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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

     
[X]
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 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: 0-15734

REPUBLIC BANCORP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
www.republicbancorp.com
     
Michigan   38-2604669
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    

1070 East Main Street, Owosso, Michigan 48867
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (989) 725-7337

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $5.00 Par Value
(Title of class)

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

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]

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

     The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates, based on the closing price on June 30, 2003 of $12.18, was $768.9 million.

     Number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 10, 2004: 63,982,414.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III: Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General Description
Business Segments
Competition
Employees
Principal Sources of Revenue
Monetary Policy and Economic Controls
Supervision and Regulation
Forward-Looking Statements
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement
Form of Indemnity Agreement
Change in Control Severance Agrmt-Cluckey
Change in Control Severance Agrmt-Menacher
Change in Control Severance Agrmt-Eckhold
Change in Control Severance Agrmt-Campbell
Computation of Ratios
Subsidiaries of the Company
Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP
Powers of Attorney
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
Certification of CEO
Certification of CFO


Table of Contents

FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
    Page
Part I
       
Item 1 - Business
    2  
General Description
    2  
Business Segments
    2  
Competition
    4  
Employees
    4  
Principal Sources of Revenue
    4  
Monetary Policy and Economic Controls
    4  
Supervision and Regulation
    5  
Forward-Looking Statements
    9  
Item 2 - Properties
    9  
Item 3 - Legal Proceedings
    10  
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    10  
Part II
       
Item 5 - Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
    10  
Item 6 - Selected Financial Data
    11  
Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    12  
Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    35  
Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
    36  
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
    68  
Item 9A - Controls and Procedures
    69  
Part III
       
Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
    69  
Item 11 - Executive Compensation
    70  
Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
    70  
Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
    70  
Item 14 - Principal Accounting Fees And Services
    70  
Part IV
       
Item 15 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
    70  
Signatures
    76  
Exhibits 31 - Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
    77  
Exhibits 32 - Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
    79  

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General Description

     Republic Bancorp Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan in 1986. The Company’s principal office is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Republic Bank, a Michigan banking corporation, the Company provides commercial, retail and mortgage banking products and services. Republic Bank is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. Republic Bank exercises the power of a full-service commercial bank and operates 93 offices and 93 ATMs in 7 market areas in Michigan, the greater Cleveland, Ohio area, and Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition, Republic Bank operates a loan production office in Massachusetts.

     Republic Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries; Quincy Investment Services, Inc., a licensed insurance agency that could provide investment and insurance services, Republic Bank Real Estate Finance, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company and Republic Management Company, Inc., a Michigan corporation, which were formed to hold certain commercial real estate loans. Quincy Investment Services, Inc. is inactive.

     In October 2001, the Company formed Republic Capital Trust I, a Delaware business trust, for the purpose of issuing $50 million of 8.60% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (liquidation preference $25 per preferred security). The preferred securities trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol “RBNCP”.

     The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section on the Company’s website at www.republicbancorp.com as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Business Segments

     The Company engages in three lines of business—Commercial Banking, Retail Banking and Mortgage Banking. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information concerning the Company’s business segments.

Commercial Banking

     Republic Bank provides traditional commercial banking products and services to small- and medium-sized businesses in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Products and services offered include commercial and small business loans, other types of installment loans and commercial products and deposit services. Lending activity at Republic Bank is primarily focused on real estate-secured lending (e.g., fixed and variable rate commercial real estate mortgage loans and commercial real estate construction loans) to small- and medium-sized businesses. In addition, emphasis is placed on loans that are government guaranteed or insured, such as SBA loans and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. Commercial loans are typically secured by the customer’s assets, (primarily real estate at a 75% or less loan-to-value ratio) and by personal guarantees. Management believes that the Company’s historically low net charge-offs are reflective of its emphasis on real estate-secured lending and adherence to conservative underwriting standards.

Retail Banking

     Republic Bank provides traditional retail banking products and services to consumers at 83 offices in Michigan and Ohio. Products and services offered include home equity loans and lines of credit, other types of installment loans, and demand, savings and time deposit accounts. Republic Bank targets consumers interested in receiving personalized banking service. The Company’s deposit base consists primarily of retail deposits gathered from within local markets served. At December 31, 2003, retail deposits comprised 83% of total deposits.

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Mortgage Banking

     Mortgage banking activities encompass mortgage loan production and in a limited capacity, mortgage loan servicing for others. Mortgage loan production involves the origination and sale of single-family residential mortgage loans and is conducted by Republic Bank. All mortgage loan originations are funded by Republic Bank.

     The Company’s current operating strategy for the mortgage banking segment is to continue growing mortgage banking revenue and related interest income in its Michigan, Ohio and Indiana markets while managing interest rate and liquidity risks as well as operating costs. Additionally, the Company seeks to capitalize on the opportunity to cross-sell products using a shared customer base between its commercial, mortgage and retail banking business lines.

Mortgage Loan Production

     Retail residential mortgage loans are originated by the Company’s own sales staff at retail mortgage loan production offices and retail banking offices located in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and a loan production office located in Massachusetts. Retail loan production offices are responsible for processing loan applications received and preparing loan documentation. Loan applications are then evaluated by utilizing a combination of proprietary automated underwriting systems developed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the underwriting department for compliance with the Company’s underwriting criteria, including loan-to-value ratios, borrower qualifications and required insurance.

     The Company originates primarily conventional mortgage loans secured by residential properties which conform to the underwriting guidelines for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and insured through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are originated in compliance with their underwriting guidelines permitting conversion of such loans into mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA).

     The Company’s residential mortgage origination business during 2003 was funded primarily with Republic Bank’s retail deposits and short-term borrowings, including federal funds purchased, short-term reverse repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances. The majority of all mortgage loans originated are generally sold within a period of 30 to 60 days after closing. These loans are classified as mortgage loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale consist of loans that will be sold directly to secondary market investors or loans that are being prepared for securitization into mortgage-backed securities; however, the mortgage-backed security has not yet been formed and issued. These mortgage loans are typically sold without recourse by the Company in the event of default by the borrowers. To minimize interest rate risk, the Company obtains mandatory purchase commitments from investors prior to funding the loans.

     Consistent with the Company’s strategy of managing interest rate risk, the majority of long-term fixed rate mortgages originated are typically securitized and sold, or sold directly to secondary market investors. During 2003, the majority of variable rate mortgages were retained in the loan portfolio of Republic Bank. Such loans may be securitized at a later date and either sold or held as securities available for sale.

Mortgage Loan Servicing for Others

     The mortgage loan servicing function involves the administration of loans; collection and remittance of loan payments; receipt of escrow funds for payment of taxes and insurance; counseling of delinquent mortgagors and supervision of foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of unremedied defaults. In 2001, in conjunction with the sale of its Market Street Mortgage Corporation mortgage banking subsidiary, the Company sold its $1.8 billion mortgage servicing portfolio of loans serviced for others and substantially exited the servicing business.

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Competition

     Commercial, retail and mortgage banking are highly competitive businesses in which the Company faces numerous banking and non-banking institutions as competitors. By reason of changes in Federal law and Michigan law, the number and types of potential depository institution competitors have substantially increased. (See Interstate Banking and Branching and Gramm-Leach-Bliley on pages 5 and 6.)

     In addition to competition from other banks, the Company continues to face increased competition from other types of financial services organizations. Competition from finance companies and credit unions has increased in the areas of consumer lending and deposit gathering. The Company’s mortgage banking business line also faces significant competition from numerous bank and non-bank competitors. Other competitors may have greater resources to use in making acquisitions and higher lending limits than those of Republic Bank or any banking institution that the Company could acquire. Such institutions may also provide certain non-traditional financial products and services to their customers which Republic Bank currently does not offer.

     The principal factors of competition in the markets for deposits and loans are price (interest rates paid and/or fees charged) and customer service. Republic Bank competes for deposits by offering depositors a variety of checking and savings accounts, time deposits, convenient office locations, and personalized customer service. The Company competes for loans through the efficiency and quality of the services it provides to borrowers, real estate brokers, and home builders. The Company seeks to compete for loans primarily on the basis of customer service, including prompt underwriting decisions and funding of loans, and by offering a variety of loan programs as well as competitive interest rates.

Employees

     As of February 29, 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries had 1,182 full-time equivalent employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Principal Sources of Revenue

     The principal sources of revenue for the Company are interest income from interest and fees on loans and mortgage banking income. Interest and fees on loans totaled $247.1 million in 2003, a decrease of 7% from $266.4 million in 2002 and down 22% from $316.3 million in 2001. In 2003, interest and fees on loans accounted for 76% of total revenues, compared to 78% of total revenues in 2002 and 2001. Mortgage banking income, the largest component of noninterest income, totaled $39.0 million in 2003, an increase of 14% from $34.1 million in 2002 and down 17% from $46.8 million in 2001. Mortgage loan banking revenue represented 12% of total revenues in 2003, compared to 10% in 2002 and 12% in 2001.

Monetary Policy and Economic Controls

     The earnings of Republic Bank, and, therefore, the earnings of the Company, are affected by the policies of regulatory authorities, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). An important function of the Federal Reserve Board is to promote orderly economic growth by influencing interest rates and the supply of money and credit. Among the methods that have been used to achieve this objective are open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These methods are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, interest rates on loans and securities, and rates paid for deposits.

     The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policies strongly influence the behavior of interest rates and can have a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks and mortgage banking companies. During 2003 and 2002, the Federal Reserve Board maintained interest rates at historically low levels. The effects of the various Federal Reserve Board policies on the future business and earnings of the Company cannot be predicted. Other economic controls also have affected the Company’s operations in the past. The Company cannot predict the nature or extent of any effects that possible future governmental controls or legislation may have on its business and earnings.

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Supervision and Regulation

General

     Bank holding companies and banks are highly regulated at both the state and federal level. As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). Under the BHC Act, the Company is prohibited from engaging in activities other than those of banking or of managing or controlling banks and from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of voting shares of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, unless the activities engaged in by the Company or the company whose voting shares are acquired by the Company are activities which the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related to the business of banking as to be a proper incident thereto. Subject to the provisions of Gramm-Leach-Bliley, a bank holding company may elect to become a financial holding company and thereby engage in a broader range of financially oriented products and services (see Gramm-Leach-Bliley on page 6).

     Republic Bank is chartered by the State of Michigan and supervised and regulated by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (“OFIS”). As an insured bank chartered by state regulatory authorities, Republic Bank is also regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”).

     The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its bank subsidiary. Most of the Company’s revenue results from interest earned on deposits maintained at Republic Bank and from management fees and dividends paid to it by Republic Bank. There are statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the payment of dividends by Republic Bank to the Company as well as by the Company to its shareholders.

     Under Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiaries and to commit resources to support them. This support may be required at times when, in the absence of such Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company would not otherwise be required to provide it.

Interstate Banking and Branching

     The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Act”), among other things: (i) permits bank holding companies to acquire control of banks in any state, subject to (a) specified maximum national state deposit concentration limits, (b) any applicable state law provisions requiring the acquired bank to be in existence for a specified period of up to five years, (c) any applicable nondiscriminatory state provisions that make an acquisition of a bank contingent upon a requirement to hold a portion of such bank’s assets available for call by a state sponsored housing entity, and (d) applicable anti-trust laws; (ii) authorizes interstate mergers by banks in different states (and retention of interstate branches resulting from such mergers, subject to the provisions noted above in (i) and to any state laws that “opt-out” of the provision entirely); and (iii) authorizes states to enact legislation permitting interstate de novo branching.

     The Michigan Banking Code permits, in appropriate circumstances and with notice to, or the approval of the Commissioner of OFIS: (i) the acquisition of Michigan-chartered banks (such as Republic Bank) by FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states; (ii) the sale by a Michigan-chartered bank of one or more of its branches (not comprising all or substantially all of its assets) to an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in a state in which a Michigan-chartered bank could purchase one or more branches of the purchasing entity; (iii) the acquisition by a Michigan-chartered bank of an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in another state; (iv) the acquisition by a Michigan-chartered bank of one or more branches (not comprising all or substantially all of the assets) of an FDIC-insured bank, savings bank or savings and loan association located in another state; (v) the consolidation of one or more Michigan-chartered banks and FDIC-insured banks, savings banks or savings and loan associations located in other states with the resulting organization chartered either by Michigan or one of such other states; (vi) the establishment by Michigan-chartered banks of branches located in other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories or protectorates; (vii) the establishment of branches in Michigan by FDIC-insured banks located in other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories or protectorates having laws permitting a Michigan-chartered bank to establish a branch in such jurisdiction; and (viii) the establishment by foreign banks of branches located in Michigan.

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Dividends

     Michigan law places specific limits on the source and amount of dividends which may be paid by Republic Bank. The payment of dividends by the Company and Republic Bank are also affected by various regulatory requirements and policies, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. The “prompt corrective action” provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) impose further restrictions on the payment of dividends by insured banks which fail to meet specified capital levels and, in some cases, their parent bank holding companies. FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized.

     The FDIC may prevent an insured bank from paying dividends if the bank is in default of payment of any assessment due to the FDIC. In addition, payment of dividends by a bank may be prevented by the applicable federal regulatory authority if such payment is determined, by reason of the financial condition of such bank, to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement providing that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

     These regulations and restrictions may limit the Company’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiary for its cash needs, including funds for acquisitions, payment of dividends, and interest and the payment of operating expenses.

USA Patriot Act

     Enacted in 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) requires each financial institution to implement additional policies and procedures with respect to: money laundering; suspicious activities and currency transaction reporting; and currency crimes. The USA Patriot Act also contains a provision encouraging cooperation among financial institutions, regulatory authorities and law enforcement authorities with respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering activities.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley

     Enacted late in 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“Gramm-Leach-Bliley”), provides some new consumer protections with respect to privacy issues and ATM usage fees, and broadens the scope of financial services that banks may offer to consumers, essentially removing the barriers erected during the Great Depression that separated banks and securities firms. Gramm-Leach-Bliley permits affiliations between banks, securities firms and insurance companies. A bank holding company may qualify as a financial holding company and thereby offer an expanded range of financial oriented products and services. To qualify as a financial holding company, a bank holding company’s subsidiary depository institutions must be well-managed, well-capitalized and have received a “satisfactory” rating on its latest examination under the Community Reinvestment Act. Gramm-Leach-Bliley provides for some regulatory oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission for bank holding companies engaged in certain activities, and reaffirms that insurance activities are not to be regulated on the state level. States, however, may not prevent depository institutions and their affiliates from engaging in insurance activities. Commercial enterprises are no longer able to establish or acquire a thrift institution and thereby become a unitary thrift holding company. Thrift institutions may only be established or acquired by financial organizations. Gramm-Leach-Bliley provides new consumer protections with respect to the transfer and use of their nonpublic personal information and generally enables financial institution customers to “opt-out” of the dissemination of their personal financial information to unaffiliated third parties. ATM operators who charge a fee to non-customers for use of its ATMs must disclose the fee on a sign placed on the ATM and before the transaction is made as part of the on-screen display or by paper notice issued by the machine. The Company currently does not intend to apply for financial bank holding company status.

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FIRREA

     Banking statutes, including the Financial Institutions Reform and Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) and FDICIA (described below), have broadened the regulatory powers of the federal bank regulatory agencies. Under FIRREA, a depository institution insured by the FDIC is liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution, or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution “in danger of default.” “Default” is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator or receiver and “in danger of default” is defined as the existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance.

FDICIA

     In December 1991, FDICIA was enacted, substantially revising the bank regulatory and funding provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and making revisions to several other federal banking statutes. Among other things, FDICIA requires the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA establishes five capital tiers: “well-capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly under capitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon where its capital levels are in relation to various relevant capital measures, including a risk-based capital measure and a leverage ratio capital measure, and certain other factors.

     Regulations establishing the specific capital tiers provide that an institution is well capitalized if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10 percent, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6 percent, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5 percent, and is not subject to any specific capital order or directive. For an institution to be adequately capitalized it must have a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8 percent, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 4 percent, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4 percent (and in some cases 3 percent). Under these regulations, the Company and Republic Bank are considered to be well capitalized as of December 31, 2003.

     FDICIA directed each federal banking agency to prescribe standards for depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, asset quality, earnings, stock valuation and other standards as they deem appropriate. The “Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness” describing such systems and controls were issued jointly by the agencies on August 9, 1995.

     FDICIA also contains a variety of other provisions that may affect the operations of depository institutions including new reporting requirements, regulatory standards for real estate lending, “truth in savings” provisions, the requirement that a depository institution give 90 days prior notice to customers and regulatory authorities before closing any branch and a prohibition on the acceptance or renewal of brokered deposits by depository institutions that are not well capitalized or are adequately capitalized and have not received a waiver from the FDIC. Under regulations relating to the brokered deposit prohibition, Republic Bank is well-capitalized and may accept brokered deposits without restriction.

FDIC Insurance Assessments

     Republic Bank is generally subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments paid to the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”). Republic Bank is also subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments paid to the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”) with respect to deposits acquired from thrift institutions, including those deposits held by Republic Savings Bank prior to the January 1, 1999 merger of Republic Savings Bank with and into Republic Bank, and those deposits held by D&N Bank prior to the December 1, 2000 merger of D&N Bank with and into Republic Bank. Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC has implemented a risk-based assessment methodology. Under this arrangement, each depository institution is assigned to one of nine categories (based upon three categories of capital adequacy and three categories of perceived risk to the applicable insurance fund). The assessment rate applicable to the Company’s bank subsidiary depends in part upon the risk assessment classification assigned to Republic Bank by the FDIC and in part on the BIF and SAIF assessment schedules adopted by the FDIC. FDIC regulations currently provide that premiums related to deposits assessed by the BIF and SAIF are to be assessed at a rate of between 0 cents and 27 cents per $100 of deposits.

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     Under the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996, effective January 1, 1997, Republic Bank is required to pay, in addition to the BIF and SAIF deposit insurance assessments, if any, the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) assessment to service the interest on FICO bond obligations. FICO assessment rates may be adjusted quarterly to reflect a change in assessment bases for the BIF and SAIF. The current FICO annual assessment rate for BIF and SAIF is 1.54 cents per $100 of deposits.

Mortgage Banking Activities

     The Company’s banking subsidiary, Republic Bank, is engaged in the business of originating and selling mortgage loans secured by residential real estate. In the origination of mortgage loans, Republic Bank is subject to state usury and licensing laws and to various federal statutes, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, which prohibit discrimination, specify disclosures to be made to borrowers regarding credit and settlement costs, and regulate the mortgage loan servicing activities of such entities, including the maintenance and operation of escrow accounts and the transfer of mortgage loan servicing.

     As a seller of mortgage loans, the Company’s banking subsidiary is a participant in the secondary mortgage market with some or all of the following: private investors, Fannie Mae, GNMA, Freddie Mac, VA and FHA. In its dealings with these agencies, Republic Bank is subject to various eligibility requirements prescribed by the agencies, including but not limited to net worth, quality control, bonding, financial reporting and compliance reporting requirements. The mortgage loans that they originate are subject to agency-prescribed procedures, including, without limitation, inspection and appraisal of properties, maximum loan-to-value ratios, and obtaining credit reports on prospective borrowers. On some types of loans, the agencies prescribe maximum loan amounts, interest rates and fees. When selling mortgage loans to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GNMA, VA, FHA and private investors, Republic Bank represents and warrants that all such mortgage loans sold by them conform to their requirements. If the mortgage loans sold are found to be non-conforming mortgage loans, such agency may require Republic Bank to repurchase the non-conforming mortgage loans. Additionally, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GNMA, VA, FHA and private investors may require Republic Bank to indemnify them against all losses arising from their failure to perform their contractual obligations under the applicable selling contract. Certain provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, and regulations adopted thereunder may affect the operations and programs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Regulation of Proposed Acquisitions

     In general, any direct or indirect acquisition by the Company of any voting shares of any bank which would result in the Company’s direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of such bank, and any merger or consolidation of the Company with another bank holding company, requires the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act. In acting on such applications, the Federal Reserve Board considers various statutory factors, including among others, the effect of the proposed transaction on competition in relevant geographic and product markets, and each party’s financial condition, managerial resources, and record of performance under the Community Reinvestment Act.

     The merger or consolidation of an existing bank subsidiary of the Company with another bank, or the acquisition by such a subsidiary of assets of another bank, or the assumption of liability by such a subsidiary to pay any deposits in another bank, will require the prior written approval of the responsible Federal depository institution regulatory agency under the Bank Merger Act, based upon a consideration of statutory factors similar to those outlined above with respect to the BHC Act. In addition, an application to, and the prior approval of, the Federal Reserve Board may be required under the BHC Act, in certain such cases.

     Each of the foregoing types of applications is subject to public notice and comment procedures, and, in many cases, to prior notice and/or approval of Federal and State bank regulatory authorities. Adverse public comments received, or adverse considerations raised by the regulatory agencies, may delay or prevent consummation of the proposed transaction.

Community Reinvestment Act

     Under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the “CRA”), a financial institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low-income and moderate-income areas. Republic Bank’s CRA rating is determined by evaluation of its lending, service and investment performance. The Federal banking agencies may take CRA compliance into account in an agency’s review of applications for mergers, acquisitions, and to establish branches or facilities.

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Forward-Looking Statements

     From time to time, we may communicate or publish forward-looking statements relating to such matters as possible or assumed future results of our operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new products, and similar matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Also, when we use any of the words “appropriate,” “believes,” “considers,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “target,” “project,” “assume,” “achievable,” “potential,” “strategy,” “goal,” “trends” and variations of such words and similar expressions we are making forward-looking statements. Our disclosures on pages 30-32 appearing under “Market Risk Management” contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. We believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or in our filings with the SEC (which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.republicbancorp.com), or in our press releases, and in our public documents to which we refer, could affect our future results and performance. This could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include the following:

    significantly increased competition from banking and non-banking institutions;

    inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;

    general political, industry and economic conditions, either domestically or internationally, that are different than expected;

    adverse developments concerning credit quality in our business segments that may result in increases in our provision for loan losses, nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and reserve for credit losses;

    adverse changes in the securities markets;

    legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business;

    the ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

    effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board;

    timely development of and acceptance of new products and services;

    changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

    effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies;

    changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;

    costs and effects of new litigation or changes in existing litigation and unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; and

    our success in managing risks involved in the foregoing.

     The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     The Company’s executive offices are located at 1070 East Main Street, Owosso, Michigan 48867. At December 31, 2003, the Company had 93 commercial, retail, and mortgage banking offices in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, of which 40 were owned and 53 were leased. Additionally, the Company has a loan production office in Massachusetts, which is leased. All of these offices are considered by management to be well maintained and adequate for the purpose intended. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this document for further information on properties.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company and its subsidiary are parties to litigation and claims arising in the normal course of their activities. Although the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such matters cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the aggregate liability, if any, resulting from such matters would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition. See also Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this document.

     D&N Bank, a Federal Savings Bank acquired by the Company in May 1999 and merged into Republic Bank in December 2000, was a plaintiff, along with approximately 120 other institutions, in a claim and an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit seeking substantial damages as a result of the 1989 Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act’s mandatory phase-out of the regulatory capital treatment of supervisory goodwill. On July 25, 2003, Republic Bank as successor in interest to D&N Bank, filed a Petition for Rehearing En Banc of Plaintiff-Appellant D&N Bank, FSB, from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Panel Decision of June 17, 2003 which affirmed summary judgment in favor of government in the matter of D&N Bank v. United States of America. The United States Court of Appeals denied Republic Bank’s request for rehearing En Banc, and accordingly no further action will be taken in this matter by Republic Bank.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Quarterly Dividends and Market Price Summary

                         
            Common Stock
    Dividends   Price Range (1)
    Declared  
    Per Share(1)
  High
  Low
2003
                       
Fourth quarter
  $ 0.095     $ 14.150     $ 12.064  
Third quarter
    0.087       12.955       11.273  
Second quarter
    0.077       12.464       10.409  
First quarter
    0.077       11.609       10.382  
 
   
 
                 
Year
  $ 0.336     $ 14.150     $ 10.382  
 
   
 
                 
2002
                       
Fourth quarter
  $ 0.077     $ 11.855     $ 9.281  
Third quarter
    0.071       12.374       9.314  
Second quarter
    0.070       12.726       11.017  
First quarter
    0.070       11.876       9.603  
 
   
 
                 
Year
  $ 0.288     $ 12.726     $ 9.281  
 
   
 
                 

(1)   Dividends and market price data have been restated to reflect the issuance of stock dividends.

     The Company’s common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol RBNC. There were approximately 23,500 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock as of March 10, 2004. See also the response to Item 12 of this report.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                         
Year Ended December 31
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Earnings Summary (in thousands)
                                       
Interest income
  $ 265,680     $ 284,704     $ 333,376     $ 348,328     $ 299,662  
Interest expense
    123,183       142,852       193,422       216,403       174,119  
Net interest income
    142,497       141,852       139,954       131,925       125,543  
Provision for loan losses
    12,000       16,000       8,700       6,500       11,650  
Mortgage banking revenue
    38,976       34,132       46,808       55,720       80,368  
Other noninterest income
    21,803       21,895       24,576       15,118       12,315  
Noninterest expense
    104,654       100,515       132,213       127,641       180,920  
Net income
    60,726       56,677       47,910       45,677       14,911  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Per Common Share(1)
                                       
Basic earnings
  $ .96     $ .89     $ .73     $ .69     $ .23  
Diluted earnings
    .95       .87       .72       .69       .22  
Cash dividends declared
    .34       .29       .26       .24       .23  
Book value (year-end)
    5.82       5.27       4.74       4.48       4.02  
Closing price of common stock (year-end)
    13.49       10.70       11.45       8.12       8.29  
Dividend payout ratio (operating)
    35 %     33 %     34 %     35 %     33 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating Data (in millions)
                                       
Loan closings:
                                       
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 4,041     $ 3,928     $ 5,340     $ 3,852     $ 5,200  
Commercial loans
    442       493       490       531       462  
SBA loans
    47       42       34       32       44  
Direct consumer loans
    508       486       438       359       291  
Indirect consumer loans
                      65       191  
Mortgage loan servicing portfolio (year-end)
    232       307       189       2,229       3,089  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Year-End Balances (in millions)
                                       
Total assets
  $ 5,354     $ 4,778     $ 4,741     $ 4,611     $ 4,302  
Total earning assets
    5,137       4,567       4,573       4,375       4,052  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    135       661       748       385       459  
Total portfolio loans
    4,158       3,657       3,458       3,772       3,373  
Total deposits
    2,815       2,788       2,753       2,729       2,613  
Total short-term borrowings, reverse repurchase agreements and FHLB advances
    2,058       1,517       1,477       1,385       1,229  
Long-term debt
    50       64       92       76       76  
Shareholders’ equity
    369       333       305       295       266  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Ratios
                                       
Return on average assets
    1.23 %     1.24 %     1.04 %     1.02 %     .36 %
Return on average equity
    17.33       17.52       15.76       16.28       5.64  
Net interest margin (2)
    3.07       3.31       3.24       3.08       3.21  
Net loan charge-offs to average total loans (3)
    .18       .23       .19       .13       .17  
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of year-end portfolio loans
    .97       .99       .84       .75       .80  
Non-performing assets as a percentage of year-end total assets
    .79       .89       .66       .56       .52  
Efficiency ratio (4)
    52.04       52.35       62.98       62.99       80.21  
Net interest income to operating expenses
    136.16       141.13       105.85       103.36       69.39  
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets
    7.09       7.10       6.63       6.26       6.46  
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    11.72       11.18       11.43       9.50       9.67  
Total risk-based capital
    12.85       12.26       12.31       10.38       10.60  
Tier 1 leverage
    8.04       7.81       8.34       6.82       6.59  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   All per share amounts presented have been adjusted to reflect the issuance of stock dividends or stock splits effected in the form of stock dividends.

(2)   Net interest income (FTE) expressed as a percentage of average interest-earnings assets.

(3)   Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

(4)   Total noninterest expense divided by total revenue, excluding gains or losses on sale of securities.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

     The Company’s 2003 results of operations reflected the following trends in earnings:

    Net interest income increased $645,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 2002, primarily due to an increase in interest earning assets offset by a decrease in net interest margin.

    Net interest margin was 3.07% in 2003 compared to 3.31% in 2002. The decrease in the net interest margin during 2003 was due to the Company’s yield on interest-earning assets declining during the year more than the decrease in the cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

    The commercial loan portfolio balance grew $52 million, or 4% over 2002 to $1.52 billion after increasing 8% in 2002, reflecting lower loan closings in 2003 compared to 2002.

    The residential loan portfolio grew $421 million, or 26% over 2002 to $2.01 billion after increasing 5% in 2002, as the Company’s retention of fixed and variable-rate portfolio single-family residential mortgages more than offset significant pay-offs of loans resulting from the strong refinance activity during 2003.

    The direct consumer loan portfolio grew $52 million, or 9% over 2002 to $608 million after increasing 12% in 2002, reflecting continued success of specifically targeted sales and marketing efforts in home equity lending.

    Mortgage banking income increased 14% during 2003 following a decrease of 27% in 2002. Strong mortgage production, higher funding levels of loans sold into the secondary market, and improved margins on the sale of residential loans were the primary drivers of the increase.

     Shareholders’ equity totaled $369.4 million at December 31, 2003. Market capitalization, which is computed by multiplying the number of shares outstanding (63.5 million) by the closing price of the Company’s common stock at year-end ($13.49), was $857.0 million at December 31, 2003. Capital ratios remain in excess of regulatory requirements for a well-capitalized financial institution.

Business Segments

     The Company’s operations are managed as three major business segments: (1) commercial banking (2) retail banking, and (3) mortgage banking. The commercial banking segment consists of commercial lending to small- and medium-sized companies, primarily in the form of commercial real estate and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. The retail banking segment consists of home equity lending, other consumer lending and the deposit-gathering function. Deposits and loan products are offered through 83 retail branch offices of Republic Bank, which are staffed by branch management, personal bankers and loan originators. The mortgage banking segment is comprised of mortgage loan production and mortgage loan servicing for others. As discussed earlier, the Company sold Market Street Mortgage in the second quarter of 2001 and in conjunction with the sale of Market Street, the Company substantially exited the mortgage servicing business. Mortgage loan production is conducted in all offices of Republic Bank. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information concerning the Company’s business segments.

Commercial and Retail Banking

     The remaining disclosures and analyses within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations relate principally to the commercial and retail banking segments. The results of operations of the mortgage banking segment are described in “Mortgage Banking Income” on page 16.

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Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

     Net interest income is defined as the difference between total interest income generated by earning assets and the cost of funding those assets. To permit the comparable analysis of tax-exempt and fully taxable income, net interest income is stated on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, reflecting adjustments based on a 35% tax rate made to the yields of tax-exempt investment securities included in earning assets. The net interest margin is net interest income (FTE) expressed as a percentage of average earning assets and measures how effectively the Company utilizes its earning assets in relationship to the interest cost of funding them. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Table 1 and Table 2 on pages 14 and 15, which identify and quantify the components impacting net interest income for the years ending December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

     Net interest income (FTE) totaled $145.7 million and $145.8 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, as the increase in average earning assets was offset by a decrease in the Company’s net interest margin. Average earning assets increased $343.6 million, or 8%, to $4.7 billion in 2003, as the increase in average portfolio loans and total investment securities more than offset a reduction in average mortgage loans held for sale. Net interest margin decreased by 24 basis points to 3.07% in 2003 compared to 3.31% in 2002. The decrease in the margin was due to the Company’s cost of funds decreasing less than the yields on average earning assets during 2003.

     In 2002, net interest margin increased 7 basis points to 3.31%, compared to 3.24% in 2001. The increase in the margin was due to the Company’s cost of funds decreasing more than the yields on average earning assets during 2002.

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Table 1
Analysis of Net Interest Income (FTE)

                                                                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
Year Ended December 31   Average           Avg.   Average           Avg.   Average           Avg.
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  Balance
  Interest
  Rate
  Balance
  Interest
  Rate
  Balance
  Interest
  Rate
Average Assets:
                                                                       
Short-term investments
  $ 322     $ 2       0.68 %   $ 1,818     $ 37       2.03 %   $ 2,448     $ 102       4.17 %
Mortgage loans held for sale
    359,486       20,339       5.66       429,381       27,677       6.45       520,565       37,900       7.28  
Securities available for sale
    339,593       16,630       4.90       295,610       17,420       5.89       214,941       14,373       6.69  
Securities held to maturity
    24,574       1,140       4.64                                      
Portfolio loans: (1)
                                                                       
Commercial loans
    1,478,397       88,878       5.93       1,432,793       98,594       6.79       1,258,535       103,671       8.12  
Real estate mortgage loans
    1,864,960       103,118       5.53       1,565,739       99,400       6.35       1,730,386       122,350       7.07  
Installment loans
    592,342       34,790       5.87       591,417       40,761       6.89       611,619       52,371       8.56  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loans, net of unearned income
    3,935,699       226,786       5.73       3,589,949       238,755       6.61       3,600,540       278,392       7.69  
FHLB stock (at cost)
    79,700       3,978       4.99       79,005       4,778       6.05       78,144       5,798       7.42  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
    4,739,374       268,875       5.65       4,395,763       288,667       6.54       4,416,638       336,565       7.59  
Allowance for loan losses
    (38,352 )                     (31,065 )                     (28,970 )                
Cash and due from banks
    63,898                       60,885                       66,371                  
Other assets
    174,035                       133,285                       132,397                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                     
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,938,955                     $ 4,558,868                     $ 4,586,436                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                     
 
                 
Average Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
                                                                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 181,947       599       0.33     $ 163,191       1,019       0.62     $ 147,694       1,967       1.33  
Savings deposits
    995,637       13,648       1.37       863,424       15,358       1.78       724,655       22,251       3.07  
Time deposits
    1,381,271       42,058       3.04       1,469,788       58,795       4.00       1,604,469       90,386       5.63  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest bearing deposits
    2,558,855       56,305       2.20       2,496,403       75,172       3.01       2,476,818       114,604       4.63  
Short-term borrowings
    603,847       7,689       1.26       450,943       10,022       2.19       627,607       27,662       4.41  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    1,063,695       54,850       5.16       928,228       50,865       5.40       792,660       46,050       5.73  
Long-term debt
    50,563       4,339       8.58       79,356       6,793       8.56       59,677       5,106       8.56  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities
    4,276,960       123,183       2.86       3,954,930       142,852       3.59       3,956,762       193,422       4.89  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    269,436                       240,902                       262,493                  
Other liabilities
    42,236                       39,476                       63,104                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities
    4,588,632                       4,235,308                       4,282,359                  
Shareholders’ equity
    350,323                       323,560                       304,077                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,938,955                     $ 4,558,868                     $ 4,586,436                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                     
 
                 
Net interest income/ Rate spread (FTE)
          $ 145,692       2.79 %           $ 145,815       2.95 %           $ 143,143       2.70 %
 
           
 
                     
 
                     
 
         
FTE adjustment
          $ 3,195                     $ 3,963                     $ 3,189          
 
           
 
                     
 
                     
 
         
Impact of noninterest- bearing sources of funds
                    .28                       .36                       .54  
 
                   
 
                     
 
                     
 
 
Net interest margin (FTE)
                    3.07 %                     3.31 %                     3.24 %
 
                   
 
                     
 
                     
 
 

(1)  

Non-accrual loans and overdrafts are included in average balances.

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Table 2
Rate/Volume Analysis (FTE)

                                                 
    2003/2002
  2002/2001
    Increase/(Decrease)   Increase/(Decrease)
    Due to Change in:
  Due to Change in:
    Average   Average   Net   Average   Average   Net
(In thousands)
  Balance(1)
  Rate(1)
  Change
  Balance(1)
  Rate(1)
  Change
Interest Income:
                                               
Short-term investments
  $ (19 )   $ (16 )   $ (35 )   $ (22 )   $ (43 )   $ (65 )
Mortgage loans held for sale
    (4,187 )     (3,151 )     (7,338 )     (6,192 )     (4,031 )     (10,223 )
Securities available for sale
    2,378       (3,168 )     (790 )     4,919       (1,872 )     3,047  
Securities held to maturity
    1,140             1,140                    
Loans, net of unearned income (2)
    20,606       (32,575 )     (11,969 )     243       (39,880 )     (39,637 )
FHLB stock (at cost)
    42       (842 )     (800 )     63       (1,083 )     (1,020 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest income
    19,960       (39,752 )     (19,792 )     (989 )     (46,909 )     (47,898 )
Interest Expense:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    104       (524 )     (420 )     189       (1,137 )     (948 )
Savings deposits
    2,144       (3,855 )     (1,711 )     3,695       (10,587 )     (6,892 )
Time deposits
    (3,357 )     (13,379 )     (16,736 )     (7,101 )     (24,491 )     (31,592 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    (1,109 )     (17,758 )     (18,867 )     (3,217 )     (36,215 )     (39,432 )
Short-term borrowings
    830       (3,163 )     (2,333 )     (7,351 )     (10,289 )     (17,640 )
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    6,470       (2,485 )     3,985       7,516       (2,701 )     4,815  
Long-term debt
    (2,470 )     16       (2,454 )     1,687             1,687  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest expense
    3,721       (23,390 )     (19,669 )     (1,365 )     (49,205 )     (50,570 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income (FTE)
  $ 16,239     $ (16,362 )   $ (123 )   $ 376     $ 2,296     $ 2,672  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Variances attributable jointly to volume and rate changes are allocated to volume and rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.

(2)   Non-accrual loans and overdrafts are included in average balances.

Noninterest Income

     Noninterest income is a significant source of revenue for the Company, contributing 19% of total revenues in 2003, compared to 16% in 2002 and 15% in 2001 (excluding the gain of sale of subsidiary). Details of the largest component of noninterest income are presented in the “Mortgage Banking Income” section on page 16. Exclusive of mortgage banking revenue, noninterest income was $21.8 million and $21.9 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     Service charges collected on customer accounts increased to $11.1 million, or 21% during 2003 after increasing 19% during 2002. The increases were primarily due to a higher level of collection of fees for overdraft protection and ancillary fees.

     During 2003, the Company sold $68.3 million of investment securities available for sale resulting in a net gain of $2.2 million. During 2002, the Company sold $317.6 million of investment securities for a net gain of $5.9 million. During 2001, the Company sold $175.3 million of investment securities for a net gain of $1.4 million.

     During 2002, the Company purchased $85 million of separate account bank owned life insurance. During 2003, the Company added $16.5 million to the Non-Modified Endowment Contract policy portion of the bank owned life insurance. The increase in the cash surrender value of these insurance contracts resulted in income of $5.5 million and $2.2 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     The guaranteed portion of SBA loans are regularly sold to investors. In 2003, the Company sold $3.5 million of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans, compared to $23.8 million in 2002 and $18.4 million in 2001, resulting in gains of $322,000, $1,447,000 and $882,000, respectively, which are included in other noninterest income.

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Table 3
Noninterest Income

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Mortgage banking income
  $ 38,976     $ 34,132     $ 46,808  
Service charges
    11,097       9,206       7,720  
Gains on sale of securities
    2,190       5,859       1,425  
Income from banked owned life insurance
    5,519       2,192        
Other noninterest income
    2,997       4,638       3,431  
Gain on sale of subsidiary
                12,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total noninterest income
  $ 60,779     $ 56,027     $ 71,384  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Mortgage Banking Income

     The Company’s total closings of single-family mortgage loans increased $113 million, or 3% to $4.0 billion in 2003. The increase in origination volume was primarily due to a decrease in interest rates, which resulted in a higher level of refinance activity. Refinances totaled $2.7 billion, or 66% of total closings in 2003, compared to $2.5 billion, or 63% of total closings in 2002. In 2002, total mortgage loan closings decreased 26% to $3.9 billion compared to $5.3 billion in 2001. The decrease in origination volume in 2002 was primarily the result of the sale of Market Street Mortgage. Excluding Market Street Mortgage, origination volume decreased $219 million, or 5% in 2002 compared to 2001. The Company’s pipeline of mortgage loan applications in process was $312 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $545 million at December 31, 2002.

Table 4
Residential Mortgage Loan Closings

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(Dollars in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Republic Bank
  $ 4,041,243     $ 3,928,064     $ 4,146,685  
Market Street Mortgage
                1,193,476  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total closings
  $ 4,041,243     $ 3,928,064     $ 5,340,161  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Mortgage banking income, the largest component of total noninterest income, increased $4.8 million, or 14%, to $39.0 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to higher funding levels of loans sold into the secondary market and improved margins. Mortgage loans held for sale fundings were $3.1 billion during 2003 compared to $2.7 billion during 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2002, mortgage banking income decreased $12.7 million, or 27% from 2001, to $34.1 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower funding levels of loans sold to the secondary market. Mortgage loans held for sale fundings were $2.7 billion during 2002 compared to $4.1 billion during 2001. The ratio of mortgage loans production income to mortgage loans held for sale fundings was 2.11% in 2003, compared to 2.00% and 2.03% in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     Mortgage banking income includes fee revenue derived from the loan origination process (e.g., points collected), gains on the sale of mortgage loans and the related mortgage servicing rights released concurrently with underlying loans sold (mortgage loan production revenue), net of commissions, incentives and deferred mortgage loan origination costs and fees for mortgage loans held for sale and residential real estate loans as accounted for under FASB Statement No. 91, Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases (SFAS 91). Mortgage loan production income totaled $65.0 million, $54.7 million and $84.9 million for 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Commissions and incentives paid were $38.4 million, $35.9 million, and $51.2 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. For 2003, 2002 and 2001, the SFAS 91 credit totaled $9.2 million, $10.4 million and $11.8 million, respectively.

     Mortgage banking income also included gains on sale of residential real estate loans totaling $3.2 million, $5.0 million and $1.3 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Residential real estate loan sales totaled $134.2 million, $232.4 million and $163.6 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

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Noninterest Expense

     Total noninterest expense increased 4% in 2003 to $104.7 million, after decreasing 24% in 2002. Excluding the $19.0 million in restructuring costs incurred in connection with the Company’s exiting the mortgage servicing business in 2001, noninterest expense would have decreased $12.7 million, or 11%, in 2002. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $1.3 million, or 2%, in 2003, following a decrease of $5.2 million, or 8%, in 2002. The increase in salaries and employee benefits expense in 2003 reflects increases in sales incentives to commercial and retail banking personnel and an increase in benefit costs during the year. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense in 2002 reflects the decrease in the average number of hourly and salaried employees, primarily due to the sale of Market Street Mortgage in 2001.

     Occupancy expense increased 4% in 2003 after decreasing 13% in 2002, and equipment expense decreased 2% in 2003 and 12% in 2002. The decreases in 2002 were primarily due to the sale of Market Street Mortgage in June 2001. Other noninterest expense increased 11% in 2003 after decreasing 17% in 2002. The increase in 2003 primarily reflects increases in state tax accruals, recruiting fees and other miscellaneous expenses. The decrease in 2002 was due to the sale of Market Street Mortgage.

Table 5
Noninterest Expense

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 60,454     $ 59,134     $ 64,377  
Occupancy expense of premises
    10,296       9,926       11,427  
Equipment expense
    6,768       6,903       7,847  
Other noninterest expense
    27,136       24,552       29,562  
Restructuring costs to exit the mortgage servicing business
                19,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total noninterest expense
  $ 104,654     $ 100,515     $ 132,213  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes was $25.9 million in 2003, compared to $24.7 million in 2002 and $22.5 million in 2001. The effective tax rate, computed by dividing the provision for income taxes by income before taxes, was 29.9% for 2003, compared to 30.3% for 2002 and 32.0% for 2001. The effective tax rate in 2003 decreased primarily as a result of an increase in the tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2002 was primarily a result of an increase in interest income from tax-exempt securities and an increase in tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance.

Financial Condition

     Total assets were $5.4 billion at December 31, 2003 and $4.8 billion at December 31, 2002. The increase in total assets reflects the growth in total portfolio loans, securities available for sale and securities held to maturity, which were funded primarily by increases in core deposits, short and long-term borrowings and a decrease in mortgage loans held for sale.

Assets

Investment Securities

     The Company’s investment securities portfolio serves as a secondary source of earnings and contributes to the management of interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s securities portfolio is comprised principally of U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities, municipal securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2003, fixed rate investment securities within the portfolio, excluding municipal securities, totaled $404.0 million compared to $144.1 million at December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003, $306.7 million of these fixed rate investment securities were collateralized with 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans compared to $20.8 million at December 31, 2002. These hybrid adjustable rate securities provide for an interest rate reset cap of 2% to 5% at the first reset date.

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     Investment securities available for sale totaled $607.5 million at December 31, 2003, a $437.0 million increase from $170.5 million at December 31, 2002. Investment securities available for sale totaled $285.6 million at December 31, 2001. The increase from 2002 primarily reflects purchases of 5/1 and 7/1 hybrid adjustable rate collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, which offset the decline in mortgage loans held for sale. The investment securities available for sale portfolio constituted 11.3% of the Company’s assets at December 31, 2003, compared to 3.6% a year earlier.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company purchased $157.6 million of securities classified as held to maturity. The investment securities held to maturity portfolio consists of collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities collateralized with 7/1 and 10/1 hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans and constituted 2.9% of the Company’s assets at December 31, 2003.

     The following table summarizes the composition of the Company’s investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Table 6
Investment Securities

                         
December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Securities Available For Sale (Estimated Fair Value):
                       
U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities
  $ 238,718     $ 43,684     $ 8,396  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    88,958       46,160       49,329  
Mortgage-backed securities
    77,125       6,242       1,952  
Municipal and other securities
    202,649       74,370       225,876  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 607,450     $ 170,456     $ 285,553  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Securities Held To Maturity (At Cost):
                       
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 133,882     $     $  
Mortgage-backed securities
    22,673              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 156,555     $     $  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The maturity distribution of and average yield information for the investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2003 is provided in the following table.

Table 7
Maturity Distribution of Investment Securities Portfolio

                                                                                 
    Due Within   One to   Five to   After    
    One Year
  Five Years
  Ten Years
  Ten Years
  Total
    Estimated           Estimated           Estimated           Estimated           Estimated    
December 31, 2003   Market   Avg.   Market   Avg.   Market   Avg.   Market   Avg.   Market   Avg.
(Dollars in thousands)
  Value
  Yield
  Value
  Yield
  Value
  Yield
  Value
  Yield
  Value
  Yield
Securities Available For Sale:
                                                                               
U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities
  $       %   $       %   $ 64,051       4.78 %   $ 174,667       3.28 %   $ 238,718       3.68 %
Collateralized mortgage obligations (2) (3)
                88,958       3.84                               88,958       3.84  
Mortgage-backed securities (2) (3)
                77,125       4.12                               77,125       4.12  
Municipal and other securities (1)
    11       3.66       12       8.48       15,014       5.20       187,612       6.08       202,649       6.02  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 11       3.66 %   $ 166,095       3.97 %   $ 79,065       4.86 %   $ 362,279       4.73 %   $ 607,450       4.54 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Securities Held To Maturity:
                                                                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations (2) (3)
  $       %   $ 129,316       4.73 %   $ 4,977       5.23 %   $       %   $ 134,293       4.75 %
Mortgage-backed securities (2) (3)
                22,774       4.22                               22,774       4.22  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities held to maturity
  $       %   $ 152,090       4.65 %   $ 4,977       5.23 %   $       %   $ 157,067       4.68 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Average yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax equivalent basis, based on a 35% federal tax rate.
 
(2)   Collateral guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or private label securities rated “AAA” by a major rating agency.
 
(3)   Maturity distributions for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities are based on estimated average lives. The average yield presented represents the current yield on these securities calculated using amortized cost.

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Portfolio Loans

     The Company’s loan portfolio is comprised of domestic loans to businesses and consumers. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were no loans to foreign debtors outstanding and the amount of agribusiness loans outstanding was insignificant. Loans to businesses are classified as commercial loans and are further segregated as commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans. Commercial and industrial loans are made to local small- and medium-sized corporations primarily to finance working capital and equipment purchases.

     Commercial real estate loans represent loans secured by real estate and consist of real estate construction loans and commercial real estate mortgage loans. Real estate construction loans are made to builders or developers of real estate properties and are typically refinanced at completion, becoming either income-producing or owner-occupied properties. Commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by owner-occupied or income-producing properties. For owner-occupied property loans, the primary source of repayment is the cash flow of the owner with the real estate serving as a secondary repayment source. Income-producing property loans are made to entities or individuals engaged in real estate investment, and the primary source of repayment is derived from the rental or sale of the property.

     Loans to consumers include residential real estate mortgage loans and installment loans. Installment loans are made for various purposes, primarily home equity loans.

Table 8
Loan Portfolio Analysis

                                                                                 
    2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
December 31                                        
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
  Amount
  %
Commercial loans:
                                                                               
Commercial and industrial
  $ 38,319       0.9 %   $ 48,509       1.3 %   $ 68,428       2.0 %   $ 79,544       2.1 %   $ 88,370       2.6 %
Real estate construction
    247,393       6.0       250,546       6.9       250,040       7.2       211,754       5.6       149,480       4.4  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    1,235,421       29.7       1,170,212       32.0       1,044,594       30.2       840,994       22.3       650,642       19.3  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total commercial loans
    1,521,133       36.6       1,469,267       40.2       1,363,062       39.4       1,132,292       30.0       888,492       26.3  
Residential real estate mortgages
    2,014,809       48.5       1,593,929       43.6       1,511,831       43.7       1,964,394       52.1       1,773,795       52.6  
Installment loans:
                                                                               
Consumer direct
    608,190       14.6       556,507       15.2       496,972       14.4       459,359       12.2       368,095       10.9  
Consumer indirect
    13,382       0.3       36,840       1.0       86,516       2.5       215,631       5.7       343,043       10.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total installment loans
    621,572       14.9       593,347       16.2       583,488       16.9       674,990       17.9       711,138       21.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total portfolio loans
  $ 4,157,514       100.0 %   $ 3,656,543       100.0 %   $ 3,458,381       100.0 %   $ 3,771,676       100.0 %   $ 3,373,425       100.0 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The total portfolio loans balance increased $501.0 million, or 14%, to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2003, after increasing 6% in 2002. Commercial loans increased $51.9 million, or 4%, to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2003, after increasing 8% in 2002, reflecting lower loan closings in 2003 compared to 2002. The increase in 2003, which was concentrated in commercial real estate loans, reflects the Company’s efforts to complement traditional residential mortgage lending with quality commercial real estate lending.

     Residential real estate mortgage loans increased $420.9 million, or 26%, to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2003, after increasing 5% a year earlier. During 2003, the mortgage portfolio continued to experience a high rate of payoffs as a result of significant refinance activity. Mortgage principal payments and paid-off residential loans totaled $823 million and the Company also sold $134 million of mortgage portfolio loans during the year. However, the Company more than replaced the loans paid-off and loans sold with current mortgage production through the addition of $1.4 billion of fixed-rate and variable-rate portfolio loans.

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Table of Contents

     Consumer direct installment loans increased $51.7 million, or 9%, to $608.2 million at December 31, 2003, after rising 12% a year ago, reflecting the continued success of specifically targeted sales and marketing efforts in home equity lending. Consumer indirect installment loans decreased $23.5 million, or 64%, to $13.4 million at December 31, 2003, after decreasing 57% in 2002. The decreases during 2003 and 2002 in indirect loan balances were primarily a result of loan payoffs after the Company discontinued its indirect lending line of business during the first quarter of 2000.

Table 9
Maturity Distribution and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Commercial Loans

                                 
            After One        
December 31, 2003   Within   But Within   After    
(In thousands)
  One Year
  Five Years
  Five Years
  Total
Commercial loans:
                               
Commercial and industrial
  $ 11,932     $ 14,653     $ 11,734     $ 38,319  
Real estate construction
    143,618       63,293       40,482       247,393  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    129,996       664,736       440,689       1,235,421  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total commercial loans
  $ 285,546     $ 742,682     $ 492,905     $ 1,521,133  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Commercial Loans Maturing After One Year With:
                               
Predetermined rates
          $ 216,085     $ 24,101          
Floating or adjustable rates
            526,597       468,804          
 
           
 
     
 
         
Total
          $ 742,682     $ 492,905          
 
           
 
     
 
         

     The commercial loan portfolio contained no aggregate loans to any one industry that exceeded 10% of total portfolio loans outstanding at December 31, 2003. The Company’s total loan portfolio is geographically concentrated primarily in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as shown in the following table.

Table 10
Geographic Distribution of Loan Portfolio

                 
December 31, 2003           Percent
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount
  of Total
Michigan
  $ 3,279,827       79 %
Ohio
    573,597       14  
Indiana
    169,756       4  
Massachusetts
    37,887       1  
Other states
    96,447       2  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 4,157,514       100 %
 
   
 
     
 
 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

     Mortgage loans held for sale decreased $525.6 million, to $135.4 million at December 31, 2003, after decreasing 12% to $661.0 million at December 31, 2002. The decrease in 2003 was primarily due to a decrease in residential mortgage loan closings during the fourth quarter of 2003 compared to the fourth quarter of 2002 (loans closed generally remain in loans held for sale for 30 to 60 days after closing). Residential mortgage loan closings during the fourth quarter of 2003 were $526 million compared to $1.4 billion during the fourth quarter of 2002.

Credit Risk Management

     Extending credit to businesses and consumers exposes the Company to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that the principal balance of a loan and any related interest will not be collected due to the inability of the borrower to repay the loan. The Company manages credit risk in the loan portfolio through adherence to consistent underwriting standards, guidelines and limitations established by senior management. Written loan policies establish underwriting standards, lending limits and other standards or limits as deemed necessary and prudent. Various approval levels, based on the amount of the loan and whether the loan is secured or unsecured, have also been established. Loan approval authority ranges from the individual loan officer to the Directors Loan Committee.

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Table of Contents

     Republic Bank has established loan review and quality control functions to conduct ongoing, independent reviews of the lending process. This group ensures adherence to established policies and procedures, monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations, provides objective measurement of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio, and ensures that proper documentation exists.

     The following discussion summarizes the underwriting policies and procedures for the major categories within the loan portfolio and addresses the Company’s strategies for managing the related credit risk.

Commercial Loans

     Credit risk associated with commercial loans is primarily influenced by prevailing economic conditions and the level of underwriting risk the Company is willing to assume. To manage credit risk when extending commercial credit, the Company focuses on adequately assessing the borrower’s ability to repay and by obtaining sufficient collateral. To minimize credit risk, the Company concentrates its commercial lending efforts on commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2003, commercial real estate loans accounted for 97% of total commercial loans. Emphasis is also placed on loans that are government guaranteed, such as SBA loans. Commercial loans are generally secured by the borrower’s assets at a 75% or less loan-to-value ratio and by personal guarantees. Management closely monitors the composition and quality of the total commercial loan portfolio to ensure that significant credit concentrations by borrower or industry do not exist.

Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans

     The Company originates fixed rate and variable rate residential mortgage loans which are secured by the underlying 1-4 unit family residential property. At December 31, 2003, these loans accounted for 48.5% of total portfolio loans. Credit risk in this area of lending is minimized by the assessment of the creditworthiness of the borrower, including debt to income ratios, credit bureau scores and adherence to underwriting policies that emphasize conservative loan-to-value ratios of generally no more than 80%. Residential mortgage loans granted in excess of the 80% loan-to-value ratio criterion are generally insured by private mortgage insurance, unless otherwise guaranteed or insured by the Federal or state government. Credit risk is further reduced since the majority of the Company’s fixed rate mortgage loan production is sold to investors in the secondary market without recourse.

Installment Loans

     Credit risk in the installment loan portfolio is controlled through consistent adherence to conservative underwriting standards that consider, but are not necessarily limited to, debt to income levels, past payment tendencies as evidenced by credit bureau reports, and loan-to-value ratios as to any collateral.

Asset Quality

Non-Performing Assets

     Non-performing assets consist of non-accrual loans, restructured loans and other real estate owned (OREO). OREO represents real estate properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure. Commercial loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, unless the loans are well-secured and in the process of collection. Residential real estate mortgage loans and installment loans are placed in non-accrual status at the time the loan is four scheduled payments past due or 90 days or more past the maturity date of the loan. In all cases, loans may be placed on non-accrual status earlier when, in the opinion of management, reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accruals cease and any uncollected interest is charged against current income. Interest subsequently received on non-accrual loans is applied against the principal balance.

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Table 11
Non-Performing Assets

                                         
December 31                    
(Dollars in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Non-accrual loans:
                                       
Commercial
  $ 27,666     $ 19,167     $ 6,413     $ 5,499     $ 4,651  
Residential real estate mortgages
    11,181       15,215       18,808       13,429       10,449  
Installment
    873       2,876       2,957       2,167       2,419  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-accrual loans
    39,720       37,258       28,178       21,095       17,519  
Restructured Loans
          2,309                    
Other real estate owned
    2,718       2,904       2,978       4,906       4,743  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-performing assets
  $ 42,438     $ 42,471     $ 31,156     $ 26,001     $ 22,262  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of:
                                       
Portfolio loans and OREO
    1.02 %     1.16 %     .90 %     .69 %     .66 %
Portfolio loans, mortgage loans held for sale and OREO
    .99       .98       .74       .62       .58  
Total assets
    .79       .89       .66       .56       .52  
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest:
                                       
Commercial
  $     $     $ 144     $ 209     $ 100  
Residential real estate mortgages
                             
Installment
                             
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loans past due 90 days or more
  $     $     $ 144     $ 209     $ 100  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Non-performing assets totaled $42.4 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $42.5 million at December 31, 2002. The increase in non-accrual commercial loans described in the table above was due primarily to two commercial real estate loan relationships located in Michigan. The Company believes the risk-allocated allowance for loan losses attributable to these loans is adequate under present economic conditions and circumstances.

     Approximately $28.2 million, or 0.66%, of total loans at December 31, 2003 were 30 to 89 days delinquent, compared to $26.5 million, or 0.61% of total loans at December 31, 2002. The Company also maintains a list of potential problem loans (classified as watch and substandard, but excluding non-accrual and restructured loans) identified as requiring a higher level of monitoring where known information about possible borrower credit problems raises serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the repayment terms. As of December 31, 2003, total potential problem loans, excluding those categorized as non-accrual loans, were $30.8 million, or 0.72% of total loans, compared to $36.9 million, or 0.85% of total loans at December 31, 2002.

     The following table presents the amount of interest income that would have been earned on non-performing loans outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 had those loans been accruing interest in accordance with the original terms of the loan agreement, as well as the amount of interest income earned and included in net interest income for each of those years.

Table 12
Forgone Interest on Non-Performing Loans

                                                 
    2003
  2002
  2001
For the Year Ended December 31                        
(In thousands)
  Non-Accrual
  Restructured
  Non-Accrual
  Restructured
  Non-Accrual
  Restructured
Pro forma interest income
  $ 2,997     $     $ 2,935     $ 121     $ 3,164     $  
Interest income earned
    1,100             966       121       946        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Forgone interest income
  $ 1,897     $     $ 1,969     $     $ 2,218     $  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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Impaired Loans

     SFAS No. 114, Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS No. 118, considers a loan impaired when it is probable that payment of principal and interest will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Consistent with this definition, all non-accrual and restructured loans (with the exception of residential mortgage and consumer installment loans) are considered impaired. An impaired loan for which it is deemed necessary to record a specific allocated allowance may be written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral via a direct charge-off against the allowance for loan losses at the time it is determined the loan balance exceeds the fair value of the collateral. Consequently, those impaired loans not requiring a specific allocated allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the underlying collateral equaled or exceeded the recorded investment in the loan. All impaired loans were evaluated using the fair value of the underlying collateral as the measurement method.

     At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the gross recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $27.7 million and $21.5 million, respectively. Similar to non-accrual loans, interest payments subsequently received on impaired loans are applied against the principal balance. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of impaired loans.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

     The allowance for loan losses represents the Company’s estimate of probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level the Company believes is adequate through additions to the provision for loan losses. An appropriate level of the risk allocated allowance is determined based on the application of risk percentages to graded loans by categories. Specific reserves are established for individual loans when deemed necessary by management. In addition, management considers other factors when determining the unallocated allowance, including loan quality, changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio, consultation with regulatory authorities, amount of nonperforming loans, delinquency trends and economic conditions and industry trends.

     Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties related to the operation of a financial institution, management must depend on estimates, appraisals and valuations of loans to prepare the Company’s financial statements. Changes in economic conditions and the financial prospects of borrowers may result in abrupt changes to the estimates, appraisals or evaluations used. In addition, if actual circumstances and losses differ substantially from management’s assumptions and estimates, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to absorb all future losses, and net income could be adversely impacted.

     Net loan charge-offs decreased $1.3 million to $7.8 million in 2003, compared to $9.1 million in 2002 and $8.0 million in 2001. The decrease in 2003 is primarily due to decreases in the Company’s indirect installment loan charge-offs, which reflect the anticipated run-off of these loans following the Company’s discontinuance of its indirect lending business in the first quarter of 2000. Net charge-offs on indirect installment loans decreased to $299,000 in 2003 from $1.7 million in 2002.

     The ratio of net loan charge-offs to average loans, including loans held for sale, was .18% in 2003, compared to .23% for 2002 and .19% for 2001. Commercial loan net charge-offs as a percentage of average commercial loans was .36% for 2003 and 2002 compared to .32% for 2001. Residential real estate mortgage loan net charge-offs as a percentage of average residential mortgage loans, including loans held for sale, was .04% for 2003 compared to .05% for 2002 and .03% for 2001. Installment loan net charge-offs as a percentage of average installment loans was .29% for 2003, compared to .50% for 2002 and .55% for 2001.

     The Company’s policy for charging off loans varies with respect to the category of and specific circumstances surrounding each loan under consideration. If management determines a loan to be under-collateralized, then a charge-off will generally be recommended no later than the month in which the loan becomes 90 days past due. Open-end installment loans (home equity lines of credit) are generally charged off when they become 180 days past due.

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Table 13
Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses

                                         
Year Ended December 31                    
(Dollars in thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 36,077     $ 29,157     $ 28,450     $ 27,128     $ 21,446  
Loan charge-offs:
                                       
Commercial loans
    6,122       5,449       4,137       1,884       3,452  
Residential real estate mortgage loans
    842       989       671       724       572  
Installment loans
    2,559       3,947       4,159       3,922       3,376  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loan charge-offs
    9,523       10,385       8,967       6,530       7,400  
Recoveries:
                                       
Commercial loans
    856       285       149       452       691  
Residential real estate mortgage loans
          9             178       27  
Installment loans
    861       1,011       825       722       714  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total recoveries
    1,717       1,305       974       1,352       1,432  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loan charge-offs
    7,806       9,080       7,993       5,178       5,968  
Provision charged to expense
    12,000       16,000       8,700       6,500       11,650  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at end of year
  $ 40,271     $ 36,077     $ 29,157     $ 28,450     $ 27,128  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of year-end portfolio loans
    .97 %     .99 %     .84 %     .75 %     .80 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of year-end non-performing loans
    101.39       91.18       103.47       134.87       154.85  
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average total loans (including loans held for sale)
    .18       .23       .19       .13       .17  

     The following table summarizes the Company’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses for risk allocated and unallocated allowances by loan type and the percentage of each loan type of total portfolio loans. The increase in the risk allocated allowance of $5.5 million for commercial loans at December 31, 2003 compared to 2002 is primarily due to the increase in non-accrual commercial loans in 2003 compared to 2002 as described in Table 11. The entire allowance, however, is available for use against any type of loan loss deemed appropriate by management. During the five years presented, the Company did not utilize specific allocated allowances.

Table 14
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

                                                                                 
    2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
            % of           % of           % of           % of           % of
December 31           total           total           total           total           total
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount
  loans
  Amount
  loans
  Amount
  loans
  Amount
  loans
  Amount
  loans
Risk allocated allowances:
                                                                               
Commercial loans
  $ 16,993       37 %   $ 11,507       40 %   $ 8,597       39 %   $ 7,109       30 %   $ 4,705       26 %
Residential real estate mortgage loans
    3,562       48       3,721       44       4,203       44       4,009       52       5,643       53  
Installment loans
    8,795       15       8,377       16       7,905       17       8,089       18       8,717       21  
 
   
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
         
Total risk allocated allowances
    29,350               23,605               20,705               19,207               19,065          
Unallocated allowances
    10,921             12,472             8,452             9,243             8,063        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total allowance for loan losses
  $ 40,271       100 %   $ 36,077       100 %   $ 29,157       100 %   $ 28,450       100 %   $ 27,128       100 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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     The following table summarizes the graded loan categories used by the Company to determine the adequacy of the risk allocated allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Table 15
Graded Loan Categories Used in the
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

                         
    2003
  2002
  2001
December 31   Loan   Loan   Loan
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
  Amount(1)
  Amount(1)
  Amount(1)
Graded loan categories:
                       
Pass (Superior, High, Satisfactory and Moderate)
  $ 4,928,346     $ 4,876,561     $ 4,724,893  
Monitor
    60,123              
Watch
    25,016       33,315       38,713  
Substandard
    44,520       42,082       36,739  
Doubtful
    727              
Loss
                 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loans
  $ 5,058,732     $ 4,951,958     $ 4,800,345  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Loan amounts include mortgage loans held for sale and unfunded commitments of $766 million, $634 million and $594 million at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     Each element of the risk allocated allowance for December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was determined by applying the following risk percentages to each grade of loan: Pass – from .10% to 1.25%, depending on category of loans classified as Superior, High, Satisfactory and Moderate; Monitor – from 2.5% to 5%; Watch – from 3.75% to 10%; Substandard – from 5% to 20%; Doubtful — 50%; and Loss — 100%. The risk percentages were developed by the Company in consultation with regulatory authorities, actual loss experience, peer group loss experience and are adjusted for current economic conditions. The risk percentages are considered by management to be a prudent measurement of the risk associated with the Company’s loan portfolio. Such risk percentages are applied to individual loans based on loan type. Non-accrual loans are included in the “substandard” and “doubtful” classifications in the Company’s risk rating methodology.

     The Company reviews each delinquent commercial loan on a bi-weekly basis. Grades for commercial loans are assigned based upon review of such factors such as debt service coverage, collateral value, financial condition of the borrower, experience and reputation of management and payment history. Delinquent mortgage and installment loans are reviewed monthly and assigned a rating based on their payment status. In addition, the Commercial Loan Review Committee will, on a monthly basis, conduct reviews of certain individual loans exceeding $250,000 that have not exhibited delinquency trends. These reviews assign a current risk rating based on management’s understanding of the financial condition of the borrower and collateral values.

     Based upon these reviews, the Company determines the grades for its loan portfolio on a monthly basis and computes the allocation for allowance for loan losses. These reviews provide a mechanism that results in loans being graded in the proper category and accordingly, assigned the proper risk percentage in computing the risk allocated or specific allocated allowance.

     The Company also maintains an unallocated allowance in recognition of the imprecision in estimating and measuring probable credit losses. The unallocated allowance is utilized to cover losses that may arise from new business migration and imprecision in the risk rating system. New business migration risk arises from new commercial loans that are typically graded “pass”, having a short payment history in which to evaluate the performance of the loan. Imprecision in the risk rating system may result from either inaccuracy in assigning the risk ratings or stale risk ratings which may not have been updated for recent negative trends in the particular credits. The unallocated allowance for loan losses was $10.9 million at December 31, 2003 and deemed adequate but not excessive by management after assessing the dollar amount of new commercial loans and the current economic environment.

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Table of Contents

     The provision for loan losses decreased to $12.0 million during 2003 from $16.0 million in 2002. In 2002, the provision for loan losses increased to $16.0 million from $8.7 million in 2001. The increase in the provision in 2002 was due to a significant increase in the size of the loan portfolio, an increase in net charge-offs and an increase in non-accrual loans in during the year. In 2003, while the loan portfolio continued to grow, the majority of the growth was concentrated in the residential mortgage loan portfolio, which historically has experienced very low charge-off percentages. In addition, net loan charge-offs in 2003 decreased 14% from 2002 and total non-performing assets decreased slightly from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003. As a result of the improvement in credit quality, the Company determined the provision for loan losses during 2003 should be lower than the provision for loan losses in 2002.

     There have been no changes in the Company’s estimation methods since 1996, however, risk percentages for certain loan classifications within the “pass” category were adjusted in 2000. In 2003, the Company added an additional risk rating category, “Monitor”. The Monitor category is utilized for loans that have potential weaknesses that require the added attention of management. These loans have characteristics, which if not corrected, could impact the ability of such borrowers to comply with the repayment terms. In addition, the risk percentages for the “Watch” rated loans were increased during 2003 to reflect management’s revised estimates of potential losses on these loans.

Liabilities

Deposits

     Total deposits, the Company’s primary source of funding, increased 1% to $2.82 billion at December 31, 2003, after increasing 1% a year earlier. During 2003, the Company’s emphasis was on core deposits, which represent the largest and most stable component of total deposits and consist of demand deposits, NOW accounts, regular savings accounts and money market accounts. At December 31, 2003, core deposits totaled $1.45 billion, a 7% increase when compared to $1.35 billion at December 31, 2002.

Table 16
Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or More

         
December 31    
(In thousands)
  2003
Three months or less
  $ 258,287  
Over three months through six months
    80,531  
Over six months through twelve months
    101,758  
Over twelve months
    200,596  
 
   
 
 
Total
  $ 641,172  
 
   
 
 

     The Company also funds its loans with brokered certificates of deposit and municipal certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2003, these deposits totaled $119.5 million and $318.8 million, respectively, and represented 16% of total deposits on a combined basis. At December 31, 2002, brokered certificates of deposit totaled $124.7 million and municipal certificates of deposit totaled $334.0 million, also representing 16% of total deposits on a combined basis.

Short-Term Borrowings

     Short-term borrowings increased $282.2 million to $491.2 million at December 31, 2003, following a $32.6 million increase to $209.1 million a year earlier. Short-term borrowings at December 31, 2003 and 2002 consisted of federal funds purchased, reverse repurchase agreements and treasury, tax and loan demand notes. The amount provided by these funding sources increased during 2003 primarily to fund a portion of the variable rate commercial, residential and consumer portfolio loan increases. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding short-term borrowings.

Short-Term FHLB Advances

     Republic Bank utilizes short-term FHLB advances to provide funding for mortgage loans held for sale and a portion of the investment securities portfolio. These advances are generally secured under a blanket security agreement by first mortgage loans and investment securities with an aggregate book value equal to at least 145% of the total advances. Short-term FHLB advances totaled $280 million at December 31, 2003, compared to $305 million at December 31, 2002. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding short-term FHLB advances.

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Table of Contents

Long-Term FHLB Advances and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     Republic Bank routinely utilizes long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements to provide funding to minimize the interest rate risk associated with certain fixed rate commercial and residential mortgage portfolio loans and investment securities. Total long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements were $1.29 billion at December 31, 2003 compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2002. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements.

Long-Term Debt

     Long-term debt totaled $50.0 million December 31, 2003 compared to $63.5 million at December 31, 2002. Senior debentures of $13.5 million matured and were paid in full in January 2003. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding long-term debt.

Capital

     Shareholders’ equity increased $36.7 million, or 11%, to $369.4 million at December 31, 2003, after increasing 9% to $332.7 million a year earlier. The increase in shareholders’ equity during 2003 resulted primarily from net income of $60.7 million and the issuance of shares through the exercise of stock options of $9.2 million, offset by $21.3 million in cash dividends to shareholders and $15.0 million in stock repurchases. The total cash dividend paid in 2003 represented a 16% increase over the amount paid in 2002, reflecting an increase in the quarterly dividend per share declared in July 2003 from $.085 to $.095 and the increase in the shares outstanding that resulted from the Company’s 10% stock dividend.

     On February 15, 2001, the Board of Directors approved the 2001 Stock Repurchase Program authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,100,000 shares, which was amended in October 2001 to allow for the repurchase of up to 3,300,000 shares. The 2001 Stock Repurchase Program was further amended in October 2002 to allow for the repurchase of up to 4,300,000 shares. On July 17, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the 2003 Stock Repurchase Program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2,200,000 shares. The 2003 Stock Repurchase Program will commence at the conclusion of the 2001 Stock Repurchase Program. Repurchases are made from time to time as market and business conditions warrant, in the open market, negotiated, or block transactions, and are funded from available working capital and cash flow from operations. Repurchased shares will be used for employee benefit plans, stock dividends and other general business purposes, including potential acquisitions. The Company repurchased 1,160,000 shares and 1,467,000 shares under the 2001 Program during 2003 and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2003, there were 2,200,000 and 8,000 shares available for repurchase under the 2003 and 2001 Programs, respectively.

     The Company is subject to risk-based capital adequacy guidelines that measure capital relative to risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments. Capital adequacy guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve Board require bank holding companies to have a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00%, with at least half of total capital in the form of Tier 1, or core capital. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.85% at December 31, 2003 compared to 12.26% at December 31, 2002. For further information regarding regulatory capital requirements, see Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

     The following table presents, as of December 31, 2003, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 17
Contractual Obligations

                                                 
    Note   Due Within   One to   Three to   Five Years    
(Dollars in thousands)
  Reference
  One Year
  Three Years
  Five Years
  or Over
  Total
December 31, 2003
                                               
Deposits without a stated maturity (1)
          $ 1,495,339     $     $     $     $ 1,495,339  
Certificates of deposits (1)
            823,122       307,876       173,969       14,963       1,319,930  
Short-term borrowings
    10       491,245                         491,245  
Short-term FHLB advances
    11       280,000                         280,000  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    12       37,500       272,983       324,925       651,318       1,286,726  
Long-term debt
    13                         50,000       50,000  
Operating leases
    7       4,629       6,951       4,101       4,263       19,944  

(1)   See “Deposits” on page 26 for further discussion on deposit balances.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

     In the normal course of business, the Company becomes a party to transactions involving financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage its own exposure to interest rate risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The contractual amounts of these instruments express the extent of the Company’s involvement in these transactions as of the balance sheet date. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. However, they do not represent unusual risks for the Company and management does not anticipate any significant losses to arise from these transactions.

     Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend cash to a customer as long as there is no breach of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Standby letters of credit guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Company issues these guarantees primarily to support public and private borrowing arrangements, real estate construction projects, bond financing and similar transactions.

     The credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with direct lending. Therefore, these instruments are subject to the Company’s loan review and approval procedures and credit policies. Based upon management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty, the Company may require the counterparty to provide collateral as security for the agreement, including real estate, accounts receivable, inventories, and investment securities. The maximum credit risk associated with these instruments equals their contractual amounts and assumes that the counterparty defaults and the collateral proves to be worthless. The total contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, since many of these agreements may expire without being drawn upon. At December 31, 2003, no liability is recorded for the commitments to extend credit, while deferred revenue for standby letters of credit was $189,000. At December 31, 2002, there was no liability or deferred revenue recorded for the commitments to extend credit or for the standby letters of credit.

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     The following table presents the contractual amounts of the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002:

Table 18
Off-Balance Sheet Contractual Obligations

                 
December 31        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
               
Commitments to fund residential real estate loans
  $ 296,978     $ 340,615  
Commitments to fund commercial real estate loans
    306,062       142,332  
Other unused commitments to extend credit
    421,619       374,692  
Standby letters of credit
    71,834       46,480  

Liquidity Management

     The objective of liquidity management is to provide funds at an acceptable cost to meet loan demand and deposit withdrawals and to service other liabilities as they become due. Managing liquidity also enables the Company to take advantage of opportunities for business expansion. Funds are available from a number of sources, including, but not limited to, cash and money market investments, the investment securities portfolio, mortgage loans held for sale and portfolio loan repayments and maturities.

     Short-term liquidity is available from federal funds purchased, reverse repurchase agreements, deposit growth, retail, brokered and municipal certificates of deposit and FHLB advances. Long-term liquidity is generated from reverse repurchase agreements, deposit growth, the maturity structure of time deposits, brokered certificates of deposit and FHLB advances. As of December 31, 2003 the Company’s balance of certificates of deposit maturing within the next twelve months was $823.1 million. The Company expects that a significant portion of these certificates of deposit will be renewed based on the Company’s success at establishing long lasting customer relationships. However, the Company will use its other available funding sources to replace those deposits which are not renewed.

     At December 31, 2003, Republic Bank had available $229.5 million in unused lines of credit with third parties for federal funds purchased and $193.5 million available in unused borrowings with the FHLB.

     Republic Bancorp Inc. has four major funding sources to meet its liquidity requirements: interest earning deposits, dividends from Republic Bank, access to the capital markets and a revolving credit agreement with a third party. On December 31, 2003, $161.7 million was available from Republic Bank for payment of dividends to the parent company without prior regulatory approval, compared to $134.5 million at December 31, 2002. Also, at December 31, 2003, the parent company had interest-earning deposits of $26.4 million at Republic Bank to meet any liquidity requirements. In December 2000, the Company entered into a $30 million revolving credit agreement with a third party with a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. There were no advances outstanding under the agreement at December 31, 2003, which expires on December 26, 2004. Depending on market conditions and liquidity requirements, the Company would also consider the issuance of additional debt or equity instruments to provide additional liquidity, if necessary.

     As discussed in Item 1 of this Report on Form 10-K, Republic Bank is subject to statutory and regulatory requirements and, among other things, may be limited in their ability to pay dividends to the parent company. These statutory and regulatory restrictions have not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on the Company’s ability to meet its cash obligations.

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Market Risk Management

     Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. The Company’s market risk exposure is composed entirely of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk arises in the normal course of business to the extent that there is a difference between the amount of the Company’s interest-earning assets and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities that are prepaid/withdrawn, reprice or mature in specified periods. Because the Company’s business is subject to many factors beyond its control (see Forward-Looking Statements on page 9) in managing the Company’s assets and liabilities, and overall exposure to risk, management must rely on numerous estimates, evaluations and assumptions. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by management or expressed in the Company’s press releases and public documents.

Asset and Liability Management

     The primary objective of asset and liability management is to maintain stability in the level of net interest income by producing the optimal yield and maturity mix of assets and liabilities within the interest rate risk limits set by the Company’s Asset and Liability Management Committee (ALCO) and consistent with projected liquidity needs and capital adequacy requirements.

Interest Rate Risk Management

     The Company’s ALCO, which meets weekly, is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Company and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. Senior management at Republic Bank is responsible for ensuring that the Bank’s asset and liability management procedures adhere to corporate policies and risk limits established by their respective board of directors.

     During 2003, short-term interest rates decreased and long-term interest rates increased. The three-month treasury bill decreased 27 basis points and the prime-lending rate decreased 25 basis points from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003, while the 30-year treasury bond increased 29 basis points during 2003. The demand for residential loans continued to be high for the majority of 2003 as mortgage rates remained low by all historical measures. The increase in long-term interest rates did slow residential loan demand in the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company’s residential real estate mortgage balance increased during the year, as new mortgage loan production more than offset loan payoffs within the portfolio. Commercial loan balances grew due to the successful efforts by our team of experienced commercial lenders and the lower prime lending rates. Lower interest rates also continued to attract home equity borrowers as the balance of consumer direct loans grew in 2003.

     The mortgage loans held for sale balance is the Company’s most interest rate sensitive asset. It is also short-term in nature as the majority of loans held for sale are sold within 60 days. By funding this balance with primarily short-term borrowings, the Company is able to both closely match its liquidity needs, as this balance will generally increase in a declining interest rate environment and decrease in a rising interest rate environment, and maintain a consistent interest rate spread when the yield curve moves in parallel shifts. As is discussed in Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, committing to fund residential real estate loan applications at specified rates and holding residential mortgage loans for sale exposes the Company to market risk during the period after the loans close but before they are sold to investors. To reduce this exposure to market risk, the Company enters into firm commitments to sell such mortgage loans at specified future dates and prices to various third parties.

     The Company utilizes two complementary quantitative tools to measure and monitor interest rate risk: static gap analysis and earnings simulation modeling. Each of these interest rate risk measurements has limitations, but the Company believes that when evaluated together, they provide a reasonably comprehensive view of the Company’s exposure interest rate risk.

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     Static Gap Analysis: Static gap analysis is utilized at the end of each month to measure the amount of interest rate risk embedded in the balance sheet as of a point in time. The Company undertakes this analysis by comparing the differences in the repricing characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. A gap is defined as the difference between the principal amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that reprice within a specified time period. This gap provides a general indication of the sensitivity of the Company’s net interest income to interest rate changes. If more assets than liabilities reprice or mature in a given period, resulting in an asset sensitive position or positive gap, increases in market interest rates will generally benefit net interest income because earning asset rates will reflect the changes more quickly than rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Alternatively, where interest-bearing liabilities reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets, resulting in a liability sensitive position or negative gap, increases in market interest rates will generally have an adverse impact on net interest income. Table 19 presents the static gap analysis. At December 31, 2003, the cumulative one-year gap was a positive 7.80% of total earning assets. At December 31, 2002, the cumulative one-year gap was a positive 17.87% of total earning assets.

     The Company’s current policy is to maintain a mix of asset and liabilities with repricing and maturity characteristics that reflect a moderate amount of short-term interest rate risk based on current interest rate projections, customer credit demands and deposit preferences. The Company generally operates in a range of zero to 15% of total earning assets for the cumulative one-year gap. Management believes that this range reduces the vulnerability of net interest income to large shifts in market interest rates while allowing the Company to take advantage of fluctuations in current short-term rates. This range also complements the Company’s strong retail mortgage banking franchise. The one-year gap at December 31, 2002 exceeded this range primarily due to the prepayment assumptions the model uses in estimating the maturity terms of the residential mortgage portfolio. With residential mortgage rates at historical lows, prepayment speed assumptions were at high levels resulting in a high level of assumed maturities within the one-year period. The slow-down in prepayment speed assumptions to more normalized levels in the latter part of 2003 significantly reduced the cumulative one-year gap percentage.

     Earnings Simulation: On a monthly basis, the earnings simulation model is used to quantify the effects of various hypothetical changes in interest rates on the Company’s projected net interest income over the ensuing twelve-month period. The model permits management to evaluate the effects of various parallel shifts of the U.S. Treasury yield curve, upward and downward, on net interest income expected in a stable interest rate environment (i.e., base net interest income).

     As of December 31, 2003, the earnings simulation model projects the following change in net interest income from base net interest incomes, assuming an immediate parallel shift in market interest rates:

                                                 
Change in market interest rates in basis points
    +200       +100       +50       -50       -100       -200  
Change in net interest income over the next twelve months
    5.1 %     2.9 %     1.5 %     -1.7 %     -3.6 %     -13.8 %

     These projected levels are well within the Company’s policy limits. These results portray the Company’s interest rate risk position as asset sensitive for the one-year horizon. The earnings simulation model assumes that current balance sheet totals remain constant and all maturities and prepayments of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are reinvested at current market rates.

Impact of Interest Rate Fluctuations and Inflation on Earnings

     Unlike most industrial companies, substantially all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rate fluctuations generally have a more significant and direct impact on a financial institution’s performance than do the effects of inflation. To the extent inflation affects interest rates, real estate values and other costs, the Company’s lending activities may be adversely impacted. Significant increases in interest rates make it more difficult for potential borrowers to purchase residential property and to qualify for mortgage loans. As a result, the Company’s volume of loans originated may be reduced and the potential reduction in the related interest income and fee income may be larger than would be implied by a simple linear extrapolation of the results generated by the earnings simulation model. A lower interest rate environment would enable more potential borrowers to reduce their mortgage interest rate and qualify for relatively higher mortgage loan balances, therefore resulting in higher mortgage loan production activity as well as interest income.

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Table 19
Static Gap Analysis(1)

                                         
    Within   4 Months   1 to   5 Years    
(Dollars in thousands)
  3 Months
  to 1 Year
  5 Years
  or Over
  Total
December 31, 2003
                                       
Interest-Earning Assets:
                                       
Federal funds sold and other money market investments
  $ 109     $     $     $     $ 109  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    135,360                         135,360  
Investment securities
    178,925       59,190       189,256       336,634       764,005  
Loans, net of unearned income
    1,539,322       615,075       1,475,902       487,495       4,117,794  
FHLB stock (at cost)
    80,500                         80,500  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 1,934,216     $ 674,265     $ 1,665,158     $ 824,129     $ 5,097,768  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits:
                                       
NOW accounts
  $     $     $ 147,374     $ 36,843     $ 184,217  
Savings and money market accounts
    94,094       471,571       357,196       131,996       1,054,857  
Certificates of deposit:
                                       
Under $100,000
    85,793       296,753       286,972       9,240       678,758  
$100,000 or more
    258,287       182,289       194,873       5,723       641,172  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total certificates of deposit
    344,080       479,042       481,845       14,963       1,319,930  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    438,174       950,613       986,415       183,802       2,559,004  
Short-term borrowings (2)
    491,245                         491,245  
Short-term FHLB advances
    183,481       96,519                   280,000  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
          50,940       587,262       648,524       1,286,726  
Long-term debt
                50,000             50,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 1,112,900     $ 1,098,072     $ 1,623,677     $ 832,326     $ 4,666,975  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 821,316     $ (423,807 )   $ 41,481     $ (8,197 )   $ 430,793  
As a percentage of total interest-earning assets
    16.11 %     (8.32 )%     0.81 %     (0.16 )%     8.45 %
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 821,316     $ 397,509     $ 438,990     $ 430,793          
As a percentage of total interest-earning assets
    16.11 %     7.80 %     8.61 %     8.45 %        
December 31, 2002
                                       
Interest-Earning Assets:
                                       
Federal funds sold and other money market investments
  $ 85     $     $     $     $ 85  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    660,999                         660,999  
Investment securities
    34,722       11,555       8,459       115,720       170,456  
Loans, net of unearned income
    1,163,835       755,265       1,484,456       213,420       3,616,976  
FHLB stock (at cost)
    78,475                         78,475  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 1,938,116     $ 766,820     $ 1,492,915     $ 329,140     $ 4,526,991  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits:
                                       
NOW accounts
  $     $     $ 141,092     $ 35,274     $ 176,366  
Savings and money market accounts
    37,030       434,864       327,880       111,089       910,863  
Certificates of deposit:
                                       
Under $100,000
    102,419       265,247       368,841       13,509       750,016  
$100,000 or more
    254,697       191,270       238,325       6,101       690,393  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total certificates of deposit
    357,116       456,517       607,166       19,610       1,440,409  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    394,146       891,381       1,076,138       165,973       2,527,638  
Short-term borrowings (2)
    209,070                         209,070  
Short-term FHLB advance
    305,000                         305,000  
Long-term FHLB advances
    52,275       30,392       254,314       665,962       1,002,943  
Long-term debt
    13,500             50,000             63,500  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 973,991     $ 921,773     $ 1,380,452     $ 831,935     $ 4,108,151  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 964,125     $ (154,953 )   $ 112,463     $ (502,795 )   $ 418,840  
As a percentage of total interest-earning assets
    21.30 %     (3.42 )%     2.48 %     (11.11 )%     9.25 %
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 964,125     $ 809,172     $ 921,635     $ 418,840          
As a percentage of total interest-earning assets
    21.30 %     17.87 %     20.36 %     9.25 %        

(1)   Actual maturity or repricing dates are used for investment securities, certificates of deposit and short-term borrowings. Assumptions and estimates have been made for loans, NOW accounts, savings, and money market accounts to more accurately reflect repricing and retention.

(2)   Includes federal funds purchased, reverse repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings.

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Accounting and Financial Reporting Developments

     The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies require estimates and assumptions which may prove inaccurate or subject to variations. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations. The most critical of these significant accounting policies is the policy for the allowance for loan losses. See pages 23-26 and Notes 1 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the policy on allowance for loan losses.

     In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for classifying and measuring certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The provision of SFAS 150 became effective June 1, 2003, for all financial instruments created or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise became effective as of July 1, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB deferred for an indefinite period the application of the guidance in SFAS 150 to noncontrolling interests that are classified as equity in the financial statements of a subsidiary but would be classified as a liability in the parent’s financial statements under SFAS 150. The deferral is limited to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests associated with finite-lived subsidiaries. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

     In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS 133, as well as amends certain other existing FASB pronouncements. In general, SFAS 149 is effective for derivative transactions entered into or modified and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on financial condition, the results of operations, or liquidity.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which provides guidance on how to identify a variable interest entity (VIE) and determine when the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and results of operations of a VIE are to be included in an entity’s consolidated financial statements. A VIE exists when either the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities by itself, or the equity investors lack one of three characteristics associated with owning a controlling financial interest. Those characteristics include the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of an entity if they occur, or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur.

     In December 2003, the FASB reissued FIN 46 with certain modifications and clarifications. Application of this guidance was effective for interests in certain VIEs commonly referred to as special-purpose entities (SPEs) as of December 31, 2003. Application for all other types of entities is required for periods ending after March 15, 2004, unless previously applied.

     Effective December 31, 2003, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 46 for all interests held in a VIE. The Company evaluated various entities in which it held an interest to determine if these entities met the definition of a variable interest entity (VIE), and whether the Company was the primary beneficiary and should consolidate the entity based on the variable interests it held. The Company owns 100% of the common stock of Republic Capital Trust I, which was formed in 2001 to issue trust preferred securities. Prior to the fourth quarter 2003 adoption of FIN 46, the Company consolidated this entity as a result of its ownership of the outstanding common securities. This entity met the FIN 46 definition of a VIE, but the Company is not the primary beneficiary in the entity. As such, the Company was required to deconsolidate the entity in the fourth quarter 2003. Deconsolidation of the entity changed the classification of the trust preferred securities held by the Company ($50 million) to subordinated debt. Banking regulators announced that, “until notice is given to the contrary,” such debt will continue to qualify as Tier 1 Capital. No other entities in which the Company held significant interest were determined to be VIE’s under FIN 46. All prior periods have been restated to reflect the adoption of FIN 46. The requirements of FIN 46 did not impact the Company’s net income or earnings per share.

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     In March 2003, the SEC issued Regulation G, Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures. As defined in Regulation G, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future performance, financial position, or cash flow that excludes or includes amounts or adjustments that are included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Companies that present non-GAAP financial measures must disclose a numerical reconciliation to the most directly comparable measurement using GAAP. Management does not believe it has used any non-GAAP financial measure in this report.

     In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, which provides guidance on how to transition from the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation under APB 25 to the fair value method of accounting under SFAS 123, if a company so elects.

     Effective January 1, 2003 the Company adopted the fair value method of recording stock options under SFAS 123. In accordance with the transitional guidance of SFAS 148, the fair value method of accounting for stock options was applied prospectively to awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2003. As permitted, options granted prior to January 1, 2003 continued to be accounted for under APB Opinion 25, and the pro forma impact of accounting for these options at fair value will continue to be disclosed in the consolidated financial statements until the last of those options vest in 2005. In 2003, the Company primarily issued restricted stock in lieu of stock option grants. As a result, the income statement impact associated with expensing stock options was immaterial in 2003. As the cost of anticipated future option awards is phased in over a four-year period, the annual impact will continue to be immaterial assuming options are granted in future years at a similar level. The actual impact per diluted share may vary in the event the fair value or the number of options granted increases or decreases from the current estimate, or if the current accounting guidance changes. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate option values.

     In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. This interpretation expands the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees and requires the guarantor to recognize a liability for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. FIN 45 applies to contracts or indemnification agreements that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, liability, or equity security of the guaranteed party. Guarantees subject to the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 but not to the recognition provisions include, among others, a guarantee accounted for as a derivative instrument under SFAS 133, a parent’s guarantee of debt owed to a third party by its subsidiary or vice versa, and a guarantee which is based on performance not price. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 were effective for the Company as of December 31, 2002, and required disclosure of the nature of the guarantee, the maximum potential amount of future payments that the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee, and the current amount of the liability, if any, for the guarantor’s obligations under the guarantee. The recognition requirements of FIN 45 were to be applied prospectively to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Significant guarantees that have been entered into by the Company are disclosed in Note 23. The requirements of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

     SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, was issued in July 2002 and was adopted by the Company beginning January 1, 2003. This statement requires a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity, such as the sale or termination of a line of business, the closure of business activities in a particular location, or a change in management structure, to be recorded as a liability at fair value when it becomes probable the cost will be incurred and no future economic benefit will be gained by the company for such cost. Applicable costs include employee termination benefits, contract termination costs, and costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees. SFAS 146 supersedes EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity, which in some cases required certain costs to be recognized before a liability was actually incurred. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in 2003.

     In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, SFAS 143 requires an entity to record a liability for an obligation associated with the retirement of an asset at the time the liability is incurred by capitalizing the cost as part of the carrying value of the related asset and depreciating it over the remaining useful life of that asset. The standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2003 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     The information required by this Item is set forth in the section entitled “Market Risk Management” included under Item 7 of this document and is incorporated herein by reference. See also Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this document.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

                 
December 31        
(Dollars in thousands)
  2003
  2002
Assets
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 63,749     $ 75,540  
Interest-earning deposits with banks
    109       85  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    63,858       75,625  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    135,360       660,999  
Securities available for sale
    607,450       170,456  
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $157.1 in 2003)
    156,555        
Loans, net of unearned income
    4,157,514       3,656,543  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (40,271 )     (36,077 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net loans
    4,117,243       3,620,466  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)
    80,500       78,475  
Premises and equipment
    26,928       27,790  
Bank owned life insurance
    108,330       87,192  
Other assets
    57,464       57,192  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 5,353,688     $ 4,778,195  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Liabilities
               
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 256,265     $ 260,634  
Interest bearing deposits:
               
NOW accounts
    184,217       176,366  
Savings and money market accounts
    1,054,857       910,863  
Certificates of deposit
    1,319,930       1,440,409  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,559,004       2,527,638  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total deposits
    2,815,269       2,788,272  
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
    491,245       209,070  
Short-term FHLB advances
    280,000       305,000  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    1,286,726       1,002,943  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    61,028       76,682  
Long-term debt
    50,000       63,500  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    4,984,268       4,445,467  
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, $25 stated value; $2.25 cumulative and convertible; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $5 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 63,527,000 and 63,185,000 shares issued and outstanding in 2003 and 2002, respectively
    317,633       287,207  
Capital surplus
    50,358       40,633  
Unearned compensation – restricted stock
    (1,666 )     (368 )
Retained earnings
    3,893       4,373  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (798 )     883  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    369,420       332,728  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 5,353,688     $ 4,778,195  
 
   
 
     
 
 

See accompanying notes.

36


Table of Contents

Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

                         
Years Ended December 31            
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Interest Income
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 247,125     $ 266,432     $ 316,292  
Interest on investment securities and FHLB stock dividends
    18,555       18,272       17,084  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest income
    265,680       284,704       333,376  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest Expense
                       
Interest on deposits:
                       
NOW accounts
    599       1,019       1,967  
Savings and money market accounts
    13,648       15,358       22,251  
Certificates of deposits
    42,058       58,795       90,386  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest expense on deposits
    56,305       75,172       114,604  
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
    7,689       10,022       27,662  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    54,850       50,865       46,050  
Long-term debt
    4,339       6,793       5,106  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest expense
    123,183       142,852       193,422  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
    142,497       141,852       139,954  
Provision for loan losses
    12,000       16,000       8,700  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    130,497       125,852       131,254  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Noninterest Income
                       
Mortgage banking income
    38,976       34,132       46,808  
Service charges
    11,097       9,206       7,720  
Gains on sale of securities
    2,190       5,859       1,425  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    5,519       2,192        
Other noninterest income
    2,997       4,638       3,431  
Gain on sale of subsidiary
                12,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total noninterest income
    60,779       56,027       71,384  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Noninterest Expense
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    60,454       59,134       64,377  
Occupancy expense of premises
    10,296       9,926       11,427  
Equipment expense
    6,768       6,903       7,847  
Other noninterest expenses
    27,136       24,552       29,562  
Restructuring costs to exit mortgage servicing business
                19,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total noninterest expense
    104,654       100,515       132,213  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    86,622       81,364       70,425  
Provision for income taxes
    25,896       24,687       22,515  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Income
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ .96     $ .89     $ .73  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ .95     $ .87     $ .72  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

See accompanying notes.

37


Table of Contents

Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

                                                         
    Number                   Unearned           Accumulated    
    of                   Compensation           Other   Total
    Common   Common   Capital   Restricted   Retained   Comprehensive   Shareholders’
(In thousands, except per share data)
  Shares
  Stock
  Surplus
  Stock
  Earnings
  Income (Loss)
  Equity
Balances at January 1, 2001
    49,424     $ 247,119     $ 46,236     $ (1,275 )   $ 2,994     $ (210 )   $ 294,864  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                    47,910               47,910  
Unrealized holding losses on securities, net of $1,084 income tax benefit
                                            (2,013 )     (2,013 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of $499 income tax expense
                                            (926 )     (926 )
 
                                           
 
     
 
 
Net unrealized losses on securities, net of tax
                                            (2,939 )     (2,939 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive income
                                                    44,971  
Cash dividends declared ($.26 per share)
                                    (17,163 )             (17,163 )
Awards of common stock under Incentive Stock Plan
    66       330       465       (795 )                      
Amortization of restricted stock
                            825                       825  
Cancellations of restricted stock
                            687                       687  
10% common share dividend
    4,877       24,388       5,787               (30,199 )             (24 )
Issuance of common shares:
                                                       
Through exercise of stock options
    609       3,045       1,168                               4,213  
Through exercise of stock warrants
    14       70       43                               113  
Through employee stock awards
    25       125       167                               292  
Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options and warrants and vesting of restricted stock
                    1,555                               1,555  
Repurchase of common shares
    (1,849 )     (9,246 )     (16,170 )                             (25,416 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2001
    53,166       265,831       39,251       (558 )     3,542       (3,149 )     304,917  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                    56,677               56,677  
Unrealized holding gains on securities, net of $4,222 income tax expense
                                            7,840       7,840  
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of $2,051 income tax expense
                                            (3,808 )     (3,808 )
 
                                           
 
     
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities, net of tax
                                            4,032       4,032  
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive income
                                                    60,709  
Cash dividends declared ($.29 per share)
                                    (18,401 )             (18,401 )
Awards of common stock under Incentive Stock Plan
    137       685       1,007       (1,692 )                      
Amortization of restricted stock
                            1,527                       1,527  
Cancellations of restricted stock
                            355                       355  
10% common share dividend
    5,246       26,232       11,193               (37,445 )             (20 )
Redemption of preferred stock of subsidiary
                    (1,531 )                             (1,531 )
Issuance of common shares:
                                                       
Through exercise of stock options
    351       1,755       838                               2,593  
Through exercise of stock warrants
    2       10       9                               19  
Through employee stock awards
    6       28       354                               382  
Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options and warrants and vesting of restricted stock
                    748                               748  
Repurchase of common shares
    (1,467 )     (7,334 )     (11,236 )                             (18,570 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2002
    57,441     $ 287,207     $ 40,633     $ (368 )   $ 4,373     $ 883     $ 332,728  

See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents

Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

                                                         
    Number                   Unearned           Accumulated    
    of                   Compensation           Other   Total
    Common   Common   Capital   Restricted   Retained   Comprehensive   Shareholders’
(In thousands, except per share data)
  Shares
  Stock
  Surplus
  Stock
  Earnings
  Income (Loss)
  Equity
Balances at December 31, 2002
    57,441     $ 287,207     $ 40,633     $ (368 )   $ 4,373     $ 883     $ 332,728  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                                    60,726               60,726  
Unrealized holding losses on securities, net of $139 income tax benefit
                                            (258 )     (258 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of $767 income tax expense
                                            (1,423 )     (1,423 )
 
                                           
 
     
 
 
Net unrealized losses on securities, net of tax
                                            (1,681 )     (1,681 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive income
                                                    59,045  
Cash dividends declared ($.34 per share)
                                    (21,289 )             (21,289 )
Awards of common stock under Incentive Stock Plan
    268       1,342       1,960       (3,302 )                      
Amortization of restricted stock
                            1,869                       1,869  
Cancellations of restricted stock
                            135                       135  
10% common share dividend
    5,777       28,886       11,008               (39,917 )             (23 )
Issuance of common shares:
                                                       
Through exercise of stock options
    1,139       5,695       3,475                               9,170  
Through exercise of stock warrants
    44       220       45                               265  
Through employee stock awards
    18       83       146                               229  
Impact of stock option expense
                    4                               4  
Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options and warrants and vesting of restricted stock
                    2,309                               2,309  
Repurchase of common shares
    (1,160 )     (5,800 )     (9,222 )                             (15,022 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2003
    63,527     $ 317,633     $ 50,358     $ (1,666 )   $ 3,893     $ (798 )   $ 369,420  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents

Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    8,958       9,211       8,554  
Amortization and impairment of mortgage servicing rights
    1,159       1,194       20,433  
Net gains on sale of mortgage servicing rights
                (21,521 )
Net gains on sale of securities available for sale
    (2,190 )     (5,859 )     (1,425 )
Net gains on sale of loans
    (3,545 )     (6,444 )     (3,697 )
Net gain on sale of subsidiary
                (12,000 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
    3,078,308       2,736,693       4,074,133  
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
    (2,552,669 )     (2,649,229 )     (4,652,237 )
Net (increase) decrease in other assets
    (13,350 )     23,432       7,668  
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (15,654 )     (36,101 )     33,267  
Other, net
    4,442       7,071       705  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total adjustments
    505,459       79,968       (546,120 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    566,185       136,645       (498,210 )
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    70,445       323,444       176,764  
Proceeds from maturities/payments of securities available for sale
    170,955       86,412       12,197  
Proceeds from maturities/principal payments of securities held to maturity
    1,072              
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (679,770 )     (283,209 )     (344,303 )
Purchases of securities held to maturity
    (157,627 )            
Purchases/additions of bank owned life insurance
    (16,500 )     (85,000 )      
Proceeds from sale of consumer loans
                39,485  
Proceeds from sale of commercial and residential real estate loans
    141,185       262,670       182,018  
Net (increase) decrease in loans made to customers
    (634,579 )     (449,614 )     95,395  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary and payments received on related borrowings
                193,248  
Proceeds from sale of mortgage servicing rights
    1,284             96,994  
Additions to mortgage servicing rights
    (1,115 )     (1,506 )     (49,768 )
Premises and equipment expenditures
    (5,546 )     (3,335 )     (3,501 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (1,110,196 )     (150,138 )     398,529  
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
                       
Net increase in total deposits
    37,676       34,804       24,942  
Sale of bank branch deposits
    (10,679 )            
Net increase in short-term borrowings
    282,175       32,570       174,771  
Net decrease in short-term FHLB advances
    (25,000 )     (180,000 )     (70,000 )
Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    366,450       192,952       160,000  
Payments on long-term FHLB advances
    (82,667 )     (5,727 )     (172,795 )
Payments on long-term debt
    (13,500 )           (34,000 )
Redemption of preferred stock of subsidiary
          (30,250 )      
Net proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
                47,963  
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares
    12,970       4,687       5,411  
Repurchase of common shares
    (15,022 )     (18,570 )     (25,416 )
Dividends paid on common shares
    (20,159 )     (18,082 )     (16,838 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    532,244       12,384       94,038  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (11,767 )     (1,109 )     (5,643 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    75,625       76,734       82,377  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 63,858     $ 75,625     $ 76,734  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 122,576     $ 143,579     $ 201,900  
Income taxes
    25,795       23,615       27,832  
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing Activities:
                       
Portfolio loan charge-offs
  $ 9,523     $ 10,385     $ 8,967  

See accompanying notes.

40


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

     Republic Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a bank holding company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Company has three primary lines of business: commercial banking, retail banking and mortgage banking. The Company’s bank subsidiary, Republic Bank, offers financial products to consumers and businesses through its 93 retail, commercial and mortgage banking branches located in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and a loan production office in Massachusetts.

Principles of Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include the accounts of Republic Bancorp Inc. and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Republic Bank (including its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Quincy Investment Services, Inc., Republic Bank Real Estate Finance, LLC and Republic Management Company, Inc.). The consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows also include the operations of Republic Bank’s 80% majority owned mortgage company subsidiary, Market Street Mortgage Corporation, through June 29, 2001, when the subsidiary was sold. Due to the date of such sale, the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 do not include Market Street Mortgage Corporation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     On the consolidated balance sheets, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock totaling $78.5 million has been reclassified at December 31, 2002 from securities available for sale to Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, to conform to the current period presentation.

Use of Estimates

     Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and accompanying notes, as well as the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the periods covered by those financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Investment Securities

     The Company’s investment securities classified as available for sale are stated at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a component of shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses on sales of securities are computed based on specific identification of the adjusted cost of each security and included in gains on sales of securities.

     The Company’s investment securities classified as held to maturity are stated at aggregate cost.

     For mortgage portfolio loans securitized and retained as investment securities, the remaining net deferred fees or costs are treated as a discount or premium and recognized as an adjustment to the yield over the life of the security using the effective interest method. If the security is subsequently sold, any remaining net deferred fees or costs are treated as part of the cost basis in determining the gain or loss on sale of the security.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

     Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market. The cost basis of mortgage loans held for sale is adjusted by loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs. The value of mortgage loans held for sale is hedged by utilizing mandatory forward commitments to sell loans to investors in the secondary market. Such forward commitments are generally entered into at the time when applications are taken to protect the value of the mortgage loans from increases in interest rates during the period held. Mortgage loans originated are generally sold within a period of 30 to 60 days after closing, therefore, the related fees and costs are not amortized during that period.

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Loans

     Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Interest income earned on all loans is accrued daily. Loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. Commercial loans are placed on non-accrual status at the time the loan is 90 or more days past due, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Residential real estate mortgage loans and installment loans are placed in non-accrual status at the time the loan is four scheduled payments past due or 90 days or more past the maturity date of the loan. In all cases, loans may be placed on non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual status is reversed and charged against current income. Any interest payments subsequently received on non-accrual loans are applied against the principal balance. Loans are considered restructured when the Company makes certain concessions to a financially troubled debtor that would not normally be considered.

     Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to the yield on the loan.

     SFAS No. 114, Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS 118, considers a loan impaired when it is probable that payment of principal and interest will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Consistent with this definition, all non-accrual and restructured loans (with the exception of residential mortgage and consumer installment loans) are considered impaired. An impaired loan for which it is deemed necessary to record a specific allocated allowance may be written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral via a direct charge-off against the allowance for loan losses at the time it is determined the loan balance exceeds the fair value of the collateral. Consequently, those impaired loans not requiring a specific allocated allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the underlying collateral equaled or exceeded the recorded investment in the loan. All impaired loans were evaluated using the fair value of the underlying collateral as the measurement method.

Allowance for Loan Losses

     The allowance for loan losses represents the Company’s estimate of probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level the Company believes is adequate through additions to the provision for loan losses. An appropriate level of the risk allocated allowance is determined based on the application of risk percentages to graded loans by categories. Specific reserves are established for individual loans when deemed necessary by management. In addition, management considers other factors when determining the unallocated allowance, including loan quality, changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio, consultation with regulatory authorities, amount of nonperforming loans, delinquency trends and economic conditions and industry trends.

     Due to the inherent risks and uncertainties related to the operation of a financial institution, management must depend on estimates, appraisals and evaluations of loans to prepare the Company’s financial statements. Changes in economic conditions and the financial prospects of borrowers may result in abrupt changes to the estimates, appraisals or evaluations used. In addition, if actual circumstances and losses differ substantially from management’s assumptions and estimates, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to absorb all future losses, and net income could be adversely impacted.

     Each element of the risk allocated allowance for December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was determined by applying the following risk percentages to each grade of loan: Pass – from .10% to 1.25%, depending on category of loans classified as Superior, High, Satisfactory and Moderate; Monitor – from 2.5% to 5%; Watch – from 3.75% to 10%; Substandard – from 5% to 20%; Doubtful — 50%; and Loss — 100%. The risk percentages were developed by the Company in consultation with regulatory authorities, actual loss experience, peer group loss experience and are adjusted for current economic conditions. The risk percentages are considered by management to be a prudent measurement of the risk associated with the Company’s loan portfolio. Such risk percentages are applied to individual loans based on loan type. Non-accrual loans are included in the “substandard” and “doubtful” classification in the Company’s risk rating methodology.

42


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     The Company reviews each delinquent commercial loan on a bi-weekly basis. Grades for commercial loans are assigned based upon review of such factors such as debt service coverage, collateral value, financial condition of the borrower, experience and reputation of management and payment history. Delinquent mortgage and installment loans are reviewed monthly and assigned a rating based on their payment status. In addition, the Commercial Loan Review Committee will, on a monthly basis, conduct reviews of certain individual loans exceeding $250,000 that have not exhibited delinquency trends. These reviews assign a current risk rating based on management’s understanding of the financial condition of the borrower and collateral values.

     Based upon these reviews, the Company determines the grade for its loan portfolio on a monthly basis and computes the allocation for allowance for loan losses. These reviews provide a mechanism that results in loans being graded in the proper category and accordingly, assigned the proper risk loss percentage in computing the risk allocated or specific allocated allowance.

Premises and Equipment

     Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or the remaining lease terms. Long-lived assets held for use, held for disposal and goodwill are measured for impairment and are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which was effective January 1, 2002. The adoption of SFAS 144 had no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles

     The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired is included in other assets and prior to January 1, 2002 was amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 15 years. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 to 15 years. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer ratably amortized, but reviewed annually for impairment. Core deposit intangibles continue to be amortized. See Note 8 for a summary of the Company’s core deposit intangibles and goodwill.

Income Taxes

     Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the tax and financial statement basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established to the extent current available evidence about future events raise doubt about the future realization of a deferred tax asset. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enacted date.

Earnings Per Share

     Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include any dilutive effects of options and warrants.

43


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

     Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value method of recording stock options under SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. In accordance with the transitional guidance of SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensations-Transition and Disclosure, the fair value method of accounting for stock options will be applied prospectively to awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2003. As permitted, options granted prior to January 1, 2003 will continue to be accounted for under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, using the intrinsic value method for its employee stock compensation plans. Therefore, the pro forma impact of accounting for these options at fair value will continue to be disclosed in the consolidated financial statements until the last of those options vest in 2006. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate option values. See Note 16 for further information concerning stock-based compensation.

     During 2003, the Company generally issued restricted stock in lieu of stock option grants. As a result, the GAAP income statement impact associated with expensing stock options during 2003 was immaterial. The Company continues to recognize compensation expense for restricted stock over the vesting period in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. Such expense is included in salaries and employee benefits expense on the consolidated statements of income. The unamortized portion of restricted stock totaled $1.7 million and $368,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is a reduction to capital surplus.

Statements of Cash Flows

     For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with maturities less than 90 days.

Note 2. Divestitures

     On June 29, 2001, the Company sold its 80% majority-owned subsidiary, Market Street Mortgage Corporation to NetBank, Inc. The Company received $4.9 million in cash and NetBank stock valued at $17.6 million. During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company sold its entire investment in NetBank, Inc. stock for total proceeds of $17.2 million. In total, the Company received $22.1 million in consideration for the sale of Market Street. Net of the Company’s investment in the subsidiary and transaction costs, the Company’s pre-tax gain on the sale of Market Street was $12 million.

44


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3. Investment Securities

     Information regarding the Company’s investment securities portfolio follows:

                                 
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
(In thousands)
  Cost
  Gains
  Losses
  Value
Securities Available For Sale:
                               
December 31, 2003:
                               
U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities
  $ 238,979     $ 215     $ 476     $ 238,718  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    89,224       70       336       88,958  
Mortgage-backed securities
    76,580       556       11       77,125  
Municipal and other securities
    203,894       2,009       3,254       202,649  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 608,677     $ 2,850     $ 4,077     $ 607,450  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
December 31, 2002:
                               
U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities
  $ 43,615     $ 91     $ 22     $ 43,684  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    46,482       185       507       46,160  
Mortgage-backed securities
    6,131       150       39       6,242  
Municipal and other securities
    72,870       1,552       52       74,370  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 169,098     $ 1,978     $ 620     $ 170,456  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Securities Held To Maturity:
                               
December 31, 2003:
                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 133,882     $ 977     $ 566     $ 134,293  
Mortgage-backed securities
    22,673       131       30       22,774  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities held to maturity
  $ 156,555     $ 1,108     $ 596     $ 157,067  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The amortized cost and estimated market value of investment securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, are shown on the following table. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Collateral for all mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations is guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies.

                                                                                 
    Due Within   One to   Five to   After    
    One Year
  Five Years
  Ten Years
  Ten Years
  Total
            Estimated           Estimated           Estimated           Estimated           Estimated
December 31, 2003   Amortized   Market   Amortized   Market   Amortized   Market   Amortized   Market   Amortized   Market
(Dollars in thousands)
  Cost
  Value
  Cost
  Value
  Cost
  Value
  Cost
  Value
  Cost
  Value
Securities Available For Sale:
                                                                               
U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities
  $     $     $     $     $ 64,064     $ 64,051     $ 174,915     $ 174,667     $ 238,979     $ 238,718  
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
                89,224       88,958                               89,224       88,958  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
                76,580       77,125                               76,580       77,125  
Municipal and other securities
    11       11       11       12       14,798       15,014       189,074       187,612       203,894       202,649  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 11     $ 11     $ 165,815     $ 166,095     $ 78,862     $ 79,065     $ 363,989     $ 362,279     $ 608,677     $ 607,450  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Securities Held To Maturity:
                                                                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
  $     $     $ 128,954     $ 129,316     $ 4,928     $ 4,977     $     $     $ 133,882     $ 134,293  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
                22,673       22,774                               22,673       22,774  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total securities held to maturity
  $     $     $ 151,627     $ 152,090     $ 4,928     $ 4,977     $     $     $ 156,555     $ 157,067  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Maturity distributions for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities are based on estimated average lives. The average yield presented represents the current yield on these securities calculated using amortized cost.

45


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3. Investment Securities (Continued)

     The following table summarizes the composition of investment securities which have unrealized losses at December 31, 2003. The table distinguishes between those securities which have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months versus 12 months or greater.

                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months
  12 Months or More
  Total
December 31, 2003   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)
  Value
  Loss
  Value
  Loss
  Value
  Loss
Securities Available For Sale:
                                               
U.S. Treasury and government agency securities
  $ 146,424     $ 476     $ 755     $ 11     $ 147,179     $ 487  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    68,469       266       10,121       70       78,590       336  
Mortgage-backed securities
                                   
Municipal and other securities
    100,950       3,254                   100,950       3,254  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities available for sale
  $ 315,843     $ 3,996     $ 10,876     $ 81     $ 326,719     $ 4,077  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Securities Held To Maturity:
                                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 38,699     $ 566     $     $     $ 38,699     $ 566  
Mortgage-backed securities
    4,875       30                   4,875       30  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total temporarily impaired securities held to maturity
  $ 43,574     $ 596     $     $     $ 43,574     $ 596  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The Company believes that the unrealized losses in the table above are temporary. At December 31, 2003, all of the unrealized losses in the securities portfolio were comprised of securities guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, investment grade municipalities and private label securities rated “AAA” by the major rating agencies. The Company believes that the price movements in these securities are dependent upon the movement in market interest rates, particularly given the negligible inherent credit risk for these securities. Five debt securities with unrealized losses totaling $81,000 have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months, and all of the remaining securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than six months. The Company has the ability and intent to hold all securities that are in an unrealized loss position until maturity or market price recovery.

     Sales of investment securities resulted in the following realized gains and losses:

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Proceeds from sales
  $ 70,445     $ 323,444     $ 176,764  
Realized gains (losses):
                       
Securities gains
  $ 2,228     $ 6,156     $ 1,809  
Securities losses
    (38 )     (297 )     (384 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net gain on sales of securities
  $ 2,190     $ 5,859     $ 1,425  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Certain securities with a carrying value of $418.4 million and $76.9 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively, were pledged to secure FHLB advances, reverse repurchase agreements and public deposits as required by law.

46


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 4. Loans

     Information regarding the Company’s loan portfolio follows:

                 
December 31        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Commercial:
               
Commercial and industrial
  $ 38,319     $ 48,509  
Real estate construction
    247,393       250,546  
Commercial real estate mortgages
    1,235,421       1,170,212  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total commercial loans
    1,521,133       1,469,267  
Residential real estate mortgages
    2,014,809       1,593,929  
Installment loans
    621,572       593,347  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total loans, net of unearned income
  $ 4,157,514     $ 3,656,543  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     A geographic concentration exists within the Company’s loan portfolio since most portfolio lending activity is conducted in Michigan and Ohio. At December 31, 2003, approximately 79% of outstanding portfolio loans were concentrated in Michigan and 14% were in Ohio. At December 31, 2003, there were no aggregate loan concentrations of 10% or more of total portfolio loans to any particular industry.

Note 5. Allowance for Loan Losses and Impaired Loans

     An analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses follows:

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 36,077     $ 29,157     $ 28,450  
Loans charged off
    (9,523 )     (10,385 )     (8,967 )
Recoveries on loans previously charged off
    1,717       1,305       974  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loans charged off
    (7,806 )     (9,080 )     (7,993 )
Provision for loan losses
    12,000       16,000       8,700  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at end of year
  $ 40,271     $ 36,077     $ 29,157  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Amount of balance at end of year:
                       
Related to impaired loans
  $     $     $  
Related to all other loans
  $ 40,271     $ 36,077     $ 29,157  

     SFAS No. 114, Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended by SFAS 118, considers a loan impaired when it is probable that payment of principal and interest will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Consistent with this definition, all non-accrual and restructured loans (with the exception of residential mortgage and consumer installment loans) are considered impaired.

     The following impaired loans were included in non-performing loans, which totaled $39.7 million and $39.6 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively:

                         
December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Average recorded investment in impaired loans for the year
  $ 20,867     $ 13,909     $ 6,677  
Gross recorded investment in impaired loans (year-end)
  $ 27,666     $ 21,476     $ 6,413  
Impaired loans requiring a specific allocated allowance
                 
Specific impairment allowance
                 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
  $ 738     $ 679     $ 526  

47


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5. Allowance for Loan Losses and Impaired Loans (Continued)

     An impaired loan for which it is deemed necessary to record a specific allocated allowance may be written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral via a direct charge-off against the allowance for loan losses at the time it is determined the loan balance exceeds the fair value of the collateral. Consequently, those impaired loans not requiring a specific allocated allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the underlying collateral equaled or exceeded the recorded investment in the loan. All impaired loans were evaluated using the fair value of the underlying collateral as the measurement method.

Note 6. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

     As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Indianapolis, the Company is required to own capital stock in the FHLB. The carrying value of the stock is at cost, or par. All transactions in the capital stock of the FHLB are executed at par. The balance of FHLB stock was $80.5 million and $78.5 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The company earned an average dividend on the FHLB stock of 4.99% and 6.05% during 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Note 7. Premises and Equipment

     Premises and equipment consisted of the following:

                 
December 31        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Land
  $ 3,301     $ 3,384  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    51,195       48,129  
Buildings and improvements
    28,280       27,657  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    82,776       79,170  
Less accumulated amortization and depreciation
    (55,848 )     (51,380 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Premises and equipment
  $ 26,928     $ 27,790  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     The Company leases certain office facilities under lease agreements that expire at various dates. In some cases, these leases offer renewal options and require that the Company pay for insurance, maintenance and taxes. Rental expense under all operating leases charged to operations during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $5.4 million, $5.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

     As of December 31, 2003, the future aggregate minimum lease payments required under noncancellable operating leases are as follows:

         
Year Ending   Operating
(In thousands)
  Lease Payments
2004
  $ 4,629  
2005
    3,804  
2006
    3,147  
2007
    2,311  
2008
    1,790  
2009 and thereafter
    4,263  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum lease payments required
  $ 19,944  
 
   
 
 

48


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 8. Intangible Assets

     Upon adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, the Company ceased amortizing its goodwill. The goodwill balance at December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $1.2 million. Goodwill amortization during the year ended December 31, 2001 was not material.

     The following table summarized the Company’s core deposit intangible asset which is subject to amortization:

                 
December 31,        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Core Deposit Intangible Asset:
               
Gross carrying amount
  $ 10,475     $ 10,475  
Accumulated amortization
    5,897       4,907  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net book value
  $ 4,578     $ 5,568  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     Amortization expense on the core deposit intangible asset total $990,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. As of December 31, 2003, the future core deposit intangible amortization expense is as follows:

         
Year Ending   Amortization
(In thousands)
  Expense
2004
  $ 990  
2005
    936  
2006
    823  
2007
    823  
2008
    663  
2009 and thereafter
    343  
 
   
 
 
Total amortization required
  $ 4,578  
 
   
 
 

Note 9. Bank Owned Life Insurance

     On July 31, 2002, Republic Bank purchased $85 million of separate account bank owned life insurance to fund future employee benefit costs. During 2003, the Company added $16.5 million to the Non-Modified Endowment Contract policy portion of the bank owned life insurance. The Non-Modified Endowment Contract policy allows for additional investments in each of the next five years without increasing the face amount of the insurance policy or requiring the participation of more employees. Increases in the cash surrender value resulting from investment returns are recorded in noninterest income.

49


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 10. Short-Term Borrowings

     Short-term borrowings were as follows:

                                         
            Average           Average   Maximum
    Ending   Rate   Average   Rate   Month-End
(Dollars in thousands)
  Balance
  At Year-End
  Balance
  During Year
  Balance
December 31, 2003
                                       
Federal funds purchased
  $ 313,000       1.12 %   $ 280,745       1.21 %   $ 326,500  
Reverse repurchase agreements
    177,745       1.00       56,637       0.91       177,745  
Other short-term borrowings
    500       0.75       339       0.90       500  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total short-term borrowings
  $ 491,245       1.08 %   $ 337,721       1.16 %   $ 504,745  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
December 31, 2002
                                       
Federal funds purchased
  $ 208,500       1.31 %   $ 201,621       1.77 %   $ 241,500  
Other short-term borrowings
    570       1.00       508       1.38       824  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total short-term borrowings
  $ 209,070       1.31 %   $ 202,129       1.77 %   $ 242,324  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Federal funds purchased mature within one day following the transaction date. At December 31, 2003, Republic Bank had $229.5 million of unused lines of credit available with third parties for federal funds purchased. Short-term reverse repurchase agreements are secured by certain securities with a carrying value of $187.6 million. Other short-term borrowings at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were comprised of treasury, tax and loan demand notes.

     In December 2000, the Company entered into a $30 million revolving credit agreement with a third party with a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. There were no advances outstanding under the agreement at December 31, 2003 or 2002. The agreement expires on December 26, 2004.

Note 11. Short-Term FHLB Advances

     Short-term FHLB advances were as follows:

                                         
            Average           Average   Maximum
    Ending   Rate   Average   Rate   Month-End
(Dollars in thousands)
  Balance
  At Year-End
  Balance
  During Year
  Balance
December 31, 2003
                                       
Short-term FHLB advances
  $ 280,000       1.19 %   $ 266,126       1.38 %   $ 490,000  
December 31, 2002
                                       
Short-term FHLB advances
  $ 305,000       1.33 %   $ 248,814       2.55 %   $ 450,000  

     Republic Bank routinely borrows short-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) to fund mortgage loans held for sale and a portion of the investment securities portfolio. These advances are generally secured under a blanket security agreement by first mortgage loans and investment securities with an aggregate book value equal to at least 145% of the advances. Republic Bank had $193.5 million available in unused borrowings with the FHLB at December 31, 2003.

50


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 12. Long-Term FHLB Advances And Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are presented below. Classifications are based on original maturities.

                                 
    2003
  2002
            Average           Average
December 31   Ending   Rate at   Ending   Rate at
(Dollars in thousands)
  Balance
  Year-End
  Balance
  Year-End
Long-term FHLB advances
  $ 1,090,276       5.02 %   $ 1,002,943       5.30 %
Long-term reverse repurchase agreements
    196,450       2.67              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
  $ 1,286,726       4.66 %   $ 1,002,943       5.30 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Republic Bank routinely utilizes long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements to provide funding to minimize the interest rate risk associated with certain fixed rate commercial and residential mortgage portfolio loans and investment securities. The long-term FHLB advances are generally secured under a blanket security agreement by first mortgage loans and investment securities with an aggregate book value equal to at least 145% of the advances. The long-term reverse repurchase agreements are secured by certain securities with a carrying value of $207.4 million.

     The principal maturities of long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

         
(In thousands)
  Amount
2004
  $ 37,500  
2005
    131,353  
2006
    141,630  
2007
    198,485  
2008
    126,440  
2009 and thereafter
    651,318  
 
   
 
 
Total
  $ 1,286,726  
 
   
 
 

Note 13. Long-Term Debt

     Long-term debt consists of the following:

                 
December 31        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Subordinated notes, interest at 8.60% payable quarterly, maturing 2031
  $ 50,000     $ 50,000  
Senior debentures, interest at 6.95% payable semi-annually, maturing 2003
          13,500  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total long-term debt
  $ 50,000     $ 63,500  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     In October 2001, Republic Capital Trust I (Trust), a Delaware business trust and then newly-formed subsidiary of the Company, issued $50 million of 8.60% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (liquidation preference of $25 per preferred security). The trust preferred securities must be redeemed on December 31, 2031, however, the Company has the option to redeem the securities at par any time on or after December 31, 2006, subject to regulatory approval. The preferred securities trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol RBNCP. The Company used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, for working capital and for repurchases of its common stock. The Trust relies solely on the interest payments made by the Company on the subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the Trust. During 2003 and 2002, Republic Capital Trust I utilized the interest received by the Company and declared and paid preferred dividends totaling $4.3 million.

51


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

     Effective December 31, 2003, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN46). FIN 46 required the Company to reclassify its trust preferred securities balance of $50 million and the previously outstanding preferred stock of subsidiary, as subordinated debt and the dividends paid on its trust preferred securities and preferred stock of subsidiary as interest expense. In prior periods, dividends on trust preferred securities and preferred stock of subsidiary were classified as a component of noninterest expense. All prior periods have been restated to reflect the adoption of FIN 46.

     The 6.95% Senior Debentures of $13.5 million matured and were paid in full on January 15, 2003.

     D&N Capital Corporation, (D&N Capital) was a Delaware corporation incorporated on March 18, 1997 for the purpose of acquiring and holding real estate assets and was a Real Estate Investment Trust. Republic Bank owned all shares of common stock of D&N Capital. On July 17, 1997, D&N Capital sold 1.21 million shares of its 9.0% Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series A with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. On June 4, 2002, the Board of Directors of D&N Capital approved the redemption of its 9.0% Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series A. The Company redeemed all 1.21 million issued and outstanding shares at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued dividends of $0.1375 per share, for cash on July 22, 2002. During 2002, D&N Capital utilized interest received by the Company and declared and paid preferred dividends totaling $1.53 million.

Note 14. Shareholders’ Equity

     On October 16, 2003, the Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend distributed on December 1, 2003 to shareholders of record on November 7, 2003. On October 17, 2002, the Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend distributed on December 2, 2002 to shareholders of record on November 8, 2002. On October 18, 2001, the Board of Directors declared a 10% stock dividend distributed on December 3, 2001 to shareholders of record on November 9, 2001. Share amounts for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the issuance of stock dividends.

     The Company repurchased 1,160,000, 1,467,000, and 1,849,000 shares of common stock in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. On February 15, 2001, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,100,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common shares. On October 18, 2001, the Board of Directors amended the 2001 Stock Repurchase Program to allow for the repurchase of up to 3,300,000 shares. This program was further amended on October 17, 2002 by the Board of Directors to allow for the repurchase of 4,300,000 shares. On July 17, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the 2003 Stock Repurchase Program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2,200,000 shares. The 2003 Stock Repurchase Program will commence at the conclusion of the 2001 Program. As of December 31, 2003, there were 2,200,000 and 8,000 shares available for repurchase under the 2003 and 2001 Programs, respectively.

52


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 15. Earnings Per Share

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  2003(1)
  2002(1)
  2001(1)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Net income
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Denominator:
                       
Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted-average shares
    63,278,076       63,984,960       65,612,197  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Employee stock options
    825,212       871,427       898,245  
Warrants
    68,350       70,904       63,775  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Dilutive potential common shares
    893,562       942,331       962,020  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted-average shares for assumed conversions
    64,171,638       64,927,291       66,574,217  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ .96     $ .89     $ .73  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ .95     $ .87     $ .72  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Share amounts for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the issuance of stock dividends.

Note 16. Stock-Based Compensation

     The Company maintains various stock-based compensation plans that provide for its ability to grant stock options, stock warrants and restricted shares to selected employees and directors. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policies relating to stock-based compensation.

Stock Options

     The Company awards stock options to officers and key employees under the 1998 Stock Option Plan (1998 Plan) and the 1997 Stock Option Plan (1997 Plan). The 1998 Plan, which was approved by the Company’s shareholders and adopted effective February 19, 1998, and amended April 26, 2000, authorizes the issuance of up to 3,477,237 options to purchase common shares at exercise prices equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Of the 3,477,237 options to purchase common shares under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, up to 1,610,510 options may be issued pursuant to options which may be granted under the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program which was also approved by the Company’s shareholders and adopted effective February 19, 1998. Options are exercisable according to a four-year vesting schedule whereby 25% vest annually, based on the one through four year anniversary of the grant date. Options granted pursuant to the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program fully vest after the third anniversary date of the option grant date. All options have a maximum contractual life of ten years from the date of grant. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, options available for future grant under the 1998 Stock Option Plan totaled 861,415 and 801,761, respectively. Options available for future grant under the 1997 Stock Option Plan totaled 370,224 and 364,540 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     D&N Financial Corporation previously had shareholder approved stock option plans authorizing the issuance of up to 2,430,428 options to purchase common shares. The term on any option does not exceed ten years from the date of grant. At the merger consummation date of May 17, 1999, 1,475,732 issued options, adjusted for the exchange, remained outstanding under the plans. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were no options available for future grant as the D&N Financial Corporation plans were discontinued upon consummation of the merger with the Company.

53


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 16. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

     The following table presents stock option activity for the years indicated:

                                                 
    2003
  2002
  2001
            Weighted-           Weighted-           Weighted-
            Average           Average           Average
    Number of   Exercise   Number of   Exercise   Number of   Exercise
Year Ended December 31
  Options
  Price
  Options
  Price
  Options
  Price
Outstanding at beginning of year
    4,216,267     $ 7.85       4,373,999     $ 7.49       4,790,663     $ 6.86  
Granted
    7,529       12.08       478,726       9.86       624,444       9.51  
Exercised
    (1,246,187 )     7.36       (421,519 )     6.15       (789,220 )     5.29  
Canceled
    (72,811 )     9.27       (214,939 )     8.15       (251,888 )     7.63  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding at end of year
    2,904,798     $ 8.03       4,216,267     $ 7.85       4,373,999     $ 7.49  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2003 is provided in the following table:

                                         
    Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
            Weighted                
            Average   Weighted           Weighted
    Number   Remaining   Average   Number   Average
    Of Shares   Contractual   Exercise   Of Shares   Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices
  Outstanding
  Life (Years)
  Price
  Exercisable
  Price
$2.345 - $  5.583
    407,478       2.76     $ 4.832       407,478     $ 4.832  
$5.814 - $  7.314
    371,340       5.44       6.915       350,768       6.973  
$7.599 - $  7.606
    467,724       5.57       7.602       394,611       7.603  
$7.645 - $  7.762
    291,682       5.21       7.717       291,682       7.717  
$7.878 - $  9.438
    353,761       4.15       9.031       353,761       9.031  
$9.439 - $  9.439
    119,063       7.16       9.439              
$9.485 - $  9.485
    350,847       7.13       9.485       159,579       9.485  
$9.500 - $  9.686
    127,264       4.39       9.566       127,264       9.566  
$9.851 - $  9.851
    381,946       8.14       9.851       83,178       9.851  
$9.935 - $12.509
    33,693       7.09       10.709       16,953       10.224  

 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
$2.345 - $12.509
    2,904,798       5.51     $ 8.032       2,185,274     $ 7.589  

 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     At December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, options for 2,185,274, 2,410,754 and 2,695,255 shares of common stock, respectively, were exercisable.

Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program

     Under the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program, the Company offers to officers and key employees the right to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock at fair market value; and if shares are so acquired under the Program, the officer or key employee is granted two tandem stock options, exercisable at the current fair market value, for every one share purchased. This Program authorizes up to 201,314 common shares per year for sale as program shares, subject to an overall maximum of 805,255 shares while the Program is in effect. Consequently, an annual maximum of 402,628 common shares is authorized for tandem stock options (subject to an overall maximum of 1,610,510 stock option shares issued from the 1998 Stock Option Plan). The participant’s purchased shares may not be sold, transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of for a three year period so long as employed by the Company. Options granted pursuant to the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program fully vest and are exercisable only after the lapsing of the third anniversary of the option grant date. All options have a maximum contractual life of ten years from the date of grant. Common shares and tandem stock options available for future grant totaled 247,260 and 494,520, respectively at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

54


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 16. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Stock Warrants

     The Company has a Director Compensation Plan that was approved by its shareholders and provides for its ability to issue 1,500 warrants annually to each of the Company’s outside directors. Stock warrants were granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, were immediately exercisable, and had maximum contractual lives of ten years. In 2003, in lieu of warrants, an annual retainer of $10,000 payable in common stock was issued to each director, compared to total warrants issued of 29,040 and 33,940 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. At December 31, 2003, 257,174 warrants were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $4.34 to $12.07.

Incentive Stock Plan

     The Company’s Incentive Stock Plan, which was approved by the Company’s shareholders, authorizes the grant of restricted common shares so that the total number of restricted shares that may be outstanding at any time under the Plan shall not exceed five percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. At December 31, 2003, the maximum number of authorized shares allowed for grant totaled 3,176,335. Restriction periods for these shares exist for a period of one to four years. Restricted shares are forfeited if employment is terminated before the restriction period expires. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, 333,186 and 248,515 common shares, respectively, have been awarded and are still subject to restrictions under the Incentive Stock Plan. Compensation expense is recognized over the restriction period and included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income. Compensation expense for restricted stock totaled $1.9 million in 2003, $1.5 million in 2002 and $825,000 in 2001. The unamortized portion of restricted stock is included as a component of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. In 2003, 295,314 restricted shares were issued, compared to 166,189 in 2002 and 84,922 in 2001. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted shares issued in 2003 was $11.18.

Stock-Based Compensation Plan Summary Information

     The following table presents all stock-based compensation plans that were previously approved by security holders at December 31, 2003:

                         
    (a)           (c)
    Number of           Number of securities
    Securities to be           remaining available
    Issued Upon   (b)   for future issuance under
    Exercise of   Weighted-Average   equity compensation
    Outstanding   Exercise Price of   plans (excluding
    Options and   Options and   securities reflected
Compensation Plan
  Warrants
  Warrants
  in column (a)(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    3,161,972     $ 7.99       4,365,069  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    3,161,972     $ 7.99       4,365,069  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Of the equity securities listed in this column, 2,843,149 are shares issuable under the Incentive Stock Plan, 290,281 are warrants and shares issuable under the Director Compensation Plan, 861,415 are options issuable under the 1998 Stock Option Plan (which includes 494,520 options issuable under the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program), and 370,224 are options issuable under the 1997 Stock Option Plan. The number of shares available for issuance under the Incentive Stock Plan is based on a formula and at any time is equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding stock of Republic.

55


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 16. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Pro Forma Disclosures

     For purposes of providing the pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share required by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the fair value of stock options and stock warrants was estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the option pricing model for the year ending December 31, 2003: an expected volatility factor of 42.7%; an expected dividend yield of 2.75%; a risk-free interest rate of 2.76%; and an expected life of the option of 4.7 years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options and stock warrants granted during each of the years 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $3.77, $3.50 and $3.63 per share, respectively.

     The following table presents net income and earnings per share had compensation cost for the Company’s stock based compensation plans been determined in accordance with SFAS 123 for all outstanding and unvested awards for the years indicated:

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands, except per share data)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Net income (as reported)
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
    1,218       993       505  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (1,986 )     (2,116 )     (1,597 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (pro forma)
  $ 59,958     $ 55,554     $ 46,818  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share (as reported)
  $ .96     $ .89     $ .73  
Basic earnings per share (pro forma)
    .95       .87       .71  
Diluted earnings per share (as reported)
  $ .95     $ .87     $ .72  
Diluted earnings per share (pro forma)
    .93       .86       .70  

Note 17. Employee Benefit Plans

     The Company maintains a 401(k) plan for its employees. The employer contributions to this defined contribution plan are determined annually by the Board of Directors. Contribution expenses for the 401(k) plan for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $1.9 million, $1.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

Note 18. Other Noninterest Expense

     The two largest components of other noninterest expense were as follows:

                         
Year Ended December 31            
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
State income taxes
  $ 3,573     $ 3,127     $ 2,583  
Voice and data communications
    2,799       2,840       3,988  

Note 19. Income Taxes

     The current and deferred components of the provision for Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 are as follows.

                         
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Current income tax expense
  $ 27,211     $ 26,640     $ 25,912  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (1,315 )     (1,953 )     (3,397 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total income tax expense
  $ 25,896     $ 24,687     $ 22,515  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

56


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 19. Income Taxes (Continued)

     A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized to reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Significant temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

                                 
    2003
  2002
    Deferred   Deferred
(In thousands)
  Asset
  Liability
  Asset
  Liability
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 13,709     $     $ 12,241     $  
Originated mortgage servicing rights
          513             869  
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net
          8,882             10,022  
Deferred compensation contributions and gains
    3,216             3,033        
Restricted stock amortization
    666             666        
Depreciation/amortization
          819             914  
Stock dividends on FHLB stock
          1,886             1,175  
Unrealized loss (gain) on securities available for sale
    430                   475  
Loan mark-to-market adjustment
    308             1,504        
Other temporary differences
    378       249       440       291  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total deferred taxes
  $ 18,707     $ 12,349     $ 17,884     $ 13,746  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Items causing differences between the statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate are summarized as follows:

                                                 
    2003   2002   2001
Year ended December 31  
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount
  Rate
  Amount
  Rate
  Amount
  Rate
Statutory tax rate
  $ 30,318       35.0 %   $ 28,477       35.0 %   $ 24,649       35.0 %
Amortization of goodwill
                            87       .1  
Net tax exempt interest income
    (2,171 )     (2.5 )     (2,707 )     (3.3 )     (2,152 )     (3.0 )
Bank owned life insurance income
    (1,932 )     (2.2 )     (767 )     (1.0 )            
Other, net
    (319 )     (.4 )     (316 )     (.4 )     (69 )     (.1 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 25,896       29.9 %   $ 24,687       30.3 %   $ 22,515       32.0 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Note 20. Legal Proceedings

     D&N Bank, a Federal Savings Bank acquired by the Company in May 1999 and merged into Republic Bank in December 2000, was a plaintiff, along with approximately 120 other institutions, in a claim and an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit seeking substantial damages as a result of the 1989 Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act’s mandatory phase-out of the regulatory capital treatment of supervisory goodwill. On July 25, 2003, Republic Bank as successor in interest to D&N Bank, filed a Petition for Rehearing En Banc of Plaintiff-Appellant D&N Bank, FSB, from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Panel Decision of June 17, 2003 which affirmed summary judgment in favor of government in the matter of D&N Bank v. United States of America. The United States Court of Appeals denied Republic Bank’s request for rehearing En Banc, and accordingly no further action will be taken in this matter by Republic Bank.

     The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal actions and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the aggregate liability, if any, resulting from such legal actions would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

57


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 21. Transactions With Related Parties

     Republic Bank has, in the normal course of business and in accordance with applicable regulations, made loans to certain directors and officers and to organizations in which certain directors and officers have an interest. Other transactions with related parties include noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits. In the opinion of management, such loans and other transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated parties and did not involve more than normal risk of collectibility.

     A summary of related loan activity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 follows:

                         
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Balance at beginning of the year
  $ 10,143     $ 15,534     $ 14,456  
New loans and advances
    1,098       1,016       2,435  
Repayments
    (9,598 )     (6,407 )     (1,357 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at end of year
  $ 1,643     $ 10,143     $ 15,534  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Note 22. Segment Information

     The Company’s operations are managed as three major business segments: (1) commercial banking (2) retail banking and (3) mortgage banking. The commercial banking segment consists of commercial lending to small- and medium-sized companies, primarily in the form of commercial real estate and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. The retail banking segment consists of home equity lending, other consumer lending and the deposit-gathering function. Deposits and consumer loan products are offered through 83 retail branch offices of Republic Bank, which are staffed by personal bankers and loan originators. The mortgage banking segment is comprised of mortgage loan production and mortgage loan servicing for others. Mortgage loan production is conducted in all offices of Republic Bank. As discussed in Note 1, Market Street Mortgage was sold in the second quarter of 2001 and in conjunction with the sale of Market Street, the Company substantially exited the mortgage servicing business and separately sold its mortgage servicing portfolio. Prior to 2001, over 90% of the Company’s mortgage loan servicing was performed by Market Street Mortgage. Treasury and Other is comprised of balance sheet management activities that include the securities portfolio, residential real estate mortgage portfolio loans and non-deposit funding. Treasury and Other also includes unallocated corporate expenses such as corporate overhead, including accounting, data processing, human resources and operation costs.

     The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations. Business segment performance is determined based on the Company’s management accounting process, in which the accounting policies of the reportable segments are primarily the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The accounting process assigns revenue, expenses and assets to a business segment using specific identification and an allocation methodology. Changes in the allocation methodology may result in changes in allocations and assignments. In that case, however, results for prior periods would be restated to allow comparability between periods. Each business segment is credited for the interest income earned on its assets. The assets of commercial banking are commercial loans. The retail banking segment’s assets include direct consumer loans and deposits in excess of its loan balances. The mortgage banking segment’s assets are mortgage loans held for sale and residential construction loans. The commercial and mortgage segments’ internal funding costs are based on the overall cost of funds of Republic Bank. The retail segment is charged for the interest expense on deposits and receives an internal funding credit for excess deposits at Republic Bank’s overall yield on earning assets. Excluding the internal funding and transfer pricing on mortgage portfolio loans, the Company does not have intracompany revenues or expenses. Noninterest income and expenses directly attributable to a business segment’s operations are assigned to that business segment. The provision for loan losses for each segment reflects net charge-offs in each segment and the maintenance of a fixed allowance for loan losses to loans ratio. Additionally, segment income tax expense is calculated using the marginal tax rate. The difference between the marginal and effective tax rate is included in Treasury and Other. Equity is allocated to the commercial banking and mortgage banking segments based on a percentage of their assets. Equity is allocated to the retail banking segment based on a percentage of its deposits.

     Revenues from no individual customer exceeded 10 percent of consolidated total revenues. The Company’s segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution.

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 22. Segment Information (Continued)

     In 2003, the allocated equity to the retail segment was decreased to 5% of total deposits compared to 10% in prior years. In 2002, the internal funding credit computation included the allocated capital balance of the retail segment. In addition, cash balances in the retail branches reduced excess deposits. These internal funding credit adjustments were directly offset by adjustments to the internal funding cost to treasury and other. All prior period amounts have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.

     The following table presents the financial results of each business segment for the last three years.

                                         
                            Treasury    
(In thousands)
  Commercial
  Retail
  Mortgage
  and Other
  Consolidated
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
                                       
Net interest income from external customers
  $ 88,046     $ (30,325 )   $ 29,702     $ 55,074     $ 142,497  
Internal funding
    (35,097 )     133,507       (13,086 )     (85,324 )      
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
    52,949       103,182       16,616       (30,250 )     142,497  
Provision for loan losses
    9,428       1,576       273       723       12,000  
Noninterest income
    1,026       11,977       51,914       (4,138 )     60,779  
Noninterest expense
    10,201       31,558       29,085       33,810       104,654  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before taxes
    34,346       82,025       39,172       (68,921 )     86,622  
Income taxes
    12,254       29,265       13,710       (29,333 )     25,896  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 22,092     $ 52,760     $ 25,462     $ (39,588 )   $ 60,726  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 121     $ 2,974     $ 2,273     $ 4,749     $ 10,117  
Capital expenditures
  $ 84     $ 2,290     $ 506     $ 2,666     $ 5,546  
Net identifiable assets (in millions)
  $ 1,503     $ 2,743     $ 322     $ 786     $ 5,354  
Return on equity(2)
    15.13 %     39.93 %     91.95 %     n/m       17.33 %
Return on assets
    1.51 %     1.90 %     4.59 %     n/m       1.23 %
Efficiency ratio
    18.90 %     27.40 %     42.44 %     n/m       52.04 %
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002
                                       
Net interest income from external customers
  $ 97,458     $ (46,636 )   $ 36,669     $ 54,361     $ 141,852  
Internal funding
    (42,462 )     151,688       (17,801 )     (91,425 )      
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
    54,996       105,052       18,868       (37,064 )     141,852  
Provision for loan losses
    5,780       1,393             8,827       16,000  
Noninterest income
    2,129       9,528       36,488       7,882       56,027  
Noninterest expense
    8,881       31,937       28,644       31,053       100,515  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before taxes
    42,464       81,250       26,712       (69,062 )     81,364  
Income taxes
    15,212       28,980       9,349       (28,854 )     24,687  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 27,252     $ 52,270     $ 17,363     $ (40,208 )   $ 56,677  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 142     $ 3,151     $ 2,454     $ 4,658     $ 10,405  
Capital expenditures
  $ 75     $ 803     $ 629     $ 1,828     $ 3,335  
Net identifiable assets (in millions)
  $ 1,450     $ 2,865     $ 824     $ (361 )   $ 4,778  
Return on equity(2)
    19.30 %     40.29 %     59.36 %     n/m       17.52 %
Return on assets
    1.93 %     1.83 %     2.97 %     n/m       1.24 %
Efficiency ratio
    15.55 %     27.87 %     51.75 %     n/m       50.80 %

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 22. Segment Information (Continued)

                                         
                            Treasury    
(In thousands)
  Commercial
  Retail
  Mortgage
  and Other
  Consolidated
For the Year Ended December 31, 2001(1)
                                       
Net interest income from external customers
  $ 102,428     $ (80,907 )   $ 49,710     $ 68,723     $ 139,954  
Internal funding
    (50,581 )     176,454       (29,149 )     (96,724 )      
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
    51,847       95,547       20,561       (28,001 )     139,954  
Provision for loan losses
    4,641       634             3,425       8,700  
Noninterest income
    1,537       7,764       48,714       1,369       59,384  
Noninterest expense
    9,571       32,006       47,192       24,444       113,213  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income before taxes
    39,172       70,671       22,083       (54,501 )     77,425  
Income taxes
    13,710       24,735       7,729       (21,209 )     24,965  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net operating income
  $ 25,462     $ 45,936     $ 14,354     $ (33,292 )   $ 52,460  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 150     $ 3,293     $ 6,727     $ 2,752     $ 12,922  
Capital expenditures
  $ 168     $ 1,319     $ 328     $ 1,686     $ 3,501  
Net identifiable assets (in millions)
  $ 1,335     $ 2,911     $ 914     $ (419 )     4,741  
Return on equity(2)
    20.47 %     35.02 %     40.77 %     n/m       17.25 %
Return on assets
    2.05 %     1.68 %     2.04 %     n/m       1.14 %
Efficiency ratio
    17.93 %     30.98 %     68.12 %     n/m       56.17 %

(1)   Amounts for 2001 exclude $12.0 million of pretax gain on sale of subsidiary and $19.0 million pretax restructuring costs to exit the mortgage servicing business.

(2)   Capital is allocated as a percentage of assets of 10% and 5% for the commercial and mortgage banking segments, respectively and is allocated as a percentage of deposits of 5% for the retail segment.

n/m – Not meaningful

Note 23. Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

     In the normal course of business, the Company becomes a party to transactions involving financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage its own exposure to interest rate risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The contractual amounts of these instruments express the extent of the Company’s involvement in these transactions as of the balance sheet date. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. However, management believes that they do not represent unusual risks for the Company and management does not anticipate any significant losses to arise from these transactions.

     Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend cash to a customer as long as there is no breach of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Standby letters of credit guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Company issues these guarantees primarily to support public and private borrowing arrangements, real estate construction projects, bond financing and similar transactions.

     The credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with direct lending. Therefore, these instruments are subject to the Company’s loan review and approval procedures and credit policies. Based upon management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty, the Company may require the counterparty to provide collateral as security for the agreement, including real estate, accounts receivable, inventories, and investment securities. The maximum credit risk associated with these instruments equals their contractual amounts and assumes that the counterparty defaults and the collateral proves to be worthless. The total contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, since many of these agreements may expire without being drawn upon. At December 31, 2003, no liability is recorded for the commitments to extend credit, while deferred revenue for standby letters of credit was $189,000. At December 31, 2002, there was no liability or deferred revenue recorded for the commitments to extend credit or for the standby letters of credit.

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 23. Off-Balance Sheet Transactions (Continued)

     The following table presents the contractual amounts of the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002:

                 
December 31        
(In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
               
Commitments to fund residential real estate loans
  $ 296,978     $ 340,615  
Commitments to fund commercial real estate loans
    306,062       142,332  
Other unused commitments to extend credit
    421,619       374,692  
Standby letters of credit
    71,834       46,480  

Note 24. Hedging Activities

     In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended in June 1999 by Statement No. 137, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133, in June 2000 by Statement No. 138, Accounting For Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities and in April 2003 by Statement No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and was required to be adopted by the Company in years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Statement requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. The Company implemented SFAS 133 effective January 1, 2001.

     At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding $51.0 million of commitments to fund residential real estate loan applications with agreed-upon rates (“Interest Rate Lock Commitments” or “IRLCs”). IRLCs subject the Company to market risk due to fluctuations in interest rates.

     At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding mandatory forward commitments to sell $162.5 million of residential mortgage loans, which included put options on 10-year treasury futures with a notional amount of $2.5 million. These mandatory forward commitments hedged the value of $115.3 million of mortgage loans held for sale and $47.2 million of IRLCs utilizing the fair value method of accounting for derivatives. These outstanding forward commitments to sell mortgage loans are expected to settle in the first quarter of 2004 without producing any material gains or losses. At December 31, 2003, the mortgage loans held for sale balance included $20.1 million of loan products for which the Company did not enter into mandatory forward commitments. The Company’s exposure to market risk was not significantly increased, however, since these loans were committed for sale to third parties prior to year-end.

     At December 31, 2002, outstanding forward commitments to sell mortgage loans totaled $789.0 million, of which $626.2 million covered the mortgage loans held for sale balance and $162.8 million covered interest rate lock commitments. The Company had $181.0 million of interest rate lock commitments outstanding at December 31, 2002.

     For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company’s hedging policies using mandatory forward commitments and put options on 10-year treasury futures, as they relate to IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale, were highly effective. Therefore, the impact of SFAS 133 on net income was immaterial. The fair value of IRLCs, mandatory forward commitments and put options was also immaterial at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 25. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     Fair value estimates of financial instruments are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Since no ready market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

     Fair value estimates are determined for existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on the fair value of financial instruments and have not been considered in these estimates.

     The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which determination of such an estimate was practicable are as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

     The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value for these instruments.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale:

     The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale, including the fair value of associated mortgage servicing rights, is estimated based on the present value of estimated future cash flows of the loan and related servicing rights.

Securities Available for Sale:

     The fair value of securities available for sale are estimated based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes.

Securities Held to Maturity:

     The fair value of securities held to maturity are estimated based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes.

Loans:

     Fair values are estimated for portfolio loans based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using discount rates which incorporate a premium commensurate with normal credit and interest rate risks involved. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage and installment.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock:

     The carrying amount of FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of fair value as all transactions with the FHLB in the capital stock are executed at par.

Deposits:

     The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, money market and NOW accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The estimated fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Federal Funds Purchased and other short-term borrowings:

     Fair value approximates the carrying value since the majority of these instruments were entered into at or near December 31, 2003 and 2002. The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value of other short-term borrowings as these financial instruments are tied to floating rate indices such as prime and LIBOR, and reprice frequently.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 25. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

Short-Term FHLB Advances:

     The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value since the majority of these instruments were entered into at or near December 31, 2003 and 2002 or these financial instruments are tied to floating rate indices such as LIBOR, and reprice frequently.

Long-term FHLB Advances and Reverse Repurchase Agreements:

     Fair value is estimated based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar terms.

Long-Term Debt:

     Fair value is estimated based on the present value of future estimated cash flows using current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar terms.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:

     The Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments are detailed in Note 23 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Hedging Instruments:

     The Company’s commitments to fund residential real estate loan applications with agreed-upon interest rates and forward commitments to sell residential real estate loans may result in a gain or loss upon the sale of the funded residential real estate loans. The aggregated fair value of these off-balance sheet financial instruments at December 31, 2003 and 2002, which are based on quoted market prices, were not material.

     The following table presents the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:

                                 
    2003
  2002
December 31   Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair
(In thousands)
  Value
  Value
  Value
  Value
Assets:
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63,858     $ 63,858     $ 75,625     $ 75,625  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    135,360       136,240       660,999       665,295  
Securities available for sale
    607,450       607,450       170,456       170,456  
Securities held to maturity
    156,555       157,067              
Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses
    4,117,243       4,171,300       3,620,466       3,686,315  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    80,500       80,500       78,475       78,475  
Liabilities:
                               
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    256,265       256,265       260,634       260,634  
NOW, savings and money market accounts
    1,239,074       1,239,074       1,087,229       1,087,229  
Certificates of deposit maturing in:
                               
Six months or less
    265,043       265,051       10,491       10,498  
Over six months to one year
    162,860       162,945       79,978       80,197  
Over one year to three years
    573,459       583,161       985,731       997,322  
Over three years
    318,568       340,078       364,209       384,473  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total certificates of deposit
    1,319,930       1,351,235       1,440,409       1,472,490  
Total deposits
    2,815,269       2,846,574       2,788,272       2,820,353  
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings
    491,245       491,245       209,070       209,070  
Short-term FHLB advances
    280,000       280,000       305,000       305,000  
Long-term FHLB advances and reverse repurchase agreements
    1,286,726       1,386,879       1,002,943       1,123,497  
Long-term debt
    50,000       50,316       63,500       63,836  

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 26. Regulatory Matters

     Republic Bank is required by law to maintain average cash reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank based on a percentage of deposits. At December 31, 2003, these reserves totaled $4.0 million. There were no reserve requirements as of December 31, 2002.

     The principal source of cash flows for the parent company is dividends from Republic Bank. The banking regulatory agencies limit the amount of dividends a state chartered financial institution may declare to the parent company in any calendar year. On December 31, 2003, $161.7 million was available for payment of dividends.

     The Company is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an effect on the Company’s financial statements. Capital adequacy guidelines require minimum capital ratios of 8.00% for total risk-based capital, 4.00% for Tier 1 risk-based capital and 4.00% (and in some cases 3.00%) for Tier 1 leverage. Under the framework for prompt corrective action, all financial institutions must meet capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. To be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, minimum capital ratios of 10.00% for total risk-based capital, 6.00% for Tier 1 risk-based capital and 5.00% for Tier 1 leverage must be maintained. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators with respect to components, risk weightings and other factors.

     Management believes, as of December 31, 2003, that the Company met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. In addition, Republic Bank had regulatory capital ratios in excess of the levels established for well capitalized institutions.

     As of December 31, 2003, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago considers the Company to be “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Company’s category.

     Presented in the table below are the capital amounts and ratios for the Company and its bank subsidiary, Republic Bank, at December 31, 2003 and 2002, along with a comparison to the year-end capital amounts and ratios established by the regulators.

                                                 
    Actual
  Adequately Capitalized
  Well Capitalized
(Dollars in thousands)
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
As of December 31, 2003
                                               
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 454,549       12.85 %   $ 282,898       8.00 %   $ 353,622       10.00 %
Republic Bank
    443,286       12.59       281,568       8.00       351,959       10.00  
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 414,278       11.72 %   $ 141,449       4.00 %   $ 212,173       6.00 %
Republic Bank
    403,015       11.45       140,784       4.00       211,176       6.00  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 414,278       8.04 %   $ 154,849       3.00 %   $ 258,082       5.00 %
Republic Bank
    403,015       7.84       154,181       3.00       256,969       5.00  
As of December 31, 2002
                                               
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 410,860       12.26 %   $ 268,149       8.00 %   $ 335,186       10.00 %
Republic Bank
    401,462       12.03       266,969       8.00       333,711       10.00  
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 374,783       11.18 %   $ 134,075       4.00 %   $ 201,112       6.00 %
Republic Bank
    365,385       10.95       133,484       4.00       200,227       6.00  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)(1):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 374,783       7.81 %   $ 143,683       3.00 %   $ 239,471       5.00 %
Republic Bank
    365,385       7.64       143,521       3.00       239,202       5.00  

(1)   As defined in the regulations

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 27. Parent Company Financial Information

     The condensed financial statements of Republic Bancorp Inc. (Parent Company only) are as follows:

                 
Parent Company Only Balance Sheets        
December 31 (In thousands)
  2003
  2002
Assets:
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 311     $ 645  
Interest earning deposits
    26,377       32,924  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    26,688       33,569  
Investment in subsidiaries
    407,652       374,437  
Notes and advances receivable from subsidiary
    59       98  
Furniture and equipment
    90       139  
Other assets
    15,010       12,519  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 449,499     $ 420,762  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $ 28,533     $ 22,988  
Subordinated debentures
    51,546       51,546  
Long-term debt
          13,500  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    80,079       88,034  
Total shareholders’ equity
    369,420       332,728  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 449,499     $ 420,762  
 
   
 
     
 
 
                         
Parent Company Only Income Statements            
Year Ended December 31 (In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Interest income
  $ 79     $ 520     $ 198  
Dividends from subsidiary
    31,000       24,287       35,029  
Management fee from subsidiary
    5,000       8,000        
Other income
                12,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total income
    36,079       32,807       47,227  
Interest expense
    4,472       5,265       2,678  
Investment securities losses
                355  
Salaries and employee benefits
    5,365       5,115       4,950  
Other expenses
    3,838       3,020       1,951  
Merger integration and restructuring
                 
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total expenses
    13,675       13,400       9,934  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes and excess of undistributed earnings of subsidiary over dividends
    22,404       19,407       37,293  
Income tax (credit) expense
    (3,293 )     (2,015 )     890  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before excess of undistributed earnings of subsidiary over dividends
    25,697       21,422       36,403  
Excess of undistributed earnings of subsidiary over dividends
    35,029       35,255       11,507  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 27. Parent Company Financial Information (Continued)

                         
Parent Company Only Statements of Cash Flows            
Year Ended December 31 (In thousands)
  2003
  2002
  2001
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 60,726     $ 56,677     $ 47,910  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    960       906       693  
Net loss on securities available for sale
                355  
Excess of undistributed earnings of subsidiary over dividends
    (35,029 )     (35,255 )     (11,507 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (2,182 )     24,632       (18,174 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    4,391       (403 )     (4,521 )
Gain on sale of subsidiary
                (12,000 )
Other, net
    (36 )     252       (23 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total adjustments
    (31,896 )     (9,868 )     (45,177 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    28,830       46,809       2,733  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Decrease in notes and advances receivable from subsidiary
                22,064  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
                22,064  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
Repayment of long-term debt
    (13,500 )           (34,000 )
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures
                47,963  
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares through exercise of stock options and stock warrants
    12,970       4,687       5,411  
Repurchase of common shares
    (15,022 )     (18,750 )     (25,416 )
Dividends paid on common shares
    (20,159 )     (18,082 )     (16,838 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (35,711 )     (32,145 )     (22,880 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (6,881 )     14,664       1,917  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    33,569       18,905       16,988  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 26,688     $ 33,569     $ 18,905  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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Independent Auditors’ Report

Republic Bancorp Inc. Board of Directors

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Republic Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Republic Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan
January 13, 2004

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Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years 2003 and 2002:

                                         
                                    Full
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  1Q
  2Q
  3Q
  4Q
  Year
2003
                                       
Earnings Summary
                                       
Interest income
  $ 65,750     $ 66,842     $ 66,560     $ 66,528     $ 265,680  
Interest expense (1)
    31,225       30,977       30,150       30,831       123,183  
Net interest income (1)
    34,525       35,865       36,410       35,697       142,497  
Provision for loan losses
    3,000       3,000       3,000       3,000       12,000  
Mortgage banking revenue
    9,736       10,455       10,567       8,218       38,976  
Investment securities gains
    448       432       619       691       2,190  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    1,295       1,320       1,432       1,472       5,519  
Other non-interest income
    3,382       3,290       3,532       3,890       14,094  
Non-interest expense (1)
    24,382       26,701       27,247       26,324       104,654  
Income before taxes
    22,004       21,661       22,313       20,644       86,622  
Net income
    15,153       15,158       15,790       14,625       60,726  
Per Common Share
                                       
Basic earnings
  $ .24     $ .24     $ .25     $ .23     $ .96  
Diluted earnings
    .24       .24       .25       .23       .95  
Cash dividends declared
    .08       .08       .09       .09       .34  
2002
                                       
Earnings Summary
                                       
Interest income
  $ 73,535     $ 69,851     $ 70,475     $ 70,843     $ 284,704  
Interest expense (1)
    37,629       35,570       35,181       34,472       142,852  
Net interest income (1)
    35,906       34,281       35,294       36,371       141,852  
Provision for loan losses
    2,400       2,400       6,200       5,000       16,000  
Mortgage banking revenue
    7,246       8,140       7,715       11,031       34,132  
Investment securities gains
    401       417       1,933       3,108       5,859  
Income from bank owned life insurance
                874       1,318       2,192  
Other non-interest income
    2,930       3,440       3,619       3,855       13,844  
Non-interest expense (1)
    23,797       22,857       23,042       30,819       100,515  
Income before taxes
    20,286       21,021       20,193       19,864       81,364  
Net income
    14,118       14,534       14,283       13,742       56,677  
Per Common Share
                                       
Basic earnings
  $ .22     $ .23     $ .22     $ .22     $ .89  
Diluted earnings
    .22       .22       .22       .21       .87  
Cash dividends declared
    .07       .07       .07       .08       .29  

(1)   All periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2003 have been restated to reflect the adoption of FIN 46. FIN 46 required the Company to reclassify the dividends paid on its trust preferred securities and preferred stock of subsidiary as interest expense. In prior periods, dividends on trust preferred securities and preferred stock of subsidiary were classified as a component of noninterest expense.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     Internal Controls. The Company maintains a system of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

     Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s internal controls and procedures. Such evaluation was conducted within the 90 days prior to the date of filing of this report. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of such evaluation.

     Disclosure Controls And Procedures. The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports it files with the SEC is collected and then processed, summarized and disclosed within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these procedures are effective.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Directors

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the Company’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders entitled “Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Executive Officers Of The Registrant

     The following is a list of all the executive officers (4) of the Company as of December 31, 2003. All of these officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors. Each of the executive officers has served as an officer of the Company for more than five years. There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers.
             
Name
  Age
  Position
Jerry D. Campbell
    63     Chairman of the Board (Since 1985)
Dana M. Cluckey
    43     President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 1986)
Barry J. Eckhold
    57     Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (Since 1990)
Thomas F. Menacher, CPA
    47    
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Since 1992)

     The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and controller. The code of ethics is posted on the Company’s website at www.republicbancorp.com under the Corporate Governance link in the Investor Relations section.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the Company’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders entitled “Personnel and Compensation Committee Report” and “Executive Officers.”

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the Company’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders entitled “Stock Ownership”, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Executive Officers—Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the Company’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections of the Company’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders entitled “Independent Auditors.”

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)1.   Financial Statements
 
    The following financial statements of the Company are filed as a part of this document under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
 
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002
 
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
 
    Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
 
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
 
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
    Independent Auditors’ Report
 
2.   Financial Statement Schedules
 
    All financial statement schedules required by Article 9 of Regulation S-X have been included in the consolidated financial statements or are either not applicable or not significant.
 
3.   Exhibits

     
(3)(a)/(4)(a)
  Second Restated Articles of Incorporation of Republic Bancorp Inc. (the “Company”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 28, 1999 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(3)(b)/(4)(b)
  Bylaws, as amended, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 28, 1999 (file no. 0-15734)).

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(4)(c)
  Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 29, 2000, between the Company and Firstar Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2001 (file No. 000-15374)).
 
   
(4)(d)
  First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 29, 2001, between the Company and Firstar Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2002 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(4)(e)
  Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2002, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, formerly known as Firstar Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2003 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(4)(f)
  Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2003, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association.*
 
   
(4)(g)
  Form of Indenture between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company for the Company’s 8.60% Subordinated Debentures due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(e) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062).
 
   
(4)(h)
  Form of the Company’s 8.60% Subordinated Debenture due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(f) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062) (which Exhibit (4)(f) is included as an exhibit to Exhibit (4)(e) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(4)(i)
  Certificate of Trust of Republic Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(g) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(4)(j)
  Trust Agreement of Republic Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(h) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(4)(k)
  Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Republic Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(i) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(4)(l)
  Form of Trust Preferred Securities Certificate of Republic Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(j) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062) (which Exhibit (4)(j) is included as an exhibit to Exhibit (4)(i) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).

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(4)(m)
  Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities between the Company and Republic Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(k) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(4)(n)
  Form of Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(l) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2001 (registration no. 333-70062)).
 
   
(10)(a)
  1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1998 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(b)
  First Amendment to the 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(c)
  1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 1997 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(d)
  First Amendment to the 1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated February 19, 1998, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(e)
  Second Amendment to the 1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(f)
  Incentive Stock Plan, as Amended, of the Company dated February 19, 1998, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(g)
  Amendment to the Incentive Stock Plan, as Amended, of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(h)
  Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1998 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(i)
  First Amendment to the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).

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(10)(j)
  First Amended and Restated Directors Compensation Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2003 (registration no. 333-105383)).
 
   
(10)(k)
  Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company, as Amended and Restated Effective June 17, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(l)
  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 1992 (file no. 33-46069)).
 
   
(10)(m)
  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company.*
 
   
(10)(n)
  D&N Financial Corporation 1984 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1999 (file no. 333-83267)).
 
   
(10)(o)
  D&N Financial Corporation 1994 Management Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1999 (file no. 333-83265)).
 
   
(10)(p)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Dana M. Cluckey.*
 
   
(10)(q)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Thomas F. Menacher.*
 
   
(10)(r)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Barry J. Eckhold.*
 
   
(10)(s)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Jerry D. Campbell.*
 
   
(10)(t)
  Second Amendment to the 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated February 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2001 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(11)
  No statement is required to be filed because the computations can be clearly determined from the materials contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
   
(12)
  Computations of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.*
 
   
(21)
  Subsidiaries of the Company.*
 
   
(23)
  Consent of independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP.*
 
   
(24)
  Powers of Attorney.*
 
   
(31)(a)
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(31)(b)
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(32)(a)
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(32)(b)
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*

*Filed herewith

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    Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements:
 
    The management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits and included in such list of exhibits are as follows:

     
(10)(a)
  1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1998 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(b)
  First Amendment to the 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(c)
  1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 1997 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(d)
  First Amendment to the 1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated February 19, 1998, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(e)
  Second Amendment to the 1997 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(f)
  Incentive Stock Plan, as Amended, of the Company dated February 19, 1998, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(g)
  Amendment to the Incentive Stock Plan, as Amended, of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(h)
  Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 1998 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(i)
  First Amendment to the Voluntary Management Stock Accumulation Program of the Company dated October 21, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).
 
   
(10)(j)
  First Amended and Restated Directors Compensation Plan of the Company, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2003 (registration no. 333-105383)).
 
   
(10)(k)
  Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company, as Amended and Restated Effective June 17, 1999, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2000 (file no. 0-15734)).

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(10)(l)
  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Company’s Registration Statement Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 1992 (file no. 33-46069)).
 
   
(10)(m)
  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company.*
 
   
(10)(n)
  D&N Financial Corporation 1984 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1999 (file no. 333-83267)).
 
   
(10)(o)
  D&N Financial Corporation 1994 Management Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1999 (file no. 333-83265)).
 
   
(10)(p)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Dana M. Cluckey.*
 
   
(10)(q)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Thomas F. Menacher.*
 
   
(10)(r)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Barry J. Eckhold.*
 
   
(10)(s)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Jerry D. Campbell.*
 
   
(10)(t)
  Second Amendment to the 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company dated February 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2001 (file no. 0-15734)).

*Filed herewith

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K
 
    On October 14, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K reporting that the Company released its third quarter results and held a conference call on October 14, 2003 to discuss the earnings release. The press release was included as an exhibit.

    On October 17, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K reporting that on October 17, 2003, the Company announced a 10% stock dividend on its common stock. The press release was included as an exhibit.

    On November 13, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K/A which amended its Form 8-K dated October 14, 2003 to update certain financial information in response to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issuing FASB Staff Position No. 150-3.

    On November 21, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K reporting that on November 20, 2003, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a $.095 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2003 and payable January 5, 2004.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on the 12th day of March 2004.

         
    REPUBLIC BANCORP INC.
 
       
  By:   /s/ Dana M. Cluckey       
     
 
      Dana M. Cluckey
      President and Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on the 12th day of March 2004.

         
Signature
  Title
  Date
/s/ Dana M. Cluckey
Dana M. Cluckey
  President and Chief Executive Officer   March 12, 2004
 
       
/s/ Thomas F. Menacher
Thomas F. Menacher
  Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)   March 12, 2004

DIRECTORS *

             
Jerry D. Campbell
  George A. Eastman, DDS   John J. Lennon   Isaac J. Powell, MD
George J. Butvilas
  Barry J. Eckhold   Milton F. Lutz, II   William C. Rands, III
Lee E. Benz
  Gary Hurand   Sam H. McGoun   B. Thomas M. Smith Jr.
Mary P. Cauley
  Dennis J. Ibold   Kelly E. Miller   Jeoffrey K. Stross, MD
Richard J. Cramer Sr.
  Stanley A. Jacobson   Randolph P. Piper   Steven E. Zack
     
* By:
  /s/ Thomas F. Menacher
 
  Attorney in Fact for each director listed

Date: March 12, 2004

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
EXHIBIT
  DESCRIPTION
(4)(f)
  Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2003, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association.*
 
   
(10)(m)
  Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers and directors of the Company.*
 
   
(10)(p)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Dana M. Cluckey.*
 
   
(10)(q)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Thomas F. Menacher.*
 
   
(10)(r)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Barry J. Eckhold.*
 
   
(10)(s)
  Change in Control Severance Agreement for Jerry D. Campbell.*
 
   
(12)
  Computations of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.*
 
   
(21)
  Subsidiaries of the Company.*
 
   
(23)
  Consent of independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP.*
 
   
(24)
  Powers of Attorney.*
 
   
(31)(a)
  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(31)(b)
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(32)(a)
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*
 
   
(32)(b)
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*

*Filed herewith