rfb10q-20120331.htm
 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
[ X ]   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012.
 
or
 
 
[      ]    Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from ____ to ____.
 
Commission File Number:  000-17007
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
 
23-2486815
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
50 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
19102
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
 
215-735-4422
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 
 
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES  [X]     NO  [  ]
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer    [   ]
Accelerated filer     [   ]
Non-Accelerated filer   [   ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company    [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]
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $0.01 per share
 
25,972,897
Title of Class
 
Number of Shares Outstanding as of May 11, 2012

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
Part I:  Financial Information
Page
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011
 
Consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
 
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
     
Part II:  Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
     
Item 5.
Other Information
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
     
Signatures
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 8,627     $ 13,221  
Interest bearing deposits with banks
    109,604       217,734  
Cash and cash equivalents
    118,231       230,955  
                 
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
    182,805       174,323  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $143 and $144, respectively)
    140       140  
Restricted stock, at cost
    5,062       5,321  
Loans held for sale
    1,875       925  
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $10,756 and $12,050, respectively)
    592,506       577,442  
Premises and equipment, net
    23,131       23,507  
Other real estate owned, net
    6,135       6,479  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,033       3,003  
Bank owned life insurance
    10,436       10,417  
Other assets
    14,934       14,841  
Total Assets
  $ 958,288     $ 1,047,353  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Demand – non-interest bearing
  $ 128,935     $ 226,287  
Demand – interest bearing
    103,385       109,242  
Money market and savings
    447,974       400,141  
Time Deposits
    177,080       216,941  
    Total Deposits
    857,374       952,611  
Short-term borrowings
    4,516       -  
Accrued interest payable
    960       1,049  
Other liabilities
    6,559       6,366  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       22,476  
Total Liabilities
    891,885       982,502  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    -       -  
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued 26,501,742 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    265       265  
Additional paid in capital
    106,472       106,383  
Accumulated deficit
    (36,537 )     (37,842 )
Treasury stock at cost (416,303 shares)
    (3,099 )     (3,099 )
Stock held by deferred compensation plan
    (809 )     (809 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    111       (47 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    66,403       64,851  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 958,288     $ 1,047,353  
                 


(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 
 
 
1

 
 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest income:
           
Interest and fees on taxable loans
  $ 8,020     $ 8,143  
Interest and fees on tax-exempt loans
    70       68  
Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities
    1,269       996  
Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities
    116       113  
Interest on federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    101       14  
Total interest income
    9,576       9,334  
Interest expense:
               
Demand- interest bearing
    171       98  
Money market and savings
    863       799  
Time deposits
    581       721  
Other borrowings
    285       296  
Total interest expense
    1,900       1,914  
Net interest income
    7,676       7,420  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    (750 )     3,550  
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses
    8,426       3,870  
Non-interest income:
               
Loan advisory and servicing fees
    211       37  
Gain on sales of SBA loans
    1,086       697  
Service fees on deposit accounts
    210       169  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (17 )     -  
Bank owned life insurance income
    19       31  
Other non-interest income
    137       193  
Total non-interest income
    1,646       1,127  
Non-interest expenses:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    4,134       3,338  
Occupancy
    844       855  
Depreciation and amortization
    518       528  
Legal
    889       295  
Other real estate owned
    98       1,359  
Advertising
    50       105  
Data processing
    264       247  
Insurance
    134       217  
Professional fees
    293       434  
Regulatory assessments and costs
    338       483  
Taxes, other
    260       213  
Other operating expenses
    1,014       918  
Total non-interest expense
    8,836       8,992  
Income (loss) before benefit for income taxes
    1,236       (3,995 )
Benefit for income taxes
    (69 )     (1,487 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,305     $ (2,508 )
Net income (loss) per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.05     $ (0.10 )
Diluted
  $ 0.05     $ (0.10 )
                 
 

 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 
 
 
2

 



Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,305     $ (2,508 )
                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
               
Unrealized gain on securities (pre-tax $230 and $1,030, respectively)
    147       660  
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charge (pre-tax $17 and $0, respectively)
    11       -  
                 
Total other comprehensive income
    158       660  
                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,463     $ (1,848 )
                 
 
(See notes to consolidated financial statements)








 
3

 


Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,305     $ (2,508 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
(Credit) provision for loan losses
    (750 )     3,550  
Writedown of other real estate owned
    10       1,099  
Depreciation and amortization
    518       528  
Share based compensation
    89       86  
Impairment charges on investment securities
    17       -  
Amortization of premiums/(discounts) on investment securities
    67       45  
Proceeds from sales of SBA loans
    11,408       8,225  
SBA loans originated for sale
    (11,272 )     (13,684 )
Gains on sales of SBA loans originated for sale
    (1,086 )     (697 )
Increase in value of bank owned life insurance
    (19 )     (31 )
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
    (206 )     (693 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    104       (135 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    185       (4,215 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of investment securities available for sale
    (14,775 )     -  
Proceeds from the maturity or call of securities available for sale
    6,450       4,785  
Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
    259       318  
Net increase in loans
    (14,314 )     (10,999 )
Net proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    334       61  
Premises and equipment expenditures
    (142 )     (121 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (22,188 )     (5,956 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net decrease in demand, money market and savings deposits
    (55,376 )     (36,575 )
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits
    (39,861 )     39,922  
Net increase in short-term borrowings
    4,516       -  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (90,721 )     3,347  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (112,724 )     (6,824 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    230,955       35,865  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 118,231     $ 29,041  
                 
Supplemental disclosures:
               
Interest paid
  $ 1,989     $ 1,770  


(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 

 
 
4

 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
 
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid in Capital
   
 
 
Accumulated Deficit
   
 
Treasury Stock
   
Stock Held by Deferred Compensation Plan
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
Balance January 1, 2012
  $ 265     $ 106,383     $ (37,842 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ (47 )   $ 64,851  
                                                         
Net income
                    1,305                               1,305  
Other comprehensive income
                                            158       158  
   Total comprehensive income
                    1,305                       158       1,463  
Stock based compensation
            89                                       89  
Balance March 31, 2012
  $ 265     $ 106,472     $ (36,537 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ 111     $ 66,403  
                                                         
                                                         
Balance January 1, 2011
  $ 265     $ 106,024     $ (13,140 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ (1,095 )   $ 88,146  
                                                         
Net loss
                    (2,508 )                             (2,508 )
Other comprehensive income
                                            660       660  
   Total comprehensive loss
                    (2,508 )                     660       (1,848 )
Stock based compensation
            86                                       86  
Balance March 31, 2011
  $ 265     $ 106,110     $ (15,648 )   $ (3,099 )   $ (809 )   $ (435 )   $ 86,384  
                                                         


(See notes to consolidated financial statements)
 

 
 
5

 

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

1.    Note 1:  Basis of Presentation

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a registered bank holding company.  The Company offers a variety of retail and commercial banking services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic First Bank (“Republic” or “the Bank”) which does business under the name Republic Bank.  The Company also has three unconsolidated subsidiaries, which are statutory trusts established by the Company in connection with its sponsorship of three separate issuances of trust preferred securities.

The Company and Republic encounter vigorous competition for market share in the geographic areas they serve from bank holding companies, national, regional and other community banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and other non-bank financial organizations, such as mutual fund companies, insurance companies and brokerage companies.

The Company and Republic are subject to regulations of certain state and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically examine the Company and Republic for adherence to laws and regulations. As a consequence, the cost of doing business may be affected.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic. The Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).  The FASB sets accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) that are followed to ensure consistent reporting of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-Q and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for financial statements for a complete fiscal year.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial data included herein.

Note 2:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Risks and Uncertainties
 
The earnings of the Company depend primarily on the earnings of Republic.  The earnings of Republic are dependent primarily upon the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding Republic’s exposure to changes in the interest rate environment.
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
Prepayments on residential real estate mortgage and other fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities vary significantly, and may cause significant fluctuations in interest margins.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates are made by management in determining the allowance for loan losses, carrying values of other real estate owned, assessment of other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, impairment of restricted stock and the realization of deferred income tax assets. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates.

In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management considers current economic conditions, diversification of the loan portfolio, delinquency statistics, results of internal loan reviews, borrowers’ perceived financial and managerial strengths, the adequacy of underlying collateral, if collateral dependent, or present value of future cash flows, and other relevant factors.  Because the allowance for loan losses and carrying value of other real estate owned are dependent, to a great extent, on the general economy and other conditions that may be beyond the Company’s and Republic’s control, the estimates of the allowance for loan losses and the carrying values of other real estate owned could differ materially in the near term.

In estimating OTTI of investment securities, securities are evaluated on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when market conditions warrant such an evaluation, to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary.  To determine whether a loss in value is other than temporary, management utilizes criteria such as the reasons underlying the decline, the magnitude and duration of the decline, the intent to hold the security and the likelihood of the Company not being required to sell the security prior to an anticipated recovery in the fair value.  The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of investment.  Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.

In estimating impairment of restricted stock, management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on the assessment of the ultimate recoverability of the cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value.  The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of the cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB.
 
 
 
 
7

 
 

 
In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the Company’s past operating results and the Company’s forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, management makes assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.  These assumptions require management to make judgments about the Company’s future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to manage the Company’s business.  Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require the Company to record a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.  An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on the Company’s future earnings.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has a Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“Plan”), under which the Company may grant options, restricted stock or stock appreciation rights to the Company’s employees, directors, and certain consultants.  Under the terms of the Plan, 1.5 million shares of common stock, plus an annual increase equal to the number of shares needed to restore the maximum number of shares that may be available for grant under the Plan to 1.5 million shares, are available for such grants.  As of March 31, 2012, the only grants under the Plan have been option grants.  The Plan provides that the exercise price of each option granted equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant.  Any option granted vests within one to five years and has a maximum term of ten years.

A summary of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
2012
   
2011
 
Dividend yield(1)
    0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected volatility(2)
    53.12 %     49.11 %
Risk-free interest rate(3)
    1.36 %     2.84 %
Expected life(4)
 
7.0 years
   
7.0 years
 
                 
(1) A dividend yield of 0.0% is utilized because cash dividends have never been paid.
(2) Expected volatility is based on Bloomberg’s seven year volatility calculation for “FRBK” stock.
(3) The risk-free interest rate is based on the seven year Treasury bond.
(4) The expected life reflects a 3 to 4 year “all or nothing” vesting period, the maximum ten year term and review of historical behavior.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, 21,000 shares and 53,500 shares vested, respectively.  Expense is recognized ratably over the period required to vest.  At March 31, 2012 the intrinsic value of the 1,001,526 options outstanding was $139,213, while the intrinsic value of the 145,926 exercisable (vested) options was $0.

Information regarding stock based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is set forth below:

   
2012
   
2011
 
Stock based compensation expense recognized
  $ 89,000     $ 86,000  
Number of unvested stock options
    855,600       562,950  
Fair value of unvested stock options
  $ 1,555,074     $ 1,235,096  
Amount remaining to be recognized as expense
  $ 734,256     $ 724,281  
 
 
 
 
8

 

 
Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) consists of two separate components: basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”). CSEs consist of dilutive stock options granted through the Company’s Plan and convertible securities related to the trust preferred securities issued in 2008.  In the diluted EPS computation, the after tax interest expense on the trust preferred securities issuance is added back to the net income.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the effect of CSEs and the related add back of after tax interest expense was considered anti-dilutive and therefore was not included in the EPS calculation.

The calculation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,305     $ (2,508 )
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    25,973       25,973  
                 
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted
  $ 0.05     $ (0.10 )
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2011-12
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05.  In response to stakeholder concerns regarding the operational ramifications of the presentation of these reclassifications for current and previous years, the FASB has deferred the implementation date of this provision to allow time for further consideration.  The requirement in ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, for the presentation of a combined statement of comprehensive income or separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income is still effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 for public companies, and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011 for nonpublic companies.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2011-05
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends FASB ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income.  The FASB has issued this ASU to facilitate the continued alignment of U.S. GAAP with International Accounting Standards.

The Update prohibits the presentation of the components of comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity.  Reporting entities are allowed to present either: a statement of comprehensive income, which reports both net income and other comprehensive income; or separate statements of net income and other comprehensive income.  Under previous GAAP, all three presentations were acceptable.  Regardless of the presentation selected, the Company is required to present all reclassifications between other comprehensive and net income on the face of the new statement or statements.
 
 
 
 
9

 

 
The Update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements but expanded related disclosures.

ASU 2011-04
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  The FASB has issued this ASU to amend ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, in order to bring U.S. GAAP for fair value measurements in line with International Accounting Standards.

The Update clarifies existing guidance for items such as: the application of the highest and best use concept to non-financial assets and liabilities; the application of fair value measurement to financial instruments classified in a reporting entity’s stockholders’ equity; and disclosure requirements regarding quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of level 3 assets.

The Update also creates an exception to Topic 820 for entities, which carry financial instruments within a portfolio or group, under which the entity is now permitted to base the price used for fair valuation upon a price that would be received to sell the net asset position or transfer a net liability position in an orderly transaction.  The Update also allows for the application of premiums and discounts in a fair value measurement if the financial instrument is categorized in level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Lastly, the ASU contains new disclosure requirements regarding fair value amounts categorized as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy such as:  disclosure of the valuation process used; effects of and relationships between unobservable inputs; usage of nonfinancial assets for purposes other than their highest and best use when that is the basis of the disclosed fair value; and categorization by level of items disclosed at fair value, but not measured at fair value for financial statement purposes.

The Update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements but expanded disclosures surrounding fair value.


Note 3:  Legal Proceedings
 
The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business.  While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management, after reviewing pending actions with its legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

Note 4:  Segment Reporting
 
The Company has one reportable segment: community banking. The community bank segment primarily encompasses the commercial loan and deposit activities of Republic, as well as, consumer loan products in the area surrounding its branches.
 
 
 
10

 
 
 
Note 5:  Investment Securities

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

   
At March 31, 2012
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ 138,325     $ 3,644     $ (134 )   $ 141,835  
Municipal securities
    10,934       521       (256 )     11,199  
Corporate bonds
    26,883       7       (652 )     26,238  
Trust Preferred Securities
    6,358       -       (2,959 )     3,399  
Other securities
    131       3       -       134  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 182,631     $ 4,175     $ (4,001 )   $ 182,805  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 2     $ -     $ -     $ 2  
Other securities
    138       3       -       141  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 140     $ 3     $ -     $ 143  


   
At December 31, 2011
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ 130,146     $ 3,981     $ -     $ 134,127  
Municipal securities
    10,863       494       (323 )     11,034  
Corporate bonds
    26,881       17       (1,281 )     25,617  
Trust Preferred Securities
    6,375       -       (2,965 )     3,410  
Other securities
    131       4       -       135  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 174,396     $ 4,496     $ (4,569 )   $ 174,323  
                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 2     $ -     $ -     $ 2  
Other securities
    138       4       -       142  
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 140     $ 4     $ -     $ 144  


The maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2012 is as follows:

   
Available for Sale
   
Held to Maturity
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
 
Fair
Value
 
Due in 1 year or less
  $ 99     $ 112     $ 75     $ 75  
After 1 year to 5 years
    104,454       106,991       45       48  
After 5 years to 10 years
    63,763       61,025       -       -  
After 10 years
    14,315       14,677       -       -  
No stated maturity
    -       -       20       20  
Total
  $ 182,631     $ 182,805     $ 140     $ 143  

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
 
 
 
 
 
11

 

 
As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations included in the investment securities portfolio consist solely of securities issued by U.S. government sponsored agencies.  There were no private label mortgage securities held in the investment securities portfolio as of those dates. The Company did not hold any mortgage-backed securities that were rated “Alt-A” or “Subprime” as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  In addition, the Company did not hold any private issued CMO’s as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

In instances when a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists with respect to a debt security but the investor does not intend to sell the debt security and it is more likely than not that the investor will not be required to sell the debt security prior to its anticipated recovery, FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320-10, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, requires the other-than-temporary impairment to be separated into (a) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to a decrease in cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security (the credit loss) and (b) the amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors.  The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.  Impairment charges (credit losses) on trust preferred securities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $17,000 and $0 respectively.  

The following table presents a roll-forward of the balance of credit-related impairment losses on securities held at March 31, 2012 and 2011 for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income:
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
             
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  $ 3,925     $ 3,883  
Additional credit-related impairment loss on securities for which an
               
     other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
    17       -  
Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)
    -       -  
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in other
    -       -  
     comprehensive income was recognized in earnings because the Company
               
     intends to sell the security
    -       -  
Ending Balance, March 31,
  $ 3,942     $ 3,883  


The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with the investment portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

   
At March 31, 2012
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ 16,344     $ 134     $ 9     $ -     $ 16,353     $ 134  
Municipal securities
    -       -       4,606       256       4,606       256  
Corporate bonds
    23,231       652       -       -       23,231       652  
Trust Preferred Securities
    -       -       3,399       2,959       3,399       2,959  
Other securities
    75       -       -       -       75       -  
Total
  $ 39,650     $ 786     $ 8,014     $ 3,215     $ 47,664     $ 4,001  


 
12

 

   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ -     $ -     $ 9     $ -     $ 9     $ -  
Municipal securities
    -       -       4,490       323       4,490       323  
Corporate bonds
    18,714       1,281       -       -       18,714       1,281  
Trust Preferred Securities
    -       -       3,410       2,965       3,410       2,965  
Other securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 18,714     $ 1,281     $ 7,909     $ 3,288     $ 26,623     $ 4,569  


The impairment of the investment portfolio totaled $4.0 million with a total fair value of $47.7 million at March 31, 2012.  The unrealized loss associated with the trust preferred securities was due to the secondary market for such securities becoming inactive and is considered temporary at March 31, 2012.

The unrealized loss on the remaining securities is due to changes in market value resulting from changes in market interest rates and is also considered temporary.  At March 31, 2012, the investment portfolio included twenty-five municipal securities with a total market value of $11.2 million.  These securities are reviewed quarterly for impairment. Research on each issuer is completed to ensure the financial stability of the municipal entity. The largest geographic concentration was in California where thirteen municipal securities had a market value of $5.6 million.  As of March 31, 2012, management found no evidence of OTTI on any of the municipal securities held in the investment securities portfolio.

Note 6:  Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s gross loans by major categories as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
Commercial real estate
  $ 343,838     $ 344,377  
Construction and land development
    35,424       35,061  
Commercial and industrial
    96,586       87,668  
Owner occupied real estate
    107,804       102,777  
Consumer and other
    16,832       16,683  
Residential mortgage
    3,114       3,150  
Total loans receivable
    603,598       589,716  
Deferred costs (fees)
    (336 )     (224 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (10,756 )     (12,050 )
Net loans receivable
  $ 592,506     $ 577,442  

A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables, when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans, but also include internally classified accruing loans. 
 
 
 
 
13

 

 
The following table summarizes information with regard to impaired loans by loan portfolio class as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 14,449     $ 14,525     $ -     $ 11,053     $ 11,123     $ -  
Construction and land development
    3,303       6,410       -       6,165       12,011       -  
Commercial and industrial
    2,599       2,599       -       4,781       4,895       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    2,473       2,473       -       506       506       -  
Consumer and other
    874       1,093       -       958       1,196       -  
Total
  $ 23,698     $ 27,100     $ -     $ 23,463     $ 29,731     $ -  

With an allowance recorded:
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 5,979     $ 5,979     $ 1,313     $ 9,023     $ 9,023     $ 2,066  
Construction and land development
    3,428       7,283       935       818       1,933       98  
Commercial and industrial
    5,526       8,109       1,183       3,539       6,009       629  
Owner occupied real estate
    1,343       1,343       291       1,356       1,356       311  
Total
  $ 16,276     $ 22,714     $ 3,722     $ 14,736     $ 18,321     $ 3,104  

Total:
                                   
Commercial real estate
  $ 20,428     $ 20,504     $ 1,313     $ 20,076     $ 20,146     $ 2,066  
Construction and land development
    6,731       13,693       935       6,983       13,944       98  
Commercial and industrial
    8,125       10,708       1,183       8,320       10,904       629  
Owner occupied real estate
    3,816       3,816       291       1,862       1,862       311  
Consumer and other
    874       1,093       -       958       1,196       -  
Total
  $ 39,974     $ 49,814     $ 3,722     $ 38,199     $ 48,052     $ 3,104  






 
14

 


The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011:
 
   
March 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2011
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 14,615     $ 193     $ 37,962     $ 364  
Construction and land development
    3,428       30       17,883       53  
Commercial and industrial
    2,627       35       4,223       27  
Owner occupied real estate
    1,490       27       2,118       19  
Consumer and other
    916       2       652       -  
Total
  $ 23,076     $ 287     $ 62,838     $ 463  
 
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 5,637     $ 55     $ 8,410     $ 81  
Construction and land development
    3,428       -       6,641       3  
Commercial and industrial
    5,595       14       3,048       6  
Owner occupied real estate
    1,350       12       3,418       59  
Total
  $ 16,010     $ 81     $ 21,517     $ 149  
 
Total:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 20,252     $ 248     $ 46,372     $ 445  
Construction and land development
    6,856       30       24,524       56  
Commercial and industrial
    8,222       49       7,271       33  
Owner occupied real estate
    2,840       39       5,536       78  
Consumer and other
    916       2       652       -  
Total
  $ 39,086     $ 368     $ 84,355     $ 612  

If these loans were performing under their original contractual rate, interest income on such loans would have increased approximately $167,000 and $637,000 for the three months March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively



 
15

 


The following tables provide the activity in and ending balances of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio class at and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011:

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real Estate
   
Consumer and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
March 31, 2012
                                           
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
                                                 
Beginning balance:
  $ 7,372     $ 558     $ 1,928     $ 1,963     $ 113     $ 23     $ 93     $ 12,050  
Charge-offs
    (492 )     -       (52 )     -       (1 )     -       -       (545 )
Recoveries
    -       -       -       -       1       -       -       1  
Provisions (credits)
    (2,509 )     1,611       343       (508 )     (7 )     (3 )     323       (750 )
Ending balance
  $ 4,371     $ 2,169     $ 2,219     $ 1,455     $ 106     $ 20     $ 416     $ 10,756  

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real Estate
   
Consumer and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
 
Unallocated
   
 
Total
 
March 31, 2011
                                           
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
                                                 
Beginning balance:
  $ 7,243     $ 837     $ 1,443     $ 1,575     $ 130     $ 41     $ 175     $ 11,444  
Charge-offs
    (522 )     -       -       -       (31 )     -       -       (553 )
Recoveries
    9       -       -       -       -       -       -       9  
Provisions (credits)
    677       758       1,326       70       22       (9 )     706       3,550  
Ending balance
  $ 7,407     $ 1,595     $ 2,769     $ 1,645     $ 121     $ 32     $ 881     $ 14,450  

The following tables provide a summary of the allowance for loan losses and balance of loans receivable by loan class and by impairment method as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real Estate
   
Consumer and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
March 31, 2012
                                               
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment
  $  1,313     $  935     $ 1,183     $  291     $  -     $  -     $  -     $  3,722  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment
  $  3,058     $  1,234     $ 1,036     $  1,164     $  106     $  20     $  416     $  7,034  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
  $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
 
                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 343,838     $ 35,424     $ 96,586     $ 107,804     $ 16,832     $ 3,114     $ -     $ 603,598  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 20,428     $  6,731     $ 8,125     $  3,816     $  874     $  -     $  -     $  39,974  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 323,410     $ 28,693     $ 88,461     $ 103,988     $ 15,958     $ 3,114     $  -     $  563,624  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
  $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -  
 
 
 
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
   
Construction and Land Development
   
Commercial and Industrial
   
Owner Occupied Real Estate
   
Consumer and Other
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
December 31, 2011
                                               
Allowance for loan losses:
                                           
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment
  $  2,066     $  98     $  629     $  311     $  -     $  -     $  -     $  3,104  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment
  $  5,456     $  460     $ 1,299     $  1,502     $  113     $  23     $  93     $  8,946  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
  $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -  
                                                                 
Loans receivable:
 
                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 344,377     $ 35,061     $ 87,668     $ 102,777     $ 16,683     $ 3,150     $ -     $ 589,716  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 20,076     $  6,983     $ 8,320     $  1,862     $  958     $  -     $  -     $  38,199  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 324,301     $ 28,078     $ 79,348     $ 100,915     $ 15,725     $ 3,150     $  -     $  551,517  
                                                                 
Ending balance:  loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
  $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -     $    -  

The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due.  The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
30-59
Days Past Due
   
60-89
Days Past Due
   
Greater than 90 Days
   
Total
Past Due
   
 
Current
   
Total
Loans Receivable
   
Loans Receivable > 90 Days and Accruing
 
At March 31, 2012:
                                         
Commercial real estate
  $ 5,713     $ -     $ 1,721     $ 7,434     $ 336,404     $ 343,838     $ -  
Construction and landdevelopment
     -        -        4,021        4,021        31,403        35,424        -  
Commercial and industrial
    46       -       4,169       4,215       92,371       96,586       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    1,537       -       -       1,537       106,267       107,804       -  
Consumer and other
    140       53       811       1,004       15,828       16,832       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -       3,114       3,114       -  
Total
  $ 7,436     $ 53     $ 10,722     $ 18,211     $ 585,387     $ 603,598     $ -  

At December 31, 2011:
                                         
Commercial real estate
  $ 8,662     $ 390     $ 1,880     $ 10,932     $ 333,445     $ 344,377     $ -  
Construction and landdevelopment
     -        -        4,022        4,022        31,039        35,061        -  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       4,673       4,673       82,995       87,668       748  
Owner occupied real estate
    1,043       -       -       1,043       101,734       102,777       -  
Consumer and other
    1       -       737       738       15,945       16,683       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -       -       3,150       3,150       -  
Total
  $ 9,706     $ 390     $ 11,312     $ 21,408     $ 568,308     $ 589,716     $ 748  
 
 
 
 
 
17

 

 
The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within the Company’s internal risk rating system as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
March 31, 2012:
                             
Commercial real estate
  $ 309,562     $ 5,347     $ 28,929     $ -     $ 343,838  
Construction and land development
     27,945        -        7,479        -        35,424  
Commercial and industrial
    87,004       247       9,335       -       96,586  
Owner occupied real estate
    103,972       111       3,721       -       107,804  
Consumer and other
    15,627       74       1,131       -       16,832  
Residential mortgage
    3,114       -       -       -       3,114  
Total
  $ 547,224     $ 5,779     $ 50,595     $ -     $ 603,598  
                                         
December 31, 2011:
                                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 310,364     $ 8,573     $ 25,440     $ -     $ 344,377  
Construction and land development
     27,224        -        7,837        -        35,061  
Commercial and industrial
    77,888       248       9,532       -       87,668  
Owner occupied real estate
    99,031       -       3,746       -       102,777  
Consumer and other
    15,468       209       1,006       -       16,683  
Residential mortgage
    3,150       -       -       -       3,150  
Total
  $ 533,125     $ 9,030     $ 47,561     $ -     $ 589,716  
 
The following table shows non-accrual loans by class as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 1,721     $ 1,880  
Construction and land development
    4,021       4,022  
Commercial and industrial
    4,169       3,925  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       -  
Consumer and other
    811       737  
Residential mortgage
    -       -  
Total
  $ 10,722     $ 10,564  



 
18

 

 
Troubled Debt Restructurings

     The Company adopted the amendments in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-02 during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  As required, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2011 for identification as a potential troubled debt restructuring.  Since the adoption of this accounting guidance, the Company has identified two loans as troubled debt restructurings for which the allowance for credit loss had previously been measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology (ASC 450-20).  Upon identifying these receivables as troubled debt restructurings, the Company also identified them as impaired under the guidance in ASC 310-10-35.

The following table summarizes information in regards to troubled debt restructurings for the period ended March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Accrual Status
   
Non-Accrual Status
   
Total Modifications
 
March 31, 2012:
                 
Commercial real estate
  $ 2,109     $ -     $ 2,109  
Construction and land development
     2,374        -        2,374  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total
  $ 4,483     $ -     $ 4,483  
                         
December 31, 2011:
                       
Commercial real estate
  $ 2,383     $ -     $ 2,383  
Construction and land development
     2,625        -        2,625  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       -       -  
Consumer and other
    -       -       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total
  $ 5,008     $ -     $ 5,008  

       There were no new troubled debt restructurings identified during the three month period ended March 31, 2012.  There were no troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted.

The Company modified one commercial real estate loan and one construction and land development loan during the year ended December 31, 2011.  As a result of the modified terms of the new commercial estate loan, the Company accelerated the maturity date of the loan.  The effective interest rate of the modified commercial real estate loan was reduced when compared to the interest rate of the original loan.  The commercial real estate loan has also been converted to interest only payments for a period of time.  The commercial real estate loan has been and continues to be an accruing loan.  The borrower has remained current since the modification.  As a result of the modified terms of the new construction and land development loan, the Company extended the maturity date of such loan.  The effective interest rate of the modified construction and land development loan was reduced when compared to the interest rate of the original loan.  The construction and land development loan has been and continues to be an accruing loan.  The borrower has remained current since the modification.
 
 
 
 
19

 

 
Note 7:  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective year-ends and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year-end.

The Company follows the guidance issued under ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and identifies required disclosures on fair value measurements.

    ASC 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820-10 are as follows:

 
Level 1:
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2:
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
Level 3:
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).
 
An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.




 
20

 


For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
March 31, 2012:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ 141,835     $ -     $ 141,835     $ -  
Municipal securities
    11,199       -       11,199       -  
Corporate bonds
    26,238       -       23,231       3,007  
Trust Preferred Securities
    3,399       -       -       3,399  
Other securities
    134       -       134       -  
Securities Available for Sale
  $ 182,805     $ -     $ 176,399     $ 6,406  
                                 
December 31, 2011:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities/CMOs
  $ 134,127     $ -     $ 134,127     $ -  
Municipal securities
    11,034       -       11,034       -  
Corporate bonds
    25,617       -       22,613       3,004  
Trust Preferred Securities
    3,410       -       -       3,410  
Other securities
    135       -       135       -  
Securities Available for Sale
  $ 174,323     $ -     $ 167,909     $ 6,414  


The table below presents all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
Level 3 Investments Only
(dollars in thousands)
 
Trust Preferred Securities
   
Corporate Bonds
   
Trust Preferred Securities
   
Corporate Bonds
 
Balance, January 1,
  $ 3,410     $ 3,004     $ 3,450     $ 3,000  
Unrealized gains (losses)
    6       3       151       -  
Impairment charges on Level 3
    (17 )     -       -       -  
Balance, March 31,
  $ 3,399     $ 3,007     $ 3,601     $ 3,000  



 
21

 


For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
   
(Level 2)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
   
(Level 3)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
March 31, 2012:
                       
Impaired loans
  $ 13,575     $ -     $ -     $ 13,575  
Other real estate owned
    6,135       -       -       6,135  
                                 
December 31, 2011:
                               
Impaired loans
  $ 15,659     $ -     $ -     $ 15,659  
Other real estate owned
    6,479       -       -       6,479  


The table below presents additional quantitative information about level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (dollars in thousands):

   
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
March 31, 2012
Asset Description
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range Weighted    Average (3)
Impaired loans
 
$   13,575
 
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
 
Appraised Value (2)
 
7% - 39% (22%)
                 
Other real estate owned
 
$   6,135
 
Fair Value of
Collateral (1)
 
Appraised Value (2)
Sales Price
 
8% (8%)
                 
                 
(1) Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which include level 3 inputs that are not identifiable.
(2) Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
(3) The range and weighted average of liquidation expenses are presented as a percent of the appraised value.


The significant unobservable inputs for impaired loans and other real estate owned are the appraised value or the sales price.  These values are adjusted for estimated costs to sell which are incremental direct costs to transact a sale such as broker commissions, legal, closing costs and title transfer fees. The costs must be considered essential to the sale and would not have been incurred if the decision to sell had not been made. The costs to sell are based on costs associated with the Company’s actual sales of other real estate owned which are assessed annually.



 
22

 

 
The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.

Investment Securities
 
The fair value of securities available for sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.  For certain securities, which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments, are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3).  In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.  Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments.  Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) were used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments.

The types of instruments valued based on matrix pricing in active markets include all of the Company’s U.S. government and agency securities and municipal obligations. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As required by ASC 820-10, the Company does not adjust the matrix pricing for such instruments.
 
Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, and may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with such adjustment generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Subsequent to inception, management only changes level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. The Level 3 investment securities classified as available for sale are primarily comprised of various issues of trust preferred securities and a single corporate bond.
 
 
 
 
 
 
23

 

 
Trust preferred consists of the debt instruments of various banks, diversified by the number of participants in the security as well as geographically. The securities are performing according to terms, however the secondary market for such securities has become inactive, and such securities are therefore classified as Level 3 securities. The fair value analysis does not reflect or represent the actual terms or prices at which any party could purchase the securities. There is currently no secondary market for the securities and there can be no assurance that any secondary market for the securities will develop.
 
A third party pricing service was used in the development of the fair market valuation. The calculations used to determine fair value are based on the attributes of the trust preferred securities, the financial condition of the issuers of the trust preferred securities, and market based assumptions. The INTEX CDO Deal Model Library was utilized to obtain information regarding the attributes of each security and its specific collateral as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Financial information on the issuers was also obtained from Bloomberg, the FDIC and the Office of Thrift Supervision and SNL Financial. Both published and unpublished industry sources were utilized in estimating fair value. Such information includes loan prepayment speed assumptions, discount rates, default rates, and loss severity percentages. For more information on these assumptions, please refer to the Company’s most recent 10-K. Due to the current state of the global capital and financial markets, the fair market valuation is subject to greater uncertainty that would otherwise exist.
 
Fair market valuation for each security was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses.  The cash flows are primarily dependent on the estimated speeds at which the trust preferred securities are expected to prepay, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to defer payments, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to default, and the severity of the losses on securities that do default.

Prepayment Assumptions. Trust preferred securities generally allow for prepayments without a prepayment penalty any time after 5 years.  Due to the lack of new trust preferred issuances and the relativity poor conditions of the financial institution industry, the rate of voluntary prepayments are estimated at 1%.

Prepayments affect the securities in three ways. First, prepayments lower the absolute amount of excess spread, an important credit enhancement. Second, the prepayments are directed to the senior tranches, the effect of which is to increase the overcollateralization of the mezzanine layer, the layer at which the Company is located in each of the securities. However, the prepayments can lead to adverse selection in which the strongest institutions have prepaid, leaving the weaker institutions in the pool, thus mitigating the effect of the increased overcollateralization. Third, prepayments can limit the numeric and geographic diversity of the pool, leading to concentration risks.
 
Deferral and Default Rates. Trust preferred securities include a provision that allows the issuing bank to defer interest payments for up to five years. The estimates for the rates of deferral are based on the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool. Estimates for the conditional default rates are based on the trust preferred securities themselves as well as the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool.
 
Estimates for the near-term rates of deferral and conditional default are based on key financial ratios relating to the financial institutions’ capitalization, asset quality, profitability and liquidity. Each bank in each security is evaluated based on ratings from outside services including Standard & Poors, Moodys, Fitch, Bankrate.com and The Street.com. Recent stock price information is also considered, as well as the 52 week high and low, for each bank in each security. Also, the receipt of TARP funding is considered, and if so, the amount. Finally, each bank’s ability to generate capital (internally or externally), which is predictive of a troubled bank’s ability to recover, is considered.
 
 
 
 
24

 
 

 
Estimates for longer term rates of deferral and defaults are based on historical averages from a research report issued by Salomon Smith Barney in 2002. Default is defined as any instance when a regulator takes an active role in a bank’s operations under a supervisory action. This definition of default is distinct from failure. A bank is considered to have defaulted if it falls below minimum capital requirements or becomes subject to regulatory actions including a written agreement, or a cease and desist order.
 
The rates of deferral and conditional default are estimated at ranges of 0.28% to 0.42% at March 31, 2012 and 0.29% to 0.44% at December 31, 2011.
 
Loss Severity. The fact that an issuer defaults on a loan, does not necessarily mean that the investor will lose all of their investment. Thus, it is important to understand not only the default assumption, but also the expected loss given a default, or the loss severity assumption.
 
Both Standard & Poors and Moody’s Analytics have performed and published research that indicates that recoveries on trust preferred securities are low (less than 20%). The loss severity estimates are estimated at 95%.
 
Ratings Agencies. The major ratings agencies have recently been cutting the ratings on various trust preferred securities
 
Bond Waterfall. The trust preferred securities have several tranches: Senior tranches, Mezzanine tranches and the Residual or income tranches. We invested in the mezzanine tranches for all of the trust preferred securities. The Senior and Mezzanine tranches were overcollateralized at issuance, meaning that the par value of the underlying collateral was more than the balance issued on the tranches. The terms generally provide that if the performing collateral balances fall below certain triggers, then income is diverted from the residual tranches to pay the Senior and Mezzanine tranches. However, if significant deferrals occur, income could also be diverted from the Mezzanine tranches to pay the Senior tranches.
 
The INTEX desktop model calculates collateral cash flows based on the attributes of the trust preferred securities as of the collateral cut-off date of March 31, 2012 and certain valuation input assumptions for the underlying collateral.  Allocations of the cash flows to securities are based on the overcollateralization and interest coverage tests (triggers), events of default and liquidation, deferrals of interest, mandatory auction calls, optional redemptions and any interest rate hedge agreements.

Internal Rate of Return. Internal rates of return are the pre-tax yield rates used to discount the future cash flow stream expected from the collateral cash flow. The marketplace for the trust preferred securities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was not active. This is evidenced by a significant widening of the bid/ask spreads the markets in which the trust preferred securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive and few new trust preferred securities have been issued since 2007.

ASC 820-10 provides guidance on the discount rates to be used when a market is not active. The discount rate should take into account the time value of money, price for bearing the uncertainty in the cash flows and other case specific factors that would be considered by market participants, including a liquidity adjustment. The discount rate used is a LIBOR 3-month forward-looking curve plus a range of 433 to 1,059 basis points. Management’s estimates of cash flows used to evaluate other-than-temporary impairment of trust-preferred securities were based on sensitive assumptions regarding the timing and amounts of defaults that may occur, and changes in those assumptions could produce different conclusions for each security.
 
 
 
 
 
25

 
 

 
Increases (decreases) in actual or expected issuer defaults tend to decrease (increase) the fair value of the Corporation’s senior and mezzanine tranches of trust preferred securities.  The values of the Corporation’s mezzanine tranches of trust preferred securities are also affected by expected future interest rates.  However, due to the structure of each security, timing of cash flows, and secondary effects on the financial performance of the underlying issuers, the effects of changes in future interest rates on the fair value of the Corporation’s holdings are not quantifiably estimable.

Also included in Level 3 investment securities classified as available for sale is a single-issue corporate bond transferred from Level 2 in 2010 since the bond is not actively traded.  Impairment would depend on the repayment ability of the single underlying institution, which is supported by a detailed quarterly review of the institution’s financial statements.  The institution is a “well capitalized” institution under banking regulations and has recently demonstrated the ability to raise additional capital, when necessary, through the public capital market.  The fair value of this corporate bond is estimated by obtaining a price of an equivalent floating rate debt instrument from Bloomberg.

Loans Receivable, including Loans Held for Sale (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans.  Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal.  Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  Due to the significant judgment involved in evaluating credit quality, loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Real Estate Owned (Carried at Lower of Cost or Fair Value)
 
These assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  At March 31, 2012, these assets were carried at current market value.

Restricted Stock (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amount of restricted stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Deposit Liabilities (Carried at Cost)
 
The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
 
 
 
26

 

 
Short-Term Borrowings (Carried at Cost)
 
The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.

FHLB Advances (Carried at Cost)
 
Fair values of FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.  These prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party.

Subordinated Debt (Carried at Cost)
 
Fair values of subordinated debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on market rates currently offered on such debt with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.  Due to the significant judgment involved in developing the spreads used to value the subordinated debt, it is classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments (lending commitments and letters of credit) are based on fees currently charged in the market to enter into similar agreements, taking into account, the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.





 
27

 



The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

   
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 (Level 3)
 
Balance Sheet Data
                             
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 118,231     $ 118,231     $ 118,231     $ -     $ -  
Investment securities available for sale
    182,805       182,805       -       176,399       6,406  
Investment securities held to maturity
    140       143       -       143       -  
Restricted stock
    5,062       5,062       5,062       -       -  
Loans held for sale
    1,875       2,100       -       2,100       -  
Loans receivable, net
    592,506       590,964       -       -       590,964  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,033       3,033       3,003       -       -  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
Demand, savings and money market
  $ 680,294     $ 680,294     $ 680,294     $ -     $ -  
Time
    177,080       178,058       -       178,058       -  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       18,545       -       -       18,545  
Short-term borrowings
    4,516       4,516       4,516       -       -  
Accrued interest payable
    960       960       960       -       -  
                                         
Off-Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -       -       -       -  
Standby letters-of-credit
    -       -       -       -       -  


   
December 31, 2011
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
 
Balance Sheet Data
           
Financial assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 230,955     $ 230,955  
Investment securities available for sale
    174,323       174,323  
Investment securities held to maturity
    140       144  
Restricted stock
    5,321       5,321  
Loans held for sale
    925       1,021  
Loans receivable, net
    577,442       576,052  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,003       3,003  
                 
Financial liabilities:
               
Deposits
               
Demand, savings and money market
  $ 735,670     $ 735,670  
Time
    216,941       218,137  
Subordinated debt
    22,476       18,247  
Short-term borrowings
    -       -  
Accrued interest payable
    1,049       1,049  
                 
Off-Balance Sheet Data
               
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -  
Standby letters-of-credit
    -       -  


 
28

 

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

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Certain statements in this report may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words “may,” “believes,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.  The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  For example, risks and uncertainties can arise with changes in: general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures; new service and product offerings by competitors and price pressures; and similar items. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and other documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC, such as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and any Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as other filings.

Regulatory Reform and Legislation

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”).  The Dodd-Frank Act has and will continue to have a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes including, among other things, (i) enhanced resolution authority of troubled and failing banks and their holding companies; (ii) increased capital and liquidity requirements; (iii) increased regulatory examination fees; (iv) changes to assessments to be paid to the FDIC for federal deposit insurance; and (v) numerous other provisions designed to improve supervision and oversight of, and strengthening safety and soundness for, the financial services sector.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a new framework for systemic risk oversight within the financial system to be distributed among new and existing federal regulatory agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC.  A summary of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time, and most will be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years.  Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions’ operations is unclear.  The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of the Company’s business activities, require changes to certain of the Company’s business practices, impose upon the Company more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business. These changes may also require the Company to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.
 
 
 
 
29

 

 
Financial Condition

Assets

Total assets decreased by $89.1 million to $958.3 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2011, mainly due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents.
 
Loans Held for Sale
 
Loans held for sale are comprised of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) which the Company usually originates with the intention of selling in the future.  Total SBA loans held for sale were $1.9 million at March 31, 2012.  Loans held for sale, as a percentage of total Company assets, were less than 1% at March 31, 2012.
 
Loans Receivable
 
The loan portfolio represents the Company’s largest asset category and is its most significant source of interest income. The Company’s lending strategy is focused on small and medium size businesses and professionals that seek highly personalized banking services.  The loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, automobile loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit and others.  Commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s legal lending limit to a customer, which was approximately $14.3 million at March 31, 2012.  Loans made to one individual customer even if secured by different collateral, are aggregated for purposes of the lending limit.  Gross loans increased $13.8 million, to $603.3 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $589.5 million at December 31, 2011 mainly as a result of new originations in the commercial and industrial category.

Investment Securities

Investment securities available-for-sale are investments which may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions, and for liquidity and other purposes.  The Company’s investment securities available-for-sale consist primarily of U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), agency collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), municipal securities, corporate bonds and trust preferred securities. Available-for-sale securities totaled $182.8 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $174.3 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase of $8.5 million was primarily due to the purchase of fixed rate CMO securities totaling $14.6 million during the first quarter of 2012.  At March 31, 2012, the portfolio had a net unrealized gain of $174,000 compared to a net unrealized loss of $73,000 at December 31, 2011.

Investment securities held-to-maturity are investments for which there is the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. These investments are carried at amortized cost. The held-to-maturity portfolio consists primarily of debt securities and stocks. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, securities held to maturity totaled $140,000 for both periods.
 
 
 
 
30

 
 
 
Restricted Stock
 
Restricted stock, which represents required investment in the common stock of correspondent banks related to a credit facility, is carried at cost and as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consists of the common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (“ACBB”).  In the first quarter of 2012, the FHLB repurchased 5% of Republic’s total restricted stock outstanding, continuing its recent policy of quarterly repurchases of capital stock in excess of the minimum required investment. Decisions regarding any future repurchases of restricted stock will be made on a quarterly basis.  The FHLB issued its first dividend payment since 2008 during the first quarter of 2012.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the investment in FHLB stock totaled $4.9 million and $5.2 million, respectively.  At both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, ACBB stock totaled $143,000.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold comprise this category, which consists of the Company’s most liquid assets. The aggregate amount in these three categories decreased by $112.7 million, to $118.2 million at March 31, 2012, from $231.0 million at December 31, 2011.  This decrease was primarily caused by the decrease in deposit balances, growth in outstanding loan balances and the purchase of investment securities during the first three months of 2012.

Deposits
 
Deposits, which include non-interest and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market, savings and time deposits, are Republic’s major source of funding. Deposits are generally solicited from the Company’s market area through the offering of a variety of products to attract and retain customers, with a primary focus on multi-product relationships.
Total deposits decreased by $95.2 million to $857.4 million at March 31, 2012 from $952.6 million at December 31, 2011.  The decrease was primarily the result of $96.6 million in temporary demand deposits received just prior to the end of the fourth quarter 2011 that were withdrawn early in the first quarter 2012.

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings are used to supplement deposits as a source of funds.  Republic had $4.5 million of short-term borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2012 and $0 at December 31, 2011.
 
Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $1.6 million to $66.4 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $64.9 million at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the net income recognized during the first quarter 2012.



 
31

 



Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to March 31, 2011

The Company reported net income of $1.3 million, or $0.05 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or $0.10 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, mainly due to a decrease in the provision for loan losses recorded during the first quarter 2012.
 
Net interest income for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 increased slightly to $7.7 million as compared to $7.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.  Interest income increased $242,000, or 2.6%, from $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $9.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in income from investment securities.  Interest expense was $1.9 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as higher average deposit balances were offset by lower rates.
 
Non-interest income increased $519,000 to $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to an increase in gains on sales of SBA loans. Non-interest expenses decreased $156,000 to $8.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $9.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to reduced write downs and carrying costs associated with other real estate owned partially offset by increases in personnel and legal expenses. Return on average assets and average equity from continuing operations were 0.53% and 8.03%, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to (1.17)% and (11.59)%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011.











 
32

 


Analysis of Net Interest Income

Historically, the Company’s earnings have depended primarily upon Republic’s net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by changes in the mix of the volume and rates of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following table provides an analysis of net interest income, setting forth for the applicable periods (i) average assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, (iii) annualized average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities, and (iv) Republic’s annualized net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest-earning assets).  Averages are computed based on daily balances.  Non-accrual loans are included in average loans receivable.  All yields are adjusted for tax equivalency.

   
Average Balances and Net Interest Income
 
   
For the three months ended
March 31, 2012
   
For the three months ended
March 31, 2011
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
  $ 162,103     $ 101       0.25 %   $ 14,675     $ 14       0.39 %
Investment securities and restricted stock
    178,650       1,447       3.24 %     149,485       1,170       3.13 %
Loans receivable
    592,828       8,127       5.51 %     629,825       8,248       5.31 %
Total interest-earning assets
    933,581       9,675       4.17 %     793,985       9,432       4.82 %
Other assets
    55,168                       76,454                  
Total assets
  $ 988,749                     $ 870,439                  
                                                 
Interest-earning liabilities:
                                               
Demand – non-interest bearing
  $ 144,855                     $ 127,055                  
Demand – interest bearing
    117,794     $ 171       0.58 %     63,870     $ 98       0.62 %
Money market & savings
    431,106       863       0.81 %     309,805       799       1.05 %
Time deposits
    199,523       581       1.17 %     241,191       721       1.21 %
Total deposits
    893,278       1,615       0.73 %     741,921       1,618       0.88 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
    748,423       1,615       0.87 %     614,866       1,618       1.07 %
Other borrowings
    22,575       285       5.08 %     31,946       296       3.76 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 770,998       1,900       0.99 %   $ 646,812       1,914       1.20 %
 
Total deposits and other borrowings
    915,853       1,900       0.83 %     773,867       1,914       1.00 %
Non interest-bearing other liabilities
    7,518                       8,781                  
Shareholders’ equity
    65,378                       87,791                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 988,749                     $ 870,439                  
Net interest income (2)
          $ 7,775                     $ 7,518          
Net interest spread
                    3.18 %                     3.62 %
Net interest margin (2)
                    3.35 %                     3.84 %
 
(1)Yields on investments are calculated based on amortized cost.
(2)Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis.  Net interest income has been increased over the financial statement amount by $99 and $97 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to adjust for tax equivalency. The tax equivalent net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average total interest earning assets.
 
 
 
 
 
33

 

 
Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income

Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The following table sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective changes in average balances and average rates.

   
For the three months ended
March 31, 2012 vs. 2011
 
   
Changes due to:
       
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Volume
   
Average
Rate
   
Total
Change
 
Interest earned:
                 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
  $ 92     $ (5 )   $ 87  
Securities
    236       41       277  
Loans
    (518 )     397       (121 )
Total interest-earning assets
    (190 )     433       243  
                         
Interest expense:
                       
Deposits
                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    78       (5 )     73  
Money market and savings
    256       (193 )     63  
Time deposits
    (121 )     (18 )     (139 )
Total deposit interest expense
    213       (216 )     (3 )
Other borrowings
    (18 )     7       (11 )
Total interest expense
    195       (209 )     (14 )
Net interest income
  $ (385 )   $ 642     $ 257  

Net Interest Income
 
The Company’s total tax equivalent interest income increased $243,000, or 2.6%, to $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The primary reason for the increase is the $29.2 million increase in average investment securities from the same prior year period as the Company reduced its average non-performing assets with its bulk sale of distressed loans and foreclosed properties during the fourth quarter of 2011. Average loans receivable declined $37.0 million due to the aforementioned sale of loans which was offset by a 20 basis point increase in loan yields.  Average federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets increased $147.4 million driven by an increase in average deposits.

The Company’s total interest expense was $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Average deposit balances increased $151.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same prior year period as a result of the Company’s retail focused, customer service strategy, which emphasizes the gathering of low-cost core deposits.  Average other borrowings decreased $9.4 million during the same period, primarily as a result of the reduced dependence on outside borrowings and focus on low-cost core deposit funding sources.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 21 basis points to 0.99% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Average time deposit balances declined $41.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same prior year period.  The maturity and rollover of higher cost time deposits resulted in the decrease in the average rate paid on time deposits of 4 basis points to 1.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Rates on total interest-bearing deposits decreased 20 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same prior year period.
 
 
 
 
34

 
 

 
The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin decreased 49 basis points to 3.35% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 3.84% for the comparable prior year period and the Company’s tax equivalent net interest income increased $257,000, or 3.4%, to $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same prior year period.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses is charged to operations in an amount necessary to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level that management believes is adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company recorded a negative (credit) provision for loan losses in the amount of $750,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to a $3.6 million provision for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The negative provision recorded during the first quarter of 2012 was mainly attributable to a reduction in the general reserve component of the allowance for loan loss calculation caused by an adjustment to the analysis of historical losses during the period.  See disclosure under “Credit Quality” and “Allowance for Loan Losses” for further discussion.

Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income increased to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase in gains on the sale of SBA loans during the first quarter of 2012.

Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expenses decreased $156,000 to $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease in total non-interest expenses was primarily due to reduced write downs and carrying costs associated with other real estate owned of $1.3 million and a decrease in regulatory assessments and costs of $145,000.  These decreases were offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits of $796,000 as a result of annual merit increases and the addition of the SBA lending team for a full quarter and increased legal expenses of $594,000.
 
Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes decreased by $1.4 million to a $69,000 benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to a $1.5 million benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The $69,000 benefit recorded during the first quarter 2012 was the net result of a tax provision in the amount of $365,000 calculated on the net profit generated during the period, offset by an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the amount of $434,000.  The effective tax rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were 30% and 37%, respectively, excluding an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis or more frequently, if necessary, in accordance with the guidance provided in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 (ASC 740), in particular, applying the criteria set forth therein to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within its life cycle, based on the weight of available evidence.  If management makes a determination based on the available evidence that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods a valuation allowance is calculated and recorded.  These determinations are inherently subjective and dependent upon estimates and judgments concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence.
 
 
 
35

 
 

In conducting the deferred tax asset analysis, the Company believes it is important to consider the unique characteristics of an industry or business.  In particular, characteristics such as business model, level of capital and reserves held by financial institutions and their ability to absorb potential losses are important distinctions to be considered for bank holding companies like the Company. In addition, it is also important to consider that NOLs for federal income tax purposes can generally be carried back two years and carried forward for a period of twenty years. In order to realize our deferred tax assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in such future years.
 
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company carefully weighed both positive and negative evidence currently available.  Judgment is required when considering the relative impact of such evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of positive and negative evidence must be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. A cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome. Based on the analysis of available positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that a valuation allowance should be recorded as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

When determining an estimate for a valuation allowance, the Company assessed the possible sources of taxable income available under tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards as defined in paragraph 740-10-30-18. As a result of cumulative losses in recent years and the uncertain nature of the current economic environment, the Company did not use projections of future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary timing differences and carryforwards, as a factor. The Company will exclude future taxable income as a factor until it can show consistent and sustained profitability.

The Company did assess tax planning strategies as defined under paragraph 740-10-30-18 (d.) to determine the amount of a valuation allowance. Strategies reviewed included the sale of investment securities and loans with fair values greater than book values, redeployment of cash and cash equivalents into higher yielding investment options, a switch from tax-exempt to taxable investments and loans, and the election of a decelerated depreciation method tax purposes for future fixed asset purchases. The Company believes that these tax planning strategies are (a.) prudent and feasible, (b.) steps that the Company would not ordinarily take, but would take to prevent an operating loss or tax credit carryforward from expiring unused, and (c.) would result in the realization of existing deferred tax assets. These tax planning strategies, if implemented, would result in taxable income in the first full reporting period after deployment and accelerate the recovery of deferred tax asset balances if faced with the inability to recover those assets or the risk of potential expiration. The Company believes that these are viable tax planning strategies and appropriately considered in the analysis at this time, but may not align with the strategic direction of the organization today and therefore, has no present intention to implement such strategies.

The net deferred tax asset balance before consideration of a valuation allowance was $18.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and $18.9 million as of December 31, 2011.  The tax planning strategies assessed resulted in the projected realization of approximately $4.0 million in tax assets which can be considered more likely than not to be realized as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Accordingly, the Company recorded a partial valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset balance in the amount of $14.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and $14.9 million as of December 31, 2011. The deferred tax asset will continue to be analyzed on a quarterly basis for changes affecting realizability and the valuation allowance may be adjusted in future periods accordingly.
 
 
 
 
36

 

 
 
Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

Financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk, were commitments to extend credit of approximately $74.2 million and $71.5 million, and standby letters of credit of approximately $3.7 and $3.3 million, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. These financial instruments constitute off-balance sheet arrangements.  Commitments often expire without being drawn upon.  Substantially all of the $74.2 million of commitments to extend credit at March 31, 2012 were committed as variable rate credit facilities.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment. The Company’s commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and many require the payment of fees.  Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. In issuing commitments, the Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral required in connection with any commitment is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of required collateral varies, but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk and collateral policy involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in issuing loan commitments.  The amount of collateral which may be pledged to secure a letter of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  The type of collateral which may be held varies, but may include real estate, marketable securities, pledged deposits, equipment and accounts receivable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

 
 
 
Regulatory Matters

The following table presents the capital regulatory ratios for both Republic and the Company as at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
   
To be well capitalized under regulatory capital guidelines
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
At March 31, 2012:
                                   
Total risk based capital
                                   
Republic
  $ 93,320       12.85 %   $ 58,092       8.00 %   $ 72,615       10.00 %
Company
    94,799       13.00 %     58,345       8.00 %     -       -  
Tier one risk based capital
                                               
Republic
    84,222       11.60 %     29,046       4.00 %     43,569       6.00 %
Company
    85,662       11.75 %     29,172       4.00 %     -       -  
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    84,222       8.55 %     39,401       4.00 %     49,251       5.00 %
Company
    85,662       8.69 %     34,453       4.00 %     -       -  
                                                 
At December 31, 2011:
                                               
Total risk based capital
                                               
Republic
  $ 91,622       12.90 %   $ 56,826       8.00 %   $ 72,218       10.00 %
Company
    93,383       13.09 %     57,068       8.00 %     -       -  
Tier one risk based capital
                                               
Republic
    82,704       11.64 %     28,413       4.00 %     43,331       6.00 %
Company
    84,259       11.81 %     28,534       4.00 %     -       -  
Tier one leveraged capital
                                               
Republic
    82,704       8.62 %     38,359       4.00 %     44,946       5.00 %
Company
    84,259       8.77 %     38,411       4.00 %     -       -  
 
See Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information on regulatory capital ratios.
 
Dividend Policy
 
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock.  The Company has no plans to pay cash dividends in 2012.  The Company’s ability to pay dividends depends primarily on receipt of dividends from the Company’s subsidiary, Republic.  Dividend payments from Republic are subject to legal and regulatory limitations.  The ability of Republic to pay dividends is also subject to profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. See Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part I on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information on restrictions on dividends.

Liquidity
 
Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, time investment purchases to market conditions and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities.  The most liquid assets consist of cash, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold.
 
 
 
38

 
 
 
Regulatory authorities require the Company to maintain certain liquidity ratios in order for funds to be available to satisfy commitments to borrowers and the demands of depositors. In response to these requirements, the Company has formed an asset/liability committee (ALCO), comprised of certain members of Republic’s board of directors and senior management to monitor such ratios. The ALCO committee is responsible for managing the liquidity position and interest sensitivity. That committee’s primary objective is to maximize net interest income while configuring Republic’s interest-sensitive assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk and provide adequate liquidity for projected needs. The ALCO committee meets on a quarterly basis or more frequently if deemed necessary.

The Company’s target and actual liquidity levels are determined by comparisons of the estimated repayment and marketability of interest-earning assets with projected future outflows of deposits and other liabilities. The Company’s most liquid assets, comprised of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, totaled $118.2 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $231.0 million at December 31, 2011. Loan maturities and repayments are another source of asset liquidity. At March 31, 2012, Republic estimated that more than $40.0 million of loans would mature or repay in the six-month period ending September 30, 2012. Additionally, the majority of its investment securities are available to satisfy liquidity requirements through sales on the open market or by pledging as collateral to access credit facilities. At March 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding commitments (including unused lines of credit and letters of credit) of $77.9 million. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year totaled $142.1 million at March 31, 2012. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current commitments.

Daily funding requirements have historically been satisfied by generating core deposits and certificates of deposit with competitive rates, buying federal funds or utilizing the credit facilities of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (“FHLB”). The Company has established a line of credit with the FHLB of Pittsburgh.  The Company is required to pledge qualified collateral to access its full borrowing capacity, which was $300.6 million at March 31, 2012.  As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding term or short-term borrowings with the FHLB.  The Company has also established a contingency line of credit of $10.0 million with Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (“ACBB”) to assist in managing its liquidity position. The Company had $4.5 million outstanding against the ACBB line of credit at March 31, 2012 and no amounts outstanding at December 31, 2011.

Investment Securities Portfolio

At March 31, 2012, the Company had identified certain investment securities that are being held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that will be used as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayments and similar factors.  These securities are classified as available for sale and are intended to increase the flexibility of the Company’s asset/liability management.  Available for sale securities consisted of U.S Government Agency issued mortgage-backed securities, which include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), municipal securities, corporate bonds and trust preferred securities.  Available-for-sale securities totaled $182.8 million and $174.3 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the portfolio had a net unrealized gain of $174,000 and a net unrealized loss of $73,000, respectively.

Loan Portfolio

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of secured and unsecured commercial loans including commercial real estate, construction loans, residential mortgages, automobile loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, overdraft lines of credit and others.  Commercial loans are primarily secured term loans made to small to medium-sized businesses and professionals for working capital, asset acquisition and other purposes. Commercial loans are originated as either fixed or variable rate loans with typical terms of 1 to 5 years. Republic’s commercial loans typically range between $250,000 and $5,000,000 million but customers may borrow significantly larger amounts up to Republic’s combined legal lending limit, which was approximately $14.3 million at March 31, 2012.  Individual customers may have several loans often secured by different collateral.
 
 
 
 
39

 

 
Credit Quality

Republic’s written lending policies require specified underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding, with independent credit department approval for the majority of new loan balances. A committee consisting of senior management and certain members of the board of directors oversees the loan approval process to monitor that proper standards are maintained, while approving the majority of commercial loans.

Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of interest or principal for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as non-accrual if repayment in full of principal and/or interest is in doubt.

Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured of repayment within an acceptable period of time, and there is a sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower, in accordance with the contractual terms.

While a loan is classified as non-accrual or as an impaired loan and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding. When the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. For non-accrual loans, which have been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.








 
40

 


The following summary shows information concerning loan delinquency and non-performing assets at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Loans accruing, but past due 90 days or more
  $ -     $ 748  
Non-accrual loans
    10,722       10,564  
Total non-performing loans (1)
    10,722       11,312  
Other real estate owned
    6,135       6,479  
Total non-performing assets (1)
  $ 16,857     $ 17,791  
                 
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income (1)
    1.78 %     1.92 %
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    1.76 %     1.70 %
 
(1) Non-performing loans are comprised of (i) loans that are on non-accrual basis and (ii) accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due.  Non-performing assets are composed of non-performing loans and other real estate owned.
 
Non-performing asset balances reached a peak during the second quarter of 2010 as a result of the challenging economic environment, which caused an increase in loan delinquencies and a significant decline in collateral values mainly impacting our commercial real estate loan portfolio.  Non-performing asset balances have trended lower on a consistent basis since that period.

Non-accrual loans increased $158,000 to $10.7 million at March 31, 2012, from $10.6 million at December 31, 2011.  Problem loans consist of loans that are included in performing loans, but for which potential credit problems of the borrowers have caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to continue to comply with present repayment terms.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all identified problem loans are included in the preceding table, or are internally classified with a specific reserve allocation in the allowance for loan losses (see “Allowance for Loan Losses”).

Republic had delinquent loans as follows: (i.) 30 to 59 days past due in the aggregate principal amount of $7.4 million and $9.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; and (ii.) 60 to 89 days past due in the aggregate principal amount of $53,000 and $390,000 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Delinquent loans are currently in the process of collection and management believes they are supported by adequate collateral.

Other Real Estate Owned

The balance of other real estate owned decreased by $344,000 to $6.1 million at March 31, 2012 from $6.5 million at December 31, 2011 primarily due to the sale of one property in the first quarter of 2012.



 
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The following table presents a reconciliation of other real estate owned for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011:

(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Beginning Balance, January 1st
  $ 6,479     $ 15,237  
Additions
    -       6,792  
Valuation adjustments
    (10 )     (6,103 )
Dispositions
    (334 )     (9,447 )
Ending Balance
  $ 6,135     $ 6,479  
                 

The valuation adjustments and dispositions recorded during the year ended December 31, 2011 were primarily driven by a bulk sale of distressed loans and foreclosed properties which closed during the fourth quarter of 2011. At March 31, 2012, the Company had no credit exposure to “highly leveraged transactions” as defined by the FDIC.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluates the need to establish an allowance against loan losses on a quarterly basis. When an increase in this allowance is necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings. The allowance for loan losses consists of three components. The first component is allocated to individually evaluated loans found to be impaired and is calculated in accordance with ASC 310. The second component is allocated to all other loans that are not individually identified as impaired pursuant to ASC 310-10 (“non-impaired loans”). This component is calculated for all non-impaired loans on a collective basis in accordance with ASC 450. The third component is an unallocated allowance to account for a level of imprecision in management’s estimation process.

The Company evaluates loans for impairment and potential charge-off on a quarterly basis.  Management regularly monitors the condition of borrowers and assesses both internal and external factors in determining whether any loan relationships have deteriorated. Any loan rated as substandard or lower will have an individual collateral evaluation analysis prepared to determine if a deficiency exists. We first evaluate the primary repayment source.  If the primary repayment source is seriously inadequate and unlikely to repay the debt, we then look to the secondary and/or tertiary repayment sources. Secondary sources are conservatively reviewed for liquidation values. Updated appraisals and financial data are obtained to substantiate current values.  If the reviewed sources are deemed to be inadequate to cover the outstanding principal and any costs associated with the resolution of the troubled loan, an estimate of the deficient amount will be calculated and a specific allocation of loan loss reserve is recorded.
 
Factors considered in the calculation of the allowance for non-impaired loans include several qualitative and quantitative factors such as historical loss experience, trends in delinquency and nonperforming loan balances, changes in risk composition and underwriting standards, experience and ability of management, and general economic conditions along with other external factors. Historical loss experience is analyzed by reviewing charge-offs over a five year period to determine loss rates consistent with the loan categories depicted in the allowance for loan loss table below.

Prior to the first quarter of 2012, historical losses for all commercial loans secured by real estate were aggregated into one group for purposes of calculating a loss rate for the allowance for loan loss calculation. During the first quarter of 2012, management elected to disaggregate this grouping into five separate categories based on distinct risk factors to provide a more detailed estimate for the allowance calculation. This change resulted in a reduction based on distinct risk factors of approximately $2.2 million in the estimated allowance required for non-impaired loans.
 
 
 
 
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The factors supporting the allowance for loan losses do not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio and related commitment portfolio, respectively. The Company’s principal focus, therefore, is on the adequacy of the total allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is subject to review by banking regulators. The Company’s primary bank regulators regularly conduct examinations of the allowance for loan losses and make assessments regarding the adequacy and the methodology employed in their determination.

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
For the three months ended March 31,
2012
   
For the twelve months ended December 31,
2011
   
For the three months ended March 31,
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 12,050     $ 11,444     $ 11,444  
Charge-offs:
                       
Commercial real estate
    492       8,783       522  
Construction and land development
    -       3,719       -  
Commercial and industrial
    52       1,088       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       1,838       -  
Consumer and other
    1       41       31  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total charge-offs
    545       15,469       553  
Recoveries:
                       
Commercial real estate
    -       44       9  
Construction and land development
    -       10       -  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       -  
Owner occupied real estate
    -       15       -  
Consumer and other
    1       40       -  
Residential mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total recoveries
    1       109       9  
Net charge-offs
    544       15,360       544  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    (750 )     15,966       3,550  
Balance at end of period
  $ 10,756     $ 12,050     $ 14,450  
                         
Average loans outstanding(1)
  $ 592,828     $ 630,309     $ 629,825  
                         
As a percent of average loans:(1)
                       
Net charge-offs
    0.37 %     2.44 %     0.35 %
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    (0.51 %)     2.53 %     2.29 %
Allowance for loan losses
    1.81 %     1.91 %     2.29 %
                         
Allowance for loan losses to:
                       
Total loans, net of unearned income
    1.78 %     2.04 %     2.29 %
Total non-performing loans
    100.32 %     106.52 %     36.90 %
 
(1) Includes non-accruing loans.
 
 
 
 
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The Company recorded a negative (credit) provision for loan losses in the amount of $750,000 during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to a provision of $3.6 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. The negative provision recorded during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was the net result of a reduced requirement of $2.2 million in the allowance for loan loss calculation related to non-impaired loans as described above offset by a $1.1 million increase in specific allowances for impaired loans evaluated individually and a $0.3 million increase in the unallocated reserve.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans (coverage ratio) was 100.3% at March 31, 2012, compared to 106.5% at December 31, 2011 and 36.9% at March 31, 2011.  The increase in the coverage ratio during the three month period ending March 31, 2012 as compared to the three month period ending March 31, 2011 was primarily attributable to the significant decrease in non-performing loans from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, primarily driven by a bulk sale of distressed loans and foreclosed properties closed during the fourth quarter 2011.  Total non-performing loans were $10.7 million, $11.3 million and $39.2 million at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively.

Our credit monitoring process assesses the ultimate collectability of an outstanding loan balance from all potential sources. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible it is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. Unsecured commercial loans and all consumer loans are charged-off immediately upon reaching the 90-day delinquency mark unless they are well secured and in the process of collection.  The timing on charge-offs of all other loan types is subjective and will be recognized when management determines that full repayment, either from the cash flow of the borrower, collateral sources, and/or guarantors, will not be sufficient and that repayment is unlikely.  A full or partial charge-off is recognized equal to the amount of the estimated deficiency calculation.

Serious delinquency is often the first indicator of a potential charge-off. Reductions in appraised collateral values and deteriorating financial condition of borrowers and guarantors are factors considered when evaluating potential charge-offs. The likelihood of possible recoveries or improvements in a borrower’s financial condition are also assessed when considering a charge-off.
 
Partial charge-offs of non-performing and impaired loans can significantly reduce the coverage ratio and other credit loss statistics due to the fact that the balance of the allowance for loan losses will be reduced while still carrying the remainder of a non-performing loan balance in the impaired loan category.  The amount of non-performing loans for which partial charge-offs have been recorded amounted to $7.3 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $7.4 million at December 31, 2011.
 
The Company’s charge-off policy is reviewed on an annual basis and updated as necessary.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there have been no changes made to this policy.

 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
ASU 2011-12
In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05.  In response to stakeholder concerns regarding the operational ramifications of the presentation of these reclassifications for current and previous years, the FASB has deferred the implementation date of this provision to allow time for further consideration.  The requirement in ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, for the presentation of a combined statement of comprehensive income or separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income is still effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 for public companies, and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011 for nonpublic companies.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
44

 
 

 
ASU 2011-05
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends FASB ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income.  The FASB has issued this ASU to facilitate the continued alignment of U.S. GAAP with International Accounting Standards.

The Update prohibits the presentation of the components of comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity.  Reporting entities are allowed to present either: a statement of comprehensive income, which reports both net income and other comprehensive income; or separate statements of net income and other comprehensive income.  Under previous GAAP, all three presentations were acceptable.  Regardless of the presentation selected, the Company is required to present all reclassifications between other comprehensive and net income on the face of the new statement or statements.

The Update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements but expanded related disclosures.

ASU 2011-04
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  The FASB has issued this ASU to amend ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, in order to bring U.S. GAAP for fair value measurements in line with International Accounting Standards.

The Update clarifies existing guidance for items such as: the application of the highest and best use concept to non-financial assets and liabilities; the application of fair value measurement to financial instruments classified in a reporting entity’s stockholders’ equity; and disclosure requirements regarding quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of level 3 assets.

The Update also creates an exception to Topic 820 for entities, which carry financial instruments within a portfolio or group, under which the entity is now permitted to base the price used for fair valuation upon a price that would be received to sell the net asset position or transfer a net liability position in an orderly transaction.  The Update also allows for the application of premiums and discounts in a fair value measurement if the financial instrument is categorized in level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Lastly, the ASU contains new disclosure requirements regarding fair value amounts categorized as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy such as:  disclosure of the valuation process used; effects of and relationships between unobservable inputs; usage of nonfinancial assets for purposes other than their highest and best use when that is the basis of the disclosed fair value; and categorization by level of items disclosed at fair value, but not measured at fair value for financial statement purposes.

The Update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements but expanded disclosures surrounding fair value
 
 
 
 
 
45

 
 
Effects of Inflation

The majority of assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. Therefore, a financial institution differs greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories.  Management believes that the most significant impact of inflation on its financial results is through the Company’s need and ability to react to changes in interest rates.  Management attempts to maintain an essentially balanced position between rate sensitive assets and liabilities over a one-year time horizon in order to protect net interest income from being affected by wide interest rate fluctuations.


ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no material change in the Company’s assessment of its sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2012.

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures  

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report (March 31, 2012) (“Disclosure Controls”).  Based upon the Disclosure Controls evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Controls

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) of the Exchange Act, (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Control systems, no matter how well conceived and operated, are designed to provide a reasonable, but not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  The Company conducts periodic evaluations of its internal controls to enhance, where necessary, its procedures and controls.
 
 
 
 
46

 
 

 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and Republic are from time to time parties (plaintiff or defendant) to lawsuits in the normal course of business. While any litigation involves an element of uncertainty, management, after reviewing pending actions with its legal counsel, is of the opinion that the liability of the Company and Republic, if any, resulting from such actions will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Republic.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Significant risk factors could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operation.  Risk factors discussing these risks can be found in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 have not materially changed. You should carefully consider these risk factors. The risks described in the Company’s Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.




 
47

 




ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report.  (Exhibit numbers correspond to the exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q).

Exhibit Number
 
 
Description
 
 
Location
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
 
         
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Republic First Bancorp, Inc.
 
         
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Harry D. Madonna
 
         
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Frank A. Cavallaro
 
         
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (iii)  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (v) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of  the three months ended March 21, 2012 and 2011, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
*
         


* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.









 
48

 



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.

   
REPUBLIC FIRST BANCORP, INC.
     
Date:  May 14, 2012
By:
/s/ Harry D. Madonna
   
Harry D. Madonna
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(principal executive officer)
 
Date:  May 14, 2012
By:
/s/ Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Frank A. Cavallaro
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(principal financial and accounting officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49