Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2005

 

Commission File Number 2-83157

 


 

SOUTHEASTERN BANKING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Georgia   58-1423423

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

P. O. Box 455, 1010 Northway, Darien, Georgia 31305

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(912) 437-4141

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

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

 

As of October 31, 2005, 3,235,002 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.25 per share, were outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

          Page

Part I – Financial Information     
Item 1.    Financial Statements:     
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3
    

Consolidated Statements of Income

   4
    

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

   5
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   6
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    8
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    22
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    22
Part II – Other Information     
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    23
Item 2    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    23
Item 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities    23
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    23
Item 5.    Other Information    23
Item 6.    Exhibits    23
Signatures    25

 

2


Table of Contents

Item I - Financial Statements

 

Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

(Unaudited)

September 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 

Assets

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 21,721,143     $ 17,923,519  

Federal funds sold

     —         31,118,000  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents

     21,721,143       49,041,519  

Investment securities

                

Held-to-maturity (market value of approximately $36,801,000 And $38,769,000 at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004)

     35,598,399       36,988,268  

Available-for-sale, at market value

     91,540,051       80,895,767  
    


 


Total investment securities

     127,138,450       117,884,035  

Loans, gross

     218,402,561       218,708,809  

Unearned income

     (166,607 )     (204,306 )

Allowance for loan losses

     (4,290,737 )     (4,134,048 )
    


 


Loans, net

     213,945,217       214,370,455  

Premises and equipment, net

     8,966,364       9,254,380  

Intangible assets

     579,258       622,918  

Other assets

     5,320,752       9,581,911  
    


 


Total Assets

   $ 377,671,184     $ 400,755,218  
    


 


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Liabilities

                

Deposits

                

Noninterest-bearing deposits

   $ 77,285,728     $ 70,186,636  

Interest-bearing deposits

     239,035,339       269,123,254  
    


 


Total deposits

     316,321,067       339,309,890  

U. S. Treasury demand note

     957,574       1,431,211  

Federal funds purchased

     1,319,000       —    

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     5,000,000       5,000,000  

Other liabilities

     2,282,812       5,772,356  
    


 


Total liabilities

     325,880,453       351,513,457  
    


 


Shareholders’ Equity

                

Common stock ($1.25 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,580,797 shares issued; 3,293,402 and 3,304,149 shares outstanding at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004)

     4,475,996       4,475,996  

Additional paid-in-capital

     1,391,723       1,391,723  

Retained earnings

     51,184,378       47,828,636  

Treasury stock, at cost (287,395 and 276,648 shares at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004)

     (5,107,270 )     (4,815,629 )
    


 


Realized shareholders’ equity

     51,944,827       48,880,726  

Accumulated other comprehensive income – unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

     (154,096 )     361,035  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     51,790,731       49,241,761  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 377,671,184     $ 400,755,218  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Quarter

   Nine Months

 

Period Ended September 30,


   2005

   2004

   2005

   2004

 

Interest income

                             

Loans, including fees

   $ 4,381,715    $ 3,812,624    $ 12,573,629    $ 11,105,832  

Federal funds sold

     84,375      21,790      367,851      72,127  

Investment securities

                             

Taxable

     987,731      999,436      2,849,362      3,073,370  

Tax-exempt

     372,216      382,500      1,121,696      1,145,110  

Other assets

     10,793      9,348      36,987      27,639  
    

  

  

  


Total interest income

     5,836,830      5,225,698      16,949,525      15,424,078  
    

  

  

  


Interest expense

                             

Deposits

     992,589      771,731      2,857,417      2,355,516  

Federal funds purchased

     2,840      1,977      2,840      2,016  

U. S. Treasury demand note

     4,772      1,968      11,687      4,192  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     75,644      75,645      224,466      225,289  
    

  

  

  


Total interest expense

     1,075,845      851,321      3,096,410      2,587,013  
    

  

  

  


Net interest income

     4,760,985      4,374,377      13,853,115      12,837,065  

Provision for loan losses

     33,000      188,500      258,833      612,483  
    

  

  

  


Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     4,727,985      4,185,877      13,594,282      12,224,582  
    

  

  

  


Noninterest income

                             

Service charges on deposit accounts

     609,671      654,994      1,729,664      1,921,447  

Investment securities losses, net

     —        —        —        (3,309 )

Other operating income

     363,215      294,611      963,941      914,785  
    

  

  

  


Total noninterest income

     972,886      949,605      2,693,605      2,832,923  
    

  

  

  


Noninterest expense

                             

Salaries and employee benefits

     1,919,915      1,754,481      5,784,088      5,215,785  

Occupancy and equipment, net

     610,335      617,132      1,895,591      1,837,026  

Other operating expense

     676,502      632,470      1,874,642      1,874,743  
    

  

  

  


Total noninterest expense

     3,206,752      3,004,083      9,554,321      8,927,554  
    

  

  

  


Income before income tax expense

     2,494,119      2,131,399      6,733,566      6,129,951  

Income tax expense

     792,636      652,688      2,090,603      1,862,618  
    

  

  

  


Net income

   $ 1,701,483    $ 1,478,711    $ 4,642,963    $ 4,267,333  
    

  

  

  


Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.52    $ 0.45    $ 1.41    $ 1.29  
    

  

  

  


Weighted average common shares outstanding

     3,299,978      3,307,712      3,302,743      3,310,371  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-In
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Treasury
Stock


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


    Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2003

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 45,330,975     $ (4,600,167 )   $ 1,166,730     $ 47,765,257  

Comprehensive income:

                                              

Net income

     —        —        4,267,333       —         —         4,267,333  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect of $112,927:

                                              

Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

     —        —        —         —         (219,212 )     (219,212 )
                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                           4,048,121  
                                          


Cash dividends declared ($0.37 1/2 per share)

     —        —        (1,240,710 )     —         —         (1,240,710 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     —        —        —         (215,462 )     —         (215,462 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, September 30, 2004

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 48,357,598     $ (4,815,629 )   $ 947,518     $ 50,357,206  
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2004

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 47,828,636     $ (4,815,629 )   $ 361,035     $ 49,241,761  

Comprehensive income:

                                              

Net income

     —        —        4,642,963       —         —         4,642,963  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect of $265,371:

                                              

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     —        —        —         —         (515,131 )     (515,131 )
                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                           4,127,832  
                                          


Cash dividends declared ($0.39 per share)

     —        —        (1,287,221 )     —         —         (1,287,221 )

Purchase of treasury stock

     —        —        —         (291,641 )     —         (291,641 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, September 30, 2005

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 51,184,378     $ (5,107,270 )   $ (154,096 )   $ 51,790,731  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,


   2005

    2004

 

Operating activities

                

Net income

   $ 4,642,963     $ 4,267,333  

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

                

Provision for loan losses

     258,833       612,483  

Depreciation

     593,079       580,196  

Amortization and accretion, net

     298,993       551,961  

Investment securities losses, net

     —         3,309  

Net gains on other real estate

     (89,869 )     (111,551 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (101,503 )     150,890  

Increase in other liabilities

     129,087       46,743  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,731,583       6,101,364  
    


 


Investing activities

                

Principal collections and maturities of investment securities:

                

Held-to-maturity

     2,737,000       1,982,500  

Available-for-sale

     42,263,613       32,508,726  

Proceeds from sales of investment securities held-to-maturity

     —         —    

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale

     4,373,125       2,657,209  

Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity

     (1,438,414 )     (1,926,441 )

Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale

     (55,818,378 )     (33,749,316 )

Net decrease (increase) in loans

     118,585       (14,444,838 )

Proceeds from sales of other real estate

     376,846       85,904  

Capital expenditures, net

     (305,063 )     (695,326 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (7,692,686 )     (13,581,582 )
    


 


Financing activities

                

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

     (22,988,823 )     2,089,651  

Net increase in federal funds purchased

     1,319,000       1,072,000  

Net (decrease) increase in U. S. Treasury demand note

     (473,637 )     380,088  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (291,641 )     (215,462 )

Dividends paid

     (2,924,172 )     (2,947,715 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (25,359,273 )     378,562  
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (27,320,376 )     (7,101,656 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     49,041,519       26,405,941  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 21,721,143     $ 19,304,285  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure

                

Cash paid during the period

                

Interest

   $ 3,119,586     $ 2,741,455  

Income taxes

     2,105,000       1,970,000  

Noncash investing and financing activities

                

Broker receivable for security sales

   $ (4,373,125 )   $ —    

Broker payable for security purchases

     (1,981,680 )     —    

Real estate acquired through foreclosure

     275,961       302,985  

Loans made in connection with sales of foreclosed real estate

     213,517       287,597  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(Unaudited)

 

1. Accounting and Reporting Policy for Interim Periods

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Southeastern Banking Corporation (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. These statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statement presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been made. These adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring accruals, include estimates for various fringe benefits and other transactions normally determined or settled at year-end. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of trends or results to be expected for the full year 2005. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s Accounting Policies as disclosed in the 2004 Form 10-K.

 

2. Treasury Stock

 

Under existing authorization, the Company can purchase up to $10,000,000 in treasury stock. From 2000 - 2004, the Company repurchased 276,648 shares on the open market and through private transactions at an average price of $17.41 per share. During the first nine months of 2005, the Company purchased an additional 10,747 shares at a purchase price of $27.14. Subsequent to September 30, 2005, the Company purchased another 58,400 shares at an aggregate purchase price of $1,649,803 or $28.25 per share. The maximum consideration available for additional treasury purchases, at prices to be determined in the future, is $3,242,927. Any acquisition of additional shares will be dictated by market conditions. There is no expiration date for the treasury authorization.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

This Analysis should be read in conjunction with the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the consolidated financial statements & related notes on pages 3 – 7 of this quarterly filing. The Company’s accounting policies, which are described in detail in Form 10-K, are integral to understanding the results reported. The Company’s accounting policies require management’s judgment in valuing assets, liabilities, commitments, and contingencies. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset, or relieving a liability. This Analysis contains forward-looking statements with respect to business and financial matters. Actual results may vary significantly from those contained in these forward-looking statements. See the section entitled Forward-Looking Statements within this Analysis.

 

Description of Business

 

Southeastern Banking Corporation (the Company), with assets exceeding $377,671,000, is a financial services company with operations in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. Southeastern Bank (SEB), the Company’s principal subsidiary, offers a full line of commercial and retail services to meet the financial needs of its customer base through its sixteen branch locations and ATM network. Services offered include traditional deposit and credit services, long-term mortgage originations, and credit cards. SEB also offers 24-hour delivery channels, including internet and telephone banking, and through an affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, provides insurance agent and investment brokerage services.

 

Financial Condition

 

Consolidated assets totaled $377,671,184 at September 30, 2005, down $23,084,034 or 5.76% from year-end 2004 and $1,169,975 or 0.31% from September 30, 2004. The asset decline year-to-date ensued primarily from reductions in federal funds sold balances. Specifically, federal funds sold declined $31,118,000 and loans, $425,238; investment securities grew 7.85% or $9,254,415. Securities comprised approximately 37%, loans, 63%, and federal funds sold, 0%, of earning assets at September 30, 2005 versus 32%, 59%, and 9% at December 31, 2004. Overall, earning assets approximated 91% of total assets at September 30, 2005. During the year-earlier period, total assets grew $4,473,425 or 1.19%. Growth in the loan portfolio, particularly real estate and commercial balances, was the chief factor in the 2004 results. Refer to the Liquidity section of this Analysis for details on deposits and other funding sources.

 

Investment Securities

 

On a carrying value basis, investment securities grew $9,254,415 or 7.85% since December 31, 2004. Purchases of securities during the nine-month period, including short-term securities with original maturities of 90 days or less, approximated $55,275,000, and redemptions, $45,001,000. The effective repricing of redeemed securities impacts current and future earnings results; refer to the Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity and Operations sections of this Analysis for more details. In conjunction with asset/liability management, the Company continues to increase its proportionate holdings of mortgage-backed securities, corporates, and municipals when feasible to reduce its exposure to Agency securities with call features. At September 30, 2005, mortgage-backed securities, corporates, and municipals comprised 24%, 9%, and 28% of the portfolio. Overall, securities comprised 37% of earning assets at September 30, 2005, up 500 basis points from year-end 2004 levels. The portfolio yield approximated 4.81% in 2005 year-to-date.

 

Management believes the credit quality of the investment portfolio remains sound, with 63.38% of the carrying value of debt securities being backed by the U.S. Treasury or other U.S. Government-sponsored

 

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Table of Contents

agencies at September 30, 2005. All of the Company’s corporate bonds were rated “A” or higher by at least one nationally recognized rating agency at September 30, 2005. The weighted average life of the portfolio remained less than 4.0 years at September 30, 2005. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities are delineated in the table below:

 

Investment Securities by Category

September 30, 2005


   Amortized
Cost


   Unrealized
Gains


   Unrealized
Losses


  

Fair

Value


(In thousands)

 

                   

Available-for-sale:

                           

U. S. Government agencies

   $ 50,456    $ 25    $ 425    $ 50,056

Mortgage-backed securities

     30,889      110      481      30,518

Corporates

     10,429      550      13      10,966
    

  

  

  

       91,774      685      919      91,540

Held-to-maturity:

                           

States and political subdivisions

     35,598      1,308      105      36,801
    

  

  

  

Total investment securities

   $ 127,372    $ 1,993    $ 1,024    $ 128,341
    

  

  

  

 

As shown, the market value of the securities portfolio exceeded the cost basis at September 30, 2005; refer to the Capital Adequacy section of this Analysis for more details on investment securities and related fair value. The Company does not have a concentration in the obligations of any issuer other than the U.S. Government and its agencies.

 

Loans

 

Loans, net of unearned income, declined a negligible $268,549 since year-end 2004. The net loans to deposits ratio aggregated 68.99% at September 30, 2005 versus 64.40% at December 31, 2004, and 68.88% a year ago. The decline in loans outstanding resulted primarily from pay-downs on large commercial loans in the normal course of business. Overall, the commercial portfolio fell $4,833,231 at September 30, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004. Within the commercial portfolio, nonfarm real estate and agricultural loans fell $1,714,229 and $7,078,795 during the nine-month period; governmental and other commercial/industrial loans grew $1,717,391 and $2,242,402. Balances in the consumer portfolio also declined $2,324,002 or 13.27% at September 30, 2005 compared to year-end 2004; reduced demand was the chief element in the 2005 results. Although balances in the commercial and consumer portfolios declined, real estate - construction and residential mortgage loans grew 6.04% or $6,850,985 during 2005 year-to-date. The majority of the growth within the construction portfolio was residential in nature and concentrated in the Company’s coastal markets. Most of the loans in the real estate-construction portfolio are preparatory to customers’ attainment of permanent financing or developer’s sale and are, by nature, short-term and somewhat cyclical; swings in these account balances are normal and to be expected. Although the Company, like peer institutions of similar size, originates permanent mortgages for new construction, it traditionally does not hold or service long-term mortgage loans for its own portfolio. Rather, permanent mortgages are typically brokered through a mortgage underwriter or government agency. The Company receives mortgage origination fees for its participation in these origination transactions; refer to the disclosures provided under Results of Operations for more details.

 

Despite economic uncertainties within the Company’s markets, management remains optimistic that loan volumes will trend higher in 2005 than 2004. Managerial strategies to increase loan production include continuing competitive pricing on loan products, development of additional loan relationships, and purchase of loan participations from correspondent banks, all without compromising portfolio quality. During the same period last year, net loans grew 6.85% or $13,816,967. A $10,620,981 or 24.26% increase in real estate – construction loans was the main factor in the 2004 results. Loans outstanding are presented by type in the table on the next page.

 

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Table of Contents

Loans by Category


   September 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


   September 30,
2004


(In thousands)

 

              

Commercial, financial, and agricultural1

   $ 82,953    $ 87,784    $ 90,522

Real estate – construction

     60,452      56,471      54,392

Real estate – residential mortgage2

     59,813      56,944      56,366

Consumer, including credit cards

     15,185      17,510      18,710
    

  

  

Loans, gross

     218,403      218,709      219,990

Unearned income

     167      204      219
    

  

  

Loans, net

   $ 218,236    $ 218,505    $ 219,771
    

  

  


1 Includes obligations of states and political subdivisions.
2 Typically have final maturities of 15 years or less.

 

The Company had no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in any single industry that exceeded 10% of total loans for any of the periods presented. Although the Company’s loan portfolio is diversified, significant portions of its loans are collateralized by real estate. At September 30, 2005, real estate loans exceeded $166,000,000, and commitments to extend credit on such loans approximated $20,000,000. As required by policy, real estate loans are collateralized based on certain loan-to-appraised value ratios. A geographic concentration in loans arises given the Company’s operations within a regional area of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. On an aggregate basis, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit approximated $38,743,000 at September 30, 2005; because a substantial amount of these contracts expire without being drawn upon, total contractual amounts do not represent future credit exposure or liquidity requirements. The Company has not funded or incurred any losses on letters of credit in 2005 year-to-date.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, and foreclosed real estate and other assets. Overall, nonperforming assets approximated $1,373,000 at September 30, 2005, down $132,000 or 8.77% from year-end 2004 and 7.85% from September 30, 2004. As a percent of total assets, nonperforming assets totaled 0.36% at September 30, 2005 versus 0.38% at year-end 2004 and 0.39% a year ago. No material credits have been transferred or removed from nonaccrual status during 2005 year-to-date. Industry or individual concentrations within nonaccrual balances at September 30, 2005 included:

 

  a) Industry concentrations: Approximately 26% or $307,000 of nonaccrual balances at September 30, 2005 pertained to the shrimping industry; charge-offs on these particular loans approximated $64,000 during 2005 year-to-date. Collateral held varies but includes real estate and commercial fishing vessels. Management considers the allowance sufficient to absorb any additional losses that may result from these loans.

 

  b) Individual concentrations: At September 30, 2005, nonaccrual balances also included loans to one other borrower totaling $76,000. Due to the underlying collateral coverage, no significant losses, if any, are expected on this balance.

 

Refer to the subsection entitled Policy Note for criteria used by management in classifying loans as nonaccrual. The allowance for loan losses approximated 3.65X the nonperforming loans balance at September 30, 2005 versus 3.87X at year-end 2004 and 3.31X a year ago. Significant activity within foreclosed real estate balances included foreclosure of one borrower’s residential real estate valued at $94,000 and sale of an unrelated $150,000 parcel. Management is unaware of any other material developments in nonperforming assets at September 30, 2005 that should be presented or otherwise discussed.

 

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Loans past due 90 days or more approximated $809,000, or less than 1% of net loans, at September 30, 2005. Management is unaware of any material concentrations within these past due balances. The table below provides further information about nonperforming assets and loans past due 90 plus days:

 

Nonperforming Assets


   September 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


    September 30,
2004


 

(In thousands)

 

                  

Nonaccrual loans:

                        

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 302     $ 312     $ 439  

Real estate – construction

     28       33       35  

Real estate – mortgage

     726       556       632  

Consumer, including credit cards

     120       168       135  
    


 


 


Total nonaccrual loans

     1,176       1,069       1,241  

Restructured loans1

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total nonperforming loans

     1,176       1,069       1,241  

Foreclosed real estate2

     170       409       246  

Other repossessed assets

     27       27       3  
    


 


 


Total nonperforming assets

   $ 1,373     $ 1,505     $ 1,490  
    


 


 


Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

   $ 809     $ 876     $ 687  
    


 


 


Ratios:

                        

Nonperforming loans to net loans

     0.54 %     0.49 %     0.56 %
    


 


 


Nonperforming assets to net loans plus foreclosed/repossessed assets

     0.63 %     0.69 %     0.68 %
    


 


 



1 Does not include restructured loans that yield a market rate.
2 Includes only other real estate acquired through foreclosure or in settlement of debts previously contracted.

 

Policy Note. Loans classified as nonaccrual have been placed in nonperforming, or impaired, status because the borrower’s ability to make future principal and/or interest payments has become uncertain. The Company considers a loan to be nonaccrual with the occurrence of any one of the following events: a) interest or principal has been in default 90 days or more, unless the loan is well-collateralized and in the process of collection; b) collection of recorded interest or principal is not anticipated; or c) income on the loan is recognized on a cash basis due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower. Smaller balance consumer loans are generally not subject to the above-referenced guidelines and are normally placed on nonaccrual status or else charged-off when payments have been in default 90 days or more. Nonaccrual loans are reduced to the lower of the principal balance of the loan or the market value of the underlying real estate or other collateral net of selling costs. Any impairment in the principal balance is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Accrued interest on any loan placed on nonaccrual status is reversed. Interest income on nonaccrual loans, if subsequently recognized, is recorded on a cash basis. No interest is subsequently recognized on nonaccrual (or former nonaccrual) loans until all principal has been collected. Loans are classified as restructured when either interest or principal has been reduced or deferred because of deterioration in the borrower’s financial position. Foreclosed real estate represents real property acquired by foreclosure or directly by title or deed transfer in settlement of debt. Provisions for subsequent devaluations of foreclosed real estate are charged to operations, while costs associated with improving the properties are generally capitalized.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company continuously reviews its loan portfolio and maintains an allowance for loan losses available to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio. The nine-month provision for loan losses at September 30, 2005 totaled $258,833 which exceeded net charge-offs of $102,144 by $156,689. The comparable provision and

 

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charge-off amounts at September 30, 2004 were $612,483 and $340,740. Net charge-offs represented 0.06% of average loans at September 30, 2005 compared to 0.22% at September 30, 2004 and 0.40% in 2003. No single charge-off exceeded $64,000 at September 30, 2005. The Company is committed to the early recognition of problem loans and to an appropriate and adequate level of allowance. The adequacy of the allowance is further discussed in the next subsection of this Analysis. Activity in the allowance is presented in the table below:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

Nine Months Ended September 30,


   2005

    2004

    2003

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                  

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year

   $ 4,134     $ 3,833     $ 3,601  

Provision for loan losses

     259       612       685  

Charge-offs:

                        

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

     113       197       296  

Real estate – construction

     —         12       15  

Real estate – mortgage

     35       48       73  

Consumer, including credit cards

     155       256       344  
    


 


 


Total charge-offs

     303       513       728  
    


 


 


Recoveries:

                        

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

     70       5       25  

Real estate – construction

     —         —         —    

Real estate – mortgage

     13       32       16  

Consumer, including credit cards

     118       135       134  
    


 


 


Total recoveries

     201       172       175  
    


 


 


Net charge-offs

     102       341       553  
    


 


 


Allowance for loan losses at end of period

   $ 4,291     $ 4,104     $ 3,733  
    


 


 


Net loans outstanding1 at end of period

   $ 218,236     $ 219,771     $ 201,426  
    


 


 


Average net loans outstanding1 at end of period

   $ 217,817     $ 208,063     $ 182,963  
    


 


 


Ratios:

                        

Allowance to net loans

     1.97 %     1.87 %     1.85 %
    


 


 


Net charge-offs to average loans

     0.06 %     0.22 %     0.40 %
    


 


 


Provision to average loans

     0.16 %     0.39 %     0.50 %
    


 


 


Recoveries to total charge-offs

     66.34 %     33.53 %     24.04 %
    


 


 



1 Net of unearned income

 

The Company prepares a comprehensive analysis of the allowance for loan losses at least quarterly. SEB’s Board of Directors is responsible for affirming the allowance methodology and assessing the general and specific allowance factors in relation to estimated and actual net charge-off trends. The allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: a) specific allowances for individual loans; b) general allowances for loan pools based on historical loan loss experience and current trends; and c) allowances based on economic conditions and other risk factors in the Company’s markets. The specific allowance is based on a regular analysis of classified loans where the internal risk ratings are below a predetermined classification. The specific allowance established for these classified loans is based on a careful analysis of probable and potential sources of repayment, including cash flow, collateral value, and guarantor capacity. The general allowance is determined by the mix of loan products within the portfolio, an internal loan grading process, and associated allowance factors. These general allowance factors are updated at least annually and are based on a statistical loss analysis and current loan charge-off trends. The loss analysis examines loss experience for loan portfolio segments in relation to internal loan grades. Charge-off trends are analyzed for homogeneous loan categories (e.g., residential real estate, consumer loans, etc.). While formal loss and charge-off trend analyses are conducted annually,

 

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the Company continually monitors credit quality in all portfolio segments and revises the general allowance factors whenever necessary in order to address improving or deteriorating credit quality trends or specific risks associated with a given loan category. The third element, comprised of economic conditions, concentrations, and other risk factors, is based on marketplace conditions and/or events that may affect loan repayment in the near-term. This element requires a high degree of managerial judgment to anticipate the impact that economic trends, legislative or governmental actions, or other unique market and/or portfolio issues will have on credit losses. Consideration of other risk factors typically includes such issues as recent loss experience in specific portfolio segments, trends in loan quality, changes in market focus, and concentrations of credit. These factors are based on the influence of current external variables on portfolio risk, so there will typically be some movement between this element and the specific allowance component during various stages of the economic cycle. Because of their subjective nature, these risk factors are carefully reviewed by management and revised as conditions indicate. Based on its analyses, management believes the allowance was adequate at September 30, 2005.

 

Other Commitments

 

Other than construction of a permanent branch building to replace the temporary facility in Brunswick, Georgia, renovation of other SEB offices, and the purchase of new core banking software, the Company had no material plans or commitments for capital expenditures as of September 30, 2005. Planning for the permanent branch building and the software purchase have not been finalized, and potential capital expenditures cannot yet be estimated.

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity is managed to ensure sufficient cash flow to satisfy demands for credit, deposit withdrawals, and other corporate needs. The Company’s sources of funds include a large, stable deposit base and secured advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Additional liquidity is provided by payments and maturities, including both principal and interest, of the loan and investment securities portfolios. At September 30, 2005, loans1 and investment securities with carrying values exceeding $104,573,000 and $7,543,000 were scheduled to mature in one year or less. The investment portfolio has also been structured to meet liquidity needs prior to asset maturity when necessary. The Company’s liquidity position is further strengthened by its access, on both a short- and long-term basis, to other local and regional funding sources.

 

Funding sources primarily comprise customer-based core deposits but also include borrowed funds and cash flows from operations. Customer-based core deposits, the Company’s largest and most cost-effective source of funding, comprised 90% of the funding base at September 30, 2005, virtually unchanged from 2004 levels. Borrowed funds, which variously encompass U.S. Treasury demand notes, federal funds purchased, and FHLB advances, totaled $7,276,574 at September 30, 2005 versus $6,431,211 at year-end 2004. More specifically, the maximum amount of U.S. Treasury demand notes available to the Company at September 30, 2005 totaled $3,000,000, of which $957,574 was outstanding. Unused borrowings under unsecured federal funds lines of credit from other banks, each with varying terms and expiration dates, totaled $21,681,000. Additionally, under a credit facility with the FHLB, the Company can borrow up to 16% of SEB’s total assets; at September 30, 2005, unused borrowings approximated $55,389,000. Refer to the subsection entitled FHLB Advances for details on the Company’s outstanding balance with the FHLB. Cash flows from operations also constitute a significant source of liquidity. Net cash from operations derives primarily from net income adjusted for noncash items such as depreciation and amortization, accretion, and the provision for loan losses.

 

Management believes the Company has the funding capacity, from operating activities or otherwise, to meet its financial commitments in 2005. Refer to the Capital Adequacy section of this Analysis for details on treasury stock purchases and intercompany dividend policy and the Financial Condition section for details on unfunded loan commitments.

 


1 No cash flow assumptions other than final contractual maturities have been made for installment loans. Nonaccrual loans are excluded.

 

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Deposits

 

Deposits declined $22,988,823 or 6.78% since year-end 2004. Interest-bearing deposits fell $30,087,915 or 11.18%, while noninterest-bearing deposits grew $7,099,092 or 10.11%. The majority of the decline in interest-bearing balances was due to seasonal variation in local government balances, particularly NOW accounts. Notably, customers have moved funds from savings during the current rising rate environment; savings balances have declined from 38.59% of interest-bearing balances to 37.19% in the last year. Overall, interest-bearing deposits comprised 75.57%, and noninterest-bearing deposits, 24.43%, of total deposits at September 30, 2005. The distribution of interest-bearing balances at September 30, 2005 and certain comparable quarter-end dates is shown in the table below:

 

     September 30, 2005

    December 31, 2004

    September 30, 2004

 

Deposits


   Balances

   Percent
of Total


    Balances

   Percent
of Total


    Balances

   Percent
of Total


 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                                 

Interest-bearing demand deposits1

   $ 77,548    32.44 %   $ 98,352    36.55 %   $ 78,239    31.04 %

Savings

     88,902    37.19 %     95,414    35.45 %     97,276    38.59 %

Time certificates < $100,000

     46,282    19.36 %     45,256    16.82 %     45,908    18.21 %

Time certificates >= $100,000

     26,303    11.01 %     30,101    11.18 %     30,670    12.16 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total interest-bearing deposits

   $ 239,035    100.00 %   $ 269,123    100.00 %   $ 252,093    100.00 %
    

  

 

  

 

  


1 NOW and money market accounts.

 

Deposits of one local governmental body comprised approximately $26,307,000 and $36,468,000 of the overall deposit base at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Brokered deposits totaled $594,000 at both September 30, 2005 and year-end 2004.

 

Approximately 80% of time certificates at September 30, 2005 were scheduled to mature within the next twelve months. The composition of average deposits and the fluctuations therein at September 30 for the last two years is shown in the Average Balances table included in the Operations section of this Analysis.

 

FHLB Advances

 

Advances outstanding with the FHLB totaled $5,000,000 at September 30, 2005, unchanged from year-end 2004. The outstanding advance, which matures March 17, 2010, accrues interest at an effective rate of 6.00%, payable quarterly. The advance is convertible into a three-month Libor-based floating rate anytime at the option of the FHLB. Year-to-date, interest expense on the advance approximated $224,000. Mortgage-backed securities were pledged to collateralize advances under this line of credit.

 

Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The normal course of business activity exposes the Company to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows, and net interest income. The asset/liability committee regularly reviews the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk and formulates strategy based on acceptable levels of interest rate risk. The overall objective of this process is to optimize the Company’s financial position, liquidity, and net interest income, while limiting volatility to net interest income from changes in interest rates. The Company uses gap analysis and simulation modeling to measure and manage interest rate sensitivity.

 

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An indicator of interest rate sensitivity is the difference between interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities; this difference is known as the interest rate sensitivity gap. In an asset sensitive, or positive, gap position, the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a given period exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that same period. Conversely, in a liability sensitive, or negative, gap position, the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within a given period exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within that time period. During a period of rising rates, a negative gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely, while a positive gap would theoretically result in increased net interest income. In a falling rate environment, a negative gap would tend to result in increased net interest income, while a positive gap would affect net interest income adversely. The gap analysis below provides a snapshot of the Company’s interest rate sensitivity position at September 30, 2005:

 

     Repricing Within

     

Interest Rate Sensitivity

September 30, 2005


   0 - 3
Months


    4 - 12
Months


    One - Five
Years


    More
Than Five
Years


    Total

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                            

Interest Rate Sensitive Assets

                                      

Securities1

   $ 3,261     $ 4,911     $ 90,551     $ 28,649     $ 127,372

Loans, gross2

     124,292       19,365       70,114       3,456       217,227

Other assets

     1,112       —         —         —         1,112
    


 


 


 


 

Total interest rate sensitive assets

     128,665       24,276       160,665       32,105       345,711
    


 


 


 


 

Interest Rate Sensitive Liabilities

                                      

Deposits3

   $ 179,462       44,924       14,589       60       239,035

U.S. Treasury demand note

     958       —         —         —         958

Federal funds purchased

     1,319       —         —         —         1,319

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     —         —         5,000       —         5,000
    


 


 


 


 

Total interest rate sensitive liabilities

     181,739       44,924       19,589       60       246,312
    


 


 


 


 

Interest rate sensitivity gap

   $ (53,074 )   $ (20,648 )   $ 141,076     $ 32,045     $ 99,399
    


 


 


 


 

Cumulative gap

   $ (53,074 )   $ (73,722 )   $ 67,354     $ 99,399        
    


 


 


 


     

Ratio of cumulative gap to total rate sensitive assets

     (15.35 )%     (21.32 )%     19.48 %     28.75 %      
    


 


 


 


     

Ratio of cumulative rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities

     70.80 %     67.48 %     127.35 %     140.35 %      
    


 


 


 


     

Cumulative gap at December 31, 2004

   $ (59,503 )   $ (71,138 )   $ 54,244     $ 91,758        
    


 


 


 


     

Cumulative gap at September 30, 2004

   $ (73,191 )   $ (90,127 )   $ 43,988     $ 88,654        
    


 


 


 


     

1 Distribution of maturities for available-for sale-securities is based on amortized cost. Additionally, distribution of maturities for mortgage-backed securities is based on expected average lives which may be different from the contractual terms. Equity securities, if any, are excluded.
2 No cash flow assumptions other than final contractual maturities have been made for installment loans with fixed rates. Nonaccrual loans are excluded.
3 NOW, money market, and savings account balances are included in the 0-3 months repricing category.

 

As shown in the table above, the Company’s gap position ($ in thousands) remained negative through the short-term repricing intervals at September 30, 2005, totaling $(53,074) at three months and $(73,722) through one year. Excluding traditionally nonvolatile NOW and premium savings balances from the gap calculation, the cumulative gap at September 30, 2005 totaled $85,149 at three months and $64,501 at twelve months. The widening of the one year gap position at September 30, 2005 versus year-end 2004

 

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was largely attributable to reductions in federal funds sold. Other than seasonal variations, primarily in deposit balances, no significant changes are anticipated in the gap position during the remainder of 2005. Shortcomings are inherent in any gap analysis since certain assets and liabilities may not move proportionally as rates change. For example, the gap analysis presumes that all loans2 and securities1 will perform according to their contractual maturities when, in many cases, actual loan terms are much shorter than the original terms and securities are subject to early redemption.

 

In addition to gap analysis, the Company uses simulation modeling to test the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet. Contractual maturity and repricing characteristics of loans are incorporated into the model, as are prepayment assumptions, maturity data, and call options within the investment portfolio. Non-maturity deposit accounts are modeled based on past experience. Simulation results quantify interest rate risks under various interest rate scenarios. In estimating the impact of these rate movements on the Company’s net interest income, the following general assumptions were made: a) Spreads on all loans, investment securities, and deposit products remain constant; b) Interest rate movements occur gradually over an extended period versus rapidly; and c) Loans and deposits are projected to grow at constant speeds. Limitations inherent with these assumptions include: a) Certain deposit accounts, in particular, interest-bearing demand deposits, infrequently reprice and historically, have had limited impact on net interest income from a rate perspective; b) In a down rate environment, competitive and other factors constrain timing of rate cuts on other deposit products whereas loans tied to prime and other variable indexes reprice instantaneously and, as amply demonstrated the last few years, securities with call or other prepayment features are likely to be redeemed prior to stated maturity and replaced at lower rates (lag effect); c) Changes in balance sheet mix, for example, unscheduled pay-offs of large commercial loans, are oftentimes difficult to forecast; and d) Rapid and aggressive rate movements by the Federal Reserve can materially impact estimated results. Management is optimistic that initiatives taken to increase loan production and diversify the securities portfolio have reduced the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet, and such actions will continue.

 

The Company has not in the past, but may in the future, utilize interest rate swaps, financial options, financial futures contracts, or other rate protection instruments to reduce interest rate and market risks.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The effects of inflation on the local economy and the Company’s operating results have been relatively modest the last several years. Because substantially all the Company’s assets and liabilities, including cash, securities, loans, and deposits, are monetary in nature, their values are less sensitive to the effects of inflation than to changing interest rates. As discussed in the preceding section, the Company attempts to control the impact of interest rate fluctuations by managing the relationship between its interest sensitive assets and liabilities.

 

Capital Adequacy

 

Federal banking regulators have established certain capital adequacy standards required to be maintained by banks and bank holding companies. These regulations define capital as either Tier 1 (primarily shareholders’ equity) or Tier 2 (certain debt instruments and a portion of the allowance for loan losses). The Company and SEB are subject to a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets) of 4%, total capital ratio (Tier 1 plus Tier 2 to risk-weighted assets) of 8%, and Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 to average quarterly assets) of 4%. To be considered a “well-capitalized” institution, the Tier 1 capital, total capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios must equal or exceed 6%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. Banks and bank holding companies are prohibited from including unrealized gains and losses on debt securities in the calculation of risk-based capital but are permitted to include up to 45

 

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percent of net unrealized pre-tax holding gains on equity securities in Tier 2 capital. The Company did not have any unrealized gains on equity securities includible in the risk-based capital calculations for any of the periods presented. The Company is committed to maintaining its well-capitalized status.

 

The Company’s capital ratios for the most recent periods are presented in the table below:

 

Capital Ratios


   September 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


    September 30,
2004


 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                  

Tier 1 capital:

                        

Realized shareholders’ equity

   $ 51,945     $ 48,881     $ 49,410  

Intangible assets and other adjustments

     (579 )     (623 )     (637 )
    


 


 


Total Tier 1 capital

     51,366       48,258       48,773  
    


 


 


Tier 2 capital:

                        

Portion of allowance for loan losses

     3,067       3,201       3,106  

Allowable long-term debt

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Total Tier 2 capital

     3,067       3,201       3,106  
    


 


 


Total risk-based capital

   $ 54,433     $ 51,459     $ 51,879  
    


 


 


Risk-weighted assets

   $ 244,337     $ 255,110     $ 247,450  
    


 


 


Risk-based ratios:

                        

Tier 1 capital

     21.02 %     18.92 %     19.71 %
    


 


 


Total risk-based capital

     22.28 %     20.17 %     20.97 %
    


 


 


Tier 1 leverage ratio

     13.39 %     12.34 %     12.92 %
    


 


 


Realized shareholders’ equity to assets

     13.75 %     12.21 %     13.08 %
    


 


 


 

Book value per share grew $0.98 or 6.63% during the first nine months of 2005 to $15.77. Dividends declared totaled $0.39, up 4.00% or $0.015 from 2004. For more specifics on the Company’s dividend policy, refer to the subsection immediately following. Accumulated other comprehensive income, which measures net fluctuations in the fair values of investment securities, declined $515,131 at September 30, 2005 compared to year-end 2004. Movement in interest rates remained a dominant factor in the fair value results. Further details on investment securities and associated fair values are contained in the Financial Condition section of this Analysis.

 

Under existing authorization, the Company can purchase up to $10,000,000 in treasury stock. From 2000—2004, the Company repurchased 276,648 shares on the open market and through private transactions at an average price of $17.41 per share. During the first nine months of 2005, the Company purchased an additional 10,747 shares at a purchase price of $27.14. Subsequent to September 30, 2005, the Company purchased another 58,400 shares at an aggregate purchase price of $1,649,803 or $28.25 per share. The maximum consideration available for additional treasury purchases, at prices to be determined in the future, is $3,242,927. Any acquisition of additional shares will be dictated by market conditions. There is no expiration date for the treasury authorization.

 

Refer to the Financial Condition and Liquidity sections of this Analysis for details on planned capital expenditures.

 

Dividend Policy

 

The Parent Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, and its revenues and liquidity position depend primarily on the payment of dividends from its subsidiaries. State banking

 

17


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regulations limit the amount of dividends SEB may pay without prior approval of the regulatory agencies. Year-to-date, SEB has paid 75% or $2,184,480 of the $2,912,000 in cash dividends available to the Company in 2005 without such prior approval. The Company uses regular dividends paid by SEB in order to pay quarterly dividends to its own shareholders. Management anticipates that the Company will continue to pay cash dividends on a recurring basis.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net income for the 2005 third quarter totaled $1,701,483, up $222,772 or 15.07% from September 30, 2004 and up 8.89% from June 30, 2005. On a per share basis, quarterly earnings totaled $0.52 at September 30, 2005 versus $0.45 at September 30, 2004 and $0.47 at June 30, 2005. Year-to-date, net income grew $375,630 or 8.80% to $4,642,963 at September 30, 2005 from $4,267,333 in 2004. Similarly, per share income for the nine-month period improved $0.12 to $1.41 at September 30, 2005 from $1.29 in 2004. The return on beginning equity for the nine-month period totaled 12.66% at September 30, 2005 versus 12.21% in 2004. Variations in net interest income and noninterest income/expense are further discussed within the next two subsections of this Analysis; the provision for loan losses is separately discussed within the Financial Condition section.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income increased $386,608 or 8.84% during the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004. For the year-to-date period, net interest income grew $1,016,050 or 7.91% from 2004. The net interest margin approximated 5.32% at September 30, 2005 versus 5.11% a year ago; the interest rate spread, 4.89% versus 4.77%. Interest earnings on loans, federal funds sold, and other earning assets improved $1,467,797, $295,724, and $9,348 from same period results in 2004 while earnings on investment securities fell 5.87% or $247,422. Overall improvements in asset yields and, to a lesser extent, shifts in earning assets, precipitated the 2005 results. On average, asset yields totaled 6.46% at September 30, 2005, up 37 basis points from 2004; see the interest differential table on page 20 for more details on changes in interest income attributable to volume and rates at September 30, 2005 versus 2004. Interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds increased $224,524 or 26.37% during the 2005 third quarter versus 2004 and $509,397 year-to-date. Cost of funds increased 25 basis points from 2004 levels, totaling 1.57% at September 30, 2005 versus 1.32% at September 30, 2004. The jump in cost of funds resulted primarily from higher deposit rates, particularly on NOW and money market accounts, at September 30, 2005 compared to 2004. Given the rising rate environment currently propelled by the Federal Reserve, management expects costs of funds and corresponding interest expense to continue increasing as deposits and other funds reprice at higher levels. Anticipated loan growth in Brunswick and other markets is expected to alleviate declines in margins and spreads. Additionally, because most of the loans in the variable portfolio are tied to prime and similar indexes, the portfolio is positioned to take advantage of rate hikes promulgated by the Federal Reserve in 2005; variable loans comprised approximately 52% of total loans at September 30, 2005.

 

The intense competition for loans and deposits continues in 2005 and shows no sign of abating. The high number of new and existing financial institutions in the Company’s market areas essentially guarantees downward pressure on net interest spreads and margins as all participants struggle to amass and grow market share. Volume of assets and deposits will become even more important as margins decline. Strategies implemented by management to increase average loans outstanding emphasize competitive pricing on loan products and development of additional loan relationships, all without compromising portfolio quality. Management’s strategy for deposits is to closely manage anticipated market increases and maintain a competitive position with respect to pricing and products. Comparative details about average balances, income/expense, and average yields earned and rates paid on interest-earning assets and liabilities for the last two years are provided in the table on the next page.

 

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Selected Average Balances, Income/Expense, and Average Yields Earned and Rates Paid

 

     2005

    2004

 

Average Balances6

Nine Months Ended September 30,


   Average
Balances


   Income/
Expense


   Yields/
Rates


    Average
Balances


   Income/
Expense


   Yields/
Rates


 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

                                

Assets

                                        

Interest-earning assets:

                                        

Loans, net1,2,4

   $ 217,817    $ 12,616    7.72 %   $ 208,063    $ 11,122    7.13 %

Federal funds sold

     17,796      368    2.76 %     9,479      72    1.01 %

Taxable investment securities3

     92,036      2,849    4.13 %     97,681      3,073    4.19 %

Tax-exempt investment securities3,4

     33,887      1,697    6.68 %     34,485      1,733    6.70 %

Other assets

     1,157      37    4.26 %     994      28    3.76 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Total interest-earning assets

   $ 362,693    $ 17,567    6.46 %   $ 350,702    $ 16,028    6.09 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Liabilities

                                        

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                        

Interest-bearing demand deposits5

   $ 88,392    $ 914    1.38 %   $ 81,983    $ 559    0.91 %

Savings

     93,147      615    0.88 %     95,943      639    0.89 %

Time deposits

     75,748      1,328    2.34 %     77,648      1,158    1.99 %

Federal funds purchased

     105      3    3.81 %     128      2    2.08 %

U. S. Treasury demand note

     567      12    2.82 %     581      4    0.96 %

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     5,000      224    6.00 %     5,000      225    6.00 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Total interest-bearing liabilities

   $ 262,959    $ 3,096    1.57 %   $ 261,283    $ 2,587    1.32 %
    

  

  

 

  

  

Excess of interest-earning assets over interest-bearing liabilities

   $ 99,734                 $ 89,419              
    

               

             

Interest rate spread

                 4.89 %                 4.77 %
                  

               

Net interest income

          $ 14,471                 $ 13,441       
           

               

      

Net interest margin

                 5.32 %                 5.11 %
                  

               


1 Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Nonperforming loans are included.
2 Includes loan fees.
3 Securities are presented on an amortized cost basis. Investment securities with original maturities of three months or less are included, as applicable.
4 Interest income on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis, using a federal income tax rate of 34%. No adjustment has been made for any state tax benefits.
5 NOW and money market accounts.
6 Averages presented generally represent average daily balances.

 

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

 

The average balance table above provides detailed information about average balances, income/expense, and average yields earned and rates paid on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. The table on the next page summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to volume and rates during this period.

 

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Interest Differential1   

2005 Compared to 2004

Increase (Decrease) Due to


 

Nine Months Ended September 30,


   Volume

    Rate

    Net

 

(In thousands)

 

                  

Interest income

                        

Loans2,3

   $ 537     $ 957     $ 1,494  

Federal funds sold

     100       196       296  

Taxable investment securities

     (175 )     (49 )     (224 )

Tax-exempt investment securities3

     (30 )     (6 )     (36 )

Other interest-earning assets

     5       4       9  
    


 


 


Total interest income

     437       1,102       1,539  
    


 


 


Interest expense

                        

Interest-bearing demand deposits4

     47       308       355  

Savings

     (19 )     (5 )     (24 )

Time deposits

     (29 )     199       170  

Federal funds purchased

     —         1       1  

U.S. Treasury demand note

     —         8       8  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     —         (1 )     (1 )
    


 


 


Total interest expense

     (1 )     510       509  
    


 


 


Net change in net interest income

   $ 438     $ 592     $ 1,030  
    


 


 



1 Changes in net interest income are attributed to either changes in average balances (volume change) or changes in average rates (rate change) for earning assets and sources of funds on which interest is received or paid. Volume change is calculated as change in volume times the previous rate while rate change is change in rate times the previous volume. The rate/volume change, change in rate times change in volume, is allocated between volume change and rate change at the ratio each component bears to the absolute value of their total.
2 Includes loan fees. See the average balances table on the previous page for more details.
3 Interest income on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis, using a federal income tax rate of 34%. No adjustments have been made for any state tax benefits or the nondeductible portion of interest expense.
4 Now and money market accounts.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income grew $23,281 or 2.45% during the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004 but declined $139,318 year-to-date. A $19,656 increase in commissions on sales of insurance and investment products through our Raymond James affiliation and a $27,502 or 29.29% improvement in mortgage origination fees, offset by a $45,323 or 6.92% decline in service charges on deposit accounts, were the leading factors in the quarterly results. Year-to-date, a $191,783 or 9.98% decline in service charges on deposit accounts was the main factor; the majority, or 62%, of the service charge decline was attributable to reduced volume of NSF fees. The other operating portion of noninterest income grew $49,156 or 5.37% year-to-date. By type and amount, the chief components of other operating income at September 30, 2005 were mortgage origination fees, $386,065; surcharge fees – ATM, $120,828; commissions on the sale of credit life insurance, $84,808; income on sale of check products, $109,499; and safe deposit box rentals, $53,751. Together, these five income items comprised 78.32% of other operating income at September 30, 2005. In 2004, these same five income components comprised 76.52% of other operating income. Overall, noninterest expense increased $626,767 or 7.02% in 2005 year-to-date. Personnel costs accounted for virtually the entire increase. The 2005 increase ensued largely from additional staff in various administrative and other managerial positions. The vast majority, or 84%, of employee expenses remained concentrated in salaries and other direct compensation, including related payroll taxes, at September 30, 2005. Profit-sharing accruals and other fringe benefits

 

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constituted the remaining 6% and 10% of employee expenses. The division of employee expenses between compensation, profit-sharing, and other fringe benefits remained consistent with historical norms in 2004. When compared to the prior year, net occupancy and equipment expense increased 3.19% or $58,565 during the first nine months of 2005 compared to 2004. Costs associated with the Company’s new branch facility in Brunswick, Georgia, operational since November 2004, accounted for the bulk of the 2005 – 2004 fluctuation. Other operating expenses remained flat at September 30, 2005 compared to 2004. Besides advertising expense, which approximated $187,000 in 2005 and $182,000 in 2004, no individual component of other operating expenses aggregated or exceeded 10% of the total in 2005 or 2004. Costs associated with the Company’s Brunswick facility and additional staff, as discussed above, are expected to increase noninterest expense approximately $550,000 in 2005 compared to 2004.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recent accounting pronouncements affecting the Company are discussed in the 2004 Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Various other accounting proposals affecting the banking industry are pending with the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Given the inherent uncertainty of the proposal process, the Company cannot assess the impact of any such proposals on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company and its representatives have made, and may continue to make, various written or oral forward-looking statements with respect to business and financial matters, including statements contained in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and press releases. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements related to loan growth, deposit growth, per share growth, and statements expressing general sentiment about future operating results and non-historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. The forward-looking statements are and will be based on management’s then current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

 

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates contained in or underlying forward-looking statements include:

 

    Competitive pressures between depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly.

 

    Changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins and impact funding sources.

 

    General economic or business conditions in the geographic regions and industry in which the Company operates may lead to a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit.

 

    Legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, monetary policies, and taxation requirements, may adversely affect the Company’s business.

 

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Other factors include:

 

    Changes in consumer spending and saving habits as well as real estate markets.

 

    Management of costs associated with expansion of existing and development of new distribution channels, and ability to realize increased revenues from these distribution channels.

 

    The outcome of litigation which depends on judicial interpretations of law and findings of juries.

 

    The effect of mergers, acquisitions, and/or dispositions and their integration into the Company.

 

    Other risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Many of the factors that will determine actual financial performance and values are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control. This Analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

The discussion on market risk is included in the Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity section of Part I, Item 2.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (the CFO or Treasurer), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and Treasurer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, were effective.

 

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Table of Contents

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

None

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Treasury purchases made during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are summarized in the table below:

 

Share

Repurchases –

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2005


   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased


   Average
Price Paid
per Share


   Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs


   Maximum
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
under the
Plans or
Programs1,2


January 1 – July 31

   —        —      —      $ 5,184,371

August 1 - 31

   5,947    $ 27.09    5,947      5,023,296

September 1 - 30

   4,800      27.20    4,800      4,892,730
    
  

  
      

Total

   10,747    $ 27.14    10,747       
    
  

  
      

1 The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $10,000,000 in Company common stock at its December 9, 2003 meeting. This action increased the previous repurchase resolution of $7,000,000, which was approved by the Company’s Board on March 14, 2000 and had a remaining balance of $2,399,833. There is no expiration date for the treasury authorization.
2 Subsequent to September 30, 2005, the Company purchased another 58,400 shares at an aggregate price of $1,649,803 or $28.25 per share. The maximum consideration available for additional treasury purchases is $3,242,927. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more details.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

(a) Index to Exhibits:

 

Exhibit 31.1.    CEO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2.    Treasurer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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Exhibit 32.    CEO/Treasurer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on October 24, 2005, announcing its earnings for the third quarter of 2005.

 

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Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

SOUTHEASTERN BANKING CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:  

/s/ ALYSON G. BEASLEY


    Alyson G. Beasley, Vice President & Treasurer

 

Date: November 14, 2005

 

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