Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

 


 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

         For the quarterly period ended March 31, 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: 0-12724

 


 

Belmont Bancorp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio

 

34-1376776

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

325 Main St., Bridgeport, Ohio

 

43912

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(740)-695-3323

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

 


 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Common Stock, $0.25 par value,

11,108,403 shares outstanding

as of May 5, 2003

 



Table of Contents

 

BELMONT BANCORP

Quarter Ending March 31, 2003

 

INDEX

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

    
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

  

3

    

Consolidated Statements of Income—Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002

  

4

    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002

  

5

    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002

  

6

    

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

  

7

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  

12

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

  

18

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  

18

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

    

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  

19

Item 2.

  

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

  

19

Item 3.

  

Defaults upon Senior Securities

  

19

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  

19

Item 5.

  

Other Information

  

19

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  

20

Signature page

  

20

Certifications

  

21

 

 

2


Table of Contents

 

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited) ($000s except share and per share amounts)

 

    

March 31, 2003


    

December 31, 2002


 

Assets

                 

Cash and due from banks

  

$

10,095

 

  

$

9,316

 

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

  

 

158

 

  

 

124

 

Federal funds sold

  

 

10,500

 

  

 

13,600

 

    


  


Cash and cash equivalents

  

 

20,753

 

  

 

23,040

 

Loans held for sale

  

 

874

 

  

 

786

 

Securities available for sale at fair value

  

 

120,631

 

  

 

122,794

 

Loans

  

 

133,886

 

  

 

130,759

 

Less allowance for loan losses

  

 

(4,337

)

  

 

(4,287

)

    


  


Net loans

  

 

129,549

 

  

 

126,472

 

Premises and equipment, net

  

 

6,140

 

  

 

6,177

 

Deferred federal tax assets

  

 

5,185

 

  

 

5,207

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

  

 

1,305

 

  

 

1,275

 

Accrued income receivable

  

 

1,609

 

  

 

1,600

 

Other assets

  

 

2,393

 

  

 

2,117

 

    


  


Total assets

  

$

288,439

 

  

$

289,468

 

    


  


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                 

Liabilities

                 

Non-interest bearing deposits:

                 

Demand

  

$

27,303

 

  

$

28,721

 

Interest-bearing deposits:

                 

Demand

  

 

29,178

 

  

 

28,800

 

Savings

  

 

98,167

 

  

 

94,346

 

Time

  

 

74,564

 

  

 

78,376

 

    


  


Total deposits

  

 

229,212

 

  

 

230,243

 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

  

 

365

 

  

 

1,307

 

Long-term borrowings

  

 

21,046

 

  

 

21,050

 

Accrued interest on deposits and other borrowings

  

 

362

 

  

 

377

 

Other liabilities

  

 

2,417

 

  

 

1,734

 

    


  


Total liabilities

  

 

253,402

 

  

 

254,711

 

    


  


Shareholders’ Equity

                 

Preferred stock—authorized 90,000 shares with no par value; no shares issued or outstanding

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Common stock—$0.25 par value, 17,800,000 shares authorized; 11,153,195 shares issued

  

 

2,788

 

  

 

2,788

 

Additional paid-in capital

  

 

17,543

 

  

 

17,539

 

Retained earnings

  

 

14,431

 

  

 

13,961

 

Treasury stock at cost (44,792 shares)

  

 

(1,009

)

  

 

(1,009

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  

 

1,284

 

  

 

1,478

 

    


  


Total shareholders’ equity

  

 

35,037

 

  

 

34,757

 

    


  


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  

$

288,439

 

  

$

289,468

 

    


  


 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

 

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited) ($000s except per share amounts)

 

    

For the Three Months Ended March 31,


 
    

2003


  

2002


 

Interest and Dividend Income

               

Loans:

               

Taxable

  

$

2,206

  

$

2,102

 

Tax-exempt

  

 

39

  

 

45

 

Securities:

               

Taxable

  

 

1,193

  

 

1,191

 

Tax-exempt

  

 

47

  

 

327

 

Dividends

  

 

45

  

 

46

 

Interest on federal funds sold

  

 

41

  

 

88

 

    

  


Total interest and dividend income

  

 

3,571

  

 

3,799

 

    

  


Interest Expense

               

Deposits

  

 

1,117

  

 

1,495

 

Other borrowings

  

 

244

  

 

239

 

    

  


Total interest expense

  

 

1,361

  

 

1,734

 

    

  


Net interest income

  

 

2,210

  

 

2,065

 

Provision for loan losses

  

 

0

  

 

0

 

    

  


Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  

 

2,210

  

 

2,065

 

    

  


Noninterest Income

               

Trust fees

  

 

125

  

 

128

 

Service charges on deposits

  

 

253

  

 

221

 

Legal settlements

  

 

0

  

 

3,933

 

Other operating income

  

 

208

  

 

196

 

Securities gains (losses)

  

 

168

  

 

(63

)

Gains on sale of loans held for sale

  

 

137

  

 

60

 

    

  


Total noninterest income

  

 

891

  

 

4,475

 

    

  


Noninterest Expense

               

Salary and employee benefits

  

 

1,254

  

 

1,262

 

Net occupancy expense of premises

  

 

238

  

 

231

 

Equipment expenses

  

 

196

  

 

211

 

Legal fees

  

 

31

  

 

597

 

Legal settlements expense

  

 

53

  

 

559

 

Other operating expenses

  

 

737

  

 

752

 

    

  


Total noninterest expense

  

 

2,509

  

 

3,612

 

    

  


Income before income taxes

  

 

592

  

 

2,928

 

Income Tax Expense

  

 

122

  

 

844

 

    

  


Net Income

  

$

470

  

$

2,084

 

    

  


Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share

  

$

0.04

  

$

0.19

 

    

  


 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

 

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited) ($000s)

 

    

Three Months Ended March 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


 

Balance at beginning of period

  

$

34,757

 

  

$

25,846

 

Comprehensive income:

                 

Net income

  

 

470

 

  

 

2,084

 

Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of reclassification and tax effects

  

 

(194

)

  

 

(120

)

    


  


Total comprehensive income

  

 

276

 

  

 

1,964

 

Common stock options vested

  

 

4

 

  

 

8

 

    


  


Balance at end of period

  

$

35,037

 

  

$

27,818

 

    


  


 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

 

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

(Unaudited) ($000’s)

 

    

2003


    

2002


 

Cash from Operating Activities

  

$

1,151

 

  

$

2,693

 

Investing Activities

                 

Proceeds from:

                 

Maturities and calls of securities

  

 

5,071

 

  

 

3,070

 

Sales of securities available for sale

  

 

2,740

 

  

 

6,945

 

Principal collected on mortgage-backed securities

  

 

7,340

 

  

 

9,008

 

Sales of other real estate owned

  

 

53

 

  

 

0

 

Purchases of:

                 

Securities available for sale

  

 

(13,499

)

  

 

(26,078

)

Premises and equipment

  

 

(97

)

  

 

(115

)

Changes in:

                 

Loans, net

  

 

(3,069

)

  

 

790

 

    


  


Cash from investing activities

  

 

(1,461

)

  

 

(6,380

)

    


  


Financing Activities

                 

Payments on long term debt

  

 

(4

)

  

 

0

 

Changes in:

                 

Deposits

  

 

(1,031

)

  

 

(4,784

)

Repurchase agreements

  

 

(942

)

  

 

250

 

    


  


Cash from financing activities

  

 

(1,977

)

  

 

(4,534

)

    


  


Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  

 

(2,287

)

  

 

(8,221

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

  

 

23,040

 

  

 

32,187

 

    


  


Cash and Cash Equivalents at March 31

  

$

20,753

 

  

$

23,966

 

    


  


Cash payments for interest

  

$

1,376

 

  

$

1,905

 

Cash payments for income taxes

  

 

0

 

  

 

0

 

Non-cash transfers from loans to other real estate owned and repossessions

  

 

70

 

  

 

0

 

 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Belmont Bancorp and its subsidiaries, Belmont National Bank (the “Bank”) and Belmont Financial Network. Material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The foregoing financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements have been included. A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set forth in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates particularly subject to change would include the allowance for loan losses, deferred tax valuation allowance, fair value of financial instruments, and loss contingencies.

 

While management monitors the revenue streams of the various Company products and services, the identifiable segments are not material and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company’s service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

 

Earnings Per Common Share: Average shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share differ due to stock option grants. The average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows:

 

    

Number

of Shares


Basic earnings per share:

    

For the three months ended March 31, 2003

  

11,108,403

For the three months ended March 31, 2002

  

11,101,403

Diluted earnings per share:

    

For the three months ended March 31, 2003

  

11,176,404

For the three months ended March 31, 2002

  

11,140,729

 

Stock Compensation: Employee compensation expense under stock options is reported using the intrinsic value method. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income for options granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying common stock at date of grant. Compensation expense is reflected in net income for certain options granted with an exercise price below the market price of the underlying common stock at the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the

 

7


Table of Contents

effect on net income and earnings per share if expense was measured using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.

 

    

For the Three Months Ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands except per share amounts)


  

2003


    

2002


 

Net income as reported

  

$

470

 

  

$

2,084

 

Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method

  

 

(22

)

  

 

(11

)

    


  


Pro forma net income

  

$

448

 

  

$

2,073

 

    


  


Basic earnings per share as reported

  

$

0.04

 

  

$

0.19

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share

  

 

0.04

 

  

 

0.19

 

Diluted earnings per share as reported

  

$

0.04

 

  

$

0.19

 

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

  

 

0.04

 

  

 

0.19

 

 

  2.   Securities

 

The estimated fair values of securities were as follows:

 

    

March 31, 2003


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

Estimated Fair

Value


  

Gross Unrealized Gains


  

Gross Unrealized Losses


 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

  

$

29,755

  

$

526

  

$

(4

)

Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions

  

 

2,232

  

 

167

  

 

(49

)

Taxable obligations of states and political subdivisions

  

 

21,364

  

 

546

  

 

(12

)

Mortgage-backed securities

  

 

37,249

  

 

839

  

 

(103

)

Collateralized mortgage obligations

  

 

11,010

  

 

313

  

 

—  

 

Corporate debt

  

 

11,933

  

 

264

  

 

(620

)

Asset-backed securities

  

 

958

  

 

6

  

 

—  

 

    

  

  


Total debt securities

  

 

114,501

  

 

2,661

  

 

(788

)

Marketable equity securities

  

 

6,130

  

 

74

  

 

—  

 

    

  

  


Total available for sale

  

$

120,631

  

$

2,735

  

$

(788

)

    

  

  


 

    

December 31, 2002


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

Estimated Fair Value


  

Gross Unrealized Gains


  

Gross Unrealized Losses


 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies

  

$

33,004

  

$

609

  

$

(6

)

Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions

  

 

3,596

  

 

181

  

 

(54

)

Taxable obligations of states and political subdivisions

  

 

20,042

  

 

642

  

 

—  

 

Mortgage-backed securities

  

 

36,002

  

 

870

  

 

(116

)

Collateralized mortgage obligations

  

 

9,806

  

 

368

  

 

(1

)

Corporate debt

  

 

13,011

  

 

243

  

 

(666

)

Asset-backed securities

  

 

1,017

  

 

17

  

 

—  

 

    

  

  


Total debt securities

  

 

116,478

  

 

2,930

  

 

(843

)

Marketable equity securities

  

 

6,316

  

 

152

  

 

—  

 

    

  

  


Total available for sale

  

$

122,794

  

$

3,082

  

$

(843

)

    

  

  


 

8


Table of Contents

 

  3.   Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Loans outstanding are as follows:

 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

March 31,

2003


  

December 31,

2002


Real estate-construction

  

$

3,810

  

$

3,856

Real estate-mortgage

  

 

49,107

  

 

49,536

Real estate-secured by nonfarm, nonresidential property

  

 

52,470

  

 

47,698

Commercial, financial and agricultural

  

 

23,106

  

 

24,057

Obligations of political subdivisions in the U.S.

  

 

2,460

  

 

2,505

Installment and credit card loans to individuals

  

 

2,933

  

 

3,107

    

  

Loans receivable

  

$

133,886

  

$

130,759

    

  

 

Non-accruing loans amounted to $3,016,000 and $3,171,000 at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. Generally, non-accruing loans are considered impaired and are also included in the impaired loan table below. Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest were $34,000 and $32,000 at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

 

Impaired loans were as follows:

 

(Expressed in thousands)


    

March 31, 2003


    

December 31, 2002


Impaired loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses

    

$

185

    

$

134

Impaired loans with allocated allowance for loan losses

    

 

2,976

    

 

3,223

      

    

Total

    

$

3,161

    

$

3,357

      

    

Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated

    

$

1,031

    

$

1,022

 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

March 31, 2003


  

March 31, 2002


Average impaired loans

  

$

3,259

  

$

5,704

Interest income recognized during impairment

  

 

0

  

 

51

Cash-basis interest income recognized

  

 

0

  

 

48

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows:

 

    

Three months ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

2003


    

2002


 

Balance, beginning of period

  

 

4,287

 

  

 

5,310

 

Provision for loan losses

  

 

0

 

  

 

0

 

Loans charged-off

  

 

(18

)

  

 

(100

)

Recoveries on loans previously charged-off

  

 

68

 

  

 

7

 

    


  


Net (charge offs) recoveries

  

 

50

 

  

 

(93

)

    


  


Balance, end of period

  

$

4,337

 

  

$

5,217

 

    


  


 

 

9


Table of Contents

 

The entire allowance represents a valuation reserve which is available for future charge-offs.

 

  4.   Stock Option Plan

 

In May 2001, the Company’s shareholders approved the Belmont Bancorp. 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan authorized the granting of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock as incentive and nonqualified stock options. Generally, one fourth of the options awarded become exercisable on each of the four anniversaries of the date of grant. However, some of the options granted in 2001 vested immediately on the date of the grant with the remaining amount vesting over the next three to four years. The option period expires 10 years from the date of grant.

 

The following is a summary of the activity in the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2003:

 

    

Available for Grant


  

Options Outstanding


    

Weighted Average Exercise Price


Balance at January 1, 2003

  

691,500

  

301,500

 

  

$

3.74

Forfeitures

  

7,500

  

(7,500

)

  

$

4.67

Granted

  

—  

  

—  

 

      
    
  

  

Balance at March 31, 2003

  

699,000

  

294,000

 

  

$

3.72

    
  

  

 

The Company accounts for the stock options under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, which requires expense recognition only when the exercise price is less than the market value of the underlying stock at the measurement date. Compensation expense, net of taxes, of $3,000 and $5,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to reflect the impact of granting certain options below their market price. Pro forma information for net income and earnings per common share is presented in Note 1.

 

  5.   Litigation

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in legal actions. Management believes, based on the advice of counsel, that no accrual for loss is necessary.

 

10


Table of Contents

 

Since the date of the filing of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, there have been no material new legal proceedings involving the Company or any material developments to the proceedings described in such 10-K, except as described below.

 

As described in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, Mr. James J. Fleagane, the shareholder who commenced a derivative action on behalf of the Company, filed a motion in the derivative litigation described in such 10-K seeking compensation for his time spent prosecuting the derivative action. On May 8, 2003, the Company and Mr. Fleagane agreed to settle all claims related to Mr. Fleagane’s motion and to release each other from any claims relating to the derivative litigation and Mr. Fleagane’s motion for compensation. The Company agreed to enter into the settlement in order to avoid the management time and Company expense that would be involved in opposing Mr. Fleagane’s motion.

 

11


Table of Contents

 

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

In addition to historic information, this report, as well as the notes to the consolidated financial statements, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “should,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur. Readers should also carefully review any risk factors described in Company reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Various statements made in this Report concerning the manner in which the Company intends to conduct its future operations, and potential trends that may impact future results of operations, are forward-looking statements. The Company may be unable to realize its plans and objectives due to various important factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described below. These and other factors are more fully discussed elsewhere in this Report.

 

    The Company has recognized substantial loan losses in past years, principally related to loans made under the direction of prior management. The volume of classified loans remains high relative to the Company’s peers. While the Company has created what it believes are appropriate loan loss reserves, the Company could incur significant additional loan losses in future periods, particularly if general economic conditions or conditions in particular industries in which its loans are concentrated deteriorate.

 

    The Company is subject to increasingly vigorous and intense competition from other banking institutions and from various financial institutions and other nonbank or non-regulated companies or firms that engage in similar activities. Many of these institutions have significantly greater resources than the Company.

 

    Certain credit, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with the Company’s business operations as well as changes in business and economic conditions, competition, fiscal and monetary policies and legislation could impact the future operations and performance of the Company.

 

12


Table of Contents

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

SUMMARY

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2003, Belmont Bancorp. earned $470,000, or $0.04 per common share, compared to earnings of $2,084,000, or $0.19 per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2002. Included in earnings for the first quarter of 2002 are proceeds from settlements of legal matters including a derivative action and related litigation. Exclusive of settlement proceeds and related expenses, the Company would have reported net earnings of $161,000 for the first quarter of 2002.

 

Average assets increased to $288 million for the first quarter of 2003, compared to $285 million for the first quarter of 2002. Total assets at March 31, 2003 were $288 million, down slightly from $289 million at December 31, 2002.

 

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis increased $17,000 for the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002. Average earning assets increased to $265 million during the first quarter of 2003 from $264 million for the first quarter of 2002. The taxable equivalent net interest margin was 3.45% and 3.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net interest rate spread (the difference between the average yields on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.05% for the first three months of 2003 compared to 2.98% for the comparable period of 2002. The taxable equivalent yield on earning assets declined to 5.53% from 6.09%, a decrease of 56 basis points, during the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002. This decline was offset by a decrease of 63 basis points in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.48% from 3.11%.

 

Interest rates across the maturity horizon remained low relative to historical levels during the first quarter of 2003. The Federal Open Market Committee (the “FOMC”) maintained a very accommodative stance to aid economic recovery. In November 2002, the FOMC reduced its targeted federal funds rate by 0.50% to 1.25%. This followed several federal funds rate cuts during 2001 when the targeted federal funds rate fell from 6.50% at the beginning of 2001 to 1.75% by the end of 2001. Likewise, the prime-lending rate fell from 9.50% at the beginning of 2001 to 4.25% by November 2002. Changing interest rates impact the Company through loan refinancing activity, reinvestment opportunities in loans and investments, and financing costs on its deposit base and other borrowings.

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

Changes in various categories of other income are depicted in the table below.

 

    

Three months ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

2003


  

2002


    

% Change


 

Trust fees

  

$

125

  

$

128

 

  

-2.3

%

Service charges on deposits

  

 

253

  

 

221

 

  

14.5

%

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

  

 

137

  

 

60

 

  

128.3

%

Legal settlements

  

 

0

  

 

3,933

 

  

-100.0

%

Other income (individually less than 1% of total income)

  

 

208

  

 

196

 

  

6.1

%

    

  


  

Subtotal

  

 

723

  

 

4,538

 

  

-84.1

%

Gains (losses) securities available for sale

  

 

168

  

 

(63

)

  

366.7

%

    

  


  

Total

  

$

891

  

$

4,475

 

  

-80.1

%

    

  


  

 

 

13


Table of Contents

 

Operating results during the first and second quarters of 2002 were impacted by a comprehensive legal settlement as more fully described in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. Other income during the first quarter of 2002 included $3.9 million in payments to the Company related to this settlement.

 

Trust fees declined modestly by $3,000, or 2.3%, for the first three months of 2003 compared to the first three months of 2002. The general decline in stock prices impacts trust fees since most fees are assessed on the market value of assets held in the trust accounts.

 

Capitalized mortgage servicing rights included in gains on sales of loans held for sale totaled $59,000 for the first three months of 2003 compared to $42,000 for the same period in 2002. Gains on sales of loans held for sale increased to $137,000 for the first three months of 2003 from $60,000 for the first three months of 2002. The total outstanding balance of mortgage loans sold without recourse and with servicing rights retained increased to $68.4 million at March 31, 2003 from $60.2 million at March 31, 2002.

 

Securities gains recorded during the first quarter of 2003 totaled $168,000 and included $92,000 in gains on sales of equity securities. Securities losses incurred during the first quarter of 2002 related to the sale of approximately $6.5 million in municipal bonds. Throughout 2002, the Bank reduced the tax-exempt municipal bond portfolio to reduce interest rate risk related to long term, fixed rate bonds and to increase taxable income to utilize its net operating loss carryforward.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The following table shows the dollar amounts and the percent change in various components of operating expenses.

 

    

Three months ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

2003


  

2002


  

% Change


 

Salaries and wages

  

$

996

  

$

1,000

  

-0.4

%

Employee benefits

  

 

258

  

 

262

  

-1.5

%

Occupancy expense

  

 

238

  

 

231

  

3.0

%

Furniture and equipment expense

  

 

196

  

 

211

  

-7.1

%

Legal fees

  

 

31

  

 

597

  

-94.8

%

Legal settlements

  

 

53

  

 

559

  

-90.5

%

Insurance, including federal deposit insurance

  

 

52

  

 

148

  

-64.9

%

Examinations and audits

  

 

87

  

 

121

  

-28.1

%

Telecommunication expense

  

 

37

  

 

41

  

-9.8

%

Taxes other than payroll and real estate

  

 

91

  

 

67

  

35.8

%

Supplies and printing

  

 

45

  

 

45

  

0.0

%

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

  

 

29

  

 

36

  

-19.4

%

Other (individually less than 1% of total income)

  

 

396

  

 

294

  

34.7

%

    

  

  

Total

  

$

2,509

  

$

3,612

  

-30.5

%

    

  

  

 

At March 31, 2003 the Company employed 130 full time equivalent employees, down from 131 full time equivalent employees at the end of March 2002.

 

Employee benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2003 were $258,000, down 1.5% from $262,000 for the first quarter of 2002. The decline was principally due to a lower profit sharing accrual during the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002.

 

Legal fees were $31,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003, down from $597,000 for the comparative period for 2002. The cost for the first quarter of 2002 included approximately $432,000 that related to the comprehensive legal settlement previously described.

 

 

14


Table of Contents

 

Legal settlements expense for the first three months of 2002 totaled $559,000 and included $179,000 in settlement charges related to the comprehensive legal settlement previously described. The remaining settlement charges for the first quarter of 2003 and 2002 related to various claims against the Company previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.

 

Two categories of expense declined during the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002 as a result of improvements to the Bank’s regulatory risk profile. Insurance expense for the first quarter of 2003 included cost savings related to a reduction in FDIC premiums paid by the Bank. FDIC costs declined by $98,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to the same period for 2002. Examination and audit expense declined to $87,000 for the first quarter of 2003 compared to $121,000 for the first quarter of 2002. Of this decline, $20,000 relates to savings for examination costs assessed for the Bank’s regulatory examinations.

 

Other taxes increased 35.8% to $91,000 for the first quarter of 2003 from $67,000 for the first quarter of 2002. This increase reflects higher state corporate franchise tax expense and is directly related to a larger capital base at year-end 2002 compared to year-end 2001.

 

Other operating expenses increased to $396,000 for the first quarter of 2003 compared to $294,000 for the same period in 2002. In 2003, the Company resumed payment of directors’ fees which totaled $40,000 for the first quarter. Higher expenditures for advertising, consulting and collection expenses also contributed to the increase in other operating expenses.

 

SECURITIES

 

The estimated fair value of securities available for sale at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 are detailed in Note 2 of the quarterly financial statements.

 

At March 31, 2003, the Company did not own any investments of a single issuer, the value of which exceeded 10% of total shareholders’ equity, or $3,193,000, except for stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. The book value and estimated fair value of this stock was $3,487,000 at March 31, 2003.

 

PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The Company provides as an expense an amount that reflects the change in probable loan losses. This provision is based on several factors including the growth of the loan portfolio and on historical loss experience. The expense is called the provision for loan losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Actual losses on loans are charged against the allowance established on the Consolidated Balance Sheets through the provision for loan losses.

 

Details of the activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses for the first quarter of 2003 and 2002 are included in Note 3 of the quarterly financial statements. No loan loss provision was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2003 or 2002 because the Company had an appropriate balance in the allowance based on its analysis of loan quality. The following table depicts various loan and loan-related statistics.

 

15


Table of Contents

 

    

Three months ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

2003


    

2002


 

Loans outstanding, end of period

  

$

133,886

 

  

$

114,809

 

Average loans

  

$

132,134

 

  

$

114,764

 

Annualized net charge offs (recoveries) as a percent of:

                 

Average loans

  

 

-0.09

%

  

 

0.32

%

Allowance for loan losses

  

 

-2.86

%

  

 

7.13

%

Allowance for loan losses to:

                 

Total loans at end of period

  

 

3.24

%

  

 

4.54

%

Non-performing assets

  

 

139.05

%

  

 

205.72

%

 

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

 

Non-performing assets consist of (1) non-accrual loans, leases and debt securities for which the ultimate collectibility of the full amount of interest is uncertain, (2) loans and leases past due ninety days or more as to principal or interest (unless management determines that, based on specific circumstances, interest should continue to accrue on such loans) and (3) other real estate owned. A loan is placed on non-accrual status when payment of the full amount of principal and interest is not expected, or when principal or interest has been in default for a period of ninety days or more unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. A summary of non-performing assets follows:

 

Non-performing assets

(Expressed in thousands)


  

March 31, 2003


    

Dec. 31, 2002


 

Non-accrual loans

  

$

3,016

 

  

$

3,171

 

Loans 90 days or more past due but accruing interest

  

 

34

 

  

 

33

 

Other real estate owned

  

 

69

 

  

 

50

 

    


  


Total

  

$

3,119

 

  

$

3,254

 

    


  


Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets

  

 

1.08

%

  

 

1.12

%

 

Details of impaired loans and related information are included in Note 3 of the quarterly financial statements.

 

In addition to the schedule of non-performing assets, management prepares a watch list consisting of loans which they have determined require closer monitoring to further protect the Company against loss. The balance of loans classified by management as substandard due to delinquency, a change in financial position, or other factors and not included as non-performing assets totaled $10,286,000 at March 31, 2003 and $11,419,000 at December 31, 2002.

 

LOAN CONCENTRATIONS

 

The Company uses the Standard Industry Code (SIC) system to determine concentrations of credit risk by industry. Management monitors concentrations of credit as measured by an industry’s total available and outstanding credit balance expressed as a percent of Tier 1 capital. Loan concentrations exceeding 25% of Tier 1 capital are detailed in the following tables.

 

 

16


Table of Contents

 

Industry


  

March 31, 2003


      

December 31, 2002


 

Real estate—operators of nonresidential buildings:

                   

Loan balance and available credit ($000s)

  

$

12,887

 

    

$

11,521

 

Percent of tier 1 capital

  

 

48.6

%

    

 

44.3

%

 

DEFERRED FEDERAL TAX ASSETS

 

Deferred federal tax assets totaled $5.2 million at March 31, 2003. The deferred federal tax assets include significant balances related to tax loss carryforwards and tax credits. It also includes the tax effect of recording securities available for sale at estimated market value. At March 31, 2003, management believes no deferred tax valuation allowance is needed as future estimated taxable income will be sufficient to realize the net deferred tax assets.

 

OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Other liabilities increased to $2.4 million at March 31, 2003 compared to $1.7 million at December 31, 2002. Other liabilities include amounts for various accrued expenses, accounts payable, and funds owed for securities traded but not yet settled. The increase in other liabilities for the comparative periods presented resulted from securities traded but not settled by March 31, 2003.

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The table below depicts the capital ratios for the Bank and for the Company on a consolidated basis as of March 31, 2003. In addition, the table depicts the requirements for classification as “adequately capitalized” and “to be well capitalized” under the regulatory guidelines for Prompt Corrective Action. Tier 1 capital consists principally of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and deferred tax assets, while Tier 2 capital consists of certain debt instruments and a portion of the allowance for loan losses. Total capital consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.

 

    

Actual


    

Minimum Required For Capital

Adequacy Purposes


    

Minimum Required To Be Well Capitalized

Under Prompt Corrective Action Regulations


 

As of March 31, 2003:


  

Amount


  

Ratio


    

Amount


  

Ratio


    

Amount


  

Ratio


 

Total risk based capital to risk weighted assets:

                                         

Consolidated

  

$

30,025

  

17.7

%

  

$

13,595

  

8.0

%

  

$

16,994

  

10.0

%

Bank

  

 

28,723

  

16.6

%

  

 

13,873

  

8.0

%

  

 

17,341

  

10.0

%

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:

                                         

Consolidated

  

 

27,873

  

16.4

%

  

 

6,798

  

4.0

%

  

 

10,196

  

6.0

%

Bank

  

 

26,529

  

15.3

%

  

 

6,936

  

4.0

%

  

 

10,405

  

6.0

%

Tier 1 capital to average assets:

                                         

Consolidated

  

 

27,873

  

9.9

%

  

 

11,233

  

4.0

%

  

 

14,041

  

5.0

%

Bank

  

 

26,529

  

9.5

%

  

 

11,176

  

4.0

%

  

 

13,971

  

5.0

%

 

17


Table of Contents

 

LIQUIDITY

 

Effective liquidity management involves ensuring that the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers, as well as the operating needs of the Company, are met. Funds are available through the operation of the Bank’s branch banking network that gathers demand and retail time deposits. The Bank also acquires funds through repurchase agreements and overnight federal funds that provide additional sources of liquidity. Total deposits decreased $1.0 million, or 0.4%, from December 31, 2002 to March 31, 2003. The Bank’s federal funds sold at March 31, 2003 totaled $10.5 million, down from $13.6 million at December 31, 2002.

 

Cash flows from the securities portfolio are also a source of liquidity. Proceeds from principal repayments, sales, calls and maturities of investment securities totaled $15.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2003. Securities available for sale decreased from $123 million at December 31, 2002 to $121 million at March 31, 2003.

 

The Bank has an available line of credit with a correspondent bank totaling $4,100,000 that may be used as an alternative funding source. The Bank also has an unused credit line with the Federal Home Loan Bank for $20 million. All borrowings at the Federal Home Loan Bank are subject to eligible collateral requirements; at March 31, 2003, the Bank had sufficient eligible collateral to utilize the credit line.

 

The main source of liquidity for the parent company is dividends from the Bank. At March 31, 2003, the parent had cash and marketable securities with an estimated fair value of $1.3 million. The parent company does not have any debt to third parties. Management believes sufficient liquidity is currently available to meet estimated short-term and long-term funding needs for the Bank and the parent company.

 

ITEM 3 —QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information required by Item 3 has been disclosed in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. There has been no material change in the disclosure regarding market risk.

 

ITEM 4. —CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for the timely recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of the information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

 

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 

18


Table of Contents

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal proceedings

 

Since the date of the filing of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, there have been no material new legal proceedings involving the Company or any material developments to the proceedings described in such 10-K except as described below.

 

As described in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, Mr. James J. Fleagane, the shareholder who commenced a derivative action on behalf of the Company, filed a motion in the derivative litigation described in such 10-K seeking compensation for his time spent prosecuting the derivative action. On May 8, 2003, the Company and Mr. Fleagane agreed to settle all claims related to Mr. Fleagane’s motion and to release each other from any claims relating to the derivative litigation and Mr. Fleagane’s motion for compensation. The Company agreed to enter into the settlement in order to avoid the management time and Company expense that would be involved in opposing Mr. Fleagane’s motion.

 

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 shareholders

 

None

 

Item 5. Other information

 

None

 

19


Table of Contents

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a)   Exhibits

 

3(i)

  

Articles of Incorporation (1)

3(ii)

  

Code of Regulations (2)

10.1

  

Employment Agreement dated December 15, 1999 between Wilbur R. Roat, Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank (3)

10.2

  

Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2001 between Michael Baylor, Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank (4)

10.3

  

Belmont Bancorp. 2001 Stock Option Plan (5)

99.1

  

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2003

99.2

  

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2003

 

  (1)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002.
  (2)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
  (3)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (4)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (5)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

 

None

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

BELMONT BANCORP.

(Registrant)

/s/    WILBUR R. ROAT        


Wilbur R. Roat

President & CEO

 

/s/    JANE R. MARSH        


Jane R. Marsh

Chief Financial Officer

 

May 9, 2003

 

20


Table of Contents

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Wilbur R. Roat, certify that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp.;

 

  2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

  6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date: May 9, 2003

 

/s/    WILBUR R. ROAT        


Wilbur R. Roat

President & Chief Executive Officer

 

 

21


Table of Contents

 

I, Jane R. Marsh, certify that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp.;

 

  2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

  6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date: May 9, 2003

 

/s/    JANE R. MARSH        


Jane R. Marsh

Chief Financial Officer

 

22