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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number 000-15540

 


 

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

Washington   91-1223535

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

332 SW Everett Mall Way

P.O. Box 2215

Everett, Washington 98203

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(425)-514-0700

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

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

 


 

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

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act)  x

 

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

 

Class


 

Outstanding at April 23, 2004


Common Stock, no par value   18,620,841

 



Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

         Page

PART I – Financial Information     

Item 1.

  Financial Statements     
    Consolidated Balance Sheet – March 31, 2004 and Year End 2003    1
    Consolidated Statement of Income – Three months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003    2
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Three months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003    3-4
    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements    5-7

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    8-19

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    20

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures    20-21
PART II – Other Information     

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings    22

Item 2.

  Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    22

Item 4.

  Submission of Matters to a Vote by Security Holders    22

Item 5.

  Other Information    22

Item 6.

  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    23
    Signatures    24
    Certifications     

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

     (In thousands, except shares)

 
    

March 31,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

ASSETS

                

Cash & due from banks

   $ 72,548     $ 74,552  

Federal funds sold

     38,085       8  

Securities:

                

Available for sale-fair value

     163,812       175,726  

Held to maturity-amortized cost

     12,087       12,189  
    


 


Total securities

     175,899       187,915  

Loans, net of unearned income

     1,828,418       1,771,716  

Less allowance for loan losses

     (30,144 )     (29,556 )
    


 


Net loans

     1,798,274       1,742,160  

Premises & equipment, net

     29,529       28,756  

Other real estate owned

     222       4,162  

Intangible assets

     6,476       6,476  

Bank owned life insurance

     16,848       16,653  

Other assets

     14,282       14,711  
    


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 2,152,163     $ 2,075,393  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

Deposits:

                

Noninterest bearing

   $ 280,801     $ 271,389  

Interest bearing

     1,439,105       1,395,628  
    


 


Total deposits

     1,719,906       1,667,017  

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements

     8,815       10,015  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     180,100       170,104  

Other liabilities

     14,850       8,851  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES

     1,923,671       1,855,987  
    


 


SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

                

Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 18,612,769 and 18,550,060 shares issued and outstanding in 2004 and 2003

     120,248       118,693  

Retained earnings

     103,818       97,221  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax effect

     4,426       3,492  
    


 


TOTAL SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

     228,492       219,406  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

   $ 2,152,163     $ 2,075,393  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

     Three Months Ended

 
(In Thousands, Except for Per Share Amounts)   

March 31,

2004


   

March 31,

2003


 

INTEREST INCOME

                

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 31,376     $ 32,048  

Interest on investments

     2,009       2,023  
    


 


Total interest income

     33,385       34,071  
    


 


INTEREST EXPENSE

                

Interest on deposits

     6,442       8,273  

Interest on borrowed funds

     2,115       1,956  
    


 


Total interest expense

     8,557       10,229  
    


 


Net interest income

     24,828       23,842  
    


 


PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     (500 )     (850 )
    


 


Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     24,328       22,992  
    


 


NONINTEREST INCOME

                

Gain (loss) on sale of securities

     —         91  

Service charges on deposit accounts

     1,268       1,064  

Other noninterest income

     1,912       1,899  
    


 


Total noninterest income

     3,180       3,054  
    


 


NONINTEREST EXPENSE

                

Salaries and employee benefits

     7,752       6,966  

Occupancy expense

     1,834       1,616  

Other noninterest expense

     2,635       2,578  
    


 


Total noninterest expense

     12,221       11,160  
    


 


INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX

     15,287       14,886  

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX

     (5,150 )     (5,225 )
    


 


NET INCOME

   $ 10,137     $ 9,661  
    


 


Weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period

     18,596,961       18,688,364  

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.55     $ 0.52  
    


 


Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for period

     18,708,087       18,749,355  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.54     $ 0.52  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

     (In thousands)

 
    

March 31,

2004


   

March 31,

2003


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net Income

   $ 10,137     $ 9,661  

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

                

Depreciation and amortization

     990       973  

Provision for loan losses

     500       850  

Gain on sale of other real estate owned

     (54 )     10  

Loss on sale of fixed assets

     (1 )     (1 )

Loss on sale of securities

     —         (91 )

Deferred taxes

     521       155  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

                

Income taxes payable

     4,250       5,225  

Interest receivable

     389       (184 )

Interest payable

     119       (341 )

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans

     14,164       37,479  

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

     (14,911 )     (36,250 )

Dividend income from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (136 )     (271 )

Other operating activities

     (406 )     (4,488 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     15,562       12,727  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

                

Net cash flows from fed funds sold

     (38,077 )     (85,341 )

Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities

     —         2,116  

Proceeds from maturities of AFS & HTM securities

     25,613       8,720  

Purchase of AFS securities

     (12,272 )     (9,226 )

Net cash flows from loan activities

     (55,867 )     3,515  

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (1,362 )     (277 )

Proceeds from the sale of OREO

     3,940       138  

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     1       3  

Increase in other investing activities

     (84 )     2,460  
    


 


Net cash used by investing activities

     (78,108 )     (77,892 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Net change in core deposits

     44,596       71,543  

Net change in certificates of deposit

     8,293       (13,785 )

Stock options exercised

     1,053       338  

Purchase of common shares

     —         (8,777 )

Cash dividends paid

     (3,437 )     (3,109 )

Advances from FHLB

     10,000       —    

Repayment of FHLB advances

     (4 )     (5 )

Net change in Federal Funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements

     (1,200 )     740  

Increase (decrease) in other financing activities

     1,241       (260 )
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     60,542       46,685  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Continued on next page)

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

   $ (2,004 )   $ (18,480 )

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     74,552       88,647  
    


 


CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 72,548     $ 70,167  
    


 


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

                

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 8,438     $ 10,569  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

     500       —    

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans in 2004 and 2003 were $10 thousand and $869 thousand, respectively.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Frontier Financial Corporation (“FFC or Corporation”) include the accounts of Frontier Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries Frontier Bank (the “Bank”) and FFP, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three months ending March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for year-end December 31, 2004.

 

At March 31, 2004, the Corporation has a stock-based employee compensation plan. The Corporation accounts for the plan under recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock based employee compensation costs are reflected in net income, as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Corporation had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation.

 

In Thousands

 

For the quarter ended March 31,


   2004

   2003

Proforma disclosures

             

Net income as reported

   $ 10,137    $ 9,661

Additional compensation for fair value of stock options

     —        —  
    

  

Proforma net income

   $ 10,137    $ 9,661
    

  

Earnings per share

             

Basic

             

As reported

   $ 0.55    $ 0.52

Proforma

   $ 0.55    $ 0.52
    

  

Diluted

             

As reported

   $ 0.52    $ 0.52

Proforma

   $ 0.52    $ 0.52
    

  

 

The Corporation did not grant any options in the quarters ending March 31, 2004 and 2003. As of March 31, 2004 there were outstanding options to purchase 440,770 shares under the plan, representing 2.4% of total shares outstanding.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The investment portfolio of the Corporation is classified in one of two groups: 1) securities Held-to-Maturity (HTM), and 2) securities Available-For-Sale (AFS). Securities that are classified as HTM, are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts which are recognized as adjustments to income.

 

Securities that are classified as AFS, are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of equity capital. AFS securities may be sold at any time.

 

Gains and losses on both HTM and AFS securities that are disposed of prior to maturity, are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying amount of the specific security sold.

 

The tables below display the characteristics of the AFS and HTM portfolios as of March 31, 2004:

 

AGGREGATE FAIR VALUE AND AMORTIZED COST OF INVESTMENTS

 

(In thousands)

     Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Less than
12 months
Gross
Unrealized
Losses


    12 months
or more
Gross
Unrealized
Losses


    Aggregate
Fair Value


AFS SECURITIES

                                    

Equities

   $ 26,784    $ 4,524    $ (95 )   $ (6 )   $ 31,207

U.S. Treasuries

     12,520      71      —         —         12,591

U.S. Agencies

     49,861      247      —         —         50,108

Corporate securities

     67,791      2,088      (4 )     (7 )     69,868

Municipal securities

     45      —        (7 )             38
    

  

  


 


 

Totals

     157,001      6,930      (106 )     (13 )     163,812
    

  

  


 


 

HTM SECURITIES

                                    

Municipal securities

     10,558      426      —         —         10,984

Corporate securities

     1,529      174      —         —         1,703
    

  

  


 


 

Totals

     12,087      600      —         —         12,687
    

  

  


 


 

Totals

   $ 169,088    $ 7,530    $ (106 )   $ (13 )   $ 176,499
    

  

  


 


 

 

MATURITY SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES

 

     Available for Sale

   Held to Maturity

MATURITY


   Amortized
Cost


  

Fair

Value


   Amortized
Cost


   Fair
Value


0-1 Yr

   $ 66,279    $ 71,174    $ 1,469    $ 1,489

1-5 Yrs

     80,895      82,376      8,412      8,751

5-10 Yrs

     7,000      7,036      677      744

Over 10 Yrs

     2,827      3,226      1,529      1,703
    

  

  

  

     $ 157,001    $ 163,812    $ 12,087    $ 12,687
    

  

  

  

                            `

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2 – (Continued)

 

We currently hold two securities in our portfolio that have had an unrealized loss for more than one year.

 

The first is a Washington State Housing Finance Commission municipal bond with a book value of $45 thousand. The reason for the sub-par performance of this bond is mainly due to the underlying collateral, which is housing. This collateral will cause the bond to act like a CMO in that the prepayment speed of the underlying mortgages could increase, causing the bond to be paid off sooner than originally anticipated. The State has the right to fully redeem this bond on July 1st of any year. The bond is AAA rated, all coupon payments have been made and we do not anticipate the State of Washington to default paying the principal at maturity. Therefore, we do not consider any portion of this bond to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and we have the ability and intent to hold the bond until maturity.

 

The second security is 5,000 shares of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) preferred stock, DRD, with a book value of $250 thousand. This situation is not related to credit deterioration, but changes in interest rates. If rates were to move downward in the future, the market value would rise accordingly. The stock is rated AA- and all dividend payments have been made. We do have the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient for a market price recovery. Therefore we do not consider any portion of this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

 

CHANGES IN AFS AND HTM SECURITIES

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31:


   2004

   2003

AFS SECURITIES

             

Proceeds from sales

     —      $ 2,116

Gross realized gains

     —        91

Gross realized losses

     —        —  

Gross gains & losses included in earnings transfers to the trading category

     —        —  

Net change in unrealized holding gains or losses included in the separate components of shareowners’ equity

   $ 934    $ 645

 

NOTE 3. LOANS

 

The following is an analysis of the loan portfolio by major type of loans:

 

In Thousands

 

     March 31, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 

Commercial

   $ 276,586     $ 269,354  

Real Estate:

                

Commercial

     815,306       809,799  

Construction

     547,252       516,131  

Residential

     157,880       146,454  

Installment

     41,864       40,132  
    


 


       1,838,888       1,781,870  

Unearned Fee Income

     (10,470 )     (10,154 )
    


 


Total Loans

   $ 1,828,418     $ 1,771,716  
    


 


 

NOTE 4. Please see Item 5, page 22 for dividend information.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

Consolidated net income of Frontier Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”), for the first quarter of 2004 was $10.1 million versus $9.7 million for the first quarter of 2003, or up 4.9%. Net interest income increased $1.0 million, or 4.1%; noninterest income increased $126 thousand, or 4.1% and the provision for loan losses was down $350 thousand, or 41.2% from a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $.54 in the current quarter as compared to $.52 in the first quarter of 2003. The largest contributing factor was the increase in net interest income. In the discussion below, comparison is with the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, unless otherwise stated.

 

The annualized return on average assets (ROA) was 1.93% in 2004 as compared to 1.98% in 2003. Annualized return on average shareowners’ equity (ROE) in 2004 was 18.21%, as compared to 19.48% in 2003.

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

MARKET AREA

 

Frontier Financial Corporation, headquartered in Everett, Washington, is the parent of Frontier Bank, which operates thirty-nine banking offices in Clallam, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. These eight counties are considered the market or service area of the Corporation and comprise the area referred to as the Puget Sound Region. The Puget Sound Region is home to approximately 80% of the population of Washington State. Its economy has become more diversified over the past years with company headquarters for Amazon, Costco, Starbucks, Weyerhauser and Microsoft located in the region.

 

BALANCE SHEET – March 31, 2004/December 31, 2003

 

Loan growth for the first quarter of 2004 was $56.7 million, or 3.2%. Investment securities for the same time period decreased $12.0 million, or 6.4%. Federal funds sold increased $38.0 million. The shift in the asset mix was due to strong loan growth and calls on securities due to continued low interest rates.

 

Loans, net of unearned income and allowance for loan losses, increased $56.1 million, or 3.2% to a balance of $1.80 billion at March 31, 2004 compared to $1.74 billion at December 31, 2003. In the first quarter 2004 new loan originations were $268.4 million as compared to $188.8 million for the first quarter 2003. This is the third consecutive quarter of loan growth in excess of $50 million. The strong growth in the first quarter was attributable to the Seattle Office which opened in the first quarter and the Real Estate Division.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Balance Sheet - (Continued)

 

The Bank’s loan mix has remained relatively unchanged in the principal areas of lending which include: installment, commercial, real estate commercial, real estate construction, and residential. At March 31, 2004, 15.1% of our loan portfolio was in commercial loans, 44.6% was in real estate commercial, 29.4% was in real estate construction, 8.6% was in residential, and 2.3% installment.

 

On the liability side of the balance sheet, noninterest bearing deposits increased $9.4 million, or 3.5% and interest bearing deposits increased $43.5 million, or 3.1%. NOW, Money Market, and sweep accounts increased $9.1 million, or 3.6%; savings accounts increased $26.1 million, or 4.2%; and Time Deposits, (cd’s) increased $8.3 million, or 1.6%. The reason for the increase in savings accounts is growth in the Corporation’s “premium” savings account whose rate is higher than that of short-term cd’s or other transaction accounts. Additionally, there was one new business savings account for $10.0 million opened during the quarter.

 

BALANCE SHEET – March 31, 2004/March 31, 2003

 

Below are abbreviated balance sheets at the end of the respective quarters which indicates the changes that have occurred in our major portfolios over the past year:

 

(In Thousands)

 

March 31,


   2004

   2003

   $ Change

    % Change

 

Loans

   $ 1,828,418    $ 1,654,635    $ 173,783     10.5 %

Investments

     175,899      137,157      38,742     28.2 %

Federal funds sold

     38,085      98,869      (60,784 )   -61.5 %
    

  

  


 

Total earning assets

   $ 2,042,402    $ 1,890,661    $ 151,741     8.0 %
    

  

  


 

Total assets

   $ 2,152,163    $ 2,003,980    $ 148,183     7.4 %
    

  

  


 

Noninterest bearing deposits

   $ 280,801    $ 241,180    $ 39,621     16.4 %

Interest bearing deposits

     1,439,105      1,377,454      61,651     4.5 %
    

  

  


 

Total deposits

   $ 1,719,906    $ 1,618,634    $ 101,272     6.3 %
    

  

  


 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements

     8,815      12,549      (3,734 )   -29.8 %

FHLB advances

     180,100      160,116      19,984     12.5 %

Shareowners’ equity

   $ 228,492    $ 197,862    $ 30,630     15.5 %

 

Loans, investments, and federal funds sold are the components of earning assets. One of the challenges of management is to allocate liquidity from the liability side of the balance sheet to those earning assets which maximize yield in concert with the degree of risk.

 

At March 31, 2004, loans were up $173.8 million, or 10.5% over the previous year. The increase in loans over the previous year’s corresponding quarter was due, for the most part, to continued emphasis on loan growth and the addition of staff in our new Seattle Office and Real Estate Division. Investments increased $38.7 million, or 28.2% for the period and federal funds sold decreased $60.8 million, or 61.5%. Investments were primarily purchased in the third quarter of 2003 after two quarters of slow loan growth. This shift in the asset mix enabled us to partially mitigate the continued decline in the yield of assets, by reducing federal funds sold, which is the lowest yielding of all interest earning assets.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Balance Sheet - (Continued)

 

Noninterest bearing deposits increased $39.6 million, or 16.4% to $280.8 million. The number of noninterest bearing accounts increased 801 over the past year, or 2.8%. This increase could be due to the earnings credit on their account or anticipation of tax payments due in April. Interest bearing deposits increased $61.7 million, or 4.5%, with most all of the increase attributable to growth in premium savings accounts.

 

At March 31, 2004, NOW, Money Market and Sweep accounts made up 18% of total interest bearing deposits. At March 31, 2003 those deposits made up 21%. In 2004, savings deposits made up 45% of total interest bearing deposits versus 40% in 2003 and time deposits made up 37% in 2004 versus 39% in 2003.

 

Over the last year, NOW, Money Market and Sweep deposits decreased $33.0 million, or 11.2%; savings deposits increased $106.5 million, or 19.5%; and time deposits decreased $11.8 million or 2.2%. The reason for the significant change in the mix over the last year was due mainly to maturing certificates of deposits moving into premium savings accounts. Premium savings accounts increased $94.3 million, or 19.1% over the last year to $588.0 million.

 

FHLB borrowings increased $20.0 million, or 12.5% over the year. The reason for these advances was to take advantage of the lower rates available. FHLB advance totals have remained relatively constant over the past year and have not yet been called. This is because these advances have interest rates favorable to the FHLB.

 

Capital has increased $30.6 million over the past year, or 15.5%. In accordance with previously approved capital management plans, 346,800 shares were purchased in the first quarter of 2003, representing $8.8 million, and 15,000 shares in the 2nd quarter 2003, representing $371 thousand. There have been no stock purchases since the 2nd quarter of 2003.

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 

Net interest income is the difference between total interest income and total interest expense. Several factors contribute to changes in net interest income. These include the effects of changes in average balances, changes in rates on earning assets and rates paid for interest bearing liabilities, the level of noninterest bearing deposits, shareowners’ equity, and the level of nonaccrual loans.

 

The earnings from certain assets are exempt from federal income tax, and it is customary in the financial services industry to analyze changes in net interest income on a “tax equivalent” (“TE”) or fully taxable basis. Under this method, nontaxable income from loans and investments is adjusted to an amount which would have been earned if such income were subject to federal income tax. The discussion below presents an analysis based on TE amounts at a 35% tax rate. (However, there are no tax equivalent additions to interest expense or noninterest income and expense amounts discussed on the next page.)

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Net Interest Income

 

Determination of Tax Equivalent Amounts:

 

In Thousands

 

FOR THE QUARTER

 

At March 31,

 

   2004

    2003

    $ Change

    % Change

 

Total interest income, as reported

   $ 33,385     $ 34,071     $ (686 )   -2.01 %

Effect of tax exempt loans and municipal bonds

     166       250       (84 )   -33.60 %
    


 


 


 

Tax equivalent (TE) interest income

     33,551       34,321       (770 )   -2.24 %

Total interest expense

     8,557       10,229       (1,672 )   -16.35 %
    


 


 


 

TE net interest income

   $ 24,994     $ 24,092     $ 902     3.74 %
    


 


 


 

Calculation of TE Net Interest Margin (annualized)

                              

TE interest income

   $ 134,204     $ 137,284     $ (3,080 )   -2.24 %

Total interest expense

     34,228       40,916       (6,688 )   -16.35 %
    


 


 


 

TE net interest income

   $ 99,976     $ 96,368     $ 3,608     3.74 %
    


 


 


 

Average earning assets

   $ 1,991,416     $ 1,841,872     $ 149,544     8.12 %
    


 


 


 

TE NIM

     5.02 %     5.23 %     -0.21 %      
    


 


 


     

 

TE is a non-GAAP performance measurement used by management in operating the business, which management believes that it provides financial statement users with a more accurate picture of the net interest margin for comparative purposes.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Net Interest Income

 

Abbreviated quarterly average balance sheets and net interest income data for the periods are shown below:

 

(In thousands)

 

For quarter ended March 31,


   2004

   2003

   $ Change

    % Change

 

Loans

   $ 1,802,150    $ 1,663,582    $ 138,568     8.3 %

Investments*

     178,968      136,913      42,055     30.7 %

Federal funds sold

     10,298      41,377      (31,079 )   -75.1 %
    

  

  


 

Total earning assets

     1,991,416      1,841,872      149,544     8.1 %
    

  

  


 

Total assets

   $ 2,103,016    $ 1,951,497    $ 151,519     7.8 %
    

  

  


 

Noninterest bearing deposits

   $ 269,190    $ 238,617    $ 30,573     12.8 %

Interest bearing deposits

     1,401,095      1,332,071      69,024     5.2 %
    

  

  


 

Total deposits

   $ 1,670,285    $ 1,570,688    $ 99,597     6.3 %
    

  

  


 

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements

   $ 27,053    $ 11,856    $ 15,197     128.2 %

FHLB advances

     173,068      160,118      12,950     8.1 %

Shareowners’ equity*

   $ 222,720    $ 198,415    $ 24,305     12.2 %
    

  

  


 


* Shown at amortized cost, or adjusted for unrealized gain (loss).

 

In the first three months of 2004, average total earning assets as a percent of average total assets were 94.7% and 94.4% in 2003. This ratio indicates how efficiently assets are being utilized. Average loans were 85.7% and 85.2% of average assets, respectively and investments were 8.5% and 7.0%, for the same periods. Average federal funds sold were .49% and 2.1% over the period. Average total loan-to-deposits ratios were 107.9% and 105.9%. Not shown in the table are the components of interest bearing deposits. For the period ending March 31, 2004 average NOW, Sweep and Money Market accounts were 17.0% of total interest bearing liabilities (“IBL”); savings accounts were 45.5% of total IBL and time certificates were 37.5% of total IBL. Average borrowings were 10.8% of total IBL. Tax equivalent net interest income increased $3.6 million, or 3.7% on a year-to-date comparison.

 

Earning Assets

 

Using a 365-day base, the TE yield on total earning assets decreased 78 basis points in the first quarter of 2004 to 6.78% compared to 7.56% in 2003. The drop is due to loan payoffs and/or loans originated or refinanced at a lower rate. Also, recent additions to the investment portfolio are at much lower rates than before, and municipal bond calls have reduced that portion of the portfolio by approximately 50%. Most of the bonds that were called had a TE yield of 8.0% plus. The cost of total interest bearing liabilities decreased 61 basis points from 2.76% in 2003 to 2.15% in 2004. This decline is substantial, but indicates that asset yields are declining faster than the cost of liabilities. The TE Net Interest Margin (“NIM”) for the quarter was 5.02% in 2004 as compared to 5.23% at the end of the first quarter 2003. Management is concerned that the NIM continues to drop and will continue to attempt to address this matter by focusing on our cost of funds. However, our current NIM is considered to be very good relative to our peer commercial banks in the $1-10 billion range.

 

On a quarterly TE basis, net interest income was $25.0 million in 2004, versus $24.1 million in 2003, for an increase in net interest income of $.9 million. This increase was the result of total interest income decreasing $.8 million, and total interest expense decreasing $1.7 million. The increase of $149.5 million in the average balance of earning assets increased interest income by $3.1 million and a decrease in interest rates decreased interest income by $3.9 million, for a net decrease of $.8 million.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Earning Assets (continued)

 

The annualized yield on total loans decreased from 7.84% in 2003 to 7.02% in 2004. Commercial loans decreased from 7.20% to 6.44%; real estate commercial loans decreased in yield from 7.82% to 6.80%; real estate construction loans decreased in yield from 8.02% to 7.52%; real estate residential loans decreased from 8.32% to 7.24%; and installment loans decreased from 8.73% to 8.15%.

 

The yield on investments decreased from 6.08% in 2003 to 4.62% in 2004 and the yield on federal funds sold decreased from 1.17% in 2003 to .90% in 2004.

 

Interest Bearing Liabilities

 

The increase in the average balance of interest bearing deposits of $69.0 million increased interest expense by $.4 million, and the rate paid on interest bearing deposits decreased interest expense by $2.2 million, for a net decrease of $1.8 million.

 

The increase in the average balance of other borrowings of $28.1 million increased interest expense by $186 thousand and the rates paid on these borrowings decreased interest expense by $27 thousand, for a net increase of $159 thousand.

 

The cost of NOW, Money Market and Sweep accounts decreased from 1.26% in 2003, to .63% in 2004. Savings account costs were 2.24% in 2003, and 1.50% in 2004. Time cd’s decreased in cost from 3.41% in 2003 to 2.82% in 2004. Short-term borrowings increased from .82% to .92%, and FHLB borrowings decreased from 4.89% in 2003 to 4.77% in 2004.

 

NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE – March 31, 2004/March 31, 2003

 

Total noninterest income increased $126 thousand in the first quarter of 2004, or 4.1% from a year ago. The gain on security sales in 2003 was due to a tender offer by the issuer. Service charges increased $204 thousand to $1.3 million, or 19.2%. The increase in service charges was due to increased business service charges of $142 thousand and increased NSF/OD fees of $60 thousand. Other noninterest income increased $13 thousand or .7% in the current quarter. Although the “other” component of other income was up only $13 thousand, or .7% during the current quarter, our Trust Department’s revenues were up $79 thousand and Insurance and Financial Services Department’s revenues were up by $144 thousand to $364 thousand from $220 thousand at March 31, 2003. Offsetting these increases was a decline in broker loan income of $49 thousand reflecting a slow down in secondary market operations. In the first quarter of 2003 there was a gain on the sale of OREO in the amount of $68 thousand. Mortgages sold with servicing released fees totals $218 thousand for 2004, down from $529 thousand in 2003, or 58.8%.

 

The market value of trust assets at quarter-end March 2004 was $276.0 million, as compared to $237.3 million in 2003, an increase of $38.7 million, or 16.3%. Trust department revenue for the first quarter of 2004 was $382 thousand, up $78 thousand, or 25.8%. Trust assets are not included in the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Total noninterest expenses increased $1.1 million or 9.5% for the period. Salaries and benefits increased $.8 million or 11.3%. During the past year, the number of employees increased by 7.6%, and the 3.7% represents merit raises and bonuses. There were 626 FTE employees at March 31, 2004.

 

Occupancy expense increased $218 thousand, or 13.5%. Depreciation expense was 32% of occupancy expense for 2004 and 37% for 2003.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Noninterest income and expenses (continued)

 

Other noninterest expense increased $57 thousand, or 2.2%. Within this category, foreclosure expense was down $89 thousand to a net recovery of $15 thousand, and there was a loss on OREO during the current quarter of $54 thousand.

 

Banks and bank holding companies use a computation called the “efficiency ratio” to measure overhead. This ratio is then compared to others in the industry. The ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense, less intangible amortization expense, certain losses and other nonrecurring charges, by the sum of net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis, and other noninterest income, less the same type of non-recurring items. The lower the number, the more efficient the organization. The Corporation’s efficiency ratio for the first quarter was 43% for 2004 and 41% for 2003. The Corporation’s ratio places it among the performance leaders in the industry.

 

ASSET QUALITY

 

The Corporation manages its credit risk through diversification of its loan portfolio and the application of prudent underwriting policies, procedures, and monitoring practices. Delinquent and problem loans, however, are a part of any lending enterprise. When a borrower fails to make payments, the Corporation implements procedures with an organized practical approach to collection of delinquent loans.

 

IMPAIRED ASSETS

 

Loans are considered impaired, based on current information and events when it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments.

 

The assessment of impairment occurs when and while such loans are on nonaccrual, or the loan has been restructured. When a loan with unique characteristics has been identified as being impaired, the Corporation will measure the amount of the impairment. If the measurement is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized by creating or adjusting an existing allocation of the allowance for loan losses. In cases where a borrower experiences financial difficulties and the Corporation makes certain concessionary modifications to the contractual terms, the loan is classified as a restructured accruing loan. Loans restructured at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the contract is modified may be excluded from the impairment assessment and may cease to be considered impaired.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Impaired Assets (continued)

 

Nonperforming loans and impaired assets are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)

 

Period ended March 31,


   2004

    2003

 

Nonaccruing loans:

                

Commercial

   $ 286     $ 717  

Agriculture

     163       —    

Real Estate

     9,927       7,934  

Installment and other

     146       122  
    


 


Total nonaccruing loans

     10,522       8,773  

Other real estate owned

     222       7,263  
    


 


Total nonperforming assets

   $ 10,744     $ 16,036  
    


 


Restructured loan

     —       $ 6,178  

Total loans at end of period

   $ 1,828,418     $ 1,654,635  

Total assets at end of period

   $ 2,152,163     $ 2,003,980  

Total nonperforming assets to total loans

     0.59 %     0.97 %

Total nonperforming assets to total assets

     0.50 %     0.80 %

Total impaired assets to total assets

     0.50 %     1.11 %

 

For nonaccrual loans, it is the Corporation’s practice to discontinue accruing interest on virtually all loans that are delinquent in excess of 90 days regardless of risk of loss, collateral, etc. Some problem loans which are less than 90 days delinquent are also placed into nonaccrual status if the success of collecting full principal and interest in a timely manner is in doubt and some loans will remain in nonaccrual even after improved performance until a consistent timely payment pattern is exhibited and/or timely performance is considered to be reliable.

 

The table above reflects nonaccrual loans increased by $1.7 million to $10.5 million as of March 31, 2004. As of quarter end this balance included 28 loans ranging in size from $4.9 million to nominal amounts. Efforts are continuing to collect these loans with many involving some measure of legal action. Ninety-four percent of these loans are real estate secured and, while there is always some risk of loss present, management feels it is not substantial as a proportion of the overall portfolio.

 

Subsequent to quarter end, a nonaccruing loan in the amount of $1.2 million was purchased by a third party at a foreclosure sale. Had this transaction taken place prior to quarter end, the total nonperforming assets would have been $9.5 million or .44% of total assets.

 

Other real estate owned (OREO) is carried at the lesser of book value or market value less selling costs. The costs related to completion, repair, maintenance, or other costs of such properties, are generally expensed with any gains or inadvertent shortfalls from the ultimate sale of OREO being shown as other income or expense.

 

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

 

OREO ended the quarter with a portfolio of two properties totaling $222 thousand representing .01% of total assets. The significant decrease over the previous year’s OREO balance reflects the transition of troubled assets through an orderly collection process. Since December 31, 2003 six OREO properties have been sold and closed. The remaining properties are being actively managed for timely sale.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Other Real Estate Owned (continued)

 

Certain other loans, currently in nonaccrual are in the process of foreclosure and there is a likelihood these foreclosures will be completed and the loans will then become OREO. Management views this as an ordinary part of the collection process and efforts are maintained to reduce and minimize such non-performing assets.

 

CREDIT CONCENTRATIONS

 

The table below indicates the changes to the loan portfolio mix as of the dates indicated, net of deferred loan fees:

 

(In thousands)

 

   March 31, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     Amount

   % of total

    Amount

   % of total

 

Installment

   $ 41,864    2.3 %   $ 40,201    2.3 %

Commercial

     276,586    15.1 %     268,963    15.2 %

Real estate commercial

     814,782    44.6 %     809,307    45.7 %

Real estate construction

     538,457    29.4 %     507,872    28.6 %

Real estate residential

     156,729    8.6 %     145,373    8.2 %
    

  

 

  

Total

   $ 1,828,418    100.0 %   $ 1,771,716    100.0 %
    

  

 

  

 

As shown in the table above the Corporation emphasizes commercial and commercial real estate related lending. The commercial real estate portfolio generally consists of a wide cross-section of retail, small office, warehouse, and industrial type properties. These loans are secured by first trust deeds with maturities from 3 to 10 years and original loan to value ratios generally from 65% to 75%. A substantial number of these properties are owner occupied. While we have had significant balances within this lending category, we believe that our lending policies and underwriting standards are sufficient to minimize risk even during these uncertain economic times. To date, our lending activities have avoided those real estate sectors that have been most impacted by the current economic slump. We devote considerable time and attention to the risks associated with the loan portfolio and continually monitor the effects of current and expected market conditions, and other factors that may influence the repayment of these loans.

 

At March 31, 2004 and 2003, we had a small amount of foreign loans and no loans related to highly leveraged transactions.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES – QUALITATIVE FACTORS

 

For the three months ending March 31, 2004, the reserve for possible loan loss balance totaled $30.1 million, or 1.65% of total loans, as compared to $29.6 million, or 1.67% of total loans at year-end 2003. Year-to-date net loan losses were a net recovery of $88 thousand.

 

Management and the Board review policies and procedures annually, or more often, and changes are made to reflect the current operating environment integrated with regulatory requirements. Partly out of these policies has evolved an internal credit risk review process. During this process the quality grade of loans are reviewed and loans are assigned a dollar value of the loan loss reserve by degree of risk. This analysis is performed quarterly and reviewed by senior management who makes the determination if the risk is reasonable, and if the reserve is adequate.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

Allowance for Possible Loan Losses (continued)

 

Taken into consideration when the analysis is performed is the national and local economic trends and conditions. The analysis also takes into consideration the level of, or trends in, delinquencies and non-accruing loans. Management monitors delinquencies monthly and reports are prepared for the Board of Directors to review. Delinquencies for commercial, personal and real estate loans are charted separately by their types and by portfolio geographic locations.

 

Another consideration is the volume and terms of loans. Management reviews the growth and terms of loans so that the allowance can be adjusted for current and anticipated future needs.

 

Conclusion of Qualitative Factors

 

The allowance for loan losses is the amount which, in the opinion of management, is necessary to absorb loan losses. Management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the market area served, local and national economic conditions, the growth and composition of the loan portfolio and the related risk characteristics, by continual review by management of the quality of the portfolio.

 

In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Corporation to change the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. It is the Corporation’s policy to be in compliance with all accounting and regulatory standards related to loan loss reserves and all accounting policies promulgated by GAAP.

 

LIQUIDITY AND INTEREST RATE RISK

 

LIQUIDITY

 

The primary function of asset/liability management is to ensure adequate liquidity and maintain an appropriate balance between interest sensitive earning assets and liabilities. Liquidity management involves the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers who may be either depositors wanting to withdraw funds, or depositors who have credit needs.

 

The statement of cash flows on pages 3 and 4 of this report provides information on the sources and uses of cash for the respective year-to-date periods ending March 31, 2004 and 2003. This discussion addresses those periods of time.

 

When comparing the cash flows from operating activities for the two quarters, the most prominent items are mortgage loans originated and sold. This function is dependent on the level of long-term interest rates and represents refinancing activity and as indicated, the activity in this area was approximately 2 ½ times less in 2004. The slowing of the secondary real estate market activity so far this year is expected to continue.

 

Total cash flows used by investment activities were almost equal for the periods ending March 31. Federal funds sold used $38 million in 2004 and $85 million 2003. Cash flows used by loans for 2004 had the largest activity using $56 million in funding.

 

Cash flows from financing remained dominated by growth in core deposits providing $71 million in 2003 and $45 million in 2004.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk (continued)

 

Management has the ability to access many sources of liquidity, such as the sale of AFS securities, additional borrowings from the FHLB, increased participation in the Treasury department’s short-term note program, borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank, or additional borrowings at correspondent banks. The Corporation has a policy that liquidity to total assets of 12.5% be maintained as a minimum and has done so.

 

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

Interest rate risk refers to the exposure of earnings and capital arising from changes in interest rates. Management’s objectives are to control interest rate risk and to ensure predictable and consistent growth of earnings and capital. Interest rate risk management focuses on fluctuations in net interest income identified through computer simulations to evaluate volatility under varying interest rate, spread and volume assumptions. The risk is quantified and compared against tolerance levels.

 

The Corporation uses a simulation model to estimate the impact of changing interest rates on the Corporation’s earnings and capital. The model calculates the change in net interest income under various rate shocks. As of December 31, 2003 the model predicted that net interest income will increase if interest rates rise and remain relatively stable if rates fall. This behavior is heavily influenced by loans going on and off interest rate floors. On a one-year horizon, if rates decline by 1%, net interest income will increase by approximately .1%. If rates increase by 1%, net interest income will increase by 2.1% and 6.8% if rates increased 2%. The actual change in earnings will be dependent upon the dynamic changes that occur when rates change. Many of these changes are predictable, but the exact amount is difficult to predict and actual events may vary substantially from the simulation model results.

 

Management does not use interest rate risk management products such as interest rate swaps, options, hedges, or derivatives, nor does management currently have any intention to use such products in the future.

 

CAPITAL – March 31, 2004/December 31, 2003

 

Consolidated capital of the Corporation for financial statement purposes at first quarter end 2004 was $228.5 million. This amount compares to $219.4 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $9.1 million, or 4.1%. During the first quarter of 2004 the Corporation did not repurchase shares of common stock in the open market, but paid a first quarter dividend of $3.4 million. Please see page 10, paragraph 5, for information regarding stock repurchases.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Capital (continued)

 

The Corporation’s regulatory capital ratios were as follows:

 

    

Minimum Ratio

for Well-Capitalized

Purposes


   

Actual

March 30, 2004


   

Actual

December 31, 2003


 

Tier I Capital

   6.0 %   10.41 %   10.26 %

Tier I & II Capital

   10.0 %   11.66 %   11.51 %

(Total Risk-based Capital)

                  

Leverage Ratio

   5.0 %   10.38 %   10.15 %

 

It is the policy of the Corporation that capital be maintained above the point where, for regulatory purposes, it would continue to be classified as “well capitalized”.

 

Management constantly monitors the level of capital of the Corporation, considering, among other things, the present and anticipated needs of the Corporation, current market conditions, and other relevant factors, including regulatory requirements which may necessitate changes in the level of capital.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Management considers interest rate risk to be a market risk that could have a significant effect on the financial condition of the Corporation. There have been no material changes in the reported market risks faced by the Corporation since the end of the most recent fiscal year-end that have not been included in this discussion.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

  (a) The Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2004. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer each concludes that as of March 31, 2004, the Corporation maintained effective disclosure controls and procedures in all material respects, including those to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted with the SEC is recorded, processed, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decision regarding required disclosure.

 

  (b) Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Registrant did not make any significant changes in, nor take any corrective actions regarding, its internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

 

Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls. Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in FFC’s reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal Controls are procedures which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) transactions are properly authorized; (2) assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use; and (3) transactions are properly recorded and reported, all to permit the preparation of financial statement in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

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FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. FFC’s management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within FFC have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

Except for historical financial information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report of the Corporation may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to differ materially. Sentences containing words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “should”, “projected”, or similar words may constitute forward-looking statements. The Corporation may have used these statements to describe expectations and estimates in various areas, including, but not limited to: changes in the economy of the markets in which it operates; interest rate movements; future acquisition and growth strategies; system conversions and integration activities; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; and legislative, regulatory and accounting changes affecting the banking and financial service industry. Actual results could vary materially from the future results covered in forward-looking statements. Factors such as interest rate trends and loan delinquency rates, as well as the general state of the economy in Washington state and the United States as a whole, could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Corporation shall not be responsible to update any such forward-looking statements.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Corporation is involved in ordinary routine litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, liabilities (if any) arising from such claims will not have a material effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Corporation.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period


  

(a) Total number

of shares (or

units) purchased


  

(b) Average price

paid per share

(or unit)


  

(c) Total number of

shares (or units)

purchased as a part of

publicly announced

plans or programs


  

(d) Maximum number

(or approximate

dollar value) of

shares (or units)

that may be

purchased under the

plans or programs


January 1, 2004 through January 31, 2004

   —      N/A    2,332,100    591,050
    
  
  
  

February 1, 2004 through February 29, 2004

   —      N/A    2,332,100    591,050
    
  
  
  

March 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004

   —      N/A    2,332,100    591,050
    
  
  
  

Total

   —      —      2,332,100    591,050
    
  
  
  

 

Repurchase

Plan No.


  

Date

announced


  

Number of

share (units)

approved


  

Expiration

date


  

Date plan expired

during period

covered by

above date


  

Date plan

was terminated

if prior

to expiration


1

   01/20/2000    990,251    09/11/2001    N/A   

     03/16/2000(1)

2

   10/18/2001    989,743    10/18/2003    N/A    10/17/2002

3

   10/17/2002    943,156    10/17/2004    N/A    N/A
         
              
          2,923,150               
         
              

(1) Plan was cancelled on 3/16/00 due to pending merger.

 

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

 

  (a) There were no matters submitted to security holders in the first quarter.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

  (a) On March 17, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Corporation declared a $.19 per share first quarter 2004 cash dividend to shareowners of record as of April 12, 2004 and payable April 26, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a) THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITS ARE FILED AS A PART OF THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q.

 

11.    Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is attached as Exhibit 11.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached as Exhibit 31.1.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached as Exhibit 31.2.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached as Exhibit 32.1.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached as Exhibit 32.2.

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

On January 21, 2004, a Form 8-K was filed under items 7 and 9 announcing 2003 fourth quarter and year earnings.

 

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Table of Contents

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

FRONTIER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Date: April 23, 2004

 

/s/ Carol E. Wheeler


   

Carol E. Wheeler

   

Chief Financial Officer

 

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