Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003

 

Commission File Number 2-83157

 


 

SOUTHEASTERN BANKING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Georgia   58-1423423

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

P. O. Box 455, 1010 Northway, Darien, Georgia 31305

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(912) 437-4141

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [    ] No [X]

 

As of July 31, 2003, 3,333,139 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.25 per share, were outstanding.


Table of Contents

 

          Page

Part I – Financial Information     

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited):

    
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   3
    

Consolidated Statements of Income

   4
    

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

   5
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   6
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

  

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

   9

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   22

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   22
Part II – Other Information     

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   23

Item 2

  

Changes in Securities

   23

Item 3.

  

Defaults upon Senior Securities

   23

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   23

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   23

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   23

Signatures

   24

 

2


Part I—Financial Information

 

Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

(Unaudited)

June 30,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 

Assets

                

Cash and due from banks

   $ 17,315,919     $ 16,824,550  

Federal funds sold

     11,519,000       22,811,000  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents

     28,834,919       39,635,550  

Investment securities

                

Held-to-maturity (market value of approximately $40,707,000 and $39,764,000 at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002)

     37,499,866       37,697,612  

Available-for-sale, at market value

     109,840,582       115,625,072  
    


 


Total investment securities

     147,340,448       153,322,684  

Loans, gross

     184,620,527       175,314,077  

Unearned income

     (257,845 )     (333,133 )

Allowance for loan losses

     (3,668,709 )     (3,600,833 )
    


 


Loans, net

     180,693,973       171,380,111  

Premises and equipment, net

     7,826,908       8,140,885  

Intangible assets

     778,516       854,234  

Other assets

     4,705,034       4,806,165  
    


 


Total Assets

   $ 370,179,798     $ 378,139,629  
    


 


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                

Liabilities

                

Noninterest-bearing deposits

   $ 62,004,747     $ 57,694,311  

Interest-bearing deposits

     249,308,048       260,153,716  
    


 


Total deposits

     311,312,795       317,848,027  

U. S. Treasury demand note

     2,496,015       3,028,187  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     5,000,000       5,000,000  

Other liabilities

     2,314,631       4,734,245  
    


 


Total liabilities

     321,123,441       330,610,459  
    


 


Shareholders’ Equity

                

Common stock ($1.25 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
3,580,797 shares issued; 3,333,139 shares outstanding)

     4,475,996       4,475,996  

Additional paid-in-capital

     1,391,723       1,391,723  

Retained earnings

     45,110,814       43,449,597  

Treasury stock, at cost (247,658 shares)

     (4,124,263 )     (4,124,263 )
    


 


Realized shareholders’ equity

     46,854,270       45,193,053  

Accumulated other comprehensive income—unrealized

                

gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

     2,202,087       2,336,117  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     49,056,357       47,529,170  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 370,179,798     $ 378,139,629  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Quarter

   Six Months

Period Ended June 30,


   2003

   2002

   2003

   2002

Interest income

                           

Loans, including fees

   $ 3,598,799    $ 3,821,697    $ 7,179,308    $ 7,525,034

Federal funds sold

     38,007      66,894      88,976      124,696

Investment securities

                           

Taxable

     1,195,433      1,554,960      2,508,325      3,207,374

Tax-exempt

     391,870      388,318      791,890      762,570

Other assets

     11,157      14,495      23,681      30,000
    

  

  

  

Total interest income

     5,235,266      5,846,364      10,592,180      11,649,674
    

  

  

  

Interest expense

                           

Deposits

     1,146,806      1,868,606      2,481,251      3,844,400

U. S. Treasury demand note

     1,488      1,659      3,722      5,877

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     74,822      74,822      148,822      148,822
    

  

  

  

Total interest expense

     1,223,116      1,945,087      2,633,795      3,999,099
    

  

  

  

Net interest income

     4,012,150      3,901,277      7,958,385      7,650,575

Provision for loan losses

     217,000      282,500      451,000      582,500
    

  

  

  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     3,795,150      3,618,777      7,507,385      7,068,075
    

  

  

  

Noninterest income

                           

Service charges on deposit accounts

     656,700      634,661      1,307,100      1,201,597

Investment securities gains, net

     3,454      2,374      10,988      4,374

Other operating income

     318,834      248,016      661,092      617,560
    

  

  

  

Total noninterest income

     978,988      885,051      1,979,180      1,823,531
    

  

  

  

Noninterest expense

                           

Salaries and employee benefits

     1,702,481      1,601,369      3,395,283      3,246,867

Occupancy and equipment, net

     634,999      588,296      1,245,132      1,152,848

Other operating expense

     651,630      641,902      1,354,378      1,313,801
    

  

  

  

Total noninterest expense

     2,989,110      2,831,567      5,994,793      5,713,516
    

  

  

  

Income before income taxes

     1,785,028      1,672,261      3,491,772      3,178,090

Income tax expense

     545,207      472,573      1,030,601      891,220
    

  

  

  

Net income

   $ 1,239,821    $ 1,199,688    $ 2,461,171    $ 2,286,870
    

  

  

  

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.37    $ 0.35    $ 0.74    $ 0.68
    

  

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     3,333,139      3,385,470      3,333,139      3,385,470

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-In
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Treasury
Stock


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


    Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2001

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 42,035,982     $ (3,247,718 )   $ 941,344     $ 45,597,327  

Comprehensive income:

                                              

Net income

     —        —        2,286,870       —         —         2,286,870  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect of $409,099:

                                              

Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

     —        —        —         —         794,134       794,134  
                                          


Comprehensive income

                                           3,081,004  
                                          


Cash dividends declared ($0.23 per share)

     —        —        (778,659 )     —         —         (778,659 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, June 30, 2002

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 43,544,193     $ (3,247,718 )   $ 1,735,478     $ 47,899,672  
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 43,449,597     $ (4,124,263 )   $ 2,336,117     $ 47,529,170  

Comprehensive income:

                                              

Net income

     —        —        2,461,171       —         —         2,461,171  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax effect of $69,046:

                                              

Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

     —        —        —         —         (134,030 )     (134,030 )
                                          


Comprehensive income

                                           2,327,141  
                                          


Cash dividends declared ($0.24 per share)

     —        —        (799,954 )     —         —         (799,954 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance, June 30, 2003

   $ 4,475,996    $ 1,391,723    $ 45,110,814     $ (4,124,263 )   $ 2,202,087     $ 49,056,357  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(Unaudited)

 

Six Months Ended June 30,


   2003

    2002

 

Operating activities

                

Net income

   $ 2,461,171     $ 2,286,870  

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

                

Provision for loan losses

     451,000       582,500  

Depreciation

     442,922       406,147  

Amortization and accretion, net

     605,936       302,744  

Investment securities gains, net

     (10,988 )     (4,374 )

Net losses on other real estate

     909       11,012  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     217,386       (54,110 )

Decrease in other liabilities

     (567,339 )     (938,132 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,600,997       2,592,657  
    


 


Investing activities

                

Principal collections and maturities of investment securities:

                

Held-to-maturity

     1,843,700       1,282,000  

Available-for-sale

     51,083,444       31,014,760  

Proceeds from sales of investment securities held-to-maturity

     310,650       —    

Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity

     (2,011,858 )     (3,055,210 )

Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale

     (45,966,005 )     (17,864,235 )

Net increase in loans

     (9,977,877 )     (3,333,452 )

Proceeds from sales of other real estate

     95,850       154,121  

Net funds paid in purchase of branch

     —         (7,748,200 )

Capital expenditures, net

     (128,945 )     (489,555 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (4,751,041 )     (39,771 )
    


 


Financing activities

                

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

     (6,535,232 )     5,537,840  

Net (decrease) increase in U. S. Treasury demand note

     (532,172 )     588,805  

Dividends paid

     (2,583,183 )     (2,657,595 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (9,650,587 )     3,469,050  
    


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (10,800,631 )     6,021,936  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     39,635,550       24,367,021  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 28,834,919     $ 30,388,957  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure

                

Cash paid during the period

                

Interest

   $ 3,108,217     $ 4,592,537  

Income taxes

   $ 1,140,000     $ 985,000  

Noncash investing and financing activities

                

Real estate acquired through foreclosure

   $ 289,790     $ 92,441  

Loans made in connection with sales of foreclosed real estate

   $ 76,775     $ 112,074  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(Unaudited)

 

1.    Accounting and Reporting Policy for Interim Periods

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Southeastern Banking Corporation (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. These statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statement presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been made. These adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring accruals, include estimates for various fringe benefits and other transactions normally determined or settled at year-end. Operating results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of trends or results to be expected for the year ended December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

2.    Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been restated to conform with the current year financial statement presentation.

 

3.    Recent Accounting Standards

 

Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

 

In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” This statement provides guidance on the recognition and measurement of liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Generally, SFAS No. 146 stipulates that defined exit costs, including restructuring and employee termination costs, are to be recorded on an incurred rather than commitment basis. The Company adopted SFAS 146 effective January 1, 2003. SFAS 146 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation (FIN) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” This interpretation clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of certain guarantees, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The Company has identified standby letters of credit as guarantees under FIN No. 45 and adopted FIN 45, in entirety, effective January 1, 2003. Adoption of FIN No. 45 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and

 

7


Southeastern Banking Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(Unaudited)

 

reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a current impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity

 

SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” was issued in May 2003. This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Certain obligations that require a transfer of assets and meet the definition of liabilities in FASB Concepts Statement No. 6, “Elements of Financial Statements” and other recognition criteria in FASB Concepts Statement No. 5, “Recognition and Measurement in Financial Statements of Business Enterprises,” are to be reported as liabilities. Additionally, certain obligations that could be settled by issuance of an entity’s equity but lack other characteristics of equity are to be reported as liabilities even though the obligation does not meet the definition of liabilities in Concepts Statement No. 6. The Company adopted SFAS No. 150, in entirety, effective July 1, 2003. SFAS No. 150 did not have a current impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

4.    Acquisition

 

On January 31, 2002, the Company acquired the Richmond Hill office of Valdosta, Georgia-based Park Avenue Bank. The Company received certain loans, property and equipment, and other assets with fair values of approximately $12,201,000, while assuming deposits and other liabilities totaling approximately $4,270,000. Cash balances applied towards the purchase approximated $8,000,000. A deposit premium of $100,000 was recorded in conjunction with the transaction.

 

8


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

 

This Analysis should be read in conjunction with the 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the consolidated financial statements & related notes on pages 3-8 of this quarterly filing.

 

Description of Business

 

Southeastern Banking Corporation (the Company), with assets exceeding $370,179,000, is a financial services company with operations in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. Southeastern Bank (SEB), the Company’s principal subsidiary, offers a full line of commercial and retail services to meet the financial needs of its customer base through its fifteen branch locations, loan production office in Brunswick, Georgia, and ATM network. Services offered include traditional deposit and credit services, long-term mortgage originations, and credit cards. SEB also offers 24-hour delivery channels including internet and telephone banking and through an affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, provides insurance agent and investment brokerage services.

 

Acquisition

 

On January 31, 2002, the Company acquired the Richmond Hill office of Valdosta, Georgia-based Park Avenue Bank. The Company received certain loans, property and equipment, and other assets with fair values of approximately $12,201,000, while assuming deposits and other liabilities totaling $4,270,000. Cash balances applied towards the purchase approximated $8,000,000. A deposit premium of $100,000 was recorded in conjunction with the transaction. Operating results for Richmond Hill are included from the date of acquisition.

 

Financial Condition

 

Consolidated assets totaled $370,179,798 at mid-year 2003, down $7,959,831 or 2.10% from year-end 2002 but up $4,873,474 or 1.33% from June 30, 2002. The asset decline in 2003 year-to-date was concentrated in federal funds sold and the investment portfolio. Specifically, federal funds sold declined $11,292,000 and investment securities, $5,982,236; loans grew $9,313,862. Federal funds sold are expected to decline further during the second half of 2003 as funds continue to be reallocated to other earning assets. Loans comprised 53%, investment securities, 43%, and federal funds sold, 4%, of earning assets at June 30, 2003 versus 49%, 44%, and 7% at December 31, 2002. Overall, earning assets aggregated 92% of total assets at June 30, 2003 and year-end 2002. During the year-earlier period, total assets increased $10,091,509 or 2.84%. The acquisition of the Richmond Hill branch and deposit growth at other SEB locations were the primary factors in the 2002 increase. Refer to the Liquidity section of this Analysis for additional details on deposits and other funding sources.

 

Investment Securities

 

On a carrying value basis, investment securities declined $5,982,236 or 3.90% since December 31, 2002. Purchases of securities during the six-month period approximated $47,978,000, and redemptions, $53,227,000. Approximately 85% of securities transactions year-to-date were attributable to various issuers’ exercise of call options and other prepayments as a result of the current low-rate interest environment. The effective repricing of securities at lower rates impacts current and future earnings results; refer to the Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity and Operations sections of this Analysis for more details. Although no significant changes occurred in the investment securities mix during 2003 year-to-date, the Company continues to increase its holdings of mortgage-backed securities, corporates, and municipals when feasible to reduce its exposure to Agency securities with call features. At June 30, 2003, mortgage-backed securities, corporates, and municipals comprised 26%, 12%, and

 

9


26% of the portfolio. Overall, securities comprised 43% of earning assets at June 30, 2003 versus 44% at year-end 2002.

 

Management believes the credit quality of the investment portfolio remains sound, with 62.16% of the carrying value of debt securities being backed by the U.S. Treasury or other U.S. Government-sponsored agencies at June 30, 2003. All of the Company’s corporate bonds were rated “A” or higher by at least one nationally recognized rating agency at June 30, 2003. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities are delineated in the table below:

 

Investment Securities by Category
June 30, 2003                                         


    

Amortized

Cost


    

Unrealized

Gains


    

Unrealized

Losses


    

Fair

Value


       (In thousands)

Available-for-sale:

                                   

U. S. Government agencies

     $ 51,904      $ 1,296      $ —        $ 53,200

Mortgage-backed securities

       37,797        591        8        38,380

Corporates

       16,803        1,457        —          18,260
      

    

    

    

         106,504        3,344        8        109,840

Held-to-maturity:

                                   

States and political subdivisions

       37,500        3,208        1        40,707
      

    

    

    

Total investment securities

     $ 144,004      $ 6,552      $ 9      $ 150,547
      

    

    

    

 

As shown, the carrying value of the securities portfolio reflected $6,542,000 in net unrealized gains at June 30, 2003; refer to the Capital Adequacy section of this Analysis for more details on investment securities and related fair value. The Company does not have a concentration in the obligations of any issuer other than the U.S. Government and its agencies.

 

Loans

 

Loans, net of unearned income, grew $6,975,935 since the first quarter, or $9,381,738 year-to-date. The net loans to deposits ratio improved 417 basis points to 59.22% at June 30, 2003 from 55.05% at year-end 2002 and 189 basis points from 57.33% a year ago. Approximately 74% of the 2003 improvement was attributable to the Brunswick loan production office opened in February; the Brunswick loan production office provides the Company with a foothold in one of the fastest-growing and more populous markets in southeast Georgia, and management is optimistic about its long-term potential. The remaining increase resulted from loan origination at other SEB locations. Continuing 2002 gains, commercial loans increased $9,140,236 or 11.77% at June 30, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002. Nonfarm real estate and agricultural loans within the commercial portfolio grew $9,990,631 and $2,038,481; governmental and other commercial/industrial loans fell $1,939,163 and $949,713. Real estate – construction loans grew 26.38% or $4,582,448 year-to-date. The majority of the growth within the construction portfolio was residential in nature. Most of the loans in the real estate-construction portfolio are preparatory to customers’ attainment of permanent financing or developer’s sale and are, by nature, short-term and somewhat cyclical; swings in these account balances are normal and to be expected. While the Company, like peer institutions of similar size, originates permanent residential mortgages for new construction, it traditionally does not hold or service mortgage loans with maturities greater than fifteen years for its own portfolio. Rather, permanent residential mortgages are typically brokered through a mortgage underwriter or government agency. The Company receives mortgage origination fees for its participation in these origination transactions; refer to the disclosures provided under Results of Operations for more details. Consumer loans declined $2,874,593 or 11.66% during the first half of 2003 compared to year-end 2002; real estate – mortgage loans also fell $1,541,641 or 2.77%. Reduced demand was the chief element in the 2003 results.

 

10


Despite economic uncertainties within the Company’s markets, management is optimistic that overall loan volumes will remain higher in 2003 than 2002. Strategies implemented by management to increase loan production include continuing competitive pricing on loan products, development of additional loan relationships, and purchase of loan participations from correspondent banks, all without compromising portfolio quality. Additionally, the Brunswick loan production office is expected to continue its strong origination volume. During the same period last year, net loans grew 8.27% or $13,513,312. More than 75%, or $10,300,000, of the 2002 improvement resulted from the Richmond Hill acquisition. Loans outstanding are presented by type in the table below:

 

Loans by Category


    

June 30,

2003


    

December 31,

2002


    

June 30,

2002


       (In thousands)

Commercial, financial, and agricultural1

     $ 86,820      $ 77,680      $ 76,407

Real estate – construction

       21,954        17,371        14,489

Real estate – residential mortgage2

       54,072        55,614        60,363

Consumer, including credit cards

       21,775        24,649        26,013
      

    

    

Loans, gross

       184,621        175,314        177,272

Unearned income

       258        333        411
      

    

    

Loans, net

     $ 184,363      $ 174,981      $ 176,861
      

    

    


1 Includes obligations of states and political subdivisions.
2 Typically have final maturities of 15 years or less.

 

The Company had no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in any single industry that exceeded 10% of total loans for any of the periods presented. Although the Company’s loan portfolio is diversified, significant portions of its loans are collateralized by real estate. At June 30, 2003, the Company had approximately $137,820,000 in real estate loans, and an additional $14,306,000 commitment to extend credit on such loans. As required by policy, real estate loans are collateralized based on certain loan-to-appraised value ratios. A geographic concentration in loans arises given the Company’s operations within a regional area of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. On an aggregate basis, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit approximated $26,176,000 at June 30, 2003; because a substantial amount of these contracts expire without being drawn upon, total contractual amounts do not represent future credit exposure or liquidity requirements.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, and foreclosed real estate and other assets. Overall, nonperforming assets approximated $2,216,000 at June 30, 2003, down $178,000 or 7.44% from year-end 2002 but up $234,000 from June 30, 2002. As a percent of total assets, nonperforming assets totaled 0.60% at June 30, 2003 versus 0.63% at year-end 2002 and 0.53% a year ago. The fluctuation in nonperforming asset balances year-to-date resulted predominantly from agricultural-based loans. Specifically, nonaccrual balances in 2002 included approximately $600,000 pertaining to an impaired agricultural loan secured by timber and farmlands. In March 2003, this loan was paid-off; interest income recognized upon settlement totaled $112,000. Conversely, due to the decline in the shrimping industry, multiple loans to commercial fishermen totaling approximately $361,000 were converted to nonaccrual status since year-end 2002. Collateral held varies but includes real estate and commercial fishing vessels. Approximately 28% of nonaccrual balances at June 30, 2003 pertained to the shrimping industry; however, management considers the allowance sufficient to absorb any losses that may result from these loans.

 

At June 30, 2003 and year-end 2002, nonaccrual balances also included loans to three other borrowers averaging $194,000 each. Due to the underlying collateral coverage, no material losses, if any, are

 

11


expected on these credits. Refer to the subsection entitled Policy Note for criteria used by management in classifying loans as nonaccrual. The allowance for loan losses approximated 2.05X the nonperforming loans balance at June 30, 2003 versus 1.77X at year-end 2002 and 1.97X a year ago. The modest increase in foreclosed real estate was due to normal foreclosure and sales activity.

 

Loans past due 90 days or more approximated $868,000, or less than 1% of net loans, at June 30, 2003. Management is unaware of any material concentrations within these past due balances. The table below provides further information about nonperforming assets and loans past due 90 plus days:

 

Nonperforming Assets


   June 30,
2003


   

December 31,

2002


   

June 30,

2002


 
     (In thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans:

                        

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

   $ 808     $ 1,417     $ 1,221  

Real estate – construction

     55       —         —    

Real estate – mortgage

     809       517       499  

Consumer, including credit cards

     119       96       52  
    


 


 


Total nonaccrual loans

     1,791       2,030       1,772  

Restructured loans1

     —         —         —    

Total nonperforming loans

     1,791       2,030       1,772  

Foreclosed real estate2

     389       273       170  

Other repossessed assets

     36       91       40  
    


 


 


Total nonperforming assets

   $ 2,216     $ 2,394     $ 1,982  
    


 


 


Ratios:

                        

Nonperforming loans to net loans

     0.97 %     1.16 %     1.00 %
    


 


 


Nonperforming assets to net loans plus foreclosed/repossessed assets

     1.20 %     1.37 %     1.12 %
    


 


 


Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

   $ 868     $ 1,448     $ 1,523  
    


 


 



1   Does not include restructured loans that yield a market rate.
2   Includes only other real estate acquired through foreclosure or in settlement of debts previously contracted.

 

Policy Note. Loans classified as nonaccrual have been placed in nonperforming, or impaired, status because the borrower’s ability to make future principal and/or interest payments has become uncertain. The Company considers a loan to be nonaccrual with the occurrence of any one of the following events: a) interest or principal has been in default 90 days or more, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection; b) collection of recorded interest or principal is not anticipated; or c) the income on the loan is recognized on a cash basis due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower. Smaller balance consumer loans are generally not subject to the above-referenced guidelines and are normally placed on nonaccrual status or else charged-off when payments have been in default 90 days or more. Nonaccrual loans are reduced to the lower of the principal balance of the loan or the market value of the underlying real estate or other collateral net of selling costs. Any impairment in the principal balance is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Accrued interest on any loan switched to nonaccrual status is reversed. Interest income on nonaccrual loans, if subsequently recognized, is recorded on a cash basis. No interest is subsequently recognized on nonaccrual (or former nonaccrual) loans until all principal has been collected. Loans are classified as restructured when either interest or principal has been reduced or deferred because of deterioration in the borrower’s financial position. Foreclosed real estate represents real property acquired by foreclosure or directly by title or deed transfer in settlement of debt. Provisions for subsequent devaluations of foreclosed real estate are charged to operations, while costs associated with improving the properties are generally capitalized.

 

12


Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses available to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. At June 30, 2003, the Company’s allowance totaled $3,668,709, or 1.99% of period-end loans. Net charge-offs totaled $383,124, up $168,888 from 2002’s $214,236, which was down 75.56% or $662,453 from 2001. Approximately 34% of the high charge-offs at June 30, 2001 were attributable to a single loan included in nonperforming balances from December 2000 through August 2001; refer to the 2002 Form 10-K for more details on this particular loan. Long-term strategies implemented by management the last several years to reduce and minimize charge-off levels include: a) a revised loan grading system, b) periodic external loan review, c) formation of a full-time collection department, and d) managerial and staff changes at various locations. The adequacy of the allowance is further discussed in the next subsection of this Analysis. The six-month provision from income totaled $451,000 at June 30, 2003. Activity in the allowance is presented in the table below:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

Six Months Ended June 30,


     2003

     2002

     2001

 
       (Dollars in thousands)  

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year

     $ 3,601      $ 3,135      $ 3,160  

Provision for loan losses

       451        583        600  

Charge-offs:

                            

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

       181        55        564  

Real estate – construction

       12        2        —    

Real estate – mortgage

       84        74        91  

Consumer, including credit cards

       237        222        405  
      


  


  


Total charge-offs

       514        353        1,060  
      


  


  


Recoveries:

                            

Commercial, financial, and agricultural

       24        5        17  

Real estate – construction

       —          —          —    

Real estate – mortgage

       12        1        5  

Consumer, including credit cards

       95        132        160  
      


  


  


Total recoveries

       131        138        182  
      


  


  


Net charge-offs

       383        215        878  
      


  


  


Allowance for loan losses at end of period

     $ 3,669      $ 3,503      $ 2,882  
      


  


  


Net loans outstanding1 at end of period

     $ 184,363      $ 176,861      $ 163,371  
      


  


  


Average net loans outstanding1 at end of period

     $ 178,362      $ 174,697      $ 165,507  
      


  


  


Ratios:

                            

Allowance to net loans

       1.99 %      1.98 %      1.76 %
      


  


  


Net charge-offs to average loans

       0.43 %      0.25 %      1.06 %
      


  


  


Provision to average loans

       0.51 %      0.67 %      0.73 %
      


  


  


Recoveries to total charge-offs

       25.49 %      39.09 %      17.17 %
      


  


  



1   Net of unearned income

 

The Company prepares a comprehensive analysis of the allowance for loan losses at least quarterly. SEB’s Board of Directors is responsible for affirming the allowance methodology and assessing the general and specific allowance factors in relation to estimated and actual net charge-off trends. The allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: a) specific allowances for individual loans; b) general allowances for loan pools based on historical loan loss experience and current trends; and c) allowances based on economic conditions and other risk factors in the Company’s markets. The specific allowance is based on a regular analysis of classified loans where the internal risk ratings are below a

 

13


predetermined classification. The specific allowance established for these classified loans is based on a careful analysis of probable and potential sources of repayment, including cash flow, collateral value, and guarantor capacity. The general allowance is determined by the mix of loan products within the portfolio, an internal loan grading process, and associated allowance factors. These general allowance factors are updated at least annually and are based on a statistical loss migration analysis and current loan charge-off trends. The loss migration analysis examines loss experience for loan portfolio segments in relation to internal loan grades. Charge-off trends are analyzed for homogeneous loan categories (e.g., residential real estate, consumer loans, etc.). While formal loss migration and charge-off trend analyses are conducted annually, the Company continually monitors credit quality in all portfolio segments and revises the general allowance factors whenever necessary in order to address improving or deteriorating credit quality trends or specific risks associated with a given loan category. The third element, comprised of economic conditions, concentrations, and other risk factors, is based on marketplace conditions and/or events that may affect loan repayment in the near-term. This element requires a high degree of managerial judgment to anticipate the impact that economic trends, legislative or governmental actions, or other unique market and/or portfolio issues will have on credit losses. Consideration of other risk factors typically includes such issues as recent loss experience in specific portfolio segments, trends in loan quality, changes in market focus, and concentrations of credit. These factors are based on the influence of current external variables on portfolio risk, so there will typically be some movement between this element and the specific allowance component during various stages of the economic cycle. Because of their subjective nature, these risk factors are carefully reviewed by management and revised as conditions indicate. Based on its analyses, management believes the allowance was adequate at June 30, 2003. The Richmond Hill acquisition did not materially affect the allowance for loan losses.

 

Other Commitments

 

Prior to June 30, management had contracted for a future branch site in Brunswick, Georgia. In July 2003, the Company completed its purchase of the 9.54 acre tract; the Company expects to subdivide and sell the majority of the $1,400,000 property to third parties. Other than construction of the Brunswick site and renovation of other SEB offices, the Company had no material plans or commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2003.

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity is managed to ensure sufficient cash flow to satisfy demands for credit, deposit withdrawals, and other corporate needs. The Company’s sources of funds include a large, stable deposit base and secured advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Additional liquidity is provided by payments and maturities, including both principal and interest, of the loan and investment securities portfolios. At June 30, 2003, loans1 and investment securities with carrying values exceeding $75,300,000 and $9,300,000 were scheduled to mature in one year or less. The investment portfolio has also been structured to meet liquidity needs prior to asset maturity when necessary. The Company’s liquidity position is further strengthened by its access, on both a short- and long-term basis, to other local and regional funding sources.

 

Funding sources primarily comprise customer-based core deposits but also include borrowed funds and cash flows from operations. Customer-based core deposits, the Company’s largest and most cost-effective source of funding, comprised 91% of the funding base at June 30, 2003, virtually unchanged from 2002 levels. Borrowed funds, which variously encompass U.S. Treasury demand notes, federal funds purchased, and FHLB advances, totaled $7,496,015 at June 30, 2003 versus $8,028,187 at year-end 2002. More specifically, the maximum amount of U.S. Treasury demand notes available to the Company at June 30, 2003 totaled $3,000,000, of which $2,496,015 was outstanding. Unused borrowings under unsecured federal funds lines of credit from other banks, each with varying terms and expiration dates,

 

14


totaled $19,000,000. Additionally, under a credit facility with the FHLB, the Company can borrow up to 16% of SEB’s total assets; at June 30, 2003, unused borrowings approximated $54,000,000. Refer to the subsection entitled FHLB Advances for details on the Company’s outstanding balance with the FHLB. Cash flows from operations also constitute a significant source of liquidity. Net cash from operations derives primarily from net income adjusted for noncash items such as depreciation and amortization, accretion, and the provision for loan losses.

 

Management believes the Company has the funding capacity, from operating activities or otherwise, to meet its financial commitments in 2003. Refer to the Capital Adequacy section of this Analysis for details on treasury stock purchases and intercompany dividend policy.

 

1   No cash flow assumptions other than final contractual maturities have been made for installment loans. Nonaccrual loans are excluded.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits declined $6,535,232 or 2.06% since year-end 2002. Interest-bearing deposits fell $10,845,668 or 4.17%, while noninterest-bearing deposits grew $4,310,436 or 7.47%. The deposits decline was concentrated in NOW/money market accounts and time certificates. Notably, customers continue to utilize savings as an alternative to time certificates in the current low-rate environment; savings balances jumped $2,600,206 or 2.69% since year-end 2002 and 3.97% since June 30, 2002. Overall, interest-bearing deposits comprised 80.08%, and noninterest-bearing deposits, 19.92%, of total deposits at June 30, 2003. The distribution of interest-bearing balances at June 30, 2003 and certain comparable quarter-end dates is shown in the table below:

 

       June 30, 2003

    December 31, 2002

    June 30, 2002

 

Deposits


     Balances

    

Percent

of Total


    Balances

     Percent
of Total


    Balances

    

Percent

of Total


 
       (Dollars in thousands)  

Interest-bearing demand deposits1

     $ 70,758      28.38 %   $ 77,432      29.77 %   $ 61,196      24.60 %

Savings

       99,438      39.88 %     96,838      37.22 %     95,640      38.44 %

Time certificates < $100,000

       52,421      21.03 %     56,399      21.68 %     59,576      23.94 %

Time certificates >= $100,000

       26,691      10.71 %     29,485      11.33 %     32,390      13.02 %
      

    

 

    

 

    

Total interest-bearing deposits

     $ 249,308      100.00 %   $ 260,154      100.00 %   $ 248,802      100.00 %
      

    

 

    

 

    


1   NOW and money market accounts.

 

Approximately 85% of time certificates at June 30, 2003 were scheduled to mature within the next twelve months. The composition of average deposits and the fluctuations therein at June 30 for the last two years is shown in the Average Balances table included in the Operations section of this Analysis.

 

FHLB Advances

 

Advances outstanding with the FHLB totaled $5,000,000 at June 30, 2003, unchanged from year-end 2002. The outstanding advance, which matures March 17, 2010, accrues interest at an effective rate of 6.00%, payable quarterly. The advance is convertible into a three-month Libor-based floating rate anytime at the option of the FHLB. Year-to-date, interest expense on the advance approximated $149,000. Mortgage-backed securities with aggregate carrying values of approximately $5,618,000 were pledged to collateralize current and future advances under this line of credit.

 

Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The normal course of business activity exposes the Company to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows,

 

15


and net interest income. The asset/liability committee regularly reviews the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk and formulates strategy based on acceptable levels of interest rate risk. The overall objective of this process is to optimize the Company’s financial position, liquidity, and net interest income, while limiting volatility to net interest income from changes in interest rates. The Company uses gap analysis and simulation modeling to measure and manage interest rate sensitivity.

 

An indicator of interest rate sensitivity is the difference between interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities; this difference is known as the interest rate sensitivity gap. In an asset sensitive, or positive, gap position, the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a given period exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that same period. Conversely, in a liability sensitive, or negative, gap position, the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within a given period exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within that time period. During a period of rising rates, a negative gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely, while a positive gap would theoretically result in increased net interest income. In a falling rate environment, a negative gap would tend to result in increased net interest income, while a positive gap would affect net interest income adversely. The gap analysis on the next page provides a snapshot of the Company’s interest rate sensitivity position at June 30, 2003.

 

       Repricing Within

     

Interest Rate Sensitivity
June 30, 2003                        


     0–3
Months


   

4–12

Months


   

One–Five

Years


   

More

Than
Five

Years


    Total

       (Dollars in thousands)

Interest Rate Sensitive Assets

                                        

Federal funds sold

     $ 11,519                             $ 11,519

Securities1

       2,429     $ 9,105     $ 91,070     $ 41,400       144,004

Loans, gross2

       95,989       14,397       61,290       11,154       182,830

Other assets

       878       —         —         —         878
      


 


 


 


 

Total interest rate sensitive assets

       110,815       23,502       152,360       52,554       339,231
      


 


 


 


 

Interest Rate Sensitive Liabilities

                                        

Deposits3

       194,010       44,113       11,121       64       249,308

U.S. Treasury demand note

       2,496       —         —         —         2,496

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

       —         —         —         5,000       5,000
      


 


 


 


 

Total interest rate sensitive liabilities

       196,506       44,113       11,121       5,064       256,804
      


 


 


 


 

Interest rate sensitivity gap

     $ (85,691 )   $ (20,611 )   $ 141,239     $ 47,490     $ 82,427
      


 


 


 


 

Cumulative gap

     $ (85,691 )   $ (106,302 )   $ 34,937     $ 82,427        
      


 


 


 


 

Ratio of cumulative gap to total rate sensitive assets

       (25.26 )%     (31.34 )%     10.30 %     24.30 %      
      


 


 


 


 

Ratio of cumulative rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities

       (56.39 )%     (55.82 )%     113.88 %     132.09 %      
      


 


 


 


 

Cumulative gap at December 31, 2002

     $ (85,437 )   $ (110,700 )   $ 20,813     $ 78,783        
      


 


 


 


 

Cumulative gap at June 30, 2002

     $ (87,226 )   $ (113,670 )   $ 19,650     $ 78,900        
      


 


 


 


 


1   Distribution of maturities for available-for sale-securities is based on amortized cost. Additionally, distribution of maturities for mortgage-backed securities is based on expected average lives which may be different from the contractual terms. Equity securities, if any, are excluded.
2   No cash flow assumptions other than final contractual maturities have been made for installment loans with fixed rates. Nonaccrual loans are excluded.
3   NOW, money market, and savings account balances are included in the 0-3 months repricing category.

 

16


As shown in the table above, the Company’s gap position remained negative through the short-term repricing intervals at June 30, 2003, totaling $(85,691) at three months and $(106,302) through one-year. Excluding traditionally nonvolatile NOW and savings balances from the gap calculation, the cumulative gap at June 30, 2003 totaled $56,203 at three months and $35,592 at twelve months. The narrowing of the short-term gap position at June 30, 2003 versus year-end 2002 was attributable to several factors, including a reduction in interest-bearing deposit balances and an increase in variable rate loans tied to prime. The gap position is expected to widen moderately during the third and fourth quarters as federal funds sold are reallocated to other earning assets. Given current and projected economic conditions, this reallocation is expected to remain a particular challenge. Shortcomings are inherent in any gap analysis since certain assets and liabilities may not move proportionally as rates change. For example, the gap analysis presumes that all loans2 and securities1 will perform according to their contractual maturities when, in many cases, actual loan terms are much shorter than the original terms and securities are subject to early redemption.

 

In addition to gap analysis, the Company uses simulation modeling to test the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet. Contractual maturity and repricing characteristics of loans are incorporated into the model, as are prepayment assumptions, maturity data, and call options within the investment portfolio. Non-maturity deposit accounts are modeled based on past experience. Simulation results quantify interest rate risks under various interest rate scenarios. Based on the Company’s latest analysis, the simulation model estimates that a gradual 200 basis points rise or decline in rates over the next twelve months would have an adverse impact of 7.50% or less on its net interest income for the period. In estimating the impact of these rate movements on the Company’s net interest income, the following general assumptions were made: a) Spreads on all loans, investment securities, and deposit products remain constant; b) Interest rate movements occur gradually over an extended period versus rapidly; and c) Loans and deposits are projected to grow at constant speeds. Limitations inherent with these assumptions include: a) Certain deposit accounts, in particular, interest-bearing demand deposits, infrequently reprice and historically, have had limited impact on net interest income from a rate perspective; b) In a down rate environment, competitive and other factors constrain timing of rate cuts on other deposit products whereas loans tied to prime and other variable indexes reprice instantaneously and, as amply demonstrated the last few years, securities with call or other prepayment features are likely to be redeemed prior to stated maturity and replaced at lower rates (lag effect); c) Changes in balance sheet mix, for example, unscheduled pay-offs of large commercial loans, are oftentimes difficult to forecast; and d) Rapid and aggressive rate movements by the Federal Reserve, as in 2001 and, to a lesser extent, in 2002, can materially impact estimated results. Management is optimistic that initiatives taken to improve loan production and diversify the securities portfolio will gradually reduce the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet.

 

The Company has not in the past, but may in the future, utilize interest rate swaps, financial options, financial futures contracts, or other rate protection instruments to reduce interest rate and market risks.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The effects of inflation on the local economy and the Company’s operating results have been relatively modest the last several years. Because substantially all the Company’s assets and liabilities, including cash, securities, loans, and deposits, are monetary in nature, their values are less sensitive to the effects of inflation than to changing interest rates. As discussed in the preceding section, the Company attempts to control the impact of interest rate fluctuations by managing the relationship between its interest sensitive assets and liabilities.

 

17


Capital Adequacy

 

Federal banking regulators have established certain capital adequacy standards required to be maintained by banks and bank holding companies. These regulations define capital as either Tier 1 (primarily shareholders’ equity) or Tier 2 (certain debt instruments and a portion of the allowance for loan losses). The Company and SEB are subject to a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets) of 4%, total capital ratio (Tier 1 plus Tier 2 to risk-weighted assets) of 8%, and Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 to average quarterly assets) of 4%. To be considered a “well-capitalized” institution, the Tier 1 capital, total capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios must equal or exceed 6%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. Banks and bank holding companies are prohibited from including unrealized gains and losses on debt securities in the calculation of risk-based capital but are permitted to include up to 45 percent of net unrealized pre-tax holding gains on equity securities in Tier 2 capital. The Company did not have any unrealized gains on equity securities includible in the risk-based capital calculations for any of the periods presented. The Company is committed to maintaining its well-capitalized status.

 

The Company’s capital ratios for the most recent periods are presented in the table below:

 

Capital Ratios


    

June 30,

2003


    

December 31,

2002


    

June 30,

2002


 
       (Dollars in thousands)  

Tier 1 capital:

                            

Realized shareholders’ equity

     $ 46,854      $ 45,193      $ 46,164  

Intangible assets and other adjustments

       (779 )      (853 )      (930 )
      


  


  


Total Tier 1 capital

       46,075        44,340        45,234  
      


  


  


Tier 2 capital:

                            

Portion of allowance for loan losses

       2,779        2,681        2,590  

Allowable long-term debt

       —          —          —    
      


  


  


Total Tier 2 capital

       2,779        2,681        2,590  
      


  


  


Total risk-based capital

     $ 48,854      $ 47,021      $ 47,824  
      


  


  


Risk-weighted assets

     $ 221,443      $ 213,596      $ 206,277  
      


  


  


Risk-based ratios:

                            

Tier 1 capital

       20.81 %      20.76 %      21.93 %
      


  


  


Total risk-based capital

       22.06 %      22.01 %      23.18 %
      


  


  


Tier 1 leverage ratio

       12.55 %      12.14 %      12.34 %
      


  


  


Realized shareholders’ equity to assets

       12.77 %      12.06 %      12.70 %
      


  


  


 

Book value per share grew $0.50 or 3.69% during the first half of 2003 to $14.06 at June 30, 2003. Dividends declared totaled $0.24, up 4.35% or $0.01 from 2002, which was up 4.55% from 2001. For more specifics on the Company’s dividend policy, refer to the subsection immediately following. Accumulated other comprehensive income, which measures net fluctuations in the fair values of investment securities, declined $134,030 at June 30, 2003 compared to year-end 2002. Movement in interest rates remained a dominant factor in the fair value results. Further details on investment securities and associated fair values are contained in the Financial Condition section of this Analysis.

 

On March 14, 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $7,000,000 in Company common stock. From 2000-2002, the Company purchased 247,658 shares on the open market and through private transactions at an average price of $16.65 per share. No treasury stock purchases have been made in 2003 year-to-date. The maximum consideration available for additional treasury purchases,

 

18


at prices to be determined in the future, is $2,875,737. Any acquisition of additional shares will be dictated by market conditions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, no prior period amounts have been restated to reflect the treasury stock purchases.

 

Refer to the Financial Condition and Liquidity sections of this Analysis for details on planned capital expenditures.

 

Dividend Policy

 

The Parent Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, and its revenues and liquidity position depend primarily on the payment of dividends from its subsidiaries. State banking regulations limit the amount of dividends SEB may pay without prior approval of the regulatory agencies. Year-to-date, SEB has paid 50% or $1,192,000 of the $2,384,000 in cash dividends available to the Company in 2003 without such prior approval. The Company uses regular dividends paid by SEB in order to pay quarterly dividends to its own shareholders. Management anticipates that the Company will continue to pay cash dividends on a recurring basis.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net income for the 2003 second quarter totaled $1,239,821, up $40,133 or 3.35% from June 30, 2002 and up 1.51% from March 31, 2003. On a per share basis, quarterly earnings totaled $0.37 at June 30, 2003, virtually unchanged from March 31, 2003 but up $0.02 from June 30, 2002. Year-to-date, net income grew $174,301 or 7.62% to $2,461,171 at June 30, 2003 from $2,286,870 in 2002. Similarly, per share income for the half-year period improved $0.06 to $0.74 at June 30, 2003 from $0.68 in 2002. The return on beginning equity for the six-month period totaled 10.89% at June 30, 2003 versus 10.24% in 2002. Variations in operating results are further discussed within the next two subsections of this Analysis.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income increased $110,873 or 2.84% during the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002. For the year-to-date period, net interest income grew $307,810 or 4.02% from 2002. The net interest margin approximated 4.87% at June 30, 2003 versus 4.71% a year ago; the interest rate spread, 4.37% versus 3.95%. Reductions in interest expense fueled the 2003 results, because interest income on all earning assets other than tax-exempt securities declined from 2002 results. Specifically, interest earnings on loans, taxable securities, federal funds sold, and other earning assets declined $345,726, $699,049, $35,720, and $6,319 from same period results in 2002 while earnings on tax-exempt securities increased $29,320 or 3.84%. Overall declines in asset yields and, to a lesser extent, shifts in earning assets precipitated the 2003 results. On average, asset yields totaled 6.40% at June 30, 2003, down 65 basis points from 2002. Interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds fell $721,971 during the 2003 second quarter versus 2002 and $1,365,304 year-to-date. Cost of funds dropped 107 basis points from 2002 levels, totaling 2.03% at June 30, 2003 versus 3.10% at June 30, 2002. Expected declines in yields on investment securities, as discussed in the Financial Condition section of this Analysis, will exert pressure on net interest results in 2003. Reallocation of federal funds sold balances to other earning assets and anticipated loan growth in Brunswick are expected to alleviate declines in securities yields.

 

The intense competition for loans and deposits continues in 2003 and shows no sign of abating. The high number of new and existing financial institutions in the Company’s market areas essentially guarantees downward pressure on net interest spreads and margins as all participants struggle to amass and grow market share. Volume of assets and deposits will become even more important as margins decline. Strategies implemented by management to increase average loans outstanding emphasize competitive

 

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pricing on loan products and development of additional loan relationships, all without compromising portfolio quality. Management’s strategy for deposits is to reduce costs of funds and employ alternative sources of financing when feasible. Comparative details about average balances, income/expense, and average yields earned and rates paid on interest-earning assets and liabilities for the last two years are provided in the table below.

 

Selected Average Balances, Income/Expense, and Average Yields Earned and Rates Paid

 

       2003

    2002

 

Average Balances6

Six Months Ended June 30,


     Average
Balances


     Income/
Expense


     Yields/
Rates


    Average
Balances


     Income/
Expense


     Yields/
Rates


 
       (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

                                                  

Interest-earning assets:

                                                  

Loans, net1,2,4

     $ 178,362      $ 7,206      8.08 %   $ 174,697      $ 7,538      8.63 %

Federal funds sold

       15,225        89      1.17 %     14,797        125      1.69 %

Taxable investment securities3

       114,734        2,508      4.37 %     118,894        3,207      5.39 %

Tax-exempt investment securities3,4

       35,089        1,199      6.83 %     32,478        1,155      7.11 %

Other assets

       1,079        24      4.45 %     1,088        30      5.51 %
      

    

    

 

    

    

Total interest-earning assets

     $ 344,489      $ 11,026      6.40 %   $ 341,954      $ 12,055      7.05 %
      

    

    

 

    

    

Liabilities

                                                  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                  

Interest-bearing demand deposits5

     $ 74,859      $ 568      1.52 %   $ 62,601      $ 762      2.43 %

Savings

       99,432        754      1.52 %     92,321        1,040      2.25 %

Time deposits

       80,853        1,159      2.87 %     97,637        2,042      4.18 %

U. S. Treasury demand note

       692        4      1.16 %     748        6      1.60 %

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

       5,000        149      6.00 %     5,000        149      6.00 %
      

    

    

 

    

    

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     $ 260,836      $ 2,634      2.02 %   $ 258,307      $ 3,999      3.10 %
      

    

    

 

    

    

Excess of interest-earning assets over interest-bearing liabilities

     $ 83,653                     $ 83,647                  
      

                   

                 

Interest rate spread

                       4.38 %                     3.95 %
                        

                   

Net interest income

              $ 8,392                     $ 8,056         
               

                   

        

Net interest margin

                       4.87 %                     4.71 %
                        

                   


1   Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Nonperforming loans are included.

2  Includes loan fees.

3   Securities are presented on an amortized cost basis. Investment securities with original maturities of three months or less are included, as applicable.
4   Interest income on tax-exempt loans and securities is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis, using a federal income tax rate of 34%. No adjustment has been made for any state tax benefits.

5  NOW and money market accounts.

6   Averages presented generally represent average daily balances.

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest income grew $93,937 or 10.61% during the second quarter of 2003 compared to 2002 and $155,649 year-to-date. A $70,818 or 28.55% increase in other operating income was the predominant factor in the quarterly results. Year-to-date, an 8.78% or $105,503 improvement in service charges on deposits accounts, aided by a 7.05% increase in other operating income, was the main factor. Mortgage origination fees led the improvement in other operating income, growing $71,565 during the second quarter and $58,877 year-to-date. By type and amount, the chief components of other operating income at June 30, 2003 were mortgage

 

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origination fees, $273,273; commissions on the sale of credit life insurance, $70,564; surcharge fees -ATM, $61,457; safe deposit box rentals, $53,386; and income on sale of check products, $48,953. Together, these five income items comprised 76.69% of other operating income at June 30, 2003. In 2002, these same five income components comprised 72.90% of other operating income. Overall, noninterest expense increased $281,277 or 4.92% in 2003 year-to-date. Salaries and employee benefits increased $148,416 or 4.57% at June 30, 2003 compared to 2002. The vast majority, or 83%, of employee expenses remained concentrated in salaries and other direct compensation, including related payroll taxes, at June 30, 2003. Profit-sharing accruals and other fringe benefits constituted the remaining 7% and 10% of employee expenses. The division of employee expenses between compensation, profit-sharing, and other fringe benefits remained consistent with historical norms in 2003. When compared to the prior year, net occupancy and equipment expense increased 8.00% or $92,284 during the first half of 2003 compared to 2002. The 2003 increase resulted largely from operating costs and depreciation associated with technology programs. Other operating expenses increased a moderate $40,577 or 3.09% at June 30, 2003 compared to 2002. A $26,303 increase in advertising expense accounted for the bulk of the 2003-2002 fluctuation. Besides advertising expense, which approximated $156,000 in 2003 and $129,000 in 2002, and supplies expense, which approximated $128,000 in 2003 and $141,000 in 2002, no individual component of other operating expenses aggregated or exceeded 10% of the total in 2003 or 2002. Costs associated with the Company’s new loan production office, Sarbanes - Oxley compliance, and enhanced data transmission between SEB locations are expected to increase noninterest expense approximately $250,000 in 2003 compared to 2002.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recent accounting pronouncements affecting the Company are discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements and, further, in the 2002 Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Various other accounting proposals affecting the banking industry are pending with the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Given the inherent uncertainty of the proposal process, the Company cannot assess the impact of any such proposals on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company and its representatives have made, and may continue to make, various written or oral forward-looking statements with respect to business and financial matters, including statements contained in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and press releases. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements related to loan growth, deposit growth, per share growth, and statements expressing general sentiment about future operating results and non-historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. The forward-looking statements are and will be based on management’s then current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

 

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates contained in or underlying forward-looking statements include:

 

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  ¨   Competitive pressures between depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly.

 

  ¨   Changes in the interest rate environment may reduce margins.

 

  ¨   General economic or business conditions in the geographic regions and industry in which the Company operates may lead to a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit.

 

  ¨   Legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, monetary policies, and taxation requirements, may adversely affect the Company’s business.

 

Other factors include:

 

  ¨   Changes in consumer spending and saving habits as well as real estate markets.

 

  ¨   Management of costs associated with expansion of existing and development of new distribution channels, and ability to realize increased revenues from these distribution channels.

 

  ¨   The outcome of litigation which depends on judicial interpretations of law and findings of juries.

 

  ¨   The effect of mergers, acquisitions, and/or dispositions and their integration into the Company.

 

  ¨   Other risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Many of the factors that will determine actual financial performance and values are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control. This Analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

 

The discussion on market risk is included in the Interest Rate and Market Risk/Interest Rate Sensitivity section of Part I, Item 2.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

 

A review and evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (the CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) or 15(d)-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that review and evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, were effective.

 

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Part II—Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

(Not Applicable)

 

Item 2.    Changes in Securities.

 

(Not Applicable)

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

(Not Applicable)

 

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

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) was held on June 17, 2003. At the Meeting, the following individuals were elected directors: Alyson G. Beasley, Leslie H. Blair, David H. Bluestein, Gene F. Brannen, William Downey, Cornelius P. Holland, III, Alva J. Hopkins, III, and G. Norris Johnson.

 

The shareholders also approved a) setting the number of Directors at a 12 member maximum, with 4 to remain vacant until the elected Board deems it in the Company’s best interest to fill one or more of such vacancies and b) the appointment of independent auditors by the Audit Committee for fiscal year 2003.

 

Item 5.    Other Information.

 

(Not Applicable)

 

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

(a) Index to Exhibits:

 

  Exhibit 31.1.   CEO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

  Exhibit 31.2.   CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

  Exhibit 32.   CEO/CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on July 11, 2003, announcing its earnings for the second quarter of 2003.

 

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Signatures

 

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

 

SOUTHEASTERN BANKING CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/    ALYSON G. BEASLEY        


    Alyson G. Beasley, Vice President

 

 

Date:            August 14, 2003            

 

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