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UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, DC 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 September 30, 2003


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 000-16435

COMMUNITY BANCORP.

Vermont

03-0284070

(State of Incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

4811 US Route 5, Derby, Vermont

05829

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(zip code)

 

 

Registrant's Telephone Number: (802) 334-7915

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 for such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ( X )  No (  )


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


At November 6, 2003, there were 3,789,084 shares outstanding of the Corporation's common stock.

Total Pages - 28 Pages

FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

Page

PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item I  Financial Statements

4

Item 2  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

11

Item 3  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

23

Item 4  Controls and Procedures

23

 

 

PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1  Legal Proceedings

23

Item 2  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

23

Item 3  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

Item 5  Other Information

24

Item 6  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

24

Signatures

24

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following are the consolidated financial statements for Community Bancorp. and subsidiaries, "the Company".

 

 

COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30

December 31

2003

2002

  ( Unaudited)

Assets

  Cash and due from banks

$8,555,908

$8,957,633

  Federal funds sold and overnight deposits

718,590

5,079,647

     Total cash and cash equivalents

9,274,498

14,037,280

  Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $48,806,918 at

   09/30/03 and $39,359,442 at 12/31/02)

48,587,026

38,969,114

  Securities available-for-sale

48,474,328

41,074,804

  Restricted equity securities

1,356,850

1,309,050

  Loans held-for-sale

2,916,495

6,169,017

  Loans

199,984,305

200,913,490

   Allowance for loan losses

(2,213,128

)

(2,155,789

)

   Unearned net loan fees

(788,407

)

(879,501

)

       Net loans

196,982,770

197,878,200

  Bank premises and equipment, net

5,222,904

5,292,597

  Accrued interest receivable

1,748,332

1,744,805

  Other real estate owned, net

88,277

0

  Other assets

5,475,262

2,752,738

     Total assets

$320,126,742

$309,227,605

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities

  Deposits:

   Demand, non-interest bearing

$37,925,624

$32,302,824

   NOW and money market accounts

90,556,387

88,786,101

   Savings

42,559,377

37,737,157

   Time deposits, $100,000 and over

21,569,285

20,591,082

   Other time deposits

80,975,969

81,504,466

     Total deposits

273,586,642

260,921,630

  Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds

5,040,000

5,040,000

  Repurchase agreements

10,947,132

14,069,026

  Accrued interest and other liabilities

3,048,802

3,491,847

     Total liabilities

292,622,576

283,522,503

Stockholders' Equity

  Common stock - $2.50 par value; 6,000,000 shares

   authorized and 3,960,590 shares issued at 09/30/03

   and 3,939,078 shares issued at 12/31/02

9,901,476

9,847,694

  Additional paid-in capital

16,709,522

16,423,022

  Retained earnings

2,420,704

625,932

  Accumulated other comprehensive income

656,945

984,953

  Less: treasury stock, at cost; 182,904 shares at 09/30/03

   and 182,377 shares at 12/31/02

(2,184,481

)

(2,176,499

)

     Total stockholders' equity

27,504,166

25,705,102

     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$320,126,742

$309,227,605

See accompanying notes

 

COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

  ( Unaudited )

For The Third Quarter Ended September 30,

2003

2002

Interest income

  Interest and fees on loans

$3,711,106

$3,629,054

  Interest on debt securities

     Taxable

572,135

688,153

     Tax-exempt

244,731

268,321

  Dividends

11,598

13,271

  Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits

1,977

6,130

     Total interest income

4,541,547

4,604,929

Interest expense

  Interest on deposits

1,189,587

1,490,071

  Interest on borrowed funds

74,359

94,741

  Interest on repurchase agreements

24,808

63,318

     Total interest expense

1,288,754

1,648,130

Net interest income

3,252,793

2,956,799

Provision for loan losses

(10,000

)

(50,000

)

      Net interest income after provision

3,242,793

2,906,799

Other operating income

  Service fees

247,750

254,201

  Security gains

0

27,663

  Other

520,308

449,299

     Total other operating income

768,058

731,163

Other operating expenses

  Salaries and wages

1,043,809

890,892

  Pension and other employee benefits

316,723

268,741

  Occupancy expenses, net

421,704

440,423

  Other

938,354

994,796

     Total other operating expenses

2,720,590

2,594,852

Income before income taxes

1,290,261

1,043,110

Applicable income taxes

289,672

241,901

     Net Income

$1,000,589

$801,209

Earnings per share on weighted average

$0.27

$0.21

Weighted average number of common shares

  used in computing earnings per share

3,777,686

3,735,993

Dividends declared per share

$0.16

$0.16

Book value per share on shares outstanding at September 30,

$7.30

$6.81

Per share data for 2002 restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend declared in December, 2002

  and paid in February, 2003.

See accompanying notes

COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

( Unaudited )

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2003

2002

Interest income

  Interest and fees on loans

$10,752,790

$10,793,281

  Interest on debt securities

    Taxable

1,767,178

2,165,620

    Tax-exempt

694,447

728,598

  Dividends

34,363

35,777

  Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits

26,581

36,304

     Total interest income

13,275,359

13,759,580

Interest expense

  Interest on deposits

3,796,483

4,656,238

  Interest on borrowed funds

200,727

258,803

  Interest on repurchase agreements

94,839

218,443

     Total interest expense

4,092,049

5,133,484

Net interest income

9,183,310

8,626,096

Provision for loan losses

(103,000

)

(276,000

)

     Net interest income after provision

9,080,310

8,350,096

Other operating income

  Service fees

730,745

713,897

  Security gains

142,904

31,311

  Other

1,830,154

1,851,016

     Total other operating income

2,703,803

2,596,224

Other operating expenses

  Salaries and wages

2,995,517

2,710,606

  Pension and other employee benefits

927,705

792,538

  Occupancy expenses, net

1,289,654

1,215,703

  Other

2,694,755

3,033,801

     Total other operating expenses

7,907,631

7,752,648

Income before income taxes

3,876,482

3,193,672

Applicable income taxes

877,956

828,080

     Net Income

$2,998,526

$2,365,592

Earnings per share on weighted average

$0.80

$0.63

Weighted average number of common shares

  used in computing earnings per share

3,767,243

3,732,708

Dividends declared per share

$0.48

$0.48

Book value per share on shares outstanding at September 30,

$7.30

$6.81

Per share data for 2002 restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend declared in December, 2002

  and paid in February, 2003.

See accompanying notes

 

COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     ( Unaudited )

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2003

2002

Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

  Net Income

$2,998,526

$2,365,592

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

  Depreciation and amortization

435,200

677,567

  Provision for loan losses

103,000

276,000

  Provision for deferred income taxes

114,801

43,874

  Gain on sale of loans

(773,314

)

(336,143

)

  Gain on sale of fixed assets

(19,306

)

0

  Securities gains

(142,904

)

(31,311

)

  Gain on sales of OREO

(2,651

)

(32,472

)

  Amortization of bond premium, net

255,160

233,640

  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale

33,671,410

28,547,971

  Originations of loans held for sale

(29,645,574

)

(27,030,447

)

  Decrease in taxes payable

(103,645

)

(39,518

)

  Increase in interest receivable

(3,527

)

(245,175

)

  Increase in mortgage servicing rights

(91,373

)

(157,138

)

  Increase in other assets

(231,689

)

(181,385

)

  Decrease in unamortized loan fees

(91,094

)

(24,839

)

  Decrease in interest payable

(31,036

)

(35,641

)

  Increase in accrued expenses

430

510,577

  (Decrease) increase in other liabilities

(202,426

)

334,897

     Net cash provided by operating activities

6,239,988

4,876,049

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

  Investments - held to maturity

    Maturities and paydowns

26,346,750

19,512,632

    Purchases

(35,997,716

)

(21,996,283

)

  Investments - available for sale

    Sales and maturities

11,213,770

11,060,000

    Purchases

(19,189,477

)

(17,216,861

)

  Purchase of restricted equity securities

(47,800

)

(84,400

)

  Investment in limited partnership, net

(602,880

)

(189,488

)

  Decrease (increase) in loans, net

619,775

(9,079,570

)

  Capital expenditures, net

(1,782,921

)

(472,838

)

  Recoveries of loans charged off

95,972

94,192

  Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

82,151

203,995

     Net cash used in investing activities

(19,262,376

)

(18,168,621

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

  Net increase in demand, NOW, money market and savings accounts

12,215,307

9,386,406

  Net increase in certificates of deposit

449,705

4,876,525

  Net decrease in short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements

(3,121,894

)

(8,421,149

)

  Net increase in borrowed funds

0

5,000,000

  Payments to acquire treasury stock

(7,981

)

(456,086

)

  Dividends paid

(1,275,531

)

(1,230,781

)

     Net cash provided by financing activities

8,259,606

9,154,915

     Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(4,762,782

)

(4,137,657

)

  Cash and cash equivalents:

          Beginning

14,037,280

14,700,415

          Ending

$9,274,498

$10,562,758

Supplemental Schedule of Cash Paid During the Period

  Interest

$4,123,085

$5,169,125

  Income taxes

$866,800

$823,724

Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:

  Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale

($496,981

)

$1,127,899

  OREO acquired in settlements of loans

$167,777

$181,782

  Debentures converted to common stock

$0

$1,000

  Investments in limited partnership

    Increase in limited partnerships

($926,049

)

($10,491

)

    Increase (decrease) in contributions payable

$323,169

($178,997

)

($602,880

)

($189,488

)

  Proceeds from sale of stock in Liberty Savings Bank, settled net of

    cash acquired

$300,000

0

Dividends Paid

  Dividends declared

$1,203,755

$1,134,795

  Decrease in dividends payable attributable to dividends declared

412,057

569,058

  Dividends reinvested

(340,281

)

(473,072

)

$1,275,531

$1,230,781

See accompanying notes

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION

     The interim consolidated financial statements of Community Bancorp. and subsidiaries are unaudited. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company contained herein have been made. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2002, contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.


NOTE 2. GOODWILL

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 applies to all goodwill and identified intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Under the new standard, all goodwill, including that acquired before initial application of the standard, should not be amortized but should be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company chose to expense the remainder of the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Liberty Savings Bank during the second quarter of 2002. The result was an expense before taxes of $245,575.


NOTE 3.  RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS


     In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133.


     The amendment requires contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly. SFAS No. 149 clarifies under what circumstances a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative as discussed in SFAS No. 133. In addition, it clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows and amends certain other existing pronouncements.


     SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as stated below, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The provisions of SFAS No. 149 that relate to SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003 should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. In addition, certain provisions relating to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, should be applied to existing contracts as well as new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. SFAS No. 149 was implemented during the second quarter of 2003 and did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.


     FASB derivative implementation guidance for SFAS No. 133 clarifies that loan commitments relating to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale must be accounted for as derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133. Accordingly, on June 30, 2003, the Company recorded an account receivable of $217,845 representing the estimated fair value of these loan commitments. As of September 30, 2003, the estimated fair value of these loan commitments was $76,393.


     In May 2003, FASB issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances).

     The requirements of SFAS No. 150 apply to issuers' classification and measurement of freestanding financial instruments, including those that comprise more than one option or forward contract.

     SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. It is to be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial instruments created before the issuance date of SFAS No. 150 and still existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption.

SFAS No. 150 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



NOTE 4.  TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


     
Accounting principles generally require recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses to be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet (accumulated other comprehensive income), such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

The calculation for computing total comprehensive income for the two comparison periods is as follows:

For the third quarter ended September 30,

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$1,000,589

 

$801,209

(Decrease) increase in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

( 520,030

)

446,633

     Total Comprehensive Income

$480,559

 

$1,247,842

 

For the nine months ended September 30,

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$2,998,526

 

$2,365,592

(Decrease) increase in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

( 328,008

)

744,413

     Total Comprehensive Income

$2,670,518

 

$3,110,005

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Period Ended September 30, 2003

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


     The Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may contain certain forward-looking statements about the Company's operations, financial condition and business. When used therein, the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "predicts," or similar expressions, indicate that management of the Company is making forward-looking statements.


     Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They necessarily involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future results of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward looking statements included in this discussion include, but are not limited to, estimated contingent liability related to the Company's participation in the FHLB Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) program, assumptions made within the asset/liability management process, and management's expectations as to the future interest rate environment and the Company's related liquidity level. Although these statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates, many of the factors that could influence or determine actual results are unpredictable and not within the Company's control. Readers are cautioned not to place undo reliance on such statements as they speak only as of the date they are made. The Company cla ims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.


     Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) competitive pressures increase among financial services providers in the Company's northern New England market area or in the financial services industry generally, including competitive pressures from nonbank financial service providers, from increasing consolidation and integration of financial service providers, and from changes in technology and delivery systems; (2) interest rates change in such a way as to reduce the Company's margins; (3) general economic or monetary conditions, either nationally or regionally, are less favorable than expected, resulting in a deterioration in credit quality or a diminished demand for the Company's products and services; and (4) changes in laws or government rules, or the way in which courts interpret those laws or rules, adversely affect the Company's business.


OVERVIEW

     Community Bancorp. (the "Company") is a bank holding company headquartered in Derby, Vermont, which has one operating commercial bank subsidiary, Community National Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank is a commercial banking institution, which offers a full range of retail banking services to residents and businesses in northeastern and north central Vermont. The Bank has nine offices, five of which are located in Orleans County, one in Essex County, one in Caledonia County and two located in Washington County. The newest office is located in the city of Barre, and is set up in a temporary office on the site adjacent to the permanent office site, presently under construction, with the permanent office scheduled to open in December.


     Prior to September 11, 2003, the Company owned all the stock of Liberty Savings Bank, an inactive New Hampshire guaranty savings bank charter, with a book value of $300,000 as of such date. On September 11, 2003, the Company sold its stock interest as well as the charter for Liberty Savings Bank for $307,500.


     Substantially all of the Company's business is conducted through Community National Bank; therefore, the following narrative is based primarily on the Bank's operations. The balance sheet, statements of income, and statements of cash flow preceding this section are consolidated figures for Community Bancorp. and subsidiaries and should be read in conjunction with the notes and other information and reports following them to provide a more detailed comparison of the information disclosed in the following narrative.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


     The Company's critical accounting policies are considered to be the allowance for loan losses and accounting for significant estimates, including valuation of real estate acquired in foreclosure or satisfaction of loans, and accounting for taxes and deferred taxes as described below.


Use of estimates


     The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.


     Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for losses on loans and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans and deferred tax assets. In connection with the determination of foreclosed real estate, management often obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of foreclosed real estate are susceptible to changes in local market conditions. The amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.


     Management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, foreclosed real estate, and periodic additions to the allowances for loan loss. However, recognition of additional loan losses and additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions or other factors beyond the Company's control. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowances for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.


Allowance for loan losses


     The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management's judgment, is adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management's periodic evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and economic conditions. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries.


Income taxes


     The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. Adjustments to the Company's deferred tax assets are recognized as deferred income tax expense or benefit based on management's judgments relating to the realizability of such asset.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


     Income before income taxes of $1.29 million was reported for the third quarter of 2003 compared to $1.04 million for 2002, resulting in an increase of $247,151, or 23.7%. Income before income taxes for the first nine months of 2003 was $3.88 million compared to $3.19 million for 2002, an increase of $682,810 or 21.4%. Net income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003 was just over $1 million, representing an increase of 24.9% over net income of $801,209 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002. Net income was just under $3 million for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $2.37 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $632,934 or 26.8%. This results in earnings per share of $0.27 and $0.21, respectively, for the third quarter of 2003 and 2002, and $0.80 and $0.63, respectively, for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002. Although the volume of loans sold on the secondary market decreased during the third quarter of 2003, the income generated thro ugh the sale and servicing of these loans continues to be more favorable than expected contributing to the increase in income for this period.


     Return on average assets (ROA), which measures how effectively a corporation uses its assets to produce earnings, reported ratios of 1.25% and 1.06%, respectively, for the third quarter ended 2003 and 2002, as well as 1.29% and 1.09%, respectively for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002. Return on average equity (ROE), which is the ratio of income earned to average shareholders' equity was 14.45% for the third quarter of 2003 compared to 13.20% for same period in 2002, and 14.59% and 13.13%, respectively for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002.


INTEREST INCOME VERSUS INTEREST EXPENSE (NET INTEREST INCOME)


     Net interest income, the difference between interest income and expense, represents the largest portion of the Company's earnings, and is affected by the volume, mix, and rate sensitivity of earning assets as well as by interest bearing liabilities, market interest rates and the amount of non-interest bearing funds which support earning assets. Tables A and B below provide a visual comparison for each period. Figures presented on these two tables are consolidated and are stated on a tax equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 34%.


     The following table is intended to show the reconciliation between net interest income presented on the statement of income and the tax equivalent net interest income presented on Table A below for the nine months comparison period of 2003 and 2002.

 

For the nine months ended September 30,

(in thousands)

2003

2002

 

 

 

Net interest income as presented

$9,183

$8,626

Effect of tax-exempt income

   358

   375

Net interest income, tax equivalent

$9,541

$9,001


     The tax equivalent net interest spread, defined as the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, was 3.94% and 3.85%, for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002
respectively. The interest differential, defined as net interest income divided by average earning assets, was 4.31% and 4.32%, for the respective comparison periods.


     Total interest income for the first nine months decreased $501,914, or by 3.6%, from $14.1 million in 2002 to $13.6 million in 2003. Interest expense decreased approximately $1 million or by 20.4% from $5.1 million in 2002 to $4.1 million in 2003. Interest earned on the loan portfolio accounts for approximately 79% of total interest income reporting only a slight decrease in income for 2003 compared to 2002. In comparison, interest paid on time deposits comprises 61% of total interest expense, with a decrease of $302,910 or almost 11% for the same comparison period. Although an increase is noted in the average volume of earning assets for the first nine months of 2003 compared to the same period of 2002, a decrease of 63 basis points is noted in the average yield, contributing to the decrease in income. The average volume of interest bearing liabilities increased, while the rate paid on these accounts decreased 72 basis points. The net effect was an increase of $539,521 in net i nterest income for the first nine months of 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.

 


CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION


     The Company had total average assets of approximately $311 million at September 30, 2003 and $296 million at December 31, 2002. Average earning assets were $296 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, including average loans of $205 million and average investment securities of $88 million. Average earning assets were $283 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 including average loans of $197 million and average investment securities of $81 million.


     Average interest bearing liabilities at September 30, 2003 were $247 million, with average time deposits reported totaling $103 million and NOW & money market funds of $86 million. At December 31, 2002, average interest bearing liabilities of $238 million were reported including average time deposits of $100 million and NOW & money market funds at $82 million. An increase in municipal deposits during the last quarter of 2002, attributable to a new collateralized municipal deposit account mentioned below, helped to boost the average volume on these deposit accounts for the first nine months of 2003. The seasonal increase during the third quarter of 2003 also contributed to this increase.

Table A

AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES

The table below presents the following information:

     Average earning assets (including non-accrual loans)

     Average interest bearing liabilities supporting earning assets

     Interest income and interest expense as a rate/yield

For the First Nine Months Ended:

2003

2002

Average

Income/

Rate/

Average

Income/

Rate/

Balance

Expense

Yield

Balance

Expense

Yield

EARNING ASSETS

Loans (gross)

205,236,317

10,752,790

7.00%

194,278,555

10,793,281

7.43%

Taxable Investment Securities

54,577,733

1,767,177

4.33%

54,795,702

2,165,394

5.28%

Tax Exempt Investment Securities (1)

31,613,279

1,052,192

4.45%

24,975,765

1,103,936

5.91%

Federal Funds Sold

1,228,095

10,693

1.16%

1,448,571

18,585

1.72%

Sweep Account

2,239,244

15,889

0.95%

1,825,113

17,719

1.30%

Other Securities

1,341,792

34,263

3.41%

1,293,994

36,003

3.72%

     TOTAL

296,236,460

13,633,004

6.15%

278,617,700

14,134,918

6.78%

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

Savings Deposits

40,247,813

200,712

0.67%

35,563,926

355,295

1.34%

NOW & Money Market Funds

86,249,261

1,110,844

1.72%

79,904,932

1,513,106

2.53%

Time Deposits

102,812,432

2,484,927

3.23%

99,250,079

2,787,837

3.76%

Other Borrowed Funds

6,297,297

195,302

4.15%

7,393,392

258,803

4.68%

Notes Payable

130,403

5,425

5.56%

0

0

0.00%

Repurchase Agreements

11,730,064

94,839

1.08%

12,430,557

218,443

2.35%

     TOTAL

247,467,270

4,092,049

2.21%

234,542,886

5,133,484

2.93%

Net Interest Income

9,540,955

9,001,434

Net Interest Spread(2)

3.94%

3.85%

Interest Differential(3)

4.31%

4.32%

(1)  Income on investment securities of state and political subdivisions is stated on a fully taxable basis (assuming a      34% tax rate).

(2)  Net interest Spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest bearing      liabilities.

(3)  Interest differential is net interest income divided by average earning assets.

 

Table B

CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE

The following table summarizes the variances in income for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002

resulting from volume changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in rates earned and paid.

Variance

Variance

RATE / VOLUME

Due to

Due to

Total

Rate(1)

Volume(1)

Variance

INCOME EARNING ASSETS

Loans

(649,439

)

608,948

(40,491

)

Taxable Investment Securities

(391,158

)

(7,059

)

(398,217

)

Tax Exempt Investment Securities (2)

(345,146

)

293,402

(51,744

)

Federal Funds Sold

(5,979

)

(1,913

)

(7,892

)

Sweep Account

(5,857

)

4,027

(1,830

)

Other Securities

(3,070

)

1,330

(1,740

)

     Total Interest Earnings

(1,400,649

)

898,735

(501,914

)

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

Savings Deposits

(201,527

)

46,944

(154,583

)

NOW & Money Market Funds

(522,316

)

120,054

(402,262

)

Time Deposits

(403,093

)

100,183

(302,910

)

Other Borrowed Funds

(29,479

)

(34,022

)

(63,501

)

Notes Payable

5,425

0

5,425

Repurchase Agreements

(117,946

)

(5,658

)

(123,604

)

     Total Interest Expense

(1,268,936

)

227,501

(1,041,435

)

(1) Items which have shown a year-to-year increase in volume have variances allocated as follows:

        Variance due to rate = Change in rate x new volume

        Variance due to volume = Change in volume x old rate

    Items which have shown a year-to-year decrease in volume have variances allocated as follows:

        Variance due to rate = Change in rate x old volume

        Variances due to volume = Change in volume x new rate

(2) Income on tax exempt securities is stated on a fully taxable basis. The assumed rate is 34%.

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES


     Total other operating income for the third quarter of 2003 was $768,058 compared to $731,163 for the same period in 2002, an increase of $36,895, or 5%. Total other operating income for the first nine months amounted to $2.7 million for 2003 compared to $2.6 million for 2002, an increase of $107,579 or just over 4%. In 2003, the Company sold four of its investments from the Corporate Bond portfolio netting a gain before taxes of $132,312 accounting for the increase. Income generated through the sale and servicing of loans sold to the secondary market for the first nine months of 2003 constitutes a large portion of other income with figures of $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $636,445 for 2002. The sale of the Company's Trust Operations in 2002 offset the increase in servicing income for 2003.


     Total other operating expenses for the third quarter comparison periods increased to $2.7 million for 2003 from $2.6 million for 2002, with salaries accounting for 38% of total operating expenses, as well as the biggest increase of $152,917 or 17.2% for 2003 versus 2002. The opening of the Barre branch mentioned earlier attributes to a portion of this increase. Other expenses accounts for 34% of total operating expenses, and notes a decrease of $56,442 for the comparison periods. Total other operating expenses of $7.9 million and $7.8 million are reported for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, respectively. The only decrease for the comparison period was in other expenses. Losses on the Company's investment in Limited Partnerships for affordable housing (explained below) totaled $298,741 for 2003 compared to $400,500 for 2002 accounting for a portion of the decrease in other expense for the first nine months of 2003 compared to 2002. Additionally, in 2002, the Company chose to expense the remaining goodwill associated with the acquisition of the Liberty Savings Bank charter amounting to $245,575.


     
The Limited Partnership programs, or investments as they are generally referred to, involve low income housing projects throughout the Company's servicing area, and offer a range of tax advantages for all participants. The Company amortizes its investments in these limited partnerships under the effective yield method, resulting in the asset being amortized consistent with the periods in which the Company receives the tax benefit. Investment in limited partnerships with qualified rehabilitation credits results in a large portion of the benefit received in the form of tax credits in the first year, resulting in a lower tax expense. Consistent with applying the effective yield method, amortization of the asset is also proportionately larger in the first year. These investments also assist the Company in fulfilling its obligations under the federal Community Reinvestment Act.


     Management monitors all components of other operating expenses; however, a quarterly review is performed to assure that the accruals for these expenses are accurate. This helps alleviate the need to make significant adjustments to these accounts that in turn affect the net income of the Company.


APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES


     Provisions for income taxes increased $47,772 with figures of $289,672 for the third quarter of 2003 versus $241,901 for the same period in 2002. Provisions for income taxes for the first nine months were reported at $877,956 for 2003 and $828,080 for 2002.


RISK MANAGEMENT


Liquidity Risk - Liquidity management refers to the ability of the Company to adequately cover fluctuations in assets and liabilities. Meeting loan demand (assets) and covering the withdrawal of deposit funds (liabilities) are two key components of the liquidity management process. The repayment of loans and growth in deposits are two of the major sources of liquidity. Other time deposits decreased $528,497 as of the end of the first nine months of 2003, while time deposits greater than $100,000 increased $978,203. A review of these deposits indicates that they are primarily generated locally and regionally and are established customers of the Company. Savings accounts increased $4.8 million, despite the decrease in the rate earned on these funds. The Company experienced a decrease in municipal deposit accounts during the first three months of 2003, and then as anticipated, due to normal municipal tax collection cycles, began to increase during the second and third quarter of 2003.


     The Company believes that a portion of the increase in deposits is due to the current economic environment, as customers seek a safe haven for their money. This has created a high level of liquidity that the Company considers temporary. The Company has purchased assets, primarily 3-5 year Government Agency securities, attempting to maximize yields and maintain adequate liquidity.


     In January of 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with Promontory Interfinancial Network making it possible to offer FDIC Insured deposits beyond the $100,000 limit. This Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) uses a deposit-matching engine to match CDARS deposits in other participating banks, dollar- for-dollar. This product is designed to enhance customer attraction and retention, build deposits and improve net interest margins, while providing additional FDIC coverage to customers. Promontory now offers member banks an opportunity to participate with one-way orders. Banks can either accept deposits as a surplus bank or invest in CDARS offered by banks seeking funding without matching funds.


     Due to the nature of the placement of funds, CDARS deposits are defined as "brokered deposits". It has always been the Company's policy not to accept brokered deposits. The Company's Asset Liability policy now states that the Company will not accept brokered deposits other than through the CDARS program in the Promontory Interfinancial Network.


     During the first quarter, the Company had placed three test-Certificates of Deposit in the CDARS program. These were short-term and matured during the reporting period. As of September 30, 2003, the Company reported a total balance of $212,000 in this product, $97,000 as a test CD, and $115,000 as surplus funds. The Company will continue to monitor the development of this product closely and manage any associated risk accordingly.


     The Company's in house loan portfolio decreased $929,185 over the last nine months, while the investment portfolio increased a total of $17 million for the same time period. As of September 30, 2003, the Company held in its investment portfolio securities classified as "Available for Sale" at a fair value of $48.5 million, compared to $41 million as of December 31, 2002, an increase of $7.4 million or 18%. Securities classified as "Held to Maturity" ended the first nine months of 2003 at a book value of $48.6 million compared to just under $39.0 million as of the end of the 2002 calendar year. Both of these types of investments mature at monthly intervals as shown on the gap report at the end of this section. Securities classified as "Restricted Equity Securities" are made up of equity securities the Company is required to maintain in the form of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank stock. FHLB stock increased $47,800, increasing the combined restrict ed stock balance to $1.4 million as of September 30, 2003.


     The Company has a $4.3 million credit line with FHLB. Interest is chargeable at a rate determined daily of approximately 25 basis points higher than the rate paid on fed funds sold. Additional borrowing capacity of approximately $95.5 million is available through the FHLB, which is secured by the Company's qualifying loan portfolio. As of September 30, 2003, the Company has advances of just over $5 million against the $95.5 million in borrowing authority at FHLB, and no advances against the $4.3 million credit line. Under a separate agreement, the Company has the authority to collateralize public unit deposits, such as the Company's collateralized government agency accounts mentioned above, up to its FHLB borrowing capacity ($95.5 million less outstanding advances) with letters of credit issued by FHLB. At September 30, 2003, approximately $41.7 million was pledged as collateral for these deposits. Interest is charged to the Company quarterly based on the average daily balance outstanding at an annual rate of 20 basis points. At September 30, 2003, an average daily balance of approximately $8 million was reported.


Credit Risk - A primary concern of management is to reduce the exposure of credit loss within the portfolio. Management follows established underwriting guidelines, and any exceptions to the policy must be approved by a lender with higher authority than the lender originating the loan. The adequacy of the loan loss coverage is reviewed quarterly by the risk management committee of the Board of Directors. This committee meets to discuss, among other matters, potential exposures, historical loss experience, and overall economic conditions. Existing or potential problems are noted and addressed by senior management in order to assess the risk of probable loss or delinquency. A variety of loans are reviewed periodically by an independent firm in order to assure accuracy of the Company's internal risk ratings and compliance with various internal policies and procedures, as well as those set by the regulatory authorities. The Company also employs a Credit Administration Officer whose duties include monitori ng and reporting on the status of the loan portfolio including delinquent and non-performing loans.


     Specific allocations are made in the allowance for loan losses in situations management believes may represent a greater risk for loss. A quarterly review of various qualitative factors, including levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals and national and local economic trends and conditions, helps to ensure that areas with potential risk are noted and coverage increased or decreased to reflect the trends in delinquencies and non-accruals. Residential mortgage loans make up the largest part of the loan portfolio and have the lowest historical loss ratio helping to alleviate the overall risk.

 

The following table reflects the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as of September 30:

2003

2002

(Dollars in Thousands)

Total

% of

Total

% of

Loans

Total

Loans

Total

Real Estate Loans

  Construction & Land

   Development

9,402

4.63%

7,404

3.69%

  Farm Land

2,705

1.33%

2,659

1.33%

  1-4 Family Residential

119,703

59.00%

116,906

58.26%

  Commercial Real Estate

28,524

14.06%

33,041

16.47%

Loans to Finance

  Agricultural Production

500

0.25%

390

0.19%

Commercial & Industrial

18,661

9.20%

15,503

7.73%

Consumer Loans

23,008

11.34%

24,202

12.06%

All Other Loans

398

0.20%

550

0.27%

     Gross Loans

202,901

100%

200,655

100%

Less:

  Reserve for Loan Losses

(2,213

)

-1.09%

(2,161

)

-1.08%

  Deferred Loan Fees

(788

)

-0.39%

(926

)

-0.46%

     Net Loans

199,900

98.52%

197,568

98.46%

Allowance for loan losses and provisions - The valuation allowance for loan losses of $2.2 million as of September 30, 2003 composed 1.1% of the total gross loan portfolio. As of such date, the Company maintained a residential loan portfolio of $120 million and a commercial real estate portfolio (including construction, land development and farm land loans) of $41 million, accounting for approximately 79% of the total loan portfolio. This volume, together with the low historical loan loss experience in these portfolios, helps to support the Company's basis for loan loss coverage.

The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience for the

nine months ended September 30,

(Dollars in Thousands)

2003  

2002  

Loans Outstanding End of Period

202,901

200,655

Ave. Loans Outstanding During Period

205,236

194,279

Loan Loss Reserve, Beginning of Period

2,156

2,008

Loans Charged Off:

  Real Estate

0

55

  Commercial

0

0

  Consumer

142

162

          Total

142

217

Recoveries:

  Real Estate

2

3

  Commercial

1

4

  Consumer

93

87

          Total

96

94

Net Loans Charged Off

46

123

Provision Charged to Income

103

276

Loan Loss Reserve, End of Period

2,213

2,161

 

Non-performing assets for the comparison periods were as follows:

 

09/30/2003

12/31/2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

Percent

Balance

Percent

 

 

of Total

 

of Total

Non-Accruing loans

$1,195,920

87.24%

$1,631,330

82.05%

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing

86,688

6.32%

356,874

17.95%

Other real estate owned

      88,277

   6.44%

               0

   0.00%

   Total

$1,370,885

100.00%

$1,988,204

100.00%

     Other real estate owned is made up of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through normal foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure. The value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to other real estate owned. The balance transferred to OREO is the lesser of the appraised value of the property, or the book value of the loan, less cost to sell. A write-down may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value. Appraisals are then done periodically thereafter charging any additional write-downs to the appropriate expense account.


Market Risk and Asset and Liability Management - Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes. The Company's market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure and attempts to structure the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk. The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, liquidity, and various business strategies. The Asset/Liability Management Committee 's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the Company's interest rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the entire balance sheet, and a simulation analysis which calculates projected net interest income based on alternative balance sheet and interest rate scenarios, including "rate shock" scenarios involving immediate substantial increases or decreases in market rates of interest.


Interest Rate Sensitivity "Gap" Analysis - An interest rate sensitivity "gap" is defined as the difference between the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within a given time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely. Because different types of assets and liabilities with the same or similar maturities may react differently to changes in overall mar ket interest rates or conditions, changes in interest rates may affect net interest income positively or negatively even if an institution were perfectly matched in each maturity category.


     The Company prepares its interest rate sensitivity "gap" analysis by scheduling assets and liabilities into periods based upon the next date on which such assets and liabilities could mature or reprice. The amounts of assets and liabilities shown within a particular period were determined in accordance with the contractual term of the assets and liabilities, except that:

Adjustable-rate loans and certificates of deposit are included in the period when they are first scheduled to adjust and not in the period in which they mature;

Fixed-rate loans reflect scheduled contractual amortization, with no estimated prepayments;

and,

NOW, money markets, and savings deposits, which do not have contractual maturities, reflect estimated levels of attrition, which are based on studies of historical experiences by the Company of the sensitivity of each such category of deposit, to changes in interest rates.

     Management believes that these assumptions approximate actual experience and considers them reasonable. However, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities in the tables could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from the historical experiences on which the assumptions are based. The following tables set forth the estimated maturity or repricing of the Company's interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at September 30, 2003, and December 31, 2002.

 

GAP ANALYSIS

Community Bancorp. & Subsidiary

September 30, 2003

Cumulative repriced within:

Dollars in thousands,

3 Months

4 to 12

1 to 3

3 to 5

Over 5

 by repricing date

or less

Months

Years

Years

Years

Total

Interest sensitive assets:

Federal funds sold

660

0

0

0

0

660

Overnight deposits

59

0

0

0

0

59

Investments -

  Available for Sale

0

2,083

16,940

19,112

10,307

48,442

  Held to Maturity

8,011

30,165

2,797

2,100

5,514

48,587

Restricted equity securities

0

0

0

0

1,357

1,357

Loans(1)

48,777

47,215

39,826

14,463

51,423

201,704

   Total interest sensitive assets

57,507

79,463

59,563

35,675

68,601

300,809

Interest sensitive liabilities:

Certificates of deposit

18,417

36,035

33,908

14,185

0

102,545

Money markets

3,428

32,441

0

0

24,000

59,869

Regular savings

0

12,559

0

0

30,000

42,559

Now and super now accounts

0

0

0

0

30,688

30,688

Borrowed funds

0

0

0

30

5,010

5,040

Repurchase agreements

10,947

         0

         0

         0

         0

  10,947

   Total interest sensitive liabilities

32,792

81,035

33,908

14,215

89,698

251,648

Net interest rate sensitivity gap

24,715

(1,572

)

25,655

21,460

(21,097

)

Cumulative net interest rate

sensitivity gap

24,715

23,143

48,798

70,258

49,161

Cumulative net interest rate

sensitivity gap as a

percentage of total assets

7.72%

7.23%

15.25%

21.95%

15.36%

Cumulative interest sensitivity

gap as a percentage of total

interest-earning assets

8.22%

7.69%

16.22%

23.36%

16.34%

Cumulative interest earning assets

as a percentage of cumulative

interest-bearing liabilities

175.37%

120.33%

133.03%

143.38%

119.54%

(1) Loan totals exclude non-accruing loans amounting to $1,195,920.

 

GAP ANALYSIS

Community Bancorp. & Subsidiaries

December 31, 2002

Cumulative repriced within:

Dollars in thousands,

3 Months

4 to 12

1 to 3

3 to 5

Over 5

by repricing date

or less

Months

Years

Years

Years

Total

Interest sensitive assets:

Federal funds sold

2,100

0

0

0

0

2,100

Overnight deposits

2,980

0

0

0

0

2,980

Investments -

  Available for Sale

0

0

18,066

13,514

9,495

41,075

  Held to Maturity

708

22,033

3,686

5,897

6,645

38,969

Restricted equity securities

0

0

0

0

1,309

1,309

Loans(1)

46,225

47,906

47,029

17,298

46,994

205,452

   Total interest sensitive assets

52,013

69,939

68,781

36,709

64,443

291,885

Interest sensitive liabilities:

Certificates of deposit

12,331

44,227

25,339

20,199

0

102,096

Money markets

113

32,380

0

0

24,000

56,493

Regular savings

0

7,737

0

0

30,000

37,737

Now and super now accounts

0

0

0

0

32,293

32,293

Borrowed funds

0

0

0

30

5,010

5,040

Repurchase agreements

14,069

         0

         0

         0

         0

  14,069

   Total interest sensitive liabilities

26,513

84,344

25,339

20,229

91,303

247,728

Net interest rate sensitivity gap

25,500

(14,405

)

43,442

16,480

(26,860

)

Cumulative net interest rate

sensitivity gap

25,500

11,095

54,537

71,017

44,157

Cumulative net interest rate

sensitivity gap as a

percentage of total assets

8.25%

3.59%

17.64%

22.97%

14.28%

Cumulative interest sensitivity

gap as a percentage of total

interest-earning assets

8.74%

3.80%

18.68%

24.33%

15.13%

Cumulative interest earning assets

as a percentage of cumulative

interest-bearing liabilities

196.18%

110.01%

140.04%

145.40%

117.82%

(1) Loan totals exclude non-accruing loans amounting to $1,631,330.

 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK


The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans, and commitments to sell loans. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.


The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. For interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans, the contract or notional amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss. The Company controls the credit risk of their interest rate cap agreements through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures.


The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Financial instruments whose contract amount represent credit risk

Contract or

at September 30, 2003 (in thousands)

----Notional Amount----

 

 

 

Mortgage loan commitments

$5,745

 

Unused commercial lines of credit

8,218

 

Unused portions of construction loans

4,788

 

Unused portion credit card lines

7,685

 

Unused home equity lines of credit

3,656

 

 

 

 

Standby letters of credit

449

 

 

 

 

MPF credit enhancement obligation

434

 

 

 

 

     Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. At September 30, 2003, the Company had binding loan commitments at fixed rates approximating $2.8 million that are included in the "mortgage loan commitments" figure above.


     In February of 2003, the Company began selling loans under a new program with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB), the Mortgage Partnership Finance program (MPF). The MPF program offers members a new opportunity to originate and sell investment quality mortgages. While selling loans to the secondary market is not new business for the Company, this partnership with FHLB is different in that the bank shares in a portion of the credit risk of each mortgage, and receives fee income in return. These loans meet specific underwriting standards of the FHLB. To date, the Company has funded $21.7 million in loans with MPF, with the credit risk determined to be immaterial to the Company's financial performance. The volume of loans sold to the MPF program and the corresponding credit obligation continues to be closely monitored by management.


     The Company evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral held varies but may include real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.


     Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.


     The Company enters into a variety of interest rate contracts, including interest rate caps and floors written on adjustable rate loans in managing its interest rate exposure. Interest rate caps and floors on loans written by the Company enable customers to transfer, modify, or reduce their interest rate risk.


AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Contractual Obligations as of September 30, 2003

Payment due by period

 

Less than

1-3

3-5

More than

 

 

1 year

years

years

5 years

Total

Operating Leases

$174,571

$276,305

$210,571

$  772,514

$1,433,961

Housing Limited Partnerships

504,267

932,996

0

0

1,437,263

FHLB Borrowings

             0

             0

     30,000

  5,010,000

   5,040,000

   Total

$678,838

$1,209,301

$240,571

$5,782,514

$7,911,224

EFFECTS OF INFLATION


     Rates of inflation affect the reported financial condition and results of operations of all industries, including the banking industry. The effect of monetary inflation is generally magnified in bank financial and operating statements. As costs and prices rise during periods of monetary inflation, cash and credit demands of individuals and businesses increase, and the purchasing power of net monetary assets declines. The Company depends primarily on a strong net interest income to enable it to maintain its purchasing power.


CAPITAL RESOURCES


     The Company periodically repurchases its own common stock under a stock buyback program initially authorized by the Board of Directors in April of 2000. Under the terms of the stock buyback, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time in open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions, as market conditions may warrant. The initial authorization for the repurchase of up to 205,000 shares of common stock was extended by the Board of Directors on October 15, 2002 to cover an additional 200,000 shares, with an aggregate limit for such additional share repurchases of $3.5 million. As of September 30, 2003 the Company had repurchased 152,463 shares at a total cost of approximately $1,739,166, including fees and commissions, since the inception of the program.


     The Company's stockholders' equity, which started the year at $25,705,102, increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, through earnings of $2,998,526; sales of common stock of $340,282 through dividend reinvestment. It decreased through adjustments of $328,008 for other comprehensive income pertaining to the valuation of securities, $7,981 for cash out of fractional shares associated with dividend reinvestment shares and the repurchase of stock through the stock buyback program, and dividends declared totaling $1,203,755. A cash dividend of $0.16 per share and a 5% stock dividend were declared in December of 2002 and paid in February of 2003. As a result, both dividends along with the dividend reinvestment plan entry and associated shares were booked in 2002 to stockholders' equity. Stockholder's equity ended the first nine months of 2003 at $27,504,166 with a book value of $7.30 per share.


     Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September 30, 2003, that the Company meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.


     As of September 30, 2003, the Company and its Subsidiary were deemed well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. As of September 30, 2003 the Company reported risk-weighted assets of approximately $171 million compared to almost $169 million at December 31, 2002. From time to time the Company may make contributions to the capital of its consolidated subsidiary, Community National Bank. At present, regulatory authorities have made no demand on the Company to make additional capital contributions to the Bank's capital.

The Company's actual capital amounts and ratios (000's omitted), based on unaudited financial information as of September 30, 2003, and audited financial information as of December 31, 2002, are presented in the following table.

 

 

 

 

Minimum to be Well

 

 

 

Minimum

Capitalized Under

 

 

 

For Capital

Prompt Corrective

 

Actual

Adequacy Purposes:

Action Provisions:

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

As of September 30, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$28,989

16.92%

$13,704

8.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$28,083

16.40%

$13,698

8.0%

$17,123

10.0%

Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$26,847

15.67%

$  6,852

4.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$25,942

15.15%

$  6,849

4.0%

$ 10,274

6.0%

Tier I capital (to average assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$26,847

8.47%

$12,685

4.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$25,942

8.18%

$12,683

4.0%

$15,854

5.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$26,828

15.91%

$13,487

8.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$25,350

15.04%

$13,484

8.0%

$16,855

10.0%

Tier I capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$24,720

14.66%

$  6,743

4.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$23,243

13.79%

$  6,742

4.0%

$10,113

6.0%

Tier I capital (to average assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Consolidated

$24,720

7.97%

$12,407

4.0%

N/A

N/A

   Subsidiary (Community National Bank)

$23,243

7.49%

$12,406

4.0%

$15,507

5.0%

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Incorporated by reference to the section of this report labeled "Risk Management" in Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

     As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and its Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There were no changes during the Company's last fiscal quarter in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures that have materially affected, or are reaso nably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

     As of September 30, 2003, there were no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company was a party or of which any of its property was the subject. In the normal course of business, the Company has routine litigation incidental to its banking business.

ITEM 2. Changes in Securities

       NONE

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

       NONE

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

       NONE

ITEM 5. Other Information

       NONE

ITEM 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a) Exhibits

Exhibit 31.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Form 8-K dated July 8, 2003 announcing the earnings and other financial information for the period ended June 30, 2003.

 

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.

 

COMMUNITY BANCORP.

 


DATED: November 6, 2003

By: /s/ Richard C. White          

 

Richard C. White, President

 

 

DATED: November 6, 2003

By: /s/Stephen P. Marsh          

 

Stephen P. Marsh,

 

Vice President & Treasurer