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FORM 10-Q—QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR

15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

Form 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 0-24302

 


 

COLUMBIA BANCORP

(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Maryland   52-1545782
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(410) 423-8000

(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 check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 7,188,778 shares as of May 5, 2004.

 



COLUMBIA BANCORP

CONTENTS

 

               Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   3
     Item 1.    Financial Statements:    3
         

Consolidated Statements of Condition as of March 31, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

   3
         

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   4
         

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   5
         

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

   6
         

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7
     Item 2.   

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

   11
     Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   23
     Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

   24

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

   24
     Item 1.   

Legal Proceedings

   24
     Item 2.   

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

   24
     Item 3.   

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   24
     Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   24
     Item 5.   

Other Information

   24
     Item 6.   

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   24

 

(2)


PART I ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

COLUMBIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION

(dollars in thousands)

 

     March 31,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 
     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 38,631     $ 35,846  

Interest bearing deposits with other banks

     206       205  

Federal funds sold

     55,948       3,292  

Investment securities held to maturity (fair value $51,112 in 2004 and $78,028 in 2003)

     50,636       77,344  

Securities available-for-sale

     53,575       56,583  

Residential mortgage loans originated for sale

     5,702       6,046  

Loan receivables:

                

Real estate - development and construction

     293,454       283,599  

Commercial

     219,837       221,374  

Real estate - mortgage:

                

Residential

     17,904       16,349  

Commercial

     157,922       143,723  

Retail, principally loans secured by home equity

     175,379       169,298  

Other

     421       1,504  
    


 


Total loans

     864,917       835,847  

Less: Unearned income, net of origination costs

     (164 )     (363 )

Allowance for credit losses

     (11,041 )     (10,828 )
    


 


Loans, net

     853,712       824,656  

Other real estate owned

     250       —    

Property and equipment, net

     7,154       7,332  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     17,984       17,951  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 1,083,798     $ 1,029,255  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Deposits:

                

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

   $ 220,700     $ 206,323  

Interest-bearing deposits

     625,311       581,285  
    


 


Total deposits

     846,011       787,608  

Short-term borrowings

     123,834       128,844  

Long-term borrowings

     20,000       20,000  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     6,019       7,354  
    


 


Total liabilities

     995,864       943,806  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity

                

Common stock, $.01 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; outstanding 7,188,628 and 7,170,882 shares, respectively

     72       72  

Additional paid-in-capital

     48,156       47,886  

Retained earnings

     39,463       37,561  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     243       (70 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     87,934       85,449  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,083,798     $ 1,029,255  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

(3)


COLUMBIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


     2004

    2003

     (unaudited)

Interest income:

              

Loans

   $ 12,022     $ 10,512

Investment securities

     1,212       1,733

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with other banks

     21       128
    


 

Total interest income

     13,255       12,373
    


 

Interest expense:

              

Deposits

     2,068       2,436

Borrowings

     512       476
    


 

Total interest expense

     2,580       2,912
    


 

Net interest income

     10,675       9,461

Provision for credit losses

     310       305
    


 

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

     10,365       9,156
    


 

Noninterest income:

              

Fees charged for services

     1,005       938

Gains and fees on sales of mortgage loans, net of costs

     351       630

Income (expense) on other real estate owned, net

     (9 )     11

Commissions earned on financial services sales

     140       123

Other

     250       232
    


 

Total noninterest income

     1,737       1,934
    


 

Noninterest expense:

              

Salaries and employee benefits

     4,046       3,970

Occupancy, net

     976       924

Equipment

     513       448

Data processing

     518       410

Marketing

     300       232

Cash management services

     122       141

Professional fees

     164       258

Deposit insurance

     49       49

Other

     841       767
    


 

Total noninterest expense

     7,529       7,199
    


 

Income before income taxes

     4,573       3,891

Income tax provision

     1,592       1,400
    


 

Net income

   $ 2,981     $ 2,491
    


 

Per common share data:

              

Net income: Basic

   $ 0.42     $ 0.35

  Diluted

     0.40       0.34

Cash dividends declared

     0.15       0.125
    


 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

(4)


COLUMBIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-In
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 

Balances at December 31, 2003

   $ 72    $ 47,886    $ 37,561     $ (70 )   $ 85,449  

Comprehensive income

                                      

Net income

     —        —        2,981       —         2,981  

Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale

     —        —        —         313       313  
                                  


Total comprehensive income

                                   3,294  

Cash dividends declared on common stock

     —        —        (1,079 )     —         (1,079 )

Exercise of options for 17,746 shares of common stock

     —        270      —         —         270  
    

  

  


 


 


Balances at March 31, 2004

   $ 72    $ 48,156    $ 39,463     $ 243     $ 87,934  
    

  

  


 


 


Balances at December 31, 2002

   $ 71    $ 47,439    $ 29,408     $ 5     $ 76,923  

Comprehensive income

                                      

Net income

     —        —        2,491       —         2,491  

Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale

     —        —        —         (201 )     (201 )
                                  


Total comprehensive income

                                   2,290  

Cash dividends declared on common stock

     —        —        (890 )     —         (890 )

Exercise of options for 6,762 shares of common stock

     —        99      —         —         99  
    

  

  


 


 


Balances at March 31, 2003

   $ 71    $ 47,538    $ 31,009     $ (196 )   $ 78,422  
    

  

  


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

(5)


COLUMBIA BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(dollars in thousands)

    

Three Months

Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 2,981     $ 2,491  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     499       413  

Amortization of loan fee income

     (635 )     (460 )

Provision for credit losses

     310       305  

Gains and fees on sales of mortgage loans, net of costs

     (351 )     (630 )

Loss on sales/disposals of other assets

     3       —    

Proceeds from sales of residential mortgage loans originated for sale

     29,566       64,293  

Disbursements for residential mortgage loans originated for sale

     (28,871 )     (67,842 )

Loan fees deferred, net of origination costs

     436       571  

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

     (175 )     1,160  

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (1,338 )     (1,612 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     2,425       (1,311 )
    


 


Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:

                

Net increase in loans

     (29,003 )     (29,102 )

Loan purchases

     (8,579 )     (6,558 )

Loan sales

     8,165       4,007  

Purchases of investment securities

     —         (21,000 )

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

     —         (4,884 )

Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of investment securities

     26,696       28,206  

Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities available-for-sale

     3,487       3,098  

Sales of other real estate owned

     —         178  

Purchases of property and equipment

     (269 )     (400 )

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

     (67 )     (74 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     430       (26,529 )
    


 


Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

                

Net increase in deposits

     58,403       16,914  

Decrease in short-term borrowings

     (5,010 )     (5,233 )

Cash dividends distributed on common stock

     (1,076 )     (888 )

Net proceeds from stock options exercised

     270       99  
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     52,587       10,892  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     55,442       (16,948 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     39,343       139,371  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 94,785     $ 122,423  
    


 


Supplemental information:

                

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings

   $ 2,540     $ 2,942  

Income taxes paid

     2,200       2,180  

Transfer of loans to other real estate owned

     250       —    
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

(6)


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Information as of and for the three months

ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for Columbia Bancorp (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and notes necessary for a full presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s subsidiary, The Columbia Bank, and The Columbia Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, McAlpine Enterprises, Inc., Columbia Leasing, Inc., Howard I, LLP and Howard II, LLP (collectively, the “Bank”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for those periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for the entire year.

 

Certain amounts for 2003 have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on stockholders’ equity or net income as previously reported.

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses (the “Allowance”), other than temporary impairment of investment securities and deferred tax assets.

 

The Company uses the intrinsic value method to account for stock-based employee compensation plans. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for awards of shares of common stock to employees only if the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date (or other measurement date, if later) is greater than the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock. The following table summarizes the pro forma effect on net earnings and earnings per share of common stock using an optional fair value-based method, rather than the intrinsic value-based method, to account for stock-based compensation awarded.

 

     March 31,

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


   2004

   2003

Net income, as reported

   $ 2,981    $ 2,491

Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effects

     —        —  

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method, net of related tax effects

     81      59
    

  

Pro forma net income

   $ 2,900    $ 2,432
    

  

Net income per common share:

             

Basic:

             

As reported

   $ 0.42    $ 0.35

Pro forma

     0.40      0.34

Diluted:

             

As reported

     0.40      0.34

Pro forma

     0.39      0.33

 

(7)


NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities held to maturity and securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

(dollars in thousands)


   Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


  

Estimated

Fair

Value


Investment securities held to maturity:

                           

Federal agency securities

   $ 47,733    $ 433    $ —      $ 48,166

Mortgage-backed securities

     885      43      —        928

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     2,018      —        —        2,018
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 50,636    $ 476    $ —      $ 51,112
    

  

  

  

Securities available-for-sale:

                           

Federal agency securities

   $ 3,000    $ 76    $ —      $ 3,076

Mortgage-backed securities

     30,314      266      31      30,549

Trust preferred stocks

     15,905      268      196      15,977

Other equity securities

     1,377      186      166      1,397

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     2,576      —        —        2,576

Other securities

     —        —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 53,172    $ 796    $ 393    $ 53,575
    

  

  

  

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities held to maturity and securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2003 were as follows:

 

(dollars in thousands)


   Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Estimated
Fair
Value


Investment securities held to maturity:

                           

Federal agency securities

   $ 73,865    $ 688    $ 72    $ 74,481

Mortgage-backed securities

     3,479      68      —        3,547
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 77,344    $ 756    $ 72    $ 78,028
    

  

  

  

Securities available-for-sale:

                           

Federal agency securities

   $ 5,500    $ 113    $ —      $ 5,613

Mortgage-backed securities

     31,298      130      145      31,283

Trust preferred stocks

     15,904      245      322      15,827

Investment in Federal Home Loan

                           

Bank stock

     2,620      —        —        2,620

Other equity securities

     1,377      53      190      1,240
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 56,699    $ 541    $ 657    $ 56,583
    

  

  

  

 

(8)


The table below shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of March 31, 2004.

 

     Less Than 12 Months

   12 Months or More

   Total

(dollars in thousands)


   Fair Value

   Unrealized
Loss


   Fair Value

   Unrealized
Loss


   Fair Value

   Unrealized
Loss


Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 12,453    $ 31    $ —      $ —      $ 12,453    $ 31

Trust preferred stocks

     —        —        6,016      196      6,016      196
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total debt securities

     12,453      31      6,016      196      18,469      227

Equity securities

     —        —        446      166      446      166
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 12,453    $ 31    $ 6,462    $ 362    $ 18,915    $ 393
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

The unrealized losses on the mortgage-backed securities are a function of the low interest rate environment, which increases the likelihood of refinancing or early payoff of the underlying mortgages and, therefore, decreases the yields. There were two mortgage-backed securities in a loss position at March 31, 2004. The unrealized loss is decreasing with the anticipation of higher rates. The trust preferred stocks that have been in a loss position for the last twelve months or more are investment grade and variable-rate issues, which float with a spread to LIBOR. The unrealized losses reflect changes in current market spreads, which may change as market conditions change. The equity securities represent an investment in a de novo bank held by Columbia Bancorp and an investment in a Rabbi Trust held for the benefit of a third party. The unrealized loss reflects accumulated losses by the de novo bank during the start-up phase of operations and the mark-to-market of the investments held by the Rabbi Trust, which is directly offset by the mark-to-market of the corresponding liability.

 

NOTE 3 - PER SHARE DATA

 

Information relating to the calculations of earnings per common share (“EPS”) is summarized as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

     2004

   2003

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)


   Basic

   Diluted

   Basic

   Diluted

Net income

   $ 2,981    $ 2,981    $ 2,491    $ 2,491
    

  

  

  

Weighted average shares outstanding

     7,178      7,178      7,116      7,116

Dilutive securities

     —        257      —        212
    

  

  

  

Adjusted weighted average shares used in EPS computation

     7,178      7,435      7,116      7,328
    

  

  

  

Net income per common share

   $ 0.42    $ 0.40    $ 0.35    $ 0.34
    

  

  

  

 

(9)


NOTE 4 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and mortgage loans sold with limited recourse. The Company applies the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. A summary of the financial instruments at March 31, 2004 whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk is as follows:

 

(dollars in thousands)


  

March 31,

2004


Commitments to extend credit (a)

   $ 503,914

Standby letters of credit

     26,221

(a) Includes all unused lines of credit totaling $424.2 million regardless of whether all fees are paid and whether adverse change clauses exist. The amount also includes commitments to extend new credit totaling $79.7 million.

 

NOTE 5 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation and required disclosure in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148. The Company has not changed to the fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In March 2004, the FASB issued an exposure draft for a proposed statement that would require the recognition of stock-based compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value of the options issued. The impact that this statement would have on the Company’s financial statements is disclosed in note 1.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“Interpretation No. 46”), which explains identification of variable interest entities and the assessment of whether to consolidate those entities. FIN 46 Revised (“FIN 46R”), issued in December 2003, replaces FIN 46. FIN 46R requires public entities to apply FIN 46 or FIN 46R to all entities that are considered special-purpose entities in practice and under the FASB literature that was applied before the issuance of FIN 46 by the end of the first reporting period that ends after December 15, 2003. For any variable interest entities (“VIE”) that must be consolidated under FIN 46R, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIE initially would be measured at their carrying amounts with any difference between the net amount added to the statement of condition and any previously recognized interest being recognized as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair value at the date FIN 46R first applies may be used to measure the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest of the VIE. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings, financial condition, or equity, nor has there been any additional requirement for disclosure, since the Company holds no significant variable interest entities that would require disclosure or consolidation. However, the provisions of FIN 46R may impact the Federal Reserve Board’s position that Trust Preferred Securities issued may be included in Tier 1 capital, with certain limitations. The Company has always viewed the issuance of Trust Preferred Securities as an efficient and cost effective capital resource, but has yet to issue such.

 

(10)


In November 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the FASB issued EITF Abstract 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments” (“EITF 03-1”) effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. This abstract provides guidelines on the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to investments, in addition to requiring quantitative and qualitative disclosures in the financial statements. These disclosures have been included in note 2. In March 2004, the EITF issued a Consensus on Issue 03-1 (the “Consensus”) requiring that the provisions of EITF 03-1 be applied to cost-method investments for annual periods ending after June 30, 2004. The Consensus also requires several additional disclosures for cost-method investments. The Company has not yet determined the impact that this Consensus will have on its financial statements.

 

In December 2003, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee (“AcSEC”) issued Statement of Position 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer” (“SOP 03-3”). SOP 03-3 is effective for loans acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004. The SOP addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. The SOP does not apply to loans originated by the Bank. The Company is evaluating the operational requirements of implementation and plans to adopt the provisions beginning January 1, 2005.

 

In December 2003, The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) was passed by Congress and signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare. At the same time, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 106-1 (“FSP 106-1”) regarding Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Act, which is effective for financial statements of fiscal years ending after December 7, 2003. FSP 106-1 provides that the sponsor of a post-retirement health care plan that provides a prescription drug benefit may make a one-time election to defer accounting for the effects of the Act. The Company does not currently have a post-retirement health care plan. Once authoritative guidance is issued, management will evaluate the impact on the Company, if any.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employer’s Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (“SFAS No. 132”) effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. SFAS No. 132 revises disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. SFAS No. 132 requires additional disclosures about plan assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of deferred benefit plans. The adoption of SFAS No. 132 did not have any impact on the Company’s earnings, financial condition or equity.

 

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

 

FORWARD – LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than statements that are purely historical, are forward-looking statements. Statements that include the use of terminology such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on Columbia Bancorp’s current intent, belief and expectations

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of interest rate fluctuations, a deterioration of economic conditions in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area, a downturn in the real estate market, losses from impaired loans, an increase in nonperforming assets, potential exposure to environmental laws, changes in federal and state bank laws and regulations, the highly competitive nature of the banking industry, a loss of key personnel, changes in accounting standards and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Past results of operations may not be indicative of future results. Columbia Bancorp undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this Quarterly Report whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

 

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THE COMPANY

 

Columbia Bancorp was formed November 16, 1987 and is a Maryland chartered bank holding company. The Company holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank. The Bank is a Maryland trust company that engages in general commercial banking operations. The Bank provides a full range of financial services to individuals, businesses and organizations through 24 branch banking offices, as well as mortgage and commercial loan origination offices and 25 Automated Teller Machines. Deposits in the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company considers its core market area to be the communities in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor and adjacent areas of central Maryland.

 

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Loan Portfolio Composition

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s loans by major categories as of March 31, 2004:

 

(dollars in thousands)


   Amount

   Percent

 

Real estate – development and construction

   $ 293,454    33.9 %

Commercial

     219,837    25.4  

Real estate – mortgage:

             

Residential

     17,904    2.1  

Commercial

     157,922    18.3  

Retail (a)

     175,379    20.3  

Other

     421    0.0  
    

  

Total loans

   $ 864,917    100.0 %
    

  


(a) Includes $167.9 million in retail loans secured by the borrowers’ principal residences in the form of second mortgages and home equity lines of credit.

 

Real estate development and construction loans constitute the largest portion of the Company’s lending activities, totaling $293.5 million at March 31, 2004. See “Material Changes in Financial Condition” for a breakdown of real estate development and construction loans by type.

 

The Company makes residential real estate development and construction loans generally to provide interim financing on property during the development and construction period. Borrowers include builders, developers and persons who will ultimately occupy the single-family dwellings. Residential real estate development and construction loan funds are disbursed periodically as pre-specified stages of completion are attained based upon site inspections. Interest rates on these loans are usually adjustable. The Company has limited loan losses in this area of lending through monitoring of development and construction loans with on-site inspections and control of disbursements on loans in process. Development and construction loans are secured by the properties under development or construction and personal guarantees are typically obtained. Further, to assure that reliance is not placed solely upon the value of the underlying collateral, the Company considers the financial condition and reputation of the borrower and any guarantors, the amount of the borrower’s equity in the project, independent appraisals, cost estimates and pre-construction sales information.

 

At March 31, 2004, $219.8 million, or 25.4%, of the Company’s total loan portfolio consisted of commercial business loans. The commercial loan portfolio includes secured and unsecured term loans and lines of credit extended to small and mid-sized local businesses. The Company’s lending policy requires that each loan be evaluated for the adequacy of the repayment sources at the time of approval. The Company

 

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closely monitors the financial condition and cash flow of commercial borrowers, in part by reviewing corporate financial statements, personal financial statements and income tax returns. The frequency of submissions of required information depends upon the size and complexity of the credit and the collateral that secures the loan. Collateral is generally required to provide the Company with an additional source of repayment in the event of default by a commercial borrower. The collateral requirements, including the amount and type of the collateral, varies from loan to loan depending on the financial strength of the borrower, but generally may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment or other assets. It is also the Company’s general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.

 

The Company distributes its commercial loan portfolio over a wide range of industries. The largest industry represented by the Company’s commercial borrowers is professional and financial services, which comprises 20.3% of the total portfolio. This diverse group includes a broad range of businesses, including law firms, accounting firms, engineering services, computer programming and armored car services. The second largest industry is wholesale trade, which represents 10.1% of the commercial loan portfolio. No other industry accounted for more than 10% of the portfolio.

 

The Company also originates mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate. At March 31, 2004, $157.9 million, or 18.3% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, consisted of commercial mortgage loans. Such loans generally involve investment properties secured by office buildings, retail buildings, warehouse and general-purpose business space. At March 31, 2004, $102.5 million, or 64.9%, of the commercial mortgage portfolio was comprised of loans secured by investment property. Loans secured by owner occupied property accounted for $55.4 million, or 35.1%, of total commercial mortgage loans at March 31, 2004. Although terms and amortization periods vary, the Company’s commercial mortgages generally have maturities or repricing opportunities of five years or less.

 

The Company seeks to reduce the risks associated with commercial mortgage lending by generally lending in its market area, using conservative loan-to-value ratios (typically 75% to 80%) and obtaining periodic financial statements and tax returns from borrowers to perform annual loan reviews. It is also the Company’s general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers and to underwrite the business entity from a cash flow perspective.

 

At March 31, 2004, $175.4 million, or 20.3%, of the Company’s total loan portfolio consisted of consumer loans. The Company offers a variety of consumer loans in order to provide a full range of financial services to its customers; however, outstanding balances are primarily concentrated in home equity and second mortgage loans, which totaled $146.0 million and $21.9 million, respectively, at March 31, 2004.

 

Home equity loans and lines of credit are originated by the Company for typically up to 90% of the appraised value, less the amount of any existing prior liens on the property. Home equity loans have terms of fifteen to thirty years and the interest rates are generally adjustable. The Company secures these loans with mortgages on the homes (typically a second mortgage). The second mortgage loans originated by the Company have terms ranging from ten to thirty years. They generally carry a fixed rate of interest for the entire term or a fixed rate of interest for the first five years, repricing every five years thereafter at a predetermined spread to the prime rate of interest.

 

The Company originates adjustable and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in order to provide a full range of products to its customers. The Company generally offers mortgage loans under terms, conditions and documentation that permit their sale in the secondary mortgage market. The Company’s practice is to immediately sell substantially all residential mortgage loans in the secondary market with servicing released. At March 31, 2004, $17.9 million, or 2.1%, of the Company’s total loan portfolio consisted of residential mortgage loans.

 

For any loans retained by the Company, title insurance insuring the priority of its mortgage lien, as well as general liability, fire and extended coverage casualty insurance protecting the properties securing the loans are required. The Company may require borrowers to advance funds, with each monthly payment of principal and interest, to a loan escrow account from which the Company makes disbursements for items such as real estate taxes, hazard insurance premiums and mortgage insurance premiums. Outside appraisers approved by the Company appraise the properties securing all of the residential mortgage loans originated by the Company.

 

At March 31, 2004, other loans totaled $421,000, consisting primarily of unscheduled overdrafts of the Company’s retail and commercial customers.

 

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Liquidity

 

Liquidity describes the ability of the Company to meet financial obligations, including lending commitments and contingencies, that arise during the normal course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of the customers of the Company, as well as to meet current and planned expenditures.

 

The borrowing requirements of customers include commitments to extend credit and the unused portion of lines of credit (collectively “commitments”), which totaled $503.9 million at March 31, 2004. Historically, many of the commitments expire without being fully drawn; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments for real estate development and construction, which totaled $246.4 million, or 48.9% of the $503.9 million, are generally short-term and turn over rapidly, satisfying cash requirements with principal repayments from sales of the properties financed. Commercial commitments totaled $127.8 million, or 25.4% of the $503.9 million, at March 31, 2004 and generally do not extend for more than 12 months. At March 31, 2004, available home equity lines totaled $118.1 million. Home equity credit lines generally extend for a period of 15 years and are reviewed annually. Commitments to extend credit for residential mortgage loans totaled $7.3 million at March 31, 2004.

 

Customer withdrawals are also a principal use of liquidity, but are generally mitigated by growth in customer funding sources, such as deposits and short-term borrowings in the form of commercial paper and securities sold under repurchase agreements. While balances may fluctuate up and down in any given period, historically the Company has experienced a steady increase in total customer funding sources.

 

Fluctuations in deposit and short-term borrowing balances may be influenced by the rates paid, general consumer confidence and the overall economic environment. The Company has several large depository relationships with title companies that may experience a higher degree of volatility with regard to outstanding balances, especially during periods of significant mortgage refinancing activity, as experienced in 2003, 2002 and 2001. In addition, month-end balances for these relationships tend to be inflated, as compared to balances throughout the month. At December 31, 2002, total title company relationships accounted for $106.4 million, or 12.1% of the total customer funding of $878.5 million. Mortgage refinancing activity began to decline during the fourth quarter of 2003. As a result, at December 31, 2003, total title company relationships accounted for $57.2 million, or 6.4% of the total customer funding of $887.9 million. At March 31, 2004, these accounts had increased to $75.0 million, or 7.8% of the total customer funding of $963.1 million. The Company expects these title company balances to remain volatile during 2004, even as mortgage refinancing activity subsides.

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity (“financing activities” as used in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) is funding provided by its customers in the form of deposits, and by short-term borrowings in the form of commercial paper and securities sold under repurchase agreements; although, as noted above, this source of liquidity is subject to extreme volatility. At March 31, 2004, total customer funding was $963.1 million. Core deposits, defined as all deposits except certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more, totaled $743.9 million, or 77.2% of total customer funding. Additional internal sources of liquidity include maturities and likely calls in the Company’s investment portfolio as well as the Company’s overnight investment in federal funds sold. Securities scheduled to mature and likely to be called in one year, based on interest rates, at March 31, 2004 totaled $44.1 million at March 31, 2004, and federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks were $56.2 million.

 

The Company also has the ability to utilize established credit as an additional source of liquidity. The Bank, as a member of the FHLB, has an approved credit line equal to 14% of total assets as reported on the most recent regulatory report. Collateral must be pledged to the FHLB before advances can be obtained. The Bank had pledged sufficient collateral to the FHLB at March 31, 2004 to permit borrowing of up to $140.3 million. At March 31, 2004 outstanding advances from the FHLB totaled $20.0 million. The Bank also has an established borrowing capacity at the FRB. At March 31, 2004, the Bank had pledged sufficient collateral to borrow up to $47.4 million from the FRB; no balances were outstanding on that date.

 

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Capital Resources

 

Total stockholders’ equity was $87.9 million at March 31, 2004, representing an increase of $2.5 million or 2.9% from December 31, 2003. The growth of stockholders’ equity in the first three months of 2004 was primarily attributable to the earnings of the Company of $3.0 million less dividends declared on common stock of $1.1 million, plus $300,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income, resulting from an increase in market value of securities available-for-sale. Capital was also increased by $270,000 as a result of stock options that were exercised during the first quarter of 2004.

 

Dividends declared for the first three months of 2004 were $1.1 million, or $.15 per share, compared to $890,000, or $.125 per share, in 2003.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s risk-based capital ratios:

 

     Columbia Bancorp

   

Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements


 
     March 31,
2004


    December 31,
2003


   

Risk-based capital ratios:

                  

Tier 1 capital

   9.20 %   9.28 %   4.00 %

Total capital

   10.36     10.45     8.00  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

   8.49     8.43     4.00  

 

Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The Company’s interest rate risk represents the level of exposure it has to fluctuations in interest rates and is primarily measured as the change in earnings and the theoretical market value of equity that results from changes in interest rates. The Asset/Liability Management Committee of the Board of Directors (the “ALCO”) oversees the Company’s management of interest rate risk. The objective of the management of interest rate risk is to optimize net interest income during periods of volatile as well as stable interest rates while maintaining a balance between the maturity and repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities that is consistent with the Company’s liquidity, asset and earnings growth, and capital adequacy goals. Critical to the management of this process is the ALCO’s interest rate program, designed to manage interest rate sensitivity (gap management) and balance sheet mix and pricing (spread management). Gap management represents those actions taken to measure and monitor rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities. Spread management requires managing investments, loans, and funding sources to achieve an acceptable spread between the Company’s return on its earning assets and its cost of funds.

 

One tool used by the Company to assess and manage its interest rate risk is the gap analysis. The gap analysis, summarized in the following table, measures the mismatch in repricing between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities and provides a general indication of the interest sensitivity of the balance sheet at a specified point in time. By limiting the size of the gap position, the Company can limit the net interest income at risk arising from repricing imbalances. The following table summarizes the anticipated maturities or repricing of the Company’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of March 31, 2004 and the Company’s interest sensitivity gap position at that date. The Company’s cumulative sensitivity gap through twelve months is a positive 13.0%. A positive sensitivity gap for any time period indicates that more interest-earning assets will mature or reprice during that time period than interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s goal is generally to maintain a reasonably balanced cumulative interest sensitivity gap position for the period of one year or less in order to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates on liquidity, interest margins and corresponding operating results. During periods of falling interest rates, a short-term positive interest sensitivity gap position would generally result in a decrease in net interest income, and during periods of rising interest rates, a short-term positive interest sensitivity gap position would generally result in an increase in net interest income (assuming all earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are affected by a rate change equally and simultaneously).

 

It is important to note that the table represents the static gap position for interest sensitive assets and liabilities at March 31, 2004. The table does not give effect to prepayments or extensions of loans as a result of changes in general market rates. Moreover, while the table does indicate the opportunities to reprice

 

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assets and liabilities within certain time frames, it does not account for timing differences that occur during periods of repricing. For example, changes to deposit rates tend to lag in a rising rate environment and lead in a falling rate environment.

 

(dollars in thousands)


   One Year
Or Less


    After One
Through
Three
Years


    After
Three
Years


    Total

Federal funds sold and interest- bearing deposits with banks

   $ 56,154     $ —       $ —       $ 56,154

Investment securities and securities available-for-sale

     44,099       21,795       38,317       104,211

Loans, exclusive of nonaccrual loans

     640,675       76,221       152,555       869,451
    


 


 


 

Interest-earning assets

     740,928       98,016       190,872       1,029,816
    


 


 


 

Interest-bearing deposits

     476,642       96,421       52,248       625,311

Other borrowings

     123,834       —         20,000       143,834
    


 


 


 

Interest-bearing liabilities

     600,476       96,421       72,248       769,145
    


 


 


 

Interest sensitivity gap

   $ 140,452     $ 1,595     $ 118,624     $ 260,671
    


 


 


 

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap

   $ 140,452     $ 142,047     $ 260,671        
    


 


 


     

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a % of total assets

     12.96 %     13.11 %     24.05 %      
    


 


 


     

 

The analysis provided in the table above includes the following significant assumptions: Fixed-rate loans are scheduled by contractual maturity and variable-rate loans are scheduled by repricing date. Variable-rate loans that have reached a pre-established interest rate floor are classified as fixed-rate loans and reprice according to contractual maturity. Fixed rate investments are scheduled according to contractual maturity, while variable rate securities are shown based on the next repricing date. Mortgage-backed securities are scheduled according to estimated maturity based upon the most recent monthly prepayment factors, which may change. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale are scheduled based on their expected sale dates, generally 14 to 30 days after settlement. Second mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit are classified as one year or less, as these loans are expected to reprice within one year. Deposits that do not have a contractual maturity date, such as NOW, savings and money market accounts, are assumed to reprice or runoff in one year or less, given that interest rates are expected to rise. Penalty-free certificates of deposit are scheduled by stated maturity date. If rates begin to increase, a portion of these certificates may reprice prior to contractual maturity. Long-term advances from the FHLB are scheduled according to their maturity dates.

 

The Company also uses a computer simulation analysis to assess and manage its interest rate risk. The simulation analysis assumes an immediate, parallel shift of 200 basis points in the Treasury Yield Curve. During 2001, as market rates approached historically low levels, the Company adjusted the assumptions used in the simulation process to incorporate interest rate floors for certain deposit products, recognizing the practical concept that rates on interest bearing products would not reprice below a certain point. The Company also recognized that for evaluating interest rate risk in the current rate environment, a downward shift of 200 basis points is not practical. As a result, the simulation applied a 100 basis point shift downward and the upward shift remained at 200 basis points. The analysis measures the potential change in earnings and in the market value of portfolio equity over a one-year time horizon, captures optionality factors such as call features imbedded in investment and loan portfolio contracts, and includes assumptions as to the timing

 

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and magnitude of movements in interest rates associated with the Company’s funding sources not fixed in price. Measured based on December 31, 2003 data, the simulation analysis provided the following profile of the Company’s interest rate risk:

 

     Immediate Rate Change

       
     +200BP

    -100BP

    Policy

 

Net interest income at risk

   4.7 %   -7.0 %   +/-7.5 %

Economic value of equity

   -17.24 %   3.3 %   +/-20.0 %
    

 

 

 

Both of the above tools used to assess interest rate risk have strengths and weaknesses. Because the gap analysis reflects a static position at a single point in time, it is limited in quantifying the total impact of market rate changes which do not affect all earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities equally or simultaneously. In addition, gap reports depict the existing structure, excluding exposure arising from new business. While the simulation process is a powerful tool in analyzing interest rate sensitivity, many of the assumptions used in the process are highly qualitative and subjective and are subject to the risk that past historical activity may not generate accurate predictions of the future. Both measurement tools, however, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates, enabling management to control the volatility of earnings.

 

Material Changes in Financial Condition

 

Cash and Due from Banks:

 

Cash and due from banks represents cash on hand, cash on deposit with other banks and cash items in the process of collection. As a result of the Company’s cash management services provided to large, sophisticated corporate customers (which includes cash concentration activities and processing coin and currency transactions), the Company’s cash balances may fluctuate more widely on a daily basis and may be higher than industry averages for banks of a similar asset size.

 

Loans and Nonperforming Assets:

 

The table below presents a breakdown of loan balances:

 

(dollars in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


   Change

   

Annualized

% Change


 

Real estate – development and and construction

   $ 293,454    $ 283,599    $ 9,855     13.9 %

Commercial

     219,837      221,374      (1,537 )   -2.8  

Real estate – mortgage:

                            

Residential

     17,904      16,349      1,555     38.0  

Commercial

     157,922      143,723      14,199     39.5  

Retail

     175,379      169,298      6,081     14.4  

Other

     421      1,504      (1,083 )   -72.0  
    

  

  


     

Total loans

   $ 864,917    $ 835,847    $ 29,070     13.9 %
    

  

  


 

 

The strong loan growth experienced during 2003 continued into the first quarter of 2004, as total loans increased $29.1 million from December 31, 2003 to March 31, 2004 or 13.9% if presented on an annualized basis. This increase was supported primarily by the real estate development and construction loan portfolio and the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, which demonstrated growth on an annualized basis of 13.9% and 39.5%, respectively. Real estate development and construction loans constitute the largest portion of the Company’s lending activities, totaling $293.5 million, or 33.9%, of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2004. The following table sets forth the loan growth in the real estate development and construction loan portfolio by category from December 31, 2003 to March 31, 2004:

 

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(dollars in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


   Change

 

Residential construction (a)

   $ 103,030    $ 96,068    $ 6,962  

Residential land development

     77,331      81,139      (3,808 )

Land acquisition (b)

     68,260      61,370      6,890  

Commercial construction

     44,833      45,022      (189 )
    

  

  


     $ 293,454    $ 283,599    $ 9,855  
    

  

  



(a) Includes $48.4 million of loans at March 31, 2004 to individuals for construction of primary personal residences.
(b) Includes $9.3 million of loans at March 31, 2004 to individuals for the purchase of residential building lots.

 

Commercial mortgage loans grew by $14.2 million, ending the quarter at $157.9 million. This growth was due in large part to the origination of two commercial mortgages with a combined total at March 31, 2004 of $8.2 million. Retail loans, comprised principally of second mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, increased $6.1 million. The Company believes that the continued strong loan growth exhibited by the loan portfolio in the first quarter of 2004 was the result of healthy market conditions in the Bank’s primary lending area, continued low interest rates and successful business development efforts.

 

The following table provides information concerning nonperforming assets and past-due loans:

 

(dollars in thousands)


   March
31,
2004


   December
31, 2003


   March
31,
2003


Nonaccrual loans (a)

   $ 1,168    $ 892    $ 806

Other real estate owned

     250      —        —  
    

  

  

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 1,418    $ 892    $ 806
    

  

  

Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more

   $ 69    $ 72    $ 164
    

  

  


(a) Loans are placed in nonaccrual status when they are past-due 90 days as to either principal or interest or when, in the opinion of management, the collection of all interest and/or principal is in doubt. Management may grant a waiver from nonaccrual status for a 90-day past-due loan that is both well secured and in the process of collection. A loan remains in nonaccrual status until the loan is current as to payment of both principal and interest and the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay and remain current.

 

At March 31, 2004, nonaccrual loans totaled $1.2 million, comprised primarily of six commercial relationships with loans totaling $1.1 million, of which $801,000 was guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Also included in nonaccrual loans were five consumer loans carried at a total of $28,000 and one residential mortgage loan carried at $47,000.

 

Other real estate owned at March 31, 2004 totaled $250,000 and represented one single-family property on which the Company foreclosed in March of 2004. The property has a fair market value of $345,000 and is currently listed with a local real estate broker.

 

Potential problem loans consist of loans that are currently performing in accordance with contractual terms but for which management has concerns about the ability of the obligor to continue to comply with repayment terms because of the obligor’s potential operating or financial difficulties. At March 31, 2004, loans of this type that are not included in the above table of nonperforming and past-due loans amounted to approximately $7.6 million, of which $900,000 is guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The majority of the loans classified as potential problem loans represent commercial loan relationships. The largest of these relationships is a commercial loan totaling $2.8 million that is secured by residential real estate with an appraised value well in excess of the carrying value of the loan. Depending on changes in the economy and other future events, these loans and others not presently identified as problem loans could be reclassified as nonperforming or impaired loans in the future.

 

A loan is determined to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is not considered impaired during a period of delay in payment if the Company expects to collect all amounts due, including past-due interest. The Company generally considers a period of delay in payment to include delinquency up to 90 days.

 

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Impaired loans at March 31, 2004 totaled $1.1 million, of which $178,000 were collateral dependent loans. Collateral dependent loans are measured based on the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans that are not collateral dependent are measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loans’ effective interest rates. At March 31, 2004, specific reserves assigned to impaired loans totaled $26,000. An impaired loan is charged off when the loan, or a portion thereof, is considered uncollectible.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses:

 

The Company provides for credit losses through the establishment of an allowance for credit losses (the “Allowance”) by provisions charged against earnings. Based upon management’s evaluation, provisions are made to maintain the Allowance as a best estimate of inherent losses within the portfolio. The provision for credit loss was $310,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to $305,000 for the same period in 2003.

 

The Allowance consists of three elements: (1) specific reserves for individual credits; (2) general reserves for types or portfolios of loans based on historical loan loss experience, judgmentally adjusted for current conditions and credit risk concentrations; and (3) unallocated reserves. Combined specific reserves and general reserves by loan type are considered allocated reserves. All outstanding loans are considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance. The Allowance does not provide for estimated losses stemming from uncollectible interest because the Company generally requires all accrued but unpaid interest to be reversed once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.

 

The process of establishing the Allowance with respect to the Company’s commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios begins when a loan officer initially assigns each loan a risk grade, using established credit criteria. Risk grades are reviewed and validated annually by an independent consulting firm, as well as periodically by the Company’s internal credit review function. Management reviews, on a quarterly basis, current conditions that affect various lines of business and may warrant adjustments to historical loss experience in determining the required Allowance. Adjustment factors that are considered include: the level and trends in past-due and nonaccrual loans; trends in loan volume; effects of any changes in lending policies and procedures or underwriting standards; and the experience and depth of lending management. Historical factors by product type are adjusted each quarter based on actual loss history. Management also evaluates credit risk concentrations, including trends in large dollar exposures to related borrowers, and industry concentrations. All nonaccrual loans in the commercial and real estate (construction and non-residential mortgage) portfolios, as well as other loans in the portfolios identified as having the potential for further deterioration, are analyzed individually to confirm the appropriate risk grading and accrual status and to determine the need for a specific reserve.

 

Retail and residential mortgage loans are segregated into homogeneous pools with similar risk characteristics. Trends and current conditions in retail and residential mortgage pools are analyzed and historical loss experience is adjusted accordingly. Adjustment factors for the retail and residential mortgage portfolios are consistent with those for the commercial portfolios.

 

The unallocated portion of the Allowance is intended to provide for losses that are not identified when establishing the specific and general portions of the Allowance. The Company has risk management practices designed to ensure timely identification of changes in loan risk profiles; however, undetected losses may exist inherently within the loan portfolios. The judgmental aspects involved in applying the risk grading criteria, analyzing the quality of individual loans and assessing collateral values can also contribute to undetected, but probable, losses. At March 31, 2004, the Allowance was 1.28% of total loans, net of unearned income. The Allowance at March 31, 2004 is considered by management to be sufficient to address the credit losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The changes in the Allowance are presented in the following table.

 

(19)


     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 

(dollars in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Allowance for credit losses - beginning of period

   $ 10,828     $ 8,839  

Provision for credit losses

     310       305  

Charge-offs

     (180 )     (149 )

Recoveries

     83       103  
    


 


Allowance for credit losses – end of period

   $ 11,041     $ 9,098  
    


 


Allowance as a percentage of loans receivable, net of unearned income

     1.28 %     1.31 %
    


 


Allowance as a percentage of nonperforming loans and loans past-due 90 days or more (a)

     892.56 %     937.94 %
    


 



(a) There is no direct relationship between the size of the Allowance (and the related provision for credit losses) and nonperforming and past-due loans. Accordingly, the ratio of Allowance to nonperforming and past-due loans may tend to fluctuate significantly.

 

The Company uses the same factors to evaluate financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk as it does for on-balance-sheet-risk. As of March 31, 2004, the reserve for losses associated with financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk totaled $55,000. This reserve, like the Allowance, is reviewed regularly to establish a best estimate.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company reported earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2004 of $3.0 million, or $.40 per diluted common share, compared to $2.5 million, or $.34 per diluted share, for the same period in 2003, representing an increase of 19.7%.

 

Return on average assets and return on average equity are key measures of a bank’s performance. Return on average assets, the product of net income divided by total average assets, measures how effectively the Company utilizes its assets to produce income. The Company’s return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was 1.16%, compared to 1.09% for the corresponding period in 2003. Return on average equity, the product of net income divided by average equity, measures how effectively the Company invests its capital to produce income. Return on average equity for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was 13.75%, compared to 12.92% for the corresponding period in 2003.

 

Net Interest Income

 

The net interest margin (representing net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets) increased from 4.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to 4.46% for the same period in 2004. The Company’s ability to improve its net interest margin over the period was primarily the result of loan volume increases and the aggressive repricing of interest-bearing liabilities; specifically, the average balance of loans, net of unearned income, increased $168.4 million, or 24.5%, from March 31, 2003 to March 31, 2004, and the cost of interest-bearing funds declined from 1.74% to 1.40%. The following table provides further analysis of the changes in net interest income:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
Compared to the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2003


 

(dollars in thousands)


   Increase
(Decrease)


    Increase/(Decrease)
Due to (a)


 
     Rate

    Volume

 

Interest income:

                        

Loans (b)(c)

   $ 1,587     $ (857 )   $ 2,444  

Investment securities and securities available-for-sale (c)

     (444 )     (123 )     (321 )

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks

     (107 )     (27 )     (80 )
    


 


 


Total interest income

     1,036       (1,007 )     2,043  
    


 


 


Interest expense:

                        

Deposits

     (368 )     (597 )     229  

Borrowings

     36       (6 )     42  
    


 


 


Total interest expense

     (332 )     (603 )     271  
    


 


 


Net interest income

   $ 1,368     $ (404 )   $ 1,772  
    


 


 



(a) The change in interest income and interest expense due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
(b) Includes interest on loans originated for sale.
(c) Interest on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a taxable equivalent basis, adjusted for items exempt from federal tax.

 

(20)


Interest income increased $1.0 million as a result of an increase in average loans, mitigated by a decrease in interest rates during the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003. Average loans, net of unearned income, increased from $688.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to $856.6 million in 2004, a 24.5% increase. During the same period, average federal funds sold decreased $33.6 million, and investment securities and securities available-for-sale decreased $29.4 million. The average taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets decreased, however, from 5.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to 5.49% for the same period in 2004.

 

Interest expense declined 11.4%, from $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to $2.6 million for the same period in 2004. Rate decreases in all customer-funding products resulted in a decline in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 1.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to 1.40% for the same period in 2004. During the same period, average interest-bearing liabilities increased from $679.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to $742.7 million for the same period in 2004, an increase of $63.2 million, or 9.3%.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the amount of interest income and interest expense and the resulting yields on average interest-earning assets and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities. Average balances are also provided for noninterest-earning assets and noninterest-bearing liabilities.

 

(21)


    

Three Months Ended March 31,

2004


    Three Months Ended March 31,
2003


 

(dollars in thousands)


   Average
Balances (a)


    Interest

   Rate

   

Average

Balances (a)


    Interest

   Rate

 

Assets

                                          

Interest-earning assets:

                                          

Loans, net of unearned income (b) (c)

   $ 856,632     $ 12,199    5.71 %   $ 688,230     $ 10,612    6.25 %

Investment securities and securities available-for-sale (c)

     122,192       1,309    4.30 %     151,552       1,753    4.69 %

Federal funds sold and interest- bearing deposits with banks

     9,513       21    0.89 %     43,101       128    1.20 %
    


 

        


 

      

Total interest-earning assets

     988,337       13,529    5.49 %     882,883       12,493    5.74 %
            

                

      

Noninterest-earning assets:

                                          

Cash and due from banks

     30,462                    29,179               

Property and equipment, net

     7,289                    6,963               

Other assets

     17,989                    16,364               

Less: allowance for credit losses

     (10,975 )                  (8,923 )             
    


              


            

Total assets

   $ 1,033,102                  $ 926,466               
    


              


            

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                                          

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

NOW accounts

   $ 85,917     $ 27    0.13 %   $ 84,388     $ 40    0.19 %

Savings accounts

     85,108       54    0.26 %     81,691       144    0.71 %

Money market accounts

     109,033       122    0.45 %     104,435       231    0.90 %

Certificates of deposit

     314,116       1,864    2.39 %     282,201       2,021    2.90 %

Short-term borrowings

     128,547       247    0.77 %     106,739       213    0.81 %

Long-term borrowings

     20,000       266    5.36 %     20,000       263    5.34 %
    


 

        


 

      

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     742,721       2,580    1.40 %     679,454       2,912    1.74 %
            

                

      

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

                                          

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     191,551                    160,133               

Other liabilities

     11,650                    8,697               

Stockholders’ equity

     87,180                    78,182               
    


              


            

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,033,102                  $ 926,466               
    


              


            

Net interest income

           $ 10,949                  $ 9,581       
            

                

      

Net interest spread

                  4.09 %                  4.00 %
                   

                

Net interest margin

                  4.46 %                  4.40 %
                   

                


(a) Average balances are calculated as the daily average balances.
(b) Average loan balances include first mortgage loans originated for sale and nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes amortized loan fees, net of costs, of $635,000 and $460,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(c) Interest is presented on a taxable equivalent basis, adjusted for items exempt from federal tax.

 

 

(22)


In the first quarter of 2004, net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis rose $1.4 million, from $9.6 million in 2003 to $10.9 million in 2004, as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities continued to decline with the downward repricing of all deposit categories and loans, the Company’s most profitable earning asset, continued to grow. Average loans, net of unearned income, grew $168.4 million, or 24.5%, from $688.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to $856.6 million for the same period in 2004. Average interest-bearing liabilities grew only $63.3 million, or 9.3%, from $679.5 million to $742.7 million. The increased interest income recognized as a result of the growth in the loan portfolio was sufficient to mitigate the effects of continued declines in interest rates on earning assets, which slightly outpaced the declines of interest rates on interest-bearing liabilities. Most notably, the weighted average yield on loans decreased 54 basis points, from 6.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 to 5.71% for the comparable period in 2004. In spite of declining yields, the net interest margin for the first quarter increased six basis points, from 4.40% in 2003 to 4.46% in 2004.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income totaled $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to $1.9 million for the corresponding period in 2003. The $200,000 decrease in noninterest income during the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period of 2003 was due to a decline in revenue on mortgage loan sales of $280,000 which resulted from decreased mortgage origination activity associated with increased mortgage rates. The decrease in noninterest income due to lower gains on sales of mortgage loans was mitigated, however, by an increase in fees charged for services of $67,000 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2004. Fees charged for services increased due to continued business development efforts and the Company’s continued focus on core banking initiatives.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest expense increased $330,000, or 4.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003. Salaries and benefits, the largest component of noninterest expense, rose only $76,000, or 1.9%, due to an increase in salaries and retail commissions (exclusive of mortgage commissions, which are included in gains on sales of mortgage loans). This increase was mitigated by a reduction in the liability for the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan as a result of the decline in the price of the Company’s common stock for the quarter.

 

Data processing expense increased $108,000, or 26.3%, due to increased costs associated with internet banking and technology upgrades. Other noninterest expenses increased $74,000, or 9.8%. During the same period, professional fees decreased $94,000.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

For information regarding the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments, see “Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

(23)


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 17 CFR 240.13a-15(e) and 240.15d-15(e)) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter of 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is party to legal actions that are routine and incidental to its business. In management’s opinion, the outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

 

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None

 

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

 

None

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

On March 11, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a $.15 per share cash dividend to common stockholders of record on March 31, 2004, payable April 14, 2004.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)    Exhibits     
     (31.1)    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
     (31.2)    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
     (32.1)    Certification by the Principal Executive Officer of the periodic financial reports, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     (32.2)    Certification by the Principal Financial Officer of the periodic financial reports, required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(24)


  (b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

On January 26, 2004, the Company furnished information pursuant to Item 5 of Form 8-K, reporting a management realignment. Amended, Corrected and Restated By-Laws were also filed at that time.

 

On February 11, 2004, the Company furnished information pursuant to Item 5 of Form 8-K, announcing that the Bank had entered into a data processing services agreement with Delmarva Bank Data Processing Center, Inc. (“DDC”). The Bank also announced its intention, subject to regulatory approval, to become a 20% owner of DDC.

 

On April 15, 2004, the Company furnished information pursuant to Item 12 of Form 8-K, reporting first quarter 2004 financial results.

 

(25)


SIGNATURES

 

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

 

   

COLUMBIA BANCORP

   

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER:

May 7, 2004

 

/s/ John M. Bond, Jr.


Date

 

John M. Bond, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

   

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND

ACCOUNTING OFFICER:

May 7, 2004

 

/s/ John A. Scaldara, Jr.


Date

 

John A. Scaldara, Jr.

President,

Chief Operating Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

 

(26)