the operations center constructed in November 2003. Equipment expense decreased $53,
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as a result of decreased depreciation and maintenance expense. Computer processing expense decreased $3, advertising expense decreased $11, and professional fees decreased by $63. State franchise taxes increased $6, amortization expense increased $6, and ATM expense increased $1. The decrease in other operating expenses of $230 can be explained by the following. In 2003, the Corporation opened branches in new markets. As a result of entering new markets, items such as loan promotion expenses, business promotion, postage, and stationary and supplies were increased to gain visibility in the new markets. In 2004, these items decreased by $83 from 2003. With the decline in loans sold on the secondary markets, the expenses to originate these loans also declined. Comparing the first six months of 2003 to 2004, a decrease in expense of $39 resulted. Finally, due to the Citizens sale of its credit card portfolio, the expense on credit cards decreased $71 during the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.
Income tax expense for the first six months of 2004 totaled $1,029 compared to $1,456 for the first six months of 2003. This was a decrease of $427, or 28.2 percent. The decrease in the federal income taxes is a result of the decrease in total income before taxes of $1,416. The effective tax rates were comparable for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, at 28.6% and 29.1%, respectively.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $1,401 or $.28 per diluted share compared to $1,703 or $.34 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. This was a decrease of $300, or 17.6 percent. Some of the reasons for the changes are explained below.
Total interest income for the second quarter of 2004 decreased $580, or 6.8 percent compared to the same period in 2003. Interest on fees and loans decreased $114, or 1.6 percent compared to the same period in 2002. This decrease is mainly due to the continued decline in average yield of the loan portfolio. The average rate on earning assets on a tax equivalent basis for the second quarter of 2004 was 5.17 percent and 5.59 percent for the same period of 2003. Total interest expense for the second quarter of 2004 decreased $398, or 18.2 percent compared to the same period of 2003. The average rate on interest-bearing liabilities for the second quarter of 2004 was 1.44 percent compared to 1.66 percent for the same period of 2003. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 4.14 percent for the three-month period ended June 30, 2004 and 4.42 percent for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003.
Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2004 totaled $1,694, compared to $1,977 for the same period of 2003, a decrease of $283. Service charge fees increased $41 in the second quarter 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Check Protect generated an additional $48 in service charge income. Computer processing fees decreased $26, ATM fees and gains on sales of securities decreased $2. Trust fees increased $122 as the Trust department continues to grow its asset portfolio. Other fees decreased $239 primarily because of the
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following reasons. Commission from the origination of wholesale mortgages decreased $158 in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 as the amount of loans sold on the secondary market declined. Credit card fees earned in the second quarter of 2004 decreased $45 compared to 2003 since Citizens no longer offers its credit card products.
Noninterest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 totaled $5,345 compared to $5,635 for the same period in 2003. This was a decrease of $290, or 5.2 percent. Salaries and benefits decreased $194, or 7.3 percent compared to the second quarter of 2003, due primarily to the closing of two bank branches. Computer processing expense decreased by $6 compared to last year. State franchise taxes increased $20 compared to the first six months in 2003. Professional services decreased $42 for the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. ATM expenses decreased $30 in the second quarter 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.
Income tax expense for the second quarter totaled $585 compared to $688 for the same period in 2003. This was a decrease of $103, or 15.0 percent. The effective tax rates were comparable for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, were 29.4% and 28.8%, respectively.
Capital Resources
Shareholders equity totaled $67,728, at June 30, 2004 compared to $69,125 at December 31, 2003. All of the capital ratios exceed the regulatory minimum guidelines as identified in the following table:
The Corporation paid a cash dividend of $.27 per common share on February 1, 2004 and May 1, 2004 compared to $.26 per common share on February 1, 2003 and May 1, 2003.
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Liquidity
Liquidity as it relates to the banking entities of the Corporation is the ability to meet the cash demand and credit needs of its customers. The Banks, through their respective correspondent banks, maintain federal funds borrowing lines totaling $22,750 and the Banks have additional borrowing availability at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati of $47,325 at June 30, 2004. Liquidity is also evidenced by all but $12 of its security portfolio being classified as available for sale.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted within the United States of America and conform to general practices within the financial services industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the allowance for credit losses is deemed critical since it involves the use of estimates and requires significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by management could result in material changes in the Corporations financial position or results of operations. Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) and note 4 (Allowance for Loan Losses) of the 2003 Annual Report and Form 10-K, provide detail with regard to the Corporations accounting for the allowance for loan losses. There have been no significant changes in the application of accounting policies since December 31, 2003.
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Corporations primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk and, to a lesser extent, liquidity risk. The Banks do not maintain a trading account for any class of financial instrument and the Corporation is not affected by foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk.
Interest rate risk is the risk that the Corporations financial condition will be adversely affected due to movements in interest rates. The Corporation, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that its interest-earning assets reprice differently than interest-bearing liabilities. The income of financial institutions is primarily derived from the excess of interest earned on interest-earning assets over interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. One of the Corporations principal financial objectives is to achieve long-term profitability while reducing its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. Accordingly, the Corporation places great importance on monitoring and controlling interest rate risk.
There are several methods employed by the Corporation to monitor and control interest rate risk. One such method is using gap analysis. The gap is defined as the repricing variance
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between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities within certain periods. The repricing can occur due to changes in rates on variable products as well as maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. A high ratio of interest sensitive liabilities, generally referred to as a negative gap, tends to benefit net interest income during periods of falling rates as the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities falls faster than the average rate earned on interest-earning assets. The opposite holds true during periods of rising rates. The Corporation attempts to minimize the interest rate risk through management of the gap in order to achieve consistent shareholder return. The Corporations Assets and Liability Management Policy is to maintain a laddered gap position. One strategy is to originate variable rate loans tied to market indices. Such loans reprice as the underlying market index changes. Currently, approximately 77.0 percent of the Corporations loan portfolio reprices on at least an annual basis. The Corporations usual practice is to invest excess funds in federal funds that mature and reprice daily.
The following table provides information about the potential impact on the net fair value of the Corporations financial instruments as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, based on certain prepayment and account decay assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The Corporation had no derivative financial instruments or trading portfolio as of June 30, 2004 or December 31, 2003. Expected maturity date values for interest-bearing core deposits were calculated based on estimates of the period over which the deposits would be outstanding. From a risk management perspective, the Corporation believes that repricing dates for adjustable-rate instruments, as opposed to expected maturity dates, may be a more relevant measure in analyzing the value of such instruments. The Corporations borrowings were tabulated by contractual maturity dates and without regard to any conversion or repricing dates.
The change in net portfolio value from December 31, 2003 to June 30, 2004, is a larger change in absolute dollars than we have seen in recent comparisons. As rates have increased slightly during the second quarter 2004, the Corporation has seen a decrease in the base level and the spread between the base and each of the rate shocked levels of net portfolio. There are two factors primarily that led to the change. First, we had an increase in other borrowings,
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mostly overnight advances, as a source of funding at the same time the investment portfolio shrunk. Additionally, as rates rose, there was a decrease in the fair value of the investment portfolio, which was only partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of certificates of deposits.
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures Disclosure
As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of First Citizens Banc Corps management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(e) and 15d-14(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are, to the best of their knowledge, effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by First Citizens Banc Corp in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Subsequent to the date of their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that there were no significant changes in First Citizens Banc Corps internal control or in other factors that could significantly affect its internal controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
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First Citizens Banc CorpOther InformationForm 10-Q
The following directors terms of office continued after the meeting:
Robert L. Bordner, Mary Lee G. Close, Blythe A. Friedley, Richard B. Fuller, W. Patrick Murray, George L. Mylander, Robert Ransom, and Daniel J. White
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First Citizens Banc CorpIndex to ExhibitsForm 10-Q
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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Exhibits
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