Form 10-QSB
Table of Contents

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-QSB

 


 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005

 

¨ 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: 0-25465

 


 

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC./CT

(Exact Name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 


 

Connecticut   06-1524044

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

550 Summer St., Stamford, Connecticut 06901

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(203) 356-0111

(Issuer’s telephone number)

 


 

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

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock as of October 31, 2005 was 1,348,671.

 

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):    Yes  ¨    No  x

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – Financial Information

 

     PAGE

Item 1. Financial Statements     

Consolidated Statements of Condition

September 30, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

   1

Consolidated Statements of Income

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

   2

Consolidated Statements of Income

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

   3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited)

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   6 - 9
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation    9 - 22
Item 3. Controls and Procedures    22
PART II – Other Information     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings    None
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds    None
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities    None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    23
Item 5. Other Information    None
Item 6. Exhibits    23
Signatures    24


Table of Contents

PART 1 - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     September 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (unaudited)        
Assets                 

Cash and cash equivalents:

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 11,341     $ 8,205  

Federal funds sold

     21,700       9,200  
    


 


Total cash and cash equivalents

     33,041       17,405  
    


 


Securities, including collateral of $7,282 in 2005 and $9,991 in 2004 for borrowings under securities repurchase agreements:

                

Available for sale, at fair value

     709       2,962  

Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $42,337 in 2005 and $47,697 in 2004)

     42,912       47,872  
    


 


Total securities

     43,621       50,834  
    


 


Loans held for sale

     2,269       1,994  

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $2,244 at September 30, 2005 and $2,216 at December 31, 2004

     130,762       130,617  

Accrued interest receivable

     1,030       996  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

     667       613  

Premises and equipment

     2,936       3,207  

Bank-owned life insurance

     5,013       4,858  

Deferred income taxes

     919       990  

Other assets

     685       288  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 220,943     $ 211,802  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                 

Liabilities:

                

Deposits:

                

Demand (non-interest bearing)

   $ 53,166     $ 42,225  

Money market demand and NOW

     35,487       39,561  

Regular, club and preferred rate savings

     34,044       42,202  

Time

     63,364       53,139  
    


 


Total deposits

     186,061       177,127  

Borrowings under securities repurchase agreements

     7,304       10,060  

Accrued interest payable

     85       75  

Other liabilities

     2,295       1,908  
    


 


Total liabilities

     195,745       189,170  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity

                

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 1,390,257 shares in 2005 and 1,301,348 shares in 2004; outstanding 1,348,671 shares in 2005 and 1,259,962 shares in 2004

     14       13  

Additional paid-in capital

     16,413       14,673  

Retained earnings

     9,754       9,117  

Treasury stock, at cost (41,586 shares in 2005 and 41,386 shares in 2004)

     (436 )     (433 )

Unearned restricted stock awards

     (539 )     (728 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

     (8 )     (10 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     25,198       22,632  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 220,943     $ 211,802  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


     2005

   2004

Interest income:

             

Loans

   $ 2,602    $ 2,329

Securities

     359      448

Federal funds sold

     160      39
    

  

Total interest income

     3,121      2,816
    

  

Interest expense:

             

Deposits

     644      529

Borrowings

     30      31
    

  

Total interest expense

     674      560
    

  

Net interest income

     2,447      2,256

Provision for loan losses

     35      21
    

  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     2,412      2,235
    

  

Non-interest income:

             

Gain on sale of loans and loan servicing, net

     141      294

Deposit service charges

     92      120

Bank-owned life insurance

     43      46

Other

     224      184
    

  

Total non-interest income

     500      644
    

  

Non-interest expense:

             

Salaries and employee benefits

     1,247      1,129

Occupancy

     209      181

Furniture and equipment

     109      113

Data processing

     126      113

Professional fees

     217      102

Advertising and promotion

     31      57

Other

     280      293
    

  

Total non-interest expense

     2,219      1,988
    

  

Income before income tax expense

     693      891

Income tax expense

     290      355
    

  

Net income

   $ 403    $ 536
    

  

Earnings per common share (Note B):

             

Basic

   $ 0.31    $ 0.44

Diluted

     0.30      0.42
    

  

Weighted average common shares (Note B):

             

Basic

     1,228,820      1,214,379

Diluted

     1,339,884      1,289,047
    

  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2005

   2004

 

Interest income:

               

Loans

   $ 7,721    $ 6,885  

Securities

     1,155      1,142  

Federal funds sold

     292      205  
    

  


Total interest income

     9,168      8,232  
    

  


Interest expense:

               

Deposits

     1,785      1,720  

Borrowings

     139      63  
    

  


Total interest expense

     1,924      1,783  
    

  


Net interest income

     7,244      6,449  

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses

     137      (529 )
    

  


Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     7,107      6,978  
    

  


Non-interest income:

               

Gain on sale of loans and loan servicing, net

     312      583  

Deposit service charges

     293      347  

Bank-owned life insurance

     129      133  

Other

     628      1,039  
    

  


Total non-interest income

     1,362      2,102  
    

  


Non-interest expense:

               

Salaries and employee benefits

     3,633      3,571  

Occupancy

     645      546  

Furniture and equipment

     327      341  

Data processing

     383      365  

Professional fees

     634      291  

Advertising and promotion

     121      144  

Other

     817      814  
    

  


Total non-interest expense

     6,560      6,072  
    

  


Income before income tax expense

     1,909      3,008  

Income tax expense

     831      995  
    

  


Net income

   $ 1,078    $ 2,013  
    

  


Earnings per common share (Note B):

               

Basic

   $ 0.86    $ 1.66  

Diluted

     0.82      1.50  
    

  


Weighted average common shares (Note B):

               

Basic

     1,255,986      1,210,183  

Diluted

     1,321,400      1,342,711  
    

  


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

(unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Treasury
Stock


    Unearned
Restricted
Stock
Awards


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 

Balances at January 1, 2004

   $ 13    $ 14,298    $ 7,253     $ (545 )   $ (558 )   $ 26     $ 20,487  

Comprehensive income:

                                                      

Net income

     —        —        2,013       —         —         —         2,013  

Other comprehensive income (note D)

     —        —        —         —         —         (26 )     (26 )

Total comprehensive income

                                                   1,987  

Cash dividends declared ($0.3375 per share)

     —        —        (422 )     —         —         —         (422 )

Shares issued in connection with:

                                                      

Restricted stock awards

     —        138      —         112       (170 )     —         80  

Stock Option Exercises

            71      —         —         —         —         71  

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     —        83      —         —         —         —         83  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


Balances at September 30, 2004

     13      14,590      8,844       (433 )     (728 )     —         22,286  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


Balances at January 1, 2005

   $ 13    $ 14,673    $ 9,117     $ (433 )   $ (728 )   $ (10 )   $ 22,632  

Comprehensive income:

                                                      

Net income

     —               1,078       —         —         —         1,078  

Other comprehensive income (note D)

     —        —        —         —         —         2       2  

Total comprehensive income

                                                   1,080  

Cash dividends declared ($0.3375 per share)

     —        —        (441 )     —         —         —         (441 )

Shares issued in connection with:

                                                      

Restricted stock awards

     —        49      —         (3 )     189       —         235  

Stock option exercises

     1      1,627      —         —         —         —         1,628  

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     —        64      —         —         —         —         64  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


Balances at September 30, 2005

     14      16,413      9,754       (436 )     (539 )     (8 )     25,198  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2004

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     2005

    2004

 

Operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 1,078     $ 2,013  

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

                

Depreciation and amortization

     289       385  

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses

     137       (529 )

Originations of loans held for sale

     (7,026 )     (12,399 )

Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale

     7,063       12,971  

Increase in accrued interest receivable

     (34 )     (171 )

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (397 )     33  

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

     10       (33 )

Increase in other liabilities

     387       796  

Income on bank-owned life insurance

     (129 )     (133 )

Other adjustments, net

     629       176  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,007       3,109  
    


 


Investing activities:

                

Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale

     2,242       6,918  

Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity

     4,971       10,552  

Purchases of securities held to maturity

     —         (39,178 )

Net loan originations, other than loans held for sale

     (188 )     (13,725 )

(Purchases) redemption of bank-owned life insurance

     (26 )     665  

Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (54 )     —    

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (18 )     (431 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     6,927       (35,199 )
    


 


Financing activities:

                

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

     8,934       (19,189 )

Net (decrease) increase in borrowings under securities repurchase agreements

     (2,756 )     5,142  

Net increase in borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank

     —         5,000  

Dividends paid on common stock

     (431 )     (422 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     955       154  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     6,702       (9,315 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     15,636       (41,405 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     17,405       62,829  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 33,041     $ 21,424  
    


 


Supplemental information:

                

Interest payments

   $ 1,914     $ 1,858  

Income tax payments

     630       902  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

NOTE A - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc.(“CBI”), its subsidiary Cornerstone Bank (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s subsidiary Cornerstone Business Credit, Inc. (“CBC”), collectively the “Company”. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial statements and the instructions to Form 10-QSB, and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for a complete set of financial statements. While management believes that the disclosures presented are adequate so as not to make the information misleading, it is suggested that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004. The interim results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005 or for any other interim period.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented. In preparing the interim consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of condition and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates as a result of changing conditions and future events. An estimate that is particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change is the allowance for loan losses.

 

Prior period amounts are reclassified, whenever necessary, to conform to the current period presentation.

 

NOTE B - EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For this purpose, unvested shares of restricted stock are not considered to be outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed in a similar manner, except that the weighted average number of common shares is increased (using the treasury stock method) by additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive securities (such as stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) were exercised or vested during the period. For the three-month and nine month periods ended September 2005 and 2004, the number of shares for diluted EPS exceeded the number of shares for basic EPS due to the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock. For purposes of computing basic and diluted EPS, net income applicable to common stock equaled net income for these periods.

 

NOTE C – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations.

 

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Accordingly, compensation expense is not recognized for fixed stock options if the exercise price of the option equals the fair value of the underlying stock at the grant date. The fair value of restricted stock awards, measured at the grant date, is recognized as unearned compensation (a component of stockholders’ equity) and amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period.

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, encourages the use of a fair-value-based method of accounting for employee stock compensation plans, but permits the continued use of the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25. Under SFAS No. 123, the grant-date fair value of options is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period (if any). The Company has elected to continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 and disclose the pro forma information required by SFAS No. 123. Had stock-based compensation expense been recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per common share would have been adjusted to the following pro forma amounts:

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,


    Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
    2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 
    (in thousands except per share data)     (in thousands except per share data)  

Net income, as reported

  $ 403     $ 536     $ 1,078     $ 2,013  

Add restricted stock expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

    23       22       67       72  

Deduct restricted stock and stock option expense determined under the fair-value-based method, net of related tax effects

    (23 )     (34 )     (67 )     (134 )
   


 


 


 


Pro forma net income

    403       524       1,078       1,951  
   


 


 


 


Basic earnings per common share:

                               

As reported

  $ 0.31     $ 0.44     $ 0.86     $ 1.66  

Pro forma

    0.31       0.43       0.86       1.61  
   


 


 


 


Diluted earnings per common share:

                               

As reported

  $ 0.30     $ 0.42     $ 0.82     $ 1.50  

Pro forma

    0.30       0.41       0.82       1.45  
   


 


 


 


 

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NOTE D – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and any changes in stockholders’ equity from non-owner sources that are not recognized in the income statement (such as changes in net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale). Other comprehensive income (loss) reported in the statements of stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 represents the change during those periods in the after-tax net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale.

 

NOTE E – STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $327 at September 30, 2005 and $1,216 at December 31, 2004, respectively. Substantially all of the Company’s outstanding standby letters of credit are performance standby letters of credit within the scope of FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (“FIN 45”). These are irrevocable undertakings by the Company, as guarantor, to make payments in the event a specified third party fails to perform under a non-financial contractual obligation. Most of the Company’s performance standby letters of credit arise in connection with lending relationships and have terms of one year or less. The maximum potential future payments the Company could be required to make equals the contract amount of the standby letters of credit referred to above. FIN 45 also requires the recognition, at fair value, of a liability by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2004. The Company’s recognized liability for performance standby letters of credit was insignificant at September 30, 2005.

 

NOTE F – RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revision of SFAS No. 123, Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), in December 2004, which requires an entity to recognize the grant-date fair-value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees in the income statement. SFAS 123R requires both public and non-public entities to disclose information needed about the nature of the share-based payment transactions and the effects of those transactions on the financial statements. SFAS 123R generally requires that an entity account for those transactions using the fair-value based method and eliminates an entity’s ability to account for share-based compensation using the intrinsic value method of accounting in APB Opinion No. 25, which was permitted under SFAS No. 123, as originally issued. SFAS 123R is effective, for the Company, as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46R”), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and, accordingly, should consolidate the variable interest entity (“VIE”). FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46 that was issued in January 2003. As a public company that is a small business issuer, as defined in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations, the Company was required to apply FIN 46R to VIEs no later than the end of the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2004. For any VIEs that must be consolidated under FIN 46R that were created before January 1, 2004, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest of the VIE initially would be measured at their carrying amounts, and any difference between the net amount added to the balance sheet and any previously recognized interest would be recorded as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair

 

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value at the date FIN 46R first applies may be used to measure the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest of the VIE. The Company currently holds no interests in VIEs and, accordingly, FIN 46R currently does not have an effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE G – MERGER

 

The shareholders of Cornerstone Bancorp, at its annual meeting held on August 10, 2005, approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 12, 2005 (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc. (“CBI”), NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc. (“NAL”) and their wholly-owned subsidiaries, Cornerstone Bank and NewAlliance Bank. Subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, CBI will merge with and into NAL (the “Merger”) and immediately thereafter, Cornerstone Bank will merge with and into NewAlliance Bank.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.

(dollars in thousands)

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The statements contained in this report that are not historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expectations for earnings, credit quality, and other financial and business matters. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive pressures on loan and deposit product pricing; other actions of competitors; changes in economic conditions; technological changes; the extent and timing of actions of the Federal Reserve Board, including changes in monetary policies and interest rates; customer deposit disintermediation; changes in customers’ acceptance of the Bank’s products and services; and the extent and timing of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this report speak only as of the date on which such statements are made.

 

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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

General

 

Total assets increased to $220,943 at September 30, 2005 from $211,802 at December 31, 2004, an increase of $9,141 (or 4%). The increase in assets primarily relates to an increase in total cash and cash equivalents. This was partially offset by a decrease in total securities. The increase in cash and cash equivalents of $15,636 was attributable to an increase in deposits of $8,934, and proceeds of $7,213 from the maturity of securities held to maturity and securities available for sale.

 

Loans

 

The loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale) increased to $133,006 at September 30, 2005 from $132,833 at December 31, 2004, an increase of $173. The increase in total loans primarily resulted from an increase in construction loans and to a lesser extent from commercial loans. The increase was largely offset by a decrease in residential loans, and to a lesser extent from a decrease in non-residential and consumer and other loans. The increase in construction loans primarily reflects new loan originations and customer advances during the period ended September 30, 2005. The increase in commercial loans was primarily due to the origination of new loans during the period ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in residential loans as well as non-residential and consumer and other loans, was primarily due to payoff activity exceeding new loan originations for the period ended September 30, 2005.

 

Major classifications of loans at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

    

September 30,

2005


   

December 31,

2004


    Dollar
Change


    Percent
Change


 

Loans secured by real estate:

                              

Residential

   $ 30,813     $ 39,489     $ (8,676 )   (22 )%

Non-residential

     56,357       56,606       (249 )   —    

Construction

     29,844       21,733       8,111     37  

Commercial loans

     14,536       13,536       1,000     7  

Consumer and Other Loans

     1,503       1,621       (118 )   (7 )
    


 


 


     

Total Loans

     133,053       132,985       68     —    

Allowance for loan losses

     (2,244 )     (2,216 )     (28 )   1  

Deferred loan fees, net

     (47 )     (152 )     105     (69 )
    


 


 


     

Total loans, net

   $ 130,762     $ 130,617     $ 145     —   %
    


 


 


     

 

Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans held for sale at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $2,269 and $1,994, respectively.

 

Non-performing Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

It is the Bank’s policy to manage its loan portfolio to facilitate early recognition of problem loans. The Bank commences internal collection efforts once a loan payment is more than 15 days past due. The Bank’s data processing system generates delinquency reports on all of the Bank’s loans weekly, and management reviews the loan portfolio to determine if past due loans should be placed on non-accrual status. Unless the customer is working with the Bank toward repayment, once a loan payment is 90 days past due, the Bank generally initiates appropriate collection or legal action.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes, by type of loan, the recorded investment in non-performing loans at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Amounts are shown for (i) loans that were past due 90 days or more, segregated between those on non-accrual status and those that were still accruing interest, and (ii) loans that were current or past due less than 90 days for which interest payments were being applied to reduce principal balances. During the nine months ended September 2005, $297 in real estate loans on accrual status at December 31, 2004 were paid-off. These loans were replaced by a loan to one borrower which was past due greater than 90 days at September 30, 2005. The increase in commercial loans current or past due less than 90 days for which interest payments were being applied to reduce principal balances was due to the addition of one loan to one borrower during the period ended September 2005.

 

   

September 30,

2005


   

December 31,

2004


 

Loans past due 90 days or more

               

Loans on non-accrual status:

               

Loans secured by real estate

  $ 196     $ 167  

Commercial loans

    36       87  

Consumer and other loans

    —         30  
   


 


      232       284  
   


 


Loans on accrual status:

               

Loans secured by real estate

    675       321  

Commercial loans

    29       —    

Consumer and other loans

    1       8  
   


 


      705       329  
   


 


Total loans past due 90 days or more

    937       613  
   


 


Loans current or past due less than 90 days for which interest payments were being applied to reduce principal balances:

               

Loans secured by real estate

    22       173  

Commercial loans

    284       124  

Consumer and other loans

    —         5  
   


 


      306       302  
   


 


Total non-performing loans

  $ 1,243     $ 915  
   


 


Ratio of total non-performing loans to total loans outstanding

    0.93 %     0.69 %
   


 


 

11


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


    Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 2,268     $ 2,302     $ 2,216     $ 2,387  

Provision for loan losses

     35       21       137       (529 )

Loan charge-offs

     (68 )     (72 )     (120 )     (79 )

Recoveries

     9       0       11       472  
    


 


 


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 2,244     $ 2,251     $ 2,244     $ 2,251  
    


 


 


 


 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Bank recovered $690, of which $460 was a recovery of previously charged-off principal on loans to one borrower, and $216 was a recovery of interest that was subsequently applied to income. The ratios of the allowance for loan losses to total loans and to non-performing loans were 1.66% and 181% respectively, at September 30, 2005, compared to 1.66% and 242%, respectively, at December 31, 2004.

 

Securities

 

Total securities decreased to $43,621 at September 30, 2005 from $50,834 at December 31, 2004, a decrease of $7,213 (or 14%). The decrease in the securities portfolio was primarily due to maturities in the available for sale and held to maturity portfolios during the period ended September 30, 2005, the proceeds of which were held as cash and cash equivalents.

 

12


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

    

September 30,

2005


  

December 31,

2004


     Amortized
Cost


   Estimated
Fair Value


   Amortized
Cost


   Estimated
Fair Value


Available for sale                            

U.S. Agency securities

   $ —      $ —      $ 2,007    $ 2,004

Mortgage-backed securities

     722      709      970      958
    

  

  

  

     $ 722    $ 709    $ 2,977    $ 2,962
    

  

  

  

Held to maturity                            

U.S. Agency securities

   $ 36,707    $ 36,178    $ 40,688    $ 40,476

Mortgage-backed securities

     3,137      3,130      4,117      4,143

Municipal bonds

     2,993      2,954      2,992      3,003

Other

     75      75      75      75
    

  

  

  

     $ 42,912    $ 42,337    $ 47,872    $ 47,697
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 43,634    $ 43,046    $ 50,849    $ 50,659
    

  

  

  

 

Deposits

 

Deposits are the primary source of funds for the Company. Deposits are obtained from individuals, partnerships, small and medium size businesses and professionals in the Company’s market area. The Company does not accept brokered deposits.

 

The following table indicates the composition of deposits at the dates indicated.

 

     September 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


   Dollar
Change


    Percent
Change


 

Demand (non-interest bearing)

   $ 53,166    $ 42,225    $ 10,941     26 %

Money market demand and NOW

     35,487      39,561      (4,074 )   (10 )

Regular, club and money market savings

     34,044      42,202      (8,158 )   (19 )

Time

     63,364      53,139      10,225     19  
    

  

  


     

Total deposits

   $ 186,061    $ 177,127    $ 8,934     5 %
    

  

  


     

 

The increase in deposits was primarily related to the increase of approximately $10,941 (or 26%) in demand deposits and $10,225 (or 19%) in time deposits. This was partially offset by a decrease in regular, club and money market savings of $8,158 (or 19%), as well as in money market demand and NOW of $4,074 (or 10%). The increase in demand accounts is primarily attributable to balances maintained in internal Bank checking accounts which are used to fund the payment of incoming official checks resulting from customer-related activity. The decrease in money market demand and NOW accounts was primarily

 

13


Table of Contents

attributable to activity on attorney-related NOW accounts. This was partially offset by higher balances maintained in money market demand accounts during the period ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in regular, club and money market savings was due to a decline in customer balances. The increase in time deposits was primarily attributable to increases of $12,701 in 12-17 month certificates, $3,301 in 36-47 month time deposits, $1,466 in 24-30 month time deposits and $413 in 18-23 month time deposits. This was partially offset by decreases of $2,649 in 48-59 month time deposits, $2,561 in 91-180 day time deposits and $2,145 in 181-364 day time deposits. Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 or more were $16,347 at September 30, 2005 as compared to $12,741 at December 31, 2004, an increase of $3,606 (or 28%).

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At September 30, 2005, total short-term investments, which are made up of federal funds sold and securities maturing or callable in one year or less, totaled $47,609. The primary liquidity of the Company is measured by the ratio of net cash, short-term investments and other liquidity sources to deposits and short-term liabilities. The primary liquidity ratio at September 30, 2005 was 20.37%, compared to 20.04% at December 31, 2004. The Bank also calculates a secondary liquidity ratio which contemplates loan sales and loan payoffs anticipated to occur within one year and the maturity of available and held to maturity securities beyond one year. The Bank’s secondary liquidity ratio at September 30, 2005 was 32.73%, compared to 33.38% at December 31, 2004. The Company’s internal guideline is to generally maintain a primary liquidity ratio of 10 to 15% and a secondary liquidity ratio of 20% or more, although a higher primary ratio may be maintained from time to time depending on cash flow patterns and loan demand.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,007 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $3,109 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, primarily due to a decrease in net income for the period ended September 2005 compared to September 2004. Net cash provided by investing activities was $6,927 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $35,199 in net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2004. The decrease in cash used in investing activities of $42,126 was primarily due to the absence of purchases in the held-to-maturity investment portfolio in the first nine months of 2005 as compared to purchases of $39,178 in the first nine months of 2004. The decline in net loan originations (other than loans held for sale) of $13,537 also contributed to the decrease in cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease of $10,257 in proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale and held to maturity during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the first nine months of 2004. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities of $16,017 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 primarily resulted from an increase of $28,123 in cash provided by customers’ deposits. Cash and cash equivalents increased $15,636 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to a decrease of $41,405 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

At September 30, 2005, the Company had outstanding loan commitments under unused lines of credit of $23,782 and outstanding letters of credit of $328.

 

14


Table of Contents

At September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company’s consolidated leverage capital ratio was 11.5% and 10.2%, respectively. At September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company’s consolidated Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 15.6% and 14.2%, respectively. The Company’s consolidated total risk-based capital ratio at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was 16.9% and 15.5%, respectively. The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at these dates were substantially the same as the consolidated ratios, and the Bank was classified as a well-capitalized institution for regulatory purposes.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

General

 

The Company’s results of operations depend primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income on earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowings. Results of operations are also affected by non-interest income and expense, the provision for loan losses and income tax expense. Non-interest income includes banking service fees and charges, income on bank-owned life insurance, and gains and losses on sales of securities available for sale and loans held for sale. The Company’s non-interest expense consists primarily of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses, data processing expenses and professional fees. Results of operations are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In the course of the Company’s normal business activity, management must select and apply many accounting policies and methodologies that lead to the financial results presented in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Some of these policies are more critical than others. Management considers the accounting policy relating to the allowance for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy because of the uncertainty and subjectivity inherent in estimating the levels of allowance needed to cover probable credit losses within the loan portfolio and the material effect that these estimates can have on the Company’s results of operations. While management uses the best available information to determine the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on a variety of factors, including changes in economic and real estate market conditions, particularly in Southwestern Fairfield County, Connecticut.

 

All accounting policies are important and readers of this report should review these policies, as included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, to gain a greater understanding of how the Company’s financial performance is reported.

 

15


Table of Contents

Comparative Analysis of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004

 

Net Income. Net income was $403 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $536 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $133 (or 25%). Diluted earnings per common share were $0.30 and 0.42 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, based on weighted average common shares of 1,339,884 and 1,289,047, respectively. The annualized return on average common stockholders’ equity was 6.47% and 9.83% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The annualized return on average assets was 0.73% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 0.97% for the three months ended September 30, 2004.

 

The lower net income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to the decrease of $144 (or 22%) in non-interest income from the gain on sale of loans and loan servicing, an increase of $118 (or 10%) in salaries and employee benefits as well as increased interest expense of $114 (or 20%). This was partially offset by an increase in loan income of $273 (or 12%) for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income the Company earns on its loans, securities and other earning assets, and the interest cost of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities necessary to fund these earning assets. It is the primary component of the Company’s earnings.

 

Net interest income was $2,447 for the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $191 (or 8%) from the $2,256 reported for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 62 basis points for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to September 30, 2004, while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 35 basis points. The higher net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to the growth in the loan portfolio as well as the higher level of interest rates. Total interest income increased as earning assets were shifted into higher yielding loans. These changes resulted in a 39 basis point increase in the net interest margin to 4.88% for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to 4.49% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

Interest Income. Average earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2005 were $200,085 compared to $201,203 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $1,118 (or 1%). Total interest income, which is a function of the volume of interest-earning assets and their related rates, was $3,121 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $2,816 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of $305 (or 11%), primarily due to higher interest rates.

 

Loans represent the largest component of interest-earning assets. Interest income on loans was $2,602 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $2,329 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $273 (or 12%). Average loans outstanding in the three months ended September 30, 2005 were $136,350 compared to $134,154 during the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $2,196 (or 2%). The average yield on loans increased 66 basis point to 7.57% at September 30, 2005 from 6.91% at September 30, 2004 primarily due to the higher level of interest rates in 2005.

 

Average investments in securities and federal funds sold were $63,735 for the three months ended

 

16


Table of Contents

September 30, 2005 compared to $67,049 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $3,314 (or 5%). Related income decreased to $519 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 from $487 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $32 (or 7%). Average investments in securities, not including federal funds sold, decreased by $10,399 (or 19%) during the three months ended September 30, 2005. Average federal funds sold increased by $7,085 (or 61%). The increase in federal funds sold was due to an increase in deposits and a decrease in securities.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $674 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $560 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $114 (or 20%). Interest expense is a function of the volume of interest-bearing liabilities and their related rates. Average interest-bearing liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2005 were $143,844 compared to $147,573 during the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $3,729 or (3%). The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 35 basis points to 1.86% for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to 1.51% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. The periodic provision for loan losses represents the amount necessary to adjust the allowance for loan losses to management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio at the reporting date. Management’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on the results of continuing reviews of individual loans and borrower relationships, particularly in the commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios. A review of the quality of the loan portfolio is conducted internally by management on a quarterly basis, using a consistently-applied methodology, and the results are presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The evaluation covers individual borrowers whose aggregate loans are greater than $100, as well as all adversely-classified loans. Management also considers factors such as the borrower’s financial condition, historical and expected ability to make loan payments and underlying collateral values. The determination of the allowance for loan losses also considers the level of past due loans, the Bank’s historical loan loss experience, changes in loan portfolio mix, geographic and borrower concentrations and current economic conditions. The allowance for loan losses is also reduced by charge-offs and increased by recoveries. Management’s evaluation of the allowance for loan losses indicated that the necessary provision for loan losses was $35 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and $21 for the three months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income was $500 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $644 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $144 (or 22%). The decrease in non-interest income was primarily attributable to a decrease of $153 in the net gain on sale of loans and loan servicing (and to a lesser extent to the origination and sale of mortgage loans) for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to three months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Non-interest Expense. Total non-interest expense was $2,219 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and $1,988 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $231 (or 12%). The increase in salaries and employee benefits results from an increase in salaries and bonuses for the three months ended September 30, 2005 compared to September 30, 2004. The increase in professional fees primarily relates to increased legal and audit fees as well as $55 in merger-related expenses recorded in the quarter ending September 30, 2005.

 

17


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the dollar amounts for each category of non-interest expense, and the dollar and percent changes:

 

     Three months Ended
September 30,


   Increase (Decrease)
2005 vs 2004


 

Category


   2005

   2004

   $ Change

    % Change

 

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 1,247    $ 1,129    $ 118     10 %

Occupancy

     209      181      28     15  

Furniture and equipment

     109      113      (4 )   (4 )

Data processing

     126      113      13     12  

Professional fees

     217      102      115     113  

Advertising and promotion

     31      57      (26 )   (46 )

Other

     280      293      (13 )   (4 )
    

  

  


     

Total non-interest expense

   $ 2,219    $ 1,988    $ 231     12 %
    

  

  


     

 

The following table summarizes dollar amounts for each category of non-interest expense as a percentage of total operating income (interest income plus non-interest income). Operating income increased by $161 (or 5%) in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

 

    

Three months Ended

September 30,


 

Category


   2005

    2004

 

Salaries and employee benefits

   34.44 %   32.63 %

Occupancy

   5.77     5.23  

Furniture and equipment

   3.01     3.27  

Data processing

   3.48     3.27  

Professional fees

   5.99     2.95  

Advertising and promotion

   0.86     1.65  

Other

   7.73     8.47  
    

 

Total non-interest expense

   61.28 %   57.47 %
    

 

 

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased to $290 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 from $355 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $65 (or 18%), primarily due to the lower income before income tax expense.

 

18


Table of Contents

Comparative Analysis of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004

 

Net Income. Net income was $1,078 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $2,013 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $935 (or 46%). Diluted earnings per common share were $0.82 and $1.50 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, based on weighted average common shares of 1,321,400 and 1,342,711, respectively. The annualized return on average common stockholders’ equity was 6.06% and 12.60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The annualized return on average assets was 0.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 1.23% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

The lower net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to a one-time recovery of $460 on a previously charged-off loan and $495 in one-time life insurance proceeds received during the nine month period ended September 30, 2004. This was partially offset by the increase in interest income from loans, an increase of $836 (or 12%) and a decrease of $164 (or 16%) in the provision for income taxes for the nine month period ended September 30, 2005. These increases were partially offset by merger related costs of $290 as well as a decrease of $271 (or 46%) in non-interest income from the sale of loans and loan servicing for the period ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income the Company earns on its loans, securities and other earning assets, and the interest cost of deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities necessary to fund these earning assets. It is the primary component of the Company’s earnings.

 

Net interest income was $7,244 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $795 (or 12%) from the $6,449 reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 74 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the September 30, 2004 period, while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 18 basis points. The higher net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was primarily due to the growth in the loan portfolio and higher interest rates. Total interest income increased as earning assets were shifted into higher yielding loans during 2005. These changes resulted in a 62 basis point increase in the net interest margin to 4.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to 4.30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Interest Income. Average earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $198,299 compared to $201,282 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $2,983 (or 1%). Total interest income, which is a function of the volume of interest-earning assets and their related rates, was $9,168 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $8,232 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of $936 (or 11%).

 

19


Table of Contents

Loans represent the largest component of interest-earning assets. Interest income on loans was $7,721 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $6,885 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $836 (or 12%). Average loans outstanding in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $137,841 compared to $129,149 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $8,692 (or 7%). The average yield on loans increased 37 basis points to 7.49% at September 30, 2005 from 7.11% at September 30, 2004.

 

Average investments in securities and federal funds sold were $60,458 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $72,133 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $11,675 (or 16%). Related income increased to $1,447 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $1,347 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $100 (or 7%). Average investments in securities, not including federal funds sold, increased by $3,037 (or 7%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Average federal funds sold decreased by $14,712 (or 53%). The increase in the level of interest rates in 2005 contributed to an increase in related income on federal funds sold which was partially offset by a decline in the volume of federal funds sold.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $1,924 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $1,783 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $141 (or 8%). Interest expense is a function of the volume of interest-bearing liabilities and their related rates. Average interest-bearing liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $146,133 compared to $150,799 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $4,666 or (3%). The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 18 basis points to 1.76% for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to 1.58% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. The periodic provision for loan losses represents the amount necessary to adjust the allowance for loan losses to management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio at the reporting date. Management’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on the results of continuing reviews of individual loans and borrower relationships, particularly in the commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios. A review of the quality of the loan portfolio is conducted internally by management on a quarterly basis, using a consistently-applied methodology, and the results are presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The evaluation covers individual borrowers whose aggregate loans are greater than $100, as well as all adversely-classified loans. Management also considers factors such as the borrower’s financial condition, historical and expected ability to make loan payments and underlying collateral values. The determination of the allowance for loan losses also considers the level of past due loans, the Bank’s historical loan loss experience, changes in loan portfolio mix, geographic and borrower concentrations and current economic conditions. The allowance for loan losses is also reduced by charge-offs and increased by recoveries. Management’s evaluation of the allowance for loan losses indicated that the necessary provision for loan losses was $137 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and ($529) for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $460 in principal was recovered during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 on loans to one borrower which were charged-off in December 2000.

 

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Non-interest Income. Non-interest income was $1,362 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $2,102 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $740 (or 35%). This decrease was primarily attributable to the net proceeds of $495 received by the Bank on a key man life insurance policy on the former Vice Chairman during the period ended September 30, 2004. The decline in non-interest income was also attributable to a decrease of $271 in the net gain on sale of loans and loan servicing for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 due to the reduced activity as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Non-interest Expense. Total non-interest expense was $6,560 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and $6,072 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $488 (or 8%). The increase in total non-interest expense primarily relates to $290 in Merger-related expenses recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as well as additional occupancy expenses related to the Norwalk branch and increased rental expense at five offices.

 

The following table summarizes the dollar amounts for each category of non-interest expense, and the dollar and percent changes:

 

     Nine months Ended
September 30,


   Increase (Decrease)
2005 vs 2004


 

Category


   2005

   2004

   $ Change

    % Change

 

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 3,633    $ 3,571    $ 62     (2 )%

Occupancy

     645      546      99     18  

Furniture and equipment

     327      341      (14 )   (4 )

Data processing

     383      365      18     5  

Professional fees

     634      291      343     118  

Advertising and promotion

     121      144      (23 )   (16 )

Other

     817      814      3     —    
    

  

  


     

Total non-interest expense

   $ 6,560    $ 6,072    $ 488     8 %
    

  

  


     

 

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The following table summarizes dollar amounts for each category of non-interest expense as a percentage of total operating income (interest income plus non-interest income). Operating income increased by $196 (or 2%) in the nine month period ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

 

     Nine months Ended
September 30,


 

Category


   2005

    2004

 

Salaries and employee benefits

   34.50 %   34.56 %

Occupancy

   6.13     5.28  

Furniture and equipment

   3.11     3.30  

Data processing

   3.64     3.53  

Professional fees

   6.02     2.82  

Advertising and promotion

   1.15     1.39  

Other

   7.75     7.88  
    

 

Total non-interest expense

   62.30 %   58.76 %
    

 

 

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased to $831 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $995 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a decrease of $164 (or 16%), primarily due to lower income before income tax expense.

 

Item 3. Controls and Procedures.

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2005 was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2005, there was no significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Reference is made to the Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer about these and other matters included as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this report.

 

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PART II - Other Information

 

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

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on August 10, 2005. At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders elected Joseph F. Field, Merrill J. Forgotson, J. James Gordon, Courtney A. Nelthropp and Donald Sappern, Directors of the Company. There were 1,056,513 votes for and 16,694 votes withheld for Mr. Field; 1,066,737 votes for and 6,470 votes withheld for Mr. Forgotson; 989,959 votes for and 83,248 votes withheld for Mr. Gordon; 1,056,513 votes for and 16,694 votes withheld for Mr. Nelthropp; and 1,056,513 votes for and 16,694 votes withheld for Donald Sappern. All five were elected for terms which expire at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Stanley A. Levine, Leonard Miller, Ronald C. Miller, Martin Prince and Dr. Joseph Waxberg are currently serving terms on the Board of Directors which expire at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. James P. Jakubek, Joseph A. Maida and Paul H. Reader are currently serving terms on the Board of Directors which expire at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

The shareholders also ratified the appointment by the Board of Directors of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. There were 1,067,721 votes for, 2,771 votes against and 2,715 abstentions with respect to such ratification.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibits:

 

31.1-Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Merrill J. Forgotson.

 

31.2-Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Ernest J. Verrico.

 

32.1-Section 1350 Certifications.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

CORNERSTONE BANCORP, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: November 14, 2005  

/s/ Merrill J. Forgotson


    Merrill J. Forgotson
    President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 14, 2005  

/s/ Ernest J. Verrico


    Ernest J. Verrico
    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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