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Table of Contents

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

or

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number: 0-12724

 


 

Belmont Bancorp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Ohio   34-1376776

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

325 Main St., Bridgeport, Ohio   43912
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(740)-695-3323

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 


 

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

 

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

 

Common Stock, $0.25 par value,

11,110,028 shares outstanding

as of May 10, 2004

 



Table of Contents

BELMONT BANCORP

Quarter Ending March 31, 2004

 

INDEX

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1. Financial Statements

    

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

   3

Consolidated Statements of Income-Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003

   5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003

   6

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

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

   12

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

   19

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   19

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

    

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   19

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

   19

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

   20

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

   20

Item 5. Other Information

   20

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   20

Signature page

   21

Certifications

    

 

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Table of Contents

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

 

     March 31,
2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Assets

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 9,379     $ 10,722  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

     34       14  

Federal funds sold

     —         2,300  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents

     9,413       13,036  

Loans held for sale

     215       255  

Securities available for sale at fair value

     115,415       112,145  

Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value of $272 in 2004 and $273 in 2003)

     250       250  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

     3,629       3,594  

Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost

     517       517  

Loans

     166,550       157,528  

Less allowance for loan losses

     (3,317 )     (3,300 )
    


 


Net loans

     163,233       154,228  

Premises and equipment, net

     6,077       6,111  

Deferred federal tax assets

     4,191       4,538  

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     1,349       1,339  

Accrued income receivable

     1,475       1,366  

Other assets

     2,235       2,096  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 307,999     $ 299,475  
    


 


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Liabilities

                

Non-interest bearing deposits:

                

Demand

   $ 28,610     $ 30,632  

Interest-bearing deposits:

                

Demand

     30,849       30,357  

Savings

     97,008       100,034  

Time

     73,436       74,016  
    


 


Total deposits

     229,903       235,039  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

     961       1,403  

Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     4,000       —    

Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     35,564       25,269  

Accrued interest on deposits and other borrowings

     286       312  

Other liabilities

     1,218       1,930  
    


 


Total liabilities

     271,932       263,953  
    


 


Shareholders’ Equity

                

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

     —         —    

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

     2,788       2,788  

Additional paid-in capital

     17,558       17,556  

Retained earnings

     15,639       15,285  

Treasury stock at cost (44,292 shares)

     (997 )     (997 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,079       890  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     36,067       35,522  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 307,999     $ 299,475  
    


 


 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

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

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,


     2004

   2003

Interest and Dividend Income

             

Loans:

             

Taxable

   $ 2,452    $ 2,206

Tax-exempt

     37      39

Securities:

             

Taxable

     1,178      1,193

Tax-exempt

     18      47

Dividends

     44      45

Interest on federal funds sold

     5      41
    

  

Total interest and dividend income

     3,734      3,571
    

  

Interest Expense

             

Deposits

     780      1,117

Borrowings

     331      244
    

  

Total interest expense

     1,111      1,361
    

  

Net interest income

     2,623      2,210

Provision (Benefit) for Loan Losses

     —        —  
    

  

Net interest income after provision (benefit) for loan losses

     2,623      2,210
    

  

Noninterest Income

             

Trust fees

     166      125

Service charges on deposits

     323      253

Mortgage servicing fees

     46      44

Other operating income

     200      164

Securities gains

     22      168

Gains on sale of loans held for sale

     29      137
    

  

Total noninterest income

     786      891
    

  

Noninterest Expense

             

Salary and employee benefits

     1,258      1,254

Net occupancy expense

     243      238

Equipment expense

     205      196

Legal fees

     38      31

Legal settlements expense

     —        53

Other operating expenses

     718      737
    

  

Total noninterest expense

     2,462      2,509
    

  

Income before income taxes

     947      592

Income Tax Expense

     260      122
    

  

Net Income

   $ 687    $ 470
    

  

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

   $ 0.06    $ 0.04
    

  

 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 35,522     $ 34,757  

Comprehensive income:

                

Net income

     687       470  

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

     189       (194 )
    


 


Total comprehensive income

     876       276  

Cash dividends ($0.03 per share)

     (333 )     —    

Common stock options granted/vested

     2       4  
    


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 36,067     $ 35,037  
    


 


 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Belmont Bancorp. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

(Unaudited) ($000’s)

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash from Operating Activities

   $ 473     $ 1,151  

Investing Activities

                

Proceeds from:

                

Maturities and calls of securities

     2,669       5,071  

Sales of securities available for sale

     33       2,740  

Principal collected on mortgage-backed securities

     4,385       7,340  

Sales of other real estate owned

     2       53  

Purchases of:

                

Mortgage-backed securities available for sale

     (10,363 )     (9,914 )

Other securities available for sale

     —         (3,585 )

Loans

     (4,060 )     —    

Premises and equipment

     (111 )     (97 )

Changes in:

                

Loans, net

     (5,035 )     (3,069 )
    


 


Cash from investing activities

     (12,480 )     (1,461 )
    


 


Financing Activities

                

Proceeds from:

                

Advances on long-term debt

     10,300       —    

Payments on long term debt

     (5 )     (4 )

Dividends paid on common stock

     (333 )     —    

Changes in:

                

Deposits

     (5,136 )     (1,031 )

Repurchase agreements

     (442 )     (942 )

Short-term borrowings

     4,000       —    
    


 


Cash from financing activities

     8,384       (1,977 )
    


 


Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3,623 )     (2,287 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

     13,036       23,040  
    


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents at March 31

   $ 9,413     $ 20,753  
    


 


Cash payments for interest

   $ 1,137     $ 1,376  

Cash payments for income taxes

     —         —    

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

     —         70  

 

See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

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

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The foregoing financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements have been included. A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is set forth in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

     Basic

   Diluted

Average shares outstanding


   2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

For the three months ending March 31

   11,108,903    11,108,403    11,213,334    11,176,404

 

Comprehensive Income: The components of other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

     Three months
ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

   $ 309     $ (126 )

Reclassification adjustment

     (22 )     (168 )
    


 


Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     287       (294 )

Tax effect

     (98 )     100  
    


 


Other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 189     $ (194 )
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

Stock Compensation: Employee compensation expense under stock options is reported using the intrinsic value method. No stock-based compensation cost is reflected in net income for options granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying common stock at date of grant. Compensation expense is reflected in net income for certain options granted with an exercise price below the market price of the underlying common stock at the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if expense was measured using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands except per share amounts)


   2004

    2003

 

Net income as reported

   $ 687     $ 470  

Add: Expense, net of tax, included in net income for options granted below fair value

     1       3  

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

     (39 )     (41 )
    


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 649     $ 432  
    


 


Basic earnings per share as reported

   $ 0.06     $ 0.04  

Pro forma basic earnings per share

     0.06       0.04  

Diluted earnings per share as reported

   $ 0.06     $ 0.04  

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

     0.06       0.04  

 

2. Securities

 

The estimated fair values of securities available for sale were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2004

 

(Expressed in thousands)


  

Estimated
Fair

Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


 

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

   $ 20,472    $ 199    $ 0  

Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions

     1,791      176      0  

Taxable obligations of states and political Subdivisions

     19,305      626      0  

Mortgage-backed securities

     48,973      871      (164 )

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     12,093      224      (43 )

Corporate debt

     9,414      146      (415 )

Asset-backed securities

     336      1      0  
    

  

  


Total debt securities

     112,384      2,243      (622 )

Marketable equity securities

     3,031      32      (18 )
    

  

  


Total available for sale

   $ 115,415    $ 2,275    $ (640 )
    

  

  


 

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Table of Contents

Unrealized losses on corporate debt have not been recognized into income because management has the intent and ability to hold the securities for the foreseeable future and believes the issuers have the ability to repay their obligations upon maturity.

 

     December 31, 2003

 

(Expressed in thousands)


   Estimated
Fair Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


 

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

   $ 22,688    $ 291    $ (4 )

Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions

     1,788      152      —    

Taxable obligations of states and political subdivisions

     19,426      539      —    

Mortgage-backed securities

     41,521      670      (249 )

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     13,247      237      (51 )

Corporate debt

     9,949      161      (431 )

Asset-backed securities

     466      2      —    
    

  

  


Total debt securities

     109,085      2,052      (735 )

Marketable equity securities

     3,060      49      (18 )
    

  

  


Total available for sale

   $ 112,145    $ 2,101    $ (753 )
    

  

  


 

The carrying amount, unrecognized gains and losses, and fair value of securities held to maturity are summarized as follows:

 

     March 31, 2004

(Expressed in thousands)


   Carrying
Amount


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


  

Estimated
Fair

Value


Corporate debt

   $ 250    $ 22    —      $ 272
     December 31, 2003

(Expressed in thousands)


   Carrying
Amount


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Estimated
Fair
Value


Corporate debt

   $ 250    $ 23    —      $ 273

 

3. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Loans outstanding are as follows:

 

(Expressed in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Real estate-construction

   $ 5,743    $ 5,679

Real estate-mortgage

     58,286      57,213

Real estate-secured by nonfarm, nonresidential property

     71,789      65,380

Commercial, financial and agricultural

     21,332      24,018

Obligations of political subdivisions in the U.S.

     2,159      2,236

Installment loans and loans to individuals

     7,241      3,002
    

  

Loans receivable

   $ 166,550    $ 157,528
    

  

 

 

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Non-accruing loans amounted to $1,421,000 at March 31, 2004, down from $1,808,000 at year-end 2003. Generally, non-accruing loans are considered impaired and are also included in the impaired loan table below. Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest were $11,000 at March 31, 2004 and $3,000 at year-end 2003.

 

Impaired loans were as follows:

 

(Expressed in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Impaired loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses

   $ 14    $ 58

Impaired loans with allocated allowance for loan losses

     1,330      1,673
    

  

Total (1)

   $ 1,344    $ 1,731
    

  

Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated

   $ 401    $ 524

(1) Balances are net of nonaccrual interest paid.
     Three Months
Ended March 31,


(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

   2003

Average impaired loans

   $ 1,538    $ 3,259

Interest income recognized during impairment

     0      0

Cash-basis interest income recognized

     0      0

 

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

 

     Three months
ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 3,300     $ 4,287  

Provision for loan losses

     0       0  

Loans charged-off

     (73 )     (18 )

Recoveries on loans previously charged-off

     90       68  
    


 


Net recoveries

     17       50  
    


 


Balance, end of period

   $ 3,317     $ 4,337  
    


 


 

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

 

4. Stock Option Plan

 

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

 

10


Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the activity in the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2004:

 

     Available
for
Grant


   Options
Outstanding


    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Balance at January 1, 2004

   624,500    368,000     $ 4.12

Forfeitures

   3,375    (3,375 )   $ 4.94
    
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2004

   627,875    364,625     $ 4.11
    
  

 

 

The Company accounts for the stock options under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, which requires expense recognition only when the exercise price is less than the market value of the underlying stock at the measurement date. Compensation expense, net of taxes, of $1,000 and $3,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, to reflect the impact of granting certain options below their market price. Pro forma information for net income and earnings per common share is presented in Note 1.

 

5. Litigation

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings through the normal course of business and could face claims, including unasserted claims, which may ultimately result in litigation. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows would not be materially affected by the outcome of any pending or threatened legal proceedings, commitments, or claims.

 

11


Table of Contents

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

12


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

SUMMARY

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2004, Belmont Bancorp. earned $687,000, or $0.06 per common share, compared to earnings of $470,000, or $0.04 per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

 

Average assets increased to $304 million for the first quarter of 2004, compared to $288 million for the first quarter of 2003. Total assets at March 31, 2004 were $308 million, up from $299 million at year end 2003.

 

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis increased $398,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003. Average earning assets increased to $282 million during the first quarter of 2004 from $265 million for the first quarter of 2003. The taxable equivalent net interest margin was 3.81% for the first quarter of 2004 and 3.45% for the first quarter of 2003. The taxable equivalent net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2003 was 3.51%. The net interest rate spread (the difference between the average yields on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.50% for the first three months of 2004 compared to 3.05% for the comparable period of 2003. The taxable equivalent yield on earning assets declined to 5.41% from 5.53%, a decrease of 12 basis points, during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003. This decline was offset by a decrease of 57 basis points in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 1.91% from 2.48%.

 

Interest rates across the maturity horizon remained low relative to historical levels during the first quarter of 2004. The Federal Open Market Committee (the “FOMC”) has maintained a very accommodative stance to aid economic recovery keeping its targeted federal funds rate at 1.00%—the lowest level in 46 years. Changing interest rates impact the Company through loan refinancing activity, reinvestment opportunities in loans and investments, and financing costs on its deposit base and other borrowings. Generally, higher interest rates will positively impact the Company’s net interest income, while lower interest rates will negatively impact net interest income. The Company has significantly reduced it cost of funds since 2001; there is little room for further reductions. To increase and retain deposits, competitive pressures may prompt the Company to offer deposit products that result in a migration of its funds to different products paying a higher rate of interest.

 

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

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

 

    

Three months

ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

   2003

   %
Change


 

Trust fees

   $ 166    $ 125    32.8 %

Service charges on deposits

     323      253    27.7 %

Mortgage servicing fees

     46      44    4.5 %

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

     200      164    22.0 %
    

  

  

Subtotal

     735      586    25.4 %

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

     29      137    -78.8 %

Securities gains

     22      168    -86.9 %
    

  

  

Total

   $ 786    $ 891    -11.8 %
    

  

  

 

Overall, noninterest income, excluding gains on sale of securities and loans held for sale, increased $149,000, or 25.4%, during the first quarter of 2004 compared to 2003.

 

Trust fees increased 32.8% to $166,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $125,000 for the first quarter of 2003 as the result of market conditions and an increase in the trust fee schedule. Trust fees are affected by the valuation of the stock market because most fees are assessed based on the underlying market values of trust accounts.

 

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Service charges on deposits totaled $323,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $253,000 for the comparable period of 2003. The increase in service charges for 2004 was principally due to the introduction in June 2003 of a new product and the implementation of a new service charge.

 

Mortgage servicing fees are collected from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) for the Company’s role in servicing mortgage loans previously sold to Freddie Mac. Generally, the Company receives 0.25% of the outstanding loan balance for servicing. Mortgage servicing fees increased to $46,000 for first quarter of 2004 compared to $44,000 for the comparable quarter of 2003. The portfolio of loans sold to Freddie Mac declined slightly to $71.4 million at March 31, 2004 compared to $72.6 million at year-end 2003. The portfolio totaled $68.4 million at March 31, 2003. Future increases to mortgage servicing fees are largely dependent upon the volume of mortgage loans originated and sold in the secondary market.

 

Other income includes, among other miscellaneous items, commissions and fees unrelated to loan origination, brokerage fees, loan documentation preparation fees, rental income, and check printing charges. Other income increased 22.0% to $200,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $164,000 for the comparable period of 2003.

 

Mortgage lending volumes declined during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003 reflecting the cyclical nature of the mortgage lending business. A component of gains on sale of loans held for sale includes capitalized mortgage servicing rights. This right represents the value associated with servicing loans sold in the secondary market. Capitalization of mortgage servicing rights totaled $19,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $59,000 for the first quarter of 2003. Total gains on sales of loans (including the component for capitalized mortgage servicing rights) decreased 78.8% to $29,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $137,000 for the same period of 2003.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

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

 

    

Three months

ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

   2003

   %
Change


 

Salaries and wages

   $ 993    $ 996    -0.3 %

Employee benefits

     265      258    2.7 %

Occupancy expense

     243      238    2.1 %

Furniture and equipment expense

     205      196    4.6 %

Legal fees

     38      31    22.6 %

Legal settlements

     —        53    -100.0 %

Insurance, including federal deposit insurance

     41      52    -21.2 %

Examinations and audits

     61      87    -29.9 %

Directors’ fees

     57      40    42.5 %

Data processing expense

     52      57    -8.8 %

Taxes other than payroll and real estate

     95      91    4.4 %

Supplies and printing

     37      45    -17.8 %

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights, net

     41      29    41.4 %

Other (individually less than 1% of total income)

     334      336    -0.6 %
    

  

  

Total

   $ 2,462    $ 2,509    -1.9 %
    

  

  

 

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At March 31, 2004 the Company employed 131 full time equivalent employees compared to 130 full time equivalent employees at the end of March 2003. Compensation expense was relatively unchanged for the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003, and benefit costs increased 2.7% for the same period.

 

Insurance expense included costs for federal deposit insurance premiums, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and fidelity bond insurance. Insurance costs decreased 21.2% to $41,000 for the first quarter of 2004 from $52,000 for the same period of 2003. The decrease was principally related to lower costs associated with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

Examination and audit costs decreased 29.9% to $61,000 for the first quarter of 2004 from $87,000 for the same period of 2003. During the first quarter of 2003, certain internal audit and loan review functions were outsourced. Beginning in 2004, the Company’s staff performed the internal audit and loan review functions. Consequently, some costs related to examinations and audit expenses are now reflected in compensation cost.

 

Directors’ fees increased to $57,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to the same quarter of 2003. Retainer and attendance fees for directors were increased beginning in 2004.

 

Data processing expenses decreased 8.8% to $52,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to the same quarter of 2003 as the result of the conversion of the trust accounting system in early 2003 from a third party provider to an in-house system.

 

Net amortization of mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) increased to $41,000 for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $29,000 for the comparable quarter of 2003. Activity associated with MSR, amortization of MSR and reductions to a valuation allowance established during 2002 to reduce the carrying value of MSR to estimated fair value is summarized in the following table.

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Servicing rights:

                

Beginning of the period

   $ 433     $ 418  

Additions

     19       59  

Amortized to expense

     (45 )     (41 )
    


 


End of period balance

   $ 407     $ 436  
    


 


Valuation allowance:

                

Beginning of the period

   $ 59     $ 109  

Additions expensed

     —         —    

Reductions credited to expense

     (4 )     (12 )

Direct write-downs

     0       0  
    


 


End of period balance

   $ 55     $ 97  
    


 


 

SECURITIES

 

The estimated fair value of securities available for sale at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 are detailed in Note 2 of the quarterly financial statements.

 

At March 31, 2004, the Company did not own any investments of a single issuer, the value of which exceeded 10% of total shareholders’ equity, or $3,607,000, except for stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. The carrying value of this stock was $3,629,000 at March 31, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

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

 

Details of the activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 are included in Note 3 of the quarterly financial statements. No loan loss provision was recorded during the first quarters of 2004 or 2003 because the Company had an appropriate balance in the allowance based on its analysis of loan quality. The following table depicts various loan and loan-related statistics.

 

     Three months ended
March 31,


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Loans outstanding, end of period

   $ 166,550     $ 133,886  

Average loans

   $ 159,971     $ 132,134  

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

                

Average loans

     0.04 %     0.15 %

Allowance for loan losses

     2.05 %     4.61 %

Allowance for loan losses to:

                

Total loans at end of period

     1.99 %     3.24 %

Non-performing assets

     199.22 %     139.05 %

 

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

 

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

 

(Expressed in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


    Dec. 31,
2003


 

Non-accrual loans and leases

   $ 1,421     $ 1,808  

Loans 90 days or more past due but accruing interest

     11       3  

Other real estate owned

     233       120  
    


 


Total

   $ 1,665     $ 1,931  
    


 


Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets

     0.54 %     0.64 %

 

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

 

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In addition to the schedule of non-performing assets, management prepares a watch list consisting of loans which they have determined require closer monitoring to further protect the Company against loss. The balance of loans classified by management as substandard due to delinquency, a change in financial position, or other factors and not included as non-performing assets totaled $8,166,000 at March 31, 2004 and $8,214,000 at December 31, 2003.

 

LOAN CONCENTRATIONS

 

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

 

     (Expressed in thousands)

 

Industry


   March 31,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Real estate - operators of nonresidential buildings:

                

Loan balance and available credit

   $ 14,762     $ 13,588  

Percent of tier 1 capital

     50.9 %     47.9 %

Real estate - apartment buildings:

                

Loan balance and available credit

   $ 9,599     $ 9,281  

Percent of tier 1 capital

     33.1 %     32.7 %

Services - motel, hotel:

                

Loan balance and available credit

   $ 8,738     $ 7,653  

Percent of tier 1 capital

     30.1 %     27.0 %

 

DEFERRED FEDERAL TAX ASSETS

 

Deferred federal tax assets totaled $4.2 million at March 31, 2004. The deferred federal tax assets include significant balances related to tax loss carryforwards and tax credits. It also includes the tax effect of recording securities available for sale at estimated fair value. At March 31, 2004, management believes no deferred tax valuation allowance is needed as future estimated taxable income will be sufficient to realize the net deferred tax assets.

 

SHORT-TERM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

 

Short-term borrowings at March 31, 2004 totaled $4 million and consisted of a draw on a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

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LONG-TERM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

 

Long-term advances at March 31, 2004 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati are summarized in the following table.

 

(Expressed in thousands)


    

Fixed rate advances with balances due at maturity, maturities ranging from September 2004 through July 2010 and fixed rates ranging from 1.60% to 4.29%, averaging 2.93%

   $ 9,535

Fixed rate advances with quarterly FHLB option to convert to floating rate tied to LIBOR maturing in 2008 and rates ranging from 4.53% to 4.78%, averaging 4.66%

     20,000

Fixed rate advance with FHLB option to convert to floating rate tied to LIBOR in 2005 and maturing in 2009 with rate of 3.16% and a conversion strike rate of 7.50%

     5,000

Amortizing balloon advance maturing in 2017 with fixed rate of 4.654%

     1,029
    

Total long-term FHLB advances

   $ 35,564
    

(LIBOR is the 3 month London Interbank Offered Rate)

      

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

The table below depicts the capital ratios for the Bank and for the Company on a consolidated basis as of March 31, 2004. In addition, the table depicts the requirements for classification as “adequately capitalized” and “to be well capitalized” under the regulatory guidelines for Prompt Corrective Action. Tier 1 capital consists principally of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and deferred tax assets, while Tier 2 capital consists of certain debt instruments and a portion of the allowance for loan losses. Total capital consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.

 

     Actual

   

Minimum

Required For
Capital
Adequacy

Purposes


   

Minimum

Required
To Be Well

Capitalized
Under Prompt

Corrective Action
Regulations


 

(Expressed in thousands)


   Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

 

Total risk based capital to risk weighted assets:

                                       

Consolidated

   $ 32,741    16.3 %   $ 16,096    8.0 %   $ 20,120    10.0 %

Bank

     31,559    15.5 %     16,248    8.0 %     20,311    10.0 %

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets:

                                       

Consolidated

     30,216    15.0 %     8,048    4.0 %     12,072    6.0 %

Bank

     29,011    14.3 %     8,124    4.0 %     12,186    6.0 %

Tier 1 capital to average assets:

                                       

Consolidated

     30,216    10.1 %     11,939    4.0 %     14,924    5.0 %

Bank

     29,011    9.7 %     11,913    4.0 %     14,891    5.0 %

 

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Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY

 

Effective liquidity management involves ensuring that the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers, as well as the operating needs of the Company, are met. Funds are available through the operation of the Company’s branch banking network that gathers demand and retail time deposits. The Company also acquires funds through repurchase agreements, overnight federal funds, and FHLB advances that provide additional sources of liquidity. Total deposits decreased $5.1 million from year-end 2003 to March 31, 2004. Average deposits decreased $2.5 million during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the fourth quarter of 2003. As a consequence of low interest rates, loan refinance activity, calls on investment securities and investment sales, the Company had a relatively large liquidity position throughout 2003. Liquidity may be impacted by the ability of the Company to generate future earnings.

 

The Bank also has lines of credit with various correspondent banks totaling $4,100,000 that may be used as an alternative funding source; none of these lines were drawn upon at March 31, 2004. The Bank had a credit line with the Federal Home Loan Bank for $20 million with available credit of $16 million at March 31, 2004. All borrowings at the Federal Home Loan Bank are subject to eligible collateral requirements.

 

The main source of liquidity for the parent company is dividends from the Bank. At March 31, 2004, the parent company had cash and marketable securities with an estimated fair value of $783,000. The parent company does not have any debt to third parties. Management believes sufficient liquidity is currently available to meet estimated short-term and long-term funding needs.

 

ITEM 3-QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information required by Item 3 has been disclosed in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. There has been no material change in the disclosure regarding market risk.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

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

 

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

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal proceedings

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings through the normal course of business and could face claims, including unasserted claims, which may ultimately result in litigation. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows would not be materially affected by the outcome of any pending or threatened legal proceedings, commitments, or claims.

 

Item 2. Changes in securities, use of proceeds and issuer purchases of equity securities

 

None

 

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Item 3. Defaults upon senior securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of security shareholders

 

None

 

Item 5. Other information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

  3.1 Articles of Incorporation (1)

 

  3.2 Amendment regarding Series A Preferred Stock (2)

 

  3.3 Amendment regarding number of directors (3)

 

  3.4 Code of Regulations (4)

 

  10.1 Employment Agreement dated December 15, 1999 between Wilbur R. Roat, Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank (5)

 

  10.2 Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2001 between Michael Baylor, Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank (6)

 

  10.3 Belmont Bancorp. 2001 Stock Option Plan (7)

 

  31.1 Certification under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2004

 

  31.2 Certification under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2004

 

  32.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2004

 

  32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Belmont Bancorp. for the quarter ended March 31, 2004

(1) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-91035) on February 3, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002.
(4) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 16, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.
(6) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Registration No. 0-12724) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

On February 10, 2004, Belmont Bancorp. furnished a current report on Form 8-K under Item 12 reporting the issuance of a press release on February 9, 2004, announcing earnings for the fourth quarter and year ending December 31, 2003.

 

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Table of Contents

On January 22, 2004, Belmont Bancorp. filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5 reporting the issuance of a press release on January 21, 2004, announcing a regular cash dividend payable on February 13, 2004 to shareholders of record as of February 2, 2004.

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

Belmont Bancorp.

(Registrant)

/s/ Wilbur R. Roat


By: Wilbur R. Roat

        President & CEO

/s/ Jane R. Marsh


By: Jane R. Marsh

       Chief Financial Officer

 

May 10, 2004

 

21