SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
F O R M 1 0 - K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 000-31207
BANK MUTUAL CORPORATION
| Wisconsin | 39-2004336 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
| incorporation or organization) | ||
| 4949 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI | 53223 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code:(414) 354-1500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act).
Yes þ No o
As of February 28, 2005, 68,964,713 shares of Common Stock were validly issued and outstanding. The aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based upon the $10.90 last sale price quotation on The Nasdaq Stock Market® on June 30, 2004, the end of our second fiscal quarter) held by non-affiliates (excluding shares reported as beneficially owned by directors and executive officers and unallocated shares of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan; does not constitute an admission as to affiliate status) was approximately $694.0 million.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
| Part of Form 10-K Into Which | ||
| Document | Portions of Document are Incorporated | |
| Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of | ||
| Shareholders on May 2, 2005 | Part III |
BANK MUTUAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Part 1
Item 1. Business
General
From November 1, 2000 until October 29, 2003, Bank Mutual Corporation was an OTS chartered United States corporation which became the mid-tier holding company in the regulatory restructuring of Mutual Savings Bank, into mutual holding company form. Until October 29, 2003, Bank Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the MHC), a U.S.-chartered mutual holding company of which Mutual Savings Banks depositors held all of the voting and membership rights, owned a majority of Bank Mutual Corporations outstanding common stock.
On November 1, 2000, Bank Mutual Corporation acquired First Northern Capital Corp., the parent of First Northern Savings Bank. On March 16, 2003, Mutual Savings Bank and First Northern Savings Bank combined to form a single OTS chartered savings bank subsidiary of Bank Mutual Corporation named Bank Mutual (Bank Mutual or the Bank).
On October 29, 2003, Bank Mutual Corporation completed a conversion and reorganization from a mutual holding company form, established a new Wisconsin chartered Bank Mutual Corporation and, in effect, sold the MHCs interest in Bank Mutual Corporation to the public. Existing Bank Mutual Corporation shareholders exchanged each existing share for 3.6686 shares of the new Bank Mutual Corporation (the Company). The total number of shares issued or exchanged in the offering was 78,707,669 shares.
All share and per share numbers in this report on form 10-K have been adjusted to reflect the full conversion transaction and related share exchange. As used herein, the Company and Bank Mutual Corporation refer to Bank Mutual Corporation both before and after the full conversion transaction, unless the context requires otherwise.
The Bank is a community oriented financial institution, which emphasizes traditional financial services to individuals and businesses within our market areas. Our principal business is originating mortgage loans, consumer loans, commercial real estate loans, and commercial business loans and attracting retail deposits from the general public. We also invest in various mortgage-related securities and investment securities. The principal lending is on one-to four-family, owner-occupied homes, home equity loans and lines of credit, automobile loans, multi-family and commercial real estate loans, and commercial business loans.
The Banks revenues are derived principally from interest on our loans and mortgage-related securities, interest and dividends on our investment securities, and noninterest income (including loan servicing fees, deposit servicing fees, gains on sales of loans and commissions on insurance, security and annuity sales). Our primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage-related securities, and maturities of investment securities and funds provided by operations.
The Company maintains a website at bankmutualcorp.com. We make available through that website, free of charge, copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practical after the Company electronically files those materials with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may access those reports by following the links under Financial Reports at the Companys website.
Cautionary Factors
This Form 10-K contains or incorporates by reference various forward-looking statements concerning the Banks prospects that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management. Forward-looking statements may also be made by the Company from time to time in other reports and documents as well as oral presentations. When used in written documents or oral statements, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, objective and similar expressions and verbs in the future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The statements contained herein and such future statements involve or may involve certain assumptions, risks and
3
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, that could cause the Banks actual results and performance to differ materially from what is expected. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referenced specifically in connection with such statements, the following factors could impact the business and financial prospects of the Company: general economic conditions; legislative and regulatory initiatives; increased competition and other effects of the deregulation and consolidation of the financial services industry; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; deposit flows; disintermediation; the cost of funds; general market rates of interest; interest rates or investment returns on competing investments; demand for loan products; demand for financial services; changes in accounting policies or guidelines; general economic developments; acts of terrorism and developments in the war on terrorism; and changes in the quality or composition of loan and investment portfolios. See also the factors regarding future operations discussed in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations below, particularly those under the caption Risk Factors.
Market Area
At February 25, 2005, the Bank has 70 banking offices located in 28 counties in Wisconsin, in addition to a Minnesota bank office. At June 30, 2004, The Bank had approximately a 2.32% share of all Wisconsin bank, savings bank, and savings association deposits. Counties in which the Bank operates include 67% of the population of the state. The Bank is the fourth largest financial institution holding company headquartered in the state of Wisconsin, based on asset size.
The largest concentration of our offices is in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, which includes Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Ozaukee, and Washington counties. There are 19 offices in this area, and we are opening a 20th office in spring 2005. The Milwaukee metro area is the largest population and commercial base in Wisconsin, representing approximately 28% of Wisconsins population. The Milwaukee area has traditionally had an extensive manufacturing economic base, which is diversifying into service and technology based businesses.
We have four offices in the Madison area. Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin and is the second largest metropolitan area in Wisconsin representing approximately 8% of the states population. Our eight other south central and southeastern Wisconsin offices are located in smaller cities that have economic concentrations ranging from manufacturing to agriculture.
We operate 21 banking offices in nine northeastern counties that make up approximately 16% of the states population including the city of Green Bay. The greater Green Bay area has an economic base of paper and other manufacturing, health care, insurance and gaming, and is diversifying into technology based businesses. Two of our offices in this region are near the Michigan border; we are also developing customers in northern Michigan.
We also have 19 offices in the northwestern part of the state. This part of the state has medium sized to smaller cities and towns. Industry includes medium sized and small business, with a significant agricultural component. The counties in which the northwest region offices are located hold 8% of the states population. Our Minnesota office is located near the Wisconsin state border on the eastern edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Competition
We face significant competition in making loans and attracting deposits. Wisconsin has many banks, savings banks, and savings and loan associations, which offer the same types of banking products as the Company. Wisconsin also has an extensive tax-exempt credit union industry, whose expanded powers have resulted in increased competition to financial institutions.
Many of our competitors have greater resources than we do. Similarly, many competitors offer services that we do not provide. For example, the Bank does not provide trust or money management services. However, the Banks subsidiary, Lake Financial and Insurance Services, Inc. offers mutual funds and engages in the sale of tax deferred annuities, credit life and disability insurance, and property and casualty insurance and brokerage services. In addition, the banking business in the Milwaukee area, our largest market, tends to be dominated by the two largest commercial banks in the state, which together held 51.44% of the Milwaukee areas deposits at June 30, 2004.
4
Most of our competition for loans traditionally has come from commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. Increasingly, other types of companies, such as mortgage banking firms, finance companies, insurance companies, and other providers of financial services also compete for these products. For deposits, we also compete with traditional financial institutions. However, competition for deposits now also includes mutual funds, particularly short-term money market funds, and brokerage firms and insurance companies. The recent increase in electronic commerce also increases competition from institutions and other entities outside of Wisconsin.
Lending Activities
Loan Portfolio Composition. The Companys loan portfolio primarily consists of mortgage loans. To a lesser degree, the loan portfolio includes consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit and fixed and adjustable rate home equity loans, automobile loans, as well as commercial business loans.
At December 31, 2004, our total loans receivable was $1.9 billion, of which $1.4 billion, or 71.9%, consisted of one to four family ($903.5 million or 46.3%) and other mortgage loans ($498.7 million or 25.6%). The remainder of our loans at December 31, 2004, amounting to $547.4 million, or 28.1% of total loans, consisted of consumer loans ($477.3 million or 24.5%) and commercial business loans ($70.2 million or 3.6%).
We originate adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans primarily for our own portfolio. We also originate fixed rate mortgage loans with terms of 10 to 30 years. Most of the 20 year and longer fixed rate mortgage loans are immediately sold into the secondary market. At times, we may also sell 15 year fixed rate mortgage loans depending on the percentage of fixed interest rate loans in our portfolio and our tolerance for fixed interest rates in view of the interest rate environment we are anticipating. We sold approximately $5.8 million of our 15 year fixed rate mortgage loan originations in 2004.
The loans that we originate and purchase are subject to federal and state laws and regulations. The interest rates we charge on loans are affected principally by the demand for loans, the cost and supply of money available for lending purposes and the interest rates offered by our competitors. These factors are in turn affected by, among other things, economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative tax policies and governmental budgetary matters.
5
The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the total portfolio at the dates indicated.
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent | Percent | Percent | Percent | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Of | Of | Of | Of | Of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Total | Amount | Total | Amount | Total | Amount | Total | Amount | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One- to four-family |
$ | 903,498 | 46.34 | % | $ | 793,247 | 44.69 | % | $ | 827,648 | 47.37 | % | $ | 992,126 | 52.46 | % | $ | 1,207,912 | 59.56 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Multi-family |
161,641 | 8.29 | 124,494 | 7.01 | 112,189 | 6.42 | 131,925 | 6.97 | 105,925 | 5.22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate |
195,708 | 10.04 | 209,293 | 11.79 | 186,960 | 10.70 | 165,556 | 8.75 | 118,636 | 5.85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction and development |
141,394 | 7.25 | 122,436 | 6.90 | 127,174 | 7.28 | 125,611 | 6.64 | 94,235 | 4.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total mortgage loans |
1,402,241 | 71.92 | 1,249,470 | 70.39 | 1,253,971 | 71.77 | 1,415,218 | 74.82 | 1,526,708 | 75.28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer loans: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed-term equity |
266,635 | 13.67 | 252,550 | 14.22 | 234,049 | 13.40 | 200,500 | 10.61 | 193,394 | 9.54 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity lines of credit |
88,444 | 4.54 | 78,567 | 4.43 | 77,697 | 4.45 | 76,472 | 4.04 | 80,447 | 3.97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Student |
20,519 | 1.05 | 20,546 | 1.16 | 22,636 | 1.30 | 25,410 | 1.34 | 27,076 | 1.34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home improvement |
24,293 | 1.25 | 12,605 | 0.71 | 6,993 | 0.40 | 9,439 | 0.50 | 12,778 | 0.63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Automobile |
61,469 | 3.15 | 67,630 | 3.81 | 68,140 | 3.90 | 77,621 | 4.10 | 99,844 | 4.92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
15,911 | 0.82 | 18,623 | 1.05 | 22,434 | 1.28 | 25,886 | 1.37 | 27,827 | 1.37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total consumer loans |
477,271 | 24.48 | 450,521 | 25.38 | 431,949 | 24.73 | 415,328 | 21.96 | 441,366 | 21.77 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial business loans |
70,170 | 3.60 | 75,022 | 4.23 | 61,060 | 3.50 | 60,932 | 3.22 | 59,844 | 2.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans receivable |
1,949,682 | 100.00 | % | 1,775,013 | 100.00 | % | 1,746,980 | 100.00 | % | 1,891,748 | 100.00 | % | 2,027,918 | 100.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Undisbursed loan proceeds |
60,653 | 47,743 | 46,048 | 44,467 | 37,490 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses |
13,923 | 13,771 | 12,743 | 12,245 | 12,238 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred fees and discounts |
(779 | ) | 1,221 | 2,527 | 3,611 | 5,554 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans receivable, net |
$ | 1,875,885 | $ | 1,712,278 | $ | 1,685,662 | $ | 1,831,155 | $ | 1,972,636 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2004, our one- to four-family first mortgage loans were pledged as collateral under a blanket pledge to the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Chicago. As of December 31, 2004, there were no other significant concentrations of loans such as loans to a number of borrowers engaged in similar activities. The Companys mortgage loans, fixed equity, home equity lines of credit and home improvement loans are primarily secured by properties housing one- to four-families which are generally located in our local lending areas in Wisconsin.
6
Loan Maturity. The following table presents the contractual maturity of our loans at December 31, 2004. The table does not include the effect of prepayments or scheduled principal amortization.
| At December 31, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | ||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage Loans | Consumer Loans | Business Loans | Total | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Amounts Due: |
||||||||||||||||
Within one year |
$ | 54,988 | $ | 38,341 | $ | 26,653 | $ | 119,982 | ||||||||
After one year |
||||||||||||||||
One to two years |
79,333 | 29,305 | 16,560 | 125,198 | ||||||||||||
Two to three years |
37,258 | 34,138 | 11,570 | 82,966 | ||||||||||||
Three to five years |
52,058 | 46,862 | 9,420 | 108,340 | ||||||||||||
Five to ten years |
129,476 | 256,015 | 4,995 | 390,486 | ||||||||||||
Ten to twenty years |
492,343 | 72,101 | 972 | 565,416 | ||||||||||||
Over twenty years |
556,785 | 509 | | 557,294 | ||||||||||||
Total due after one year |
1,347,253 | 438,930 | 43,517 | 1,829,700 | ||||||||||||
Total loans receivable |
$ | 1,402,241 | $ | 477,271 | $ | 70,170 | 1,949,682 | |||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||||||
Undisbursed loan proceeds |
60,653 | |||||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses |
13,923 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred loan fees |
(779 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loans receivable |
$ | 1,875,885 | ||||||||||||||
The following table presents, as of December 31, 2004, the dollar amount of all loans due after December 31, 2005, and whether these loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates.
| Due after December 31, 2005 | ||||||||||||
| Fixed | Adjustable | Total | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Mortgage loans |
$ | 513,564 | $ | 833,689 | $ | 1,347,253 | ||||||
Consumer loans |
299,857 | 139,073 | 438,930 | |||||||||
Commercial business loans |
34,057 | 9,460 | 43,517 | |||||||||
Total loans due after one year |
$ | 847,478 | $ | 982,222 | $ | 1,829,700 | ||||||
7
The following table presents a summary of our lending activity.
| For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Balance outstanding at beginning of period |
$ | 1,779,069 | $ | 1,793,951 | $ | 1,923,799 | ||||||
Originations: |
||||||||||||
Mortgage loans |
479,814 | 899,766 | 752,771 | |||||||||
Consumer loans |
268,521 | 301,665 | 293,320 | |||||||||
Commercial business loans |
41,018 | 49,646 | 27,141 | |||||||||
| 789,353 | 1,251,077 | 1,073,232 | ||||||||||
Purchases: |
||||||||||||
One-to four-family mortgage loans |
148,951 | 41,214 | 4,042 | |||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Principal payments and repayments: |
||||||||||||
Mortgage loans |
349,951 | 525,853 | 533,407 | |||||||||
Consumer loans |
241,771 | 283,093 | 276,699 | |||||||||
Commercial business loans |
45,395 | 35,684 | 27,013 | |||||||||
Total principal payments |
637,117 | 844,687 | 837,119 | |||||||||
Transfers to foreclosed properties, real estate owned
and repossessed assets |
5,045 | 1,461 | 1,406 | |||||||||
Loan sales: |
||||||||||||
Mortgage loans |
120,067 | 461,082 | 368,597 | |||||||||
Commercial loans |
475 | | | |||||||||
Total loan sales |
120,542 | 461,082 | 368,597 | |||||||||
Total loans receivable and loans held for sale |
$ | 1,954,669 | $ | 1,779,069 | $ | 1,793,951 | ||||||
Residential Mortgage Lending. Our primary lending activity has been the origination and purchases of first mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family properties, within our primary lending area. Most of these loans are owner-occupied; however, we do originate first mortgage loans on second homes, seasonal homes, and investment properties. In addition to our loan originations, we have purchased one- to four-family first mortgage loans of $149.0 million in 2004, $41.2 million in 2003, and $4.0 million in 2002. We review each purchased loan for compliance with our underwriting standards, and generally only invest in loans which are located in the midwestern United States.
We offer conventional fixed rate mortgage loans and ARM loans with maturity dates up to 30 years. Residential mortgage loans generally are underwritten to Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) standards. All ARM mortgage loans and some fixed rate mortgage loans with maturities of up to 20 years are held in our portfolio. Fixed rate mortgage loans with maturities greater than 15 years typically are sold without recourse, servicing retained, into the secondary market. As a result of market competition, during the past few years, we have generally not charged loan origination fees. The interest rates charged on mortgage loan originations at any given date will vary, depending upon conditions in the local and secondary markets.
We also originate jumbo single family mortgage loans in excess of the Fannie Mae maximum loan amount, which was $333,700 for single family homes in 2004. Effective for 2005, the maximum loan amount increased to $359,650. Fannie Mae has higher limits for two-, three- and four-family homes. Fixed rate jumbo mortgage loans generally are sold servicing released without recourse to secondary market purchasers of such loans. ARM jumbo mortgage loans are underwritten in accordance with our underwriting guidelines and are retained in our loan portfolio. All jumbo mortgage loans originated in 2004 were ARMs.
Mortgage loan originations are solicited from real estate brokers, builders, existing customers, community groups, other referral sources, and residents of the local communities located in our primary market area through our loan origination staff. We also advertise our mortgage loan products through local newspapers, periodicals, internal customer communications and our website.
8
In addition to offering loans that conform to underwriting standards that are based on standards specified by Fannie Mae (conforming loans), we also originate a limited amount of non-conforming loans, due to size or underwriting considerations, for our own portfolio or for sale. Loans may be fixed rate one- to four-family mortgage loans or adjustable rate one- to four-family mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years. The average size of our one- to four-family mortgage loans originated in 2004 was $135,965, and in 2003 and 2002 was approximately $113,723 and $114,000, respectively. We are an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHLB of Chicagos Mortgage Partnership Finance Program, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA).
The focus of our residential mortgage loan portfolio is the origination of 30 year ARM loans with interest rates adjustable in one, two, three, or five years. ARM loans typically are adjusted by a maximum of 200 basis points per adjustment period. The adjustments are usually annual, after the initial interest rate lock period. Prior to the merger of the subsidiary banks, there was a lifetime cap of 6% above the origination rate for First Northern Savings Bank and a lifetime interest rate cap of 12.9% for Mutual Savings Bank. Since March 2003, the Bank is originating ARM loans with a lifetime cap of 6% above the origination rate. Monthly payments of principal and interest are adjusted when the interest rate adjusts. We do not offer ARM loans which provide for negative amortization. The initial rates offered on ARM loans fluctuate with general interest rate changes and are determined by competitive conditions and our yield requirements. We currently utilize the monthly average yield on United States treasury securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of one year (constant treasury maturity index) as the index to determine the interest rate payable upon the adjustment date of our ARM loans. Some of the ARM loans are granted with conversion options which provide terms under which the borrower may convert the mortgage loan to a fixed rate mortgage loan for a limited period early in the term (normally in the first five years) of the ARM loan. The terms at which the ARM loan may be converted to a fixed rate loan are established at the date of loan origination and are set at a level allowing us to sell the loan into the secondary market upon conversion.
ARM loans may pose credit risks different from the risks inherent in fixed rate loans, primarily because as interest rates rise, the underlying payments from the borrowers rise, thereby increasing the potential for payment default. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by higher interest rates.
The volume and types of ARM loans we originate have been affected by the level of market interest rates, competition, consumer preferences and the availability of funds. Although we will continue to offer ARM loans, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to originate a sufficient volume of ARM loans to increase or maintain the proportion that these loans bear to our total loans.
In addition to conventional fixed rate and ARM loans, we are authorized to originate mortgages utilizing various government programs, primarily the Guaranteed Rural Housing Program. We also participate in two state-sponsored mortgage programs operated by WHEDA and WDVA. We originate these state-sponsored loans as an agent and assign them to the agency immediately after closing. Servicing is retained by us on both WHEDA and WDVA loans.
Most residential mortgage loans are processed under the Fannie Mae alternative documentation programs. For reduced documentation loans, we require applicants to complete a Fannie Mae loan application and request income, asset and debt information from the borrower. In addition to obtaining outside vendor credit reports on all borrowers, we also look at other information to ascertain the creditworthiness of the borrower. In most instances, we utilize Fannie Maes Desktop Underwriter automated underwriting process to further reduce the necessary documentation. For example, a simplified appraisal or inspection may be used to verify the value of the property. Loans that are processed with reduced documentation conform to secondary market standards and generally may be sold on the secondary market.
Normally, an appraisal of the real estate to secure the loan is required, which must be performed by a certified appraiser approved by the board of directors; however, we utilize a streamline process on certain existing mortgage loans which will be refinanced. On such loans we do not require an appraisal and in essence the only items that are modified are the rate and term. A title insurance policy is required on all real estate first mortgage loans. Evidence of adequate hazard insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, is required prior to closing. Borrowers are required to make monthly payments to fund principal and interest (except on a few interest only mortgage loans) as well as private mortgage insurance and flood insurance, if applicable. With some exceptions for lower loan-to-value ratio loans, borrowers also generally are required to escrow in advance for real estate taxes. We make disbursements for these items from the escrow account as the obligations become due.
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Our Underwriting Department reviews all pertinent information prior to making a credit decision to approve or deny an application. All recommendations to deny are reviewed by a designated senior officer of the Bank, in addition to the Underwriting Department, prior to the final disposition of the loan application. Our lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on one- to four-family mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied properties to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the property. Loans above 80% loan-to-value ratios are subject to the availability of private mortgage insurance. Coverage is required to reduce our exposure to less than 80% of value.
Our originations of residential mortgage loans amounted to $326.8 million in 2004, $790.7 million in 2003, and $695.0 million in 2002. A number of our mortgage loan originations have been the result of refinancing of our existing loans due to the relatively low interest rate levels over the past three years. Total refinancings of our existing mortgage loans were as follows:
| Percentage of | ||||||||
| mortgage loan | ||||||||
| Amount | originations | |||||||
| Period | (Dollars in millions) | |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2004 |
$ | 121.8 | 37.0 | % | ||||
Year ended December 31, 2003 |
381.1 | 53.1 | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2002 |
278.6 | 40.1 | ||||||
In addition to our standard mortgage products, we have developed mortgage programs designed to specifically address the credit needs of low- to moderate-income home mortgage applicants and first-time home buyers. Among the features of the low- to moderate-income home mortgage and first-time home buyers programs are lower down payments, no mortgage insurance, and generally less restrictive requirements for qualification compared to our traditional one- to four-family mortgage loans. For instance, certain of these programs currently provide for loans with up to 97% loan-to-value ratios without private mortgage insurance.
Consumer Loans. We have been expanding our consumer loan originations because higher yields can be obtained, there is strong consumer demand for such products, and we have experienced relatively low delinquency and few losses on such products. In addition, we believe that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to our existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities. At December 31, 2004, $477.3 million, or 24.5%, of our gross loan portfolio was in consumer loans. Consumer loan products offered within our market areas include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, automobile loans, recreational vehicle loans, marine loans, deposit account loans, overdraft protection lines of credit, unsecured consumer loans and also to a lesser extent, unsecured consumer loans through the Visa credit card programs (offered through Elan Financial Services) and federally guaranteed student loans.
Our focus in consumer lending has been the origination of home equity loans, home improvement loans, home equity lines of credit and automobile loans. At December 31, 2004, we had $440.8 million or 92.4% of the consumer loan portfolio in such loans. Underwriting procedures for the home equity and home equity lines of credit loans include a comprehensive review of the loan application, an acceptable credit rating, verification of the value of the equity in the home and verification of the borrowers income. The loan-to-value ratio and the total debt-to-income ratio are two of the determining factors in the underwriting process. Home equity loan and home improvement loan originations are developed through the use of direct mail, cross-sales to existing customers, radio advertisement, and advertisements in local newspapers.
We make indirect automobile, boat and recreational vehicle loans through applications taken by selected dealers on application forms approved by us. The applications are delivered to Savings Financial Corporation (SFC), a 50% owned subsidiary of the Bank, for underwriting. If an application is approved, money is funded to the dealer and the loan becomes a part of the SFC portfolio. The SFC paper is then sold to either of the parent companies of SFC or to the Banks subsidiary First Northern Investments Inc.
We originate both fixed rate and variable rate home equity loans and home improvement loans with combined loan-to-value ratios to 100%. Pricing on fixed rate home equity and home improvement loans is reviewed by management, and generally terms are in the three to fifteen year range in order to minimize interest rate risk. During 2004, we originated $121.4 million of fixed rate home equity or home improvement loans; these loans carry a
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weighted average written term of approximately 9.8 years and a fixed rate ranging from 3.99% to 9.99%. During 2003 we originated approximately $163.3 million of fixed rate home equity or home improvement loans, carrying a weighted average written term of approximately 9.8 years and a fixed rate ranging from 3.25% to 10.25%. We also offer adjustable rate home equity and home improvement loans. At December 31, 2004, $37.6 million or 12.9% of our fixed term home equity and home improvement loan portfolio carried an adjustable rate. The adjustable rate loans have an initial fixed rate for one to three years then adjust annually or monthly depending upon the offering, with terms of up to twenty years.
Our home equity credit line loans, which totaled $88.4 million, or 18.5% of total consumer loans at December 31, 2004, are adjustable rate loans secured by a first or second mortgage on owner-occupied one- to four-family residences primarily located in the state of Wisconsin. Current interest rates on home equity credit lines are tied to the prime rate, adjust monthly after an initial interest rate lock period, and range from prime rate to 300 basis points over the prime rate, depending on the loan-to-value ratio. Home equity line of credit loans are made for terms up to 10 years and require a minimum monthly payment of interest only with a minimum payment of $50 and on home equity line of credit loans with loan-to-value of 90% or greater require a minimum payment of $50 or 11/2% of the month end balance. An annual fee is charged on home equity lines of credit.
At December 31, 2004, student loans amounted to $20.5 million, or 4.3% of our consumer loan portfolio. These loans are serviced by Great Lakes Higher Education Servicing Corporation.
Multi-family and Commercial Real Estate Loans. At December 31, 2004, our multi-family and commercial real estate loan portfolio was $357.3 million or 18.3% of our total loans receivable. The multi-family and commercial real estate loan portfolios consist of fixed rate, ARM and balloon loans originated at prevailing market rates. This portfolio generally consists of loans secured by apartment buildings, office buildings, warehouses, industrial buildings and retail centers. These loans typically do not exceed 80% of the lesser of the purchase price or an appraisal by an appraiser designated by us. Balloon loans generally are amortized on a 15 to 30 year basis with a typical loan term of 3 to 10 years.
Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate are granted based on the income producing potential of the property and the financial strength of the borrower. The net operating income, which is the income derived from the operation of the property or from the business in an owner-occupied property, must be sufficient to cover the payments relating to the outstanding debt. In most cases, we obtain joint and several personal guarantees from the principals involved. We generally require an assignment of rents or leases in order to be assured that the cash flow from the property will be used to repay the debt. Appraisals on properties securing multi-family and larger commercial real estate loans are performed by independent state certified fee appraisers approved by the board of directors. Title and hazard insurance are required as well as flood insurance, if applicable. Environmental assessments are performed on certain multi-family and commercial real estate loans in excess of $1.0 million. In addition, an annual review is performed by us on non-owner-occupied multi-family and commercial real estate loans over $1.0 million.
At December 31, 2004, the largest outstanding loan on a multi-family property was $14.2 million on a 113 unit apartment project (including 12,000 feet of retail space) located in Madison, Wisconsin. At the same date, the largest outstanding loan on a commercial real estate property was $6.7 million on a retail building located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At December 31, 2004, these loans were current and performing in accordance with their terms. These loans are substantially below the legal lending limit to a single borrower, which was approximately $77.9 million at December 31, 2004.
Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are generally larger and involve a greater degree of credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Such loans typically involve large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. If the cash flow from the project decreases, or if leases are not obtained or renewed, the borrowers ability to repay the loan may be impaired.
Construction and Development Loans. At December 31, 2004, our construction and development mortgage loan portfolio was $141.4 million, or 7.3% of our total loans receivable. At that date, commercial real estate loans were $94.3 million or 66.7% and multi-family mortgage loans were $47.1 million or 33.3% of the total construction and development loans. As a general matter, construction and development loans convert to permanent loans on our
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books. These types of credits carry special repayment risk because if a borrower defaults the construction project needs to be completed before the full value of the collateral can be realized.
Commercial Business Loans. At December 31, 2004, our commercial business loan portfolio consisted of loans totaling $70.2 million or 3.6% of our total loans receivable. The commercial loan portfolio consists of loans to businesses for equipment purchases, working capital lines of credit, debt refinancing, SBA loans and domestic stand-by letters of credit. Typically, these loans are secured by business assets and personal guarantees. We offer variable, adjustable and fixed rate loans. Approximately 29.1% of the commercial business loans have an interest rate adjusted monthly or immediately, with the majority based on the prevailing prime rate. We also have commercial business loans that have an initial period where interest rates are fixed, generally one to five years, and thereafter are adjustable based on various indexes. Fixed rate loans are priced at either a margin over the yield on US Treasury issues with maturities that correspond to the maturities of the notes or to match competitive conditions and yield requirements. Term loans are generally amortized over a three to seven year period and line-of-credit commercial business loans generally have a term of one year, at which point they mature. All borrowers having an exposure to the Bank of $500,000 or more are reviewed annually. The largest commercial business loan at December 31, 2004 had an outstanding balance of $25.5 million and was secured by equipment and chattel paper.
Loan Approval Authority
For one- to four-family residential loans intended for sale into the secondary market, the underwriters are authorized by the board of directors to approve loans processed through the Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriter automated underwriting system up to the Fannie Mae conforming loan limits loan limits ($359,650 for a single family residential units; higher limits for two-, three-, and four-family units). For one- to eight-family residential loans intended to be held in the Banks portfolio, the underwriters are authorized to approve loans processed through the Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriter automated underwriting system up to $359,650, provided the loan-to-value is 80% or less and the loan meets other specific underwriting criteria. All portfolio loans in excess of $359,650, with a loan-to-value greater than 80%, or failing to meet other specific underwriting criteria must be approved by a senior officer.
Consumer loan underwriters have individual approval authority for secured loans ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 provided the loan-to-value on real estate does not exceed 80% or 90% on personal property and that the loan meets other specific underwriting criteria. All consumer loans in excess of $100,000, with a loan-to-value greater than 80% on real estate, 90% on personal property, or failing to meet other specific underwriting criteria must be approved by a senior officer. Consumer loan underwriters have individual approval authority for unsecured loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 provided the loan meets other specific underwriting criteria. All unsecured consumer loans in excess of $15,000, or not meeting specific underwriting criteria, must be approved by a senior officer.
Individual lenders and senior officers in the investment real estate department have lending authority of $250,000 for multi-family and commercial loan proposals for both existing and proposed construction of investment real estate properties. Two senior officers together have lending authority of $500,000 for investment real estate loans. All investment real estate loans over $500,000 require approval of the executive committee of the board of directors.
Individual lenders in the commercial banking department have individual lending authority ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for secured commercial business loans. Senior officers have individual lending authority of $250,000 and two senior officers together have lending authority of $500,000 for secured commercial business loans. All secured business loans over $500,000 require approval of the executive committee of the board of directors. Individual lenders in the commercial banking department have individual lending authority ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for unsecured commercial business loans. Senior officers have individual lending authority of $50,000 and two senior officers together have lending authority of $150,000 for unsecured commercial business loans. All unsecured business loans over $150,000 require approval of the executive committee of the board of directors.
All loans approved by individuals and senior officers must be ratified by the board of directors at the next meeting following the approval.
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Asset Quality
One of our key operating objectives has been and continues to be to maintain a high level of asset quality. Through a variety of strategies, including, but not limited to, borrower workout arrangements and aggressive marketing of foreclosed properties and repossessed assets, we have been proactive in addressing problem and non-performing assets. These strategies, as well as our emphasis on quality loan underwriting, our maintenance of sound credit standards for new loan originations, annual evaluation of large credits and relatively favorable economic and real estate market conditions have resulted in historically low delinquency ratios.
Delinquent Loans and Foreclosed Assets. When a borrower fails to make required payments on a loan, we take a number of steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to a current status. In the case of one- to four-family mortgage loans, our loan servicing department is responsible for collection procedures from the 15th day of delinquency through the completion of foreclosure. Specific procedures include a late charge notice being sent at the time a payment is over 15 days past due with a second notice (in the form of a billing coupon) being sent before the payment becomes 30 days past due. Once the account is 30 days past due, we attempt telephone contact with the borrower. Letters are sent if contact has not been established by the 45th day of delinquency. On the 60th day of delinquency, attempts at telephone contact continue and stronger letters, including foreclosure notices, are sent. If telephone contact cannot be made, we send either our property inspector, a qualified third party inspector, or a loan officer to the property in an effort to contact the borrower.
When contact is made with the borrower, we attempt to obtain full payment or work out a repayment schedule to avoid foreclosure. All properties are inspected prior to foreclosure approval. Most borrowers pay before the deadline given and it is not necessary to start a foreclosure action. If it is, action starts when the loan is between the 90th and 120th day of delinquency following review by a senior officer. In conjunction with commencing a foreclosure action, we perform a property evaluation or in some cases, we do a loan file analysis to determine any potential loss. If there is a potential loss, an appropriate charge-off is taken to bring the loan balance in line with the value of the liquidated real estate. Charge-offs are reported to the board of directors. If the loan is deemed to be uncollectible, we seek the shortest redemption period possible thus waiving our right to collect any deficiency from the borrower. If we obtain the property at the foreclosure sale, we hold the property as real estate owned. We obtain a market evaluation of the property to determine that the carrying balance of the owned real estate is consistent with the market value of the property. Marketing of the property begins immediately following the Bank taking title to the property. The marketing is usually undertaken by a realtor knowledgeable of the particular market. Mortgage insurance claims are filed if the loan had mortgage insurance coverage. It is marketed