Item 1. Business
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIST Financial Corp. (the "Company"), a bank holding company, which has elected to be treated as a financial holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIST Bank (the "Bank"), VIST Insurance, LLC ("VIST Insurance") and VIST Capital Management, LLC ("VIST Capital"). As of December 31, 2011, the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, VIST Mortgage Holdings, LLC, was inactive. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company is a Pennsylvania business corporation headquartered at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610. The Company was organized as a bank holding company on January 1, 1986. The Company's election with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to become a financial holding company became effective on February 7, 2002. The Company offers a
wide array of financial services through its various subsidiaries. The Company's executive offices are located at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610.
The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market system under the symbol "VIST."
At December 31, 2011, the Company had total assets of $1.43 billion, total shareholders' equity of $115.7 million, and total deposits of $1.19 billion.
Proposed Merger
On January 25, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Tompkins Financial Corporation will acquire VIST Financial Corp. VIST Bank will operate as a subsidiary of Tompkins Financial with a separate banking charter, local management team, and local Board of Directors. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2012, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including required shareholder approval.
Subsidiary Activities
The Bank
The Company's wholly-owned banking subsidiary, VIST Bank is a Pennsylvania chartered commercial bank. The Bank operates in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties in Pennsylvania.
On October 1, 2004, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding voting shares of Madison Bancshares Group, Ltd., the holding company for Madison Bank ("Madison"), a Pennsylvania state-chartered commercial bank and its mortgage banking division, Philadelphia Financial Mortgage Company, now known as VIST Mortgage. Madison and VIST Mortgage are both now divisions of VIST Bank. The transaction enhanced the Bank's strong presence in Pennsylvania, particularly in the high growth counties of Berks, Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware.
On November 19, 2010, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Allegiance Bank of North America ("Allegiance") of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, through an FDIC-assisted whole bank acquisition. The Allegiance acquisition added five full-service locations in Chester and Philadelphia counties, of which the Company closed one early in 2011 and plans on closing another one in the second quarter of 2012. As part of the Allegiance acquisition, the Company entered into a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC that covers a portion of losses incurred after the acquisition date on loans and other real estate owned. As of the acquisition date, the Company recorded $7.0 million as an indemnification asset, which represents the present value of the estimated loss share reimbursements expected to be received from the FDIC for future losses on covered assets. As part of the agreement, the FDIC will reimburse the Company for 70% of any losses incurred related to loans and other real estate owned covered under the loss-sharing agreement. Realized losses in excess of the acquisition date estimates will result in the FDIC increasing its reimbursement to the Company to 80%.
The acquisition has been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the November 19, 2010 acquisition date. Prior to purchase accounting adjustments, the Company assumed approximately $93.0 million in deposit liabilities and acquired certain assets of approximately $106.0 million. The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in recorded goodwill of $1.0 million. Fair value adjustments include a write-down of $12.0 million related to the covered loan portfolio, and increased liabilities of $534,000 related to time deposits and $553,000 related to long-term debt.
Commercial and Retail Banking
VIST Bank provides services to its customers through twenty-one full service and two limited service financial centers, which operate under VIST Bank's name in Leesport, Blandon, Bern Township, Wyomissing, Breezy Corner, Hamburg, Birdsboro, Northeast Reading, Exeter Township, and Sinking Spring all of which are in Berks County, Pennsylvania. VIST Bank also operates a financial center in Schuylkill Haven, which is located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. VIST Bank also operates financial centers in Blue Bell, Conshohocken, Oaks, Centre Square, and Worcester all of which are in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Bank also operates financial centers in Fox Chase, Bala Cynwyd and Old City all of which are in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The Bank also operates a financial center in Berwyn, which is in Chester County, Pennsylvania and another financial center in Strafford in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. VIST Bank closed a King of Prussia location in early 2011 and expects to close the Berwyn location in the second quarter of 2012. The Bank also operates limited service facilities in Wernersville and Flying Hills, both in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Most full service financial centers provide automated teller machine services, with the exception of the Bala Cynwyd location. Each financial center that provides an automated teller machine, with the exception of the Wernersville, Exeter, Old City, Worcester, Berwyn and Breezy Corner locations, provides drive-in facilities.
VIST Bank engages in full service commercial and consumer banking business, including such services as accepting deposits in the form of time, demand and savings accounts. Such time deposits include certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts and Roth IRAs. The Bank' savings accounts include money market accounts, club accounts, NOW accounts and traditional regular savings accounts. In addition to accepting deposits, the Bank makes both secured and unsecured commercial and consumer loans, provides equipment lease and accounts receivable financing and makes construction and mortgage loans, including home equity loans. The Bank does not engage in sub-prime lending. The Bank also provides small business loans and other services including rents for safe deposit facilities.
At December 31, 2011, the Company and VIST Bank had the equivalent of 302 and 200 full-time employees, respectively.
Mortgage Banking
VIST Bank provides mortgage banking services to its customers through VIST Mortgage, a division of the Bank. VIST Mortgage operates offices in Reading, Schuylkill Haven and Blue Bell, which are located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, respectively. VIST Mortgage had 11 full-time employees at December 31, 2011.
Insurance
VIST Insurance, a full service insurance agency, offers a full line of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance as well as group insurance for businesses, employee and group benefit plans, and life insurance. VIST Insurance is headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania with sales offices at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; 1767 Sentry Parkway West (Suite 210) Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; and 5 South Sunnybrook Road (Suite 100), Pottstown, Pennsylvania. VIST Insurance had 64 full-time employees at December 31, 2011.
Wealth Management
VIST Capital, a full service investment advisory and brokerage services company, offers a full line of products and services for individual financial planning, retirement and estate planning, investments, corporate and small business pension and retirement planning. VIST Capital is headquartered at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania and had 6 full-time employees at December 31, 2011.
Equity Investments
Health Savings Accounts-In July 2005, the Company purchased a 25% equity position in First HSA, LLC a national health savings account ("HSA") administrator. The investment formalized a relationship that existed since 2001. This relationship allowed the Company to be a custodian for HSA customers throughout the country. During the second quarter of 2010, the 25% equity interest in First HSA, LLC was sold, resulting in the transfer of approximately $89.0 million in HSA deposits and a recognized gain of $1.9 million.
Junior Subordinated Debt
The Company owns First Leesport Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a Delaware statutory business trust formed on March 9, 2000, in which the Company owns all of the common equity. The Trust has outstanding $5.0 million of 10.875% fixed rate mandatory redeemable capital securities. These securities must be redeemed in March 2030, but became callable on March 9, 2010. In October, 2002 the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converts the securities to a floating interest rate of six month LIBOR plus 5.25%. In June, 2003 the Company purchased a six month LIBOR cap to create protection against rising interest rates for the interest rate swap. This interest rate cap matured in March 2010 and the payer exercised their call option to terminate the interest rate swap in September 2010.
On September 26, 2002, the Company established Leesport Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust, in which the Company owns all of the common equity. Leesport Capital Trust II issued $10.0 million of mandatory redeemable capital securities carrying a floating interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.45%. These securities must be redeemed in September 2032, but became callable on November 7, 2007. In September 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a start date of February 2009 and a maturity date of November 2013 that effectively converts the $10.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 7.25%.
On June 26, 2003, Madison established Madison Statutory Trust I, a Connecticut statutory business trust. Pursuant to the purchase of Madison on October 1, 2004, the Company assumed Madison Statutory Trust I in which the Company owns all of the common equity. Madison Statutory Trust I issued $5.0 million of mandatory redeemable capital securities carrying a floating interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.10%. These securities must be redeemed in June 2033, but became callable on June 26, 2008. In September 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a start date of March 2009 and a maturity date of September 2013 that effectively converts the $5.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 6.90%.
Competition
The Company faces substantial competition in originating loans, attracting deposits, and generating fee-based income. This competition comes principally from other banks, savings institutions, credit unions, mortgage banking companies and, with respect to deposits, institutions offering investment alternatives, including money market funds. Competition also comes from other insurance agencies and direct writing insurance companies. As a result of consolidation in the banking industry, some of the Company's competitors and their respective affiliates may enjoy advantages such as greater financial resources, a wider geographic presence, a wider array of services, or more favorable pricing alternatives and lower origination and operating costs.
Supervision and Regulation
General
The Company is registered as a bank holding company, which has elected to be treated as a financial holding company, and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As a bank
holding company, the Company's activities and those of its bank subsidiary are limited to the business of banking and activities closely related or incidental to banking. Bank holding companies are required to file periodic reports with and are subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has issued regulations under the Bank Holding Company Act that require a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board, pursuant to such regulations, may require the Company to stand ready to use its resources to provide adequate capital funds to its bank subsidiary during periods of financial stress or adversity.
The Bank Holding Company Act prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting stock, or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or from merging or consolidating with another bank holding company, without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Additionally, the Bank Holding Company Act prohibits the Company from engaging in or from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting stock of any company engaged in a non-banking business, unless such business is determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. The types of businesses that are permissible for bank holding companies to own were expanded by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act in 1999.
As a Pennsylvania bank holding company for purposes of the Pennsylvania Banking Code, the Company is also subject to regulation and examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking.
The Company is under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission and of state securities commissions for matters relating to the offering and sale of its securities. In addition, the Company is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations relating to periodic reporting, proxy solicitation, and insider trading.
Regulation of VIST Bank
The Bank is a Pennsylvania chartered commercial bank, and its deposits are insured (up to applicable limits) by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). The Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and by the FDIC. The Community Reinvestment Act requires the Bank to help meet the credit needs of the entire community where the Bank operates, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The Bank's rating under the Community Reinvestment Act, assigned by the FDIC pursuant to an examination of the Bank, is important in determining whether the Bank may receive approval for, or utilize certain streamlined procedures in, applications to engage in new activities.
The Bank is also subject to requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the types of services that may be offered. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the Bank. In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board as it attempts to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.
Capital Adequacy Guidelines
Bank regulatory authorities in the United States issue risk-based capital standards. These capital standards relate a bank's capital to the risk profile of its assets and provide the basis by which all banks are evaluated in terms of its capital adequacy. The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt
corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tier 1 capital to average assets and of total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, The Company and the Bank exceeded the current regulatory requirements to be considered a quantitatively "well capitalized" financial institution, i.e. a leverage ratio exceeding 5%, Tier 1 risk-based capital exceeding 6%, and total risk-based capital exceeding 10%.
Prompt Corrective Action Rules
Immediately upon becoming undercapitalized, a depository institution becomes subject to the provisions of Section 38 of the FDIA, which: (a) restrict payment of capital distributions and management fees; (b) require that the appropriate federal banking agency monitor the condition of the institution on and its efforts to restore its capital; (c) require submission of a capital restoration plan; (d) restrict the growth of the institution's assets; and (e) require prior approval of certain expansion proposals. The appropriate federal banking agency for an undercapitalized institution also may take any number of discretionary supervisory actions if the agency determines that any of these actions is necessary to resolve the problems of the institution at the least possible long-term cost to the deposit insurance fund, subject in certain cases to specified procedures. These discretionary supervisory actions include: (a) requiring the institution to raise additional capital; (b) restricting transactions with affiliates; (c) requiring divestiture of the institution or the sale of the institution to a willing purchaser; and (d) any other supervisory action that the agency deems appropriate. These and additional mandatory and permissive supervisory actions may be taken with respect to significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized institutions.
Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends
Dividend payments made by the Bank to the Company are subject to the Pennsylvania Banking Code, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the regulations of the FDIC. Under the Banking Code, no dividends may be paid except from "accumulated net earnings" (generally, retained earnings). The Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") and the FDIC have formal and informal policies which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings, with some exceptions. The Prompt Corrective Action Rules, described above, further limit the ability of banks to pay dividends if they are not classified as well capitalized or adequately capitalized. Under these policies and subject to the restrictions applicable to the Bank, the Bank had no funds available for payment of dividends to the Company at December 31, 2011, without requiring prior regulatory approval. The issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock also carries certain restrictions with regards to the Company's declaration and payment of cash dividends on common stock.
Dividends payable by the Company are subject to guidance published by the Board of Governors of the FRB. Consistent with the Federal Reserve guidance, companies are urged to strongly consider eliminating, deferring or significantly reducing dividends if (i) net income available to common shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividend, (ii) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company's capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (iii) the Company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy rations. As a result of this guidance, management intends to consult with the FRB of Philadelphia, and provide the FRB with information on the Company's then current and prospective earnings and capital position, on a quarterly basis in advance of declaring any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
FDIC Insurance Assessments
Recent insured institution failures, as well as deterioration in banking and economic conditions, have significantly increased FDIC loss provisions, resulting in a decline in the designated reserve ratio to historical lows. The FDIC expects a higher rate of insured institution failures in the next few years compared to recent years; thus, the reserve ratio may continue to decline. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or Dodd-Frank Act, that was enacted by Congress on July 15, 2010, and was signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010, enacted a number of changes to the federal deposit insurance regime that will affect the deposit insurance assessments the Bank will be obligated to pay in the future. For example:
•The law permanently raises the federal deposit insurance limit to $250,000 per account ownership. This change may have the effect of increasing losses to the FDIC insurance fund on future failures of other insured depository institutions.
•The new law makes deposit insurance coverage unlimited in amount for non-interest bearing transaction accounts until December 31, 2012. This change may also have the effect of increasing losses to the FDIC insurance fund on future failures of other insured depository institutions.
•The FDIC is required under the Dodd-Frank Act to establish assessment rates that will allow the Deposit Insurance Fund to achieve a reserve ratio of 1.35% of Insurance Fund insured deposits by September 2020. In addition, the FDIC has established a "designated reserve ratio" of 2.0%, a target ratio that, until it is achieved, will not likely result in the FDIC reducing assessment rates. In attempting to achieve the mandated 1.35% ratio, the FDIC is required to implement assessment formulas that charge banks over $10 billion in asset size more than banks under that size. Those new formulas began in the second quarter of 2011 and were beneficial to the Bank by calculating less FDIC insurance expense in the second half of 2011. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC is authorized to make reimbursements from the insurance fund to banks if the reserve ratio exceeds 1.50%, but the FDIC has adopted the "designated reserve ratio" of 2.0% and has announced that any reimbursements from the fund are indefinitely suspended.
Each of these changes may increase the rate of FDIC insurance assessments to maintain or replenish the FDIC's deposit insurance fund. This could, in turn, raise the Bank's future deposit insurance assessment costs. On the other hand, the law changes the deposit insurance assessment base so that it will generally be equal to average consolidated assets less average tangible equity. As the asset base of the banking industry is larger than the deposit base, the range of assessment rates will change to a low of 2.5 basis points to a high of 45 basis points, per $100 of assets. This change of the assessment base from an emphasis on deposits to an emphasis on assets is generally considered likely to cause larger banking organizations to pay a disproportionately higher portion of future deposit insurance assessments, which may, correspondingly, lower the level of deposit insurance assessments that smaller community banks such as the Bank may otherwise have to pay in the future.
On November 12, 2009, the FDIC approved a rule to require insured institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. An insured institution's risk-based deposit insurance assessments will continue to be calculated on a quarterly basis, but will be paid from the amount the institution prepaid until the later of the date that amount is exhausted or June 30, 2013, at which point any remaining funds would be returned to the insured institution. Consequently, the Company's prepayment of DIF premiums made in December 2009 resulted in a prepaid asset of $5.7 million. As of December 31, 2011, the amount of the prepaid asset was $2.6 million.
On May 22, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule imposing a 5 basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution's assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. The amount of the special assessment for any institution did not exceed 10 basis points times the institution's assessment
base for the second quarter 2009. The assessment, in the amount of $574,000, was collected from the Bank on September 30, 2009.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh ("FHLB"), which is one of 12 regional FHLB's. Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from funds deposited by member institutions and proceeds from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by the board of directors of the FHLB. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had no FHLB advances outstanding (see Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements).
As a member, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum stock investment ("FHLB Stock"), both as a condition to becoming and remaining a member and as a condition to obtaining advances and Letters of Credit. The Company is required to purchase and hold FHLB Stock in an amount equal to the sum of: (a) 4.60% of its current total outstanding advances, (b) 1.60% of its current total issued and outstanding letters of credit, and (c) 0.35% of its total membership asset value, calculated annually, and based on financial data for the most recent calendar year-end. On November 19, 2010, the Company acquired $1.7 million in FHLB stock as a result of the FDIC-assisted whole bank acquisition of Allegiance. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had $5.8 million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and Related Programs
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("EESA") was enacted to enable the federal government, under terms and conditions developed primarily by the Secretary of the United States Department of Treasury ("Treasury"), to restore liquidity and stabilize the U.S. economy, including through implementation of the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP"). Under the TARP, Treasury authorized a voluntary Capital Purchase Program ("CPP") to purchase up to $250.0 billion of senior preferred shares of qualifying financial institutions that elected to participate by November 14, 2008. As previously disclosed, on December 19, 2008, the Company issued to Treasury, 25,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 367,982 shares of the Company's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million under the TARP CPP (see Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements). Companies participating in the TARP CPP were required to adopt certain standards relating to executive compensation. The terms of the TARP CPP also limit certain uses of capital by the issuer, including with respect to repurchases of securities and increases in dividends.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA") was intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn brought about by the subprime mortgage crisis and the resulting credit crunch. The bill includes federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions, and domestic spending in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, including the energy structure. The new law also includes certain noneconomic recovery related items, including a limitation on executive compensation in federally aided financial institutions, including institutions, such as the Company, that had previously received an investment by Treasury under the TARP CPP. Under ARRA, an institution that either will receive funds or which had previously received funds under TARP, will be subject to certain restrictions and standards throughout the period in which any obligation arising under TARP remains outstanding (except for the time during which the federal government holds only warrants to purchase common stock of the issuer).
The following summarizes the significant requirements of ARRA, which are included in standards established by the Treasury:
•limits on compensation incentives for risks by senior executive officers;
•a requirement for recovery of any compensation paid based on inaccurate financial information;
•a prohibition on "golden parachute payments" to specified officers or employees, which term is generally defined as any payment for departure from a company for any reason;
•a prohibition on compensation plans that would encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of employees;
•a prohibition on bonus, retention award, or incentive compensation to designated employees, except in the form of long-term restricted stock;
•a requirement that the board of directors adopt a luxury expenditures policy;
•a requirement that shareholders be permitted a separate nonbinding vote on executive compensation;
•a requirement that the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer provide a written certification of compliance with the standards, when established, to the SEC.
Under ARRA, subject to consultation with the appropriate federal banking agency, Treasury is required to permit a recipient of TARP funds to repay any amounts previously provided to or invested in the recipient by Treasury without regard to whether the institution has replaced the funds from any other source or to any waiting period.
Recent Legislation
The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted on July 21, 2010. This new law will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure and affect the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new rules and regulations, and to prepare various studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting such rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act are still not known.
Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to have a near term impact on the Company. For example, effective July 21, 2011, a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts.
The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments. Under the Act, the assessment base will no longer be an institution's deposit base, but rather its average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity during the assessment period.
The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012. Both of these changes had no impact to the Bank's operating results.
Bank and thrift holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009, such as the Company, will be permitted to include trust preferred securities that were issued before May 19, 2010, as Tier 1 capital; however, trust preferred securities issued by a bank or thrift holding company (other than those with assets of less than $500 million) after May 19, 2010, will no longer count as Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities still will be entitled to be treated as Tier 2 capital.
The Dodd-Frank Act will require publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called "golden parachute" arrangements, and may allow greater access by shareholders to the company's proxy material by authorizing the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate their own candidates using a company's proxy materials. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive
compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded.
The Dodd-Frank Act creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10.0 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10.0 billion or less in assets such as the Bank will continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.
It is difficult to predict at this time the specific impact the Dodd-Frank Act and the yet to be written implementing rules and regulations will have on community banks. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions' operations is presently unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.
Other Legislation
VIST Insurance and VIST Capital are subject to additional regulatory requirements. VIST Insurance is subject to Pennsylvania insurance laws and the regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. Our securities brokerage activities are conducted exclusively through LPL Financial LLC, an SEC and FINRA registered broker/dealer and SIPC member that is subject to regulation by SEC and the FINRA. Effective August 1, 2011, VIST Capital ceased registered investment advisor operations, with formal notification sent to the SEC in October 2011.
Congress is often considering some financial industry legislation, and the federal banking agencies routinely propose new regulations. The Company cannot predict how any new legislation, or new rules adopted by federal or state banking agencies, may affect the business of the Company and its subsidiaries in the future. Given that the financial industry remains under stress and severe scrutiny, and given that the U.S. economy has not yet fully recovered to pre-crisis levels of activity, the Company expects that there will be significant legislation and regulatory actions that may materially affect the banking industry for the foreseeable future.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Smaller reporting companies, as defined by §229.10(f)(1), are not required to provide the information required by this item. VIST Financial Corp. meets the definition of a smaller reporting company.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Company's executive office is located in the administration building at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Listed below are the locations of properties owned or leased by the Company and its subsidiaries. Owned properties are not subject to any mortgage, lien or encumbrance.
(1)The Company expects to close its Berwyn Financial Center acquired in the Allegiance acquisition by April 15, 2012.
VIST Insurance shares offices in the Company's administration building located at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. VIST Insurance is charged a pro rata amount of the total lease expense.
VIST Capital also shares office space in the Company's administration building in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, as well as in VIST Insurance's office located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and are charged accordingly a pro rata amount of the total lease expense.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
A certain amount of litigation arises in the ordinary course of the business of the Company, and the Company's subsidiaries. In the opinion of the management of the Company, there are no proceedings pending to which the Company, or the Company's subsidiaries are a party or to which their property is subject, that, if determined adversely to the Company or its subsidiaries, would be material in relation to the Company's shareholders' equity or financial condition, nor are there any proceedings pending other than ordinary routine litigation incident to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, no material proceedings are pending or are known to be threatened or contemplated against the Company or its subsidiaries by governmental authorities.
Veitch v. Robert D. Davis, et al., Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, Pennsylvania, No. 12-1918
A putative shareholder derivative and class action lawsuit relating to VIST's merger with Tompkins Financial Corporation ("Tompkins") was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 2012, against 11 of VIST's directors ("Director Defendants"), Tompkins, TMP Mergeco, Inc., and VIST (as a nominal defendant). The complaint alleges that the consideration VIST's shareholders will receive in connection with the merger is inadequate and that the Director Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders and to VIST in negotiating and approving the merger agreement, including agreeing to allegedly "preclusive" merger terms, and engaging in self-dealing. Plaintiff also contends that by entering into the merger agreement with Tompkins, the Director Defendants committed corporate waste. Last, the complaint alleges that Tompkins and TMP Mergeco, Inc. aided and abetted the alleged breaches by the Director Defendants. The complaint seeks various forms of relief, including injunctive relief that would, if granted, prevent the merger from being consummated in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.
VIST has not yet responded to the complaint. The defendants believe that the allegations are without merit and intend to defend the action vigorously. Because no discovery has been taken, it is too early to assess the likelihood of any liability against VIST and the Director Defendants.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None
Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant
Certain information, as of December 31, 2011, including principal occupation during the past five years, relating to each executive officer of the Company is as follows:
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a graph and table comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's common stock against the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ-Total US Index, and the SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank Index for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2006, and ending December 31, 2011.
Cumulative total return on the Company's common stock, the NASDAQ Combination Bank Index, and the SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank Index equals the total increase in value since December 31, 2006, assuming reinvestment of all dividends.
The following graph and table were prepared assuming that $100 was invested on December 31, 2006, in Company common stock, the NASDAQ-Total US Index, and the SNL Mid-Atlantic Bank Index.
VIST Financial Corp.
As of December 31, 2011, there were 712 record holders of the Company's common stock. The market price of the Company's common stock for each quarter in 2011 and 2010 and the dividends declared on the Company's common stock for each quarter in 2011 and 2010 are set forth below.
Market Price of Common Stock
The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "VIST".
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the high and low bid and asked price per share of the Company's common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market:
Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock Dividends
On December 19, 2008, the Company issued to the Treasury 25,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock which pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. Under ARRA, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company in 25% increments at any time following consultation with its primary bank regulator and Treasury.
Prior to the earlier of the third anniversary date of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock (December 19, 2011) or the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties which are not affiliates of the Treasury, the Company cannot increase its common stock dividend from the last quarterly cash dividend per share of $0.10 declared on the common stock prior to October 14, 2008 without the consent of the Treasury.
During 2011 and 2010, cumulative cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and cash dividends on common stock were paid on the 15th of February, May, August, and November. The cash dividends declared on the Company's common stock were as follows:
The Company can derive a portion of its income from dividends paid to it by the Bank. For a description of certain regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company and by the Company, see "Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends" on page 6.
Stock Repurchase Plan. On July 17, 2007, the Company increased the number of shares remaining for repurchase under its stock repurchase plan, originally effective January 1, 2003, and extended May 20, 2004, to 150,000 shares. During 2011, the Company did not repurchase any of its outstanding shares of common stock. At December 31, 2011, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan was 115,000.
The following table sets forth certain information relating to shares of the Company's common stock repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2011.
As a result of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, prior to the earlier of the third anniversary date of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock (December 19, 2011) or the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties which are not affiliates of the Treasury, the Company is generally restricted against redeeming, purchasing or acquiring any shares of common stock or other capital stock or other equity securities of any kind of the Company without the consent of the Treasury.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
We derived our balance sheet and income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 from our audited financial statements. The summary consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by, our financial statements and the accompanying notes and the other information included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The following table presents the Company's summary consolidated financial data.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Management's discussion and analysis represents an overview of the financial condition and results of operations, and highlights the significant changes in the financial condition and results of operations, as presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for VIST Financial Corp. (the "Company"), a financial holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIST Bank (the "Bank"), VIST Insurance, LLC ("VIST Insurance"), and VIST Capital Management, LLC ("VIST Capital Management").
On January 25, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Tompkins Financial Corporation will acquire VIST Financial Corp. VIST Bank will operate as a subsidiary of Tompkins Financial with a separate banking charter, local management team, and local Board of Directors. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2012, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including required shareholder approval.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). US GAAP is complex and require management to apply significant judgment to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
In management's opinion, the most critical accounting policies and estimates impacting the Company's consolidated financial statements are listed below. These policies are critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. For a complete discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies, see the footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and discussion throughout this Form 10-K.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company had goodwill and other intangible assets of $19.8 million at December 31, 2011, related to the acquisition of its banking, insurance and wealth management companies. The Company utilizes a third party valuation service to perform its goodwill impairment test both on an interim and annual basis. A fair value is determined for the banking and financial services, insurance services and investment services reporting units. If the fair value of the reporting business unit exceeds the book value, then no impairment write down of goodwill is necessary (a Step One evaluation). If the fair value is less than the book value, then an additional test (a Step Two evaluation) is necessary to assess goodwill for potential impairment. As a result of the goodwill impairment valuation analysis, the Company determined that a $25.1 million goodwill impairment write-off for all of its reporting units was necessary for the year ended December 31, 2011. For additional information, refer to Note 8-Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets of the consolidated financial statements.
Reporting unit valuation is inherently subjective, with a number of factors based on assumption and management judgments. Among these are future growth rates, discount rates and earnings capitalization rates. Changes in assumptions and results due to economic conditions, industry factors and reporting business unit performance could result in different assessments of the fair value and could result in impairment charges in the future.
Framework for Interim Impairment Analysis
The Company utilizes the following framework from FASB ASC 350 "Intangibles-Goodwill & Other" to evaluate whether an interim goodwill impairment test is required, given the occurrence of events or if circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
•a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;
•an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
•unanticipated competition;
•a loss of key personnel;
•a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of;
•Financing Transactions," of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and
•recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.
When applying the framework above, management additionally considers that a decline in the Company's market capitalization could reflect an event or change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of reporting business unit below its carrying value. However, in considering potential impairment of goodwill, management does not consider the fact that our market capitalization is less than the carrying value of our Company to be determinative that impairment exists. This is because there are factors, such as our small size and small market capitalization, which do not take into account important factors in evaluating the value of our Company and each reporting business unit, such as the benefits of control or synergies. Consequently, management's annual process for evaluating potential impairment of our goodwill (and evaluating subsequent interim period indicators of impairment) involves a detailed level analysis and incorporates a more granular view of each reporting business unit than aggregate market capitalization, as well as significant valuation inputs.
Annual and Interim Impairment Tests and Results
Management estimates fair value annually utilizing multiple methodologies which include discounted cash flows, comparable companies and comparable transactions. Each valuation technique requires management to make judgments about inputs and assumptions which form the basis for financial projections of future operating performance and the corresponding estimated cash flows. The analyses performed require the use of objective and subjective inputs which include market-price of non-distressed financial institutions, similar transaction multiples, and required rates of return. Management works closely in this process with third party valuation professionals, who assist in obtaining comparable market data and performing certain of the calculations, based on information provided and assumptions made by management.
FASB ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell or transfer the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. FASB ASC 820 further defines market participants as buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.
FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in valuation techniques:
1.Level 1 inputs are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
2.Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data
3.Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, such as a company's own data
The Company will continue to monitor the interim indicators noted in FASB ASC 350 to evaluate whether an interim goodwill impairment test is required, given the occurrence of events or if circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, absent those events, the Company will perform its annual goodwill impairment evaluation during the fourth quarter of each calendar year.
Consideration of Market Capitalization in Light of the Results of Our Annual and Interim Goodwill Assessments
The Company's stock price, like the stock prices of many other financial services companies, is trading below both book value as well as tangible book value. We believe that the Company's current market value does not represent the fair value of the Company when taken as a whole and in consideration of other relevant factors. Because the Company is viewed by investors predominantly as a community bank, we believe our market capitalization is based on net tangible book value, reduced by nonperforming assets in excess of the allowance for loan losses. We believe that the market place ascribes effectively no value to the Company's fee-based reporting units, the assets of which are composed principally of goodwill and intangibles. Management believes that as a stand-alone business each of these reporting units has value which is not being incorporated in the market's valuation of the Company reflected in the share price. Management also believes that if these reporting units were carved out of the Company and sold, they would command a sales price reflective of their current performance. Management further believes that if these reporting units were sold, the results of the sale would increase both the tangible book value (resulting from, among other things, the reduction in associated goodwill) and therefore market capitalization, given the market's current valuation approach described above.
Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses
The level of the allowance for credit losses and the provision for credit losses involve significant estimates by management. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management considers the specific collectability of impaired and nonperforming loans, past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect borrowers ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant qualitative factors. While management uses available information to make such evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance for credit losses and the provision for credit losses may be necessary if economic conditions, loan credit quality, or collateral issues differ substantially from the factors and assumptions used in making the evaluation.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either loss, doubtful, substandard or special mention. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers
non-classified loans and is based on historical industry loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.
Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and commercial real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
Revenue Recognition for Insurance Activities
Insurance revenues are derived from commissions and fees. Commission revenues, as well as the related premiums receivable and payable to insurance companies, are recognized the later of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date the client is billed, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations. The reserve for policy cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Commission revenues related to installment premiums are recognized as billed. Commissions on premiums billed directly by insurance companies are generally recognized as income when received. Contingent commissions from insurance companies are generally recognized as revenue when the data necessary to reasonably estimate such amounts is obtained. A contingent commission is a commission paid by an insurance company that is based on the overall profit and/or volume of the business placed with the insurance company. Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.
Stock-Based Compensation
FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718, "Share-Based Payment" addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions subsequent to 2006 in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. FASB ASC 718 requires an entity to recognize the grant-date fair-value of stock options and its other equity-based compensation issued to the employees in the consolidated statements of operations. The revised Statement generally requires that an entity account for those transactions using the fair-value-based method, and eliminates the intrinsic value method of accounting in APB Opinion No. 25. "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," which was permitted under FASB ASC 718, as originally issued. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB ASC 718 using the modified prospective method. Any additional impact the adoption of this statement will have on our results of operations will be determined by share-based payments granted in future periods.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk-management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused
by interest rate volatility. The Company's goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation will generally be offset by income or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities. The Company views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate sensitivity, such that earnings are not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates.
By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk exists to the extent of the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes the Company, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, it has no repayment risk. The Company minimizes the credit (or repayment) risk in the derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties.
Market risk is the adverse effect that a change in interest rates, currency, or implied volatility rates has on the value of a financial instrument. The Company manages the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. The Company periodically measures this risk by using value-at-risk methodology (refer to Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for information on interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements the Company has used to manage its exposure to interest rate risk).
Investment Securities Impairment Evaluation
Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Factors that may be indicative of impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Fair value below cost and the length of time
•Adverse condition specific to a particular investment
•Rating agency activities (e.g., downgrade)
•Financial condition of an issuer
•Dividend activities
•Suspension of trading
•Management intent
•Changes in tax laws or other policies
•Subsequent market value changes
•Economic or industry forecasts
Other-than-temporary impairment means management believes the security's impairment is due to factors that could include its inability to pay interest or dividends, its potential for default, and/or other factors. When a held to maturity or available for sale debt security is assessed for other-than-temporary impairment, management has to first consider (a) whether the Company intends to sell the security, and (b) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of these circumstances applies to a security, an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations equal to the full amount of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these circumstances applies to a
security, but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred that must be separated into two categories: (a) the amount related to credit loss, and (b) the amount related to other factors. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. The portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings (as the difference between the fair value and the present value of the estimated cash flows), while the amount related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. The total other-than-temporary impairment loss is presented in the statement of operations, less the portion recognized in other comprehensive income. When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss.
If a decline in market value of a security is determined to be other than temporary, under generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to write these securities down to their estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2011, we owned single issuer and pooled trust preferred securities of other financial institutions, private label collateralized mortgage obligations and equity securities whose aggregate historical cost basis is greater than their estimated fair value (see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements). We reviewed all investment securities and have identified those securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired. The losses associated with these other-than-temporarily impaired securities have been bifurcated into the portion of non-credit impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive loss and into the portion of credit impairment losses recorded in earnings (see consolidated statements of comprehensive income). We perform an ongoing analysis of all investment securities utilizing both readily available market data and third party analytical models. Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities. If such decline is determined to be other than temporary, we will write them down through a charge to earnings to their then current fair value.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock Impairment Evaluation
The Bank is required to maintain certain amounts of FHLB Stock as a member of the FHLB. These equity securities are "restricted" in that they can only be sold back to the respective institutions or another member institution at par. Therefore, they are less liquid than other tradable equity securities, their fair value is equal to amortized cost, and no impairment write-downs have been recorded on these securities during 2011, 2010, or 2009. As a result of the FDIC-assisted whole bank acquisition of Allegiance on November 19, 2010, the bank acquired $1.7 million in FHLB stock.
In December 2008, the FHLB of Pittsburgh suspended the payment of dividends and the repurchase of excess capital stock from member banks. The FHLB cited a significant reduction in the level of core earnings resulting from lower short-term interest rates, the increased cost of maintaining liquidity and constrained access to the debt markets at attractive rates and maturities as the main reasons for the decision to suspend dividends and the repurchase excess capital stock. As of December 31, 2011, the FHLB last paid a dividend in the third quarter of 2008. As a result of improved core earnings and a decrease in OTTI charges on non-agency investment securities, the FHLB repurchased stock totaling $283,000 and $1.3 million in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, in February 2012 the FHLB continued its policy of repurchasing 5% of the Bank's excess outstanding FHLB Stock investment and reinstated paying a .10% cash dividend on the Bank's average outstanding FHLB Stock balance. Accounting guidance indicates that an investor in FHLB Pittsburgh capital stock should recognize impairment if it concludes that it is not probable that it will ultimately recover the par value of its shares. The decision of whether impairment exists is a matter of judgment that should reflect the investor's view of FHLB Pittsburgh's long-term performance, which includes factors such as its operating performance, the severity and duration of declines in the
market value of its net assets related to its capital stock amount, its commitment to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to its operating performance, the impact of legislation and regulatory changes on FHLB Pittsburgh, and accordingly, on the members of FHLB Pittsburgh and its liquidity and funding position. After evaluating all of these considerations, the Company believes the par value of its shares will be recovered. Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing an impairment charge.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Total assets were $1.43 billion at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. Overall, assets increased slightly throughout 2011. The Company used the proceeds from $38.2 million of deposit growth and $63.3 million of total loan run-off to fund $95.5 million of additional investment securities.
Investment Securities Portfolio
The securities portfolio increased to $377.2 million at December 31, 2011, from $281.8 million at December 31, 2010 primarily due to the purchase of available for sale investments in U.S. Government agency securities and agency mortgage-backed debt securities (for additional information, refer to Note 5-Securities Available for Sale and Securities Held to Maturity of the consolidated financial statements). Securities are used to supplement loan growth as necessary, to generate interest and dividend income, to manage interest rate risk, and to provide pledging and liquidity. To accomplish these ends, most of the purchases in the portfolio during 2011 and 2010 were residential agency mortgage-backed securities.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost of the investment securities at its last three fiscal year ends:
For financial reporting purposes, available for sale securities are carried at fair value.
Investment Securities Portfolio Maturities and Yields
The following table sets forth information about the maturities and weighted average yield on the Company's securities portfolio. Floating rate securities are included in the "Due in 1 Year or Less" bucket. Yields are not reported on a tax equivalent basis.
The securities portfolio included a net unrealized gain on available for sale securities of $2.1 million and a net unrealized loss on available for sale securities of $6.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, net unrealized gains of $18,000 and net unrealized losses of $769,000 were present in the held to maturity securities at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Changes in longer-term treasury interest rates, government monetary policy, the easing of underlying collateral and credit concerns, and dislocation in the current market were primarily responsible for the change in the fair market value of the securities.
Debt securities that management has the positive ability and intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost. Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movement in interest rates, changes in maturity mix of the Company's assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations and other similar factors. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of the related deferred tax effect. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of the specific securities sold, are included in earnings. Purchased premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using a method which approximates the interest method over the terms of the securities. Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses.
Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Factors that may be indicative of impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Fair value below cost and the length of time
•Adverse condition specific to a particular investment
•Rating agency activities (e.g., downgrade)
•Financial condition of an issuer
•Dividend activities
•Suspension of trading
•Management intent
•Changes in tax laws or other policies
•Subsequent market value changes
•Economic or industry forecasts
Other-than-temporary impairment means management believes the security's impairment is due to factors that could include the issuer's inability to pay interest or dividends, the issuer's potential for default, and/or other factors. When a held to maturity or available for sale debt security is assessed for other-than-temporary impairment, management has to first consider (a) whether the Company intends to sell the security, and (b) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of these circumstances applies to a security, an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations equal to the full amount of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these circumstances applies to a security, but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred that must be separated into two categories: (a) the amount related to credit loss, and (b) the amount related to other factors. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. The portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings (as the difference between the fair value and the present value of the estimated cash flows), while the amount related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. The total other-than-temporary impairment loss is presented in the statement of operations, less the portion recognized in other comprehensive income. When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
The Company had $5.8 million and $7.1 million of FHLB stock at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in FHLB stock was the result of stock repurchases by the FHLB throughout 2011, totaling $1.3 million. As a result of improved core earnings and a decrease in other-than-temporary impairment charges on non-agency investment securities, the FHLB repurchased stock from the Bank. The Bank is a voluntary member of the FHLB, which is one of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. Each Federal Home Loan Bank serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from funds deposited by member institutions and proceeds from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by the board of directors of the FHLB. Investment in FHLB Stock is "restricted" as it is required to participate in FHLB programs.
Loans, Credit Quality and Credit Risk
Gross loans decreased by $63.3 million to $957.9 million at December 31, 2011 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2010. The overall decrease in loans was mainly due to decreases in the one-to-four family portion of our residential real estate loan portfolio, our construction portfolio and our commercial real estate portfolio, partially offset by an increase in our commercial, industrial and agricultural portfolio.
The various components of loans at December 31 were as follows:
The table below presents maturities the various components of loans, outstanding at December 31, 2011:
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank had $530.7 million and $537.2 million in variable rate loans, respectively.
The Bank is required to pledge residential and commercial real estate secured loans to collateralize its potential borrowing capacity with the FHLB. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had pledged approximately $503.9 million in loans to the FHLB to secure its maximum borrowing capacity, as compared to $713.5 million at December 31, 2010.
The Bank occasionally buys or sells portions of commercial loans through participations with other financial institutions. During 2011, the Bank participated in a shared national credit with the Bank taking $15.0 million of the overall loan request. The Bank was comfortable in this request based upon the high credit quality of the borrowing entity, the fact that the business was within our lending area, and the Bank's commercial loan officer has had a long standing lending relationship with the client for a number of years. The Bank transacts sales of residential mortgages on a regular basis through VIST Mortgage. During 2011, the Bank sold $35.0 million of residential mortgage loans generating $702,000 of gains recognized on the sale, which were recorded as non-interest income. During 2010, the Bank sold $43.5 million of residential mortgage loans generating $963,000 of gains recognized on the sale.
Loan Policy and Procedure
The Bank's loan policies and procedures have been approved by the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Bank's President, Chief Lending Officer, Chief Credit Officer, and the Risk Management Officer, who collectively establish and monitor credit policy issues. Application of the loan policy is the direct responsibility of those who participate either directly or administratively in the lending function.
The Bank's Relationship Managers originate loan requests through a variety of sources which include the Bank's existing customer base, referrals from directors and various networking sources (accountants, attorneys, and realtors), and market presence. Over the past several years, the effectiveness of the Bank's Relationship Managers have been significantly increased through (1) the hiring of experienced commercial lenders in the Bank's geographic markets, (2) the Bank's continued participation in community and civic events, (3) strong networking efforts, (4) local decision making, and (5) consolidation and other changes which are occurring with respect to other local financial institutions.
A credit loan committee comprised of senior management approves commercial and consumer loans with total loan exposures in excess of $2.0 million. The executive loan committee comprised of senior management and 5 independent members from the Board of Directors approves commercial and consumer loans with total exposures in excess of $4.5 million up to the Bank's legal lending limit. One of the affirmative votes on both the credit and/or executive loan committee must be either the Chief Credit Officer or the Chief Lending Officer in order to ensure that proper standards are maintained.
Lending authorities are granted to individuals based on position and experience. All commercial loan approvals require dual signatures. Loans over $1,000,000 and up to $2,000,000 require the additional approval of the Chief Lending Officer ("CLO"), Chief Credit Officer ("CCO"), Senior Credit Officer and/or the Bank Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). Loans in excess of $2,000,000 are presented to the Bank's Credit Committee, comprised of the Chief Lending Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Senior Credit Officer, Chief Risk Officer (non-voting), and selected market Executives. The Credit Committee can approve loans up to $4,500,000 and recommend loans to the Executive Loan Committee for approval up to the Bank's legal lending limit of approximately $18.1 million at December 31, 2011. The Executive Loan Committee is comprised of the Bank CEO, the Chief Lending Officer, the Chief Credit Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, Senior Credit Officer, the Chief Risk Officer (non-voting member) and selected Board members. At least one affirmative vote in both the Credit Committee and the Executive Loan Committee must come from the CCO or the CLO. Individual joint lending authority is granted based on the level of experience of the individual for commercial loan exposures under $2 million. Higher risk credits (as determined by internal loan ratings) and unsecured facilities (in excess of $100,000) require the signature of an officer with more credit experience.
The Bank has established an "in-house" lending limit of 80% of its legal lending limit and, at December 31, 2011, the Bank had no loan relationships in excess of its in-house limit. Although Bank policy does not prohibit going over the 80% limit, these credits need to be generally considered of "high quality".
The Bank does occasionally purchase or sell portions of large dollar amount commercial loans through participations with other financial institutions. The Bank also transacts loans sales of retail mortgage loans on a regular basis. Typically, the Bank does not buy or sell any retail consumer loans.
Through the Chief Credit Officer and the Credit Committee, the Bank has successfully implemented individual, joint, and committee level approval procedures which have monitored and solidified credit quality as well as provided lenders with a process that is responsive to customer needs.
The Bank manages credit risk in the loan portfolio through adherence to consistent standards, guidelines, and limitations established by the credit policy. The Bank's credit department, along with the Relationship Managers, analyzes the financial statements of the borrower, collateral values, loan structure, and economic conditions, to then make a recommendation to the appropriate approval authority. Commercial loans generally consist of real estate secured loans, lines of credit, term, and equipment loans. The Bank's underwriting policies impose strict collateral requirements and normally will require the guaranty of the principals. For requests that qualify, the Bank will use Small Business Administration guarantees to improve the credit quality and support local small business.
The Bank's written loan policies are continually evaluated and updated as necessary to reflect changes in the marketplace. Annually, credit loan policies are approved by the Bank's Board of Directors thus providing Board oversight. These policies require specified underwriting, loan documentation and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding.
One of the key components of the Bank's commercial loan policy is loan to value. The following guidelines serve as the maximum loan to value ratios which the Bank would normally consider for new loan requests. Generally, the Bank will use the lower of cost or market when determining a loan to
value ratio (except for investment securities). The values are not appropriate in all cases, and Bank lending personnel, pursuant to their responsibility to protect the Bank's interest, seek as much collateral as practical.
Exception reporting is presented to the audit committee on a quarterly basis to ensure that the Bank remains in compliance with the FDIC limits on exceeding supervisory loan of the Bank's board of directors to value guidelines established for real estate secured transactions.
Generally, when evaluating a commercial loan request, the Bank will require 3 years of financial information on the borrower and any guarantor. The Bank has established underwriting standards that are expected to be maintained by all lending personnel. These requirements include loans being evaluated and underwritten at fully indexed rates. Larger loan exposures are typically analyzed by credit personnel that are independent from the sales personnel.
The Bank has not underwritten any hybrid loans or sub-prime loans. Loans that are generally considered to be sub-prime are loans where the borrower has a FICO score below 640 and shows data on their credit reports associated with higher default rates, limited debt experience, excessive debt, a history of missed payments, failures to pay debts, and recorded bankruptcies.
All loan closings, loan funding and appraisal ordering and review involve personnel that are independent from the sales function to ensure that bank standards and requirements are met prior to disbursement.
Impaired Loans
The Company generally values impaired loans that are accounted for under FASB ASC 310, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan ("FASB ASC 310"), based on the fair value of a loan's collateral. Loans are determined to be impaired when management has utilized current information and economic events and judged that it is probable that not all of the principal and interest due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement will be collected. Other than as described herein, management does not believe there are any significant trends, events or uncertainties that are reasonably expected to have a material impact on the loan portfolio to affect future results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, based on known information, management believes
that the effects of current and past economic conditions and other unfavorable business conditions may impact certain borrowers' abilities to comply with their repayment terms and therefore may have an adverse effect on future results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. Management closely monitors economic and business conditions and their impact on borrowers' financial strength. At December 31, 2011, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired under U.S. GAAP totaled $74.9 million, compared to $49.1 million at December 31, 2010. Management continues to diligently monitor and evaluate the existing portfolio, and identify credit concerns and risks, including those resulting from the current economy.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was $75.8 million and interest income recognized on impaired loans was $5.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.
Impaired Loans With a Related Allowance
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a recorded investment of $45.8 million in impaired loans with a related allowance, as compared to $40.7 million at December 31, 2010. This group of impaired loans and leases has a related allowance due to the probability that the borrower is not able to continue to make principal and interest payments due under the contractual terms of the loan or lease. Additionally, these loans appear to have insufficient collateral and the Company's principal may be at risk; as a result, a related allowance is established to estimate future potential principal losses.
Impaired Loans Without a Related Allowance
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a recorded investment of $29.1 million in impaired loans without a related allowance, as compared to $8.4 million at December 31, 2010. This group of impaired loans is considered impaired due to the likelihood of the borrower not being able to continue to make principal and interest payments due under the contractual terms of the loan. However, these loans appear to have sufficient collateral and the Company's principal does not appear to be at risk of probable principal losses; as a result, management believes a related allowance is not necessary.
Non-Performing Assets
Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned ("OREO"). Nonperforming loans consist of loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued (i.e. non-accrual loans), and those loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest. Nonaccruing loans are no longer accruing interest income because of apparent financial difficulties of the borrower. Interest received on nonaccruing loans is recorded as income only after the past due principal is brought current and deemed collectible in full. Non-accrual loans that maintained a current payment status for six consecutive months are placed back on accrual status under the Bank's loan policy. Loans (excluding covered loans) on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued amounted to $36.3 million and $26.5 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. A total of $19.5 million (represented by 82 loans) was added to non-accrual during 2011, and a total of $7.5 million (represented by 59 loans) was removed from non-accrual. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, there was also $2.2 million of principal pay-downs on non-accrual loans. Of the $19.5 million increase in non-accruals during 2011, $7.9 million or 40% of the increase was related to four loans.
OREO includes assets acquired through foreclosure, deed in-lieu of foreclosure, and loans identified as in-substance foreclosures. A loan is classified as an in-substance foreclosure when effective control of the collateral has been taken prior to completion of formal foreclosure proceedings. OREO is held for sale and is recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Costs to maintain OREO and subsequent gains and losses attributable to OREO liquidation are included in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations in other income and other expense as realized. No depreciation or amortization expense is recognized. OREO was $3.7 million and $5.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in OREO during 2011 was mostly attributable to the sale of one commercial property. The Company decided to sell this property and incur a significant loss because management did not anticipate market conditions for the property to improve significantly over the next 18 to 24 months. Management estimated that selling the property at a significant loss would be preferable to incurring the significant expenses to maintain the property during the time it would likely take to sell. At December 31, 2011, three OREO properties amounted to $2.7 million or 72% of the Company's total OREO. At December 31, 2011, the Company had thirteen OREO properties, as compared to twenty-three at December 31, 2010.
The table below presents the various components of the Company's non-performing assets (excluding covered loans) at December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010:
Non-performing Loans
Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")
As a result of adopting the amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 in the third quarter of 2011, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2011, for which the borrower was determined to be troubled, for identification as TDRs. Upon identifying those receivables as TDRs, the Company identified them as impaired under the guidance in Section 310-10-35 of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in Section 450-20 for those receivables newly identified as impaired.
TDRs may be modified by means of extended maturity at below market adjusted interest rates, a combination of rate and maturity, or by other means including covenant modifications, forbearance and other concessions. However, the Company generally only restructures loans by modifying the payment
structure to interest only or by reducing the actual interest rate. Once a loan becomes a TDR, it will continue to be reported as a TDR until it is ultimately repaid in full, reclassified to loans held for sale, or foreclosed and sold.
The recorded investment in TDRs was $3.4 million and $10.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $2.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of accruing TDRs while TDRs on nonaccrual status totaled $655,000 and $849,000 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Some loan modifications classified as TDRs may not ultimately result in the full collection of principal and interest, as modified, and result in potential incremental losses. These potential incremental losses have been factored into our overall estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The level of any re-defaults will likely be affected by future economic conditions. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, related to TDRs, the allowance for loan losses included specific reserves of $245,000 and $423,000, respectively.
The following table presents information on the troubled and restructured debt by loan portfolio (excluding covered loans) for the year-ended December 31, 2011:
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company added an additional $1.3 million in TDRS respectively. The Company had reserves allocated for loan loss of $32,000 for the additions in troubled debt restructurings made during the twelve months ending December 31, 2011. A default on a troubled debt restructured loan for purposes of this disclosure occurs when the borrower is 90 days past due or a foreclosure or repossession of the applicable collateral has occurred. As of December 31, 2011, no defaults occurred on loans modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Including covered loans, the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011 was $14.0 million, or 1.47% of outstanding loans, as compared to $14.8 million or 1.45% at December 31, 2010. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans and leases. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 90 days past due on a contractual basis, earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible. Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, which is based on the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the
portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan and lease portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans and leases that are classified as impaired. For such loans and leases, an allowance is established when the (i) discounted cash flows, or (ii) collateral value, or (iii) observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates for each of these categories of loans, adjusted for relevant qualitative factors. Separate qualitative adjustments are made for higher-risk criticized loans that are not impaired. These qualitative risk factors include:
1.Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and historical-based loss/collection, charge off, and recovery practices.
2.National, regional, and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various market segments, including the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.
3.Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans.
4.Experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff.
5.Volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as trends and other loan modifications.
6.Quality of the Company's loan review system, and the degree of oversight by the Company's Board of Directors.
7.Existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.
8.Effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.
Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management's best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management's estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for all criticized
and classified loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company's impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan's collateral.
For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals or evaluations. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.
For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower's financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable agings or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.
For loans that are not rated as criticized or classified, the Company collectively evaluates the loans for impairment based upon homogeneous loan groups.
Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate, an extension of a loan's stated maturity date or a change in the loan payment to interest-only. For troubled debt restructurings on loans that are accruing interest, the Company will continue to accrue interest based upon the modified terms. Troubled debt restructurings on loans not accruing interest are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are tested for impairment.
The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower's overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans criticized as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.
In addition, Federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management's comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.
Amounts were allocated to specific loan categories based upon management's classification of loans under the Company's internal loan grading system and assessment of near-term charge-offs and losses existing in specific larger balance loans that are reviewed in detail by the Company's internal loan review department and pools of other loans that are not individually analyzed. The allocation is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the categories in which future credit losses may occur.
The following table presents a comparative allocation of the allowance for loan losses for each of the past five year-ends.
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table presents the activity related to the Company's allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
(1)Excludes covered loans and mortgage loans held for sale
Covered Loans
Loans for which the Bank will share losses with the FDIC are referred to as "covered loans", and consist of loans acquired from Allegiance Bank as part of an FDIC-assisted transaction during the fourth quarter of 2010. Our covered loans totaled $50.7 million at December 31, 2011 as compared to $66.8 million at December 31, 2010. Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, loans may be aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. Of the loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration, some of the loans were aggregated into ten pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as credit risk and loan type. A pool is accounted for as one asset with a single composite interest rate, an aggregate fair value and expected cash flows. The carrying value of covered loans acquired and accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality," was $25.9 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $29.7 million at December 31, 2010.
The carrying value of covered loans not exhibiting evidence of credit impairment at the time of the acquisition (i.e. loans outside of the scope of ASC 310-30) was $24.8 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $37.1 million at December 31, 2010. The fair value of the acquired loans not exhibiting evidence of credit impairment was determined by projecting contractual cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted interest rates.
For those covered loans and pools of covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the contractually required payments due and the cash flows expected to be collected, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the non-accretable difference. The contractually required payments due represents the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Contractually required payments due may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, e.g. when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received. The Bank estimates the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected by incorporating several key assumptions including probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the acquisition dates. The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectable contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying value of the covered loans is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loans, or pool of loans, using the level yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment assumptions, and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the loans. Prepayments affect the estimated life of covered loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected.
At both acquisition and subsequent reporting dates, the Company uses a third party service provider to assist with determining the contractual and estimated cash flows. The Company provides the third party with updated loan-level information derived from the Company's main operating system, contractually required loan payments and expected cash flows for each loan and loan pool are individually reviewed by the Company. Using this information, the third party provider determines both the contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected. The loan-level information used to reforecast the cash flows is subsequently aggregated for those loans accounted for on a pool basis. The expected payment data, discount rates, impairment data and changes to the accretable yield received back from the third party are reviewed by the Company to determine whether this information is accurate and the resulting financial statement effects are reasonable.
Unlike contractual cash flows which are determined based on known factors, significant management assumptions are necessary in forecasting the estimated cash flows. We attempt to ensure the forecasted expectations are reasonable based on the information currently available; however, due
to the uncertainties inherent in the use of estimates, actual cash flow results may differ from our forecast and the differences may be significant. To mitigate such differences, we carefully prepare and review the assumptions utilized in forecasting estimated cash flows.
In reforecasting future estimated cash flow, the Company will adjust the credit loss expectations for loan pools, as necessary. These adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default.
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of those covered loans and pools of covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, certain pools of covered loans experienced decreases in their expected cash flows based on higher levels of credit impairment than originally forecasted by us at the acquisition dates. Accordingly, we recorded a $135,000 provision for losses on covered loans as a component of our provision of loan losses in the consolidated statement of operations. The provision for losses on covered loans was partially offset by a $95,000 increase in our FDIC indemnification asset for the FDIC's portion of the additional estimated credit losses under the loss sharing agreements (see table in the next section below). This increase in FDIC loss-share receivable was recorded with an offsetting increase to non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.
Although we recognized credit impairment for loans and certain pools, on an aggregate basis the acquired portfolio of covered loans are performing better than originally expected. Based on our current estimates, we expect to receive more future cash flows than originally modeled at the acquisition dates. For the loans and pools with better than expected cash flows, the forecasted increase is recorded as a prospective adjustment to our interest income on these loans and loan pools over future periods. A corresponding decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset due to the increase in expected cash flows for these loan pools is recognized on a prospective basis over the shorter period of the lives of the loan pools and the loss-share agreements accordingly. The offsetting expense is recorded as an impairment to the FDIC indemnification asset to other expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
FDIC Indemnification Asset Related to Covered Loans and Foreclosed Assets
The receivable arising from the loss sharing agreements (referred to as the "FDIC indemnification asset" on our statements of financial condition) is measured separately from the covered loans and loan pools because the agreements are not contractually part of the covered loans and are not transferable should the Bank choose to dispose of the covered loans. As of the acquisition date of the FDIC-assisted transaction, we recorded an aggregate FDIC indemnification asset $7.0 million, consisting of the present value of the expected future cash flows the Bank expected to receive from the FDIC under the loss sharing agreements. The FDIC indemnification asset is reduced as the loss sharing payments are received from the FDIC for losses realized on covered loans and other real estate owned acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions. Actual or expected losses in excess of the acquisition date estimates and accretion of the acquisition date present value discount will result in an increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the immediate recognition of non-interest income in our financial statements.
A decrease in expected losses would generally result in a corresponding decline in the FDIC indemnification asset and the non-accretable difference. Reductions in the FDIC indemnification asset due to actual or expected losses that are less than the acquisition date estimates are recognized prospectively over the shorter of (i) the estimated life of the applicable pools of covered loans or (ii) the term of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.
The following table presents changes in the FDIC indemnification asset for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011:
Deposits
Total deposits were $1.19 billion and $1.15 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Non-interest bearing deposits increased to $129.4 million at December 31, 2011, from $122.5 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $6.9 million or 5.7%. The increase in non-interest bearing deposits was primarily due to an increase in non-interest bearing personal accounts. Management continues its efforts to promote growth in these types of deposits, such as offering a free checking product, as a method to help reduce the overall cost of funds. Interest bearing deposits increased by $31.2 million or 3.0%, from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2010 to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in interest bearing deposits was primarily due to an increase in interest bearing core deposits.
Management continues to promote interest-bearing deposits through a disciplined pricing strategy with a continuing emphasis on commercial and retail marketing programs.
The components of the Company's deposits at December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010 were as follows:
The following table sets forth the Bank's certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by maturity:
The following table sets forth the average balances of deposits and the average rates paid for the years presented:
Borrowings
Borrowed funds from various sources are generally used to supplement deposit growth. There were no Federal funds purchased at either December 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010. Federal funds purchased typically mature in one day. An increase in core deposit levels has reduced the need for the Company to borrow overnight funds. Short-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $3.4 million and $6.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Borrowings, representing advances from the FHLB, was $0 and $10.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase were at $100.0 million at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Information concerning short-term borrowings is summarized as follows:
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' equity decreased by $16.7 million to $115.7 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $132.4 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in stockholders' equity was primarily related to a net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 (largely attributable to a $25.1 million pretax goodwill impairment charge) and dividends paid on common and preferred stock (for additional information related to the changes in shareholder's equity, refer to the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder's Equity in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements) offset by unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.
On April 21, 2010, the Company entered into separate stock purchase agreements with two institutional investors relating to the sale of an aggregate of 644,000 shares of the Company's authorized but unissued common stock, par value $5.00 per share, at a purchase price of $8.00 per share. The Company completed the issuance of $4.8 million of common stock, net of related offering costs of $321,000, on May 12, 2010.
The Company declared common stock cash dividends in 2011 of $0.20 per share and $0.20 per share in 2010. The following table presents a few ratios that are used to measure the Company's performance.
Regulatory Capital
Federal bank regulatory agencies have established certain capital-related criteria that must be met by banks and bank holding companies. The measurements which incorporate the varying degrees of risk contained within the balance sheet and exposure to off-balance sheet commitments were established to provide a framework for comparing different institutions.
Other than Tier 1 capital restrictions on the Company's junior subordinated debt discussed later, the Company is not aware of any pending recommendations by regulatory authorities that would have a material impact on the Company's capital, resources, or liquidity if they were implemented.
The adequacy of the Company's regulatory capital is reviewed on an ongoing basis with regard to size, composition and quality of the Company's resources. An adequate capital base is important for continued growth and expansion in addition to providing an added protection against unexpected losses.
An important indicator in the banking industry is the leverage ratio, defined as the ratio of common shareholders' equity less intangible assets, to average quarterly assets less intangible assets. The leverage ratio was 7.68% and 8.01% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in average assets in the fourth quarter of 2011.
As required by the federal banking regulatory authorities, guidelines have been adopted to measure capital adequacy. Under the guidelines, certain minimum ratios are required for core capital and total capital as a percentage of risk-weighted assets and other off-balance sheet instruments. For the Company, Tier 1 risk-based capital generally consists of common shareholders' equity less intangible assets plus the junior subordinated debt, and Tier 2 risk-based capital includes the allowable portion of the allowance for loan losses, currently limited to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Any portion of the allowance for loan losses that exceeds the 1.25% limit of risk-weighted assets is disallowed for Tier 2 risk-based capital but is used to adjust the overall risk weighted asset calculation. At December 31, 2011, $2.1 million of the allowance for loan losses was disallowed for Tier 2 risk-based capital, but was used to adjust the overall risk weighted assets used in the regulatory ratio calculations. Under Tier 1 risk-based capital guidelines, any amount of net deferred tax assets that exceeds either forecasted net income for the period or 10% of Tier 1 risk-based capital is disallowed. At December 31, 2011, none of the Company's net deferred tax assets was disallowed in the Tier 1 risk-based capital calculation. By regulatory guidelines, the separate component of equity for unrealized appreciation or depreciation on available for sale securities is excluded from Tier 1 risk-based capital. In addition, federal banking regulatory authorities have issued a final rule restricting the Company's junior subordinated debt to 25% of Tier 1 risk-based capital. Amounts of junior subordinated debt in excess of the 25% limit generally may be included in Tier 2 risk-based capital. At December 31, 2011, the entire amount of these securities was allowable to be included as Tier 1 risk-based capital for the Company. For the periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company's regulatory capital ratios were above minimum regulatory guidelines.
On December 19, 2008, the Company issued to the United States Department of the Treasury ("Treasury") 25,000 shares of Series A, Fixed Rate, Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"), with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and a warrant ("Warrant") to purchase 367,982 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $5.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million in cash.
The Series A Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. Under ARRA, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time following consultation by the Company's primary bank regulator and Treasury, not withstanding the terms of the original transaction documents. Under FAQ's issued recently by Treasury, participants in the Capital Purchase Program desiring to repay part of an investment by Treasury must repay a minimum of 25% of the issue price of the preferred stock.
In December 2008, the Company infused $10.0 million of capital into the Bank. In December 2011, the Company infused an additional $5.0 million of capital into the Bank.
The following table sets forth the Company's capital ratios at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
Regulatory guidelines require the Company's Tier 1 capital ratios and the total risk-based capital ratios to be at least 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's rating agency lowered the long-term rating of the U.S. government and federal agencies from AAA to AA+. With regard to this action, the federal banking agencies, which include the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, issued a press release which provided the following guidance to banks and bank holding companies:
For risk-based capital purposes, the risk weights for Treasury securities and other securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, government agencies, and government-sponsored entities will not change. The treatment of Treasury securities and other securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, government agencies, and government-sponsored entities under other federal banking agency regulations, including, for example, the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation W, will also be unaffected.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-2011 Compared to 2010
Overview. Net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $20.6 million, as compared to net income of $4.0 million for the same period in 2010. Return on average assets was -1.42% for 2011, as compared to 0.29% for 2010. Return on average shareholder's equity was -14.9% for 2011, as compared to 3.02% for 2010. The discussion that follows explains the changes in the components of our operating results when comparing the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, to the same period in 2010.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income, our primary source of revenue, is the amount by which interest income on loans, investments and interest-earning cash balances exceeds interest incurred on deposits and other non-deposit sources of funds, such as repurchase agreements and borrowings from the FHLB and other
correspondent banks. The amount of net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by changes in the volume and mix of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities. Net interest income and corresponding yields are presented in the discussion and analysis below on a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Income from tax-exempt assets, primarily loans to or securities issued by state and local governments, is adjusted by an amount equivalent to the federal income taxes which would have been paid if the income received on these assets was taxable at the statutory rate of 34%. Net interest margin is the difference between the gross (tax-effected) yield on earning assets and the cost of interest bearing funds as a percentage of earning assets.
Average Balances, Rates and Net Yield
The table below provides average asset and liability balances and the corresponding interest income and expense along with the average interest yields (assets) and interest rates (liabilities) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(1)Interest income and rates on loans and investment securities are reported on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%.
(2)Held for sale and non-accrual loans have been included in average loan balances.
(3)For 2010, covered loans acquired in the Allegiance acquisition on November 19, 2010 were included in the average balance of loans. As a result of being included for only the 42 day period, the impact on average balance, interest income and yield was minimal for 2010. For 2011, the full year impact of covered loans were reflected in average balance, interest income and yield.
Net interest income as adjusted for tax-exempt financial instruments was $47.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $42.7 million for the same period in 2010. A benefit of a lower cost of funds resulted in less interest paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, which more than offset the decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, resulted in a higher net interest margin for 2011, as compared to 2010. The taxable-equivalent net interest margin percentage for 2011 was 3.59%, as compared to 3.44% for 2010. The interest rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 29 basis points to 1.82% for 2011, as compared to 2.11% for 2010. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased by 18 basis points to 5.14% for 2011, as compared to 5.32% for 2010.
Interest and fees on loans on a taxable equivalent basis increased by $3.3 million, or 6.4% to $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $52.2 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in interest and fees on loans was primarily the result of a $66.6 million increase in the average balance of loans as compared to 2010, due primarily to the loan volume acquired with the purchase of Allegiance.
Interest on securities on a taxable-equivalent basis was $13.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and $13.5 million for the same period in 2010. The average balance of securities increased $52.7 million to $324.2 million for 2011, as compared to $271.5 million for 2010. The taxable-equivalent yield decreased by 71 basis points to 4.26% for 2011, as compared 4.97% for 2010. The additional interest income generated in 2011 from a higher average balance of securities was mostly offset by the decrease in yield for 2011, as compared to 2010.
Interest expense on deposits decreased by $1.6 million, or 9.4%, to $15.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $16.7 million for the same period in 2010. A benefit of a lower cost of deposits resulted in less interest paid on deposits, which more than offset the increase in the average balance of interest bearing deposits. The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits decreased by 31 basis points to 1.43% for 2011, as compared to 1.74% for 2010. The average balances of interest bearing deposits increased by $96.7 million to $1.1 billion for 2011, as compared to $959.0 million for 2010. The growth in interest-bearing deposits provided the funding needed for the growth in interest-earning assets.
Interest expense on borrowings decreased by $401,000, or 98.3%, to $7,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $408,000 for the same period in 2010. The Company reduced long-term borrowings by $10.0 million during 2011 to zero, which created a $10.8 million decrease in the average balance of borrowings for 2011, as compared to 2010.
The average interest rate paid on repurchase agreements increased to 4.52% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 4.30% for the same period in 2010. The increase in the average interest rate paid on repurchase agreements was the result of increases in average interest rates paid on longer-term, wholesale repurchase agreements. Average repurchase agreement balances decreased $6.0 million or 5.4% for 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in the average rate paid on repurchase agreements for 2011, was offset by the benefit received from the reduction in average balance for 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010. The reduction in borrowings was the result of scheduled maturities.
Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense
The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume (period to period changes in average balance multiplied by beginning rate), and (2) changes in rate (period to period changes in rate multiplied by beginning average balance).
The following table shows an analysis of changes in interest income and expense(1)(2)(3):
(1)Loan fees have been included in the change in interest income totals presented. Non-accrual loans have been included in average loan balances.
(2)Changes due to both volume and rates have been allocated in proportion to the relationship of the dollar amount change in each.
(3)Interest income on loans and securities is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
Provision for Loan Losses
Management closely monitors the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses considering underlying borrower financial performance and collateral values, and increasing credit risks. Future material adjustments may be necessary to the provision for loan losses, and consequently the allowance for loan losses, if economic conditions or loan credit quality differ substantially from the assumptions management used in making our evaluation of the level of the allowance for loan losses as compared to the balance of outstanding loans. The provision for loan losses is an expense charged against net interest income to provide for estimated losses attributable to uncollectible loans. The provision is based on management's analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses was $9.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $10.2 million for the same period in 2010. The provision for both periods reflects the elevated level of charge-offs for the respective period, an increase in the specific allowance required on impaired loans due to underlying collateral values being more depressed in 2010 and the increased credit risk related to the loan portfolio resulting from the prolonged economic downturn. (refer to the related discussions on the "Allowance for Loan Losses" on page 33).
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income decreased by $2.5 million, or 13.1%, to $16.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $18.9 million for the same period in 2010.
Increases (decreases) in the components of non-interest income when comparing the year ended December 31, 2011 to the same period in 2010 are as follows:
A significant portion of the $2.5 million decrease in non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 was related to a $1.9 million gain recognized on the sale of a 25% equity interest in First HSA, LLC related to the transfer of approximately $89.0 million of health savings account deposits in the second quarter of 2010.
Other income decreased to $156,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from $750,000 for the same period in 2010. Changes in other income reflect fair market value adjustments on junior subordinated debt, interest rate caps, swaps and the cash surrender value of a deferred benefit. In 2010, other income also included a premium of $272,000 that was paid to the Company resulting from a counterparty exercising a call option to terminate an interest rate swap.
Net realized losses on the sale and write-down of other real estate owned were $1.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2010. The losses incurred during 2011 and 2010 were attributable to 34 and 48 properties, respectively. However, the losses incurred on one commercial property accounted for 53% of the losses incurred during 2011. Three commercial properties accounted for 64% of the losses incurred during 2010. The Company decided to sell these properties and incur the loss because management did not anticipate market conditions for these properties to improve significantly over the next 18 to 24 months. Management estimated that selling these properties at a loss would be preferable to incurring the significant expenses to maintain these properties during the time it would likely take to sell at or above the respective appraised value.
Customer service fees decreased 18.2% to $1.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2010. The decrease in customer service fees for the comparative twelve month period was primarily due to new regulations that took effect during the third quarter of 2010, which require the Company to receive the customer's permission before covering overdrafts for debit card transactions made with ATM or debit cards. The implementation of this legislation significantly reduced income related to service charges on deposit accounts.
The Company's primary source of non-interest income is from commissions and other revenue generated through sales of insurance products through its insurance subsidiary, VIST Insurance. Revenues from insurance operations totaled $12.2 million in 2011 compared to $11.9 million for 2010. The increase in revenue in 2011 from insurance operations was due mainly to an increase in contingency income on insurance products.
The Company generates income from the sale of newly originated mortgage loans, which is recorded in non-interest income as mortgage banking activities. The income recognized from mortgage banking activities was $832,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $1.1 million in 2010. The decrease in mortgage banking revenue in 2011 was mainly attributable to a decrease in the volume of mortgage loan originations sold into the secondary mortgage market through the Company's mortgage banking division, VIST Mortgage.
The Company also recognizes non-interest income from broker and investment advisory commissions generated through VIST Capital, the Company's investment subsidiary, which totaled $610,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $737,000 for the same period in 2010.
Investment securities activities accounted for $113,000 of the increase in non-interest income. Net realized gains on the sale of available for sale securities were $1.5 million for 2011, as compared to $691,000 for 2010. Sales of available for sale securities during 2011 were the result of liquidity and asset/liability management strategies. The 2010 net realized gain on sales of available for sale securities included $122,000 of net realized losses on the sale of available for sale investment securities related to the Allegiance acquisition. Net credit impairment losses recognized in earnings were $1.5 million during 2011, as compared to $850,000 in 2010. During 2011, the net credit impairment losses recognized in earnings include other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges for estimated credit losses on available for sale and held to maturity pooled trust preferred securities, available for sale non-agency securities and available for sale equity securities that resulted primarily from changes in the underlying cash flow assumptions and credit downgrades used in determining credit losses (see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements).
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense was $74.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $45.9 million for the same period in 2010.
Increases (decreases) in the components of non-interest expense when comparing the year ended December 31, 2011, to the same period in 2010, are as follows:
A significant portion of the increase in non interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 to the same period in 2010 was due to the $25.1million goodwill impairment charge. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $25.1 million, resulting from the decrease in market value caused by underlying capital and credit concerns which was valued through the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 25, 2012 between Tompkins Financial Corp and the Company, which will be merged into Tompkins Financial. This impairment was determined based upon the announced sale price of the Company to Tompkins Financial for $12.50 per share. For further information related to the merger, see Note 2-Merger with Tompkins Financial Corp.
Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, increased by $2.1 million to $24.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $22.0 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in 2011 was primarily the result of a full year's expense of additional staffing for the branches acquired from Allegiance. The Company's total number of full-time equivalent employees increased to 302 at December 31, 2011, as compared to 295 at December 31, 2010. Included in salaries and benefits were stock-based compensation costs of $359,000 and $148,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Other expense was $4.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2010. The $908,000 increase in other expense was primarily due to $520,000 of expenses incurred in conjunction with the Company's planned capital raise, $227,000 in impairment charges related to the FDIC indemnification asset and a $138,000 provision for unfunded commitments.
Other real estate owned expense ("OREO"), decreased $854,000, or 33.4%, to $1.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2010. OREO expense for 2011 reflects fewer properties that have been acquired and sold by the Company, which has reduced the overall costs to foreclose, operate and maintain OREO properties. The Company sold a total of 34 and 48 properties during 2011 and 2010, respectively. Additionally, the Company had a total of 15 and 26 properties in OREO at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. OREO expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 also included $246,000 of past due real estate taxes related to two commercial properties.
Occupancy and furniture and equipment expense increased to $7.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $7.0 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment expense for the comparative twelve month periods was primarily due to an increase in building lease expense resulting from the additional retail branch locations from the Allegiance acquisition.
Marketing and advertising expense increased $553,000 to $1.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2010. The increase for the comparative period was primarily due to increased media space expense in the Philadelphia market area promoting the Allegiance branches.
Total professional services increased by $435,000, or 14.1%, to $3.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $3.1 million for the same period in 2010. The increase for the comparative period was primarily due to integration expenses associated with the Allegiance acquisition.
FDIC and other insurance expense decreased by $301,000 to $1.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2010. The decrease in expense for the comparative period was related to a decrease in FDIC insurance assessments resulting from a decrease in base assessment rates, as determined by the FDIC, partially offset by an increase in the Company's overall deposit balances.
Income Taxes
Generally, the Company's effective tax rate is below the statutory rate due to tax-exempt earnings on loans, investments, and bank-owned life insurance, and the impact of tax credits. Included in the income tax provision is a federal tax benefit related to our $5.0 million investment in an affordable housing, corporate tax credit limited partnership of $195,000 and $495,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recorded a $25.1 million goodwill impairment charge in 2011 with an associated tax benefit of $665,000.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-2010 Compared to 2009
Overview. Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 was $3,984,000, as compared to $607,000 for the same period in 2009. Return on average assets was 0.29% for 2010, as compared to 0.05% for 2009. Return on average shareholder's equity was 3.02% for 2010, as compared to 0.51% for 2009. The discussion that follows explains the changes in the components of net income when comparing the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, to the same period in 2009.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income, our primary source of revenue, is the amount by which interest income on loans, investments and interest-earning cash balances exceeds interest incurred on deposits and other non-deposit sources of funds, such as repurchase agreements and borrowings from the FHLB and other correspondent banks. The amount of net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by changes in the volume and mix of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities. Net interest income and corresponding yields are presented in the discussion and analysis below on a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Income from tax-exempt assets, primarily loans to or securities issued by state and local governments, is adjusted by an amount equivalent to the federal income taxes which would have been paid if the income received on these assets was taxable at the statutory rate of 34%. Net interest margin is the difference between the gross (tax-effected) yield on earning assets and the cost of interest bearing funds as a percentage of earning assets.
Average Balances, Rates and Net Yield
The table below provides average asset and liability balances and the corresponding interest income and expense along with the average interest yields (assets) and interest rates (liabilities) for 2010 and 2009.
(1)Interest income and rates on loans and investment securities are reported on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%.
(2)Held for sale and non-accrual loans have been included in average loan balances.
(3)For 2010, covered loans acquired in the Allegiance acquisition on November 19, 2010 are included in loans. The impact on average balance, interest income and yield was not significant for 2010.
Net interest income as adjusted for tax-exempt financial instruments was $42.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $37.2 million for the same period in 2009. A benefit of a lower cost of funds resulted in less interest paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, which more than offset the decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, which resulted in a higher net interest margin for 2010, as compared to 2009. The taxable-equivalent net interest margin percentage for 2010 was 3.44%, as compared to 3.22% for 2009. The interest rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 56 basis points to 2.11% for 2010, as compared to 2.67% for 2009. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased by 19 basis points to 5.32% for 2010, as compared to 5.51% for 2009.
Interest and fees on loans on a taxable equivalent basis increased by $1.3 million, or 2.4% to $52.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $50.9 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in interest and fees on loans was primarily the result of an increase in the average balance of loans resulting from strong commercial loan growth, which increased by $24.4 million in 2010, as compared to 2009. Management attributes this increase in organic commercial loan growth to a well established market in the Reading, Pennsylvania area as well as continued penetration into the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania market through successful marketing initiatives. The Allegiance acquisition which occurred on November 19, 2010 did not have a significant impact on the year-over-year increase related to interest and fees on loans.
Interest on securities on a taxable-equivalent basis was $13.5 million for both the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The average balance of securities increased $29.1 million to $271.5 million for 2010, as compared to $242.4 million for 2009. The taxable-equivalent yield decreased by 60 basis points to 4.97% for 2010, as compared 5.57% for 2009. The additional interest income generated in 2010 resulting from a higher average balance of securities was mostly offset by the decrease in yield for 2010, as compared to 2009.
Interest expense on deposits decreased by $3.3 million, or 16.5%, to $16.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2009. A benefit of a lower cost of deposits resulted in less interest paid on deposits, which more than offset the increase in the average balance of deposits. The average rate paid on deposits decreased by 64 basis points to 1.74% for 2010, as compared to 2.38% for 2009. The average balance of deposits increased by $119.4 million to $959.0 million for 2010, as compared to $839.6 million for 2009. The growth in interest-bearing deposits provided the funding needed for the growth in interest-earning assets.
Interest expense on borrowings decreased by $1.1 million, or 73%, to $408,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2009. The Company reduced long-term borrowings by $10.0 million and $30.0 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively, which contributed to a $29.7 million decrease in the average balance of borrowings for 2010, as compared to 2009.
The average interest rate paid on repurchase agreements increased to 4.30% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 3.60% for the same period in 2009. The increase in the average interest rate paid on repurchase agreements was the result of increases in average interest rates paid on longer-term, wholesale repurchase agreements. Average repurchase agreement balances decreased $9.8 million or 8.1% for 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009. The increase in the average rate paid on repurchase agreements for 2011, was partially offset by the benefit received from the reduction in average balance for 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009.
Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense
The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume (period to period changes in average balance multiplied by beginning rate), and (2) changes in rate (period to period changes in rate multiplied by beginning average balance).
The following table shows an analysis of changes in interest Income and expense(1)(2)(3):
(1)Loan fees have been included in the change in interest income totals presented. Non-accrual loans have been included in average loan balances.
(2)Changes due to both volume and rates have been allocated in proportion to the relationship of the dollar amount change in each.
(3)Interest income on loans and securities is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis.
Provision for Loan Losses
Management closely monitors the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses considering underlying borrower financial performance and collateral values, and increasing credit risks. Future material adjustments may be necessary to the provision for loan losses, and consequently the allowance for loan losses, if economic conditions or loan credit quality differ substantially from the assumptions management used in making our evaluation of the level of the allowance for loan losses as compared to the balance of outstanding loans. The provision for loan losses is an expense charged against net interest income to provide for estimated losses attributable to uncollectible loans. The provision is based on management's analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses was $10.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $8.6 million for the same period in 2009. The provision for both periods reflects both the level of charge-offs for the respective period, the depression of the underlying collateral values and the increased credit risk related to the loan portfolio at December 31, 2010, as compared to December 31, 2009 (refer to the related discussions on the "Allowance for Loan Losses" on page 33).
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income increased by $2.6 million, or 16.0%, to $18.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $16.3 million for the same period in 2009.
Increases (decreases) in the components of non-interest income when comparing the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 to the same period in 2009 are as follows:
A significant portion of the $2.6 million increase in non-interest income was related to a $1.9 million gain recognized on the sale of a 25% equity interest in First HSA, LLC related to the transfer of approximately $89.0 million of health savings account deposits in the second quarter of 2010.
Investment securities activities accounted for $2.0 million of the increase in non-interest income. Net realized gains on the sale of available for sale securities were $691,000 for 2010, as compared to $344,000 for 2009. Sales of available for sale securities during 2010 were the result of liquidity and asset/liability management strategies. The 2010 gain on sales of available for sale securities included $122,000 of net losses on the sale of available for sale investment securities related to the Allegiance acquisition. Net credit impairment losses recognized in earnings were $850,000 during 2010, as compared to $2.5 million in 2009. During 2010, the net credit impairment losses recognized in earnings include other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges for estimated credit losses on both available for sale and held to maturity pooled trust preferred securities that resulted primarily from changes in the underlying cash flow assumptions used in determining credit losses due to provisions related to such securities included in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements).
In 2010, a premium of $272,000 was paid to the Company resulting from a counterparty exercising a call option to terminate an interest rate swap, which was recognized in other income. Other income also primarily includes service fee income on SBA commercial loans and market value adjustments on junior subordinated debt and interest rate swaps. The portion of other income associated with fair market value adjustments was $193,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to ($184,000) for the same period in 2009. Income related to a settlement of a previously accrued
contingent payment of $575,000 was recognized in 2009 and included in other income. Fees generated on servicing health savings account deposits were $21,000 and $84,000 for 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in HSA servicing fees was attributable to the sale and transfer of the HSA deposits to a third party.
The Company's primary source of non-interest income is from commissions and other revenue generated through sales of insurance products through its insurance subsidiary, VIST Insurance. Revenues from insurance operations totaled $11.9 million in 2010 compared to $12.3 million for 2009. The decrease in revenue in 2010 from insurance operations was due mainly to a decrease in contingency income on insurance products.
The income recognized from customer service fees was approximately $2.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2009. During the third quarter of 2010, new regulations took effect, which requires the Company to receive the customer's permission before covering overdrafts for debit card transactions made with ATM or debit cards. The implementation of this new legislation significantly reduced income related to non-sufficient funds charges.
The Company generates income from the sale of newly originated mortgage loans, which is recorded in non-interest income as mortgage banking activities. The income recognized from mortgage banking activities was $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.3 million in 2009. The decrease in mortgage banking revenue from 2009 to 2010 was mainly attributable to a decrease in the volume of mortgage loan originations sold into the secondary mortgage market through the Company's mortgage banking division, VIST Mortgage.
Other commissions and fees were $1.9 million for both the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Most of these fees are generated through ATM surcharges and interchange income generated from debit card transactions.
The Company also recognizes non-interest income from broker and investment advisory commissions generated through VIST Capital, the Company's investment subsidiary, which totaled $737,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $714,000 for the same period in 2009.
Earnings on investment in life insurance represent the change in cash value of Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") policies. The BOLI policies of the Company are designed to offset the costs of employee benefit plans and to enhance tax-free earnings. The income recognized from earnings on investment in life insurance was $423,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $391,000 for the same period in 2009.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense was $45.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $44.6 million for the same period in 2009.
Increases (decreases) in the components of non-interest expense when comparing the year ended December 31, 2010, to the same period in 2009, are as follows:
A significant portion of the increase in non-interest expense for 2010 was related to other real estate owned expense ("OREO"), which increased $1.1 million, or 77.0%, to $2.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in OREO expense for 2010 reflects a higher volume of properties that have been acquired and sold by the Company, which has increased the overall costs to foreclose, operate and maintain OREO properties.
Total professional services increased by $613,000, or 24.7%, to $3.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in professional services was primarily due to accounting related services and consulting fees associated with various corporate projects. Professional service fees for 2010 included $150,000 of investment banking fees related to the Allegiance acquisition.
Total occupancy expense and equipment expense increased by $319,000, or 4.8%, in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to increases in building lease expense and equipment and software maintenance expenses.
FDIC and other insurance expense decreased by $351,000 to $2.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2009. The twelve months ended December 31, 2009 included an expense of $574,000 related to an FDIC special assessment on deposit-insured institutions, which resulted in a decrease of expense for 2010 as there was no such special assessment during 2010. As noted in the table below (in thousands), the total expense associated with FDIC insurance assessments decreased when comparing the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, to the same period in 2009. However, the expense associated with FDIC base insurance assessments increased by $266,000, or 16.8%, to $1.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in expense associated with FDIC base insurance assessments was the result of increased base assessment rates, as determined by the FDIC, and an increase in the Company's overall deposit balances.
The following table shows the breakdown of the FDIC insurance expense by assessment type:
FDIC Insurance Expense
Salaries and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, decreased by $155,000 to $22.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $22.1 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in commissions paid resulting from less fees generated from insurance sales, which decreased by $300,000 to $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2009. The Company's total number of full-time equivalent employees increased to 295 at December 31, 2010, as compared to 283 at December 31, 2009. The increase in full-time equivalent employees during 2010 was primarily attributable to additions in staff related to the Allegiance acquisition. Included in salaries and benefits were stock-based compensation costs of $148,000 and $198,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Marketing and advertising expense includes costs associated with market research, corporate donations, direct mail production and business development. Expenses associated with outside processing services includes charges related to the Company's core operating software system, computer network and system upgrades, and data line charges. Other expense includes utility expense, postage expense, stationary and supplies expense, as well as, other miscellaneous expense items.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the Company for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was (13.2%) and 142.7%, respectively. The decrease in effective tax rate for 2010 was primarily due to the increase in the income tax benefit resulting from an increase in tax exempt investment securities and loans. Generally, the Company's effective tax rate is below the statutory rate due to tax-exempt earnings on loans, investments, and bank-owned life insurance, and the impact of tax credits. Included in the income tax provision is a federal tax benefit related to our $5.0 million investment in an affordable housing, corporate tax credit limited partnership of $495,000 and $550,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Through the years, the banking industry has adapted to an environment in which interest rates have fluctuated dramatically and in which depositors have been provided with liquid, rate sensitive investment options. The industry utilizes a process known as asset/liability management as a means of managing this adaptation.
Asset/liability management is intended to provide for adequate liquidity and interest rate sensitivity by analyzing and understanding the underlying cash flow structures of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities and coordinating maturities and repricing characteristics on those assets and liabilities.
Interest rate risk management involves managing the extent to which interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities are matched. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between market
interest rates and earnings volatility due to the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities. The Company's net interest income is affected by changes in the level of market interest rates. In order to maintain consistent earnings performance, the Company seeks to manage, to the extent possible, the repricing characteristics of its assets and liabilities.
One major objective of the Company when managing the rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities is to stabilize net interest income. The management of and authority to assume interest rate risk is the responsibility of the Company's Asset/Liability Committee ("ALCO"), which is comprised of senior management and Board members. The ALCO meets quarterly to monitor the ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities. The process to review interest rate risk management is a regular part of management of the Company. In addition, there is an annual process to review the interest rate risk policy and the assumptions used to determine the Company's interest rate risk with the Board of Directors which includes limits on the impact to earnings and value from shifts in interest rates.
To manage the interest rate sensitivity position, an asset/liability model called "gap analysis" is used to monitor the difference in the volume of the Company's interest sensitive assets and liabilities that mature or reprice within given periods. A positive gap (asset sensitive) indicates that more assets reprice during a given period compared to liabilities, while a negative gap (liability sensitive) has the opposite effect.
The Company remains slightly asset sensitive and will continue its strategy to originate fixed rate and adjustable rate commercial loans and use excess federal funds sold to purchase investment securities to maintain a more neutral gap position.
Asset Liability management is intended to provide for adequate liquidity and interest rate sensitivity by matching interest rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and coordinating maturities on assets and liabilities. With the exception of the majority of residential mortgage loans, loans generally are written having terms that provide for a readjustment of the interest rate at specified times during the term of the loan. In addition, interest rates offered for all types of deposit instruments are reviewed weekly and are established on a basis consistent with funding needs and maintaining a desirable spread between cost and return.
During 2002, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $5 million. This derivative financial instrument effectively converted fixed interest rate obligations of outstanding junior subordinated debt to variable interest rate obligations, decreasing the asset sensitivity of its balance sheet by more closely matching the Company's variable rate assets with variable rate liabilities. In September 2010, the fixed rate payer exercised a call option to terminate this interest rate swap.
During 2008, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $15 million. These interest rate swap transactions involved the exchange of the Company's floating rate interest rate payment on $15.0 million in floating rate junior subordinated debt for a fixed rate interest payment without the exchange of the underlying principal amount.
Interest rate caps are generally used to limit the exposure from the repricing and maturity of liabilities and to limit the exposure created by interest rate swaps. In June of 2003, the Company purchased a six month LIBOR cap to create protection against rising interest rates for the above mentioned $5 million interest rate swap. This interest rate cap matured in March 2010.
In October of 2010, the Company purchased a three month LIBOR interest rate cap to create protection against rising interest rates. The notional amount of this interest rate cap was $5 million and the initial premium paid for the interest rate cap was $206,000. At December 31, 2011, the recorded value of the interest rate cap was $54,000.
Also, the Bank can sell fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans to limit the interest rate risk of holding longer-term assets on its balance sheet. The Company did not sell any fixed and adjustable rate loans in 2011, 2010 or 2009.
At December 31, 2011, the Company was in a positive one-year cumulative gap position. Commercial and construction loans decreased $22.4 million or 3.4% from $655.8 million at December 31, 2010 to $633.4 million at December 31, 2011. Consumer and home equity lines of credit loans decreased $4.9 million or 5.3% from $91.5 million at December 31, 2010 to $86.6 million at December 31, 2011. During 2011, targeted short-term interest rates continued to remain low. Both the national prime rate and the overnight federal funds rates remained unchanged throughout 2011. Throughout 2011, the low interest rate environment contributed to lower yields on the Bank's adjustable and variable rate commercial and consumer loan portfolios as well as contributing to lower yields on federal funds sold and taxable investment securities. Also, decreases in interest-bearing core deposit and time deposit interest rates contributed to the reduction of the Bank's overall cost of funds. As a result of the prolonged economic downturn fueled in part by a continued depressed housing market, the mortgage refinance market remained somewhat flat in 2011 but did produce an increase in prepayments on loans and investment securities throughout the year. The increase in loan and investment securities prepayments helped limit extension risk within the fixed rate loan and investment securities portfolios. In order to augment the funding needs for new commercial and consumer loan originations and investment security purchases during 2011, non interest-bearing core deposits, interest-bearing core deposits and time deposits increased $38.2 million or 3.3% from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2010 to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2011. These factors contributed to the Company's positive one-year cumulative gap position. In 2012, the Company will continue its strategy to originate fixed and adjustable rate commercial and consumer loans and use investment security cash flows and interest-bearing and non-interest bearing deposits to rebalance wholesale borrowings to maintain a more neutral gap position.
Interest Sensitivity Gap at December 31, 2011
(1)Includes gross unrealized gains/losses on available for sale securities.
(2)Securities and loans are included in the earlier of the period in which interest rates were next scheduled to adjust or the period in which they are due.
(3)Demand and savings accounts are generally subject to immediate withdrawal. However, management considers a certain amount of such accounts to be core accounts having significantly longer effective maturities based on the retention experiences of such deposits in changing interest rate environments.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the above table. Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. The interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind changes in market interest rates. Certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgages, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. In the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels may deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. The ability of many borrowers to service their adjustable-rate debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.
The Company also measures its near-term sensitivity to interest rate movements through simulations of the effects of rate changes upon its net interest income. Net interest income simulations evaluate the effect that interest rate changes have on the prepayment, repricing and maturity attributes of the Company's interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities over the next twelve months. Interest rate movements of up 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points and down 100, 200 and 300 basis points, adjusted for activity in the current and forecasted interest rate environment, were applied to the Company's interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2011.
The results of these simulations on net interest income for 2011 are as follows:
The Company also measures its longer-term sensitivity to interest rate movements through simulations of the effects of rate changes upon its economic value of shareholders' equity. Economic value of shareholders' equity simulations evaluate the effect that interest rate changes have on the prepayment, repricing and maturity attributes of the Company's interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities over the life of each financial instrument. Interest rate movements of up 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points and down 100, 200 and 300 basis points, adjusted for activity in the current and forecasted interest rate environment, were applied to the Company's interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2011.
The results of these simulations on economic value of shareholders' equity for 2011 are as follows:
Liquidity and Funds Management
Liquidity management ensures that adequate funds will be available to meet anticipated and unanticipated deposit withdrawals, debt servicing payments, investment commitments, commercial and consumer loan demand and ongoing operating expenses. Funding sources include principal repayments on loans and investment securities, sales of loans, growth in core deposits, short and long-term borrowings and repurchase agreements. Regular loan payments are typically a dependable source of funds, while the sale of loans and investment securities, deposit flows, and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general economic conditions and level of interest rates. In 2011, the increase in impaired loans continued to lessen the dependability of regular loan payments.
The Bank's objective is to maintain adequate liquidity to meet funding needs at a reasonable cost and to provide contingency plans to meet unanticipated funding needs or a loss of funding sources, while minimizing interest rate risk. Adequate liquidity provides resources for credit needs of borrowers, for depositor withdrawals and for funding corporate operations. Sources of liquidity are as follows:
•Deposit generation;
•Investment securities portfolio scheduled cash flows, prepayments, maturities and sales;
•Payments received on loans; and,
•Overnight correspondent bank borrowings credit lines, and borrowing capacity available from the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
The Company considers its primary source of liquidity to be its core deposit base, which includes non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, and time deposits under $100,000. This funding source has grown steadily over the years through organic growth and acquisitions and consists of deposits from customers throughout the Company's financial center network. The Company will continue to promote the growth of deposits through its financial center offices. At December 31, 2011, a portion of the Company's assets were funded by core deposits acquired within its market area and by the Company's equity. These two components provide a substantial and stable source of funds.
Management believes that the Bank's core deposits remain fairly stable. Liquidity and funds management is governed by policies and measured on a daily basis, with supplementary weekly and monthly analyses. These measurements indicate that liquidity generally remains stable and exceeds our minimum defined levels of adequacy. Other than the trends of continued competitive pressures and volatile interest rates, there are no known demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonably likely to result in, liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material
way. Considering all factors involved, management believes that liquidity is being maintained at an adequate level.
At December 31, 2011, the Company had a maximum borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of approximately $260.0 million. In the event that additional short-term liquidity is needed, the Bank has established relationships with several correspondent banks to provide short-term borrowings in the form of federal funds purchased.
The Bank is required to pledge residential and commercial real estate secured loans to collateralize its potential borrowing capacity with the FHLB. As of December 31, 2011, the Bank has pledged approximately $503.9 million in loans to the FHLB to secure its maximum borrowing capacity of $260.0 million.
At December 31, 2011, the Company maintained $22.7 million in cash and cash equivalents primarily consisting of cash and due from banks. In addition, the Company had $375.7 million in available for sale securities and $1.6 million in held to maturity securities. Cash and investment securities totaled $400.0 million which represented 27.9% of total assets at December 31, 2011 compared to 21.0% at December 31, 2010.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.
The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Bank reviews all outstanding commitments for risk and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses related to these obligations.
A summary of the contractual amount of the Company's financial instrument commitments is as follows:
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Bank evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include personal or
commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. At December 31, 2011 the amount of commitments to extend credit was $208.7 million as compared to $212.4 million at December 31, 2010.
Standby letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The majority of these standby letters of credit expire within the next twenty-four months. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending other loan commitments. The Bank requires collateral supporting these letters of credit as deemed necessary. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees. The current amount of the liability as of December 31, 2011 for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued was $9.4 million, as compared to $9.2 million at December 31, 2010.
The Company's financial statements do not reflect various off-balance sheet arrangements that are made in the normal course of business, which may involve some liquidity risk. These commitments consist mainly of unfunded loans and letters of credit made under the same standards as on-balance sheet instruments. Unused commitments, at December 31, 2011 totaled $208.7 million. This consisted of $34.3 million in commercial real estate and construction loans, $51.6 million in home equity lines of credit, $122.7 million in unused business lines of credit and $9.4 million in standby letters of credit. Because these instruments have fixed maturity dates, and because many of them will expire without being drawn upon, they do not generally present any significant liquidity risk to the Company. Any amounts actually drawn upon, management believes, can be funded in the normal course of operations. The Company has no investment in or financial relationship with any unconsolidated entities that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on liquidity or the availability of capital resources.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents the Company's aggregate contractual obligations to make future payments.
(1)Junior subordinated debt is classified based on the earliest date on which it may be redeemed and not contractual maturity.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The discussion concerning the effects of interest rate changes on the Company's estimated net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 set forth under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Interest Rate Sensitivity" in Item 7 hereof, is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
VIST Financial Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of VIST Financial Corp. (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ Grant Thornton, LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 28, 2012
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
VIST Financial Corp.
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of VIST Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of VIST Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; Dollar amounts in thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In thousands)
VIST FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Dollars In thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIST Financial Corp. (the "Company"), a bank holding company, which has elected to be treated as a financial holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, VIST Bank (the "Bank"), VIST Insurance, LLC ("VIST Insurance") and VIST Capital Management, LLC ("VIST Capital"). As of December 31, 2011, the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, VIST Mortgage Holdings, LLC was inactive. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Nature of Operations:
The Bank provides full banking services. VIST Insurance provides risk management services, employee benefits insurance and personal and commercial insurance coverage through multiple insurance companies. VIST Capital provides investment advisory and brokerage services. VIST Mortgage Holdings, LLC provides mortgage brokerage services through its limited partnership agreements with unaffiliated third parties involved in the real estate services industry. First Leesport Capital Trust I, Leesport Capital Trust II and Madison Statutory Trust I are trusts formed for the purpose of issuing mandatory redeemable debentures on behalf of the Company. These trusts are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, but are not consolidated for financial statement purposes. See "Junior Subordinated Debt" in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company and the Bank are subject to the regulations of various federal and state agencies and undergo periodic examinations by various regulatory authorities.
Basis of Presentation:
The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for year end financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-K. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been included.
Subsequent Events:
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB ASC 855, Subsequent Events. FASB ASC 855 establishes general standards for accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. FASB ASC 855 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition in the financial statements, identifies the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that should be made about events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date. In preparing these financial statements, the Company evaluated the events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2011 through the date these financial statements were issued and determined that no further disclosures were required.
On January 25, 2012, the Company entered into a its definitive merger agreement under which Tompkins Financial will acquire VIST Financial Corp. VIST Bank will operate as a subsidiary of Tompkins Financial with a separate banking charter, local management team, and local Board of
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Directors. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2012, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including required shareholder approval. For further information related to the merger, see Note 2-Merger with Tompkins Financial Corp.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the potential impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, the potential impairment on restricted stock, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the calculations of income tax provisions, fair value disclosures and the determination of other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities.
Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk:
Most of the Company's banking, insurance and wealth management activities are with customers located within Berks, Schuylkill, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties, as well as, within other southeastern Pennsylvania market areas. Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K details the Company's investment securities portfolio for both available for sale and held to maturity investments. Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K details the Company's loan concentrations. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, its debtors' ability to honor contracts is influenced by the region's economy.
Reclassifications:
Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation for 2011. Such reclassifications did not have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
For purposes of reporting the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing demand deposits with banks, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds sold are for one-day periods. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain reserve balances. For the year 2011 and 2010, the average of the daily reserve balances required to be maintained approximated $689,000 and $3.3 million, respectively.
Investment Securities and Related Impairment Evaluation:
Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as "held to maturity" and recorded at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as "available for sale" and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, there were no securities classified as trading, therefore, there were no gains or losses included in earnings that were a result of transfers of securities from the available for sale category into a trading category. There were no sales or transfers from securities classified as held to maturity.
For equity securities, when the Company has decided to sell an impaired available for sale security and the entity does not expect the fair value of the security to fully recover before the expected time of sale, the security is deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the impairment is deemed other than temporary even if the decision to sell has not been made.
Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Factors that may be indicative of impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Fair value below cost and the length of time
•Adverse condition specific to a particular investment
•Rating agency activities (e.g., downgrade)
•Financial condition of an issuer
•Dividend activities
•Suspension of trading
•Management intent
•Changes in tax laws or other policies
•Subsequent market value changes
•Economic or industry forecasts
Other-than-temporary impairment means management believes the security's impairment is due to factors that could include its inability to pay interest or dividends, its potential for default, and/or other factors. When a held to maturity or available for sale debt security is assessed for other-than-temporary impairment, management has to first consider (a) whether the Company intends to sell the security, and (b) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of these circumstances applies to a security, an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations equal to the full amount of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these circumstances applies to a security, but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred that must be separated into two categories: (a) the amount related to credit loss, and (b) the amount related to other factors. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. The portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings (as the difference between the fair value and the present value of the estimated cash flows), while the amount related to
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. The total other-than-temporary impairment loss is presented in the statement of operations, less the portion recognized in other comprehensive income. When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock and Related Impairment Evaluation:
The Bank is required to maintain certain amounts of FHLB Stock as a voluntary member of the FHLB. These equity securities are "restricted" in that they can only be sold back to the respective institutions or another member institution at par; therefore, they are less liquid than other tradable equity securities and are carried at amortized cost.
The FHLB announced in December 2008 that it voluntarily suspended the payment of dividends and the repurchase of excess capital stock from member banks. As of December 31, 2011, the FHLB last paid a dividend in the third quarter of 2008. Accounting guidance indicates that an investor in FHLB capital stock should recognize impairment if it concludes that it is not probable that it will ultimately recover the par value of its shares. The decision of whether impairment exists is a matter of judgment that should reflect the investor's view of FHLB's long-term performance, which includes factors such as its operating performance, the severity and duration of declines in the market value of its net assets related to its capital stock amount, its commitment to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to its operating performance, the impact of legislation and regulatory changes on FHLB, and accordingly, on the members of FHLB and its liquidity and funding position. As a result of improved core earnings and a decrease in OTTI charges on non-agency investment securities, the FHLB repurchased stock totaling $283,000 and $1.3 million in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Also, subsequent to December 31, 2011, in February 2012 the FHLB continued its policy of repurchasing 5% of the Bank's excess outstanding FHLB Stock investment and reinstated paying a .10% cash dividend on the Bank's average outstanding FHLB Stock balance. Based on the financial results of the FHLB for the year-ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, management believes that the suspension of both the dividend payments and excess capital stock repurchase is temporary in nature. Management further believes that the FHLB will continue to be a primary source of wholesale liquidity for both short-term and long-term funding and has concluded that its investment in FHLB Stock is not other-than-temporarily impaired. After evaluating all of these considerations, the Company believes the par value of its shares will be recovered. Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing an impairment charge.
Loans Held for Sale:
Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market at the time of origination are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined, when possible, using Level 2 quoted secondary-market prices. If no such quoted price exists, the fair value of a loan is determined based on expected proceeds based on sales contracts and commitments.
These loans are all sold 100% servicing released to various financial institutions, usually within a 30 day period after origination. The loans are generally sold to institutions approved by the Company. Loan sales are typically subject to recourse agreements ranging from 90 to 150 days. Recourse only becomes an issue in the instance of payment delinquency or fraud during the recourse period which
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
rarely occurs due to the strictness of the underwriting guidelines. The Company does not engage in any subprime lending. These loan sales are not subject to any other agreements or indemnifications. The Company is not currently involved in any servicing, pooling or securitization of these loans. There are no reserves set up for any contingencies or litigation that may occur with regard to this portfolio due to the portfolio's immateriality to the Company's balance sheet.
Rate Lock Commitments:
The Company enters into commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. Accordingly, such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in the net gain or loss on sale of mortgage loans. Fair value is based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, and for fixed-rate commitments also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.
Loans:
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or pay-off, generally are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) of the related loans. These amounts are generally being amortized over the contractual life of the loan. Discounts and premiums on purchased loans are amortized to income using the interest method over the expected lives of the loans. The Bank has not underwritten any hybrid loans or sub-prime loans.
The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management's judgment as to the collectability of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Covered Loans:
In connection with the acquisition discussed in Note 9, the Bank has purchased loans of a failed bank, some of which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These purchased loans were recorded at the amount paid, such that there was no carryover of the seller's allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Of the loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration, some of the loans were aggregated into ten pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as credit risk and loan type. The cash flows
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
expected over the life of the pools are estimated using an internal cash flow model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying values of the pools, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on pool level events. Assumptions as to cumulative loss rates and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows. Other loans acquired in the acquisition evidencing credit deterioration were recorded initially at the amount paid. For pools or loans or individual loans evidencing credit deterioration, the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the pool or loan's contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).
Over the life of the loan or pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded as a provision for loan losses. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest income.
Our determination of the initial fair value of loans purchased in the FDIC-assisted acquisitions involved a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying value of the acquired loans reflects management's best estimate of the amount to be realized from the acquired loan and lease portfolios. However, the amounts the Company actually realizes on these loans could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in these financial statements, based upon the timing of collections on the acquired loans in future periods, underlying collateral values and the ability of borrowers to continue to make payments.
Purchased performing loans were recorded at fair value, including a credit discount. Credit losses on acquired performing loans are estimated based on analysis of the performing portfolio. Such estimated credit losses are recorded as non-accretable discounts in a manner similar to purchased impaired loans. The fair value discount other than for credit loss is accreted as an adjustment to yield over the estimated lives of the loans. Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding principal balances of purchased performing loans. Fair value adjustments are also accreted into income over the estimated lives of the loans on a level yield basis.
Prospective losses incurred on Covered loans are eligible for partial reimbursement by the FDIC under loss sharing agreements. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected result in a provision for credit losses, an increase in the allowance for loan losses, and a proportional adjustment to the FDIC receivable for the estimated amount to be reimbursed. Subsequent increases in the amount expected to be collected result in the reversal of any previously-recorded provision for credit losses and related allowance for loan loss and adjustments to the FDIC receivable, or prospective adjustment to the accretable yield if no provision for credit losses had been recorded.
In accordance with the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, certain expenses relating to covered assets of external parties such as legal, property taxes, insurance, and the like may be reimbursed by the FDIC at 70% or if certain levels of reimbursement are reached, 80%, as defined.
Allowance for Loan Losses:
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans and leases. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan
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Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 90 days past due on a contractual basis, earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible. Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, which is based on the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan and lease portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans and leases that are classified as impaired. For such loans and leases, an allowance is established when the (i) discounted cash flows, or (ii) collateral value, or (iii) observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates for each of these categories of loans, adjusted for relevant qualitative factors. Separate qualitative adjustments are made for higher-risk criticized loans that are not impaired. These qualitative risk factors include:
1.Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and historical-based loss/collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.
2.National, regional, and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various market segments, including the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.
3.Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans.
4.Experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff.
5.Volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as trends and other loan modifications.
6.Quality of the Company's loan review system, and the degree of oversight by the Company's Board of Directors.
7.Existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.
8.Effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management's best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management's estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for all criticized and classified loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company's impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan's collateral.
For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals or evaluations. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.
For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower's financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable agings or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.
The Company collectively evaluates certain smaller balance homogeneous loans for impairment.
The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower's overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans classified as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.
In addition, Federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management's comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.
Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate, an extension of a loan's stated maturity date or a change in the loan payment to interest-only. For troubled debt restructurings on loans that are accruing interest, the Company will continue to accrue interest based upon the modified terms. Troubled debt restructurings on loans not accruing interest are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are classified as impaired.
Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate owned ("OREO") includes assets acquired through foreclosure, deed in-lieu of foreclosure, and loans identified as in-substance foreclosures. A loan is classified as an in-substance foreclosure when effective control of the collateral has been taken prior to completion of formal foreclosure proceedings. OREO is held for sale and is recorded at fair value of the property, based on current independent appraisals obtained at the time of acquisition less estimated costs to sell. Costs to maintain OREO and subsequent gains and losses attributable to OREO liquidation are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other income and other expense as realized. No depreciation or amortization expense is recognized.
Covered Other Real Estate Owned
Other real estate acquired through foreclosure covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC is reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Subsequent decreases to the estimated recoverable value of covered other real estate result in a reduction of covered other real estate, and a charge to non-interest income, and an increase in the FDIC receivable for the estimated amount to be reimbursed, with a corresponding amount recorded in non-interest income.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Premises and Equipment:
Land and land improvements are stated at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is calculated principally on the straight-line method over the respective assets estimated useful lives as follows:
Transfer of Financial Assets:
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Bank Owned Life Insurance:
The Bank invests in bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") as a source of funding for employee benefit expenses. BOLI involves the purchasing of life insurance by the Bank on a chosen group of employees. The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of the policies. This life insurance investment is carried at the cash surrender value of the underlying policies. Income from the increase in cash surrender value of the policies is reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of operations.
FDIC Indemnification Asset
Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which is a significant component of the acquisition discussed in Note 9, the FDIC will absorb 70% of the losses and certain related expenses and share in loss recoveries on loans and other real estate owned covered under the loss share agreements. The FDIC indemnification asset is measured separately from each of the covered asset categories. The indemnification asset represents the present value of the estimated cash payments expected to be received from the FDIC for future losses on covered assets based on the credit adjustment estimated for each covered asset and the loss sharing percentages. These cash flows are discounted at a rate to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC. The FDIC indemnification asset will be reduced as losses are recognized on covered assets and loss sharing payments are received from the FDIC.
When cash flow estimates are adjusted downward for a particular loan or pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is increased. An allowance for loan losses is established for the impairment of the loans. A provision for loan losses is recognized for the difference between the increase in the FDIC indemnification asset and the decrease in cash flows.
When cash flow estimates are adjusted upward for a particular loan pool, the FDIC indemnification asset is decreased. The difference between the decrease in the FDIC indemnification
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
asset and the increase in cash flows is accreted over the estimated life of the loan pool or individual loans.
FDIC Assisted Acquisition:
U.S. GAAP requires that the acquisition method of accounting, formerly referred to as purchase method, be used for all business combinations and that an acquirer be identified for each business combination. Under U.S. GAAP, the acquirer is the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination, and the acquisition date is the date the acquirer achieves control. U.S. GAAP requires that the acquirer recognize the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary acquired Allegiance Bank of North America ("Allegiance") headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. The acquisition was completed with the assistance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). The acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Allegiance were measured at estimated fair value as of the date of the acquisition. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for the acquisition of Allegiance. Management judgmentally assigned risk ratings to loans based on appraisals and estimated collateral values, expected cash flows, and estimated loss factors to measure fair values for loans. Other real estate acquired through foreclosure was valued based upon pending sales contracts and appraised values, adjusted for current market conditions. Management used quoted or current market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, short-term borrowings and long-term obligations that were assumed from Allegiance.
Stock-Based Compensation:
On January 1, 2006, the Company transitioned to fair-value based accounting for stock-based compensation using the modified-prospective transition method. Under the modified-prospective method, the Company is required to record compensation cost for new awards and to awards modified, purchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of non-vested awards (awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered) that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006 are being recognized prospectively over the remaining vesting period of such awards.
Mortgage Servicing Rights:
Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no mortgage servicing rights.
Revenue Recognition for Insurance Activities:
Insurance revenues are derived from commissions and fees. Commission revenues, as well as the related premiums receivable and payable to insurance companies, are recognized the later of the
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
effective date of the insurance policy or the date the client is billed, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations. The reserve for policy cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Commission revenues related to installment premiums are recognized as billed. Commissions on premiums billed directly by insurance companies are generally recognized as income when received. Contingent commissions from insurance companies are generally recognized as revenue when the data necessary to reasonably estimate such amounts is obtained. A contingent commission is a commission paid by an insurance company that is based on the overall profit and/or volume of the business placed with the insurance company. Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
The excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired consists of goodwill. Under the provisions of ASC Topic 350, goodwill is subject to at least annual assessments for impairment by applying a fair value based test. The Company tests for goodwill impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Other intangible assets include typically include core deposit intangibles, customer related intangibles and covenants not to compete. Core deposit intangibles represent a premium paid to acquire a base of stable, low cost deposits in the acquisition of a bank, or a bank branch, using purchase accounting. The amortization period for core deposit intangible is 7 years using a straight-line method. The covenants not to compete are amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 to 7 years, while the customer related intangible is amortized on an accelerated basis over a range of 10 to 20 years. The amortization period is monitored to determine if circumstances require such periods to be revised. The Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for changes in circumstances that may indicate the carrying amount of the asset is impaired.
Income Taxes:
Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, operating loss carry-forwards and tax credit carry-forwards, while deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
Equity Method Investment:
On December 29, 2003, the Bank entered into a limited partner subscription agreement with Midland Corporate Tax Credit XVI Limited Partnership, where the Bank receives special tax credits and other tax benefits. The Bank subscribed to a 6.2% interest in the partnership, which is subject to an adjustment depending on the final size of the partnership at a purchase price of $5.0 million. This investment of $2.5 million and $2.8 million is recorded in other assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is not guaranteed; therefore, it is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 970, "Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures" using the equity method.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Segment Reporting:
The Bank acts as an independent community financial services provider which offers traditional banking and related financial services to individual, business and government customers. Through its branch and automated teller machine networks, the Bank offers a full array of commercial and retail financial services, including the taking of time, savings and demand deposits; the making of commercial, consumer and mortgage loans; and the providing of other financial services.
The Company's insurance, investment and mortgage banking operations are managed separately from the Bank. The mortgage banking operation offers residential lending products and generates revenue primarily through gains recognized on loan sales. VIST Insurance provides coverage for commercial, individual, surety bond, and group and personal benefit plans. VIST Capital Management provides services for individual financial planning, retirement and estate planning, investments, corporate and small business pension and retirement planning (See Note 18-Segment and Related Information, for segment related information on the Bank, mortgage banking, VIST Insurance and VIST Capital Management).
Marketing and Advertising:
Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets when they become receivable or payable.
Derivative Financial Instruments:
The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk-management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. The Company's goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation will generally be offset by income or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities. The Company views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate sensitivity, such that earnings are not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates.
By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk exists to the extent of the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes the Company, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, it has no repayment risk. The Company minimizes the credit (or repayment) risk in the derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Market risk is the adverse effect that a change in interest rates, currency, or implied volatility rates has on the value of a financial instrument. The Company manages the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. The Company periodically measures this risk by using value-at-risk methodology.
Note 2. Merger with Tompkins Financial Corp.
On January 25, 2012, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Tompkins Financial will acquire VIST Financial Corp. Based on the average of the closing prices of Tompkins Financial common stock for the 20 trading days ending January 24, 2012, the all stock transaction is valued at approximately $86.0 million at the time of signing the merger agreement, or $12.50 per VIST common share. Under the terms of the merger agreement, VIST shareholders will receive 0.3127 shares of Tompkins Financial common stock for each share of VIST common stock held. The exchange ratio is subject to adjustment based on the average of the closing prices of Tompkins Financial common stock for the 20 business days ending three business days prior to the VIST shareholder meeting called to consider the merger agreement (the "Average Closing Price"). If the Average Closing Price is more than $43.98, the Exchange Ratio shall be 0.2842; and if the Average Closing Price is less than $35.98, the Exchange Ratio shall be 0.3475.
VIST Bank will operate as a subsidiary of Tompkins Financial with a separate banking charter, local management team, and local Board of Directors. The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the transaction, which is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2012, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including required shareholder approval.
Note 3. Recently Issued Accounting Standards:
In April 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-02 Receivables (Topic 310) A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. This Update gives creditors additional guidance and clarification for evaluating whether or not a creditor has granted a concession and whether or not a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The amendments in this Update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. No significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations occurred from the adoption of ASU 2011-02.
In April 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-03 Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The purpose of this Update is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that entitle and obligate transferors to repurchase or redeem financial assets prior to their maturity. This Update removes from the assessment of effective control, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets at substantially the agreed terms even in the event of default by the transferee and the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendments in this Update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to new or modification transactions that occur after the effective date. No significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations is expected from the adoption of ASU 2011-03.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 3. Recently Issued Accounting Standards: (Continued)
In May 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-04 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The purpose of this Update is to change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. This Update clarifies the Board's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and includes changes to particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. In addition, to improve consistency in application across jurisdictions some changes in wording are necessary to ensure that U.S. GAAP and IFRS fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are described in the same way. The amendments in this Update are effective during interim and annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted. No significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations is expected from the adoption of ASU 2011-04.
In June 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-05 Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The purpose of this Update is to indicate that an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. Regardless of whether an entity chooses to present comprehensive income in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-12 which deferred the effective date of this amendment until the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 which should be applied retrospectively. The Bank elected to early adopt this update. There were no significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In September 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-08 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The purpose of this amendment is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. This amendment permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. These amendments are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity's financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. No significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations is expected from the adoption of ASU 2011-08. The Bank elected not to early adopt this update.
In December 2011, the FASB issued (ASU) 2011-11 Balance Sheet (Topic 210) Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The purpose of this amendment is to facilitate comparison between
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 3. Recently Issued Accounting Standards: (Continued)
those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. This amendment requires an entity to address significant differences in amounts presented in the statements of financial position by disclosing both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset. This amendment covers derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements. These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. No significant impact to amounts reported in the consolidated financial position or results of operations is expected from the adoption of ASU 2011-11.
Note 4. Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised. Potential common shares that may be issued related to outstanding stock options are determined using the treasury stock method. Stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average market price of the Company's common stock during the periods presented are excluded from the dilutive earrings per common share calculation. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, anti-dilutive common stock options totaled 870,569, 579,270 and 645,036, respectively.
The Company's calculation of earnings (loss) per common share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is presented below:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity were as follows at December 31, 2011 and 2010:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related investment securities available for sale and investment securities held to maturity at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
At December 31, 2011, there were 46 securities with unrealized losses in the less than twelve month category and 40 securities with unrealized losses in the twelve month or more category.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Factors that may be indicative of impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Fair value below cost and the length of time
•Adverse condition specific to a particular investment
•Rating agency activities (e.g., downgrade)
•Financial condition of an issuer
•Dividend activities
•Suspension of trading
•Management intent
•Changes in tax laws or other policies
•Subsequent market value changes
•Economic or industry forecasts
Other-than-temporary impairment means management believes the security's impairment is due to factors that could include its inability to pay interest or dividends, its potential for default, and/or other factors. When a held to maturity or available for sale debt security is assessed for other-than-temporary impairment, management has to first consider (a) whether the Company intends to sell the security, and (b) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of these circumstances applies to a security, an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations equal to the full amount of the decline in fair value below amortized cost. If neither of these circumstances applies to a security, but the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred that must be separated into two categories: (a) the amount related to credit loss, and (b) the amount related to other factors. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. The portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings (as the difference between the fair value and the present value of the estimated cash flows), while the amount related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. The total other-than-temporary impairment loss is presented in the statement of operations, less the portion recognized in other comprehensive income. When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss.
If a decline in market value of a security is determined to be other than temporary, under U.S. GAAP, we are required to write these securities down to their estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2011, we owned single issuer and pooled trust preferred securities of other financial institutions, private label collateralized mortgage obligations and equity securities whose aggregate historical cost basis is greater than their estimated fair value. We reviewed all investment securities and have identified those securities that are other-than-temporarily impaired. The losses associated with these other-than-temporarily impaired securities have been bifurcated into the portion of non-credit
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive loss and into the portion of credit impairment losses recorded in earnings. We perform an ongoing analysis of all investment securities utilizing both readily available market data and third party analytical models. Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities. If such decline in these securities is determined to be other than temporary, we will write them down through a charge to earnings to their then current fair value.
A. Obligations of U. S. Government Agencies and Corporations. The net unrealized losses on the Company's investments in obligations of U.S. Government agencies were caused by changing credit spreads in the market as a result of current monetary policy and fluctuating interest rates. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the U. S. Government agencies and corporations bonds represented 3.2% of the total fair value of the available for sale securities held in the investment securities portfolio. The contractual cash flows are guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. Government. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing an impairment charge.
B. Mortgage-Backed Debt Securities. The net unrealized losses on the Company's investments in federal agency residential mortgage-backed securities and corporate (non-agency) collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO") were primarily caused by changing credit and pricing spreads in the market and fluctuating interest rates. At December 31, 2011, federal agency residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations represented 86.5% of the total fair value of available for sale securities held in the investment securities portfolio. Corporate (non-agency) collateralized mortgage obligations represented 1.7% of the total fair value of available for sale securities held in the investment securities portfolio. The Company purchased those securities at a price relative to the market at the time of the purchase. The contractual cash flows of those federal agency residential mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Because the decline in the market value of agency residential mortgage-backed debt securities is primarily attributable to changes in market pricing since the time of purchase and not credit quality, and because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing an impairment charge.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 8 corporate (non-agency) collateralized mortgage obligation issues in super senior or senior tranches of which 7 corporate (non-agency) collateralized mortgage obligation issues aggregate historical cost basis is greater than estimated fair value. At December 31, 2011, all 8 non-agency CMO's with an amortized cost basis of $8.2 million were collateralized by residential real estate. The Company uses a two step modeling approach to analyze each non-agency CMO issue to determine whether or not the current unrealized losses are due to credit impairment and therefore other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI"). Step one in the modeling process applies default and severity credit vectors to each security based on current credit data detailing delinquency, bankruptcy, foreclosure and real estate owned (REO) performance. The results of the credit vector analysis are compared to the security's current credit support coverage to determine if the security has adequate collateral support. If the security's current credit support coverage falls below certain predetermined levels, step two is utilized. In step two, the Company uses a third party to
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
assist in calculating the present value of current estimated cash flows to ensure there are no adverse changes in cash flows during the quarter leading to an other-than-temporary-impairment. Management's assumptions used in step two include default and severity vectors and prepayment assumptions along with various other criteria including: percent decline in fair value; credit rating downgrades; probability of repayment of amounts due, credit support and changes in average life. Two non-agency CMO securities qualified for the step two modeling approach which produced an OTTI credit loss for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2011 of $566,000 and $1,182,000, respectively. None of the 8 non-agency CMO's are currently deferring or are in default of interest payments to the Company. Because of the results of the modeling process and because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities, the Company does not consider the remaining non-agency CMO investments with no prior OTTI charges to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2011. Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and credit support of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities. If such decline is determined to be other than temporary, the Company will record the necessary charge to earnings and/or AOCI to reduce the securities to their then current fair value.
C. State and Municipal Obligations. The net unrealized losses on the Company's investments in state and municipal obligations were primarily caused by changing credit spreads in the market as a result of current monetary policy and fluctuating interest rates. At December 31, 2011, state and municipal obligation bonds represented 6.8% of the total fair value of available for sale securities held in the investment securities portfolio. The Company purchased those obligations at a price relative to the market at the time of the purchase, and the tax advantaged benefit of the interest earned on these investments reduces the Company's federal tax liability. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing an impairment charge.
D. Corporate and Other Debt Securities and Trust Preferred Securities. Included in corporate and other debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2011, was 1 asset-backed security and 2 corporate debt issues representing 0.7% of the total fair value of available for sale securities. The net unrealized losses on other debt securities relate primarily to changing pricing due to the ongoing economic downturn affecting these markets and not necessarily the expected cash flows of the individual securities. Due to market conditions, it is unlikely that the Company would be able to recover its investment in these securities if the Company sold the securities at this time. Because the Company has analyzed the credit risk and cash flow characteristics of these securities and the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
Included in trust preferred securities were single issue, trust preferred securities ("TRUPS" or "CDO") representing 0.1% and 64.2% of the total fair value of available for sale securities and the total held to maturity securities, respectively, and pooled TRUPS representing 0.5% and 35.8% of the total fair value of available for sale securities and the total held to maturity securities, respectively.
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 2 single issuer TRUPS issues and 7 pooled TRUPS issues of other financial institutions. In the fourth quarter of 2011, 1 single issuer TRUPS issue and 1 pooled TRUPS issue prepaid in full. At December 31, 2011, the historical cost basis of 1 single issuer TRUPS and 7 pooled TRUPS was greater than each security's estimated fair value. Investments in TRUPs in which the historical cost basis was greater than each security's estimated fair value included (a) amortized cost of $500,000 of single issuer TRUPS of other financial institutions with a fair value of $375,000 and (b) amortized cost of $5.2 million of pooled TRUPS of other financial institutions with a fair value of $2.4 million. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. The Company has evaluated these securities and determined that the decreases in estimated fair value are temporary with the exception of 5 pooled TRUPS which were other than temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. For the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not recognized any credit impairment charges to earnings on any available for sale or held to maturity pooled TRUPS investment security as the Company's estimate of projected cash flows it expects to receive for these TRUPs was greater than the security's carrying value. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a net credit impairment charge to earnings of $296,000 on 4 available for sale pooled TRUPS as the Company's estimate of projected cash flows it expected to receive for these TRUPs prior to the fourth quarter of 2011 was less than the security's carrying value. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the OTTI losses recognized on available for sale pooled trust preferred securities resulted primarily from higher estimates for collateral defaults and deferrals as a result of stressed economic conditions affecting the financial services industry. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company adjusted its estimates for collateral defaults and deferrals based on many issuers prepaying issues or curing previous defaults and deferrals through recapitalization or through mergers and acquisitions.
The Company performs an ongoing analysis of these securities utilizing both readily available market data and third party analytical models. Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities. If such decline is determined to be other than temporary, the Company will record the necessary charge to earnings and/or AOCI to reduce the securities to their then current fair value.
For pooled TRUPS, on a quarterly basis, the Company uses a third party model ("model") to assist in calculating the present value of current estimated cash flows to the previous estimate to ensure there are no adverse changes in cash flows. The model's valuation methodology is based on the premise that the fair value of a CDO's collateral should approximate the fair value of its liabilities. Conceptually, this premise is supported by the notion that cash generated by the collateral flows through the CDO structure to bond and equity holders, and that the CDO structure neither enhances nor diminishes its value. This approach was designed to value structured assets like TRUPS that currently do not have an active trading market, but are secured by collateral that can be benchmarked to comparable, publicly traded securities. The following describes the model's assumptions, cash flow projections, and the valuation approach developed using the market value equivalence approach:
Collateral Cash Flows
The aggregated loan level cash flows are primarily dependent on the estimated speeds at which the trust preferred securities are expected to prepay, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to defer payments, the estimated rates at which the trust preferred securities are expected to default, and the severity of the losses on securities which default.
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
Prepayment Assumptions
Trust preferred securities generally allow for prepayment without a prepayment penalty any time after five years. Prior to August 2007, the spread to the benchmark on trust preferred securities narrowed. Because of the narrowing of spreads, many financial institutions prepaid their outstanding trust preferred securities at the five year mark and refinanced. As a result, many industry experts valuing the CDOs were using relatively high prepayment speed assumptions. However, due to the lack of new trust preferred issuances and the relatively poor conditions of the financial institution industry, the model is forecasting relatively modest rates of prepayment over the long-term.
Nevertheless, the recently enacted Dodd-Frank act could affect prepayments of trust preferred securities in the collateral pool. Depository institution holding companies with more than $15 billion of total assets at December 31, 2009 will no longer be able to count trust preferred securities as Tier 1 regulatory capital beginning January 1, 2013. Similarly, US bank holding company subsidiaries of foreign banking organizations with more than $15 billion in total assets will no longer be able to count trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital beginning July 1, 2015.
On the other hand, many of the trust preferred securities contained in the collateral pools of trust preferred collateralized debt obligations were issued at relatively favorable interest rates, including floating rate securities with relatively modest spreads compared to the rates in the marketplace today. The model believes that many of these issues represent an efficient long-term funding mechanism and will not necessarily be prepaid based on the change in capital treatment. In order to estimate the increase in near-term prepayments resulting from this legislation, the model first identified all fixed rate trust preferred securities issued by banks with more than $15 billion in total assets at December 31, 2009. The model also identified the holding companies' approximate cost of long-term funding given their rating and marketplace interest rates. The model assumed that any holding company that could refinance for a cost savings of more than 2 percent will refinance and will do so on January 1, 2013, or July 1, 2015 at the end of the respective transition period.
Prepayments affect the securities in three ways. First, prepayments lower the absolute amount of excess spread, an important credit enhancement. Second, the prepayments are directed to the senior tranches, the effect of which is to increase the overcollateralization of the mezzanine layer. However, the prepayments can lead to adverse selection in which the strongest institutions have prepaid, leaving the weaker institutions in the pool, thus mitigating the effect of the increased overcollateralization. Third, prepayments can limit the numeric and geographic diversity of the pool, leading to concentration risks.
Bank Deferral and Default Rates
Trust preferred securities include a provision that allows the issuing bank to defer interest payments for up to five years. The model's estimates for the rates of deferral are based on the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool. The model first estimates a near-term rate of deferral based on the financial condition of these issuers. The model then assumes the deferrals will return to their historical levels.
The model's estimates for the conditional default rates (CDR) are based on the payment characteristics of the trust preferred securities themselves (e.g. current, deferred, or defaulted) as well as the financial condition of the trust preferred issuers in the pool. The model first estimates a
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
near-term CDR based on the financial condition of the issuers in the pool. In 2013 and beyond, the CDR rate is calculated based upon a comparison of certain key financial ratios of the active issuers in the deal to all FDIC insured bank institutions. The model's estimates for the near-term rates of deferral and CDR are based on key financial ratios relating to the financial institutions' capitalization, asset quality, profitability and liquidity. Also, the model considers the CDO's most recent ratings from outside services including Standard & Poors, Moodys, and Fitch, as well as, the most recent stock price information for each financial institution in the CDO, whether or not the financial institution has received TARP funding, recent summaries of regulatory actions to the extent they are available as well as any news related to the banks we are analyzing, including offers to redeem the trust preferred securities, and whether the bank has the ability to generate additional capital-internally or externally.
The model bases the assumption of longer-term rates of deferral and defaults on historical averages as detailed in readily available third party research reports. The research report defines a default as any instance when a regulator takes an active role in a bank's operations under a supervisory action. This definition of default is distinct from failure. The research report considers a bank to have defaulted if it falls below minimum capital requirements or becomes subject to regulatory actions including a written agreement, or a cease and desist order. The research report calculates the default rate as a fraction in which the numerator represents the number of issuers that default and the denominator represents the number of banks at risk of defaulting. The research also performed a "cohort" analysis, the purpose of which is to determine the default rate of the original population over a number of years.
The fact that an issuer defaults on a loan, does not necessarily mean that the investor will lose all of their investment. Thus, it is important to understand not only the default assumption, but also the expected loss given a default, or the loss severity assumption. The model uses published rating agency methodology for rating trust preferred/hybrid securities loss severity assumptions.
Note Waterfall
The trust preferred securities CDOs have several tranches: Senior tranches, Mezzanine tranches, and the Residual or income tranches. Financial institutions generally invested in the mezzanine tranches, which were usually rated A or BBB at the time of purchase.
The Senior and Mezzanine tranches were over-collateralized at issuance, meaning that the par value of the underlying collateral was more than the balance issued on these tranches. The terms generally provide that if the performing collateral balances fall below certain "triggers", then income is diverted from the residual tranches to pay the Senior and Mezzanine Tranches. If significant deferrals occur, income could also be diverted from the Mezzanine tranches to pay the Senior tranches.
Collateral cash flows are calculated based on the attributes of the trust preferred securities as of the collateral cut-off date corresponding to the disclosure date referenced in this document along with the model's valuation input assumptions for the underlying collateral. Cash flows are then allocated to securities by priority based upon the cash flow waterfall rules provided in the prospectus supplement. The allocations are based on the overcollateralization and interest coverage tests (triggers), events of default and liquidation, deferrals of interest, mandatory auction calls, optional redemptions and any interest rate hedge agreements.
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
Internal Rate of Return
Internal rates of return (IRR) are the pre-tax yield rates used to discount the future cash flow stream expected from the collateral cash flows. The marketplace for the pooled trust security CDOs is not active. This is evidenced by a significant widening of the bid/ask spreads in the markets in which the CDOs trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive and only a very small number of trust preferred CDOs have been issued since 2007.
The model explicitly calculates the credit component utilizing conditional default and loss severity vectors within the cash flow valuation model. The model relies on FASB ASC paragraph 820-10-55-5 to provide guidance on the discount rates to be used when a market is not active. According to the standard, the discount rate should take into account all of the following factors: (1) the time value of money (risk free rate), (2) price for bearing the uncertainty in the cash flows (risk premium), and (3) other case specific factors that would be considered by market participants, including a liquidity adjustment.
The model combines the risk free rate to the corporate bond spread for banks to determine the credit valuation adjustment is included within these values. To remove the credit component the model uses the credit default swap rates for financial companies as a proxy for credit based on various terms and provides discount rates that are exclusive of the credit component. The model then backs out the Swap / LIBOR curve in order to get back to a floating rate spread. Characteristics of the securities and their related collateral may cause adjustment to these values. Additionally, the model's discount rate estimates come from conversations with major financial institutions regarding assumptions they are using for highly rated assets, from opportunistic hedge funds regarding assumptions they are using to bid on lower and unrated assets, and other industry experts. The model has observed a relatively wide range of discount rates used to estimate fair value.
In addition to the above factors, our evaluation of impairment also includes a stress test analysis which provides an estimate of excess subordination for each tranche. We stress the cash flows of each pool by increasing current default assumptions to the level of defaults which results in an adverse change in estimated cash flows. This stressed breakpoint is then used to calculate excess subordination levels for each pooled trust preferred security.
Future evaluations of the above mentioned factors could result in the Company recognizing additional impairment charges on its TRUPS portfolio.
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
The following table provides additional information related to our pooled trust preferred securities as of December 31, 2011:
The following table provides additional information related to our single issuer trust preferred securities:
There were no interest deferrals or defaults in any of the single issuer trust preferred securities in our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2011.
As of December 31, 2011, no OTTI charges were recorded on any of the single issue TRUPs. Future changes in interest rates or the credit quality and strength of the underlying issuers may reduce the market value of these and other securities. If such decline is determined to be other than temporary, the Company will record the necessary charge to earnings and/or AOCI to reduce the securities to their then current fair value.
E. Equity Securities. Included in equity securities available for sale at December 31, 2011, were equity investments in 27 financial services companies. The Company owns 1 qualifying Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") equity investment with an amortized cost and fair value of approximately $1.0 million and $991,000, respectively. The remaining 26 equity securities have an average amortized cost of approximately $86,000 and an average fair value of approximately $60,000. Testing for
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
other-than-temporary-impairment for equity securities is governed by FASB ASC 320-10. Approximately $638,000 in fair value of the equity securities has been below amortized cost for a period of more than twelve months. The Company believes the decline in market value of the equity investment in financial services companies is primarily attributable to changes in market pricing and not fundamental changes in the earning potential of the individual companies. In the fourth quarter of 2011, a national credit rating agency downgraded the credit rating of two of the financial service companies held in the Company's equity investment portfolio. As a result, the Company recognized an OTTI credit impairment charge to earnings of $42,000 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company has the intent and ability to retain its fair value investment of $870,000 in equity securities with losses greater than twelve months for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Company does not consider the remaining equity securities to be other-than-temporarily-impaired as December 31, 2011.
As of December 31, 2011, the fair value of all securities available for sale that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, and for other purposes required by law, was $290.1 million.
The contractual maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2011, are set forth in the following table. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
Actual maturities of debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to the scheduled maturity without penalty.
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Note 5. Securities Available For Sale and Securities Held to Maturity (Continued)
The following gross gains (losses) were realized on sales of investment securities available for sale included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
The specific identification method was used to determine the cost basis for all investment security available for sale transactions.
There are no securities classified as trading, therefore, there were no gains or losses included in earnings that were a result of transfers of securities from the available for sale category into a trading category.
There were no sales or transfers from securities classified as held to maturity.
Other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings for credit impaired debt securities is presented as additions in two components based upon whether the current period is the first time the debt security was credit impaired (initial credit impairment) or is not the first time the debt security was credit impaired (subsequent credit impairments). The credit loss component is reduced if the Company sells, intends to sell or believes it will be required to sell previously credit impaired debt securities. Additionally, the credit loss component is reduced if (i) the Company receives the cash flows in excess of what it expected to receive over the remaining life of the credit impaired debt security, (ii) the security matures or (iii) the security is fully written down.
The following table presents the changes in the credit loss component of cumulative other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities classified as either held to maturity or available for sale that the Company has recognized in earnings, for which a portion of the impairment loss (non-credit factors) was recognized in other comprehensive income (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements):
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses
The components of loans by portfolio class as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Commercial real estate loans are secured by real estate as evidenced by mortgages or other liens on nonfarm nonresidential properties, including business and industrial properties, hotels, motels, churches, hospitals, educational and charitable institutions and similar properties. Commercial real estate loans include owner-occupied and non-owner occupied loans, which amount to $153.7 million and $264.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011 as compared to $158.4 million and $269.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2010.
Residential real estate loans-one to four family-serviced for other financial institutions are not reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as they are not owned by the Company. The unpaid principal balance of these loans serviced for other financial institutions as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $9.0 million and $11.3 million, respectively. The balance of capitalized servicing rights, which reflects fair value is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets was $0 and $31,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
At December 31, 2011, the Company had $50.7 million (net of fair value adjustments) of covered loans (covered under loss share agreements with the FDIC) as compared to $66.8 million at December 31, 2010. Covered loans were recorded at fair value pursuant to the purchase accounting guidelines in FASB ASC 805-"Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures". Upon acquisition, the Company evaluated whether each acquired loan (regardless of size) was within the scope of ASC 310-30, "Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality".
The carrying value of covered loans not exhibiting evidence of credit impairment at the time of the acquisition (i.e. loans outside of the scope of ASC 310-30) was $24.8 million at December 31, 2011 as compared to $37.1 million at December 31, 2010. The fair value of the acquired loans not exhibiting evidence of credit impairment was determined by projecting contractual cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted interest rates.
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Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The carrying value of covered loans acquired and accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality," was $25.9 million at December 31, 2011 as compared to $29.7 million at December 31, 2010. Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, loans may be aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. Of the loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration, a portion of the loans were aggregated into ten pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as credit risk and loan type. Other loans acquired in the acquisition evidencing credit deterioration are recorded individually at fair value. For pools or loans or individual loans evidencing credit deterioration, the expected cash flows in excess of fair value is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the pool or loan's contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference). There were no material increases or decreases in the expected cash flows of covered loans in each of the pools during 2011. Overall, the Company accreted income of $3.0 million and $293,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, on the loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration.
The following summarizes mortgage servicing rights capitalized and amortized:
An analysis of changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The following tables represent the changes in the allowance for loan loss for 2011 and 2010 based on the Company's loan portfolio class.
The following tables represent the loans evaluated individually or collectively for impairment for 2011 and 2010 based on the Company's loan portfolio class.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The recorded investment in impaired loans not requiring an allowance for loan losses was $29.1 million at December 31, 2011 and $8.4 million at December 31, 2010. The recorded investment in impaired loans requiring an allowance for loan losses was $45.8 million and $40.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the related allowance for loan losses associated with those loans was $8.7 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
Loans (excluding covered loans) on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued amounted to $36.3 million and $26.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Loan balances (excluding covered loans) past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest but which management expects will eventually be paid in full, amounted to $239,000 and $594,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Non accrual loans that maintained a current payment status for six consecutive months are placed back on accrual status under the Bank's loan policy.
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Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The following table presents loans that are individually and collectively evaluated for impairment and their related allowance for loan loss by loan portfolio class as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was $75.8 million and $41.2 million, respectively, and interest income recognized on impaired loans was $2.8 and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The following presents the average balance of impaired loans by portfolio class along with the related interest income recognized by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The following table presents loans that are no longer accruing interest by portfolio class. These loans are considered impaired and included in the previous impaired loan table.
Non-accrual loans that maintained a current payment status for six consecutive months are placed back on accrual status under the Bank's loan policy. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued amounted to $41.9 million and $30.9 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Loan balances past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, but which management expects will eventually be paid in full, amounted to $449,000 and $930,000 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
The performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio is also monitored by analyzing the age of the loans receivable as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the past due status as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio (excluding covered loans) summarized by the aggregate pass, watch, special mention, substandard and doubtful rating within the Company's internal risk rating system as of year end 2011 and 2010:
Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")-As a result of adopting the amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 in the third quarter of 2011, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2011, for which the borrower was determined to be troubled, for identification as TDRs. Upon identifying those receivables as TDRs, the Company identified them as impaired under the guidance in Section 310-10-35 of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in Section 450-20 for those receivables newly identified as impaired.
TDRs may be modified by means of extended maturity at below market adjusted interest rates, a combination of rate and maturity, or by other means including covenant modifications, forbearance and other concessions. However, the Company generally only restructures loans by temporarily modifying the payment structure to interest only or by reducing the actual interest rate. Once a loan becomes a TDR, it will continue to be reported as a TDR during the term of the restructure. After the loan reverts to the original terms and conditions, it will still be considered a TDR until it has paid current for six consecutive months, at which time the loan will no longer be reported as a TDR.
The recorded investment in TDRs was $3.4 million and $10.8 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $2.7 million and $9.9 million of accruing TDRs while TDRs on nonaccrual status totaled $655,000 and
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 6. Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)
$849,000 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Some loan modifications classified as TDRs may not ultimately result in the full collection of principal and interest, as modified, and result in potential incremental losses. These potential incremental losses have been factored into our overall estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The level of any re-defaults will likely be affected by future economic conditions. At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the allowance for loan and lease losses included specific reserves of $245,000 and $423,000 related to TDRs, respectively.
The following table shows information on the troubled and restructured debt by loan portfolio (excluding covered loans) for the year ended December 31, 2011:
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company added an additional $1.3 million in TDRS. The Company had reserves allocated for loan loss of $32,000 for the additions in troubled debt restructurings made during the twelve months ending December 31, 2011. A default on a troubled debt restructured loan for purposes of this disclosure occurs when the borrower is 90 days past due or a foreclosure or repossession of the applicable collateral has occurred. No defaults on troubled debt restructured loans occurred during the twelve month period ending December 31, 2011.
Transactions with Executive Officers and Directors
The Bank has had banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with its executive officers and directors and their related interests on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other parties not affiliated with the Bank. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, these persons were indebted to the Bank for loans totaling $8.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively. During 2011, $2.4 million of new loans were made and repayments totaled $1.8 million.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 7. Premises and Equipment
Components of premises and equipment were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, depreciation and amortization expense on premises, leasehold improvements and equipment was $1.3 million, 1.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
Certain facilities and equipment are leased under various operating leases. Total gross rental expense amounted to $3.5 million, $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
At December 31, 2011, and 2010, the Company had Goodwill of $16.5 million and $41.9 million, respectively. The goodwill balances resulted from previous acquisitions. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $25.1 million, resulting from the decrease in market value caused by underlying capital and credit concerns which was valued through the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 25, 2012 between Tompkins Financial Corp and the Company, which will be merged into Tompkins Financial. This impairment was determined based upon the announced sale price of the Company to Tompkins Financial for $12.50 per share. For further information related to the merger, see Note 2-Merger with Tompkins Financial Corp. Also during 2011, the Company recorded purchase accounting adjustments related to the Allegiance acquisition which reduced goodwill by $526,000. For further information related to the acquisitions, see Note 9-FDIC-Assisted Acquisition.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)
Management performs a review of goodwill and other identifiable intangibles for potential impairment on an annual basis, or more often, if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
A step two goodwill impairment test was completed for all three of its reporting units (i) banking and financial services, (ii) insurance, and (iii) brokerage and investment services. Based on the results of the step two goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded an impairment charge to each reporting unit, which is disclosed in the table below.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
*Purchase accounting adjustment related to the Allegiance Bank NA acquisition
In 2010, management performed its annual review of goodwill and other identifiable intangibles by reporting unit and determined there was no impairment of goodwill and other identifiable intangibles.
Other Intangible Assets
At December 31, 2011, and 2010, the Company had other intangible assets of $3.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively. In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350, the Company amortizes other intangible assets over the estimated remaining life of each respective asset.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)
Amortizable intangible assets were composed of the following:
Note 9. FDIC-Assisted Acquisition
On November 19, 2010, the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Allegiance Bank of North America ("Allegiance") from the FDIC, as Receiver of Allegiance. Allegiance operated five community banking branches within Chester and Philadelphia counties. The Bank's bid to purchase Allegiance included the purchase of certain Allegiance assets at a discount of $5.9 million and time deposits at a premium of $534,000, in exchange for assuming certain Allegiance deposits and certain other liabilities. Based on the terms of this transaction, the FDIC paid the Company $1.8 million ($2.0 million less a settlement of approximately $200,000), resulting in $1.5 million of goodwill. No cash or other consideration was paid by the Bank. The Bank and the FDIC entered into loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on loans and other real estate acquired through foreclosure existing at the acquisition date. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 70 percent of net losses on covered assets incurred up to $12.0 million, and 80 percent of net losses exceeding $12.0 million. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. As a result of the
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 9. FDIC-Assisted Acquisition (Continued)
loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, the Bank recorded an indemnification asset of $7.0 million at the time of acquisition (for additional information, refer to "FDIC Indemnification Asset" on page 76. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has submitted $979,000 in cumulative net losses for reimbursement to the FDIC under the loss-sharing agreements. The loss sharing agreements include clawback provisions should losses not meet the specified thresholds and other conditions not be met. Based on the current estimate of principal loss, the Company would not be subject to a clawback indemnification and no liability for this arrangement has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
The acquisition of Allegiance was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. A summary of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed is presented in the following table. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at the acquisition date fair value. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information regarding the closing date fair values become available. During the fourth quarter of 2011, a purchase accounting adjustment of $526,000 was made to the goodwill originally recorded from the Allegiance acquisition resulting in net goodwill of $1.0 million as noted in the table below.
Results of operations for Allegiance prior to the acquisition date are not included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. Due to the significant amount of fair value adjustments, the resulting accretion of those fair value adjustments and the protection resulting from the FDIC loss sharing agreements, historical results of Allegiance are not relevant to the Company's results of operations. Therefore, no pro forma information is presented.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 9. FDIC-Assisted Acquisition (Continued)
U.S. GAAP prohibits carrying over an allowance for loan losses for impaired loans purchased in the Allegiance FDIC-assisted acquisition. On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the unpaid principal balance for all loans evidencing credit impairment acquired in the Allegiance acquisition was $41.5 million and the estimated fair value of the loans was $30.3 million. Total contractually required payments on these loans including interest at the acquisition date was $46.8 million. However, the Company's preliminary estimate of expected cash flows was $36.4 million. At such date, the Company established a credit risk related non-accretable discount (a discount representing amounts which are not expected to be collected from the customer nor liquidation of collateral) of $10.3 million relating to these impaired loans, reflected in the recorded net fair value. Such amount is reflected as a non-accretable fair value adjustment to loans and a portion is also reflected in a receivable from the FDIC. The Bank further estimated the timing and amount of expected cash flows in excess of the estimated fair value and established an accretable discount of $6.1 million on the acquisition date relating to these impaired loans.
The carrying value of covered loans acquired and accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality," was determined by projecting contractual cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted interest rates.
The table below presents the components of the purchase accounting adjustments related to the purchased impaired loans acquired in the Allegiance acquisition:
On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the unpaid principal balance for all other loans acquired in the acquisition was $39.2 million and the estimated fair value of these loans was $38.4 million. The difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value of these loans which will be recognized in income on a level yield basis over the life of the loans, representing periods up to sixty months.
At the time of acquisition, the Company also recorded a net FDIC Indemnification Asset of $7.0 million representing the present value of the FDIC's indemnification obligations under the loss sharing agreements for covered loans and other real estate. Such indemnification asset has been discounted by $465,000 for the expected timing of receipt of these cash flows.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 10. Deposits
The components of deposits were as follows:
At December 31, 2011, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows (in thousands):
Note 11. Borrowings and Other Obligations
Borrowings
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank did not have any purchased federal funds from the FHLB or any correspondent bank.
During 2011 and 2010, the Bank did not enter into any securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Bank currently has securities sold under agreements to repurchase that have 8 to 10 year terms, a fixed rate or a variable interest rate spread to the three month LIBOR rate ranging from 3.89% to 5.85%, and, at the contractual reset dates, these may be called. Total borrowings under these repurchase agreements were $100.0 million for both periods ending December 31, 2011 and 2010.
These repurchase agreements are treated as financings with the obligations to repurchase securities sold reflected as a liability in the balance sheet. The dollar amount of securities underlying the agreements remains recorded as an asset, although the securities underlying the agreements are delivered to the broker who arranged the transactions. In certain instances, the brokers may have sold, loaned, or disposed of the securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, and have agreed to deliver to the Company substantially similar securities at the maturity of the agreement. The broker/dealers who participated with the Company in these agreements are primarily broker/dealers reporting to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Securities underlying sales of securities sold under repurchase agreements consisted of agency backed investment securities that had an amortized cost of $123.5 million and a market value of $128.3 million at December 31, 2011.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 11. Borrowings and Other Obligations (Continued)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
(1)$15 million adjustable rate, callable 01/17/2010; $15 million adjustable rate, callable 03/26/2010
(2)$5 million fixed rate, callable 03/05/2010; $20 million adjustable rate, callable 01/30/2010; $25 million adjustable rate, callable 03/22/2010
(3)$20 million adjustable rate, callable 02/22/2010
In addition, the Bank enters into agreements with bank customers as part of cash management services where the Bank sells securities to the customer overnight with the agreement to repurchase them at par. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature one day from the transaction date.
The securities underlying the agreements are under the Bank's control. The outstanding customer balances and related information of securities sold under agreements to repurchase are summarized as follows:
Borrowings maturing at December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 11. Borrowings and Other Obligations (Continued)
The Bank has a maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB of approximately $260.0 million, of which there were letters of credit of $9.4 million and no fixed rate term advances outstanding at December 31, 2011. The letters of credit are used to collateralize public deposits. Advances and letters of credit from the FHLB are secured by qualifying assets of the Bank.
Long-Term Contract
The Company has entered into a contract with our core data processor for certain services, such as customer account transaction processing, through April 2016. The Company is required to make minimum payments based on 90% of the average of the monthly payments from the fourth quarter of the prior year. This minimum amount will be recalculated on an annual basis. For 2012, the minimum payments will be approximately $181,000 per month, whether or not the Company utilizes the services of the information system provider. Total expenditures during 2011, 2010 and 2009 in connection with the contract were $2.3 million, $2.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
Note 12. Junior Subordinated Debt
First Leesport Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust, was formed on March 9, 2000 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Trust issued $5.0 million of 107/8% fixed rate capital trust pass-through securities to investors. First Leesport Capital Trust I purchased $5.0 million of fixed rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures from VIST Financial Corp. The debentures are the sole asset of the Trust. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures are the same as the terms of the capital securities. The obligations under the debentures constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by VIST Financial Corp. of the obligations of the Trust under the capital securities. The capital securities are redeemable by VIST Financial Corp. on or after March 9, 2010, at stated premiums, or earlier if the deduction of related interest for federal income taxes is prohibited, classification as Tier 1 Capital is no longer allowed, or certain other contingencies arise. The capital securities must be redeemed upon final maturity of the subordinated debentures on March 9, 2030. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has not exercised the call option on these debentures. In October 2002, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $5.0 million that effectively converted the securities to a floating interest rate of six month LIBOR plus 5.25%. In 2010, a premium of $272,000 was paid to the Company resulting from the counterparty exercising a call option to terminate this interest rate swap, which was recognized in other income during the year ended December 31, 2010. In June 2003, the Company purchased a six month LIBOR plus 5.75% interest rate cap to create protection against rising interest rates for the above mentioned $5.0 million interest rate swap. This interest rate cap matured in March 2010.
On September 26, 2002, the Company established Leesport Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust, in which the Company owns all of the common equity. Leesport Capital Trust II issued $10.0 million of mandatory redeemable capital securities carrying a floating interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.45% (3.90% at December 31, 2011). These debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures are the same as the terms of the capital securities. The obligations under the debentures constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by VIST Financial Corp. of the obligations of the Trust under the capital securities. These securities must be redeemed in September 2032, but may be redeemed on or after November 7, 2007 or earlier in the event that the interest expense becomes non-deductible for federal income tax purposes or if the treatment of these securities is no longer qualified as Tier 1 capital for the Company. As of December 31, 2011, the
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 12. Junior Subordinated Debt (Continued)
Company has not exercised the call option on these debentures. In September 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a start date of February 2009 and a maturity date of November 2013 that effectively converts the $10.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. Interest began accruing on the Leesport Capital Trust II swap in February 2009.
On June 26, 2003, Madison established Madison Statutory Trust I, a Connecticut statutory business trust. Pursuant to the purchase of Madison on October 1, 2004, the Company assumed Madison Statutory Trust I in which the Company owns all of the common equity. Madison Statutory Trust I issued $5.0 million of mandatory redeemable capital securities carrying a floating interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 3.10% (3.67% at December 31, 2011). These debentures are the sole assets of the Trust. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures are the same as the terms of the capital securities. The obligations under the debentures constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by VIST Financial Corp. of the obligations of the Trust under the capital securities. These securities must be redeemed in June 2033, but may be redeemed on or after September 26, 2008 or earlier in the event that the interest expense becomes non-deductible for federal income tax purposes or if the treatment of these securities is no longer qualified as Tier 1 capital for the Company. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has not exercised the call option on these debentures. In September 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a start date of March 2009 and a maturity date of September 2013 that effectively converted the $5.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 6.90%. Interest began accruing on the Madison Statutory Trust I swap in March 2009.
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB ASC 810, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51" which was revised in December 2003. This Interpretation provides guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs). First Leesport Capital Trust I, Leesport Capital Trust II and Madison Statutory Trust I (the "Trusts") each qualify as a variable interest entity under FASB ASC 810. The Trusts issued mandatory redeemable preferred securities (Trust Preferred Securities) to third-party investors and loaned the proceeds to the Company. The Trusts hold, as their sole assets, subordinated debentures issued by the Company.
FASB ASC 810 required the Company to deconsolidate First Leesport Capital Trust I and Leesport Capital Trust II from the consolidated financial statements as of March 21, 2004 and to deconsolidate Madison Statutory Trust I as of December 31, 2004. There has been no restatement of prior periods. The impact of this deconsolidation was to increase junior subordinated debentures by $20,150,000 and reduce the mandatory redeemable capital debentures line item by $20,150,000 which had represented the trust preferred securities of the trust. For regulatory reporting purposes, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that the preferred securities will continue to qualify as Tier 1 Capital subject to previously specified limitations, until further notice. If regulators make a determination that Trust Preferred Securities can no longer be considered in regulatory capital, the securities become callable and the Company may redeem them. The adoption of FASB ASC 810 did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or liquidity.
Note 13. Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on their financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 13. Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Continued)
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.
Federal bank regulatory agencies have established certain capital-related criteria that must be met by banks and bank holding companies. The measurements which incorporate the varying degrees of risk contained within the balance sheet and exposure to off-balance sheet commitments were established to provide a framework for comparing different institutions. Regulatory guidelines require that Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets must be at least 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively. In order for the Company to be considered "well capitalized" under the guidelines of the banking regulators, the Company must have Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets of at least 6.0% and 10.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the Company met the criteria to be considered "well capitalized".
As of December 31, 2011, the most recent notification from the Bank's primary regulator categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed its category.
The Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented below:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 13. Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Continued)
On December 19, 2008, the Company issued to the United States Department of the Treasury ("Treasury") 25,000 shares of Series A, Fixed Rate, Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"), with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and a warrant ("Warrant") to purchase 367,982 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $5.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million in cash.
The Series A Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. Under ARRA, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time following consultation by the Company's primary bank regulator and Treasury, not withstanding the terms of the original transaction documents. Under FAQ's issued recently by Treasury, participants in the Capital Purchase Program desiring to repay part of an investment by Treasury must repay a minimum of 25% of the issue price of the preferred stock.
Prior to the earlier of the third anniversary date of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock (December 19, 2011) or the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties which are not affiliates of the Treasury, the Company cannot increase its common stock dividend from the last quarterly cash dividend per share ($0.10) declared on the common stock prior to October 14, 2008 without the consent of the Treasury.
The Warrant has a 10-year term and is immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, equal to $10.19 per share of common stock. As a result of the sale of 644,000 shares of the Company's common stock to two institutional investors, the number of shares of common stock into which the Warrant is now exercisable is 367,984. In the event that the Company redeems the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company can repurchase the warrant at "fair value" as defined in the investment agreement with Treasury.
On April 21, 2010, the Company entered into separate stock purchase agreements with two institutional investors relating to the sale of an aggregate of 644,000 shares of the Company's authorized but unissued common stock, par value $5.00 per share, at a purchase price of $8.00 per share. The Company completed the issuance of $4.8 million of common stock, net of related offering costs, on May 12, 2010.
Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid and loans or advances made by the Bank to the Company. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had no funds available for payment of dividends to the Company. Dividends paid by the Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank's capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.
Dividends payable by the Company are subject to guidance published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Consistent with the Federal Reserve guidance, companies are urged to strongly consider eliminating, deferring or significantly reducing dividends if (i) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividend, (ii) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the bank holding company's capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (iii) the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy rations. As a result of this guidance, management intends to consult with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and provide the Reserve Bank with information on the Company's then current
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 13. Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Continued)
and prospective earnings and capital position, on a quarterly basis in advance of declaring any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
Loans or advances are limited to 10 percent of the Bank's capital stock and surplus on a secured basis. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank had a $1.3 million loan outstanding to VIST Insurance.
The Company paid $1.3 million in common stock cash dividends during 2011 and $1.2 million during 2010. The Company also paid $1.3 million in dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock during both 2011 and 2010.
Note 14. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit:
The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.
The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet investments.
A summary of the Bank's financial instrument commitments is as follows:
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Bank evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include personal or commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. The Bank reviews all outstanding commitments for risk and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses related to these obligations. The allowance for unfunded commitments was $138,500 as of December 31, 2011.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 14. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Continued)
Standby letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The majority of these standby letters of credit expire within the next twelve months. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending other loan commitments. The Bank requires collateral supporting these letters of credit as deemed necessary. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees. The amount of the liability as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued is not considered to be material.
Junior Subordinated Debt:
The Company has elected to record its junior subordinated debt at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value is estimated utilizing the income approach whereby the expected cash flows over the remaining estimated life of the debentures are discounted using the Company's estimated credit spread over the current fully indexed yield based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the estimated fair value of the junior subordinated debt was $18.5 million and $18.4 million, respectively, which was offset by changes in the fair value of the related interest rate swaps.
During October 2002, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $5.0 million to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. This derivative financial instrument effectively converted fixed interest rate obligations of outstanding mandatory redeemable capital debentures to variable interest rate obligations, decreasing the asset sensitivity of its balance sheet by more closely matching the repricing of the Company's variable rate assets with variable rate liabilities. The Company considers the credit risk inherent in the contracts to be negligible. This swap has a notional amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of the related trust preferred securities, together with the same payment dates, maturity date and call provisions as the related trust preferred securities.
Under the swap, the Company pays interest at a variable rate equal to six month LIBOR plus 5.25%, adjusted semiannually, and the Company receives a fixed rate equal to the interest that the Company is obligated to pay on the related trust preferred securities (10.875%). In September 2010, included in other income was a $272,000 premium paid to the Company resulting from the fixed rate payer exercising a call option to terminate this interest rate swap.
In September 2008, the Company entered into two interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The interest rate swap transactions involved the exchange of the Company's floating rate interest rate payment on its $15 million in floating rate junior subordinated debt for a fixed rate interest payment without the exchange of the underlying principal amount. The first interest rate swap agreement with a start date of February 2009 and a maturity date of November 2013 effectively converts the $10.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. Interest began accruing on this swap in February 2009. The second interest rate swap agreement with a start date of March 2009 and a maturity date of September 2013 effectively converts the $5.0 million of adjustable-rate capital securities to a fixed interest rate of 6.90%. Interest began accruing on this swap in March 2009. Entering into interest rate derivatives potentially exposes the Company to the risk of counterparties' failure to fulfill their legal obligations including, but not limited to, potential amounts
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 14. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Continued)
due or payable under each derivative contract. Notional principal amounts are often used to express the volume of these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. These interest rate swaps are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value through adjustments to other income in the consolidated results of operations. The fair value measurement of the interest rate swaps is determined by netting the discounted future fixed or variable cash payments and the discounted expected fixed or variable cash receipts based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.
The estimated fair values of the interest rate swap agreements represent the amount the Company would expect to receive to terminate such contract. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the estimated fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was $846,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, which was offset by changes in the fair value of junior subordinated debt. The swap agreements expose the Company to market and credit risk if the counterparty fails to perform. Credit risk is equal to the extent of a fair value gain on the swaps. The Company manages this risk by entering into these transactions with high quality counterparties.
Interest rate caps are generally used to limit the exposure from the repricing and maturity of liabilities and to limit the exposure created by other interest rate swaps. In June 2003, the Company purchased a six month LIBOR cap with a rate of 5.75% to create protection against rising interest rates for the above mentioned $5.0 million interest rate swap. Interest rate caps are generally used to limit the exposure from the repricing and maturity of liabilities and to limit the exposure created by other interest rate swaps. This interest rate cap matured in March 2010.
In October of 2010, the Company purchased a three month LIBOR interest rate cap to create protection against rising interest rates. The notional amount of this interest rate cap was $5.0 million and the initial premium paid for the interest rate cap was $206,000. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the recorded value of the interest rate cap was $54,000 and $300,000, respectively.
The following table details the fair values of the derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 14. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Continued)
The following table details the effect of the change in fair values of the derivative instruments included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company paid or accrued net interest due to counterparties under the interest rate swap agreements of $532,000, $357,000 and $199,000, which was recorded as an increase in interest expense on junior subordinated debt.
Note 15. Employee Benefits
401(k) Salary Deferral Plan
The Company has a 401(k) Salary Deferral Plan. This plan covers all eligible employees who elect to contribute to the Plan. An employee who has attained 18 years of age and has been employed for at least 30 calendar days is eligible to participate in the Plan effective with the next quarterly enrollment period. Employees become eligible to receive the Company contribution to the Salary Deferral Plan at each future enrollment period upon completion of one year of service.
In July 2009, the Company's Board of Directors approved a discretionary match of 50% for the first 2% of a participant's pay deferred into the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. Contributions from the Company vest to the employee over a five year schedule. The expense associated with the Company's contribution was $167,000, $133,000, and $445,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, and was included in salaries and employee benefits expense.
During the second quarter of 2011, the Company's Board of Directors approved a discretionary match of 50% for the first 3% of a participant's pay deferred into the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Deferred Compensation Agreements and Salary Continuation Plan
The Company has entered into deferred compensation agreements with certain directors and a salary continuation plan for certain key employees. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the present value of the future liability for these agreements was $2.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there was $232,000, $200,000 and $184,000, respectively, charged to expense in connection with these agreements. To fund the benefits under these agreements, the Company is the owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on the lives of certain directors and employees. These bank-owned life insurance policies had an aggregate cash surrender value of $19.8 million and $19.4 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 15. Employee Benefits (Continued)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company has a non-compensatory Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). Under the ESPP, employees of the Company who elect to participate are eligible to purchase shares of common stock at prices up to a 5 percent discount from the market value of the stock. The ESPP does not allow the discount in the event that the purchase price would fall below the Company's most recently reported book value per share. The ESPP allows an employee to make contributions through payroll deductions to purchase shares of common shares up to 15 percent of annual compensation. The total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the ESPP is 216,421. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 87,455 shares have been issued under the ESPP. Throughout 2011, 2010 and 2009, the market value of the Company's stock was below the Company's book value per share. The employees of the Company did not receive a 5% discount on purchases made under the ESPP during this timeframe. As a result, the Company did not recognize any expense relative to its ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
As required by the proposed merger agreement with Tompkins Financial, the Company suspended the ESPP during the first quarter of 2012.
Note 16. Stock Option Plans and Shareholders' Equity
The Company has an Employee Stock Incentive Plan ("ESIP") that covered all officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors. The ESIP plan expired on November 10, 2008, and as a result, no additional stock option awards remain to be granted. At December 31, 2011, there were 284,595 options granted and still outstanding under the ESIP. The option price for options previously issued under the ESIP was equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and was not less than the stock's par value when granted. Options granted under the ESIP have various vesting periods ranging from immediate up to 5 years, 20% exercisable not less than one year after the date of grant, but no later than ten years after the date of grant in accordance with the vesting. Vested options expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant, three months from the participant's termination of employment or one year from the date of the participant's death or disability. A total of 148,572 options have been exercised under the ESIP and common stock shares were issued accordingly as of December 31, 2011.
The Company has an Independent Directors Stock Option Plan ("IDSOP"). The IDSOP plan expired on November 10, 2008, and as a result, no additional stock option awards remain to be granted. At December 31, 2011, there were 76,100 stock options granted and still outstanding under the IDSOP. The IDSOP covers all directors of the Company who are not employees and former directors who continue to be employed by the Company. The option price for stock option awards previously issued under the IDSOP was equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Options are exercisable from the date of grant and expire on the earlier of ten years after the date of grant, three months from the date the participant ceases to be a director of the Company or the cessation of the participant's employment, or twelve months from the date of the participant's death or disability. A total of 21,166 options had been exercised under the IDSOP and common stock shares were issued accordingly as of December 31, 2011.
On April 17, 2007, the Company's shareholders approved the VIST Financial Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan ("EIP"). The total number of options which may be granted under the EIP is equal to
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 16. Stock Option Plans and Shareholders' Equity (Continued)
12.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock on the date of approval of the Plan. At December 31, 2011, there were 615,923 options granted and still outstanding under the EIP, at December 31, 2011, there were 197,199 shares authorized for issuance for potential future equity awards pursuant to the EIP subject to automatic annual increases by an amount equal to 12.5% of any increase in the number of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock during the preceding year or such lesser number as determined by the Company's board of directors. The EIP covers all employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options and restricted stock grants are authorized for issuance under the EIP (see below "Restricted Stock Grants" for additional information on restricted stock awards). The exercise price for stock options granted under the EIP must equal the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Vesting of option awards under the EIP is determined by the Human Resources Committee of the board of directors, but must be at least one year. The committee may also subject an award to one or more performance criteria. Stock option and restricted stock awards generally expire upon termination of employment. In certain instances after an optionee terminates employment or service, the Committee may extend the exercise period for a vested nonqualified stock option up to the remaining term of the option. A vested incentive stock option must be exercised within three months following termination of employment if such termination is for reasons other than cause. However, a vested incentive stock option generally expires upon voluntary termination of employment. As of December 31, 2011, 500 options have been exercised under the EIP and common stock shares were issued accordingly. The EIP expires on April 17, 2017.
Restricted Stock Grants. When granted, restricted stock shares are unvested stock, issuable one year after the date of the grant for non-employee directors and employees ("Vest Date"). Due to TARP restrictions, restricted stock grants vest over two years for employees. The Vest Date accelerates in the event there is a change in control of the Company, if the recipients are then still non-employee directors or employees by Company. Upon issuance of the shares, resale of the shares is restricted for an additional year, during which the shares may not be sold, pledged or otherwise disposed of. Prior to the vest date and in the event the recipient terminates association with the Company for reasons other than death, disability or change in control, the recipient forfeits all rights to the shares that would otherwise be issued under the grant. Restricted stock awards granted under the EIP were recorded at the date of award based on the market value of shares. The weighted average price per share of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $7.33 and $6.61, respectively. At December 31, 2011, there were 6,594 vested restricted stock grants.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 16. Stock Option Plans and Shareholders' Equity (Continued)
A summary of restricted stock award activity is presented below:
Rollforward of Restricted Stock Awards
Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, is summarized in the table below:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 16. Stock Option Plans and Shareholders' Equity (Continued)
Other information regarding options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:
There were no proceeds received from stock option exercises related to director and employee stock purchase plans in either 2010 or 2009. There was $2,600 received from stock option exercises related to the director and employee stock purchase plans during 2011.
As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the aggregate intrinsic value of options and restricted stock outstanding was $399,000, $479,000 and $18,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the weighted average remaining term of options outstanding was 6.7 years, 6.9 years and 7.2 years, respectively.
The aggregate intrinsic value of a stock option represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) that would have been received by the option holder had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2011. The aggregate intrinsic value of a stock option will change based on fluctuations in the market value of the Company's stock.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense. As stated in Note 1-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 718 on January 1, 2006. FASB ASC 718 requires that stock-based compensation to employees be recognized as compensation cost in the consolidated statements of operations based on their fair values on the measurement date, which, for the Company, is the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, stock-based compensation expenses totaled $359,000, $148,000 and $198,000, respectively. There were minimal cash inflows from excess tax benefits related to stock compensation for the years ended December 31, 2011 and no cash inflows for the same period in 2010. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were approximately $813,000 and $465,000, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options could be impacted by the performance of the Company as it relates to options granted which include performance-based goals.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 16. Stock Option Plans and Shareholders' Equity (Continued)
Valuation of Stock-Based Compensation. There were 154,500 stock options granted during the year ended 2011, as compared to 151,450 for the year ended 2010. The fair value of options granted during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
The expected volatility is based on historic volatility. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual life of the awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life is based on historical exercise experience. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company's history and expectation of dividend payouts.
Stock Repurchase Plan. On July 17, 2007, the Company announced that it has increased the number of shares remaining for repurchase under its stock repurchase plan, originally effective January 1, 2003, and extended May 20, 2004, to 150,000 shares. During 2011, the Company repurchased no shares of common stock. At December 31, 2011, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan was 115,000.
As a result of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, prior to the earlier of the third anniversary date of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock (December 19, 2011) or the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties which are not affiliates of the Treasury, the Company is restricted against redeeming, purchasing or acquiring any shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or other equity securities of any kind of the Company without the consent of the Treasury.
Note 17. Income Taxes
The components of federal and state income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 17. Income Taxes (Continued)
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax expense (benefit) computed at 34% to the income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expenses for tax reporting and financial statement purposes, principally because certain items, such as, the allowance for loan losses and loan fees are recognized in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. A valuation allowance has not been established for deferred tax assets. Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. Deferred tax assets are recorded in other assets.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 17. Income Taxes (Continued)
Net deferred tax assets consisted of the following components:
The Company has had $6.6 million and approximately $3.8 million of state net operating loss carryovers at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which will expire in 2024.
The Company evaluated its tax positions as of December 31, 2011. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a likelihood of being realized on examination of more than 50 percent. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded. Under the "more likely than not" threshold guidelines, the Company believes no significant uncertain tax positions exist, either individually or in the aggregate, that would give rise to the non-recognition of an existing tax benefit. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. The Company's policy is to account for interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of other expense. The Company and its subsidiaries are
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 17. Income Taxes (Continued)
subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Years that remain open for potential review by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue are 2007 through 2010.
In 2011, the Company recorded a valuation reserve of $181,000. This valuation reserve primarily relates to the state net operating losses.
Note 18. Segment and Related Information
Under the standards set for public business enterprises regarding a company's reportable operating segments in FASB ASC 280, "Segment Reporting", the Company has four reportable segments: (i) banking and financial services (the "Bank"), (ii) insurance services ("VIST Insurance"), (iii) mortgage banking ("VIST Mortgage"), and (iv) wealth management services ("VIST Capital Management"). The Company's insurance services, mortgage banking and wealth management services are managed separately from the Bank.
The Bank
The Bank consists of twenty-one full service, two limited access retirement community financial centers, and performs commercial and consumer loan, deposit and other banking services. The Bank engages in full service commercial and consumer banking business, including such services as accepting deposits in the form of time, demand and savings accounts. Such time deposits include certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts and Roth IRAs. The Bank's savings accounts include money market accounts, club accounts, NOW accounts and traditional regular savings accounts. In addition to accepting deposits, the Bank makes both secured and unsecured commercial and consumer loans, accounts receivable financing and makes construction and mortgage loans, including home equity loans. The Bank does not engage in sub-prime lending. The Bank also provides small business loans and other services including rents for safe deposit facilities.
Commercial and consumer lending provides revenue through interest accrued monthly and service fees generated on the various classes of loans. Deferred fees are amortized monthly into revenue based on loan portfolio type. Most commercial loan deferred fees are amortized utilizing the interest method over an average loan life. Most consumer and mortgage loans are amortized utilizing the interest method over the term of the loan. However, commercial and home equity lines of credit, as well as commercial interest only loans utilize a straight line method over an average loan life to amortized revenue on a monthly basis. Bank lending and mortgage operations are funded primarily through the retail and commercial deposits and other borrowing provided by the community banking segment.
As a result of the fair value calculation process that occurred with the pending merger with Tompkins Financial, the banking segment had a goodwill impairment charge of $22.4 million which was taken during the fourth quarter of 2011.
Mortgage Banking
The Bank provides mortgage banking services to its customers through VIST Mortgage, a division of the Bank. VIST Mortgage operates offices in Reading, Schuylkill Haven and Blue Bell, which are located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and Montgomery County,
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 18. Segment and Related Information (Continued)
Pennsylvania, respectively. The mortgage banking operation offers residential lending products and generates revenue primarily through gains recognized on loan sales.
Insurance
VIST Insurance, LLC ("VIST Insurance"), a full service insurance agency, offers a full line of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance as well as group insurance for businesses, employee and group benefit plans, and life insurance. VIST Insurance utilizes insurance companies and acts as an agent or broker to provide coverage for commercial, individual, surety bond, and group and personal benefit plans. VIST Insurance is headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania with sales offices at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; 1767 Sentry Parkway West (Suite 210) Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; 5 South Sunnybrook Road (Suite 100), Pottstown, Pennsylvania; and 237 Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
As a result of the fair value calculation process that occurred with the pending merger with Tompkins Financial, the insurance segment had a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million which was taken during the fourth quarter of 2011.
Wealth Management
VIST Capital Management, LLC ("VIST Capital") a full service investment advisory and brokerage services company, offers a full line of products and services for individual financial planning, retirement and estate planning, investments, corporate and small business pension and retirement planning. VIST Capital is headquartered at 1240 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
As a result of the fair value calculation process that occurred with the pending merger with Tompkins Financial, the wealth management segment had a goodwill impairment charge of $332,000 which was taken during the fourth quarter of 2011.
The following table shows the Company's reportable business segments for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. All inter-segment transactions are recorded at cost and eliminated as part of the consolidation process. Each of these segments perform specific business activities in order to generate revenues and expenses, which in turn, are evaluated by the Company's
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 18. Segment and Related Information (Continued)
senior management for the purpose of making resource allocation and performance evaluation decisions.
Income (loss) before income taxes, as presented above, does not reflect management fees of approximately $588,000, $1.2 million and $175,000 that the mortgage banking operation, insurance operation and brokerage and investment services operation, respectively, paid to the Company during 2011. Income (loss) before income taxes, as presented above, does not reflect management fees of approximately $588,000, $1.1 million and $140,000 that the mortgage banking operation, insurance operation and the brokerage and investment operation, respectively, paid to the Company during 2010. Income (loss) before income taxes, as presented above, does not reflect management fees of approximately $588,000, $1.5 million and $195,000 that the mortgage banking operation, insurance operation and brokerage and investment services operation, respectively, paid to the Company during 2009.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is not a forced transaction, but rather a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities.
Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact. FASB ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based upon the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
The three levels defined by FASB ASC 820 hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1:
Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.
Level 2:
Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities include items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, and items whose fair valued is calculated using observable data from other financial instruments.
Level 3:
Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management's best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
The following tables summarize securities available for sale, junior subordinated debentures and derivatives, measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the hierarchy utilized to measure fair value.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
The changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
Certain assets, including goodwill, mortgage servicing rights, core deposits, other intangible assets, certain impaired loans and other long-lived assets, such as other real estate owned, are written down to fair value on a nonrecurring basis through recognition of an impairment charge to the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2011, there was a nonrecurring material goodwill impairment charge of $25.1 million incurred due to the Company fair valuation process for the merger with Tompkins Financial. There were no other material impairment charges incurred for financial instruments carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. There were no material impairment charges incurred for financial instruments carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
ASC Topic 825, "Financial Instruments" requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. The estimated fair values of financial instruments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, are set forth in the table below. The information in the table should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the Company in its entirety since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company's assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company's disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the company's financial assets and financial liabilities:
Cash and cash equivalents:
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets' fair values.
Securities available for sale:
Certain common equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs (exchange quoted prices). All other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U. S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions.
Securities held to maturity:
Fair values for securities classified as held to maturity are obtained from an independent pricing service with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U. S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions.
Federal Home Loan Bank stock:
Federal law requires a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank to hold stock of its district FHLB according to a predetermined formula. The redeemable carrying amount of Federal Home Loan Bank stock with limited marketability is carried at cost.
Mortgage loans held for sale:
The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined, when possible, using Level 2 quoted secondary-market prices. If no such quoted price exists, the fair value of a loan is determined based on expected proceeds based on sales contracts and commitments.
All mortgage loans held for sale are sold 100% servicing released and made in compliance with applicable loan criteria and underwriting standards established by the buyers. These loans are originated according to applicable federal and state laws and follow proper standards for securing valid liens.
Loans, net:
For non-impaired loans, fair values are estimated by discounting the projected future cash flows using market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest-rate risk inherent in the loan. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal. Impaired loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan ("FASB ASC 310"), and fair value is generally determined by using the fair value of the loan's collateral. Loans are determined to be impaired when management determines, based upon current information and events, it is probable that all principal and interest payments due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured on a loan by loan basis based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
Covered loans:
Acquired loans are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. The fair values of loans with evidence of credit deterioration (impaired loans) are recorded net of a non-accretable difference and, if appropriate, an accretable yield. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is the non-accretable difference, which is included in the carrying amount of acquired loans.
Mortgage servicing rights:
Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.
Bank owned life insurance:
Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") policies are carried at their cash surrender value. The Company recognizes tax-free income from the periodic increases in the cash surrender value of these policies and from death benefits.
FDIC Indemnification Asset:
The indemnification asset represents the present value of the estimated cash payments expected to be received from the FDIC for future losses on covered assets based on the credit adjustment estimated for each covered asset and the loss sharing percentages. These cash flows are discounted at a market-based rate to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC.
Accrued interest receivable:
The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.
Interest rate cap:
The Company records the fair value of its interest rate cap utilizing Level 3 inputs, with unrealized gains and losses reflected in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value measurement of the interest rate cap is based on valuation techniques including a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow analysis reflects the contractual remaining term of the interest rate cap, future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves, volatility, and expected cash payments.
Deposit liabilities:
The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, savings and certain types of money market accounts) are considered to be equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on time deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 19. Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
The fair value of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using estimated rates currently offered for alternative funding sources of similar remaining maturities.
Borrowings:
The fair value of borrowings is calculated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using rates currently available for borrowings with similar features and maturities.
Junior subordinated debt:
The Company records the fair value of its junior subordinated debt utilizing Level 3 inputs, with unrealized gains and losses reflected in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value is estimated utilizing the income approach whereby the expected cash flows over the remaining estimated life of the debentures are discounted using the Company's credit spread over the current fully indexed yield based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities. The Company's credit spread was calculated based on similar trust preferred securities issued within the last twelve months.
Accrued interest payable:
The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.
Interest rate swap:
The Company records the fair value of its interest rate swaps utilizing Level 3 inputs, with unrealized gains and losses reflected in non-interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value measurement of the interest rate swaps is determined by netting the discounted future fixed or variable cash payments and the discounted expected fixed or variable cash receipts based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments:
Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standing.
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 20. VIST Financial Corp. (Parent Company Only) Financial Information
BALANCE SHEET
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 20. VIST Financial Corp. (Parent Company Only) Financial Information (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
VIST FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 21. Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
The Company's management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of December 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of such date.
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on an evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, the Company's management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. An adequate system of internal control over financial reporting encompasses the processes and procedures that have been established by management to:
•Maintain records that, in reasonable detail, accurately reflect the company's transactions
•Provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statement and footnote disclosures in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Corporation
•Provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation under the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011. Furthermore, during the conduct of its assessment, management identified no material weakness in its financial reporting control system.
The Board of Directors of VIST Financial Corp., through its Audit Committee, provides oversight to managements' conduct of the financial reporting process. The Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, is also responsible to recommend the appointment of independent public accountants. The Audit Committee also meets with management, the internal audit staff, and the independent public accountants throughout the year to provide assurance as to the adequacy of the financial reporting process and to monitor the overall scope of the work performed by the internal audit staff and the independent public accountants.
The consolidated financial statements of VIST Financial Corp. have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who was engaged to express an opinion as to the fairness of presentation of such financial statements. In connection therewith, Grant Thornton LLP is required to form an opinion on the effectiveness of VIST Financial Corp.'s internal control over financial reporting. Its opinion on the fairness of the financial statement presentation, and its opinion on internal control over financial reporting are included herein.
/s/ ROBERT D. DAVIS
Robert D. Davis
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ EDWARD C. BARRETT
Edward C. Barrett
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
VIST Financial Corp.
We have audited VIST Financial Corp. (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of VIST Financial Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and our report dated March 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 28, 2012
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
James H. Burton, age 55
Mr. Burton has served as a director since 2000. He is president of Manchester Copper Products, LLC, and chief operating officer of Island Sky Corporation, an Australian stock exchange listed company pioneering the development of air-to-water drinking water systems. He has substantial experience with internal operations of large companies and his experience with a foreign exchange brings unique experience and insight to our Board, and as chair of our Governance Committee.
Robert D. Carl III, age 58
Mr. Carl is chairman, president and chief executive officer of CSCM Inc., an operator of diagnostic imaging clinics and has been a director of our company since 2008. Mr. Carl founded two companies. The first, Health Images, Inc., was a successful New York Stock Exchange listed company and was then sold at a favorable price. The second one, CSCM, Inc., is engaged in the same industry today. Mr. Carl is also a member of the Georgia Bar. Mr. Carl has proven his ability to develop, operate and manage a competitive and profitable business. That ability, along with his experience as an investor and officer in publicly held companies, qualify him to serve on our Board.
Philip E. Hughes, Jr., age 62
Mr. Hughes is Vice Chairman of Keystone Industries, a manufacturer of hi-tech products for the dental, veterinary and cosmetic industries, since November 2011. Prior thereto, Mr. Hughes was a certified public accountant and attorney at Larson Allen, a certified public accounting firm. He specialized in the area of federal and state taxation, specifically in the area of partnership taxation and sophisticated income tax planning for business enterprises and their entrepreneur owners. He also has extensive experience in the tax structuring of merger and acquisition transactions between business entities. Mr. Hughes was a founding shareholder and director of Madison Bank which we acquired in 2004. A member of our Board of Directors since 2005, his previous experience as a director of a financial institution as well as his accounting experience and background are a valuable contribution to our Board.
Frank C. Milewski, age 61
A director since 2002, Mr. Milewski is regional president of Providence Service Corporation, a publicly traded company which provides services in the human services field. Formerly, he was the founder, president and chief executive officer of The ReDCo Group, which had revenue in excess of $35 million, when it was acquired by Providence Service Corporation in 2004. Mr. Milewski is responsible for oversight and direction of six separate operating companies in five states. Mr. Milewski's executive experience in a publicly traded company is valuable as a Board member, chair of our Audit Committee, and vice chair of our Board of Directors.
Harry J. O'Neill, III, age 62
Mr. O'Neill is president of Empire Wrecking Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, and Empire Group. He is also president of Delaware Valley Contractors, Elk Environmental, and Empire Building Products (d/b/a Surplus Home Center). Mr. O'Neill has served as a director since 1984, and as our longest serving director, he has extensive knowledge of our operations and has been with us in varying economic climates. In addition to his experience with our company, his professional management experience is important to his effective service as a director.
Andrew J. Kuzneski, III, age 44
Mr. Kuzneski has served on our Board of Directors since 2007. He is a principal at Kuzneski Financial Group, a privately owned insurance broker that provides employee benefits, property and casualty, and other lines of insurance products and services to both consumer and business clients. He is also president of Berkshire Securities Corporation, a private investment company that has invested in community and regional banks for over thirty years. Mr. Kuzneski's knowledge of the banking industry from an investor perspective, and his insurance industry knowledge and experience, are very valuable to our Board of Directors.
M. Domer Leibensperger, age 71
Mr. Leibensperger is president of Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc. and is active as a real estate investor. He has served as a director since 2005. Mr. Leibensperger began his service to the Company as a director of VIST Bank in 1999. His strong ties to the community and leadership involvement in local civic organizations provide our Board with valuable insight regarding the local business and consumer environment.
Karen A. Rightmire, age 64
Ms. Rightmire is the retired president of United Way of Berks County, where she served for twenty years. She has served on our Board of Directors since 1994 and serves as chair of our Human Resources Committee. Ms. Rightmire currently serves as Executive Director of the Wyomissing Foundation, a private foundation established in Berks County and formed for the promotion of charitable, scientific, literary and educational activities. We believe Ms. Rightmire's business experience and long history of involvement in community and human service organizations provides our Board with insight as to the economic challenges our customers are facing.
Alfred J. Weber, age 59
Mr. Weber is president of Tweed-Weber, Inc., a management consulting firm, and has been a member of our Board of Directors since 1995, serving as our independent chairman since 2005. He has been in the consulting industry since 1974 and has been president of his own business since 1984. The fundamental focus of his work is to help clients build and implement strategies to gain and sustain competitive advantage in their marketplace. Mr. Weber's experience in leading change initiatives and talent management, and his aptitude in the area of strategic planning are important to our Board's effectiveness and to his role as chairman.
Patrick J. Callahan, age 53
Mr. Callahan joined the Board of Directors in 2004 and is finance director for The DePaul Group. The DePaul Group is a multi-faceted $350 million organization encompassing a wide array of successful businesses and industries, with the primary focus on real estate, quarries and construction. Mr. Callahan brings experience not only in accounting and financial statement reporting, as he is a
certified public accountant with thirty years of experience, but also brings a thorough knowledge of residential and commercial real estate finance, an expertise vitally important to our Board.
Robert D. Davis, age 64
Mr. Davis is currently the president and chief executive officer of VIST Financial Corp. and VIST Bank, chairman of VIST Insurance LLC and VIST Capital Management LLC, and joined our Board in 2005. He was president and chief executive officer of Republic First Bank from 1999 to 2005, and regional president of Mellon PSFS from 1995 to 1998. We believe that for the Board to run efficiently and effectively, the election of Mr. Davis to the Board of Directors assists in keeping the Board abreast of management's progress on corporate initiatives. Additionally, we believe that Mr. Davis' previous broad experience at other financial institutions, including sales, marketing, commercial and consumer credit, insurance and wealth management, provides the Board with insight relevant to its strategic initiatives as well as the ongoing day-to-day management of a financial services company.
Charles J. Hopkins, age 61
Mr. Hopkins is vice chair of VIST Insurance LLC, formerly serving as its president. He joined our Board of Directors in 1999 when we acquired Essick & Barr, Inc., a full service insurance agency. Prior to his service as president of Essick & Barr, Inc., he spent eight years as an underwriter for an insurance company. Mr. Hopkins brings valuable experience and knowledge of the insurance industry which supports our company's diversification initiatives and insurance product offerings.
Michael J. O'Donoghue, age 69
Mr. O'Donoghue is a partner at the law firm Wisler Pearlstine, LLC and heads the firm's corporate and commercial business practice. He has served on our Board since 2004, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Madison Bank for ten years until it was acquired by VIST. He was recently appointed for a fourth five-year term on the Board of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) where he chairs the Pension Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. SEPTA has an annual operating budget of $1.2 billion. Mr. O'Donoghue has in the past represented publicly owned companies and has been a co-owner of several small businesses. As a public company in a highly regulated industry, we believe Mr. O'Donoghue's perspective as an attorney is valuable as a member of our Board.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Code of Conduct
We have adopted a Code of Conduct that includes a conflict of interest policy and applies to all directors, officers and employees. All of our directors, officers and employees are required to affirm in writing their acceptance of the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is available for review at our website at www.VISTfc.com or by contacting the Corporate Secretary.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and directors, and any persons owning ten percent or more of our common stock, to file in their personal capacities, initial statements of beneficial ownership, statements of change in beneficial ownership, and annual statements of beneficial ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Persons filing such beneficial ownership statements are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all such statements filed with the SEC. The rules of the SEC regarding the filing of such statements require that "late filings" of such statements be disclosed in the proxy statement. To the best of our knowledge, there were no late filings during 2011.
Asset-Liability Committee
The committee is composed of three directors and twelve senior officers of the Company. The Asset-Liability Committee is responsible for monitoring the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is composed of six independent directors (as defined under Nasdaq listing standards) and operates under a written charter, which complies with the requirements of the Nasdaq listing standards and SEC rules and regulations. A copy of the Committee's charter as adopted by the Board of Directors is available at our website at www.VISTfc.com or by contacting the Corporate Secretary. The Audit Committee's duties include:
•Appointing, compensating, and providing oversight of, our independent accountants;
•Approving all audit and non-audit services to be performed by our independent accountants;
•Reviewing the scope and results of the audit plans of the independent accountants and internal auditor;
•Overseeing the scope and adequacy of our internal accounting control and recordkeeping systems;
•Conferring independently with, and reviewing various reports generated by, our independent accountants;
•Overseeing the scope and activities of the internal audit function; and
•Establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
The Board of Directors has designated Frank C. Milewski, as the Audit Committee financial expert, and has determined that Mr. Milewski is independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of our directors for the fiscal year ended 2011. We disclose the compensation that we paid to Mr. Davis in the Executive Compensation section of this Item 11.
(1)Amounts include any portion of fees payable in cash that have been deferred under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan.
(2)Amounts calculated using the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of option and restricted stock awards made during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
(3)As of December 31, 2011, our directors had outstanding options and unvested stock awards in the following amounts:
(4)Includes the following payments related to Mr. Hopkins' employment at VIST Insurance, LLC:
Directors' Annual Compensation
For 2011, we paid our non-employee directors under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan (the "Plan"), which we adopted in 2010 and was approved by our shareholders at our 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Under the Plan, fees may be payable in shares of common stock and/or cash as designated by the non-employee director in writing prior to the start of the calendar year to which such fees relate. Such designation must remain in place through the end of the calendar year for which fees relate. However, a non-employee director may change such designation once during any of the first three quarters of such calendar year by filing an amended designation with the corporate secretary.
The Plan is administered by the Human Resources Committee. The Committee annually establishes the dollar amount of annual compensation. In January 2011, the Committee conducted a peer analysis of director compensation and considered those results when establishing the annual compensation for 2011.
Under the Plan, the Committee established the following components of non-employee director compensation for 2011 as follows:
•Annual retainer of $12,000;
•Annual retainer of $13,000 for membership on VIST Bank Board's Executive Credit Committee;
•Annual retainer for committee chairperson of $15,000;
•Annual retainer for Chairman of the Board of $28,000;
•Board meeting attendance fee of $700; and
•Committee meeting attendance fee of $450.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
We maintain a directors and officers liability insurance policy. The policy covers all of our directors and officers, as well as those of our subsidiaries, for certain liability, loss, or damage that they may incur in their capacities as such directors and officers. To date, no claims have been filed under this insurance policy.
Deferred Compensation and Salary Continuation Agreements
We have entered into agreements with Directors O'Neill, Rightmire and Weber which permit the director to defer part or all of their director fees until the director ceases to be a director of us or our subsidiaries. Ms. Rightmire no longer defers any part of her director fees. Interest accrues on the deferred fees at an annual rate of 8%. The director is an unsecured creditor with respect to such deferred fees. The agreements also provide that if the director dies or becomes disabled while a director, the director receives certain death or disability benefits. We have purchased whole life insurance policies on the lives of certain directors to fund its obligations under these agreements.
Continued Equity Ownership
We require each of our non-employee directors to maintain holdings of our common stock in an amount equal to at least three times their average annual director fees for the previous three years. If a director does not meet the minimum requirement, such director must receive 100% of his or her compensation in common stock until the requirement is met. All non-employee directors currently meet or exceed these ownership requirements.
REPORT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of VIST Financial Corp. reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above with management, and, based on such review and discussions, has recommended to the Board of Directors inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement and, through incorporation by reference from this Proxy Statement, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Additionally, the Human Resources Committee certified that as a participant in the Department of the Treasury's TARP Capital Purchase Program:
1) It reviewed with the chief risk officer the senior executive officer compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that such plans do not encourage SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of VIST Financial Corp;
2) It reviewed with the chief risk officer the employee compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to limit any unnecessary risks such plans pose to VIST Financial Corp; and
3) It reviewed the employee compensation plans to eliminate any features of such plans that would encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of VIST Financial Corp. to enhance the compensation of any employee.
Risk Review and Assessment of Incentive Compensation Plans
As required under the Interim Final Rule (31 C.F.R. Part 30) issued by the Department of the Treasury in connection with the participation of VIST in the TARP, the Committee is required to meet with VIST's chief risk officer at least every six months to discuss, evaluate and review (1) the senior executive officer compensation plans, to ensure that those plans do not encourage the SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of VIST; (2) the employee compensation plans, in light of the risks posed to VIST by such plans and how to limit such risks; and (3) the employee compensation plans, to ensure that those plans do not encourage the manipulation of VIST's reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any employee.
To this end, the Committee last met with VIST's chief risk officer in September of 2011 to discuss, evaluate and review the SEO compensation plans, including VIST's Annual Corporate Performance Incentive Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. Following its review, the Committee and the chief risk officer concluded that the SEO compensation plans do not encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking that may threaten the value of VIST. In making the foregoing determination, the Committee and the chief risk officer considered the following:
•With respect to the Annual Corporate Performance Incentive Plan: (1) incentive payout opportunities under the plan are a fairly small portion of an employee's total compensation; (2) actual allocation of the incentive pool under the plan is subject to recommendations of the chief executive officer and approval by the Committee; and (3) VIST has adopted a clawback policy whereby all awards under the plan are subject to recovery in the event payment was based upon materially inaccurate performance metric criteria.
•With respect to the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan: (1) awards to all employees under the plan generally do not fully vest until three years after the date of grant; and (2) awards are based on corporate or business line performance and individual quantitative performance criteria.
In September of 2011, the Committee and the chief risk officer also discussed, evaluated and reviewed the other employee compensation plans in addition to the compensation plans in which the SEOs participate. In addition to the plans noted above, under which all employees participate, these employee compensation plans generally fall into three categories: commission plans, incentive plans and
bonus plans. Commission plans are based upon production. Incentive plans are generally based upon formulas tied to sales or referrals. Bonus plans are annual discretionary awards from a pool of dollars funded through corporate or business unit financial performance. Following its review, the Committee and the chief risk officer concluded that the other employee compensation plans do not present unnecessary risks and do not encourage the manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any employee. In making the foregoing determination, the Committee and the chief risk officer considered the following:
•Maximum payouts under some of the plans are not large enough to encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking;
•Several of the plans are not tied to reported earnings of VIST. For those that are tied to reported earnings, the other employees who participate in such plans generally do not hold the level of seniority or responsibility with VIST that would enable them to manipulate reported earnings;
•In order to receive payment under the commission plans based on loan volume, loans originated must meet strict credit and underwriting standards;
•While each plan may have some inherit risk, we have a system of controls in place which ensures that no plan encourages unnecessary or excessive risk taking; and
•For any plans for which we have identified procedural shortcomings, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the above regulations.
Karen A. Rightmire, Chairperson
Andrew J. Kuzneski, III
M. Domer Leibensperger
Michael J. O'Donoghue
Alfred J. Weber
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the three highest compensated named executive officers whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 ("Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
(1)Amounts calculated using the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of option and restricted stock awards made during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
(2)The following table lists amounts included in the "All Other Compensation" column for each executive officer:
OTHER COMPENSATION
Grants of Plan Based Awards
The following table shows information on equity incentive plan grants to the named executive officers during 2011. There were no non-equity incentive plan awards during 2011.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
(For fiscal year ended December 31, 2011)
(1)Restricted stock awards do not become fully transferrable until we pay back all TARP assistance (for each 24% of total assistance repaid, 25% of the award may become transferable). A minimum vesting period of at least two years is imposed.
(2)The exercise price of an option to purchase shares of common stock is equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date the option is granted. The fair market value per share is the closing sale price for such a share on the date of grant.
(3)Amounts calculated using the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Amounts represent the grant date fair value of each award made during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
(4)The restricted stock award vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(5)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, or options granted, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2011. If the goals are met, the option award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that we did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
(6)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2011. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that Mr. Davis did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
(7)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2012. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(8)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2012. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(9)The options vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant.
(10)The options were granted under the under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant subject to our achievement of our net income goal for the year ending December 31, 2012.
(11)The options were granted under the under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant subject to the optionee's achievement of his/her individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2012.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information concerning exercisable and unexercisable options and unvested stock awards held by each named executive officer as of December 31, 2011.
(1)The options vest and become exercisable in three equal annual installments commencing on the date of grant.
(2)The restricted stock award vests, if Mr. Davis remains an employee, on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(3)The options, or restricted stock awards, vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant date.
(4)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, or options granted, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2010. If the goals are met, the option award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that we did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
(5)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, or options granted, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2010. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that Mr. Davis did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
(6)The options were granted under the under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant subject to our achievement of our net income goal for the year ending December 31, 2011.
(7)The options were granted under the under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and vest in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the grant subject to the optionee's achievement of his/her individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2011.
(8)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating
expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2011. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(9)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2011. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(10)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2012. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award
(11)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2011. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award.
(12)Amounts shown represent shares of restricted stock, or options granted, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to the achievement of individual performance goals as established by the Human Resources Committee for the year ending December 31, 2012. If the goals are met, the restricted stock award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that Mr. Davis did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
(13)The amount shown represents shares of restricted stock, or options granted, under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which vest subject to our achievement of our non-GAAP operating income and net operating expenses as a percentage of average assets goals for the year ending December 31, 2012. If the goals are met, the option award vests in three equal annual installments per year on the first through third anniversary dates of the award. We concluded that we did meet these goals, so the award will vest as scheduled.
Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table
There were no options exercised by the named executive officers, or stock awards vested for the named executive officers during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Equity Plan Compensation Information
The following table provides certain information regarding securities issued or issuable under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER AGREEMENTS
The following paragraphs describe employment or change in control agreements to which we are a party with our named executive officers. In connection with our participation in TARP, we agreed that our compensation arrangements and agreements, including employment and severance agreements, would comply with the compensation restrictions thereunder. As of June 15, 2010, we are prohibited from making, during the period in which Treasury continues to hold our Series A Preferred Stock, any payments to (or accelerating the vesting of any benefits on behalf of) our senior executive officers and any of our next five most highly compensated employees as a result of their departure from us for any reason (except as a result of death or disability or for payments for services performed or benefits accrued) or a change in control. As a result, we are prohibited from making many, if not all, of the payments described below relating to an executive officer's departure or a change in control during the period in which Treasury continues to hold our Series A Preferred Stock.
Robert D. Davis
We have entered into an employment agreement, dated September 19, 2005, with Mr. Davis. The employment agreement had an initial term of three years and is automatically extended annually to provide for a term of one year unless either party shall give written notice of non-renewal to the other at least ninety days prior to the annual renewal date.
The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $380,000. Each increase in Mr. Davis' base salary results in the new base salary under the employment agreement. The employment agreement also provides for a car allowance, as well as reimbursement by us for all reasonable expenses associated with the operation, maintenance, and insurance of such automobile. In addition, the agreement provides, among other things, the right to participate in any bonus plan approved by the Board of Directors, insurance, vacation, and other fringe benefits.
Mr. Davis' employment agreement contains a severance provision applicable to a change in control. Generally, if Mr. Davis' employment is terminated involuntarily other than for cause or disability or if Mr. Davis voluntarily terminates his employment following our change in control, Mr. Davis will be entitled to a cash payment equal to two times his highest annualized base salary paid or payable to him at any time during the three years preceding such termination. In addition, following our change in control, for a period of 24 months following termination, Mr. Davis is entitled to continue participating in our health and other welfare benefit plans; provided, however, that if Mr. Davis is not permitted to participate in any of such plans in accordance with the administrative provisions of those plans and applicable federal and state law, we must pay or cause to be paid to Mr. Davis in cash an amount equal to the after-tax cost to him to obtain substantially similar benefits.
If Mr. Davis' employment is terminated without cause, and no change in control has occurred, then Mr. Davis is entitled to continue to receive his base salary in effect on the date of termination for a period equal to the lesser of the number of months remaining in the employment period or 18 months. If Mr. Davis terminates his employment for specified events of good reason in the absence of a change in control, he is entitled to receive continued base salary for a period of 12 months.
In the event that the amounts and benefits payable under the agreement are such that Mr. Davis becomes subject to the excise tax provisions of Code Section 4999, we will pay Mr. Davis such additional amount or amounts as will result in his retention (after the payment of all federal, state, and local excise, employment, and income taxes on such payments and the value of such benefits) of a net amount equal to the net amount Mr. Davis would have retained had the initially calculated payments and benefits been subject only to income and employment taxation.
The employment agreement contains provisions restricting Mr. Davis' right to compete with us or solicit our employees or customers for:
•the time period in which he receives any severance payments, in the event of an involuntary termination without cause or a voluntary termination for good reason absent a change in control;
•18 months, in the event of an involuntary termination for cause or voluntary termination without good reason; and
•six months, with respect to the non-competition restriction, and 18 months, with respect to the non-solicitation restriction, in the event Mr. Davis gives us notice to not renew his employment agreement.
For purposes of Mr. Davis' employment agreement, the term "cause" means:
•conviction of or plea of guilty or no contest to a felony or incarceration for a period of 45 consecutive days or more;
•failure to follow the good faith lawful instructions of the Board of Directors with respect to its operations, following prior written notice of such instructions;
•willful failure to substantially perform duties;
•willful failure to enforce, or willful violation of, the material written policies and procedures;
•fraud or willful malfeasance, dishonesty, or gross negligence; or
•removal or prohibition from being an institution-affiliated party by a final order of an appropriate federal banking agency.
For purposes of Mr. Davis' employment agreement, the term "good reason" means the occurrence of any of the following without Executive's consent:
•a material adverse change in title, job description, or duties;
•a reduction in base salary; or
•a material breach of the agreement by us, which is not cured within 15 days of written notice from Mr. Davis to us.
Michael C. Herr
We and VIST Insurance have entered into an employment agreement dated July 2, 2007 with Mr. Herr. The employment agreement has an initial term of three years and is automatically extended annually to provide for a term of three years from each annual renewal date unless either party shall give written notice of non-renewal to the other at least ninety days prior to the annual renewal date.
The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $270,000. In the event we increase Mr. Herr's base salary, the increased salary becomes the new base salary under the employment agreement. For any consecutive six month period, Mr. Herr is entitled to receive a cash bonus if VIST Insurance meets pre-established earnings before income tax and amortization targets. We provide more information about this arrangement in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis. The employment agreement also provides for a car allowance, insurance, vacation, other fringe benefits, and the right to participate in any commercial referral plan and any bonus plan approved by the Board of Directors.
Mr. Herr's employment agreement contains a severance provision applicable to a change in control. If Mr. Herr's employment is terminated involuntarily other than for cause or disability, or if
Mr. Herr voluntarily terminates his employment for certain events of good reason following our change in control, Mr. Herr is entitled to receive a cash payment equal to two times his then annual base salary. However, if such termination is on account of a change in control which was approved in advance by at least two-thirds our directors then in office, in lieu of the foregoing, Mr. Herr is entitled to receive an amount equal to the sum of his current base salary and the average of the amounts paid to him (or otherwise accrued) annually during the employment term as bonuses.
If Mr. Herr's employment is terminated without cause, and no change in control has occurred, then Mr. Herr is entitled to continue to receive his annual base salary in effect on the date of termination for the remainder of the then existing employment period.
In the event any payment to Mr. Herr under the agreement would trigger a reduction in tax deductions under Code Section 280G, the amount of such payment shall be reduced to the maximum amount that can be paid without triggering the reduction in tax deductions.
The employment agreement contains provisions restricting Mr. Herr's right to compete with us or solicit our employees or customers for:
•the time period in which he receives any severance payments, in the event of an involuntary termination without cause or disability absent a change in control;
•24 months, in the event of an involuntary termination for cause or voluntary termination without good reason;
•the remaining term of the agreement, in the event we give Mr. Herr notice that we do not wish to renew his employment agreement;
•12 months, in the event Mr. Herr gives us notice to not renew his employment agreement; and
•12 months, in the event of an involuntary termination without cause or a voluntary termination for good reason following a termination after July 1, 2011 in connection with a board-approved change in control.
For purposes of Mr. Herr's agreement, the term "cause" generally has the same meaning as defined under Mr. Davis' agreement, except that it also includes any intentional violation of the agreement, a breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, and Mr. Herr's loss or non-renewal of an insurance license.
For purposes of Mr. Herr's employment agreement, the term "good reason" means any of the following events occurring after a change in control:
•any reduction in responsibilities or authority;
•the assignment to duties inconsistent with those in effect as of the change in control;
•any reassignment to a location greater than 50 miles from the location of Mr. Herr's office on the date of the change in control;
•any reduction in salary;
•any failure to continue participation in any commission compensation or bonus plans or any material reduction in the potential benefits under any of such plans;
•any failure to provide benefits at least as favorable as those enjoyed by him under any retirement or pension, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability or other employee plans, or any material reduction in any of such benefits;
•any requirement that Mr. Herr travel in performance of his duties for a significantly greater period of time than was required prior to a change in control; or
•any sustained pattern of interruption or disruption for matters substantially unrelated to Mr. Herr's duties.
Change in Control Agreements
We and VIST Bank are parties to change in control agreements with Messrs. Barrett and DeCesare and Ms. Miller.
Each of these agreements provides the applicable officer with severance benefits in the event that we involuntarily terminate their employment without cause or the officer's employment terminates for certain specified events of good reason following our change in control. The agreements generally provide for a benefit in each case of one times the sum of:
•the officer's highest annualized base salary in the year of termination of employment or over the two prior years; and
•the highest cash bonus paid to the officer in the year of termination of employment or over the prior two years.
Payments are made over a 12 month period or 24 month period commencing on the month following termination of employment. The officer is also entitled to a continuation of health and medical benefits for a one-year period.
In the event any payment to the officer under the agreement would trigger a reduction in tax deductions under Code Section 280G, the amount of such payment will be reduced to the maximum amount that can be paid without triggering the reduction in tax deductions.
The agreements contain provisions restricting the officer's right to compete with us or solicit our employees or customers for the period during which the officer receives severance under the agreements.
For purposes of the change in control agreements, the term "good reason" means any of the following events occurring after a change in control:
•any reduction in responsibilities or duties;
•any reassignment to a location greater than 35 miles from the location of the officer's primary office on the date of the change in control;
•any material reduction in salary;
•any failure to provide benefits at least as favorable as those enjoyed by under any retirement or pension, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability or other employee plans, or any material reduction in any of such benefits; or
•any material breach of the agreements by us, coupled with a failure to cure.
Pension Benefits Table
The following table provides certain information regarding the present value of accumulated benefits under the SERP for Mr. Barrett as of December 31, 2011. We describe the SERP in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
Compensation Upon Termination or Change in Control Table
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to severance benefits under an employment agreement or change in control agreement with a named executive officer based on compensation received for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the provisions of EESA prohibit us from making all of the payments set forth in the table, except for those paid upon disability, death, or, with respect to Mr. Barrett, under the SERP (excluding any benefit enhancements due to a change in control); provided that, with respect to the SERP, certain conditions are met. In the event that we repurchase the Series A Preferred Stock purchased by Treasury, the restrictions imposed by EESA relating to severance payments will terminate.
(1)For base salary, bonus and medical continuation payment calculation, and time and form of such payments, see "Executive Officer Agreements" and "Change in Control Agreements."
(2)Values represent the "spread" value of stock options and market value of restricted stock as of December 31, 2010.
(3)Payments commence at termination of employment, age 65 (upon a disability or termination prior to age 65 after a change in control), or within 60 days of death and are made in equal monthly installments for 15 years. Upon Mr. Barrett's death or retirement, he will receive an amount under his SERP equal to the amounts due following a change in control. For more information on Mr. Barrett's SERP, see "Deferred Compensation and Salary Continuation Agreements."
(4)On December 19, 2008, we sold 25,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and an accompanying warrant to purchase our common stock to the United States Treasury under its TARP Capital Purchase Program. Section 111 of the EESA, as amended, generally prohibits a participant in the TARP Capital Purchase Program from making, during the period in which Treasury continues to hold our preferred stock, any payments to our senior executive officers and any of our next five most highly compensated employees as a result of their departure from the Company or a change in control (except for payments for services performed or benefits accrued). Accordingly, as of December 31, 2009, the provisions of Section 111 by their terms would prohibit the Company from making many, if not all, of the payments set forth in the table. In the event that the Company repurchases the Series A Preferred Stock purchased by Treasury on December 19, 2008, the restrictions imposed by Section 111 relating to severance payments terminate.
(5)In the event of a termination on account of a change in control which was approved in advance by at least two-thirds of the board of directors, Mr. Herr would be entitled to receive $260,000, in lieu of the payment set forth in this item.
Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of the Human Resources Committee (i) was, during the 2011 fiscal year, or had previously been, an officer or employee of VIST or our subsidiaries nor (ii) had any direct or indirect material interest in a transaction of VIST or a business relationship with VIST, in each case that would require disclosure under applicable rules of the SEC. No other interlocking relationship existed between any member of the Human Resources Committee or an executive officer of VIST, on the one hand, and any member of the compensation committee (or committee performing equivalent functions, or the full board of directors) or an executive officer of any other entity, on the other hand.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of January 31, 2012 by each director and executive officer, and the directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, shares are not pledged as security.
Director and Executive Officer Stock Ownership
*Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock.
(1)The amounts include the following shares of common stock that the individual has the right to acquire by April 1, 2012 by exercising outstanding stock options:
(2)The amounts shown do not include the following shares of unvested restricted common stock:
(3)Of such shares, 4,581 shares are held jointly with his spouse and are pledged as security for a loan from a commercial bank.
(4)Includes:
5,770 shares held by James Robert Currie Carl, a minor under UGTMA of Georgia;
5,770 shares held by Annelies Aemilia Currie Carl, a minor under UGTMA of Georgia;
10,805 shares held by Patricia A. Donahue Trust FBO James Robert Currie Carl;
10,805 shares held by Patricia A. Donahue Trust FBO Annelies Aemilia Currie Carl;
1,764 shares held by Robert D. Carl, III, QDT QTIP Trust; and
11,242 shares held by spouse.
(5)Includes 9,852 shares held jointly with spouse.
(6)Includes 20,439 shares held jointly with spouse.
(7)Includes 121,550 shares held by Berkshire Securities Corp.
(8)Includes 22,090 shares held jointly with spouse.
(9)Includes 349 shares held joint with spouse, and 233 shares held by spouse.
(10)Includes 41 shares held jointly with spouse.
The following table provides certain information regarding securities issued or issuable under the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that James H. Burton, Patrick J. Callahan, Robert D. Carl, III, Philip E. Hughes, Jr., Andrew J. Kuzneski, III., M. Domer Leibensperger, Frank C. Milewski, Michael J. O'Donoghue, Harry J. O'Neill, III, Karen A. Rightmire, and Alfred J. Weber are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. In addition, all members of the Board serving on the Audit, Governance and Human Resources/Compensation Committees are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards applicable to each committee. The Board determined that the following directors are not independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards: Robert D. Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and VIST Bank, and Charles J. Hopkins, Vice Chairman of VIST Insurance, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Board has determined that a lending relationship resulting from a loan made by VIST Bank to a director would not affect the determination of independence if the loan complies with Regulation O under the federal banking laws. The Board also determined that maintaining with VIST Bank a deposit, savings or similar account by a director or any of the director's affiliates would not affect the determination of independence if the account is maintained on the same terms and conditions as those available to similarly situated customers. Additional categories or types of transactions or relationships considered by the Board regarding director independence include, but are not limited to: reciprocal directorships ("director interlocks"), existing significant consulting relationships, an existing commercial relationship between the director's organization and VIST, or new business relationships that develop through Board membership.
The independent directors meet regularly in executive session without management present. The Board has appointed an independent director to serve as Chairman of the Board. The Chairman also serves as chair of the Board's executive sessions (without management present).
Board Membership Criteria
Each member of the Board must possess the individual qualities of integrity, high performance standards, mature confidence, informed judgment, and financial literacy. Each director is required to own a significant equity position in the Company. Non-employee directors are required to own stock worth at least three times their average annual director fees for the previous three years, and are required to receive 100% of their director fee payments in Company stock until this requirement is met.
Board Diversity
The primary goal of director selection is to nominate individuals who, as a group, offer a range of specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise that can contribute to the successful operation of the Company. It is, therefore, critical that our Board bring the most valuable talent available to the boardroom by expanding the pool of potential nominees considered to include a more diverse range of qualified candidates who meet established criteria. However, fundamental characteristics, professional experience, skills and core competencies of a director should not, and need not, be waived to achieve diversity.
VIST does not maintain a formal diversity policy regarding director selection. VIST will consider, but not choose based solely on, the distinctive skills, perspectives, and experiences that candidates diverse in gender, ethnic background, geographic origin, and professional experience (public, private, and non-profit sectors) each potential director nominee can bring to the boardroom.
Policies and Procedures for Approving Related Persons Transactions
Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4250(h) requires that we conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis, and all such transactions must be approved by our Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board of Directors. As required under its charter, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving all transactions with any related party. Related parties include any of our directors or executive officers, certain of our shareholders and their immediate family members. This obligation is set forth in writing in the charter of the Audit Committee, which is available for review at our website at www.VISTfc.com or by contacting the Corporate Secretary.
Our Code of Conduct and Ethics requires all directors, officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to notify our Ethics Officer. A potential conflict exits whenever an individual has an outside interest-direct or indirect-which conflicts with the individual's duty to VIST or adversely affects the individual's judgment in the discharge of his or her responsibilities at VIST. The appearance of a conflict of interest may be just as damaging to our reputation as a real conflict of interest. Prior to consideration, our Board of Directors requires full disclosure of all material facts concerning the relationship and financial interest of the relevant individuals in the transaction. The Board then determines whether the terms and conditions of the transaction are less favorable to us than those offered by unrelated third parties. If the Board makes this determination, the transaction must be approved by a majority of the independent directors entitled to vote on the matter with the interested director abstaining. Purchases and sales of real or personal property involving an affiliated person also require that we determine the value of the property from an independent outside appraiser. All of the transactions reported below under the heading "Transactions with Related Persons" were approved by our Board of Directors in accordance with these policies and procedures, and we believe that the terms of these transactions were not less favorable to us as those we could have obtained from unrelated third parties. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available for review at our website at www.VISTfc.com or by contacting the Corporate Secretary.
To identify related party transactions, each year, we submit and require our directors and officers to complete Director and Officer Questionnaires identifying any transaction with us or any of our subsidiaries in which the officer or director or their family members have an interest. The Board of Directors reviews related party transactions due to the potential for a conflict of interest. Each year, our directors and executive officers also review our Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Transactions with Related Persons
Some of our directors and officers, and the companies with which they are associated, are customers of, and during 2011 had banking transactions with, VIST Bank in the ordinary course of the bank's business, and intend to do so in the future. All loans and loan commitments included in such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business under substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the lender, and in the opinion of management, do not involve more than the normal risk of collection or present other unfavorable features. At December 31, 2011, total loans and commitments of approximately $8.853 million were outstanding to our executive officers and directors and their affiliated businesses, which represented approximately 7.65% of our shareholders' equity at such date.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
AUDIT AND OTHER FEES
The Board of Directors appointed Grant Thornton LLP ("Grant Thornton") as VIST's independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, which was ratified by shareholders at the April 26, 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
ParenteBeard LLC ("ParenteBeard") completed all of the work for the year ended December 31, 2010 as required, and therefore, fees were paid to both independent public accounting firms, Grant Thornton and ParenteBeard, for the year ended December 31, 2011. Aggregate fees billed to VIST by its independent registered public accounting firms for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
Audit-related services consisted of audits of two of the Company's employee benefit plans, and accounting and regulatory consultations. Tax services consisted of tax compliance services, including tax return preparation services, planning, research and advice.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. In accordance with such policy, all of the services provided by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm set forth above were approved by the Audit Committee. The Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Committee the authority to grant required pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this paragraph to pre-approve an activity under this subsection shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1. Financial Statements.
Consolidated financial statements are included under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is either not applicable, not required or is shown in the respective financial statements or in the notes thereto.
(b)Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
*Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**Furnished herewith.
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.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.