UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended 9/30/2011
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File No. 0-15950
FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
37-1078406
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
100 W. University Ave.,
Champaign, Illinois
61820
(Address of principal
executive offices)
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (217) 365-4516
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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding at November 4, 2011
Common Stock, $.001 par value
86,596,527
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2
FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2011
December 31, 2010
(dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
289,144
418,965
Securities available for sale
795,403
599,459
Loans held for sale
36,199
49,684
Loans (net of allowance for loan losses 2011 $63,915; 2010 $76,038)
1,999,200
2,243,055
Premises and equipment
70,179
73,218
Goodwill
20,686
Other intangible assets
16,903
19,556
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
37,592
37,425
Other real estate owned (OREO)
11,577
9,160
Deferred tax asset, net
50,188
64,240
Other assets
65,814
69,555
Total assets
3,392,885
3,605,003
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing
467,775
460,661
Interest bearing
2,288,686
2,455,705
Total deposits
2,756,461
2,916,366
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
129,905
138,982
Long-term debt
19,834
43,159
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts
55,000
Other liabilities
24,219
30,991
Total liabilities
2,985,419
3,184,498
Stockholders’ Equity
Series C Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 2011 72,664 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, 2010 none, $1,000.00 liquidation value
72,664
—
Series T Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding — 2011 none; 2010 100,000 shares, $1,000.00 liquidation value
99,590
Series B Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 318.6225 shares; issued and outstanding — 2011 none; 2010 318.6225 shares, $100,000.00 liquidation value
31,862
Common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued — 2011 88,287,132; issued — 2010 80,790,132
88
81
Additional paid-in capital
594,178
562,375
Accumulated deficit
(239,441
)
(249,418
Accumulated other comprehensive income
12,994
9,032
Total stockholders’ equity before treasury stock and unearned ESOP shares
440,483
453,522
Common stock shares held in treasury at cost — 1,650,605
(32,183
Unearned ESOP shares — 40,000 shares
(834
Total stockholders’ equity
407,466
420,505
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Common shares outstanding at period end
79,099,527
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
2011
2010
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans
87,924
105,906
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable interest income
11,557
10,984
Non-taxable interest income
2,099
2,247
Dividends
10
7
Total interest income
101,590
119,144
Interest expense:
Deposits
14,536
26,544
298
440
Short-term borrowings
29
44
1,212
2,313
1,600
2,063
Total interest expense
17,675
31,404
Net interest income
83,915
87,740
Provision for loan losses
15,000
31,700
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
68,915
56,040
Other income:
Trust fees
11,765
10,758
Commissions and brokers’ fees, net
1,415
1,309
Remittance processing
7,119
7,116
Service charges on deposit accounts
9,513
8,319
Other service charges and fees
3,963
3,807
Gain on sales of loans
7,444
9,984
Security (losses) gains, net
(2
1,025
Other
2,786
3,230
Total other income
44,003
45,548
Other expenses:
Salaries and wages
30,678
30,271
Employee benefits
7,759
7,669
Net occupancy expense of premises
6,762
6,947
Furniture and equipment expense
3,958
4,602
Data processing
6,425
5,855
Amortization of intangible assets
2,653
3,067
Regulatory expense
3,652
5,302
OREO expense
459
1,443
14,228
14,766
Total other expenses
76,574
79,922
Income before income taxes
36,344
21,666
Income taxes
12,217
5,742
Net income
24,127
15,924
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
4,108
3,848
Net income available to common stockholders
20,019
12,076
Basic earnings per common share
0.24
0.18
Diluted earnings per common share
Dividends declared per share of common stock
0.12
4
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
28,243
34,326
3,845
3,383
717
751
6
32,811
38,467
4,457
7,334
87
129
9
41
230
629
301
699
5,084
8,832
27,727
29,635
5,000
9,500
22,727
20,135
3,460
3,113
495
398
2,335
2,263
3,283
2,858
1,341
1,304
2,977
4,104
Security gains, net
283
827
527
14,718
14,850
11,090
10,537
2,494
2,487
2,211
2,374
1,294
1,493
2,145
2,008
885
1,022
497
2,155
112
380
4,996
4,586
25,724
27,042
11,721
7,943
4,151
1,921
7,570
6,022
1,049
1,283
6,521
4,739
0.08
0.07
0.04
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based and non-cash compensation
309
126
Depreciation and amortization
6,814
7,798
Provision for deferred income taxes
10,915
5,762
Amortization of security premiums and discounts, net
4,606
3,476
Security losses (gains), net
(1,025
Gain on sales of loans, net
(7,444
(9,984
Net (gain) loss on sales of OREO properties
(101
1,224
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
(167
(1,357
Change in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in other assets
4,069
2,182
Decrease in other liabilities
(4,868
(1,483
Decrease in interest payable
(1,507
(4,321
Increase in income taxes receivable
(328
Net cash provided by operating activities before loan originations and sales
51,427
50,022
Loans originated for sale
(324,090
(450,290
Proceeds from sales of loans
345,019
437,879
Net cash provided by operating activities
72,356
37,611
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of securities classified available for sale
10,675
40,886
Proceeds from maturities of securities classified available for sale
85,337
138,891
Purchase of securities classified available for sale
(289,465
(157,450
Decrease in loans
219,976
237,785
Proceeds from disposition of premises and equipment
946
158
Proceeds from sale of OREO properties
6,563
14,991
Purchases of premises and equipment
(2,068
(1,723
Net cash provided by investing activities
31,964
273,538
(continued on next page)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net decrease in certificates of deposit
(182,559
(351,872
Net increase in demand, money market and savings deposits
22,654
104,997
Cash dividends paid
(14,498
(11,713
Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
(9,077
(11,906
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
4,000
Principal payments on long-term debt
(23,325
(29,500
Repurchase of Series T Preferred Stock
(100,000
Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock
Net cash used in financing activities
(234,141
(295,994
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks
(129,821
15,155
Cash and due from banks, beginning
207,071
Cash and due from banks, ending
222,226
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments for:
Interest
19,183
35,725
2,756
1,251
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans
8,879
10,444
Dividends accrued
378
752
Conversion of Series B Preferred stock to Common stock
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Unrealized net (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized net holding gains arising during period
2,980
2,162
7,097
7,845
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
(283
Other comprehensive income, before tax
1,879
7,099
6,820
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
1,227
747
3,137
2,711
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
1,753
1,132
3,962
4,109
Comprehensive income
9,323
7,154
28,089
20,033
8
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of First Busey Corporation (“First Busey” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation, have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include certain information and footnote disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete annual financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation with no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.
In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company’s management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates which are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the fair value of investment securities, the determination of the allowance for loan losses, including valuation of real estate and related loan collateral, and valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q were issued. There were no significant subsequent events for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 through the issuance date of these financial statements that warranted adjustment to or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
FASB ASC Topic 220, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” New authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05) under ASC Topic 220 amends Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income,” to require all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity to be presented in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update will be effective for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and will result in a change to the presentation of comprehensive income in the Company’s financial statements.
FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables: Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” On July 21, 2010, new authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-20) under ASC Topic 310 was issued which requires an entity to provide more information in its disclosures about the credit quality of its financing receivables and the credit reserves held against them. This statement addresses only disclosures and does not change recognition or measurement. The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 was effective for the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2010, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. Disclosures that relate to activity during a reporting period became required for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-01, “Receivables (Topic 310)-Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20,” temporarily deferred the effective date for disclosures related to troubled debt restructurings to coincide with the effective date of a proposed accounting standard update related to troubled debt restructurings. Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-02, “Receivables (Topic 310)-A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring” clarifies which loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructurings. It is intended to help creditors in determining whether a modification of the terms of a receivable meet the criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring for the purpose of recording an impairment loss and for disclosure of troubled debt restructurings. Under the new guidance, in evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that both of the following exist: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. This update became effective for the Company on July 1, 2011, applying retrospectively to restructuring occurring on or after January 1, 2011 but did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts.” New authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-28) under ASC Topic 350 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more-likely-than-not that a goodwill impairment exists. An entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This update became effective for the Company on January 1, 2011 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)-Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” issued in September 2011, simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. This update allows the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If it is more-likely-than-not, using qualitative assessments, that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an entity must still perform the existing two-step impairment test. Otherwise, an entity would not be required to perform the test. This update will be effective for the annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed after December 15, 2011, and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
FASB ASC Topic 820, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” New authoritative accounting guidance (Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04) under ASC Topic 820 amends Topic 820 to converge the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles in Topic 820 and requires additional disclosures. This update will be effective for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Note 3: Capital
On August 25, 2011, the Company exited the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), and announced the issuance of approximately $72.6 million in preferred stock to the Small Business Lending Fund (the “SBLF”) to be used to further enhance its business lending efforts. The SBLF is a U.S. Department of the Treasury lending program that encourages qualified community banks to partner with small businesses and entrepreneurs to create jobs and promote economic development in local communities.
Issuance of Preferred Stock Under Small Business Lending Fund
In conjunction with the SBLF’s investment in the Company, on August 25, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Treasury 72,664 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Amount”), for aggregate proceeds of $72,664,000.
The Series C Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for the Company. Non-cumulative dividends are payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred Stock, beginning October 1, 2011. The dividend rate is calculated as a percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Series C Preferred Stock and will be based on changes in the level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” or “QSBL” (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Busey Bank (the “Bank”). Based upon the increase in the Bank’s level of QSBL over the baseline level calculated under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the dividend rate for the initial dividend period, which is from the date of issuance through September 30, 2011, has been set at 5%. For the 2nd through 10th calendar quarters, the annual dividend rate may be adjusted to between 1% and 5%, to reflect the amount of change in the Bank’s level of QSBL. For the 11th calendar quarter through 4.5 years after issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at between 1% and 7% based upon the level of QSBL as compared to the baseline. After 4.5 years from issuance, the dividend rate will increase to 9% (including a quarterly lending incentive fee of 0.5%).
The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances. The Company may redeem the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of the Liquidation Amount per share and the per share amount of any unpaid dividends for the then-current period, subject to any required prior approval by the Company’s primary federal banking regulator. The Series C Preferred Stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Redemption of Series T Preferred Stock
The Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series T (the “Series T Preferred Stock”) was issued to the Treasury on March 6, 2009 in connection with the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated the transactions contemplated by a letter agreement (the “Repurchase Document”) with the Treasury. Under the Repurchase Document, the Company redeemed from the Treasury, in part using the proceeds from the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, all 100,000 outstanding shares of its Series T Preferred Stock, for a redemption price of approximately $100.1 million, including accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption.
In connection with the Company’s participation in the CPP, the Company also issued to Treasury a warrant to purchase 1,147,666 shares of the Company’s common stock. Since the date of the Company’s participation in the CPP, it raised additional capital through a public offering of common stock and, as a result of that offering, the number of shares of common stock subject to the warrant were reduced by 50% to 573,833. As of September 30, 2011, this warrant to purchase 573,833 shares of the Company’s common stock remained outstanding and held by Treasury.
Series B Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock Issuance and Subsequent Conversion
On December 28, 2010, the Company completed a registered direct offering, issuing 318.6225 shares of Series B Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) at a price of $100,000 per share, or $31.9 million in the aggregate. The Series B Preferred Stock had a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share and annual dividend of 9.0%.
On March 1, 2011, the Company’s stockholders approved the conversion of the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock issued December 28, 2010, at $4.25 per share, resulting in an additional 7,497,000 common shares outstanding. Following the conversion, no shares of Series B Preferred Stock remained outstanding.
11
Note 4: Securities
The amortized cost and fair values of securities classified available for sale are summarized as follows:
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Fair
September 30, 2011:
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
U.S. Treasury securities
45,573
400
(129
45,844
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
344,985
10,153
355,138
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
125,357
4,314
(56
129,615
Residential mortgage-backed securities
252,736
6,280
(149
258,867
Corporate debt securities
2,637
68
(23
2,682
771,288
21,215
(357
792,146
Mutual funds and other equity securities
2,026
1,231
3,257
773,314
22,446
December 31, 2010:
306
75
381
324,193
9,028
(86
333,135
74,691
2,340
(96
76,935
180,578
3,662
(1,234
183,006
56
1,499
581,211
15,161
(1,416
594,956
3,258
1,245
4,503
584,469
16,406
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available for sale as of September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Mutual funds and other equity securities do not have stated maturity dates and therefore are not included in the following maturity summary. Mortgages underlying the residential mortgage-backed securities may be called or prepaid without penalties, therefore, actual maturities could differ from the contractual maturities. All residential mortgage-backed securities were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations.
Due in one year or less
110,617
111,787
Due after one year through five years
372,169
383,095
Due after five years through ten years
209,744
214,970
Due after ten years
78,758
82,294
Gains and losses related to sales of securities are summarized as follows:
Gross security gains
Gross security (losses)
Net security (losses) gains
12
The tax provision for these net realized gains and losses was insignificant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
Investment securities with carrying amounts of $418.8 million and $405.7 million on September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.
The following presents information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:
Less than 12 months
Greater than 12 months
Total
25,063
18,471
17,353
149
665
23
Total temporarily impaired securities
61,552
357
15,698
86
8,452
96
95,926
1,234
120,076
1,416
13
The total number of securities in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2011 was 41, which represented a loss of 0.58% of the aggregate carrying value. Based upon review of unrealized loss circumstances, the unrealized losses resulted from changes in market interest rates and liquidity, not from changes in the probability of receiving the contractual cash flows. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will recover the amortized cost prior to being required to sell the securities. Full collection of the amounts due according to the contractual terms of the securities is expected; therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011.
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether we have the intent to sell the security and it is more-likely-than-not we will have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.
Note 5: Loans
Geographic distributions of loans were as follows:
Illinois
Florida
Indiana
Commercial
360,822
11,310
21,413
393,545
Commercial real estate
791,403
139,511
41,598
972,512
Real estate construction
90,501
16,107
23,338
129,946
Retail real estate
442,376
124,645
9,924
576,945
Retail other
25,574
648
144
26,366
1,710,676
292,221
96,417
2,099,314
Less held for sale(1)
2,063,115
Less allowance for loan losses
63,915
Net loans
(1) Loans held for sale are included in retail real estate.
14
395,629
17,523
26,241
439,393
887,601
140,734
44,482
1,072,817
108,050
20,104
26,257
154,411
501,871
141,914
13,311
657,096
43,944
958
45,060
1,937,095
321,233
110,449
2,368,777
2,319,093
76,038
Net deferred loan origination costs included in the tables above were $0.7 million and $0.8 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
The Company believes that sound loans are a necessary and desirable means of employing funds available for investment. Recognizing the Company’s obligations to its stockholders, depositors, and to the communities it serves, authorized personnel are expected to seek to develop and make sound, profitable loans that resources permit and that opportunity affords. The Company maintains lending policies and procedures in place designed to focus our lending efforts on the types, locations and duration of loans most appropriate for our business model and markets. While not specifically limited, the Company attempts to focus its lending on short to intermediate-term (0-7 years) loans in geographies within 125 miles of our lending offices. We make attempts to utilize government assisted lending programs, such as the Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture lending programs, where prudent. Generally, loans are collateralized by assets, primarily real estate, of the borrowers and guaranteed by individuals. The loans are expected to be repaid from cash flows of the borrowers or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.
Management reviews and approves the Company’s lending policies and procedures on a routine basis. Management routinely (at least quarterly) reviews our allowance for loan losses and reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Our underwriting standards are designed to encourage relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Relationship banking implies a primary banking relationship with the borrower that includes, at minimum, an active deposit banking relationship in addition to the lending relationship. The integrity and character of the borrower are significant factors in our loan underwriting. As a part of underwriting, tangible positive or negative evidence of the borrower’s integrity and character are sought out. Additional significant underwriting factors beyond location, duration, a sound and profitable cash flow basis and the borrower’s character are the quality of the borrower’s financial history, the liquidity of the underlying collateral and the reliability of the valuation of the underlying collateral.
Total borrowing relationships, which include direct and indirect debt, are generally limited to $20 million, which is significantly less than our regulatory lending limit. Borrowing relationships exceeding $20 million are reviewed by our board of directors at least annually and more frequently by management. At no time is a borrower’s total borrowing relationship to exceed our regulatory lending limit. Loans to related parties, including executive officers and the Company’s various directorates, are reviewed for compliance with regulatory guidelines and by our board of directors at least annually.
The Company maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the loans against the Company’s loan policy on a periodic basis. In addition to compliance with our policy, the loan review process reviews the risk assessments made by our credit department, lenders and loan committees. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the audit committee at least quarterly.
The Company’s lending can be summarized into five primary areas; commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction, retail real estate loans, and other retail loans. A description of each of the lending areas can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The significant majority of the lending activity occurs in the Company’s Illinois and Indiana markets, with the remainder in the Florida market. Due to the small scale of the Indiana loan portfolio and its geographical proximity to the Illinois portfolio, the Company believes that quantitative or qualitative segregation between Illinois and Indiana is not material or warranted.
15
The Company utilizes a loan grading scale to assign a risk grade to all of its loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 through 10 with grades 2,4 & 5 unused. A description of the general characteristics of the grades is as follows:
· Grades 1,3,6 — These grades include loans which are all considered strong credits with grade 1 being investment or near investment grade. A grade 3 loan is comprised of borrowers that exhibit credit fundamentals that exceed industry standards and loan policy guidelines. A grade 6 loan is comprised of borrowers that exhibit acceptable credit fundamentals.
· Grade 7- This grade includes loans on management’s “watch list” and is intended to be utilized on a temporary basis for a pass grade borrower where a significant risk-modifying action is anticipated in the near future.
· Grade 8- This grade is for “Other Assets Especially Mentioned” loans that have potential weaknesses which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the bank’s credit position at some future date.
· Grade 9- This grade includes “Substandard” loans, in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. Assets so classified must have well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
· Grade 10- This grade includes “Doubtful” loans that have all the characteristics of a substandard loan with additional factors that make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and may be dependent on collateral having a value that is difficult to determine.
All loans are graded at inception of the loan. All commercial and commercial real estate loans above $0.5 million with a grading of seven are reviewed annually and grade changes are made as necessary. All real estate construction loans above $0.5 million, regardless of the grade, are reviewed annually and grade changes are made as necessary. Interim grade reviews may take place if circumstances of the borrower warrant a more timely review. All loans graded eight above $0.5 million are reviewed quarterly. Further, all loans graded nine or below are reviewed at least quarterly.
16
The following table presents weighted average risk grades segregated by class of loans (excluding held-for-sale, non posted and clearings):
Weighted Avg. Risk Grade
Grades 1,3,6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10
Illinois/Indiana
5.30
274,911
46,435
33,055
19,843
7,991
5.92
575,078
108,446
67,795
70,612
11,070
7.45
30,216
14,935
47,059
17,984
3,645
3.72
384,708
9,730
3,792
4,323
6,017
2.76
24,206
849
639
24
Total Illinois/Indiana
1,289,119
180,395
152,340
112,762
28,747
6.29
5,751
4,167
390
303
6.58
74,133
12,827
26,914
19,005
6,632
8.00
1,056
509
12,519
850
1,173
4.20
89,464
3,492
22,176
3,355
4,736
2.47
646
Total Florida
171,050
20,997
61,999
23,513
13,240
1,460,169
201,392
214,339
136,275
41,987
5.20
292,027
52,761
26,526
34,233
16,323
5.86
660,520
109,553
76,311
72,831
12,868
7.41
33,489
24,582
49,353
20,026
6,857
433,371
12,288
6,781
3,860
5,615
4.00
35,989
2,720
4,740
653
1,455,396
201,904
163,711
131,603
41,663
6.45
12,777
257
913
302
3,274
6.65
69,758
10,270
34,881
14,905
10,920
8.22
525
927
12,874
3,321
2,457
4.21
106,974
3,840
21,985
932
7,162
3.42
805
127
190,839
15,310
70,780
19,460
23,823
1,646,235
217,214
234,491
151,063
65,486
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of the principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
17
An age analysis of past due loans still accruing and non-accrual loans is as follows:
Loans past due, still accruing
30-59 Days
60-89 Days
90+Days
Non-accrual Loans
491
184
90
1,108
878
706
3,635
190
43
1
5,277
1,692
986
119
1,159
1,278
6,555
1,613
803
713
273
458
620
8,698
2,978
2,130
2,226
30
13,250
5,327
2,618
704
337
175
3,547
109
28
4,454
446
17,704
5,773
The gross interest income that would have been recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 if impaired loans had been current in accordance with their original terms was $2.1 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The amount of interest collected on those loans and recognized on a cash basis that was included in interest income was insignificant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect scheduled payments of principal and interest payments when due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loans and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. A loan is assessed for impairment by the Company if one of the following criteria is met: loans 60 days or more past due and over $0.25 million, loans graded eight over $0.5 million or loans graded nine or below.
18
Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement.
Our loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR), where concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties. The company will restructure loans for our customers who appear to be able to meet the terms of their loan over the long-term, but who may be unable to meet the terms of the loan in the near term due to individual circumstances.
We consider the customer’s past performance, previous and current credit history, the individual circumstances surrounding the current difficulties and their plan to meet the terms of the loan in the future prior to restructuring the terms of the loan. Generally, all five primary areas of lending are restructured through short-term interest-rate relief, short-term principal payment relief, or short-term principal and interest payment relief. Once a restructured loan has gone 90+ days past due or is placed on non-accrual status, it is included in the non-performing loan totals above. A summary of restructured loans as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is as follows:
Restructured loans:
In compliance with modified terms
26,542
26,765
30 – 89 days past due
1,542
1,468
Included in non-performing loans
11,744
10,320
39,828
38,553
All TDRs are considered to be impaired for purposes of assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and for financial reporting purposes. When we modify loans in a TDR, we evaluate any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If we determine that the value of the TDR is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate in the period of the modification and in periods subsequent to the modification.
Performing loans classified as TDRs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, segregated by class, are shown below:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Number of contracts
Recorded investment
3,533
8,970
213
714
4,044
9,982
19
The commercial TDR for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was a short-term principal payment relief. The commercial real estate TDRs for the three months ended September 30, 2011 consisted of two modifications for short-term interest-rate relief totaling $1.9 million and four modifications for short-term principal payment relief totaling $1.6 million. The commercial real estate TDRs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 consisted of three modifications for short-term interest-rate relief totaling $7.3 million and four modifications for short-term principal payment relief totaling $1.6 million. All TDRs in retail real estate were short-term interest-rate relief.
The gross interest income that would have been recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 if performing TDRs had been in accordance with their original terms instead of modified terms was insignificant.
TDR loans that were classified as non-performing and had payment defaults (a default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due or transferred to non-accrual) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, segregated by class, are shown below:
2,575
5,511
270
474
2,111
3,049
7,892
The following tables provide details of impaired loans, segregated by category, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The unpaid contractual principal balance represents the recorded balance prior to any partial charge-offs. The recorded investment represents customer balances net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loan. The average recorded investment is calculated using the most recent four quarters.
Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance
Recorded Investment with No Allowance
Recorded Investment with Allowance
Total Recorded Investment
Related Allowance
Average Recorded Investment
16,092
6,917
9,291
330
15,119
43,296
21,722
10,706
32,428
4,218
34,681
12,662
9,440
16,711
32,273
25,137
32,050
32
25
31
104,355
63,241
13,080
76,321
4,548
98,592
20
29,387
13,103
6,751
19,854
3,125
44,538
29,358
7,407
36,765
3,464
40,120
20,564
14,635
989
15,624
404
34,829
46,443
28,967
7,801
36,768
3,806
38,773
91
140,975
86,104
22,948
109,052
10,799
128,968
Management’s opinion as to the ultimate collectability of loans is subject to estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral. These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents an estimate of the amount of losses believed inherent in our loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance calculation involves a high degree of estimation that management attempts to mitigate through the use of objective historical data where available. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes the uncollectibility of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Overall, we believe the allowance methodology is consistent with prior periods and the balance is adequate to cover the estimated losses in our loan portfolio at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated geographically, by class of loans. The significant majority of the lending activity occurs in the Company’s Illinois markets, with the remaining in the Florida and Indiana markets. Due to the small scale of the Indiana loan portfolio and its geographical proximity to the Illinois portfolio, the Company believes that quantitative or qualitative segregation between Illinois and Indiana is not material or warranted.
The general portion of the Company’s allowance contains two components: (i) a component for historical loss ratios, and (ii) a component for adversely graded loans. The historical loss ratio component is calculated using a sum-of-years digits weighted 20 quarter historical average, where the most recent four quarters are the most heavily weighted.
The Company’s component for adversely graded loans attempts to quantify the additional risk of loss inherent in the grade 8 and grade 9 portfolios. The grade 9 portfolio has an additional allocation placed on those loans determined by a one-year charge-off percentage for the respective loan type/geography. The minimum additional reserve on a grade 9 loan was 3.25% and 3% as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is an estimate of the additional loss inherent in these loan grades based upon a review of overall historical charge-offs.
Grade 8 loans have an additional allocation placed on them determined by the trend difference of the respective loan type/geography’s rolling 12 and 20 quarter historical loss trends. If the rolling 12 quarter average is higher (more current information) than the rolling 20 quarter average, we add the additional amount to the allocation. The minimum additional amount for grade 8 loans is 1.25% based upon a review of the differences between the rolling 12 and 20 quarter historical loss averages by region.
The specific portion of the Company’s allowance relates to loans that are impaired, which includes non-performing loans, troubled debt restructurings and other loans determined to be impaired. The impaired loans are subtracted from the general loans and are allocated specific reserves as discussed above.
21
Impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals discounted for collateral specific changes and current market conditions, and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significant and rapid decline in real estate valuations in southwest Florida in recent years, valuations of collateral in this market are largely based upon current market conditions and unobservable inputs, which typically indicate a value less than appraised value.
The historical general quantitative allocation is adjusted for qualitative factors based on current general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. In general, such valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) Management & Staff; (ii) Loan Underwriting, Policy and Procedures; (iii) Internal/External Audit & Loan Review; (iv) Valuation of Underlying Collateral; (v) Macro and Local Economic Factor; (vi) Impact of Competition, Legal & Regulatory issues; (vii) Nature and Volume of Loan Portfolio; (viii) Concentrations of Credit; (ix) Net Charge-Off Trend; and (x) Non-Accrual, Past Due and Classified Trend. Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these components has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. Based on each component’s risk factor, a qualitative adjustment to the reserve may be applied to the appropriate loan categories.
During the third quarter of 2011, we slightly adjusted the Florida qualitative factors relating to Valuation of Underlying Collateral, Impact of Competition, Legal & Regulatory issues and Nature and Volume of Loan Portfolio downward, as we have seen signs of stabilization. If trends continue to show positive signs, we ultimately hope to further reduce the Florida factors to be comparable to Illinois/Indiana. The adjustment of the Florida qualitative factors decreased our allowance requirements by $0.3 million at September 30, 2011 compared to the method used for June 30, 2011.
The following table details activity on the allowance for loan losses. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2011
Commercial Real Estate
Real Estate Construction
Retail Real Estate
Retail Other
Unallocated
Beginning balance
11,794
30,134
10,016
14,488
2,897
69,329
Provision for loan loss
199
5,702
(71
1,258
(2,088
Charged-off
1,760
5,022
1,789
203
12,057
Recoveries
27
1,219
108
1,643
Ending Balance
10,260
31,097
8,162
13,682
As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2010
17,355
32,566
24,818
11,759
5,631
92,129
229
5,555
(1,653
9,000
(3,631
2,867
5,466
6,931
4,042
79
19,385
80
563
59
854
14,797
33,218
16,293
16,813
1,977
83,098
22
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011
13,840
32,795
11,903
14,947
2,553
4,292
8,260
(731
5,852
(2,673
9,380
10,445
4,105
9,312
502
33,744
1,508
487
1,095
2,195
1,336
6,621
Amount allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
9,930
26,879
59,367
Loans:
384,254
940,084
120,506
515,609
26,341
1,986,794
540,746
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010
9,824
38,249
37,490
12,753
1,440
423
100,179
11,081
10,554
(5,126
13,400
1,791
6,231
18,428
24,321
11,451
1,476
62,330
123
2,843
8,250
222
13,549
3,197
1,949
3,554
8,998
11,600
31,269
15,995
13,259
74,100
22,357
36,181
29,320
39,929
104
127,891
421,079
1,102,321
152,447
596,025
66,897
2,338,769
443,436
1,138,502
181,767
635,954
67,001
2,466,660
Note 6: Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature either daily or within one year from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The underlying securities are held by the Company’s safekeeping agent. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities.
The following table sets forth the distribution of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and weighted average interest rates:
Balance
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
0.23
%
0.32
Maximum outstanding at any month end
142,557
141,276
Average daily balance
130,062
134,207
Weighted average interest rate during period (1)
0.31
0.41
(1)The weighted average interest rate is computed by dividing total interest for the period by the average daily balance outstanding.
Note 7: Earnings Per Common Share
Net income per common share has been computed as follows:
(in thousands, except per share data)
Shares:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
86,597
66,361
84,867
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and warrants as determined by the application of the treasury stock method
Weighted average common shares outstanding, as adjusted for diluted earnings per share calculation
86,608
84,880
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Diluted earnings per share are determined by dividing net income available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding. Common stock equivalents assume exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units and use of proceeds to purchase treasury stock at the average market price for the period. If the average market price for the period is less than the strike price of a stock option or grant price of a restricted stock unit, that option/restricted stock unit is considered anti-dilutive and is excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents. At September 30, 2011, 1,101,672 outstanding options, 573,833 warrants, and 254,090 restricted stock units were anti-dilutive and excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents.
Note 8: Stock-based Compensation
Under the terms of the Company’s equity compensation plans, the Company is allowed, but not required, to source stock option exercises from its inventory of treasury stock. As of September 30, 2011, under the Company’s stock repurchase plan, 895,655 additional shares were authorized for repurchase. The repurchase plan has no expiration date and expires when the Company has repurchased all of the remaining authorized shares. Due to First Busey’s participation in the TARP CPP through August 25, 2011, it was not permitted to repurchase any shares of its common stock, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice. However, as described under “Note 3 — Capital,” as of August 25, 2011, the Company is no longer a participant in the TARP CPP, and therefore is no longer subject to these stock repurchase restrictions.
A description of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s equity incentive plans are designed to encourage ownership of our common stock by our employees and directors, to provide additional incentive for them to promote the success of our business, and to attract and retain talented personnel. All of our employees and directors, and those of our subsidiaries, are eligible to receive awards under the plans.
A summary of the status of and changes in the Company’s stock option plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 follows:
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Remaining Contractual
Shares
Price
Term
Outstanding at beginning of year
1,351,593
16.09
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
189,921
13.57
Outstanding at end of period
1,161,672
16.72
2.92
Exercisable at end of period
The Company recognized an insignificant amount of compensation expense related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s non-vested stock awards (restricted stock units) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, is as follows:
Grant Date
Fair Value
194,914
4.75
273,154
5.17
Dividend Equivalents Earned
6,446
474,515
4.99
On September 21, 2011, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 28,846 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to a member of management. As the stock price on the grant date of September 21, 2011 was $4.16, total compensation cost to be recognized is $120,000. This cost will be recognized over a period of one to three years. Per the agreement, 9,615 units vest over a requisite service period of one year, 9,615 units vest over a requisite service period of two years, and the remaining 9,616 units vest over a requisite service period of three years. Subsequent to each requisite service period, the awards will vest 100%.
On July 26, 2011, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 4,826 RSUs to the Chairman of the Board. As the stock price on the grant date of July 26, 2011 was $5.18, total compensation cost to be recognized is $25,000. This cost will be recognized over the requisite service period of one year following which the awards will vest 100%.
On July 13, 2011, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 155,719 RSUs to certain members of management. As the stock price on the grant date of July 13, 2011 was $5.29, total compensation cost to be recognized is $823,750. This cost will be recognized over the requisite service period of five years following which the awards will vest 100%.
Also on July 13, 2011, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 66,163 RSUs to certain members of management. As the stock price on the grant date of July 13, 2011 was $5.29, total compensation cost to be recognized is $350,000. This cost will be recognized over the requisite service period of two years following which the awards will vest 100%.
On June 21, 2011, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 17,600 RSUs to directors. As the stock price on the grant date of June 21, 2011 was $5.25, total compensation cost to be recognized is $92,400. This cost will be recognized over the requisite service period of one year following which the awards will vest 100%.
On July 12, 2010, under the terms of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted 191,579 RSUs to certain members of management. As the stock price on the grant date of July 12, 2010 was $4.75, total compensation cost to be recognized is $910,000. This cost will be recognized over the requisite service period of five years following which the awards will vest 100%.
In addition, all recipients earn quarterly dividends on their respective shares. These dividends will not be paid out during the vesting period, but instead will be used to purchase additional shares. Therefore, dividends earned each quarter will compound based upon the updated share balances. Dividends earned are reinvested at the market price of our stock on the dividend payment date. Upon vesting, shares are expected to be issued from treasury.
The Company recognized $0.3 million of compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, there was $2.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested RSUs.
Note 9: Income Taxes
At September 30, 2011, the Company was under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2009 and 2010.
26
Note 10: Outstanding Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Legal Matters
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to legal actions which arise in the normal course of their business activities. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or the results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Credit Commitments and Contingencies
The Company and its subsidiary are parties to credit related financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company and its subsidiary’s exposure to credit loss are represented by the contractual amount of those commitments. The Company and its subsidiary use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. A summary of the contractual amount of the Company’s exposure to off-balance-sheet risk follows:
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
Commitments to extend credit
506,571
498,143
Standby letters of credit
16,502
15,538
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as no condition established in the contract has been violated. These commitments are generally at variable interest rates and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments for equity lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer’s obligation to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including bond financing and similar transactions and primarily have terms of one year or less. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds collateral, which may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income producing properties, supporting those commitments if deemed necessary. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Company would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount shown in the summary above. If the commitment is funded, the Company would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no amounts were recorded as liabilities for the Company’s potential obligations under these guarantees.
As of September 30, 2011, the Company had no futures, forwards, swaps or option contracts, or other financial instruments with similar characteristics with the exception of rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be held for sale.
Note 11: Reportable Segments and Related Information
The Company has three reportable segments, Busey Bank, FirsTech and Busey Wealth Management. Busey Bank provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers through its branch network in downstate Illinois, through its branch in Indianapolis, Indiana, and through its branch network in southwest Florida. FirsTech provides remittance processing for online bill payments, lockbox and walk-in payments. Busey Wealth Management is the parent company of Busey Trust Company, which provides a full range of trust and investment management services, including estate and financial planning, securities brokerage, investment advice, tax preparation, custody services and philanthropic advisory services.
The Company’s three reportable segments are strategic business units that are separately managed as they offer different products and services and have different marketing strategies.
The segment financial information provided below has been derived from the internal accounting system used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company. The accounting policies of the three segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Following is a summary of selected financial information for the Company’s business segments:
Total Assets
September 30,
December 31,
Goodwill & Total Assets:
Busey Bank
3,318,977
3,577,542
FirsTech
8,992
25,476
24,473
Busey Wealth Management
11,694
26,114
26,269
All Other
22,318
(23,281
Interest Income:
32,711
38,398
101,361
118,946
48
69
67
188
(10
(9
(33
Total Interest Income
Interest Expense:
4,783
8,027
16,080
29,061
1,595
2,343
Total Interest Expense
Other Income:
9,270
9,509
27,709
28,517
2,356
2,328
7,189
7,245
3,676
3,246
11,198
10,469
(584
(233
(2,093
(683
Total Other Income
Net Income:
7,068
5,449
22,984
14,221
425
1,253
1,522
749
716
2,417
2,574
(628
(568
(2,527
(2,393
Total Net Income
Note 12: Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to those Company assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value.
There were no transfers between levels during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar securities for which significant assumptions are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect, among other things, counterparty credit quality and the company’s creditworthiness as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates and, therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Securities Available for Sale. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing level 1 and level 2 measurements. For corporate debt, mutual funds and equity securities, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are utilized to determine fair value at the measurement date and have been classified as level 1 in the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. For all other securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The independent pricing service evaluations are based on market data. The independent pricing service utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the independent pricing service evaluated pricing applications apply available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing, to prepare evaluations. In addition, the independent pricing service uses model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to assess interest rate impact and develop prepayment scenarios. The models and processes take into account market convention. For each asset class, a team of evaluators gathers information from market sources and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news into the evaluated pricing applications and models.
The market inputs that the independent pricing service normally seeks for evaluations of securities, listed in approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. The independent pricing service also monitors market indicators, industry and economic events. Information of this nature is a trigger to acquire further market data. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used or some of the market inputs may not be applicable. Evaluators may prioritize inputs differently on any given day for any security based on market conditions, and not all inputs listed are available for use in the evaluation process for each security evaluation on a given day. Because the data utilized was observable, the securities have been classified as level 2 in the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Inputs
Securities available-for-sale:
5,939
789,464
6,002
593,457
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).
Impaired Loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, a loan is considered impaired and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Impaired loans measured at fair value typically consist of loans on non-accrual status and restructured loans in compliance with modified terms. Collateral values are estimated using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of the unobservable inputs, all impaired loan fair values have been classified as level 3 in the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. Non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value include foreclosed assets (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment). Foreclosed assets are measured using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of the unobservable inputs, all foreclosed asset fair values have been classified as level 3 in the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
Impaired loans
8,532
Foreclosed assets
201
12,149
310
FASB ASC Topic 825 requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. A detailed description of the valuation methodologies used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments is set forth in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows:
Carrying
Amount
Financial assets:
Securities
36,977
50,331
Loans, net
2,038,096
2,282,681
Accrued interest receivable
12,159
12,633
Financial liabilities:
2,767,559
2,928,240
20,745
44,934
54,547
Accrued interest payable
1,900
3,408
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition of First Busey Corporation and subsidiaries (referred to herein as “First Busey”, “Company”, “we”, or “our”) at September 30, 2011 (unaudited), as compared with June 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) and June 30, 2011 (unaudited) when applicable. Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with First Busey’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report, as well as our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Operating Results
Our net income increased to $7.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, but only slightly increased from $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2011. The primary drivers of the increase in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the comparable period in 2010 relate to a $4.5 million decline in provision for loan losses and a reduction in regulatory expense of $1.7 million. The lower provision and regulatory expense was partially offset by declines in net interest income and sales of residential mortgage loans, resulting in an overall increase in net income of $1.6 million.
Significant operating performance items were:
· Net interest income declined to $27.7 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $27.8 million in the second quarter of 2011 and $29.6 million in the third quarter of 2010. Net interest income for the first nine months of 2011 was $83.9 million compared to $87.7 million for the same period of 2010. The decline in net interest income for these periods was primarily related to a decline in loan interest and fees, which has been partially offset by reduced funding costs.
· Net interest margin increased to 3.57% for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to 3.54% for the second quarter of 2011, but decreased from 3.64% for the third quarter of 2010. The net interest margin of 3.55% for the first nine months of 2011 was consistent with the same period of 2010.
· Gains on sales of residential mortgage loans increased to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2011, but decreased from $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in the third quarter versus the second quarter of 2011 was primarily due to increased loan volume caused by refinancing as mortgage rates have declined to record lows during the third quarter of 2011.
· Total non-interest expense of $25.7 million for the third quarter of 2011 was consistent with $25.2 million recorded for the second quarter of 2011, but decreased from $27.0 million for the third quarter of 2010. The decrease in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the comparable period in 2010 primarily related to a decline in regulatory expense of $1.7 million as a result of a change in FDIC assessment methodology, partially offset by an increase in salary and wages, data processing and other operating expense.
· The efficiency ratio increased to 57.87% for the third quarter of 2011 from 57.80% for the second quarter of 2011, but improved from 58.21% for the third quarter of 2010. The efficiency ratio for the first nine months of 2011 was 57.16%, a slight improvement from 57.46% for the same period of 2010.
· Total revenue, net of interest expense and security gains, for the third quarter of 2011 was $42.4 million, compared to $41.6 million for the second quarter of 2011 and $44.2 million for the third quarter of 2010. Total revenue for the first nine months of 2011 was $127.9 million as compared to $132.3 million in the same period of 2010.
· FirsTech’s net income of $0.4 million for the third quarter of 2011 remained consistent with the second quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010. FirsTech’s net income for the first nine months of 2011 was $1.3 million as compared to $1.5 million in the same period of 2010.
· Busey Wealth Management’s net income of $0.7 million for the third quarter of 2011 decreased from $1.0 million for the second quarter of 2011, but was consistent with net income of $0.7 million for the third quarter of 2010. Busey Wealth Management’s net income for the first nine months of 2011 was $2.4 million as compared to $2.6 million for the first nine months of 2010.
33
Asset Quality
Our non-performing loans at September 30, 2011 continued to show improvement. We expect continued gradual improvement in our overall asset quality during the remainder of 2011; however, this continues to be dependent upon market specific economic conditions. The key metrics are as follows:
· Non-performing loans decreased to $42.9 million at September 30, 2011 from $53.8 million at June 30, 2011 and $68.1 million at December 31, 2010.
· Illinois non-performing loans decreased to $25.3 million at Sep 30, 2011 from $27.8 million at June 30, 2011 and $38.3 million at December 31, 2010.
· Florida non-performing loans decreased to $13.2 million at September 30, 2011 from $19.5 million at June 30, 2011 and $23.8 million at December 31, 2010.
· Indiana non-performing loans decreased to $4.4 million at September 30, 2011 from $6.5 million at June 30, 2011 and $6.0 million at December 31, 2010.
· Loans 30-89 days past due decreased to $8.2 million at September 30, 2011 from $17.1 million at June 30, 2011 and $23.5 million at December 31, 2010.
· Other non-performing assets increased to $11.6 million at September 30, 2011 from $6.9 million at June 30, 2011 and $9.2 million at December 31, 2010 due to the foreclosure of four large commercial properties during the third quarter.
· The ratio of non-performing assets to total loans plus other real estate owned at September 30, 2011 decreased to 2.58% from 2.79% at June 30, 2011 and 3.25% at December 31, 2010.
· The allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans ratio increased to 148.73% at September 30, 2011 from 128.94% at June 30, 2011 and 111.64% at December 31, 2010.
· The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio decreased to 3.04% at September 30, 2011 compared to 3.20% at June 30, 2011 and 3.21% at December 31, 2010.
· Net charge-offs totaled $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2011 and $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.
· Provision expense of $5.0 million recorded in the third quarter of 2011 was consistent with the amount recorded in the second quarter of 2011 and was lower than the $9.5 million recorded in the third quarter of 2010.
Our priorities remain balance sheet strength, profitability and growth — in that order. We expect to continue to see gradual improvement in non-performing loans and profitability while maintaining high capital ratios. In January 2011 we embarked upon an initiative (which we call B5th) to spur organic growth by providing new tools to our front line associates. We continue to experience modest success in our retail channel from this growth initiative. We are now beginning to invest further in the growth of our business banking segment. The primary investment will be in people, both our current associates and new associates who we are actively recruiting. We are emphasizing our growth through the increased business expectations from our existing associates and the hiring of experienced bankers with proven track records in our markets. While maintaining our priorities of balance sheet strength and profitability, achieving meaningful organic growth is a significant focus for 2012, and we also believe external growth opportunities will play an important role in our future.
Economic Conditions of Markets
The Illinois markets possess strong industrial, academic and healthcare employment bases. Our primary downstate Illinois markets of Champaign, Macon, McLean and Peoria counties are anchored by several strong, familiar and stable organizations. Although our downstate Illinois and Indiana markets experienced a level of economic distress in recent years, they did not experience it to the level of many other areas, including our southwest Florida market. While future economic conditions remain uncertain, our markets have not experienced further significant downside impact over the last few quarters.
34
Champaign County is home to the University of Illinois — Urbana/Champaign (U of I), the University’s primary campus. U of I has in excess of 42,000 students. Additionally, Champaign County healthcare providers serve a significant area of downstate Illinois and western Indiana. Macon County is home to Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest agricultural processors in the world. ADM’s presence in Macon County supports many derivative businesses in the agricultural processing arena. Additionally, Macon County is home to Millikin University, and its healthcare providers serve a significant role in the market. McLean County is home to State Farm, Country Financial, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University. State Farm, a Fortune 100 company, is the largest employer in McLean County, and Country Financial and the universities provide additional stability to a growing area of downstate Illinois. Peoria County is home to Caterpillar, a Fortune 100 company, and Bradley University in addition to a large healthcare presence serving much of the western portion of downstate Illinois. The institutions noted above, coupled with over $1.5 billion in agricultural output, anchor the communities in which they are located, and have provided a comparatively stable foundation for housing, employment and small business.
During 2011, southwest Florida has shown small signs of improvement in areas such as unemployment and home sales. In some areas of our Florida market, unemployment percentages decreased and mean home sales prices began to slowly rise, continuing the gradual improvement from 2010. As southwest Florida’s economy is based primarily in tourism and the secondary/retirement residential market, significant declines in discretionary spending brought on by this economic period since 2008 have caused significant damage to that economy and we expect it will take southwest Florida a number of years to return to the economic strength it demonstrated just a few years ago.
The largest portion of the Company’s customer base is within the State of Illinois, whose financial condition is among the most troubled of any in the United States. In January 2011, the State of Illinois passed a bill increasing income taxes for both individuals and corporations. Additionally, the Company is located in markets with significant university and healthcare presence, which rely heavily on state funding and contracts. In February 2011, the State of Illinois issued debt for the primary purpose of supporting its pension obligations. Currently the State of Illinois is behind on certain payments to its vendors and government sponsored entities. Further and continued payment lapses by the State of Illinois to its vendors and government sponsored entities may have significant, negative effects on our primary market areas.
EARNINGS PERFORMANCE
NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income is the difference between interest income and fees earned on earning assets and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate levels and volume fluctuations within earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impact net interest income. Net interest margin is tax-equivalent net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets.
Certain assets with tax favorable treatment are evaluated on a tax-equivalent basis. Tax-equivalent basis assumes a federal income tax rate of 35%. Tax favorable assets generally have lower contractual pre-tax yields than fully taxable assets. A tax-equivalent analysis is performed by adding the tax savings to the earnings on tax favorable assets. After factoring in the tax favorable effects of these assets, the yields may be more appropriately evaluated against alternative earning assets. In addition to yield, various other risks are factored into the evaluation process.
The following table shows the consolidated average balance sheets, detailing the major categories of assets and liabilities, the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, the interest expense paid for the interest-bearing liabilities, and the related interest rates for the periods, or as of the dates, shown. All average information is provided on a daily average basis.
35
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AND 2010
Change in income/
expense due to (1)
Income/
Yield/
Expense
Rate (3)
Volume
Yield/Rate
Change
Interest-bearing bank deposits
244,712
165
0.27
148,396
120
45
Investment securities
U.S. Government obligations
398,857
2,338
2.33
360,779
2,318
2.55
233
(213
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (1)
118,409
1,103
3.70
82,310
1,155
5.57
410
(462
(52
Other securities
248,217
1,348
2.15
108,939
952
3.47
862
(466
396
Loans(1) (2)
2,128,079
28,334
5.28
2,580,563
34,420
5.29
(6,025
(61
(6,086
Total interest-earning assets
3,138,274
33,288
3,280,987
38,965
4.71
(4,452
(1,225
(5,677
77,071
80,991
70,870
75,102
Allowance for loan losses
(69,360
(92,743
204,023
253,900
3,420,878
3,598,237
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
41,424
0.21
40,918
0.33
(12
Savings deposits
187,602
78
0.16
178,715
101
0.22
(28
Money market deposits
1,228,590
964
1,187,638
1,289
0.43
(368
(325
Time deposits
845,975
3,393
1.59
1,122,228
5,910
2.09
(1,279
(1,238
(2,517
Short-term borrowings:
Repurchase agreements
127,413
135,787
0.38
(7
(35
(42
4.07
(16
(32
4.60
54,000
4.62
(396
(3
(399
2.17
5.04
(398
Total interest-bearing liabilities
2,505,838
0.80
2,778,286
1.26
(1,650
(2,098
(3,748
Net interest spread
3.41
3.45
Noninterest-bearing deposits
465,664
453,091
27,200
31,944
Stockholders’ equity
422,176
334,916
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest income / earning assets (1)
Interest expense / earning assets
0.64
1.07
Net interest margin (1)
28,204
3.57
30,133
3.64
(2,802
873
(1,929
(1) On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 35% for 2011 and 2010.
(2) Non-accrual loans have been included in average loans.
(3) Annualized.
36
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AND 2010
303,629
579
0.25
143,733
260
304
319
384,020
6,955
2.42
357,217
7,499
2.81
535
(1,079
(544
97,101
3,229
4.45
81,079
3,457
5.70
612
(840
(228
221,779
4,033
2.43
117,971
3,232
3.66
2,152
(1,351
801
2,207,011
88,192
5.34
2,661,535
106,186
5.33
(18,162
168
(17,994
3,213,540
102,988
4.29
3,361,535
120,634
4.80
(14,559
(3,087
(17,646
76,576
80,064
71,982
76,106
(73,654
(96,983
211,677
262,031
3,500,121
3,682,753
40,712
40,399
98
(30
(29
189,516
240
0.17
175,660
(89
(66
1,231,888
2,963
1,140,904
4,560
0.53
339
(1,936
(1,597
896,749
11,264
1.68
1,252,962
21,580
2.30
(5,285
(5,031
(10,316
134,228
0.44
(13
(142
1,363
4.32
(8
(15
32,122
67,697
4.57
(1,321
220
(1,101
3.89
5.01
(463
2,576,049
0.92
2,868,213
1.46
(6,264
(7,465
(13,729
3.37
3.34
470,965
449,261
30,180
33,587
422,927
331,692
0.74
1.25
85,313
3.55
89,230
(8,295
4,378
(3,917
37
Average earning assets decreased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods of 2010. The decline in the average balance of earning assets was due primarily to the decrease in loans as we continue to work on strengthening our balance sheet by actively removing under and non-performing loans from our loan portfolio and reducing our exposure to construction and development loans and commercial real estate. Soft loan demand and strong competition contributed to our lack of loan growth. Cash and securities increased, which offset the decline in average loans; however, at a much lower yield. Interest-bearing liabilities decreased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods of 2010 due to a focus on reducing our non-core funding, which we were able to do in light of a decrease in our average loans and a continued increase in our average noninterest-bearing deposits.
Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same periods of 2010. The interest income decline primarily related to the decrease in loan volume. Interest expense decreased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods of 2010. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to the declining deposit and debt interest rate environment and our reductions in all non-core funding sources.
Net interest margin
Net interest margin, our net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets stated on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased to 3.57% for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 from 3.64% for the same period in 2010 and remained steady at 3.55% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The net interest spread, also on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.41% for the three month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to 3.45% for the same period in 2010 and was 3.37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to 3.34% for the same period in 2010.
Quarterly net interest margins for 2010-2011 were as follows:
First Quarter
3.52
Second Quarter
3.54
3.49
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
3.68
The net interest margin has held relatively steady during 2011, but has declined from levels of the last two quarters in 2010 due to the growth in earning assets in low-yielding cash and cash equivalents, which was primarily a result of a decrease in loans. We continue to experience downward pressure on our yield in interest earning assets. We have limited ability to improve margin through funding rate decreases and we believe improvements in margin will be achieved in the short term through investment of our liquid funds at higher yields.
Management attempts to mitigate the effects of an unpredictable interest-rate environment through effective portfolio management, prudent loan underwriting and operational efficiencies. Please refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for accounting policies underlying the recognition of interest income and expense.
38
OTHER INCOME
% Change
11.1
9.4
24.4
8.1
3.2
14.9
14.4
2.8
4.1
(27.5
)%
(25.4
NM
56.9
(13.7
(0.9
(3.4
Combined wealth management revenue, trust and commissions and brokers’ fees, net, increased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to same periods in 2010. The increase was led by modest organic growth, which increased assets under management and activity, and improved security market valuations. Assets under management averaged $3.8 billion for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to $3.4 billion for the first nine months of 2010.
Remittance processing revenue relates to our payment processing company, FirsTech. FirsTech’s revenue was up slightly for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period of 2010 due to an increased volume of online bill pay. FirsTech’s revenue was steady for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
Overall, service charges increased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010. We instituted account changes in the fourth quarter of 2010 that have positively influenced our service fees. However, new regulation regarding certain charges on deposit accounts has partially offset these increases and may continue to negatively impact the revenue derived from charges on deposit accounts going forward, as many regulations approved by Congress have yet to be written and implemented. Certainly, as new regulations are adopted, our cost to comply will increase.
Gain on sales of loans decreased for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010. This is a result of the decline in loan refinancing during the first three quarters of 2011; however, mortgage rates declined to record lows during the third quarter of 2011 and our residential mortgage pipeline at September 30, 2011 is the largest it has been during 2011.
Other income increased for the three month period ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 primarily because of an increase in loan servicing income as our serviced portfolio grew. Other income decreased for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010. Income related to our bank owned life insurance decreased $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period of 2010. Additionally, in 2011, we had a fixed asset disposal loss of $0.2 million compared to minimal amounts of such expense for the same period of 2010. These reductions to other income were partially offset by an increase in loan servicing income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $0.3 million as compared to the same period of 2010.
39
OTHER EXPENSE
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
Compensation expense:
5.2
1.3
0.3
1.2
Total compensation expense
13,584
13,024
4.3
38,437
37,940
(6.9
(2.7
Furniture and equipment expenses
(13.3
(14.0
6.8
9.7
(13.4
(13.5
(76.9
(31.1
(70.5
(68.2
8.9
(3.6
Total other expense
(4.9
(4.2
116.1
112.8
Effective rate on income taxes
35.4
24.2
33.6
26.5
Efficiency ratio
57.87
58.21
57.16
57.46
Total compensation expense increased slightly for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010. Full-time equivalent employees increased to 883 at September 30, 2011 from 857 one year earlier. We are beginning to invest further in the growth of our business banking segment and one way is through investment in additional bankers. We expect a continued increase in full-time equivalent employees and compensation expense.
Combined occupancy expenses and furniture and equipment expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as we continue to manage expenses and have minimal investment in capital expenditures. Data processing expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010 as we continue to invest in additional systems and hardware to better serve our customers.
Amortization expense decreased as we are now in the fourth year of amortization arising from the merger with Main Street. The amortization is on an accelerated basis; thus, exclusive of any further acquisitions in the future, we expect amortization expense to continue to gradually decline.
Regulatory expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010 as a result of a change in FDIC assessment methodology which became effective April 1, 2011. We anticipate that our regulatory expenses will generally remain at lower levels for the near future; however, not as low as the third quarter of 2011 because that period includes a reduction of $0.4 million as we adjusted our prepaid to reflect the assessment change.
Our costs associated with OREO, such as collateral preservation and legal fees, decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010 due to the decline in the number of commercial properties held. Under-performing commercial properties require a greater expense to carry and operate than residential properties. During the third quarter of 2011, we foreclosed on four large commercial properties so we may experience increased OREO costs in the future while holding these properties.
40
The effective rate on income taxes, or income taxes divided by income before taxes, was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of approximately 41% due to fairly stable amounts of tax preferred interest income, such as municipal bond interest and bank owned life insurance income, accounting for a greater portion of our taxable income. As taxable income increases, we expect our effective tax rate to increase. During 2010, tax preferred items represented a greater portion of our income than in the comparable period in 2011; thus, the effective tax rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 of 24.2% was lower than the rate of 35.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Additionally, in January 2011, the State of Illinois passed an income tax increase for both individuals and corporations, which increased our state tax expense for 2011 and will likely continue to do so in future years.
The efficiency ratio represents total other expense, less amortization charges, as a percentage of tax equivalent net interest income plus other income, less security gains and losses. The efficiency ratio for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011 decreased from the comparable periods in 2010. The primary reason for the decrease related to the reduction in expenses, as noted above. We believe that further improvements, resulting in a lower efficiency ratio, will be driven by improvement in our net interest margin and non-interest income as opposed to further reductions in costs. As we continue to add full time equivalent employees in the coming quarters, this may have a negative effect on the efficiency ratio until marginal income growth exceeds the marginal cost of our investment.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
SIGNIFICANT BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
32.7
2,035,399
2,292,739
(11.2
(5.9
1.5
(6.8
(5.5
(6.5
(54.0
(6.3
(3.1
First Busey’s balance sheet at September 30, 2011 has decreased as compared with its balance sheet at December 31, 2010.
Net loans, including loans held for sale, declined by $257.3 million, of which net charge-offs of loan balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $27.1 million. The economy continues to be a headwind for loan growth and competition for new business banking opportunities is strong. We continue to remove under and non-performing loans from our loan portfolio and reduce our non-relationship commercial real estate exposure. We expect to see gradual improvement in loan volume in the following quarters.
Liabilities decreased $199.1 million during the first nine months of 2011, which was primarily due to the decline in our asset base. Interest-bearing deposits declined by $167.0 million, securities sold under agreements to repurchase declined by $9.1 million and long-term debt declined by $23.3 million. The deposit decline was primarily in CD’s. As our loan balances declined, we continued to allow high cost funding to mature without replacement. We have been able to grow our core deposit base during this period as evidenced by our growth in non-interest bearing deposits.
Stockholders’ equity decreased at September 30, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily the result of funds used in conjunction with the Company’s exit from TARP. On August 25, 2011 the Company redeemed the outstanding shares of its Series T Preferred Stock, issued to the U.S. Department of Treasury pursuant to TARP, for approximately $100.1 million. This redemption, partially offset by a $72.6 million investment in the Company’s preferred stock by the Treasury under the SBLF, resulted in a $27.3 million decrease in stockholders’ equity. This decrease was also partially offset by an increase in our unrealized gains within our investment portfolio and year-to-date earnings, which were in turn partially offset by dividends.
ASSET QUALITY
Loan Portfolio
42
As noted previously, the blend of strong agricultural, manufacturing, academia and healthcare industries prevalent in our downstate Illinois markets anchored the area during the economic challenges over the past few years. Although our downstate Illinois and Indiana markets experienced a level of economic distress, they have not experienced it to the level of many other areas, including our southwest Florida market. As southwest Florida’s economy is based primarily in tourism and the secondary/retirement residential market, significant declines in discretionary spending brought on by this economic period since 2008 have caused significant damage to that economy. The challenging economic environment over the prior three years did not present many opportunities for loan growth. Many creditworthy borrowers either maintained or decreased their leverage due to the uncertainty of the economy; thus, new loan origination opportunities were not significant. In 2011, we started implementing changes we believe will facilitate growth while continuing to focus on reducing problem loans. Achieving meaningful organic growth is a significant focus for 2012.
Our allowance for loan losses was $63.9 million or 3.04% of loans, not including loans held for sale, at September 30, 2011 compared to $76.0 million or 3.21% of loans at December 31, 2010.
We continue to see a decline in our net charge-offs. As a portion of our allowance is based upon weighted historical charge-offs, the lesser amount of charge-offs in the first, second and third quarters of 2011 and all of 2010 replaced 2009 and 2008, years with significantly higher charge-offs in the historical data, causing the weighted historical average charge-off rate to decline. The decreased levels of charge-offs and delinquency trends, along with declining loan balances, have led to a decrease in the allowance requirement. The market mix changed significantly in 2010, from primarily an Indiana and Florida base to an Illinois base. As historical charge-off percentages in Illinois are significantly less than that of Indiana and Florida, this also contributed to the decrease in the required allowance based on weighted historical charge-offs for our loan portfolio, including our adversely graded portfolio. The loss expectations for Indiana and Illinois were less than southwest Florida as real estate values have not experienced the same level of decline.
With few insignificant exceptions, our loan portfolio is collateralized primarily by real estate. Typically, when we move loans into nonaccrual status, the loans are collateral dependent and charged down to the fair value of our interest in the underlying collateral.
We continue to attempt to identify problem loan situations on a proactive basis. Once problem loans are identified, adjustments to the provision are made based upon all information available at that time. The provision reflects managements’ analysis of allowance for loan losses necessary to cover probable losses in our loan portfolios.
Management believes the level of the allowance and coverage of non-performing loans at September 30, 2011 to be appropriate based upon the information available. However, additional losses may be identified in our loan portfolio as new information is obtained. We may need to provide for additional loan losses in the future as management continues to identify potential problem loans and obtains further information concerning existing problem loans.
First Busey does not originate or hold any Alt-A or subprime loans or investments.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is a current charge against income and represents an amount which management believes is sufficient to maintain an adequate allowance for known and probable losses. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management considers the size and quality of the loan portfolio measured against prevailing economic conditions, regulatory guidelines, historical loan loss experience and credit quality of the portfolio. When a determination is made by management to charge-off a loan balance, such write-off is charged against the allowance for loan losses.
Our provision for loan losses was $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $9.5 million in the same period of 2010 and $15.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $31.7 million in the same period of 2010. The decrease in provision expense during 2011 was reflective of management’s assessment of the risk in the loan portfolio as compared to the allowance for loan losses.
Sensitive assets include non-accrual loans, loans on our classified loan reports and other loans identified as having more than reasonable potential for loss. Management reviews sensitive assets on at least a quarterly basis for changes in the customers’ ability to pay and changes in valuation of underlying collateral in order to estimate probable losses. The majority of these loans are being repaid in conformance with their contracts.
Non-performing Loans
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
The following table sets forth information concerning non-performing loans for each of the periods indicated:
June 30, 2011
March 31, 2011
Non-accrual loans
52,456
56,829
Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing
1,314
4,078
Total non-performing loans
42,973
53,770
60,907
68,104
Repossessed assets
6,855
7,193
Total non-performing assets
54,550
60,625
68,100
77,264
74,849
Allowance for loan losses to loans
3.0
3.4
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
148.7
128.9
122.9
111.6
Non-performing loans to loans, before allowance for loan losses
2.1
2.5
2.7
2.9
Non-performing loans and repossessed assets to loans, before allowance for loan losses
2.6
3.3
Since the first quarter of 2010, we have demonstrated improvement in non-performing assets each quarter. We expect to continue to see gradual improvements in non-performing assets as we remove under and non-performing loans from our loan portfolio and realize the benefits of improving overall economic conditions. Total non-performing assets were $54.5 million at September 30, 2011, compared to $77.3 million at December 31, 2010.
Non-accrual loans are reported net of partial charge-offs, but gross of related specific allowance allocations. Partial charge-offs reduce the reported principal of the balance of the loan, whereas, a specific allocation of allowance for loan losses does not reduce the reported principal balance of the loan. We have charged-off $28.0 million of principal related to loans that were on non-accrual status at September 30, 2011. In summary, if we had not charged-off the $28.0 million, our non-accrual loans would have been that amount greater than the $42.0 million reported.
Potential Problem Loans
Potential problem loans are those loans which are not categorized as impaired, restructured, non-accrual or 90-days past due, but where current information indicates that the borrower may not be able to comply with present loan repayment terms. Management assesses the potential for loss on such loans as it would with other problem loans and has considered the effect of any potential loss in determining its provision for probable loan losses. Potential problem loans decreased slightly to $101.9 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $107.5 million at December 31, 2010. The balance of potential problem loans is a reflection of continued economic challenges, however we do not feel the potential losses will be as great as seen in the past. Management continues to monitor these credits and anticipates that restructure, guarantee, additional collateral or other planned action will result in full repayment of the debts. Management has identified no other loans that represent or result from trends or uncertainties which management reasonably expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity or capital resources. As of September 30, 2011, management was not aware of any information about any other credits which cause management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrower(s) to comply with the loan repayment terms.
LIQUIDITY
Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available to meet the present and future cash flow obligations arising in the daily operations of the business. These financial obligations consist of needs for funds to meet commitments to borrowers for extensions of credit, funding capital expenditures, withdrawals by customers, maintaining deposit reserve requirements, servicing debt, paying dividends to stockholders and paying operating expenses.
Our most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank deposits, and federal funds sold. The balances of these assets are dependent on the Company’s operating, investing, lending and financing activities during any given period.
First Busey’s primary sources of funds consist of deposits, investment maturities and sales, loan principal repayments, and capital funds. Additional liquidity is provided by bank lines of credit, repurchase agreements, the ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, and brokered deposits. We have an operating line of credit in the amount of $20.0 million from our primary correspondent bank, all of which was available as of September 30, 2011. Management intends to satisfy long-term liquidity needs primarily through retention of capital funds.
Based upon the level of investment securities that reprice within 30 days and 90 days, as of September 30, 2011, management believed that adequate liquidity existed to meet all projected cash flow obligations. We seek to achieve a satisfactory degree of liquidity through actively managing both assets and liabilities. Asset management guides the proportion of liquid assets to total assets, while liability management monitors future funding requirements and prices liabilities accordingly.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
First Busey and Busey Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, First Busey and Busey Bank meet specific capital guidelines that involve the quantitative measure of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require First Busey and Busey Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements may cause regulatory bodies to initiate certain discretionary and/or mandatory actions that, if undertaken, may have a direct material effect on our financial statements. We believe, as of September 30, 2011, that First Busey and Busey Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject, including the guidelines to be considered “well capitalized”.
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
Ratio
As of September 30, 2011:
Total Capital (to Risk-weighted Assets)
Consolidated
412,139
18.44
178,788
N/A
375,073
16.90
177,509
221,887
10.00
Tier I Capital (to Risk-weighted Assets)
383,205
17.15
89,394
346,336
15.61
88,755
133,132
6.00
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
11.49
133,361
10.49
132,074
165,093
5.00
46
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements made in this report, other than those concerning historical financial information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of First Busey. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of First Busey’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local and national economy; (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks; (iii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning First Busey’s general business (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the extensive regulations to be promulgated thereunder); (iv) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of First Busey’s assets; (v) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (vi) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vii) the loss of key executives or employees; (viii) changes in consumer spending; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions; (x) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving First Busey; and (xi) changes in accounting policies and practices. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning First Busey and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in First Busey’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical accounting estimates are those that are critical to the portrayal and understanding of First Busey’s financial condition and results of operations and require management to make assumptions that are difficult, subjective or complex. These estimates involve judgments, estimates and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending on the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood.
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The majority of these accounting policies do not require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates or the variability of the estimates is not material. However, the following policies could be deemed critical:
Fair Value of Investment Securities. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity when First Busey has the ability and management has the positive intent to hold those securities to maturity. Accordingly, they are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. First Busey had no securities classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2011. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when First Busey may decide to sell those securities due to changes in market interest rates, liquidity needs, changes in yields on alternative investments, and for other reasons. They are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported in other comprehensive income. All of First Busey’s securities are classified as available-for-sale. For equity securities, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are utilized to determine fair value at the measurement date. For all other securities, we obtain fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security terms and conditions, among other things. Due to the limited nature of the market for certain securities, the fair value and potential sale proceeds could be materially different in the event of a sale.
47
Realized securities gains or losses are reported in securities gains (losses), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their amortized cost are evaluated to determine whether the loss is temporary or other-than-temporary. If the Company (a) has the intent to sell a debt security or (b) will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, then the Company recognizes the entire unrealized loss in earnings as an other-than-temporary loss. If neither of these conditions are met, the Company evaluates whether a credit loss exists. The impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss and (b) the amount of total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings and the amount related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company also evaluates whether the decline in fair value of an equity security is temporary or other-than-temporary. In determining whether an unrealized loss on an equity security is temporary or other-than-temporary, management considers various factors including the magnitude and duration of the impairment, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to hold the equity security to forecasted recovery.
Allowance for Loan Losses. First Busey has established an allowance for loan losses which represents its estimate of the probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management has established an allowance for loan losses which reduces the total loans outstanding by an estimate of uncollectible loans. Loans deemed uncollectible are charged against and reduce the allowance. A provision for loan losses is charged to current expense. This provision acts to replenish the allowance for loan losses and to maintain the allowance at a level that management deems adequate.
To determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, a formal analysis is completed quarterly to assess the risk within the loan portfolio. This assessment is reviewed by senior management of the bank and holding company. The analysis includes review of historical performance, dollar amount and trends of past due loans, dollar amount and trends in non-performing loans, review of certain impaired loans, and review of loans identified as sensitive assets. Sensitive assets include non-accrual loans, past-due loans, loans on First Busey’s watch loan reports and other loans identified as having probable potential for loss.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component considers loans that are classified as impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying amount of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and classified loans not considered impaired, and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. Other adjustments may be made to the allowance for pools of loans after an assessment of internal or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss experience.
A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable First Busey will not be able to collect all principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan becomes impaired, management generally calculates the impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. If the loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral is used to measure the amount of impairment. The amount of impairment and any subsequent changes are recorded through a charge to earnings as an adjustment to the allowance for loan losses. When management considers a loan, or a portion thereof, as uncollectible, such amount deemed uncollectable is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Because a significant majority of First Busey’s loans are collateral dependent, First Busey has determined the required allowance on these loans based upon the estimated fair value, net of selling costs, of the respective collateral. The required allowance or actual losses on these impaired loans could differ significantly if the ultimate fair value of the collateral is significantly different from the fair value estimates used by First Busey in estimating such potential losses.
Deferred Taxes. We have maintained significant net deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences, the largest of which relates to the net operating loss carryforward and the allowance for loan losses. For income tax return purposes, only net charge-offs are deductible, not the provision for loan losses. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more-likely-than-not” that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the recoverability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of the current and future economic and business conditions. We consider both positive and negative evidence regarding the ultimate recoverability of our deferred tax assets. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years, available tax planning strategies and the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, including the current and prior year, while negative evidence includes a cumulative loss in 2009 and 2008 and general business and economic trends. We evaluated the recoverability of our net deferred tax asset and established a valuation allowance for certain state net operating loss and credit carryforwards that are not expected to be fully realized. Management believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the other deferred tax assets included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition will be fully realized. We have determined that no valuation allowance is required for any other deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2011, although there is no guarantee that those assets will be recognizable in future periods.
We must assess the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be realized through the reduction of taxes in future periods and establish a valuation allowance for those assets for which recovery is not more-likely-than-not. In making this assessment, we must make judgments and estimates regarding the ability to realize the asset through the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, and the possible application of future tax planning strategies. The Company’s evaluation gave consideration to the fact that all net operating loss carrybacks have been utilized. Therefore, utilization of net operating loss carryforwards are dependent on implementation of tax strategies and continued profitability.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of change in asset values due to movements in underlying market rates and prices. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and capital arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk affecting First Busey as other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, do not arise in the normal course of our business activities.
First Busey’s subsidiary bank, Busey Bank, has an asset-liability committee which meets at least quarterly to review current market conditions and attempts to structure the Bank’s balance sheet to ensure stable net interest income despite potential changes in interest rates with all other variables constant.
The asset-liability committee uses gap analysis to identify mismatches in the dollar value of assets and liabilities subject to repricing within specific time periods. The Funds Management Policy established by the asset-liability committee and approved by First Busey’s Board of Directors establishes guidelines for maintaining the ratio of cumulative rate-sensitive assets to rate-sensitive liabilities within prescribed ranges at certain intervals.
Interest-rate sensitivity is a measure of the volatility of the net interest margin as a consequence of changes in market rates. The rate-sensitivity chart shows the interval of time in which given volumes of rate-sensitive earning assets and rate-sensitive interest-bearing liabilities would be responsive to changes in market interest rates based on their contractual maturities or terms for repricing. It is, however, only a static, single-day depiction of our rate sensitivity structure, which can be adjusted in response to changes in forecasted interest rates.
49
The following table sets forth the static rate-sensitivity analysis of First Busey as of September 30, 2011:
Rate Sensitive Within
1-30
31-90
91-180
181 Days -
Over
Days
1 Year
Interest-bearing deposits
207,978
U.S. Governments
20,231
25,000
46,000
309,751
400,982
2,230
9,466
3,005
7,781
107,133
7,775
17,084
33,210
195,160
264,806
Loans
524,382
147,418
165,707
307,627
954,180
Total rate-sensitive assets
742,365
188,692
210,796
394,618
1,566,224
3,102,695
126,193
184,196
1,150,661
71,538
95,226
176,434
217,957
266,481
827,636
125,283
214
2,000
2,408
834
12,000
7,000
Total rate-sensitive liabilities
1,658,705
150,440
178,434
232,365
273,481
2,493,425
Rate-sensitive assets less rate-sensitive liabilities
(916,340
38,252
32,362
162,253
1,292,743
609,270
Cumulative gap
(878,088
(845,726
(683,473
Cumulative amounts as a percentage of total rate-sensitive assets
(29.53
(28.30
(27.26
(22.03
19.64
Cumulative ratio
0.45
0.51
0.57
0.69
1.24
The foregoing table shows a cumulative negative (liability-sensitive) rate-sensitivity gap of $683.5 million through one year as there were more liabilities subject to repricing during those time periods than there were assets subject to repricing within those same time periods. The volume of assets subject to repricing exceeds the volume of liabilities subject to repricing beyond one year. The composition of the gap structure at September 30, 2011, indicates First Busey would benefit more if interest rates decrease during the next year by allowing the net interest margin to grow as the volume of interest-bearing liabilities subject to repricing would be greater than the volume of interest-earning assets subject to repricing during the same period. However, as the following analysis demonstrates, many of our liabilities are at or near applicable interest rates floors and further declines in interest rates would not allow for the liabilities to absorb the rate decreases in excess of the decline in asset rates. Even though the gap analysis shows we are liability sensitive through one year, we are actually asset sensitive due to the current interest rate environment.
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First Busey’s asset/liability committee does not rely solely on gap analysis to manage interest-rate risk as interest rate changes do not impact all categories of assets and liabilities equally or simultaneously. The committee supplements gap analysis with balance sheet and income simulation analysis to determine the potential impact on net interest income of changes in market interest rates. In these simulation models, the balance sheet is projected over a one-year period and net interest income is calculated under current market rates, and then assuming permanent instantaneous shifts of +/-100 basis points and +/-200 basis points. Management measures such changes assuming immediate and sustained shifts in the Federal funds rate and other market rate indices and the corresponding shifts in other non-market rate indices based on their historical changes relative to changes in the Federal funds rate. The model assumes assets and liabilities remain constant at September 30, 2011, balances. The model uses repricing frequency on all variable-rate assets and liabilities. The model also uses industry based decay rates on all fixed-rate core deposit balances. Prepayment speeds on loans have been adjusted to incorporate expected prepayment speeds in both a declining and rising rate environment. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, due to the interest rate market, a downward adjustment in interest rates of 100 or 200 basis points is not possible. Utilizing this measurement concept, the interest-rate risk of First Busey, expressed as a change in net interest income as a percentage of the net income calculated in the constant base model, due to an immediate and sustained change in interest rates was as follows:
Basis Point Changes
- 200
- 100
+ 100
+ 200
NA
(3.50
(7.83
(1.70
(3.92
First Busey’s Asset, Liability and Liquidity Management Policy defines a targeted range of +/- 10% change in net interest margin in a one-year time frame for interest rate shocks of +/- 100 basis points and +/- 15% change in net interest margin in a one-year time frame for interest rate shocks of +/- 200 basis points. As indicated in the table above, First Busey is within this targeted range on a consolidated basis.
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ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) was carried out as of September 30, 2011, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management. Our management concluded that, as of September 30, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, First Busey did not make any changes in its internal control over financial reporting or other factors that could materially affect, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: Legal Proceedings
None
ITEM 1A: Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Treasury 72,664 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Amount”), for aggregate proceeds of $72,664,000. The Series C Preferred Stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Repurchases
There were no purchases made by or on behalf of First Busey of shares of its common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
On January 22, 2008, First Busey announced that its board of directors had authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. First Busey’s repurchase plan has no expiration date and is active until all the shares are repurchased or action by the board of directors. As of September 30, 2011, under the Company’s stock repurchase plan, 895,655 shares remained authorized for repurchase.
ITEM 3: Defaults upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable
ITEM 4: [Removed and Reserved]
ITEM 5: Other Information
(a) None
(b) Not Applicable
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ITEM 6: Exhibits
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Busey Corporation, together with: (i) the Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated July 31, 2007; (ii) the Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated December 3, 2009; (iii) the Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May 21, 2010; and (iv) the Certificate of Designation for Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, dated August 23, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to First Busey’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on September 30, 2011 (Commission File No. 333-177104), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 25, 2011, between the Company and the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Series C Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to First Busey’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 25, 2011 (Commission File No. 0-15950), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2
Repurchase Document, dated August 25, 2011, between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury, with respect to the repurchase of the Series T Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to First Busey’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 25, 2011 (Commission File No. 0-15950), and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
32.2
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, from the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
101*
Interactive Data File
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010; and (v) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as block of text.
*As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
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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.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ VAN A. DUKEMAN
Van A. Dukeman President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer)
/s/ DAVID B. WHITE
David B. White Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial and accounting officer)
Date: November 4, 2011
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