Item 1. Business - -----------------
History
Professional Bancorp, Inc. (the "Bancorp") is a bank holding company engaged primarily in the commercial banking business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Professional Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"). Bancorp was organized under the laws of the State of California in July 1981 and reincorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in August 1989. Both Bancorp and the Bank commenced operations in August 1982. On the commencement date and from the proceeds of its initial stock offering, Bancorp purchased all of the outstanding stock of the Bank. Bancorp's principal asset is the stock of the Bank and, as the Bank's sole shareholder, the primary function of Bancorp is to coordinate the general strategy, policies and activities of the Bank and holding company as appropriate.
PRINCIPAL MARKETING AREA AND CONCENTRATION
The principal service areas of the Bancorp and the Bank (the "Company") consist of the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura and limited business in Northern California with a full- service office at its Santa Monica headquarters and four full-service branches located in Beverly Hills, Tarzana, Pasadena and Redlands. In addition, the Company has a limited service facility in Los Angeles at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. The Company also develops business in the Northern California counties surrounding the San Francisco East Bay Area and the City of Sacramento. Other western states are serviced on a limited basis. Since inception, the Company has operated an in-house courier service which permits the Company to serve areas outside of each branch's immediate vicinity. Couriers are licensed branches of the Company.
The Company provides a wide range of commercial banking services primarily directed towards the health care community. Attorneys, accountants and other clientele compose the remainder of the Company's market. There is no significant concentration of outstanding loans in the control of a single person or group.
COMMERCIAL BANKING
The Company is engaged in the business of general commercial banking. The services which are offered include those traditionally offered by commercial banks, such as checking and savings accounts, time certificates of deposit, and commercial, consumer/installment, home equity and short-term real estate loans. The Company also offers cashier's checks, travelers checks, safe deposit boxes, collection services, night deposit facilities, wire transfers, notary services, contract collections, courier services, mortgage banking, merchant accounts, on- line banking, TouchTone Banking and five 24-hour automated teller machines which are located at the Company's Santa Monica, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Tarzana, Pasadena and Redlands facilities.
COMPETITION
The Company faces competition in attracting both deposits and originating loans. The Company's competition in loans comes principally from community based, regional and national commercial banks, investment banks, asset based finance companies, savings and loan associations, mortgage companies, and to a lesser degree, thrift and loan companies, credit unions and insurance companies. Many of the nation's largest commercial banks and savings and loan associations with which the Company competes have significantly greater lending limits than the Company and perform other services for their customers which the Company can offer only through correspondents or other vendors, if at all. Deregulation of the banking industry and increased competition from non-bank entities for the cash balances of individuals and businesses has had and will continue to have an impact on the competitive position of the Company. Among the advantages of these larger institutions is their ability to make larger loans, finance extensive
advertising campaigns, access international money markets and generally allocate their assets to regions of highest yield and demand. Management believes that its most direct competition for deposits comes from commercial banks, stock brokerage firms, savings and loan associations, thrift and loan companies and credit unions. In addition, competition for deposits may be expected to arise from corporate and governmental debt securities, as well as money market mutual funds. The Company does not have a significant market share of the deposits or loans in the northern or southern California marketplace.
In order to compete with other financial service entities in its service area, the Company relies principally upon promotional activity, personal contacts obtained through its officers, directors, employees and shareholders as well as high levels of client service and responsiveness. The Company's promotional activities emphasize the advantages of banking with a locally headquartered institution attuned to the particular needs of the health care community. Additionally, the Company is informed of the current trends and changing financial services needs of the health care industry through membership in trade associations, directorships of health care organizations and through feedback from existing health care clients of the Company. For clients whose credit demands exceed the Company's lending limits, the Company attempts to arrange for such loans on a participated basis with institutions who desire to work with the Company to leverage its industry expertise. The Company also assists clients requiring services not offered by the Company by obtaining these services through its correspondent banks and/or other joint relationships.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
THE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENTAL POLICY ON BANKING
The earnings and growth of the Company are affected not only by local service area factors and general economic conditions, but also by governmental monetary and fiscal policies. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank (the "FRB") influences the supply of money through its open market operations in U.S. Government securities and adjustments to the discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions and others. Such actions influence the growth of loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates earned on loans and paid on deposits. The nature and impact of future changes in such policies on the business and earnings of the Company cannot be predicted.
As a consequence of the extensive regulation of commercial banking activities in the United States, the business of the Company is particularly susceptible to the enactment of federal and state legislation which may have the effect of increasing or decreasing the cost of doing business, modifying permissible activities or enhancing the competitive position of the other financial institutions. Any change in applicable laws or regulations may have a material adverse effect on the business and prospects of the Company. In response to various business failures in the savings and loan industry and in the banking industry, Congress enacted, and the President signed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") into law. FDICIA substantially revised the bank regulatory framework and deposit insurance funding provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and made revisions to several other federal banking statutes.
REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF BANKS AND BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
Bancorp is a bank holding company subject to the Banking Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHCA"). Bancorp reports to, is registered with, and may be examined by the FRB. The FRB also has the authority to examine Bancorp's subsidiaries.
The FRB has significant supervisory and regulatory authority over Bancorp and its affiliates. The FRB requires Bancorp to maintain certain levels of capital. See "Capital Standards." The FRB also has the authority to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB. See "Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms."
Under the BHCA, an investor generally must obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it exercises a controlling influence over or acquires, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any class of voting shares or substantially
all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company or other company. Thus, Bancorp is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it acquires, merges or consolidates with any bank or bank holding company; any company seeking to acquire, merge or consolidate with Bancorp also would be required to obtain the approval of the FRB.
In addition, and subject to certain exceptions, the Change in Bank Control Act (the "Control Act") and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FRB require any person acting directly or indirectly, or through or in concert with one or more persons, to give the FRB 60 days written notice before acquiring control of a bank holding company. Transactions which are presumed to constitute the acquisition of control include the acquisition of any voting securities of a bank holding company having securities registered under section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act (such as the Common Stock of Bancorp) if, after the transaction, the acquiring person (or persons acting in concert) owns, controls or holds with power to vote 10% or more of any class of voting securities of the institution. The acquisition may not be consummated subsequent to such notice if the FRB issues a notice within the 60 days, or within certain extensions of such period, disapproving the same.
Bancorp is generally prohibited under the BHCA from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than banking, managing banks, or providing services to affiliates of the holding company. A bank holding company, with the approval of the FRB, may engage, or acquire the voting shares of companies engaged in activities that the FRB has determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. A bank holding company must demonstrate that the benefits to the public of the proposed activity will outweigh the possible adverse effects associated with such activity.
The FRB generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend which would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements that might adversely affect a bank holding company's financial position. The FRB's policy is that a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.
Transactions between Bancorp and the Bank are subject to a number of other restrictions. FRB policies forbid the payment by bank subsidiaries of management fees which are unreasonable in amount or exceed the fair market value of the services rendered (or, if no market exists, actual costs plus a reasonable profit). Additionally, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with the extension of credit, sale or lease of property, or furnishing of services. Subject to certain limitations, depository institution subsidiaries of bank holding companies may extend credit to, invest in the securities of, purchase assets from, or issue a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of, an affiliate, provided that the aggregate of such transactions with affiliates may not exceed 10% of the capital stock and surplus of the institution, and the aggregate of such transactions with all affiliates may not exceed 20% of the capital stock and surplus of such institution. Bancorp may only borrow from depository institution subsidiaries if the loan is secured by marketable obligations with a value of a designated amount in excess of the loan. Further, Bancorp may not sell a low-quality asset to a depository institution subsidiary.
The Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") requires that, in connection with examinations of depository financial institutions within their jurisdiction, the FRB or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC") shall evaluate the record of the financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those banks. These factors are considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. In September 1994, President Clinton signed into law H.R. 3474, more commonly known as the "Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994" (the "1994 Act"). In addition to establishment of a Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the "Fund"), which will provide assistance to new and existing community development lenders to help to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income communities and groups, the new legislation covers a wide range of banking issues. These changes include modifications to the present publication requirements for Call Reports, less frequent regulatory examination schedules for small institutions, small business and commercial real estate loan securitization, amendments to the money laundering and currency transaction reporting requirements of the
Bank Secrecy Act, clarification of the coverage of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA") for business commercial and agricultural real estate secured transactions, amendments to the national flood insurance program, and amendments to the Truth in Lending Act to provide new protection for consumers by reducing discrimination against the disadvantaged.
In September 1992, the FRB adopted a new regulation, Regulation DD, to implement the Truth in Savings Act (the "Savings Act") which was contained in FDICIA. The Savings Act and the new regulations require the Bank and other depository institutions to disclose fees, interest rates and other terms concerning deposit accounts to consumers before they open accounts. The Savings Act will also require the Bank to include information in periodic statements to clients about fees imposed, interest earned and the annual percentage yield earned on deposit accounts. The regulations also impose substantive limitations on the methods by which institutions determine the balance on which interest is calculated and rules which impose restrictions on advertisements for deposit accounts. Regulation DD became effective as of June 21, 1993. Compliance with the new rule has had no material impact on the Company's operations.
BANK REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
As a national bank, the Bank is regulated, supervised and regularly examined by the OCC. Deposit accounts at the Bank are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF"), as administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), to the maximum amount permitted by law. The Bank is also subject to applicable provisions of California law and Pennsylvania law for the holding company, insofar as such provisions are not in conflict with or preempted by federal banking law.
CAPITAL STANDARDS
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization's operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off-balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. Government securities, to 100% for assets with relatively higher credit risk, such as certain business loans.
A banking organization's risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its total qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items. The regulators measure risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items against both total qualifying capital (the sum of Tier 1 capital and limited amounts of Tier 2 capital) and Tier 1 capital. Tier 1 capital consists of common stock, retained earnings, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (and with respect to bank holding companies, a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock) and minority interests in certain subsidiaries, less most other intangible assets. Tier 2 capital may consist of a limited amount of the allowance for possible loan and lease losses, cumulative preferred stock, term preferred stock, term subordinated debt and certain other instruments with some characteristics of equity. The inclusion of elements of Tier 2 capital are subject to certain other requirements and limitations of the federal banking agencies. Since December 31, 1992, the federal banking agencies have required a minimum ratio of total qualifying capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items of 8%, and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items of 4%.
In addition to the risk-based guidelines, federal banking regulators require banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets, referred to as the leverage ratio. For a banking organization rated in the highest of the five categories used by regulators to rate banking organizations, the minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets must be 3%. It is improbable, however, that an institution with a 3% leverage ratio would receive the highest rating by the regulators since a strong capital position is a significant part of the regulators' rating. For all banking organizations not rated in the highest category, the minimum leverage ratio must be at least 100 to 200 basis points above the 3% minimum. Thus, the effective minimum leverage ratio, for all practical purposes, must be at least 4% or 5%. In addition to these uniform risk-based capital guidelines and leverage ratios that apply across the industry, the regulators have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and ratios.
FDICIA requires the regulators to improve capital standards by considering risks other than credit risk. On September 14, 1993, the federal banking agencies (excluding the Office of Thrift Supervision) published a proposed rule to take account of interest rate risk in calculating risk-based capital. Although the joint agency promulgation did not include any proposals relating to concentration of credit risk and risks of nontraditional activities, the proposed rule includes a supervisory model for taking account of interest rate risk. Under that supervisory model, institutions would report their assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions in time bands based upon their remaining maturities. The banking agencies would then calculate a net risk- weighted interest rate exposure. If that interest rate risk exposure were in excess of a certain threshold (1% of assets), the institution could be required to hold additional capital proportionate to that excess risk. Alternatively, the agencies have proposed making interest rate risk exposure a subjective factor in considering capital adequacy. Exposures would be measured in terms of the change in the present value of an institution's assets minus the change in the present value of its liabilities and off-balance sheet positions for an assumed 100 basis point parallel shift in market interest rates. However, the banking agencies have proposed to let banks and bank holding companies use their own internal measurement of interest rate risk if it is declared adequate by regulatory examiners.
On December 28, 1993, the FRB published a proposed rule to amend the capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies to include in Tier 1 capital that component of shareholders' equity concerning unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at market value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of income taxes, shown as an addition to or deduction from shareholders' equity. Accordingly, the Company's and the Bank's shareholders' equity will be increased or decreased as the market value of the securities available-for-sale portfolio changes.
Effective January 17, 1995, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule relating to capital standards and the risks arising from the concentration of credit and nontraditional activities. Institutions which have significant amounts of their assets concentrated in high risk loans or nontraditional banking activities and who fail to adequately manage these risks, will be required to set aside capital in excess of the regulatory minimums. The federal banking agencies have not imposed any quantitative assessment for determining when these risks are significant, but have identified these issues as important factors they will review in assessing an individual bank's capital adequacy.
Effective September 1, 1995, the federal banking agencies revised their risk based capital rules to require higher levels of capital for banks with significant exposure to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is defined as the exposure of a bank's current and future earnings from adverse changes in interest rates. Initially, interest rate risk will be a factor in evaluating a bank's capital adequacy. It is contemplated that the Bank regulatory agencies will ultimately issue a rule which quantifies the amount of capital required for levels of interest rate exposure.
In December 1993, the federal banking agencies issued an interagency policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses which, among other things, presented certain average ratios of loan loss allowance to classified assets. The averages indicated by such policy statement is the sum of (a) assets classified loss; (b) 50 percent of assets classified doubtful; and (c) 15 percent of assets classified substandard.
The federal banking agencies issued final rules governing banks and bank holding companies, which became effective April 1, 1995, limiting the amount of deferred tax assets that are allowable in computing an institution's regulatory capital. Deferred tax assets that can be realized for taxes paid in prior carryback years and from future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences are generally not limited. Deferred tax assets that can only be realized through future taxable earnings are limited for regulatory capital purposes to the lesser of (i) the amount that can be realized within one year of the quarter-end report date, or (ii) 10% of Tier 1 Capital. The amount of any deferred tax in excess of this limit would be excluded from Tier 1 Capital and total assets and regulatory capital calculations.
Future changes in regulations or practices could further reduce the amount of capital recognized for purposes of capital adequacy. Such a change could affect the ability of the Bank to grow and could restrict the amount of profits, if any, available for the payment of dividends.
The following table presents the capital ratios for the Company and the Bank, compared to the standards for well capitalized depository institutions (which standards do not apply to bank holding companies) and the minimum required capital ratios to be deemed adequately capitalized under applicable federal regulations, as of December 31, 1997.
/1/ The minimum required by the FRB is 3%; for all but the most highly-rated bank holding companies, the FRB expects a leverage ratio of 3% plus 100 to 200 basis points.
Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms
FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions (but not bank holding companies), including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios. The law requires each federal banking agency to promulgate regulations defining the following five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed, based on the level of its capital ratios: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. At December 31, 1997, the Bank was deemed to be well capitalized.
In September 1992, the federal banking agencies (other than the Office of Thrift Supervision) published uniform final regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA. An insured depository institution generally will be classified in the following categories based on capital measures indicate below, provided the institution is not operating under a capital order:
/1/ 3% if the institution has the highest rating by regulators.
An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized" or "undercapitalized" may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions. The federal banking agencies, however, may not treat an institution as "critically undercapitalized" unless its capital ratio actually warrants such treatment.
If an insured depository institution is undercapitalized, it will be closely monitored by the appropriate federal banking agency. Undercapitalized institutions must submit an acceptable capital restoration plan with a guarantee of performance issued by the holding company. Further restrictions and sanctions are required to be imposed on insured depository institutions that are critically undercapitalized. The most important additional consequence is that the appropriate federal banking agency is required to either appoint a receiver for the institution within 90 days, or obtain the concurrence of the FDIC in another form of action.
In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency. Enforcement actions may include, among other things, the imposition of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order that can be judicially enforced, the termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a depository institution), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against institution- affiliated parties and the enforcement of such actions through injunctions or restraining orders based upon a judicial determination that the agency would be harmed if such equitable relief were not granted. Additionally, a holding company's inability to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banking organizations could serve as an additional basis for a regulatory action against the holding company.
SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS STANDARDS
FDICIA also implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required federal banking regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, the use of brokered deposits and the aggregate extensions of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts.
In December 1992, the federal banking agencies issued final regulations prescribing uniform guidelines for real estate lending. The regulations, which became effective on March 19, 1993, require insured depository institutions to adopt written policies establishing standards, consistent with such guidelines, for extensions of credit secured by real estate. The policies must address loan portfolio management, underwriting standards and loan to value limits that do not exceed the supervisory limits prescribed by the regulations.
RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if, after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.
Regulators also have authority to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute.
Section 1551 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988 (the "PBCL") provides that the Board of Directors may authorize a business corporation to make distributions to shareholders subject to certain limitations. A distribution to shareholders may not be made if (i) the corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (ii) the total assets of the corporation would be less than the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.
PREMIUMS FOR DEPOSIT INSURANCE AND ASSESSMENTS FOR EXAMINATIONS
FDICIA established several mechanisms to increase funds to protect deposits insured by the BIF administered by the FDIC. The FDIC is authorized to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury Department; up to 90% of the fair market value of assets of institutions acquired by the FDIC as receiver from the Federal Financing Bank; and from depository institutions that are members of the BIF. Any borrowings not repaid by asset sales are to be repaid through insurance premiums assessed to member institutions. Such premiums must be sufficient to provide insurance reserves of $1.25 for each $100 of insured deposits. The result of these provisions it that the assessment rate on deposits of BIF members could increase in the future. FDICIA also provides authority for special assessments against insured deposits. No assurance can be given at this time as to what the future level of premiums will be.
Under the risk-based assessment system, a BIF member institution such as the Bank is categorized into one of three capital categories (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, and undercapitalized) and one of three categories based on supervisory evaluations by its primary federal regulator. The three supervisory categories are: financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses (Group A), demonstrates weaknesses that could result in significant deterioration (Group B), and poses a substantial probability of loss (Group C). The capital ratios used by the federal regulators to define well capitalized, adequately capitalized and undercapitalized are the same as in the prompt corrective action regulations, discussed above. The BIF assessment rates during 1997 are summarized below; assessment figures are expressed in terms of cents per $100 in deposits.
ASSESSMENT RATES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1996
FDICIA requires all insured depository institutions to undergo a full-scope on-site examination by their primary federal banking agency at least once every twelve months. The cost of examinations of insured depository institutions and any affiliates may be assessed by the appropriate federal banking agency against each institution or affiliate as it deems necessary or appropriate.
OTHER ENACTED AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Riegle-Neal Act"), enacted on September 29, 1994, repealed the McFadden Act of 1927, which required states to decide whether national or state banks could enter their state, and allows banks to open branches across state lines beginning on June 1, 1997. The Riegle-Neal Act also repealed the 1956 Douglas Amendment to the Bank Holding Company Act, which placed the same requirements on bank holding companies. The repeal of the Douglas Amendment now makes it possible for banks to buy out-of-state banks in any state after September 29, 1995, which may then be converted into interstate branches in 1997.
The Riegle-Neal Act permits interstate banking to begin 12 months after the enactment of the new law. The amendment of the Bank Holding Company Act permits bank holding companies to acquire banks in other states provided that the acquisition does not result in the bank holding company controlling more than 10% of the deposits in the United States, or 30% of the deposits in the state in which the bank to be acquired is located. However, the Riegle-Neal Act also provides that states have the authority to waive the state concentration limit. Individual states may also require that the bank being acquired be in existence for up to five years before an out-of-state bank or bank holding company may acquire it.
The Riegle-Neal Act provides that interstate branching and merging of existing banks is permitted beginning June 1, 1997, provided that the banks are at least adequately capitalized and demonstrate good management. Interstate mergers and branch acquisitions are permitted at an earlier time if a state chooses to enact a law allowing such activity. The states are also authorized to enact a law to permit interstate banks to branch de novo.
On September 28, 1995, the California Interstate Banking and Branching Act of 1995 ("CIBBA") was enacted and signed into law allowing early interstate branching in California. CIBBA authorizes out-of-state banks to enter California by the acquisition of or merger with a California bank that has been in existence for at least five years, unless the California bank is in danger of failing or in certain other emergency situations. CIBBA prohibits interstate branching through the acquisition of a branch in California or the establishment of a de novo branch by an out-of-state bank, which prohibition will lapse after June 1, 1997, when the interstate branching provisions of the Riegle-Neal Act become effective.
Various bills have been introduced in the United States Congress which would expand, to a lesser or greater degree and subject to various conditions and limitations, the authority of bank holding companies to engage in the activity of underwriting and dealing in securities. Some of these bills would authorize securities firms (through the holding company structure) to own banks, which could result in greater competition between banks and securities firms. No prediction can be made as to whether any of these bills will be passed by the United States Congress and enacted into law, what provisions such a bill might contain, or what effect it might have on the Bank.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997 the FASB issued SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information Account Capital Structure." SFAS No. 129 consolidates existing reporting standards for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. SFAS No. 129 also supersedes previously issued account statements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 129 as of December 31, 1997. The impact on the Company is not significant as the Company's existing disclosures are generally in compliance with the disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 129.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The impact on the Company of adopting SFAS No. 130 is not expected to be material to the Company's existing disclosure.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards to report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim reports to shareholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial statement for periods beginning after December 15, 1997, with comparative information for earlier years to be restated. The Company is currently assessing the effect of adopting SFAS No. 131.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1997, the Bancorp had no full-time salaried employees. All compensation of Bancorp's executive officers was paid by the Bank with a portion of such compensation reimbursed by Bancorp. The Bank employed 113.5 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 1997.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES - -------------------
The principal executive offices of the Company are located in leased premises at 606 Broadway, Santa Monica, California. The original lease was signed on February 1, 1982, for a ten-year period with two five-year renewal options, covering the first floor and basement areas of the two-story building. On March 23, 1984, the Company renegotiated this lease to include the entire building and tenant improvements. In addition, both five-year options were exercised at that time, and one additional five-year option was also granted, permitting the Company to occupy the premises until January 31, 2007.
The Company acquired its second full-service branch office at 9647 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, California, on April 30, 1984 and assumed the lease for 10 years. The current lease calls for periodic rent adjustments and expires on January 31, 1999.
The Company opened its third full-service office on December 1, 1986 at 5525 Etiwanda Street, Tarzana, California. The facility is located in a medical building known as the Tarzana Clark Medical Center. The lease calls for periodic rent adjustments and expires on November 30, 2001. The lease contains a five-year option to renew at the then comparable market rate for similar space.
The Company opened its fourth full-service office on October 15, 1991 at 55 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, California. The facility is located in close proximity to Huntington Memorial Hospital. The lease calls for periodic rent adjustments, and expires on October 1, 2001. The lease contains two five- year renewal options, the second of which adjusts the rent to the then comparable market rate for similar space.
The Company opened its fifth full-service office also on October 15, 1991, at 10 North 5th Street, Redlands, California. The lease calls for periodic rent adjustments, and expires on March 31, 2001. The lease contains two five-year options which continue the periodic rate adjustments.
The Company also leases two additional facilities. The first facility is a limited service office located at 8600 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California, in conjunction with an automated banking terminal facility. The second facility, opened during 1992, is located at 9900 Norwalk Boulevard, Santa Fe Springs, California, and contains the Company's note department and data processing operations. In January 1994, this facility was granted status as a full-service branch for the purpose of processing deposits. The lease calls for periodic rent adjustments and expires on August 31, 2003. All of the leased properties are suitable to the Company's needs and all of the leased areas were utilized in 1996.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - -------------------------
The Company is from time to time a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that there is no proceeding, threatened or pending, against Bancorp or the Bank which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position or results of operations of Bancorp or the Bank.
A settlement between Bancorp, the Bank and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Bancorp's and the Bank's director and officer liability insurance carrier, was finalized in December 1997. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, St. Paul reimbursed Bancorp and the Bank $600,000 for certain non-recurring legal expenses in connection with the 1996 proxy contest and the litigation related thereto.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS - ------------------------------------------------------------
The Bancorp did not submit any matters to a vote of its stockholders during the fourth quarter of 1997.
Part II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Information and Holders - ------------------------------
The Bancorp sold its shares of Common Stock on a best-efforts basis commencing May 12, 1982, at $7.62 per share. The offering was completed in August 1982, and the stock was traded on NASDAQ until December 1991. The Bancorp's Common Stock began trading on the American Stock Exchange on December 3, 1991 under the symbol "MDB." On January 19, 1993, the Bancorp completed a private offering of 341,775 shares of common stock at a price of $12.62 per share; 326,550 shares were purchased as of December 31, 1992. On June 23, 1995, the Bancorp declared a 5% stock dividend paid on July 19, 1995. On May 14, 1996, the Bancorp declared a 5% stock dividend paid on June 21, 1996. As of December 31, 1997, the Bancorp estimated there were approximately 730 registered shareholders.
The following table sets forth the range of stock price for the Bancorp's common stock for each of the quarters in the two years ended December 31, 1997, adjusted for the 5% stock dividends mentioned above:
The foregoing reflects information available to the Bancorp and does not necessarily include all trades in the Bancorp's stock during the relevant period. According to information available to the Bancorp, the closing price of the Bancorp's common stock on December 31, 1997, was $15.56.
Dividends - ---------
The Bancorp has not paid any cash dividends since its formation.
The power of the board of directors of insured depository institutions to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distributions depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.
Regulators also have authority to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in any business practice which is considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute.
In a policy statement adopted in November 1985, the Federal Reserve Board advised banks and bank holding companies that payment of cash dividends in excess of current earnings from operations is inappropriate and may be cause for supervisory action. As a result of this policy, banks and their holding companies may find it difficult to pay dividends out of retained earnings from periods prior to the most recent fiscal year or to take advantage of earnings
generated by extraordinary items, such as sales of buildings, other large assets, or business segments, in order to generate earnings sufficient for the payment of future dividends.
The Bancorp is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking subsidiary, and is not currently intending to engage in any activities other than acting as a BHC. Accordingly, the Bancorp's principal source of funds, including funds available for payment of cash dividends to shareholders, will consist of dividends paid and other funds advanced to the Bancorp by its subsidiary. Statutory and regulatory requirements impose limitations on the amount of dividends payable by the Bank to the Bancorp and on extensions of credit by the Bank to the Bancorp.
No national bank may, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. Section 56, pay dividends from its capital (which includes capital stock, retained earnings and surplus reserves for contingencies); all dividends must be paid out of net earnings then on hand, after deducting expenses, including losses and bad debts. In addition, the payment of dividends out of net earnings of a national bank is further limited by 12 U.S.C. Section 60(a), which provides that until the surplus equals the amount of capital stock, dividends can only be paid if there has been transferred to the surplus fund not less than one-tenth of the bank's net earnings for the preceding half-year in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends. Pursuant to 12 U.S.C. Section 60(b), the approval of the OCC shall be required if the total of dividends declared by a bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net earnings for that year, less any required transfers to surplus or to a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock.
Section 1551 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988 (the "PBCL") provides that the board of directors may authorize a business corporation to make distributions to shareholders subject to certain limitations. A distribution to shareholders may not be made if; (i) the corporation would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (ii) the total assets of the corporation would be less than the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA - ---------------------------------------------
The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the Company at or for the five years ended December 31, 1997. The information below is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and financial statements of the Company included elsewhere herein or incorporated by reference and should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business" and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
/1/ Ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. /2/ Efficiency ratio equals operating expense divided by net interest income and other operating income. /3/ Nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets do not include accruing loans 90 days or more past due.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OF OPERATIONS -------------
OVERVIEW
The following presents management's discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated. This discussion should be read in conjunction with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes included elsewhere herein.
The Company's business strategy is to provide commercial banking products and services to individuals and other organizations related to the health care services industry as well as other professionals in California and on a limited basis in other western states. The Company is seeking to increase its market share of loans and deposits through marketing in areas where there is a concentration of health care and health care related activities, through possible acquisitions of other financial institutions and/or branches within its target market, emphasizing the expertise and understanding of the medical marketplace that the Company has stressed since its inception, and through development of joint relationships expanding the product capability of the Company.
The Company recorded net earnings of $1,479,000, or $0.97 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared with a net loss of $3,725,000, or $2.78 diluted loss per share, in 1996. The net loss in 1996 resulted from a decrease in net interest income as loan and deposit balances declined, certain non-recurring costs relating to a proxy contest and related litigation, and certain non-recurring costs relating to a management restructuring. In 1995, the Company generated net earnings of $2,006,000 or $1.28 diluted earnings per share. The provision for loan losses was $180,000 in 1997, compared to $4,136,000 in 1996 and $1,539,000 in 1995. The significant increase in the provision for loan losses in 1996 was a result of an increase in loans charged-off and management's evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio.
The Company experienced an increase in gross loans of $12,724,000, or 13.7% growth, from $105,857,000 at December 31, 1997 compared to $93,133,000 at December 31, 1996. Conversely, deposits decreased $11,813,000, or 4.9%, from $241,277,000 at December 31, 1996 to $229,464,000 at December 31, 1997. This decrease occurred primarily in time certificates of deposits which decreased $3,793,000 from $31,323,000 at December 31, 1996 to $27,530,000 at December 31, 1997 and savings and money market deposits which declined $9,633,000 from $98,859,000 to $89,226,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
At December 31, 1997, nonaccrual loans totaled $877,000, or 0.83%, of total loans as compared with $1,521,000 or 1.63% of total loans at December 31, 1996. Net charge-offs decreased to $631,000 or 0.65% of average outstanding loans of $97,197,000 in 1997, as compared with $2,953,000 or 3.04% of average loans of $97,147,000 in 1996.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company recorded net earnings of $1,479,000 or $1.10 basic earnings per share and $0.97 diluted earnings per share. Included in pretax income in 1997 is $600,000 which the Company received as reimbursement for certain non-recurring legal expenses in connection with a 1996 proxy contest and the litigation related thereto. This compares with a net loss of $3,725,000, or $2.78 basic and diluted loss per share, in 1996 and net earnings of $2,006,000 or $1.28 diluted earnings per share in 1995. This resulted in a return on average equity of 9.48% in 1997 as compared to a negative return on average equity of (23.89%) in 1996 and 12.40% in 1995. Additionally, the return on average assets for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was 0.61%, (1.38)%, and 0.64%, respectively.
The following table presents the distribution of average assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity as well as the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and resultant yields, and the dollar amounts of interest expense and average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates for the three years ended December 31, 1997.
/(1)/ Nonaccrual loans are included in average balance calculations; however, interest on such loans has been excluded in computing the average yields for the periods.
/(2)/ Average balances are primarily computed on daily balances during the period. When such balances are not available, averages are computed on a monthly basis.
/(3)/ The net interest margin for a period is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
NET INTEREST INCOME
The Company's operating results depend primarily on net interest income, which represents the difference between the interest and fees earned on loans and investments less interest paid on deposits and other liabilities. Net interest margin is calculated as the net interest income recognized for a period over the average interest-earning assets for the same period.
Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $12,883,000 or approximately the same as December 31, 1996. In 1997 net interest margin was impacted by a decline in average interest-earning assets which declined $24,724,000, or 10.4%, from $237,978,000 at December 31, 1996 to
$213,254,000 at December 31, 1997 coupled with an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets which increased 42 basis points from 7.42% to 7.84% at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The primary decline in average interest-earning assets in 1997 was in average securities which declined $25,735,000 from December 31, 1996 to December 31, 1997 and federal funds sold which declined for the same period.
Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $12,800,000, a decrease of $1,564,000 or 10.89% from 1995. The decrease in the net interest income was primarily due to a decrease of approximately $45,289,000 in average interest-earning assets, including a decline in loan volume and a restructuring of the investment portfolio, and a decrease of $42,225,000 in average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily time deposits. A reduction of net interest income attributable to a decrease in earning assets was partially offset by a 31 basis point increase in net interest margin to 5.38% in 1996 from 5.07% in 1995.
Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $14,364,000 in 1995, representing a 5.5% increase over 1994. Net interest income increased primarily due to an increase of approximately $23,727,000 in deposits which were then placed in higher yielding assets. Time deposits were the primary source of deposit growth and also represented the highest cost of funds. This increase in earning assets funded primarily by these costly deposits reduced the net interest margin from 5.19% in 1994 to 5.07% in 1995.
The Company's net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as "volume change." It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest- earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as a "rate change." The following table sets forth changes in interest income and interest expense for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the amount of change attributable to volume and rate changes for the years indicated. The changes due to rate and volume have been allocated to rate and volume in proportion to the relationship between their absolute dollar amounts. The effects of tax-equivalent yields have not been presented because they were deemed to be immaterial.
Interest income for 1997 was $16,709,000 compared to $17,650,000 for 1996 and $20,903,000 for 1995. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the securities held-to-maturity and available-for-sale which resulted in a $1,598,000 decrease in interest income in 1997 and $2,575,000 decrease in 1996. Interest expense declined in 1997 to 3,826,000 from $4,850,000 in 1996, representing a decrease of approximately $1,024,000. Interest expense
decreased in 1997 primarily as a result of a decline in time deposits which declined $19,688,000, or 40.1%, from an average of $49,065,000 in 1996 to $29,377,000 in 1997. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $23,656,000 from an average balance of $160,675,000 in 1996 to $137,019,000 in 1997. The net effect of this decrease in average interest-bearing deposits and increase in rates paid was a reduction in interest expense of approximately $851,000 in 1997.
In 1995 interest income of $20,903,000 was greater than recorded in 1996 primarily due to an increase in average interest-earning assets from $283,267,000 in 1995 compared to $237,978,000 in 1996. The decrease in total interest expense of $1,689,000 from $6,539,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995 to $4,850,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 was associated with the decrease of $42,225,000 in average interest-bearing liabilities The cost of funds in 1995 was significantly higher than in 1996 due to the funding of the investment portfolio which was accomplished through higher cost time deposits.
A changing interest rate environment may have a significant impact on the Company's net interest margin as measured against average interest-earning assets. Management monitors the Company's net interest margin by utilizing an interest rate simulation model under various interest rate scenarios. This process quantifies the impact of changes in interest rates on the Company's net interest margin. Interest rate scenarios are increased and decreased up to 300 basis points in determining the impact on net interest income. Management has limited the impact under these scenarios to no more than 15 percent of net interest income. These results provide a basis for repricing loan and deposit products after giving consideration to such factors as competition, the economic environment and expected maturities in the loan, investment securities and deposit portfolios.
Provision for Loan Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses in order to adequately provide for the risks of loss associated with its loan portfolio. See "Balance Sheet Analysis - Credit Risk Management and Asset Quality." Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made through charges to operations as a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses for 1997 was $180,000, $4,136,000 for 1996 and $1,539,000 for 1995. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in 1997 was a result of an overall improvement in the loan portfolio as a result of improved credit administration practices. The increase in the provision for 1996 over 1995 was primarily due to charge-offs, net of recoveries, of $2,953,000 as compared with $1,452,000 in 1995. Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans decreased to 0.65% in 1997 from 3.04% in 1996 and 1.45% in 1995. Based on management's evaluation of the inherent risk in the loan portfolio, the allowance for loan losses was decreased to 1.70% of total loans as of December 31, 1997 compared to 2.42% of total loans as of December 31, 1996, and 1.07% as of December 31, 1995. See "Allowance for Loan Losses" for further information on net charge-offs.
Other Operating Income
Other operating income increased $349,000 in 1997 over 1996 primarily due to an increase in service charges on deposits which increased $122,000 over 1996 and an increase in other income of $119,000. Other operating income in 1996 decreased $1,009,000 to $1,444,000 when compared with $2,453,000 in 1995. This decrease was primarily attributable to a net loss of $71,000 in securities transactions during 1996, compared with a net gain of $1,018,000 in 1995. Securities were sold during 1996 to reflect the decreased deposit base as well as the restructuring of the investment portfolio. In addition, other income increased approximately $95,000 over 1995.
Other Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 1997, other operating expenses were $12,125,000, representing a decrease of $3,420,000 from $15,545,000 in 1996. Other operating expenses in 1996 were higher than 1997 due primarily to the recognition of approximately $2,579,000 in nonrecurring legal expenses, settlement costs associated with the proxy contest and related litigation, certain other nonrecurring costs associated with a management restructuring and other one time expenses related to prior benefits. The ratios of operating expenses to average assets for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were 5.01%, 5.76% and 3.84%, respectively. Excluding the nonrecurring costs, the ratio for 1996 would have been
4.81%. The following table summarizes changes in other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
The increase in operating expenses in 1996 was primarily the result of the expenses incurred in connection with a contested election of directors at the 1996 Annual Shareholders Meeting and related litigation, including legal fees in the amount of $1,404,000, proxy solicitation costs of $58,000, and printing costs of $111,000. As part of the Settlement Agreement, proxy costs incurred by the Shareholders Protective Committee were reimbursed by the Company. In December 1997, Bancorp and Bank received a settlement of $600,000 for reimbursement of a portion of these fees from St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company. Management changes related to the settlement, including payments to Mr. Kovner, resulted in severance payments of $1,006,000.
Excluding these nonrecurring expenses, other operating expenses in 1996 were $841,000 greater than other operating expenses in 1997. Substantially, most of the decline in 1997 was in the area of legal fees which were improved due to receipt of an insurance settlement regarding certain non-recurring legal expenses. Legal fees increased $551,000 in 1996 from 1995 due to management's efforts to collect on a number of certain problem loans, of which approximately $400,000 was collected through recoveries. Professional services also increased in 1997 over 1996 and in 1996 over 1995 as temporary personnel, including outside consultants, were required to continue business on an ongoing basis. This increase was partially offset during 1996 by decreased salaries of approximately $180,000 during the third and fourth quarter of 1996 as compared with the first six months of 1996. Additionally, during 1996, the FDIC insurance premium decreased $320,000 from 1995.
The Company and the Bank entered into a Consulting Agreement dated August 12, 1996 with Network Health Financial Services, Inc. ("NHFS"), a California corporation for which Melinda McIntyre-Kolpin serves Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, NHFS provides consulting services to the Company and the Bank with respect to personnel matters, operational procedures and client development and retention. NHFS is paid its actual costs incurred in the performance of its duties under the Consulting Agreement (including hourly rates for certain specified NHFS personnel while they are performing consulting services), plus an additional 25% of such costs. In addition, the Company and Bank pay flat monthly rates for the services of Ms. McIntyre-Kolpin and Patti Derry. During 1997, the Company and the Bank paid NHFS the amount of $708,000 pursuant to the Consulting Agreement. Any party may terminate the Consulting Agreement by giving 30 days' notice to the other parties. The Company is also exploring some form of strategic alliance with NHFS as a primary focus of the Company's growth strategy.
Income Taxes
The Company recorded an income tax provision (benefit) of $892,000, $(1,712,000) and $1,182,000 in 1997, 1996 and 1995 respectively. The effective tax rate in these years were 37.6%, 31.5% and 37.1%. For further information, see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Total assets were $253,828,000 at December 31, 1997, representing a decrease of $10,459,000, or 4.0% from $264,287,000 at December 31, 1996. Average assets during 1997 and 1996 were $241,952,000 and $269,820,000, respectively. The decrease in average assets during 1997 was due primarily to a decrease in securities held-to-maturity and available-for-sale which declined $25,735,000 from an average of $119,819,000 for 1996 to an average of $94,084,000 for 1997. Gross loans at December 31, 1997 were $105,857,000, compared with $93,133,000 at December 31, 1996. Total deposits at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $229,464,000 and $241,277,000, respectively. The majority of the decline in deposits occurred in savings and money market deposits which declined $9,633,000 from $98,859,000 at December 31, 1996 to $89,226,000 at December 31, 1997. Increased loan demand is reflective of improved marketing efforts as well as an internal focus on credit administrative practices. Moreover, continued consolidation within the health services industry, which the Company serves, has created demand for credit.
Loan Portfolio
The Company focuses its lending activities in three principal areas: commercial loans, lines of credit and installment loans. Commercial loans include commercial loans secured by the operating cash flow and business assets of the borrower, and to a lesser extent real estate, and unsecured commercial loans. Lines of credit include equity lines, overdraft protection lines and other secured, collateralized and unsecured lines of credit. Installment loans include automobile and boat loans and other loans for personal and corporate use. The interest rates charged for the loans made by the Company vary with the degree of risk, the size and maturity of the loan, the borrowers' depository relationships with the Company, and prevailing market rates.
Although the risk of non-payment exists with respect to all types of loans, certain other specific risks are associated with each type of loan. The primary risks associated with commercial loans, including real estate secured commercial loans, are the quality of the borrower's management and a number of economic and other factors, including competition, insufficient capital, changes in laws and regulations and general changes in the marketplace, which induce business failures and cause the value of business assets pledged to secure the loan to depreciate. Although the Company's portfolio concentration in the health care services industry may expose the Company to risks or adverse developments in this sector, including any such developments resulting from health care reform, these risks are mitigated in part by the diversity of clientele within the market niche. Equity lines of credit, installment loans and other lines of credit are affected primarily by domestic instability and a variety of factors that may lead to the borrower's unemployment, including deteriorating economic conditions in one or more segments of a local or broader economy.
The following table sets forth the amounts of loans outstanding by type of credit extension as of the dates indicated.
There was no category of loans exceeding 10% of total loans which was not otherwise disclosed as a distinct line item in the above table. Commercial loans represent extensions to a wide array of individuals, companies, both within and outside of the Company's market area. In addition, there were no construction loans outstanding at December 31, 1997 or 1996.
The Company generally underwrites loans on the basis of adequate cash flow, historical, current and as appropriate pro forma, and looks to supporting collateral as a secondary source of repayment in most extensions. In the opinion of management, the Company's loan policies conform with applicable regulatory lending standards.
Commercial Loans and Real Estate Secured Commercial Loans. At December 31, 1997 the Company's commercial and real estate secured commercial loans totaled $96,755,000 or 91% of total loans compared to $83,656,000 or 90% of total loans on December 31, 1996. Of the total, real estate secured commercial loans accounted for only $10,512,000 at December 31, 1997 and $10,079000 at December 31, 1996. Commercial and real estate secured commercial loans consist primarily of short- to medium-term financing for small- to medium-sized health care- related companies and professionals located in Southern California. The commercial and real estate secured commercial loans are primarily concentrated in the same sectors of the medical community as the Company's deposit base is drawn from and consists of sole medical practitioners, small groups practices, large single-specialty groups, multi-specialty medical groups and other outpatient health care service companies. Real estate transactions are underwritten with cash flow adequacy and diversity as the primary underwriting criteria. Although collateral offered provides adequate secondary support, the underwriting additionally considers other assets/net worth available to support repayment. Approximately 81% of total loans at December 31, 1997 were commercial loans which were unsecured or collateralized by various business and personal property assets, including equipment, accounts receivable contracts, and proceeds thereof, including capitation payments. As a matter of policy, the Company's commercial loan borrowers are required to submit financial statements and other financial data (for example, accounts receivable agings and enrollment summaries) on a periodic basis, in conformity with loan policies and procedures and regulatory guidelines, to loan officers for their review in monitoring the financial position and cash flows trends of borrowers. Under this policy, management generally places a higher level of scrutiny on borrowers failing to submit the required financial information. Senior lending officers review delinquency reports, overdrafts, borrowers' payment histories and
periodic financial data to monitor creditworthiness and identify potential problem loans. Loan to value ratios on commercial loans secured by real estate generally range from approximately 30% to 80% at origination. The Company's real estate secured commercial loans are repaid typically through cash flows from the borrowers' business with shorter term maturities (three to five years) and amortizations usually no longer than 15 years and are not classified by the Company as real estate-mortgage loans.
Equity Lines of Credit. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, equity lines of credit aggregated approximately $6,288,000 or 6% of total loans, and $6,202,000 or 7% of total loans, respectively. Loan-to-appraised value ratios at the loan origination date generally do not exceed 85% and all such loans have variable rate structures. A majority of these lines of credit are secured by junior trust deeds on residential real estate and require monthly principal payments. Equity lines generally have a five year maturity and are subject to an annual review of the financial condition of the borrower.
Other Lines of Credit. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, other lines of credit aggregated approximately $1,524,000 or 1% of total loans, and $1,832,000 or 2% of total loans, respectively. Other lines of credit are generally unsecured and include overdraft protection facilities and revolving lines of credit. Overdraft lines are attached to checking accounts to cover short-term shortfalls in cash flow. Interest rates are fixed at 18%.
Installment Loans. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, installment loans aggregated approximately $1,253,000 and $1,375,000, respectively. This loan category primarily includes automobile loans. Loan-to-appraised value ratios at the loan origination date range up to 100% for automobile installment loans with maturity and amortizations generally up to 60 months.
The following table shows the maturity distribution of the Company's loans outstanding at December 31, 1997, and is based on the remaining scheduled repayments of principal, as due within the periods indicated.
Loan Commitments
In the normal course of business, there are various commitments outstanding to extend credit that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit for working capital, tenant improvements, other term purposes and include standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional (principal) amount of those instruments. However, other than letters of credit, all such documents contain legal language that would allow the Company an ability for non-advance. Accordingly, loss
potential is minimized for commitments extended under such document. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had commitments to extend credit of approximately $32,048,000 and $38,931,000, respectively, and obligations under standby letters of credit of approximately $6,832,000 and $4,610,000, respectively.
Standby letters of credit are commitments issued by the Company to support the performance of a client to a third party. Those standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, lease arrangements and similar transactions. All such standby letters of credit are extended for a period of two years or less. In making commitments and issuing letters of credit, the Company uses credit policies similar to those used in connection with extension of credit to all customers with creditworthiness evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on a credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, contract, contract rights and income-producing commercial real estate.
Credit Risk Management and Asset Quality.
Management believes that the objective of sound credit policy is to extend loans to qualified customers while managing risks which could affect shareholders' returns. The loan committee, made up of outside members of the Board of Directors of the Bank and executive management, approve credit policy, review asset quality, and determining compliance to credit policy and procedure. Management periodically reviews loan quality and monitors the progress of watch list loans, some of which may require an action plan for rehabilitation or refinancing. In addition, credit underwriting guidelines are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect current economic conditions, industry practices and regulatory guidelines.
In accordance with management's credit administration and regulatory policy, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when collection of principal or interest is questionable. Generally, this means that loans are put on nonaccrual status when interest is 90 days or more past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection or in the process of renewal.
The table below sets forth information about nonperforming assets, which included nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned ("OREO"), and accruing loans 90 days or more past due and certain ratios:
/(1)/ Nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets do not include accruing loans 90 days or more past due where loan quality is not impaired but rather renewal in process pending receipt of updated financial data.
Allowance For Loan Losses
Management's determination of the allowance for loan losses requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the both actual and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Actual results may, however, differ significantly from such estimates. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses where real estate secures the loan, management generally obtains independent appraisals for all properties. Management believes its current appraisal policy conforms to regulatory guidelines.
An evaluation of the overall quality of the portfolio is performed at least quarterly to determine the level of the allowance for loan losses. This evaluation takes into consideration the classification of loans and the application of loss estimates attributable to these classifications. The Company classifies loans as pass, watch, special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss based on classification criteria believed by management to be consistent with the criteria applied by regulatory agencies and consistent with sound banking practices. These classifications and loss estimates take into consideration all sources of repayment, underlying collateral, the value of such collateral, current and anticipated economic conditions, trends, and uncertainties and the historical accuracy of specific reserves attached to loans with serious perceived weakness. Additionally, the Company utilizes "migration analysis" as another means to assist management in estimating the level of the allowance for loan losses. Migration analysis is a statistical method which examines historic charge-off and classification trends prior to charge-off to estimate potential losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The above processes provide management with a reasonable basis to estimate the risk both actual and inherent in the portfolio. In addition, the Company utilizes a comprehensive program that considers numerous variables, of which migrations is one, to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses for reserves nonspecific to certain credits. This program is consistent with methodologies in Banking Circular 201. Amongst others, consideration is given to historical and current trends in past due loans, charged-off loans, nonaccruals, and the nature and mix of the loan portfolio; and local, regional, industry, and national economic trends in determining loan loss adequacy. Finally, credit administration, corresponding loan policies and procedures, and timely problem loan identification are integral to a sound determination of the allowance for loan losses. Based on information available at December 31, 1997, management was of the opinion that a $1,802,000 allowance for loan losses, which constitutes 1.70% of total loans, was adequate as an allowance against probable and estimable losses.
While the Company's policy is to charge-off in the current period those loans for which a loss is considered probable, there also exists the risk of future losses which cannot be precisely quantified or attributed to particular loans. As this risk is continually changing in response to factors beyond the control of the Company, such as the state of the economy, management's judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in future periods, while approximate, is in part based on a reasonable methodology. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review the Company's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to record additions or deletions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.
The following tables provide a summary of the Company's allowance for loan losses and charge-off and recovery activity.
/(1)/ Nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets do not include accruing loans 90 days or more past due.
The following table shows the historical allocation of the Company's allowance for loan losses and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated.
The Company had approximately $1,199,000 in impaired loans as of December 31, 1997. The carrying value of impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses was $234,000, with the amount of specific allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans of $80,000. There were $965,000 in impaired loans for which there was no related specific allowance for loan losses. However, general allowance consistent with the level of allowance for similar loans with similar risk characteristics were maintained for impaired loans without specific allowance. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1997 was $1,342,000 and there was no income recorded utilizing either the cash basis or accrual basis method of accounting. Impaired loans at December 31, 1997 included $877,000 of nonaccrual loans.
The Company had approximately $1,894,000 in impaired loans as of December 31, 1996. The carrying value of impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses was $700,000, with the amount of specific
allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans of $379,000. There were $1,194,000 in impaired loans for which there was no related specific allowance for loan losses. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1996 was $4,161,000 and income recorded utilizing the cash basis and accrual basis method of accounting was $53,000.
Securities
The average yield on the Company's securities was 6.20% in 1997 compared with 6.29% in 1996 and 6.47% in 1995. The yield on securities in 1997 was approximately the same as in 1996. The decrease in yield in 1996 compared to 1995 was due to restructuring of the securities portfolio in order to better meet the Company's liquidity needs. Securities sold in connection with the restructuring during 1996 resulted in a net loss of approximately $71,000.
The following table sets forth the carrying value of securities available- for-sale at the dates indicated.
The following table sets forth the maturities of securities available-for- sale at December 31, 1997 and the weighted average yields of such securities. Borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. This right may cause actual maturities to differ from the contractual maturities summarized below. Collateralized mortgage obligations often have stated maturities of over ten years but are subject to prepayments which accelerate actual maturities. See Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the available-for-sale portfolio.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost of securities held-to-maturity at the dates indicated.
The following table sets forth the maturities of securities held-to- maturity at December 31, 1997 and the weighted average yields of such securities. Borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. This right may cause actual maturities to differ from the contractual maturities summarized below. Mortgage-backed securities generally have stated maturities of over ten years but are subject to likely and substantial prepayments which effectively accelerate actual maturities. See Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the held-to-maturity portfolio.
Deposits and Short-Term Borrowings
The Company attracts deposits primarily from individuals and businesses related to the health care services industry. The Company has no brokered deposits and the Company's current practice is to not purchase brokered deposits. The Company has no known foreign deposits. The average daily amount of deposits and interest rates paid on deposits is summarized below.
Time deposits of $100,000 or more are generally received from the Company's medical and professional client base. The impact on the Company's liquidity from the potential withdrawal of these deposits is considered in the Company's asset/liability management policies, which anticipates the Company's liquidity needs through the management of investments, federal funds sold, and/or by generating additional deposits.
The table below sets forth the remaining maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 1997:
In addition to the time deposits of $100,000 or more, a significant amount of the Company's deposits are in accounts with balances in excess of $100,000. At December 31, 1997, there were 333 such deposit accounts with balances totaling $127,173,000. These accounts are reviewed for purposes of monitoring the Company's liquidity. While increased volatility to the Company's deposit base may be present in this group of accounts, the investment management practices of the Company consider such potential volatility.
The Company also uses repurchase agreements from time to time as an additional source of funds. On December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no repurchase agreements outstanding.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company's repurchase agreements for the periods indicated.
The Company had no repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 1997, 1996, or 1995, respectively.
Capital Resources
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), the Bank's primary regulator, has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for national banks. These guidelines provide for a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted average total assets) of 3.0% for national banks that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other national banks will generally be required to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio of 3.0% plus an additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The OCC has not advised the Bank of any specific minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio applicable to it.
The FRB, as Bancorp's primary regulator, has similarly established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines also provide for a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3.0% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies will generally be required to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio of 3.0% plus an additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The FRB has not advised the Company of any specific minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio applicable to it.
Risk-based capital standards were implemented on December 31, 1992. Since December 31, 1992, banking organizations have been expected to meet a minimum ratio for qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, 4.0% of which must be Tier 1 capital. A banking organization's risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and risk-weighted off-balance-sheet items.
Although the Company and the Bank at December 31, 1997 were considered well capitalized and exceeded all applicable minimum capital requirements, the capital requirements of the federal banking regulators could limit the Company's future growth if the Company were to rely solely on the retention of earnings to generate additional capital or rapid growth. The Company completed a $5.75 million convertible note offering in May 1994. The interest rate is 8.5% to March 1998 at which time the rate resets at 150 basis points over the 5 year Constant Maturity Treasury Index. The conversion price of the notes is $12.6984 per share and is scheduled to mature in March 2004. Of the proceeds, $3.6 million was invested in First Professional Bank in order to increase the Bank's regulatory capital ratios and allow the Bank to grow, within the bounds of safety and soundness. $930,000 of the proceeds were used to retire the Company's remaining indebtedness as required by a stock repurchase agreement.
The following table sets forth the minimum required federal capital ratios for a bank holding company and bank, and various federal regulatory capital ratios of the Bancorp and the Bank at December 31, 1997.
/1/ The minimum required by the FRB is 3%; for all but the most highly-rated bank holding companies, the FRB expects a leverage ratio of 3% plus 100 to 200 basis points.
Warrants
In connection with a private placement of common stock (the "Private Placement"), the Company issued (i) a warrant to Robert H. Leshner, principal of the placement agent, to purchase 110,250 shares of Common Stock (the "Leshner Warrant") and (ii) warrants to each of Andrew E. Haas and Curtis Swindal to purchase 13,781 shares of Common Stock, each at a purchase price of $12.70 per share exercisable in full on or after December 31, 1994 and before December 31, 2002. The Company agreed to grant the holders of the shares issued upon exercise of the warrant ("Warrant Shares") the right, on two occasions during the five-year period beginning December 31, 1994, to require the Company to register (the "Demand Registration") the Warrant Shares under the Act. The Company will pay the expenses of one Demand Registration. Assuming the Demand Registration could be filed under a Form 3, such expense would be minimal. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Under the terms of the Leshner Warrant, if Dr. Joel W. Kovner, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, dies before December 31, 2002, then the Company will purchase, at the option of Mr. Leshner, some or all of the warrants and/or Warrant Shares then owned by Mr. Leshner, provided that (i) the maximum aggregate purchase price paid by the Company shall be not more than $1,000,000 and (ii) the funds to purchase such warrants and/or Warrant Shares shall come solely from the proceeds of the key person insurance policy on Dr. Kovner. Since such life insurance is in excess of the cash value recognized on the Company's balance sheet, there would be no net reduction in capital nor any impact on liquidity. Furthermore, if at any time prior to December 31, 2002, Mr. Leshner wishes to sell some or all of the warrants and/or Warrant Shares to a third party, Mr. Leshner must offer to sell such warrants and/or Warrant Shares to the Company on the same terms and conditions being offered to such third party. Another term of the Leshner Warrant restricts the Company's ability to issue certain types of preferred stock which would entitle the holders thereof to receive dividends or distributions of assets which vary in amount with the Company's performance.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
An interest rate sensitive asset or liability is one that, within a defined time period, either matures or can experience an interest rate change. As interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities have various repricings and maturities, changes in interest rates may increase or decrease the Bank's net interest income. This exposure to changes in interest rates is measured among other methodologies by an institutions "gap," or the difference between interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities within specified periods of time.
An excess of maturing or repricing assets over maturing or repricing liabilities during a given period will serve to increase net interest income in a rising rate environment and decrease net interest income when interest rates decline. In a rising interest rate environment, the assets will reprice at current interest rates earlier than the liabilities thus increasing the Bank's net interest margin. Conversely, when maturing or repricing liabilities exceed maturing or repricing assets during a given period, a rising interest rate environment generally will reduce the Bank's net interest margin.
The following table sets forth the distribution of the Company's interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1997. The table also sets forth the time period in which assets and liabilities will mature or reprice in accordance with their contractual terms. Mortgage-backed securities provide cash flows on a monthly basis; however, this analysis does not include prepayment assumptions. Prepayments assumptions are utilized in an interest rate simulation model which is routinely used by the Company in evaluating the impact of changes in interest rates on the Bank's net interest income.
(1) Non
In January 1993, in order to lock in a higher rate of return, the Company entered into two interest rate exchange agreements (swaps). These interest rate exchange agreements have a total aggregate notional amount of $40,000,000. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company received a fixed rate of 7.21% for a three-year period while the Company paid the prime rate over the same term. Due in part to these swaps, the Company's net interest margin for 1993 increased to 4.95%. During 1994, as interest rates rose, the Company began paying more on these swaps than it received and while the Company's net interest margin continued to rise. These swaps terminated in January 1996.
In addition, the Company desired to maintain the existing spread between a portion of its repricing liabilities and its repriceable assets and subsequently, entered into an interest rate exchange agreement in May 1994 with a notional amount of $15,000,000. This swap is intended to protect against the rise of deposit costs relative to the prime rate. Under the terms of the basic swap, for a period of five years, the Company pays an interest rate of prime rate less 190 basis points while receiving the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). Because the Company's repricing liabilities typically move to a lesser degree than does the three-month LIBOR, the terms of the original swap included limits on the interest rate to be received by the Company. This feature of the swap required mark-to-market accounting and the Company terminated this feature of the swap and recorded a pre-tax expense of $385,000 in 1994. Although this swap reduces current earnings, the management of the Company believes this reduction in earnings is justified by the protection against a narrowing spread.
As additional protection against lower interest rates, in December 1994 and January 1995, the Company entered into three interest rate floor contracts with a notional amount of $60,000,000. The agreements entitled the Company to receive from counterparties on a monthly basis the amounts, if any, by which the one-month LIBOR rate falls below 6%. The floor agreements were for a period of three years. The average premium paid for the floor agreements was approximately 20 basis points or $120,000, and was being amortized over three years. In May 1995, the Company sold the floor contracts for total consideration of $722,500. This amount is being amortized over the original three year term.
In order to protect the fair value of a portion of the Company's GNMA variable rate securities, in December 1995, the Company purchased two interest rate caps with a notional amount $10,000,000 each. The agreements entitled the Company to receive from counterparties on a quarterly basis the amounts, if any, by which the one year CMT rate rises above 6.50% for one of the agreements and 6.75% on the other. The cap agreements are for a period of three years. The average premium paid for the cap agreements was 63.5 basis points or $127,000, which is being amortized over the three year period.
LIQUIDITY
Adequate liquidity and maintenance of an appropriate balance between interest rate sensitive earning assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities are the principal imperatives associated with the asset/liability management function of a financial institution. Liquidity management involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of clients who may be depositors desiring to withdraw funds or borrowers requiring assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. Aside from asset/liability management, the Company maintains short-term sources of funds to meet periodic planned and unplanned increases in loan demand and deposit withdrawals and maturities.
The initial source of liquidity is the excess funds sold daily to other banks in the form of federal funds. In addition to cash and cash equivalents, the Company maintains a large percentage of its assets in investment securities. These securities include both securities available-for- sale and securities held-to-maturity. Securities available-for-sale can be sold in response to liquidity needs or used as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements. Securities held-to-maturity are available for liquidity needs solely as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements. The Company had no reverse repurchase agreements on December 31, 1997 and 1996. As evidence of the Company's high level of liquidity at December 31, 1997, cash and cash equivalents totaled $54,340,000, while securities available for reverse repurchase agreements totaled approximately $84,770,000. The combined amount of $139,110,000 represents approximately 61% of the Company's total assets. Management is of the opinion that the existing level of liquidity and borrowing capacity is sufficient to insulate the Bank against unforeseen liquidity demands.
On a stand-alone basis, the Company's primary source of liquidity is dividends from the Bank. Dividends by the Bank to the Company are subject to regulatory restrictions. For further information on the Bank's dividend restrictions, see "Business - Supervision and Regulation - Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions" and Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 problem is the result of computer programs being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. In 1997 the Company developed a plan to resolve these issues. The plan provides for the conversion efforts to be completed by the end of 1998.
The Company utilizes a third party mainframe software for the processing of its loan, deposit and financial data. The vendor has certified in 1997 that the software is "Year 2000 compliant." Accordingly, the Company does not expect the costs required to be expensed to prepare the remaining systems for Year 2000 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations. The Company currently estimates that its Year 2000 project, including costs incurred in 1997 and through the year 2000, may range between $200,000 to $500,000. These costs include estimates for internal staff costs as well as consulting, hardware and software, lease expense and other expenses related to infrastructure and facilities enhancements necessary to prepare the systems for the year 2000. The Company is funding these costs through operating cash flows and is expensing the costs as incurred. The amount expensed in 1997 was immaterial to the Company's results of operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The discussions contained above in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial condition and Results of Operations" and Item 1. "Business" are intended to provide information to facilitate the understanding and assessment of the consolidated financial statements and footnotes and should be read and considered in conjunction therewith. These discussions included forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act regarding management's beliefs, estimates, projections, and assumptions with respect to future operations. Actual results and operations for any future period may vary materially from those projected herein and from past results discussed herein.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
The table below provides information about the Company's derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest, including interest swaps. Investment securities and loans, certificates of deposit and convertible notes are presented based upon contractual maturity and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps and caps, the table present notioinal amounts equivalents, which is the Company's reporting currency.
The table below provides information about the Company's derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest swaps. Certificates of deposit and convertible notes are presented based upon contractual maturity and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps and caps, the table present notional amounts and weighted average interst rates by contractual maturity dates. The information is presented in US dollar equivalents, which is the Company's reporting currency.
(1) The Company used certain assumptions to estimate fair values and expected maturities. For loans, expected maturities are contractual maturities adjusted for estimated prepayments of principal based on market indicators. Investment securities are at quoted market rates and stated maturities. For loan fair value computations, the company used a discounted cashflow model with discount rates based upon prevailing market rates for similar types of loans, incorporating adjustments for credit risk. For deposit liabilities, fair values were calculated using discounted cashflow models based on market interest rates for different product types and maturity dates for which the deposits are held.
Exchange Rate Sensitivity
All of the Company's derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments are denominated in US dollars. The Company does not have, or anticipate having, any foreign currency exchange rate exposure.
Commodity Price Sensitivity
The Company does not have, or anticipate having, any derivative commodity instruments.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA - ----------------------------------------------------
The Company's Financial Statements are identified in Item 14(a) below.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE --------------------
None
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT - ------------------------------------------------------------
The information requested by Item 10 is provided in the sections entitled "PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS," and "INDENTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" and "SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE" of the Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year and which is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION - --------------------------------
The information requested by Item 11 is provided in the section entitled "COMPENSATION TABLES" of the Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year and which is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT - ------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information requested by Item 12 is provided in the section entitled "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT" of the Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year and which is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS - --------------------------------------------------------
The information requested in Item 13 is provided in the section entitled "INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS" of the Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year and which is incorporated herein by this reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Financial Statements See Index to Financial Statements of Professional Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary which is part of this Form 10-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company did not file any Current Reports on Form 8-K.
(c) Exhibits
EXHIBIT NO. - -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Bancorp's 1989 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
3.2 Bylaws adopted April 25, 1990, as amended July 25, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Bancorp's 1995 10-K/A Report filed on June 3, 1996 and incorporated herein by this reference).
3.3 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated September 8, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Bancorp's 1995 10-K/A Report filed on June 3, 1996 and incorporated herein by this reference).
4.1 Warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock dated 12-31-92, issued to Robert H. Leshner (filed as Exhibit 4.1 in Bancorp's 1992 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.1* 1982 Stock Option Plan and Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Bancorp's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-76371 filed March 8, 1982, and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.2* Indemnity Agreement entered into with directors and certain officers dated October 25, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Bancorp's 1995 10-K/A Report filed on June 3, 1996 and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.3* 1990 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 28.A in Bancorp's 1990 10- K Report on Form 8, Amendment No. 1 dated April 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.4* 1992 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit A in Bancorp's 1992 Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.5* Stock repurchase agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 in Form 8-K, dated December 18, 1990 and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.6 Consulting Agreement dated as of August 12, 1996 between Bancorp, First Professional Bank, N.A. and Network Health Financial Services (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Bancorp's 1996 Form 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.7* Salary Continuation Agreement entered into between the Bank and Joel W. Kovner dated May 1, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to Bancorp's 1992 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.8 Settlement Agreement dated as of July 8, 1996 among Bancorp, the Bank, the Shareholders Protective Committee and certain officers and directors (filed as Exhibit 1 to Bancorp's Form 8-K filed July 22, 1996 and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.9 Lease for premises at 606 Broadway, Santa Monica, California (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Bancorp's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 2-76371 filed March 8, 1982 and incorporated herein by this ref erence).
10.10 Lease for premises at 520 Broadway, Santa Monica, California (filed as Exhibit 10.5 in Bancorp's 1983 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.11 Lease for premises at 8600 West 3rd Street, Suite #1, Los Angeles, California (filed as Exhibit 10.6 in Bancorp's 1983 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference.
10.12 Lease for second floor premises and extension of lease of entire premises at 606 Broadway, Santa Monica, California (filed as Exhibit 10.8 in Bancorp's 1984 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.13 Lease for premises at 9629 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, California (filed as Exhibit 10.9 in Bancorp's 1984 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.14 Lease for premises at 5525 Etiwanda Street, Tarzana, California (filed as Exhibit 10.8 in Bancorp's 1986 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.15 Lease for premises at 55 E. California, Pasadena, California (filed as Exhibit 10.65 in Bancorp's 1991 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.16 Lease for premises at 10 North 5th Street, Redlands, California, (filed as Exhibit 10.7 in Bancorp's 1991 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
10.17 Lease for premises at 9900 Norwalk Boulevard, Santa Fe Springs, California, (filed as Exhibit 10.75 in Bancorp's 1992 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
11 Earnings (loss) per share computation.
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit in Bancorp's 1986 10-K Report and incorporated herein by this reference).
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
27 Financial Data Schedule
*Identified as a management contract or compensatory agreement pursuant to Item 14(a)# of Form 10-K.
(d) Financial Statements
All schedules are omitted because they are not required, not applicable or because the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto or is not material.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to 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 hereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 26, 1998 PROFESSIONAL BANCORP, INC. (Registrant)
By: /s/ Melissa Lanfre ----------------------
Melissa Lanfre Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors of Professional Bancorp, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Professional Bancorp, Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. 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 generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 Professional Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Los Angeles, California February 16, 1998
PROFESSIONAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
PROFESSIONAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
PROFESSIONAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
PROFESSIONAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Professional Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary (together, the "Company") is engaged in the general commercial banking business and provides a wide range of commercial banking services primarily directed towards meeting the financial needs of the medical services community and other distinct non-medical service organizations. Services include those traditionally offered by commercial banks such as checking and savings accounts; time certificates of deposit; and commercial, consumer/installment, home equity and short-term real estate loans, with an emphasis on cash flow lending. The service area of the Company consists of the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura with a full-service office at its Santa Monica headquarters and four full-service branches located in Beverly Hills, Tarzana, Pasadena and Redlands.
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that effect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. The allowance for loan losses and the deferred tax asset are material estimates subject to change.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Professional Bancorp, Inc. (the "Bancorp") and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Professional Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Financial Instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" ("SFAS No. 107") requires the disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the statement of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate the value. A significant portion of the Bank's assets and liabilities are financial instruments as defined under SFAS No. 107. Fair values, estimates and assumptions are set forth in Note 14, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Interest Rate Risks
The Company, as an institution with long-term assets (both loans and investments), may experience a decrease in profitability and the value of such assets if the general level of interest rates rise. Interest rates paid on certain deposits may rise more quickly in a rapidly rising interest rate environment than do interest rates on securities, in which case the Company would be exposed to the risk that its cost of funds may rise more quickly than its interest income. Changes in the general level of interest rates affect the Company's various securities in differing ways. In a declining interest rate environment, the rate at which the underlying mortgages of mortgage-backed securities are prepaid tends to increase as borrowers refinance their loans. If a higher than anticipated level of prepayments were to continue for an extended period of time, there could be an adverse effect on the level of the Company's outstanding securities. Securities held in the Company's available-for-sale portfolio are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. In a rising interest rate environment, unrealized losses may negatively affect the Company's shareholders' equity from quarter to quarter.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentrations of credit risk exist for groups of borrowers when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. The ability of the Bank's borrowers to repay their commitments is contingent on several factors, including the economic conditions in the borrowers' geographic area and the individual financial condition of the borrowers. The Bank's lending activities are primarily conducted in Southern California. The Bank currently focuses on the origination of commercial loans to health care organizations ranging from single practitioners to large multi- specialty medical groups. Ongoing changes in the delivery of health care could negatively impact certain borrowers. The Bank has loans and loan commitments to a small number of clients that total between $2,000,000 and the Bank's legal lending limit of approximately $3.3 million.
Statement of Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one day periods.
Securities
The Company classifies its investment in debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading securities, as applicable. Securities held-to-maturity are those debt securities for which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Trading securities are acquired and sold to benefit from short-term movements in market prices. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale. All securities are under the control of the Company.
Securities held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Trading securities are carried at fair value and are recorded as of their trade dates. Gains or losses on trading securities, both realized and unrealized, are recognized currently in income. As of December 31, 1997, the Company does not have, nor contemplates having, any securities classified as trading securities. Securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reflected as an addition or reduction of shareholders' equity. Unrealized losses on securities, reflecting a decline in value judged to be other than temporary, are charged to income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related securities held-to-maturity and available-for-sale as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in operations and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
The Bank purchases securities under agreements to resell and sells securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements have a duration of one business day and are fully collateralized. Securities purchased under resale agreements are recorded as short-term investments, while securities sold under repurchase agreements are recorded as short-term obligations. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Bank had no such agreements.
Derivatives
The Bank enters into interest rate exchange agreements and cap and floor agreements for protection against future fluctuations in the interest rates of specifically identified assets or liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements are for the purpose of synthetically altering the interest rates on a portion of the Bank's super NOW and money market accounts. Interest rate floor agreements are used to reduce the potential impact of lower interest rates which would reduce the interest income on loans and on certain securities. Interest rate cap agreements are used to reduce the potential impact of rising interest rates which would reduce the interest income on certain securities. Interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap and floor agreements are accounted for as hedges. Gains or losses on the sales of such agreements are deferred and transferred into interest income or expense over the maturity period of the agreement. Net interest income (expense) resulting from the differential between interest rate exchange payments is recorded on a current basis. Premiums paid for purchased interest rate cap and floor agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense over the terms of the agreements. Unamortized premiums are included in other assets in the consolidated financial statements. Amounts receivable under cap and floor agreements are recorded as an increase to interest income.
Mortgage Banking Fees
The Bank's mortgage banking operations consist solely of a broker function. This service is provided to assist the Bank's clients in obtaining mortgage loans with other institutions. The Bank does not originate or sell mortgage loans. The Bank earns revenue, in the form of points and any documentation fees charged on a loan, but is otherwise not involved in the loan. Fees are recorded when payment is received through escrow.
Merchant Discount Income
Merchant discount income consists of the fees charged on credit card receipts submitted by the Bank's business clients for processing. The income received and the fees paid by the Bank to credit card issuers and expenses for third party processors are netted and reported as a component of other income. Such amounts are recognized when received or paid.
Loans and the Related Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans are recorded at face value, less payments received. Interest on loans is accrued daily as earned, except where a reasonable doubt exists as to the full collectibility of interest or principal, in which case the accrual of income is discontinued and the balance of accrued interest is reversed. Generally, this means that loans are put on nonaccrual status when interest is ninety days or more past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. All payments received subsequent to the loan being put on nonaccrual are used to reduce the principal balance. Only after the principal is reduced to zero is interest income realized. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual it generally remains on nonaccrual unless the borrower has the capacity to make payments as evidenced by tax returns and other financial statements and has the intent to make payments as evidenced by keeping the loan current for a period of three to six months.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Loan fees in excess of certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized into interest income utilizing the interest method over the lives of the related loans. When a loan is repaid or sold, any unamortized net deferred fee balance is credited to income. Accretion of deferred loan fees is discontinued when loans are placed on nonaccrual status.
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for potential loan losses. Credits deemed uncollectible are charged to the allowance. Provisions for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the allowance. Management, in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, takes into consideration (1) loan loss experience, (2) collateral values, (3) changes in the loan portfolio, (4) an assessment of the effect of current and anticipated economic conditions on the loan portfolio, and (5) examinations conducted by Bank regulatory agencies. While management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio, there exists the risk of future losses which cannot be precisely quantified. Because this risk is continually changing in response to factors beyond the control of the Bank, such as the state of the economy, management's judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in future periods is necessarily an estimate. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to record additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.
Impaired Loans
The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement on a timely basis. Impairment of a loan is measured by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company recognizes impairment by creating a valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are not subject to this accounting treatment.
For loans classified as nonaccrual and troubled debt restructurings, specific valuation allowances are established for the difference between the loan amount and the fair value of collateral less estimated selling costs. Impaired loans which are performing under their contractual terms are reported as performing loans, and cash payments are allocated to principal and interest in accordance with the terms of the loan.
Premises and Equipment, net
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation on furniture, fixtures, and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from two to fifteen years. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lease term or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.
Amortization of Convertible Note Expenses
Expenses associated with the convertible note offering in 1994 are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 10 year term of the note.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiary file consolidated federal income and state franchise tax returns. Provisions for income taxes are based on amounts reported in the statements of income (after exclusion of non-taxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities) and include deferred taxes on temporary differences between tax and financial statement purposes. Deferred taxes are computed using the asset and liability approach. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The Company Bancorp adopted, effective December 31, 1997, Statement of Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128") simplifies the standards for computing and presenting earnings per share ("EPS") as previously prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per Share." SFAS 128 replaces primary EPS with basic EPS and fully diluted EPS with diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted from issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings.
Stock Option Plan
Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), and related interpretations. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS"), which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair-value- based method defined in SFAS 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS 123. However, as there were no options granted in 1995, 1996, or 1997, the pro forma disclosure provisions are not currently applicable.
401(k) Savings Plan
The Bank has a 401(k) savings plan in effect for substantially all of its full-time employees who have completed one year of continuous service. Employee contributions under the plan are matched by the Bank up to a maximum of 3.0% of the employee's annual salary for 1997, 1996 and 1995. Salaries and employee benefits expense includes $71,700, $80,600, and $73,800 for 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, related to the Bank's contributions.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts have been reclassified in the 1996 and 1995 financial statements to conform with the 1997 presentation of those items.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 problem is the result of computer programs being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. In 1997 the Company developed a plan to resolve these issues. The plan provides for the conversion efforts to be completed by the end of 1998.
The Company utilizes a third party mainframe software for the processing of its loan, deposit and financial data. The vendor has certified in 1997 that the software is "Year 2000 compliant." Accordingly, the Company does not expect the costs required to be expensed to prepare the remaining systems for Year 2000 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations. The Company currently estimates that its Year 2000 project, including costs incurred in 1997 and through the year 2000, may range between $200,000 to $500,000. These costs include estimates for internal staff costs as well as consulting, hardware and software, lease expense and other expenses related to infrastructure and facilities enhancements necessary to prepare the systems for the year 2000. The Company is funding these costs through operating cash flows and is expensing the costs as incurred. The amount expensed in 1997 was immaterial to the Company's results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 1997 the FASB issued SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information Account Capital Structure." SFAS No. 129 consolidates existing reporting standards for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. SFAS No. 129 also supersedes previously issued account statements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 129 as of December 31, 1997. The impact on the Company is not significant as the Company's existing disclosures are generally in compliance with the disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 129.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The impact on the Company of adopting SFAS No. 130 is not expected to be material to the Company's existing disclosure.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards to report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim reports to shareholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial statement for periods beginning after December 15, 1997, with comparative information for earlier years to be restated. The Company is currently assessing the effect of adopting SFAS No. 131.
NOTE 2 - RESTRICTED CASH BALANCES
Aggregate cash balances in the form of deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of approximately $4,351,000 and $4,180,000 were maintained to satisfy federal regulatory requirements at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale are as follows:
There were no sales of securities available-for-sale in 1997. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, securities available-for-sale were sold for aggregate proceeds of $26,053,000, and $69,267,000, respectively. These sales resulted in gross realized gains and losses of $21,000 and ($92,000) in 1996 and gross realized gains of $1,018,000 in 1995.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 1997, by contractual maturity is shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The amortized cost and fair value of securities held-to-maturity are as follows:
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1997 by contractual maturity is shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
There were no trading securities during 1997 and 1996.
During 1997, the highest daily balance and the average balance for the securities was $98,828,000 and $94,084,000, respectively. During 1996, the highest daily outstanding balance and average balance for the securities was $86,125,000 and $75,522,000, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Pledged Securities
U.S. Treasury securities with a carrying value of approximately $3,054,000 and $3,064,000 were pledged to secure treasury tax and loan deposits as required by law at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTE 4 - LOANS AND THE RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
A summary of the major components of loans outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
The following table provides information with respect to the Company's past due loans.
Total accrued interest on loans 90 days past due and still accruing was approximately $1,000 at December 31, 1997 and $19,000 at December 31, 1996.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The effect of nonaccrual loans on interest income for the years 1997 and 1996 is presented below:
The Company had approximately $1,199,000 in impaired loans as of December 31, 1997. The carrying value of impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses was $234,000, with the amount of specific allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans of $80,000. There was $965,000 in impaired loans for which there was no related specific allowance for loan losses. However, general allowance consistent with the level of allowance for similar loans with similar risk characteristics were maintained for impaired loans without specific allowances. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1997 was $1,342,000 and there was no income recorded utilizing either the cash basis or accrual basis method of accounting. Impaired loans at December 31, 1997, included $877,000 of nonaccrual loans.
The Company had approximately $1,894,000 in impaired loans as of December 31, 1996. The carrying value of impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for loan losses was $700,000, with the amount of specific allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans of $379,000. There was $1,194,000 in impaired loans for which there was no related specific allowance for loan losses. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1996 was $4,161,000 and income recorded utilizing either the cash basis or accrual basis method of accounting was $53,000.
The Company had approximately $5,240,000 in impaired loans as of December 31, 1995. The carrying value of impaired loans for which there is a related allowances for loan losses was $2,629,000, with the amount of specific allowance for loan losses allocated to these loans of $311,000. There were $2,607,000 in impaired loans for which there was no related specific allowance for loan losses. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1995 was $4,200,000 and income recorded utilizing either the cash basis or accrual basis method of accounting was $91,000.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
A summary of the activity within the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
The Company's commercial loans as of December 31, 1997 are secured by the following collateral:
Note 5 - Premises and Equipment
A summary of the major components of premises and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
Depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment was approximately $563,000, $606,000 and $537,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 6 - DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
A summary of time certificates of deposit outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 relating to interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings amounted to the following:
The Bank sells securities under agreements to repurchase. Securities sold under repurchase agreements are recorded as short-term obligations. During 1997, the highest daily outstanding balance and the average balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $8,000,000 and $274,000, respectively; the average rate paid was 5.77%. During 1996, the highest daily outstanding balance and the average balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $17,929,000 and $3,422,000, respectively; the average rate paid was 5.41%. During 1995, the highest daily outstanding balance and the average balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $41,773,000 and $3,458,000, respectively; the average rate paid was 5.90%. Securities subject to repurchase agreements are retained by the Company's custodian under written agreements that recognize the customers' interests in the securities.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is comprised of the following:
The following summarizes the differences between the income taxes reported for financial statement purposes and income taxes at the federal statutory rate of 34%, in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively:
Included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities is current income taxes payable of $175,000 and $294,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows:
The gross net operating loss carryover for state income taxes of approximately $827,000 expires in 2001.
In assessing the realizability 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 projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize all benefits related to these deductible differences.
Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity
The Company's stock option plans allow option holders to "pyramid" their options upon exercise. Through this process, which utilizes the intrinsic value of the options at the time of exercise, the option holders avoid incurring additional costs. As a result, more options may be exercised than shares issued, depending on the intrinsic value of the options at the time of exercise.
The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock option plans and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the financial statements. Compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for stock options under SFAS No. 123 was not determined as no stock options were granted in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The Company has a stock option plan dated April 20, 1983 (the "1983 Plan"), which authorizes the issuance of up to 165,894 shares of the Company's unissued common stock to directors, officers and other personnel. Option prices may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant. Options granted under the 1983 Plan expire not more than five years after the date of grant and must be fully paid when exercised. The 1983 Plan terminated on April 19, 1993, therefore no further options pursuant to that plan may be granted. The status of options granted under the 1983 Plan is shown as follows:
The Company also has a stock option plan dated December 18, 1990 (the "1990 Plan") as amended and restated on September 22, 1992, which authorizes the issuance of up to 120,000 shares of the Company's unissued common stock to directors, officers and other personnel. Option prices may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant for incentive stock options and 85% of the fair market value for non-qualified stock options. Options granted under the 1990 Plan expire not more than ten years after the date of grant and must be fully paid when exercised. The status of options granted under the 1990 Plan is shown as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
At December 31, 1997, 57,568 option shares were exercisable. The weighted- average exercise price per share of these options was $10.54 at December 31, 1997.
The Company also has a stock option plan dated December 31, 1992 (the "1992 Plan"), which authorizes the issuance of up to 393,750 shares of the Company's unissued common stock to directors, officers and other personnel. Option prices may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant for incentive stock options and 85% of the fair market value for non- qualified stock options. Options granted under the 1992 Plan expire not more than ten years after the date of grant and must be fully paid when exercised. The status of options granted under the 1992 Plan is shown as follows:
At December 31, 1997, all 358,313 option shares were exercisable at a weighted-average exercise price per share of $12.70.
On May 14, 1996, the Company declared a 5% stock dividend paid on June 21, 1996, primarily by a distribution of 64,714 treasury shares. On June 23, 1995, the Company declared a 5% stock dividend primarily paid by a distribution of 56,274 treasury shares on July 19, 1995.
On January 19, 1993, the Company concluded a private placement offering of 341,250 shares of common stock at a price of $12.70 per share. All but 15,225 shares were sold as of December 31, 1992. In connection with the offering, 413,438 options and 137,812 warrants were issued on December 31, 1992 and are considered issued and outstanding. The options and warrants became exercisable on December 31, 1994 at a price of $12.70 per share and expire on December 31, 2002. Proceeds to the Company from the offering totaled $3,559,000 as of December 31, 1992. Additional proceeds of $182,000 were received on January 19, 1993.
In connection with the private placement, the Company issued (i) a warrant to Robert H. Leshner, principal of the placement agent, to purchase 110,250 shares of Common Stock (the "Leshner Warrant") and (ii) a warrant to Andrew E. Haas, which was subsequently reissued as two warrants to purchase 13,781 shares to each of Mr. Haas and Curtis Swindal, each at a purchase price of $12.70 per share exercisable in full on or after December 31, 1994 and before December 31, 2002. The Company agreed to grant the holders of the shares issued upon exercise of the warrants ("Warrant Shares") the right, on two occasions during the five-year period beginning December 31, 1994, to require the Company to register (the "Demand Registration") the Warrant Shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act"). The Company will pay the expenses of one Demand Registration.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Under the terms of the Leshner Warrant, if Dr. Joel W. Kovner, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, dies before December 31, 2002, then the Company will purchase, at the option of Mr. Leshner, some or all of the warrants and/or Warrant Shares then owned by Mr. Leshner, provided that (i) the maximum aggregate purchase price paid by the Company shall be not more than $1,000,000 and (ii) the funds to purchase such warrants and/or Warrant Shares shall come solely from the proceeds of the key person life insurance policy on Dr. Kovner. Furthermore, if at any time prior to December 31, 2002 Mr. Leshner wishes to sell some or all of the warrants and/or Warrant Shares to a third party, Mr. Leshner must offer to sell such warrants and/or Warrant Shares to the Company on the same terms and conditions being offered to such third party. Another term of the Leshner Warrant restricts Bancorp's ability to issue certain types of preferred stock which would entitle the holders thereof to receive dividends or distributions of assets that vary in amount with Bancorp's performance.
NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company leases its premises and certain equipment under several noncancellable operating leases which expire on various dates through January 31, 2007. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 amounted to approximately $1,089,000, $1,000,000 and $990,000, respectively.
The following is a schedule of future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 1997:
The building lease commitments are subject to cost-of-living adjustments to reflect future changes in the consumer price index or a fixed periodic rate increase. Those leases with fixed periodic rate increases and/or specified months with no rent due are amortized so that the average monthly cost of the lease is charged each month.
Lending Commitments
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had commitments to extend credit of approximately $32,048,000 and $38,931,000, respectively, and obligations under standby letters of credit of approximately $6,832,000 and $4,610,000, respectively. These commitments and obligations were variable rate in structure.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. At December 31, 1997, all guarantees extended for a period of 12 months or less. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for extending loan facilities to clients. The Company evaluates each client's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if necessary by the Company upon an extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property plant and equipment and income-producing commercial real estate.
Litigation
The Company and its subsidiary are defendants in legal actions arising from transactions conducted in the ordinary course of their business. Based upon discussion with the Company's attorneys, management believes that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from such actions will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial statements.
A settlement between the Bancorp, Bank and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company ("St. Paul") , Bancorp's and the Bank's director and officer liability insurance carrier, was finalized in December 1997. Pursuant to the settlement, St. Paul reimbursed the Company and the Bank $600,000 for certain non-recurring legal expenses in connection with the 1996 proxy contest and the litigation related thereto.
NOTE 10 - TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DIRECTORS AND AFFILIATED PARTIES
As part of its normal banking activities, the Company has extended credit to various directors and employees and their related interest. The credit extended to these individuals and affiliates for the two years ended December 31, 1997, is summarized as follows:
Interest income earned on these loans amounted to approximately $286,000, $276,000 and $299,000 during the years 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In the opinion of management, all such extensions of credit are on terms similar to transactions with nonaffiliated parties and involve only normal credit risk.
Amounts included in deposits at December 31, 1997, related to directors and affiliated parties was approximately $68,000.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The Company and the Bank entered into a Consulting Agreement with Network Health Financial Services, Inc. ("NHFS"), a California Corporation for which Melinda McIntyre-Kolpin serves as Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, NHFS provides consulting services to the Company and the Bank with respect to personnel matters, operational procedures and client development and retention. NHFS is paid its actual costs incurred in the performance of its duties under the Consulting Agreement (including hourly rates for certain specified NHFS personnel while they are performing consulting services), plus an additional 25% of such costs. In addition, the Bancorp and Bank pay flat monthly rates for the services of Ms. McIntyre-Kolpin and Ms. Patti Derry. During 1997, the Bancorp and the Bank paid NHFS total fees in the amount of approximately $708,000 pursuant to the Consulting Agreement. Any party may terminate the Consulting Agreement by giving 30 days notice to the other parties.
NOTE 11 - CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"), the Bank's primary regulator, has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for national banks. These guidelines provide for a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets) of 3.0% for national banks that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other national banks will generally be required to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio of 3.0% plus an additional 100 to 200 basis points. The OCC has not advised the Bank of any specific minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio applicable to it.
The Federal Reserve Board, as the Company's primary regulator, has similarly established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines also provide for a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3.0% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies will generally be required to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio of 3.0% plus an additional 100 to 200 basis points. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised the Company of any specific minimum Tier 1 capital leverage ratio applicable to it. Under risk-based capital standards, banking organizations are expected to meet a minimum ratio for qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, 4.0% of which must be Tier 1 capital.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act of 1991 contains "prompt correction action" provisions pursuant to which insured depository institutions are to be classified into one of five categories based primarily upon capital adequacy, ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically undercapitalized" and which require, subject to certain exceptions, the appropriate federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action with respect to an institution which becomes "undercapitalized" and to take additional actions if the institution becomes "significantly undercapitalized" or "critically undercapitalized." At December 31, 1997, the Company's and Bank's regulatory capital exceeded the thresholds necessary to be considered "well capitalized." There are no conditions or events since that date that management believes have changed the institution's category.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table sets forth the minimum required regulatory capital ratios for a bank holding company and bank, and various regulatory capital ratios of the Company and the Bank at December 31, 1997.
Under federal banking law, dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year may not, without the approval of the OCC, exceed its net earnings, as defined, for that year combined with its retained net earnings for the preceding two years. Dividends declared may not exceed amounts necessary to satisfy the aforementioned capital requirements. As of December 31, 1997, the Bank could not declare dividends without obtaining regulatory approval.
Federal banking law also restricts the Bank from extending credit to the Company in excess of 10% of the capital stock and surplus, as defined. Any such extensions of credit are subject to strict collateral requirements.
NOTE 12 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On June 19, 1994, the Company completed a public offering of $5,750,000 in convertible subordinated reset notes (the "Notes") which mature on March 1, 2004 and incurred expenses of $1,205,000. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on September 1, 1994 at the rate of 8.50% per annum until March 1, 1998, and from March 2, 1998 until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment at a rate of 7.21% per annum, or the Reference Rate (as defined below) plus 150 basis points. The "Reference Rate" is the most recent "Five Year Constant Treasury Maturity Index" published by the Federal Reserve Bank, or its successor, at least 60 days prior to March 2, 1998. The Notes are convertible into common stock of the Company at any time prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $12.6984 per share, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company at any time on or after March 2, 1998 at the redemption prices set, subject to the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. During 1997, $180,000 of the Notes were converted into 14,174 common stock shares. During 1996, $2,000 of the Notes were converted into 157 common stock shares. During 1995, $131,000 of the Notes were converted into 10,316 common stock shares. If all $5,437,000 of the remaining Notes were converted into common stock, 428,164 shares of common stock would be issued.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 13 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. They are used to manage well-defined interest rate price risks.
Interest rate floor and cap agreements are used to reduce the potential impact of changes in interest rates which would reduce the interest income and/or market value on loans and on certain securities. The Company entered into three interest rate floor agreements during December 1994 and January 1995 for a total notional amount of $60 million. The agreements entitled the Company to receive from counterparties on a monthly basis the amounts, if any, by which the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") falls below 6%. The floor agreements were for a period of three years. The average premium paid for the floor agreements was approximately 20 basis points or $120,000 and was being amortized over three years. In May 1995, the Company sold the floor contracts for total consideration of $722,500. This amount is being amortized over the original three year term. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, net interest income was increased approximately $235,000, $235,000 and $141,000, respectively, as a result of the interest rate floor agreements.
In December 1995, the Company entered into two interest rate cap agreements for a notional amount of $10 million each. The agreements entitle the Company to receive from counterparties on a quarterly basis the amounts, if any, by which the one year Constant Maturity Treasury Index ("CMT") rises above 6.50% on a $10 million notional amount and 6.75% on a $10 million notional amount. The cap agreements are for a period of three years and expire December 1998. The average premium paid for the cap agreements was approximately 63.5 basis points or $127,000 and is being amortized over three years. Net interest income in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was decreased by the interest rate caps by approximately $42,000, $42,000 and $1,000, respectively.
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of synthetically altering the interest rates on a portion of the Bank's super NOW and money market accounts. In January 1993, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements that paid the Company a fixed rate of 7.21% for three years beginning in January 1993, while the Company paid the prime rate. These swaps had a total notional amount of $40 million and terminated in January 1996. Net interest income for 1996 and 1995 was reduced by the two swaps by approximately $15,000 and $694,000, respectively. In November 1993, the Bank entered into a swap with a notional amount of $15 million to synthetically alter interest rates on a portion of the Bank's super NOW and money market accounts. The effective date of the swap is May 26, 1994 and it covers a period of five years ending in May 1999. Under the terms of the swap, the Bank pays a rate of prime less 190 basis points while receiving the three-month LIBOR. The rate the Bank pays adjusts daily while the rate the Bank receives adjusts quarterly. The terms of the swap originally included an interest rate cap, which was terminated in 1994, and an expense of approximately $385,000 was recorded. Net interest income for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was reduced by the swap by approximately $134,000, $134,000 and $135,000, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, the Company was paying 6.60% and receiving 5.875%.
The Company is exposed to potential credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to its interest rate floor agreements, interest rate swap agreements and nonderivative financial assets, but has no off-balance-sheet credit risk of accounting loss. The Company anticipates, however, that counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the contracts. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security to support the financial instruments subject to credit risk but monitors the credit standing of counterparties.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 14 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Bank using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Bank could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents reported in the balance sheet approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of the assets. The fair value of marketable securities and interest rate swaps and caps is based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes, and prices obtained from independent pricing services. The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. The analysis was performed on a loan-by-loan basis by projecting each loan's expected cash flows and discounting these flows at appropriate discount rates. The expected cash flows were determined by contractually scheduled payments of principal and interest, incorporating scheduled rate adjustments, periodic caps, and lifetime ceilings and floors for adjustable loans. The fair values are based on a stable interest rate scenario and do not incorporate bid-ask spreads or discounts that might be required to dispose of assets in bulk. Discount rates applied to the expected cash flows were based on the Bank's offer rates for new loans with similar collateral and terms, adjusted to reflect differential risk based on collateral value, payment status, and/or credit classification at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The fair value of deposits with no defined maturities, such as demand deposits, money market deposits and savings accounts, is the amount payable on demand at the valuation date. For deposit liabilities with defined maturities, such as time certificates of deposit, estimation of fair value was based on the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be paid, where the discount rate was the Bank's offer rate for similar deposits with maturities equivalent to the remaining terms on the deposits being valued at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Standby letters of credit principally support corporate obligations and include $760,000 and $330,000 that was collateralized with cash at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. At December 31, 1997, $6,832,000 of the standby letters of credit and $26,393,000 of other lending commitments expire within one year. The estimated fair value of lending commitments and letters of credit is estimated using fees currently charged for similar arrangements, adjusted for changes in interest rates and credit that occurred subsequent to origination.
The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since those dates and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
NOTE 15 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
NOTE 16 - PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
The Bancorp has met its obligations principally from the payment of dividends from the Bank. As of December 31, 1997, the Bank was unable to pay dividends without obtaining regulatory approval.
The following financial information represents the balance sheets of the Bancorp as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the related statements of operations and of cash flows for the three-year period ended December 31, 1997.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 16 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following tables set forth the Company unaudited data regarding operations for each quarter of 1997, 1996 and 1995. This information, in the opinion of management, includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth therein. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company added $3,240,000 to the allowance for loan losses in recognition that the quality of certain loans had deteriorated and to provide protection against future potential losses. Of the $3,240,000 provision, more than $1,915,000 related to one specific loan. In addition, nonrecurring costs of approximately $2,579,000 associated with the proxy contest and management restructuring were recorded in the same quarter.
The $1,147,000 provision for loan losses taken in the fourth quarter of 1995 was due to net charge-offs of approximately $936,000 coupled with increases in the allowance based on management's assessment of the increased risk in the loan portfolio.
Earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Full-year weighted average shares differ from quarterly weighted average shares and, therefore annual earnings (loss) per share may not equal the sum of the quarters.