Item 1. Business
General
Severn Bancorp, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company that was incorporated in Maryland in August 1990. It conducts business through three subsidiaries: Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”), its principal subsidiary; Louis Hyatt, Inc., (“Hyatt Real Estate”), a real estate brokerage and property management company, which it acquired in June 2001; and SBI Mortgage Company (“SBI”), which engages in the origination of mortgages not suitable to the Bank, such as mortgages to borrowers with credit backgrounds that the Bank does not find suitable, and continues to hold some of those mortgages. SBI owns investment real estate through subsidiary limited liability companies, and plans to continue the acquisition and holding of investment real estate.
The Bank’s primary lending market is Anne Arundel County, Maryland, where it also offers savings products through its two branches. To a lesser extent, it also lends to borrowers located in other parts of Maryland and in Delaware and Northern Virginia.
As of December 31, 2003, Bancorp had total assets of $540,471,233 total deposits of $419,726,185, and stockholders’ equity of $48,970,153, for the year ended December 31, 2003 net income was $11,329,138, of which $11,306,608 was net income of the Bank.
Bancorp’s internet address is www.severnbank.com. We make available free of charge on www.severnbank.com our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
In addition, we will provide, at no cost, paper or electronic copies of our reports and other filings made with the SEC. Requests should be directed to:
S. Scott Kirkley
Senior Vice President
Severn Bancorp, Inc.
1919A West Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
The information on the website listed above, is not and should not be considered part of this annual report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by reference in this document. This website is and is only intended to be an inactive textual reference.
Business of the Bank
Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”) was organized in 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland as Pompei Permanent Building and Loan Association. It relocated to Annapolis, Maryland in 1980 and its name was changed to Severn Savings Association. Subsequently, the Bank obtained a federal charter and changed its name to Severn Savings Bank, FSB. The Bank operates two full-service branch offices, one administrative office and one accounting and servicing office. The Bank operates as a federally charted savings bank whose principal business is attracting deposits from the general public and investing those funds in mortgage loans. The Bank also uses advances, or loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, to fund its mortgage activities. The Bank’s revenues are derived principally from interest earned on mortgage loans, fees charged in connection with the loans and banking services, and gains realized from the sale of mortgage loans. The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, principal amortization and prepayment of its loans. The principal executive offices of the Bank are maintained at 1919 A West Street, Annapolis Maryland, 21401. Its telephone number is 410-268-4554 and its e-mail address is mailman@severnbank.com.
In addition to its deposit and lending activities, the Bank offers title insurance and real estate settlement services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Homeowner’s Title and Escrow Corporation (“Homeowner’s”).
The Bank also owns all of the common stock of Severn Preferred Capital Corporation (“Severn Capital”), which was formed in 1997. Severn Capital is a real estate investment trust that issued and has outstanding 200,002 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. This preferred stock has an aggregate outstanding balance of $4,000,040, which qualifies as regulatory capital of the Bank. The Series A Preferred Stock pays a 9% annual non-cumulative dividend and is callable at par, by the Bank, at any time.
The Thrift Industry
Thrift institutions are financial intermediaries which historically have accepted savings deposits from the general public and, to a lesser extent, borrowed funds from outside sources and invested those deposits and funds primarily in loans secured by first mortgage liens on residential and other types of real estate. Such institutions may also invest their funds in various types of short- and long-term securities. The deposits of thrift institutions are insured by the SAIF as administered by the FDIC, and these institutions are subject to extensive regulations. These regula­tions govern, among other things, the lending and other investment powers of thrift institutions, including the terms of mortgage instruments these institutions are permitted to utilize, the types of deposits they are permitted to accept, and reserve require­ments.
The operations of thrift institutions, including those of the Bank, are significantly affected by general economic conditions and by related monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and regulations and policies of financial institution regulatory authorities, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the OTS. Lending activities are influenced by a number of factors including the demand for housing, conditions in the construction industry, and availability of funds. Sources of funds for lending activities include savings deposits, loan principal payments, proceeds from sales of loans, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other sources. Savings flows at thrift institutions such as the Bank are influenced by a number of factors including interest rates on competing investments and levels of personal income.
Earnings
The Bank’s earnings depend primarily on the difference between income from interest-earning assets such as loans and investments, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. The Bank typically engages in long-term mortgage lending at fixed rates of interest, generally for periods of up to 30 years, while accepting deposits for consider­ably shorter periods. However, many of the Bank’s long term fixed rate loans are sold in the secondary market, resulting in gains on the sale of such loans by the Bank.
Generally, rapidly rising interest rates cause the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to increase more rapidly than yields on interest-earning assets, thereby adversely affecting the earnings of many thrift institutions. While the industry has received expanded lending and borrowing powers in recent years permitting different types of investments and mortgage loans, including those with floating or adjustable rates and those with shorter terms, earnings and operations are still highly influenced by levels of interest rates and financial market conditions and by substantial investments in long-term mortgage loans.
Competition
The Annapolis area has a high density of financial institutions, many of which are significantly larger and have greater financial resources than the Bank, and all of which are competitors of the Bank to varying degrees. The Bank’s competition for loans comes primarily from savings and loan associations, savings banks, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, and commercial banks. Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, and credit unions. The Bank faces additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds and other corporate and government securities funds. The Bank also faces increased competition from other financial institutions such as brokerage firms and insurance companies for deposits. The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution serving its market area with a wide selection of mortgage loans. Management considers the Bank’s reputation for financial strength and customer service as its major competitive advantage in attracting and retaining customers in its market area. The Bank also believes it benefits from its community orientation.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income increases during periods when the spread is widened between the Bank’s weighted average rate at which new loans are originated and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Bank’s ability to originate loans is affected by market factors such as interest rates, competition, consumer preferences, the supply of and demand for housing, and the availability of funds.
The Bank has supplemented its interest income through purchases of investments when appropriate. This activity generates positive interest rate spreads on large principal balances with minimal administrative expense.
Interest Rate and Volume of Interest-Related Assets and Liabilities
Both changes in rate and changes in the composition of the Bank’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities can have a significant effect on net interest income.
For information regarding the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets, the average yields, the amount of interest expense from interest-bearing liabilities and the average rate, net interest income, interest rate spread, and the net yield on interest-earning assets, refer to page 35 of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained herein.
For information regarding the combined weighted average effective interest rate earned by the Bank on its loan portfolios and investments, the combined weighted average effective cost of the Bank’s deposits and borrowings, the interest rate spread of the Bank, and the net yield on combined monthly weighted average interest-earning assets of the Bank on its loan portfolios and investments for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, refer to page 34 Average Balance Sheet Table contained herein.
For information concerning the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-related assets and liabilities have affected the Bank’s interest income and expense during the fiscal years ending December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, refer to page 35 Rate Volume Table contained herein.
Market Area
The Bank’s market area for deposit gathering is primarily Anne Arundel County, Maryland and nearby areas, since it has two branch locations, both of which are located in Anne Arundel County. Anne Arundel County has a population of approxi­mately 500,000. The principal business of the Bank is attracting deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with other funds, in mortgage and consumer loans, mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. The Bank’s revenues are derived principally from interest earned on mortgage, consumer and other loans, fees charged in connection with loans and banking services, interest and dividends earned on other investments. The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits and loan interest, principal amortization and prepayments.
The primary focus of the Bank’s lending activities has been on first mortgage loans secured by real estate for the purpose of purchasing, refinancing, developing and constructing one-to-four family residences and commercial properties in and near Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Bank does originate mortgage loans throughout the state of Maryland, Northern Virginia and Delaware. The Bank is an active participant in the secondary market and sells substantially all fixed rate long-term mortgages that it originates.
Loan Portfolio Composition
The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolios by type of loan at the dates indicated. The table includes a reconciliation of total net loans receivable, including loans available for sale, after consideration of undisbursed portion of loans, deferred loan fees and discounts, and allowances for losses on loans.
Lending Activities - Residential Mortgage Loans
General
The Bank originates mortgage loans of all types, including residential, residential-construction, commercial-construction, commercial and land and residential lot loans. To a lesser extent, the Bank also originates non-mortgage loans, which include consumer, business and commercial loans. These loans constitute a small part of the Bank’s portfolio.
For the years ending December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Bank originated $320,902,000 and $343,590,000 of mortgage loans, respectively.
Loan Origination Procedures
The following table contains information on the activity of Bancorp’s loans available for sale and its loans held for investment in its portfolio:
The Bank originates residential mortgage loans that are intended for sale in the secondary market as well as loans that are to be held in the Bank’s investment portfolio. Loans sold in the secondary market are either sold directly to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or are sold to other investors with which the Bank maintains a correspondent relationship. These loans are made in conformity with standard underwriting criteria to assure maximum eligibility for possible resale in the secondary market, and are approved either by the Bank’s underwriter or the correspondent’s underwriter. Loans considered for the Bank’s portfolio are approved by the Bank’s loan committee, which is comprised of the Executive Vice President and the Senior Vice President. Meetings of the loan committee are open to attendance by any member of the Bank’s Board of Directors who wishes to attend. The loan committee reports to and consults with the Board of Directors in interpreting and applying the Bank’s lending policy.
Loans that are sold are typically long-term (15 or more years) loans with fixed interest rates eligible for resale in the secondary market. Loans retained for the Bank’s portfolio include construction loans, commercial loans and loans that periodically reprice or mature prior to the end of an amortized term. Loans are generally sold with servicing released. However, as of December 31, 2003 the Bank was servicing $2,531,476 in loans for FHLMC and $21,484,664 in loans for other investors.
The following table contains information, as of December 31, 2003, on the percentage of fixed rate single-family loans serviced for others by the Bank, by interest rate category.
The Bank’s mortgage loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan, and the adequacy of the value of the property that will secure the loan. The authority of the loan committee to approve loans is established by the Board of Directors and currently is commensurate with the Bank’s limitation on loans to one borrower. The Bank’s maximum amount of loans to one borrower currently is equal to 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital or $7,435,000 as of December 31, 2003. Loans greater than this amount require participation by one or more additional lenders. Letters of credit are subject to the same limitations as direct loans. The Bank utilizes independent qualified appraisers approved by the Board of Directors to appraise the properties securing its loans and requires title insurance or title opinions so as to insure that the Bank has a valid lien on the mortgaged real estate. The Bank requires borrowers to maintain fire and casualty insurance on its secured properties.
The procedure for approval of construction loans is the same for residential mortgage loans, except that the appraiser evaluates the building plans, construction specifications, and estimates of construction costs. The Bank also evaluates the feasibility of the proposed construction project and the experience and track record of the developer. In addition, all construction loans generally require a commitment from a third-party lender or from the Bank for a permanent long-term loan to replace the construction loan upon completion of construction.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
At December 31, 2003, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio totaled $112,382,000, or 18.48% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio. All of the Bank’s commercial loans are secured by improved property such as office buildings, retail strip shopping centers, industrial condominium units and other small businesses most of which are located in the Bank’s primary lending area. The largest commercial real estate loan at December 31, 2003 was a $5,200,000 loan secured by two office buildings in Reston, Virginia. The loan is subject to the partial personal guarantees of a principal of the borrower, and has consistently performed in accordance with the terms of the debt instrument.
Loans secured by commercial real estate properties generally involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans. Because payments on loans secured by commercial real estate properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of these loans may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.
Construction Loans
The Bank originates loans to finance the construction of one-to-four family dwellings, and to a lesser extent, commercial real estate. It also originates loans for the acquisition and development of unimproved property to be used for residential and/or commercial purposes in cases where the Bank is to provide the construction funds to improve the properties. As of December 31, 2003, the Bank had 589 construction loans outstanding in the aggregate amount of $240,757,000, representing 39.58% of its loan portfolio.
Construction loan amounts are based on the appraised value of the property and, for builder loans, a feasibility study as to the potential marketability and profitability of the project. Construction loans generally have terms of up to one year, with reasonable extensions as needed, and typically have interest rates that float monthly at margins typically ranging ½ percent to 2 percent above the prime rate. In addition to builders’ projects, the Bank finances the construction of single family, owner-occupied houses where qualified contractors are involved and on the basis of strict written underwriting and construction loan guidelines. Construction loans are structured either to be converted to permanent loans with the Bank upon the expiration of the construction phase or to be paid off by financing from another financial institution.
Construction loans afford the Bank the opportunity to increase the interest rate sensitivity of its loan portfolio and to receive yields higher than those obtainable on loans secured by existing residential properties. These higher yields correspond to the higher risks associated with construction lending. Construction loans involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of the project under construction that is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to value accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the ultimate success of the project rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the Bank is forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion, due to a default, there can be no assurance that the Bank will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, the Bank may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time. The Bank has attempted to address these risks through its underwriting procedures and its limited amount of construction lending on multi-family and commercial real estate properties.
It is the policy of the Bank to conduct physical inspections of each property secured by a construction or rehabilitation loan for the purpose of reporting upon the progress of the construction of improvements. These inspections, referred to as “construction draw inspections,” are to be performed at the time of a request for an advance of construction funds. If no construction advance has been requested, an inspection is made by a fee inspector or senior officer of the institution on the subject property at least quarterly.
Multi-Family Lending
The Bank occasionally originates multi-family loans with terms up to 30 years, but with rate adjustments or balloon payments generally at three to five years. These loans are generally made in amounts up to 75% of the appraised value of the secured property. In making these loans, the Bank bases its underwriting decision primarily on the net operating income generated by the real estate to support the debt service, the financial resources and income level of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property, the marketability of the property and the Bank’s lending experience with the borrower. The Bank also typically receives a personal guarantee from the borrower. As of December 31, 2003, $866,000, or 0.14% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio, consisted of multi-family residential loans.
Land and Residential Building Lots
Land loans include loans to developers for the development of residential subdivisions and loans on unimproved lots primarily to individuals. At December 31, 2003 the Bank had land and residential building lot loans totaling $25,820,000, or 4.25% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio. The largest of these loans is for $4,400,000, and is secured by residentially zoned land in Ocean Pines, Maryland, and has performed in accordance with the terms of the debt instrument. Land development loans typically are short-term loans; the duration of these loans is typically not greater than three years. The interest rate on land loans is generally at least 1% or 2% over the prime rate. The loan-to-value ratio generally does not exceed 75%. Loans typically are made to customers of the Bank and developers and contractors with whom the Bank has had previous lending experience. In addition to the customary requirements for this type loan, the Bank may also require a clean Phase I environmental study and feasibility study to determine the profit potential of the development.
Consumer and Other Loans
The Bank also offers other loans, primarily business and commercial loans. These are loans to businesses not secured by real estate although they may be secured by equipment, securities, or other collateral. They constitute a relatively small part of the Bank’s business, and are typically offered to customers with long-standing relationships with the Bank. At December 31, 2003, $7,088,000, or 1.16%, of the loan portfolio consisted of business and commercial loans. Approximately .19% of the loan portfolio is in consumer loans.
Loan Portfolio Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the estimated maturity of the Bank’s loan portfolios by type of loan at December 31, 2003. The estimated maturity reflects contractual terms at December 31, 2003. Contractual principal repayments of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual term of the Bank’s loan portfolios. The average life of mortgage loans is substantially less than their contractual terms because of loan prepayments and because of enforcement of "due on sale" clauses. The average life of mortgage loans tends to increase, however, when current mortgage loan rates substantially exceed rates on existing mortgage loans.
The following table contains certain information as of December 31, 2003 relating to the loan portfolio of the Bank with the dollar amounts of loans due after one year that have fixed and floating rates. All loans are shown maturing based upon contractual maturities and include scheduled payments but not possible prepayments.
Loans to One Borrower
The aggregate amount of loans that the Bank may make to one borrower is 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. The Bank’s largest loan is in the amount of $5,200,000 and is secured by two office buildings in Reston Virginia. The second largest loan is in the amount of $4,400,000 and is secured by land for condominiums in Ocean Pines, Maryland . The third largest loan is in the amount of $3,850,000 and is secured by residential property in Arnold, Maryland. All of these loans have fully performed since their inception.
Origination and Purchase and Sale of Loans
The Bank originates residential loans in conformity with standard underwriting criteria to assure maximum eligibility for possible resale in the secondary market. Although the Bank has authority to lend anywhere in the United States, they have confined their loan origination activities to the states of Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
Loan originations are developed from a number of sources, primarily from referrals from real estate brokers, builders, and existing and walk-in customers. Severn Savings also utilizes the services of loan brokers in its market area. Loan brokers are paid on a commission basis (generally 1% of the loan amount) for loans brokered to the Bank.
The Bank’s mortgage loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower's ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan, and the adequacy of the value of the property that will secure the loan. The loan committee of the Bank can approve residential and commercial loans ranging up to $7,435,000 (the maximum amount of a loan to one borrower as of December 31, 2003). The Bank utilizes independent qualified appraisers approved by the Board of Directors to appraise the properties securing its loans and requires title insurance or title opinions so as to insure that the Bank has a valid lien on the mortgaged real estate. The Bank requires borrowers to maintain fire and casualty insurance on its secured properties.
The procedure for approval of construction loans is the same as for residential mortgage loans, except that the appraiser evaluates the building plans, construction specifications, and estimates of construction costs. The Bank also evaluates the feasibility of the proposed construction project and the experience and track record of the developer. In addition, all construction loans generally require a commitment from a third-party lender or from the Bank for a permanent long-term loan to replace the construction loan upon completion of construction.
Consumer loans are underwritten on the basis of the borrower's credit history and an analysis of the borrower's income and expenses, ability to repay the loan, and the value of the collateral, if any.
Currently, it is the Bank’s policy to originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. The Bank is currently active in the secondary market and sells the majority of its fixed rate loan products.
Interest Rates, Points and Fees
The Bank realizes interest, point, and fee income from their lending activities. The Bank also realizes income from commitment fees for making commitments to originate loans, from prepayment and late charges, loan fees, application fees, and fees for other miscellaneous services.
The Bank accounts for loan origination fees in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards on Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans ("SFAS No. 91") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"). SFAS No. 91 prohibits the immediate recognition of loan origination fees as revenues and requires that such income (net of certain direct loan origination costs) for each loan be amortized, generally by the interest method, over the estimated life of the loan as an adjustment of yield. The Bank also realizes income from gains on sales of loans, and servicing released fees for loans sold with servicing released.
Delinquency and Classified Assets
Delinquencies
The Board of Directors reviews delinquencies on all loans monthly. The Bank’s collection procedures include sending a past due notice to the borrower on the 17th day of nonpayment, making telephone contact with the borrower between 20 and 30 days after nonpayment, and sending a letter after the 30th day of nonpayment. A notice of intent to foreclose is sent between 60 and 90 days after delinquency. When the borrower is contacted, the Bank attempts to obtain full payment of the amount past due. However, the Bank generally will seek to reach agreement with the borrower on a payment plan to avoid foreclosure.
The Bank categorizes its classified assets within four categories: A) Special Mention, B) Substandard, C) Doubtful and D) Loss. Special Mention loans are 60 days or more in arrears and include all borrowers who are in bankruptcy that have not missed any post-petition payments. The Bank reserves 5% on all Special Mention loans. Substandard loans are loans that are 90 days or more delinquent and are loans that have borrowers in bankruptcy that have missed a post-petition payment. The Bank reserves 15% of substandard loans. The Doubtful category consists of loans where the Bank expects a loss, but not a total loss. Various subjective factors are considered with the most important consideration being the estimated underlying value of the collateral. The Bank reserves 50% of the amount of Doubtful loans. Loans that are classified as “Loss” are fully reserved.
All loans are individually evaluated if they are deemed classified. The Bank also evaluates all delinquent loans, individually. The rest of the portfolio is evaluated as a group and a determination is made, periodically, concerning the inherent risks associated with particular types of loans and an allowance is assigned to those particular groups.
The Bank allocates reserves to its allowance for loan losses in two ways. Where the Bank has classified an asset it generally allocates the percentage of that asset under its classification system to a specific reserve if the asset is classified as Doubtful or Loss. In cases where loans are classified as Special Mention or Substandard the Bank usually does not allocate its allowance for loan loss reserves to a specific reserve. The Bank does not allocate its allowance for loan losses based upon the unclassified portion of its loan portfolio to specific loan reserves.
It is the policy of the Bank to discontinue the accrual of interest on any loan that is 90 days or more past due. The Bank historically has not incurred any significant losses on delinquent mortgage loans.
The following table sets forth information as to non-accrual loans. The Bank discontinues the accrual of interest on loans 90 days or more past due, at which time all previously accrued but uncollected interest is deducted from income. As of the most recent reported period, $27,878 would have been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2003 if the loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the year ended December 31, 2003 or since their origination (if held for only part of the fiscal year). For the year ended December 31, 2003, $16,787 in interest income on such loans was actually included in net income.
Classified Assets
Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities, considered by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss assets.” An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the paying capacity and net worth of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values. Assets classified as loss assets are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification in one of these categories but possess credit deficiencies or potential weakness are required to be designated special mention by management.
When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it is required to establish general allowance for losses in an amount deemed prudent by management. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as loss assets, it is required either to establish a specific allowances for losses equal to the full amount of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets is subject to scrutiny by the OTS, which can require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances. The Bank reviews monthly the assets in its portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.
Total classified loans as of December 31, 2003 were $1,824,282. Allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2003 was $4,833,000 which is 0.96% of net loans receivable and 1,030% of total non-performing loans.
[see table on following page]
The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan type and the percent of loans in each category compared to total loans at the dates indicted:
The following table contains information with respect to Severn Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:
Investment Activities
Federal thrift institutions, such as the Bank, have authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including United States Treasury obliga­tions and securities of various federal agencies, certificates of deposit at insured banks, bankers' acceptances and federal funds. As a member of the FHLB System, the Bank must maintain minimum levels of liquid assets specified by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), which vary from time to time. Subject to various regulatory restrictions, federal thrift institutions may also invest a portion of their assets in certain commercial paper, corporate debt securities and mutual funds whose assets conform to the investments that a federal thrift institution is authorized to make directly.
The carrying values of the Bank’s investment securities, including its liquid assets, as of the dates indicated are presented in the following table:
Investment Scheduled Maturity Table
As of December 31, 2003
Real Estate Owned
As of December 31, 2003, Bancorp owned no real estate through foreclosure.
Deposits
Deposits are attracted principally from within the Bank’s primary market areas through the offering of a variety of deposit instruments, including passbook and statement accounts and certificates of deposit ranging in terms from three months to five years. Deposit account terms vary, principally on the basis of the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. The Bank also offers individual retirement accounts (“IRA’s”).
The Bank’s policies are designed primarily to attract deposits from local residents rather than to solicit deposits from areas outside their primary markets. Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established by the Bank on a periodic basis. Determination of rates and terms are predicated upon funds acquisition and liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors, growth goals and federal regulations.
Deposits in the Bank as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 consisted of savings programs described below:
The Bank held certificates of deposit totaling $226,832,739 and $210,913,461 at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively, maturing as follows:
The following table contains information pertaining to the certificates of deposit held by the Bank in excess of $100,000 (“Jumbo CD’s”) as of December 31, 2003.
Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management
Two major objectives of asset and liability management are to maintain adequate liquidity and to control the interest sensitivity of the balance sheet.
Liquidity is the measure of a company’s ability to maintain sufficient cash flow to fund operations and to meet financial obligations to depositors and borrowers. Liquidity is provided by the ability to attract and retain deposits and by principal and interest payments on loans and maturing securities in the investment portfolio. A strong core deposit base, supplemented by other deposits of varying maturities and rates, contributes to the Bank’s liquidity.
Funds available through short-term borrowings and asset maturities are considered adequate to meet all current needs, and Management is continually monitoring the Bank’s liquidity position to meet projected needs.
Interest rate sensitivity is maintaining the ability to reprice interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities in relationship to changes in the general level of interest rates. Management attributes interest rate sensitivity to a steady net interest margin through all phases of interest rate cycles. Management attempts to make the necessary adjustments to constrain adverse savings in net interest income resulting from interest rate movements through GAP analysis and income simulation modeling techniques.
Short Term Borrowings
The Bank has an available line of credit, secured by its residential mortgage portfolio, in the amount of Twenty-Five Percent (25%) of its total assets, with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. As of year-end the available line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta was $135,118,000. The Bank, from time to time, utilizes the line of credit when interest rates are more favorable then obtaining deposits from the public. The following table sets forth short-term borrowings with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, with original maturities of one year or less.
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, the Bank employed 76 persons on a full-time basis and 7 persons on a part-time basis. The Bank’s employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group, and management considers its relations with its employees to be excellent. The holding company has no employees.
Severn Capital
The Bank formed Severn Capital in 1997. Severn Capital was created for the purpose of acquiring, holding and managing mortgage loans. Severn Capital has elected to be subject to tax as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Bank owns all of the Common Stock of Severn Capital and administers the day-to-day operations of Severn Capital for a fee. There are 200,002 shares of preferred stock of Severn Capital outstanding. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable quarterly, in an amount equal to $1.80 per annum per preferred share. The preferred stock is redeemable, at $20 per share any time after June 30, 2001, at the option of the Bank.
Hyatt Real Estate
Bancorp acquired Hyatt Real Estate, a real estate brokerage and property management company, in June 2001. Hyatt Real Estate is a real estate brokerage company specializing in commercial real estate sales, leasing and property management. It owns the facility within which it is located, at 1919 West Street, and is also the owner of the property known as 1919A West Street, which is leased to the Bank for its administrative offices. As of December 31, 2003 Hyatt Real Estate had 16 licensed real estate agents and 7 employees.
SBI Mortgage Company
SBI is a subsidiary of Bancorp that has engaged in the origination of mortgages not suitable for the Bank. It owns subsidiary companies that have or are negotiating to purchase real estate for investment purposes. As of December 31, 2003, SBI had $298,143 in outstanding mortgage loans and it had $520,180 invested in subsidiaries, which funds were held in cash, pending potential acquisition of investment real estate.
HS West, LLC
HS West, LLC (“HS”) is a subsidiary of the Bank. It owns certain land, being approximately one acre in size, which is located in the City of Annapolis, Maryland fronting on Westgate Circle. HS has obtained a special exception approval from the City of Annapolis to construct an 82,000± square foot office building with parking garage on the site. A grading permit has been issued by the City of Annapolis and a building permit has been applied for. Estimates have been received for construction and revisions are currently being made in an attempt to reach a figure for construction deemed reasonable by the Bank. It is expected that construction of the office building will commence in the spring of 2004.
Regulation
Competition
The banking and financial services is highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers. We compete for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market funds, credit unions, and other nonbank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader range of financial services than us. Recent legislation permitting affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other financial service providers has resulted in even larger financial institutions.
Economic Conditions, Government Policies, Legislation, and Regulation
Our profitability, like that of most financial institutions, is primarily dependent on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest rates paid by us on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings, and the interest rates received by us on our interest-earning assets, such as loans extended to its clients and securities held in its investment portfolio, will initially comprise the major portion of our earnings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as inflation, recession and unemployment, and the impact which future changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions might have on us cannot be predicted.
Our business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The FRB implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation and combating recession) through its open-market operations in U.S. Government securities by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the target federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the FRB in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest rates earned on interest-earning assets and paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The nature and impact on us of any future changes in monetary and fiscal policies cannot be predicted.
From time to time, legislation, as well as regulations, are enacted which have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies, and other financial institutions and financial services providers are frequently made in the U.S. Congress, in the state legislatures, and before various regulatory agencies. This legislation may change banking statutes and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on our financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, a number of state attorneys general and state bank commissioners have joined in a lawsuit seeking to limit the ability of federal regulators to preempt state law on behalf of federally chartered banks and thrifts such as the Bank. In the event the suit is successful, the Bank could be subject to additional regulation and compliance costs.
General
Savings and loan holding companies and savings associations are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. This regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”) and not for the benefit of stockholders of Bancorp. The following information describes certain aspects of that regulation applicable to Bancorp and the Bank, and does not purport to be complete. The discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to all particular statutory or regulatory provisions.
Regulation of Bancorp
General. Bancorp is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). As such, Bancorp is required to register and file reports with the OTS and is subject to regulation and examination by the OTS. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over Bancorp and its subsidiaries, which also permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings association.
Activities Restriction Test. As a unitary savings and loan holding company, Bancorp generally is not subject to activity restrictions, provided the Bank satisfies the Qualified Thrift Lender (“QTL”) test or meets the definition of domestic building and loan association pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Bancorp presently intends to continue to operate as a unitary savings and loan holding company. Recent legislation terminated the “unitary thrift holding company exemption” for all companies that apply to acquire savings associations after May 4, 1999. Since Bancorp is grandfathered, its unitary holding company powers and authorities were not affected. See “Financial Modernization Legislation.” However, if Bancorp acquires control of another savings association as a separate subsidiary, it would become a multiple savings and loan holding company, and the activities of Bancorp and any of its subsidiaries (other than the Bank or any other SAIF-insured savings association) would become subject to restrictions applicable to bank holding companies unless such other associations each also qualify as a QTL or domestic building and loan association and were acquired in a supervisory acquisition. Furthermore, if Bancorp were in the future to sell control of the Bank to any other company, such company would not succeed to Bancorp grandfathered status under and would be subject to the same business activity restrictions. See “- Regulation of the Bank - Qualified Thrift Lender Test.”
Restrictions on Acquisitions. Bancorp must obtain approval from the OTS before acquiring control of any other SAIF-insured association. Such acquisitions are generally prohibited if they result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings associations in more than one state. However, such interstate acquisitions are permitted based on specific state authorization or in a supervisory acquisition of a failing savings association.
Federal law generally provides that no “person,” acting directly or indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other persons, may acquire “control,” as that term is defined in OTS regulations, of a federally insured savings association without giving at least 60 days written notice to the OTS and providing the OTS an opportunity to disapprove the proposed acquisition. In addition, no company may acquire control of such an institution without prior OTS approval. These provisions also prohibit, among other things, any director or officer of a savings and loan holding company, or any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of the voting shares of a savings and loan holding company, from acquiring control of any savings association not a subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company, unless the acquisition is approved by the OTS. For additional restrictions on the acquisition of a unitary thrift holding company, see “Financial Services Modernization Legislation.” Certain individuals, including Alan J. Hyatt, Louis Hyatt, and Melvin Hyatt, and their respective spouses (“Applicants”), filed an Application for Notice of Change In Control (“Notice”) in April 2001 pursuant to 12CFR Section 574.3(b). The Notice called for the Applicants to acquire up to 32.32% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of stock by April 16, 2002. The OTS approved requests by the Applicants to extend the time to consummate such acquisition of shares to February 9, 2005. The Applicants currently own approximately 28.65% of the total outstanding shares of the Company as of December 31, 2003.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
On July 30, 2002, President Bush signed into law The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This new legislation addresses accounting oversight and corporate governance matters, including:
the creation of a five-member oversight board appointed by the SEC that will set standards for accountants and have investigative and disciplinary powers;
the prohibition of accounting firms from providing various types of consulting services to public clients and requiring accounting firms to rotate partners among public client assignments every five years;
increased penalties for financial crimes;
expanded disclosure of corporate operations and internal controls and required executive certification of financial presentations;
increased requirements for board audit committees and their members;
enhanced controls on, and reporting of, insider trading; and
statutory separations between investment bankers and analysts.
The new legislation and its implementing regulations will result in increased costs of compliance, including certain outside professional costs.
USA Patriot Act of 2001
On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the USA Patriot Act of 2001. The Patriot Act is intended is to strengthen U.S. law enforcement's and the intelligence communities' abilities to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The potential impact of the Act on financial institutions of all kinds is significant and wide ranging. The Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and requires various regulations, including:
due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private banks accounts or correspondent accounts for non-US persons
standards for verifying customer identification at account opening
rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering
reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000, and
filing of suspicious activities reports securities by brokers and dealers if they believe a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations.
Financial Services Modernization Legislation
General. On November 12, 1999, President Clinton signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “GLB”). The general effect of the law is to establish a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other financial service providers by revising and expanding the Bank Holding Company Act framework to permit a holding company system to engage in a full range of financial activities through a new entity known as a “Financial Holding Company.” “Financial activities” is broadly defined to include not only banking, insurance, and securities activities, but also merchant banking and additional activities that the Federal Reserve Board, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature, incidental to such financial activities, or complementary activities that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.
The GLB provides that no company may acquire control of an insured savings association unless that company engages, and continues to engage, only in the financial activities permissible for a Financial Holding Company, unless grandfathered as a unitary savings and loan holding company. The GLB grandfathers any company that was a unitary savings and loan holding company on May 4, 1999 or became a unitary savings and loan holding company pursuant to an application pending on that date. Such a company may continue to operate under present law as long as the company continues to meet the two tests: it can control only one savings institution, excluding supervisory acquisitions, and each such institution must meet the QTL test. Such a grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding company also must continue to control at least one savings association, or a successor institution, that it controlled on May 4, 1999.
The GLB also permits national banks to engage in expanded activities through the formation of financial subsidiaries. A national bank may have a subsidiary engaged in any activity authorized for national banks directly or any financial activity, except for insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development, or merchant banking, which may only be conducted through a subsidiary of a Financial Holding Company. Financial activities include all activities permitted under new sections of the Bank Holding Company Act or permitted by regulation.
While the GLB has not had a material adverse effect on the operations of Bancorp and the Bank in the near-term, to the extent that the act permits banks, securities firms, and insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry may experience further consolidation. The GLB is intended to grant to community banks certain powers as a matter of right that larger institutions have accumulated on an ad hoc basis and which unitary savings and loan holding companies already possess. Nevertheless, this act may have the result of increasing the amount of competition that Bancorp and the Bank face from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products, many of which may have substantially more financial resources than Bancorp and the Bank. In addition, because Bancorp may only be acquired by other unitary savings and loan holding companies or Financial Holding Companies, the legislation may have an anti-takeover effect by limiting the number of potential acquirors or by increasing the costs of an acquisition transaction by a bank holding company that has not made the election to be a Financial Holding Company under the new legislation.
Regulation of the Bank
General. As a federally chartered, SAIF-insured savings association, the Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the OTS and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Lending activities and other investments of the Bank must comply with various statutory and regulatory requirements. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”).
The OTS, in conjunction with the FDIC, regularly examines the Bank and prepares reports for the consideration of the Bank’s Board of Directors on any deficiencies found in the operations of the Bank. The relationship between the Bank and depositors and borrowers is also regulated by federal and state laws, especially in such matters as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and content of mortgage documents utilized by the Bank.
The Bank must file reports with the OTS and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the SAIF and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulations, whether by the OTS, the FDIC, or the Congress could have a material adverse impact on Bancorp, the Bank, and their operations.
Privacy. Federal banking rules limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. Pursuant to these rules, financial institutions must provide:
initial notices to customers about their privacy policies, describing the conditions under which they may disclose nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties and affiliates;
annual notices of their privacy policies to current customers; and
a reasonable method for customers to “opt out” of disclosures to nonaffiliated third parties.
These privacy provisions affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors. Since FSMA’s enactment, a number of states have implemented their own versions of privacy laws. The Bank has implemented its privacy policies in accordance with the law.
Interagency Guidance on Response Programs to Protect Against Identity Theft
On August 12, 2003, the Federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies requested public comment on proposed guidance that would require financial institutions to develop programs to respond to incidents of unauthorized access to customer information, including procedures for notifying customers under certain circumstances. The proposed guidance
interprets previously issued interagency customer information security guidelines that require financial institutions to implement information security programs designed to protect their customers’ information; and
describes the components of a response program and sets a standard for providing notice to customers affected by unauthorized access to or use of customer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to those customers, thereby reducing the risk of losses due to fraud or identity theft.
We are not able at this time to determine the impact of any such proposed guidance on our financial condition or results of operation.
Premiums for Deposit Insurance
Through the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF), the FDIC insures our customer deposits up to prescribed limits for each depositor. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each BIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other factors. Specifically, the assessment rate is based on the institution’s capitalization risk category and supervisory subgroup category. An institution’s capitalization risk category is based on the FDIC’s determination of whether the institution is well capitalized, adequately capitalized or less than adequately capitalized. An institution’s supervisory subgroup category is based on the FDIC’s assessment of the financial condition of the institution and the probability that FDIC intervention or other corrective action will be required.
FDIC-insured depository institutions pay an assessment rate equal to the rate assessed on deposits insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”).
The assessment rate currently ranges from zero to 27 cents per $100 of domestic deposits. The FDIC may increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule on a semi-annual basis. Due to continued growth in deposits and some recent bank failures, the BIF is nearing its minimum ratio of 1.25% of insured deposits as mandated by law. If the ratio drops below 1.25%, it is likely the FDIC will be required to assess premiums on all banks. Any increase in assessments or the assessment rate could have a material adverse effect on the company’s earnings, depending on the amount of the increase. Furthermore, the FDIC is authorized to raise insurance premiums under certain circumstances.
The FDIC is authorized to terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the institution’s regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance for one or more of the company’s subsidiary depository institutions could have a material adverse effect on the company’s earnings, depending on the collective size of the particular institutions involved.
All FDIC-insured depository institutions must pay an annual assessment to provide funds for the payment of interest on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a federal corporation chartered under the authority of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The bonds, commonly referred to as FICO bonds, were issued to capitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The FDIC established the FICO assessment rates effective for the first half of 2004 at approximately 1.54 cents for each $100 of assessable deposits. The FICO assessments are adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment bases of the FDIC’s insurance funds and do not vary depending on a depository institution’s capitalization or supervisory evaluations.
Regulatory Capital Requirements. The federal banking agencies have adopted risk-based minimum capital guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and transactions which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk federal banking agencies, to 100% for assets with relatively high credit risk.
The risk-based capital ratio is determined by classifying assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments into weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for those categories perceived as representing greater risk. Under the capital guidelines, a banking organization’s total capital is divided into tiers. “Tier I capital” consists of (1) common equity, (2) qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, (3) a limited amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock and (4) minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries (including trust-preferred securities), less goodwill and certain other intangible assets. Not more than 25% of qualifying Tier I capital may consist of trust-preferred securities. “Tier II capital” consists of hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt, mandatory convertible debt securities, a limited amount of subordinated debt, preferred stock that does not qualify as Tier I capital, a limited amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses and a limited amount of unrealized holding gains on equity securities. “Tier III capital” consists of qualifying unsecured subordinated debt. The sum of Tier II and Tier III capital may not exceed the amount of Tier I capital.
The guidelines require a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-adjusted assets of 8% and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets of 4%. In addition to the risk-based guidelines, federal banking regulators require banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier 1 capital to total assets, referred to as the leverage ratio. For a banking organization rated in the highest of the five categories used by regulators to rate banking organizations, the minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets must be 3%. In addition to these uniform risk-based capital guidelines and leverage ratios that apply across the industry, the regulators have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and ratios.
The Bank is not subject to any such individual minimum regulatory capital requirement.
As shown below, the Bank’s regulatory capital exceeded all minimum regulatory capital requirements applicable to it as of December 31, 2003.
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(1) To adjusted total assets.
(2) To risk-weighted assets.
The Home Owners’ Loan Act (“HOLA”) permits savings associations not in compliance with the OTS capital standards to seek an exemption from certain penalties or sanctions for noncompliance. Such an exemption will be granted only if certain strict requirements are met, and must be denied under certain circumstances. If an exemption is granted by the OTS, the savings association still may be subject to enforcement actions for other violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices or conditions.
Predatory Lending. The term "predatory lending," much like the terms "safety and soundness" and "unfair and deceptive practices," is far-reaching and covers a potentially broad range of behavior. As such, it does not lend itself to a concise or a comprehensive definition. But typically predatory lending involves at least one, and perhaps all three, of the following elements:
making unaffordable loans based on the assets of the borrower rather than on the borrower's ability to repay an obligation ("asset-based lending")
inducing a borrower to refinance a loan repeatedly in order to charge high points and fees each time the loan is refinanced ("loan flipping")
engaging in fraud or deception to conceal the true nature of the loan obligation from an unsuspecting or unsophisticated borrower.
On October 1, 2002, FRB regulations aimed at curbing such lending became effective. The rule significantly widens the pool of high-cost home-secured loans covered by the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, a federal law that requires extra disclosures and consumer protections to borrowers. The following triggers coverage under the act:
interest rates for first lien mortgage loans in excess of 8 percentage points above comparable Treasury securities,
subordinate-lien loans of 10 percentage points above Treasury securities. and
fees such as optional insurance and similar debt protection costs paid in connection with the credit transaction, when combined with points and fees if deemed excessive.
In addition, the regulation bars loan flipping by the same lender or loan servicer within a year. Lenders also will be presumed to have violated the law -- which says loans shouldn't be made to people unable to repay them -- unless they document that the borrower has the ability to repay. Lenders that violate the rules face cancellation of loans and penalties equal to the finance charges paid.
The Bank is unable at this time to determine the impact of these rule changes and potential state action in this area on its financial condition or results of operation.
Prompt Corrective Action. The prompt corrective action regulation of the OTS, requires certain mandatory actions and authorizes certain other discretionary actions to be taken by the OTS against a savings association that falls within certain undercapitalized capital categories specified in the regulation.
The regulation establishes five categories of capital classification:
“well capitalized;”
“adequately capitalized;”
“undercapitalized;”
“significantly undercapitalized;” and
“critically undercapitalized.”
Under the regulation, the risk-based capital, leverage capital, and tangible capital ratios are used to determine an institution’s capital classification. At December 31, 2003, the Bank met the capital requirements of a “well capitalized” institution under applicable OTS regulations.
In general, the prompt corrective action regulation prohibits an insured depository institution from declaring any dividends, making any other capital distribution, or paying a management fee to a controlling person if, following the distribution or payment, the institution would be within any of the three undercapitalized categories. In addition, adequately capitalized institutions may accept Brokered Deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and are subject to restrictions on the interest rates that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions may not accept, renew, or roll-over Brokered Deposits.
If the OTS determines that an institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or if the institution is deemed to be engaging in an unsafe and unsound practice, the OTS may, if the institution is well capitalized, reclassify it as adequately capitalized; if the institution is adequately capitalized but not well capitalized, require it to comply with restrictions applicable to undercapitalized institutions; and, if the institution is undercapitalized, require it to comply with certain restrictions applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions. Finally, pursuant to an interagency agreement, the FDIC can examine any institution that has a substandard regulatory examination score or is considered undercapitalized - without the express permission of the institution’s primary regulator.
Loans-to-One Borrower Limitations. Savings associations generally are subject to the lending limits applicable to national banks. With certain limited exceptions, the maximum amount that a savings association or a national bank may lend to any borrower (including certain related entities of the borrower) at one time may not exceed 15% of the unimpaired capital and surplus of the institution, plus an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus for loans fully secured by readily marketable collateral. Savings associations are additionally authorized to make loans to one borrower, for any purpose, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 or, by order of the Director of OTS, in an amount not to exceed the lesser of $30,000,000 or 30% of unimpaired capital and surplus to develop residential housing, provided:
the purchase price of each single-family dwelling in the development does not exceed $500,000;
the savings association is in compliance with its fully phased-in capital requirements;
the loans comply with applicable loan-to-value requirements; and
the aggregate amount of loans made under this authority does not exceed 150% of unimpaired capital and surplus.
At December 31, 2003, the Bank’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was $7,435,000 based upon the 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus measurement. At December 31, 2003, the Bank’s largest single lending relationship had an outstanding balance of $5,200,000, and consisted of a loan secured by two office buildings in Reston, Virginia, and was performing in accordance with its terms.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. Savings associations must meet a QTL test, which test may be met either by maintaining a specified level of assets in qualified thrift investments as specified in HOLA or by meeting the definition of a “domestic building and loan association” the Code. Qualified thrift investments are primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-related securities. The required percentage of investments under HOLA is 65% of assets while the Code requires investments of 60% of assets. An association must be in compliance with the QTL test or the definition of domestic building and loan association on a monthly basis in nine out of every 12 months. Associations that fail to meet the QTL test will generally be prohibited from engaging in any activity not permitted for both a national bank and a savings association. As of December 31, 2003, the Bank was in compliance with its QTL requirement and met the definition of a domestic building and loan association.
Affiliate Transactions. Transactions between a savings association and its "affiliates" are quantitatively and qualitatively restricted under the Federal Reserve Act and regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve. Affiliates of a savings association include, among other entities, the savings association's holding company and companies that are under common control with the savings association. In general, a savings association or its subsidiaries are limited in their ability to engage in "covered transactions" with affiliates:
to an amount equal to 10% of the association's capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with any one affiliate; and
to an amount equal to 20% of the association's capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with all affiliates.
In addition, a savings association and its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions and other specified transactions only on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the savings association or its subsidiary, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies. A "covered transaction" includes:
a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate;
a purchase of investment securities issued by an affiliate;
a purchase of assets from an affiliate, with some exceptions;
the acceptance of securities issued by an affiliate as collateral for a loan or extension of credit to any party; or
the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate.
In addition, under the OTS regulations:
a savings association may not make a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate unless the affiliate is engaged only in activities permissible for bank holding companies;
a savings association may not purchase or invest in securities of an affiliate other than shares of a subsidiary;
a savings association and its subsidiaries may not purchase a low-quality asset from an affiliate;
covered transactions and other specified transactions between a savings association or its subsidiaries and an affiliate must be on terms and conditions that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices; and
with some exceptions, each loan or extension of credit by a savings association to an affiliate must be secured by collateral with a market value ranging from 100% to 130%, depending on the type of collateral, of the amount of the loan or extension of credit.
Regulations generally exclude all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of savings associations from treatment as affiliates, except for:
a financial subsidiary,
a subsidiary controlled by one or more affiliates,
an ESOP, or
a subsidiary determined by the OTS or the Federal Reserve to be an affiliate.
The regulations also require savings associations to make and retain records that reflect affiliate transactions in reasonable detail and provides that specified classes of savings associations may be required to give the OTS prior notice of affiliate transactions.
Some of the entities included in the definition of an affiliate are parent companies, sister banks, sponsored and advised companies, investment companies whereby the bank its affiliate serves as investment advisor, and financial subsidiaries of the bank. Additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates may be imposed on us under the prompt corrective action provisions of federal law. See “- Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms.”
Capital Distribution Limitations. OTS regulations impose limitations upon all capital distributions by savings associations, like cash dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire its shares, payments to shareholders of another institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions charged against capital.
The OTS regulations require a savings association to file an application if:
it is not eligible for expedited treatment of its other applications under OTS regulations;
the total amount of all of capital distributions, including the proposed capital distribution, for the applicable calendar year exceeds its net income for that year to date plus retained net income for the preceding two years;
it would not be at least adequately capitalized, under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS following the distribution; or
the association's proposed capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any applicable statute, regulation, or agreement between the savings association and the OTS, or the FDIC, or violate a condition imposed on the savings association in an OTS-approved application or notice.
In addition, a savings association must give the OTS notice of a capital distribution if the savings association is not required to file an application, but:
would not be well capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations of the OTS following the distribution;
the proposed capital distribution would reduce the amount of or retire any part of the savings association's common or preferred stock or retire any part of debt instruments like notes or debentures included in capital, other than regular payments required under a debt instrument approved by the OTS; or
the savings association is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company.
If neither the savings association nor the proposed capital distribution meets any of the above listed criteria, the OTS does not require the savings association to submit an application or give notice when making the proposed capital distribution. The OTS may prohibit a proposed capital distribution that would otherwise be permitted if the OTS determines that the distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.
Interstate Banking and Branching. A federal savings association has the ability to establish branches outside its home state. Commercial banks can also branch across state lines, subject to any state law limitations or prohibitions. Competition may increase further as banks branch across state lines and enter new markets.
Community Reinvestment Act and the Fair Lending Laws. Savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations of the OTS to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. An institution's failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in regulatory restrictions on its activities and the denial of applications. In addition, an institution's failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in the OTS, other federal regulatory agencies as well as the Department of Justice taking enforcement actions. Based on an examination conducted July 7,2003, the Bank received a satisfactory rating.
Effective January 1, 2002, the OTS raised the dollar amount limit in the definition of small business loans from $500,000 to $2.0 million, if used for commercial, corporate, business or agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the rule raises the aggregate level that a thrift can invest directly in community development funds, community centers and economic development initiatives in its communities from the greater of a quarter of one percent of total capital or $100,000 to one percent of total capital or $250,000.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Among other benefits, each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. Each FHLB is financed primarily from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. Each FHLB makes available loans or advances to its members in compliance with the policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors of the individual FHLB. As an FHLB member, the Bank is required to own capital stock in an FHLB in an amount equal to the greater of:
1% of its aggregate outstanding principal amount of its residential mortgage loans, home purchase contracts and similar obligations at the beginning of each calendar year; or
5% of its FHLB advances or borrowings.
At December 31, 2003, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement.
The GLB Act made significant reforms to the FHLB system, including:
Expanded Membership - (i) expands the uses for, and types of, collateral for advances; (ii) eliminates bias toward QTL lenders; and (iii) removes capital limits on advances using real estate related collateral (e.g., commercial real estate and home equity loans).
New Capital Structure - each FHLB is allowed to establish two classes of stock: Class A is redeemable within six months of notice; and Class B is redeemable within five years notice. Class B is valued at 1.5 times the value of Class A stock. Each FHLB will be required to maintain minimum capital equal to 5% of equity. As of July 17, 2002, each FHLB, including our FHLB of Atlanta, received Federal Housing Finance Board approval of its capital plan. These plans must be implemented by July 1, 2004.
Voluntary Membership - federally chartered savings associations, such as the Bank, are no longer required to be members of the system.
REFCorp Payments - changes the amount paid by the system on debt incurred in connection with the thrift crisis in the late 1980s from a fixed amount to 20% of net earnings after deducting certain expenses.
Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain non-interest bearing reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts (primarily checking, NOW, and Super NOW checking accounts) and non-personal time deposits. At December 31, 2003, the Bank was in compliance with these requirements.
Activities of Subsidiaries. A savings association seeking to establish a new subsidiary, acquire control of an existing company or conduct a new activity through a subsidiary must provide 30 days prior notice to the FDIC and the OTS and conduct any activities of the subsidiary in compliance with regulations and orders of the OTS. The OTS has the power to require a savings association to divest any subsidiary or terminate any activity conducted by a subsidiary that the OTS determines to pose a serious threat to the financial safety, soundness or stability of the savings association or to be otherwise inconsistent with sound banking practices.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Bancorp owns its retail branch locations at 1917 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 and 413 Crain Highway, South-East, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061. The Bank’s executive office at 1919A West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (which also serves as a loan production office) is leased from HRE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp. HRE owns its office building at 1919 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
The Bank leases space for its accounting and loan servicing offices from a third party at 1927 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Homeowner’s Title, a subsidiary of the Bank, leases space at 1925 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 from a limited liability company of which Alan J. Hyatt, Bancorp’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is a principal, on a term of 3 years, subject to the right of Homeowner’s Title to exercise early termination, at its option. Current monthly rental paid by Homeowner’s Title is $3,664.50.
HS West, LLC, a subsidiary of Bancorp, intends to construct a building in the Annapolis, Maryland area to serve as the administrative headquarters. A branch office will be included. To date, HS West , LLC has incurred approximately $1,701,854 of cost including the value of the land. The total cost is expected to be approximately $17,000,000, with completion in November 2005.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which Bancorp, the Bank or any subsidiary is a party or to which any of their property is subject.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Quarterly Stock Information*
*Adjusted to give retroactive effect to a 3 for 1 stock split declared February 19, 2002.
Common shares of Bancorp are traded on the National Association of Security Dealers Small Cap Market under the symbol “SVBI”.
Registrar and Transfer Company, 10 Commerce Drive, Cranford, New Jersey 07016-3572, serves as the Transfer Agent and Registrar for Bancorp.
Equity Compensation Plan Table. See Part III, Item 11.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following financial information is presented from the audited financial statements of Bancorp. The information is a summary and should be read in conjunction with management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Average Balance Sheet
Average Balance Sheet. The following table contains for the periods indicated information regarding the total dollar amounts of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resulting average yields, the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting average costs, net interest income, and the net yield on interest-earning assets.
Rate Volume Table
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s significant accounting policies are set forth in note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 which are set forth on pagesA through. Of these significant accounting policies, the Company considers the policy regarding the allowance for loan losses to be its most critical accounting policy, given the uncertainty in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the material effect that such judgments can have on the results of operations. In addition, changes in economic conditions can have a significant impact on the allowance for loan losses and therefore the provision for loan losses and results of operations. The Company has developed appropriate policies and procedures for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, recognizing that this process requires a number of assumptions and estimates with respect to its loan portfolio. The Company’s assessments may be impacted in future periods by changes in economic conditions, the impact of regulatory examinations, and the discovery of information with respect to borrowers that is not known to management at the time of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
Overview
The primary business of Bancorp is mortgage lending. The markets in which Bancorp operates, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, as well as surrounding areas in Maryland, northern Virginia and Delaware, have enjoyed strong real estate demand. This has fueled Bancorp’s growth, along with the demand to refinance existing mortgages as a result of historically low interest rates. Refinancing activity began to slow down toward the end of the third quarter of 2003, and slowed considerably in the fourth quarter of 2003. However, with interest rates remaining low, construction lending and purchase money mortgage lending have continued to be extremely active.
Bancorp has been able to take advantage of the low interest rate environment and reduce its cost of liabilities. Interest rates paid on deposits have decreased significantly, as have interest rates paid for borrowing funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The difference between Bancorp’s costs of funds and what it earns on mortgage loans is the interest rate “spread”. This spread has increased as Bancorp’s growing portfolio of mortgage loans coupled with the fees earned on loans sold in the secondary market, has driven up overall revenues. While variable expenses, such as compensation, have increased, Bancorp’s overall expenses have remained modest which has resulted in increasing profitability.
Bancorp’s asset quality has remained excellent, as there have been minimal losses due to defaulting loans.
Going forward, Bancorp’s challenge will be to continue to grow assets in the form of mortgage loans, while earning a profitable spread, and continuing to maintain good asset quality.
Interest rates are outside the control of Bancorp, so it must attempt to balance its pricing and duration of its loan portfolio against the risks of rising costs of its deposits and borrowings.
The continued success and attraction of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and vicinity, will also be important to Bancorp’s ability to originate and grow its mortgage loans, as will Bancorp’s continued focus on maintaining a low overhead.
Financial Condition
At December 31, 2003 total assets were $540,471,000 compared to $458,415,000 at December 31, 2002, which represents an increase of $82,056,000 or 17.9%. The following discusses the material changes between the December 31, 2003 and 2002 balance sheets.
Loans
Loans Held For Sale. At December 31, 2003 loans held for sale was $3,175,0000 compared to $17,481,000 at December 31, 2002. This decrease of $14,306,000 or 81.8% was due to a reduction in the loan portfolio intended to be sold to investors in the secondary market. Most of the loans sold in the secondary market have been loans that refinanced existing mortgages. Beginning in late third quarter, and continuing into the fourth quarter of 2003, loans that refinanced existing mortgages were significantly reduced and, as a result, there were less loans available for sale in the secondary market as of December 31, 2003.
Loans Receivable. Total net portfolio loans receivable were $502,851,000 at December 31, 2003, an increase of $101,508,000 or 25.3% from $401,343,000 at December 31, 2002. The increase in the loan portfolio resulted from the continuing increases in loan demand, resulting from the continued historically low interest rates. The increase in the loan portfolio included increases in residential mortgage loans, residential construction loans and commercial mortgage loans.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock. Total Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock owned by Bancorp at December 31, 2003 was $3,250,000, compared to $1,900,000 of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock owned as of December 31, 2002. This increase of $1,350,000, or 71.1%, resulted from an increase in the advances taken by Bancorp from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta outstanding as of December 31, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002, as the Bank is obligated to purchase Federal Home Loan Bank stock based upon the amount outstanding in advances at any given time.
Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment totaled $5,327,000 at December 31, 2003 compared to $4,738,000 at December 31, 2002. This increase of $589,000 or 12.4%, primarily represents the continued investment in the property owned by HS West, LLC, a subsidiary of the Bank, as it prepares to construct an office building for use by Bancorp and its subsidiaries for its corporate headquarters at West Gate Circle in Annapolis, Maryland.
The following table contains for the periods indicated information regarding the financial obligations owing by the Company for leases of certain properties.
Liabilities
Deposits. Total deposits were $419,726,000 at December 31, 2003 compared to $377,925,000 at December 31, 2002. This represents an increase of $41,801,000 or 11.1%. The increase in deposits was used to fund loan growth, however, the Bank found it increasingly more difficult to generate deposits at reasonable rates throughout the year and implemented a plan to utilize wholesale funds, in the form of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, which had more attractive pricing than rates that would have had to be paid for retail deposits.
FHLB Advances. FHLB advances were $65,000,000 at December 31, 2003 compared to $34,000,000 at December 31, 2002, which is an increase of $31,000,000 or 91.2%. This increase was due to the fact that rates paid on Federal Home Loan Bank advances were less expensive than what the Bank was able to generate through retail deposits and the Bank implemented a strategy to lock in interest rates for a longer term in the form of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank for terms of three years and longer.
Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity was $48,970,000 as of December 31, 2003, which compared to $39,181,000 as of December 31, 2002. This increase of $9,789,000, or 25.09%, resulted primarily from net income, offset by dividend declarations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company has certain outstanding commitments and obligations that could impact the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, revenues or expenses. These commitments and obligations include standby letters of credit, home equity loans, loan commitments, lines of credit, and loans sold and serviced with limited repurchase provisions.
Standby letters of credit, which are obligations of the Company to guarantee performance of borrowers to governmental entities, were $7,982,000 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $6,694,000 as of December 31, 2002. This increase of $1,288,000 or 19.2% was a result of increased demand by the Company’s borrowers for letter of credit requirements.
Home equity loans increased $4,128,000, or 51.5%, from $8,014,000 as of December 31, 2002 to $12,142,000 as of December 31, 2003. Home equity loans are loans that allow the borrowers to draw funds up to a specified loan amount, from time to time. The Company’s management believes it has sufficient liquidity resources to have the funding available as these borrowers draw on these loans. This increase was a result of the general increase in loan demand and low interest rates offered on home equity loans.
Loan commitments as of December 31, 2003 were $24,520,000, compared to $24,772,000 as of December 31, 2002. This was a decrease of $252,000, or 1%. Loan commitments are obligations of the Company to provide loans, and such commitments are made in the usual course of business.
Lines of credit, which are obligations of the Company to fund loans made to certain borrowers, were $20,436,000 as of December 31, 2003, compared to $22,368,000 as of December 31, 2002. This decrease of $1,932,000, or 8.6%, was a result of less demand for this type of loan product. The Company’s management believes it has sufficient liquidity resources to have the funding available as these borrowers draw on these loans.
Loans sold and serviced with limited repurchase provisions increased $22,714,000, or 223.5%, from $10,163,000 as of December 31, 2002, to $32,877,000 as of December 31, 2003. This increase was a result of the increase in loans sold on the secondary market.
The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for its on-balance sheet instruments.
Comparison of Results of Operation for the Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.
General. Bancorp’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $11,329,000 or $2.67 per share, diluted, compared to $8,948,000 or $2.13 per share, diluted, for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of $2,381,000 or 26.6% was primarily the result of increases in loan origination volume and the increase in interest income coupled with a reduction in the cost of deposits and other borrowings, as well as the maintenance of relatively low non-interest expenses. It is uncertain whether Bancorp will be able to generate the volume of loan originations that it has done over the past two years as the trend, beginning in the third quarter of 2003, was that refinances of mortgages were significantly slowing down. However, loan originations, overall, remain strong, and provided the real estate market in the Bank’s primary lending areas remain positive, the Bank may continue with strong loan originations.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income (interest earned net of interest charges) totaled $24,746,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $19,603,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, or an increase of $5,143,000 or 26.2%. This increase was due to the growth in the loan portfolio and the reduction on the interest on deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The net interest margin increased to 4.99% at December 31, 2003 from 4.86% at December 31, 2002. The Bank’s net interest margin increased over the past year because interest rates paid on the Bank’s deposits have fallen faster than the interest rates earned on the Bank’s assets. However, the increase in the net interest margin slowed from the increase between December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 and the Bank does not expect that interest on its deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances will continue to drop as it has over the last two years. The Bank is uncertain whether it will be able to continue to attract low cost liabilities, as it has done in the last two years due to the general expectation of rising interest rates in the future and the recent flow of depositor funds into the stock market.
Provision for Loan Losses. Bancorp’s loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk and an allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses inherent in its loan portfolio. Credit risk includes, but is not limited to, the potential for borrower default and the failure of collateral to be worth what Bancorp determined it was worth at the time of the granting of the loan. The Bank monitors its loan portfolio at least as often as quarterly and its loan delinquencies at least as often as monthly. All loans that are delinquent and all loans within the various categories of the Bank’s portfolio as a group are evalulated. The Bank’s Board, with the advice and recommendation of the Bank’s delinquency committee, estimates an allowance to be set aside for loan losses. Included in determining the calculation are such factors as the inherent risk contained within the portfolio after considering the state of the general economy, economic trends, consideration of particular risks inherent in different kinds of lending and consideration of known information that may affect loan collectibility. An increase in the loan loss provision from the beginning of the period to the end of a period would have come about after an analysis of the aforementioned factors and applying that rationale to the total portfolio.
The greater the construction, commercial and higher loan-to-value loans that are contained in the portfolio, the greater will be the allowance for loan losses. Changes in estimation methods may take place based upon the status of the economy and the estimate of the value of collateral and, as a result, the allowance may increase or decrease. The Bank believes that some portions of its loan portfolio have greater actual risk and, in other areas, there is greater inherent risk. The loan loss allowance has increased when the Board believes trends are negative and contributions to the allowance have decreased when trends are more positive. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.
As of December 31, 2003, the total allowance for loan losses was $4,833,000 as compared to $3,991,000 as of December 31, 2002, which is an increase of $842,000 or 21.1%. The increase was a result of the current year’s addition to the allowance and minimal charge offs being incurred. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the provision for loan losses was $900,000 compared to $670,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of $230,000 or 34.3%, was a result of Management’s determination that adding to the provision for loan losses was, more or less, appropriate for the level of inherent risk in its portfolio as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002.
Other Income and Non Interest Expense. Gain on sale of loans was $1,563,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $1,264,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of $299,000, or 23.7%, was a result of an increasing volume of loan originations due to the continued low interest rate environment that resulted in the continuing refinance of residential mortgages. However, beginning in the late third quarter of 2003 the refinance of residential mortgages began to decline significantly and the Bank anticipates, but is not certain, that loan originations in the form of residential refinances are likely to decrease in the future. If this happens, there is likely to be a reduction in the amount of gain on sale of loans which will also cause a reduction in mortgage processing fees. Compensation paid to loan officers for the originations of loans would also commensurately be reduced.
Real estate commissions and real estate management fees for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $1,160,000 and $369,000, respectively, as compared to December 31, 2002 when real estate commissions and real estate management fees were $1,237,000 and $383,000, respectively. In the aggregate, this was a decrease of $91,000 or 5.6%. Real estate management fees are a steadier recurring source of revenue and provided Hyatt Real Estate maintains property management accounts, there is a likelihood that management fees will continue in the future. It is Bancorp’s intention to acquire real estate through subsidiaries of SBI Mortgage Company, where such subsidiaries will serve as managing members or general partners of entities that expect to own real estate for investment purposes. Equity will be raised through private placements of securities and, if successful, Hyatt Real Estate should be able to earn commissions and/or acquisition fees on the properties acquired as well as receive leasing commission revenue and real estate management fees for services rendered.
Mortgage processing and servicing fees for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $928,000 compared to $724,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of $204,000, or 28.2%, was a result of the continued growth in the Bank’s originations and loan portfolio.
Compensation and related expenses totaled $6,976,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $6,065,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, which was an increase of $911,000 or 15.02%. This increase during 2003 was attributable to the fact that the Bank increased its personnel to 81 full time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2003 compared to 69 full time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2002.
Other non-interest expense totaled $2,106,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $1,883,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 which was an increase of $223,000 or 11.8%. Other non-interest expense consists primarily of office and computer supplies, mail expenses, telephone and other expenses. In 2003 Bancorp underwent a conversion of its data service bureau.
Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $7,575,000 compared to $5,671,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase of $1,904,000 or 33.6% was a result of an increase in income before income tax provision to $18,904,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $14,619,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, being an increase of $4,285,000 or 29.3%. The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were 40.07% and 38.79% respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Bancorp’s liquidity is determined by its ability to raise funds through loan payments, maturing investments, deposits, borrowed funds, capital, or the sale of loans. Based on the internal and external sources available, Bancorp’s liquidity position exceeded anticipated short-term and long-term needs at December 31, 2003. Core deposits, considered to be stable funding sources and defined to include all deposits except time deposits of $100,000 or more, equaled 86% of total deposits at December 31, 2003. The Bank’s experience is that a substantial portion of certificates of deposit will renew at time of maturity and will remain on deposit with the Bank. Additionally, loan payments, maturities, deposit growth and earnings contribute a flow of funds available to meet liquidity requirements.
In addition to its ability to generate deposits, Bancorp has external sources of funds which may be drawn upon, when desired. The primary source of external liquidity is an available line of credit equal to 25% of the Bank’s assets with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The available line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta was $135,000,000 at December 31, 2003, of which $65,000,000 was outstanding at that time.
In assessing its liquidity the management of Bancorp considers operating requirements, anticipated deposit flows, expected funding of loans, deposit maturities and borrowing availability, so that sufficient funds may be available on short notice to meet obligations as they arise so that Bancorp may take advantage of business opportunities. A further consideration relating to liquidity concerns the need for funds to construct the administrative headquarters building at Westgate Circle, the construction of which should begin in 2004. As of December 31, 2003 Bancorp had $24,520,151 outstanding in loan commitments, which Bancorp expects to fund from the sources of liquidity described above. This amount does not include undisbursed lines of credit, home equity loans and standby letters of credit, in the aggregate amount of $40,559,919, which Bancorp anticipates it will be able to fund, if required, from these liquidity sources in the regular course of business.
In addition to the foregoing, the payment of dividends is a use of cash, but is not expected to have a material effect on liquidity.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
General. Bancorp’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $8,948,000 or $2.13 per share, diluted, compared to $5,256,000 or $1.37 per share, diluted, for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase of $3,692,000 or 70.2% was primarily the result of increases in loan origination volume and in the loan portfolio, as well as the increase in interest income, coupled with a reduction in the cost of deposits and other liabilities.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income (interest earned net of interest charges) totaled $19,603,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to $13,395,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, or an increase of $6,208,000 or 46.3%. The change was primarily due to growth in the loan portfolio and reduction of interest on deposits. The net interest margin increased to 4.86% at December 31, 2002 compared to 4.05% at December 31, 2001. The Bank’s net interest margin increased because interest rates earned on the Bank’s assets have increased faster than its cost of funds. This was due to the historically low interest rate environment that the Bank is operated in.
Provision for Loan Losses. Bancorp’s loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk and an allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses inherent in its loan portfolio. Credit risk includes, but is not limited to, the potential for borrower default and the failure of collateral to be worth what Bancorp determined it was worth at the time of the granting of the loan. The Bank monitors its loan portfolio at least as often as quarterly and its loan delinquencies at least as often as monthly. All loans that are delinquent and all loans within the various categories of the Bank’s portfolio as a group are tabulated. The Bank’s Board, with the advice and recommendation of the Bank’s delinquency committee, estimates an allowance to be set aside for loan losses. Included in determining the calculation are such factors as the inherent risk contained within the portfolio after considering the state of the general economy, economic trends, consideration of particular risks inherent in different kinds of lending and consideration of known information that may affect loan collectibility. An increase in the loan loss provision from the beginning of the period to the end of a period would have come about after an analysis of the aforementioned factors and applying that rationale to the total portfolio.
The greater the construction, commercial and higher loan-to-value loans that are contained in the portfolio, the greater will be the allowance for loan losses. Changes in estimation methods may take place based upon the status of the economy and the estimate of the value of collateral and, as a result, the allowance may increase or decrease. The Bank believes that some portions of its loan portfolio have greater actual risk and, in other areas, there is greater inherent risk. The loan loss allowance has increased when the Board believes trends are negative and contributions to the allowance have decreased when trends are more positive. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the provision for loan losses was $670,000 compared to $709,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease of $39,000 or 5.5%, was a result of the Bank’s management having determined that the provision for loan losses contributed was commensurate to the inherent risk in the portfolio. As of December 31, 2002 the allowance for loan losses was $3,991,000 compared to $3,353,000 as of December 31, 2001 which is an increase of $638,000 or 19%. This increase was a result of contributions made to the provision for loan losses without any material charge offs to reduce the overall allowance for loan losses.
Other Income and Non Interest Expense. Gain on sale of loans was $1,264,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $983,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. This increase of $281,000 or 28.6% was a result of increased loan originations primarily from a lower interest rate environment which resulted in significant residential mortgage loan refinancings. Should loan originations decrease in the future, gain on sale of loans will also likely decrease. Loan originations may decrease as a result of greater competition, increases in general interest rates or a loss of personnel experienced in loan origination. A reduction in loan originations will also cause a reduction in mortgage processing fees.
Real estate commissions and real estate management fees for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $1,237,000 and $383,000, respectively, compared to $499,000 and $213,000, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase in 2002, being an aggregate of $908,000 or 127.5% was due in part to the fact that Hyatt Real Estate was acquired by Bancorp in 2001 and the total year’s revenues were not included in 2001 and that real estate commission revenue is volatile and may be substantially different, from year to year.
Mortgage processing and servicing fees for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $724,000 compared to $607,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. This increase of $117,000 or 19.3% was primarily attributable to the increase in operations and staffing and compensation levels of the Bank caused by the volume of loan production.
Compensation and related expenses totaled $6,065,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $4,572,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, or an increase of $1,493,000 or 32.7%. The increase during 2002 was primarily attributable to the increase in operations and staffing and compensation levels of the Bank caused by the increase in loan production and increases in commissions at Hyatt Real Estate.
Other non-interest expense totaled $1,883,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $1,520,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 which is an increase of $363,000 or 23.9%. Other non-interest expense consists primarily of office and computer supplies, mail expenses, telephone and other expenses. The increase during 2002 was primarily attributable to the increase in operations caused by an increase in loan production and expenses related to the registration of Bancorp’s shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $5,671,000 compared to $3,413,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. This increase of $2,258,000 or 66.2% was a result of an increase in income before income tax provision to $14,619,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $8,669,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, being an increase of $5,950,000 or 68.6%. The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 were 38.79% and 39.37%, respectively.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Qualitative Information About Market Risk. The principal objective of Bancorp’s interest rate risk management is to evaluate the interest rate risk included in balance sheet accounts, determine the level of risks appropriate given Bancorp’s business strategy, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements and performance objectives, and manage the risk consistent with Bancorp’s interest rate risk management policy. Through this management, Bancorp seeks to reduce the vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates. The Board of Directors of Bancorp is responsible for reviewing assets/liability policies and interest rate risk position. The Board of Directors reviews the interest rate risk position on a quarterly basis. In connection with this review, the Board of Directors evaluates Bancorp’s business activities and strategies, the effect of those strategies on Bancorp’s net interest margin and the effect that changes in interest rates will have on Bancorp’s loan portfolio. Continuous movement of interest rates is certain, however, the extent and timing of these movements is not always predictable. Any movement in interest rates has an effect on Bancorp’s profitability. Bancorp faces the risk that rising interest rates could cause the cost of interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, to rise faster than the yield on interest earning assets, such as loans and investments. Bancorp’s interest rate spread and interest rate margin may be negatively impacted in a declining interest rate environment even though Bancorp generally borrows at short-term interest rates and lends at longer-term interest rates. This is because loans and other interest earning assets may be prepaid and replaced with lower yielding assets before the supporting interest bearing liabilities reprice downward. Bancorp’s interest rate margin may also be negatively impacted in a flat or inverse-yield curve environment. Mortgage origination activity tends to increase when interest rates trend lower and decrease when interest rates rise.
Bancorp’s primary strategy to control interest rate risk is to sell substantially all long term fixed rate loans in the secondary market. To further control interest rate risk related to its loan servicing portfolio, Bancorp originates a substantial amount of construction loans that typically have terms of one year or less. The turnover in construction loan portfolio assists Bancorp in maintaining a reasonable level of interest rate risk.
Quantitative Information About Market Risk. The primary market risk facing Bancorp is interest rate risk. From an enterprise prospective, Bancorp manages this risk by striving to balance its loan origination activities with the interest rate market. Bancorp attempts to maintain a substantial portion of its loan portfolio in short-term loans such as construction loans. This has proven to be an effective hedge against rapid increases in interest rates as the construction loan portfolio reprices rapidly.
The matching of maturity or repricing of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which these assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive and by monitoring the Bank’s interest rate sensitivity gap. An interest earning asset or interest bearing liability is interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities represents the Bank’s interest sensitivity gap.
Exposure to interest rate risk is actively monitored by Bancorp’s management. Its objective is to maintain a consistent level of profitability within acceptable risk tolerances across a board range of potential interest rate environments. Bancorp uses the OTS Net Portfolio Value (NPV) model to monitor its exposure to interest rate risk, which calculates changes in NPV. The following table represents Bancorp’s NPV at December 31, 2003. The NPV was calculated by the OTS, based upon information provided to the OTS.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY OF NET PORTFOLIO VALUE (NPV)
Note: Calculations of 3/1/2004 using CMR data edited 02/12/2004. CMR Report filing required. For this quarter, the Sensitivity Measure is defined as the decline in the pre-shock NPV ratio caused by a 100 basis point decrease of a 200 basis point increase in interest rates, whichever produced the larger decline.
Due to the abnormally low prevailing interest rate environment, this report no longer provides NPV estimates for changes in interest rates of -400 or +400 basis points (beginning with the March 1999 cycle), -300 basis points (beginning with the September 2001 Cycle), and -200 basis points (beginning with the December 2001 cycle).
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Financial statements and supplementary data are included herein at pages through.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Reference is made to the section captioned “Relationship With Independent Auditors” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
On January 2, 2004, Anderson Associates LLP (“Anderson”) announced that it was joining Beard Miller Company LLP (“Beard Miller”) to become the Baltimore office of Beard Miller. As a result, on January 2, 2004, Anderson resigned as independent auditors of the Company. On January 2, 2004, the Company engaged Beard Miller as its successor independent audit firm. The Company's engagement of Beard Miller was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee on January 5, 2004.
Anderson served as the Registrant's independent accountants to audit the Registrant's consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. Anderson’s reports on the Registrant's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the Registrant's fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the subsequent interim period from January 1, 2003 through January 2, 2004, there were no disagreements with Anderson on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Anderson, would have caused Anderson to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in their report on the financial statements for such years.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Bancorp’s Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls. As of December 31, 2003, Bancorp evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). This evaluation (“Controls Evaluation”) was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. Bancorp’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its Disclosure Controls or its “internal controls and procedures for financial reporting” (“Internal Controls”) will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Bancorp have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Conclusions. Based upon the Controls Evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted above, the Disclosure Controls are effective to timely alert management to material information relating to Bancorp during the period when its periodic reports are being prepared.
In accordance with SEC requirements, the CEO and CFO note that during the fourth quarter of 2003 there have been no significant changes in Internal Controls or in other factors that could significantly affect Internal Controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Reference is made to the section captioned “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned “Director Independence” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned “Report of the Audit Committee” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
On March 16, 2004, the Company adopted a written Code of Ethics, attached hereto as an Exhibit, that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Company intends to disclose waivers and amendments to the Code of Ethics on its website in the event that any such waiver or amendment is granted.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Reference is made to the section captioned “Director and Executive Officer Compensation” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Reference is made to the sections captioned “Stock Ownership” and “Director and Executive Officer Compensation” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Reference is made to the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Transactions Where Certain Persons Have Material Interests” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Reference is made to the section captioned “Relationship with Independent Auditors” in Bancorp's Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned “Report of the Audit Committee” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement dated March 25, 2004 for the information required by this Item, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following financial statements of Bancorp and its wholly owned sub­sidiaries are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements
· CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2002
· CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002, AND 2001
· CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
· CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001.
· NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGES -
· REPORT OF BEARD MILLER COMPANY, LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS PAGE.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules have been omitted, as required information is either inapplicable or included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
3. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Severn Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.2 Bylaws of Severn Bancorp, Inc. (1)
10.5 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (1)
14 Code of Ethics
31.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32. Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit bearing the same number in Bancorp's Registration Statement of Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7, 2002
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 as follows:
Form 8-K dated May 12, 2003. Reporting the resignation of Dimitri Sfakiyanudis as Director.
Form 8-K dated December 16, 2003. Reporting the appointment of Albert W. Shields as Director.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission including Bancorp. That address is http://www.sec.gov.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SEVERN BANCORP, INC.
March 25, 2004 /s/
Alan J. Hyatt
Chairman of the Board and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
March 25, 2004 /s/
Alan J. Hyatt
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Melvin Hyatt, Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
S. Scott Kirkley, Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Melvin E. Meekins, Jr., Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Ronald P. Pennington, Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
T. Theodore Schultz, Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Albert W. Shields, Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Louis DiPasquale, Jr., Director
March 25, 2004 /s/
Keith Stock, Director
Under 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. Each of the undersigned signatures certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) This Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Registrant.
SEVERN BANCORP, INC.
Registrant
Date: March 25, 2004 /s/
Alan J. Hyatt, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 25, 2004 /s/
Cecelia Lowman, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)