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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.

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to             .

 

Commission File Number 0-20288

 

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.

(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)

 

Washington   91-1422237
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1301 “A” Street
Tacoma, Washington
  98401
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(253) 305-1900

(Issuer’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 issuer: (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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes x No ¨

 

The number of shares of the issuer’s Common Stock outstanding at April 30, 2004 was 13,561,637.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

  

Consolidated Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements

    
    

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations - three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   1
    

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

   2
    

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - twelve months ended December 31, 2003, and three months ended March 31, 2004

   3
    

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   4
    

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

   5

Item 2.

  

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

   8

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   22

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   22
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

   23
    

Signatures

   24
    

Certifications

    

 


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 

(in thousands except per share)


   2004

    2003

 

Interest Income

                

Loans

   $ 16,049     $ 18,612  

Securities available for sale

     5,039       3,097  

Securities held to maturity

     28       44  

Deposits with banks

     13       27  
    


 


Total interest income

     21,129       21,780  

Interest Expense

                

Deposits

     3,915       5,206  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     80       277  

Long-term obligations

     262       278  
    


 


Total interest expense

     4,257       5,761  
    


 


Net Interest Income

     16,872       16,019  

Provision for loan losses

     300       1,600  
    


 


Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     16,572       14,419  

Noninterest Income

                

Service charges and other fees

     2,527       2,395  

Mortgage banking

     503       1,081  

Merchant services fees

     1,562       1,291  

Loss on sale of investment securities, net

     (6 )        

Bank owned life insurance (BOLI)

     250       398  

Other

     278       388  
    


 


Total noninterest income

     5,114       5,553  

Noninterest Expense

                

Compensation and employee benefits

     7,786       7,172  

Occupancy

     2,086       2,187  

Merchant processing

     652       496  

Advertising and promotion

     271       507  

Data processing

     515       449  

Legal and professional services

     628       514  

Taxes, licenses and fees

     384       450  

Net cost (gain) of other real estate owned

     12       (5 )

Other

     2,015       1,924  
    


 


Total noninterest expense

     14,349       13,694  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     7,337       6,278  

Provision for income taxes

     2,186       1,847  
    


 


Net Income

   $ 5,151     $ 4,431  
    


 


Net income per common share:

                

Basic

   $ 0.36     $ 0.32  

Diluted

     0.36       0.31  

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.05          

Average number of common shares outstanding

     14,147       13,969  

Average number of diluted common shares outstanding

     14,391       14,086  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

               March 31,    December 31,  

(in thousands)


             2004

   2003

 

Assets

                         

Cash and due from banks

             $ 46,889    $ 49,685  

Interest-earning deposits with banks

               21,189      949  
              

  


Total cash and cash equivalents

               68,078      50,634  

Securities available for sale at fair value (amortized cost of $484,681 and $509,989, respectively)

               493,516      509,200  

Securities held to maturity (fair value of $4,510 and $4,708, respectively)

               4,353      4,548  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

               10,177      10,116  

Loans held for sale

               15,738      10,640  

Loans, net of unearned income of $2,461 and $2,437, respectively

               1,131,531      1,078,302  

Less: allowance for loan losses

               19,958      20,261  
              

  


Loans, net

               1,111,573      1,058,041  

Interest receivable

               7,378      6,640  

Premises and equipment, net

               50,007      50,692  

Real estate owned

               1,056      1,452  

Other

               39,477      42,384  
              

  


Total Assets

             $ 1,801,353    $ 1,744,347  
              

  


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                         

Deposits:

                         

Noninterest-bearing

             $ 326,818    $ 317,721  

Interest-bearing

               1,276,560      1,226,905  
              

  


Total deposits

               1,603,378      1,544,626  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

                      16,500  

Other borrowings

               1,000         

Long-term subordinated debt

               22,196      22,180  

Other liabilities

               11,763      10,669  
              

  


Total liabilities

               1,638,337      1,593,975  

Shareholders’ equity:

                         

Preferred stock (no par value)

                         

Authorized, 2 million shares; none outstanding

                         
     March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


           

Common stock (no par value)

                         

Authorized shares

   60,032    60,032                

Issued and outstanding

   13,557    13,433      114,584      112,675  

Retained earnings

               42,689      38,210  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

                         

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax

               5,743      (513 )
              

  


Total shareholders’ equity

               163,016      150,372  
              

  


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

             $ 1,801,353    $ 1,744,347  
              

  


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

     Common stock

   Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Shareholders’
Equity


 

(in thousands)


   Number of
Shares


   Amount

      

Balance at January 1, 2003

   13,310    $ 111,028    $ 20,696     $ 660     $ 132,384  

Comprehensive income:

                                    

Net income for 2003

                 19,522                  

Reclassification of net gains on securities available for sale included in net income, net of tax of $78

                         (144 )        

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax of $554

                         (1,029 )        

Total comprehensive income

                                 18,349  

Issuance of stock under stock option and other plans

   123      1,647                      1,647  

Cash dividends paid on common stock

                 (2,008 )             (2,008 )
    
  

  


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

   13,433      112,675      38,210       (513 )     150,372  
    
  

  


 


 


Comprehensive income:

                                    

Net income for 2004

                 5,151                  

Reclassification of net losses on securities available for sale included in net income, net of tax of $2

                         4          

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax of $3,366

                         6,252          

Total comprehensive income

                                 11,407  

Issuance of stock under stock option and other plans

   124      1,909                      1,909  

Cash dividends paid on common stock

                 (672 )             (672 )
    
  

  


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

   13,557    $ 114,584    $ 42,689     $ 5,743     $ 163,016  
    
  

  


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 

(in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Operating Activities

                

Net income

   $ 5,151     $ 4,431  

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

                

Provision for loan losses

     300       1,600  

Deferred income tax expense

     3,334       227  

Gains on sale of real estate owned and other personal property owned

     (16 )     (13 )

Depreciation and amortization

     2,025       2,535  

Net realized loss (gain) on sale of assets

     27       (5 )

(Increase) decrease in loans held for sale

     (5,098 )     1,660  

Increase in interest receivable

     (738 )     (631 )

Decrease in interest payable

     (20 )     (317 )

Stock dividends from Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (61 )     (128 )

Net changes in other assets and liabilities

     (2,740 )     (1,725 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,164       7,634  

Investing Activities

                

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

     511       18  

Purchases of securities available for sale

     (3,046 )     (6,033 )

Proceeds from sales of mortgage-backed securities available for sale

     13,993          

Proceeds from maturities of mortgage-backed securities available for sale

     22,573       49,678  

Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available for sale

     (10,239 )     (133,410 )

Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity

     195       170  

Loans originated and acquired, net of principal collected

     (53,424 )     25,159  

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (270 )     (314 )

Proceeds from disposal of premises and equipment

     13       32  

Proceeds from sales of real estate and other personal property owned

     469       662  
    


 


Net cash used by investing activities

     (29,225 )     (64,038 )

Financing Activities

                

Net increase in deposits

     58,752       1,886  

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     56,100       98,500  

Repayment of FHLB advances

     (72,600 )     (45,166 )

Proceeds from other borrowings

     1,000          

Cash dividends paid on common stock

     (672 )        

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

     1,909       282  

Other, net

     16       17  
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     44,505       55,519  

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     17,444       (885 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     50,634       85,483  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 68,078     $ 84,598  
    


 


Supplemental information:

                

Cash paid for interest

   $ 4,277     $ 6,078  

Cash paid for income taxes

     2,152       1,256  

Loans foreclosed and transferred to real estate owned or other personal property owned

             2,939  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc. (the “Company”) is a registered bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiary, Columbia State Bank (“Columbia Bank”), conducts a full-service commercial banking business. Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, the Company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and other individuals through 34 banking offices located in the Tacoma metropolitan area and contiguous parts of the Puget Sound region of Washington, as well as the Longview and Woodland communities in southwestern Washington. Substantially all of the Company’s loans, loan commitments and core deposits are geographically concentrated in its service areas.

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The interim unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for condensed interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and the results of operations for the interim periods included herein have been made. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of results to be anticipated for the year ending December 31, 2004. For additional information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

2. Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of common and diluted common shares outstanding during the period. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The only reconciling item affecting the calculation of earnings per share are the inclusion of stock options and restricted stock awards increasing the shares outstanding in diluted earnings per share by 244,000 and 117,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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The Company has a stock option plan and applies APB Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock issued to Employees, and related interpretations in accounting for the Plan. The Company’s policy is to recognize compensation expense at the date the options are granted based on the difference, if any, between the then market value of the Company’s common stock and the stated option price. Had compensation cost for the Company’s Plan been determined based on the fair value at the option grant dates consistent with Statement of Financial Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts listed below:

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share)

 

  

For the three
months ended

March 31,
2004


   

For the three
months ended

March 31,
2003


 
    

Net income attributable to common stock:

                

As reported

   $ 5,151     $ 4,431  

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all options, net of related tax effects

     (93 )     (114 )
    


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 5,058     $ 4,317  
    


 


Net income per common share:

                

Basic:

                

As reported

   $ 0.36     $ 0.32  

Pro forma

     0.36       0.31  

Diluted:

                

As reported

   $ 0.36     $ 0.31  

Pro forma

     0.35       0.31  

 

3. Dividends

 

On January 29, 2004, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on February 25, 2004, to shareholders of record at the close of business February 11, 2004.

 

Subsequent to quarter end, on April 28, 2004, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share and a 5% stock dividend payable on May 26, 2004, to shareholders of record as of May 12, 2004. Average shares outstanding and net income per share for all periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to this stock dividend.

 

4. Business Segment Information

 

The Company is managed along three major lines of business: commercial banking, retail banking, and real estate lending. The treasury function of the Company, although not considered a line of business, is responsible for the management of investments and interest rate risk.

 

The principal activities conducted by commercial banking are the origination of commercial business loans and private banking services. Retail banking includes all deposit products, with their related fee income, and all consumer loan products as well as commercial loan products offered in the Company’s branch offices. Real estate lending offers single-family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial real estate loans, with their associated loan servicing activities.

 

The Company generates segment results that include balances directly attributable to business line activities. The financial results of each segment are derived from the Company’s general ledger system. Overhead, including sales and back office support functions, and other indirect expenses are not allocated to the major lines of business. Since the Company is not specifically organized around lines of business, most reportable segments comprise more than one operating activity.

 

The organizational structure of the Company and its business line financial results are not necessarily comparable across companies. As such, the Company’s business line performance may not be directly comparable with similar information from other financial institutions. Changes in net interest income and total assets for the three month periods ending March 31, 2004 as compared to March 31, 2003 reflect transfers of loans from retail banking to commercial banking.

 

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Financial highlights by lines of business are as follows:

 

Condensed Statements of Operations:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

(in thousands)


   Commercial
Banking


    Retail
Banking


    Real Estate
Lending


    Other

    Total

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

   $ 4,033     $ 7,093     $ 2,923     $ 2,523     $ 16,572  

Other income

     235       1,708       502       2,669       5,114  

Other expense

     (1,071 )     (4,571 )     (494 )     (8,213 )     (14,349 )
    


 


 


 


 


Contribution to overhead and profit

   $ 3,197     $ 4,230     $ 2,931     $ (3,021 )   $ 7,337  

Income taxes

                                     2,186  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

                                   $ 5,151  
    


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 471,171     $ 469,766     $ 274,736     $ 585,680     $ 1,801,353  
    


 


 


 


 


     Three Months Ended March 31, 2003

 

(in thousands)


   Commercial
Banking


    Retail
Banking


    Real Estate
Lending


    Other

    Total

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

   $ 2,976     $ 8,048     $ 3,917     $ (522 )   $ 14,419  

Other income

     210       1,778       1,094       2,471       5,553  

Other expense

     (824 )     (4,579 )     (518 )     (7,773 )     (13,694 )
    


 


 


 


 


Contribution to overhead and profit

   $ 2,362     $ 5,247     $ 4,493     $ (5,824 )   $ 6,278  

Income taxes

                                     1,847  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

                                   $ 4,431  
    


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 328,402     $ 616,911     $ 306,052     $ 507,222     $ 1,758,587  
    


 


 


 


 


 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

 

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (the “Company”) and notes thereto presented elsewhere in this report. In the following discussion, unless otherwise noted, references to increases or decreases in average balances in items of income and expense for a particular period and balances at a particular date refer to the comparison with corresponding amounts for the period or date one year earlier.

 

This Form 10-Q may be deemed to include forward looking statements, which management believes are a benefit to shareholders. These forward looking statements describe management’s expectations regarding future events and developments such as future operating results, growth in loans and deposits, continued success of Columbia’s style of banking and the strength of the local economy. The words “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “should,” and “anticipate” and words of similar construction are intended in part to help identify forward looking statements. Future events are difficult to predict, and the expectations described above are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely. In addition to discussions about risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in Columbia’s filings with the SEC, factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) local, national and international economic conditions are less favorable than expected or have a more direct and pronounced effect on Columbia than expected and adversely affect Columbia’s ability to continue its internal growth at historical rates and maintain the quality of its earning assets; (2) changes in interest rates reduce interest margins more than expected and negatively affect funding sources; (3) projected business increases following strategic expansion or opening or acquiring new branches are lower than expected; (4) costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquisitions are greater than expected; (5) competitive pressure among financial institutions increases significantly; (6) legislation or regulatory requirements or changes adversely affect the businesses in which Columbia is engaged, and (7) the Company’s ability to realize the efficiencies it expects to receive from its investments in personnel and infrastructure.

 

General

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc. is a registered bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiary, Columbia State Bank (“Columbia Bank”), conducts a full-service commercial banking business. Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, the Company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and other individuals through banking offices located in the Tacoma metropolitan area and contiguous parts of the Puget Sound region of Washington, as well as the Longview and Woodland communities in southwestern Washington. Substantially all of the Company’s loans, loan commitments and core deposits are geographically concentrated in its service areas. Columbia Bank is a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). Columbia Bank is subject to regulation by the FDIC and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Banks. Although Columbia Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has certain supervisory authority over the Company, which can also affect Columbia Bank.

 

Business Overview

 

The Company’s goal is to be a leading community bank headquartered in the Pacific Northwest and to consistently increase earnings and shareholder value. The Company continues to build on its reputation for excellent customer service in order to be recognized in all markets it serves as the bank of choice for retail deposit customers, small to medium-sized businesses, and affluent households.

 

The Company has established a network of 34 branches as of March 31, 2004 from which it intends to grow market share. Twenty-one branches are located in Pierce County, eight in King County, three in Cowlitz County, and one each in Kitsap and Thurston Counties.

 

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Business Strategy

 

The Company’s strategy to improve earnings and shareholder value is to leverage its branch network to grow market share by meeting the needs of current and prospective customers with its wide range of financial products and services and outstanding customer service. In addition, the Company will continue to focus on asset quality, expanding revenue, and expense control. The Company regularly evaluates its business processes to benefit customers, create cost efficiencies, and increase profitability.

 

Management believes consolidation among financial institutions in its market area has created significant gaps in the ability of large banks to serve certain customers, particularly the Company’s target customer base of small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and other individuals. The Company’s business strategy is to provide its customers with the financial sophistication and breadth of products of a regional banking company while retaining the appeal and service level of a community bank. Management believes that as a result of the Company’s strong commitment to highly personalized relationship-oriented customer service, its varied products, its strategic branch locations and the long-standing community presence of its managers, lending officers and branch personnel, it is well positioned to attract new customers and to increase its market share of loans, deposits, and other financial services in the markets it now serves.

 

The Company intends to effect its growth strategy through a combination of growth at existing branch offices, new branch openings, and strategic business combinations. While the Company has no immediate plans for new branches, new markets and locations are reviewed on an ongoing basis and the Company will take advantage of branching opportunities as they arise.

 

Products & Services

 

The Company continuously reviews new products and services to meet its customers’ financial services needs. New technologies and services are reviewed for business development and cost saving purposes. Some of the products and services Columbia offers include tailored loan products, Cash Management Services, Columbia On-Line, International Services, Merchant Card Services and Investment Services. Additionally, in an effort to continue to provide exceptional service and to increase market share, the Company has formed a new Equipment Finance division, scheduled to begin operations on May 1.

 

Market Area

 

Over 75% of the Company’s market is centered in the South Puget Sound Region (“the South Sound”) of Washington state. Pierce County is located in the South Sound and Tacoma is the largest city in the County. The Company has 21 branch offices located in Pierce County and has the largest deposit market share as of June 30, 2003 according to the annual FDIC “Market Share Report”. The economy of the South Sound and that of the entire state of Washington has been in a recession since 2001, with unemployment rates ranking third in the nation at the end of 2003. Current economic indicators, however, have shown signs that recovery has begun with unemployment levels improving to eighth in the nation during the first quarter of 2004. Pierce County is anticipated to lead the statewide recovery with growth of 3.1% (“Pierce County Economic Index”) during 2004. Regional forecasts call for 11,000 new jobs in the information technology sector, as well as job growth in the health care, teaching, construction and retail sectors. The South Sound is benefiting from major construction projects currently underway such as the new Narrows Bridge and Convention Center located in downtown Tacoma. Additionally, expansion of the Port of Tacoma scheduled to be completed in late 2004, will provide the South Sound with a container terminal capable of handling the largest volume of container traffic north of Los Angeles. With two large military installations (McChord Air Force and Fort Lewis Army bases), government related employment represents approximately 20% of the County’s total employment.

 

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To the north of Tacoma, King County is Washington’s most populous at 1.8 million residents. In Seattle, located in King County, the Company has a banking office in the downtown business sector. East of Seattle in Bellevue and Redmond, the Company has two banking offices. A large portion of the economy within this area is linked to aerospace, construction, computer software and biotechnology industries. While these industries were severely impacted by the State’s economic recession, signs of recovery have been evident during the first quarter of 2004. Microsoft Corporation, which is headquartered northeast of Bellevue, announced solid earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. After eliminating close to 40,000 positions in 2002 and 2003, The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) is showing signs of improvement in its Commercial Airplanes unit. In late 2003, Boeing announced that it had selected its Everett, Washington facility for the construction of the new “7E7 Dreamliner” commercial jet. Subsequent to March 31, 2004, on April 26th, the 7E7 project was formally launched with the order of 50 jets, and more orders are expected in the coming year. Additionally, Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems unit with numerous locations in King County has shown considerable growth as a result of increased military spending.

 

The Company has five branches in south King County, an area of residential communities whose employment base is supported by light industrial, aerospace and forest products industries. With its close proximity to Tacoma, the south King County market area is considered an important natural extension of the Company’s Pierce County market area. The Weyerhaeuser Corporation maintains its world headquarters in Federal Way, which is located in south King County adjacent to the King/Pierce County line. Over the last few years, the forest products industry, in which Weyerhaeuser operates, has been in its worst downturn in half a century. During the first quarter of 2004 Weyerhaeuser has shown signs of recovery, as wood prices continue to improve and demand for packaging and containerboard has increased. The Auburn and Kent Valley areas located east of Federal Way are high residential and commercial growth markets.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Various elements of the Company’s accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In particular, management has identified several accounting policies that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to an understanding of the Company’s financial statements. These policies relate to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate owned. These policies and the judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in subsequent sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time. However, given the sensitivity of the financial statements to these critical accounting policies, the use of other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in the results of operations or financial condition.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The results of operations of the Company are dependent to a large degree on the Company’s net interest income. The Company also generates noninterest income through service charges and fees, merchant services fees, and income from mortgage banking operations. The Company’s operating expenses consist primarily of compensation and employee benefits expense, and occupancy expense. Like most financial institutions, the Company’s interest income and cost of funds are affected significantly by general economic conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, and by government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

 

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Net Income

 

Net income for the first quarter of 2004 was $5.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, an increase of 16% compared to $4.4 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2003. The increase in net income is due primarily to a decreased provision to the loan loss reserve and increased core deposits which lowered the Company’s overall cost of funding.

 

Total Revenue

 

During the first quarter of 2004, total revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income), was $22.0 million, an increase of $414,000, or 2% from the first quarter of 2003. The increase in total revenue in the first quarter 2004 compared to 2003 was due to higher net interest income offset in part by lower non-interest income.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2004 increased 5% to $16.9 million, from $16.0 million in the first quarter of 2003. Although there was a decrease in interest income as compared to the first quarter of 2003 it was offset by a significant decrease in interest expense of 26% to $4.3 million, from $5.8 million in the first quarter of 2003. The decrease in interest income was a result of lower interest rates and declining average loan balances. The Company was able to offset this decrease through growth of core deposits resulting in a lower cost of funding.

 

The net interest margin (net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) decreased to 4.25% in the first quarter of 2004 from 4.37% in the first quarter of 2003. Average interest-earning assets grew to $1.64 billion, or 8%, during the first quarter of 2004, compared with $1.52 billion for the same period in 2003. The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased 61 basis points to 5.30% during the first quarter of 2004 compared with 5.91% during the same period of 2003. The decrease in yield on earning assets is primarily due to declining loan demand experienced during 2003, which resulted in excess funds from core deposit growth being placed in lower yielding investments and overnight funds. Additionally, the yield on loans was impacted by a 25 basis point decrease in the prime rate at the end of the second quarter of 2003. (A basis point is 1/100th of 1 percent, alternatively 100 basis points equals 1.00%.) However, during the first quarter of 2004, the Company experienced a $53.2 million, or 5% increase in its loan portfolio from year-end 2003 due to increasing demand for commercial business and five or more family residential commercial property loans. In comparison, average interest-bearing liabilities increased to $1.29 billion or 4% during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $1.24 billion in the same period in 2003. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 56 basis points to 1.32% during the first quarter of 2004 from 1.88% in the same period of 2003. The decrease in cost of funds is due to the Company’s focus on core deposit growth, as average core deposits increased 15.9% from the first quarter of 2003 to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2004.

 

The Company is asset sensitive from an interest-rate risk standpoint over a short-term period of at least 3 months and then becomes slightly liability sensitive over a twelve month period. In the event of a change in interest rates, a larger amount of the Company’s interest-earning assets will reprice faster than its interest-bearing liabilities in the short-term. During a declining interest rate environment, the Company’s net interest margin will be compressed if it is unable to reprice its interest-bearing liabilities as its interest-earning assets reprice. Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, the Company’s interest-earning assets will reprice faster than its interest-bearing liabilities. Many economists believe that interest rates are at a low point in the current cycle and speculation is that the Federal Reserve may begin increasing the Federal Funds target rate sometime in 2004. In that event, the Company anticipates improvement in its net interest margin as interest-earning assets reprice faster than its deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities.

 

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CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES—NET CHANGES

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc.   

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   Increase
(Decrease)


 

(in thousands)


   2004

   2003

   Amount

 

ASSETS

                      

Loans

   $ 1,126,363    $ 1,175,935    $ (49,572 )

Securities

     510,756      335,432      175,324  

Interest-earning deposits with banks

     5,516      9,415      (3,899 )
    

  

  


Total interest-earning assets

     1,642,635      1,520,782      121,853  

Other earning assets

     31,611      28,455      3,156  

Noninterest-earning assets

     101,810      123,810      (22,000 )
    

  

  


Total assets

   $ 1,776,056    $ 1,673,047    $ 103,009  
    

  

  


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                      

Interest-bearing deposits

   $ 1,243,059    $ 1,163,251    $ 79,808  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     27,613      57,598      (29,985 )

Trust preferred obligations

            21,439      (21,439 )

Long-term subordinated debt

     22,186             22,186  

Other borrowings

     418             418  
    

  

  


Total interest-bearing liabilities

     1,293,276      1,242,288      50,988  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     316,081      284,952      31,129  

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     11,718      10,647      1,071  

Shareholders’ equity

     154,981      135,160      19,821  
    

  

  


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,776,056    $ 1,673,047    $ 103,009  
    

  

  


 

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Table of Contents

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income decreased $439,000, or 8% in the first quarter of 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. The decrease in noninterest income during the first quarter is due to fewer residential mortgage loan originations resulting from the expected effect of rising long-term interest rates. This lower revenue was partially offset by increases in merchant services income, and service charges and other fees resulting from the growth in core deposits.

 

The Company has benefited from the historically low interest rate environment through increased mortgage banking activity which provided record non-interest income during 2003. The low rate environment, which began in the third quarter of 2002, stimulated demand for home refinancing, as well as new and existing home sales. During the later half of 2003 rates flattened and began to rise slightly, which resulted in decreased refinance and residential mortgage loan applications. This trend has continued into the first quarter of 2004, as mortgage banking income decreased 53% from the first quarter of 2003 to $503,000 at March 31, 2004. If the level of home refinancing remains low during subsequent quarters, non-interest income is likely to decrease from prior periods. In addition to mortgage banking, the Company has consistently increased its noninterest income in service charges and other fees and merchant services fees. Merchant services fees increased 21% from the first quarter of 2003 to $1.6 million at March 31, 2004, and service charges and other fees increased 6% or $132,000 for the same period.

 

In accordance with the Company’s investment strategy, management monitors market conditions with a view to realizing gains on its available for sale securities portfolio as market conditions allow. During the first quarter 2004, the Company recorded net losses on sale of investment securities of $6,000. There were no sales of securities during the first quarter of 2003.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Total noninterest expense increased 5% to $14.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2003. This increase was primarily due to increased employee benefit costs, merchant processing expenses and professional fees.

 

Consistent with national trends, the Company has experienced increased costs of providing employee benefits, primarily health insurance coverage. Increased health insurance premiums and other benefits have resulted in compensation and employee benefits increasing 9% from the first quarter of 2003 to $7.8 million at March 31, 2004. Merchant processing expenses increased 31% during the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. These expenses move in direct correlation with merchant services fees and are anticipated to increase in subsequent periods as growth in market share leads to greater merchant services fees.

 

Professional fees have increased 22% as compared to the first quarter of 2003 to $628,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. This increase is due to additional costs pertaining to compliance with the provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company anticipates ongoing expenses related to this matter in subsequent periods.

 

The Company’s efficiency ratio [noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income on a tax equivalent basis, excluding gain (loss) on sale of investment securities and net cost (gain) of OREO] was 63.36% for the first quarter 2004, compared to 61.84% for the first quarter of 2003. This increase was due primarily to decreased revenue from mortgage banking activity and increased employee benefit expenses and expenses related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company is committed to controlling and managing expenses. Economic conditions within its markets and the historically low interest rates during the past three years have adversely impacted the Company’s ability to realize significant improvement of its efficiency ratio. Improvement in the efficiency ratio will depend on the Company’s ability to grow the loan portfolio and fee income and continuing to control expenses while adhering to its core values of customer service.

 

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Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded an income tax provision of $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2004, compared with a provision of $1.8 million for the same period in 2003. The effective tax rate was 30% for the first quarter of 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Company’s effective tax rate is less than the statutory rate primarily due to earnings on tax-exempt municipal securities and bank owned life insurance. For additional information, refer to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Credit Risk Management

 

The extension of credit in the form of loans or other credit products to individuals and businesses is one of the Company’s principal business activities. Company policies and applicable laws and regulations require risk analysis as well as ongoing portfolio and credit management. The Company manages its credit risk through lending limit constraints, credit review, approval policies, and extensive, ongoing internal monitoring. The Company also manages credit risk through diversification of the loan portfolio by type of loan, type of industry, type of borrower and by limiting the aggregation of debt limits to a single borrower.

 

In analyzing its existing portfolio, the Company reviews its consumer and residential loan portfolios by their performance as a pool of loans since no single loan is individually significant or judged by its risk rating, size, or potential risk of loss. In contrast, the monitoring process for the commercial business, private banking, real estate construction, and commercial real estate portfolios includes periodic reviews of individual loans with risk ratings assigned to each loan and performance judged on a loan by loan basis. The Company reviews these loans to assess the ability of the borrower to service all of its interest and principal obligations and, as a result, the risk rating may be adjusted accordingly. In the event that full collection of principal and interest is not reasonably assured, the loan is appropriately downgraded and, if warranted, placed on nonaccrual status even though the loan may be current as to principal and interest payments. Additionally, the Company assesses whether an impairment of a loan warrants specific reserves or a write-down of the loan. See “Provision and Allowance For Loan Losses” on page 17.

 

Loan policies, credit quality criteria, portfolio guidelines and other controls are established under the guidance of the Company’s Senior Credit Officer and approved, as appropriate, by the Board. Credit Administration, together with the loan committee, has the responsibility for administering the credit approval process. As another part of its control process, the Company uses an independent internal credit review and examination function to provide assurance that loans and commitments are made and maintained as prescribed by its credit policies. This includes a review of documentation when the loan is initially extended and subsequent on-site examination to ensure continued performance and proper risk assessment.

 

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Table of Contents

Loan Portfolio Analysis

 

The Company is a full service commercial bank, which originates a wide variety of loans, and concentrates its lending efforts on originating commercial business and commercial real estate loans. The following table sets forth the Company’s loan portfolio by type of loan for the dates indicated:

 

(in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


    % of
Total


    December 31,
2003


    % of
Total


 

Commercial business

   $ 399,975     35.3 %   $ 381,658     35.4 %

Real estate:

                            

One-to-four family residential

     47,606     4.2       47,430     4.4  

Commercial and five or more family residential commercial properties

     495,875     43.8       472,836     43.8  
    


 

 


 

Total real estate

     543,481     48.0       520,266     48.2  

Real estate construction:

                            

One-to-four family residential

     20,567     1.8       15,577     1.4  

Commercial and five or more family residential commercial properties

     61,630     5.5       58,998     5.5  
    


 

 


 

Total real estate construction

     82,197     7.3       74,575     6.9  

Consumer

     108,339     9.6       104,240     9.7  
    


 

 


 

Sub-total loans

     1,133,992     100.2       1,080,739     100.2  

Less: Deferred loan fees

     (2,461 )   (0.2 )     (2,437 )   (0.2 )
    


 

 


 

Total loans

   $ 1,131,531     100.0 %   $ 1,078,302     100.0 %
    


 

 


 

Loans held for sale

   $ 15,738           $ 10,640        
    


       


     

 

Total loans (excluding loans held for sale) at March 31, 2004 increased $53.2 million, to $1.13 billion from $1.08 billion at year-end 2003 largely due to increases in commercial business and commercial and five or more family residential commercial properties loans.

 

Commercial Loans: As of March 31, 2004, commercial loans increased $18.3 million, or 5%, to $400.0 million from $381.7 million at year-end 2003, representing 35.3% of total loans at March 31, 2004 as compared with 35.4% of total loans at December 31, 2003. The increase in commercial loans is the result of an effective business development initiative and some early indications of an economic recovery in the market area. Declines in commercial loans in prior periods were a result of the economic recession causing business customers to reduce line of credit usage. The Company is committed to providing competitive commercial lending in its market areas. The Company plans to remain competitive yet cautious with its commercial lending products due to the current state of the economy and will continue to emphasize in particular its relationship banking with businesses, and business owners.

 

Real Estate Loans: Residential one-to-four family loans increased $176,000 to $47.6 million at March 31, 2004, representing 4.2% of total loans, compared with $47.4 million, or 4.4% of total loans at December 31, 2003. These loans are used by the Company to collateralize advances from the FHLB. Generally, the Company’s policy is to originate residential loans for sale to third parties. Those residential loans are secured by properties located within the Company’s primary market areas, and typically have loan-to-value ratios of 80% or lower. However, the loan amounts may exceed 80% with private mortgage insurance.

 

Commercial and five or more family residential real estate lending increased $23.0 million, or 5%, to $495.9 million at March 31, 2004, representing 43.8% of total loans, from $472.8 million, or 43.8% of total loans at December 31, 2003. Generally, commercial and five or more family residential real estate loans are made to borrowers who have existing banking relationships with the Company. The Company’s underwriting standards generally require that the loan-to-value ratio for these loans not exceed 75% of appraised value, cost, or discounted cash flow value, as appropriate, and that commercial properties maintain debt coverage ratios (net operating income divided by annual debt servicing) of 1.2 or better. However, underwriting standards can be influenced by competition and other factors. The Company endeavors to maintain the highest practical underwriting standards while balancing the need to remain competitive in its lending practices.

 

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Table of Contents

Real Estate Construction Loans: The Company originates a variety of real estate construction loans. One-to-four family residential construction loans are originated for the construction of custom homes (where the home buyer is the borrower) and provide financing to builders for the construction of pre-sold homes and speculative residential construction. Construction loans on one-to-four family residences increased $5.0 million, or 32%, to $20.6 million at March 31, 2004, representing 1.8% of total loans, from $15.6 million, or 1.4% of total loans at December 31, 2003. Commercial and five or more family real estate construction loans increased $2.6 million, or 4%, to $61.6 million at March 31, 2004, representing 5.5% of total loans, from $59.0 million, or 5.5% of total loans at December 31, 2003.

 

Consumer Loans: At March 31, 2004, the Company had $108.3 million of consumer loans outstanding, representing 9.6% of total loans, an increase of $4.1 million, or 4%, compared with $104.2 million at December 31, 2003. Consumer loans made by the Company include automobile loans, boat and recreational vehicle financing, home equity and home improvement loans and miscellaneous personal loans.

 

Foreign Loans: Columbia Bank is not involved with loans to foreign companies or foreign countries.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets consist of: (i) nonaccrual loans, which generally are loans placed on a nonaccrual basis when the loan becomes past due 90 days or when there are otherwise serious doubts about the collectibility of principal or interest; (ii) in most cases restructured loans, for which concessions, including the reduction of interest rates below a rate otherwise available to that borrower or the deferral of interest or principal, have been granted due to the borrower’s weakened financial condition (interest on restructured loans is accrued at the restructured rates when it is anticipated that no loss of original principal will occur); (iii) real estate owned; and (iv) personal property owned.

 

Total nonperforming assets decreased 6% to $14.4 million, or 0.80% of period-end assets at March 31, 2004 from $15.4 million, or 0.88% of period-end assets at December 31, 2003.

 

The following tables set forth, at the dates indicated, information with respect to nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, total nonperforming loans (nonaccrual loans plus restructured loans), real estate owned, other personal property owned, and total nonperforming assets of the Company:

 

(in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Nonaccrual:

             

Commercial business

   $ 9,880    $ 9,987

Real estate:

             

One-to-four family residential

     574      365

Commercial and five or more family residential real estate

     718      1,245

Real estate construction:

             

One-to-four family residential

     664      663

Consumer

     879      995
    

  

Total nonaccrual

   $ 12,715    $ 13,255
    

  

Real estate owned

   $ 1,056    $ 1,452

Other personal property owned

     635      691
    

  

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 14,406    $ 15,398
    

  

 

Nonperforming Loans. The consolidated financial statements are prepared according to the accrual basis of accounting. This includes the recognition of interest income on the loan portfolio, unless a loan is placed on a nonaccrual basis, which occurs when there are serious doubts about the collectibilty of principal or interest. The policy of the Company generally is to discontinue the accrual of interest on all loans past due 90 days or more and place them on nonaccrual status.

 

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Table of Contents

Nonperforming loans were $12.7 million, or 1.12% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale) at March 31, 2004, compared to $13.3 million, or 1.23% of total loans at December 31, 2003. Nonaccrual loans decreased $540,000, or 4% from year-end 2003 to $12.7 million at March 31, 2004, as several loans were either paid, returned to accrual status, or were uncollectible. Those loans that were uncollectible were written-down or charged-off.

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2004, a nonaccrual loan with a balance of $6.2 million at quarter end was brought back into accrual status due to improvement in the overall financial condition of the borrower. As a result, nonaccrual loan levels would have been reduced by 49% based on the nonaccrual loan balance at March 31, 2004.

 

Nonaccrual loans and other nonperforming assets are centered in a small number of lending relationships which management considers adequately reserved. Generally, these relationships are well collateralized though loss of principal on certain of these loans will remain in question until the loans are paid or collateral is liquidated. The Company will continue its collection efforts and liquidation of collateral to recover as large a portion of the nonaccrual assets as possible. Substantially, all nonperforming loans are to borrowers within the state of Washington.

 

Real Estate and Other Personal Property Owned. Real estate owned (REO), which is comprised of property from foreclosed real estate loans, decreased $396,000 to $1.1 million at March 31, 2004, from $1.5 million at December 31, 2003. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company sold two properties for gains of $16,000. No properties were foreclosed and moved to REO during the quarter. At March 31, 2004, REO consisted of four properties. Other personal property owned, which is comprised of other, non-real estate property from foreclosed loans, decreased $56,000 during the first three months of 2004 to $635,000 from $691,000 at December 31, 2003. The Company continues to liquidate the other personal property owned as quickly as possible to maximize recovery.

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The size of the allowance is determined through quarterly assessments of the probable estimated losses in the loan portfolio. The Company’s methodology for making such assessments and determining the adequacy of the allowance includes the following key elements:

 

1. General Valuation Allowance consistent with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.”

 

2. Criticized/Classified Loss Reserve on specific relationships. Specific allowances for identified problem loans are determined in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.”

 

On a quarterly basis the Senior Credit Officer of the Company reviews with Executive Management and the Board of Directors the various additional factors that management considers when determining the adequacy of the allowance, including economic and business condition reviews.

 

The allowance is increased by provisions charged to expense, and is reduced by loans charged off, net of recoveries. While management believes it uses the best information available to determine the allowance for loan losses, unforeseen market conditions could result in adjustments to the allowance, and net income could be significantly affected, if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in determining the allowance.

 

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Table of Contents

At March 31, 2004, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was $20.0 million, or 1.76% of total loans (excluding loans held for sale), 157% of nonperforming loans, and 139% of nonperforming assets. This compares with an allowance of $20.3 million, or 1.88% of the total loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale, 153% of nonperforming loans, and 132% of nonperforming assets at December 31, 2003. In the first quarter 2004 the Company allocated $300,000 to its provision for loan losses, compared to $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2003, a decrease of $1.3 million due to improved credit quality in the loan portfolio and lower charge-offs.

 

Management will continue to maintain a prudent approach in establishing the level of the loan loss allowance; the Company manages risk in its loan portfolio through placing emphasis on credit quality over loan growth. A strong monitoring system and internal controls assist management in setting reserve levels that adequately reflect the inherent loss within the loan portfolio. Additionally, environmental factors relevant to the market place, which may affect the condition of the loan portfolio are taken into account when funding the loan loss allowance.

 

The following table provides an analysis of the Company’s allowance for loan losses at the dates and the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Beginning balance

   $ 20,261     $ 19,171  

Charge-offs:

                

Commercial business

     (665 )     (1,449 )

Consumer

     (49 )     (106 )
    


 


Total charge-offs

     (714 )     (1,555 )

Recoveries:

                

Commercial business

     22       40  

Real estate construction: One-to-four family residential

             1  

Consumer

     89       15  
    


 


Total recoveries

     111       56  
    


 


Net charge-offs

     (603 )     (1,499 )

Provision charged to expense

     300       1,600  
    


 


Ending balance

   $ 19,958     $ 19,272  
    


 


Total loans, net at end of period (1)

   $ 1,131,531     $ 1,146,527  
    


 


Allowance for loan losses to total loans

     1.76 %     1.68 %
    


 


(1) Excludes loans held for sale

 

In the first quarter 2004, net loan charge-offs were $603,000, compared with net loan charge-offs of $1.5 million for the same period in 2003. The $603,000 in net charge-offs during the quarter were comprised of several loans.

 

Securities

 

At March 31, 2004, the Company’s securities (securities available for sale and securities held to maturity) decreased $15.9 million, or 3% to $497.9 million from $513.7 million at year-end 2003. The Company purchased $13.3 million, received principal payments of $22.6 million and sold $14.0 million of securities available for sale for net realized losses of $6,000 during the first quarter of 2004. There were no sales of securities during the first quarter of 2003. Approximately 99% of the Company’s securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. These securities are used by management as part of its asset/liability management strategy and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates or significant prepayment risk. In accordance with the Company’s investment strategy, management monitors market conditions with a view to realize gains on its available for sale securities portfolio when prudent. Consistent with this strategy, management increased the Company’s securities portfolio during the later half of 2003 due to deposit growth outpacing loan demand.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the Company’s securities portfolio by type for the dates indicated:

 

Securities Available for Sale

(in thousands)


   March 31
2004


   December 31
2003


U.S. Government agency

   $ 30,236    $ 29,445

Mortgage-backed securities

     380,530      401,170

State & municipal securities

     81,755      77,598

Other securities

     995      987
    

  

Total

   $ 493,516    $ 509,200
    

  

Securities Held to Maturity

(in thousands)


   March 31
2004


   December 31
2003


State & municipal securities

   $ 4,353    $ 4,548
    

  

 

Liquidity and Sources of Funds

 

The Company’s primary sources of funds are customer deposits and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (the “FHLB”). These funds, together with loan repayments, loan sales, retained earnings, equity and other borrowed funds, are used to make loans, to acquire securities and other assets, and to fund continuing operations.

 

Deposit Activities

 

The Company’s deposit products include a wide variety of transaction accounts, savings accounts and time deposit accounts. Total deposits increased $58.8 million, or 4%, to $1.6 billion at March 31, 2004 from December 31, 2003. Core deposits (demand deposit, savings, and money market accounts) increased $49.0 million, or 4% during the first three months of 2004 and certificate of deposit balances increased $9.7 million, or 2% compared to year-end 2003. Average core deposits increased to $1.11 billion during the first quarter of 2004, from $1.08 billion in the fourth quarter 2003 and from $957 million in the first quarter of 2003.

 

As equity markets improve, the Company recognizes that some of the deposit growth that occurred during the past couple of years may eventually be deployed elsewhere as customers regain confidence in those markets. At the same time, the Company anticipates growing its deposits through new customers and its current customer base as business and individual prosperity improves during an anticipated economic recovery.

 

The Company has established a branch system to serve its consumer and business depositors. In addition, management’s strategy for funding growth is to make use of brokered and other wholesale deposits. At March 31, 2004, brokered and other wholesale deposits (excluding public deposits) totaled $16.3 million, or 1% of total deposits, unchanged from December 31, 2003. The brokered deposits have varied maturities.

 

Borrowings

 

The Company relies on FHLB advances to supplement its funding sources, and the FHLB serves as another source of both short and long-term borrowings. FHLB advances are secured by one-to-four family real estate mortgages and certain other assets. At March 31, 2004, the Company had no FHLB advances, compared to advances of $16.5 million at December 31, 2003. Management anticipates that the Company will continue to rely on the same sources of funds in the future, and will use those funds primarily to make loans and purchase securities.

 

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During 2001, the Company, through a special purpose trust (“the Trust”) participated in a pooled trust preferred offering, whereby the trust issued $22.0 million of 30 year floating rate capital securities. The capital securities constitute guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in debentures issued by the Trust. The debentures had an initial rate of 7.29% and a rate of 4.71% at March 31, 2004. The floating rate is based on the 3-month LIBOR plus 3.58% and is adjusted quarterly. The Company through the Trust may call the debt at five years for a premium and at ten years at par, allowing the Company to retire the debt early if conditions are favorable. Prior to December 31, 2003, the Trust was considered a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. At December 31, 2003, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (FIN) No. 46 (as revised), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” whereby the Trust was deconsolidated with the result being that the trust preferred obligations were reclassified as long-term subordinated debt and the Company’s related investment in the Trust was recorded in other assets. The balance of the long-term subordinated debt was $22.2 million at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003. The subordinated debt payable to the Trust is on the same interest and payment terms as the trust preferred obligations issued by the Trust.

 

The Company has a $20 million line of credit with a large commercial bank. The interest rate on the line is indexed to LIBOR and at March 31, 2004, the Company had a balance outstanding of $1 million. There was no balance outstanding at December 31, 2003. In the event of discontinuance of the line by either party, the Company has up to two years to repay any outstanding balance.

 

Capital

 

Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2004 was $163.0 million, up 8% from $150.4 million at December 31, 2003. The increase is due to net income of $5.2 million and unrealized gains in the securities available for sale portfolio of $6.3 million (net of tax of $3.4 million) during the first three months of 2004, offset in part by cash dividends of $672,000. Shareholders’ equity was 9.05%, and 8.62% of total period-end assets at March 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

Regulatory Capital Requirements

 

Banking regulations require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum “leverage” ratio of core capital to adjusted quarterly average total assets of at least 3%. In addition, banking regulators have adopted risk-based capital guidelines, under which risk percentages are assigned to various categories of assets and off-balance sheet items to calculate a risk-adjusted capital ratio. Tier I capital generally consists of common shareholders’ equity and trust preferred obligations, less goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets, while Tier II capital includes the allowance for loan losses and subordinated debt, both subject to certain limitations. Regulatory minimum risk-based capital guidelines require Tier I capital of 4% of risk-adjusted assets and total capital (combined Tier I and Tier II) of 8% of risk-adjusted assets to be considered “adequately capitalized”.

 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations set forth the qualifications necessary to be classified as a “well capitalized” bank, primarily for assignment of FDIC insurance premium rates. To qualify as “well capitalized,” banks must have a Tier I risk-adjusted capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-adjusted capital ratio of at least 10%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5%. Failure to qualify as “well capitalized” can negatively impact a bank’s ability to expand and to engage in certain activities. Columbia Bank qualifies as “well-capitalized” at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

 

     Columbia Banking
System, Inc.


    Columbia State Bank

    Requirements

 
     3/31/2004

    12/31/2003

    3/31/2004

    12/31/2003

    Adequately
capitalized


    Well-capitalized

 

Total risk-based capital ratio

   14.41 %   14.49 %   13.89 %   14.02 %   8 %   10 %

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   13.16 %   13.24 %   12.64 %   12.77 %   4 %   6 %

Leverage ratio

   10.09 %   10.03 %   9.74 %   9.69 %   4 %   5 %

 

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Dividends

 

On January 29, 2004, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on February 25, 2004, to shareholders of record at the close of business February 11, 2004. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 28, 2004, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share and a 5% stock dividend payable on May 26, 2004, to shareholders of record as of May 12, 2004. Applicable Federal and Washington State regulations restrict cash capital distributions, including dividends, by institutions such as Columbia Bank. Such restrictions are tied to the institution’s capital levels after giving effect to distributions.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

In March 2002 the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program whereby the Company may systematically repurchase up to 500,000 of its outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Company may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions, under conditions which allow such repurchases to be accretive to earnings while maintaining capital ratios that exceed the guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution. As of March 31, 2004 the Company had not repurchased any shares of common stock in this current stock repurchase program.

 

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

A number of measures are used to monitor and manage interest rate risk, including income simulations and interest sensitivity (gap) analyses. An income simulation model is the primary tool used to assess the direction and magnitude of changes in net interest income resulting from changes in interest rates. Basic assumptions in the model include prepayment speeds on mortgage-related assets, cash flows and maturities of other investment securities, loan and deposit volumes and pricing. These assumptions are inherently subjective and, as a result, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or precisely predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and management strategies, among other factors. At March 31, 2004, based on the measures used to monitor and manage interest rate risk, there has not been a material change in the Company’s interest rate risk since December 31, 2003. For additional information, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” referenced in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as provided in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

Changes in Internal Controls. No changes occurred since the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in our internal controls over financial reporting that have material affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

On January 30, 2004, the Company filed an 8-K dated January 27, 2004 announcing the appointment of Mark W. Nelson, Executive Vice President and Senior Credit Officer, as Chief Banking Officer. The press release was attached and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

 

On January 29, 2004, the Company filed an 8-K dated January 29, 2004 announcing its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2003 financial results. The press release was attached and incorporated in its entirety by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.

 

Date   May 10, 2004       By   /s/ MELANIE J. DRESSEL
   
         
                Melanie J. Dressel
                President and Chief Executive Officer
                (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date   May 10, 2004       By   /s/ GARY R. SCHMINKEY
   
         
                Gary R. Schminkey
                Executive Vice President and
                Chief Financial Officer
                (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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