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8-K - 8-K - CFS BANCORP INCa20130630earningsrelease.htm




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Daryl D. Pomranke, President and Chief Executive Officer    219-513-5150
Jerry A. Weberling, Executive Vice President and CFO    219-513-5103

CFS Bancorp, Inc. Reports a Net Loss for the Second Quarter of 2013
Due to Higher Credit Costs and Merger-Related Expenses

MUNSTER, IN - July 30, 2013 - CFS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CITZ), the parent of Citizens Financial Bank, today reported a net loss of $(167,000), or $(.02) per share, for the second quarter of 2013, a decrease from net income of $1.4 million, or $.13 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2012. The Company’s net income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.3 million, or $.12 per diluted share compared to $1.8 million, or $.17 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Financial results for the quarter include:

w
Merger-related expenses totaled $971,000 for the second quarter of 2013, which were primarily legal and investment banking fees for services rendered in connection with the merger with First Merchants Corporation announced in May 2013 and the preparation and review of the required regulatory filings;
w
Non-performing assets were stable at $48.6 million at June 30, 2013 compared to $48.7 million at March 31, 2013 and decreased $22.5 million, or 31.7%, from $71.1 million at June 30, 2012;
w
Non-performing loans increased $1.6 million, or 6.5%, to $26.7 million at June 30, 2013 from $25.0 million at March 31, 2013 and decreased $25.2 million, or 48.6%, from $51.9 million at June 30, 2012;
w
Loans receivable totaled $660.1 million at June 30, 2013, a decrease of $4.2 million, or .6%, from March 31, 2013 and $53.5 million, or 7.5%, from June 30, 2012;
w
Provision for loan losses increased to $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2013 from $510,000 for the first quarter of 2013 and decreased from $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2012;
w
Net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2013 totaled $440,000, a decrease from $671,000 for the first quarter of 2013 and $856,000 for the second quarter of 2012;
w
Core deposits increased to 68.3% of total deposits at June 30, 2013 compared to 66.8% of total deposits at March 31, 2013 and 62.5% at June 30, 2012;
w
Net interest margin decreased to 3.21% during the second quarter of 2013 from 3.23% in the first quarter of 2013 and 3.42% in the second quarter of 2012; and
w
The Bank’s Tier 1 core capital ratio was 9.08% at June 30, 2013, an increase from 8.92% at March 31, 2013 and 8.56% at June 30, 2012; the Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio increased to 15.31% from 14.86% at March 31, 2013 and 13.35% at June 30, 2012.





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 2

Chief Executive Officer’s Comments

“As previously announced in May, we are excited about our pending merger with First Merchants Corporation headquartered in Muncie, Indiana,” said Daryl D. Pomranke, Chief Executive Officer. “The size of the First Merchants organization will allow both companies to provide better value to our communities, clients, shareholders, and employees, and allow us to offer expanded products and services to our clients, including insurance and wealth management, along with more banking centers and ATMs. Our companies are similar with deep roots in community banking and both are committed to local delivery of exceptional service. We are planning on the merger being completed during the fourth quarter of this year, assuming we receive the required shareholder and bank regulatory approvals.”

“While we remain focused on improving profitability, we are disappointed that our quarterly results were impacted by higher credit-related costs including an increased provision for loan losses and a large loss on the sale of one other real estate owned property,” added Pomranke. “The required provision for loan losses during the quarter was primarily due to a $2.8 million specific reserve established on a performing and current $13.1 million commercial real estate non-owner occupied loan, which was deemed a troubled debt restructuring during the quarter.”

Update on Strategic Growth and Diversification Plan

Our ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 4.04% at June 30, 2013 from 3.77% at March 31, 2013. The increase in the second quarter of 2013 was primarily due to the transfer to non-accrual status of one commercial real estate owner occupied and one commercial and industrial participation troubled debt restructuring totaling $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, combined with two commercial real estate non-owner occupied relationships totaling $802,000, and one multifamily relationship totaling $594,000. These increases were partially offset by gross loan charge-offs totaling $1.6 million and repayments and payoffs totaling $1.1 million. Also, the decrease in total loan balances during the second quarter of 2013 contributed to the increase in the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was relatively stable at 4.29% at June 30, 2013 compared to 4.25% at March 31, 2013 and decreased from 6.28% at June 30, 2012. See the “Asset Quality” table in this press release for more detailed information.

Non-interest expense increased to $9.5 million for the second quarter of 2013 from $8.5 million for the first quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to increased professional fees from legal and investment banking fees related to the merger. See the “Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest Expense” section in this press release for more detailed information.

We continue to target specific segments in our loan portfolio for growth, including commercial and industrial, owner occupied commercial real estate, and multifamily, which, in the aggregate, comprised 60.3% of the commercial loan portfolio at June 30, 2013, compared to 59.3% at March 31, 2013 and 55.6% at June 30, 2012. Our focus on deepening client relationships emphasizes growth in core deposits. Total core deposits at June 30, 2013 increased to 68.3% of total deposits compared to 66.8% at March 31, 2013 and 62.5% at June 30, 2012, primarily due to an increase in non-interest bearing accounts and the continued shrinkage in certificates of deposit in this low interest rate environment.





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 3

Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings, As Adjusted1

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, decreased to $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2013 and $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2012. The decreases were primarily related to lower gains on the sales of loans held for sale combined with decreases in net interest income due to lower loan balances and our increased level of liquidity. A modest increase in deposit related service fees during 2013 partially offset the aforementioned decreases.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest margin
3.21
%
 
3.23
%
 
3.42
%
Interest rate spread
3.15

 
3.17

 
3.35

Net interest income
$
8,233

 
$
8,201

 
$
8,944

Average assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Yield on interest-earning assets
3.65
%
 
3.71
%
 
4.03
%
Yield on loans receivable
4.53

 
4.62

 
4.70

Yield on investment securities
2.78

 
2.78

 
3.42

Average interest-earning assets
$
1,027,146

 
$
1,030,232

 
$
1,052,039

Average liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities
.50
%
 
.54
%
 
.68
%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits
.39

 
.44

 
.58

Cost of borrowed funds
2.28

 
2.26

 
2.30

Average interest-bearing liabilities
$
902,564

 
$
908,356

 
$
941,398


The net interest margin was relatively flat at 3.21% for the second quarter of 2013 compared to 3.23% for the first quarter of 2013 and decreased 21 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2012. Net interest income was stable at $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $8.2 million for the first quarter of 2013 and decreased from $8.9 million for the second quarter of 2012, primarily due to lower interest income on loans and investment securities. The net interest margin was negatively impacted by loans comprising a smaller proportion of interest-earning assets and the Bank having a higher level of liquidity. Management believes that higher levels of liquidity, modest loan demand, reduced but still elevated level of non-performing assets, the continued low interest rate environment, and significant narrowing of spreads available on new investment securities purchases will continue to pressure our net interest margin for the foreseeable future. The second quarter 2013 decrease in yields on investment securities compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily related to prepayments, maturities, and sales of higher-yielding investment securities with the proceeds reinvested at lower rates. The level of non-performing loans continues to negatively affect the yield on loans receivable. Also, the net interest margin was positively affected during the second quarter of 2013 by a four basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from the first quarter of 2013 and an 18 basis point decrease compared to the second quarter of 2012.

 
 
 
 
 
1 A schedule reconciling earnings in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to the non-GAAP measurement of pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, is provided on the last page of the attached tables.



CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 4

Interest income totaled $9.3 million for the second quarter of 2013, essentially flat compared to $9.4 million for the first quarter of 2013 and an 11.3% decrease from $10.5 million for the second quarter of 2012. The decrease is primarily related to the reinvestment of proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities in lower-yielding investments, lower loan balances, and maintaining higher levels of short-term liquid investments due to the lack of suitable higher-yielding investment alternatives in the current low interest rate environment combined with modest loan demand.

Interest expense decreased 8.4% to $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2013 and 29.8% from $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2012. Our continuing success in increasing the proportion of low-cost core deposits to total deposits and continued disciplined pricing on new and renewing certificates of deposit contributed to the decreases in interest expense during the second quarter of 2013.

Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest income decreased $1.0 million, or 36.7%, to $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2013 primarily due to decreases of $552,000 in gains on sales of other real estate owned from the sale of a property held after the foreclosure of a participation loan, $357,000 in gains on sales of loans receivable due to lower gain on sale margins and more aggressive competitor pricing as mortgages rates increased during the quarter, and $196,000 in income from bank-owned life insurance due to the first quarter of 2013 death of an insured which resulted in income of $218,000 during that quarter. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $128,000 in deposit related fees as a result of an increase in the Bank’s fee structure related to daily overdraft charges.

Non-interest income of $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2013 decreased $837,000, or 31.7%, from $2.6 million for the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to decreases in net gains on sale of other real estate owned of $628,000, $113,000 in net gains on the sale of investment securities, and $94,000 in net gains on loans held for sale. These variances were partially offset by an increase in deposit related fees totaling $70,000.

Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2013 increased $1.0 million, or 11.9%, to $9.5 million from $8.5 million for the first quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $813,000 increase in professional fees from merger-related expenses and a $115,000 increase in loan collection expense related to increased work-out costs. Other real estate owned expense decreased $136,000 due to lower writedowns on the net realizable value of the properties held combined with higher rental income from one of our larger non-owner occupied properties.

Non-interest expense during the second quarter of 2013 increased $922,000, or 10.8%, to $9.5 million from $8.5 million for the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to a $943,000 increase in professional fees from merger-related expenses and a $129,000 increase in loan collection costs. These increases were partially offset by a $202,000 decrease in other real estate owned expense due to lower writedowns on the net realizable value of the properties held combined with higher rental income from one of our larger non-owner occupied properties.





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 5

Income Tax Expense

During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded an income tax benefit of $334,000 as a result of our pre-tax loss. During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded income tax expense of $588,000, or an effective tax rate of 28.1%. During the second quarter of 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $541,000, or an effective tax rate of 28.5%.

Asset Quality
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-performing loans (NPLs)
$
26,674

 
$
25,048

 
$
51,850

Other real estate owned
21,878

 
23,698

 
19,223

Non-performing assets (NPAs)
$
48,552

 
$
48,746

 
$
71,073

 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses (ALL)
$
12,660

 
$
12,024

 
$
12,062

Provision for loan losses for the quarter ended
1,076

 
510

 
1,150

Loan charge-offs (recoveries):
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loan charge-offs
$
1,569

 
$
878

 
$
892

Recoveries
(1,129
)
 
(207
)
 
(36
)
Net charge-offs for the quarter ended
$
440

 
$
671

 
$
856

 
 
 
 
 
 
NPLs / total loans
4.04
%
 
3.77
%
 
7.27
%
NPAs / total assets
4.29

 
4.25

 
6.28

ALL / total loans
1.92

 
1.81

 
1.69

ALL / NPLs
47.46

 
48.00

 
23.26


Total non-performing loans increased $1.6 million, or 6.5%, to $26.7 million at June 30, 2013 from $25.0 million at March 31, 2013 and decreased $25.2 million, or 48.6%, from $51.9 million at June 30, 2012. The increase in the second quarter of 2013 was primarily due to the transfer to non-accrual status of one commercial real estate owner occupied and one commercial and industrial participation troubled debt restructuring totaling $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, combined with two commercial real estate non-owner occupied relationships totaling $802,000, and one multifamily relationship totaling $594,000. These increases were partially offset by gross charge-offs totaling $1.6 million and repayments and payoffs totaling $1.1 million. Of the total loans classified as non-performing at June 30, 2013, $7.3 million, or 27.2%, are current and performing in accordance with their loan agreements. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 4.04% at June 30, 2013 from 3.77% at March 31, 2013 and decreased from 7.27% at June 30, 2012.

The provision for loan losses increased to $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $510,000 for the first quarter of 2013 and $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2012. The increase during the second quarter of 2013 was primarily related to a $2.8 million specific reserve established for a $13.1 million commercial real estate non-owner occupied loan deemed a troubled debt restructuring. This loan is current and paying in accordance with the terms and conditions of its agreement. The provision was also positively impacted by a $967,000 repayment of a previously recognized charge-off related to a commercial participation loan.




CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 6

The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans increased to 1.92% at June 30, 2013 from 1.81% at March 31, 2013 and 1.69% at June 30, 2012. When it is determined that a non-performing collateral-dependent loan has a collateral shortfall, management immediately charges-off the collateral shortfall. As a result, we are not required to maintain an allowance for loan losses on these loans as the loan balance has already been written down to its net realizable value (fair value less estimated costs to sell the collateral). As such, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans and the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans has continued to be negatively affected by cumulative partial charge-offs of $4.9 million recorded through June 30, 2013 on $7.3 million (net of charge-offs) of non-performing collateral dependent loans. At June 30, 2013, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans excluding the $7.3 million of non-performing collateral dependent loans with partial charge-offs decreased to 65.2% compared to 76.9% at March 31, 2013 and increased from 62.8% at June 30, 2012 due to a lower amount of non-performing collateral dependent loans with partial charge-offs remaining in the Bank’s portfolio.

During the second quarter of 2013, we transferred one retail loan relationship totaling $115,000 to other real estate owned and sold ten other real estate owned properties aggregating $1.7 million resulting in net losses on the sales of $542,000, including the cash sale of one large commercial participation property that was sold at a deep discount to appraised value by the participant bank resulting in a $529,000 loss on sale. We continue to explore ways to reduce our overall exposure in our non-performing assets through various alternatives, including using A/B-Note structures and the potential sale of certain of these assets. We currently have contracts for the sale of certain other real estate owned properties which will reduce non-performing assets by approximately $2.0 million once completed, presuming the transactions close as scheduled and pursuant to the contract terms. We are also aware of two borrowers with non-accrual loans aggregating $3.3 million that have contracts related to the sale of the underlying collateral, which if consummated, will provide funds to repay their loans.

Statement of Condition Highlights

The table below provides a summary of the more significant items in our statement of condition as of the dates indicated.
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,131,548

 
$
1,146,368

 
$
1,132,094

Interest-earning deposits with banks
132,929

 
133,766

 
51,687

Investment securities
232,915

 
235,177

 
240,590

Loans receivable, net of unearned fees
660,072

 
664,308

 
713,596

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$
1,020,336

 
$
1,033,591

 
$
1,027,497

Deposits
961,945

 
974,328

 
967,154

Borrowed funds
49,306

 
49,828

 
51,306

Shareholders’ equity
111,212

 
112,777

 
104,597





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 7

Loans Receivable
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
95,675

 
14.5
 %
 
$
91,649

 
13.8
 %
 
$
89,479

 
12.6
 %
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
97,906

 
14.8

 
99,030

 
14.9

 
102,149

 
14.3

Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
157,517

 
23.9

 
159,414

 
24.0

 
184,284

 
25.8

Commercial real estate - multifamily
72,806

 
11.0

 
71,630

 
10.8

 
76,647

 
10.7

Commercial construction and land development
14,166

 
2.1

 
15,335

 
2.3

 
23,353

 
3.3

Commercial participations
3,661

 
.6

 
5,137

 
.8

 
6,453

 
.9

Total commercial loans
441,731

 
66.9

 
442,195

 
66.6

 
482,365

 
67.6

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential
170,879

 
25.9

 
172,540

 
25.9

 
177,830

 
24.9

Home equity lines of credit
44,026

 
6.7

 
45,616

 
6.9

 
49,476

 
6.9

Retail construction and land development
913

 
.1

 
1,370

 
.2

 
1,518

 
.2

Other
3,232

 
.5

 
3,025

 
.5

 
2,724

 
.5

Total retail loans
219,050

 
33.2

 
222,551

 
33.5

 
231,548

 
32.5

Total loans receivable
660,781

 
100.1

 
664,746

 
100.1

 
713,913

 
100.1

Net deferred loan fees
(709
)
 
(.1
)
 
(438
)
 
(.1
)
 
(317
)
 
(.1
)
Total loans receivable, net of unearned fees
$
660,072

 
100.0
 %
 
$
664,308

 
100.0
 %
 
$
713,596

 
100.0
 %

Total loans receivable decreased $4.2 million, or .6%, at June 30, 2013 from March 31, 2013 and $53.5 million, or 7.5%, from June 30, 2012. The second quarter decrease was due to repayments totaling $19.0 million, sales of one-to-four family loans totaling $13.2 million, transfers to other real estate owned totaling $115,000, and gross charge-offs totaling $1.6 million. Partially offsetting these decreases, loan fundings during the second quarter of 2013 totaled $29.7 million, which more than doubled from fundings for the first quarter of 2013 totaling $12.8 million. The increase in loan fundings from the first quarter of 2013 is primarily related to higher demand for commercial real estate multifamily loans and an increase in commercial clients utilizing lines of credit. Fundings for the second quarter of 2013 were more in line with fundings of $31.3 million, or a decrease of 4.9%, from the second quarter of 2012.

At June 30, 2013, our total commercial loans outstanding that were originated prior to January 1, 2008 (Pre-1/1/08) decreased to $135.4 million, or 30.7% of total commercial loans outstanding, compared to $139.8 million, or 31.6%, at March 31, 2013 and $187.9 million, or 38.9%, at June 30, 2012. The Pre-1/1/08 portfolio has had a significantly higher percentage of non-performing loans and has accounted for 91.3% of all commercial loan charge-offs since January 1, 2008. Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for more detailed discussions of our Pre-1/1/08 commercial portfolio.

During the second quarter of 2013, we sold $13.2 million of conforming one-to-four family fixed-rate mortgage loans into the secondary market and recorded gains on the sales of $106,000 compared to loan sales and gains on the sales of $11.7 million and $463,000, respectively, in the first quarter of 2013 and $11.0 million and $200,000, respectively, in the second quarter of 2012. The decrease in the net gains realized during the second quarter of 2013 was primarily a result of lower gain on sale margins due to more



CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 8

aggressive pricing from competitors as mortgage rates rose during the quarter and a smaller pipeline of outstanding mortgage commitments at June 30, 2013 compared to March 31, 2013.

Deposits
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Checking accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing
$
110,724

 
11.5
%
 
$
114,897

 
11.8
%
 
$
97,435

 
10.1
%
Interest-bearing
202,399

 
21.0

 
192,051

 
19.7

 
179,842

 
18.5

Money market accounts
181,484

 
18.9

 
183,766

 
18.9

 
182,522

 
18.9

Savings accounts
162,707

 
16.9

 
159,633

 
16.4

 
144,705

 
15.0

Core deposits
657,314

 
68.3

 
650,347

 
66.8

 
604,504

 
62.5

Certificates of deposit accounts
304,631

 
31.7

 
323,981

 
33.2

 
362,650

 
37.5

Total deposits
$
961,945

 
100.0
%
 
$
974,328

 
100.0
%
 
$
967,154

 
100.0
%

Since the implementation of our High Performance Checking (HPC) deposit acquisition marketing program that targets both retail and business clients, we have seen a significant increase in core deposits. The program is designed to attract a younger demographic and enhance growth in the number of checking accounts, core deposits, and related fee income as well as to provide additional cross-selling opportunities. In addition, core deposits continue to benefit from clients moving maturing certificates of deposit into money market and savings accounts due to the current low interest rate environment.

Borrowed Funds
    
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Short-term variable-rate repurchase
  agreements
$
9,903

 
$
10,377

 
$
11,540

FHLB advances
39,403

 
39,451

 
39,766

Total borrowed funds
$
49,306

 
$
49,828

 
$
51,306


Borrowed funds decreased during the second quarter of 2013 primarily due to levels of repurchase agreements which tend to fluctuate depending on our clients’ liquidity needs combined with repayments of our amortizing FHLB advances.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2013 decreased slightly to $111.2 million, or 9.83% of assets, from $112.8 million, or 9.84% of assets, at March 31, 2013 and increased from $104.6 million, or 9.24% of assets, at June 30, 2012. The decrease from March 31, 2013 was primarily due to our net loss of $167,000 and was partially offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $1.5 million and dividends declared of $109,000.

At June 30, 2013, the Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio increased 16 basis points to 9.08% from 8.92% at March 31, 2013 and 52 basis points from 8.56% at June 30, 2012. The Bank’s total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio increased 45 basis points to 15.31% from 14.86% at March 31, 2013 and 196 basis points from



CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 9

13.35% at June 30, 2012. The increases in the capital ratios are primarily related to the increase in shareholders’ equity combined with a decrease in risk-based assets. At June 30, 2013, the Bank was deemed to be “well capitalized” and in excess of the individual minimum capital requirements set by the OCC in December 2012 of 8% for Tier 1 capital and 12% for total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets.

Pending Merger

In a joint press release dated May 13, 2013, First Merchants Corporation (First Merchants) and CFS Bancorp, Inc. (CFS) announced First Merchants’ intent to acquire CFS in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, CFS shareholders will have the right to receive .65 shares of First Merchants common stock for each share of CFS common stock held by them. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013, subject to approval by CFS and First Merchants shareholders, regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of customary conditions provided in the merger agreement. Please see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2013 with the SEC for more information regarding the merger.

Company Profile

CFS Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of Citizens Financial Bank, a $1.1 billion asset federal savings bank. Citizens Financial Bank is an independent bank focusing its people, products, and services on helping individuals, businesses, and communities to be successful. We have 20 full-service banking centers throughout adjoining markets in Chicago’s Southwest suburbs and Northwest Indiana. Our website can be found at www.citz.com.

Additional Information

The proposed merger will be submitted to First Merchants’ and CFS’ shareholders for their consideration. In connection with the proposed merger, First Merchants has filed with the SEC a Preliminary Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a Joint Proxy Statement for First Merchants and CFS and a Prospectus of First Merchants, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE CORRESPONDING PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, AS THEY ALL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Once filed, you may obtain a free copy of the Proxy Statement and Prospectus, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about First Merchants and CFS, at the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, by accessing First Merchants’ web site (http://www.firstmerchants.com) under the tab “Investors,” then under the heading “Financial Information,” and finally under the link “SEC Filings,” or by accessing CFS’ web site (http://www.mybankcitizens.com) under the “Investor Relations” tab, then under the “Financial Documents” tab, and finally under the link “SEC Filings.”

First Merchants and CFS and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of First Merchants and CFS in connection with the proposed merger. INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF FIRST MERCHANTS IS SET FORTH IN THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT FOR FIRST MERCHANTS’ 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS FILED WITH THE SEC ON MARCH



CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 10

29, 2013 AND FIRST MERCHANTS’ ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED ON MARCH 15, 2013. INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF CFS IS SET FORTH IN THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT FOR CFS’ 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS FILED WITH THE SEC ON APRIL 2, 2013. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement and Prospectus regarding the proposed merger when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information related to us that is based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and currently available to us and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our ability to successfully execute our strategy and Strategic Growth and Diversification Plan, the level and sufficiency of the Bank’s current regulatory capital and equity ratios, our ability to continue to diversify the loan portfolio, our efforts at deepening client relationships, increasing levels of core deposits, lowering non-performing asset levels, managing and reducing credit-related costs, increasing revenue growth and levels of earning assets, the effects of general economic and competitive conditions nationally and within our core market area, the ability to sell other real estate owned properties and mortgage loans held for sale, the sufficiency of the levels of provision for and the allowance for loan losses, amounts of charge-offs, levels of loan and deposit growth, interest on loans, asset yields and cost of funds, net interest income, net interest margin, non-interest income, non-interest expense, the interest rate environment, and other risk factors identified in the filings we make with the SEC. In addition, these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the benefits of the proposed merger between First Merchants and CFS, including future financial and operating results, and are subject to significant risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements, including, among other things: the risk that the businesses of First Merchants and CFS will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; revenues following the merger may be lower than expected; client and employee relationships and business operations may be disrupted by the merger; the ability to obtain required governmental and shareholder approvals; and the ability to complete the merger on the expected timeframe. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “indicate,” “intend,” “intend to,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would be,” or similar expressions, or the negative thereof, as well as statements that include future events, tense, or dates, or that are not historical or current facts, as they relate to us, our business, prospects, or our management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances, and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual results or events may differ materially from those included in these statements, including whether the merger is effectuated or not. CFS does not intend to update these forward-looking statements unless required to under federal securities law.



CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 11


CFS BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable
 
$
7,495

 
$
7,700

 
$
8,243

 
$
15,195

 
$
16,629

Investment securities
 
1,731

 
1,593

 
2,186

 
3,324

 
4,316

Other interest-earning assets
 
121

 
124

 
103

 
245

 
196

Total interest income
 
9,347

 
9,417

 
10,532

 
18,764


21,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
828

 
931

 
1,294

 
1,759

 
2,684

Borrowed funds
 
286

 
285

 
294

 
571

 
590

Total interest expense
 
1,114

 
1,216

 
1,588

 
2,330

 
3,274

Net interest income
 
8,233

 
8,201

 
8,944

 
16,434

 
17,867

Provision for loan losses
 
1,076

 
510

 
1,150

 
1,586

 
2,200

Net interest income after provision for
loan losses
 
7,157

 
7,691

 
7,794

 
14,848

 
15,667

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposit related fees
 
1,648

 
1,520

 
1,578

 
3,168

 
3,047

Net gain (loss) on sale of:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities
 
192

 
184

 
305

 
376

 
723

Loans held for sale
 
106

 
463

 
200

 
569

 
359

Other real estate owned
 
(542
)
 
10

 
86

 
(532
)
 
39

Income from bank-owned life insurance
 
134

 
330

 
162

 
464

 
702

Other income
 
268

 
347

 
312

 
615

 
597

Total non-interest income
 
1,806

 
2,854

 
2,643

 
4,660

 
5,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and employee benefits
 
4,418

 
4,370

 
4,467

 
8,788

 
9,180

Professional fees
 
1,141

 
328

 
198

 
1,469

 
451

Net occupancy expense
 
625

 
694

 
679

 
1,319

 
1,387

Data processing
 
544

 
513

 
445

 
1,057

 
883

FDIC insurance premiums and
regulatory assessments
 
479

 
481

 
490

 
960

 
978

Furniture and equipment expense
 
398

 
403

 
468

 
801

 
925

Marketing
 
315

 
269

 
322

 
584

 
726

Other real estate owned related expense, net
 
114

 
250

 
316

 
364

 
934

Loan collection expense
 
248

 
133

 
119

 
381

 
237

Severance and retirement compensation expense
 

 

 

 

 
876

Other general and administrative expenses
 
1,182

 
1,014

 
1,038

 
2,196

 
2,172

Total non-interest expense
 
9,464

 
8,455

 
8,542

 
17,919

 
18,749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(501
)
 
2,090

 
1,895

 
1,589

 
2,385

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(334
)
 
588

 
541

 
254

 
541

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(167
)
 
$
1,502

 
$
1,354

 
$
1,335

 
$
1,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(.02
)
 
$
.14

 
$
.13

 
$
.12

 
$
.17

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
(.02
)
 
.14

 
.13

 
.12

 
.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common and common share equivalents outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
10,790,267

 
10,739,160

 
10,750,313

 
10,764,855

 
10,724,103

Diluted
 
10,869,069

 
10,810,800

 
10,806,555

 
10,840,096

 
10,776,476





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 12


CFS BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Condition (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
June 30,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
 
$
16,697

 
$
20,474

 
$
20,577

 
$
33,846

Interest-earning deposits with banks
 
132,929

 
133,766

 
114,122

 
51,687

Cash and cash equivalents
 
149,626

 
154,240

 
134,699

 
85,533

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value
 
219,931

 
220,196

 
203,290

 
226,625

Investment securities held-to-maturity, at cost
 
12,984

 
14,981

 
15,458

 
13,965

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable, net of deferred fees
 
660,072

 
664,308

 
692,267

 
713,596

Allowance for loan losses
 
(12,660
)
 
(12,024
)
 
(12,185
)
 
(12,062
)
Net loans
 
647,412

 
652,284

 
680,082

 
701,534

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
1,620

 
955

 
1,509

 
610

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
6,188

 
6,188

 
6,188

 
6,188

Bank-owned life insurance
 
36,367

 
36,233

 
36,604

 
36,435

Accrued interest receivable
 
2,470

 
2,669

 
2,528

 
2,801

Other real estate owned
 
21,878

 
23,698

 
23,347

 
19,223

Office properties and equipment
 
15,293

 
15,519

 
15,768

 
16,225

Net deferred tax assets
 
12,375

 
11,032

 
11,302

 
16,281

Other assets
 
5,404

 
8,373

 
7,334

 
6,674

Total assets
 
$
1,131,548

 
$
1,146,368

 
$
1,138,109

 
$
1,132,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
961,945

 
$
974,328

 
$
965,791

 
$
967,154

Borrowed funds
 
49,306

 
49,828

 
50,562

 
51,306

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
 
4,322

 
4,542

 
4,734

 
4,243

Other liabilities
 
4,763

 
4,893

 
5,200

 
4,794

Total liabilities
 
1,020,336

 
1,033,591

 
1,026,287

 
1,027,497

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized
 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 85,000,000 shares authorized; 23,423,306 shares issued; 10,894,112, 10,898,168, 10,874,687, and 10,867,357 shares outstanding
 
234

 
234

 
234

 
234

Additional paid-in capital
 
187,207

 
186,975

 
187,260

 
187,379

Retained earnings
 
78,033

 
78,310

 
76,914

 
74,420

Treasury stock, at cost; 12,529,194, 12,525,138, 12,548,619, and 12,555,949 shares
 
(154,443
)
 
(154,411
)
 
(154,698
)
 
(154,824
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
181

 
1,669

 
2,112

 
(2,612
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
111,212

 
112,777

 
111,822

 
104,597

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,131,548

 
$
1,146,368

 
$
1,138,109

 
$
1,132,094






CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 13


CFS BANCORP, INC.
Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
June 30,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per share
 
$
10.21

 
$
10.35

 
$
10.28

 
$
9.62

Shareholders’ equity to total assets
 
9.83
%
 
9.84
%
 
9.83
%
 
9.24
%
Tier 1 core capital ratio (Bank only)
 
9.08

 
8.92

 
8.81

 
8.56

Total risk-based capital ratio (Bank only)
 
15.31

 
14.86

 
14.06

 
13.35

Common shares outstanding
 
10,894,112

 
10,898,168

 
10,874,687

 
10,867,357

Employees (FTE)
 
262

 
262

 
261

 
261

Number of full service banking centers
 
20

 
20

 
20

 
20

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
Average Balance Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,138,547

 
$
1,141,032

 
$
1,162,099

 
$
1,139,996

 
$
1,160,644

Loans receivable, net of unearned fees
 
663,471

 
676,181

 
705,410

 
669,791

 
707,061

Investment securities
 
246,277

 
229,120

 
252,698

 
237,746

 
255,789

Interest-earning assets
 
1,027,146

 
1,030,232

 
1,052,039

 
1,028,681

 
1,048,907

Deposits
 
965,033

 
966,670

 
996,741

 
965,961

 
993,514

Interest-bearing deposits
 
852,892

 
857,838

 
890,814

 
855,352

 
889,728

Non-interest bearing deposits
 
112,141

 
108,832

 
105,927

 
110,609

 
103,786

Interest-bearing liabilities
 
902,564

 
908,356

 
941,398

 
905,445

 
941,599

Shareholders’ equity
 
113,019

 
112,143

 
103,827

 
112,583

 
104,052

Performance Ratios (annualized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
 
(.06
)%
 
.53
%
 
.47
%
 
.24
%
 
.32
%
Return on average equity
 
(.59
)
 
5.43

 
5.25

 
2.39

 
3.56

Average yield on interest-earning assets
 
3.65

 
3.71

 
4.03

 
3.68

 
4.05

Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities
 
.50

 
.54

 
.68

 
.52

 
.70

Interest rate spread
 
3.15

 
3.17

 
3.35

 
3.16

 
3.35

Net interest margin
 
3.21

 
3.23

 
3.42

 
3.22

 
3.43

Non-interest expense to average assets
 
3.33

 
3.01

 
2.96

 
3.17

 
3.25

Efficiency ratio (1)
 
96.11

 
77.78

 
75.71

 
86.49

 
82.92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per share
 
$
.01

 
$
.01

 
$

 
$
.02

 
$
.01

Market price per share of common stock for the period ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Close
 
$
10.72

 
$
7.99

 
$
4.98

 
$
10.72

 
$
4.98

High
 
10.95

 
8.07

 
5.96

 
10.95

 
6.29

Low
 
8.05

 
6.18

 
4.30

 
6.18

 
4.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, excluding net gain on sales of investment securities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





CFS Bancorp, Inc. - Page 14


CFS BANCORP, INC.
Reconciliation of Income Before Income Taxes to Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Earnings, as adjusted
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
June 30, 2012
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(501
)
 
$
2,090

 
$
1,895

Provision for loan losses
 
1,076

 
510

 
1,150

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings
 
575

 
2,600

 
3,045

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add back (subtract):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gain on sale of investment securities
 
(192
)
 
(184
)
 
(305
)
Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
 
542

 
(10
)
 
(86
)
Merger-related expenses
 
971

 

 

Other real estate owned related expense, net
 
114

 
250

 
316

Loan collection expense
 
248

 
133

 
119

Severance and retirement compensation expense
 

 

 

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted
 
$
2,258

 
$
2,789

 
$
3,089

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, to average assets (annualized)
 
.80
%
 
.99
%
 
1.07
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2012
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
1,589

 
$
2,385

Provision for loan losses
 
1,586

 
2,200

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings
 
3,175

 
4,585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add back (subtract):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gain on sale of investment securities
 
(376
)
 
(723
)
Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
 
532

 
(39
)
Merger-related expenses
 
971

 

Other real estate owned related expense, net
 
364

 
934

Loan collection expense
 
381

 
237

Severance and retirement compensation expense
 

 
876

Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted
 
$
5,047

 
$
5,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, to average assets
 
.89
%
 
1.02
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and general practice within the banking industry. We use certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our financial performance and have provided the non-GAAP financial measures of pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, and pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, as adjusted, to average assets. In these non-GAAP financial measures, the provision for loan losses, other real estate owned related income and expense, loan collection expense, and certain other items, such as gains and losses on sales of investment securities and other real estate owned and severance and retirement compensation expenses, are excluded. We believe that these measures are useful because they provide a more comparable basis for evaluating financial performance excluding certain credit-related costs and other non-recurring items period to period and allows management and others to assess our ability to generate pre-tax earnings to cover our provision for loan losses and other credit-related costs. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are intended to enhance investors’ understanding of our business performance, these operating measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP.