FIRST CITIZENS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

MARCH 31, 2012

 

 

Note 1 - Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012, the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods then ended have been prepared by the company without an audit.  The accompanying reviewed condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at March 31, 2012 and for all periods presented have been made. Operating results for the reporting periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. 

 

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of First Citizens Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), and its subsidiary, First Citizens National Bank (the “Bank”).  First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trusts III and IV are reported under the equity method in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for Variable Interest Entities for all periods presented.  These investments are included in other assets and the proportionate share of income (loss) is included in other non-interest income.  The Bank also has two wholly owned subsidiaries, First Citizens Financial Plus, Inc. and First Citizens Investments, Inc., which are consolidated into its financial statements. 

 

The principal activity of First Citizens Investments, Inc. is to acquire and sell investment securities and collect income from the securities portfolio.  First Citizens Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of First Citizens Investments, Inc., acquires and sells certain investment securities, collects income from its portfolio, and owns First Citizens Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust.  First Citizens Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust organized and existing under the laws of the state of Maryland, the principal activity of which is to invest in participation interests in real estate loans made by the Bank and provide the Bank with an alternative vehicle for raising capital.  First Citizens Holdings, Inc. owns 100% of the outstanding common stock and 60% of the outstanding preferred stock of First Citizens Properties, Inc.  Directors, executive officers and certain employees and affiliates of the Bank own approximately 40% of the preferred stock which is reported as Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.  Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest is included in Other Non-Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income and is not material for any of the periods presented.

 

The Bank has a 50% ownership interest in two insurance subsidiaries both of which are accounted for using the equity method.  One is White and Associates/First Citizens Insurance, LLC, which is a general insurance agency offering a full line of insurance products.  The other is First Citizens/White and Associates Insurance Company whose principal activity is credit insurance.  The investment in these subsidiaries is included in Other Assets on the Balance Sheets presented in this report and earnings from these subsidiaries are recorded in Other Income on the Income Statements presented in this report. 

 

Note 2 - Organization

 

First Citizens Bancshares, Inc., is a bank holding company chartered December 14, 1982, under the laws of the State of Tennessee. On September 23, 1983, all outstanding shares of common stock of First Citizens National Bank were exchanged for an equal number of shares in First Citizens Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

 

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Note 3 – Contingent Liabilities

 

There is no material pending or threatened litigation as of the current reportable date that would result in a liability.

 

Note 4 -- Cash Reserves and Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks

 

The Bank maintains cash reserve balances as required by the Federal Reserve Bank.  Average required balances during first quarter ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011 were approximately $500,000.  Amounts above the required minimum balance are reported as Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Balances in excess of required reserves held at the Federal Reserve Bank as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $33.6 million and $38.3 million, respectively.  Interest-bearing deposits in other banks also include short-term certificates of deposit held in increments that are within FDIC insurance limits and totaled $1.8 million and approximately $1.6 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

Note 5 – Investment Securities

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

There were no securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

The following table summarizes contractual maturities of debt securities available-for-sale as of March 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

 

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Sales and gains (losses) on sale of available-for-sale securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are presented as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The following table presents information on securities with gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2012, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (in thousands):

 

 

In reviewing the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment of individual securities, consideration is given but not limited to (1) the length of time in which fair value has been less than cost and the extent of the unrealized loss, (2) the financial condition of the issuer, and (3) the positive intent and ability of the Company to maintain its investment in the issuer for a time that would provide for any anticipated recovery in the fair value.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had eight debt securities with unrealized losses, with 3 of those securities having been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months.  The Company did not intend to sell any such securities in unrealized loss position and it was more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell the securities prior to recovery of costs.  Of the eight securities, three corporate debt securities accounted for approximately 96% of the unrealized gross losses as of March 31, 2012.  The remaining bonds had unrealized loss positions for less than 12 months and consisted of two municipal bonds and three agency MBSs or CMOs.  Securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2012 have been evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment.  In analyzing reasons for the unrealized losses, management considers various factors including, but not limited to, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades of bond ratings have occurred, and also reviews any applicable industry analysts’ reports.  With respect to unrealized losses on municipal and agency and the analysis performed relating to the securities, management believes that declines in market value were not other-than-temporary as of March 31, 2012.  The unrealized losses on the agency and municipal securities are considered immaterial on an individual basis and in the aggregate and have not been recognized for other-than-temporary impairment. 

 

Three corporate debt securities accounted for $1.67 million of the $1.74 million unrealized loss as of March 31, 2012 and consist of pooled collateralized debt obligation securities that are backed by trust-preferred securities (“TRUP CDOs”) issued by banks, thrifts and insurance companies.  These three bonds were rated below investment grade (BBB) by Moody’s and/or S&P as of March 31, 2012. 

 

The three TRUP CDOs have an aggregate book value of $2.1 million and fair market value of approximately $475,000 and each of the three are the mezzanine or “B” class tranches.  The unrealized loss of $1.7 million as of March 31, 2012 is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The following table provides the book and market values of each security as well as information regarding the levels of excess subordination in the securities as of March 31, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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(1)	Book values reflect principal only and do not include interest capitalized or payment-in-kind (“PIK”) to the bond according to contractual terms of the bond if applicable.  The Company does not recognize PIK interest for book purposes and has these bonds on non-accrual status.
(2)	The Over Collateral (“OC”) Ratio reflects the ratio of performing collateral to a given class of notes and is calculated by dividing the performing collateral by the sum of the current balance of a given class of notes plus all senior classes.
(3)	The Required OC Ratio for a particular class of bonds reflects the required overcollateralization ratio such that cash distributions may be made to lower classes of bonds.  If the OC Ratio is less than the Required OC ratio, cash is diverted from the lower classes of bonds to the senior bond classes.
(4)	The Required OC Ratio is not applicable in this case, as interest on Pretsl X for B-2 class is capitalized to the bond or PIK.

Security-specific collateral is used in the assumptions to project cash flows each quarter.  Issuers in default are assumed at zero recovery.  Issuers in deferral are assumed at a 15% recovery beginning two years from deferral date.  Forward interest rates are used to project future principal and interest payments allowing the model to indicate impact of over or undercollateralization for each transaction.  Higher interest rates generally increase credit stress on undercollateralized transactions by reducing excess interest (calculated as the difference between interest received from underlying collateral and interest paid on the bonds).  The discount rate is based on the original discount margin calculated at the time of purchase based on the purchase price.  The original discount margin is then added to the three-month LIBOR to determine the discount rate.  The discount rate is then used to calculate the present value for the then-current quarter’s projected cash flows.  If the present value of the then-current quarter’s projected cash flows is less than the prior quarter or less than the then-current book value of the security, that difference is recorded against earnings as the credit component of other-than-temporary impairment.  No additional credit losses were incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and therefore no losses were recognized against earnings during first quarter 2012.

 

See also discussion of valuation techniques and hierarchy for determining fair value of these securities at Note 11.

                                                                               

The Company held no derivative transactions as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011. 

 

Note 6 -- Loans

 

Performing and non-performing loans by category were as follows as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

 

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*Non-Performing loans consist of loans that are on non-accrual status and loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest.

 

 

 

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An aging analysis of loans outstanding by category as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Loans on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by category were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Credit risk management procedures include assessment of loan quality through use of an internal loan rating system.  Each loan is assigned a rating upon origination and the rating may be revised over the life of the loan as circumstances warrant.  The rating system utilizes eight major classification types based on risk of loss with Grade 1 being the lowest level of risk and Grade 8 being the highest level of risk.  Loans internally rated Grade 1 to Grade 4 are considered “Pass” grade loans with low to average level of risk of credit losses.  Loans rated Grade 5 are considered “Special Mention” and generally have one or more circumstances that require additional monitoring but do not necessarily indicate a higher level of probable credit losses.  Loans rated Grade 6 or higher are loans with circumstances that generally indicate an above average level of risk for credit losses.  Loans by internal risk rating by category as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands): 

 

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Information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The Company adopted amendments in Accounting Standards Codification Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-01 “Receivables (Topic 310)” (“ASU 2011-01”) as of September 30, 2011.  As a result, the Company reviewed loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that had been restructured during the year ended December 31, 2011 and confirmed that TDRs with a balance greater than or equal to $250,000 deemed to be impaired were properly identified as such and reviewed individually for impairment as reported in the impaired loan table above.  Loans meeting the criteria to be classified as TDRs with a balance less than $250,000 have historically been reviewed on a collective basis by risk code and loan category.  Reassessment of these loans on an individual basis upon adoption of the ASU 2011-01 for impairment did not result in a significant difference in the required allowance, as the aggregate balance of loans reviewed was less than $20,000. 

 

Generally, loans are appropriately risk rated and identified for individual impairment review prior to when the restructure occurs.  Thus, in the normal life cycle of a loan, any specific allocations are usually made prior to a formal restructuring or at least at the time of restructuring rather than subsequent to modification.  Therefore, adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on the volume of loans classified as TDRs or the related allowance for loan losses associated with TDRs as of December 31, 2011 or March 31, 2012.  Also, TDRs are included in non-accrual loans as reported in the above tables unless the loan has performed according to the modified terms for a length of time sufficient to support placing the loan on accrual status (generally six months). 

 

Loans that were restructured as of March 31, 2012 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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Modification of the terms of the TDRs reported in the above table did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements or to the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio.  There were no TDRs that were modified during the year ended December 31, 2011 that re-defaulted in the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  The allowance for loan losses associated with the TDRs totaled approximately $1.1 million as of March 31, 2012. 

 

Note 7 – Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table presents the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by category and the percentage of each category in the loan portfolio to total loans as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses by loan category for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of allocations for loans evaluated individually and loans evaluated collectively for impairment.  The allocations of the allowance for loan losses for outstanding loans by category evaluated individually and collectively were as follows as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

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Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  The goodwill impairment test is conducted in first quarter annually and is a two-step test.  The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill.  Currently the Company has one reporting unit and does not meet the tests to segment under generally accepted accounting standards.  If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment.

 

 

 

                                                              

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If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill which is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination.  If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment.  If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess.  An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill.

 

The Company’s stock price has historically traded above its book value per common share and tangible book value per common share and was trading above its book value per common share and tangible book value per common share as of March 31, 2012.  In the event the stock price were to trade below its book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, an evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill would be performed as of the reporting date.  Such a circumstance would be one factor in an evaluation that could result in an eventual goodwill impairment charge. Additionally, should future earnings and cash flows decline and/or discount rates increase, an impairment charge to goodwill and other intangible assets may also be required.

 

No impairment of goodwill is recorded in the current or prior reportable periods.  Total goodwill as of the reportable date is $11.8 million or 1.10% of total assets or 11.33% of total capital. 

 

Amortization expense of the other identifiable intangibles was approximately $21,000 for each of first quarters in 2012 and 2011.

 

Note 9 – Borrowings

 

In March 2005, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary -- First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust III.  The trust was created as a Delaware statutory trust for the sole purpose of issuing and selling trust preferred securities and using proceeds from the sale to acquire long-term subordinated debentures issued by the Company.  The debentures are the sole assets of the trust.  The Company owns 100% of the common stock of the trust.

 

On March 17, 2005, the Company, through First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust III, sold 5,000 of its floating rate trust preferred securities at a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security for an aggregate amount of $5.0 million.  For the period beginning on (and including) the date of original issuance and ending on (but excluding) June 17, 2005, the rate per annum was 4.84%.  For each successive period beginning on (and including) June 17, 2005, and each succeeding interest payment date, interest accrues at a rate per annum equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.80%.  Interest payment dates are March 17, June 17, September 17, and December 17 during the 30-year term.  The entire $5.0 million in proceeds was used to reduce other debt at the Company.  The Company’s obligation under the debentures and related documents constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the trust issuer’s obligations under the trust preferred securities. 

 

In March 2007, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary -- First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust IV.  The trust was created as a Delaware statutory trust for the sole purpose of issuing and selling trust preferred securities and using proceeds from the sale to acquire long-term subordinated debentures issued by the Company.  The debentures are the sole assets of the trust.  The Company owns 100% of the common stock of the trust. 

 

In March 2007, the Company, through First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust IV, sold 5,000 of its floating rate trust preferred securities at a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security for an aggregate amount of $5.0 million.  For the period beginning on (and including) the date of original issuance and ending on (but excluding) June 15, 2007, the rate per annum was 7.10%.  For each successive period beginning on (and including) June 15, 2007, and each succeeding interest payment date, interest accrues at a rate per annum equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.75%.  Interest payment dates are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 during the 30-year term.  The purpose of proceeds was to refinance the debt issued through First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust II at a lower spread to LIBOR and results in savings of approximately $92,500 annually.  First Citizens (TN) Statutory Trust II was dissolved as a result of this transaction.  The Company’s obligation under the debentures and related documents constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the trust issuer’s obligations under the trust preferred securities. 

 

 

 

 

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Although for accounting presentation the trust preferred securities are presented as debt, the outstanding balance qualifies as Tier I capital subject to the limitation that the amount of the securities included in Tier I Capital cannot exceed 25% of total Tier I capital.

 

The Company is dependent on the profitability of its subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends in order to service its long-term debt.

 

The Bank had secured advances from the FHLB totaling $36.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and $37.1 million as of December 31, 2011.  FHLB borrowings are comprised primarily of advances with principal due at call date or maturity date with fixed interest rates ranging from 0.62% to 7.05%.  Some of these FHLB borrowings have quarterly call features and maturities ranging from 2012 to 2019.  Advances totaling $16 million require repayment if the call feature is exercised.  Under the existing and forecasted rate environments, borrowings with call features in place are not likely to be called in the next 12 months.  The Bank had one London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based variable rate advance totaling $2.5 million with a rate of 0.34% as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Also included in the FHLB borrowings total reported above is a pool of smaller balance amortizing advances that totaled approximately $912,000 as of March 31, 2012 and $1.0 million as of year-end 2011.  These smaller balance advances have rates ranging from 3.34% to 7.05% and maturities range from 2012 to 2019.  Obligations are secured by loans totaling $368 million consisting of the Bank’s entire portfolio of fully disbursed, one-to-four family residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, farm mortgages, second mortgages and multi-family residential mortgages.    The Bank had additional borrowing capacity of $119.8 million as of March 31, 2012.

 

Note 10 – Bank Owned Life Insurance and Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements

 

The Bank has a significant investment in bank-owned life insurance policies (“BOLI”) and provides the associated fringe benefit to certain employees in the position of Vice President and higher after one year of service.  The cash surrender values of BOLI were $21.6 million and $21.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  BOLI are initially recorded at the amount of premiums paid and are adjusted to current cash surrender values.  Changes in cash surrender values are recorded in other non-interest income and are based on premiums paid less expenses plus accreted interest income.  Earnings on BOLI resulted in non-interest income of approximately $160,000 and $184,000 for first quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

 

Expense related to these post-retirement death benefit accruals is reflected in Salaries and Employee Benefits on the Consolidated Income Statements and was approximately $42,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and approximately $49,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.   The accrual for the post-retirement death benefits is included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and totaled $2.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2011.   

Executive Management Life Insurance Death Benefit Only Salary Continuation Plans provided for in the employment agreements for certain officers of the Bank were replaced in December 2007 with Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Plans and Amended and Restated Split Dollar Agreements.  The new agreements combine the death benefits from the Bank’s larger group plan with the death benefits established in the Executive Management Life Insurance Death Benefit Only Salary Continuation Plans.  The new agreements did not change the total after-tax death benefit provided to each participant.  Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements for each participant became effective January 1, 2008 and were entered into in order to keep the participants at the same after-tax benefit under the Amended and Restated Split Dollar Agreements.  These Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements provide for annual cash payments to the participants until death beginning in March 2009 for the 2008 tax year in amounts equal to the portion of the amount of federal and state income taxes attributable to the income imputed to the participant on the benefit under the Amended and Restated Split Dollar Agreement. 

 

 

 

 

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Because the Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Plans created imputed income to each participant without generating cash to pay the tax expense associated with the imputed income, and in order to provide participants the same after-tax benefit provided under the previous plans, effective January 1, 2008 the Bank entered into Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements with the applicable officers under the Amended and Restated Split Dollar Agreements. The Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements provide for annual cash payments to the participants until death beginning in March 2009 for the previous tax year in amounts equal to a portion of federal income taxes attributable to (i) the income imputed to the participant on the benefit under the Amended and Restated Split Dollar Agreement and (ii) the additional cash payments under the Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreement.

 

Each participant was 100% vested in benefits provided under Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements as of January 1, 2008. Therefore, 100% of the principal (or service) cost of the plan was accrued for as of January 1, 2008 and expensed through earnings in the year ended December 31, 2008. Service costs are based on the net present value of the sum of payments in accordance with each participant’s agreement.   Interest accrues monthly at a rate of 7.0%. 

 

Net other post-retirement benefits expense for Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements is included in Salaries and Employee Benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled approximately $7,000 per quarter for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.  Benefit payments are made annually in March and totaled approximately $18,000 and $17,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

 

The accumulated post-retirement defined benefit obligation for Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements is included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet totaled approximately $390,000 as of March 31, 2012 and approximately $403,000 as of December 31, 2011.  The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was equal to the funded status of the plan as of each applicable period-end as there were no related assets recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the Imputed Income Tax Reimbursement Agreements.

 

Note 11– Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value measurements are used to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  The Company measures fair value under guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”).  ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements.  ASC 820 does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances but clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. ASC 820 outlines the following three acceptable valuation techniques may be used to measure fair value: 

 

a.	Market approach—The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or similar assets or liabilities.  This technique includes matrix pricing that is a mathematical technique used principally to value debt securities without relying solely on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.
b.	Income approach—The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts such as earnings or cash flows to a single present discounted amount.  The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.  Such valuation techniques include present value techniques, option-pricing models (such as the Black-Scholes-Merton formula or a binomial model), and multi-period excess earnings method (used to measure fair value of certain intangible assets).
c.	Cost approach—The cost approach is based on current replacement cost which is the amount that would currently be required to replace the service capacity of an asset.

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Valuation techniques are selected as appropriate for the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available.  Valuation techniques are to be consistently applied, but a change in valuation technique or its application may be made if the change results in a measurement that is equally or more representative of fair value under the circumstances.  Revisions resulting from a change in valuation technique or its application are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate which does not require the change in accounting estimate to be accounted for by restating or retrospectively adjusting amounts reported in financial statements of prior periods or by reporting pro forma amounts for prior periods. 

 

ASC 820 also establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes information used to develop those assumptions.  The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company considers an input to be significant if it drives more than 10% of the total fair value of a particular asset or liability.  The hierarchy is as follows:

 

• Level 1 Inputs (Highest ranking):      Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

• Level 2 Inputs:      Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Such inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the assets and liabilities such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

• Level 3 Inputs (Lowest ranking):       Unobservable inputs for determining fair values of assets and liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets and liabilities.

 

Assets and liabilities may be measured for fair value on a recurring basis (daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly) or on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.  Recurring valuations are measured regularly for investment securities and the cash flow hedge.  Loans held for sale, other real estate and impaired loans are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and do not necessarily result in a change in the amount recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Generally, these assets have non-recurring valuations that are the result of application of other accounting pronouncements that require the assets be assessed for impairment or at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair values of loans held for sale are considered Level 2.  Fair values for other real estate and impaired loans are considered Level 3. 

 

The Company obtains fair value measurements for securities and the cash flow hedge from a third party vendor.  The cash flow hedge and the majority of the available-for-sale securities are valued using Level 2 inputs.  Collateralized debt obligation securities that are backed by trust preferred securities and account for less than 1% of the available-for-sale securities portfolio are valued using Level 3 inputs.  The fair value measurements reported in Level 2 are primarily matrix pricing that considers observable data (such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and terms and conditions of bonds, and other factors).  Fair value measurements for pooled trust-preferred securities are obtained through the use of valuation models that include unobservable inputs which are considered Level 3. 

 

Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment. 

 

 

 

 

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Recurring Basis

 

 

 

 

The following are descriptions of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

Available for Sale Securities

 

Fair values for available-for-sale securities are obtained from a third party vendor and are valued using Level 2 inputs, except for TRUP CDOs which are accounted for using Level 3 inputs.  TRUP CDOs accounted for less than 1% of the portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 

 

The markets for TRUP CDOs and other similar securities were not active at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.  The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels.  The new issue market has also been relatively inactive. 

               

The market values for TRUP CDOs and other securities except for those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury have been very depressed relative to historical levels.  For example, the yield spreads for the broad market of investment grade and high yield corporate bonds reached all-time levels versus Treasuries at the end of November 2008 and remained close to those levels at March 31, 2012.  Therefore, low market prices for a particular bond may only have provided evidence of stress in credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issuer over the past three years. 

 

Given conditions in debt markets for this type of security at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the relative inactivity in the secondary and new issue markets, the Company determined:

 

• Few observable transactions existed and market quotations that were available were not reliable for purposes of determining fair value as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011;

 

• An income valuation approach technique (present value technique) that maximized the use of relevant observable inputs and minimized the use of unobservable inputs were equally or more representative of fair value than the market approach valuation technique used at prior measurement dates; and

 

• The Company’s TRUP CDOs should be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

The Company’s TRUP CDO valuations were prepared by an independent third party. The third party’s approach to determining fair value involved these steps as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

• The credit quality of the collateral was calibrated by assigning default probabilities to each issuer;

• Asset defaults were generated taking into account both the probability of default of the asset and an assumed level of correlation among the assets;

• A 50% level of correlation was assumed among assets from the same industry (e.g., banks with other banks) while a lower (30%) correlation level is assumed among those from different industries;

• The loss given default was assumed to be 100% (i.e., no recovery);

• The cash flows were forecast for the underlying collateral and applied to each TRUP CDO tranche to determine the resulting distribution among the securities;

• The calculations were modeled in 10,000 scenarios using a Monte Carlo engine;

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• The expected cash flows for each scenario were discounted using a discount rate that the third party calculates for each bond that represents an estimate of the yield that would be required in today’s market for a bond with a similar credit profile as the bond in question; and

• The prices were aggregated and the average price was used for valuation purposes.

 

The Company recalculated the overall effective discount rates for these valuations.  The overall discount rates ranged from .5% to 16% and were highly dependent upon the credit quality of the collateral, the relative position of the tranche in the capital structure of the TRUP CDO and the prepayment assumptions.

 

A summary of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The following table presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Non-Recurring Basis

 

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as described below.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the time the loan is identified as impaired at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans.  Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable.  Independent appraisals for collateral are obtained and may be discounted by management based on historical experience, changes in market conditions from time of valuation and/or management’s knowledge of the borrower and the borrower’s business.  As such discounts may be significant, these inputs are considered Level 3 in the hierarchy for determining fair value.  Values of impaired loans are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis to determine if specific allocations in the allowance for loan losses are adequate. 

 

 

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Loans Held for Sale

 

Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value of loans held for sale are based upon binding contracts and quotes from third party investors that qualify as Level 2 inputs for determining fair value.  Loans held for sale did not have an impairment charge for first quarters ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

 

Other Real Estate

 

Other real estate is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is measured based on independent appraisals and may be discounted by management based on historical experience and knowledge and changes in market conditions from time of valuation.  As such discounts may be significant, these inputs are considered Level 3 in the hierarchy for determining fair value.  Values of other real estate are reviewed at least annually or more often if circumstances require more frequent evaluations. 

 

A summary of assets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis were as follows:

 

 

Fair Value Estimates

 

ASC 820 requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments for interim and annual periods.  The following assumptions were made and methods applied to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For instruments that qualify as cash equivalents, as described in Note 1, the carrying amount is assumed to be fair value.

 

Loans

 

Fair value of variable-rate loans with no significant change in credit risk subsequent to loan origination is based on carrying amounts.  For other loans, such as fixed rate loans, fair values are estimated utilizing discounted cash flow analyses, applying interest rates currently offered for new loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  Fair values of loans that have experienced significant changes in credit risk have been adjusted to reflect such changes.

 

Accrued Interest Receivable

 

The fair values of accrued interest receivable and other assets are assumed to be the carrying value.

 

 

 

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Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock

 

Carrying amounts of capital stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis approximate fair value.

 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

 

Carrying amount of bank-owned life insurance is the cash surrender value as of the end of the periods presented and approximates fair value.

 

Deposit Liabilities

 

Demand Deposits

 

The fair values of deposits which are payable on demand, such as interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking accounts, passbook savings, and certain money market accounts are equal to the carrying amount of the deposits.

 

Variable-Rate Deposits

 

The fair value of variable-rate money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their carrying value at the balance sheet date.

 

Fixed-Rate Deposits

               

For fixed-rate certificates of deposit, fair values are estimated utilizing discounted cash flow analyses, which apply interest rates currently being offered on certificates of deposits to a schedule of aggregated monthly maturities on time deposits.

 

Short Term and Other Borrowings

 

For securities sold under repurchase agreements payable upon demand, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.  For securities sold under repurchase agreements for a fixed term, fair values are estimated using the same methodology as fixed rate time deposits discussed above.  The fair value of the advances from the FHLB and other long-term borrowings are estimated by discounting the future cash outflows using the current market rates.

 

Other Liabilities

 

Fair value of other liabilities is assumed to be the carrying values.

 

The carrying amount and fair value of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

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Note 12 –  Comprehensive Income

 

The components of comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

 

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The tax effects of each component of other comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: 

 

		Before-tax		Tax (Expense)		After-tax
		Amount		or Benefit		Amount
Quarter ended March 31, 2012
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		$ 937		$ (359)		$578
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income		(401)		154		(247)
Net unrealized gains (losses)		$536		$ (205)		$331
Quarter ended March 31, 2011
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		$2,564		$ (982)		$1,582
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income		(462)		177		(285)
Net unrealized gains (losses)		$2,102		$ (805)		$1,297

 

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Company has reviewed subsequent events through May 3, 2012, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Net income increased approximately $520,000 or 17.4% and earnings per share increased $0.15 or 17.9% when comparing the first quarters of 2012 and 2011.  For the first three months of 2012, net income totaled $3.5 million compared to $3.0 million in first quarter 2011.  Increased earnings in 2012 were primarily the result of decreased provision for loan losses.  The Company recorded no provision for loan losses during first quarter 2012 compared to approximately $575,000 in first quarter 2011.  No provision for loan losses was necessary due to modest loan growth of 1%, stability in overall quality of the loan portfolio, and net recoveries in excess of loans charged off totaling approximately $396,000.   Allowance for losses on loans as a percent of total loans was 1.58% as of March 31, 2012 compared to 1.52% as of March 31, 2011 and 1.52% as of December 31, 2011.

 

The Company also remains steadfast in its commitment to quality growth balanced with strong liquidity and capital positions.  Deposits increased $20.2 million or 2.4% from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.  Other borrowings consisting primarily of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) were flat from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.  Capital increased $2.9 million or 2.9% from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 as a result of undistributed net income of $2.6 million and increase of approximately $331,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income due to overall appreciation of the investment portfolio in the most recent quarter.  Strong deposit growth resulted in total assets growth of $19.9 million or 1.9% in first quarter 2012 compared to year-end 2011.  Deposit growth was used to fund an increase of $18 million in the fed funds sold, an increase of $7.3 million in available-for-sale securities, and an increase of $5.7 million in loans. 

 

Key performance metrics for the Company reflect preservation of capital and the impact of increased net income in first quarter 2012 compared to first quarter of prior years.  Such key metrics are as follows: 

 

 

The efficiency ratio is a measure of non-interest expense as a percentage of total revenue.  The Company computes the efficiency ratio by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and non-interest income.  This is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we believe provides investors with important information regarding our operational efficiency.  Comparison of our efficiency ratio with those of other companies may not be possible because other companies may calculate the efficiency ratio differently.  The efficiency ratios for first quarter ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 59.65%, 59.96%, and 58.22%, respectively. 

 

The tangible common equity ratio is a non-GAAP measure used by management to evaluate capital adequacy. Tangible common equity is total equity less net accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI"), goodwill and deposit-based intangibles. Tangible assets are total assets less goodwill and deposit-based intangibles.  The tangible common equity ratio is 8.05% for first quarter ended March 31, 2012 compared to 7.85% and 7.39% for first quarter ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures of efficiency ratio and tangible common equity is provided as follows for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

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___________________

(1)	Net interest income includes interest and rates on securities that are non-taxable for federal income tax purposes that are presented on a taxable equivalent basis based on federal statutory rate of 34%.
(2)	Non-interest income is presented net of any credit component of other-than-temporary impairment on available-for-sale securities recognized against earnings for the years presented.

 

 

Expansion

 

The Company, through its strategic planning process, intends to seek profitable opportunities that utilize excess capital and maximize income in Tennessee.  If the Company decides to acquire other banking institutions, its objective would be for asset growth and diversification into other market areas. Acquisitions and de novo branches might afford the Company increased economies of scale within the operation functions and better utilization of human resources. The Company would only pursue an acquisition or de novo branch if the board of directors determines it to be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.  The Company does not currently have plans to acquire other banking institutions.

 

The Company owns two lots in Jackson, Tennessee, that are intended for construction of full service branches but construction has been temporarily on hold because of current economic conditions.  Construction for the site near Union University is expected to commence within the next year and construction for the other site is expected to commence within the next two to three years.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Information contained herein includes forward-looking statements with respect to the beliefs, plans, risks, goals and estimates of the Company.  Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant banking, economic, and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond management’s control.  When used in this discussion, the words “anticipate,” “project,” “expect,” “believe,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” “is likely,” “going forward,” “may” and other expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such statements may include, but are not limited to, capital resources, strategic planning, acquisitions or de novo branching, ability to meet capital guidelines, legislation and governmental regulations affecting financial services companies, construction of new branch locations, dividends, critical accounting policies, allowance for loan losses, fair value estimates, goodwill, occupancy and depreciation expense, held-to-maturity securities, available-for-sale securities, trading securities, cash flows, core deposit intangibles, diversification in the real estate loan portfolio, interest income, maturity of loans, loan impairment, loan ratings, charge-offs, other real estate owned, maturity and re-pricing of deposits, borrowings with call features, dividend payout ratio, off-balance sheet arrangements, the impact of recently issued accounting standards, changes in funding sources, liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, net interest margins, debt securities, non-accrual status of loans, contractual maturities of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, amortization expense, deferred tax assets, independent appraisals for collateral, property enhancement or additions, efficiency ratio, ratio of assets to employees, net income, changes in interest rates, loan policies, categorization of loans, maturity of FHLB borrowings and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Forward-looking statements are based upon information currently available and represent management’s expectations or predictions of the future. As a result of risks and uncertainties involved, actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The potential factors that could affect the Company’s results include but are not limited to:

• Changes in general economic and business conditions;

• Changes in market rates and prices of securities, loans, deposits and other financial instruments;

• Changes in legislative or regulatory developments affecting financial institutions in general, including changes in tax, banking, insurance, securities or other financial service related laws;

• Changes in government fiscal and monetary policies;

• The ability of the Company to provide and market competitive products and services;

• Concentrations within the loan portfolio;

• Fluctuations in prevailing interest rates and the effectiveness of the Company’s interest rate hedging strategies;

• The Company’s ability to maintain credit quality;

• The effectiveness of the Company’s risk monitoring systems;

• The ability of the Company’s borrowers to repay loans;

• The availability of and costs associated with maintaining and/or obtaining adequate and timely sources of liquidity;

• Geographic concentration of the Company’s assets and susceptibility to economic downturns in that area;

• The ability of the Company to attract, train and retain qualified personnel;

• Changes in consumer preferences; and

• Other factors generally understood to affect financial results of financial services companies.

 

 

 

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The Company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting and reporting of the Company and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and follow general practices within the industry.  Preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management believes that the Company’s estimates are reasonable under the facts and circumstances based on past experience and information supplied from professionals, regulators and others.  Accounting estimates are considered critical if (i) management is required to make assumptions or judgments about items that are highly uncertain at the time estimates are made and (ii) different estimates reasonably could have been used during the current period, or changes in such estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, that could have a material impact on presentation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

The development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies are discussed and approved by the Audit Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors.  Because of the potential impact on the financial condition or results of operations and the required subjective or complex judgments involved, management believes its critical accounting policies consist of the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments and goodwill.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for losses on loans represents management’s best estimate of inherent losses in the existing loan portfolio.  Management’s policy is to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level sufficient to absorb reasonably estimated and probable losses within the portfolio.  Management believes the allowance for loan loss estimate is a critical accounting estimate because:  (i) changes can materially affect provision for loan loss expense on the income statement, (ii) changes in the borrower’s cash flows can impact the allowance, and (iii) management makes estimates at the balance sheet date and also into the future in reference to the allowance.  While management uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic or other conditions change materially.  In addition, federal regulatory agencies as a part of their examination process periodically review the Bank’s loans and allowances for loan losses and may require the Bank to recognize adjustments based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.  See Note 1 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Certain assets and liabilities are required to be carried on the balance sheet at fair value.  Further, the fair value of financial instruments must be disclosed as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for other assets and liabilities.  Fair values are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates, the shape of yield curves and the credit worthiness of counter parties. 

 

Fair values for the majority of the Bank’s available-for-sale investment securities are based on observable market prices obtained from independent asset pricing services that are based on observable transactions but not quoted market prices.  

 

Fair value of derivatives (if any) held by the Company is determined using a combination of quoted market rates for similar instruments and quantitative models based on market inputs including rate, price and index scenarios to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors.  Third party vendors are used to obtain fair value of available-for-sale securities and derivatives (if any). For more information, see Note 11 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

 

 

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Goodwill

 

The Company’s policy is to review goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis unless an event occurs that could potentially impair the goodwill amount.  Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over fair value assigned to assets and liabilities.  Management believes accounting estimates associated with determining fair value as part of the goodwill test are critical because estimates and assumptions are made based on prevailing market factors, historical earnings and multiples and other contingencies.  For more information, see Note 9 in the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Results of Operations

 

Earnings per share totaled $0.97 per share in first quarter 2012 compared to $0.83 per share in first quarter 2011.  The increase in earnings per share is primarily a result of decreased provision for loan losses and stable net interest income.  Non-interest income and non-interest expense components are discussed in detail below. 

 

Net interest income is the principal source of earnings for the Company and is defined as the amount of interest generated by earning assets minus interest cost to fund those assets. Net interest income increased 2.6% and totaled $9.0 million in first quarter 2012 compared to $8.8 million in first quarter 2011.  The net yield on average earning assets for the first quarters of 2012 and 2011 were 4.88% and 5.41%, respectively.  The decrease of 53 basis points in yield on earning assets is due to a combination of the continued historically low interest rate environment and due to a shift in the balance sheet.  Strong deposit growth over the past two years was invested primarily into lower yielding fed funds sold, interest bearing deposits in other banks and available-for-sale investment securities while loan demand has been weak.  Thus, average loans as a percent of total interest earning assets trended lower and totaled 55%, 62% and 68% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased from 1.27% in first quarter 2011 to 1.00% in first quarter 2012.  Net interest margin for first quarter 2012 was 4.01% compared to 4.27% in first quarter 2011 and 4.28% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  First quarter 2012 net interest margin decreased as cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased less than the decreased yield on interest-earning assets. 

 

Average earning assets to total average assets was 90% as of March 31, 2012 consistent with prior period ranges of 85-90%.  The dilution is caused by significant investments in fixed assets and Bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) policies, which total $51 million or 4.8% of total assets as of March 31, 2012.  The statement of cash flows reflects fixed assets purchases of approximately $277,000 in first quarter 2012 and $134,000 during first quarter 2011.  Earnings on BOLI policies are included in other non-interest income and totaled approximately $160,000 in first quarter 2012 compared to $184,000 in first quarter 2011. 

 

Average interest-bearing deposits in first quarter 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 reflect an increase of $39 million or 5.5%.  Cost of interest bearing deposits decreased 26 basis points from first quarter 2011 to first quarter 2012. 

 

The following quarterly average balances, interest, and average rates are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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___________________

(1)	Loan totals are loans held for investments and net of unearned income and loan loss reserves.
(2)	Fee income on loans held for investment is included in interest income and computations of the yield.
(3)	Includes loans on non-accrual status.
(4)	Interest and rates on securities that are non-taxable for federal income tax purposes are presented on a taxable equivalent basis based on the Company’s statutory federal tax rate of 34%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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No provision for loan losses was recorded in first quarter 2012 compared to approximately $575,000 in first quarter 2011.  Recoveries net of charged-off loans for first quarter 2012 totaled approximately $396,000 compared to net loans charged off totaling approximately $298,000 in first quarter 2011.  Allowance for losses on loans as a percent of total loans was 1.58% as of March 31, 2012 compared to 1.52% as of March 31, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011.  See also Nonperforming Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses section below. 

 

Non-interest income represents fees and other income derived from sources other than interest-earning assets.  Non-interest income increased approximately $137,000 or 4.3% when comparing first quarters 2012 and 2011.  Non-interest income contributed 23.3% of total revenue in first quarter 2012 compared to 22.2% of total revenue in first quarter 2012. 

 

Increased non-interest income in first quarter 2012 is a result of increased mortgage banking income, increased service charges on deposit accounts, and reduced net losses on sale or write down of foreclosed property.  Income from fiduciary activities was flat at approximately $183,000 in first quarter 2012 compared to $187,000 in first quarter 2011.  Mortgage banking income increased approximately $144,000 or 88% due to higher volume of mortgage originations in first quarter 2012 compared to first quarter 2011.  Service charges on deposits increased approximately $115,000 or 7.2% due to increased fee and interchange income related to ATM and debit card usage.  Brokerage fees decreased approximately $10,000 from first quarter 2011 to first quarter 2012.  Loss on sale of foreclosed property consists of losses on the sale of other real estate and valuation adjustments made subsequent to foreclosures and totaled approximately $151,000 in net losses for first quarter 2012 compared to net losses of $353,000 in first quarter 2011.  In first quarter 2011, the Company realized a gain on disposition of property of approximately $273,000 resulting from the sale of the Bank’s real property in Union City, Tennessee.  The Union City property previously served as a limited service facility for the Bank through January 2009.

Income from White and Associates/First Citizens Insurance, LLC, a full-service insurance agency (“WAFCI”), was included in Income from Insurance Activities in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Non-interest income generated by WAFCI for first quarter 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled approximately $246,000, $197,000 and $218,000, respectively.   Income from insurance activities also includes commissions from sale of credit life policies and the Company’s proportionate share of income from the Bank’s other 50% owned insurance agency,

 

The following table compares non-interest income for first quarter of 2012, 2011 and 2010 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in first quarter 2011 or 2012.  See Investment Securities section for additional information.

 

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Non-interest expense represents operating expenses of the Company and increased $194,000 or 2.6% first quarter 2012 compared to first quarter 2011.  Salary and benefits expense is the largest component of non-interest expense and increased approximately $296,000 or 7.25% from first quarter 2011 to first quarter 2012.  Increased salary and benefit expense is a result of overall increase in base salaries of approximately 1% and increased employee benefit expense related to accruals for discretionary contributions to the Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Average full-time equivalent employees for the Bank were 252 for three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to 250 for three months ended March 31, 2011. 

 

Depreciation and net occupancy expense combined were flat when comparing first quarter 2012 to first quarter 2011.  Data processing (which includes computer services) expense decreased approximately $94,000 due to timing of expenses related to various information technology projects related to our core processor, online banking, outsourcing of certain data processing functions, network security and maintenance.  Data processing is and will continue to be a significant component of non-interest expense as a result of strategic efforts to ensure integrity and security of customer data and in order to comply with ever increasing regulatory burdens. 

 

Legal and professional fees totaled approximately $110,000 and $70,000 in first quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively.  These fees relate to legal costs associated with the normal course of business including but not limited to collection efforts on loans and consulting on corporate matters such as regulatory compliance.  Stationary and supplies expense totaled approximately $62,000 in first quarter 2012 compared to $55,000 for the same period in 2011 primarily due to overall increased cost of paper and other routine supplies.   

 

While FDIC insurance premium continues to be a major component of non-interest expense, it has been on a decreasing trend due to the favorable impact of the changes in how premiums are assessed.  Premiums for FDIC insurance decreased approximately $38,000 in first quarter 2012 compared to first quarter 2011. 

 

Other real estate expense for first quarter 2012 was approximately $128,000 compared to approximately $209,000 in first quarter 2011.  See Other Real Estate section below for additional information. 

 

No impairment of goodwill has been recorded for the current and prior reportable periods.  Core deposit intangible expense for the current reportable quarter was flat at approximately $21,000.  Quarter-to-date advertising, community relations, and other forms of marketing expenses were approximately $182,000 or 2.38% of other non-interest expense in first quarter 2012 compared to approximately $162,000 or 2.17% of total non-interest expense in first quarter 2011.  All marketing or advertising items are expensed at the time they are incurred.

 

The following table compares non-interest expense for first quarter of 2012, 2011 and 2010 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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Changes in Financial Condition

 

Total assets were $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2012.  Total assets increased $19.9 million or 1.89% (annualized 7.6%) during first quarter 2012 primarily as a result of an increase of $20.2 million in total deposits.  Deposit growth from first quarter resulted in an increase of $17.6 million in federal funds sold and $7.3 million increase in available-for-sale investment securities.  Loans increased $5.7 million or approximately 1.1% (annualized 4.3%) during first quarter 2012.  The Company remains steadfast in its commitment to asset quality by not compromising underwriting standards in order to grow its loan portfolio. 

 

Deposit growth of 2.4% (annualized 9.4%) during first quarter 2012 primarily occurred in the savings category.  Savings deposits increased $18.8 million or 4.8% (annualized 19.0%) during first quarter 2012.  Demand deposits increased $2.7 million in first quarter 2012.  Demand deposits have been in excess of $110 million during the first three months of 2012 with an average for the three-month period of $116 million.  Time deposits decreased $1.2 million or less than 1%.  

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $2.7 million or 7.4% since year-end 2011.  Other borrowings were flat at $47 million in first quarter 2012.  

 

Capital increased $2.9 million as a result of undistributed net income totaling first quarter 2012 and increased accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).  AOCI increased $1.3 million in first quarter 2011 due to overall appreciation in the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio. 

 

Investment Securities

 

Investment securities are primarily held in the bank’s subsidiary, First Citizens Investments, Inc. and in its subsidiary, First Citizens Holdings, Inc.  The bank has a portfolio advisory agreement with a third party vendor to manage the investment portfolio.  Quarterly average rates for taxable securities for the first quarter 2012 decreased 42 basis points while tax exempt securities decreased 46 basis points compared to first quarter 2011.  The investment portfolio is heavily weighted in agency mortgage-related securities, which accounted for approximately 67% of total portfolio.  The Company’s goal continues to be to steadily maintain or improve the quality of the investment portfolio without taking on material risk.

 

Pledged investments reflect a market value of $204 million as of March 31, 2012.

 

The carrying value of investment securities as of March 31 for each of the years indicated were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Investments are classified according to intent under generally accepted accounting principles.  There are no securities classified in the trading category for any period presented in this report.  Also, there were no securities in the held-to-maturity category as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.  Amortized cost and fair market value of available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

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Accumulated other comprehensive income reflects $9.1 million net unrealized gain on securities, net of tax as of March 31, 2012.  During first quarter 2012, net unrealized gains on securities increased approximately $331,000 from year end 2011 primarily due to modest increase in overall market values of securities held in the portfolio. 

 

In first quarters 2011 and 2012, the Company implemented strategies to realize a portion of unrealized gains on the investment portfolio.  In first quarter 2012, the Company sold six bonds totaling $22 million with a realized gain on sale of approximately $401,000.  In first quarter 2011, the Company sold five bonds totaling $19 million with a realized gain on sale of approximately $462,000.  Proceeds from the transactions were primarily reinvested into 10-year and 15-year agency MBS.  The effect of these transactions had little impact to the overall risk profile of the portfolio in terms of yield, duration, average maturity and other key metrics. 

 

The Company continues to employ a strong due diligence process on securities purchases and factors considered include but are not limited to type of security, diversification among and within portfolio sectors, internal policy limits, credit quality of issuer and/or underlying collateral, ratings, yield, duration, expected life, maturity date, etc. 

 

The Company held no derivative transactions as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

Loans

 

The following table sets forth total loans held for investment net of unearned income by category for the as of March 31 for the years indicated (in thousands): 

               

 

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Loans increased $5.7 million from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 and decreased $13.6 million from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.  Real estate loans decreased $15.1 million from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.  Commercial, financial and agricultural loans combined increased $3.8 million when comparing March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2011.  Loan demand was weak during 2011 and growth levels remain modest in first quarter 2012.  The Company has been strategically cautious with its growth strategies under the current economic conditions. 

 

The loan portfolio was heavily weighted in real estate loans, which accounted for approximately $428 million or 80% of total loans.  Commercial and residential construction loans comprised $39 million or 7.3% of the total loans.  Although the portfolio was heavily weighted in real estate, the Bank did not and does not invest in sub-prime or non-traditional mortgages.  Within real estate loans, residential mortgage loans (including residential construction) were the largest category comprising 31% of total loans.  Diversification of the real estate portfolio is a necessary and desirable goal of the real estate loan policy.  In order to achieve and maintain a prudent degree of diversity, given the composition of the market area and the general economic state of the market area, the Company will strive to maintain real estate loan portfolio diversification.  Risk monitoring of commercial real estate concentrations is performed in accordance with regulatory guidelines and includes assessment of risk levels of various types of commercial real estate and review of ratios of various concentrations of commercial real estate as a percentage of capital.  

 

The aggregate amount of loans the company is permitted to make under applicable bank regulations to any one borrower is 15% of unimpaired capital.  The Bank’s legal lending limit at March 31, 2012 was $15.3 million.  Although the Bank’s legal lending limit has been in excess of $10 million for several years, the Bank rarely extends credit in excess of $5 million to one borrower.  There were no material reportable contingencies as of March 31, 2012.

 

Agricultural Loans

 

First Citizens is one of the largest agriculture lenders in the State of Tennessee and is the only preferred Farm Services Agency community bank lender in Tennessee. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to commerce of the Company’s core market in Dyer County, Tennessee, generating over $100 million in revenue on an annual basis.  Agricultural credits including loans secured by farmland and loans to finance agricultural production comprise $69 million of total loans as of March 31, 2012 compared to $67 million as of March 31, 2011.  Net charge-offs of loans in this category totaled approximately $74,000 for first quarter 2011.   There were no charge-offs or recoveries in this category for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

 

Non-Performing Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Non-accrual loans totaled $7.3 million as of March 31, 2012.  The increasing trend of non-accrual loans is due primarily to two factors.  The first factor is that the Bank has a small volume of higher balance loans for which the resolution process has been delayed primarily due to lengthy bankruptcy processes.  The second factor is that while some non-accrual loans are paying and showing improvements, those loans have not yet been on a paying status for long enough or shown enough financial improvement to return to full accrual status.  These loans were primarily identified as problem loans and placed on non-accrual status in previous quarters.  The volume of newly identified problems loans has stabilized in recent months resulting in reduced level of charge offs.  See also Note 5 and 6 for additional information regarding the loan portfolio and the allowance for loan losses.

 

Non-current loans at first quarter end 2012 were 1.88% of total loans compared to 1.25% as of first quarter end 2011.  Non-performing loans have historically been in the range of 1-2% of total loans over the past four years.  The following table sets forth the balance of non-performing assets as of March 31, for the years indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The allowance for loan losses totaled 1.58% as of March 31, 2012 compared to 1.52% as of December 2011 and March 31, 2011.  An analytical model based on historical loss experience, current trends and economic conditions as well as reasonably foreseeable events is used to determine the amount of provision to be recognized and to test the adequacy of the loan loss allowance. The volume of loans charged off for first quarter 2012 totaled approximately $234,000 compared to approximately $369,000 and $1.9 million in first quarter 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company had two significant recoveries in first quarter 2012 resulting in recoveries exceeding charged off loans by approximately $396,000.  Due to the level of net recoveries, modest loan growth of 1%, and overall stabilization in the portfolio, no provision for loan loss expense was recorded in first quarter 2012 compared to approximately $575,000 in first quarter 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

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The following table recaps activity in the allowance for loan losses in first quarter for the past five years and the ratio of net charge offs for the quarter as a percentage of average loans outstanding (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Net loans charged off in first quarter for each of last five years by category were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Other Real Estate

 

The book value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) was $10.8 million as of March 31, 2012 and $11.1 million at December 31, 2011. 

 

As of current quarter end, there were over 100 properties in OREO consisting primarily of residential lots, land for development and other commercial purpose properties.  Approximately 84% of the $10.8 million in OREO is located in Shelby County, Tennessee and surrounding counties.  Approximately 13% of the $10.8 million in OREO located in or around Williamson County, Tennessee.  Management continues efforts to market and liquidate OREO with minimal losses.  A lack of consumer confidence in a struggling economy continues to suppress sales of real estate as well as placing ongoing pressure on real estate values. 

 

 

 

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Accounting for adjustments to the value of OREO when recorded subsequent to foreclosure is accomplished on the basis of an independent appraisal.  The asset is recorded at the time of foreclosure at the lesser of its appraised value or the loan balance.  Any reduction in value at the time of acquisition of the property is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  All other real estate parcels are appraised annually and the carrying value adjusted to reflect the decline, if any, in its realizable value.  Write-downs subsequent to foreclosure and gains or losses on the sale of OREO are reported in Loss on Sale of Foreclosed Property in the Non-Interest Income section of the Consolidated Income Statements.  The net loss on sale or writedown of OREO for first quarter 2012 totaled approximately $151,000 compared to approximately $353,000 for first quarter 2011.

 

Other real estate expenses totaled approximately $128,000 in first quarter 2012 compared to approximately $209,000 in first quarter 2011.  Other real estate expenses consist of expenses related to owning the property such as property taxes, insurance, property improvements and maintenance costs. 

 

Activity in OREO for first quarter 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

 

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity is managed to ensure there is ample funding to satisfy loan demand, investment opportunities, and large deposit withdrawals. The Company’s primary funding sources include customer core deposits, FHLB borrowings, other borrowings, and correspondent borrowings. Customer based deposits accounted for 91% of the funding as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 and 90% of year-end 2011.  As of both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $23 million in deposit funds from the State of Tennessee.

 

The Bank participates in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”).  CDARS is a deposit placement service that allows the Bank to accept very large-denomination certificates of deposit (“CDs”) (up to $50,000,000) from customers and ensures that 100% of those CDs are FDIC-insured.  Participating in this network enhances the Bank’s ability to attract and retain large-denomination depositors without having to place them in a Sweep or Repurchase Agreement.  The CDARS network provides a means to place reciprocal deposits for the Bank’s customers, purchase time deposits (referred to as “One-Way Buy” deposits) or to sell excess deposits (referred to as “One-Way Sell” deposits).  One-Way Buy deposits are structured similar to traditional brokered deposits.  The Bank held reciprocal deposits and “One-Way Buy” deposits in the CDARS program totaling $21 million as of March 31, 2012 compared to $24 million as of March 31, 2011 and $23 million as of December 31, 2011.  CDARS accounts are classified as brokered time deposits for regulatory reporting purposes. 

 

The Bank’s liquidity position continues to be strong as asset growth has equaled or been outpaced by deposit and capital growth in recent quarters.  Also, the Company reduced its reliance on brokered deposits and wholesale borrowings over the past two years.  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $2.7 million in first quarter 2012.  Borrowed funds from the FHLB totaled $37 million or 3.8% as of March 31, 2012 compared to $35 million or 3.9% of total funding as of March 31, 2011 and $37 million or 3.9% of total funding as of December 31, 2011.  The reduction in borrowings is a result of repayment of matured advances as well as principal payments on amortizing advances. 

 

 

 

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Appropriate liquidity risk management remains a high priority for the Company especially given current conditions in the banking industry and national economy.  The Company’s liquidity position is strengthened by ready access to a diversified base of wholesale borrowings. These include correspondent borrowings, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances, brokered certificates of deposit, and others.  Rates on wholesale borrowing sources including FHLB advances, overnight federal funds purchased, and brokered deposits continue to be funding sources that offer attractive pricing in the current environment. 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Bank has available lines of credit for federal fund purchases totaling $54.5 million with four correspondent banks as well as additional borrowing capacity of $113 million with FHLB. 

 

The Company maintains a crisis contingency liquidity plan at the bank and holding company level to defend against any material downturn in its liquidity position.

 

Capital Resources

 

Management of shareholder equity in a highly regulated environment requires a balance between leveraging and return on equity while maintaining adequate capital amounts and ratios. Total capital increased 2.8% during first quarter 2012 to $106.4 million.  The increase in capital consists of an increase in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities as well as undistributed net income.  The Company has historically maintained capital in excess of minimum levels established by the Federal Reserve Board.  Total risk-based capital ratio as of March 31, 2012 was 17.2%, significantly in excess of the 10% mandated by regulatory guidelines to be considered a well-capitalized institution. Total equity to assets was 9.91% as of March 31, 2012 compared to 9.26% as of March 31, 2011 and 9.82% as of December 31, 2011.

 

Dividends per share were $0.25 per share in first quarter 2012 compared to $0.20 per share in first quarter 2011 and $0.15 per share in first quarter 2010.  The Company continues to pursue a conservative dividend strategy as part of its strategic efforts to maintain a strong capital base.  The dividend payout ratio was 25.8% in first quarter 2012 compared to 24.20% in first quarter 2011 and 25.1% for first quarter 2010.  The Company anticipates continuing to pay quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share in 2012 and consideration of a special dividend contingent on the Company’s actual and projected earnings and capital levels in December 2012.  The dividend payout ratio for the year ending December 31, 2012 is expected to be in the range of 35-40%, consistent with the prior year. 

 

The Company has not re-purchased or sold shares of its own stock in the open market during first quarter 2012.  The Company has no formal plans or programs in place to repurchase common stock.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

There were no accounting standards updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board during the first quarter 2012. 

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Bank maintains a formal asset and liability management process to quantify, monitor and control interest rate risk.  The Funds Management Committee strives to maintain stability in net interest margin assuming various interest rate cycles.  Multiple strategies are utilized to reduce interest rate risk and include but are not limited to the following:  use of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, shortening or lengthening the re-pricing date of loans and/or time deposits depending on the current rate environment, managing overnight borrowings exposure, use an interest rate swap (see below), and increased mortgage-related investments securities to provide constant cash inflows.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company is in a liability sensitive position in which the Company would likely experience a dilution in net interest margin in a rising rate environment.  Interest rate risk exposures are well within policy limits. Net interest margins trended down to 4.01% in first quarter 2012 after being the 4.2% to 4.3% the past two years.  The decreased margin in first quarter 2012 is primarily due to shift in balance sheet as asset growth has occurred in lower yielding cash and investments during the recent periods of strong deposit growth but weak loan demand.

 

 

 

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The current interest rate environment and condition of the financial markets creates a unique scenario with attributes that are difficult to quantify in traditional models.  Management is aware of such issues and attempts to implement conservative and realistic assumptions as much as possible.  Models are back-tested and run under various scenarios to help assist in validating such assumptions.  One example of the uniqueness of this environment is an inability to factor into quantitative models the impact of irrational pricing of retail deposits that has and may continue to occur when interest rates begin rising in the future.  In an upward rate environment, the Bank may find that competitive pressures force greater rate increases than seen in historical trends and traditional rate shock scenarios and may also hinder the ability to push rates any lower in a prolonged low rate environment.  See also the December 31, 2011 Form 10-K for additional discussion of interest rate risk. 

 

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there were no significant changes to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures was performed as of March 31, 2012 under the supervision and with the participation of Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Based on that evaluation, Management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively as of March 31, 2012. 

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain, and the Company cannot make assurances that it will prevail in any of these actions, nor can it estimate with reasonable certainty the amount of damages that it might incur.
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF
	PROCEEDS – NONE
ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES – NONE
ITEM 4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS – NONE

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ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION – NONE
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS
	Exhibits 31(a) and 31(b) Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, Section 302
	Exhibits 32(a) and 32(b) Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, Section 906

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.

    

 

                

 

                               

 

                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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