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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004    

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                                              to                                                             

Commission File Number 0-15829

FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
     
North Carolina
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  56-1355866
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
10200 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  28262-2373
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (704) 688-4300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
     
N/A   N/A

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Each Class

Common stock, no par value

Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

     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 registrant’s 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. o

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

     The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2004 was $591,648,562.

     As of March 4, 2005 the Registrant had outstanding 30,188,721 shares of Common Stock, no par value.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

     PART III: Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 27, 2005. (With the exception of those portions which are specifically incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, the Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.)

 
 

 


 

FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page  
 
  PART I        
 
           
  Business     3  
  Properties     10  
  Legal Proceedings     10  
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     10  
  Executive Officers of the Registrant     10  
 
           
 
  PART II        
 
           
  Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     12  
 
      12  
  Selected Financial Data     13  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     13  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     48  
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     49  
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     88  
  Controls and Procedures     88  
  Other Information     88  
 
           
 
  PART III        
 
           
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     88  
  Executive Compensation     89  
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related        
 
  Stockholder Matters     89  
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     89  
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services     89  
 
           
 
  PART IV        
 
           
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     90  

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Part I

Item 1. Business

General

     First Charter Corporation (hereinafter referred to as either the “Registrant” or the “Corporation”) is a bank holding company established as a North Carolina Corporation in 1983 and is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). Its principal asset is the stock of its subsidiary, First Charter Bank (“FCB” or the “Bank”). The principal executive offices of the Corporation are located at 10200 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262. Its telephone number is (704) 688-4300.

     FCB, a North Carolina state bank, is the successor entity to The Concord National Bank, which was established in 1888. On April 4, 2000, the Corporation acquired Carolina First BancShares, Inc. (“Carolina First”), the holding company for Lincoln Bank, Cabarrus Bank and Community Bank & Trust, which merged into the Corporation. Carolina First was a North Carolina corporation and operated through its subsidiary banks and 31 branch offices principally in the greater Charlotte, North Carolina area. On September 1, 2000, Business Insurers of Guilford County (“Business Insurers”) was merged into First Charter Insurance Services. Each of these mergers was accounted for as a pooling of interests and accordingly, all financial information presented herein has been restated for all periods presented to reflect the mergers. On June 22, 2001, First Charter’s banking subsidiary converted from a national bank to First Charter Bank, a North Carolina state bank. The conversion was completed after a cost-benefit analysis of supervisory regulatory charges and did not represent any disagreement with the Corporation’s or the Bank’s former regulators. The Bank continues to operate its financial center network franchise under the “First Charter” brand name.

     FCB is a full service bank, which now operates 53 financial centers, seven insurance offices and one mortgage origination office in addition to its main office, as well as 110 ATMs (automated teller machines). These facilities are located in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Guilford, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Union counties of North Carolina. FCB, through First Charter of Virginia Realty Investments, Inc., also operates an additional mortgage origination office in Virginia.

     The Corporation’s primary market area is located within North Carolina and predominately centers around the Metro region of Charlotte, North Carolina, including Mecklenburg County and its surrounding counties. Charlotte is the twenty-sixth largest city in the United States and has a diverse economic base. As of December 31, 2004, the unemployment rate for the Charlotte Metro region and the state of North Carolina was 5.2 percent. Primary business sectors in the Charlotte Metro region include banking and finance, insurance, manufacturing, health care, transportation, retail, telecommunications, government services and education. Thus, the Corporation believes that it is not dependent on any one or a few types of commerce due to the economic diversity in the region.

     Through its financial centers, the Bank provides a wide range of banking products, including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing checking accounts; “Money Market Rate” accounts; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; overdraft protection; commercial, consumer, agriculture, real estate, residential mortgage and home equity loans; personal and corporate trust services; safe deposit boxes; and automated banking.

     In addition, through First Charter Brokerage Services, Inc., a subsidiary of FCB, the Registrant offers full service and discount brokerage services, annuity sales and financial planning services pursuant to a third party arrangement with UVEST Investment Services. The Bank also operates two other subsidiaries: First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. and First Charter Leasing and Investments, Inc. First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation formed to meet the insurance needs of businesses and individuals throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. First Charter Leasing and Investments, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation engaged in commercial equipment leasing and the

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management of investment securities. It also acts as the holding company for First Charter of Virginia Realty Investments, Inc., a Virginia corporation. First Charter of Virginia Realty Investments, Inc. is engaged in the mortgage origination business and also acts as the holding company for First Charter Realty Investments, Inc., a Delaware real estate investment trust. First Charter Realty Investments, Inc. is the holding company for FCB Real Estate, Inc., a North Carolina real estate investment trust, and First Charter Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company, which owns and maintains the real estate property and assets of the Corporation. FCB Real Estate, Inc. primarily invests in commercial and 1-4 family residential real estate loans. The Bank also has a majority ownership in Lincoln Center at Mallard Creek, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company. Lincoln Center is a three-story office building occupied in part by a branch of FCB.

     At December 31, 2004, the Registrant and its subsidiaries had 1,014 full-time equivalent employees. The Registrant had no employees who were not also employees of FCB. The Registrant considers its relations with its employees to be good.

     As part of its operations, the Registrant is not dependent upon a single customer or a few customers whose loss would have a material adverse effect on the Registrant.

     As part of its operations, the Registrant regularly holds discussions and evaluates the potential acquisition of, or merger with, various financial institutions. In addition, the Registrant periodically enters new markets and engages in new activities in which it competes with established financial institutions. There can be no assurance as to the success of any such new office or activity. Furthermore, as the result of such expansions, the Registrant may from time to time incur start-up costs that could affect its financial results.

Competition

     The banking laws of North Carolina allow banks located in North Carolina to develop branches throughout the state. In addition, out-of-state institutions may open de novo branches in North Carolina as well as acquire or merge with institutions located in North Carolina. As a result of these laws, banking activities in North Carolina are highly competitive.

     FCB’s service delivery facilities are located in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Guilford, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Union counties of North Carolina. These counties also have numerous branches of money-center, super-regional, regional, and statewide institutions, some of which have a major presence in Charlotte. In its market area, the Registrant faces competition from other banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, credit unions, finance companies and major retail stores that offer competing financial services. Many of these competitors have greater resources, broader geographic coverage and higher lending limits than the Bank. The Bank’s primary method of competition is to provide quality service and fairly priced products.

Government Supervision and Regulation

     General. As a registered bank holding company, the Corporation is subject to the supervision of and regular inspection by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). FCB is a North Carolina state bank and a Federal Reserve member bank, with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) insurance funds: the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”). FCB is subject to extensive regulation and examination by the Office of the Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina (the “NC Commissioner”) under the direction and supervision of the North Carolina Banking Commission (the “NC Banking Commission”) and by the FDIC, which insures its deposits to the maximum extent permitted by law.

     In addition to state and federal banking laws, regulations and regulatory agencies, the Corporation and FCB are subject to various other laws and regulations and supervision and examination by other

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regulatory agencies, all of which directly or indirectly affect the Corporation’s operations, management and ability to make distributions. The following discussion summarizes certain aspects of those laws and regulations that affect the Corporation.

     Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (the “GLB Act”) eliminated certain legal barriers separating the conduct of various types of financial service businesses, such as commercial banking, investment banking and insurance in addition to substantially revamping the regulatory scheme within which the Corporation operates. Under the GLB Act, bank holding companies meeting management, capital and Community Reinvestment Act standards, and that have elected to become a financial holding company, may engage in a substantially broader range of traditionally nonbanking activities than was permissible before enactment, including insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments in commercial and financial companies. The Corporation has not elected to become a financial holding company. The GLB Act also allows insurers and other financial services companies to acquire banks; removes various restrictions that currently apply to bank holding company ownership of securities firms and mutual fund advisory companies; and establishes the overall regulatory structure applicable to bank holding companies that also engage in insurance and securities operations.

     In addition, the GLB Act also modifies current law related to financial privacy and community reinvestment. The privacy provisions generally prohibit financial institutions from disclosing nonpublic personal financial information to nonaffiliated third parties unless the customer has the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of the customer’s nonpublic information with unaffiliated third parties.

     Restrictions on Bank Holding Companies. The Federal Reserve is authorized to adopt regulations affecting various aspects of bank holding companies. Under the BHCA, the Corporation’s activities, and those of companies which it controls or in which it holds more than five percent of the voting stock, are limited to banking or managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries, or any other activity which the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In making such determinations, the Federal Reserve is required to consider whether the performance of such activities by a bank holding company or its subsidiaries reasonably can be expected to produce benefits to the public such as greater convenience, increased competition or gains in efficiency that outweigh possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices. The BHCA, as amended by the GLB Act, generally limits the activities of a bank holding company (unless the bank holding company has elected to become a financial holding company) to activities that are closely related to banking and a proper incident thereto.

     Generally, bank holding companies are required to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve to engage in any new activity not previously approved by the Federal Reserve or to acquire more than five percent of any class of voting stock of any company. The BHCA also requires bank holding companies to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before acquiring more than five percent of any class of voting stock of any bank which is not already majority-owned by the bank holding company.

     The Corporation is also subject to the North Carolina Bank Holding Company Act of 1984. As required by this state legislation, the Corporation, by virtue of its ownership of FCB, has registered as a bank holding company with the NC Commissioner. The North Carolina Bank Holding Company Act also prohibits the Corporation from acquiring or controlling certain non-bank banking institutions which have offices in North Carolina.

     Interstate Banking and Branching Legislation. Pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Banking and Branching Act”), a bank holding company may acquire banks in states other than its home state, without regard to the permissibility of those acquisitions under state law, but subject to any state requirement that the bank has been organized and operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company, after the proposed acquisition, controls no more than 10 percent of the total amount of

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deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States and no more than 30 percent or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state.

     The Interstate Banking and Branching Act also authorized banks to merge across state lines, thereby creating interstate branches. Under this legislation, each state had the opportunity either to “opt out” of this provision, thereby prohibiting interstate branching in such states, or to “opt in”. The State of North Carolina elected to “opt in” to such legislation. Furthermore, pursuant to the Interstate Banking and Branching Act, a bank is now able to open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations, if the laws of such state permit such de novo branching.

     Consumer Protection. In connection with its lending and leasing activities, FCB and its subsidiaries are subject to a number of federal and state laws designed to protect borrowers and promote lending to various sectors of the economy and population. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, as well as state law counterparts.

     Title V of the GLB Act, along with other provisions of federal law, currently contain extensive consumer privacy protection provisions. Under these provisions, a financial institution must provide to its customers, at the inception of the customer relationship, and annually thereafter, the financial institution’s policies and procedures for collecting, disclosing, and protecting nonpublic personal financial information. These provisions also provide that, except for certain limited exceptions, a financial institution may not provide that nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties unless the financial institution discloses to the customer that the information may be provided and the customer is given the opportunity to opt out of that disclosure. Federal law makes it a criminal offense, except in limited circumstances, to obtain or attempt to obtain customer information of a financial nature by fraudulent or deceptive means.

     The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 requires FCB’s primary federal regulatory agency, in this case, the FDIC, to assess FCB’s record in meeting the credit needs of the communities served by FCB, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and persons. Financial institutions are assigned one of four ratings: “Outstanding,” “Satisfactory,” “Needs to Improve,” or “Substantial Noncompliance.” At December 31, 2004 FCB’s rating was “Satisfactory”. This assessment is reviewed by any bank that applies to merge or consolidate with or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of an insured depository institution, or to open or relocate a branch office.

     The USA PATRIOT Act. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., the United States government acted in several ways to tighten control on activities perceived to be connected to money laundering and terrorist funding. A series of orders were issued which identify terrorists and terrorist organizations and require the blocking of property and assets of, as well as prohibiting all transactions or dealings with, such terrorists, terrorist organizations and those that assist or sponsor them. The USA Patriot Act substantially broadened existing anti-money laundering legislation and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the United States, imposed new compliance and due diligence obligations, created new crimes and penalties, compelled the production of documents located both inside and outside the United States, including those of foreign institutions that have a correspondent relationship in the United States, and clarified the safe harbor from civil liability to customers. In addition, the United States Treasury Department issued regulations in cooperation with the federal banking agencies, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Department of Justice to require customer identification and verification, expand the money-laundering program requirement to the major financial services sectors, including insurance and unregistered investment companies, such as hedge funds, and facilitate and permit the sharing of information between law enforcement and financial institutions, as well as among financial institutions themselves. The United States Treasury Department also has created the Treasury USA PATRIOT Act Task Force to work with other financial regulators, the regulated community, law enforcement and consumers to continually improve the regulations.

     Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. On July 30, 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted which addressed corporate governance and securities reporting requirements. Among its requirements are

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changes in auditing and accounting, executive compensation, certifications by Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers of certain securities filings, expanded reporting of information in current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, more detailed reporting information in securities disclosure documents and more timely filings of corporate information. The Nasdaq National Market has also issued its corporate governance rules that are intended to allow shareholders to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance and activities of companies and their executive officers and directors.

     Regulation of FCB. FCB is organized as a North Carolina state chartered bank subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve and NC Banking Commission, and to regulation by the FDIC. The federal and state laws and regulations are applicable to required reserves against deposits, allowable investments, loans, mergers, consolidations, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of branches, limitations on credit to subsidiaries and other aspects of the business of such subsidiaries. The federal and state banking agencies have broad authority and discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies involving the classification of assets and the establishment of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Such actions by the regulators prohibit member banks from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements established by the Federal Reserve Board and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta, which is one of the 12 regional banks comprising the FHLB System.

Capital and Operational Requirements

     The Federal Reserve and the FDIC issued substantially similar minimum capital adequacy standards with which both the Corporation and the Bank must comply. The risk-based guidelines define a three-tier capital framework, under which the Corporation and the Bank are required to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 Capital (as defined) to total risk-weighted assets of 4.00 percent and a minimum ratio of Total Capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets of 8.00 percent. Tier 1 Capital generally consists of total shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles less certain intangibles. Tier 2 Capital includes, among other items, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, long-term preferred stock, hybrid capital instruments, qualifying subordinated debt, and the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets. Tier 3 capital includes subordinated debt that is unsecured, fully paid, has an original maturity of at least two years, is not redeemable before maturity without prior approval of the Federal Reserve and includes a lock-in clause precluding payment of either interest or principal if the payment would cause the issuing bank’s risk-based capital ratio to fall or remain below the required minimum. The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital less investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries is equal to qualifying total capital. Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and Total Capital by risk-weighted assets. Risk-weighted assets refer to the on- and off-balance sheet exposures of the Corporation and the Bank, as adjusted for one of four categories of applicable risk-weights established in Federal Reserve regulations, based primarily on relative credit risk. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation and the Bank were in compliance with the risk-based capital requirements. The Corporation’s Tier 1 and Total Capital Ratios at December 31, 2004 were 10.08 percent and 10.99 percent, respectively. The Corporation did not have any subordinated debt that qualified as Tier 3 Capital at December 31, 2004.

     The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Tier 1 Capital by adjusted total assets. The Corporation’s leverage ratio at December 31, 2004 was 6.76 percent. The Corporation meets its leverage ratio requirement.

     In addition to the above described capital requirements, the federal regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels whether because of its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.

     Prompt Corrective Action under FDICIA. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically

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undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements. In addition, pursuant to FDICIA, the various regulatory agencies have prescribed certain non-capital standards for safety and soundness relating generally to operations and management, asset quality and executive compensation, and such agencies may take action against a financial institution that does not meet the applicable standards.

     The various regulatory agencies have adopted substantially similar regulations that define the five capital categories identified by FDICIA, using the Total Risk-Based Capital, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital and Leverage Capital Ratios as the relevant capital measures. Such regulations establish various degrees of corrective action to be taken when an institution is considered undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a “well capitalized” institution must have (1) a Tier 1 Capital ratio of at least 6.00 percent, (2) a Total Capital ratio of at least 10.00 percent, (3) a Leverage ratio of at least 5.00 percent and (4) not be subject to a capital directive order. An “adequately capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 Capital ratio of at least 4.00 percent, a Total Capital ratio of at least 8.00 percent and a leverage ratio of at least 4.00 percent, or 3.00 percent in some cases. Under these guidelines, FCB is considered well capitalized as of December 31, 2004. See Note Twenty of the consolidated financial statements.

     Banking agencies have also adopted regulations which mandate that regulators take into consideration (i) concentrations of credit risk, (ii) interest rate risk (when the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance sheet position) and (iii) risks from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation is made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. In addition, the banking agencies have amended their regulatory capital guidelines to incorporate a measure for market risk. In accordance with amended guidelines, a Corporation or Bank with significant trading activity (as defined in the amendment) must incorporate a measure for market risk in its regulatory capital calculations. The revised guidelines do not materially impact the Corporation’s or FCB’s regulatory capital ratios or FCB’s well-capitalized status.

     Distributions. The Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. The primary source of funds for distributions paid by the Corporation to its shareholders is dividends received from FCB. Federal regulatory and other requirements, as well as laws and regulations of the State of North Carolina, restrict the lending of funds by FCB to the Corporation and the amount of dividends that FCB can pay to the Corporation. The Federal Reserve regulates the amount of FCB dividends payable to the Corporation based on net profits for the current year combined with the undivided profits for the last two years, less dividends already paid. See Note Twenty of the consolidated financial statements.

     In addition to the foregoing, the ability of the Corporation and FCB to pay dividends may be affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under FDICIA, as described above. Furthermore, if in the opinion of a federal regulatory agency, a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), such agency may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The right of the Corporation, its shareholders and its creditors to participate in any distribution of assets or earnings of FCB is further subject to the prior claims of creditors against the Bank.

     Deposit Insurance. The deposits of FCB are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the FDIC. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against banking institutions, after giving the institution’s primary regulator an opportunity to take such action. In addition, the Bank is subject to deposit premium assessments by the FDIC. As mandated by FDICIA, the FDIC has adopted regulations for a risk-based insurance assessment

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system. Under this system, the assessment rates for an insured depository institution vary according to the level of risk incurred in its activities. To arrive at a risk assessment for a banking institution, the FDIC places it in one of nine risk categories using a process based on capital ratios and on other relevant information from supervisory evaluations of the bank by the bank’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, statistical analyses of financial statements and other relevant information.

     The deposits of FCB are insured by the BIF, administered by the FDIC. Under the FDIC’s risk-based insurance system, assessments for BIF members currently can range from no assessment to an assessment of 27 basis points per $100 of insured deposits, with the exact assessment determined by a bank’s capital and other regulatory factors. The range of deposit insurance assessment rates can change from time to time, in the discretion of the FDIC, subject to certain limits. Presently FCB is not required to pay any additional assessment to the FDIC. At this time, the amount of any future premiums required to be paid by FCB is not known.

     Source of Strength. According to Federal Reserve policy, bank holding companies are expected to act as a source of financial strength to subsidiary banks and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a bank holding company may not be able to provide such support. Similarly, under the cross-guaranty provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC, either as a result of default of a banking or thrift subsidiary of the Corporation or related to FDIC assistance provided to a subsidiary in danger of default, the other banking subsidiaries of the Registrant may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions.

     Future Legislation. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry are frequently introduced in Congress, in the state legislatures and before the various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any such proposals or bills being enacted and the impact they might have on the Corporation and FCB cannot be determined at this time.

     Regulatory Recommendations. Management is not presently aware of any current recommendations to the Corporation or to the Bank by regulatory authorities, which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on the Corporation’s liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

     During the third quarter of 2003, the Bank entered into a written agreement (the “Written Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Federal Reserve Bank”) and the Office of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the “Banking Commissioner”), the Bank’s primary federal and state regulatory agencies. The Written Agreement required the Bank to take appropriate actions to improve its programs and procedures for complying with the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act and the anti-money laundering provisions of Regulation H of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank subsequently took substantial actions, and adopted and implemented a number of policies and procedures, to address the concerns of the regulatory agencies. As a result of these actions, the Federal Reserve Bank, in concurrence with the Banking Commissioner, terminated the Written Agreement effective July 2, 2004.

Other Considerations

     There are particular risks and uncertainties that are applicable to an investment in the Corporation’s common stock. Specifically, there are risks and uncertainties that bear on the Corporation’s future financial results that may cause its future earnings and financial condition to be less than its expectations. Some of the risks and uncertainties relate to economic conditions generally and would affect other financial institutions in similar ways. These aspects are discussed under the heading “Factors that May Affect Future Results” in the accompanying “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. This section addresses particular risks and uncertainties that are specific to the Corporation’s business.

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Available Information

     The Corporation’s Internet address is www.FirstCharter.com. The Corporation makes available, free of charge, on or through its website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the Securities Exchange Commission.

Item 2. Properties

     The principal offices of the Corporation are located in the 230,000 square foot First Charter Center located at 10200 David Taylor Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is owned by the Bank through its subsidiaries. The First Charter Center contains the corporate offices of the Corporation as well as the operations, mortgage loan and data processing departments of FCB.

     In addition to its main office, FCB has 53 financial centers, seven insurance offices and 110 ATMs located in 18 counties throughout North Carolina. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation and its subsidiaries owned 35 financial center locations, leased 18 financial center locations and leased seven insurance offices. The Corporation also leases a facility in Reston, Virginia for the origination of real estate loans. These operations also serve as a holding company for certain subsidiaries that own real estate and real estate-related assets, including first and second residential mortgage loans. In addition, the Corporation leases a facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the operations of its third party benefits administrator.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     The Corporation and the Bank are defendants in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated operations, liquidity or financial position of the Corporation or the Bank.

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

     There were no matters submitted to a vote of shareholders during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant

     The following table sets forth certain information about each of the current executive officers of the registrant, including his name, age, positions and offices held with the Registrant and the Bank, the period served in such positions or offices and, if such person has served in such position and office for less than five years, the prior employment of such person. Mr. Bratton is scheduled to retire from the Registrant, effective March 31, 2005. No executive officer has a family relationship as close as first cousin with any other executive officer or director.

                 
                Year Position
Name   Age   Office and Position   Held
Lawrence M. Kimbrough
    64     President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant   1986 - Present
          President and Chief Executive Officer of FCB   1986 - 2004

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                Year Position
Name   Age   Office and Position   Held
Robert O. Bratton
    56     Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Registrant and Executive Vice President of FCB   1983 - Present
 
               
Charles A. Caswell
    42     Executive Vice President of the Registrant and Executive Vice President of FCB   2005 - Present
          Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Integra Bank Corporation   2002 - 2005
          Chief Financial Officer of RBC Centura Banks, Inc.   2001 - 2002
          Treasurer of RBC Centura Banks, Inc.   1997 - 2001
 
               
Robert E. James, Jr.
    54     President and Chief Executive Officer of FCB   2004 - Present
          Executive Vice President of the Registrant   1999 - Present
          Executive Vice President of FCB   1999 - 2004
 
               
Stephen M. Rownd
    45     Executive Vice President of the Registrant and Executive Vice President of FCB   2001 - Present
          Chief Risk Officer of FCB   2004 - Present
          Chief Credit Officer of FCB   2001 - 2004
          Director of Risk Management, SunTrust Banks, Inc.   1999 - 2001

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PART II

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information, Holders and Dividends

     The principal market on which the Common Stock is traded is the Nasdaq National Market. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock for the periods indicated, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market:

                       
      Quarter   High     Low  
           
2003    
first
    19.40       17.25  
     
second
    19.56       16.69  
     
third
    20.40       17.04  
     
fourth
    21.20       19.27  
2004    
first
    21.68       19.52  
     
second
    21.89       20.05  
     
third
    24.50       20.86  
     
fourth
    28.11       25.00  

     As of March 4, 2005, there were 7,517 record holders of the Corporation’s Common Stock. During 2003 and 2004, the Corporation paid dividends on the Common Stock on a quarterly basis. The following table sets forth dividends declared per share of Common Stock for the periods indicated:

               
      Quarter   Dividend  
         
2003    
first
    0.185  
     
second
    0.185  
     
third
    0.185  
     
fourth
    0.185  
2004    
first
    0.185  
     
second
    0.185  
     
third
    0.190  
     
fourth
    0.190  

     For additional information regarding the Corporation’s ability to pay dividends, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital Management.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

     On December 1, 2004, the Corporation, through First Charter Bank, its primary banking subsidiary, acquired substantially all of the assets of Smith & Associates Insurance Services, Inc., a property and casualty insurance agency (the “Agency”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of the same date (the “Purchase Agreement”). No underwriters were used in connection with this transaction. In connection with this transaction, the Corporation issued an aggregate of 27,726 shares of the Corporation’s common stock valued at $750,000 to the Agency. The issuance of the shares in connection with this transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in accordance with Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering. The Purchase Agreement also contemplates additional, subsequent issuances of the Corporation’s common stock based upon the future performance of the Agency. The Corporation expects the value of future issuances, if earned, to total approximately $750,000.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     The following table summarizes the Corporation’s repurchases of its common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number of  
                    Shares Purchased as     Shares that May Yet  
                    Part of Publicly     Be Purchased Under  
    Total Number of     Average Price Paid     Announced Plans or     the Plans or  
Period   Shares Purchased     per Share     Programs (1)     Programs  
 
October 1, 2004-October 31, 2004
                      1,625,400  
November 1, 2004-November 30, 2004
                      1,625,400  
December 1, 2004-December 31, 2004
                      1,625,400  
 
Total
                      1,625,400  
 
(1) On January 24, 2002, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase plan to acquire up to 1,500,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock from time to time. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation had repurchased 1,374,600 shares under this authorization. No shares were repurchased under this authorization during the quarter ended December 31, 2004. On November 3, 2003, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase plan to acquire up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock from time to time. As of December 31, 2004, no shares have been repurchased under this authorization. These stock repurchase plans have no set expiration or termination date.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     See Table One in Item 7 for Selected Financial Data.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and the notes thereto.

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Factors that May Affect Future Results

 

     The following discussion contains certain forward-looking statements about the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations, which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s judgment only as of the date hereof. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

     Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) projected results in connection with the implementation of the Corporation’s business plan and strategic initiatives are lower than expected; (2) competitive pressure among financial services companies increases significantly; (3) costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquisitions or expenses in general are greater than expected; (4) general economic conditions, in the markets in which the Corporation does business, are less favorable than expected; (5) risks inherent in making loans, including repayment risks and risks associated with collateral values, are greater than expected; (6) changes in the interest rate environment reduce interest margins and affect funding sources; (7) changes in market rates and prices may adversely affect the value of financial products; (8) legislation or regulatory requirements or changes thereto adversely affect the businesses in which the Corporation is engaged; (9) regulatory compliance cost increases are greater than expected; and (10) the passage of future tax legislation, or any negative regulatory, administrative or judicial position, may adversely impact the Corporation.

     
Overview    
 

     The Corporation is a bank holding company established as a North Carolina Corporation in 1983, with one wholly-owned banking subsidiary, FCB. The Corporation’s principal executive offices are located in Charlotte, North Carolina. FCB is a full service bank and trust company with 53 financial centers and seven insurance offices located in 18 counties throughout the piedmont and western half of North Carolina. The Corporation also maintains operations in Reston, Virginia for the origination of real estate loans. These operations also serve as a holding company for certain subsidiaries that own real estate and real estate-related assets, including first and second residential mortgage loans.

     The Corporation’s primary market area is located within North Carolina and predominately centers around the Metro region of Charlotte, North Carolina, including Mecklenburg County and its surrounding counties. Charlotte is the twenty-sixth largest city in the United States and has a diverse economic base. Primary business sectors in the Charlotte Metro region include banking and finance, insurance, manufacturing, health care, transportation, retail, telecommunications, government services and education. The Corporation believes that it is not dependent on any one or a few types of commerce due to the region’s diverse economic base. Since the North Carolina economy has historically relied on the manufacturing and transportation sectors, it has been significantly impacted by global competition and rising energy prices. As a result, the North Carolina economy is transitioning to a more service-oriented economy. Recently, the education, healthcare, information technology, finance and business services industries have shown the most growth. The unemployment rate for the Charlotte Metro region was 5.2 percent in December 2004 compared to 6.2 percent in December 2003. This decrease is the result of structural changes taking place in the economy of the region. The service industry is now the major employer in the Charlotte Metro region, followed by wholesale and retail trade.

     The Corporation’s operations are divided into five primary lines of business: community banking, mortgage, brokerage, insurance, and financial management. Community banking provides a variety of depository accounts including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing checking accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts. In addition, community banking offers numerous loan products including commercial, consumer, real estate and home equity loans. The community bank also maintains 110 ATM’s and enables customers to access their accounts on-line. The mortgage business provides both fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgage products and loan servicing pursuant to a third party arrangement. First Charter Brokerage Services offers full service and discount brokerage services,

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annuity sales and financial planning services pursuant to a third party arrangement with UVEST Investment Services. First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation formed to meet the insurance needs of businesses and individuals throughout the Charlotte Metro region. Financial management provides comprehensive financial planning, funds management, investments and record keeping services for many national companies.

     The Corporation derives interest income through traditional banking activities such as generating loans and earning interest on securities. Additional sources of income are derived from fees on deposit accounts and from the Corporation’s various lines of business including mortgage, brokerage, insurance and financial management. Also, as a part of the Corporation’s management of its securities portfolio, income is recognized on the sale of bond and equity securities.

     Increasing the net interest income is critical to the Corporation’s strategy of earnings growth in a rising rate environment. There are three primary components to achieve this goal: maintain an asset-sensitive balance sheet, improve the net interest margin and increase earning assets. The first component involves the Corporation maintaining an asset-sensitive balance sheet under a broad range of interest rate scenarios. This has been accomplished by managing the level of fixed-rate loans and focusing on variable-rate lending. A balance sheet is considered asset-sensitive when its assets (loans and securities) reprice faster or to a greater extent than liabilities (deposits and borrowings). An asset-sensitive balance sheet will produce more net interest income when interest rates rise and less net interest income when interest rates decline.

     The second component toward achieving an increase in net interest income is improving the net interest margin. Enhancing the net interest margin is divided into two parts, improving asset yields and reducing funding costs. The yields in the Corporation’s loan portfolio should increase as the Corporation’s floating rate and variable rate loans reprice upward with the increase in interest rates. In addition, rising interest rates will increase the effective yields on mortgage-backed securities by decreasing the amortization of premiums due to slowing prepayment speeds.

     The Corporation continues its focus on reducing funding costs by growing deposit balances and shifting funding sources from higher-cost retail certificates of deposit to lower-cost, transaction-based accounts. The Corporation’s Checking Account Marketing Program (“CHAMP”) continues to attract new customers and deposits. In addition, during the first quarter of 2004 the Corporation introduced a new money market account called Performance Plus. These programs are designed to develop new customer relationships, shift the Corporation’s funding mix towards lower-cost funding sources and generate additional fee income opportunities.

     The asset-sensitive nature of the Corporation’s balance sheet should improve the net interest margin resulting in more interest income. However, competitive pricing pressure on both sides of the balance sheet may mitigate the asset-sensitive nature of the Corporation’s balance sheet resulting in a relatively flat margin. In addition, a flattening of the yield curve may result in additional pressure on the net interest margin. Thus the increase in net interest income may come from the final component, an increase in earning assets and in particular loans.

     Loan growth is a major focus of the Corporation. The lending environment continues to be highly competitive. However, the loan portfolio has shown steady growth during 2004 in home equity, mortgage, commercial real estate, and consumer loans. Management believes the Corporation is positioned for future loan growth due to an improving market for commercial loans, an increased number of commercial lenders and an increased focus on small business loans.

     Maintaining sound asset quality is another major focus for the Corporation. As a result of this focus and the initiatives taken in 2003 and in the first quarter of 2004, the Corporation’s asset quality ratios have improved significantly and remain strong. During the second quarter of 2003, the Corporation sold $60.9 million in nonaccruing and accruing higher risk loans (the ”2003 Loan Sale”) to improve the asset quality of the loan portfolio by containing the financial risk of these loans. Additionally, the Corporation sold its $11.7 million credit card portfolio in the first quarter of 2003. Similarly, in the first quarter of 2004, $6.4 million in

15


 

nonaccruing and accruing higher risk mortgage loans were sold. These activities have had a positive impact on earnings by reducing the credit risk profile of the Corporation and eliminating significant future collection costs. Nevertheless, the business of lending to commercial and consumer customers carries with it significant credit risk, which must be continually managed. Management monitors asset quality and credit risk on an ongoing basis.

     The Corporation is also focused on retaining existing customers and attracting new customers. The Corporation’s primary methods of competition are to provide exceptional customer service and to proactively market its products. The Corporation uses a quarterly independent survey of customers to review its level of customer service. During the fourth quarter of 2004, 83 percent of the customers surveyed reported that they were “very satisfied” with the service at First Charter, compared to the industry average of 58 percent. The Corporation’s main strategy for obtaining new customers is CHAMP, a disciplined, proactive approach to attracting new accounts and customers. Its success has provided the Corporation with opportunities to develop new customer relationships, to generate additional fee income and to shift its funding mix towards lower-cost funding sources. To meet the convenience needs of existing and potential customers, the Corporation has recently replaced five existing branches, opened one new branch, introduced extended hours in select branches and its call center and added bilingual personnel. The Corporation will continue to update existing branches and expand into new areas as both market and economic conditions warrant.

     Another focus for the Corporation is growing fee income through other lines of business. These sources of income provide stability to the Corporation’s earnings with minimal credit risk and less exposure to interest rate risk than its community bank’s traditional lines of business. In addressing this area of focus, the Corporation, through a subsidiary of FCB, acquired an insurance agency during each of the third and fourth quarters of 2003 and the fourth quarter of 2004. These acquisitions expanded the reach of the Corporation’s insurance services with businesses and individuals throughout the Charlotte Metro region. In addition, the Corporation, through a subsidiary of FCB, acquired a third party benefits administrator during the third quarter of 2003. This acquisition added new customers, expanded the Corporation’s product line and improved its technology platform. Also, during 2003 and early 2004, First Charter Brokerage Services, Inc. increased its number of licensed sales associates. As a result of these actions and the continued success of CHAMP, income from service charges, financial management services, brokerage services and insurance services increased in 2004. The Corporation continuously reviews other opportunities for new products, new services and expansion as conditions warrant.

     The Corporation competes against other banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, credit unions, finance companies and major retail stores that offer competing financial services. Several larger competitors have greater resources, broader geographic coverage and higher lending limits than the Corporation. However, the Corporation has the fourth largest deposit market share in the Charlotte Metro region, which allows the Corporation to compete against both larger and smaller financial institutions.

Performance Overview

     Net income amounted to $42.4 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase from net income of $14.1 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2003. The return on average common shareholders equity was 14 percent in 2004 compared to 5 percent in 2003. Earnings for 2003 were impacted by a higher provision for loan losses primarily attributable to the 2003 Loan Sale and by $19.1 million of costs associated with the refinancing of fixed-term advances.

     The Corporation experienced strong core business fundamentals in the areas of deposits and customer satisfaction during 2004 that is expected to continue to provide strong momentum for 2005. As previously discussed, customer satisfaction scores were 83 percent “very satisfied” for the fourth quarter of 2004. The continued success of CHAMP resulted in 38,607 new checking accounts being opened, an average of 728 new checking accounts per branch. This is well above the industry average of 245 new checking accounts per branch per year. In addition, during 2004, core households, which are households with a checking account, increased 10 percent to 101,249 primarily due to the success of CHAMP.

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Financial Summary

     For the year ended December 31, 2004, net interest income increased $15.2 million, or 14 percent, to $123.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2003 due to the strong loan growth, a decrease in prepayment speeds in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio, the refinancing of fixed-term advances in 2003 and certain asset-liability management transactions entered into during 2004.

     For the year ended December 31, 2004, noninterest income decreased $3.0 million, or 5 percent, to $60.9 million primarily due to lower gains on the sale of securities, lower trading gains and a gain recognized on the sale of the credit card portfolio during 2003, which did not recur in 2004. However, the Corporation’s primary noninterest income lines of business continued to generate strong revenue growth compared to 2003, with financial management income up 58 percent, insurance services income up 20 percent and service charges up 15 percent.

     Noninterest expense decreased $15.8 million, or 12 percent, to $111.0 million primarily due to $19.1 million of prepayment costs associated with refinancing $131.0 million in fixed-term advances in 2003 which did not recur in 2004. In addition, professional service fees decreased $2.0 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits due to additional personnel, including the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator and three insurance agencies, increased incentive compensation and employee benefit accruals resulting from an increase in 2004 earnings.

     Income tax expense increased $18.7 million to $22.0 million due to an increase in taxable income relative to nontaxable adjustments and an increase in accrued taxes resulting from a proposed tax assessment received in the third quarter of 2004. The Corporation is appealing this assessment.

Fourth Quarter 2004 Results

     Net income amounted to $11.6 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2004, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2003 were impacted by $11.7 million of costs associated with the refinancing of fixed-term advances.

     Net interest income increased $2.8 million to $31.8 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2003. The increase was due to a $5.5 million increase in interest income primarily resulting from strong loan growth and an increase in interest rates. The increase in interest income was partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in interest expense due to an increase in interest rates and higher levels of deposits and other borrowings. The effect of the increase in rates was partially mitigated by the refinancing of $81 million of fixed-term advances in the fourth quarter of 2003 and by certain asset-liability management transactions entered into during 2004.

     During the fourth quarter of 2004, noninterest income increased $1.8 million to $15.3 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily due to the following: a $1.1 million increase in service charges; an $0.8 million increase in other noninterest income due to growth in ATM, debit card and other miscellaneous fees and a $0.7 million increase in insurance service income primarily due to increases in contingency income. These increases were partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in brokerage income, and a $0.2 million decrease in gains on sale of securities.

     Noninterest expense decreased $13.7 million to $27.7 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2003. The decrease was primarily due to $11.7 million of prepayment costs associated with refinancing $81 million in fixed term advances in 2003 that did not recur in 2004. In addition, professional service fees decreased $1.2 million and salaries and employee benefits decreased $1.0 million primarily due to lower medical and dental expenses and decreased commission-based compensation.

     Total income tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2004 was $6.1 million compared to an income tax benefit of $2.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2003.

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Table One    
Selected Financial Data    
 
                                         
    Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
 
Income statement
                                       
Interest income
  $ 187,303     $ 178,292     $ 196,388     $ 215,276     $ 216,143  
Interest expense
    64,293       70,490       83,227       109,912       108,314  
 
Net interest income
    123,010       107,802       113,161       105,364       107,829  
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270       4,465       7,615  
Noninterest income
    60,896       63,933       47,410       38,773       30,666  
Noninterest expense
    111,017       126,785       97,551       87,579       92,727  
 
Income before income taxes
    64,464       17,432       54,750       52,093       38,153  
Income taxes
    22,022       3,286       14,947       16,768       13,312  
 
Net income
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803     $ 35,325     $ 24,841  
 
 
Per common share
                                       
Basic net income
  $ 1.42     $ 0.47     $ 1.30     $ 1.12     $ 0.79  
Diluted net income
    1.40       0.47       1.30       1.12       0.79  
Cash dividends declared (1)
    0.75       0.74       0.73       0.72       0.70  
Period-end book value
    10.47       10.08       10.80       10.06       9.79  
Average shares outstanding - basic
    29,859,683       29,789,969       30,520,125       31,480,109       31,435,342  
Average shares outstanding - diluted
    30,277,063       30,007,435       30,702,107       31,660,985       31,580,328  
Ratios
                                       
Return on average shareholders’ equity (2)
    14.05 %     4.50 %     12.52 %     11.03 %     8.29 %
Return on average assets
    0.98       0.35       1.13       1.14       0.90  
Net interest margin
    3.13       3.00       3.52       3.72       4.26  
Average loans to average deposits
    92.86       86.60       94.30       95.43       110.52  
Average equity to average assets (2)
    6.99       7.85       9.02       10.31       10.84  
Efficiency ratio (3)
    60.55       77.45       64.29       60.97       64.09  
Dividend payout
    53.50       156.96       56.31       64.29       88.61  
Selected period end balances
                                       
Securities available for sale
  $ 1,652,732     $ 1,601,900     $ 1,129,212     $ 1,076,324     $ 441,031  
Loans held for sale
    5,326       5,137       158,404       7,334       5,063  
Loans, net
    2,412,529       2,227,030       2,045,266       1,921,718       2,123,897  
Allowance for loan losses
    26,872       25,607       27,204       25,843       28,447  
Total assets
    4,431,605       4,206,693       3,745,949       3,332,737       2,932,199  
Total deposits
    2,609,846       2,427,897       2,322,647       2,162,945       1,998,234  
Borrowings
    1,449,736       1,432,200       1,042,440       808,512       570,024  
Total liabilities
    4,116,918       3,907,254       3,421,263       3,023,396       2,622,912  
Total shareholders’ equity
    314,687       299,439       324,686       309,341       309,287  
Selected average balances
                                       
Loans, net
    2,363,107       2,152,748       2,122,890       1,990,406       2,074,971  
Earning assets
    4,004,678       3,662,460       3,261,844       2,881,295       2,576,853  
Total assets (2)
    4,322,727       4,009,511       3,525,090       3,104,952       2,763,920  
Total deposits
    2,544,865       2,485,711       2,251,256       2,085,669       1,877,426  
Borrowings
    1,428,124       1,159,889       906,263       652,298       556,859  
Total shareholders’ equity (2)
    302,101       314,562       317,952       320,215       299,745  
 
 

(1)   First Charter Corporation historical cash dividends declared.
 
(2)   Amounts and ratios in the 2003 and 2002 periods have been adjusted to correct a calculation error with respect to average balances.
 
(3)   Noninterest expense divided by the sum of taxable equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income less gain on sale of securities.

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Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

 

     The Corporation’s significant accounting policies are described in Note One of the consolidated financial statements and are essential in understanding management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. Some of the Corporation’s accounting policies require significant judgment to estimate values of either assets or liabilities. In addition, certain accounting principles require significant judgment in applying the complex accounting principles to complicated transactions to determine the most appropriate treatment.

     The following is a summary of the more judgmental estimates and complex accounting principles. In many cases, there are numerous alternative judgments that could be used in the process of estimating values of assets or liabilities. Where alternatives exist, the Corporation has used the factors that we believe represent the most reasonable value in developing the inputs for the valuation. Actual performance that differs from the Corporation’s estimates of the key variables could impact net income.

Allowance for Loan Losses

     The Corporation considers its policy regarding the allowance for loan losses to be one of its most critical accounting policies, as it requires management’s most subjective and complex judgments. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level the Corporation believes is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. The Corporation has developed appropriate policies and procedures for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that reflect its careful evaluation of credit risk considering all information available to us.

     The determination of the level of the allowance and, correspondingly, the provision for loan losses, rests upon various judgments and assumptions, including: (i) general economic conditions, (ii) loan portfolio composition, (iii) prior loan loss experience, (iv) management’s evaluation of credit risk related to both individual borrowers and pools of loans and (v) observations derived from the Corporation’s ongoing internal audit and examination processes and those of its regulators. Depending on changes in circumstances, future assessments of credit risk may yield materially different results, which may require an increase or decrease in the allowance for loan losses.

     The Corporation employs a variety of statistical modeling and estimation tools in developing the appropriate allowance. The following provides a description of each of the components involved in the allowance for loan losses, the techniques the Corporation used and the estimates and judgments inherent to each component.

     The first component of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation allowance for impaired and certain classified loans, is computed based on documented reviews performed by the Corporation’s Credit Risk Management. The reviews are completed for impaired commercial relationships greater than $150,000 and classified relationships greater than $250,000. Credit Risk Management typically estimates these valuation allowances by considering the fair value of the underlying collateral for each impaired loan using current appraisals or estimates of values. The results of these estimates are updated quarterly or periodically as circumstances change. Changes in the dollar amount of impaired loans or in the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral can impact the valuation allowance on impaired loans and, therefore, the overall allowance for loan losses.

     The second component of the allowance for loan losses, the portion attributable to all other loans without specific reserve amounts, is determined by applying historical loss rates to the outstanding balance of loans. The portfolio is segmented into two major categories: commercial loans and consumer loans, which include mortgage, general consumer, consumer real estate, home equity and consumer unsecured loans. Commercial loans are segmented further by risk grade, so that separate loss factors are applied to each pool of commercial loans. The historical loss factors applied to the commercial segments are determined using a migration analysis tool that computes current loss estimates by credit grade using a trailing loss history database. Since the migration analysis is based on trailing data, the percentage loss estimates can change based on actual losses. Changes in commercial loan credit grades or in the mix of

19


 

the portfolio can also impact this component of the allowance for loan losses from period to period. Consumer loans are segmented further by collateral types in order to apply separate loss factors to each pool of consumer loans. The historical loss factors applied to the consumer segments are a twelve-month rolling average of losses. Since the loss factors are based on historical data, the percentage loss estimates can change based on actual losses.

     The third component of the allowance for loan losses is intended to capture the various risk elements of the loan portfolio which may not be sufficiently captured in the historical loss rates. These factors currently include intrinsic risk, operational risk and concentration risk. Intrinsic risk relates to the impact of current economic conditions on the Corporation’s borrower base, the effects of which may not be realized by the Corporation in the form of charge-offs for several periods. The Corporation monitors and documents various local, regional and national economic data, and makes subjective estimates of the impact of changes in economic conditions on the allowance for loan losses. Operational risk includes factors such as the likelihood of loss on a loan due to procedural error. Historically, the Corporation has made additional loss estimates for certain types of loans that were either acquired from other institutions in mergers or were underwritten using policies that are no longer in effect at the Corporation. These identified loans are considered to have higher risk of loss than currently reflected in historical loss rates of the Corporation, so additional estimates of loss are made by management. Concentration risk includes the risk of loss due to extensions of credit to a particular industry, loan type or borrower that may be troubled. The Corporation monitors its portfolio for any excessive concentrations of loans during each period, and if any excessive concentrations are noted, additional estimates of loss would be made. Changes in the allowance for loan losses for these subjective factors can arise from changes in the balance and types of outstanding loans, as well as changes in the underlying conditions which drive a change in the percentage used. As more fully discussed below, the Corporation continually monitors the portfolio in an effort to identify any other factors which may have an impact on loss estimates within the portfolio.

     All estimates of the loan portfolio risk, including the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, are subject to general and local economic conditions, among other factors, which are unpredictable and beyond the Corporation’s control. Since a significant portion of the loan portfolio is comprised of real estate loans and loans to area businesses, the Corporation is subject to continued risk that the real estate market and economic conditions in general could continue to change and therefore result in additional losses and require increases in the provision for loan losses. If management had made different assumptions about probable loan losses, the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations could have differed materially. For additional discussion concerning the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses and related matters, see Allowance for Loan Losses.

Tax Contingencies

     In accounting for tax contingencies, the Corporation assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the Corporation’s tax position. For those matters where it is probable that the Corporation will have to pay additional taxes, interest or penalties and a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Corporation has recorded reserves in the consolidated financial statements.

     Changes to the Corporation’s tax contingency estimate occur periodically due to implementation of new tax planning strategies, resolution with taxing authorities of issues with previously taken tax positions and newly enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance. These changes, which are often driven by the Corporation’s judgments, affect current taxes payable and can be material to the Corporation’s operating results for any particular period.

Derivative Instruments

     The Corporation enters into interest rate swap agreements as business conditions warrant. These interest rate swap agreements provide an exchange of interest payments computed on notional amounts that will offset any undesirable change in fair value resulting from market rate changes on designated hedged items. A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to exchange cash flows based on

20


 

specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. The interest rate swap agreements utilized by the Corporation qualify for hedge accounting as fair value hedges.

     The fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined by a third party at inception and is valued subsequently on a quarterly basis. The valuation is determined using a discounted cash flow model and a volatility index. The Corporation performs a quarterly assessment based on the third party valuations to assess whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. The effectiveness assessment is conducted using the cumulative dollar offset method.

     The Corporation accounts for these interest rate swaps as a hedge of the fair value of the designated Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. Currently, three of the Corporation’s seven interest rate swaps meet the criteria for the short-cut accounting method. According to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS No. 133”), the “short cut” method assumes that the change in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument and the hedged debt obligation is one hundred percent correlated, which results in no ineffectiveness and no income statement effect. For interest rate swaps that do not meet the criteria for the short-cut accounting method, the Corporation records on a quarterly basis, in noninterest income, the net change in the fair value of the interest rate swap and the designated FHLB advances, attributed to changes in interest rates, provided the criteria for hedge accounting continue to be met. In the event the criteria for hedge accounting are not met in a future period, the Corporation will cease recording the change in fair value of the FHLB advances and will amortize into earnings the then carrying value of the interest rate swap over the life of the hedged item. The derivative hedging instruments are recorded at fair value in other assets or other liabilities.

     The Corporation formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133. This documentation includes analysis at inception and is ongoing relative to the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. If the Corporation’s initial judgments were inappropriate, hedge accounting would be reversed and only the change in fair value of the derivative would be recognized through the income statement. The Corporation will discontinue hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and will reflect changes in fair value through the income statement. See Asset-Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk for further details regarding these interest rate swap agreements.

     
Earnings Performance    
 

Net Interest Income and Margin

     Net interest income, the difference between total interest income and total interest expense, is the Corporation’s principal source of earnings. An analysis of the Corporation’s net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis and average balance sheets for the last three years is presented in Table Two. Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis (“FTE”) is a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) performance measure used by management in operating the business which management believes provides investors with a more accurate picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. The changes in net interest income (on a taxable-equivalent basis) from year to year are analyzed in Table Three. The discussion below is based on net interest income computed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

     For the year ended December 31, 2004, net interest income amounted to $123.0 million, an increase of approximately 14 percent from net interest income of $107.8 million in 2003. This increase was primarily due to a $9.0 million or 5 percent increase in interest income due mainly to strong loan growth, increases in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio and a decrease in prepayment speeds in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio. In addition, net interest income was impacted by a $6.2 million or 9 percent decrease in interest expense compared to 2003. This decrease was primarily due to the following: a shift in funding sources from higher-cost retail CDs to lower-cost transaction based accounts; the

21


 

repricing of retail CDs at lower rates in 2003 and 2004; the refinancing of $131.0 million of fixed-term advances in 2003 and certain asset-liability management transactions entered into during 2004. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in interest rates.

     The net interest margin (tax-adjusted net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) increased 13 basis points to 3.13 percent in 2004, compared to 3.00 percent in 2003 due to the asset-sensitive nature of the balance sheet. The effective yield on earning assets during 2004 was negatively impacted by earning assets that repriced at lower interest rates during 2003 and the first half of 2004. Rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 36 basis points primarily due to the previously mentioned deposit-mix shift, refinancings and the Corporation’s Asset Liability Management (“ALM”) transactions. This was partially offset by the 125 basis point increase in the Fed Funds rate. The primary objective of the Corporation in interest rate risk management is to maximize the net interest margin across a broad range of interest rate scenarios, while maintaining an appropriate interest rate risk profile.

     Average interest earning assets increased $342.2 million to $4.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $3.7 billion for the same 2003 period. These increases were primarily due to growth in the Corporation’s average loans and loans held for sale portfolio, which increased $210.4 million during 2004, compared to the same 2003 period. These increases were mainly due to growth in the home equity, mortgage, consumer and commercial real estate loan categories. The increases in average loans and loans held for sale were partially offset by mortgage loan securitizations of $40.7 million and the sale of $6.4 million of nonaccruing and accruing higher risk mortgage loans in 2004. Average interest earning assets were also impacted by increases in the Corporation’s securities-available-for-sale portfolio of $158.4 million during 2004, compared to 2003.

     In addition to the increase in average interest earning assets, the Corporation experienced an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. Average other borrowings increased $268.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same 2003 period and were used to fund loan growth and securities purchases. In addition, average deposits increased $59.2 million from the year ended December 31, 2003. While certificates of deposits declined on average $41.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, noninterest-bearing and other core deposit categories increased $100.8 million, primarily due to the continued success of CHAMP.

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     The following table includes for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 interest income on interest earning assets and related average yields, as well as interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and related average rates paid. In addition, the table includes the net interest margin. Average balances were calculated based on daily balances.

                                                                         
Table Two  
Average Balances and Net Interest Income Analysis
 
    2004     2003     2002  
            Interest     Average             Interest     Average             Interest     Average  
    Average     Income/     Yield/Rate     Average     Income/     Yield/Rate     Average     Income/     Yield/Rate  
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid     Balance     Expense     Paid     Balance     Expense     Paid  
 
Interest earning assets:
                                                                       
Loans and loans held for sale (1) (2) (3)
  $ 2,363,107     $ 124,496       5.27 %   $ 2,152,748     $ 119,375       5.55 %   $ 2,122,890     $ 135,745       6.39 %
Securities — taxable
    1,538,133       60,127       3.91       1,393,277       55,596       3.99       1,044,915       57,300       5.48  
Securities — nontaxable
    84,969       4,289       5.05       71,427       5,077       7.11       81,579       5,868       7.19  
Federal funds sold
    1,566       19       1.22       2,074       20       0.99       1,249       20       1.57  
Interest bearing bank deposits
    16,903       200       1.18       42,934       465       1.08       11,209       169       1.51  
 
Total earning assets(4)
    4,004,678       189,131       4.72       3,662,460       180,533       4.93       3,261,842       199,102       6.10  
 
Cash and due from banks
    89,103                       90,941                       83,401                  
Other assets(5)
    228,946                       256,110                       179,847                  
 
Total assets(5)
  $ 4,322,727                     $ 4,009,511                     $ 3,525,090                  
 
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand deposits
    848,597       6,643       0.78       778,600       6,997       0.90       576,111       5,385       0.93  
Savings deposits
    122,339       321       0.26       118,459       520       0.44       120,899       1,287       1.06  
Other time deposits
    1,211,891       28,386       2.34       1,253,538       34,027       2.71       1,279,879       44,285       3.46  
Other borrowings
    1,428,124       28,943       1.99       1,159,889       28,946       2.50       906,263       32,270       3.56  
 
Total interest bearing liabilities
    3,610,951       64,293       1.77       3,310,486       70,490       2.13       2,883,152       83,227       2.89  
 
Noninterest bearing sources:
                                                                       
Noninterest bearing deposits
    362,038                       335,114                       274,368                  
Other liabilities(5)
    47,637                       49,349                       49,618                  
Shareholders’ equity(5)
    302,101                       314,562                       317,952                  
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity(5)
  $ 4,322,727                     $ 4,009,511                     $ 3,525,090                  
 
Net interest spread
                    2.95                       2.80                       3.21  
Impact of noninterest bearing sources
                    0.18                       0.20                       0.34  
 
Net interest income/ yield on earning assets
          $ 124,838       3.13 %           $ 110,043       3.00 %           $ 115,875       3.55 %
 


(1) The preceding analysis takes into consideration the principal amount of nonaccruing loans and only income actually collected and recognized on such loans.

(2) Average loan balances are shown net of unearned income.

(3) Includes amortization of deferred loan fees of approximately $2,616, $2,576, and $2,187, for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

(4) Yields on nontaxable securities and loans are stated on a taxable-equivalent basis, assuming a Federal tax rate of 35 percent, applicable state taxes and TEFRA disallowances for 2004, 2003 and 2002. The adjustments made to convert to a taxable-equivalent basis were $1,828, $2,241, and $2,714 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

(5) Amounts in 2003 and 2002 periods have been adjusted to correct a calculation error with respect to average balances.

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     The following table presents the changes in net interest income between the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and between the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

                                                         
Table Three
Volume and Rate Variance Analysis
 
    Dec. 31, 2004 versus Dec. 31, 2003 versus Dec. 31, 2002
    Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income  
    Due to Change in Rate and Volume(1)
    2004                     2003                     2002  
    Income/                     Income/                     Income/  
(Dollars in thousands)   Expense     Rate     Volume     Expense     Rate     Volume     Expense  
 
Interest income:
                                                       
Loans and loans held for sale(2)
  $ 124,496     $ (6,253 )   $ 11,374     $ 119,375     $ (18,152 )   $ 1,782     $ 135,745  
Securities — taxable
    60,127       (1,191 )     5,722       55,596       (18,207 )     16,503       57,300  
Securities — nontaxable(2)
    4,289       (1,611 )     823       5,077       (65 )     (726 )     5,868  
Federal funds sold
    19       5       (6 )     20       (10 )     10       20  
Interest bearing bank deposits
    200       30       (295 )     465       (115 )     411       169  
 
Total interest income
  $ 189,131     $ (9,020 )   $ 17,618     $ 180,533     $ (36,549 )   $ 17,980     $ 199,102  
 
Interest expense:
                                                       
Demand deposits
  $ 6,643     $ (943 )   $ 589     $ 6,997     $ (244 )   $ 1,856     $ 5,385  
Savings deposits
    321       (213 )     14       520       (749 )     (18 )     1,287  
Other time deposits
    28,386       (4,589 )     (1,052 )     34,027       (9,444 )     (814 )     44,285  
Other borrowings
    28,943       (6,068 )     6,065       28,946       (11,004 )     7,680       32,270  
 
Total interest expense
    64,293       (11,813 )     5,616       70,490       (21,441 )     8,704       83,227  
 
Net interest income
  $ 124,838     $ 2,793     $ 12,002     $ 110,043     $ (15,108 )   $ 9,276     $ 115,875  
 


(1) The changes for each category of income and expense are divided between the portion of change attributable to the variance in rate or volume for that category. The amount of change that cannot be separated is allocated to each variance proportionately.

(2) Income on nontaxable securities and loans are stated on a taxable-equivalent basis. Refer to Table Two for further details.

Noninterest Income

     The major components of noninterest income are derived from service charges on deposit accounts as well as other banking products and services from the Corporation’s various lines of business including brokerage, mortgage, insurance and financial management. In addition, the Corporation realizes gains from the sale of bond and equity securities and income from its investment in Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”).

     Noninterest income decreased $3.0 million, or 5 percent, to $60.9 million compared to the same period in 2003. A number of factors contributed to the decrease. Gains on the sale of securities totaling $2.4 million were recognized in 2004, compared to gains of $10.3 million in 2003, representing a decrease of $7.9 million. In 2003, additional gains of $2.3 million from the sale of the First Charter credit card portfolio and $1.8 million of trading gains were recognized. In addition, 2004 mortgage loan fees decreased $1.2 million as origination volume declined and the bank retained a larger portion of mortgage loans. These decreases in noninterest income were partially offset by the following: a $3.4 million increase in service charges primarily due to growth in checking accounts; a $2.1 million increase in financial management income primarily due to the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator in the third quarter of 2003; and a $2.9 million increase in other noninterest income due to growth in ATM and debit card fees, property sale gains of $0.8 million and a gain of $0.3 million recognized on the sale of deposits and loans. In addition, insurance services income increased $1.9 million. The increase in insurance services income was partially due to a full year impact of the successful integration of two insurance agencies acquired in 2003 and a partial year impact for the acquisition of one insurance agency acquired in the fourth quarter of 2004. In addition, insurance services income was impacted by a $0.8 million increase in contingency income, as the Corporation was able to guarantee a higher amount of contingency income compared to 2003. Contingency income is subject to fluctuations based on events beyond the Corporation’s control.

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     The following table compares noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

                                 
Table Four  
Noninterest Income
 
    Years Ended December 31     Increase/(Decrease)  
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     Amount     Percent  
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 25,564     $ 22,143     $ 3,421       15.4 %
Financial management income
    5,848       3,705       2,143       57.8  
Gain on sale of securities
    2,383       10,287       (7,904 )     (76.8 )
Gain on sale of credit card loan portfolio
          2,262       (2,262 )     N/A  
Loss from equity method investments
    (349 )     (285 )     (64 )     (22.5 )
Mortgage services income
    1,748       2,912       (1,164 )     (40.0 )
Brokerage services income
    3,112       3,016       96       3.2  
Insurance services income
    11,269       9,408       1,861       19.8  
Trading gains
    163       1,801       (1,638 )     (90.9 )
Bank owned life insurance
    3,413       3,888       (475 )     N/A  
Other
    7,745       4,796       2,949       61.5  
 
Total noninterest income
  $ 60,896     $ 63,933     $ (3,037 )     (4.8 )%
 

Noninterest Expense

     Noninterest expense is primarily comprised of operating expenses for the Corporation. The major components are salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, professional fees and other operating expenses.

     Noninterest expense decreased $15.8 million, or 12 percent, to $111.0 million compared to the same period in 2003. The decrease was due to $19.1 million of prepayment costs associated with refinancing $131.0 million in fixed-term advances in 2003 that did not recur in 2004. In addition, professional service fees decreased $2.0 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits due to additional personnel, including the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator and three insurance agencies, increased incentive compensation and employee benefit accruals resulting from an increase in 2004 earnings. The decrease in noninterest expense was also offset by a $1.2 million increase in data processing expense primarily related to the implementation of a new deposit platform and a conversion of the Corporation’s ATMs to a new network during 2004 and a $0.7 million increase in occupancy and equipment due to higher lease and depreciation expense from branch expansion.

     The efficiency ratio, noninterest expense divided by the sum of taxable equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income less gain on the sale of securities, decreased to 60.55 percent for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to 77.45 percent for the year-ended December 31, 2003. A significant portion of the decrease in the efficiency ratio relates to the costs associated with the prepayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Gains on sale of securities of $2.4 million and $10.3 million are excluded from this calculation for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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     The following table compares noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

                                 
Table Five  
Noninterest Expense
 
    Years Ended December 31     Increase/(Decrease)  
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     Amount     Percent  
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 58,493     $ 54,752     $ 3,741       6.8 %
Occupancy and equipment
    17,226       16,504       722       4.4  
Data processing
    4,034       2,816       1,218       43.3  
Marketing
    4,351       4,435       (84 )     (1.9 )
Postage and supplies
    4,959       4,521       438       9.7  
Professional services
    9,574       11,582       (2,008 )     (17.3 )
Telephone
    1,998       2,267       (269 )     (11.9 )
Amortization of intangibles
    461       441       20       4.5  
Prepayment cost on borrowings
          19,089       (19,089 )     N/A  
Other
    9,921       10,378       (457 )     (4.4 )
 
Total noninterest expense
  $ 111,017     $ 126,785     $ (15,768 )     (12.4 )%
 

Income Tax Expense

     The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $22.0 million for an effective tax rate of 34.2 percent, compared to $3.3 million for an effective tax rate of 18.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2004 was due to an increase in taxable income relative to nontaxable adjustments and an increase in accrued taxes resulting from a proposed tax assessment received in the third quarter of 2004. The Corporation is appealing this assessment. For further discussion, see Note Fourteen of the consolidated financial statements.

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     The following table provides certain selected quarterly financial data:

                                                                 
Table Six  
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
 
(Dollars in thousands, except   2004 Quarters     2003 Quarters  
per share amounts)   Fourth     Third     Second     First     Fourth     Third     Second     First  
 
Income statement
                                                               
Total interest income
  $ 50,085     $ 47,082     $ 44,906     $ 45,230     $ 44,550     $ 43,233     $ 45,141     $ 45,368  
Total interest expense
    18,275       16,287       14,874       14,857       15,570       17,033       19,102       18,785  
 
Net interest income
    31,810       30,795       30,032       30,373       28,980       26,200       26,039       26,583  
Provision for loan losses
    1,825       1,600       2,000       3,000       3,575       2,400       19,492       2,051  
Total noninterest income
    15,302       16,039       14,890       14,665       13,479       14,700       20,215       15,539  
Total noninterest expense
    27,677       27,347       27,685       28,308       41,365       26,399       32,988       26,033  
 
Net income (loss) before income taxes
    17,610       17,887       15,237       13,730       (2,481 )     12,101       (6,226 )     14,038  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    6,051       6,499       4,982       4,490       (1,991 )     3,207       (2,022 )     4,092  
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 11,559     $ 11,388     $ 10,255     $ 9,240     $ (490 )   $ 8,894     $ (4,204 )   $ 9,946  
 
 
                                                               
Per share data:
                                                               
Basic income (loss)
  $ 0.39     $ 0.38     $ 0.34     $ 0.31     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.30     $ (0.14 )   $ 0.33  
Diluted income (loss)
    0.38       0.38       0.34       0.31       (0.02 )     0.30       (0.14 )     0.33  
Cash dividends declared
    0.190       0.190       0.185       0.185       0.185       0.185       0.185       0.185  
Period-end book value
    10.47       10.35       9.53       10.38       10.08       10.20       10.55       10.87  
Average shares outstanding - basic
    29,973,996       29,810,917       29,763,619       29,738,553       29,685,088       29,672,137       29,801,059       30,006,417  
Average shares outstanding - diluted
    30,605,826       30,231,191       30,067,462       30,029,056       29,685,088       29,904,440       29,801,059       30,188,853  
Ratios
                                                               
Return on average shareholders’ equity(1) (2)
    14.73 %     15.28 %     13.90 %     12.20 %     (0.64 )%     11.64 %     (5.18 )%     12.39 %
Return on average assets(1) (2)
    1.04       1.04       0.96       0.88       (0.05 )     0.87       (0.42 )     1.06  
Net interest margin(1)
    3.14       3.09       3.06       3.19       3.10       2.86       2.92       3.15  
Average loans to average deposits
    93.52       92.53       91.82       93.31       87.66       83.76       86.51       88.77  
Average equity to average assets(2)
    7.10       7.00       6.54       7.27       7.12       7.39       7.87       8.17  
Efficiency ratio(3)
    58.57       59.47       61.66       62.60       97.41       64.14       85.65       62.66  
Selected period end balances
                                                               
Securities available for sale
  $ 1,652,732     $ 1,630,655     $ 1,604,585     $ 1,622,967     $ 1,601,900     $ 1,603,262     $ 1,518,918     $ 1,453,827  
Loans held for sale
    5,326       5,468       26,768       17,969       5,137       14,784       45,311       69,894  
Loans, net
    2,412,529       2,398,116       2,321,986       2,254,130       2,227,030       2,085,338       2,040,815       2,050,943  
Allowance for loan losses
    26,872       26,859       26,052       25,736       25,607       23,953       23,644       26,495  
Total assets
    4,431,605       4,409,044       4,339,213       4,247,861       4,206,693       4,087,967       3,988,534       3,991,267  
Total deposits
    2,609,846       2,557,062       2,594,765       2,507,442       2,427,897       2,481,582       2,558,549       2,492,929  
Borrowings
    1,449,736       1,482,340       1,410,481       1,377,374       1,432,200       1,261,412       1,076,595       1,116,223  
Total liabilities
    4,116,918       4,100,393       4,055,432       3,939,124       3,907,254       3,785,704       3,674,618       3,665,196  
Total shareholders’ equity
    314,687       308,651       283,781       308,737       299,439       302,263       313,916       326,071  
Selected average balances
                                                               
Loans and loans held for sale
    2,444,827       2,393,362       2,339,435       2,273,575       2,188,643       2,130,236       2,179,291       2,112,226  
Earning assets
    4,101,708       4,035,259       3,995,390       3,884,954       3,792,383       3,730,688       3,648,447       3,474,071  
Total assets(2)
    4,426,604       4,343,207       4,316,360       4,210,401       4,158,189       4,062,106       3,981,461       3,804,763  
Total deposits
    2,614,161       2,586,524       2,547,909       2,436,673       2,496,810       2,543,301       2,519,240       2,379,454  
Borrowings
    1,320,665       1,180,770       1,084,288       1,050,637       1,320,665       1,180,770       1,084,288       1,050,637  
Total shareholders’ equity(2)
    312,122       296,539       296,699       303,722       304,097       303,186       325,728       325,619  
 


(1) Annualized

(2) Amounts and ratios in prior periods have been adjusted to correct a calculation error with respect to average balances.

(3) Noninterest expense divided by the sum of taxable equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income less gain on sale of securities.

Business Segments

     The Corporation’s operations are divided into six operating segments: commercial banking, brokerage, insurance, mortgage, leasing and investments, and financial management. These segments are identified based on the Corporation’s organizational structure, and the review by the Corporation’s chief operating decision makers of the separate results of operations of each of these operating segments. For purposes of segment reporting, the Corporation has only one reportable segment, FCB, the Corporation’s primary banking subsidiary. FCB provides businesses and individuals with commercial loans, retail loans, and deposit banking services. Brokerage, insurance, mortgage, leasing and investments, and financial management are reported as Other Operating Segments. Of these segments, the results of operations of FCB constitute a substantial majority of the consolidated net income, revenues

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and assets of the Corporation, as set forth in Note Two of the consolidated financial statements. Included in Other are revenue, expenses and assets of the parent company and eliminating intercompany transactions.

     The following table for First Charter’s reportable business segment compares total income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

                         
Table Seven  
Business Segment Net Income (Loss)
 
    Years Ended December 31  
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
FCB
  $ 42,092     $ 15,033     $ 43,974  
Other Operating Segments
    137       (437 )     (891 )
Other
    213       (450 )     (3,280 )
 
Total consolidated
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
 

     FCB’s net income was $42.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $15.0 million for the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to the following: (i) a $19.1 million decrease in the provision for loan losses primarily attributable to the 2003 Loan Sale, (ii) an $18.2 million decrease in noninterest expense due to $19.1 million of prepayment costs associated with refinancing $131.0 million in fixed-term advances in the 2003, (iii) an $8.8 million increase in interest income due mainly to strong loan growth, increases in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio and a decrease in prepayment speeds in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio, and (iv) a $6.4 million decrease in interest expense due to the previously mentioned deposit-mix shift, refinancings and ALM transactions. These items were partially offset by (i) an $ 18.3 million increase in income tax expense due to an increase in taxable income relative to nontaxable adjustments and an increase in accrued taxes resulting from a proposed tax assessment received in the third quarter of 2004 and (ii) a $7.0 million decrease in noninterest income primarily resulting from a decrease in gains on the sale of securities, the recognition of the gain on the sale of the credit card portfolio in the first quarter of 2003 and lower trading gains.

     Other Operating Segments reported net income of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to a net loss of $0.4 million for the same year-ago period. Noninterest income increased $2.8 million due to the following: increases in insurance services revenues resulting from an increase in contingency income and the successful integration of two insurance agencies acquired in 2003 and one insurance agency acquired in the fourth quarter of 2004 and financial management income primarily due to the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator in 2003, partially offset by decreased mortgage services income. The increase in noninterest income was partially offset by increased noninterest expense of $2.3 million resulting from an increase in salaries and employee benefits due to additional personnel, including the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator and three insurance agencies.

     Other reported net income of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to a net loss of $0.5 million for the same year-ago period. The increase was primarily attributable to higher noninterest income of $1.2 million resulting from gains on the sale of equity securities during 2004, which was partially offset by increased income tax expense.

Balance Sheet Analysis    
 

Securities-Available-for-Sale

     The securities portfolio, all of which is classified as available-for-sale, is a component of the Corporation’s ALM strategy. The decision to purchase or sell securities is based upon liquidity needs, changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, and other factors. Securities-available-for-sale are accounted for at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded net of tax as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

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     The fair value of the securities portfolio is determined by a third party. The valuation is determined as of a date within close proximity to the end of the reporting period based on available quoted market prices or quoted market prices for similar securities if a quoted market price is not available.

     At December 31, 2004, securities-available-for-sale were $1.65 billion or 37 percent of total assets, compared to $1.60 billion or 38 percent of total assets at December 31, 2003. The increase in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio was primarily due to the purchase of agency securities funded by the proceeds from the sale of $40.7 million of primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans that were moved to securities-available-for-sale (“securitized”) during 2004. The securities-available-for-sale portfolio also was impacted by an increase in the pre-tax unrealized net losses in the portfolio due to a rise in short- and intermediate-term interest rates. Pre-tax unrealized net losses on securities-available-for-sale were $8.0 million at December 31, 2004 compared to pre-tax unrealized net gains of $10.1 million at December 31, 2003.

     Proceeds from the sale of securities-available-for-sale were $139.3 million and $1.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Gross gains of $7.2 million and gross losses of $15.2 million were realized in 2004, compared to gross gains of $19.2 million and gross losses of $9.1 million realized in 2003. The weighted average life of the portfolio was 3.84 years at December 31, 2004 compared to 3.66 years at December 31, 2004.

     With market indicators predicting a continued rise in interest rates, the unrealized net losses in the securities-available-for-sale portfolio could increase. However, it is anticipated that the effective yields in the portfolio would increase as the amortization of premiums decreases due to slowing prepayment speeds. To mitigate the risk of rising interest rates on the securities-available-for-sale portfolio, the Corporation has maintained a shortened average life in the portfolio over the past two years. This will allow the Corporation to reinvest the cash flows of the portfolio into higher rate securities or fund loan growth in a rising interest rate environment. Management is evaluating the purchase of up to $300 million of whole ARM-mortgage loans in the seconday market during 2005, which will be funded by the sales and cash flows from the securities-available-for-sale portfolio. This will reduce the size of the securities-available-for-sale portfolio, and will result in an investment in earning assets with similar average lives and higher yields.

     The following table shows, as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, the carrying value of (i) U.S. government obligations, (ii) U.S. government agency obligations, (iii) mortgage-backed securities, (iv) state and municipal obligations, and (v) equity securities, which are primarily comprised of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

                         
Table Eight  
Investment Portfolio
    December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Securities Available for Sale
                       
US government obligations
  $ 54,374     $ 60,273     $ 65,777  
US government agency obligations
    691,970       635,267       408,362  
Mortgage-backed securities
    726,381       771,157       529,694  
State, county, and municipal obligations
    115,380       73,087       82,964  
Equity securities
    64,627       62,116       42,415  
 
Total
  $ 1,652,732     $ 1,601,900     $ 1,129,212  
 

Loans Held for Sale

     Loans held for sale consist primarily of 15- and 30-year residential mortgage loans which the Corporation intends to sell as whole loans or securitize. Loans held for sale increased to $5.3 million at December 31, 2004 as compared to $5.1 million at December 31, 2003. During 2004, $40.7 million of residential mortgage loans were securitized and subsequently sold.

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Loan Portfolio

     The Corporation’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2004 consisted of six major categories: Commercial Non Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Mortgage, Consumer, and Home Equity. Within these six segments the Corporation targets customers in its geographic area, works within most business segments and focuses on a relationship-based business model. Pricing is driven by quality, loan size, the Corporation’s relationship with the customer and by competition. The Corporation is primarily a secured lender in all these loan categories. The Corporation’s loans are generally five years or less in duration with the exception of home equity lines and residential mortgages, for which the terms range from 15 to 30 years. In addition, the Corporation has a program in which it buys and sells portions of loans (primarily originated in the Southeastern region of the United States), both participations and syndications, from key strategic partner financial institutions with which the Corporation has established relationships. Current balances of loans purchased and sold through the strategic partners program were $239.8 million and $19.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004. This portfolio includes commercial real estate, commercial non real estate and construction loans. This program enables the Corporation to diversify both its geographic and its total exposure risk.

Commercial Non Real Estate

     The Corporation’s commercial non real estate lending program is generally targeted to serve small-to-middle market businesses with sales of $50 million or less in the Corporation’s geographic area. Commercial lending includes commercial, financial, agricultural and industrial loans. Pricing on commercial non real estate loans, driven largely by the Corporation’s relationship with the customer and by competition, is usually tied to widely recognized market indexes, such as the prime rate, the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) or rates on U.S. Treasury securities.

Commercial Real Estate

     Similar to commercial non real estate lending, the Corporation’s commercial real estate lending program is generally targeted to serve small-to-middle market business with sales of $50 million or less in the Corporation’s geographic area. The real estate loans are both owner occupied and project related. As with commercial non real estate loans, pricing on commercial real estate loans, driven largely by the Corporation’s relationship with the customer and by competition, is usually tied to widely recognized market indexes, such as the prime rate, LIBOR or rates on U.S. Treasury securities.

Construction

     Real estate construction loans include both commercial and residential construction/permanent loans, which are intended to convert to permanent loans upon completion of the construction project. Loans for commercial construction are usually to in-market developers, builders, businesses, individuals or real estate investors for the construction of commercial structures primarily in the Corporation’s market area. From time to time, the Corporation purchases construction loans in other market areas through a correspondent relationship. At December 31, 2004, loans purchased through this relationship represented 24 percent of the total construction loan portfolio. Construction loans purchased are typically serviced by third parties. Loans are made for purposes including, but not limited to, the construction of industrial facilities, apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, homes and warehouses. The properties may be constructed for sale, lease or owner-occupancy.

Mortgage

     The Corporation originates 1-4 family residential mortgage loans throughout the Corporation’s footprint and in Reston, Virginia, which is a loan origination office. The Corporation offers a full line of products, including conventional, conforming, and jumbo fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages which are originated and securitized or sold into the secondary market; however, from time to time a portion of this production is retained and serviced through a third party arrangement.

Consumer

     The Corporation offers a wide variety of consumer loan products. Various types of secured and unsecured loans are marketed to qualifying existing customers and to other creditworthy candidates in the Corporation’s market area. Unsecured loans, including revolving credits (e.g. checking account overdraft

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protection and personal lines of credit) are provided and various installment loan products such as vehicle loans are offered. All consumer lending is centrally decisioned and documented.

Home Equity

     Home Equity loans and lines are secured by first and second deeds of trust on the borrower’s residential real estate. As with all consumer lending, home equity loans are centrally decisioned and documented to ensure the underwriting conforms to the corporate lending policy.

     Gross loans increased $186.9 million, or 8 percent, to $2.44 billion at December 31, 2004 compared to $2.25 billion at December 31, 2003. The growth in loans was primarily due to (i) a $74.1 million increase in home equity loans partially due to the Corporation’s direct mailing campaign, (ii) a $66.9 million increase in primarily adjustable rate mortgage loans, (iii) a $52.1 million increase in commercial real estate loans and (iv) a $19.7 million increase in consumer loans. These increases were partially offset by a $26.0 million decrease in construction loans. In addition, $6.4 million of nonaccruing and accruing higher risk residential mortgage loans were sold to investors during the first quarter of 2004 and $40.7 million of primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans originated in 2004 were classified as held for sale, securitized and subsequently sold.

     The mix of variable-rate, adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loans is incorporated in the Corporation’s ALM strategy. As of December 31, 2004, of the $2.44 billion loan portfolio, approximately $1.57 billion was tied to variable interest rates, most of which reprice within one day of any interest rate change; approximately $0.6 billion was tied to fixed interest rates with scheduled maturities and $0.3 billion was tied to adjustable interest rates, which are ARM loans and reprice on a fixed schedule.

     The table below summarizes loans in the classifications indicated as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000.

                                         
Table Nine  
Loan Portfolio Composition
 
 
    December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 776,474     $ 724,340     $ 798,664     $ 631,814     $ 723,644  
Commercial non real estate
    212,031       212,010       223,178       222,497       297,728  
Construction
    332,264       358,217       215,859       321,716       246,136  
Mortgage
    347,606       280,748       237,085       289,953       496,892  
Consumer
    304,151       284,448       280,201       253,603       209,131  
Home equity
    467,166       393,041       317,730       228,169       179,028  
 
Total loans
    2,439,692       2,252,804       2,072,717       1,947,752       2,152,559  
 
Less — allowance for loan losses
    (26,872 )     (25,607 )     (27,204 )     (25,843 )     (28,447 )
Unearned income
    (291 )     (167 )     (247 )     (191 )     (215 )
 
Loans, net
  $ 2,412,529     $ 2,227,030     $ 2,045,266     $ 1,921,718     $ 2,123,897  
 

Deposits

     The Corporation’s CHAMP continues to attract new customers and deposits. During 2004, 38,607 new checking accounts were opened. This program is designed to develop new customer relationships, shift the Corporation’s funding mix towards lower-cost funding sources and generate additional fee income opportunities.

     Total deposits increased $181.9 million, or 7 percent, to $2.61 billion at December 31, 2004 compared to $2.43 billion at December 31, 2003. The increase in deposits was due to a $95.3 million increase in CDs resulting primarily from a promotional campaign launched in November. In addition, low-cost interest checking, savings and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $78.9 million and money market accounts increased $7.8 million. Table Two provides information on the average deposit balances for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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Other Borrowings

     Other borrowings consist of Federal Funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, FHLB borrowings and other miscellaneous borrowings. Federal funds purchased represent unsecured overnight borrowings from other financial institutions by the Bank. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent short-term borrowings by the Bank with maturities less than one year collateralized by a portion of the Corporation’s securities investment portfolio of the United States government or its agencies. These borrowings are an important source of funding to the Corporation. Access to alternate short-term funding sources allows the Corporation to meet funding needs without relying on increasing deposits on a short-term basis. FHLB borrowings are collateralized by securities from the Corporation’s investment portfolio and a blanket lien on certain qualifying commercial and single family loans held in the Corporation’s loan portfolio. FHLB borrowings are an alternative to other funding sources with similar maturities. Other borrowings increased slightly during the year, to $1.45 billion at December 31, 2004, from $1.43 billion at December 31, 2003. Deposit growth was the primary funding source for the growth in earning assets.

     The following is a schedule of other borrowings which consists of the following categories: securities sold under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

                                                 
Table Ten  
Other Borrowings
 
 
    December 31, 2004     December 31, 2003     December 31, 2002  
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate  
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
                                               
Balance as of
  $ 250,314       1.84 %   $ 319,018       1.03 %   $ 326,745       1.21 %
Average balance
    245,394       1.21       214,499       1.06       151,572       1.62  
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
    257,818               319,018               326,745          
 
                                               
FHLB borrowings:
                                               
Balance as of
    1,127,738       2.92       1,063,106       2.09       682,330       3.60  
Average balance
    1,135,630       2.22       906,627       2.88       726,016       4.01  
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
    1,194,095               1,063,106               833,340          
 
                                               
Other borrowings:
                                               
Balance as of
    71,684       1.67       50,076       1.46       33,365       1.89  
Average balance
    47,100       1.73       38,763       1.55       28,675       2.39  
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
    71,864               50,076               40,604          
 
Total:
                                               
Balance as of
  $ 1,449,736       2.68 %   $ 1,432,200       1.83 %   $ 1,042,440       2.99 %
Average balance
    1,428,124       1.99       1,159,889       2.50       906,263       3.56  
Maximum outstanding at any month-end
    1,523,777               1,432,200               1,200,689          

      

Credit Risk Management    
 

     The Corporation’s credit risk policy and procedures are centralized for every loan type. In addition, all mortgage, consumer and home equity loans are centrally decisioned. All loans flow through an independent closing unit to ensure proper documentation. Finally, all known collection or problem loans are centrally managed by experienced workout personnel. To monitor the effectiveness of policies and procedures, Management maintains a set of asset quality standards for past due, nonaccrual and watch list loans and monitors the trends of these standards over time. These standards are approved by the Board of Directors and reviewed quarterly with the Board of Directors for compliance.

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Loan Administration and Underwriting

     The Bank’s Chief Risk Officer is responsible for the continuous assessment of the Bank’s risk profile as well as making any necessary adjustments to policies and procedures. Commercial loan relationships less than $750,000 may be approved by experienced commercial loan officers, within their loan authority. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are approved by signature authority requiring at least two experienced officers for relationships greater than $750,000. The exceptions to this would include City Executives (senior loan officers) who are authorized to approve relationships up to $1.0 million and the Bank’s Strategic Partners Division, whose manager has $1.5 million of loan authority for such relationships. An independent Risk Manager is involved in the approval of commercial and commercial real estate relationships that exceed $1.0 million and Strategic Partner relationships that exceed $1.5 million. All relationships greater than $2.0 million receive a comprehensive annual review by either the senior credit analysts or lending officers of the Bank, which is then reviewed by the independent Risk Managers and/or the final approval officer with the appropriate signature authority. Commitments over $5.0 million are further reviewed by senior lending officers of the Bank, the Chief Risk Officer and the Lending Oversight Committee comprised of executive and senior management. In addition, commitments over $10.0 million are reviewed by the Board of Directors Loan Committee. These oversight committees provide policy, process, product and specific relationship direction to the lending personnel. The Corporation has a general target lending limit of $10.0 million per relationship; however, at times some loan relationships may exceed that limit. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation had 9 relationships with exposure greater than the $10.0 million lending limit. At December 31, 2004, the total loan balance of these relationships was $109.9 million, all of which were current, with unfunded commitments totaling $37.1 million.

     The Corporation’s loan portfolio consists of loans made for a variety of commercial and consumer purposes. Because commercial loans are made based to a great extent on the Corporation’s assessment of a borrower’s income, cash flow, character and ability to repay, such loans are viewed as involving a higher degree of credit risk than is the case with residential mortgage loans or consumer loans. To manage this risk, the Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio is managed under a defined process which includes underwriting standards and risk assessment, procedures for loan approvals, loan grading, ongoing identification and management of credit deterioration and portfolio reviews to assess loss exposure and to ascertain compliance with the Corporation’s credit policies and procedures.

     In general, consumer loans (including mortgage and home equity) are deemed less risky than commercial loans. Commercial loans (including commercial real estate, commercial non real estate and construction loans) are generally larger in size and more complex than consumer loans. Commercial real estate loans are deemed less risky than commercial non real estate and construction loans, as the collateral value of real estate generally maintains its value better than non real estate or construction collateral. Consumer loans, being smaller in size and more geographically diverse across the Corporation’s entire primary market area, provide risk diversity across the portfolio. Because mortgage loans are secured by first liens on the consumer’s residential real estate, they are the Corporation’s least risky loan type. Home equity loans are deemed less risky than unsecured consumer loans as home equity loans and lines are secured by first or second deeds of trust on the borrower’s residential real estate. A centralized decisioning process is in place to control the risk of the consumer, home equity and mortgage loan portfolio. This process is detailed in the underwriting guidelines, which cover each retail loan product type from underwriting, servicing, compliance issues and closing procedures.

     The Corporation’s primary market area includes the state of North Carolina but predominately centers around the metro region of Charlotte. At December 31, 2004, the majority of the total loan portfolio, as well as a substantial portion of the commercial and real estate loan portfolio, represents loans to borrowers within this metro region. An economic downturn in the Corporation’s primary market area could adversely affect its business. The diversity of the region’s economic base tends to provide a stable lending environment. No significant concentration of credit risk has been identified due to the diverse industrial base in the region.

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Derivatives

     Credit risk associated with derivatives is measured as the net replacement cost should the counter-parties with contracts in a gain position to the Corporation completely fail to perform under the terms of those contracts assuming no recoveries of underlying collateral. In managing derivative credit risk, both the current exposure, which is the replacement cost of contracts on the measurement date, as well as an estimate of the potential change in value of contracts over their remaining lives are considered. In managing credit risk associated with its derivative activities, the Corporation deals primarily with commercial banks, broker-dealers and corporations. To minimize credit risk, the Corporation enters into legally enforceable master netting agreements, which reduce risk by permitting the closeout and netting of transactions with the same counter-party upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the Corporation reduces risk by obtaining collateral based on individual assessments of the counter-parties to these agreements. The determination of the need for and levels of collateral will vary depending on the credit risk rating of the counter-party. During 2004, the Corporation entered into a series of interest rate swap agreements to provide an exchange of interest payments computed on notional amounts that will offset any undesirable change in fair value resulting from market rate changes on designated hedged items. See Asset-Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk for further details regarding these interest rate swap agreements.

Nonperforming Assets

     Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). The nonaccrual status is determined after a loan is 90 days past due as to principal or interest, unless in management’s opinion collection of both principal and interest is assured by way of collateralization, guarantees or other security and the loan is in the process of collection. OREO represents real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu thereof and is generally carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell.

     Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 decreased to $14.0 million compared to $14.9 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease includes the sale of $2.1 million of nonaccrual mortgage loans during the first quarter of 2004. OREO decreased to $3.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $6.8 million at December 31, 2003.

     As a result of the Corporation’s continued focus on asset quality, the initiatives taken in 2003 and in 2004 and generally improving economic conditions, asset quality remains strong. The table below summarizes the Corporation’s nonperforming assets and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest as of the dates indicated.

                                         
Table Eleven                        
Nonperforming and Problem Assets                        
    December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 13,970     $ 14,910     $ 26,467     $ 23,824     $ 26,587  
Other real estate
    3,844       6,836       10,278       8,049       2,989  
 
Total nonperforming assets
    17,814       21,746       36,745       31,873       29,576  
 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest
          21             152       430  
 
Total nonperforming assets and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest
  $ 17,814     $ 21,767     $ 36,745     $ 32,025     $ 30,006  
 
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
                                       
Total assets
    0.40 %     0.52 %     0.98 %     0.96 %     1.01 %
Loans and other real estate
    0.73 %     0.96 %     1.76 %     1.63 %     1.37 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
    1.92 x     1.72 x     1.03 x     1.08 x     1.07 x
 

     Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 were not concentrated in any one industry and primarily consisted of several large credits secured by real estate. Management anticipates that nonaccrual loans

34


 

may increase in the near term as some customers continue to experience difficulties in this current economic environment. Management has taken current economic conditions into consideration when estimating the allowance for loan losses. See Allowance for Loan Losses for a more detailed discussion.

     The determination to discontinue the accrual of interest is based on a review of each loan. Generally, accrual of interest is discontinued on loans 90 days past due as to principal or interest unless in management’s opinion collection of both principal and interest is assured by way of collateralization, guarantees or other security and the loan is in the process of collection. Management’s policy for any accruing loan greater than 90 days past due is to perform an analysis of the loan, including a consideration of the financial position of the borrower and any guarantor as well as the value of the collateral, and use this information to make an assessment as to whether collectibility of the principal and interest appears probable. If such collectibility is not probable, the loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when management determines, based on an evaluation of the underlying collateral together with the borrower’s payment record and financial condition, that the borrower has the ability and intent to meet the contractual obligations of the loan agreement.

Allowance for Loan Losses

     The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses consists of four components: (i) valuation allowances computed on impaired loans in accordance with SFAS No. 114; (ii) valuation allowance for certain classified loans; (iii) valuation allowances determined by applying historical loss rates to those loans not specifically identified as impaired; and (iv) valuation allowances for factors which management believes are not reflected in the historical loss rates or that otherwise need to be considered when estimating the allowance for loan losses. These four components are estimated quarterly by Credit Risk Management and, along with a narrative analysis, comprise the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses model. The resulting components are used by management to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

     All estimates of loan portfolio risk, including the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, are subject to general and local economic conditions, among other factors, which are unpredictable and beyond the Corporation’s control. Since a significant portion of the loan portfolio is comprised of real estate loans and loans to area businesses, the Corporation is subject to risk in the real estate market and changes in the economic conditions in its primary market area. Changes in these areas can increase or decrease the provision for loan losses.

     During 2004, the Corporation made no changes to its estimated loss percentages for economic factors. As a part of its quarterly assessment of the allowance for loan losses, the Corporation reviews key local, regional and national economic information and assesses its impact on the allowance for loan losses. Based on its review for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Corporation noted that economic conditions are mixed; however, management concluded that the impact on borrowers and local industries in the Corporation’s primary market area did not change significantly during the period. Accordingly, the Corporation did not modify its loss estimate percentage attributable to economic factors in its allowance for loan losses model.

     The Corporation continuously reviews its portfolio for any concentrations of loans to any one borrower or industry. To analyze its concentrations, the Corporation prepares various reports showing total loans to borrowers by industry, as well as reports showing total loans to one borrower. At the present time, the Corporation does not believe it is overly concentrated to any industry or specific borrower and therefore has made no allocations of allowances for loan losses for this factor for any of the periods presented.

     The Corporation also monitors the amount of operational risk that exists in the portfolio. This would include the front-end underwriting, documentation and closing processes associated with the lending decision. The percent of additional allocation for the operational reserve has not changed in recent periods.

35


 

     The table below presents certain data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000, including the following: (i) the allowance for loan losses at the beginning of the year, (ii) loans charged off and recovered (iii) loan charge-offs, net, (iv) the provision for loan losses, (v) the allowance for loan losses at year-end, (vi) the average amount of net loans outstanding during the quarter, (vii) the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and (viii) the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans at year-end.

                                         
Table Twelve                        
Allowance For Credit Losses                        
    Years Ended December 31,                    
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 25,607     $ 27,204     $ 25,843     $ 28,447     $ 25,002  
 
Loan charge-offs:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    4,240       5,382       3,056       4,280       2,532  
Real estate - construction
                641       50       351  
Real estate - mortgage
    1,037       716       304       564       519  
Installment
    3,275       3,382       2,989       2,512       1,661  
 
Total loans charged-off
    8,552       9,480       6,990       7,406       5,063  
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    894       455       223       243       623  
Real estate - construction
          24                    
Real estate - mortgage
    29             36       169       49  
Installment
    1,053       635       337       285       334  
Other
          34       132       57        
 
Total recoveries of loans previously charged-off
    1,976       1,148       728       754       1,006  
 
Net charge-offs
    6,576       8,332       6,262       6,652       4,057  
 
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270       4,465       7,615  
Adjustment for loans sold, securitized or transferred to held for sale
    (584 )     (20,783 )     (647 )     (417 )     (113 )
 
Balance, December 31
  $ 26,872     $ 25,607     $ 27,204     $ 25,843     $ 28,447  
 
 
Average loans
  $ 2,353,605     $ 2,126,821     $ 2,112,855     $ 1,980,080     $ 2,074,685  
Net charge-offs to average loans
    0.28 %     0.39 %     0.30 %     0.34 %     0.20 %
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans at year-end
    1.10       1.14       1.31       1.33       1.32  
 

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     Table Thirteen presents the categories of charge-offs and recoveries for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and is based upon the loan categories discussed in the Loan Portfolio section. Due to the restatement of historical financial information for the year ended December 31, 2000, as the result of a pooling-of-interest merger, it is not possible to provide information for 2000 in the categories of loans used below.

                                 
Table Thirteen            
Allowance For Credit Losses            
    Years Ended December 31,        
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002     2001  
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 25,607     $ 27,204     $ 25,843     $ 28,447  
 
Loan charge-offs:
                               
Commercial non real estate
    1,449       3,484       2,397       2,387  
Commercial real estate
    2,791       1,898       659       1,892  
Construction
                641       50  
Mortgage
    29       31       111       125  
Consumer
    3,275       3,382       2,989       2,513  
Home equity
    1,008       685       193       439  
 
Total loans charged-off
    8,552       9,480       6,990       7,406  
 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
                               
Commercial non real estate
    894       451       20       227  
Commercial real estate
          4       228       181  
Construction
          24              
Mortgage
    29             11        
Consumer
    1,053       635       337       289  
Other
          34       132       57  
 
Total recoveries of loans previously charged-off
    1,976       1,148       728       754  
 
Net charge-offs
    6,576       8,332       6,262       6,652  
 
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270       4,465  
Adjustment for loans sold, securitized or transferred to held for sale
    (584 )     (20,783 )     (647 )     (417 )
 
Balance, December 31
  $ 26,872     $ 25,607     $ 27,204     $ 25,843  
 
 
Average loans
  $ 2,353,605     $ 2,126,821     $ 2,112,855     $ 1,980,080  
Net charge-offs to average loans
    0.28 %     0.39 %     0.30 %     0.34 %
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans at year-end
    1.10       1.14       1.31       1.33  
 

     The allowance for loan losses was $26.9 million or 1.10 percent of gross loans at December 31, 2004 compared to $25.6 million or 1.14 percent of gross loans at December 31, 2003. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans decreased due to improved asset quality trends, as well as a change in the mix of the loan portfolio towards 1-4 family mortgages and home equity lines of credit. This type of secured lending generally carries lower credit risk and thus requires lower allocations in the Corporation’s allowance model. In addition, the allowance for loan losses was reduced by $0.6 million due to the sale of nonaccruing and accruing higher risk mortgage loans and by net charge-offs of $6.6 million. Net charge-offs benefited from one $0.6 million commercial loan recovery during the second quarter of 2004 and by the recovery of $0.4 million from the sale of previously charged-off consumer loans during the third quarter. These reductions were offset by an additional provision expense of $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

37


 

     The following table presents the dollar amount of the allowance for loan losses applicable to major loan categories and the percentage of the loans in each category to total loans as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000.

                                                                                 
Table Fourteen                                                                                
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses(1)                                                              
    December 31,
    2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
            Loan/             Loan/             Loan/             Loan/             Loan/
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Total Loans     Amount     Total Loans     Amount     Total Loans     Amount     Total Loans     Amount     Total Loans  
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 11,317       32 %   $ 12,011       32 %   $ 12,166       39 %   $ 9,532       32 %   $ 11,637       34 %
Commercial non real estate
    4,496       9       4,368       9       4,529       11       4,779       11       7,372       14  
Construction
    4,842       14       3,584       16       3,384       10       4,608       17       3,749       11  
Mortgage
    980       14       812       13       845       11       1,420       15       2,049       23  
Consumer
    3,845       12       3,569       13       4,560       14       4,124       13       2,661       10  
Home equity
    1,392       19       1,263       17       1,720       15       1,380       12       979       8  
 
Total
  $ 26,872       100 %   $ 25,607       100 %   $ 27,204       100 %   $ 25,843       100 %   $ 28,447       100 %
 


(1)   The allowance amounts assigned to each category of loans represent the historical loss experience of the loans adjusted for current economic events or conditions.

     Total commercial loan allocations of allowance for loan losses increased approximately $0.7 million in 2004. Commercial allowance allocations were affected by commercial loan growth, which was partially offset by lower historical loss factors as asset quality trends improved. As the asset quality in the commercial loan portfolio improves, the historical loss factors continue to decrease. Management anticipates these historical loss factors will trend lower over time, as the allowance model will be impacted by lower historical losses. Allocations of allowance for loan losses for consumer loans increased approximately $0.4 million in 2004 over 2003 due to consumer loan growth and higher historical loss factors for unsecured consumer loans. Mortgage loans allocation of allowance for loan losses increased approximately $0.2 million in 2004 over 2003 primarily due to mortgage loan growth, partially offset by the sale of nonaccruing and accruing higher risk mortgage loans.

     Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover inherent losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management believes it has established the allowance in consideration of the current economic environment. While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowances for loan losses. Such agencies may require the recognition of adjustments to the allowances based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Provision for Loan Losses

     The provision for loan losses is the amount charged to earnings which is necessary to maintain an adequate and appropriate allowance for loan losses. Accordingly, the factors which influence changes in the allowance for loan losses have a direct effect on the provision for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses changes from period to period as a result of a number of factors, the most significant of which for the Corporation include the following: (i) changes in the mix of types of loans; (ii) current charge-offs and recoveries of loans; (iii) changes in impaired loan valuation allowances; (iv) changes in valuations in certain performing loans which have specific allocations; (v) changes in credit grades within the portfolio, which arise from a deterioration or an improvement in the performance of the borrower; (vi) changes in historical loss percentages; and (vii) changes in the amounts of loans outstanding, which are used to estimate current probable loan losses. In addition, the Corporation considers other, more subjective factors which impact the credit quality of the portfolio as a whole and estimates allocations of allowance for loan losses for these factors, as well. These factors include loan concentrations, economic conditions and operational risks. Changes in these components of the allowance can arise from fluctuations in the underlying percentages used as related loss estimates for these factors, as well as variations in the portfolio balances to which they are applied. The net change in all of these components of the allowance for loan losses results in the provision for loan losses. For a more detailed discussion of the Corporation’s process for estimating the allowance for loan losses, see Allowance for Loan Losses.

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     The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $8.4 million compared to $27.5 million a year ago. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to the 2003 Loan Sale and improved asset quality trends. In addition, certain residential rental property loans totaling $12.9 million identified in the third quarter of 2003 resulted in the Corporation increasing the provision for loan losses by approximately $2.4 million during that period.

     The provision for loan losses was also impacted by a decrease in net charge-offs of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same year-ago period. Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $6.6 million, or 0.28 percent of average loans, compared to $8.3 million, or 0.39 percent of average loans for the same 2003 period. Net charge-offs benefited from a $0.6 million commercial loan recovery during the second quarter of 2004 and a third quarter 2004 recovery of $0.4 million from the sale of previously charged-off loans.

     
Market Risk Management
   
 

Asset-Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk

     The primary objective of the Corporation’s asset-liability management strategy is to enhance earnings through balance sheet growth while reducing or minimizing the risk caused by interest rate changes. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps; however, this method addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Management uses an earnings simulation model to assess the amount of earnings at risk due to changes in interest rates. Management believes this method more accurately measures interest rate risk. This model is updated monthly and is based on a range of interest rate shock scenarios. Under the Corporation’s policy, the limit for interest rate risk is 10 percent of net interest income when considering an increase or decrease in interest rates of 300 basis points over a twelve-month period. Assuming a 300 basis point pro-rata increase in interest rates over a twelve-month period, the Corporation’s sensitivity to interest rate risk would positively impact net interest income by approximately 4.5 percent of net interest income at December 31, 2004. Assuming a 200 basis point pro-rata decrease in interest rates over a twelve-month period, the Corporation’s sensitivity to interest rate risk would negatively impact net interest income by approximately 1.7 percent of net interest income at December 31, 2004. Although the Corporation’s policy for interest shock scenarios is an increase or decrease of 300 basis points, in the current low interest rate environment rate it believes a 200 basis point decline in rates is more appropriate. Both of the rate shock scenarios are within Management’s acceptable range. The Corporation also completes instantaneous parallel interest rate shocks. Assuming a 300 basis point increase in interest rates on January 1, 2005, the Corporation’s sensitivity to interest rate risk would positively impact net interest income by approximately 0.3 percent of net interest income at December 31, 2004. Assuming a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates at January 1, 2005, the Corporation’s sensitivity to interest rate risk would negatively impact net interest income by approximately 4.6 percent of net interest income at December 31, 2004.

     During 2004, the Corporation entered into a series of interest rate swap agreements. The interest rate swaps resulted in the Corporation receiving interest at an average fixed-rate of 5.16 percent and paying interest at an average variable-rate of 3.33 percent, which is based off LIBOR, for an average period of 5.9 years with a notional amount of $222 million.

     As a result of swapping $222 million of fixed-rate debt payments for variable-rate payments, the Corporation’s balance sheet would become liability sensitive. Therefore, as part of the Corporation’s ALM strategy of preserving the asset-sensitive nature of the Corporation’s balance sheet, the Corporation replaced $255 million of existing FHLB floating rate overnight borrowings with fixed-rate FHLB advances with maturities of one to three years.

     Interest rate swaps assist the Corporation’s ALM process. The Corporation’s interest rate risk management strategy includes the use of interest rate contracts to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. The Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity so that movements in interest rates do not have significant adverse effects on net interest income. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged fixed-rate liabilities appreciate or

39


 

depreciate in market value. Gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged fixed-rate liabilities are expected to substantially offset this unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

     Interest rate contracts, which are non-leveraged interest rate swaps, allow the Corporation to effectively manage its interest rate risk position. Non-leveraged interest rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed-rate and variable-rate interest payments based on the contractual underlying notional amount. Exposure to loss on these contracts will increase or decrease over their respective lives as interest rates fluctuate.

     Refer to Notes One and Seven of the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Corporation’s use of written over-the-counter covered call options.

     Table Fifteen summarizes the expected maturities and weighted average effective yields and rates associated with certain of the Corporation’s significant non-trading financial instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, federal funds sold and interest-bearing bank deposits are excluded from Table Fifteen as their respective carrying values approximate fair values. These financial instruments generally expose the Corporation to insignificant market risk as they have either no stated maturities or an average maturity of less than 30 days and interest rates that approximate market rates. However, these financial instruments could expose the Corporation to interest rate risk by requiring more or less reliance on alternative funding sources, such as long-term debt. For further information on the fair value of financial instruments, see Note Nineteen of the consolidated financial statements. The mortgage-backed securities are shown at their weighted average expected life, obtained from an outside evaluation of the average remaining life of each security based on historic prepayment speeds of the underlying mortgages at December 31, 2004. These expected maturities, weighted average effective yields and fair values will change if interest rates change. Demand deposits, money market accounts and certain savings deposits are presented in the earliest maturity window because they have no stated maturity.

40


 

                                                         
Table Fifteen              
Market Risk              
December 31, 2004              
            Expected Maturity  
(Dollars in thousands)   Total     1 Year     2 Years     3 Years     4 Years     5 Years     Thereafter  
Assets
                                                       
Debt securities
                                                       
Fixed rate
                                                       
Book value
  $ 1,463,817     $ 309,389     $ 253,708     $ 327,300     $ 375,940     $ 121,164     $ 76,316  
Weighted average effective yield
    3.80 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 1,458,148                                                  
Variable rate
                                                     
Book value
  $ 132,345       27,170       27,276       27,414       27,587       22,898        
Weighted average effective yield
    3.90 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 129,957                                                  
Loans and loans held for sale
                                                       
Fixed rate
                                                       
Book value
  $ 592,843       136,533       105,700       92,593       71,748       57,034       129,235  
Weighted average effective yield
    6.50 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 605,831                                                  
Variable rate
                                                     
Book value
  $ 1,825,012       636,345       269,002       190,693       121,805       74,649       532,518  
Weighted average effective yield
    6.95 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 1,922,140                                                  
 
                                                       
Liabilities
                                                       
Deposits
                                                       
Fixed rate
                                                       
Book value
  $ 1,285,447       1,011,481       153,228       109,075       8,726       2,937        
Weighted average effective yield
    2.52 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 1,286,271                                                  
Variable rate
                                                     
Book value
  $ 946,606       238,569       237,638       235,722       109,825       58,885       65,967  
Weighted average effective yield
    0.51 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 913,117                                                  
Other borrowings
                                                       
Fixed rate
                                                       
Book value
  $ 873,737       290,045       325,055       135,058       61       51,064       72,454  
Weighted average effective yield
    3.41 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 894,827                                                  
Variable rate
                                                     
Book value
  $ 575,999       575,999                                
Weighted average effective yield
    2.00 %                                                
Fair value
  $ 575,995                                                  

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     Table Sixteen presents the contractual maturity distribution and interest sensitivity of selected loan categories at December 31, 2004. This table excludes non-accrual loans.

                                 
Table Sixteen                            
Maturity and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates              
    December 31, 2004              
            Commercial              
    Commercial     Non Real              
(Dollars in thousands)   Real Estate     Estate     Construction     Total  
Fixed rate:
                               
1 year or less
  $ 33,299     $ 4,232     $ 32,620     $ 70,151  
1-5 years
    110,534       38,059       1,525       150,118  
After 5 years
    32,943       43,548       1,540       78,031  
         
Total fixed rate
    176,776       85,839       35,685       298,300  
         
Variable rate:
                               
1 year or less
    103,086       59,667       209,134       371,887  
1-5 years
    433,973       58,948       67,717       560,638  
After 5 years
    55,049       5,108       19,634       79,791  
         
Total variable rate
    592,108       123,723       296,485       1,012,316  
         
Total selected loans
  $ 768,884     $ 209,562     $ 332,170     $ 1,310,616  
         

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

     The Corporation 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 standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer so long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require collateral from the borrower if deemed necessary by the Corporation. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party up to a stipulated amount and with specified terms and conditions. Standby letters of credit are recorded as a liability by the Corporation at the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. Commitments to extend credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by the Corporation until the instrument is exercised. Refer to Note Seventeen of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of commitments. The Corporation does not have any special purpose entities or off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

     The following table presents aggregated information about commitments of the Corporation which could impact future periods.

                                         
Table Seventeen                    
Commitments                    
As of December 31, 2004                    
    Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period                  
    Less than                             Total Amounts  
(Dollars in thousands)   1 year     1-3 Years     4-5 Years     Over 5 Years     Committed  
 
                             
Lines of Credit
  $ 29,005     $ 3,568     $ 2,453     $ 335,625     $ 370,651  
Standby Letters of Credit
    7,815       1,266                   9,081  
Loan Commitments
    368,917       68,766       15,860       19,448       472,991  
           
Total Commitments
  $ 405,737     $ 73,600     $ 18,313     $ 355,073     $ 852,723  
           

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Liquidity Risk

     Liquidity is the ability to maintain cash flows adequate to fund operations and meet obligations and other commitments on a timely and cost-effective basis. Liquidity is provided by the ability to attract retail deposits, by current earnings, and by a strong capital base that enables the Corporation to use alternative funding sources that complement normal sources. Management’s asset-liability policy is to maximize net interest income while continuing to provide adequate liquidity to meet continuing loan demand and deposit withdrawal requirements and to service normal operating expenses.

     The Corporation’s primary source of funding is proceeds from customer deposits, other borrowings, loan repayments, and securities-available-for-sale. Cash flows from operations are a significant component of liquidity risk management and include both deposit maturities and scheduled cash flows from loan and investment maturities payments. Cash flows from operating activities increased in 2004 mainly due to net income, an increase in other liabilities and a decrease in other assets, partially offset by greater funding needs for originations of mortgage loans held for sale than proceeds received from the sale of such loans. Cash flows used in investing activities declined in 2004 as the purchases of securities-available-for-sale and loan originations exceeded the sale and maturities of securities-available-for-sale. Cash flows from financing activities increased mainly due to an increase in deposits and other borrowings to fund the increase in securities-available-for-sale and loans, partially offset by dividends paid.

     If additional funding sources are needed, the Bank has access to federal fund lines at correspondent banks and borrowings from the Federal Reserve discount window. In addition to these sources, as described above, the Bank is a member of the FHLB, which provides access to FHLB lending sources. At December 31, 2004, the Bank had an available line of credit with the FHLB totaling $1.33 billion with $1.13 billion outstanding. At December 31, 2004, the Bank also had federal funds back-up lines of credit totaling $85.0 million with $20.0 million outstanding. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation had a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank totaling $25.0 million with $12.0 million outstanding and commercial paper outstandings of $59.7 million.

     Another source of liquidity is the securities-available-for-sale portfolio. See Securities-available-for-sale for further discussion. Management believes the Bank’s sources of liquidity are adequate to meet loan demand, operating needs and deposit withdrawal requirements.

     The Corporation has existing contractual obligations that will require payments in future periods. The following table presents aggregated information about such payments to be made in future periods. The Corporation anticipates refinancing, during 2005, any contractual obligations that are due in less than one year.

                                         
Table Eighteen                        
Contractual Obligations                        
As of December 31, 2004                        
          Payments Due by Period              
    Less than                          
(Dollars in thousands)   1 year     1-3 Years     4-5 Years     Over 5 Years     Total  
Other borrowings - Long-term debt
  $ 685,999     $ 433,930     $ 149,963     $ 179,844     $ 1,449,736  
Operating lease obligations
    1,986       2,542       2,006       12,546       19,080  
Purchase obligations (1)
    2,316       1,846       616             4,778  
Equity method investees funding
    2,320                         2,320  
Deposits(2)
    2,335,530       262,303       11,892       121       2,609,846  
Other obligations(3)
    1,392       2,911       952       2,162       7,417  
           
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
  $ 3,029,543     $ 703,532     $ 165,429     $ 194,673     $ 4,093,177  
           


(1)   Represents obligations under existing executory contracts.
(2)   Deposits with no stated maturity (demand, money market, and savings deposits) are presented in the less than one year category.
(3)   Represents obligations under employment, severance and retirement contracts.

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Capital Management

     The objective of effective capital management is to generate above-market returns on equity to the Corporation’s shareholders while maintaining adequate regulatory capital ratios. The Corporation uses capital to fund growth, acquire other companies, pay dividends and repurchase its common stock.

     Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 increased to $314.7 million, representing 7.10 percent of period-end assets compared to $299.4 million or 7.12 percent of period-end assets at December 31, 2003. The increase was due mainly to net income of $42.4 million partially offset by cash dividends of $0.75 per share, which resulted in cash dividend payments of $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. In addition, the after-tax unrealized loss on securities-available-for-sale at December 31, 2004 was $4.9 million compared to an after-tax unrealized gain of $6.2 million at December 31, 2003. This decrease was due to an increase in short- and intermediate-term interest rates.

     On January 23, 2002, the Corporation’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million shares of the Corporation’s common stock. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation had repurchased a total of 1.4 million shares of its common stock at an average per-share price of $17.52 under this authorization, which has reduced shareholders’ equity by $24.5 million. No shares were repurchased under this authorization during the year ended December 31, 2004.

     On October 24, 2003, the Corporation’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock. At December 31, 2004, no shares had been repurchased under this authorization.

     The principal asset of the Corporation is its investment in the Bank. Thus, the Corporation derives its principal source of income through dividends from the Bank. Certain regulatory and other requirements restrict the lending of funds by the Bank to the Corporation and the amount of dividends which can be paid to the Corporation. In addition, certain regulatory agencies may prohibit the payment of dividends by the Bank if they determine that such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. See Business -Governmental Supervision and Regulation, Business-Capital and Operational Requirements and Note Twenty of notes to consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of these restrictions.

     The Corporation and the Bank must comply with regulatory capital requirements established by the applicable federal regulatory agencies. Under the standards of the Federal Reserve Board, the Corporation must maintain a minimum ratio of Tier I Capital (as defined) to total risk-weighted assets of 4.00 percent and a minimum ratio of Total Capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets of 8.00 percent. Tier I Capital is comprised of total shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles less certain intangible assets and excluding unrealized gains or losses on securities-available-for-sale. Total Capital is comprised of Tier I Capital plus certain adjustments, the largest of which for the Corporation is the allowance for loan losses (up to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets). Total Capital must consist of at least 50 percent of Tier 1 Capital. Risk-weighted assets refer to the on- and off-balance sheet exposures of the Corporation adjusted for their related risk levels using amounts set forth in Federal Reserve standards.

     In addition to the aforementioned risk-based capital requirements, the Corporation is subject to a leverage capital requirement, requiring a minimum ratio of Tier I Capital (as defined previously) to total adjusted average assets of 3.00 percent to 5.00 percent.

     The Bank also has similar regulatory capital requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board. See Business-Governmental Supervision and Regulation, Business-Capital and Operational Requirements and Note Twenty of notes to consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of these requirements.

     At December 31, 2004, the Corporation and the Bank were in compliance with all existing capital requirements. The most recent notifications from the Corporation’s and the Bank’s various regulators categorized the Corporation and the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt

44


 

corrective action. In the judgment of management, there have been no events or conditions since those notifications that would change the “well capitalized” status of the Corporation or the Bank. The Corporation’s capital requirements are summarized in the table below:

Table Nineteen
Capital Ratios

   
                    Risk-Based Capital  
    Leverage Capital     Tier 1 Capital     Total Capital  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Percentage (1)     Amount     Percentage (2)     Amount     Percentage (2)  
 
Actual
  $ 297,906       6.76 %   $ 297,906       10.08 %   $ 324,814       10.99 %
Required
    176,194       4.00       118,211       4.00       236,421       8.00  
Excess
    121,712       2.76       179,695       6.08       88,393       2.99  


(1)   Percentage of total adjusted average assets. The Federal Reserve Board minimum leverage ratio requirement is 3.00 percent to 5.00 percent, depending on the institution’s composite rating as determined by its regulators. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised the Corporation of any specific requirement applicable to it.
 
(2)   Percentage of risk-weighted assets.

2003 VERSUS 2002


     The following discussion and analysis provides a comparison or the Corporation’s results of operations for 2003 and 2002. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes on pages 52 through 87. In addition, Table One contains financial data to supplement this discussion.

Overview

     Net income amounted to $14.1 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2003, a decrease from earnings of $39.8 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease was due to the costs associated with the refinancing of fixed-term advances and a higher provision for loan losses due to the 2003 Loan Sale.

Net Interest Income

     For the year ended December 31, 2003, net interest income amounted to $107.8 million, a decrease of approximately 5 percent from net interest income of $113.2 million in 2002. The decrease in net interest income was mainly due to lower interest income on earning assets resulting from the effects of the declining interest rate environment. The reinvestment of the proceeds from the 2003 Loan Sale and the sale of the Corporation’s credit card portfolio were made in lower yielding securities. Also, during 2003, the mortgage-backed securities portfolio produced lower effective yields due to increased amortization of premiums resulting from increased prepayment speeds of underlying mortgages. The decrease in interest income was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense. This decrease was due to a decline in interest rates across the yield curve, a shift in funding sources from higher cost retail certificates of deposit to lower cost transaction based accounts and the benefits from the refinancing of $131.0 million of fixed-term advances in 2003 and $100 million of fixed-term advances late in 2002.

     The net interest margin decreased 55 basis points to 3.00 percent in 2003, compared to 3.55 percent in 2002. The decrease reflected the impact of the declining interest rate environment, which compressed the net interest margin as assets repriced faster than liabilities due to the asset-sensitive nature of the Corporation’s balance sheet. In addition, reinvestment rates of assets were lower than rates earned by assets previously on the balance sheet.

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Provision for Loan Losses

     The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2003 amounted to $27.5 million compared to $8.3 million a year ago. The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to the 2003 Loan Sale and a $2.4 million increase in the provision related to certain residential rental property loans identified in the second quarter of 2003.

     Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2003 amounted to $8.3 million, or 0.39 percent of average loans compared to $6.3 million, or 0.30 percent of average loans for the same 2002 period. These increases in net charge-offs were due to higher commercial and consumer loan charge-offs due to the impact of the 2003 weak economic environment and $1.1 million of residential rental property loans charged-off.

Noninterest Income

     Noninterest income increased $16.5 million, or 35 percent, to $64.2 million compared to the same period in 2002. The increase was due to several factors. Net losses from equity method investments amounted to $0.3 million in 2003 versus net losses of $5.8 million for 2002. The Corporation’s investment in BOLI resulted in a $3.9 million increase in income as the product was purchased late in the fourth quarter of 2002. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $3.0 million due to growth in checking accounts and increased activity. In the first quarter of 2003, the Corporation sold its credit card portfolio for a gain of $2.3 million. Financial management income increased $1.3 million primarily due to the purchase of a third party benefits administrator in the third quarter of 2003. Mortgage services income increased $0.7 million, which was driven by record refinancing volume based on record low interest rates. Brokerage revenues increased $0.7 million as customers began to return to the equities market. Insurance services income increased $0.6 million partly due to the acquisition of two insurance agencies. Other noninterest income increased $0.6 million due to increased ATM fees, merchant income and mortgage servicing income. These improvements were partially offset by a $1.3 million reduction in gains on sales of securities and a $0.3 million decrease in trading gains.

Noninterest Expense

     Noninterest expense totaled $127.0 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $29.3 million compared to 2002. The variance includes a $19.1 million cost associated with prepaying $131.0 million in fixed rate advances in 2003 versus a $3.3 million cost associated with prepaying $100 million in fixed-rate advances in 2002. In addition, noninterest expense was affected by a $5.0 million increase in professional fees primarily due to the 2003 Loan Sale and other consulting services. Noninterest expense was also impacted by a $4.7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits due to additional personnel, including the acquisition of a third party benefits administrator and two insurance agencies, increased medical expenses and increased commission-based compensation due to increased revenue in the Corporation’s mortgage, brokerage and insurance services areas. These increases were partially offset by lower incentive compensation and employee benefit accruals. Other items impacting noninterest expense were a $1.9 million increase in marketing expense primarily associated with the implementation of CHAMP and a $1.0 million increase in other operating expense primarily due to increased mortgage servicing fees, non-credit losses and other miscellaneous expenses.

Income Tax Expense

     The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 amounted to $3.3 million for an effective tax rate of 18.9 percent, compared to $14.9 million for an effective tax rate of 27.3 percent for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in the income tax expense and the effective tax rate for 2003 was attributable to the decrease in taxable income relative to nontaxable components of earnings.

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Regulatory Recommendations


     During the third quarter of 2003, the Bank entered into a written agreement (the “Written Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Federal Reserve Bank”) and the Office of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the “Banking Commissioner”), the Bank’s primary federal and state regulatory agencies. The Written Agreement required the Bank to take appropriate actions to improve its programs and procedures for complying with the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act and the anti-money laundering provisions of Regulation H of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank subsequently took substantial actions, and adopted and implemented a number of policies and procedures, to address the concerns of the regulatory agencies. As a result of these actions, the Federal Reserve Bank, in concurrence with the Banking Commissioner, terminated the Written Agreement effective July 2, 2004.

     Management is not presently aware of any current recommendations to the Corporation or to the Bank by regulatory authorities which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on the Corporation’s liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

Accounting Matters


     In December 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position 03-03 (“SOP 03-03”), which addresses the accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. SOP 03-03 includes loans acquired in purchase business combinations and applies to all nongovernmental entities. SOP 03-03 does not apply to loans originated by the entity. SOP 03-03 is effective for loans acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004. The Corporation does not expect adoption of SOP 03-03 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     In November 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 03-01, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (“EITF 03-01”). EITF 03-01 provided guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and requires certain disclosures with respect to these investments. In September 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a FASB Staff Position (“FSP EITF 03-1-b”) to delay the requirement to record impairment losses EITF 03-1. The guidance also included accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requirements for disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The approved delay by FSP EITF 03-1-b will apply to all securities within the scope of EITF 03-1 and is expected to end when new guidance is issued and comes into effect. The Corporation will evaluate the new guidance on EITF 03-1 upon issuance.

     In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(r) (“SFAS No. 123(r)”), “Share-Based Payment”, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. FASB 123(r) requires companies to recognize in the income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is usually the vesting period. FASB 123(r) sets accounting requirements for “share-based” compensation to employees, including employee-stock purchase plans (“ESPPs”). Awards to most nonemployee directors will be accounted for as employee awards. This Statement is effective for public companies that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of interim or annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Corporation will adopt FASB 123(r) on July 1, 2005, and is currently evaluating the effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     In October of 2004, Congress enacted the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “2004 Act”). Under this legislation, non-qualified deferred compensation plans are subject to new rules governing to the

47


 

income tax treatment of contributions and distributions related to these plans. The 2004 Act could provide less favorable overall income tax treatment for mutual fund option investments beginning in 2005. As a result, participants in the OPT Plan and the Plan may direct the administrative committee to invest their 2005 deferrals directly into mutual funds while the Corporation reviews further guidance from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the mutual fund option investments. The Corporation does not anticipate any material effects on its consolidated financial statements from the 2004 Act.

     From time to time, the FASB issues exposure drafts for proposed statements of financial accounting standards. Such exposure drafts are subject to comment from the public, to revisions by the FASB and to final issuance by the FASB as statements of financial accounting standards. Management considers the effect of the proposed statements on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and monitors the status of changes to and proposed effective dates of exposure drafts.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     Certain information called for by Item 7A is set forth in Item 7 under the caption Market Risk Management on page 39 and is incorporated herein by reference.

48


 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Charter Corporation

     We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that First Charter Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). First Charter Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

     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, management’s assessment that First Charter Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, First Charter Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

     We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of First Charter Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,

49


 

2004, and our report dated February 28, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

(KPMG LLP LOGO)                                                   

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2005

50


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Charter Corporation

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Charter Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 financial position of First Charter Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

     We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting of the Corporation as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

(KPMG LLP LOGO)                                                   

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2005

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First Charter Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

                 
    December 31     December 31  
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)   2004     2003  
 
Assets:
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 90,238     $ 88,564  
Federal funds sold
    1,589       1,311  
Interest bearing bank deposits
    6,184       23,631  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    98,011       113,506  
 
Securities available for sale (cost of $1,660,703 at December 31, 2004 and $1,591,803 at December 31, 2003; carrying amount of pledged collateral at December 31, 2004, $1,140,234)
    1,652,732       1,601,900  
Loans held for sale
    5,326       5,137  
 
               
Loans
    2,439,692       2,252,804  
Less: Unearned income
    (291 )     (167 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (26,872 )     (25,607 )
 
Loans, net
    2,412,529       2,227,030  
 
Premises and equipment, net
    97,565       95,756  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    23,241       22,872  
Other assets
    142,201       140,492  
 
Total assets
  $ 4,431,605     $ 4,206,693  
 
 
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits, domestic:
               
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 377,793     $ 326,679  
Interest bearing
    2,232,053       2,101,218  
 
Total deposits
    2,609,846       2,427,897  
 
Short-term borrowings
    685,998       959,094  
Long-term borrowings
    763,738       473,106  
Other liabilities
    57,336       47,157  
 
Total liabilities
    4,116,918       3,907,254  
 
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock - - no par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 30,054,256 and 29,720,163 shares
    121,464       115,270  
Common stock held in Rabbi Trust for deferred compensation
    (808 )     (636 )
Deferred compensation payable in common stock
    808       636  
Retained earnings
    198,085       178,008  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
               
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale, net
    (4,862 )     6,161  
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    314,687       299,439  
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,431,605     $ 4,206,693  
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

52


 

First Charter Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

                         
    Years Ended December 31  
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Interest income:
                       
Loans
  $ 124,169     $ 118,911     $ 135,085  
Federal funds sold
    19       20       20  
Interest bearing bank deposits
    201       465       169  
Securities
    62,914       58,896       61,114  
 
Total interest income
    187,303       178,292       196,388  
 
Interest expense:
                       
Deposits
    35,350       41,544       50,957  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    2,969       2,288       2,492  
Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings
    25,974       26,658       29,778  
 
Total interest expense
    64,293       70,490       83,227  
 
Net interest income
    123,010       107,802       113,161  
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270  
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    114,585       80,284       104,891  
 
                       
Noninterest income:
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
    25,564       22,143       19,133  
Financial management income
    5,848       3,705       2,396  
Gain on sale of securities, net
    2,383       10,287       11,539  
Gain on sale of credit card loan portfolio
          2,262        
Loss from equity method investees
    (349 )     (285 )     (5,801 )
Mortgage services income
    1,748       2,912       2,236  
Brokerage services income
    3,112       3,016       2,288  
Insurance services income
    11,269       9,408       8,770  
Trading gains
    163       1,801       2,078  
Bank owned life insurance
    3,413       3,888       16  
Other
    7,745       4,796       4,755  
 
Total noninterest income
    60,896       63,933       47,410  
 
 
                       
Noninterest expense:
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    58,493       54,752       50,085  
Occupancy and equipment
    17,226       16,504       16,032  
Data processing
    4,034       2,816       2,968  
Marketing
    4,351       4,435       2,562  
Postage and supplies
    4,959       4,521       4,333  
Professional services
    9,574       11,582       6,615  
Telephone
    1,998       2,267       1,951  
Amortization of intangibles
    461       441       367  
Prepayment costs on borrowings
          19,089       3,284  
Other
    9,921       10,378       9,354  
 
Total noninterest expense
    111,017       126,785       97,551  
 
Income before income taxes
    64,464       17,432       54,750  
Income taxes
    22,022       3,286       14,947  
 
Net income
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
 
 
                       
Net income per share:
                       
Basic
  $ 1.42     $ 0.47     $ 1.30  
Diluted
  $ 1.40     $ 0.47     $ 1.30  
Weighted average shares:
                       
Basic
    29,859,683       29,789,969       30,520,125  
Diluted
    30,277,063       30,007,435       30,702,107  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

53


 

First Charter Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

                                                         
   
                    Common Stock                            
                    held in Rabbi     Deferred             Accumulated        
                    Trust for     Compensation             Other        
    Common Stock     Deferred     Payable in     Retained     Comprehensive        
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)   Shares     Amount     Compensation     Common Stock     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Total  
 
Balance, December 31, 2001
    30,742,532     $ 135,167   $   (388 )   $ 388     $ 168,334     $ 5,840     $ 309,341  
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            39,803             39,803  
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net
                                  10,076       10,076  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    49,879  
Common stock purchased by Rabbi Trust for deferred compensation
                (88 )                       (88 )
Deferred compensation payable in common stock
                      88                   88  
Cash dividends
                            (22,237 )           (22,237 )
Stock options exercised and Dividend Reinvestment Plan stock issued
    136,215       1,596                               1,596  
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (809,600 )     (13,894 )                             (13,894 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
    30,069,147       122,870       (476 )     476       185,900       15,916       324,686  
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            14,146             14,146  
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
                                  (9,755 )     (9,755 )
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    4,391  
Common stock purchased by Rabbi Trust for deferred compensation
                (160 )                       (160 )
Deferred compensation payable in common stock
                      160                   160  
Cash dividends
                            (22,038 )           (22,038 )
Stock options exercised
    137,575       1,700                               1,700  
Shares issued in connection with business acquisition
    78,441       1,323                               1,323  
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (565,000 )     (10,623                               (10,623 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
    29,720,163     115,270     (636 )   636     178,008     6,161     299,439  
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            42,442             42,442  
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
                                  (11,023 )     (11,023 )
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    31,419  
Common stock purchased by Rabbi Trust for deferred compensation
                (172 )                       (172 )
Deferred compensation payable in common stock
                      172                   172  
Cash dividends
                            (22,365 )           (22,365 )
Stock options exercised and Dividend Reinvestment Plan stock issued
    267,576       4,605                               4,605  
Shares issued in connection with business acquisition
    47,970       1,175                               1,175  
Restricted stock issued
    18,547       414                               414  
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
    30,054,256     $ 121,464     $ (808 )   $ 808     $ 198,085     $ (4,862 )   $ 314,687  
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54


 

First Charter Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
    Years Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270  
Depreciation
    9,064       8,952       9,535  
Amortization of intangibles
    461       441       367  
Premium amortization and discount accretion, net
    3,296       6,867       1,466  
Net gain on securities available for sale transactions
    (2,383 )     (10,287 )     (11,539 )
Net (gain) loss on foreclosed assets
    (172 )     265       211  
Write-downs on foreclosed assets
    116              
Net loss from equity method investments
    349       285       5,801  
Net gain on sale of property
    (777 )     (382 )     (904 )
Net loss (gain) on sale of equipment
    62       5       (39 )
Gain on sale of credit card loan portfolio
          (2,262 )      
Gain on sale of deposits and loans
    (339 )            
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
    (95,635 )     (278,165 )     (159,049 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
    54,704       144,510       137,736  
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
    (3,413 )     (3,888 )      
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    6,463       (5,954 )     865  
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    9,425       (9,642 )     4,238  
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    32,088       (107,591 )     36,761  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    139,261       1,004,264       746,886  
Proceeds from calls and maturities of securities available for sale
    419,251       551,072       275,298  
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (587,582 )     (1,753,691 )     (1,048,473 )
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
                (70,000 )
Net increase in loans and loans held for sale
    (204,108 )     (267,843 )     (267,168 )
Proceeds from sale of loans
    5,828       40,220        
Proceeds from sales of other real estate
    5,433       10,452       3,153  
Net purchases of premises and equipment
    (10,136 )     (9,528 )     (7,166 )
Proceeds from sale of credit card portfolio
          13,242        
Divestitures and acquisition of business activities, net of cash paid
    (6,755 )     (991 )      
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (238,808 )     (412,803 )     (367,470 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Net increase in demand, money market and savings accounts
    93,219       210,268       85,765  
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
    98,229       (105,016 )     73,936  
Net increase in securities sold under repurchase agreements and other borrowings
    17,537       389,759       233,928  
Purchase and retirement of common stock
          (10,623 )     (13,894 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    4,605       1,700       1,596  
Dividends paid
    (22,365 )     (22,038 )     (22,237 )
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    191,225       464,050       359,094  
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (15,495 )     (56,344 )     28,385  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    113,506       169,850       141,465  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 98,011     $ 113,506     $ 169,850  
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 62,977     $ 72,699     $ 85,070  
Cash paid for income taxes
    18,548       12,619       4,352  
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
                       
Transfer of loans and premises and equipment to other real estate owned
    2,385       7,272       5,593  
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale (net of tax effect of ($7,045), ($6,254), and $6,451 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively)
    (11,023 )     (9,755 )     10,076  
Issuance of common stock for business acquisitions
    1,175       1,323        
Loans held for sale securitized and transferred to the securities available for sale portfolio
    40,742       286,922       130,084  
Allowance related to loans sold, securitized or transferred to held for sale
    584       20,783       647  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

55


 

First Charter Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

Note One - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     The following is a description of the more significant accounting and reporting policies which First Charter Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its subsidiary, First Charter Bank (“FCB” or the “Bank”), follow in preparing and presenting their consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, FCB, a North Carolina state bank. In addition, through First Charter Brokerage Services, Inc., a subsidiary of FCB, the Corporation offers full service and discount brokerage services, annuity sales and financial planning services pursuant to a third party arrangement with UVEST Investment Services. The Bank also operates two other subsidiaries: First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. and First Charter Leasing and Investments, Inc. First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation formed to meet the insurance needs of businesses and individuals throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area. First Charter Leasing and Investments, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation engaged in commercial equipment leasing and the management of investment securities. It also acts as the holding company for First Charter of Virginia Realty Investments, Inc., a Virginia corporation. First Charter of Virginia Realty Investments, Inc. is engaged in the mortgage origination business and also acts as a holding company for First Charter Realty Investments, Inc., a Delaware real estate investment trust. First Charter Realty Investments, Inc. is the holding company for FCB Real Estate, Inc., a North Carolina real estate investment trust, and First Charter Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company, which owns and maintains the real estate property and assets of the Corporation. FCB Real Estate, Inc. primarily invests in commercial and 1-4 family residential real estate loans. The Bank also has a majority ownership in Lincoln Center at Mallard Creek, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company. Lincoln Center is a three-story office building occupied in part by a branch of FCB.

     The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     Reclassifications of certain amounts in the previously issued consolidated financial statements have been made to conform to the financial statement presentation for 2004. Such reclassifications had no effect on the net income or shareholders’ equity of the combined entity as previously reported.

Business

     The Bank, either directly or through its subsidiaries, provides businesses and individuals a broad range of financial services, including banking, comprehensive financial planning, funds management, investments, insurance, mortgages and a full array of employee benefit programs. The Bank is a regional financial services company operating 53 financial centers, seven insurance offices and 110 ATMs located in 18 counties throughout North Carolina. FCB also operates an additional mortgage origination office in Virginia.

56


 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

     In October 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45, (“FASB Interpretation No. 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” which establishes disclosure standards for a guarantor about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. Under FASB Interpretation No. 45 a guarantor is required to disclose the nature of the guarantee, including the approximate term of the guarantee, how the guarantee arose, and the events or circumstances that would require the guarantor to perform under the guarantee. The guarantor is also required to disclose the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantee, the carrying amount of the liability, if any, for the guarantor’s obligations under the guarantee, and the nature and extent of any recourse provisions or available collateral that would enable the guarantor to recover the amounts paid under the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement of FASB Interpretation No. 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Accordingly, the Corporation adopted these provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45 on January 1, 2003. The impact to the Corporation upon adoption was immaterial. See Note Seventeen for relevant disclosures about the Corporation’s guarantees.

     In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (“SFAS No. 148”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123”. This Statement amends SFAS No. 123, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of that Statement to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, this Statement amends APB Opinion No. 28 (“APB No. 28”), “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. The disclosure provisions of this statement, except for the amendment of APB No. 28, are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. Accordingly, the Corporation adopted the disclosure provisions pursuant to this portion of the interpretation on December 31, 2002 and these disclosures are presented in Note Sixteen. The provisions of this statement related to the amendment of APB Opinion No. 28 are effective for financial reports containing condensed financial statements for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. Accordingly, the Corporation adopted the disclosure provisions relevant to interim financial reporting on January 1, 2003, and these disclosures are presented in the notes to the Corporation’s interim and annual consolidated financial statements.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which addresses consolidation of variable interest entities by business enterprises. Variable interest entities are entities with equity interests that do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. An enterprise shall consolidate a variable interest entity if that enterprise has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns if they occur, or both. The enterprise that consolidates the variable interest entity is called the primary beneficiary of that entity. Under FIN 46 an enterprise that holds significant variable interests in a variable interest entity, but is not the primary beneficiary, is required to disclose the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the variable interest entity, its exposure to loss as a result of the variable interest holder’s involvement with the entity, and the nature of its involvement with the entity and date when the involvement began. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is required to disclose the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the variable interest entity, the carrying amount and classification of consolidated assets that are collateral for the variable interest entity’s obligations, and any lack of recourse by creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of a consolidated variable interest entity to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 (“FIN 46 R”), which clarifies and interprets certain provisions of FIN 46, without changing the basic accounting model of FIN 46. The Corporation adopted the provisions of FIN 46 and FIN 46 R effective March 2004 with no material effect on its consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation did not have any significant investments in variable interest entities.

57


 

     In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 (“SFAS No. 149”), “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS No. 133”). This statement clarifies when a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative, clarifies when a derivative instrument contains a financing component, amends the definition of an underlying to conform it to language used in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”, and amends certain other existing pronouncements. This Statement requires that contracts with comparable characteristics be accounted for similarly. This Statement is effective for most contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. For contracts with forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, this Statement is effective for both existing contracts and new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. All provisions of this Statement should be applied prospectively. The Corporation adopted SFAS No. 149 on July 1, 2003 with no material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (“SFAS No. 150”), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”, which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Accordingly, the Corporation adopted SFAS No. 150 on July 1, 2003, with no effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     In November 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 03-01, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (“EITF 03-01”). EITF 03-01 provided guidance for evaluating whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired and requires certain disclosures with respect to these investments. The disclosure requirements in EITF 03-01 were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. The Corporation adopted the disclosure provisions on December 31, 2003.

     In March 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 105 (“SAB 105”), which contains specific guidance on the inputs to a valuation-recognition model to measure loan commitments accounted for at fair value. SAB 105 requires that fair-value measurement include only differences between the guaranteed interest rate in the loan commitment and a market interest rate, excluding any expected future cash flows related to the customer relationship or loan servicing. SAB 105 is effective for mortgage-loan commitments that are accounted for as derivatives and are entered into after March 31, 2004. The Corporation adopted SAB 105 on April 1, 2004, with no material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

     From time to time, the FASB issues exposure drafts for proposed statements of financial accounting standards. Such exposure drafts are subject to comment from the public, to revisions by the FASB and to final issuance by the FASB as statements of financial accounting standards. Management considers the effect of the proposed statements on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and monitors the status of changes to and proposed effective dates of exposure drafts.

Securities

     The Corporation classifies securities as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity or trading based on management’s intent at the date of purchase or securitization. At December 31, 2004, all of the Corporation’s securities are categorized as available-for-sale and, accordingly, are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices, with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, reflected as an element of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The Corporation intends to hold these available-for-sale securities for an indefinite period of time, but may sell them prior to maturity in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, changes in the liquidity needs of the Bank, and other factors. Securities for which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than-

58


 

temporary are written down to fair value with the write-down recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income. The fair value of the securities is determined by a third party as of a date in close proximity to the end of the reporting period. The valuation is based on available quoted market prices or quoted market prices for similar securities if a quoted market price is not available. Securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity would be classified as held to maturity and reported at cost. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation held no securities in this category. As more fully discussed in Note Seven, the Corporation had a nominal amount of trading assets at December 31, 2004, which are carried at fair value. These trading assets are held for resale in the near term, and changes in their fair value are reflected in the statement of income. The fair value of trading account assets is based on quoted market prices.

     Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized when realized on the trade date on a specific identification basis. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income using a level yield method.

Loans Held for Sale

     Loans held for sale include mortgage loans and are valued at the lower of cost or market. Market value is determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Periodically, the Corporation securitizes mortgage loans held for sale and these assets are classified as securities-available-for-sale.

Loans

     Loans are carried at their principal amount outstanding. Interest income is recorded as earned on an accrual basis. The determination to discontinue the accrual of interest is based on a review of each loan. Generally, accrual of interest is discontinued on loans 90 days past due as to principal or interest unless in management’s opinion collection of both principal and interest is assured by way of collateralization, guarantees or other security and the loan is in the process of collection. Loans are returned to accrual status when management determines, based on an evaluation of the underlying collateral together with the borrower’s payment record and financial condition, that the borrower has the ability and intent to meet the contractual obligations of the loan agreement.

     Management considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors that influence management’s judgment include, but are not limited to, loan payment pattern, source of repayment, and value of collateral. A loan would not be considered impaired if an insignificant delay in loan payment occurs and management expects to collect all amounts due. The major sources for identification of loans to be evaluated for impairment include past due and nonaccrual reports, internally generated lists of loans of certain risk grades, and regulatory reports of examination.

Allowance for Loan Losses

     The Corporation uses the allowance method to provide for loan losses. Accordingly, all loan losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses and all recoveries are credited to it. The provision for loan losses is based on consideration of specific loans, past loan loss experience and other factors, which in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating probable loan losses. Such other factors considered by management include the growth and composition of the loan portfolio and current economic conditions.

     Allowances for loan losses related to loans that are identified as impaired, in accordance with the impairment policy set forth above, are based on discounted cash flows using the loans’ initial interest rates or the fair value of the collateral if the loans are collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller-balance, homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment (residential mortgage, consumer installment, and certain commercial loans) are excluded from this impairment evaluation and their allowance is calculated in accordance with the allowance for loan losses policy discussed above.

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     Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover inherent losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management believes it has established the allowance in consideration of the current economic environment. While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowances for loan losses. Such agencies may require the recognition of adjustments to the allowances based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Derivative Instruments

     The Corporation enters into interest rate swap agreements as business conditions warrant. These interest rate swap agreements provide an exchange of interest payments computed on notional amounts that will offset any undesirable change in fair value resulting from market rate changes on designated hedged items. A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. The interest rate swap agreements utilized by the Corporation qualify for hedge accounting as fair value hedges.

     The Corporation accounts for these interest rate swaps as a hedge of the fair value of the designated Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. According to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), the “short cut” method assumes that the change in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument and the hedged debt obligation is one hundred percent correlated, which results in no ineffectiveness and no income statement effect. Currently, three of the seven interest rate swaps meet the criteria for the short-cut accounting method. For interest rate swaps that do not meet the criteria for the short-cut accounting method, the Corporation records on a quarterly basis, in noninterest income, the net change in the fair value of the interest rate swap and the designated FHLB advances, attributed to changes in interest rates, provided the criteria for hedge accounting continue to be met. In the event the criteria for hedge accounting are not met in a future period, the Corporation will cease recording the change in fair value of the FHLB advances and will amortize into earnings the then carrying value of the interest rate swap over the life of the hedged item. The derivative hedging instruments are recorded at fair value in other assets or other liabilities.

     The Corporation formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions as required by SFAS No. 133. This documentation includes analysis at inception and is ongoing relative to the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Corporation will discontinue hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and will reflect changes in fair value through the income statement.

     The fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined by a third party at inception and is valued subsequently on a quarterly basis. The valuation is determined using a discounted cash flow model and a volatility index. The Corporation performs a quarterly assessment based on the third party valuations to assess whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. The effectiveness assessment is conducted using the cumulative dollar offset method.

     Interest rate swaps assist the Corporation’s Asset Liability Management (“ALM”) process. The Corporation’s interest rate risk management strategy includes the use of interest rate contracts to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. The Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity so that movements in interest rates do not have significant adverse effects on net interest income. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged fixed-rate liabilities appreciate or depreciate in market value. Gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged fixed-rate liabilities are expected to substantially offset this unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

     Interest rate contracts, which are non-leveraged interest rate swaps, allow the Corporation to effectively manage its interest rate risk position. Non-leveraged interest rate swaps involve the exchange

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of fixed-rate and variable-rate interest payments based on the contractual underlying notional amount. Exposure to loss on these contracts will increase or decrease over their respective lives as interest rates fluctuate.

     Credit risk associated with derivatives is measured as the net replacement cost should the counter-parties with contracts in a gain position to the Corporation completely fail to perform under the terms of those contracts assuming no recoveries of underlying collateral. In managing derivative credit risk, both the current exposure, which is the replacement cost of contracts on the measurement date, as well as an estimate of the potential change in value of contracts over their remaining lives are considered. In managing credit risk associated with its derivative activities, the Corporation deals primarily with commercial banks, broker-dealers and corporations. To minimize credit risk, the Corporation enters into legally enforceable master netting agreements, which reduce risk by permitting the closeout and netting of transactions with the same counter-party upon the occurrence of certain events.

Loan Securitizations

     The Corporation periodically securitizes mortgage loans and transfers them to securities-available-for-sale. This is accomplished by exchanging the loans for mortgage-backed securities issued primarily by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Following the transfers, the securities are reported at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Since the transfers are not considered a sale, no gain or loss is recorded in conjunction with these transactions. The Corporation retains the mortgage servicing on the loans exchanged for securities. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation retained $92.3 million of securitized mortgage loans in its available-for-sale securities portfolio.

Servicing Rights

     The Corporation capitalizes servicing rights when mortgage loans are either securitized or sold and the loan servicing is retained. The cost of servicing rights is amortized in proportion to and over the estimated period of net servicing revenues. The amortization of servicing rights is recognized in the income statement as an offset to noninterest income.

     The carrying value and aggregate estimated fair value of mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2004 was $1.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively, compared to a carrying value and estimated fair value of $2.1 million and $2.7 million at December 31, 2003. Servicing rights are periodically evaluated for impairment based on their fair value. This fair value is estimated based on market prices for similar assets and on the discounted estimated present value of future net cash flows based on market consensus loan prepayment estimates, historical prepayment rates, interest rates and other economic factors. For purposes of impairment evaluation, the servicing assets are stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including loan type (conventional or government) and note rate. The Corporation had write-downs related to its servicing rights of $30,000, $530,000 and $430,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

     The following is an analysis of capitalized mortgage servicing rights included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets:

                         
    Capitalized Mortgage
    Servicing Rights
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Balance, January 1,
  $ 2,106     $ 1,478     $ 3,028  
Servicing rights capitalized
    474       2,440        
Amortization expense
    (903 )     (1,282 )     (1,120 )
Write-downs
    (30 )     (530 )     (430 )
 
Balance, December 31,
  $ 1,647     $ 2,106     $ 1,478  
 

     An increase in prepayment speeds of 10 percent and 20 percent variations may result in a decline in fair value of $6,000 and $23,000, respectively. Also, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on

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the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights is calculated independently without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, changes in mortgage interest rates, which drive changes in prepayment rate estimates, could result in changes in the discount rates), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

Loan Fees and Costs

     Nonrefundable loan fees and certain direct costs associated with originating or acquiring loans are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the related loans as an adjustment to interest income.

Premises and Equipment

     Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Useful lives range from three to ten years for furniture and equipment, from fifteen to fifty years for buildings and over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases for leasehold improvements.

Foreclosed Properties

     Foreclosed properties are included in other assets and represent real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu thereof and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The fair values of such properties are evaluated annually and the carrying value, if greater than the estimated fair value less costs to sell, is adjusted with a charge to income.

Intangible Assets

     Net assets of companies acquired in purchase transactions are recorded at fair value in other assets at the date of acquisition, and therefore, the historical cost basis of individual assets and liabilities are adjusted to reflect their fair value. When a purchase agreement contemplates contingent consideration based on the performance of the acquired business, the contingent payments are recorded at the performance measurement date as an additional cost of the acquired enterprise. The additional cost is allocated to the appropriate assets, which are goodwill or other intangible assets with finite useful lives. Additional costs allocated to assets with finite useful lives are amortized over the remaining period benefited.

     Identified intangibles are amortized on an accelerated or straight-line basis over the period benefited, which is generally less than fifteen years. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis, or if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment, at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. First Charter Insurance Services, Inc. and the Bank are the only reporting units, which carry goodwill on their balance sheets.

     The impairment test is performed in two phases. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an additional procedure must be performed. That additional procedure compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In 2004 and 2003, the Corporation was not required to perform the second step of the impairment test as the fair value of its reporting units exceeded the carrying amount.

     Other intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated basis or straight-line basis over the period benefited, which is generally less than fifteen years. They are evaluated for impairment if events and

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circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Such evaluation of other intangible assets is based on undiscounted cash flow projections.

Income Taxes

     Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

     For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.

Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase

     Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured short-term borrowed funds, generally mature less than one year from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the borrowing. The terms of the repurchase agreement may require the Corporation to provide additional collateral if the fair value of the securities underlying the borrowings decline during the term of the agreement.

Equity Method Investments

     The Corporation’s equity method investments represent investments in venture capital limited partnerships.

     The Corporation’s recognition of earnings or losses from an equity method investment is determined by the Corporation’s share of the investee’s earnings on a quarterly basis (or, in the case of some smaller investments, on an annual basis if there has been no significant change in values). The limited partnerships generally provide their financial information during the quarter after the end of a given period, and the Corporation’s policy is to record its share of earnings or losses on these equity method investments in the quarter such financial information is received.

     These limited partnerships record their investments in investee companies on a fair value basis, with changes in the underlying fair values being reflected as an adjustment to their earnings in the period such changes are determined. The earnings of these limited partnerships, and therefore the amount recorded on an equity-method basis by the Corporation, are impacted significantly by changes in the underlying value of the companies in which these limited partnerships invest. All of the companies in which these limited partnerships invest are privately held, and their market values are not readily available. Estimations of these values are made by the management of the limited partnerships and are reviewed by the Corporation’s management for reasonableness. The assumptions in the valuation of these investments include the viability of the business model, the ability of the investee company to obtain alternative financing, the ability to generate revenues in future periods and other subjective factors. Given the inherent risks associated with this type of investment in the current economic environment, there can be no guarantee that there will not be widely varying gains or losses on these equity method investments in future periods.

Net Income Per Share

     Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the year. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential

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dilution that could occur if the Corporation’s potential common stock and contingently issuable shares, which consist of dilutive stock options and restricted stock, were issued. The numerators of the basic net income per share computations are the same as the numerators of the diluted net income per share computations for all periods presented.

     A reconciliation of the basic average common shares outstanding to the diluted average common shares outstanding is as follows:

                         
    Years Ended December 31
    2004     2003     2002  
     
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    29,859,683       29,789,969       30,520,125  
Dilutive effect arising from potential common stock issuances
    417,380       217,466       181,982  
     
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    30,277,063       30,007,435       30,702,107  
     

     The effects of outstanding antidilutive stock options are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. These amounts were 720,000 shares at December 31, 2004, 723,000 shares at December 31, 2003 and 1.3 million shares at December 31, 2002.

Dividends Per Share

     Dividends declared by the Corporation were $0.75 per share, $0.74 per share and $0.73 per share for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

     At December 31, 2004, as described above, the Corporation had various stock-based compensation plans. The Corporation accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” The pro forma impact on net income per share as if the fair value of stock-based compensation plans had been recorded as a component of compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements as of the date of grant of awards related to such plans, pursuant to the provisions of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure an amendment to FASB Statement No. 123”, is disclosed as follows:

                         
    Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (1,821 )     (2,293 )     (2,755 )
 
                 
Pro forma net income
  $ 40,621     $ 11,853     $ 37,048  
 
                 
 
                       
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic-as reported
  $ 1.42     $ 0.47     $ 1.30  
 
                 
Basic-pro forma
  $ 1.36     $ 0.40     $ 1.21  
 
                 
 
                       
Diluted-as reported
  $ 1.40     $ 0.47     $ 1.30  
 
                 
Diluted-pro forma
  $ 1.34     $ 0.40     $ 1.21  
 
                 

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     The fair value of each option granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

                         
    Years Ended December 31,
    2004     2003     2002  
 
2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan
                       
Dividend yield
    3.52 %     3.79 %     4.03 %
Risk free interest rates
    4.04 %     4.09 %     4.90 %
Expected lives
  8 years   8 years   10 years
Volatility
    26 %     33 %     38 %
Forfeiture rate
    2 %     2 %     0 %
 
                       
Director Plan
                       
Dividend yield
    3.70 %     3.79 %     4.03 %
Risk free interest rates
    4.05 %     3.95 %     4.88 %
Expected lives
  10 years   9 years   10 years
Volatility
    26 %     33 %     38 %
Forfeiture rate
    0.5 %     0.5 %     0 %
 
                       
1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
                       
Dividend yield
    3.76 %     3.79 %     4.03 %
Risk free interest rates
    1.31 %     4.07 %     5.20 %
Expected lives
  1 year   1 year   1 year
Volatility
    23 %     33 %     38 %
Forfeiture rate
    9 %     9 %     0 %

Note Two - Business Segment Information

     The Corporation has only one reportable segment, FCB, the Corporation’s primary banking subsidiary. FCB provides businesses and individuals with commercial loans, retail loans, and deposit banking services. Other Operating Segments include brokerage, insurance, mortgage, leasing and investments, and financial management, which provide comprehensive financial planning, funds management and investments. The results of operations of FCB constitute a substantial majority of the consolidated net income, revenues and assets of the Corporation. Included in Other are revenue, expenses and assets of the parent company, which include cash, equity investments and investments in venture capital limited partnerships, and eliminating intercompany transactions.

     Business segments are determined based on the Corporation’s internal management accounting process. The internal management accounting process, unlike financial accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, is based on the method management uses to view its business and is not necessarily comparable with information disclosed by other financial institutions. The accounting policies of the business segments differ from those described in Note One in that management allocations have been made for overhead expenses. Certain expenses not directly attributable to a specific business segment are allocated to the segments based on pre-determined means. Occupancy costs are allocated based on headcount and certain payroll benefits are allocated based on a predetermined percentage of salary expense. The results of operations and segment assets are based upon monthly internal management reports. There are no significant intersegment transactions, and there are no significant reconciling items between the reportable segments and consolidated amounts.

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     Information regarding the reportable segment’s separate results of operations and segment assets is illustrated in the following tables:

                                 
2004  
            Other Operating              
(Dollars in thousands)   FCB     Segments (1)     Other (2)     Totals  
 
Total interest income
  $ 186,435     $ 818     $ 50     $ 187,303  
Total interest expense
    63,511             782       64,293  
 
Net interest income
    122,924       818       (732 )     123,010  
Provision for loan losses
    8,425                   8,425  
Total noninterest income
    37,632       22,007       1,257       60,896  
Total noninterest expense
    88,199       22,616       202       111,017  
 
Income before income taxes
    63,932       209       323       64,464  
Income tax expense
    21,840       72       110       22,022  
 
Net income
  $ 42,092     $ 137     $ 213     $ 42,442  
 
 
                               
Total loans held for sale and loans, net
  $ 2,410,671     $ 7,184     $     $ 2,417,855  
Total assets
    4,330,771       79,310       21,524       4,431,605  
                                 
2003  
            Other Operating              
(Dollars in thousands)   FCB     Segments (1)     Other (2)     Totals  
 
Total interest income
  $ 177,680     $ 540     $ 72     $ 178,292  
Total interest expense
    69,893             597       70,490  
 
Net interest income
    107,787       540       (525 )     107,802  
Provision for loan losses
    27,518                   27,518  
Total noninterest income
    44,677       19,219       37       63,933  
Total noninterest expense
    106,420       20,298       67       126,785  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    18,526       (539 )     (555 )     17,432  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    3,493       (102 )     (105 )     3,286  
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 15,033     $ (437 )   $ (450 )   $ 14,146  
 
 
                               
Total loans held for sale and loans, net
  $ 2,225,776     $ 6,391     $     $ 2,232,167  
Total assets
    4,157,694       25,363       23,636       4,206,693  
                                 
2002  
            Other Operating              
(Dollars in thousands)   FCB     Segments (1)     Other (2)     Totals  
 
Total interest income
  $ 195,919     $ 297     $ 172     $ 196,388  
Total interest expense
    82,543             684       83,227  
 
Net interest income
    113,376       297       (512 )     113,161  
Provision for loan losses
    8,270                   8,270  
Total noninterest income
    35,419       15,905       (3,914 )     47,410  
Total noninterest expense
    80,036       17,429       86       97,551  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    60,489       (1,227 )     (4,512 )     54,750  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    16,515       (336 )     (1,232 )     14,947  
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 43,974     $ (891 )   $ (3,280 )   $ 39,803  
 


(1)   Included in Other Operating Segments are revenues, expenses and assets of insurance services, brokerage, mortgage, leasing and investments, and financial management.
 
(2)   Included in Other are revenues, expenses and assets of the parent company and eliminations.

Note Three - Acquisitions

     (a) Insurance Agencies. In December of 2004, the Corporation, through a subsidiary of FCB, acquired Smith & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. This acquisition was recorded using the purchase accounting method. The purchase price delivered at closing consisted of 27,726 shares of First Charter common stock valued at $750,000, and the agreement contemplates additional common stock payments valued at up to $750,000 based on the post-closing performance of the business.

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     In July and October of 2003, the Corporation, through a subsidiary of FCB, acquired Piedmont Insurance Agency, Inc. and Robertson Insurance Agency, Inc., respectively. These acquisitions were recorded using the purchase accounting method. The initial purchase price for both agencies totaled $1.1 million in cash. The purchase agreements also contemplate additional cash payments based on the post-closing performance of the acquired businesses. Based on this agreement and the performance of the businesses, during 2004 the Corporation paid approximately $415,000. The amount of subsequent additional payments, if earned, is currently expected to total approximately $750,000. Pro forma financial information reflecting the effect of these acquisitions on periods prior to the combination is not considered material.

     (b) Third Party Benefits Administrator. In July of 2003, the Corporation, through a subsidiary of FCB, purchased a third party benefits administrator in a stock transaction. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase price delivered at closing consisted of First Charter common stock valued at $1.32 million, and the agreement contemplates additional common stock payments based on the post-closing performance of the business. Based on this agreement and the performance of the business, during the third quarter of 2004 the Corporation issued 20,244 additional shares of common stock valued at $425,000 for the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. The value of subsequent additional payments, if earned, is currently expected to total approximately $440,000. The results of operations of this entity are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Corporation from the date of the acquisition. Pro forma financial information reflecting the effect of this acquisition on periods prior to the combination is not considered material.

Note Four - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     The following is a summary of the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortized intangible assets and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                                 
    2004     2003  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Gross Carrying     Accumulated  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
 
Amortized intangible assets:
                               
Noncompete agreements (1)
  $ 1,037     $ 949     $ 946     $ 861  
Customer lists (1)
    2,270       545       1,471       236  
Mortgage servicing rights (1)
    7,557       5,910       7,083       4,977  
Branch acquisitions (2)
    1,111       1,111       1,111       1,097  
Other intangibles (1) (3)
    306       72       232       22  
 
Total
  $ 12,281     $ 8,587     $ 10,843     $ 7,193  
 
 
                               
Unamortized intangible assets:
                               
Goodwill (4)
  $ 19,547     $     $ 19,222     $  
 


(1)   Noncompete agreements, customer lists, mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles are recorded in the Other Operating Segments as described in Note Two
 
(2)   Branch acquisition intangible assets are recorded in the FCB segment as described in Note Two
 
(3)   Other intangibles include trade name and proprietary software.
 
(4)   Goodwill of $6,662 is recorded in the Other Operating Segments and $12,885 is recorded in FCB as described in
Note Two

     The gross carrying amount of noncompete agreements increased approximately $90,000 due to the acquisition of Smith & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. during 2004. The noncompete agreements will be amortized over the three-year agreement period.

     The gross carrying amount of customer lists increased to $2.3 million at December 31, 2004 from $1.5 million at December 31, 2003. The increase was due to the following: $378,000 recorded from the acquisition of Smith & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. to be amortized over the estimated useful life of eight years, $276,000 recorded from the previously mentioned performance payments for Piedmont Insurance Agency, Inc. and Robertson Insurance Agency, Inc. to be amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of six years, and $145,000 recorded from the previously mentioned performance

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payments for a third party benefits administrator to be amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of nine years.

     The gross carrying amount of other intangibles increased to $0.3 million at December 31, 2004 from $0.2 million at December 31, 2003 due to $74,000 recorded from the previously mentioned performance payments for a third party benefits administrator to be amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of nine years.

     The gross carrying amount of goodwill increased to $19.5 million at December 31, 2004 from $19.2 million at December 31, 2003 primarily due to goodwill of $394,000 associated with the acquisition of Smith & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. and $206,000 related to the contractual payments made in connection with the performance of the Corporation’s third party benefits administrator. In addition, goodwill of $328,000 was removed with the sale of a branch facility in the third quarter. There was no impairment of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

     Amortization expense, excluding amortization of mortgage servicing rights, totaled $461,000, $441,000 and $367,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 and thereafter:

                                         
    Noncompete     Customer     Mortgage     Other        
(Dollars in thousands)   Agreements     Lists     Servicing Rights     Intangibles     Total  
 
      2005
  $ 30     $ 415     $ 515     $ 51     $ 1,011  
      2006
    30       353       377       45       805  
      2007
    28       290       281       39       638  
      2008
          228       186       32       446  
      2009
          165       117       26       308  
2010 and after
          274       171       41       486  
 
Total
  $ 88     $ 1,725     $ 1,647     $ 234     $ 3,694  
 

Note Five - Comprehensive Income

     Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity from all transactions other than those with stockholders, and it includes net income and other comprehensive income. The Corporation’s only component of other comprehensive income is the change in unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities.

     The Corporation’s total comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $31.4 million, $4.4 million and $49.9 million, respectively. Information concerning the Corporation’s other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

                                                                         
    2004     2003     2002  
    Before Tax             After Tax     Before Tax             After Tax     Before Tax             After Tax  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Tax Effect     Amount     Amount     Tax Effect     Amount     Amount     Tax Effect     Amount  
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                                       
Net income
  $ 64,464     $ 22,022     $ 42,442     $ 17,432     $ 3,286     $ 14,146     $ 54,750     $ 14,947     $ 39,803  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                                                                       
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
                                                                       
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during period
  (15,685 )   (6,116 )   (9,569 )   (5,722 )   (2,242 )   (3,480 )   28,066     10,951     17,115  
Less: Reclassification for realized gains
    2,383       929       1,454       10,287       4,012       6,275       11,539       4,500       7,039  
 
Unrealized (losses) gains, net of reclassification
  $ (18,068 )   $ (7,045 )   $ (11,023 )   $ (16,009 )   $ (6,254 )   $ (9,755 )   $ 16,527     $ 6,451     $ 10,076  
 
 
Total comprehensive income
  $ 46,396     $ 14,977     $ 31,419     $ 1,423     $ (2,968 )   $ 4,391     $ 71,277     $ 21,398     $ 49,879  
 

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Note Six - Securities-Available-for-Sale

     Securities-available-for-sale at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

                                 
    2004  
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
(Dollars in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
US government obligations
  $ 54,755     $ 331     $ 712     $ 54,374  
US government agency obligations
    697,083       908       6,021       691,970  
Mortgage-backed securities
    731,389       3,349       8,357       726,381  
State, county, and municipal obligations
    112,935       2,568       123       115,380  
Equity securities
    64,541       86             64,627  
 
Total
  $ 1,660,703     $ 7,242     $ 15,213     $ 1,652,732  
 
                                 
    2003  
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
(Dollars in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
US government obligations
  $ 59,715     $ 875     $ 317     $ 60,273  
US government agency obligations
    630,629       6,480       1,842       635,267  
Mortgage-backed securities
    771,440       6,613       6,896       771,157  
State, county, and municipal obligations
    69,425       3,662             73,087  
Equity securities
    60,594       1,522             62,116  
 
Total
  $ 1,591,803     $ 19,152     $ 9,055     $ 1,601,900  
 

     The expected maturity distribution and yields (computed on a taxable-equivalent basis) of the Corporation’s securities portfolio at December 31, 2004 are summarized below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities since borrowers may have the right to pre-pay these obligations without pre-payment penalties.

                                                                                 
                    Due after 1   Due after 5                          
    Due in 1 year   through 5   through 10   Due after            
    or less   years   years   10 years   Total  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield  
 
Fair value of securities   available for sale
                                                                               
U.S. government obligations
  $       %   $ 54,374       3.20 %   $       %   $       %   $ 54,374       3.20 %
U.S. government agency obligations
    95,271       4.12       572,226       3.44       24,473       3.90                   691,970       3.55  
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
    30,303       3.51       546,453       4.11       122,020       4.26       27,605       4.62       726,381       4.13  
State and municipal obligations
    13,801       4.74       50,333       4.43       16,601       3.18       34,645       1.96       115,380       3.54  
Equity securities (2)
                                        64,627       3.79       64,627       3.79  
 
Total
  $ 139,375       4.05 %   $ 1,223,386       3.77 %   $ 163,094       4.10 %   $ 126,877       3.47 %   $ 1,652,732       3.80 %
 
Amortized cost of securities available for sale
  $ 138,773             $ 1,230,265             $ 164,762             $ 126,903             $ 1,660,703          
 


(1)   Maturities estimated based on average life of security.
 
(2)   Although equity securities have no stated maturity, they are presented for illustrative purposes only.

     Securities with an aggregate carrying value of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2004 were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and Federal Home Loan Bank FHLB borrowings. Proceeds from the sale of securities-available-for-sale were $139.3 million in 2004, $1.0 billion in 2003, and $746.9 million in 2002.

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     Gross gains and losses recognized on the sale of securities are summarized as follows:

                         
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Gross Gains
  $ 3,447     $ 10,376     $ 14,974  
Gross Losses
    (1,064 )     (89 )     (3,435 )
     
Net Gains
  $ 2,383     $ 10,287     $ 11,539  

     At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Bank owned stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta with a cost basis (par value) of $59.3 million and $53.8 million, respectively, which is included in equity securities. While these securities have no quoted fair value, they are redeemable at par value from the FHLB. In addition, the Bank owned Federal Reserve Bank stock with a cost basis (par value) of $4.1 million at both December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which is included in equity securities.

     There were no write-downs for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of debt and equity securities in 2004, 2003 or 2002.

     As of December 31, 2004, there were no issues of securities-available-for-sale (excluding U.S. government agency obligations), which had carrying values that exceeded 10 percent of shareholders’ equity of the Corporation.

     At December 31, 2004, mortgage-backed securities of $534.6 million were considered temporarily impaired. Mortgage-backed securities are investment grade securities backed by a pool of mortgages or trust deeds. Principal and interest payments on the underlying mortgages are used to pay monthly interest and principal on the securities. Cash flow from the principal and interest payments on the underlying mortgages is used to pay off the bonds. Because some mortgage pools will pay off faster than others, mortgaged-backed securities are typically issued as a series of several different bonds, each having a different maturity date. U.S. government agency obligations of $530.7 million were considered temporarily impaired at December 31, 2004. U.S. government agency obligations are interest-bearing debt securities of U.S. government agencies (i.e. FNMA and FHLMC). U.S. government obligations of $39.2 million were considered temporarily impaired at December 31, 2004. These obligations are securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. State, county and municipal obligations of $7.3 million were considered temporarily impaired at December 31, 2004. These obligations are debt instruments that are obligations of a state, county or municipality.

     The unrealized losses shown in the following table resulted primarily from an increase in rates across the yield curve.

As of December 31, 2004

                                                 
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
            Gross             Gross             Gross  
            Unrealized             Unrealized             Unrealized  
(Dollars in thousands)   Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses  
 
US government obligations
  $ 39,248     $ (712 )   $     $     $ 39,248     $ (712 )
US government agency obligations
    359,223       (2,547 )     171,428       (3,474 )     530,651       (6,021 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    233,239       (2,304 )     301,345       (6,053 )     534,584       (8,357 )
State, county and municipal obligations
    7,283       (123 )                 7,283       (123 )
 
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 638,993     $ (5,686 )   $ 472,773     $ (9,527 )   $ 1,111,766     $ (15,213 )
 

     Investments that are in a gross unrealized loss position include five U.S. government obligations, forty-one U.S. agency securities, thirty-seven mortgage-backed securities and six municipal obligations. The unrealized losses associated with these securities are not considered to be other-than-temporary, because they are related to changes in interest rates and do not affect the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral or the issuer. In addition, investments that have been in an unrealized loss position for longer than one year have an external credit rating of AAA.

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Note Seven - Trading Activity

     The Corporation engages in writing over-the-counter covered call options on specific fixed income securities in the available for sale portfolio. Under these agreements, the Corporation agrees to sell, upon election by the optionholder, a fixed income security at a fixed price. The Corporation receives a premium from the optionholder in exchange for writing the option contract. In addition, the Corporation records the write up or write down in the market value of the First Charter Option Plan Trust (the “OPT Plan”) as a trading gain or loss. The OPT Plan is a tax-deferred capital accumulation plan. For more information concerning the OPT Plan, see Note Sixteen. The Corporation recognized income of $0.2 million in 2004 primarily from the mark to market of the investments in the OPT Plan. Income of $1.8 million and $2.1 million was recognized in 2003 and 2002, respectively, primarily from written covered call options. There were no written covered call options outstanding at December 31, 2004, or at any time during 2004. There were no written covered call options outstanding at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. The highest written covered call options outstanding at any time during 2003 and 2002 were $125.2 million and $194.0 million, respectively.

Note Eight - Derivatives

     The Corporation accounts for interest rate swaps as a hedge of the fair value of the designated FHLB advances. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Corporation recognized a net gain of $69,000 for the ineffective portion of the interest rate swaps. At December 31, 2004, the derivative hedging instruments were recorded at fair value in other assets. These instruments had gross unrealized gains of $1.5 million and gross unrealized losses of $5.7 million at December 31, 2004.

     Information concerning the Corporation’s derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:

                                                         
    December 31, 2004
            Average     Average     Average              
    Notional     Receive     Pay     Maturity     Fair Value        
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Rate     Rate     in Years     Gains     Losses     Ineffectiveness  
 
Fair Value Hedges:
                                                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 222,000       5.16 %     3.33 %     5.86     $ 1,477     $ (5,724 )   $ 69  

     According to the provisions of SFAS No. 133, the “short cut” method assumes that the change in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument and the hedged debt obligation is one hundred percent correlated, which results in no ineffectiveness and no income statement effect. Of the $222.0 million aggregate notional amount of interest rate swap agreements entered into during 2004, three out of seven agreements totaling $90.0 million qualify for the “short cut method” assumption of no ineffectiveness; therefore, there was no impact on earnings during the year ended December 31, 2004 from those interest rate swap agreements.

Note Nine - Loans

     The Corporation’s primary market area includes North Carolina, and predominately centers around the Metro region of Charlotte, North Carolina. At December 31, 2004, the majority of the total loan portfolio was to borrowers within this region. The diversity of the region’s economic base provides a stable lending environment. No areas of significant concentrations of credit risk have been identified due to the diverse industrial base in the region.

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     Loans at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were:

                                 
    2004     2003  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
 
Commercial real estate
  $ 776,474       31.8 %   $ 724,340       32.2 %
Commercial non real estate
    212,031       8.7       212,010       9.4  
Construction
    332,264       13.6       358,217       15.9  
Mortgage
    347,606       14.2       280,748       12.5  
Consumer
    304,151       12.5       284,448       12.6  
Home equity
    467,166       19.2       393,041       17.4  
 
Total
  $ 2,439,692       100.0 %   $ 2,252,804       100.0 %
 

     Loans held for sale consists primarily of 15- and 30-year mortgages which the Corporation intends to securitize or sell as whole loans. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market. Loans held for sale were $5.3 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. Loans held for sale was impacted by originations, sales activity and securitizations, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. No valuation allowance to reduce these loans to lower of cost or market was required at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003.

     The table below summarizes the Corporation’s nonperforming assets and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

                 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 13,970     $ 14,910  
Other real estate owned
    3,844       6,836  
 
Total nonperforming assets
    17,814       21,746  
 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
          21  
 
Total nonperforming assets and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
  $ 17,814     $ 21,767  
 

     Interest income that would have been recorded on nonaccrual loans and restructured loans for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, had they performed in accordance with their original terms, amounted to approximately $1.1 million, $1.0 million, and $2.5 million, respectively. Interest income on all such loans included in the results of operations for 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.

     The recorded investment in individually impaired loans was $7.7 million (all of which were on nonaccrual status) and $4.7 million (all of which were on nonaccrual status) at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The related allowance for loan losses on these loans was $2.1 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The average recorded investment in individually impaired loans for 2004 was $6.8 million, and the income recognized during 2004 was approximately $18,000, all of which was recognized using the cash method of income recognition. The average recorded investment in individually impaired loans for 2003 was $10.5 million, and the income recognized during 2003 was $0.1 million, all of which was recognized using the cash method of income recognition. The average recorded investment in individually impaired loans for 2002 was $18.7 million, and the income recognized during 2002 was $0.2 million, all of which was recognized using the cash method of income recognition.

     The following is a reconciliation of loans outstanding to executive officers, directors and their associates for the year ended December 31, 2004:

         
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 2,584  
New loans
    351  
Principal repayments
    (2,175 )
 
Balance at December 31, 2004
  $ 760  
 

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     In the opinion of management, these loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other borrowers. Such loans, in the opinion of management, do not involve more than the normal risks of collectibility.

Note Ten - Allowance for Loan Losses

     The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

                         
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 25,607     $ 27,204     $ 25,843  
Provision for loan losses
    8,425       27,518       8,270  
Allowance related to loans sold, securitized or transferred to held for sale
    (584 )     (20,783 )     (647 )
 
                       
Charge-offs
    (8,552 )     (9,480 )     (6,990 )
Recoveries
    1,976       1,148       728  
 
Net loan charge-offs
    (6,576 )     (8,332 )     (6,262 )
 
Ending balance
  $ 26,872     $ 25,607     $ 27,204  
 

Note Eleven - Premises and Equipment

     Premises and equipment at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

                 
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Land
  $ 23,490     $ 22,692  
Buildings
    71,745       69,291  
Furniture and equipment
    55,261       50,157  
Leasehold improvements
    2,973       2,600  
Construction in progress
    2,384       1,572  
 
Total premises and equipment
    155,853       146,312  
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    58,288       50,556  
 
Premises and equipment, net
  $ 97,565     $ 95,756  
 

Note Twelve - Deposits

     A summary of deposit balances at December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

                 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 377,793     $ 326,679  
Interest bearing demand
    348,677       322,471  
Money market accounts
    478,314       470,551  
Savings deposits
    119,615       118,025  
Certificates of deposit
    1,285,447       1,190,171  
 
Total deposits
  $ 2,609,846     $ 2,427,897  
 

     At December 31, 2004, the aggregate amount of certificates of deposit with denominations of $100,000 or more was $760.5 million, with $233.8 million maturing within three months, $123.5 million maturing within three to six months, $276.8 million maturing within six to twelve months and $126.4 million maturing after twelve months.

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     At December 31, 2004, the scheduled maturities of all certificates of deposit are as follows:

         
(Dollars in thousands)        
 
2005
  $ 1,011,131  
2006
    153,228  
2007
    109,075  
2008
    8,726  
2009
    3,166  
2010 and after
    121  
 
Total
  $ 1,285,447  
 

Note Thirteen - Other Borrowings

     The following is a schedule of other borrowings which consists of the following categories: securities sold under repurchase agreements, federal funds purchased and FHLB borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:

                 
   
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  $ 230,314     $ 319,018  
Federal funds purchased
    20,000        
FHLB borrowings
    1,127,738       1,063,106  
Other
    71,684       50,076  
 
Total
  $ 1,449,736     $ 1,432,200  
 

     Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent short-term borrowings by the Bank with maturities less than one year collateralized by a portion of the Corporation’s securities of the United States government or its agencies, which have been delivered to a third party custodian for safekeeping. Securities with an aggregate carrying value of $227.9 million at December 31, 2004 were pledged to secure securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

     Federal funds purchased represent unsecured overnight borrowings from other financial institutions by the Bank. At December 31, 2004, FCB had federal funds back-up lines of credit totaling $85.0 million with $20.0 million outstanding.

     FHLB borrowings are collateralized by securities from the Corporation’s investment portfolio, and a blanket lien on certain qualifying commercial and single-family loans held in the Corporation’s loan portfolio. FHLB advances with balances of $307.0 million at December 31, 2004, were subject to being called by the FHLB at par. If these advances were called, the Corporation would have the option to pay off the advances, convert the advances to 3 month LIBOR or fund the payoffs with new advances. During 2003, the Corporation incurred $19.1 million in prepayment penalties associated with the refinancing of $131.0 million in FHLB fixed-term advances. As part of the Corporation’s ALM strategy, in 2004 the Corporation replaced $255.0 million of existing FHLB floating rate overnight borrowings with fixed-rate FHLB advances with maturities of one to three years.

     At December 31, 2004, the Corporation had a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank totaling $25.0 million with $12.0 million outstanding and commercial paper outstandings of $59.7 million.

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     The following is a schedule of annual maturities of other borrowings:

                                                         
As of December 31, 2004                                                        
   
(Dollars in thousands)   2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     Thereafter     Total  
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
  $ 230,314     $     $     $     $     $     $ 230,314  
Federal funds purchased
    20,000                                     20,000  
FHLB borrowings
    364,000       323,930       110,000       100,000       49,963       179,845       1,127,738  
Other
    71,684                                     71,684  
 
Total other borrowings
  $ 685,998     $ 323,930     $ 110,000     $ 100,000     $ 49,963     $ 179,845     $ 1,449,736  
 

Note Fourteen - Income Tax

     Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were allocated as follows:

                         
    Years ended December 31,  
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Net income
  $ 22,022     $ 3,286     $ 14,947  
Shareholders’ equity, for unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available for sale
    (7,045 )     (6,254 )     6,451  
 
Total
  $ 14,977     $ (2,968 )   $ 21,398  
 

     Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income consists of:

                         
Years ended December 31,               
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ 15,470     $ (473 )   $ 24,621  
State
    2,426       94       440  
 
Total current
  $ 17,896     $ (379 )   $ 25,061  
 
 
                       
Deferred:
                       
Federal
  $ 4,193     $ 3,565     $ (9,566 )
State
    (67 )     100       (548 )
 
Total deferred
  $ 4,126     $ 3,665     $ (10,114 )
 
 
                       
Total income taxes:
                       
Federal
  $ 19,663     $ 3,092     $ 15,055  
State
    2,359       194       (108 )
 
Total income taxes
  $ 22,022     $ 3,286     $ 14,947  
 

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     Income tax expense attributable to net income was $22.0 million, $3.3 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35 percent to pretax income as a result of the following:

                                                 
    Years ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2004             2003       2002  
 
Computed “expected” tax expense
  $ 22,563       35.00 %   $ 6,101       35.00 %   $ 19,163       35.00 %
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
                                               
   Tax exempt income
    (1,318 )     (2.04 )     (1,058 )     (6.07 )     (1,467 )     (2.68 )
   Bank owned life insurance
    (1,195 )     (1.85 )     (1,361 )     (7.81 )     (16 )     (0.03 )
   State income tax, net of federal benefits
    1,534       2.37       126       0.72       (71 )     (0.12 )
   Subsidiary stock, recognition of basis difference
                            (3,313 )     (6.05 )
   Change in valuation allowance
    (200 )     (0.31 )     63       0.36       773       1.41  
   Other, net
    638       0.99       (585 )     (3.35 )     (122 )     (0.22 )
 
      Total
  $ 22,022       34.16 %   $ 3,286       18.85 %   $ 14,947       27.31 %
 

     The change in net deferred tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

                         
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (exclusive of the effects of other components below)
  $ 4,126     $ 3,665     $ (10,114 )
Shareholders’ equity, for unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available for sale
    (7,045 )     (6,254 )     6,451  
 
Purchase accounting adjustment
    (135 )     (269 )      
 
Total
  $ (3,054 )   $ (2,858 )   $ (3,663 )
 

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are presented below.

                 
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Allowance for loan loss
  $ 10,631     $ 10,177  
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale
    2,978        
Deferred compensation
    2,571       2,711  
Market adjustment for investments
    523       674  
Basis difference in depreciable assets
    6,076       7,737  
Other
    1,310       825  
 
Total gross deferred tax assets
    24,089       22,124  
 
Less valuation allowance
    636       836  
 
Net deferred tax assets
    23,453       21,288  
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Loan Origination Costs
    (2,605 )      
Unrealized (gains) on securities available for sale
          (4,067 )
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock
    (1,053 )     (1,052 )
Mortgage Servicing Rights
    (650 )     (832 )
Intangibles
    (944 )     (637 )
Other
    (623 )     (176 )
 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
    (5,875 )     (6,764 )
 
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 17,578     $ 14,524  
 

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     The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $836,000 as of January 1, 2004 and $773,000 as of January 1, 2003. The total valuation allowance relative to capital loss carryforwards and state net operating loss carryforward decreased $200,000 during 2004 and increased $63,000 during 2003. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax asset, the Company will need to generate future taxable income prior to the expiration of the deferred tax assets governed by the tax code. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2004. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

     Federal tax returns for 2000 and subsequent years are subject to examination by taxing authorities. During the third quarter of 2004, the Corporation received a proposed income tax assessment from the North Carolina Department of Revenue for the 1999 and 2000 tax years. As a result of this assessment, the Corporation increased its tax reserves by $818,000 during 2004. The Corporation’s maximum exposure related to this assessment in excess of the current reserve is approximately $1.5 million, net of tax. The Corporation may also have similar exposure related to its 2001 - 2004 state tax filings. The Corporation is in the process of appealing this assessment. The Corporation believes it has substantial authority for its reporting and believes that the ultimate outcome will not result in an adverse impact to its results of operations. The Corporation will re-evaluate the adequacy of this reserve as new information or circumstances warrant.

     Retained earnings at December 31, 2004 and 2003 includes approximately $7.2 million (tax effect) representing pre-1988 tax bad debt reserve base year reserve amount for which no deferred income tax liability has been provided since these reserves are not expected to reverse and may never reverse. Circumstances that would require an accrual of a portion or all of this unrecorded tax liability are a reduction in qualifying loan levels relative to the end of 1987, failure to meet the definition of a bank, dividend payments in excess of current year or accumulated tax earnings and profits, or other distributions in dissolution, liquidation or redemption of the Corporation’s stock.

Note Fifteen - Employee Benefit Plans

     First Charter Retirement Savings Plan. The Corporation has a qualified Retirement Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”) for all eligible employees of the Corporation. Pursuant to the Savings Plan, an eligible employee may elect to defer between 1 percent and 50 percent of compensation. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Corporation may contribute an amount necessary to match all or a portion of a participant’s elective deferrals in an amount to be determined by the Board of Directors from time to time, up to a maximum of six percent of a participant’s compensation. In addition, the Corporation may contribute an additional amount to each participant’s Savings Plan account as determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Participants may invest their Savings Plan account in a variety of investment options, including the Corporation’s stock. Effective March 1, 2002 the portion of the Savings Plan consisting of the Company Stock Fund (ESOP) was designated as an employee stock ownership plan under Code section 4975(e)(7) and that fund is designed to invest primarily in the Corporation’s stock. As part of the Savings Plan, the Corporation has a qualified Money Purchase Pension Plan for all eligible employees of the Corporation. Pursuant to the Money Purchase Pension Plan, the Corporation contributes annually to each participant’s Plan account an amount equal to three percent of the participant’s compensation. The Corporation’s aggregate contributions to the Savings Plan and the Money Purchase Pension Plan amounted to $2.5 million, $1.8 million and $2.5 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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     First Charter Option Plan Trust. Effective December 1, 2001, the Corporation approved and adopted a non-qualified compensation deferral arrangement called the First Charter Option Plan Trust (the “OPT Plan”). The OPT Plan is a tax-deferred capital accumulation plan. Under the OPT Plan, eligible participants may elect to defer all of their base salary and bonus and receive options on mutual fund investments. In addition, the Corporation may grant participants bonus options in lieu of cash bonuses. Participants are offered the opportunity to direct an administrative committee to invest in separate investment funds with distinct investment objectives and risk tolerances. Eligible employees for the OPT Plan include executive management as well as key members of senior management. The deferred compensation obligation pursuant to this plan is equal to the Plan assets, which are held in a Rabbi Trust. Plan assets totaled $887,000 and $989,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and are classified as trading assets, which is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

     First Charter Directors’ Option Deferral Plan. Effective May 1, 2001, the Corporation approved and adopted a non-qualified compensation deferral arrangement called the First Charter Corporation Directors’ Option Deferral Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, eligible directors may elect to defer all of their director’s fees and receive option grants on mutual fund investments. Participants are offered the opportunity to direct an administrative committee to invest in separate investment funds with distinct investment objectives and risk tolerances. The deferred compensation obligation pursuant to this plan is equal to the Plan assets, which are held in a Rabbi Trust. Plan assets totaled $181,000 and $148,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and are classified as trading assets, which is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Note Sixteen - Shareholders’ Equity, Stock Plans and Stock Awards

     Stock Repurchase Programs. On January 23, 2002, the Corporation’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million shares of the Corporation’s common stock. As of December 31, 2004, the Corporation had repurchased a total of 1.4 million shares of its common stock at an average per-share price of $17.52 under this authorization, which has reduced shareholders’ equity by $24.5 million. No shares were repurchased under this authorization during the year ended December 31, 2004.

     On October 24, 2003, the Corporation’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.5 million additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock. At December 31, 2004, no shares had been repurchased under this authorization.

     Deferred Compensation for Non-Employee Directors. Effective May 1, 2001, the Corporation amended and restated the First Charter Corporation 1994 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, eligible directors may elect to defer all or part of their director’s fees for a calendar year, in exchange for common stock of the Corporation. The amount deferred, if any, shall be in multiples of 25 percent of their total director’s fees. Each participant is fully vested in his account balance under the plan. The plan generally provides for fixed payments or a lump sum payment, or a combination of both, in shares of common stock of the Corporation after the participant ceases to serve as a director for any reason.

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     The common stock purchased by the Corporation for this deferred compensation plan is maintained in the First Charter Corporation Directors’ Deferred Compensation Trust, a Rabbi Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of the participants. The assets of the Trust are subject to the claims of general creditors of the Corporation. Dividends payable on the common shares held by the Trust will be reinvested in additional shares of common stock of the Corporation and held in the Trust for the benefit of the participants. Since the deferred compensation plan does not provide for diversification of the Trust’s assets and can only be settled with a fixed number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock, the deferred compensation obligation is classified as a component of shareholders’ equity and the common stock held by the Trust is classified as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the common stock are not reflected in earnings or shareholders’ equity of the Corporation. The obligations of the Corporation under the deferred compensation plan, and the shares held by the Trust, have no net effect on net income per share.

     Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement. On July 19, 2000 the Corporation entered into a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement. In connection with the agreement, the Board declared a dividend of one share purchase right (“Right”) on each outstanding share of common stock. Issuances of the Corporation’s common stock after August 9, 2000 include share purchase Rights. Generally, the Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of Corporation’s common stock or announces a tender offer. Each Right will entitle stockholders to buy 1/1000 of a share of a new series of junior participating preferred stock of the Company at an exercise price of $80. Prior to the time they become exercisable, the Rights are redeemable for one cent per Right at the option of the Board of Directors.

     If the Corporation is acquired after a person has acquired 15 percent or more of its common stock, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s then-current exercise price, a number of shares of the acquiring company’s common stock having a market value of twice such price. Additionally, if the Corporation is not acquired, a Rights holder (other than the person or group acquiring 15 percent or more) will be entitled to purchase, at the Right’s then-current exercise price, a number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock having a market value of twice such price.

     Following the acquisition of 15 percent or more of the common stock, but less than 50 percent by any Person or Group, the Board may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such person or group) at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock for each Right.

     The Rights were distributed on August 9, 2000, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on such date. The Rights will expire on July 19, 2010.

     Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. The Corporation maintains the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the “DRIP”), pursuant to which 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Corporation have been reserved for issuance. Shareholders may elect to participate in the DRIP and have dividends on shares of common stock reinvested and may make optional cash payments of up to $3,000 per calendar quarter to be invested in common stock of the Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the DRIP, upon reinvestment of the dividends and optional cash payments, the Corporation can either issue new shares valued at the then current market value of the common stock or the administrator of the DRIP can purchase shares of common stock in the open market. During 2004, the Corporation issued 33,958 shares and the administrator of the DRIP purchased 154,680 shares in the open market. During 2003 and 2002, the Corporation issued no shares and the administrator of the DRIP purchased 179,861 shares and 197,719 shares, respectively, in the open market.

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     Restricted Stock Award Program. In April 1995, the shareholders approved the First Charter Corporation Restricted Stock Award Program (the “Restricted Stock Plan”). Awards of restricted stock may be made under the Restricted Stock Plan at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, which shall determine the key participants, the number of shares awarded to participants, and the vesting terms and conditions applicable to such awards. A maximum of 360,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the Restricted Stock Plan. Compensation expense of approximately $71,000 and $50,000 was recognized during 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with the Restricted Stock Plan. During the third quarter of 2004, 18,547 shares were granted under the Restricted Stock Plan with vesting periods of three years. The following table presents the status of the Restricted Stock Plan as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and changes during the years then ended:

                 
            Weighted Average  
    Shares     Grant Price  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2002
    4,000     $ 15.7813  
 
             
Granted
           
Vested
    (3,000 )     16.5625  
Forfeited
           
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2003
    1,000     $ 13.4375  
 
             
Granted
    18,547       22.3400  
Vested
    (1,000 )     13.4375  
Forfeited
           
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    18,547     $ 22.3400  
 
             

     First Charter Comprehensive Stock Option Plan. Under the terms of the First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan (the “Comprehensive Stock Option Plan”), stock options (which can be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options) may be periodically granted to key employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries. The terms and vesting schedules of options granted under the Comprehensive Plan generally shall be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Compensation Committee”). However, no options may be exercisable prior to six months following the grant date, and certain additional restrictions, including the term and exercise price, apply with respect to any incentive stock options. Under the First Charter Comprehensive Stock Option Plan, 480,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance. At December 31, 2004, 109,327 shares were available for future issuance.

     First Charter Corporation Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. In April 1997, the shareholders approved the First Charter Corporation Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Director Plan”). Under the Director Plan, non-statutory stock options may be granted to non-employee Directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The terms and vesting schedules of any options granted under the Director Plan generally shall be determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price for each option granted, however, shall be the fair value of the common stock as of the date of grant. A maximum of 180,000 shares are reserved for issuance under the Director Plan. As of December 31, 2004, 2,940 shares were available for future issuance.

     2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan. In June 2000, the shareholders approved the First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan (the “2000 Omnibus Plan”). Under the 2000 Omnibus Plan, 2,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance. Stock options (which can be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options) and other stock-based awards may be periodically granted to key employees of First Charter and its Directors. The terms and vesting schedules of options granted under the 2000 Omnibus Plan shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, and certain additional restrictions, including the term and exercise price, apply with respect to any incentive stock options. At December 31, 2004, 345,842 shares were available for future issuance.

     Employee Stock Purchase Plans. The Corporation previously adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) in 1998 and 1996, pursuant to which stock options were granted to employees, based on their eligibility and compensation, at a price of 85 percent to 90 percent of the fair market value of the

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shares at the date of grant. The option and vesting period was generally for a term of two years. A maximum of 180,000 shares are reserved for issuance under the 1996 ESPP and 180,000 shares are reserved for issuance under the 1998 ESPP, which was approved by the shareholders of the Corporation in April 1997.

     The Board of Directors of the Corporation determined that it was in the best interest of the Corporation to implement a new employee stock purchase plan that may continue beyond a two-year period, to allow more flexibility with the timing of the grant of, and the exercise periods for, options granted to employees. The 1999 ESPP, described below, allows for multiple grants of options thereunder and is designed to remain in effect as long as there are shares available for purchases under the 1999 ESPP. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 ESPP, a maximum of 300,000 shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock may be issued to employees under the 1999 ESPP, subject to adjustment, generally to protect against dilution in the event of changes in the capitalization of the Corporation. At December 31, 2004, 110,723 shares were available for future issuance.

     The 1999 ESPP is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is able to prescribe rules and regulations for such administration and to decide questions with respect to the interpretation or application of the 1999 ESPP.

     The Corporation intends that options granted under the 1999 ESPP will satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations thereunder. The 1999 ESPP, however, is not qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code and is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

     Summary of Stock Option and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Programs. The following is a summary of activity under the Comprehensive Plan, the Director Plan, the 2000 Omnibus Plan and the 1999, 1998 and 1996 ESPPs during the periods indicated.

                                                 
    2004     2003     2002  
            Weighted-             Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average             Average             Average  
            Exercise             Exercise             Exercise  
            (Option)             (Option)             (Option)  
    Shares     Price     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
 
Outstanding at January 1
    2,495,869     $ 19.14       2,405,901     $ 19.43       2,176,607     $ 19.25  
Granted
    393,134       20.33       558,576       18.20       548,915       17.12  
Exercised
    (238,827 )     16.51       (113,019 )     11.57       (134,608 )     11.73  
Forfeited
    (167,730 )     21.57       (355,589 )     22.07       (185,013 )     16.05  
 
Outstanding at December 31
    2,482,446       19.41       2,495,869       19.14       2,405,901       19.43  
 
Options exercisable at December 31
    1,604,950       19.66       1,601,789       20.01       1,691,703       20.61  
 
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of options granted during the year
          $ 4.48             $ 4.81             $ 5.38  
 

     The weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options were 5.6 years at December 31, 2004.

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     The following table provides certain information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

                                         
    Outstanding Options             Options Exercisable  
    Number     Weighted Average             Number        
Range of   Outstanding     Remaining     Weighted Average     Outstanding     Weighted Average  
Exercise Prices   at December 31     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     at December 31     Exercise Price  
 
$0.0000 - $5.0000
    12,468     1.2 years   $ 4.9700       12,468     $ 4.9700  
$5.0100 - $10.0000
    3,400     4.7 years     9.0400       3,400       9.0400  
$10.0100 - $12.5000
    19,765     4.0 years     11.5439       19,765       11.5439  
$12.5000 - $15.0000
    184,324     5.1 years     14.4163       179,804       14.4273  
$15.0100 - $17.5000
    629,507     6.6 years     16.6214       421,532       16.5029  
$17.5100 - $20.0000
    691,389     6.4 years     18.3579       342,772       18.2323  
$20.0100 - $22.5000
    314,469     9.0 years     20.8384       8,150       22.0905  
$22.5100 - $25.0000
    399,591     2.2 years     23.9993       399,091       24.0005  
$25.0100 - $27.5000
    227,533     2.6 years     25.9975       217,968       26.0013  
 
Total
    2,482,446     5.6 years   $ 19.4132       1,604,950     $ 19.6560  
 

Note Seventeen - Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

     Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Risk. The Corporation is party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer so long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require collateral from the borrower if deemed necessary by the Corporation. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party up to a stipulated amount and with specified terms and conditions. Standby letters of credit are recorded as a liability by the Corporation at the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The fair value and carrying value at December 31, 2004 of standby letters of credit issued or modified during the year ended December 31, 2004 was immaterial. Commitments to extend credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by the Corporation until the instrument is exercised. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for instruments reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The creditworthiness of each customer is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

     At December 31, 2004, the Corporation’s exposure to credit risk was represented by preapproved but unused lines of credit totaling $370.7 million, loan commitments totaling $473.0 million and standby letters of credit in an aggregate amount of $9.1 million. Of the $370.7 million of preapproved unused lines of credit, $28.7 million were at fixed rates and $341.9 million were at floating rates. Of the $473.0 million of loan commitments, $113.9 million were at fixed rates and $359.1 million were at floating rates. Of the $9.1 million of standby letters of credit, $7.8 million expire in less than one year and $1.3 million expire in one to three years. The maximum amount of credit loss of standby letters of credit is represented by the contract amount of the instruments. Management expects that these commitments can be funded through normal operations. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower at that time. The Corporation generally extends credit on a secured basis. Collateral obtained may include, but is not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory and commercial and residential real estate.

     The Bank primarily makes commercial and installment loans to customers throughout its market area. The Corporation’s primary market area includes the state of North Carolina, and predominately centers on the Metro region of Charlotte, North Carolina. The real estate loan portfolio can be affected by the condition of the local real estate markets.

     Minimum operating lease payments due in each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2004 are as follows: 2005, $2.0 million; 2006, $1.4 million; 2007, $1.1 million; 2008, $1.1 million; 2009, $0.9

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million and subsequent years $12.5 million. Rental expense for all operating leases for the three years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $2.6 million, $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

     Average daily Federal Reserve balance requirements for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $32.1 million.

     Contingencies. The Corporation and the Bank are defendants in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated operations, liquidity or financial position of the Corporation or the Bank.

     See Note Fourteen for tax contingency information.

Note Eighteen - Related Party Transactions

     In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation engages in business transactions with certain of its directors. Such transactions are competitively negotiated at arms-length by the Corporation and are not considered to include terms which are unfavorable to the Corporation.

     During 2001, the Corporation implemented an automatic overdraft product, which allows customers the ability to overdraw their account and have their transactions honored for a fee. During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Corporation engaged Impact Financial Services (“Impact”) to provide this product. Impact received a fee from the Corporation equal to 15 percent of the incremental income from this new product for a twenty four-month period commencing the fourth full month after the Corporation began to offer the product. John Godbold, a director of the Corporation, is the president and owner of Godbold Financial Associates, Inc. (“GFA”), which acts as an independent sales representative for Impact for Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, and as such GFA and Mr. Godbold received commissions from Impact based on fees earned by Impact. Management believes that the transaction was at arms-length. Pursuant to the Corporation’s conflict of interest policy for directors and executive officers, the members of the Corporation’s Board of Directors who did not have a direct or indirect interest in the related party transaction reviewed this related party transaction and determined that it was fair to the Corporation and subsequently approved and ratified the transaction. As described above, no fees were required to be paid to Impact until the fourth full month following introduction of the new product, therefore, no fees were payable to Impact and no commissions were payable to GFA and Mr. Godbold until March 2002. This arrangement terminated on March 31, 2004. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Corporation received revenues of approximately $1.1 million, which resulted in fees of $164,000 to Impact and resulted in Impact paying commissions to GFA (and Mr. Godbold) of $115,000. For the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Corporation received revenues of approximately $7.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, which resulted in fees of $1.1 million and $627,000, respectively, to Impact and resulted in Impact paying commissions to GFA (and Mr. Godbold) of $759,000 and $439,000, respectively.

     During the third quarter of 2004, the Corporation entered into a three-year contract pertaining to a software licensing agreement and regulatory compliance guarantee with Impact. The aggregate cost for the three-year period is $76,000. Mr. Godbold has a 50 percent financial interest in this transaction. Pursuant to the Corporation’s conflict of interest policy for directors and executive officers, the members of the Corporation’s Board of Directors who did not have a direct or indirect interest in the related party transaction reviewed this related party transaction and determined that it was fair to the Corporation and subsequently approved the transaction.

     See Note Nine for related party loans information.

Note Nineteen - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     Fair value estimates of financial instruments are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any

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premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Corporation’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Corporation’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Where information regarding the fair value of a financial instrument is available, those values are used, as is the case with investment securities. In this case, an open market exists in which this financial instrument is actively traded.

     Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, FCB has a substantial trust department that contributes net fee income annually. The trust department is not considered a financial instrument, and its value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include the mortgage broker and insurance agency operations and premises and equipment. In addition, tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

     The Corporation’s fair value methods and assumptions are as follows:

Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, interest-bearing bank deposits - the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

Securities-available-for-sale - the fair value is determined by a third party. The valuation is determined as of a date in close proximity to the end of the reporting period based on available quoted market prices or quoted market prices for similar securities if a quoted market price is not available.

Derivatives - the fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined by a third party using a discounted cash flow model and a volatility index.

Loans held for sale - mortgage loans held for sale are valued at the lower of cost or market. Market value is determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements.

Loans - the carrying value for variable rate loans is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to contractual interest rates being based on current indices. Fair value for fixed rate loans is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using discount rates comparable to rates currently offered for such loans.

Deposit accounts - the fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated using rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value of all other deposit account types is the amount payable on demand at year-end.

Other borrowings - the carrying value for shorter-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value because these instruments are generally payable in 90 days or less. The fair value for borrowings with maturities greater than 90 days is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings.

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     Based on the limitations, methods, and assumptions noted above, the following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments at December 31, 2004 and 2003:

                                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2003  
            Estimated             Estimated  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
 
Financial assets:
                               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 90,238     $ 90,238     $ 88,564     $ 88,564  
Federal funds sold
    1,589       1,589       1,311       1,311  
Interest bearing bank deposits
    6,184       6,184       23,631       23,631  
Securities available for sale
    1,652,732       1,652,732       1,601,900       1,601,900  
Loans held for sale
    5,326       5,326       5,137       5,147  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    2,412,529       2,522,645       2,227,030       2,243,991  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    2,609,846       2,558,570       2,427,897       2,428,913  
Other borrowings
    1,449,736       1,470,822       1,432,200       1,449,092  
Derivative instruments
    4,247       4,247              

Note Twenty - Regulatory Matters

     The Corporation and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by bank regulatory agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications 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 Corporation and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to adjusted average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2004, that the Corporation and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

     The Corporation’s and the Bank’s various regulators have issued regulatory capital guidelines for U.S. banking organizations. Failure to meet the capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. At December 31, 2004, the Corporation and the Bank were classified as “well capitalized” under these regulatory frameworks. In the judgment of management, there have been no events or conditions since December 31, 2004 that would change the “well capitalized” status of the Corporation or the Bank.

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     The Corporation’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the table below:

                                                 
                                    To Be Well Capitalized  
                    For Capital     Under Current Prompt  
                    Adequacy Purposes     Corrective Action Provisions  
    Actual             Minimum             Minimum  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
At December 31, 2004:
                                               
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 324,814       10.99 %   $ 236,421       8.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    314,491       10.70       235,183       8.00     $ 293,978       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 297,906       10.08 %   $ 118,211       4.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    287,619       9.78       117,591       4.00     $ 176,387       6.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I Capital (to Adjusted Average Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 297,906       6.76 %   $ 176,194       4.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    287,619       6.46       178,106       4.00     $ 222,633       5.00 %
 
                                               
At December 31, 2003:
                                               
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 298,709       10.97 %   $ 217,905       8.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    291,903       10.79       216,521       8.00     $ 270,652       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 272,417       10.00 %   $ 108,953       4.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    266,296       9.84       108,261       4.00     $ 162,391       6.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I Capital (to Adjusted Average Assets)
                                               
First Charter Corporation
  $ 272,417       6.53 %   $ 166,844       4.00 %   None   None
First Charter Bank
    266,296       6.44       165,327       4.00     $ 206,659       5.00 %

     The primary source of funds available to the Parent Company is payment of dividends from the Bank. Banking laws and other regulations limit the amount of dividends a bank subsidiary may pay without prior regulatory approval. At December 31, 2004, $21.0 million of the net assets of the Bank were available for payment as dividends without prior regulatory approval. Subsidiary net assets of $292.3 million were restricted as to payments to the Parent Company at December 31, 2004.

     During the third quarter of 2003, the Bank entered into a written agreement (the “Written Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Federal Reserve Bank”) and the Office of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the “Banking Commissioner”), the Bank’s primary federal and state regulatory agencies. The Written Agreement required the Bank to take appropriate actions to improve its programs and procedures for complying with the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act and the anti-money laundering provisions of Regulation H of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank subsequently took substantial actions, and adopted and implemented a number of policies and procedures, to address the concerns of the regulatory agencies. As a result of these actions, the Federal Reserve Bank, in concurrence with the Banking Commissioner, terminated the Written Agreement effective July 2, 2004.

Note Twenty-One - First Charter Corporation (Parent Company)

     The principal assets of the Parent Company are its investment in the Bank, and its principal source of income is dividends from the Bank. Certain regulatory and other requirements restrict the lending of funds by the Bank to the Parent Company and the amount of dividends that can be paid to the Parent Company. In addition, certain regulatory agencies may prohibit the payment of dividends by the Bank if they determine that such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

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     The Parent Company’s condensed balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and related condensed statements of income and cash flow data for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 are as follows:

                 
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003  
 
Balance sheet data:
               
Cash
  $ 65,828     $ 38,656  
Securities available for sale
    1,048       3,831  
Investment in subsidiaries
    313,347       301,874  
Receivable from subsidiaries
    6,000       5,500  
Other assets
    5,480       4,819  
 
Total assets
  $ 391,703     $ 354,680  
 
 
               
Accrued liabilities
  $ 5,332     $ 5,165  
Borrowed funds
    71,684       50,076  
Shareholders’ equity
    314,687       299,439  
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 391,703     $ 354,680  
 
                         
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Income statement data:
                       
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 21,290     $ 28,484     $ 33,083  
Interest income
    50       72       172  
Noninterest income
    1,257       37       (3,914 )
 
Total income
    22,597       28,593       29,341  
 
                       
Interest expense
    782       597       684  
Noninterest expense
    203       67       86  
 
Total expense
    985       664       770  
 
                       
Income before income tax and equity in undistributed
                       
net income of subsidiaries
    21,612       27,929       28,571  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    110       (105 )     (1,232 )
 
Income before equity in undistributed
                       
net income of subsidiaries
    21,502       28,034       29,803  
Equity in undistributed (excess of dividends over)
                       
net income of subsidiaries
    20,940       (13,888 )     10,000  
 
Net income
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
 
                         
 
(Dollars in thousands)   2004     2003     2002  
 
Cash flow statement data:
                       
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 42,442     $ 14,146     $ 39,803  
Net gain on securities available for sale
    (1,362 )     (226 )     (1,806 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
    167       (185 )     (222 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (97 )     469       4,980  
(Increase) decrease in receivable from subsidiaries
    (500 )     1,500       1,000  
(Equity in undistributed) excess of dividends paid over net income of subsidiaries
    (20,440 )     12,388       (11,000 )
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    20,210       28,092       32,755  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (46 )           (6 )
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    2,746       577       5,954  
Proceeds from sale of property
                95  
Other investing activities
          (9 )      
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    2,700       568       6,043  
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Purchase and retirement of common stock
          (10,623 )     (13,894 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    5,019       1,700       1,596  
Net increase in other borrowings
    21,608       16,711       1,505  
Dividends paid
    (22,365 )     (22,038 )     (22,237 )
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    4,262       (14,250 )     (33,030 )
 
Net increase in cash
    27,172       14,410       5,768  
Cash at beginning of year
    38,656       24,246       18,478  
 
Cash at end of year
  $ 65,828     $ 38,656     $ 24,246  
 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in its reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities Exchange Commission rules and forms.

     Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     The Registrant’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Registrant’s Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that assessment, the Registrant’s management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004.

     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.

     As stated in its report, KPMG LLP, the Registrant’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the assessment performed by the Registrant’s management with respect to the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting, which begins on page 49 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     During the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter, there has been no change in the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

     The information called for by Item 10 with respect to directors and Section 16 matters is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the captions “Election of

88


 

Directors”, and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference. The information called for by Item 10 with respect to executive officers is set forth in Part I, Item 4A hereof. The information called for by Item 10 with respect to the identification of the members of the Registrant’s Audit Committee, the presence of an audit committee financial expert and the Registrant’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the captions “Committees of the Board of Directors” and “Corporate Governance Matters,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     The information called for by Item 11 is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions” and “Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation,” respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     The information called for by Item 12 is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the captions “Approval of Amendment to First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan” and “Ownership of Common Stock,” respectively, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     The information called for by Item 13 is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     The information called for by Item 14 is set forth in the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption “Ratification of Independent Certified Public Accountants, “ and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1) Financial Statements:

         
    Page  
    49  
    52  
    53  
    54  
    55  
    56  

(2) Financial Statement Schedules:

     None

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     (3) Exhibits.

     
Exhibit No.    
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.1
  Comprehensive Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
10.2
  Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-60641, dated August 8, 1998.
 
   
*10.3
  Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (Commission File No. 0-15829.)
 
   
*10.4
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Lawrence M. Kimbrough, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.5
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert O. Bratton, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.6
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert E. James, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.7
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Lawrence M. Kimbrough, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.8
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert O. Bratton, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).

91


 

     
Exhibit No.    
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.9
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert E. James, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.10
  Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 1994 for Robert G. Fox, Jr. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (Commission File No. 0-15829.)
 
   
*10.11
  Restricted Stock Award Program, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-60949, dated July 10, 1995.
 
   
*10.12
  The 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54019, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.13
  The First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54021, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.14
  The Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54023, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.15
  The Home Federal Savings and Loan Employee Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-71495, dated January 29, 1999.
 
   
*10.16
  The HFNC Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-71497, dated February 1, 1999.
 
   
10.17
  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between the Registrant and Carolina First Bancshares, Inc. dated as of November 7, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-95003 filed January 20, 1999.
 
   
*10.18
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Stephen M. Rownd, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.19
  The First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.20
  The First Charter 1994 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).

92


 

     
Exhibit No.    
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.21
  The First Charter Option Plan Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.22
  The Carolina First BancShares, Inc. Amended 1990 Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.23
  The Carolina First BancShares, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.24
  Deferred Compensation Agreement dated as of February 18, 1993 by and between Cabarrus Bank of North Carolina and Ronald D. Smith, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.25
  Deferred Compensation Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996 by and between Carolina First BancShares, Inc. and James E. Burt, III, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.26
  Separation and Consulting Agreement between First Charter Corporation and James E. Burt, III dated June 29, 2000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.27
  Carolina First BancShares, Inc. Amended and Restated Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.28
  Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001(Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.29
  First Charter Corporation Directors’ Option Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.30
  Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Stephen M. Rownd, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
10.31
  Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement dated July 19, 2000 incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2000.
 
   
*10.32
  Form of Award Agreement for Incentive Stock Options Granted under the First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan.

93


 

     
Exhibit No.    
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.33
  Form of Award Agreement for Nonqualified Stock Options Granted under the First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
*10.34
  Form of First Charter Corporation Incentive Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan.
 
   
*10.35
  Form of First Charter Corporation Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan.
 
   
*10.36
  Form of First Charter Corporation Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
 
   
11.1
  Statement regarding computation of per share earnings, incorporated herein by reference to Footnote 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
21.1
  List of subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
   
23.1
  Consent of KPMG LLP.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan

94


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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95


 

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 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.

     
  FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
       
   
  By:   /s/ Lawrence M. Kimbrough  
    Lawrence M. Kimbrough, President and 
    Chief Executive Officer 
 
     
  Date: March 11, 2005

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

         
Signature   Title   Date
/s/ Lawrence M. Kimbrough
(Lawrence M. Kimbrough)
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ James E. Burt, III
(James E. Burt, III)
  Chairman of the Board and Director   March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Michael R. Coltrane
(Michael R. Coltrane)
  Vice Chairman of the Board and Director   March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Robert O. Bratton
(Robert O. Bratton)
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)   March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Harold D. Alexander
  Director    March 11, 2005
(Harold D. Alexander)
       
 
       
/s/ William R. Black
(William R. Black)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Jerry A. Felts
(Jerry A. Felts)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ John J. Godbold, Jr.
(John J. Godbold, Jr.)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ H. Clark Goodwin
(H. Clark Goodwin)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Charles A. James
(Charles A. James)
  Director    March 11, 2005

96


 

         
Signature   Title   Date
/s/ Walter H. Jones, Jr.
      (Walter H. Jones, Jr.)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Samuel C. King, Jr.
      (Samuel C. King, Jr.)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Jerry E. McGee
      (Jerry E. McGee)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Ellen L. Messinger
      (Ellen L. Messinger)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Hugh H. Morrison
      (Hugh H. Morrison)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ Thomas R. Revels
      (Thomas R. Revels)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ L. D. Warlick, Jr.
      (L. D. Warlick, Jr.)
  Director    March 11, 2005
 
       
/s/ William W. Waters
      (William W. Waters)
  Director    March 11, 2005

97


 

     
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.1
  Comprehensive Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
10.2
  Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-60641, dated August 8, 1998.
 
   
*10.3
  Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (Commission File No. 0-15829.)
 
   
*10.4
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Lawrence M. Kimbrough, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.5
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert O. Bratton, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.6
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert E. James, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.7
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Lawrence M. Kimbrough, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.8
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert O. Bratton, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).

98


 

     
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.9
  Amended and Restated Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Robert E. James, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.10
  Change in Control Agreement dated November 16, 1994 for Robert G. Fox, Jr. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (Commission File No. 0-15829.)
 
   
*10.11
  Restricted Stock Award Program, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-60949, dated July 10, 1995.
 
   
*10.12
  The 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54019, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.13
  The First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54021, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.14
  The Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 24.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-54023, dated May 29, 1998.
 
   
*10.15
  The Home Federal Savings and Loan Employee Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-71495, dated January 29, 1999.
 
   
*10.16
  The HFNC Financial Corp. Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-71497, dated February 1, 1999.
 
   
10.17
  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between the Registrant and Carolina First Bancshares, Inc. dated as of November 7, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-95003 filed January 20, 1999.
 
   
*10.18
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Stephen M. Rownd, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.19
  The First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.20
  The First Charter 1994 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).

99


 

     
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.21
  The First Charter Option Plan Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.22
  The Carolina First BancShares, Inc. Amended 1990 Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.23
  The Carolina First BancShares, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.24
  Deferred Compensation Agreement dated as of February 18, 1993 by and between Cabarrus Bank of North Carolina and Ronald D. Smith, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.25
  Deferred Compensation Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996 by and between Carolina First BancShares, Inc. and James E. Burt, III, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.26
  Separation and Consulting Agreement between First Charter Corporation and James E. Burt, III dated June 29, 2000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.27
  Carolina First BancShares, Inc. Amended and Restated Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.28
  Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001(Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.29
  First Charter Corporation Directors’ Option Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
*10.30
  Supplemental Agreement dated December 19, 2001 for Stephen M. Rownd, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Commission File No. 0-15829).
 
   
10.31
  Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement dated July 19, 2000 incorporated herein by reference to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2000.
 
   
*10.32
  Form of Award Agreement for Incentive Stock Options Granted under the First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan.

100


 

     
(per Exhibit    
Table in    
Item 601 of    
Regulation S-K)   Description of Exhibits
*10.33
  Form of Award Agreement for Nonqualified Stock Options Granted under the First Charter Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Option and Award Plan.
 
   
*10.34
  Form of First Charter Corporation Incentive Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan.
 
   
*10.35
  Form of First Charter Corporation Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to First Charter Corporation Comprehensive Stock Option Plan.
 
   
*10.36
  Form of First Charter Corporation Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
 
   
11.1
  Statement regarding computation of per share earnings, incorporated herein by reference to Footnote 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
21.1
  List of subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
   
23.1
  Consent of KPMG LLP.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   


*   Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan

101